Stardate: 70826:1300
Title: Emma Hears a Who
Author: Emma Smith
Time: After "Rennas, Part 2"
Scene: Planet-side

~

Bigotry comes in all shapes and sizes. Who among us hasn't darted across the porch to stomp a bug, lest it find its way into our home. I've often wondered if an ant were the size of a person, would it show any more regard for us than we had for it? I think Humanity's biggest fiascoes might all be summed up in a single word; underestimated.

~

Captain Deadilus took a deep breath, as if to gather his thoughts before answering.

"The Federation abides by the Constitution of the Federation of Planets. This document provides for the mutual benefit and protection of member planets and individual citizens..."

Darka'Tal clicked his mandible. "Your power comes from a single piece of paper?"

"You misunderstand, Darka'Tal." Scott straightened his resolve and took another stab at it. "The document itself is merely a symbol. We are a people united under a single mandate; exploration, not power..."

The old bug thinned his bulgy red eyes. "I see. Tell me more..."

As the Captain continued Emma noted that, although the Rennas' expressions changed, because their faces were so far removed from human, it made them very difficult to read.

The second thing she noticed was the intense heat and humidity. As she moved through her mental check list her heavy dress uniform clung to her body as stray strands of hair stuck to the sides of her face.

The multiple languages made sense, since most insectiles existed within a strict caste system. Still, it pulled at her better judgment that they had not been informed of this prior to their arrival. It stood to reason that if in fact the Rennas had withheld from Starflelet certain key portions of information... what else weren't they telling us?

Like everything else they'd encountered, the crystalline structures made perfect sense. There would be no need for 'color' buildings since most insectiles are thought to have a limited view of the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and ultraviolet. She supposed that if Lt. Khen would be permitted a scan, he would know for sure.

So far, none of the Rennas they'd encountered had been armed. Was it a show of trust? Or was the Away Team simply considered of no genuine threat at all.

The Captain cleared his throat for a second time and Emma quickly looked up. Her eyes caught those of a Rennas' Commander and she immediately felt a buzzing at the back of her brain. Caught off guard, she staggered slightly and bumped into Lt. Khen.

"Are you all right, Lieutenant?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir." She adjusted her jacket and gave her head a quick shake. "Just a little woozy from the heat, I guess."

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Lt. (J.G.) Emma Smith
Security Officer
USS Horizon
NCC-72400
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