[ Jim likes coffee with synthetic space almond milk or something, so he's also drinking it black these days, but has done his caffeine chugging already. Might have some more later. ]
The differences between Wyver and Olympia remind me very distinctly of the two empires the Federation is caught between. The Klingon Empire for Wyver and the Romulan Star Empire for Olympia. The Klingons are a tribal, warrior culture who reject peace because they fear potential for homogeneity and value their culture above all things, and the Romulans are just ... fascist.
[ He shrugs. ] We've made big strides with both, though, and each of them are comprised of dozens, if not hundreds of planets, with full space-faring armadas.
[ So not all hope is lost. But-- ]
What gets me about this situation in particular is that the way the Natha have dictated we interact reminds me of what Starfleet calls the Prime Directive, or the 'non-interference directive'. It forbids any Starfleet personnel from interfering with the natural development of societies, even if that interference might be well-intentioned. It goes so far to as to require we completely hide our existence from societies that haven't yet developed the technology to travel off-planet like we have. However, if a society asks us for help, we can help, and if a society has already been interfered with by another party, then it's up for debate, and left up to the commanding officer's discretion.
[ Peggy listens quietly and intently, holding her thoughts and questions until she's certain Jim has said all he's needed to say. And even then, she mulls over it β it's not that it's a lot, it's all rather straightforward in a refreshing sort of way. More than that, his explanation of the Prime Directive makes perfect, logical sense to her. The similarities apply so neatly that she isn't sure there's much else she can add to that, other than to nod and sip at her coffee.
And then: ]
So as your organisation's only commanding officer present, [ Peggy glances across to him, genuinely curious; ] what would you do in this instance? Empress Simwe and King Shanrian have already enlisted our help as refugees to spearhead the rescue operations two weeks ago. What if they continue to involve us in further proceedings?
i thought i replied to a million things over the past month but no
The Prime Directive as Starfleet knows it is already completely blown, [ he says. Obviously, Jim's given this some thought -- it'd be impossible not to. ] First and foremost, the Natha have been interfering with this planet for who even knows how long. Just because the natives don't realize that their development has been so heavily influenced doesn't mean it hasn't happened. And, of course, we're here with the direction to 'help', and we've been identified as outsiders. So ground zero for me is already botched. This is a damage control situation now.
[ Spock might have a conflicting opinion, but Spock ain't here. Jim's done his best to consider potential alternative perspectives, but he always ends up back at the same place. The only other viable path as he sees it is to do nothing, which is unacceptable. ]
We have two main problems to consider when looking at how to manage that damage control. Top of the list is preventing war. Full stop, that has to be the focus. Secondary to that is considering if it's possible, or safe, for the natives to understand the truth of their world. Considering the religious significance put onto the moon and the way some refugees have appeared, it may be too potentially damaging to ever fully reveal it. But it's something we have to think about, because it could happen by accident. And then what? What's the impact on military tension, or refugee safety?
[ He shrugs. Hypotheticals, those questions. ]
I'd have to see the outcome of stability between these cities to make any kind of call about the secondary problem. And, honestly, we're lucky we have any kind of wiggle room. Almost every other time I've had to make a call in a situation like this, I've had to make it in a moment.
[ She hums softly, mulling over those hypotheticals. By their nature, they don't require answers, but she entertains them all the same β it's her job to consider every possible outcome (arguably it's both their jobs) and what she concludes doesn't paint a very pretty picture. But reality is often grim, particularly the one she's known: a world at war with itself, rising up against those who are deemed different, slaughtering them so that only one voice remains.
People are so often afraid of what they don't understand or the possibility of others being more powerful, usurping power, the minority becoming the majority. If the natives here learn the universe is more vast than they realised, the threat of invasion is not too far-fetched (even if it is). However: ]
You're right, [ she murmurs after a beat, cupping the rim of her mug with thumb and forefinger, rubbing the latter idly against it. ] How Wyver and Olympia handle the next few months will give us a better idea about the rest. Watching and waiting isn't exciting but it is necessary.
[ And she happens to excel at it. There's a stretch of silence, and then she leans back gingerly and flashes him a slight smile. ]
Thank you, by the way. For indulging my curiosity.
Watching and waiting is a big part of scientific research, which I oversee a lot of. I always think it's the worst part, and then something goes nuts, and I'm like 'what's wrong with me, man.' But then things settle down again...
[ Sort of joking. Bad things happening is bad, but when you're trained for handling the bad shit, you can't help but feel restless in between. ]
As they have now, [ she comments, echoing his tone. ] Maybe we should take advantage of it.
