Authors Notes: I saw Star Trek Into Darkness when it was released, and I LOVED it! Lot's of little references to the prime universe (Not just the original series; there are references to Deep Space Nine and Enterprise as well). There are certainly some flaws, but overall, it was exactly what I'm trying to make this sequel be; More personal, more thoughtful. These chapters will be slow to come, it took me a while to finish this one and make sure it was ready to be posted. I want to make sure every scene, every line of dialogue is required and not wasted. I also want to make sure I get the characters right (You'd be amazed how many times I accidentally have So'Gam using words like "They're" and "I've". Some probably slip through anyway!)

Also, the soundtrack, just like for Star Trek 09, is amazing. I suggest you look up the songs Sub-Prime Directive, The Kronos Wartet, London Calling, and Ode to Harrison. Just like the movie, these pieces of music are slower, more thoughtful, and fit the scenes perfectly. (The Kronos Wartet is basically the new theme for the Klingons, it even has Klingon chanting in the background!)

Anyway, enough of me fangasming over the movie, onward with Justice: Prime Directive!

Chapter Two

The Enlightenment Theory

20th century smooth jazz music filled up the Hall of Justice.

"I have an inquiry." Jil'eesa asked.

Both she and Velma were in their formal Starfleet uniforms. These uniforms hand a much lower hemline, with more insignias on them. Insignias of awards and promotions that weren't necessary during day to day operations. Of course, Jil'eesa's was red, being an operations officer, while Velma, a science officer, wore blue. They were sitting at the bar, taking sips of their synthohol.

"What is it?" Velma asked.

"Why is it called the Hall of Justice? It seems a rather…unremarkable name. I also would not consider this a hall…"

"Oh, it's actually a reference to an ancient form of literature called the graphic novel. A particular set of novels would feature men and women with incredible powers beyond normal humans. They were called superheroes. One particular group of superheroes called themselves the Justice League, and their place of meeting was the Hall of Justice. I guess someone involved with naming the ship had an interest in ancient comic books…"

"I do not understand…I doubt that normal humans would take kindly to a being with such power interfering with society. What was to stop them from overthrowing their government and taking the law into their own hands?"

"These superheroes typically had a set of codes they lived by." Velma explained. "Many of them drew the line at killing. They also didn't interfere with the government; they would simply deal with capturing criminals that were too much for law enforcement to handle."

"That makes sense, but the problem still remains." Jil'eesa said, turning her whole body to Velma. "How would the populous ensure that these 'superheroes' always followed the moral code they set for themselves? What was to stop them from one day deciding to break that code of ethics to do as I suggested they might do before?"

Velma looked down at her drink, contemplating the question. "I'm…not really sure. I could look into it if you like. I'm positive as graphic novels evolved, they had confronted that dilemma."

"Excuse me!" So'Gam called out in his commanding voice. Velma and Jil'eesa both turned in their seats to face him.

"If I may have everyone's attention…I did my best to do this according to Earth customs, as the woman in question is from Earth."

Vi'cky, who had been entertaining some of the engineering staff, walked over to So'Gam when he said that. "I don't think they always call for formal attire, admiral. If I could speak freely, sir, I hate wearing this thing."

Everyone chuckled at that remark. So'Gam had very much gotten used to the idea of humor. He rarely indulged in it himself, but he certainly went with it.

"Nevertheless, we are here to commemorate one of our own tonight. Lieutenant Velma Garcia. Would the Lieutenant like to say anything?"

Everyone's eyes moved to Velma. She cleared her throat, having not expected this at all. She slowly stood from her stool, trying to think of something to say.

"Well, uh…I guess Earth tradition calls for a toast."

"You will require a replicator for that." So'Gam deadpanned, while the humans in the room chuckled quietly at that remark.

"Admiral, I think that was almost a witty remark." Velma said with a smile. "Anyway…I'd like to make a toast to the Federation and Starfleet. Years ago, when I was a little, pig-tailed haired girl, I suffered a great injustice…and I wondered at the time whether there was any order, any sort of fairness, in the universe. As I grew and studied science, I learned that there wasn't. At least, not in the sense that the universe ensures it. As amazing as the universe is, we know how cruel it can be. You all remember Q's visit a few months ago."

Everyone started to murmur about that particular visit. Mi'key was standing next to his superior, Chief Engineer Car'los. "I still have nightmares about my control console turning into a giant cockroach…" Mi'key said.

