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As Kirk and his crew entered the conference room, they were overwhelmed. For the first meeting, there had been only a few 'interested persons' present. This time, the room was literally packed.
Fortunately seats had been held for the Starfleet officers. Kirk actually felt a bit guilty sitting as there were a number of women standing along the wall behind the Federation President. He wasn't sure who they were or what they represented, but judging by their looks, they seemed less than happy with him and his fellow crewpersons. Maybe the word was out about Starfleet's opinion regarding the mission. In any case, it looked like the 'deck was stacked' against the Enterprise crew and Kirk didn't like it. He set a firm jaw and would see this folly was ended by the conclusion of this meeting, one way or another.
As Kirk and the others got seated, the President rose to speak. "This meeting is now officially in session. I know Admiral Bennett, Captain Kirk and his crew are very busy with other matters, so I'll dispense with the introductions. Suffice it to say, we have many more people attending the meeting this time, so we will proceed to the heart of the matter. 'Operation Ark' is the mission to restore extinct life forms by traveling to the past and bringing them to the present day. First, I'd like to call on Captain Kirk. He forwarded a summary of his crew's thoughts on this issue, which is available to all those who wish to look at it. I'd like the captain and his officers to start this meeting; Captain?" She smiled at Kirk and took her seat.
Kirk was encouraged, he'd be able to 'fire the first shot' and maybe get the project scrapped right away. "Thank you, Madam President; to put it simply, the mission is dangerous to the point of recklessness. It's far too complicated and convoluted for any group to handle not to mention the fact it may cause far more harm than it can possibly do good. While it is a noble idea to talk about as a 'what if' proposition, the practical application... well, there isn't one. I speak from a combined perspective of logistics, technical complications, risks and the enormous consequences of failure."
Uhura, McCoy, Scott, Sulu and Chekov nodded approval but added nothing, after all Kirk had said it all.
There was a stunned silence in the room and some of those present actually looked shocked.
A small weasel-like man, who had not been at the previous meeting, was smiling at Kirk. "Well, Captain, I'm a little surprised. Based on your history, I would have bet you would jump at the chance to be part of this adventure."
The captain bristled, "It is not, as you say, an adventure. It's a reckless undertaking, with far more chances for failure than success. The proposal was made without any thought as to what exactly was involved."
"On the contrary, Captain. We have given it a lot of thought. I have put together an operational outline with the assistance of those present today." He waved his hand and indicated the group of people gathered around the room. He passed a hard copy of a document to the President and the Starfleet officers.
Gillian cleared her throat and glared at the man.
Sheepishly, he turned back to face Kirk. "I stand corrected, almost everybody here."
The president and the officers glanced at the document. While the others continued to do so, Kirk was losing his patience, rapidly. "Just who are you, sir, and who do you represent?"
Rising with an air of self-importance and pride, the man spoke as if he was the Federation President. "I'm Arnold Buckley, Chairman of the Extinct Species Rescue Coalition." He waved his hand again indicating the people gathered around him and throughout the room. They were all eager and a few even applauded.
"We're here to see that the program of rescue and repopulation is carried out," another man proclaimed.
There was a general chatter of approval and more applause. Buckley sat down again as if returning to a throne.
"Regardless of the cost?" Kirk stared coldly at both men.
"Cost is no object. We can raise as much as necessary, but I suspect the Federation Council will see the way to help us... generously. We have influential friends in high places, Captain!"
He finished on a smile that made Kirk uncomfortable. For that and more obvious reasons, the man needed to be put in his place. "I wasn't referring to the financial aspect, but the cost in human life!"
An exasperated McCoy chimed in, "I trust you'll agree that should have a slightly higher priority!"
Kirk waited for a response, but neither man spoke. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Care to elaborate, Captain?" The president sounded as if she were encouraging Kirk to make his case, so he dove in, enthusiastically.
"Put simply, Mister Buckley, a trip to the past is hazardous for many reasons. It's in the summary my crew prepared but at the risk of repeating ourselves, I say it again, just in case you and the others... 'missed' it.
"First, the trip itself is quite perilous. Once on old Earth, the risk does not diminish. Not only is the shore party in danger personally, there is a risk of being discovered, revealing their true identity and causing irreparable damage to the timeline. That alone should scare the hell out of any person. Not only could it negate any gain by saving extinct life forms, you could very easily change the timeline so that all the existing life forms in this time frame will die!"
Buckley was furious, "You don't know that!"
Chekov stepped in, "We don't have to know it, but just the possibility should be enough!"
"We know very little about time travel, its unlimited possibilities both good and bad!" McCoy was trying to be calm but doing a rather poor job of it.
