knudsen@ihnss.UUCP (08/06/84)
Yessir, the Klingon Empire (IF they know what Kruge (Kludge!!) was about, can make up some juicy batch of lies: Kirk captured the Bird of Prey in the Neutral Zone, Kirk shot down the Grissom, etc etc. Trouble is, if prisoner Maltz hasn't found a way to kill himself, he may also make up such a story. Now Klingons, for all their faults, are a highly diverse and individualistic race, and the two stories are not likely to agree. The old "let's get our stories straight" problem. Also Star Fleet assumes that Kirk beat a straight line to Genesis. Would such a course cut into the Neutral Zone or Klingon territory? If not, then the Klingons at least have to answer for criminal tresspass, and just what is a Star Fleet admiral expected to do if he bumps into a K ship in "our" space? And, as someone else mentioned, the Vulcans can mind-meld the truth out of Maltz. They may have ethical constraints about this, but Sarek's ethics may be weak where Kirk is concerned (easily the most revered Human on Vulcan!). Anyway, since when does Star Fleet believe anything a Klingon diplomat sez? mike k PS: I really like that STIV plot idea where Kirk & Co go underground with Star Fleet's blessing. Sure beats tearing the BIrd of Prey apart to see what makes it tick...