Star Trek 09

by James Blish

  Then he crashed to the floor. Kirk rushed to the fallen body. Kneeling beside it, he lifted its head to cradle it in his arms. "Spock . . . Spock, my friend, my comrade . . . if only there had been some other way." He choked on unshed tears.

  The head stirred in his arms. Its eyes opened; and the bridge reverberated again to the rich, deep voice. "How could I allow the sacrifice of one so close to you, my son?"

  "There was enough poison in that hypo," McCoy cried, "to kill ten Vulcans!"

  "I allowed you to believe that, Doctor. Else, Hanoch could not have read your thought—and believed it, too. He has fled Spock's body. He is destroyed."

  Kirk found words. "The receptacles are broken, Spock. Where was your consciousness kept?"

  Spock was on his feet. "In the last place Hanoch would suspect, Captain." He gestured toward Christine.

  She nodded, smiling. "That's why Thalassa called me 'necessary,' Doctor. Mr. Spock's consciousness was installed in me. We have been sharing it together."

  "We know now we cannot permit ourselves to exist in your world, my children. Thalassa and I must depart into oblivion."

  Kirk looked up. "Sargon, isn't there any way we can help you?"

  "Yes, my son. Let Thalassa and me enter your bodies again for our last moment together."

  Though there was no transfer flare, Kirk and Anne both felt its heat as Sargon and Thalassa moved into them. Anne, in Kirk's arms, said, "Oblivion together does not frighten me, my husband." She kissed Kirk's forehead, her hand caressing his cheek. "Promise me we will be together."

  Kirk bent his head to her mouth, holding her close. Anne was shaking under the storm of Thalassa's grief. "Together forever, my Sargon . . . forever . . ."

  "I promise, my love. I promise . . ."

  For their last moment, they clung together on the edge of Nothing. Then they were gone, the dwindling heat of their passing, leaving Anne's eyes filled with Thalassa's tears. Still clasped in Kirk's arms, they stared at each other. Then, flushing at the public embrace, Kirk released her. He cleared his throat. "Dr. Mulhall . . . er . . . thank you. I . . . thank you in . . . Sargon's name . . . for your cooperation."

  The sapphire eyes smiled through their tears. "Captain, I—I was happy to . . . cooperate."

  Christine, sobbing, turned to Spock. "I felt the same way, Mr. Spock . . . when we shared our consciousness together."

  Spock's left eyebrow lifted. "Nurse Chapel," he began, and subsided into silence.

  McCoy grinned at him. "This sharing of consciousness—it sounds somewhat immoral to me, my Vulcan friend."

  "I assure you it was a most distressing experience," Spock said earnestly. "You would not believe the torrents of emotion I encountered—the jungle of illogic." He almost shuddered.

  Christine smiled at him. "Why, thank you, Mr. Spock."

  "I don't understand, nurse. Thank me?"

  "You just paid her a high compliment, Spock," Kirk said.

  "Yes, you do turn a nice phrase now and then," McCoy said. He turned to Christine. "Thank the stars," he said, "that my sex doesn't understand the other one."

  Anne laughed. "Come along with me, my fellow woman. If they don't understand us after all this time, no elucidation by us can enlighten them."

  Kirk, smiling too, went to his command chair. Spock was standing beside it, still puzzled. "Captain, I really don't understand."

  "Sargon did, Spock. 'Together forever.' Someone may someday teach you what that means. Who knows? When that next Vulcan seven-year cycle rolls around again . . ."

  Spock gravely considered the idea. "Sargon was enormously advanced, Captain. I shall ponder this."

  As he returned to his station, Kirk's eyes followed him with affection. "Ah, well," he said, "for now that's how it is." He turned to Sulu. "All right, Mr. Sulu, take us out of orbit."

  "Leaving orbit, sir."

  THE ULTIMATE COMPUTER

  (D. C. Fontana and Laurence N. Wolfe)

  * * *

  Obediently the Enterprise (to its skipper's intense annoyance) was making its approach to the space station. His impatience lifted him from his chair and sent him across to Uhura. "Lieutenant, contact the space station."

  "The station is calling us, Captain."

  "Put them on."

  The voice was familiar. "Captain Kirk, this is Commodore Enwright."

  "Commodore, I'd like an explanation."

