[Christopher]

kirk55555 wrote:

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I've started Star Trek TNG - Dragon's Honor. ...I have a few thoughts about it at this point:

I'm not totally confinced about the use of the Prime Directive, since the Federation doesn't need a treaty to defend an advanced enough culture if they ask for help, atleast against really alien invaders like the reptile aliens in this book. A failed wedding may delay or stop their admission into the federation for awhile, but say the wedding failed, but not because of a death. If there was no treaty, but the place was attacked by the reptiles, then the Enterprise could still help them if they were asked to. Even if they went back to civil war the reptile aliens invading wouldn't be considered an internal matter. They would atleast run off the reptiles.

Actually that's not quite right.

The Prime Directive does allow non-military assistance to a warp-capable culture if it's requested -- medical aid, engineering projects, diplomatic mediation, etc. But the PD prohibits taking sides in a military conflict that doesn't involve a Federation member or ally.