Well, at least they invoked Article 14 of the charter as established on Enterprise. Perhaps the Klingon war was the "extreme threat" necessary to initially invoke section 31, followed immediately by the Red Angels. At least I imagine that's how Cornwell is justifying her actions. Who knows? Perhaps she's acting unilaterally herself. Her association with Section 31 would also explain her willingness to blow up the Klingon homeworld in season 1.
It's not a perfect continuity patch, especially given that no mention was made of Article 14 in the discussions between Dr. Bashir and Admiral Ross, which would seem to be a natural reply to Bashir's accusations.
As others have mentioned, perhaps there are reasons that will be revealed down the line that causes Article 14 to be revoked, which would truly make Section 31 a rogue agency.
Given that section 31 was never seen until the Dominion war on Deep Space 9, perhaps that's how section 31 justified its actions during that era. I don't recall exactly how well that would line up with a section 31 episodes on the show, but I'll soon find out. I'm in the middle of a Deep Space nine rewatch and just started season 4.
It's not a perfect continuity patch, especially given that no mention was made of Article 14 in the discussions between Dr. Bashir and Admiral Ross, which would seem to be a natural reply to Bashir's accusations.
As others have mentioned, perhaps there are reasons that will be revealed down the line that causes Article 14 to be revoked, which would truly make Section 31 a rogue agency.
Given that section 31 was never seen until the Dominion war on Deep Space 9, perhaps that's how section 31 justified its actions during that era. I don't recall exactly how well that would line up with a section 31 episodes on the show, but I'll soon find out. I'm in the middle of a Deep Space nine rewatch and just started season 4.