  Enwright cut across him. "The explanation is beaming aboard you now, Captain. He may already be in your Transporter Room. Enwright out."

  "Spock," Kirk said, and gestured toward the elevator. "Scotty, you have the con."

  The "explanation" was materializing in the person of Commodore Wesley, a flight officer slightly older than Kirk but not unlike him in manner and military bearing. Kirk's rage gave way to astonishment. "Bob! Bob Wesley!" The two shook hands as Wesley stepped from the platform. Kirk said, "Mr. Spock, this is—"

  Spock completed the sentence. "Commodore Wesley. How do you do, sir."

  Wesley nodded. "Mr. Spock."

  Kirk turned to the Transporter officer. "Thank you, Lieutenant. That will do."

  As the door closed, he burst out. "Now will you please tell me what this is all about? I receive an order to proceed here. No reason is given. I'm informed my crew is to be removed to the space station's security holding area. I think I'm entitled to an explanation!"

  Wesley grinned. "You've had a singular honor conferred on you, Jim. You're going to be the fox in a hunt."

  "What does that mean?"

  "War games. I'll be commanding the attack force against you."

  "An entire attack force against one ship?"

  Wesley regarded him tolerantly. "Apparently you haven't heard of the M-5 Multitronic Unit. It's the computer, Jim, that Dr. Richard Daystrom has just developed."

  "Oh?"

  "Not oh, Jim. Wait till you see the M-5."

  "What is it?"

  Spock broke in. "The most ambitious computer complex ever created. Its purpose is to correlate all computer activity of a Starship . . . to provide the ultimate in vessel operation and control."

  Wesley eyed Spock suspiciously. "How do you know so much about it, Commander?"

  "I hold an A-7 computer expert classification, sir. I am well acquainted with Dr. Daystrom's theories and discoveries. The basic design of all our ships' computers are Dr. Daystrom's."

  "And what's all that got to do with the Enterprise?" Kirk said.

  Wesley's face grew grave. "You've been chosen to test the M-5, Jim. There'll be a series of routine research and contact problems M-5 will have to solve as well as navigational maneuvers and the war-games' problems. If it works under actual conditions as it has in simulated tests, it will mean a revolution in space technology as great as the Warp Drive. As soon as your crew is removed, the ship's engineering section will be modified to contain the computer."

  "Why remove my crew? What sort of security does this gadget require?"

  "They're not needed," Wesley said. "Dr. Daystrom will see to the installation himself and will supervise the tests. When he's ready, you will receive your orders and proceed on the mission with a crew of twenty."

  "Twenty! I can't run a Starship with only twenty people aboard!"

  The voice of authority was cool. "M-5 can."

  "And I—what am I supposed to do?"

  "You've got a great job, Jim. All you have to do is sit back and let the machine do the work."

  "My," Kirk said, "it sounds just great!"

  McCoy didn't like it, either. Told the news, he exploded. "A vessel this size can't be run by one computer! Even the computers we already have—"

  Spock interrupted. "All of them were designed by Richard Daystrom almost twenty-five years ago. His new one utilizes the capabilities of all the present computers . . . it is the master control. We are attempting to prove that it can run this ship more efficiently than man."

  "Maybe you're trying to prove that, Spock, but don't count me in on it."<
br />
  "The most unfortunate lack in current computer programming is that there is nothing available to immediately replace the Starship surgeon."

  "If there were," McCoy said, "they wouldn't have to replace me. I'd resign—and because everybody else aboard would be nothing but circuits and memory banks." He glared at Spock. "I think some of us already are just that." He turned an anxious face to Kirk. "You haven't said much about this, Jim."

  They were standing outside the Engineering Section. Now Kirk swung around to face Spock and McCoy, pointing to the new sign on the door reading "Security Area". "What do you want me to say, Bones? Starfleet considers this installation of the M-5 an honor. So I'm honored. It takes some adjusting, too." He turned, the door slid open, and they entered the Section. And the M-5 Multitronic Unit already dominated the vast expanse. Unlike the built-in Enterprise computers, its massive cabinet was free-standing as though asserting total independence of support. It possessed a monitor panel where dials, switches, and other controls were ranged in an order that created an impression of an insane disorder. Scott and another engineer, Ensign Harper, were busy at panels near the upper-bridge level. Kirk looked around. "Where is he? Dr. Daystrom?"

