Chapter 25
Finally they permitted a return to the list of demands. When he had a summary in hand, Kirk traveled to each of the other units to get their lists too. He returned to his unit with each unit's delegate as well. After spending a few minutes comparing lists, they were ready to negotiate.
"Watchers, hear me! You have subjugated these people as slaves for a long time. You have killed the innocent; you have oppressed the rest. You have driven them by fear and intimidation. From this day forward, you will do so no more. You will treat them with respect; you will pay them for their services; you will kill and steal no longer.
"As you know, no one on this planet is working. They will return to work when you have proven your willingness to negotiate. For starters, you will provide a place for us to gather, where we may discuss terms. You will transport delegates from each of the races. You will listen without interruption to the demands of each race. Then you will have up to two hours to deliberate before replying to those demands. If the reply shows a willingness to comply with reasonable demands, as well as work out differences, then, and only then, will we return to work.
"If you are willing to negotiate, you may begin by transporting J'orn, myself, and these ten delegates."
They found themselves in a large indoor arena. The raised seating area was occupied by First's people. Kirk and his delegation were placed at one end of the arena floor. Chairs were provided for the ten delegates, but not for Kirk or J'orn.
As Kirk watched, delegates from the other races began to arrive. They lined the outside of the arena floor, leaving a wide-open space in the middle. Kirk spotted each of his people as they arrived, but made no effort to speak with them. From the noise level, and body language of some, Kirk deduced that not everyone was as prepared for this as he was.
Once the groups of delegates had all arrived, the center area was suddenly occupied by seven Watchers. Kirk saw First among them, and deduced this was the Ruling Ring. He and J'orn began walking toward them, as did each of his people. Spock and Scotty each had a witness like J'orn, but the others did not. McCoy was still having an argument with his delegates, but it looked to Kirk as if he was winning.
As they approached, First broke the circle and slowly moved to the center of the ring. Kirk moved into the gap thus created. J'orn hung back, but Kirk motioned him into the circle. The rest of Kirk's people stepped into the circle also, arrayed between First and the Ruling Ring. The Watchers on either side of Kirk made contact with two tentacles each.
*Welcome, Captain Kirk.*
*I do not stand before you today as Captain Kirk, but as slave #46529, demanding freedom for all the slaves.*
*We understand that, Captain.* It was a different voice. *But you serve a dual function in this matter, and we recognize the uniqueness of your identity.*
During this exchange, First and the others had been busy plugging in. Suddenly Kirk was aware of a crowd of voices in his head. First's was prominent.
*Everyone, be quiet, please.* Reasonably prompt compliance. *My apologies, Captain. We are not used to this. As before, would you please officiate this gathering?*
*Yes, I will. The purpose of this meeting is to hear the demands of the seven races whom you have enslaved. But there are a few administrative details. Is J'orn plugged in and receiving what we say?*
"Yes, J'im, I am."
*What about Spock's and Scotty's companions?*
He got affirmatives from each.
*Are these proceedings being recorded? I would like complete, translated copies available for each race.*
*We can do that, Captain.*
*All right then. Let's begin with introductions. For the record, each of you please give your number and any other name designation or pertinent identifying information. I am 46529, also known as Captain James T. Kirk. The race I am representing know me as Jim. My companion is 49107, known among us as J'orn. He is here to serve as a witness to these proceedings. He will assure his people as to the accuracy of the transcript of what we say.*
Each of the others introduced themselves in turn. Then Kirk got down to business. Ascertaining that no one objected to his going first, he outlined the demands his race had come up with.
1) Eliminate Speaker's job. Communication would be audible, or in writing. No one to be forced to communicate via tentacles.
2) Eliminate hazardous or life-threatening jobs by automation and other technological changes.
3) No one to be taken without consent from home planet and forced into slave labor. Labor force to be paid a mutually agreed upon wage for services rendered.
4) While workers away from home planet, food, clothing, housing, and other necessities to be provided without charge.
5) Paid vacation on home planet to be provided annually, length thereof to increase with length of service.
6) Means to allow for written communication between workers and home planet at least monthly.
7) Workers with supervisor positions and/or service length greater than five years to be allowed to bring families; housing, food, and clothing expenses paid.
8) In restitution for killing and slavery, Watchers to provide humanitarian aid to home planets, of a mutually agreed upon type and amount.
xxxx
Sulu's and Uhura's races had lists similar to Kirk's. Scotty's and Chekov's hadn't got past: 'no more slavery,' and 'they must pay.' McCoy hadn't even got that far. Spock presented his report last.
