How did a Barzan end up on the Enterprise?

Discussion in 'Star Trek: Discovery' started by Krog, Aug 7, 2019.

  1. eschaton

    eschaton Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    Yeah, I remember that case. But she was broadcasting and Data responded. I'm talking about what happened if a pre-warp civilization not only discovered subspace transmissions, but also translated the surrounding broadcasts so they knew everything about the Federation without making formal contact. Would there be any reason holding off at that point?
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2019
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  2. Burning Hearts of Qo'nOs

    Burning Hearts of Qo'nOs Commodore Commodore

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    Some Admiral: Absolutely. They're prewarp.
     
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  3. Timo

    Timo Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    The first time in Star Trek we actually heard it stated that warp drive makes any difference in FC situations was, astonishly enough, DSC "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum" just last year. Burnham's wording there was "Order 1 restricts us from revealing ourselves to sentient beings that aren't warp-capable", followed by "We're well beyond that".

    Which only reinforces the original TOS impression that a fait accompli always trumps the PD, and that cultures already in the know are free game. And Barzan clearly would be in the know, being actually dependent on interaction with aliens. Nhan could then walk to the nearest UFP drafting office without complications and declare that she wanted to see the universe and wear the miniskirt to impress the boys back home.

    Although, apparently, in order to become an officer, she'd need a letter of recommendation. Starfleet probably took in Bajorans just to spite Cardassia, and Saru in order to undermine the Ba'ul. Who would be motivated to sponsor Nhan?

    Timo Saloniemi
     
  4. Ar-Pharazon

    Ar-Pharazon Admiral Premium Member

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    I'd certainly go along with the idea it wasn't the Feds. There were enough groups bidding on the wormhole, the Ferengi could easily have been the first contactors.
     
  5. Timo

    Timo Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Let's not forget that the bidding process, i.e. the adventure of the week, only started "generations" after the Barzans began relying on alien assistance. Might well be none of the bidders were in fact among the benefactors (and the original contacts), as none brought that up as a point in their favor.

    Might be all of them were, though, so none would benefit from bringing it up. But the Ferengi still might: "Our manna, while perhaps a bit exclusive in terms of price range, always was of superior quality compared to all the others".

    "Generations" ago, the Ferengi would still have been marauding in secrecy, and would not have revealed themselves to the Feds. The Feds might well have shared port resources with these unseen Chrysalians, i.e. been mutually aware of the relief efforts going on. But all options are open, really.

    Timo Salomiemi
     
  6. Ar-Pharazon

    Ar-Pharazon Admiral Premium Member

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    They certainly didn't consider that, 29 years later, there would be a pre-TOS series featuring a Barzan. They really should have thought ahead more on TNG.
     
  7. Serveaux

    Serveaux Fleet Admiral Premium Member

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    Somebody thought it would be cool.
     
  8. XCV330

    XCV330 Premium Member

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    Nhan hitchhiked and eventually found her way into starfleet.
     
  9. Kor

    Kor Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Yeah, what were those TNG writers thinking. What a travesty. Where is the stern, head-shaking emoticon when we need it?

    Kor
     
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  10. PiotrB

    PiotrB Commander Red Shirt

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    Your question is answered by the series Enterprise when we change people to Barzans and remove their Archer counterpart. Then it becomes clear why they don't have Warp technology after so long. And this is an explanation consistent with the canon.
     
  11. Ar-Pharazon

    Ar-Pharazon Admiral Premium Member

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    Barzans are meeker than Humans. Could the Vulcan's have brow-beat them into giving up whatever warp tech they had at some point because they were "too immature"?
     
  12. Terok Nor

    Terok Nor Commodore Commodore

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    Is the Barzan security officer still alive? I forget what happened to her after the fight with Control.
     
  13. DEWLine

    DEWLine Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    A lot of us are hoping that she'll be alive at the other end of the wormhole. Whether Rachel Ancheril is going to stick with DSC...?
     
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