Star Trek Coda

Chapter 9: Soldiers and Peacemakers

EARTH, 2383

President Jane Scott looked out of her office into the Parisian cityscape. It was truly remarkable. Paris was called the city of light and it really was. Since World War III Paris had been rebuilt from scratch as an iconic cultural hub full of greenery and life. As the base of Federation Government it was known for its beauty throughout two quadrants. The office itself was on the 80th floor of a huge complex of interconnecting skyscrapers. But it was no ordinary city, with greenery at every level of each skyscraper and parkland rising high into the sky. The complex stood out in the picturesque city. It stood as a symbol of the Federation, and the peace, beauty and unity it had created.

She stared out, admiring the sight but burdened by the peril she felt was near. She had never felt the Federation was safe or secure. It was her job to protect it, and never assume its survival as fact. It was a hard job, and it took its toll.

The door chime sounded. She looked to the screen on her desk. It was Stanson, Starfleet's Commander in Chief. "Enter," she replied. The sliding doors opened and the medium-height man walked in. He wore military boots and trousers with a black jacket. He had a phaser strapped to his side, as he always did. His expression was grim.

He sat in front of her desk. The President moved from the window to her desk and joined him, "I assume you're here to report on our progress," she asked.

"Yes, things are going well."

Scott's shoulders relaxed. She moved into her chair and sat down. She paused, "what if the plan fails?"

Stanson looked at her, "Jane, if the plan fails, we've destroyed the Federation, and for nothing."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, "do you think history will ever forgive us?" the President asked.

"Is this the only way?" He replied.

"You have doubts?"

"Don't you? We're meant to be building a better, brighter future, not destroying it."

There was another silent moment, "my job isn't to build a better and brighter future. It's to make sure there is a future. Then it's up to better people to make sure it's worth living in. People like you."

He laughed, "I'm going to the same hell as you. What if it's too far gone for anyone to come back from? What if there's nothing they can do?"

She looked him straight in the eyes, "then the world ends, the Federation falls, the quadrant falls into unrest and all of it, it was all for nothing."

He broke her gaze, looked to the window and whispered, "there just has to be another way."

"There's a reason I supported you to become the head of Starfleet. An army led by a man of peace - it's the best chance Starfleet has. I believe in you General Stanson. You and the others like you. You'll safeguard the future and look after the people."

"Don't we want a world where Starfleet doesn't need to be an army?"

"Yes we do," replied the President, "but that world is just a pipe dream."

"There was a time when the idea of the Federation was a pipe dream, when humanity going to the stars was nothing but a crazy idea. There was a time when a world without greed and money was a pipe dream."

"I truly hope you prove me wrong one day. But my decision is set. This is what must be done."

He looked sad, "I feel sorry for you Jane – the burden you carry. And I know you, I know the pain this will cause you. I don't think history will ever forgive us. I just hope one day they'll look back and know they were helped by what we did."

"No, I don't think it will," she replied, "we don't do this for history though. Sometimes the people need a hero who will do the unthinkable so they may live - who will ensure their future, while they may disagree with the means. I don't need to be forgiven. I am no hero. But I will save the Federation."

Stanson stood up and saluted, "it's an honor to work with you Madam President."

The President stood up and returned the salute, "it's an honour to work with you General. History will never forgive me, but you – you'll be a hero. I know it."

Earth – the beacon of light. The pillar of the Federation - it was hope incarnate. It was something worth dying for and even more worth living for. It was a home. A place built on many hard lessons. Yet it seemed the lessons of the past were forgotten. The idea that survival was contingent on being worthy of survival had disappeared. Humanity had grown to a point where some things were not worth sacrificing, no matter the cost. President Jane Scott, with the noblest of intentions, forgot that.