"Besides, we might not even survive the trip. The last time we tried it, the voyage destroyed our ship." Sulu was pleading his case with just a hint of despair.
"I take it none of your people will be going along for the ride." Doctor Taylor was glaring at Buckley.
The man shifted uncomfortably under Taylor's stare and accusation. He changed the subject rapidly. "I heard it was just an old Klingon ship. We propose using something a bit newer and stronger."
Scotty was about to launch into the man when Kirk caught Bennett's eye, "Sir?"
The admiral took the cue, glad to be part of the debate at last. "The ship in question was salvaged and analyzed by Starfleet engineers before being returned to the Klingon Empire. It was a primary, frontline fighting ship in every sense and not an old relic. Tests showed that it had been subjected to extreme stresses of every type known and even a few we hadn't seen before."
"Thank you, Admiral." Kirk smiled broadly.
Sulu explained further, "Which is why we landed in the water after I just barely missed the Golden Gate Bridge!"
Things were just about to quiet down when Buckley tried to continue. "As I said, we'd prefer a Federation ship --"
Scotty had been reviewing the outline provided by Buckley and now stood up in realization, more than a little angry. "Captain! He wants to use the Enterprise!"
"It's only logical, isn't it?" Buckley feigned innocence.
Just as the chief engineer started to move towards the man, Kirk stepped to block his friend. With the help of Sulu and Chekov, he succeeded, but just barely. After all, he didn't want his friend to spend his retirement in a penal colony for the murder of one worthless windbag.
Once Scotty was calmed and reseated Uhura explained, "Sir, they plan to completely gut the Enterprise of all its scientific and exploratory equipment, weapons and most of the crew's quarters, then converting the ship to an actual ark!"
No wonder Scotty had gone berserk. Kirk shook his head in dismay. "Really?" He redirected his gaze to Buckley. "I'm not as qualified as my chief engineer, but I can tell you that would not only affect the integrity of the ship but just about destroy any chance of your mission to succeed."
"Aye," was Scotty's only comment.
"We have experts at our disposal --"
Kirk cut the man off. "So do I and right here. Mister Scott has more years of experience in keeping starships functioning at peak efficiency than any other person I know of. I'm not sure who your 'experts' are, but they can't hope to match Mister Scott's skills or knowledge. Besides, I doubt seriously Starfleet would sit still while the Enterprise was cut up for any reason."
Bennett didn't wait to be asked this time, "Absolutely not!"
Somewhat encouraged, Scotty finally managed a smile.
"Captain, now might be a good time for you to present your crew's mission summary. Maybe not everyone has had the 'opportunity' to see it." The president was giving Kirk the look that suggested it may have been withheld intentionally.
Without waiting, Kirk looked at Uhura, "Commander, if you don't mind..."
The very eager and confident communications officer rose gracefully and began reading from her prepared notes.
After twelve minutes, by Kirk's estimates, Uhura concluded and looked at the president. "This is an overview of our concerns and what we see as potential problems that need to be addressed. It is why we, the senior officers of the Enterprise specifically and Starfleet in general, are opposed to the mission in question." Uhura took her seat, and let out a sigh of relief. It had been a long twelve minutes and to her, seemed more like twelve hours.
Buckley still wasn't sold. "Does that include Admiral Bennett?"
"Most assuredly! And I have been from the onset. It's just that my opinion and those of my people, including Captain Kirk and his crew, have been ignored or dismissed." The admiral paused momentarily before addressing Buckley directly. "Those dismissals have come from your organization and your so-called 'influential friends.' They have an unusual way of making reasonable Federation Council members seem less than... intelligent." The elderly man finished on a smile of deep satisfaction and relief.
Both the president and Kirk suppressed a smile of their own.
The second man was not intimidated and continued his argument. "Regardless of the danger and problems, we must proceed with the project to restore, not only earth's lost history but that of the other planets that are part of this project!"
Kirk was genuinely surprised by the statement, "You mean it's not just Earth's life forms you want to restore?"
Again, Buckley stood to speak in his usual obnoxious manner. "We currently represent seven Federation members committed to the restoration process. We have even more planetary members interested that will be joining our effort soon."
McCoy leaned close to Kirk and spoke in a near whisper. "And that's why the council is pushing for the project despite the risks."
It was at this point that Kirk was struck by something he hadn't noticed before. Studying the group of people gathered around the large meeting room he saw many humans, some Andorians, Tellerites and other humanoids but there was a glaring omission. "I don't see any Vulcans present. Are they part of this project, too?"
