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[ The vouchers on offer have been put to good use. Witness one Vulcan wrapped up in a couple of high-neck, long-sleeved sweaters where he sits in front of the screen. There's no way of regulating the temperature as accurately as he could on the Enterprise, so the curtains are also drawn to stave off the encroaching cold and, in the comfort of his own abode, he's donned a thick cardigan that looks like a customized blanket. ~~Winter, nngh.~~ So while Spock looks a lot fluffier, his tone is just as businesslike as usual. ]

Many of the foreign recipes I am familiar with have little bearing on the available ingredients in the market and as such may not be employed here. I would be grateful for suggestions on supplemental dishes and am willing to provide recompense for any assistance provided. On a different note, if there are any individuals with an inclination toward telepathy, I am curious as to whether any of them know where it would be most opportune to try and establish a meld with the turtle. That said, they would be welcome to participate in a psychic foray being made. I was told that this has never been attempted by a great number of minds and find the unexplored concept fascinating.

I am familiar with the weight of a great many consciousnesses and amenable to hosting temporary mental immersion with others.

[ In other words, Spock is happy to be the Red Ranger in a group setting where other minds might need to rely on him for direction or support. He goes on, lifting a hand-written stack of notes off his lap. ]

Ellie, I have compiled more information concerning space and attached a short questionnaire to serve as your homework. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to collect your personalized astronomy file.

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In order for this to be true, we must technically exist outside of both time and space itself.

[If they were, indeed, currently within a space between the realms.]

And while you are not obligated, to my knowledge, to fight any battles, I am part of a Corps that exists for this very purpose. Though we do not reside in Guardian Space, if there is any way I may be of assistance in the defense of those who can not properly shield themselves, then I will do so to the best of my ability.

However, I would not object to joining you in any research regarding our return.

That is true. Temporal and spatial displacement has occurred.

The Federation to which I am affiliated is a similar organization to that of your Corps, I believe, but the fact remains we have been abducted and granted no autonomy in the matter. The emperor is seemingly unaware that she is forcing individuals from Starfleet into violating the Prime Directive, our governing law. My priority must be to return my crew home, not to participate in the war of another world.

[ It all veers far too closely to what happened to Captain April, immersing himself in the battle of one world only to forge emotional connections there regarding the resolution of the civil war, one half of a species almost entirely wiped out owing to his influence. Keeliai and its troubles, whatever they are, rank very much on its own. ]

You are welcome to share my laboratory at Wayne Enterprises whenever you wish.

[Prime Directive, Aya can understand. If only because she had all too recently spoken with a Manhunter who continued to declare that it would not be deviated from, despite meaning the death and loss of untold numbers. The conversation did not make sense to her then, just as it did not make sense to her now.]

[Her eyes narrow a fraction.]

You would risk the lives of many simply because your superiors wish it so?

Yes. The Prime Directive states that any interaction with the fate of another species is unacceptable. I would, however, prefer to save a race than condemn it, but my orders are paramount.

I do not understand the logic behind this restriction.

[It is literally the exact opposite of everything ~~the Green Lanterns~~ Hal Jordan has ever taught her.]

With civilizations that are unable to understand our technology, it is unacceptable and morally wrong to expose them to it. They must evolve naturally, to a point in their own history where they are able to support themselves. If we were to save them once, we would be beholden to do so time and again and they would grow dependent, losing their unique individuality.

To take away a races autonomy would be paramount to murder.

The emperor will not have made a great ally of the Federation by kidnapping and injuring Starfleet officers. I do not own the authority to speak on behalf of the admiralty, yet they would make no bargain for our lives and do not deal in ultimatums, which her treatment of every individual implies exists; to fight or to die, here or in our own worlds. Had she requested assistance, it would be another matter entirely.

Edited 2013-11-20 01:15 (UTC)

Your theoretical scenario is predicated on a predisposed notion that the world in question is, in fact, inferior in both technology and knowledge of defense.

Given that we have been inexplicably transported to this world of their own ruler's own accord, I can attest to the fact that this is not only the case, but that the local populace must be desperate enough that they are aware of their own ability to sufficiently defend themselves from what--according to my current research--is a foe far above and beyond what their established ecosystem and, yes, self-sufficiency, is capable of managing.

I agree that the Emperor should have made the request. However, despite her methods, I still do not find this sufficient reason to refrain from aiding to the best of my higher functions.