  He came from behind the console where he had been working, wearing a technician's outfit. The first thing that struck Kirk about him were his eyes. Despite the lines of middle age, they were brilliantly piercing as though all his energy was concentrated on penetration. He was a nervous man. His speech was sharply clipped and his hands seemed to need to busy themselves with something—a pipe, a tool, anything available.

  "Yes?" he said. Suddenly, he seemed to register something inappropriate in the greeting. "You would be Captain Kirk?"

  They shook hands briefly. "Dr. Daystrom, my First Officer, Commander Spock."

  Spock bowed. "I am honored, Doctor. I have studied all your publications on computer technology. Brilliant."

  "Thank you. Captain, I have finished my final check on M-5. It must be hooked into the ship's main power banks to become operational."

  Kirk said, "Very well, Dr. Daystrom. Do so."

  "Your Chief Engineer refused to make the power available without your orders."

  Good old Scotty, Kirk thought. What he said was, "Mr. Scott, tie the M-5 unit into the main power banks."

  "Aye, sir. Mr. Harper?" He and Harper moved off to the wall panel near the forced perspective unit.

  Spock was examining the M-5 monitor panel. McCoy fixed his gaze on the distance.

  "Fascinating, Doctor," Spock said. "This computer has a potential beyond anything you have ever done. Even your breakthrough into duotronics did not hold the promise of this."

  "M-5 has been perfected, Commander. Its potential is a fact."

  McCoy could contain himself no longer. The only fact I care about," he said savagely, "is that if this thing doesn't work, there aren't enough men aboard to run this ship. That's screaming for trouble."

  Daystrom stared at him. "Who is this?" he asked Kirk.

  "Dr. Leonard McCoy, Senior Medical Officer."

  "This is a security area," Daystrom said. "Only absolutely necessary key personnel have clearance to enter it."

  Kirk's voice was icy in his own ears. "Dr. McCoy has top security clearances for all areas of this ship."

  Then the M-5 suddenly came to life. It was a startling phenomenon. It flashed with lights, a deep hum surging from its abruptly activated circuits. As its lights glowed brighter, lights in the engine unit dimmed sharply.

  McCoy spoke to Spock. "Is it supposed to do that?"

  Daystrom was working quickly to remove a panel. He made an adjustment and Spock said, "If I can be of assistance, sir . . ."

  Daystrom looked up. "No. I can manage, thank you."

  The rebuffed Spock's eyebrows arched in surprise. He glanced at Kirk who nodded and Spock backed off. The M-5's deep hum grew quieter, less erratic; and overhead, the lights struggled back to full strength.

  Daystrom was defensive. "Nothing wrong, Captain. A minor settling-in adjustment to be made. You see, everything is in order now."

  "Yes." Kirk paused. "I'm curious, Dr. Daystrom. Why is it M-5 instead of M-l?"

  Daystrom's hands twisted on a tool. "The Multitronic Units 1 through 4 were not successful. But this one is. M-5 is ready to assume control of the ship."

  "Total control?" Kirk said.

  "That is what it was designed for, Captain."

  There was an awkward silence. "I'm afraid," Kirk said, "I must admit to a certain antagonism toward your computer, Dr. Daystrom. It was man who first ventured into space. True, man with machines . . . but still with man in command."

  "Those were primitive machines, Captain. We have entered a new era."

  Kirk thought, I don't like this man. He dispensed with the amiable smile on his lips. "I am not against progress, sir; but there are still things men have to do to remain men. Your computer would take that away, Dr. Daystrom."

  'There are other things a man like you can do, Captain. Or perhaps you only object to the possible loss of the prestige accorded a Starship Captain. The computer can do your job without interest in prestige."

  Kirk smiled at him. "You're going to have to prove that to me, Daystrom." He started to leave, but Daystrom's voice halted him in midstride. "Captain, that's what the M-5 is here for, isn't it?"

  It had not been a pleasant encounter. Spock alone seemed untouched by its implications. As the three moved down the drearily empty corridor, he said, "Captain, if you don't need me for a moment, I'd like to discuss some of the technology involved in the M-5 with Dr. Daystrom."