[ It's the way of things here β situations peak, they recover in the lull between. She is so bloody tired and it's more than the bone-deep ache of her injuries; it's the worry over Steve and everyone else caught in the line of fire. It's her trying to figure out how to get ahead of the next time.
Because like it or not, there may very well be a next time. ]
Do you mind?
[ Just sitting here. They haven't known each other long and it takes more than a few chance meetings or thoughtful conversations to earn her trust; but for now, this level of professional camaraderie feels familiar, and that's enough. ]
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The differences between Wyver and Olympia remind me very distinctly of the two empires the Federation is caught between. The Klingon Empire for Wyver and the Romulan Star Empire for Olympia. The Klingons are a tribal, warrior culture who reject peace because they fear potential for homogeneity and value their culture above all things, and the Romulans are just ... fascist.
[ He shrugs. ] We've made big strides with both, though, and each of them are comprised of dozens, if not hundreds of planets, with full space-faring armadas.
[ So not all hope is lost. But-- ]
What gets me about this situation in particular is that the way the Natha have dictated we interact reminds me of what Starfleet calls the Prime Directive, or the 'non-interference directive'. It forbids any Starfleet personnel from interfering with the natural development of societies, even if that interference might be well-intentioned. It goes so far to as to require we completely hide our existence from societies that haven't yet developed the technology to travel off-planet like we have. However, if a society asks us for help, we can help, and if a society has already been interfered with by another party, then it's up for debate, and left up to the commanding officer's discretion.
yikes i thought i replied to this
And then: ]
So as your organisation's only commanding officer present, [ Peggy glances across to him, genuinely curious; ] what would you do in this instance? Empress Simwe and King Shanrian have already enlisted our help as refugees to spearhead the rescue operations two weeks ago. What if they continue to involve us in further proceedings?
i thought i replied to a million things over the past month but no
[ Spock might have a conflicting opinion, but Spock ain't here. Jim's done his best to consider potential alternative perspectives, but he always ends up back at the same place. The only other viable path as he sees it is to do nothing, which is unacceptable. ]
We have two main problems to consider when looking at how to manage that damage control. Top of the list is preventing war. Full stop, that has to be the focus. Secondary to that is considering if it's possible, or safe, for the natives to understand the truth of their world. Considering the religious significance put onto the moon and the way some refugees have appeared, it may be too potentially damaging to ever fully reveal it. But it's something we have to think about, because it could happen by accident. And then what? What's the impact on military tension, or refugee safety?
[ He shrugs. Hypotheticals, those questions. ]
I'd have to see the outcome of stability between these cities to make any kind of call about the secondary problem. And, honestly, we're lucky we have any kind of wiggle room. Almost every other time I've had to make a call in a situation like this, I've had to make it in a moment.
no subject
People are so often afraid of what they don't understand or the possibility of others being more powerful, usurping power, the minority becoming the majority. If the natives here learn the universe is more vast than they realised, the threat of invasion is not too far-fetched (even if it is). However: ]
You're right, [ she murmurs after a beat, cupping the rim of her mug with thumb and forefinger, rubbing the latter idly against it. ] How Wyver and Olympia handle the next few months will give us a better idea about the rest. Watching and waiting isn't exciting but it is necessary.
[ And she happens to excel at it. There's a stretch of silence, and then she leans back gingerly and flashes him a slight smile. ]
Thank you, by the way. For indulging my curiosity.
no subject
Watching and waiting is a big part of scientific research, which I oversee a lot of. I always think it's the worst part, and then something goes nuts, and I'm like 'what's wrong with me, man.' But then things settle down again...
[ Sort of joking. Bad things happening is bad, but when you're trained for handling the bad shit, you can't help but feel restless in between. ]
no subject
[ It's the way of things here β situations peak, they recover in the lull between. She is so bloody tired and it's more than the bone-deep ache of her injuries; it's the worry over Steve and everyone else caught in the line of fire. It's her trying to figure out how to get ahead of the next time.
Because like it or not, there may very well be a next time. ]
Do you mind?
[ Just sitting here. They haven't known each other long and it takes more than a few chance meetings or thoughtful conversations to earn her trust; but for now, this level of professional camaraderie feels familiar, and that's enough. ]
no subject
[ He smiles, exhaling an almost-laugh. It's nice to just sit and decompress for a minute, and Peggy's fine company.
Jim gets himself some coffee, finally, and we can PROBABLY LET THIS POOR THREAD GO AT LAST but it was worth it!! ]