There is the existing theory that we are clones. Have you been informed of the facility that was discovered and verified by the emperor? If this is the case, she has committed far more grievous acts than simple kidnap, though this must be applied to a list of charges on a technicality.

Whether transported or cloned, evidence suggests she has never considered us anything but tools despite her professions to the contrary and has disrupted space-time beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable.

[Aya had, in fact. It was part of the information Kyle had uploaded into her system. Although, given the nature of her existence, Aya suspected there was far more than a mere cloning involved in her theoretical recreation.]

She would not be the first to look upon me as such.

[The space-time thing, she does not respond to, because her knowledge of the subject is limited to a fleeting experiencing with crossing said dimensions...coincidently, to save literally an entire planet. By pulling it through the rift.]

[ Aya and Spock happen to be of one mind on that count. ]

You are no more a tool than I am amphibious.

Yes. I am aware of this fact.

However...my creators do not share in this knowledge. They would have seen me deleted, had my companions not violated orders and superior intentions to come to my rescue.

[So you can understand why she might be a little put out by the notion of not wanting to risk "interference" to potentially save lives.]

[ Yeah, he's starting to get the bigger picture. ]

You are emotionally investing yourself in the emperor's cause, which has nothing to do with your own previous plight save sheer coincidence. I caution you against this and remind you that she is not above emotional blackmail.

Incorrect.

I have applied previous experience to reinforce the notion that there is good that can come of violating orders that do not benefit the saving of lives that would otherwise not be saved. My emotions are irrelevant.

I would have died in a volcano whilst setting up a nullifying cold-fusion device designed to save a nearby race from extinction when my captain violated the Prime Directive and saved my life. While I am immeasurably grateful, I believe that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few and that applying the understanding of his logic to this situation is not acceptable. I cannot replicate technology that would save or damn the future of this world simply because I believe it to be the "right" choice. It is not a choice for me to make at all, not when they are more than aware of my participation.

You are condoning the insurgence of others on your behalf. While they were morally right, as was my captain, our similar experiences should not be applied in deferential practice.

It is unlikely that we will come to an agreement on this matter.

Edited 2013-11-20 01:57 (UTC)

Apparently not.

As I believe you are the one applying a far more emotional connection to your experience. You claim that the needs of the many do not outweigh the needs of a few. However, this is in direct opposition to the current situation at hand. Help has been requested, albeit not through the usual channels, but you chose to ignore it because of the potential risk to your crew.

[Despite her words, Aya no longer appears angered or even frustrated at Spock's words. If anything, the corners of her lips briefly pull upward. He cares for his crew. Very much. This is obvious to her, and something she can empathize with.]

[Yes, empathize.]

You are correct in my condoning of insurgence. If only because I have witnessed entire Wars averted do to the very individual who taught me that those who establish the Rules are not always definitively correct.

I do not have clearance to either save or condemn a world. However my captain decides to act, I will offer him guidance and ultimately support his role. I know he will behave in the best interests of the crew of the Enterprise and will not compromise their integrity.

[ Spock's allegiance may have shifted over the past year, ever more close to Jim than Starfleet. He arches a brow. ]

Those who establish rules are often flawed but I have found that the principles they are corrupted in the pursuit of upholding are not.

Will you speak of this conversation to him?

[ His head tilts curiously. ]

Captain Kirk may have already browsed this channel. I do not withhold secrets from him.

[ For long, anyway. ]

Good.

[Nothing she has ever spoken--save for one or two very personal moments before her arrival in Keelai--has even not been intended for the public ear.]

Then he will have heard our respective arguments, and will be able to make a more informed decision accordingly.

That he will. Thank you for your time spent speaking with me.

You are most welcome.

And, in return, I wish to express my gratitude for offering your resources. As I have previously been offered a position at an alternate facility, I will be most interested in comparing the two.

[For SCIENCE]

Please do so. I am considering undertaking a second job if only for a broader spectrum of apparatus and would be interested in any suggestions you have.

[ NEVER TOO MUCH SCIENCE. ]

I will provide your name to the company superiors, if that is what you desire.

[NEVER]

I would be grateful and shall do the same.

Thank you.

In that case, I await our next conversation with both anticipation and the promise of productivity.

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dow - 2013-11-20 02:52 (UTC) - Expand

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