  "Look at the love-light in his eyes, Jim. All his life Spock's been waiting for the right computer to come along. I hope you'll be very happy together, Spock."

  "Doctor, I find your simile illogical and your humor forced. If you'll excuse me, Captain?"

  "Go ahead, Mr. Spock. I'll see you on the bridge."

  "Yes, sir."

  Kirk's troubled expression worried McCoy. "What is it, Jim?"

  Kirk hesitated. "I feel it's wrong—and I don't know why—all of it wrong."

  "I feel it's wrong, too, replacing men with mindless machines."

  "It isn't just that, Bones. Only a fool would stand in the way of progress, if this is progress. You have all my psychological profiles. Do you think I am afraid to turn command over to the M-5?"

  McCoy spoke thoughtfully. "We've all seen the advances of mechanization; and Daystrom did design the computers that run this ship."

  "But under human control," Kirk said. "What I'm asking myself is: Is it just that I'm afraid of that computer taking over my job? Daystrom is right. I could do other things. Or am I really afraid of losing the prestige, the glamour accorded a Starship Captain? Is that why I keep fighting this thing? Am I really that petty and vain?"

  "Jim, if you have the courageous awareness to ask yourself that question, you don't need me to answer it." He grinned. "Why don't you ask James T. Kirk? He's a pretty honest guy."

  "Right now, Bones, I'm not sure he'd give me an honest answer."

  But he was sure of one thing: he resented the installation of the new control console on his command chair. It had been placed on the left side of it opposite the one containing his old one with its intercom and other switches. It had been added to the chair without any consultation or announcement of the innovation. Kirk stared at it silently and Sulu said, "Turning back on original course, Captain."

  Spock came over to examine the new console. "The M-5 has performed admirably so far, sir."

  "All it's done is make some required course changes and simple turns. Chekov and Sulu could do that with their eyes closed."

  Daystrom had appeared at his left side. "The idea is that they didn't have to do it, Captain. And it's not necessary for you to regain control from a unit after each maneuver is completed."

  Kirk spoke tightly. "My orders say nothing about how long I must leave the M-5 in control of my ship. And I shall run it as I see fit, Dr
. Daystrom."

  Spock said, "Captain, I must agree with Dr. Daystrom. With the course information plotted into it, the computer could have brought us here as easily as the navigator."

  "Mr. Spock, you seem to enjoy entrusting yourself to that computer."

  "Enjoy, sir? I am, of course, gratified to see the new unit executing everything in such a highly efficient manner. M-5 is another distinguished triumph in Dr. Daystrom's career."

  Chekov spoke tonelessly. "Approaching Alpha Cazinae II, Captain. ETA five minutes."

  "The M-5 is to handle the approach, Captain," Daystrom said. "It will direct entrance into orbit and then analyze data for landing-party recommendations."

  Kirk's voice was very quiet. "You don't mind if I make my own recommendations?"

  "If you feel you need the exercise, go ahead, Captain."

  Kirk looked into the coldly piercing eyes. Then, reaching out, he pressed one of the buttons on the new console panel.

  In the same inflectionless voice, he said, "M-5 is now committed."

  As the subdued hum in the ship grew louder, the main viewing screen showed the approaching planet. Kirk, his eyes on it, said, "Standard orbit, Mr. Sulu."

  Sulu, checking instruments, looked up in surprise. "Captain, M-5 has calculated that. The orbit is already plotted."

  "Ah, yes," Kirk said. Spock had moved back to his station but Daystrom, pleased by his invention's performance, remained beside the new command console.

  "Standard orbit achieved, sir," Sulu said.

  "Report, Mr. Spock."

  "The planet is Class M, sir. Oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, suitable for human life support . . . two major land masses . . . a number of islands. Life form readings."

  In the Engineering Section, the overhead lights flickered a moment; and on the deserted Deck 4, they went out, plunging the area into blackness.

  Scott turned abruptly to Kirk, frowning. "Captain, we're getting some peculiar readings. Power shutdowns on Deck 4—lights, environmental control."

  Kirk said, "Check it out, Mr. Scott." He crossed over to Spock. The library-computer was chattering rapidly. Daystrom joined them. They saw a tape cartridge slide smoothly out of a slot. Spock took it, examining it. "M-5's readout, Captain."