*My people demand the deaths of all Watchers who were responsible for killing their people.*
*Who do they consider responsible?* Kirk wanted to know.
*All those with direct contact, as well as those who gave the orders.*
*That's over twenty people!*
*They have killed thousands.*
*They were just following orders. They didn't know any better.*
*Ignorance has never been an acceptable excuse.*
*Killing Watchers won't bring back those who've died.*
*They know that. Justice must be done.*
*What about forgiveness? Have you talked about that?*
*I believe they understand the concept.*
*But all they're interested in is revenge. Spock, it's just not the right thing to do, and you know it.*
*My personal opinion in this matter is irrelevant.*
*I suppose you think I should stay out of it, too. Let them kill each other off. Well, I'm not going to. No more killing, and that's final. So find out what else they might be willing to negotiate for.*
*As it happens, I already have.*
Kirk smiled; Spock knew what his reaction to killing would be.
*They wish to propose a test. If you survive it, they will do whatever you wish, no matter what that might be. If you do not survive it, they would be transported back to their planet, never to have any interaction with Watchers again. If you refuse to attempt it, they would be allowed to execute one Watcher, after which they would be willing to negotiate a work contract.*
*What's the test?*
*The test contains three parts; you would have to consent to all three. The test will last for 24 hours. During the first eight hours, you would submit to punishment administered by my people. Said punishment to be continuous application of 50 wands simultaneously, all at full strength.*
*Are the wands of your race just like ours?*
*I do not know.*
First interrupted, *The wands are of different strengths. Captain, yours are the strongest. Those from Spock's race are weaker, but they are adjustable.*
*Okay, what's the rest of it?*
*The second eight hours consists of non-stop attack by Watchers, including the application of tentacles to every available surface area of the body, coupled with being tossed around irregularly, but never coming in contact with the floor. This attack would be performed by the 140 Watchers who make up the slave-watching group.*
*Sounds like fun. What else?*
*In the third part of the test, you would submit to an attack by me.*
*You, Spock? Surely they don't expect you to try to kill me.*
*This attack would be mental. You would allow me to invade your mind, take over control of your body and your soul, and keep that control for eight hours. During that time, you would have no awareness of self apart from me.*
*Sounds interesting. I presume you could do such a thing, or you wouldn't be suggesting it. But Spock, the whole test is ridiculous. There's nothing life-threatening about any of it.*
*You cannot be certain of that. And I must tell you that I have not done this before, not for eight hours. In any event, I do not believe their purpose is to kill you, but to find out the extent of your commitment to forbid killing. How much are you willing to suffer to uphold that commitment?*
*You know the answer to that, Spock.*
*I do. And that demonstration with the whip had them more than half convinced.*
*They think this test is harder than that was?*
*This addresses the things which they fear.*
*They are afraid you will attack them?*
*A loss of identity is one of the side effects of the Speaker's job. Since it does not affect you that way, I devised an alternate method.*
*Okay, I'll take the test. But I've a couple of problems. Right now, I'm covered in bandages. The wands lose their effectiveness when not in contact with bare skin. If we take the bandages off, the wands would be a bloody mess, if they'd even work at all. So I'd like to put off that part of the test for several days.*
*All three parts of the test must be administered within one 24-hour period. The cumulative effects are part of the test.*
*Okay. You'll have to decide then whether now is more important than without bandages. My second problem is the time frame. 24 hours is a long time for negotiations to be at a stand-still, especially now, since we've hardly got started. Can we do the three parts simultaneously, so it would only take eight hours?*
Kirk heard an unintelligible noise, which he thought contained a mixture of laughter and disbelief. Spock explained.
*My colleague is having trouble containing his emotions. I told him you would make that suggestion. He did not believe me. Unfortunately, it is not practical logistically. If you will excuse me for a few minutes, I will consult with my people regarding a delay of several days.*
He was back in less than five minutes.
*They agreed to a three-day delay, when I told them that the skin was likely to be even more sensitive than it would have been had there been no injury. However, they will not participate in negotiations until the test is complete.*
*Understood. Thank you, Spock. First, can your people survive without their services for three days?*
*Possibly. But they distribute food to all the slave units as well.*
*Oh. J'orn, go ask the cook how many days back-up food supply we have.*
The answer was prompt. "One."
*Some of us wouldn't mind doing without for a couple of days, but the workers wouldn't be very happy. Spock, maybe we'd better reconsider.*
*One moment, Captain.*
He was back shortly.
