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we need to know.”
    â€œDoesn’t look too good for him, does it?” McCoy finally spoke up. “Wonder how he’ll explain away that program?”
    â€œI wonder.” A muscle in Jim’s jaw twitched; the doctor’s suggestion that the Fleet might be involved in biowarfare research was becoming uncomfortably plausible. He pressed a control on the keyboard in front of the viewscreen and sat down.
    The man on the terminal came to life. His eyes pierced intently from the viewscreen, as though he sought to catch the eye of the viewer, and when he spoke at last, the voice was as deep and authoritative as Kirk expected.
    â€œAdmiral Mendez responding to your taped message. It is unfortunate that your party beamed down. In response to your questions, Captain—yes, Tanis is an agricultural colony. However, the work being done there is classified; in light of the incident with the Klingons on Sherman’s Planet, perhaps you can appreciate the need for secrecy. However, we found your report most disturbing—it indicates to us that the researchers were deviating from their assigned project. As you know, research on bioweaponry is expressly forbidden, and Starfleet upholds that law. From what you’ve told us, it sounds as if the researchers were infected with some type of madness-inducing illness, and Adams should definitely remain isolated. Those who beamed down to the surface, I hope, took the proper precautions upon their return. If not, they, too, should be isolated.”
    â€œGive that man a prize for stating the obvious,” McCoy said,
sotto voce
.
    â€œHush,” Kirk murmured. “It starts getting interesting about here.”
    â€œIf in fact the researchers have been infected with a microbe of their own making, samples of it must no doubt remain on Tanis; you are to retrieve it and bring it aboard the
Enterprise
” under strict containment, of course—along with any other microbes in the lab, since it is essential that any virulent disease not be permitted to fall into enemy hands.”
    â€œI love these guys.” McCoy was full of angry sarcasm. “Enemy hands. As if we were at war with somebody. What do they expect, that we’re going to broadcast this to the Klingons and the Romulans and auction it off to the highest bidder?”
    â€œPerhaps not intentionally.” Spock’s voice was barely audible. “But if there is in fact a microbe on the surface, it is a possibility that third parties might express an interest, should our transmissions be monitored.”
    â€œanalysis, after which we will advise you as to the disposal of any harmful organisms,” Mendez was saying. “As for Dr. Adams, he is to be placed under arrest and brought immediately to Star Base Nine for questioning in connection with the deaths of the other researchers.”
    â€œStar Base
Nine?”
McCoy complained. “Typically ignorant bureaucrat. Someone tell that man to take a look at a star chart”
    Kirk shot him a dangerous glance, and the doctor fell silent as Mendez continued.
    â€œSince he is already in isolation, that should present no problem for you. In addition, you are to impound any and all computer records located on Tanis.”
    Kirk leaned forward to press the control, and Mendez’s image, thick lips slightly parted, froze once more. “Well, gentlemen?”
    Spock sat back in his chair, arms folded, frowning. “As the doctor pointed out, Star Base Nine is considerably out of the way of our present course. I fail to understand why the admiral did not direct us to Star Base Thirteen, which is far closer. I am not aware of any difference in containment facilities at either base.”
    â€œIs that all?”
    â€œNot quite. I find it rather difficult to share the admiral’s enthusiasm for bringing a dangerous microbe on board.”
    â€œMy sentiments exactly,” Kirk said.
    â€œYou heard him. He wants to