Posted by Captain John Tiberius Glen (Captain) in Main Sim-Confrence Room A-Briefing &Meeting the Ascended
[snip]

Glen added, “The kind of negotiations my XO suggests are well above our paygrade, Josan. Generally, our diplomats would come and discuss the finer details with you, but they aren’t here, and right now we do have you here in person. I’m not sure that a shared oversight committee could ever work when the rich economic value of this planet is known about. So, what I would suggest is that I don’t tell the Federation about the Dilithium deposits and we remove ourselves entirely from this system, making a Starfleet General Order than no ship should come here. We allow the natives of EP19 to develop without outside influence, and for you to observed them, but we would ask in return that you observe and respect our fundamental principles against the the deliberate killing of a large number of intelligent beings from a particular nation or planet?”

Verity nodded thoughtfully at Captain Glen’s proposal, appreciating the effort to find a compromise. She turned her attention back to Josan, considering the gravity of the situation.

“Josan, Captain Glen raises a valid point. If we were to keep this information from the Federation and ensure no further Starfleet involvement, it would grant the EP19 inhabitants the freedom to develop on their own terms. However, we would need your assurance that you will abide by our fundamental principles and refrain from causing harm to the native population. This includes not interfering with their development or using your advanced technology to their detriment. Can we trust that the ascended beings will respect these principles?” As another thought came to mind she continued “We understand that your civilization operates on a different plane of existence, but in this shared space, we must find a way to coexist peacefully. If we can establish this understanding, we may be able to avoid a potentially catastrophic conflict that would harm both our worlds. Ultimately, the goal here is to protect both the EP19 inhabitants and the Dilithium resource. If we can reach an agreement that ensures their safety and autonomy while safeguarding this valuable material, it would be a win-win situation for all parties involved. What are your thoughts on Captain Glen’s proposal?”

Josan took in what the group was saying, “..While this system does lie in what you consider your claimed space and the station system just outside your claimed borders. The fact is that EP19’s system is ours, you may not have known it at the time nor did the others who were here previously known as the Klingons. But they did not impact the station’s ability to continue its experiments upon EP19 until the past year or so. We applaud your desire to respect the natural order developing life forms, but in this case these are not naturally occurring organics. They are and were artificially created by our sciences for one purpose to exist for our VA station’s and our own scientific questions to continue. If the VA station ever decides to remove the native life as I said it would be a painless and unfelt process, they simply go to sleep and then have their biological functions cease, from there automated clean up drones would vaporize any remaining traces so that the station may start over as it needs to do so..” Josan said.

”..If though you can not feel this is agreeable to your morals, we understand. Then we would suggest you cut contact fully and cording off this area of space from you or others interfering, until such time that the VA’s station experiment is complete or we Ascended choose to alter the scope of the station’s experiments..” Josan stated.

It seems likely their only recourse would be to do a General Order cordon. Despite their desires to protect the natives, Josan was right that the natives were not a truly naturally evolving species, their origins were artificial from start to finish, their very DNA was programmed to proceed in one form or another that while it may seem natural to their understanding was for the sole purpose of a giant eon’s long experiment on the limits of organic life. It may not be right to their morals, but it was seen as right to the Ascended, and like it or not at least for the foreseeable future the Federation did not have the forces, or likely technology to really damage or stop either the Ascended or VA station from doing its purpose if it so choose. The choice was Glen’s though as he was the Federation CO on the spot to make the call.....

It seemed that Captain Glen didn’t really have a choice. It was Hobson’s choice. His own plan seemed like a good workable one but he still wasn’t happy with it. Firstly, it didn’t sit right with him that these Ascended could treat other intelligent beings like microbes on a Petri dish. However, he could see that to their way of thinking, what they were doing was no different at all. It wasn’t so long ago that humans on Earth had carried out experiments on animals, so he had no moral high ground on which to parade. Secondly, he would need to ask the Merrimack crew, once again, to lie and to swear secrecy about a mission they had been on. It wasn’t fair for him to make those decisions for the rest of the crew, but it would never work unless they did so with a united front. Thirdly, it wouldn’t be enough to satisfy many of his crew, and he would have to shoulder the blame for suggesting it.

Verity felt the weight of the decision pressing down on Captain Glen’s shoulders as he contemplated the options. She knew that he was well aware of the ethical and moral complexities of the situation, as well as the potential consequences of their choices.

Taking a deep breath, Verity addressed Captain Glen directly, “Captain, I understand that this is an incredibly difficult decision, and there are no perfect solutions here. It’s a matter of balancing our principles and the greater good. If we choose to maintain secrecy and avoid interference, we must ensure that the EP19 inhabitants are protected and not subjected to harm. We’ll need to emphasize the importance of this with our crew. While it may be a difficult path, it could be the best way to avoid a conflict that could harm both our people and the Ascended beings.”

“But exactly how do you suggest that we ensure all the EP19 inhabitants are protected?” Glen asked. “We can win the moral argument, and they can still refuse to change their plans. We can’t defeat them militarily and we can’t force them in any other way. We are completely inefficacious. The Ascended hold all the cards in this game!”

She continued, “I suggest we convene a meeting with the senior officers and carefully explain the situation to them. Their insights and perspectives could be valuable in navigating this delicate situation. We’ll need to ensure that the crew is on board with the plan if we choose to proceed this way. Ultimately, Captain, the decision rests with you, but I am here to support you in whichever choice you make.”

“We have Josan with us here now,” Glen replied. “No one might ever get that same opportunity again. If any senior officers here can make our case more emphatically than I have, and to get him to change the attitude of the Ascended, then let them do so now, or forever hold their piece. The only senior officer not present is Doctor Cross. I don’t think her temperament is suited to diplomacy, and let’s be very clear here, the very last think that I wish to begin is another military conflict.”

“If we were simply to do nothing,” Glen added, “this will be passed up the chain of command to deal with, and you can be as sure as the gods made little green apples that they will do nothing either!”

• Glen, CO

Cross arrived at the conference room, she wondered if she had taken the bait but there was no turning back .Taking a deep breath Cross entered her eyes searching for Glen.

‘’Captain I’m sorry to interrupt I brought the Padd that you send for me to sign ‘’ now the doctor looked at those gathered and gave a nod ‘’Cmdr …Lt’s ‘’ after which her gaze fell on.....Josan.

Cross CMO.