Space Seed: A Divergent Reality
Chapter 6: Integration
Author's Note: Thanks for the feedback, here's the next chapter. This chapter mainly fills in some transition time until we get to the Federation council debate. Stay tuned.
Upon finishing Khan's tour of the Starbase the three individuals, Khan, Amin and Lt McGivers… the base intercom paged the lieutenant.
Komack to McGivers
Hearing this, Lt McGivers went to the wall unit and clicked it on, "McGivers, here."
Lieutenant, we're done reviewing the information, can you bring our guests to my office, we'll be waiting. Komack ordered over the intercom.
"Aye, sir, we're close by, we'll be there shortly. McGivers out." She clicked off the intercom.
As they walked towards Admiral Komack's office, she looked at Khan, "It seems they are ready for you."
Khan looked at McGivers, "It seems so, Marla," looking around, "I have to admit much of this technology is impressive, but I don't understand why humans in this era haven't made some type of modifications or improvements to themselves to become more adaptable to the rigors of space?"
"In some ways we have, despite the ban on genetic engineering, humans have restricted ourselves to just modifying only defective or disease producing genes, not improving what we have already. Due to the lessons learned during those times on Earth, humanity has had to come to terms with it means to be human." She looked away for a moment, "It seems that humans are again at a significant crossroads again in its history. Based on what I've learned about humanity studying history is that there always new things to be learned and wisdom gained."
"I see now that your Augments were not given a fair shake by human leaders of the time…that's unfortunate, and from the evidence, I think that you and your Augments could've contributed immensely to the betterment of us 'normal' humans," she finished.
Khan looked at her, "I hope to be able to help humanity again, Marla. You have my word. My compatriots that came with me have various skills and have unique gifts that can be shared. Regardless of their reasons to follow me, they all wanted to find a better world to live in…perhaps we'll find one eventually."
McGivers merely nodded.
At the outer office, Lt McGivers led the party to the ensign sitting at the desk.
"Ensign," she looked at the young man sitting there, "let the admiral know that we're here."
"Yes, ma'am," he responded, and cued the intercom, "Admiral, Lt McGivers is here with her group."
"Send them in ensign, Komack out."
The ensign just nodded and the entire party entered the Admiral's office. The security guards that had been trailing the group throughout the tour, posted themselves in the inner office with the ensign.
As they entered the room, Admiral Komack, Captain Kirk and Commander Spock all stood up around the small briefing table and welcomed Khan and Ms. Amin. Lt McGivers came around and found herself a chair at the small table.
"Welcome Khan, I hope you found the tour educational," Komack again extended his motioning him to an empty chair across from him.
Khan took the seat as well as Amin on his right, "I did indeed, Admiral. I appreciate your hospitality."
"Khan we have others who would like to meet you and discuss some items of interest with you, can you look over the viewer on the wall to your right?"
As Khan looked over, the viewer came on to show both Fleet Admiral Nogura and the Federation Defense Minister.
"Greetings, Mr. Khan," Nogura began. "How have your accommodations been there at the Starbase?" he asked.
"Fine admiral, but I prefer only Khan, please."
"Excellent. I'm glad everything is good. Khan, due to the sensitive nature of what you represent to Earth, only a few individuals here on Earth know of your current existence at the moment. In the 250 years since you've been in cryo-stasis, many political changes have occurred on Earth that may be challenging to your living among us; however, there is good news.
"The Federation council has been consulted in closed session, our governing body, and has been briefed on this event. Some of the council members are from alien races that considers our banning of genetic engineering as premature and irrational based on unsupported facts. The humans on the council are the most resistant; however, those same alien races do believe it could be humans' best interest to make a few changes to meet the challenges of interstellar space.
"The bottom line is this: Despite the many varied opinions on the council, it is the belief of the people around me believe that you could be a valuable asset to the Federation and Earth.
"Have you been brought up to speed on our history since you left Earth?" he asked.
Khan, "Yes I have, admiral, what is your question?"
