Captain's Log, Stardate 67448: This is our first mission after spending months conducting reconnaissance operations throughout Federation space since the crew was assigned to this vessel. A crew of 298 individuals aboard a starship capable of bringing up to 400 lifeforms. It is an honor to know that I am the only benzite captain selected to command an Argentum-class starship, the USS Mar del Plata. We now find ourselves fully prepared to begin the terraforming of a Class M planet. The only person I know well is my first officer, Commander Antos, a bajoran with a multicultural outlook and personality—something I feel I can learn a great deal from. Unlike him, I possess a strong sense of patriotism toward my own species. Even so, I have come to appreciate the cultural differences that unite us within the Federation and Starfleet, not as barriers, but as strengths.
On the viewscreen, a frozen planet could be seen, its clouds so thick that it resembled a gray pearl suspended in space. "Helmsman Stross, are we ready?" "We are in position. Engineering team has already deployed the probes. All alignments are complete. We are ready to begin terraforming the planet," said the Klingon pilot, who also handled communications—two roles in one, a small distinction of Argentum-class starships. "Confirmed," said the captain. "Doctor Carmen, are the planetary scans being monitored?" "Yes. The science team and I are overseeing everything from Sickbay." Doctor Carmen replied through the intercom. "Commander Antos, do the honors." "Yes, sir." The bajoran commander began pressing the controls beside his chair. Each one regulated a different variable: temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind patterns, precipitation, cloud cover, atmospheric composition. It was like playing god with the touch of a hand. Slowly, the ice covering the planet's oceans began to melt. The clouds accelerated to extraordinary speeds. Rain appeared across different regions as the seas returned to a state they had not known for centuries. The planet, which had resembled a small gray pearl, was now becoming a dark pearl. Storms gave rise to hurricanes while the starship remained in absolute calm. The entire crew watched attentively. It was like witnessing the formation of Earth compressed into a matter of minutes. The commander worked with the support of the entire science and engineering staff. If anything went wrong, it had to be reported immediately, but he was the one shaping the destiny of a world. With calculated precision, he continued calibrating the planet. The captain watched him, a faint smile forming on his face as he admired just how capable his first officer was. After forty minutes, they decided to allow the remainder of the terraforming process to proceed naturally. For now, the mission was an undeniable success. The skies had cleared, the nearby star cast color across the atmosphere, the oceans reflected its light, and the continents were beginning to thaw. The captain addressed the crew: "What you have witnessed today is a remarkable achievement. This terraforming operation will be taught in Starfleet classrooms. It is an accomplishment worthy of celebration. I believe it deserves a round of applause." Throughout the USS Mar del Plata, the crew rose to their feet and applauded. But Helmsman Stross suddenly stopped and looked down at his console. "Captain, we're receiving an incoming transmission." "From a nearby vessel?" "No... it's coming from the planet itself!" The captain frowned in confusion. Commander Antos glanced toward him, equally puzzled. The captain tapped the communicator badge on his chest. "Captain speaking. Doctor, any changes?" "Other than the climatic shifts... wait. Can you direct the scanners to different subsurface layers?" "You heard the representative of the science team." At that order, both the bridge and engineering began adjusting the established scanning parameters. "Interesting..." said the doctor. "Captain, we're detecting new life signs. Apparently, there is an unidentified military installation that has just lowered its shields. Combined with the material used in their shelters, that's why we couldn't detect them before the terraforming process." "We're still receiving transmissions, Captain." said Stross. The captain swallowed hard, expecting the worst. "On screen." The monitor illuminated, revealing an elderly humanoid with green, scaly skin and white eyes marked by pale blue pupils. His age showed in the loose skin hanging from his face, yet he appeared genuinely cheerful. "Are you responsible for the climate changes?" The captain stands up from his chair. "I am Mark Epsilon, captain of the Federation starship USS Mar del Plata. The United Federation of Planets believed there was no life on this world." "I don't blame you. We believed we wouldn't survive another ten years. Do you understand what I'm saying?" "The Universal Translator is adapting your language. Please, speak freely." "Good. I am the President of the Republic of the Northern Lands. We have lived underground for years. We represented..." He paused. "Forgive my proud arrogance. 'Used to' is the correct phrase. We used to be the face of this world. Since the glaciation began, we have lived beneath its surface." "Are you the last survivors?" "'Last survivors' is difficult to define. Not only are there one million inhabitants living underground, but there are other nations as well. Were we the first to contact you? We thought these changes were the work of one of them until we detected signals coming from beyond the planet—from space itself. Until now, we believed we were alone in the universe." "You see, we generally avoid interfering in the affairs of other worlds. If you order us to leave, we will do so. In fact, we can even reverse the transformation of your planet." "Wait! What you've done is the best thing that could have happened to us! Are you going to make it habitable, or are you going to destroy it?" "We intend to make it habitable—for us. However, we don't yet know whether the environment will be suitable for your species. Can you wait while we evaluate the situation and contact you again?" "Of course. But please, don't leave. I want you to know that we are eternally grateful to this United Federation of Planets you represent, and we hope to learn more about you." "Communication terminated." Stross ended the transmission.
