Back on the ship, traveling at warp
the mood was subdued—little to say
the captain had everyone watch the recordings
of their interviews on SeplH'ne's domain
also including the Enterprise telling
things must be transparent for them to regain
the old purpose of fostering peace between species
so let everything stand in public record again.
They forwarded everything to Sarek on New Vulcan
they entrusted him to keep the records safe
to be used for the right time some point in the future
As for Starfleet, they debated whether to disclose anything.
Nyota and Sulu had doubts that the admirals
would welcome the news and approve of the way
they'd handled the mission—most still coveted intelligence
thinking diplomacy a waste of resources.
But Carol pointed out that they never outright forbade
missions fostering relations, she reminded them of Qyklops
the admirals would admire their sheer determination
because it takes guts to do what they did.
Scotty pointed out they had other recourses
they could directly release the interview tapes
to the media public on all Federation planets
to change the perception of tlhIngan warrior face.
Bones said the stories were personal, entrusted
to them as a crew, not used to play games
in interstellar relations, political dramas
they needed to remember and respect the honor
when stories dealt with slavery, incest, cannibalism, hate.
Chekhov thought it best to edit the story
preserve the heart, allow the details to fade
Christine thought it had to be everything or nothing
to change their lives was to unjustly replace
ugly things with things everyone wanted
to hear about others instead of embracing
both sides fully, no matter how haunting.
Spock deferred to his captain. Cirqce and SeplH'ne
had addressed Jim, not the rest
whatever Jim said would be the last word
but Jim wanted everyone's word to be said.
"Spock?" He answered
"Perhaps it would be best to do as SeplH'ne asked—
wait for a time, an opportune moment
to introduce, disclose, the tlhIngan's war-dead."
"But sometimes you have to make opportunities.
I can't wait around while she's executed
for hosting us, giving us safe passage and freely
speaking, allowing, risking all that she has."
"Then perhaps risk releasing a transcripted volume
this protects their faces, leaves their voices secret
replace the key names but none of the content
have Communications translate to all dialects
post this on the nets, allow it to slowly
spread as an account of the Enterprise set
our name will attract interest and then your opportunity
will present itself later, created and met."
"And what about Starfleet? That would be going
completely over their heads."
"Starfleet must face their own questions of ethics."
"It's been a long time, coming. I agree with Spock," Bones said.
"I'll get my people to start on the translations."
"Carol and Christine—you know the admiralty
Can you compile and contact a list of possible people
who'd be willing to risk their careers in the fleet."
"Done, sir." "Sulu, take the conn." "Aye, Captain." "And Pavel
I need you to contact your brother.
He's Section 31, intelligence officer?"
"Yes, Keptan." "See what you can find out about their plans
How receptive they'd be to encouraging diplomacy."
"Immediately, Keptan." "Scotty, if Fleet calls, keep them distracted."
"Can do, Jim." "And Jim, where the hell will you be?"
"Talking to Spock. Taking care of some business.
Everyone has their orders. Our next mission isn't for
72 hours, so everyone rest, regroup, perform admirably."
Bones snorted. "Don't forget you're due for a physical!"
"Got it. Spock. You're with me."