[wellntruly]

codaking replied to your post “cosmictuesdays replied to your post: I just read your final recap and…”

I always love opinions on federation versus dominion society and ideals

With this and @picturesinhismind’s request to hear about the Federation’s parallels with the Cardassian Union, it seems I should just share my thoughts on what The United Federation of Planets IS in the Space Future!

This is a really big question.

We’re talking about a group of people who have, quote, “decided to abandon currency-based economics in favor of some philosophy of self-enhancement,” but who ALSO tacitly allow factions like Section 31 to go about their shady dealings.

I mean there’s no doubt that the Federation is Good, this is a net good sort of situation for sure. They fight against oppression in all its forms (here’s not looking at you, Cardassia and the Dominion). They embrace science and art and cool ships. They send their people out into space to make discoveries and connections, and get all excited when they meet new people who want to team up for knowledge.

There are some things they do not handle all that well. Section 31 we’ve mentioned, and what went down with the Maquis was not great. There are several episodes in Deep Space Nine expressly concerned with Starfleet officers having a very complicated time with something they’re learning about their people. Oh no, they wonder, could the Federation be in the wrong?

Of course they could be. They’re mostly Humans, after all. Humans make mistakes. To err is us. And creating an inclusive socialist utopia out in the stars doesn’t mean we’re gonna stop fucking things up sometimes. But the Federation isn’t about perfection, it’s about striving. The Federation always looks forward, always dreams of making it better, always hopes.

But most of all, if you ask me about the Federation in Star Trek, my mind usually goes to one specific conversation between a Ferengi and a Cardassian:

Quark: “And the worst part of it is, my only hope for salvation, is the Federation.”
Garak: “I know precisely how you feel.”
Quark: “I want you to try something for me. Take a sip of this.”
Garak: “What is it.”
Quark: “A Human drink. It’s called root beer.”
Garak: “Naw I don’t know.”
Quark: “Come onn. Aren’t you just a little bit curious?”
Garak: [sighs, drinks]
Quark: “What do you think?”
Garak: “It’s vile!”
Quark, quietly resigned: “I know. It’s so bubbly and cloying. And happy.”
Garak, pleased: “Just like the Federation.”
Quark: “But do you know what’s really frightening? If you drink enough of it, you begin to like it.”
Garak: “It’s insidious. :)”
Quark: “Just like the Federation.”
Garak, a real question: “…Do you think they’ll be able to save us?”
Quark, weary: “I hope so.”