Posted by Captain John Tiberius Glen (Captain) in Main Sim - Native Village - The Elder’s Council
[snip]

=/\= All I can promise to you is that we will not attempt to change your ways, beliefs, culture or values by force. We will tell you of ours but it is up to you if you wish to embrace them. Usually, we would not even contact a world such as yours until it had reached that technological level where it could travel between worlds by itself. We would prefer not to interfere with it’s own development until that point. In your case, our hand was forced because the Klingons had already been here. However, once we have given you our help with your food security, health and mine safety, we would be happy to withdraw and leave you alone, remaining as good friends. =/\=

Glen didn’t want to mention the sun crystals at this point, as he still didn’t have confirmation from McMullins that they were Dilithium, but they did concern him somewhat. The Klingons were only interested in the products of the mines. Without the Klingons here, and their financial help, the natives would find it difficult to support themselves. But others could come for the sun crystals, and Glen’s promise of non-interference might not be so truthful when Starfleet R&D became aware, or worse, Orion Slave Traders, or other non-aligned powers who put profit before any other considerations. This was a vulnerable planet and the natives had no idea of the ‘Doom’ they could yet suffer.

Hunter was also thinking on the same lines as Glen ,after all he did think of other malevolent species that might wipe out the inhabitants ,capable of causing physical harm, injury, death or displaying malice, evil or vindictiveness with their advanced technology , just to get their hands on what was so precious to the Klingons. The doctor looked at him ‘’Captain why don’t you tell them what is out there and what could happen, apart from the Klingons who apparently and much to my surprise did not treat them so badly’’ .

‘’Sir why are you holding back and playing down the severity of what could happen to them?’‘.

“We aren’t sure that ‘sun crystals’ are Dilithium. I need McMullins to confirm that first,” Glen said, explaining, “I’ve already made one mistake about the Klingons mistreating them. I can’t afford to make another if they are to trust us!”

Verity nodded in understanding, realizing the Captain’s cautious approach. She respected Glen’s desire to gather more information and confirm the nature of the “sun crystals” before jumping to conclusions. It was essential to avoid spreading panic or causing unnecessary alarm among the inhabitants.

“You’re right, Captain,” Verity replied, her voice reflecting a blend of concern and determination. “We need to exercise caution and gather all the facts before presenting any theories or potential threats to the inhabitants. It’s crucial for them to trust us, and that means being transparent while also ensuring we have accurate information. However it is also important not to downplay the potential dangers entirely. If there are indeed malevolent species interested in these ‘sun crystals’ or if they turn out to be a valuable resource like Dilithium, the inhabitants could face grave threats. We should prepare them for possible scenarios while maintaining a balance between caution and reassurance.”
We need to strike a balance. Once we have confirmed the true nature of these crystals and assessed any potential risks, we can share the information with the inhabitants, ensuring they are prepared for the possibilities without causing unnecessary panic.”

Hunter piped in ‘’If what they call the sun’s crystals are indeed Dilithium these inhabitants shall never be safe ,to far behind for more advanced civilizations ‘’ and for the first time since they came down the doctor actually felt saddened and troubled for these unfortunate people .

“Okay, I’ll warn them very gently!” Glen told his two officers.

=/\= My officers are telling me that I must also warn you. The objects that you mine and call ‘sun crystals’ are very likely to be something we call Dilithium. It was probably the reason that the Klingons first came here. Those crystals are very rare and very valuable, because they are used to help power almost every starship. Now, these ‘sun crystals’ could make your planet very prosperous if you trade in them, but equally, once this is known, they could submit your planet to every pirate, every rogue, and every criminal that ever lived. If the Klingons treated you well, then that is great, but other races could come here in starships, with superior weapons and in large numbers, and you would be defenceless against them. They might simply take what you have and rob you of them. Whether you want us here or not, you do need Starfleet to protect you from these threats. =/\=

Dr. Cross made contact with the Captain =/\= Sir . the comet shall be approaching within an hour or so and if you’re standing at the correct angle should be able to locate it, we’re keeping a close eye on it =/\= .

It never rains but it pours! thought Glen, and he replied =/\= Acknowledged! =/\=. Was Cross flying the ship again? Glen thought, Maybe we are Fed-doomed after all?

Verity whispered to Captain Glen, “Is Cross in charge?” Not that she didn’t think Cross wasn’t capable of being in charge it’s just at times she knew her to be kind of eccentric. Not wanting the question to come across the wrong way she rephrased, “I mean, it’s great she has stepped up to take charge of the ship. I am sure she can handle everything.”

“She is the most senior officer aboard right now,” Glen replied. “Don’t worry about Cross though. She might do things instinctively, without thinking them through first, but I’ve trusted those instincts with my life several times, and they’ve never let me down… Still, you will see that I have trained up Hercules Kahuna to be able to take the conn in any emergencies, and he is as steady as they go. In any emergencies, Cross is better placed in the Sickbay, as she excels there.”

Verity nodded. She had seen Cross in action before and admired her skills in the Sickbay. It made sense to have her focus on her strengths during emergencies. “I understand, Captain,” Verity replied. “I apologize for the inquiry. I was just…surprised, I guess.” Although she didnt quite know who Hercules Kahuna was, she continued, “Its good to know Hercules is prepared to take charge if needed.” Verity felt helpless on the planet as the Merrimack awaited the arrival of the comet. Please let them be okay. she said to herself.

“Surprised?” Captain Glen asked, “Do you mean, ‘Surprised that a CMO can be capable of assuming command of a starship?’ Like any senior officer they are also eligible to take the Bridge Officer’s tests. Dr. Cross has begun that process too.” Glen glossed over the part about the attack on the ship while they were docked at a space station and while Cross had been left in temporary command. “Hercules is only recently promoted from Ensign. I wouldn’t like him to be left in charge without any other senior officer. He doesn’t have enough experience. Most of his logged command hours have been very routine. Quite honestly, I would trust Dr. Cross more if any situation arose. She has more gravitas!”

After that short interlude, Glen thought that they should get back to speaking to the Elders. The warning from Cross reminded Glen that he still wasn’t sure about the relationship between these people and the periodic comets that had been flung their way. When he had mentioned it to the natives earlier they had not seemed particularly bothered, however that may all change when they actually see a comet in their sky. In Earth culture, comets were seen a portents of ‘doom’, and while that wasn’t necessarily true in this culture, he was concerned about all this continued talk of ‘Fedoomers’ and how they would react.

• Glen, CO

Hunter could not help but look up at the sky,wondering if he’ll be able to see the comet ‘’I sure hope it shall pass by safely and not decide to drop just where we’re standing’’ he then glanced at the Captain and Verity ‘’I guess the word ‘Fedoomers ’ compliment me just fine ‘’.

The usual impeccable doctor was a real sight ,wearing only a pair off trousers ,smudged with dirt and soot, while his shoulder length hair looked more like a bird’s nest.

Hunter Dr.