USS Enterprise, en route to Epsilon Theta system
Stardate 7421.3
As the Enterprise flew through the stars, Kirk briefed Spock and his officers on the mission. Besides himself and McCoy, there were several faces there Kirk recognized from his own five-year command: Spock, the captain; Chapel, now the CMO; and Uhura, Scotty, and Sulu, all still working their old positions. In addition, there were several new officers: Commander Elizabeth Courage, Spock's first officer; Kyron, the Andorian navigator; and Lieutenant Samuel Ryias, the science officer.
"So we're supposed to catch the Romulans with their pants down . . . and then what?" asked McCoy.
Spock answered. "Given the Romulan need for secrecy in activities outside the Neutral Zone, it is likely they will voluntarily abandon their activities."
"But how can we know for sure?" McCoy asked. "It is impossible to prove we've located all the Romulans in the sector, or caught every Romulan scientist involved in intelligence or weapons research. How can we prove to Command they're not any Romulans in the sector?"
"In this case, Doctor, I am startled. Your logic is--this once--quite sound. One cannot prove a negative. However,"--between McCoy and Spock, wasn't there always a however?--"there is no reason we cannot fulfill our mission within the parameters provided by Command. If we detect evidence of illegal Romulan activities at N-3, the Admiral will decide the appropriate course of action. If we do not, we will ultimately resume our exploratory mission and you and the admiral will return to Earth. Whatever situation we find, it will be followed to its logical consclusion."
"You mean we're playing it by ear."
"Meanwhile," interjected Kirk, "we will be using maximum sensor resolution to scan for cloaked Romulan vessels. Security personell will supplement the station's forces. And if you notice something amiss on N-3, see to it that it is investigated."