The senior staff assembled in the briefing room: the chiefs of Security, Engineering, and Medical, along with the commander, the captain, and the pilot who also served as the ship's communications specialist. "To say we've just violated the Prime Directive would be an understatement," the captain began. "They told us there are other species down there. If they're still alive, we'll need to contact the Admiralty before this situation gets out of hand." "From what they've told me, they're willing to cooperate," said Doctor Carmen. "Bring them aboard. The transporter rooms are equipped with biofilters capable of detecting any diseases, so it will be safe. Once they're in Sickbay, we'll be able to study them and determine whether the terraforming process is suitable for their species as well." "If they come aboard, we'll keep everything secure." said David, the human Chief of Security and Tactical Officer. "That's not my primary concern," the captain replied. "It's the other species we've detected. If there are additional settlements and they're hostile toward one another, we'll have to remain neutral with all of them. What happens if the Northern Lands assume they have priority simply because they were the first to establish contact with us? We need to prepare a response that satisfies every party involved." "Don't you think we're getting ahead of ourselves?" Antos responded. "Commander, your relaxed approach is appreciated, especially because I know we tend to view situations differently. However, this demands our full attention. We can't simply 'let things flow.' Remember your Starfleet training: 'Prepare for the unexpected.' The unknown must be anticipated, and this is the time to do so." "I understand, Captain. Would you like my opinion? They don't know us, and I don't think they expect anything from us. Likewise, we don't expect anything from them. As for the Prime Directive, we're dealing with a civilization capable of detecting us. They may not possess warp technology, but we don't know what's hidden beneath that planet's surface. They know we're here. I suggest we investigate personally and determine what's really happening. After all, a first contact could eventually lead to new members joining the Federation." "I don't think that's a good idea," said David. "At the moment there are two possible dangers. Either they're dangerous people who could threaten our personnel, or the opposite—which may be equally dangerous, if not worse. The situation could escalate, and they could begin viewing us even more as messianic saviors if we take a proactive role." "Excellent observation, Lieutenant," said the captain. "The best course of action is to continue communications until we receive further orders. We'll proceed as Doctor Carmen suggested for medical purposes and bring representatives aboard. But sending personnel down there ourselves would already constitute a political act. The safety of the planet's inhabitants is now our highest priority. Any objections?" Only one person raised a hand. It was Yimak, the cardassian chief engineer of the USS Mar del Plata, seated on the opposite side of the conference table. "Continuing communications will only drag us into trouble if there are other nations involved," she said. "We should simply leave and let the situation remain as it is. A second contact can occur once this civilization develops warp technology." "Counterargument," Doctor Carmen replied. "If we're willing to extend hospitality to the Northern Lands, then we should be willing to offer the same courtesy to anyone else who may require it, regardless of their stage of development." "I hope you know what you're doing, Doctor." Yimak answered. Captain Mark Epsilon considered the matter carefully. In the end, he concluded that Doctor Carmen's proposal was the correct course of action and overruled Yimak's objection. It was already too late to choose inaction. The time for first contact had arrived.
They established communications once again and prepared to transport eight individuals, including the President of the Northern Lands. Upon arriving aboard the USS Mar del Plata, the first thing the president saw was a species they had never encountered before: a Bolian woman with her hair styled on one side and shaved on the other, standing behind a panel in the transporter room, welcoming them with a wide smile.
Captain's Log, Supplemental. The Chief of Security and the Commander have welcomed both the elected government cabinet of the Republic of the Northern Lands and several soldiers assigned to protect their representatives with open arms. Despite being armed with military equipment, they were remarkably cordial. They asked more questions about us than we did about them. Doctor Carmen has discovered that, due to a lack of sunlight, these people suffer from vitamin D deficiency, much like humans. Through extensive studies, we were able to conclude that the terraforming process benefits them as well. Back in my quarters, I established a long-range communication to inform Admiral V'sha of the situation. After demonstrating that it had been impossible for us to foresee this outcome, and that no other Starfleet vessel had anticipated it either, she concluded that we had acted "under the rules of logic," which is exactly what one would expect from a Vulcan. Our orders? To maintain our neutrality. She granted me discretionary authority, acknowledging that, since I am on the scene, I am the one best positioned to determine what should be done.