"Unfortunately, no," Buckley answered quietly and sat.
"Nor will they be."
Kirk turned to locate the source of the last comment. Approaching the captain was Spock. Beaming broadly, a very surprised Kirk spoke, "What are you doing here, Mister Spock?
The Vulcan actually sounded pleasant. "I felt my presence might be helpful. May I offer assistance?"
Chekov made a motion to give up his seat, but the Vulcan declined politely. "Not necessary, Commander; at this time I prefer to stand."
The various attendees were now engaged in multiple conversations, all centered on Spock's unexpected appearance. It took the president several tries to restore order.
Once things finally settled down, Buckley spoke directly to Spock, trying to regain the upper hand in the conversation. His tone was accusatory, "You do not speak for Vulcan officially, just as a friend of Captain Kirk."
"Once again, sir, you are wrong. The Vulcan Science Academy is diametrically opposed to your project, as is the government and people of Vulcan itself. I have just returned from there and I represent them officially in my father's absence."
Buckley scoffed at the statement, "Seems awfully convenient to me."
Kirk was about to intervene when Spock continued to explain in his usual calm manner.
"Unfortunately, he has experienced a personal loss and is in meditation. Therefore, he is unable to attend this forum. I trust you will understand and accept my presence as a representative of Vulcan."
Buckley did not respond, becoming sullen.
However the Federation President was very interested, if not somewhat confused, "Mister Spock, why is Vulcan opposed?"
"Madam President, the project is most illogical. It is reckless, dangerous and ill advised."
"You, that is, collectively Vulcan, feel that strongly?" The president was pleasantly surprised and impressed.
"Yes, Madam President." Spock stood firm.
Refusing to be intimidated or minimalized, Buckley continued to press his point. "We are not swayed by one planet any more than one man or group of men. We represent several planets, consisting of many more people."
"An excess in numbers to the contrary does not negate their being wrong, sir."
"Well said, Mister Spock!" McCoy had vocalized what the rest of the Enterprise crew was thinking.
The President pressed, "You feel that strongly, Mister Spock?"
"So much so that I am prepared to argue the point before full Federation Council if required."
"As will we all," added Uhura. She looked at Kirk for confirmation of her offer.
Kirk now raised the stakes considerably. "I'll go one step further. This mission is dependent on me and my crew to carry out the work." He turned to face Buckley, "You, sir, want me to lead the mission. Before that happens, I will resign my commission."
The conference room nearly exploded in conversations, shouts of outrage and even yells of protest. The president was momentarily stunned to inaction, perhaps intentionally. Eventually, it took a considerable effort to restore order. Then she spoke to Admiral Bennett. "Sir, do you have anything to say in regards to Captain Kirk's statement?"
Now smiling broadly and confidently, Bennett rose to speak and faced Kirk. "I agree with the captain and I will also offer my resignation rather than approve the mission."
Simultaneously, Scott, Sulu, McCoy, Chekov and Uhura stood in support of their senior officers. McCoy spoke for all of them, "And so will we."
There was an additional commotion but the president restored order much quicker this time.
The Enterprise crew retook their seats.
Buckley was still unmoved. "All this 'grandstanding' is pointless. The plan to reinstate extinct species must go forward."
"Why?" Spock was genuinely curious.
"To right the wrongs done by our ancestors," Buckley proclaimed loudly and arrogantly.
Spock approached the man as he spoke. "Have you ever heard the old Earth saying, 'Two wrongs do not make a right?'"
"An inappropriate and unfair comparison, sir," Buckley continued. "These arguments are getting us nowhere. We seem to be debating in circles. The project needs to be completed, don't you understand? We must restore that which was destroyed by man!"
Now face to face with Buckley, Spock spoke quietly and calmly in direct contrast to the human's near hysteria. "The idea is admirable, sir, but impractical and even dangerous. You must see the logic in our questioning the attempt to correct what was done long ago. You cannot 'undo' what has already been done. While unfortunate, and even tragic, it must stand. You cannot rectify the situation no matter how much you wish it so or no matter how right it may seem."
Around the room, people were now engaged in conversations of all types, looking puzzled, confused and overall, far less enthusiastic.
Buckley noticed this and now appeared defeated, almost emotional. The room was quiet and the President took the opportunity to reclaim control. "I suggest we all rethink this project. By that I mean it should be shelved... indefinitely. I will make that recommendation to the Federation Council and provide the briefing from the Enterprise crew and issues presented at this meeting. If there are no further comments, I declare this meeting adjourned." Quickly, the president closed the meeting and stepped away from the podium before anyone thought of anything else to add or argue against.
