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Time to look for the author...***1917 - "Midnight Caller," by Capt. Hunter |
William Ross stared at the screen as he tried to write his speech for tomorrow's address to the Federation Council. He knew it was going to be a sleepless night. He knew that there were many who were also in the same boat. Therefore he wasn't surprised when his commchannel chirped with an incoming transmission.
+Ross here.+
He stood up sharply at the sight of the seal of the Officer of the President of the United Federation of Planets. The man who appeared......Bain of Andor......was typical of his race......blue-skinned, white-haired, and possessing two distinct antennae that twitched as he spoke.
+Sit down Bill. This is an off-the-record call. How're you and your people doing??+
Ross sat back down.
+I think you can guess Sir. It's a mess right now.+
Bain nodded.
+That bloody man of yours......Hunter......he's opened a real hornet's nest this time. Have you seen the news Bill?? There's support groups popping up all over the place for him. There are demonstrations and protest marches going on in a dozen cities on Earth alone. There's even a candlelight vigil going on in his hometown.+
Ross turned on a monitor on the back wall of his office. He selected the news channel and watched in silence for a few long moments. The President was correct. And it wasn't just Earth. There were events happening all over the Federation as the news came out. There was even one on Vulcan......a very logical and orderly one......but one nonetheless. How the Hell does he do this?? How can one person manage to galvanize so many people?? He turned back to the commscreen.
+He......has a 'gift' Sir. What can I say.+
Bain snorted......his antennae twitching in disgust.
+I have different words to describe him Bill. But yes......he does have a 'gift'. Now......what are you going to do about him??+
Ross cleared his throat.
+Well, I've had him relieved of his Command, and I'm assuming he'll face a court-martial when he arrives back home. There will probably be a prison term.+
Bain shook his head.
+Let him walk.+
Ross' jaw dropped open.
+Let him walk??+
The President nodded.
+If you put him on trial......that will cause even more people to rally around his banner. I know, I know, he doesn't really have a banner......but you get the idea. If we convict him and jail him......he will become a symbol for others to support. But if we just let him go quietly away, this will become far less explosive. He'll be another crackpot who voiced a radical idea, and faded away.+
Ross considered a moment.
+The T'Kil threat is still there Sir.+
Bain nodded.
+And we will deal with it Bill. We will enact new policies, start a new defensive program, be as open as we can without giving away too much. We have to minimize the panic, or we'll all be out of a job. So, when he gets home, give him his walking papers, and let him go. No big, showy ceremonies. A small travel pod and a one-way ticket home.+
William Ross nodded.
+It's your call sir. If that's what you want......then I'll see it's done.+
Bain smiled.
+I know you will. Also, let me apologize in advance here. I'll have to be somewhat harsh on you tomorrow. Nothing personal. It's just part of the job.+
The Starfleet C-in-C returned the smile.
+I know. See you tomorrow.+
The screen went dark, leaving Ross with a great deal to think about. Sleep wouldn't visit him at all that night.
