Ages of the Federation is a new total conversion mod for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion. This mod takes place in the Enterprise and Original series eras, focusing on the conflict between the early Federation and Klingon Empire. A resurgent Romulan Star Empire, angry and still licking its wounds after their defeat to Earth and her allies waits in the shadows, ready to take advantage of any of misstep by either the warring powers. The Xindi, new to the galactic stage are also eager to forge their own path.
USS Red Cloud visits Valakis, surveying the progress of the disease there and delivering humanitarian aid to the ailing population.
Since the founding of the Federation and the inception of the Prime Directive, Starfleet had quietly and solemnly decided to uphold Captain Archer's initial decision not to intervene as the Valakian people slowly died out due to a species-wide genetic disorder. However, as first contact had already been made and the danger of cultural contamination was no longer an issue, the Federation agreed to send regular shipments of medical supplies in the hopes of easing the symptoms of the disease. Even so, by the 2250s the Valakian population had decreased by nearly half.
The Menk, however, showed great promise, learning new skills and taking up many of the responsibilities once held solely by the Valakians. Once considered undeveloped and treated with casual disregard by the Valakians, the Menk now appeared on the cusp of undertaking their own evolutionary leap. The Federation had been concerned that, as the Menk grew to become the dominant species on Valakis, racial tensions and resentment could potentially lead to widespread racial resentment and even violence. However, the Menk acted with extraordinary grace and compassion, taking on an increasingly large share of the burden as the Valakians relied on them more and more to keep their society alive. As the Valakians face their extinction, they know that, one day, the Menk will be the sole custodians of their world, and their civilisation. The legacy of the Valakians will continue on.
Much as I love Enterprise, this episode never really sat well with me.
I don't think it's supposed to.
^ This.
There was no 'good' anser to that problem and the episode illustrated that sometimes not interfering is the hardest thing you can do.
It was also ********. Letting a race slowly become extinct because of the nonsensical "logic" Phlox spouted is a monstrous act, and that the show expected viewers to AGREE with him is utterly insulting.
My biggest problem if anything was it made it almost sound like evolution itself was a god and making choices as if sentient.
An interesting moral discussion though.
Don't even bother giving me the whole mod just give me this ship and I'm done
Personal Log: Lt. Vargas, Primary Helm Officer: USS Red Cloud
I hate this run. We come here to deliver medical supplies and to any other world I'd take some joy in that, but every time we come to this planet there are fewer and fewer Valakians left.
A hundred years ago this planet's fate was sealed. I remember reading about it at the academy. It's the main focus of one class in particular: Ethics, Morality, and The Prime Directive. Needless to say, it's a divisive course.
I honestly don't know what to think about all this. I feel like we should be doing more than just easing their passing, but anything more and we risk doing harm to the Menk. And even if we could cure the Valakians outright the cultural tension between the two species would likely return and that could boil over and they could be left right were they started centuries ago.
*sigh* Listen to me the high minded philosopher. There is no right answer here, is there... All we can do is make the transition as easy as possible... while more and more of them die...
I think I'll put in for a transfer in the morning. I can't do this anymore.
--Entry Ends--