[snip]

“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.

Dol looked up from his paper print out as the two returned, setting the paper aside he clasped his hands near his waist. “..Ah you both return from your discussion, now then let’s see where were we?” He posed.

But before anyone could reply the door to the left of the command center opened, and what seemed a jogging member of Dol’s people came in with a digital tablet like device. “..Habitat Master Dol..” he said taking a moment to catch his breath, “..Councilor Sal has tasked me with a message to deliver to you and our alien guests, specifically Captain Glen..” he said.

”..Oh? Please deliver your message then runner..” Dol said.

Nodding and now seeming to have recovered from his jogging from the nearby tram station to here, “..Councilor Sal is currently with our alien guests in our main cultural center showing them not only our base educational systems but also those related to the Seed Pod Academy. However, one of the alien guests a Doctor Cross has been found to be winded and tired. She and one other of the aliens to recover will be waiting for their return in the main educational facility’s lounge. Doctor Cross does not seem to need medical attention, describing her condition to just be due to lacking proper fluid intake and nutritional needs of her race..” he said, looking between Dol and Glen he then said holding onto a digital pen writing device, “..Do either of you have a return message for our alien guests or Councilor Sal?” he asked.

“Tell them, thank you for letting us know, and sorry to have disrupted the visit,” said Glen. Then he thought that it didn’t seem as if he was concerned enough. The thing was, this could easily be one of Miriam’s ruses to get away from the main party and do some exploring off on her own, and he knew that he had Joe Milligan there, who would certainly keep his eye on her. It didn’t sound serious, and while she was best treated back on the Merrimack, they were probably only obeying his orders not to use the Transporter except in an emergency.

So, he added, “Tell them, if it is any more serious than needing a rest and a drink, they must arrange for her to return to our ship and to see another doctor.”

Based on this observation it seems the station either lacked inter-habitat wireless communication methods or more likely it was limited to more urgent or emergency message use/times.

Glen thought that was interesting; the lack of sub-space radio hyperchannels, or even of a more simple communication by electromagnetic waves, could be a reason why the Habitat was so isolated and alone. It was doubtful that the UFP would exist without some form of communication over the vast distances between its member worlds. In fact, in Earth’s history, it was wireless communication that brought isolated parts of the planet together rather than travel. Glen had also read that the first object that man had ever sent into Earth’s orbit captivated people by it’s radio broadcast rather than by being seen. Glen thought that a simple 20th Century radio communications system would be something that Tia could easily develop for them without breaking any rules.

-Glen, CO