"Mr. Tumock, how familiar are you with the Guardian of Forever?" the captain asked.
"I do not know any of the particulars about the artifact which was discovered by the USS Enterprise on Stardate 3245, other than the world on which it is situated is under heavy guard. Contact with the artifact is restricted except by direct authorization of Starfleet Command," Tumock replied.
"Then allow me to fill in the details. Keep in mind that what you are about to hear does not leave this room," Osagawa said.
"The Guardian was responsible for a spatial distortion which the Enterprise was investigating at the time. Dr. Leonard McCoy, while treating an injury, accidentally injected himself with cordrazine and in a bout of insanity beamed to the planet's surface and entered the Guardian. His actions, which were subsequently reversed by Captain Kirk and Commander Spock, altered Earth's timeline in such a way that the Federation as we know it was never created. After receiving Kirk's logs of the incident, Starfleet Command ordered them classified at Level 4 and the area was placed under guard.
"This artifact, if it is indeed a copy of the Guardian, is dangerous. Dr. McCoy's actions were inadvertent; a truly malevolent individual, or someone seeking to pursue an agenda, could wreak havoc upon the galaxy as we know it. Tumock, I want you to keep an eye on the crew--discreetly of course. If you see any signs of suspect behavior, report them to me immediately. The transporters and shuttle bay doors will only operate upon the input of either your security code or mine. This development is not likely to be popular but it is necessary for the security of the Federation," the captain concluded.
"Captain, I must inform you that rumors are already being spread among the crew as to our true mission and intentions," Tumock replied.
"Of that, I have no doubt. There have been rumors aboard ships since the most advanced ships humans knew were triremes. The crew are frustrated and tired; much has been asked of them and much more remains to be asked. But something tells me we are all going to be much too busy to propagate rumors. How long has it been since Carter reported in?"
Tumock did not hesitate. "Twelve hours thirty-two minutes."
"It's been too long. We must go in after her!"