*My people will return to work when the others do, on the strength of the Captain's word that he will take the test. Also, I have reminded them that if you pass the test, they will be in no position to negotiate. By requiring you to take this test, they are giving up such rights. Many of them still believe you will refuse. Such belief was heightened when I pointed out that any sound of protest or complaint during the test would constitute refusal.*
*Spock, don't you think that's a set-up?*
*I told them what you would do. They don't believe me. It is their decision to make you prove it.*
*All right, First, you have statements from everybody. You can have two hours to deliberate. We'll all stay here in the arena, in case you need to consult.*
Kirk checked in with J'orn first. He was fine, and agreed to report to their delegation. So Kirk made the rounds of each of the other races, greeting his people and getting introduced to their delegations. Those that hadn't made lists were busy discussing the ones that had been presented. The overall atmosphere was excited and optimistic.
Uhura wanted to make sure Kirk included removal of the surveillance equipment in the list of demands.
"Of course, I agree. I just didn't think of it. I personally don't care who sees and hears my every move. I guess the rest of my people have lived with it so long, it's just part of life. But I should have thought of it."
"Captain, you don't have to be perfect." She put one hand on her hip as if admonishing a child.
"Says who?" Smiling, he made a joke of it.
She laughed with him, then sobered. "Sometimes, we think Spock asks too much of you."
"You mean, that test he cooked up? He's dealing with people who want revenge. What would you have done?"
"Quietly but firmly told them they couldn't have it."
"He did. But he needed an alternative to offer."
"He didn't have to use you," she insisted.
Kirk shrugged. "Why not? There's nothing on that test I can't do. He knows it, and I know it."
McCoy was on his case about the test too.
"You and Spock couldn't have talked about that ahead of time, could you?"
"No. Why would we need to?"
"There was a time when he wouldn't have backed you into a corner like that."
"What corner?"
"You had to say 'yes'. He gave you no choice."
"How does knowing what I will choose constitute having no choice?"
McCoy had no answer.
Kirk talked to Spock last. He was standing with one of those he was representing. This race averaged one and a half meters tall, and were mostly covered in hair that was 20-30 cm long.
After the usual introductions, Spock's colleague had a question. "Captain, why do you not fear the test? I heard what you said, and there was no hint of anxiety in your reaction. Why not?" The eyes peeking through the hair were sharply inquisitive.
"I have lots of experience with both wands and Watchers."
"Not 50 at once! He urged us to make the test exceedingly difficult. He kept enlarging our perception of what was possible. Yet you don't seem to think it difficult at all. And the Watchers- I can hardly conceive of fighting one, let alone 140 of them!"
"I won't be fighting. I'll let them do whatever they want, and just enjoy the ride."
"You expect to enjoy it? That's crazy! And the last part of the test- how can you not fear the loss of yourself?" The man's diminutive hands were tightly clasped together.
"Because I trust Jesus Christ, I don't fear anything. And it's not courage- I'm really not afraid of it. I'm curious about what it will be like. And I trust Spock. Though even if something goes wrong, God is well able to heal any damage."
The man was still disbelieving, but Kirk turned to Spock with a question.
"Spock, Bones and the others trust you a lot. Why don't they trust you with me?"
"Why do you think they don't?"
"Because they're upset and angry with you about this test."
"Trust isn't the issue. They think I don't have the right to do what I have done to you. And they are correct." An infinitesimal pause preceded that quiet declaration.
"But why not? You have done me no wrong."
"I have wronged you on several occasions. You generally refuse to acknowledge it. That does not change the reality."
"But Spock, it's not that I'm refusing to admit it. I really don't see it. How have you wronged me?" Kirk was earnestly puzzled.
"Jim, just because I know what you can do, and what choices you will make, does not give me the right to take advantage of that knowledge."
Kirk tilted his head. "Do you mean I have never given you that right?"
"Not in so many words, no. But your response on other occasions has led me to make certain assumptions about your probable reaction." Spock's back was rigid.
Kirk was startled at this bit of Vulcanese.
"Spock, you don't like this any more than the rest of them do," he concluded.
"No, I do not."
"Spock, don't you dare feel guilty about this! You know I would've said 'yes', if you'd been able to ask me. Spock, right now, I give you the right to use me anytime, anyplace - no restrictions, no limits. Don't ever hesitate because you haven't asked me; just consider the answer to be 'yes'."
"Thank you, Jim. I give you the same right to use me."