The Mission — Chapter 2: The Return
For my colleague and friend Ángeles.
10:30 on 06/06/2018, according to the parameters of the planet “Earth.” Gathered in Dr. Tamy’s office/consulting room are: Captain Mes3, Lieutenant Carlos, Engineer Jaimy, and Dr. Tamy herself. Also present as witnesses are Counselor Troi and Commander Data. Captain Mes3 takes the floor.
— Good morning, everyone. As you are aware, a malfunction occurred in the protection system, causing a meta-physical radiation within the normal parameters of Engineer Jaimy’s genetic structure. We were therefore obliged to transport him to the Mother Ship via the “Thalaron” transporter relay, with the aim of avoiding detection by the Federation’s monitoring system. Dr. Tamy will now brief you on the current situation.
— Thank you, Captain Mes3. Upon arrival at the Mother Ship, he was transferred immediately to the I.C.U., where he was placed in an isometric isolation suit in order to analyze his physio-metric readings while simultaneously and continuously regenerating his genetic structure. The result, as you can see, has been entirely effective. Any questions?
— Yes, I’m Lieutenant Carlos. I would like to ask Captain Mes3: is it possible for two people to travel back in time and correct the error that was made?
— You know the answer is yes, but I remind you that doing so could affect the Neural Net, damaging the protection system of the “sub-routines,” and would require a complete reinitialization of a new “sub-program” of ethics and morality — which would entail an inevitable loss of time and money. And given the economic constraints the Federation has compelled us to accept, you will understand, Lieutenant Carlos, how dangerous the situation becomes if we take that risk.
— If I may interrupt, Captain — it’s Jaimy. We could use the “Golem” evasive maneuver system, now that we’re in high orbit.
— Not a bad idea, Engineer Jaimy. But what would happen if, on passing through the orbit of one of the matrices, the “posi-tronic” matrix registered a positive reading and we were discovered?
— You’re right, Captain. It’s an unnecessary risk.
— Dr. Tamy. I believe you had something to communicate to us that might resolve the problem.
— Indeed, Captain Mes3. Late yesterday I had a conversation with Lieutenant Carlos that may provide the solution.
— Indeed. As the person most responsible for this situation, I am committing to visit Tania on a regular basis in order to steer the important mission that lies ahead of us back on course. May God guide us along the right path.
— Count on me, Carlos. Even if it weren’t my responsibility — I was the one who wanted to be human. If you erred in anything, Lieutenant, it was in indulgence… in kindness toward me. I will be eternally grateful to you.
— Thank you, Jaimy… you are a friend.
— What does it feel like to be in love, Jaimy? — Commander Data asks.
— It is… a perfect moment in time. When time seems to stand still and you could almost stay and live inside that moment forever.
— Which moment would you choose, Jaimy? — Data asks.
— Many of them, Data… but perhaps… the moment when Tania gathers my hands in hers, and then kisses my cheek and embraces me.
— Precisely!! There is nothing more complex than perception.
— Lieutenant Carlos… do you think you might fall in love with Tania yourself?
— I don’t know, Counselor Troi. One never knows… I’ll try to keep my mind on the mission, which is what matters most. But since you are a counselor… what would you counsel?
— That you watch very carefully which way the wind blows, lest a “Cupid’s” arrow find its way into your heart.
— Hahaha!! — Everyone laughs.
— Thank you very much, Counselor… a beautiful piece of advice… I’ll keep it in mind.
— Lieutenant Carlos… Engineer Jaimy. The spacecraft is ready for you. Good luck with the mission. We look forward to receiving very good news very soon.
— Count on it, Captain Mes3.
They board the spacecraft, and before departing, Jaimy asks Carlos:
— Forgive me, sir… what exactly did Counselor Troi mean just now?
— What are you referring to, Jaimy?
— About the arrow in the heart. Is a certain “Cupid” going to kill you?
— Hahaha… I see you’ve made a full recovery. That pleases me enormously, my friend.
— I still don’t understand, sir…
— Don’t worry, Jaimy. Set course for Earth… Tania is waiting for us.
CARLOS