The committee, headed by Buckley, moved quietly from the room followed closely by the many onlookers. That left only the Starfleet personnel, Doctor Taylor and the president. Those who remained gathered near the speaker's podium. The Federation Council President smiled and approached Kirk, grateful and gushing, "I thought your offer to resign was quite effective."
"Actually, it was entirely genuine, Ma'am."
"Correct, Captain." Bennett was dead serious as well.
The president was suitably impressed. "Thank you for all that you and your crew have done. I must return to council and inform them of the results. There will be a few... disappointed members, but I know how to handle them," She finished on a knowing smile.
"Glad to be of service," Kirk commented. He watched as the lady left the room, smile still in place.
"In any event, I will be leaving the service. It's time."
Kirk was surprised by the Admiral's statement, "Are you sure, sir?"
The admiral looked reflective and spoke quietly, barely audible even to those closest to him. "I should have been able to kill this project long before it reached this point. I feel that I've lost my effectiveness, Kirk. It's time to let another person take over." Lost in thought, Bennett spoke quietly, "Maybe I can convince Cartwright to return." He brightened somewhat and looked at Kirk, smiling, "If you hadn't 'borrowed' the old Enterprise, you'd be in line for the job yourself."
Embarrassed at the suggestion, the captain replied, humbly. "Maybe so, sir, but I couldn't hope to fill your shoes. You've done a lot for Starfleet and the Federation. I thought you were quite effective during this hearing, too."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. Anyway, I'll be in touch regarding a follow up report on this and the aid mission to Benar Five."
"Count on it, sir."
As Bennett moved to leave the room, Doctor Taylor tugged on Kirk's sleeve. "I have to go, too. My ship leaves soon and I have some packing to do."
"Where to this time?"
"In your absence, I've expanded my responsibilities beyond George, Gracie and Lucy. Now I'm looking after the entire whale population of Earth! Evidently, someone likes my work." She finished on a smile.
"Logical," Spock stated, "And appropriate as well, Doctor Taylor. I have no doubt you will continue to excel in your work and expand your horizons even further."
"Agreed," McCoy added.
Kirk gave the cetacean biologist an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "Keep in touch!"
Gillian hurried out of the room leaving only the Enterprise crew. They gathered closely and were silent for a moment.
"What now, Captain?" Chekov seemed more than curious, almost anxious.
"Nothing major, I hope," Scotty said with a tired note in his voice.
"Probably not, Mister Scott, I think Starfleet intends to 'put us out to pasture' soon. For now, though, we are still on rotational duty and I get the feeling you better return to the ship and get it ready, just in case."
"Aye, sir."
"Mister Sulu, you have the conn."
"Aye, Sir."
Spock approached Uhura, "Commander, I read your summary regarding Project Ark with interest. It was, shall I say, quite enlightening."
Embarrassed, Uhura smiled, "Why thank you, Mister Spock."
"You are quite welcome, Commander."
"Uhura, return to the ship and be sure Bennett gets a copy of your 'enlightening' report." Kirk smiled at his own statement and Uhura's further embarrassment.
Scott, Sulu, Chekov and Uhura left the conference room engaged in quiet but pleasant conversation.
Curiosity got the best of McCoy, "Spock, when did you see Uhura's report?"
"When I returned from Vulcan, I reported to the Enterprise and was told you and the others were here. Yeoman Barrows suggested I read Commander Uhura's summary to 'bring me up to speed' on the subject. Afterwards, I changed into my uniform and came here as quickly as possible."
Kirk didn't really want to bring it up, but felt obligated to ask about Sarek. "Considering your statement earlier, I take it that Sarek did not receive the news about Sybok well."
Heaving a sigh, Spock spoke quietly. "He took a temporary leave of absence from his work with the Klingons following the news regarding Sybok. He did appreciate my effort in making the journey to inform him personally. Of course, the inability to retain Sybok's katra was difficult for him, compounded by the loss of the body as well."
"Totally understandable, Spock," McCoy studied his friend closely. "Perhaps dealing with the loss of Sybok could bring you and Sarek closer." He finished on a hopeful note.
"Indeed, Doctor, as usual, at times you are quite perceptible. While Sybok had not been in touch for many years, my father had hoped that someday his 'wayward' son would rediscover the teachings of Surak and learn to embrace them once again. Having failed that, Sarek was comforted, somewhat, by the thought that Sybok, at least now, was at peace after so many years of inner conflict. He was also taken by Sybok's self-sacrifice in an effort to help others. It reminded him of my own effort in regards to the incident with the Genesis project."
Spock's words brought several moments of silence as everyone remembered the unfortunate events regarding Khan and the subsequent death of David.
