Chapter 302: Friendly Exchange
Admiral Kirk's gaze shifted for a moment between the Maine squad's excellent armament and Valerie's calm face.
As an experienced commander, he quickly weighed the pros and cons.
The group of people before him claiming to be "dimensional explorers" possessed teleportation technology far exceeding the Federation's current technological level. Behind them clearly stood an unknown and powerful faction.
In the face of the imminent urgency of hunting down Khan, making such a formidable enemy was absolutely not a wise move.
Detaining or expelling them might not only trigger unpredictable conflicts but also miss an opportunity to understand ultra-advanced technology.
He took a deep breath and made a decision. His tone softened, but it carried an unquestionable bottom line: "I understand your situation. But this is, after all, a highly classified scientific research facility under the Federation. According to regulations, unauthorized personnel absolutely cannot stay for long periods. And we," he glanced at McCoy and Carol beside him, "have an urgent mission that must be completed immediately; we cannot stay here long."
He proposed a compromise: "If you are willing, you can temporarily follow us and leave this facility."
This proposal made Maine frown slightly; their mission was not to integrate into local factions.
Valerie immediately grasped the captain's concerns. She took a half-step forward, responding in a clear tone carrying a bit of helplessness, while re-emphasizing their uniqueness: "Thank you for your kindness, Admiral Kirk. But our dimensional teleportation mechanism is point-anchored; the starting point and return point must be consistent.
"We must remain here, waiting for the 'Magos' to recalibrate and open the portal before we can safely return to our dimension.
"Furthermore, according to the mission protocol, even if subsequent explorations of this dimension are conducted in the future, this initial coordinate point is highly likely to remain the primary teleportation drop point."
This explanation put Kirk in a new dilemma.
He couldn't just leave a group of unknown armed personnel in a classified facility, but forcibly taking them away might trigger safety mechanisms behind them or attract unnecessary trouble.
His gaze subconsciously fell on Dr. Carol, who had been silently watching.
This was the core testing ground for "Project Genesis," and she was the chief director of this project, holding the highest administrative authority here.
"Carol..." Kirk's voice carried a hint of inquiry and imperceptible worry.
Carol's eyes, however, were shining at this moment. As a top scientist, an unprecedented research opportunity lay right before her—direct communication with intelligent life from another dimension possessing hyperspace teleportation technology!
This excited her far more than any astrophysical phenomenon or genetic sequence.
She interjected almost without hesitation, her tone full of urgency and firmness: "Jim, let them stay! David and I can stay behind to communicate with them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! We can't just walk away like this."
A complex expression flitted across Kirk's face as he tried to persuade her: "Carol, this is too risky. We know almost nothing about them..."
"It is precisely because we know nothing that we need to communicate!" Carol interrupted him. The scientist's persistence overwhelmed her fear of potential danger. "They have shown a willingness to communicate and explained their reason for arriving.
"I believe rational dialogue can resolve misunderstandings and bring immeasurable knowledge gains.
"In my capacity as the director of Project Genesis, I approve their temporary stay here until their portal reopens."
Kirk looked at the familiar, stubborn light in his ex-wife's eyes, knowing well that once she made a decision regarding scientific exploration, it would be very difficult to persuade her otherwise.
He was silent for a few seconds, finally letting out a sigh of compromise.
He couldn't stay here long; the mission to hunt down Khan brooked no delay, but he also had to ensure the safety of Carol and David.
"Alright." His voice carried a trace of helplessness, then he turned to the Vulcan officer beside him who had maintained a calm observation. "Lieutenant Saavik, you stay behind. You are responsible for protecting Dr. Carol and David's safety, while... assisting in conducting a preliminary contact assessment."
He emphasized the word "protecting" slightly, his eyes transmitting a clear directive—to monitor and evaluate the true intentions and potential threats of these "visitors from another world."
Saavik was expressionless, merely nodding slightly and responding concisely in her flat tone: "Understood, Admiral."
She took a step forward, standing beside Carol, those sharp eyes beginning to observe and analyze each member of the Maine squad more carefully.
Kirk gave one last deep look at Maine and Valerie, his eyes containing warning and reminder: "I hope you keep your promise and do not take any actions that endanger this facility and its personnel. Saavik will remain here." He looked at Carol again and whispered, "Stay alert. Contact me via communicator at any time."
After speaking, he didn't hesitate anymore, turning and waving to McCoy: "Let's go, Bones. Grab Chekov; we need to return to the Enterprise first."
The two left the cave. Outside the cave was a scientific research facility where the injured Chekov lay.
After picking him up, they contacted the Enterprise via communicator and beamed away.
With Admiral Kirk's departure, the atmosphere in the cave changed entirely.
The tense, confrontational feeling quickly faded, replaced by a subtle atmosphere mixing curiosity, caution, and a desire to explore.
Almost the moment Kirk and the others disappeared, Carol couldn't wait to take a few steps forward, her face brimming with the enthusiasm and curiosity unique to scientists. She first looked at the leading Maine and Valerie, who was in charge of communication: "So... we can formally get to know each other now? I am Carol, a Doctor of Astrogenetics, Chief Scientist of 'Project Genesis.' This is my son, David."
She pulled the equally curious young man beside her.
Young David looked at the intimidating Plasma Cannon on Rebecca's back and couldn't help but marvel in a low voice: "Wow, your equipment... this is incredible."
Valerie, as the primary external liaison, opportunely introduced their core members again: "Valerie, exploration squad tactical and information coordinator. This is our captain, Maine. The other members are on guard duty."
She did not introduce every member in detail, maintaining necessary secrecy.
Saavik, who had been observing calmly, spoke up at this time. Her question was direct and to the point, carrying typical Vulcan logic: "Ms. Valerie, what is the theoretical foundation of the 'cross-dimensional teleportation' you mentioned?
"Is it a variant based on the warp principle, or does it involve subspace penetration? How do you locate and stabilize such precise cross-dimensional coordinates?"
The tricorder in her hand was consistently aimed at the members of Maine's squad, especially those cybernetic modifications and energy weapons that clearly did not belong to the Federation's technological system, continuously recording data.
(End of Chapter)