[snip]

“And if we could leave a replicator, perhaps someone staying to help them, like an interim Ambassador, would be able to define the replication parameters and keep it from being abused. We could give them one that merely replicates scale models, say. Or that only does certain compounds we can share. Sharing of same level technology isn’t prohibited as long as it’s monitor and not abused. Right?”

“Yes, it is possible to put some kind of lock on the controls of equipment like Replicators,” replied Glen, “but any hi-tech could be reversed engineered or the lock removed. As for leaving behind an ‘interim ambassador’ to monitor their use, I could never ask someone to do that. I certainly could never order someone.”

A smile curled up the edge of the Chief’s lip. The Captain would get the sense that Tia was offering to remain behind till the Federation sent a proper delegation.

“Really?” Glen was astonished, “Why would you wish to do that? …and that’s even if I could spare you!”

Tia’s suggestion was certainly something that could be done without fuss, as long as the material’s used were of the make of those on the Habitat and not introducing any new material or other forms of ‘interference’ then it would be fine. Refining an existing material could be argued to be interfering as a grey area to some, but there then was where Glen’s judgement was left to choose.

Glen might eventually come around to the idea, not the idea of losing the best engineer in the Black Fleet, but that they could supply a portable replicator. He’d need to think about it a little more. Even a replicator that made self-sealing stem bolts and other industrial machine parts was very uncommon, especially on a Starship. Mostly they only synthesised a variety of foodstuffs in unusual shapes, and clothing, or disposed of waste materials. Tia was going to have to repurpose one, make it portable, able to run off fusion power rather than a Warp engine, and put enough safeties and biofilters on it, that it could never be used to make weapons, poisons or other dangerous items. It was a tall order, but if any engineer could do it, she could.

“Obviously, I can see why you would want to help these people and give them a more solid foundation for their future, and I see that it is a unique habitat and culture, untouched and unclaimed by the Federation or annexed by the expansion of other galactic powers. However, this is a very small distant world to be left behind on. There is little chance that anyone from the Federation will visit frequently. There will be no Federation comforts. There is your security to think about. It is such a big decision, not to be lightly made…”

“We can discuss this further later,” Glen added. “We should get back to the Dol. He’ll already be wondering why we are arguing here.”

Tia nodded. “I understand the seclusion and security issues, Sir. I’ve given this a lot of thought. I have no reason to go back. And if I can educate them about the Federation, then maybe when someone does show up, they’ll have the knowledge to know if they want to join us.” She smiled and shook her head laughing slightly. “Isn’t this what we are all about?”

His suggestion to go back to Dol made her nod again. “Let’s see what he thinks of the idea. Who knows… He may not want any help.” She shrugged and followed him back to their host.

Glen walked back to where the Dol had removed himself, with Tia following behind. The Dol seemed engrossed in reviewing his shift reports from a paper print out, but he may have simply been giving them privacy to talk out of hearing range. Glen coughed lightly to let the Dol know they had returned. Tia was certainly right about one thing; that all these plans they were making were a waste of time if the Dol did not need help, or refused to take it.

-Glen, CO