You're really delving into deep philosophical questions around Sections 31's existence here. And Collins' argument - truthful or not - can not be entirely dismissed. Yes, there may be a need for a shadowy intelligence outfit to fight for Federation interests but that doesn't mean Section 31 should have carte blanche to do as it wishes. And Musgrave in an illicit affair? Sounds juicy.
Man they are doing a real dance around Nadel! His head is going to be seriously screwed with by all that self-belief propaganda. Not liking where that is possibly going end up and I've had a screwy idea as to possible plans for Nadel too. Meanwhile, enjoying the different players to the story and the hints at larger unseen stories of the UTverse. Very good and the mystery ship is especially fascinating and well thought out stuff. I wouldn't fancy being beamed into a ship's stomach to be attacked by macrobodies one bit! Ew! And probably ouch in the end- or AGH!
bin Nadal is going to have to hold fast to his core beliefs to keep from being twisted by Collins' twisted, self-serving logic. Ultimately, it comes down to the belief that either the ends justify the means (any means in defense of the Federation) or they don't. Captain Musgrave has already compromised the mission due to his former romantic entanglements. Methinks this assignment is going to reopen some old wounds, and likely create a few new ones! Terrific stuff!
Like Gibraltar said, this is really terrific stuff, Dnoth! I like how the myriad threads tie into TFV and the Refugee crisis. You're adding quite a few twists and turns to the mix, from Captain Aurelia's encounter with the former Maquis mystery man, Kimula's attempts to help Barclay have a social life, bin Nadal's face-off with Collins, and of course the Kitzingen's task of dealing with the mystery ship. Really nice work!