Meditations ...

[T'aral 0]

T'Aral examined the First Contact data for Epsilon Scorpii Four with clinical detachment. While it was unlikely that the ship's medical officer would be involved in a diplomatic mission, it was always a possibility that she would be called to serve in some capacity. It was best to be prepared.

 

The Wei'ans were Class 3a humanoids: mamallian and dual gendered. Visibly similar to humans, the one thing that distinguished the Wei'ans from humans were their noses: specifically, an absence of flaring nostrils due to a lack of protruding cartilidge. Instead, the Wei'ans nostril structures were long narrow slits which followed the contour of a nearly flat facial profile. Of course, the information she had was only based on initial contact. There was no way at this point to determine if their blood was based on hemoglobin or hemocyanin, or if they were in any other way biologically similar. It was entirely possible that the statements in the report she had read were simply assumptions made by the first-contact team.

 

That, however, was for Leutenant Belo to concern herself with. T'Aral's function was as a medical officer, and although there might have been questions to pique her Vulcan curiousity, there was only one matter which required any attention on her part: the potential threat of the Se'an Chan.

 

The greatest sign that the Wei'an were mamallian was, perhaps, the fact that they had an organized terrorist faction. Something about emotional mamallian species tended to foster this facet of agressive behavior: combat through terror of non-combatants. It was ( as was true of most emotional behaviors ) entirely illogical: those who would be the most likely victims of terrorist behavior were those least involved in whatever conflict was taking place. It was, however, an annoying contradiction which demonstrated that terrorists were capable of logical thought - their targets were chosen for ease of attack. Those whom terrorists were actually at odds with were often too well guarded to be attacked. Attacking innocent bystanders, while illogical, would provide a feeling of accomplishment - even if it accomplished nothing.

 

This analysis, though, would be of little use ... as would any analysis of the actions or rhetoric of the Se'an Chan. If the organization had any true purpose, it would've been set aside or addressed in the face of a global challenge. Like most terrorist organizations, the Se'an Chan had long since passed the point of any meaningful purpose. They existed in order to give their leaders a purpose: their leaders had felt the power of people dying for their cause, and now they were psychologically addicted to that sensation. They would keep themselves away from danger, but would continue to expound hate upon hate so that they could keep their hold on the authority they desperately needed. If the problems they rallied others against were addressed, they would make up new ones: whatever it took, for without their positions as terrorist leaders their lives would have no meaning.

 

It was a pathetic existence, but one which made them a hazard to all others around them. The medical station would have to be on constant alert for the duration of the visit. In a deep, quiet, hidden place within T'Aral's mind she allowed herself a brief sigh: even if it were completely uneventful, this was going to be a long mission.

 

She switched off the monitor and stepped out of her office to brief the staff. It would be best if they knew right away what they would be in for.