While Osiris was busy with academic exchanges and Carol was preparing for the Genesis Planet scientific expedition, James T. Kirk was plagued by another bizarre and unsettling phenomenon.
He noticed that his old friend, Dr. Leonard McCoy, had recently been behaving more and more... strangely.
The doctor, known for his fiery temper, sharp tongue, and skepticism towards unscientific matters (especially certain Vulcan customs), would occasionally blurt out remarks completely uncharacteristic of him.
For instance, during a discussion about Osiris, McCoy actually analyzed the energy conservation problem of interdimensional travel in an unusually calm and logically rigorous tone, and then subconsciously raised his hand, forming the rudimentary shape of the iconic Vulcan salute, only to quickly drop it as if burned, muttering to himself, "Dammit."
Another example: he would suddenly look at his hands and whisper in a tone mixed with confusion and understanding, "Fascinating..." — Spock's catchphrase.
These subtle changes initially just struck Kirk as abrupt, but as they accumulated, an absurd and unsettling suspicion began to sprout in his mind.
He dared not dwell on it until an unexpected visitor arrived — Saavik, Spock's father and the Vulcan Ambassador.
Saavik maintained the characteristic Vulcan calm and dignity, but his deep eyes held an unprecedented gravity. He skipped pleasantries and directly delivered the astonishing news to Kirk:
"Captain Kirk, my son Spock, before his sacrifice, performed a 'Mind Meld' (Fal-tor-pan) with Dr. McCoy."
Kirk felt a wave of dizziness. He, of course, knew what a Vulcan Mind Meld meant — the sharing of consciousness, the transfer of memories, and even... the attachment of fragments of a soul.
Saavik continued to explain in his steady, unruffled tone, but the content of his words made Kirk's heart pound: "Spock's Katra (soul, essence of consciousness) did not completely dissipate.
A part of it, the most important part, is currently residing deep within Dr. McCoy's consciousness.
This is also the reason for Dr. McCoy's recent abnormal behavior; he is unconsciously carrying Spock's thought patterns and some memories."
Kirk instantly understood why "Bones" would speak Spock's words, why he would make those uncharacteristic gestures.
This wasn't a mental issue; this was... Spock existing in another way!
"This state is a tremendous burden and danger for both individuals," Saavik said gravely. "McCoy's human mind cannot long endure the integration of a Vulcan Katra, and Spock's Katra cannot find true peace in a non-Vulcan consciousness. Over time, both souls could suffer irreversible damage."
He offered the only solution: "Spock's remains, left on Genesis Planet, must be brought back to the Vulcan homeworld.
Only in the temple on Mount Seleya, through the ancient Fal-tor-pan ritual, can the Katra be reunited with the body, allowing Spock's soul to rest in peace and simultaneously freeing Dr. McCoy."
This news shocked Kirk immensely, but it was followed by an overwhelming sense of urgent responsibility.
Spock was still "alive," and his old friend "Bones" was suffering because of it.
He had to help them! He had to go to Genesis Planet immediately and retrieve Spock's remains!
However, the reality was that due to his prolonged state of mental distraction after returning to Earth, the Starfleet Fleet high command, based on psychological health assessments, had temporarily relieved him of his command, putting him on a "mandatory long leave."
He currently had no authority to command any starship.
To make matters worse, his beloved Enterprise had been severely damaged in the brutal battle with Khan.
There had long been voices within the Federation Fleet arguing that this Constitution-class starship was too old, and after this heavy damage, calls for its decommissioning grew louder.
Fleet Command had only approved the most basic structural repairs to the Enterprise to ensure it could safely return to drydock.
At this moment, this scarred legendary starship lay quietly docked in orbit, like a hero awaiting final judgment, facing the desolate fate of being dismantled or converted into a museum.
No command authority, no available starship; the path to Genesis Planet and the rescue of his two dear friends seemed completely blocked.
Kirk stood by the window of his apartment, gazing at the stars, his fists clenched.
Frustration, anxiety, and worry for his friends' plight almost overwhelmed him.
But he was, after all, James T. Kirk, the man who had created miracles from desperation countless times.
His gaze gradually shifted from confusion to determination.
There had to be a way.
He had to find a way to reclaim his ship, or find another ship, and go to Genesis Planet.
—
Just as Kirk was tormented by powerlessness and urgency, almost resorting to desperate measures and considering irregular means to seize the Enterprise or find other avenues, a familiar knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Standing outside was Carol Marcus.
Her arrival surprised Kirk, and what surprised him even more was the news she brought.
"James," Carol's tone was direct and calm, with a scientist's characteristic practicality, "the Federation Council has officially approved a comprehensive scientific expedition to Genesis Planet, led by me. Magos Osiris will accompany us as chief scientific advisor."
Kirk's heart sank. An official mission... but he was excluded.
Carol seemed to read his thoughts. She continued, her tone softening slightly: "I know your current situation. The Fleet has concerns about your state, and you were indeed not on the initial mission roster."
She paused, her gaze fixed on Kirk's somewhat haggard but still sharp eyes: "But I made a strong recommendation to the Council and Fleet Command. I told them that no one understands the spatial characteristics and potential risks of the Genesis Planet region better than you, and no one has more extensive experience in handling emergencies in unknown star systems.
This mission needs your experience, James, especially with such an extremely important interdimensional visitor like Osiris on board; safety must be of the highest priority."
Kirk was stunned; he hadn't expected Carol to advocate for him.
At a time when their relationship was complex, even somewhat distant, her trust and persistence pierced through the gloom in his heart like a warm current.
"Carol... I..." Kirk was at a loss for words for a moment, his multiple thoughts finally condensing into a heartfelt, "Thank you."
Carol shook her head slightly, a complex smile on her face: "Don't thank me, James. This is a rational decision based on mission requirements. And... I know how much Spock's situation affected you."
She didn't explicitly mention McCoy's abnormality, but her gaze indicated she understood the connection and Kirk's inner turmoil. "Perhaps this mission will also be an opportunity for you to... find your footing again."