The Prime Directive

Posted on 27 Apr 2018 @ 12:18pm by Commander Scarlet Blake & Commander Allyndra illm Warraquim
Edited on on 21 Aug 2023 @ 9:01am

1,124 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Episode 16 - A Far Sun
Location: USS Schofield - Sickbay
Timeline: MD 01, 1900 hrs

[ON]

Blake was propped up on the not so comfortable Sickbay bed, frowning as she read over the PADD. She'd already argued with a medical officer who had tried to take it away, in the end she'd won by insisting she would only stay in Sickbay with it. She glanced up as the door opened, letting out a soft breath as she saw Allyndra. "Just caught up," she assured softly, shaking her head.

"Yes Captain, however as primarily a medical officer my first question to you is how are you doing? Hopefully Tuula has taken care of you properly"

"Of course," Scarlet gave a slight nod, but there was a frown on her features that she couldn't hold back. "Just frustrating," she sighed with annoyance at herself, setting the padd aside. "From what I've read, you've got everything under control though."

"Thank you," Allyndra replied and then pulled a chair to sit. "That star," she waved a hand in general direction, "is getting worse and it sooner rather than later one of the coronal discharges is going to hit the planet directly. That will pretty much put an end to the civilization that is there. There are fast ships in the Federation that could be here in possibly in time to salvage some of the people if we ask for the help right now."

Scarlet was frowning as she spoke, because she knew what she was about to say was not going to be popular. At all. "According to your reports though, they're a pre-warp civilisation," she said softly. Allyndra was an experienced officer...she'd know where this was going.

"Indeed, they have from what we have scanned barely gotten an artificial satellite into orbit, some low band amplitude wave broadcasting and still using petro chemical vehicles as well." Allyndra gave the cut and dry list but that to did not mitigate the fact that these were living beings. "Indeed compared to our technology they are primitive but they are still thinking and living beings. Are we no better than a Q?, than the Organians or other similar advanced races? Beneath us and thus incapable of compassion?"

"It's not about compassion," Blake replied quietly, a slight frown breaking through on her features as she shook her head. No, it really wasn't about compassion, and that was the problem for a lot of people. "It's about not playing gods to these people....in fact, Q is a good example of what can happen when someone decides to mess with the universe like that. Starfleet believes we don't have the right to interfere in the natural progress of people like this."

Allyndra shook her head, "I can see natural progression, but this is not progression this is extinction. Oh I suppose some life might survive for a bit of time but with a variable star like this?" She spread her hands, "The chances of it surviving long or even at all is nearly nil. I have a hard time just watching and saying basically: 'Oh well that is the throw of the dice'. So we just do the sort of see you, wouldn't want to be you. Fleet really needs to have more flexibility." She sighed, "I lay the blame on the bureaucratic types not you of course. I have to admit I do not fully understand, perhaps not being part of the Federation directly and having only dealt with it for less than a generation."

"No, no I think this is a debate that has raged for some time for many people," Scarlet admitted tiredly, turning to better face her, shaking her head with a frown. "If we charge in, and beam those people up, onto spaceships, making first contact, it will change them forever. It will profoundly shape their people. Starfleet believes that is a power that is just above our right to decide...." she shook her head, looking away as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Listen, positions and ranks aside," she lowered her voice to a near whisper. "If it was up to just you and me, I'd be the first one to grab my jacket and get my boots on the ground to get them on a rescue ship and out of there," she admitted quietly before meeting her eyes. "But it's not up to us. We represent our uniforms, and Starfleet is clear that we can't do that. If, however, we can find someway to prevent disaster without them knowing we were involved....?" she looked to her to see if she thought it was a possibility. If anyone could think of a way to prevent that star from harming the planet, it would be Allyndra.

Allyndra nodded. "I understand the duty that and oath that was given. I broke one before and will not again. However, it must be something that I will have to talk to the council back on Akkadia." She laid that out. It would not affect the here and now but it might have repercussions later. She switched the subject. "I have authorized an away team. There mandate is to observe and collect as much data as possible. Even if we cannot do anything to help these people perhaps some recording of their time and civilization will survive even if to be studied in academically."

Scarlet nodded with understanding, letting out a soft breath, shaking her head slowly with regret. "Is there nothing at all we can do from up here to protect the planet from the flares?"

"No, in fact a strong enough flare could damage this ship. Still, we can monitor and see if anything can be done that is reasonable."

"Then let's keep people on it," Scarlet nodded firmly with a frown. "If there's any chance to find a way to protect them, even if it means getting between them and trouble, we need to find it."

"Yes captain," Allyndra replied. She might not be an expert in stellar phenomena but she knew that the Federation or anyone else for that matter had much that could stop a full blown solar eruption. Nature still had her way of showing who was really in charge. "Hope you are feeling better soon," she added.

"Thank you, me too," Scarlet admitted with a weak smile, shaking her head slowly, easing back awkwardly. "Thanks for dropping by though. I feel less...isolated now."

"Very good captain, well wishes and I will keep you apprised if any changes. Now that the executive officer part is done, as a medical officer make sure you rest and get plenty of fluids." Allyndra smiled and then left.

[OFF]

--

Cmdr Allyndra illm Warraquim
Acting XO and CMO
USS Schofield

Cmdr Scarlet Blake
Acting CO
USS Schofield

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