Truth & Consequences

Posted on Fri Oct 7, 2022 @ 9:31pm by Lieutenant Penelope Naroot & Lieutenant Commander Zachary Addams & Lieutenant JG Sydney Friedman Jr & Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit

1,340 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: We Will Take Care of You
Location: Briefing Room

Oscar 12 sat at the table in the briefing room. As the doors opened, he turned. "Captain, Doctor," he said, acknowledging them. "I understand you have more questions."

The Captain nodded. “We do. Doctor Friedman in particular had a few additional questions. So, I’ll turn things over to her and let her speak.”

Oscar turned in his chair, focusing his gaze squarely on the Counselor, contingencies running through his head at warp speed.

Sydney sat back and crossed her legs, offering a slight, perfunctory smile. "Thank you, Captain," she said. She looked at a padd she'd brought with her and then back at Oscar. "Why did you request to have these negotiations with Captain Kennit?"

"We believe she is uniquely qualified to discuss this arrangement," Oscar said.

"That was your explanation earlier, however it lacks context. What makes the captain so uniquely qualified to represent the Federation?"

Oscar blinked. "Her position as a starship captain, combined with her position as a Section 31 agent, combined with her experience with Borg implants, combined with her previous encounter with us."

"The exact details of that incident remain classified by Starfleet and the Federation." The Captain said. "As such, no further discussion will be allowed related to what transpired. I am bound by my orders, as I am sure you both understand." It was clear from.her voice tone that she was t happy even with just that revelation, but as it was revealed by Oscar 12 there was no worry for her about potential repercussions from higher authorities so long as no further details were revealed.

"There are others who would meet those criterion, and more," Sydney countered. "Why choose a captain who is far removed from Federation space?"

"Relative location was irrelevant," Oscar said. "We would have been able to make our proposal when the Captain was near Earth, but timing did not permit it."

Sydney glanced down at her notes. "Can you go into more detail about your proposal? What, specifically are you offering us, and what are you asking in return?"

"We are offering advancements in defensive technology, medical treatment and general quality of life. In return, we are asking that you accept our assistance without forcing us into exile again, but rather to allow us to coexist with you and help take care of the needs of your citizens."

"A reasonable request. I would say more than reasonable considering the way the Federation has treated your people in the past." Kennit said quietly.

"Extremely reasonable," Sydney agreed. "Reasonable, and familiar," she said. "You said 'help take care of the needs' of our citizens. You had the same intentions when you first met humans from the Enterprise, yes?"

"That is correct," Oscar said.

Sydney leaned forward slightly. "Is your plan to join the Federation as a member world?"

"That is a scenario we are prepared to explore," Oscar replied cooly.

"'A scenario,'" Sydney said, "but not your primary intention."

"That is correct." He stayed silent, not offering further information as their scenarios reviewed in his head.

Sydney's voice got a bit firmer. "You said you'd been observing us. How? And for how long?"

"We designed a probe to explore the Federation and observe humans. It was programmed to observe and analyze humanity for us from a safe distance."

"So this probe has been, what, scanning us, and sending back readings?"

"Yes. It routinely files reports on its observations and explains human inconsistencies for us to understand. It is why we are able to meet with you now, without worry."

"And if you're here now, logically that would imply you've reached a conclusion about us," Sydney said.

"We have," Oscar said.

"What was that conclusion?" she said, bracing herself for the answer.

"Humanity is young, but has much potential. If guided properly, it can become a truly advanced society with peaceful intentions."

Sydney felt a pit in her stomach and glanced at the Captain. "Is that your intention? To 'guide us properly'?"

Oscar 12 tilted his head. "Yes. Do you not guide young members of your Federation towards a better culture? The Iotians for example."

"We have, yes," Sydney said, reluctantly. "But we still respect the inherent qualities of their culture. And that is done through a long-term relationship and cultural exchange. You're speaking about humanity as a whole. How do you intend to guide 'humanity' as a whole?"

"Very carefully," Oscar 12 said.

“Oscar 12.” the Captain said in a gentle tone, though the under current of unyielding iron was unmistakable. “As I know you are aware, the Federation and Starfleet follow a set of laws and regulations which have been put into place, regrettably in some cases as the result of terrible missteps made in the past. While mistakes are made, it has always been our guiding philosophy that the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Starfleet or Federation personnel may interfere with the normal and healthy development of other sentient life and culture. Such interference includes introducing superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. This is the context of our Prime Directive, and Starfleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship, unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all other considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation.” She paused, the added “I would consider the initial contact with your world by the crew of the USS Enterprise, and the subsequent events which followed to be an example of why this directive is considered so important now.”

Oscar turned to the Captain. "We understand, and we agree. Our analysis shows that even now you are pushing past your technological limits and doing so is what leads to the 'missteps' you mentioned. We also have concluded that the Federation must indeed return to a normal and healthy level of development. We can ensure that."

"How, specifically, can you claim to ensure such a thing?" Sydney said. "To do what you're implying would mean total control of Federation citizens. As the Captain has said, that goes against our highest philosophies."

"A philosophy the Federation has violated on more than one occasion," Oscar said, returning his attention to the Counselor. "To claim that it is held above the lives of your crew and the well-being of your people is inaccurate. We do not agree that correcting your people's social evolution is a violation of these ethics, as it will inevitably lead to a better adherence to them. Fortunately, we estimate this adjustment will take no more than four or five generations at most, during which time your people will be well cared for and come out stronger and more prosperous than you have been, and at peace with yourselves. Is that not your ultimate goal? As your people say, to 'better yourselves'?"

That nagging sense of something being ‘off’ about this situation which had been tingling along her nerves was now a full blown alert screaming at her. Even so, Kennit continued to try and maintain civility as she replied in a slow, carefully moderated tone of voice saying, “What you are proposing is not joining the Federation as an ally or member world, but domination.” The Captain paused almost imperceptibly and then said simply, firmly. “That is something which will not happen.”

Oscar tilted his head, his number plate on this chest flashing. When it stopped he said, "Your conclusion is incorrect," and vanished in a transporter beam.

Suddenly a voice came from outside the room. "I need to see the Captain immediately! No, it's an emergency!" The doors opened and Zach came in. "Captain," he said without waiting, "someone drugged Commander Walker. He's currently in a coma and being transported to Sickbay. We tried contacting the bridge, but communications seems to be down."

It was at that moment the lights went out.

 

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