“To reach the Asimov, perhaps. But if your consultation with your crew member does produce a useful insight, it will probably be best to act on it promptly. This could be an open-ended venture. So I ask again, Jim.” Chandra leaned forward. “Does the Enterprise actually need James Kirk aboard it on this mission?”

Kirk tried to think of a reply that wouldn’t seem self-serving. The very fact that he needed to try told him the answer. He lowered his head. “No, sir. You’re right. I’m needed here. And I have full confidence in Captain Spock’s ability to fulfill the mission on his own.”

Chandra nodded, smiling a bit to ease the tension. “Very good. Have Captain Spock contact me about the mission parameters. If he deems it safe enough, he can select a senior cadet crew and make it a training mission.”

“I don’t see why it shouldn’t be, sir.” Kirk stopped himself. “But I’ll leave that to Spock to decide.”

Chandra smiled wider, a bit wistfully. “Get used to saying that, Jim. A flag officer has to learn to delegate. You’ve been on the other side of that often enough, I’m sure. You don’t want to become the stereotype of the imperious admiral getting in the way of the captains trying to do their jobs.”

“Fair enough, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Kirk found he did not feel too disappointed as he left the superintendent’s office. To be honest, part of him was grateful for being grounded. Tomorrow was the day Ashley Janith-Lau was scheduled to meet the Warborn Arcturians and observe them in their classes. It was a relief that he would not have to miss her second visit. He was very much looking forward to spending more time in the peace activist’s charming company, even if they did disagree on quite a few issues.

If anything, Janith-Lau’s arguments in favor of pacifism reminded Kirk of a number of his past debates with Spock over the years—debates that had helped him temper his own martial impulses and stay true to his aspirations to be a better man. He and Spock had formed an enduring partnership based on their differences. Perhaps that could be possible with someone else as well.

The next morning, Kirk and Commander Rakatheema met Ashley Janith-Lau outside a common area in Hernandez Hall, the Warborn students’ dormitory. The peace activist had come with two other members of her organization, a diminutive Vulcan woman named T’Sena and a portly Argelian man named Rogo.

“They’re all waiting inside, Admiral, as you ordered,” Rakatheema reported. He directed a glare toward Janith-Lau’s group, his jowly features making it seem especially lugubrious. “I’m still not convinced this is a good idea, sir. These cadets are having a difficult enough time feeling accepted. I’ve seen the doctor’s speeches stirring up fear and mistrust toward them.”