Star Trek: The Original Series - 147 - Devil’s Bargain Read Online Free PDF

objections stand. And I will only say that you would do well to listen to them.”
    “Is that some sort of threat, Merling?”
    “No, of course not, Mister Chancellor.” Merling let a smile play over his face for a moment and then returned to a serious expression. “I will, as always, do as the Council wishes. That is my role as a military man within our system of governance, after all.”
    “It is,” replied Chancellor Faber. “And you will do well to remember it.” Faber turned to Spock. “I hope you understand, Commander Spock, that none of us hold any animus against you. You are merely the messenger. We understand that. You putthe situation in the stark terms that it demands. But it is we who must make the decision on what to do, and we have made that decision.”
    “Then all I can say,” replied Spock, “is that your decision is an illogical one. You seem a most rational and logical people, in all other respects; it will be a shame to lose you.”
    Beside Spock, McCoy was fidgeting in his seat. It was unusual for the doctor to let him continue at such length without interrupting, so he was not surprised when McCoy broke in.
    “Damn it, I don’t often agree with Spock here. But he’s right,” McCoy intoned. “Let me stress the humanitarian aspects of the coming disaster you will face should you survive in your underground chambers. You’re going to emerge into a world utterly changed. The suffering that will fall upon everyone will be immense, especially on your children. Do you have any idea what it will be like to live in such primitive conditions? The nasty diseases of old Earth and other primitive humanoid worlds will return. Cholera, rickets. Your planet developed the Rigelian fever vaccine and so many other pharmacological marvels. You must know what epidemic disease will do to a population without basic medical supplies or the ability to manufacture more! Why would you subject yourself to such suffering? You must not do it!”
    “We are most moved by your pleas,” Faberreplied. “We see that you are well-meaning and good people. Do not doubt that we understand this.”
    “Then let us help,” said Kirk softly. “You keep mentioning a ruling Council. Let me speak to them. Let me try to convince them, the way we have tried to convince you. Major Merling has issues with democracy and touts the need for a centralized commander. But one of the strengths of democracy is the ability of the people to change their minds together. Allow me to attempt to change yours.”
    Faber sat back down and seemed to consider Kirk’s request for a moment. Finally, he looked to his daughter. “What do you think, Chief Advisor? Do you think it would at least convince these good people of the futility of their request?”
    Hannah slowly nodded. She smiled sadly at Kirk. “I do,” she replied.
    “The Planetary Council meets in two days,” said Faber. “You will be allowed to address the chamber at that time. And until then, I very much hope that you will remain with us as our guests.”
    Kirk did not hesitate to agree, and Spock suspected this might have something to do with Hannah Faber. The captain plainly found her an attractive human—and, Spock noted, she returned the interest.
    “That would be most pleasing,” Kirk replied.
    “But I am afraid that you will find the others asunmoved and immovable as I am,” Faber continued. “We Vesbians are a stubborn people. This was not a planet ready-made for survival when we arrived, yet we carved an existence from its rocky soil. And I believe we can and will do so again.”
    “If there’s anybody left alive to try it,” muttered McCoy next to Spock.
    The Vulcan could only nod his head, and he reflected that he and the doctor were in uncharacteristic agreement.

Three
    Captain’s log, Stardate 4898.5. I continue with Doctor McCoy and Mister Spock on a landing party to the outlying colony, Vesbius. Although a world-shattering asteroid is on a collision course