It was fair to say that all (now three) Liraxan’s were glad to be out of the holding cell, but the enthusiasm regarding their new-found freedom vanished as soon as the reality of what had happened settled in. The destroyed artefact had held several meanings to them – ranging from an opportunity of proving themselves in their chosen field of study to satiating their thrill of adventure, but on the forefront of all of this was the hope that it would bring peace to their people. 

“This artifact was more than a relic – it was a bridge. It would have allowed both tribes to connect… if only we’d had a little more time.”, Nira said and shook her head, sitting down by Trevan’s side. “I can’t believe its just… gone”

Jara Melun’s hands trembled slightly as she tried to regain her composure.   “Without the artifact, the rift between our people only widens. The Malivan elders won’t accept another delay. They’ll see it as yet another Virexian failure.”

“Not necessarily. The artifact isn’t totally lost. Perhaps it can be recovered and repaired.”

“I doubt it.”, said Trevan bitterly. 

There was a long moment of silence before Nira spoke up again. “Your telepathy worked, even if only for a moment, didn’t it?”

She looked meaningfully to Brennan, who had thus far remained silent. 

 “I did sense something… like a faint connection between you and the others, like a low hum. But I don’t know if that was because of the artifact or if it was… me.”

“You’re Starfleet. Not one of us. Whatever you felt, it won’t be enough. The artifact would have channeled energy far beyond individual reach.”, sighed Jana.

Trevan leaned in thoughtfully. “What if it didn’t need to? The connection doesn’t have to be strong, does it? Just… enough to prove we can understand each other, even for a moment. The tribes have learned to negotiate verbally, but we lack that base of understanding.”

Brennan nodded slowly. “So, a subtle connection. Just a brief awareness of each other’s thoughts. Even if my telepathy only managed to bridge that gap once, it’s proof that it’s possible.”

“But if we were to amplify that… create a telepathic field in place of the artifact… just long enough for the elders to share one moment of clarity. One shared experience might be all we need to reestablish peace negotiations.”

Jana frowned. “You’re talking about recreating the effects of an ancient artifact by mirroring telepathy that isn’t even out own.”

Brennan frowned. “Even if we managed to build such a field, there’s one big problem…”

“Your Starfleet rules, I imagine.”

“Exactly. Starfleet’s Prime Directive restricts our interference in another species’ natural development. Creating an artificial telepathic field might be crossing that line.”

Trevan’s voice was gentle as he spoke, but the words hurt nonetheless “Your so-called rules may well be our downfall, Commander. Your presence here is interference enough.”

“That’s enough, Trevan. Commander Brennan… just provide a moment of unity. Let us make our own decisions.”

 “If there’s even a chance it could work, it may be worth attempting. But I need to consult with my superior officer first. Captain Ceix will want to know about this… and he’ll have thoughts on where the line is. I just don’t know if Starfleet will approve.”

“But you’re willing to try?”

Brennan sighed, then nodded. “I’ll speak with Ceix. If there’s any way to support you without violating our protocol, we’ll find it.”

Captain Ceix sat behind his desk in the Callisto’s ready room, looking through the report from the surface of Liraxia IV. Sydin has remained to try and pacify the Elders and gather additional information, and of course he had been informed of the progress made by Brennan and her team. He was very much trying to figure our what to do with the man who had destroyed the artefact, fearing that without proof it would have worked – and, in the same line – helped the Liraxan people, it was unlikely he would face any kind of punishment.

Which was something the Captain didn’t like. Engineering was still investigating the incident with Brennan’s suit, and so far they didn’t believe in a malfunction. Instead, there was a chance Vorel had something to do with that too.

But now, there was another matter at hand. The idea of a telepathic field that could potentially bridge the gap between the two factions. 

He ran a hand through his long hair, and leaned forward on the desk.

The chime of the door interrupted his thoughts. “Enter.”

Brennan was the first to step in, flanked by Keller, Nira Valen, Trevan Coras, and Jara Melun. The room felt instantly crowded, and Ceix directed them to the conference table.

“Captain,” Brennan started. “I believe you have reviewed our report?”
Ceix nodded, and Keller continued. “We believe that a telepathic field can work. Brennan has been able to connect on a low level with both tribes – if we can mirror this, It’s exactly what the Liraxans need to begin the peace talks.”

“We would be actively involving ourselves in their internal matters. The Prime Directive…”, Ceix sighed. 

“I know, Captain,” Brennan interrupted. Her voice was firm but respectful. “But the Liraxans initiated this. Nira, Trevan, and Jara can confirm that the research is theirs. Starfleet’s role was merely to provide the support they requested. This is not interference. It’s cooperation.”

Keller shifted his weight, crossing his arms. “Sir, the Liraxans have been trying to solve this problem for centuries. They see this telepathic field as their own solution, with our help as a neutral mediator.”

Nira stepped forward. “Captain, this is our research. The telepathic field has the potential to restore peace on our planet.”

Ceix exhaled slowly, rising from his chair and walking to the viewport. Outside, the pink glow of Liraxia IV’s atmosphere shimmered in the distance, serene and deceptively peaceful.

“I understand the importance of this to your people, Nira,” he said. “But you must understand that I have to think of Starfleet’s principles, of the Prime Directive. Once we cross that line, there’s no turning back.”

Trevan, usually the more reserved of the group, stepped forward. “Captain Ceix, this isn’t interference. You’d only be allowing us to use the technology we’ve developed with your assistance. The tribes deserve a chance at peace. Don’t deny them that because of a technicality.”

Ceix remained silent for a moment. He turned back to face them, his eyes narrowing as he searched their faces. They were right, of course. This was in the best interest of the Liraxan people. The field would be their creation, with Starfleet only acting as facilitators.

“ I want to hear what the Elders of both tribes have to say. This decision can’t be made here, on our own.”

Keller, pragmatic as usual, nodded. “If they agree, it might be enough to rally their people behind the peace talks.”

Brennan’s gaze met Ceix’s, and for a moment, the room seemed too quiet. “Captain, this could be the turning point for them.”

Ceix sighed and returned to his seat. “Very well. I’ll call for a meeting with the Elders. Here. But I want it clear to both tribes that this is their decision. We’re here to help them find peace, not dictate their future.”

“Thank you, Captain,” she said softly.