MLK's Star Trek Saga

The beauty of the botanical gardens went unnoticed by Michael as he stood in awe by what the ambassador told him. His emotional state was near shock but he fought to contain his emotions thus denying his feelings from the Vulcan. Though he knew the ambassador was well aware of his state of mind and body. What he just heard would not have stunned him so if someone else instead of Spock had said it. He had never known the stoic Vulcan to react...well, emotional to any situation, though Jim Kirk had seen first hand his friends many sides.

Michael did not quite know what to say. He was at a loss of words. The Vulcan had left him speechless. He felt trapped by what would come from his mouth next. There was great admiration and appreciation for Ambassador Spock. His accomplishments as a Starfleet officer were monumental throughout history. That coupled with the fact that he was Jim Kirk's best friend, made matters harder for him. Michael knew that he could not accept the ambassador's request but telling him that would be difficult, to say the least.

"...Ambassador," Michael was hesitant.

"I know what I ask of you is difficult captain." Spock stood. "But the rewards would be plentiful."

"Yes, they certainly would..." Michael agreed. "However, the fabric of spatial contortions and the possible damages to the time continuum could be catastrophic." Michael warned.

"Then you disagree with my venture to travel to the past and prevent the death of James Kirk?" Spock did not expect the reaction he got.

"...Yes ambassador and if I may say," Michael did not want to offend the Vulcan even though he knew offense, was a human condition. "It would be...illogical." He whispered. "Kirk died saving millions of lives. Would he want you to take that away from him? His death had meaning...and that is how he would have wanted it to be." Michael told Spock.

The ambassador listened intently, it seemed that he was deep in thought.

"Captain Picard told me that Kirk willingly decided to help him in his struggle against Soran. That he fought against all odds to save the people of the Veridian System. A people that he had yet to meet." Michael's heart spoke through his mouth. "To do what you are considering would be...dishonorable to James T. Kirk." His eyes watered.

"I see." Spock turned his back to Michael.

"Remember what you told Jim, those many years ago?" Michael provoked his mind to past events. "The needs of the many out-weigh the needs of the few..."

"...Or the one." Spock finished his statement. "Your argument is well taken captain." Spock admitted. "In your own ways, you remind me of a...certain starship captain, I once knew."

"Then you will not attempt time travel?" Michael was unsure if he had been successful at his attempt to prevent Spock from journeying into the past.

"I shall make the attempt." He said calmly.

"But at what cost?" Michael was on the verge of anger. "The millions of lives in the Veridian System, the enterprise crew, not to mention the repercussions of what you may or may not cause. Remember what you told Kirk about Edith Keeler, 'Save her,' or him in this case, 'do as your heart tells you, and millions will die who did not die before.'"

"To discuss it further would be illogical." Spock was adamant. "My mind is made up."

"I figured as much." Michael spat out. "Kirk said that you could be very stubborn."

"Indeed." Spock almost gloated.

"That is why I invited a few of your relations here to convince you of the opposite." Michael smirked. "On earth, I spoke with a close friend of yours and he told me how Jim's death affected you. He continued to tell me of his suspicions though I was completely shocked by his findings." Michael moved toward the garden doors.

"I am knowledgeable of the ship's roster." Spock reported. "There are no such persons onboard this vessel that I would consider close friends...with the exception of yourself."

"Thank you ambassador." Michael now stood in the open door.

"SHUTTLE ARRIVING-BAY 7-DECK 15!" The loud booming voice came through the intercom system.

"Come with me please, ambassador." Michael knew the passenger manifest of the incoming shuttle. Ambassador Spock followed.

The shuttle had landed safely and without incident in the hanger bay. Hanger attendants made their way to the galileo-7 to assist its passengers in disembark. Captain Riker stood at the head of the line in the ceremony to formally welcome the occupants. A whistle blew and the shuttle door opened. All stood at attention as 4 distinct figures emerged from the craft.

"To you all," this was Will Riker. "I bid welcome aboard the Federation Starship Constellation."

"...Well, I sure do thank you boy." The eldest of the four spoke with a rattled and irascible tongue.

"It's my pleasure, admiral." Riker's smile was warm and welcoming. "Please, if you all would follow me." He led them to the hanger door. It opened to reveal Ambassador Spock and Captain King.

"Well if I don't declare..." The elder's expression was not one of shock. The declaration was one of extreme joy. "Spock, it's good to see you!"

"...Hmmm, I should have known." Spock seemed mildly annoyed. "Logic would dictate that these proceedings would include you, as well as your comrades."

"You're right about that, Spock!"

"...Welcome aboard, Admiral Leonard McCoy."

End of Part 4

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