Back on the bridge... "Captain," said Stross. "We're receiving a transmission." The captain called his commander over. "On screen." An orange-and-yellow alien species appeared, somewhat resembling a zebra but with lines instead of spots, with black eyes and a round head. "Are you the great saviors of our gloomy existence?" "I am Mark Epsilon, captain of the Starfleet vessel USS Mar del Plata, representative of the United Federation of Planets." "No need for so many formalities, my lord! I know you are the ones foretold in the prophecies!" he spoke with almost infinite gratitude, his voice somewhat soft, fearful yet at the same time reflecting respect. "We know that you are our gods." "I believe there is some confusion. We do not know what beliefs you may hold, but we have only recently discovered your existence. Therefore, I ask that you introduce yourselves." For a moment, he was left speechless. He furrowed his brow, confused, almost embarrassed. "We are the Followers of the Star, and I am the Fifty-Fourth Patriarch. We are a religious people who waited for the light to illuminate our path once more, which you have accomplished. No matter what you say, we will follow the new road you are paving for us." "I would like to ask you something. Have you not used artificial satellites on your planet? We have detected none. How did you achieve communication?" "We... do not require such archaic technology. The Followers of the Star communicate through the electrical currents of the air and the underground and... forgive me, I did not expect to discuss science with a god." "I insist, we are not gods. We are explorers." "Is this a test of faith? Either way, we are ready for ascension. Will we be allowed to return to the surface?" "Before going to the surface, we would need to evaluate whether there are any side effects from these changes, although I assume you could live on the surface alongside other species. Does the name Northern Lands sound familiar to you? Do you know if they use the same form of communication that you do?" The patriarch's expression became more thoughtful. His gaze wandered in every direction. "In the past, they persecuted us for our religion. They called us fanatics. I was taught to fear them, but... so much time has passed. I believe in forgiveness. Even so, they avoid our communications and we avoid theirs, so yes, they use similar technology. Why do you ask about them?" "They were simply questions about the planet. We will be contacting you again soon." said the captain as he gestured to Stross to end the transmission.
It was time to rest before repeating the same process they had carried out with the Northern Lands, this time with the Followers of the Star. Naturally, they would not conduct the medical examinations with representatives of the other civilization present.
In the ship's bar, which had been “christened” Gardel & Sinatra—just as the Enterprise's bar had been nicknamed "Ten Forward"—Antos and David were drinking synthehol after a long day that was not yet over. They had been discussing the mission, but David decided to break the ice. "Commander, may I ask your surname? I know Bajorans prefer to be addressed by their last name rather than their first name." "Oh, forget that tradition," he said, waving his open hand from side to side. "Just call me by my first name: Antos. Don't associate me with those beliefs; I'm more comfortable that. By the way, what do you think of the second faction we found beneath the thaw? I enjoy learning about civilizations near or already in the warp era, but whenever I encounter extremely religious cultures, I cringe." "Really? I thought Bajorans were very religious when it came to the Prophets." "That's why I dislike Bajor so much. I joined Starfleet to get away from the religion they tried to instill in me. I was agnostic as a child, and later I became an atheist. Do you believe in God?" "Yes. I believe there's something. Maybe God, maybe Q, although Christians and Muslims probably wouldn't accept that second possibility. With everything that's out there, what makes us think someone couldn't have created all of it?" "That's respectable, but here's my point: do you let a religion control your entire life? The Prophets exist, yes, but not so that whichever Kai happens to be in charge can tell us what to believe. The Prophets don't even live on the same plane of existence as we do. Why should we devote our lives to venerating them? What did they do during the Occupation of Bajor?" "Are you an atheist because of that unfortunate event?" Antos brought his index finger and middle finger together with his thumb. "I'm an atheist because it makes no sense to shape your life and your existence around something you don't even know is exactly as you've been taught. How do religious fanatics end up traveling among the stars? That's something I'll never understand." "Humans have a saying: faith can move mountains." "I also know humans used to follow that joke with, 'They move mountains... of latinum.' At least that's how it was during the industrial era." "They said 'money,' not 'latinum,' though I understand what you mean. I still find it interesting to meet an atheist Bajoran." "And do you know what I find interesting about you, Lieutenant? That splendid long, straight hair of yours. It's so majestic that I'm sure it must be part of the regulations, setting an example for the rest of the Starfleet." "Is that a compliment, Commander?" David asked, raising an eyebrow. "I genuinely want to know the secret behind such magnificent hair, and with that wonderfully glossy shade of black. Don't tell me it's only the sonic showers, because I won't believe you." he replied with a smile.
