The Prime Directive

[fenriz275 0]

I'm throwing a situation out here for everyone to consider. You're the captain of a Federation starship, you come across a prewarp civilization that is facing complete annihilation from a natural disaster, one that you can prevent. Would you violate the prime directive and help or follow the rules? Please explain why you decided on your particular course of action.

[Theunicornhunter 2]

That's a good question. It seems like there were times when something like this happened. As long as no direct contact was made they would interfere - like that TOS episode with the asteroid heading towards the planet.

 

I would do it but then I may not be a Star Fleet officer.

 

Actually, why does the prime directive only apply to prewarp societies - all contact with other species will influence cultural development in some way no matter what the stage of technology.

[Jeanway 0]

This WAS an episode,' PEN PALS', TNG. Yes, they did but erased the memory of it in the little girl.

[Ace 0]

I guess I'm one of those "to heck with the Prime Directive" type of people. <_< I may be as covert about it as possible, but in this situation, I'd probably help. Sometimes, though, the PD can be a pretty good thing.

[sea trooper 0]

To hell with our orders! I'll make my own federation and destroy the present one! *evil laugh* Destroy! Destroy!

[nik 0]

Hmmmmmm........ I assume that saving the planet will in some way violate G.O.#1? Well...... gotta do it. My career for their lives.

[Valeris 2]

Oh heck, to Hades with the PD! I am in the Romulan Imperial Fleet. Let the civilization die, then take what resources are left to destroy the UFP! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Guest Guest]

Oh heck, to Hades with the PD! I am in the Romulan Imperial Fleet. Let the civilization die, then take what resources are left to destroy the UFP! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Atta go there! Destroy everything! *evil laugh*

[sea trooper 0]

Oops. That was me. I forgot to sign on!

[Kyra_Ashleigh 0]

I tend to bend the rules. Knowing that and the fact that I couldn't stand to see a civilization distroyed, then I would violate the Prime Diective if there was no other way to save the people.

 

Compassion, after all, is a big part of humanity.

[Vulcan IDIC 0]

I think that like Kirk I would try to find a clever way around it. I would probably try my best to try and help the planet as long as I didn't come in direct contact with anyone on it or influenced them with my technology. We are talking about life here and I think that's more important than my career.

 

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."

[ARMS 0]

I'd always obey it no matter what, not because i follow orders, it's because i believe it's right.

[Stelfan 0]

If there was a way to prevent the disaster without coming in contact with the people I would probably do it.. Otherwise, I'm not sure, have to give it some thought.

[Takara_Soong 4]

I'm not sure what I would do. The Prime Directive is a cornerstone of the Starfleet. Disregarding the PD can be disasterous. I think it would be the hardest decision I would have to make but as a Starfleet officer I would have sworn to uphold the PD and I would probably do that.

[scaleman 0]

You know what, i think this would be one of those "extenuating circumstances" things. I mean, the PD was meant for (mostly) the average situation. Think about it, normally if these people were at a higher level of technology then you could easily stick to it, but what about if it was you on the planet in pre-warp (or pre-whatever) level? I think chances are that, if it was found out that you were helping the planet by the inhabitants, there'd be some sorta cover-up right, even if it was for the best?