Rating: T

Setting: Set during the 24th Century

Disclaimer: CBS/Paramount owns all, and I own nothing, not even the words. That said, the idea is mine – please do not repost this anywhere without my permission.

Author's Note: Sorry it's been a while, work, life, school, and current events got in the way.

Chapter 4 - The Planet Richmond

Commander Tolov and her crew finally made it through all the processing and integration into Republic society. When the Starfleeter's first arrived in the system, they marveled at the amount of space traffic within the system. Numerous ships of all sizes and shapes moved about in what seemed like a congested space. Each of them traveled between each planet of Richmond's solar system and between its two natural satellites.

The planet Richmond itself looked impressive. Its total surface area is approximately 250 thousand square miles, (slightly bigger than Earth). Comparatively, the ocean area of Richmond is about 150 thousand square miles to that of Earth's 140 thousand square miles. The land area takes up the remainder with approximately 100,000 square miles.

The land masses of Richmond are composed of four major continents: New North America, New South America, and two major land masses at both polar locations. Its highest point is approximately 35,000 feet above surface sea level on the New North American continent.

Like Earth, Richmond's center is a core composed of a solid inner core and a fluid outer core. The flow of molten iron in the outer core generates Richmond's magnetic field. Above the core lies the mantle, which is relatively flexible. The outer layer of the Richmond is the crust, relatively light and brittle.

Around Richmond, two moons orbited the planet providing tidal effects around the shores of both continents. Named after the two of the ships that came from Earth, Ptolemy and Eirene, these moons represent both the Greek words for war and peace, a sort of reminder that all civilizations must face both challenges in their histories.

Richmond's crust varies in thickness from 6 miles thick beneath the oceans, and about 36 miles thick under the continents. Similarly to Earth, its surface is divided into large plates that, over time, change in size and position. There are sites of intense geologic activity at the edges of these plates, where they move against each other. This geologic activity takes the form of mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Richmond's oceans are the Western Ocean (which is the largest), Eastern Ocean, Polar North Sea, and Polar South Sea surrounding the corresponding land masses at each polar north and south pole.

Terrain types vary widely and include forest, jungle, desert, savannah, tundra, swamp, marsh, and mountain. The circulation of air in the atmosphere, and the circulation of ocean currents, affect the weather in various parts of Richmond.

Water moves from the oceans to the atmosphere through evaporation, hence to the land through precipitation, and back to the oceans through the flow of rivers and streams. This movement of water is called the hydrologic cycle. It serves to keep a regular amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

Since its colonization, Republic scientists have found and categorized about 150,000 plant species and about 900,000 animal species. As with any typical class-M planet as categorized by the Federation, Richmond's flora falls into three broad groups: mosses, ferns, and flowering plants. Animals are grouped into vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish); invertebrates (arthropods and mollusks); and protozoa (flagellates, amoebae, sporozoans, and ciliates). Animals and plants are eukaryotes, organisms whose cells have a nucleus. Algae, fungi, and slime molds are also eukaryotes.

Like with Earth, many organisms are microscopic. These include protozoa, as well as viruses, which have no cellular structure, and archaea and bacteria, which are prokaryotes (cells without nuclei). There are more than ten million species of bacteria and over five thousand virus species. Only a few hundred species of archaea have been identified, although it is likely that many more exist.

At the time of colonization, Richmond's population numbered in the hundreds that came in the sleeper ships; however, over the last two hundred years, it has risen almost 200% with a liberal adoption of pro-baby policies by the colonial government.

Contrary to Earth, there is only one nation on Richmond, the American Republic, but with significant differences. Taking the model set forth by the US Constitution established in Earth's 18th century, the colonial leaders took this document and created the republican form of government it was supposed to be. Using this template, it rectified many of the shortcomings that were evident in the original government back on Earth.

Understanding how national sovereignty is critical to a country's survival, several key fixes were established through the careful crafting of this new constitution to make sure it did not suffer from all the failings that plagued the original United States back on Earth.

Knowing that the colonists occupying Richmond valued their American roots, they incorporated as their new flag, the historic "peace" flag from US history. Of the many changes, the following items were most notable that were incorporated into this new constitution.

The original Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments) were incorporated into the document as Articles. Term limits for all elected, and appointed government officials in all three branches of government. Judges at all levels were subject to term limits. The limit of the Federal level government only extended to three main functions for the Republic - Defense, State, and Treasury to keep the bureaucracy small. Other functions of government were left to the sub-ordinate state governments. The government was secular; however, many of the tenants of ancient religions drove the foundation of its constitutional law…items such as do not kill, steal, or covet another's possessions to name a few.

