with_discipline | 075

[Open, but filtered AWAY from the Borg Queen and O'Brien]

[So T'Pol is really bad at small talk. Really, really bad. She tends to need a few minutes just to figure out what to say, because it's awkward. So there's a few seconds of silence, because on some level she can't believe she's actually bothering.]

I'm - curious. Most take individuality for granted; I hope I'll be forgiven when I say humans particularly so. On Vulcan, individuality is honored and respected, to an extent, but even on Earth, there are those who would give up a portion of their identity as an individual in order to be a part of something. It is, I believe, more than a 'mob mentality.'[She's throwing in human phrases with less and less hesitation lately, but it still sounds kind of. weird.]'

I would like to know what the majority of you find an acceptable cause for one to give up his or her individual identity. [And that sounds terribly awkward, because she's thought about this plenty, and it's really just an almost desperate hope for new answers.]

[Private to Data]

What can you tell me of the Ba'ku?

[Private to the EMH]

[She actually sounds almost impatient.] Have you made preparations?

((OOC: Slightly backdated to earlier today. T'Pol's been acting off because her daughter died about this time a year ago for her. So recklessness and idle chatter, yay! :|))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, but might I ask the reasoning behind this inquiry?

Dealing with my inmate has proven difficult. I'm only seeking opinions. [Mostly distractions.l]

The Ba'ku are of the planet Ba'ku, located within the Briar patch. I first encountered them in Earth year 2375 as part of an observational project by Starfleet to colonize the planet in favor of the Son'a. The Son'a were descended from the Ba'ku.

The planet possessed properties that promoted regeneration of damaged cells, and the Son'a wished to appropriate the planet for themselves. The Borg would not have been able to sustain themselves on this world, as those with implants healed over time.

My inmate indicated this as an exampled of the Federation assuming ownership it did not have, and of displacing citizens without permission. Were the Ba'ku unwilling to have colonists on their planet?

They were willing, though the Federation agreed to a faulty plan without appropriate information. The Son'a originated from the world and wished to return to it. They manipulated the Federation Council and questionable conduct was committed, primarily backed by Admiral Dougherty who died during the operation. Several members of the Son'a did return to live peacefully and additional participants were brought under inquiry.

T'Pol, no one is perfect. She will outline the faults in everyone in order to make them believe she is their only form of improvement. This is untrue and manipulative, and you should seek to discover what positive elements she finds rather than exploitable interests.

The positive elements she recognizes are often ones the Collective has already assimilated. She will not consider non-violence or individuality, nor will she follow simple logic threads. I [don't know what to do] am uncertain how to make her appreciate anything other than collectivism.

Then perhaps you ought to consider asking for an alternative inmate before you make a decision that might endanger the safety of the ship. I believe she should be made to feel emotion, which you pointedly avoid.

I won't allow her to endanger this ship.

I do not believe you would willingly, no.

[She's actually vaguely angry about that, but she knows there's no logical reason for her to express that ever, so. It's a moment while she swallows that down.]

She feels emotion. How - what would you suggest making her feel?

What has she felt so far beyond fondness for the Collective?

Superiority. I believe...smugness. Perhaps frustration, though I'm uncertain.

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