"But I also learned something else." Velma continued. "I learned that while the universe may not care, we, as sentient beings, can and should. Many of our early ancestors learned they could only survive in nature by working together as a group. Groups come together to form societies, societies come together to form governments. Governments come together to represent their planet. And then planets come together to form the Federation. By working together can we ensure that equality and fairness spreads across our space. That's why I joined Starfleet. After what happened to me when I was young, I knew that only the Federation could make sure that it never happened to anyone else, and Starfleet gets that job done. I'm proud to be here, to be working with all of you, the best crew in Starfleet and the best ship in the fleet."

She raised her glass, everyone in the room following suit. "To the Federation and Starfleet."

Everyone repeated what she said, the sounds of glass clanging against each other filling the room.

Car'los's communicator suddenly bleeped quietly.

"Sir, it's been fixed." A voice said. Car'los tapped his communicator to answer back.

"Understood." He simply said, looking at Mik'ey. "Excuse me, need to inform the admiral of this."

"Of course.' Mi'key said, looking over at Velma and Jil'eesa. They had finally been separated, as Velma was talking to So'Gam about something. Ever since that dream, he couldn't help but look at the female Vulcan. Even in her formal wear, she somehow still managed to look attractive. It was something about her emotionless demure that made her alluring. As if somehow, if you did get her to show affections, it would be that much more worth it.

He finally decided to approach her, walking over to the bar stool Velma was just sitting in and took a seat. "The admiral really knows how to throw a party."

"Your Andorian sense of humor is almost as elusive as human's…Was that a sarcastic remark at admiral's ability to hold recreational gatherings?"

"Somewhat." Mi'key answered. "Jil'eesa, I want to make the logical argument that we make arrangements have dinner together some time." Mi'key knew that outside of the typical traditions of Vulcan courtmanship, Vulcan women responded better to logical arguments. "We have known each other for quite some time. We have many mutual friends, and considering the time we are going to spend on this ship, it would be to our advantage if we got to know each other a little better."

Jil'eesa raised an eyebrow. "If I understand you correctly, you are asking for a 'date'. I am afraid I cannot comply. While I do admire your engineering skills and find your presence…tolerable, I do not have any interest in you in such a way."

"Oh…" Mi'key said, turning away from her. "I see…well, if that's how you feel."

"I do apologize. I have seen in some cases men proposing a purely sexual relationship. If you are about to ask such a thing, I will have to decline again…"

"No, it's fine. I wasn't about to ask that." Mi'key quickly responded, turning back to her. "I'm not really like that. My parents tell their story of how they met as if it was the greatest love story of all time. Some of that rubbed off on me. We still have a lot of time to find our soulmates-"

"An illogical concept…"

"I knew you were going to say that. But who knows? Maybe you'll find your perfect man on this very ship-"

Jil'eesa got off her seat, placing her drink on the bar. "Perfect woman, you mean. I am a lesbian."

Mi'key raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh. I didn't know that about you."

"In our line of work, our sexual preferences are irrelevant. The topic has never come up. In fact, I believe Velma is not aware of it either."

"Thank you." So'Gam said as Car'los informed him of the ship's status. "Velma, walk with me."

So'Gam and Velma made their way through the hallway until they reached astrometrics. They were alone, and So'Gam immediately went to a nearby console. "Computer, display current location and destination."

The holographic projectors suddenly shone, showing a 3D rendering of the space around them.

"Admiral, is something wrong?" Velma asked.

"Car'los informed me that we are already on the way to the planet Regorlia. I was not expecting our departure so soon. Thus, I will need to brief you now on your next mission. I assume that you are aware of the Enlightenment Theory?"

"Yes, Admiral." Velma responded. "The theory states that a civilization must go through some sort of restructuring of their belief systems until they reach a more scientific perspective. Religious and superstitious views are still present, but pushed aside as a more scientific understanding of the universe drives a species to better technology. This is why only species with such an understanding typically achieve warp drive."

"And you are aware of the possibility of an exception to this theory?"

"Of course. A species would have to still believe that the universe around them is all explainable by their presupposed worldview, religious or otherwise and still be able to come up with the technology to achieve warp capability. Such an exception isn't impossible, but…highly unlikely."

So'Gam turned his head to look at the destination. "Regorlia is one such planet that defies the Enlightenment Theory."

