Constellations Read Free Page B

and poses a risk to these people and their natural course of development. Your knowledge, your equipment, all of it is centuries ahead of these people and their level of technology.”
    McCoy saw the anger in Jendra’s eyes, but she held her tone in check as she glared at Kirk. “I’m well versed in the Prime Directive.” She held her hands out and away from her body. “As you can see, I’ve taken steps to prevent any cultural contamination. I’m also no stranger to the Grennai and how they live.”
    â€œIndeed,” Spock said, moving to stand beside Kirk. “Three years ago, you were assigned as a medical officer to the initial Starfleet cultural observation detachment on this planet.”
    Jendra nodded. “That’s right, Mr. Spock. We were tasked with covert study of the Grennai’s preindustrial development, which we believed very closely mirrored that of your own people on Vulcan. We were here for nearly a year, during which we spent a great deal of time among the Grennai. So, you see, I’ve become quite adept at blending into the indigenous population.”
    â€œYour mission was terminated prematurely,” Kirk said, “due to issues stemming from atmospheric irradiation and planetary conditions deemed potentially harmful to the research team. According to your own report, the planet was deemed unsafe to anyone but the local population.”
    â€œIt is safe,” Jendra corrected. “The rings of radiation encircling the planet constantly bombard the atmosphere, yes, but the indigenous population is immune to the radiation’s effects.”
    Spock nodded. “ Enterprise science teams have been studying the phenomenon since our arrival.”
    â€œThen you also know that it was part of the reason for our research here,” Jendra said. “Trying to learn about the Grennai’s natural immunity. Outsiders can only be exposed for short periods without protection. My team and I received regular inoculations of a hyronalin derivative to protect ourselves. I’m able to synthesize a version of that compound with the equipment I have and with raw ingredients I collect as I need them.”
    McCoy said, “After you returned to Earth, you were involved in some kind of research for a while, but then I get a message from you saying you’re leaving Starfleet, and you just disappear.” The words came out harsher than he had intended, and he swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. Looking around the crude examination room and its array of equally primitive medical and surgical implements—for all intents and purposes a medieval torture chamber when compared to his own sickbay aboard the Enterprise —he shook his head. “It was Starfleet Command that eventually suggested you might have come back here, but why?”
    Looking away for a moment as if considering the weight of her response, Jendra finally sighed. “I have my reasons, Leonard.”
    The answer was vague, but her eyes spoke volumes, McCoy thought, reminding him of what he remembered most about the time they had spent together as colleagues—her drive to heal, the strength she drew from confidence in her abilities, her sense of doing right by her patients regardless of any personal toll it might exact upon her—all of that shone through her expression with startling clarity.
    What the hell have you gotten yourself into, Revati?
    In response to her words, Kirk stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Doctor, but you’ll have to explain your reasons to Starfleet Command.”
    Jendra smiled once more, a tired, resigned smile. “I can imagine they’re quite upset with me, but that doesn’t change anything. I can’t go. Not now.”
    Casting a glance toward McCoy that the doctor understood as the first hint of true irritation with the current proceedings, Kirk said, “It’s not a request. You can come voluntarily, or I can