"You've noticed that humans are at a slight disadvantage with some of our aggressor species, correct? Where do you think we as a species could have done better?"
Khan merely nodded and said, "Yes, some of this history is disturbing and I see where you could have made better choices either in diplomacy or military strategies that could have shortened these wars or gained a better advantage in Earth's favor…you have to understand admiral, and you probably already do, I come from a violent time in history. Martial skills were common among humans at the time. Among my group, I have five 20th century generals and other various soldiers with specialized skills that could be very useful. These generals have a cumulative 90 or so years of so-called ancient military doctrine between them. I noticed that your engagements with aliens were needlessly prolonged and the tactics used were very haphazard. I don't mean any disrespect admiral, but some of those battle tactics seemed haphazard and ill planned. I'm not saying you did well, but I offer you some better doctrine if you'll take it."
"Also, I've noticed aside from the military advantages we could bring to the table, our blood according to Dr. McCoy here, "he looked at Captain Kirk,"has indicated that it has the ability to improve yourselves as well as cure some of your known genetic diseases."
Nogura merely nodded, "Agreed, Khan. I can see you know where this conversation is going. My proposal, as authorized by both the Federation Defense minister beside me and the Federation president is that we're authorized to awaken your crew and fellow Augments on the condition, that you integrate with our culture and provide certain advice and assistance to our military forces and our Federation medical database.
"This will be a delicate situation, but arbiters, or lawyers as they were called in your time, are currently re-looking at the ban on human genetic engineering. It may take months, or years, but we're not going to succumb to our fears and cast you out. The United Earth government is considering fine tuning it to allow for augmentation in certain situations. "
At this point, Captain Kirk spoke up, "Excuse me, sirs. But, humans have evolved into a more peaceful society that only fights as a last resort. Our society is built around peaceful coexistence with other alien races. Are we changing our core ideals?"
Nogura looked at Kirk, "Not in the least, Jim. My point and the Defense Minister here, is that we'd be fools to not use something to our advantage to protect the Federation and especially Earth.
"I'm a student of history as well, Jim. I'm one of the conservative voices in this issue, but in the time since the end of World War III on Earth, we, as a species, have lost something to ourselves. Yes, we are on the right track, but we barely won the Romulan war in the 2150's, we're struggling to understand the Klingons now. How many times have you lost crew to not anticipating the martial prowess of an advanced alien race? We are just not prepared.
"Our values aren't changing, but we, as a race need to give ourselves more of a fighting chance, among the other alien races. Our focus should be on ensuring our ideals are strong, but ensure that we can back them up with determination if needed. Don't you agree?" he looked at Kirk.
Kirk nodded, "Agreed, sir, but I just hope were not going down a path that takes the human out of human," he countered.
Nogura looked at Kirk, "Jim, my oath is to the Federation and I've sworn to protect it and the ideals it represents. Don't you think to we need to take into consideration, Augment human rights?
"I understand, sir. When you put it that way, the rights of all need to be respected."
Looking back to Khan, "Khan, on behalf of the Federation president, I would like to officially welcome you into the Federation."
Khan looked surprised, but pleased. "I accept your welcome, admiral. So, am I to understand that my fellow Augments will awaken shortly?" he asked.
"Yes, they will, Khan. I need you to understand that it's going to be a gradual process to integrate your people back into society and I need your help. Can I count on it?" Khan nodded and further said, "I'm going request that Captain Kirk bring you here to Earth to meet with certain Federation council members, if not the entire council. While you're here on Earth, we'll start the awakening procedures on the rest of the Augments.
"Do you think Amin can help assist my medical staff with the orientation once they are awake? While on Earth, I hope to use you to help in the negotiations on how to work your Augments into our society. Is there any further requests or questions?"
Khan looked at Amin and nodded, "Sir, Amin here is an excellent choice to stay here and assist in the orientation of the other Augments. Also, I'd like three more Augments revived to come with me to help build and make our case to this Federation council."
"Agreed, who else would you like?"
Khan replied, "I have two U.S. generals of that time and the U.S. Vice President. You see, unknown to the American public at that time, their very own vice president was and is an Augment." He finished.
