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Chapter 44
By AlphaweltallX
Meanwhile, onboard the Izumi, Captain Raoul was faced with a dilemma. What was he to tell his superiors at the C.G.S.S. (Compact Galactic Survey Service) Headquarters? A rogue science officer armed with a complete library of their technology, willing to hand it over to a primitive culture. He still had time, he wasn't due to report to HQ for another 48 hours. Still, there was no telling how much damage could occur between now and then, not to mention damage that may have been done already. The C.G.S.S.'s only objective was to conduct neutral ethnographic surveys and research, never to interfere with the development of a worlds society and culture, no matter how strange and wrong a mode of conduct and behavior may seem. Raoul knew where Paula was coming from and how she felt, he even shared some of those feelings towards the lost colony. However, he never let his personal feelings get in the way of duty in the past, and did not want to start now. But, could he actually ignore what was going on down on the surface? As much as he wanted to help these people and their home world he knew he couldn't, and his duty to his mission dictated that he could not allow Paula to proceed with her plans. Captain Raoul was overcome with an inexplicable anxiety, his thoughts plagued him. What was he to do? His brain had lost the power of retaining its ideas; they passed away like waves, and he grasped his forehead with both hands to stop them. He was torn, divided between his conscience and his sense of duty. On one hand he had the lost colony, which is in a way was his or his peoples responsibility. He thought to himself; "How could I just abandon these people? They will surely destroy their planet and themselves along with it." Paula's words echoed in his mind over and over "You irresponsible cretins!" "You irresponsible cretins!" He couldn't help but feel guilty for not even trying to help the colony. On the other hand, as history has shown attempting to correct the problems of a lost colony may actually escalate the situation rather than rectify it, or even create new problems. Thus, he spoke in the depths of his conscience, hanging over his own abyss, lost in the prison of his mind. He rose from his chair and began to pace back and forth, weighing the pros and cons of any action or decision he might make. "Paula is right" he thought to himself; "this world is an ecological marvel unlike any world we've encountered". "It should be preserved". He was close to making up his mind, However, Paula's methods seemed to him extreme. Paula was willing to hand over centuries worth of technology to such an irresponsible people. They abused the current technology which they possessed. If they harnessed the power of nanites and nano-technology the ramifications could be devastating. With those last thoughts Captain Raoul dashed out of his office towards the bridge. His mind was set and he had come to a resolution......
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