The aim of the colony's leaders was to keep the government out of the colonist's lives as much as possible, but able to provide only if requested. It was hoped that this hands off approach would ignite a new revolution in technology, Human achievement and sustainability on this new planet. Not only did Humans succeed, they thrived. Without the government to 'manage' or 'control' the economy, the free market brought unbelievable advances in technology to the citizens of Richmond. A significant difference in Richmond's federal government was that its elected and non-elected officials were not paid a salary. Only a per diem for days in actual session (e.g, in the legislature, during a trial, or signing a law (president or governor) was provided to those individuals serving. Additionally, the government was only in session six months of the calendar year. The other six months, government officials were free to return to their regions, or states and work regular jobs.

Eligibility for office: All citizens, both original colonists, and future planet-born Humans were eligible for election. Later on, an amendment was made in favor of alien 'naturalized' citizens to become eligible for office.

THIS WAS MANDATORY: Every single citizen had to do time as an 'elected' official at any level of government for a minimum of two terms or whatever was mandated by the applicable term limits of that office OR submit their names for election. Now, if a citizen did not get elected, then it counted as one time, the citizen had to submit one more time. At the conclusion of two attempts, whether they got elected or not, it counted as time served for their public duty in government. Examples include sitting on the local town council, local school board, state legislature, and the national level Congress (e.g., the House of Representatives). The Senate side of Congress went back to appointment by the State legislatures.

Now, it seems that compulsory 'elected' time might have citizens purposely do a poor job, but quality control mechanisms ensured that if these elected officials did not perform adequately at their job, then significant fines would be levied on that person. Think of it as 'jury duty' and if you fail to come or perform to the best of your abilities, then that person could face fines or even jail time.

Each region established on Richmond was to be an independent State modeled after the Earth version. Areas that made use of specific resources came together to form established living areas. There were States set up to be specifically farm land, ones that were mines, ones that were set up to be fishing communities, yet all of them were connected by the advanced technology brought with them from Earth.

Contrary to the Federation's belief, private industry was taken to new heights of greatness. As long as safety was ensured, the government kept its hands out of private industry. Technology was used to make things better, cheaper and more efficient. Inventions that did not work were discarded and never used again. Inventions that worked, were kept and any use that benefited society was quickly incorporated. Discovery of extensive gold ores on both continents was used as the basis of their currency standard. Taking Earth history into account, banks were forbidden on Richmond by law and through the department of Treasury, trust accounts were set up both for individuals and business corporations in order to conduct business and exchange currency. Richmond's economic policy and through the use of primitive digital block chains, government interference in monetary policy was kept to a minimum solidified the private nature of currency transactions.

Tax policy for Richmond incorporated only ONE type of tax for its citizens. This Value Added Tax or VAT was levied on only items bought new and then never again. Taxes on used items, regardless of exchange (private or public) were not levied. Due to the small size of the government bureaucracy (both federal and State level), there was no need to pay millions of civil servants to conduct daily government business.

There was no income tax, land tax, no tax of any other kind, except in the case of interplanetary trade, a tariff tax was placed on incoming traded items. Trade negotiations between Richmond and alien civilizations were kept overly simplistic and currency exchange was done in tangible resources, mostly gold, or later on, gold-pressed latinum (from the eventual contact with the Ferengi Alliance).

In summary, the government of the Republic of Richmond, or as they knew it, the United Systems American Republic set out to become what its original architects back on Earth in the 1700's tried to. As with any government, there were growing pains, but for the most part, its constitution has only been amended three times owing to the foresight of its original writers.

As the transport moved the Federation Humans towards the gate facility, they marveled at the sights they saw. Each of them edging closer to the viewports to get a better view of their new 'home.'

"I've never seen so many vessels and facilities! Not even Earth had this many." remarked the Lieutenant Remington

Tolov just continued to stare at the many aspects of this new world. How have they kept themselves hidden from the rest of the galaxy? She thought.

The shuttle docked and as the lights to the airlock changed from red to green, an armed Marine stood up from the front and looked over the group.

"Please proceed this way for processing," he said while motioning them to follow him into the sterile reception area. As he entered, he moved to the side and pointed to a red line on the deck.

"Line up on this red line and face me. Do remain as still as possible for a DNA scan."

The Federation Humans moved single file into the area and lined up, and more Republic Marines formed around them for containment. It was a bit intimidating for them as they were surrounded by these armed individuals.