"Seriously?" Velma asked, walking over to the holographic projection. She reached out to lightly 'tap' the planet Regor, a read out of information popping up.

"Population of 3 billion…extremely strict society ruled by a theocratic government…this can't be right."

"Being unlikely is not the same as being impossible." So'Gam said. "The Enterprise was here a few days ago, preparing to initiate First Contact."

"First Contact? With these people?"

"They will be launching their first warp capable ship very soon. Standard protocol dictates First Contact be initiated."

"Yes, but with a planet ruled by religion? That's a disaster waiting to happen."

"Nonetheless, First Contact must be initiated. They will be entering into our universe, and you know how dangerous it is at the moment. The Klingons, the Tholians, the Borg…they will require protection, protection that only the Federation is willing to provide, as well as assuring they keep sovereignty over their planet and the chance to join the Federation."

"Will they want our protection?" Velma asked, walking up to So'Gam. "Will they want to abide by our laws if we offer them the chance to join the Federation? I'm sure you know the type of society a theocratic government creates."

"There are examples of religion not causing any harm to a society. The Bajorians…"

"That's different and you know it." There was a slight amount of anger in Velma's voice. The fact that she was lecturing her captain didn't seem to bother her. "There's no point in arguing about this, but I want to be involved in this."

"That is why I am briefing you."

"Good. So, what happened? Why isn't the Enterprise initiating First Contact?"

"The Enterprise was supposed to. It was their team that started the observation post. They also had one of our own on their team. Ensign Bruce Rogers."

"Rogers? I remember him. I was wondering why he temporarily transferred to the Enterprise."

"The Enterprise lacked First Contact specialists. We were close by, so we allowed them one of our own. They set up the observation post, but soon after, something went wrong. One of specialists was captured. Ensign Rogers…"

"I see…and the Enterprise couldn't mount a discreet rescue operation?"

"They were about to, but before they could, Starfleet Headquarters contacted Captain Shon. A fleet of New Romulan ships were being attacked by Tholians. The Enterprise has more experience fending off Tholian attacks then we do, so they were ordered to do so."

"I can't imagine Shon took that order lightly."

"Indeed. The only reason he went was because Starfleet Headquarters assured him that I would perform the rescue operation. They have ordered me to halt any operations the Justice was in the process of and focus on rescuing the observation team. We know where most of them are, and their rescue will be as simple as teleporting them onto the ship. The only one whose whereabouts we are not aware of is…"

"Rogers…" Velma looked back at the projection of the planet Regorlia. "So, we have to initiate First Contact with a potentially violent society that will most likely hate us, as well as finding and rescuing Rogers, without their knowing, I'm assuming. Disclosing that we've had our people on their planet before First Contact is typically saved until after a relationship between their government and the Federation has been established…Admiral, this is dangerous. We have to be extremely careful with what we do from here on out."

"Are we not always?"

"I'm actually more worried about what I might do…"

Krelot hunched over the desk, hitting buttons on his computer. The lab he shared with his brother looked like labs found on most other worlds except for one thing. There were religious symbols scattered all over the walls.

"The anti-matter chamber is holding steady, Thank the Lord Regor…" He said before straightening up and looking across the room at his twin brother, Mergot, who was sitting down at another computer.

"I can see it from here, too. Good work, brother."

Krelot walked over to his brother, patting his shoulder. "It was all thanks to the infinite wisdom of Regor."

"Yes, sure…"

"Is there a problem, brother?"

"No, of course not. I'm just thinking about what we might find out there. What if other life forms exists? What will they think of us?"

"It wouldn't matter what they think. All that matters is that they are blessed with the light of Regor."

"But why us?" He suddenly turned his seat to Krelot. "Why would we be the only species who knows about the entity that created the universe? If there are other species out there, how would they not know?"

"It is not our place to ask such questions."

"…Of course. I'm sorry, brother. We're so close to completing the warp program; my thoughts got away from…Krelot, look!"

The two brother both looked at the entrance of the room as two patches of glittering light appeared. Gradually, two people appeared.

"By the light of Regor…" Krelot quietly said as they could see the two aliens in front of them.

"Greetings." The male one with the pointy ears said. He raised his hand and made an odd gesture with his hand. "Live long and prosper…My name is So'Gam."

Next Time on Justice: Prime Directive

Chapter 3

A New Universe