Reporting In

[Webmaster 20]

Subject: Reporting In

Date: Sun, Feb 22, 1998 9:28 AM

From: LtJg Joy

Message-id:

 

 

Subject :  Reporting In

From :  LtJg Joy Five

To :  Commander Darr

CC :  Security Log

 

This unit reported to USS Republic security, start of prime watch, stardate 9802.16.  Due to illness and AT duty, this unit was senior security officer present at time of report.  LCARS has accepted this unit for normal interface pending CSec conformation.

 

This unit also registered a non-standard weapon, a staff.  This staff is simply a straight round piece of wood, well within Earth's European and Chinese traditional weapons classification.  It is non-standard only in terms of density of the wood and somewhat unusual harmonics.  While this weapon is intended for use only in the dojo, should honor or law exclude use of energy or distance weapons on duty, this staff

would be my weapon of choice.

 

Lacking further orders, I reported to the bridge for Tac duty.  I was able to bypass considerable interference, and make the transporters operational, though only at very short range.  Use of shuttles might be preferred, however the high asteroid activity in the region makes shuttle activity a similar risk.

 

The station was crewed by Horta.  All adults at the station were dead.  Several young were found alive.  Cause of death is not certain.  One consideration, however, is that when a generation of Horta lays the eggs of the next generation, all adults of the prior generation die, with the exception of a single 'nanny' or 'guardian'.  The situation here is unusual in that the adult population was extremely small.  While

it is early to eliminate foul play or acts of war, the life cycle of the Horta must be remembered when reconstructing what happened on the station.

 

Several young Horta have been beamed to the Republic.  Medical is preparing a nursery.  This unit has reviewed the files on Horta and would like to review some primary factors.

 

Use of phasers on low stun settings against Horta is not recommended.  It tends to annoy them, and make them less friendly.  Use of phasers set to high power settings against Horta is not recommended.  It is very painful.  It tends to make them angry and hostile.  Hand to hand combat against Horta is also not recommended.  This is almost always immediately fatal to the being confronting the Horta.

 

The above is true when confronting adults.  The young age of our current guests could change this.

 

This unit is programmed at Priority Two, "Unless receiving legal orders from valid Starfleet chain of command, do not kill or injure sentients, nor allow sentients to be killed or injured."  This unit also favors the general peace time same technology rules of engagement as taught at the Academy.  "Force should be used only as a last resort.  Be the peacemaker and mediator, not the aggressor.  Do not be the first to

use force."

 

I can in part understand other culture's perspectives.  It is honorable to put one's life at risk for the sake of another, or for principle, law or liberty.  Those who take up arms to defend others are to be praised.  However, Mudd's culture and Starfleet training both emphasize prevention of conflict, resolving situations without causing death or injury.  All means should be tried in earnest before force is

used.

 

While my personal belief is that this should hold true of all species, in all circumstances, it is especially true when dealing with Horta.

 

LtJg Joy Five