Ship's Counsel

by 9adam4

An alternate history of the NCC-1701-D, in a world where the Federation thinks a bit more rationally, and Star Fleet takes its duties a bit more seriously. There is only one change in the crew (at least initially): a Haliian named Soriana Turhal is the Counsellor (and ethics officer) rather than a certain half-Betazoid. Other changes reveal themselves over time.

7. The Last Outpost (Mini)

Captain's log, stardate 41386.4. We are en route to an unmanned monitor post on Gamma Tauri Four, in order to replace a T9 energy converter stolen by a Ferengi Vessel. The identity of the thieves was easily ascertained by automated sensors. Per the Interstellar Piracy Treaty, the ship and the individuals responsible will no longer be allowed to dock or trade anywhere within Federation, Klingon, or Cardassian Space until reparations are made.

One can only imagine what trying times it must have been for space fleet captains in the eras before the IPT, constantly being sent out to chase down pirates in dangerous and costly attempts to recover easily replaceable equipment. How ridiculous would that have been in this case, as though the Enterprise should make pitched battle against the mercantile Ferengi? I am grateful the Federation has discovered a much more efficient approach.