Those that had volunteered for the mission did so knowing they were going up against a formidable opponent.
Section 31 was never officially acknowledged, but its dominant and imposing presence was felt throughout Starfleet and the Federation.
To go after such an organization and its agents was regarded by many as reckless, if not downright suicidal.
Fear had led to Section 31's creation, and they used that fear as justification for the questionable methods they employed. Their operations were kept hidden behind a veil of secrecy that they deemed as necessary if they were to effectively protect the Federation and its citizens.
Therefore, Section 31 was accountable to no one. They existed outside Starfleet and the Federation's influence. This meant they were not subject to the constraints of Starfleet's ethical protocols. In their arrogance they saw themselves as the ultimate intelligence and security agency. And as such, they saw no need to submit reports about their activities to anyone, or to request permission for the undertaking of their operations. Their credo that to save lives, 'the ends always justified the means' meant that their interrogation techniques routinely included the brainwashing and torturing of suspects, some of who were the very citizens they claimed to protect. To enhance their ability to defend planetary systems in the Federation from possible attack, they had developed advanced weaponry and constructed warships. Assassinations and the committing of genocide were justified as an absolute imperative in the interests of inter-galactic security from potential external threats.
So when the true nature of their activities did eventually come to light and the lengths they were prepared to go were revealed, it shocked and sickened many. It was clear that Section 31 was a loose cannon, and posed far more of a threat to the security of the Federation than any potential exterior influence.
But many in Starfleet Command and the Federation's Governing Council were too afraid to mount a move against them. The hold Section 31 had over them was still too strong. Instead they turned a blind eye and allowed them to make their escape.
Starfleet refused to sanction the mission. They made their position very clear on that point. If those who chose to take part in such a risky assignment, then they did so in the full knowledge that they were on their own. They weren't to use anything that could identify them as being part of Starfleet.
But if Starfleet Command believed these restrictions would make the group rethink their position, then they were to be disappointed.
It only reinforced their determination.
It may have made getting what they needed to undertake their mission that more difficult, but not impossible.
It was essential that they had a ship, which was their top priority. Since the Enterprise was now out of the question, their thoughts turned to another… A stealth ship with advanced weaponry. Its inclusion would be vital if their mission was to have any chance of success.
Unfortunately it was currently stored, in its badly damaged condition at a junkyard outside San Francisco.
In secret they had the ship moved to the very shipyard formally controlled by Section 31 that had been abandoned immediately after the death of Alexander Marcus.
It was here, far away from prying eyes, that the rebuilding of the dreadnaught-class warship began.
IO FACILITY, NEAR THE JUPITOR MOON - THREE MONTHS LATER
Disengaging from the shipyards docking port, the Vengeance manoeuvred free of its moorings and slipped noiselessly back into the outer reaches of deep space.
VENGEANCE – BRIDGE
Seated in the Captain's chair, James T. Kirk observed his fellow volunteers. Like him they were ready and eager to begin their mission.
His gaze settled on Khan, if he felt any anxiety or inner turmoil he didn't show it. Outwardly he gave the impression of complete calm, whatever his true feelings they remained hidden, which was a testament to his strength of character, given he had the most to gain, or lose, depending on the outcome of the mission.
Turning back to his helmsman Kirk gave the order. "All right Mr Sulu, go to warp."
The time had finally come for the implementing of their self-appointed assignment: that of the tracking down Section 31, and discovering the whereabouts of the missing 72 augments.