As the newcomers waited, many of them looked around the sterile environment. It looked similar to a Federation transporter room but more advanced in some areas. They could not see any noticeable controls on the walls. There were only two doors, one of which they came into and another one opposite that.

Their attention was captured by two persons coming in through this door dressed in what could be taken as white bodysuits but with pockets and lab coats over them. Two human individuals, a woman, and a man came in and stood in front of the group.

The man looked at the Marine Sergeant, "Sergeant, these people are remarkably healthy, but your squad is dismissed. The screening is complete and we're here to take them the rest of the way into the station for processing."

"Aye, sir," the Marine sergeant replied. He looked at the remainder of his team and nodded for them to leave. With that, the Marines left the room in which the group entered.

When the Marines had left, the man came to the center of the group. "Greetings, everyone! My name is Dr. Charles Bowers. I'm the head of the medical department here at Liberty Station. Next to me is Dr. Cynthia McMasters, my executive." Dr. Cynthia nodded at her name. "For the next few days, my staff will be conducting your initial acclimation into Republic society. I apologize in advance for any strange tests you're going to be subjected to, but in the end, you'll understand their purposes. I highly encourage you to ask questions at any stage of the process. This process enables us to find out more about each of you from the base DNA scan that you just had. It…"

Commander Tolov interrupted him, "Doctor, what scan? When did this occur?"

He smiled and said, "It happened as soon as you lined up on this red line. The scan was highly focused and mapped your genome completely within a matter of minutes." He looked down at the tablet he was holding, "In fact, here on this tablet, I have each of your complete DNA mappings already on file.

"You see, our computer systems are more advanced than your Federation technology that is based on sub-quantum principles enabling high orders of processing power that your Federations scientists have only dreamed about. I'm not trying to brag, but our computers are quite advanced. All of which will be briefed to you in the next few days following your examinations and acclimation."

Surprised at this news, the Starfleeters had looks of shock but kept their thoughts to themselves.

"...As I was saying," Bowers continued, "the scan tells us what kind of DNA imperfections you have, what potential diseases you are likely to have, and the best way to fix them…and for possible augmentations, if you like."

He looked down at his tablet, "I can see here that most of you are Earth-born humans and few others from what I gather are colony born."

Commander Tolov spoke up, "How can you tell that from our DNA?"

Dr. Bowers answered, "We can tell, there are certain markers based on the environment in which you were raised that leaves these indicators within your DNA.

"Now, if everyone will follow me and Dr. McMaster here, we'll begin this process," he motioned to the new door.

With McMaster leading the way, the Federation Humans noticed that she passed her hand over a part of the wall the door opened. She walked in and was followed by them into subsequent examination rooms. Each of the newcomers was dropped off with various medical staff for their 'treatment' as Dr. Bowers explained.

Over the next few days, they were subjected to various medical devices and scanners to correct their respective genetic defects and any damage caused by radiation. Towards the end of the process, they were each individually interviewed to determine if they wanted some type of genetic augmentation done to them. Many of them declined, preferring to keep themselves the way that they had come and to maintain their status as un-augmented Humans.

- Three Days Later -

The Starfleet newcomers had been provided separate quarters on the gate station and were about to start their new lives. Each of them, having been medically examined, had been deemed healthy enough to transport down to the planet Richmond.

Looking out into space, Tolov (..former Commander..since Starfleet no longer existed to the best of her knowledge) mused at what had become of her and the former crew. The majority of them had decided to stay on Richmond as part of their acclimation to this society. They really had nowhere to go. Many of her former engineering staff jumped at the chance to become apprentices for major engineering companies to learn more about this wonderous technology worked. Her specialty, since command was no longer in her reach because of her unwillingness to fully accept her situation, was still up in the air. She was provided a only few choices should she remain on Richmond-history museum staff or mining colony worker... For better vocations, she would have to begin on her own to develop new skills and background should she decide to join the Republic's military. Not saying it was outside her ability, it would just take her a bit longer to unlearn some of Starfleet's ingrained training. Her thoughts traveled to possibilities of settling on one of their colonies and actually farming appealed more to her since being a native of the Belorussian republic on Earth.

Walking away from the window, she went to the fabricator and got herself a glass of vodka…real vodka. These Republic people obviously didn't believe in synthehol. Drinking it down, she looked over the tablet with her choices…mmm, she thought…guess I'm headed to their colonies. Choosing her selection could be worse she thought, I'd be in a Dominion prison camp now or worse…dead.

TBC