In the 31st Century...
"What is the decision of the Tholian Assembly?" Thoris asked.
In response, the dark, swirling column came to life. "We will observe," it said in a series of screeches and clicks that the computer translated into Federation standard. And while the image was more shadow than anything else, the outline of a Tholian was unmistakable in the telepresence chamber. "We will not commit ourselves further."
"Acceptable" Thoris answered. "Is the Zantari representative present?"
Another telepresence unit lit up in a swirl of smoke and static, This time there was no discernible outline, but rather a muted representation of the flashing colored strobes that was the natural state and form of communication of the plasma-based lifeform. The universal translator hesitated for an instant before providing a translation. "The Zantari Coalition hereby withdraws from the Temporal Accords." With a distinct 'pop', that telepresence chamber was gone.
"Okay", Thoris said as she finished her first cup of coffee. "Mr Daniels, is there any word from the Romulans?"
Daniels walked into the darkened chamber wearing a 24th century Starfleet uniform. "Forgive me Ma'am. I just left a meeting with Ambassador Spock. He reports that his fifth attempt to enlist the Romulan government's assistance to locate Nero has failed. The Romulans aren't talking to anyone."
"I guess we'll find him eventually," she said quietly. "Or he'll find us." Then she spoke into the darkness. "Computer, access please." She reached her hands ahead of her and holoprojectors built into the bulkheads created a virtual access point in the air, within easy reach. She swiped her fingertips across the screen, and an image of a 20th century rocket gantry appeared. She touched a portion of the image, and it zoomed in to show a human in a business suit from the era lying prone and working inside a panel. "One-Nine-Four is about to find himself on the Enterprise." Her eyes narrowed as she saw a black cat come into the picture crawling carefully next to the man and meowing impatiently. "Isis is with him. That seems to be going well, but I'm keeping an eye on him anyway."
Daniels turned to watch the scene. The tell-tale sparkling of a 23rd century transporter began to manifest itself, and One-Nine-Four sat up and picked up the cat. "It never hurts to pay special attention when the Enterprise is involved."
"Any Enterprise," she added with a grin. "So what can you tell me about the Furies?"
"Six months and not a sound. I think they're gone for good this time."
"What about the Krenim? They threatened-"
"Let me show you." Daniels swiped at the virtual display. It shifted to show an area of unidentifiable deep space. "This is the outer perimeter of Krenim space at its heighth." Suddenly a Federation Intrepid class starship appeared. "Voyager is just entering their space. There is a bit of temporal flux, but the computer gives a 95% probability that Janeway will put an end to their machinations."
"Good," Thoris said. "But again, we'll keep an eye on them."
"There is also a report from Five-Nine-Seven."
"Refresh my memory."
"Los Angeles. Early 21st century. Miss Eden seems to be handling her challenges very well."
"Right. You didn't go back again, did you?"
"No," he smiled. "But as it turns out, Five-Nine-Seven-"
"Wait. 'Five'? Aren't all 'fives' Klingons?"
"Yes Ma'am. Five-Nine-Seven is the only Klingon authorized in that sector in that era. He has been heavily vetted, and surgically altered to pass as human. He is in contact with Miss Eden through social media of the day and reports that despite some setbacks, her work is progressing nicely."
"Well, that's good to know. There's alot riding on that one." Then she turned to the darkness but continued to speak to Daniels. "Well, the Klingon representative to this council is unable to attend today. The Andorian representative is protesting what his government considers 'temporal imperialism'. So as we do not have a quorum, there will be no meeting today. Was there anything else, Mr. Daniels?"
"There is some news regarding the Andorians that should be discussed privately."
Thoris glanced at the sparkling and humming column that was the Tholian's telepresence chamber. "Away from 'observing' eyes?"
"Yes ma'am," he smiled uneasily. "There is just one other, well, unusual piece of business."
"Mr. Daniels, we redefine 'unusual' every day. Bring it on."
"Very well." He tapped the ancient comm badge on his chest, then caught himself. "Forgive me. I was in the 24th century for six months. You pick up habits." Then he spoke to the darkness. "Please come in, gentlemen."
Thoris turned her gaze to the sound of reinforced double doors opening and the sight of filtered light streaming into the normally dark chamber. She quickly recognized two figures. One tall and lanky, pushing another in what appeared to be an ancient motorized wheelchair. As they approached, she recognized them. Ambassador Sarek and Admiral Leonard McCoy. "Excuse me, but what the hell are they doing here?" she damanded from Daniels.
"Madam," Sarek said with a strength that belied his obvious age. "You will forgive our intrusion. But my son is missing. Or, rather he will be missing. We require answers."
"Yeah," McCoy added. "What the hell are you people playing at?"
"Gentlemen, I won't answer any questions until you tell me what you're doing here." Then she turned to Daniels. "Well?"
Daniels cleared his throat. "The Guardian of Forever-" He stopped as she made an angry noise and rolled her eyes. "In the 24th century, the Guardian revealed a past that included the destruction of the planet Vulcan in the 23rd century. These gentlemen-"
"The Temporal Accords were in place by then," she interrupted.
"These gentlemen employed the Yridians, who had not yet signed the accords, to investigate. They eventually traced the, well, discrepency to an incident of time travel in the 25th century. At that point Ambassador Spock seemed to go off the grid."
"It is reasonable to assume that Ambassador Spock traveled back through time," Thoris concluded, "and somehow, as a result Vulcan was destroyed."
"Poppycock!" McCoy blurted out.
Sarek looked down at McCoy with practiced indulgence. "The Doctor is essentially correct. The planet Vulcan exists today. That is a fact. Despite what the Guardian revealed. The next logical step would be to send trusted associates through the Guardian to this altered past to investigate."
"You can see why I felt the need to intervene," Daniels said.
"Yes," Thoris said. "But why bring them here?"
"Mr Daniels' protestations were insufficient to deter us." Sarek answered.
"In other words, we didn't buy it. And we still don't."
Thoris directed a pained look at McCoy, then turned to Sarek. "Mr Ambassador, we want to know what happened to your son, and Vulcan. But we have the resources to do that without introducing some of the," she said paused, choosing her words carefully, "variables inherent with travel through tthe Guardian. Will you please allow us to oversee the investigation?"
"That would be acceptable."
"I don't like it one damned bit," McCoy protested.
"As long as we are satisfied with your progress," Sarek added. "Otherwise we shall return to the Guardian."
"Mr Daniels, make it a priority. And get these gentlemen home."
"Yes Ma'am."
"And then we talk about the Andorian problem."