Nogura nodded, "Fair enough, Khan," He looked over to Admiral Komack, "Wes, please work with Khan to revive the individuals he's referring to. If they can help assist with this integration, I am all for it."
"No problem, sir. I'll get my medical team on it." Womack acknowledged the order.
"Wes, Jim, this concludes are little question and answer," Nogura looked over to the Defense Minister, "Do you have any questions, sir?"
The minister replied, "No I don't. I'm content with the arrangement thus far. Khan, we look forward to meeting you and your party when you arrive on Earth," he finished.
Nogura looked back over to Admiral Komack and Captain Kirk, "That's all for now, gentlemen, Nogura out." With that the view screen turned off and was replaced by a Federation seal.
Komack looked to Kirk and Spock, "Jim, you and Mr. Spock please assist Khan in identifying these three individuals for revival," He looked at Khan, "Khan, please work with my medical staff and I'll make arrangements to transport those members of your group to the Enterprise when they are medically ready to travel."
"I have established quarters on the base for you and Amin until we're ready for travel. Is there anything else you require?"
Khan was gracious, "not at the moment, admiral. Thank you again for your hospitality." Komack looked to Captain Kirk, "Jim, would you and Mr. Spock, see to the rest of the revivals of the individuals Khan requested. Have the medical staff revive them concurrently, I'm curious to meet this former vice president."
Captain Kirk rose from his seat with Mr. Spock, "Yes, sir. I'll have Dr. McCoy proceed as directed."
- - On board the Enterprise 3 days later –
Captains log, stardate 3142.5, the Enterprise is en route to Earth with 4 special guests for a closed session of the Federation council. It is the hope of all present that the Earth's ban on genetic engineering is lifted or modified for them to become full-fledged citizens of not just Earth, but the Federation as well. Hopefully with the testimony and the evidence presented by these individuals will change minds in the Earth government. Our guests have kept my historian very busy with each of their recounting of what happened back in the 1990's. Regardless of the outcome, a part of our history that has at one time been lost, has now been recovered.
As befitted his status, the newly awakened U.S. Vice President, a James Moore, along with the two generals and Khan, was being given the tour of the Enterprise by the Captain himself.
"Captain," Moore said, "this ship is truly remarkable. I'm very honored by the name itself." He smiled.
"Agreed, sir. Many of Earth's historical navy ship names were and are used in the naming of many of our ships. In addition to Earth's contribution to the fleet, many of our vessels have names representing all of our Federation member worlds."
"Interesting, captain," he agreed. He looked at Khan, "what's your opinion, Khan?"
"A fine ship, Mr. Vice President. I've read some of the unclassified missions of this vessel and it's has had a very distinguished service record."
The two generals accompanying the party were also impressed by the technology represented in the ship. "Captain, if I may ask, how is your fleet structured, without divulging confidential information, if you will?" General Taylor asked.
The captain looked back and answered, "The fleet is structured as four main fleets covering several quadrants, approximately 200 light year regions, with various ships of different types that perform specific mission roles according to their design. Without giving too much away, we're about 120 ships strong at any given time provided the Federation's budget is willing.
"You have to understand, general, even though we look like a battle ship and can function as one, our ship's main purpose is science and exploration, not for aggressive military action. We do have the means to defend ourselves, but we don't go out and seek confrontation."
The general replied, "Understood, but does your fleet have other types of vessels specifically designed for battle, for example, a battleship, dreadnought or similar type?"
Kirk answered, "Yes we do, but we don't advertise their existence to the public. We have one assigned per each fleet. For an army general, you know quite a bit about naval strategy and doctrine."
General Taylor smiled, "Well, sir. In my century, as a flag officer, in order to command various joint task forces, be a combination of an army, navy and or an air force, I had to know the capabilities of each component in order to employ them successfully. The same could be said of navy admirals or air force generals of my time."
He asked, "Where are your Marines, Captain? Who performs shipboard security and land assaults?"
