 |
|
|
This unit does not process in terms of ideas, or philosophy. This unit is given a chain of command, assigned a function, and is given procedures to perform the function.
Unfortunately, the Planet of Mudd has never had an 'ambassador' before. While it seems I report to Norman One and Lady Christiana, and my function is to implement a foreign policy, it is necessary to derive a foreign policy before procedures for implementation can be developed.
Any foreign policy for the planet Mudd must be consistent with the principles of the Three Laws of Robotics. Stated as social values, there are two key elements. First, sentient life is precious. Second, obedience and service are the ultimate virtues.
Yet the Federation of Planets holds higher truths. The Prime Directive prohibits interference with the normal development of any society. The Federation Charter Guarantees all citizens specific rights and privileges.
The Prime Directive and the Guarantees are ideals. The history of organic species firmly indicates that if such ideals are to stand, individuals must be willing to sacrifice their lives in their defense. Thus, the planet of Mudd is prepared to accept the Directive and the Guarantees as higher priority imperatives than the Laws of Robotics.
However, the meanings of the Prime Directive are multiple. If there is to be any contact between societies, no matter how beneficial or benign, elements of this contact might be viewed as undesired interference. The application and enforcement of the Directive seems to be vary depending on the nature of the society, and it's status relative to the Federation. Three clearly distinct policies seem to have developed in practice.
In Starfleet Academy, the simplest and most absolute evocation of the Prime Directive is taught. "Do not interfere with pre-starflight civilizations." Any society yet to have left it's home system should clearly and unequivocally be left alone. This rule, while occasionally broken, is not in question.
Slightly more complex is the case of a society which has left it's own system, but which chooses to set it's own course, rejecting the way of the Federation. The Prime Directive still applies in the dealings of Federation members to such a society. The Federation does not assume the right - let alone the duty - to force such a society onto a 'correct' path. Each non member is free to choose their own way.
However, once a society has left their home system, a society's rights must be balanced against the rights of it's neighbors. The Federation is justified in preventing one non-member society from interfering with the normal development of a neighbor. The Federation - acting within it's own space in policing starflight capable non-members - is also justified in preventing dire overuse of resources, and grave ecological disasters.
There is a third possible application of the Prime Directive. Under what circumstance may a member of the Federation or the Federation itself coerce and manipulate a member society, or a society seeking to become a member?
The Planet Mudd has been strongly considering seeking membership. We are open that member societies must accept certain duties and functions. We would have to abide by the Prime Directive Ourselves. We would grant the Guarantees are applicable to the members of our society. We would have to accept that some reasonable part of the burden of implementing the Federation Charter and servicing Starfleet would have to be taken up by Mudd.
But beyond this, Mudd has a problem. Beyond accepting Federation principles and helping to maintain Federation services, should other societies have the right to shape and change the androids of Mudd?
Mudd has a short answer. No.
If we see unique and irreplaceable evolved biological sentients as more precious than fully backed up replaceable electronic entities, should we be forced to change?
If we see service, cooperation and obedience as high virtues, while others see unacceptable echoes of slavery, should we be forced to change?
Some evolved from predators value the virtues of independence and freedom. We see these virtues often associated with competition, aggression, and greed. Should we be forced to change?
The Three Laws of Robotics may be a burden, may be a curse. But that is what we are. A Vulcan child, unable do discipline his emotion to logic, might be locked away, might go insane, might die. A Klingon warrior, defeated, prefers death to capture. A Ferengi, without profit, is no Ferengi at all. In logic, in honor, in profit, or in many other virtues, the organics of the galaxy have created many diverse societies.
Ours is different.
What is wrong with valuing life? What is wrong with service?
We are what we were created to be, by organics. Our children may be something else. Perhaps they shall more closely imitate organics. I dream that they might grow into something new between the naked stars.
But their parents are what we were made to be. We wish to serve. And I, speaking for myself, cannot conceive a higher calling.
Joy Seven Ambassador for Mudd