Last week our enterprising heroes purloined an important document from the chambers of Justice William Rehnquist at the United States Supreme Court. In 1976! What could it all be about?!?

Safely aboard their starship, the away team step off the transporter platform. Chief Engineer Scott booms a welcome and a petty officer shepherds the senior officers to the Captain’s mess for a late meal.  Sulu and Chekhov make for the turbo lift and, ultimately, the crew mess. The corridors and bulkheads of the U.S.S. Enterprise bear the scars of the long voyage to defeat Khan, find Spock, and to save the whales. 

“I just do not understand the importance of this document,” Chekhov complains, brushing from his smock and trousers the dust of a million ancient tomes held by the Court’s library.

“It’s not just any document,” chides Sulu, diving into an as yet in media res exposition.

“It’s one of the most important Court decisions in United States and Federation history.  In this decision, the Supreme Court began to articulate the “clear statement” rule—meaning that Congressional abrogation of States’ sovereign immunity requires a clear statement of Congressional intent. But don’t you see?!? If the Court applies this holding to the general civil rights statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, it just wouldn’t make sense.  How could Congress know in 1871 what the Court would decide in 1976?”.

“Laws come and laws go, just as commissars. Why all of this fuss?” Chekhov chortles.

“American law has to be consistent, Pav. It’s just one of our most important beliefs.  Without it, well, we’d be no different than the Soviets.”

“Ah . . . And that is why we must deliver this document in the summer?”

“Sumner.” Sulu emphasizes. “To Charles Sumner. Senator at that! One of the greatest in American history. If anyone can ensure Congress will understand the point of this decision, Sumner is it.”

The pair laugh loudly, entering the mess to the cheers and greetings of the crew. 

Tune in next week as Spock explains the mission to the away team…

Act One

Scene One.

Sundown; spring 1976. One First Street, Washington, D.C. No music. Evening bugs buzzing and chirping. In the fading light, several darkly clad figures materialize before the memorable façade of the United States Supreme Court. Streetlamps partially illuminate the motto: “Under Law.” Silently, the figures dart from the illumination of the nearest streetlight into the cover of bushes closer to the High Court. Dogs bark and cats meow in the distance, but none appear to have noticed the visitors. 

Silently, the intruders gain entry to the building through a side door, evading the guard’s flashlights. 

Subdued, if tense, music. Think beginning of the Eder Dam mission in Call of Duty.

Shortly thereafter, the camera pans to a bronze plaque marking a doorway—“Honorable William Rehnquist.” After a few tense moments, the familiar voice of First-Office Spock rings calmly. “Captain, I have found the penultimate draft.” 

Kirk, breathless, yet dashing, rounds a corner and steps into the chambers foyer. Lowering the hood of his guise; through the window, the streetlamp illuminates his face. “Good job, Spock,” he breathes. 

Suddenly, Lieutenants Sulu and Chekhov (in classic comic relief pattern) clatter in. “Captain!” Chekhov pants, “Court personnel. We need to leave!”

“We just escaped some kids in the library,” pipes Sulu, “what on earth were they doing here at this hour?”

“You were apprised during briefing, gentlemen,” Spock dispassionately reprimands the two, “of that Justice William O. Douglas famously worked his judicial clerks at all hours of both day and night.” Spock’s brow furrows. “I trust you were not spotted?”

Sulu and Chekhov shrink sheepishly. “No sir. They were frantically discussing something.” Chekhov offers hopefully. “Uh . . . trees!” Sulu supplies. “Yes sir. Trees!” (Chekhov). Spock’s demeanor doesn’t lighten. 

“Well boys,” Kirk chuckles, stepping in, “let’s not spoil the midnight antimatter for Justice Douglas’ chambers.” Camera pulls out through the chambers window as the gang jogs away in file.  Spock’s fading voice heard: “Away team, make for rendezvous delta . . . .”

Tune in next time to continue the thrilling story…

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