Conscience Calling

Posted on Tue Dec 26th, 2023 @ 6:32am by Captain Rhenora Kaylen & Commander Dean House

Mission: Halloween
Location: Enroute to Iota Geminorum

With the meeting over the senior staff returned to their stations. The Captain remained in the conference room, mulling over their decisions after her conversation with Bonnie. Doubt flared within her, could they really sentence another species to most certain death just to save their own hides? Even if that species was classed as a plague and was not sentient? Who were they to play God? The androgenous creature remained close by, a steadfast reminder of the stakes at place. Her crew would be lunch if they didn't pull this or something else off.

Dean had decided to stay in the conference room as well. Waiting until it had been quiet for a few moments, "Penny?"

The Captain looked as him as though seeing him in the room for the first time. She took a moment to compose her thoughts. "Who are we to play God over another life form. Who are we to say who lives and who die" she said aloud, being brutally honest.

"That's the thing isn't it. We do that every day. There's still time to think of something else. Though, with using Tribbles, there is the one good thing. It's not really any different than Earth using Pigs or Cows for food for ever and a day. We don't even have to get that many. Once they start reproducing, it'll be an unlimited resource. It's also not exactly like we're trying to cause their extinction. The Klingons already tried that. Or..since speaking of Klingons. What about using Tribble Hunters instead." Dean finally stood up from his chair.

"Tribble hunters?" This piqued Rhenora's curiousity, and she looked at Dean to encourage him to continue.

"They're artificially created and enhanced creatures called Glommers. Bread for one purpose, obviously by the nickname. I'm not entirely sure who to get a hold of to get some. If the moral implications of using tribbles is to much, use them."

"Artificially created?" That was interesting. An artificially created being would be better than any naturally occuring species. "So they're not sentient. Are they classified as alive though?"

Dean's shoulders came up a little bit in a shrug, "Not sure. Though this could be a long shot to start with, I don't know if there are any left. Maybe black market? If my memory serves right, there was a moon or rock or small planet or something the Klingons put them when they were done with the Tribbles. Perhaps we could contact High Command."

"Can you gather some research while we're on our way? We can always change direction if we find a better option on the way to Iota Geminorum" The Captain patted Dean on the shoulder. "Use any help and resources you need"

"I can certainly do that," giving a nod to her with a small smile, "No problem, Nora."

"Thanks Dean, and if you have any other ideas in the meantime, I want to hear them. All of them." She turned and followed him out of the conference room and headed back towards the bridge.

"Please let Bonnie know we're trying to find a better solution. I know she felt keenly about this one." she murmured just before they entered the bridge. The androgenous creature still shadowed the Captain, never moving more than a metre or so from her as though holding her ransom to her own word.

"Of course I will." Falling in line to follow through the doors to the Bridge. "Wonder why I don't have one of them following me around like everyone else does."

"There's only a small number of them on board. Consider yourself lucky that you don't have a constant companion" The Captain smirked as she eyes the creature again. It paid no heed, simply keeping an eye on everything, particularly what she was doing to ensure the survive of their species.

Dean gave another shrug, "I guess, you'd think they'd keep two on me, considering I destroyed two of their tubes. Oh well, at least I can go about my business without being bugged."

"It means you may have certain freedoms not available to the rest of us" there was a weight in her words that couldn't go unnoticed. If the creatures were to turn on them, Dean would have the best chance of defending this ship.

There was no missing what she had meant, given that Dean was thinking the same thing. "How much time before we get there? So I know how much time I've got."

"Two days" Rhenora said simply and then turned and headed towards the command chair. They had two days to come up with a viable alternative or tribbles it would be.

TBC