#famine planet

Of course, we all have decreased our rations. The Captain is no exception.

[...]

[Kirk and Spock usually eat in the privacy of their own quarters, as it is the best way to avoid being poisoned. That day, before dinner, Spock knocks on Kirk's door. He has been doing so since the moment they decreased the rations.

Kirk doesn't answer, so Spock, concerned, punches in the override code that Kirk had provided him with. He hurries inside, phaser in hand, only to find his Captain curled against the corner, hugging his knees, his face buried against them. The door locks behind him.

Spock kneels next to Kirk.]

Again?

[There is no verbal answer, but his head moves slightly in what probably is a nod. Spock walks up to the replicator and scans his dog tag – the method Scotty has implemented to make sure that every crewmember only consumes their corresponding portion. He takes James's empty plate, still on the table, and pushes most of the contents of his own into it.

I've been informed that there's a nearby planet— Eupeithes II, I believe?— having a slight temper tantrum over a lack of food. Ah, well. It would be absolutely wonderful if you could send some men down to the colony and beat some gratitude back into the plebians! Publicly will do— examples have to be made, and lessons have to be taught.

Oh, dear, and if it isn't much a bother, I'd like to have some of those main... eh, instigators. I've been meaning to restock my supply of servants again.

Long live the Empire, looking forward to your response,

Commodore Miazga

🎖️

Of course, Commodore. Consider it done. Long live the Empire.

[Kirk hangs up with his usual carefree expression, but as soon as the computer turns off he punches the wall behind him. Up until now, they've managed to circumvent any conflict with the Empire. They've faked reports, manipulated records. But a direct order like this? Kirk curses Spock under his breath. He barges into his room through the shared bathroom, and explains the situation.]

We should just follow his orders. It will buy us time, he's not even asking us to kill anyone...

That would be unacceptable, Captain.

Would it? You're awfully calm. You've got a plan?

I do. We will, of course, deliver food to the Eupeithites.

And then? We wait for them to catch us?

[Only Spock and two security officers beamed down once they reached Eupeithes II. "My reputation precedes me. They wouldn't believe me if I beamed down to offer my help. Just tell them you've killed me for the revolution," Kirk had said. Spock knew better than to imply that he knew his actual reasons, so he accepted.

Of course, the Eupethites weren't entirely trusting, but the Enterprise was demanding nothing of them in exchange for their food, so they accepted their aid. Kirk ordered the crew to begin distributing the rations they had been pre-emptively replicating on the way, only allowing those who were already with the revolution to beam down to the planet. He would make the announcement to the entire crew soon enough, but he could still squeeze some usefulness out of those that he knew wouldn't join him before executing them.

Because he would execute them, no matter how much Spock was against it.

Once they are done with the distribution, some Eupethites asked Spock to join their ship and the efforts of the revolution. After all, they had plenty of reasons to fight the Empire.]

Your presence is more necessary here. The Empire will notice that we have not done what was asked of us in five days. You must either evacuate the planet or prepare to defend it.

[The security team is confused. They have explicit orders to eliminate any tribble infestation by any means necessary, but these aren't tribbles.

Sorry, sorry— panicking isn't helpful, I know— but how?

Your questions are very reasonable, as well as your attempts to calm yourselves down.

Eupeithes II is not inhabited in the same way that Terra or Vulcan are. There is only one colony. It is a large colony, but it is feasible. Mister Scott has collaborated with some of our contacts to disengage our replicators from the Empire's system – we no longer need credits to operate them. We have teams of people working overtime to replicate enough food for everyone.

We may all have to consume less food to make it possible, but doctor McCoy is working on a meal plan to make sure that everyone's nutritional needs are met.

What's all this talk about a famine planet? Is there a threat to the Revolution there?

(OOC: assuming this is about this post but excuse me if I'm wrong)

I'm right here, you know? I can hear you. You think I'm traumatised, or something? That I can't handle seeing a few ribs?