Grev stared in shock. “But, Sam—what about the loss to history? That information . . .”
“I know,” Kirk replied, looking pained. “But . . . the future is more important.”
The communications officer took his point, albeit with little pleasure. “What about our future? With those files gone, they won’t have much use for us anymore.”
“Yeah,” said Kirk. “That’s the other downside.”
June 20, 2164
Babel Station
Commissioner Soval was surprised when an aide informed him that Anlenthoris ch’Vhendreni had arrived on Babel. He could not see why a presidential candidate in the midst of a campaign tour would involve himself in a diplomatic conference. Surely a former diplomat as seasoned as Thoris would appreciate the political delicacy of such a venue, particularly in the midst of the ongoing Rigelian crisis.
Thus, Soval found it difficult to control his shock when he arrived in Babel’s reception hall to find Thoris addressing the pool of reporters accompanying him on his campaign. “While I have the utmost respect for my diplomatic colleagues . . . particularly my former deputy and esteemed advisor, Avaranthi sh’Rothress,” the candidate added, gesturing toward the tall, regal shen, who acknowledged the praise stiffly, “the recent events in the Rigel system simply intensify my concern that President Vanderbilt has forced the issue of Rigelian admission. Moreover, they underline the recklessness of the Federalist doctrine espoused by the likes of President Vanderbilt and Councilor al-Rashid—their inexplicable haste to enlarge and consolidate the Federation without regard for the unique needs and heritage of each society.
“In particular, I question the role of the Federation Starfleet in these events. Not only why they were unable to protect the victims of this assault or prevent two of their own officers from being abducted, but why their assailants opted to target Starfleet personnel in the first place. Now, I do not join with those voices who suggest that Starfleet might have somehow provoked this act, that it was some sort of defensive strike against perceived cultural imposition. But I think we need to explore why many Federation citizens might have cause to feel that way.”
Soval looked on with dismay. Being seen to exploit a tragedy for the sake of political advantage must surely backfire against Thoris, yet here he was doing it anyway. And indeed, Soval saw similar consternation on the faces of other spectators, particularly Admiral Archer and Ambassador Selina Rosen of Earth. Ambassador Solkar looked on with admirable stoicism, but his aide T’Rama bore a look that a human might approximate to their emotion of pity. Ambassador Baur, an avowed Federalist, looked on with positive glee at the misstep by the leading Planetarist candidate. Yet Avaranthi sh’Rothress struggled to hide her distress at her former mentor’s behavior.
On the other hand, the more dedicated Planetarists, Ysanne Fell and Mikhail Kamenev, seemed entirely drawn in by Thoris’s words—so persuaded of the truth of his critiques against the Federation that they were untroubled by the manner in which they were delivered. No doubt there were others in the Federation public who felt the same. But did Thoris truly calculate that their numbers would be sufficient to make this speech politically advantageous?
Indeed, the reporters raised that very question when he finished. “My friends,” he replied, “I understand the media’s incentive to focus on the political calculus of every act. I was advised that many would misunderstand my intentions here today, or would attempt to twist this against my campaign. But in the face of events such as these, we must put political considerations aside and speak from our hearts. Babel simply happened to be the nearest available venue for my campaign caravan to reach when the incident occurred. As you know, it was chosen as a diplomatic site specifically for its isolation. Stopping here also gives me the opportunity to consult privately with high-ranking officials such as Admiral Archer of Starfleet and my good friend Commissioner Soval. I have always prided myself on remaining fully informed on all matters that affect the security of the worlds I represent.”
It proved impossible for Soval to approach Thoris afterward without the candidate attempting to create the appearance that the commissioner endorsed his statements. But Soval had long experience managing the press and was able to avoid responding to the questions they called out as a group. Soval had long wondered why human, Tellarite, and Andorian reporters believed that ganging up on reluctant interview subjects and shouting questions at them would somehow make them more receptive to cooperating rather than less.
In any event, Soval finally persuaded Thoris to give him a few moments to speak privately in a small, currently empty conference room. “I know what you’re going to say, Soval,” the thin-faced Andorian told him. “I know that many will see my words today as a shameful, mercenary act. I was fully aware of that risk when I came here.”