The Enterprise, having broken free from the last ripples of the temporal current, appeared steadily in the 23rd century's Solar System orbit.
The main screen on the bridge clearly displayed Earth, enveloped by the gigantic probe, with ionization storms still raging globally and sea level monitoring data continuously sounding alarms.
"There's no time for a standard landing procedure," Kirk's voice was resolute. "Sulu, cut directly into the atmosphere! Target the San Francisco Bay Area! Drop to the lowest possible altitude!"
The starship tore through the ionosphere like a meteor, the scorching air creating intense friction against its hull.
Amidst the roar of the engines, the Enterprise hovered at a dangerously low altitude above the turbulent San Francisco Bay, the air currents generated by its hull creating ripples across the water's surface.
This unconventional landing method immediately triggered ground alert systems, but at that moment, no one heeded these warnings.
"Scott, open the bay!" Kirk ordered over the comms channel.
The cargo bay in the ship's belly opened, and transparent aluminum containers holding two humpback whales were smoothly lowered into the murky seawater by mechanical arms.
The moment the container lids sprang open, George and Grace slowly swam into this familiar yet strange body of water.
Dr. Taylor gripped the observation window railing, her knuckles white.
The two whales adapted briefly to the warm seawater, then, as if sensing the call of the colossal object in orbit, or perhaps perceiving the suffering of the entire planet.
They first emitted tentative low-frequency calls, then, long and complex whale songs echoed through the water, penetrating the surging waves and spreading towards the horizon.
The Enterprise's sensors immediately detected a change in the signal.
The specific frequency of the whale song created a peculiar resonance with the destructive energy waves emitted by the probe.
The moment the whale song began, the energy radiation from orbit abruptly ceased.
The light on the probe's surface quickly dimmed, and the massive columnar structure remained still for a few seconds, as if confirming this belated response, then silently turned and vanished into deep space at a speed beyond human comprehension.
The shadow of death shrouding Earth finally dissipated. The global ionization storms began to weaken, abnormal evaporation stopped, and although environmental damage would take time to repair, the process of destruction had been halted.
After a brief silence, the bridge erupted in cheers. Chekov excitedly embraced Sulu, and tears sparkled in Uhura's eyes.
McCoy sighed and leaned against the control panel. Spock stood beside Kirk, a hint of imperceptible relief crossing his usually calm face.
Osiris' optical sensors recorded the probe's disappearing trajectory, and a hint of regret arose in his heart.
In the Warhammer Universe, he would never have allowed such a creation, filled with unknown technology, to leave.
Whether it was creating a gravitational singularity or activating a forbidden weapon, he had multiple plans to capture and study it.
But this was Starfleet, operating under different diplomatic protocols.
Forcibly intercepting the other side after it had voluntarily ceased its attack would neither align with cooperative logic nor potentially disrupt existing trust.
He archived and sealed this data of regret, turning to evaluate the value of this temporal Time travel.
Time technology in the Warhammer Universe was either lost or fraught with taboos, but the Enterprise's spacetime jump achieved through a gravitational slingshot, while risky, demonstrated a completely different understanding of physical laws.
This relatively controllable method of time travel was far more worthy of study than the Warp jumps he was familiar with.
His storage array had already recorded all data during the gravitational slingshot.
Hull stress changes, engine power adjustments, spacetime coordinate locking by the navigation system... these valuable data had formed a new research project, awaiting further analysis.
At this moment, Kirk slowly sat back in the captain's chair, his strained nerves finally relaxing.
They had saved the future Earth by traveling through time to bring back ancient life.
Dr. Taylor gazed at the gradually calming sea outside the window, watching George and Grace swimming leisurely, and tears silently streamed down her face.
This was not only the miracle of the whales' return but also proof of humanity's reconciliation with past mistakes.
The Enterprise hovered low over San Francisco Bay, its hull bearing the scars of its journey, yet it had completed the most legendary mission of its service career.
The doomsday crisis quietly ended with the ancient whale song.
— —
With the Earth crisis resolved, subsequent matters were put on the agenda.
George and Grace, the two humpback whales that saved the world, were officially taken over by the Starfleet Science Council.
They were transferred to a specially designated and protected marine sanctuary in the Pacific Ocean.
There, their familiar ecological environment was simulated, equipped with comprehensive monitoring and conservation facilities, ensuring their continued survival in the most suitable environment.
After learning about the Federation' long-term placement plan for the whales, Dr. Taylor, after careful consideration, made a request to Kirk and the Federation officials who subsequently arrived: she wished to remain in this era that belonged to her future, continuing to serve as George and Grace's dedicated researcher and guardian.
Her reasons were simple and powerful: she was the only person in the world who truly understood the past individual histories, behavioral habits, and subtle emotions of these two whales.
They had just undergone a spacetime journey spanning several centuries, and facing a brand new marine environment, they needed a completely familiar and trusted companion.
Her professional knowledge and emotional bond were crucial to helping the whales adapt to their new home and to continuously conduct scientific communication and research.
After evaluating her professional background and her indispensable role in the rescue operation, the relevant departments of Starfleet discussed and approved her request.
They offered her an official position at the marine sanctuary research institute, granted her authority to be primarily responsible for the whale research project, and assisted her in obtaining necessary identification documents and guidance for adapting to the era.
For Dr. Taylor, this was a difficult but inevitable choice.
She bid farewell to her 20th century, choosing to stay in this future full of unknowns and miracles, along with the whales into which she had poured countless efforts.
Here, she would continue her life's work, not only as a scientist but also as a unique bridge connecting the past and the future, humanity and whales.
The crew of the Enterprise, especially Kirk, expressed understanding and support for her decision.
Thus, Dr. Taylor integrated into the 23rd century, beginning her life and work in the new spacetime.
With the successful completion of the mission to save Earth, the Enterprise, the Constitution-class starship with registry NCC-1701, finally reached the end of its legendary career.
It was carefully guided to a designated berth in low Earth orbit.
According to a decision made long ago by the Federation Council, it would no longer return to the active fleet.
Engineering teams boarded the ship, systematically removing its weapon systems and sensitive combat components, while also performing necessary structural reinforcement and cosmetic repairs.
This process was not to restore it completely to its peak condition, but rather to ensure its long-term, stable existence as a historical witness.
Finally, it was permanently fixed in Earth orbit, officially transformed into the "Enterprise Starship Museum."
Its doors were opened to the public, and every visitor who came here could walk through its bridge, corridors, and engine room, and through the control panels and bulkheads bearing signs of use, experience the magnificent years of exploring the unknown and defending against crises.
It was no longer a sword, but a monument.
Almost simultaneously with the opening of the old Enterprise as a museum, a new Enterprise was under construction at the main Federation shipyard in San Francisco.