"Having a Marine Corps, like that of your U.S. Marine Corps, is not inline with our Starfleet doctrine of peaceful exploration. We classify ourselves as primarily non-combatants second, diplomats first," Kirk answered, "Our shipboard security is performed by a security division. After the Romulan War, and with the formation of the Federation, Earth had what was called the MACOs or Military Assault Command Operations a separate military branch. Since that time, it had been disbanded."
"I'm sure Lt McGivers could give you a more detailed brief on them and their capabilities. If you all are ready, gentlemen, she has set up a banquet in your honor here in the main recreation area. Many of my off-duty crew is inside eager to get to know everyone here. Many of them are from Earth, some are not. Feel free to mingle and relax." As he led them down to hallway and indicated the door. He looked at the Vice President Moore, "After you sir," he indicated. As Khan, the two generals entered, he followed them in last.
The tour group entered the recreation area and it was decorated in old Earth flags and whatever memorabilia that could be found on the ship and Starbase at the last minute. Ironically, most of the items came from Lt McGiver's quarters.
Even the food coming out of the synthesizers looked more like its 20th century equivalents, representing dishes from North America, India and Pakistan of the time period, plus a few other dishes representative of 23rd century Federation society.
Lt McGivers came up to the group, "Gentlemen, welcome. This is our attempt to make you feel comfortable. I wish I could have found more items, but this is what we could find on short notice. She greeted them each and showed them what to find among the dishes. She'd provided some books and memorabilia that could make it feel like their century. Each of them nodded their heads in approval and headed to get something to eat. As the generals and vice president headed to the food tables, Khan hung back next to Lt McGivers and reached for her hand to kiss, "Marla, how are you?" he smiled charmingly. "It is very impressive. Truly, you've gone to great lengths to make us feel welcome."
She smiled back, "I hope everything is acceptable to you milord."
"There is no need to call me that. Khan is fine," he smiled back.
She could feel the blush immediately at this comment.
As the reception went on, the Augments talked to various people in Kirk's crew. The two generals cornered the security chief, Commander Giotto and was asking him tactical questions which to Kirk's knowledge, Giotto had never been happier. He even cracked a smile or two. The vice president had started up a question and answer session with his communications officer, Lt Uhura which they seemed to be totally engrossed in something he couldn't hear at the moment.
As Kirk went back to the dispenser to refill his drink, Dr. McCoy came up and nudged his elbow. "Jim, how are our guests?" he asked.
"I should be asking you, Bones. What do you think?"
"Well, I'm still awed by their adaptability to everything. They seem to be taking everything in stride with very little if any negative reactions. Psychologically, they seem fine. Physically, they are perfect. Basically, they were bred, no pun intended, to survive.
"I was talking to Khan and he says that they have their own doctor that came with them. A Dr. Gideon Hawkings. He said, he was a brilliant doctor in his own right. I'm kind of disappointed I won't meet him when he gets awakened back on the Starbase."
"I'm sure you'll meet with and compare notes in the near future. Command has tasked the Enterprise to be attached to this project to its conclusion. When their presentation is completed on Earth, we're tasked with taking them back to the Starbase for final disposition of the Augments."
"Are you worried, Jim." He asked, "Seems command likes to use Jim Kirk when they can,"
"I'm not in the least. I have faith command will make the right call."
McCoy laughed and smack his back. "Come by my office later, Jim. Got a bottle of Saurian brandy that needs attention."
"Will do, Bones. I have to check in with the bridge before Beta Shift takes over, but I'll be down after that." He smiled at the thought.
As the doctor drifted away into the crowd to mingle with the Augments, Kirk took that moment to slip away. With the Enterprise about 5 days from Earth still, he'd kept the ship on Yellow Alert. This presented a strain to the crew, but with the guests he had on board, he couldn't afford anything less.
Ships along his path had taken up special security precautions per Admiral Nogura's direction to make sure Enterprise made it to Earth safely. If the guests could benefit both Earth and Federation, then these were those most important commodities to be protected.
- To be continued -