Finally, McCoy broke the silence. "Well, I'm still worried about this ark project. After all, the president merely shelved it. What if someone in the council decides to 'un-shelve' it?"
"Not to worry, Bones. Shelving it is 'bureaucratic speak' for putting it to rest. It will sit, collecting dust in some obscure committee until the interest in the idea dies out, which should not be long. Even Mister Buckley looked as if he had had enough."
"Agreed, Captain, as a current event topic, it gathered much support. As I noted, word of it spread rapidly, even to Vulcan. But as you suggested, a combination of time and the public release of Miss Uhura's report will provide more than enough doubt as to the impracticality of the entire proposal and more than enough arguments against such an endeavor."
McCoy found it necessary to add a few more comments. "Actually, I was quite taken by your logical debate with Mister Buckley, Spock. That's what seemed to make the man realize the project was just not feasible."
"Why thank you, Doctor."
"Not at all, Spock. What I really enjoyed though was Doctor Taylor's suggestion that Buckley go along on the mission, it sure took some starch out of his sails."
Spock reacted with a surprise, "Starch in a sail?"
Considering what he had been through with Sarek, McCoy decided not to offer a counter barb, "Well, you know what I mean."
Kirk found himself laughing at the pair and McCoy's observation. "I really liked that myself. I forgot to mention it to Gillian before she left --"
The chirp of Kirk's communicator interrupted his train of thought. Removing it from his uniform, he opened it, "Kirk here."
Sulu's familiar voice cut through a light static, "Captain, interrogative from Starfleet Operations. They want a status report concerning the readiness of Enterprise and crew."
"What is it, Commander?"
"They have reports of Orion pirates operating in sector 33, sir. The Exeter is already on the way but Command wants a show of force."
"Very well; have Uhura contact Command, relate readiness and inform the crew that shore leave is postponed, once again. Mister Spock, Doctor McCoy and I will be returning at once. Contact the transporter chief and have him standby; Kirk out!"
Closing the communicator and returning it to his uniform pocket, Kirk turned to face his friends.
"No rest for the weary, right, Jim?"
Shrugging, Kirk conceded, "Right you are, Doctor; let's go."
The trio walked quickly to exit the conference room and return to duty, at least one more time.
As they walked, Spock appeared to be deep in thought and Kirk picked up on it, "Something bothering you?
"Actually, I was thinking about... possibilities."
"And?"
"I do not wish to add a discordant note, Captain, but it is quite conceivable that the ark project may indeed surface again."
Suddenly McCoy stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face the Vulcan. "What? How?"
Spock stopped to respond, "In an effort to circumvent our arguments against journeying to the past, at least in part, Mister Buckley may suggest using another means to accomplish his goals."
Now Kirk also paused, completely drawn in, "In what way?"
"Unfortunately, there is an alternate method of accomplishing his goal.... the Guardian."
"Good, Lord!" McCoy's face turned ashen white as he stared at Kirk. Both humans were stunned.
"How could we have forgotten that?" The captain said quietly.
"Undoubtedly due to a subconscious need to suppress an unpleasant experience and memory. Of course, that is merely a supposition on my part." Spock looked apologetic.
McCoy was still in mild shock, "No, Spock, you're probably right. I forgot that as well, probably for the same reason."
"But the Guardian's use is even more restricted than travelling by starship."
"Very true, Captain, however, it also eliminates a number of the problems associated with the use of ships."
Nodding slowly in agreement, Kirk understood Spock's reason for concern. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, the three of us and the Enterprise crew will be more than happy to offer testimony once again concerning the pitfalls of time travel, regardless of the methods used."
"Amen to that, Jim!" McCoy had recovered from his temporary shock and was ready to 'do battle' once again.
The three resumed walking but continued their conversation.
The first to speak was McCoy. "Spock, you must admit there are times when you come up with some truly annoying... possibilities."
"He's doing his job, Doctor. Sometimes that means we hear possibilities that aren't particularly pleasant, but he does have a valid point. When we get to the ship, we'll have one more meeting and put together another... summary of reasons why the ark project should not be implemented, emphasizing our prior experience, just in case."
Exiting the building, the trio stood still as Kirk pulled his communicator once again. "Kirk to Enterprise!"
"Enterprise here, sir; ready when you are."
"Mister Kyle, three to beam up at your pleasure."
"Aye, sir, transporting now."
As the familiar tingle caught him one more time, Kirk was thinking seriously of having Kyle transport Mister Buckley from his next shower into a meeting of the Federation Council, and then smiled at the thought.
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The End
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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