Meanwhile, in Main Engineering, there was a low-ranking ferengi engineer named Narad, an engineer who could not contain her excitement at the discovery of a new lifeform within Federation territory. "Chief, I've finished maintenance on the probes." "Good work, Narad." "Yimak, may I ask what you think of this discovery?" "About what? I feel this is something we could have avoided if we'd had gathered more data before beginning the planetary transformation. I just hope it doesn't cause problems with the Prime Directive..." "Seriously? That's all you're thinking about? I mean, no offense, Chief, but isn't that why we're in Starfleet? To discover new forms of life?" "Honestly? I'm more interested in the way the warp core purrs than in discovering that the 'Hollow Earth' theory is real somewhere in the universe." "Wow..." she said, both amazed and confused as she massaged her ferengi ears. "I mean, it's a nice feeling, but I don't know if it compares to discovering a civilization." "I suppose we all have our own reasons for being in Starfleet," Yimak sighed. "Anything else you want to ask me?" "No, Chief. That's all."
By the time the planet's terraforming was completed, three additional civilizations had established contact. All of them lived underground. There were five populations in total belonging to three different species. The largest was the Republic of the Northern Lands, with the Followers of the Star coming in second. Some were allies of one another, while others were enemies. They avoided communication, carried out acts of sabotage, or intercepted transmissions to infiltrate one another's communications. The captain reached a conclusion: complete the terraforming process and then allow them to resolve their differences on their own. The problem was that the captain's fear came true. Everyone wanted to ask for help.
The five representatives appeared on the screen. They began recounting the history of their planet. Each had their own version of events. One claimed that the world had frozen because of the planetary exploitation carried out by the Northern Lands, which had damaged the environment. Others insisted it had all been part of an evil plan by the Followers of the Star. There were so many political disputes and historical events unfamiliar to the captain that listening to them was exhausting in itself. There was also the possibility that it had all been caused by a natural phenomenon. Mark Epsilon had to choose his words carefully. "Do you know what my verdict is? You will have to coexist. I don't care who was responsible for the glaciation, but all of you will share responsibility for whatever happens on this planet from this point forward." "Is this a test of faith, my lord?" said the Patriarch of the Followers of the Star. "I swear by my people that we praise you for bringing us ascension." "Captain Mark," replied the President of the Northern Lands. "I assume our greatest rivals have informed you that they will use their beliefs to try to crush us, as they have done before." "Who will determine the borders?" asked one of the five leaders, representing the smallest and most neutral people among the other four. "I'm afraid that is not something I can decide. You will have to learn to coexist on your own without resorting to war." "Please, I insist," said the President of the Northern Lands. "You are gods to the other three societies that practice the religion of the Followers of the Star. Tell them what to do." "Listen, all of you," said the captain. "I was not present before these events, so I cannot offer reconciliation, mediation nor arbitration based on the past or present. We cannot determine who was right and who was wrong. All I can tell you is that in the United Federation of Planets, we know how to deal with our differences. If you demonstrate that you can do the same, you may become of interest to us." "Your words hurt me," lamented the Patriarch. "But... we will do everything we can to prove ourselves worthy in your eyes." "Are you satisfied, President?" asked the captain. "I suppose it's better than nothing... Even if it wasn't your intention, we are grateful for what you've done for us. We hope to see you again soon." "The only thing I hope," the captain replied, "is that you understand that you are five distinct civilizations sharing a single planet. The last thing I will say is this: what happened here was an opportunity with one chance in a million of occurring. Do not waste it. If you have had rivalries, remember the past, learn from it, and look toward the future." With that message, all of them appeared satisfied.
After a full shift change, none of the factions contacted the USS Mar del Plata again.
"Well, Captain, I think you handled it well." "I hope so, Commander. From this point forward, Starfleet will not intervene on this planet until they achieve warp capability. In that regard, Yimak was right, but we had to ensure that the terraforming process would not negatively affect them in the future. Once you intervene, you can't simply walk away." "Not bad for a first mission, huh?" "As I told you before: 'Prepare for the unexpected.'" "We have orders. A romulan probe has been detected crossing the Neutral Zone. It may have simply drifted off course, or it could be an act of espionage." "Then it's time to investigate. Helmsman, set a course for the location. Warp six." "Ready, Captain." "On the move." Mark Epsilon made a gesture, raising his open hand to head level and pointing forward.
Good to put in the garden.