[snip]

Just as the meeting was wrapping up two science NEs entered with PADDs, “..Sir! We just got a full report from the probe we sent back to that nebula. Pretty much confirms what those aliens on the habitat said, 600 years ago it was larger, but still likely declining even then, cause is unknown but we suspect there is possibly a tiny hole in subspace that is acting like a ‘drain’ on the nebula, there is also evidence that in even larger times past there could have been some kind of explosion that also hastened this along. Likely those aliens back then and even now could barely make out the nebula must less then or now detect any indications of subspace events. Or other events for that matter at that distance, based on your comm call I’d say technology wise back then and to some degree even now have a technology level of late 21st to early 22nd century Earth. Some things might be earlier then that or later. The only stand out is their organic power cell tech, but given they said they have had some interaction with other aliens in this region its possible they traded, or adapted tech given to them in their past..” the first said.

The second nodded then handed over his own report, “..We’ve also done a compilation of scans of the habitat, reviewed local public comm traffic and radio signals we can easily pick up and the like. Going off this I would say these aliens are lead by a single figure head, as Dr Cross said who takes up the title of Dol. They then are supported and in turn elected when needed by a central council body which in turn is itself elected when openings happen by the general populace by popularity vote of those who run. Based on what traffic we picked up they generally seem peaceful, though as the alien leader mentioned on the bridge to you Captain, some time further then 600 years ago in their past they had been slaves to others on another planet not of this system. These slaves were called the Dol, and back then the label was derogatory but now we’d say is used as a symbol of pride of their escape and past leaders. Again at some point in their past before 600 years ago they somehow overthrew their masters and made off into space like old Earth gypsies using sublight capable crafts and sleeper ships to go from system to system to get supplies, and find a home which would let them escape from any pursuit of their former Masters. Eventually sometime over 600 years ago again they settled here.” the second began to explain.

The first nodded, then picked up the tale, “..Again going off public traffic and records they seem to prefer living in space, as they feel that if they lived on a planet it would risk putting them back into a mindset of being slaves again. While we don’t think this would happen it just seems to be something deeply rooted in their culture, hence the massive space habitat which every couple of hundred years is expanded. I’d say they’re generally a peaceful sort, but willing to fit for their freedoms if pushed, as well as being inquisitive of others cautiously, hence their whole Seed Pod thing. It’s actually not a bad way to help orphans in their society I guess, the children get a family, learn new things, and if they can return here, can help their own people. Why many don’t return we can’t say though..” he finished up.

Tia had remained quiet in the back of the room, having slipped in late because of checking in on engineering after seeing the boy was settled. She was glad they would be checking on these folks before leaving the boy. But she knew from the Captain’s time, the child would be remaining here. Somewhere do inside, Tia felt a pang of loss already. But she knew it was best for him. Franz didn’t belong on her ship any more than she belonged in a parental position. Grateful they would at least be exchanging like for like technology, she started tapping on her PaDD for engineering to gather various technology pieces they could use that for twenty first and second century technology as well as early warp tech. It was a short list, but she hoped it would suffice. She then turned her attention back to the two who had come to report. It was interesting, indeed. To remain space bound for fear of acting like a slave if land bound.

Glen summed up, “So, these are people who could have developed a higher level of technology themselves, but their itinerant, nomadic history, together with their slave history, has informed their culture and heritage, and this still permeates their lifestyle choices today, meaning that they never put down roots long enough in one place, and instead developed this unusual way of gaining it from others. In which case, I move that the Prime Directive probably doesn’t apply here, though I wouldn’t wish to argue that in a Federation court, and we still stay with our Plan A.”

“Anything else?” Glen asked, “Any other security concerns? Any other observations?” Glen looked at the time again. “If there is nothing else, then we should make a move.”

-Glen, CO

”..No sir we have nothing else to report..” Both NEs stated. Having completed their reports they both departed back to the bowels of the Merrimack.

William took down notes on what they said despite the fact that this report was probably waiting for him in the system and most definitely a copy on a PaDD on his desk. They had done an admirable job in such a short time “Nothing from me, I would like to meet with some cultural historians if we can once on the planet though”

CSO

Cross was looking down at a lock of hair as she twirled it around her finger ‘’Neither me’’ she said after William but that was were it stopped , for the CMO could not make head or tail of why 600 years have passed and these species had not moved on afraid that they’ll be taken slaves again..instead were willing to send pods with their own people inside in search for more advanced technology .

Cross CMO.

With things wrapping up they had but a little bit to prepare and get to the shuttlebay to get over to the habitat.

GM CockRoach