It is no longer a matter of how wrong data was or why he did it the dilemma exists.
We have to discuss the options and please talk freely.
There are no options the prime directive is not a matter of degrees.
It is an absolute. I
have a problem with that kind of rigidity it seems callous and
Even a little cowardly. Yes doctor
I'm sure that is not what the lieutenant meant but in a situation like this we have to be cautious
yeah, what we do today may
Profoundly affect the future.
If we could see every possible outcome
We'd be gods which we're not
If there is a cosmic plan is it not the height of hubris to think that we can or should interfere?
So what are you saying that the Germans are fated to die?
I think that's an option that we should be considering
Consider it considered and rejected if there is a cosmic plan are we not a part of it?
Our presence at this place at this moment in time could be a part of that fate
Right, and it could be part of that plan that we interfere
Well that eliminates the possibility of fate, but commander the drayman's are not a subject for philosophical debate
There are people so we make an exception in the deaths of millions
Yes
And is it the same situation if it's an epidemic and not a geological calamity? Absolutely
What about a war?
if
Generations of conflict is killing millions
Do we interfere?
Oh
well, we're all little less secure in our moral certitude and
What if it's not just killings if an oppressive government is enslaving Millions?
See the prime directive
has many different functions not the least of which is to protect us.
To prevent us from allowing our emotions to overwhelm our judgment
My emotions are involved.
Data's friend is going to die. That means something.
to data
Does that invalidate the emotion?
What if the drayman's asked for our help
Yes, Sarge anchors transmission could be viewed as a call for help
Sophistry I'll buy that excuse
We're all jigging madly on the head of a pin. Anyway, she could not ask for help from someone. She does not know
She knows me
What a perfectly vicious little circle
We are going to allow her to die why we not
Data I want you to sever the contact with Drema Four
Isolating frequency
Data
Data where are you now? Would you answer are you angry with me?
Please please I'm so afraid
Data data, where are you?
Wait
Data you know whisper from the dark has now become a plea.
We cannot turn our backs.