Section 31_ Rogue - Andy Mangels [27]
“I’ve never heard of it,” Hawk said. Tabor could feel the hunger for more information within the young man.
“Most people haven’t. I doubt even your Captain Picard, as wise and as knowledgeable as he is, is aware of the group, even though it was a part of Starfleet’s original charter two hundred years ago. Section 31 exists to identify anything that might threaten the Federation-and then deals with it, efficiently and quietly.”
“Has Starfleet really been all that bad at indentifying and handling threats?” Hawk said. Tabor could feel the lieutenant’s mind-his very conscience-struggling to wrap themselves around the ideas they were receiving.
Tabor smiled. “I didn’t mean to imply that, Sean. But the laws and principles that Starfleet’s officers of the line are sworn to uphold can hamstring them in certain… ethically gray situations. Section 31 has no such encumbrances. And that autonomy protects the ethical integrity of Starfleet’s mainline officers and the Federation’s leaders. Its agents answer to internal superiors, who, in turn, implement the decisions that other Federation operatives cannot.”
Tabor could tell that Hawk was truly becoming conflicted; he had begun to question not only modern-day Starfleet’s decisions, but also the schoolboy assumptions about history that most Federation citizens rarely called into question.
And yet, the lieutenant still could go either way. Tabor knew he had no choice but to press on.
“Sean, Section 31 also exists to make sure that mistakes that are made can be corrected. That the dangers which threaten the Federation’s existence-and those who are naive enough to expose the Federation to those dangers-are neutralized. Sometimes the agents have to step outside the rules to help keep the Federation’s true best interests in the forefront.”
Hawk rocked back on his seat, his brow furrowed. His voice was soft, almost a hiss. “Are you saying Starfleet has something like the Cardassian Obsidian Order or the Romulan Tal Shiar? That they sanction those sorts of operations?”
Tabor put on a wounded expression, and prepared to take the next step-confirming that he was a part of Section 31. He could read in Hawk’s mind that the young man had guessed it anyhow.
“We’re not assassins, son. The steps those groups will take to accomplish their ends are much more… proactive than ours. However, we value the survival of our way of life every bit as much as our adversaries do theirs. ‘Necessity knows no law except to prevail.’ One of Earth’s philosophers said that.”
“Publilius Syrus,” Hawk said quickly. “But he also said, ‘Pardon one offense, and you encourage the commission of many.’ It seems as if this group is above the law.”
“Not above it. Beneath it, perhaps. You might think of the bureau as the bulwark that makes the Federation’s ideals possible in the first place. The only reason freedom exists at all, Sean, is because of those who stand vigil outside on the ramparts. Section 31 upholds the Federation’s principles. Just as Picard has done on those occasions when he has bent the rules. Even in your short time on the Enterprise, I’m sure you can think of more than a few instances wherein he, or Commander Riker, have made decisions based more upon conscience than on the rule book.”
Tabor could feel Hawk’s thoughts swirling, but one question rose to the forefront more quickly than any other. “You’re wondering why I’m telling you this, aren’t you?” Tabor asked.
“Yes,” Hawk said, simply.
“It’s because Section 31 has need of new agents. Strong, reliable, honest men and women who are committed to the dreams of the Federation.” Tabor looked him directly in the eyes. “I believe you to be one of those men, Mister Hawk.”
“Me? I’m not-“
“You embody all of the qualities of the best Starfleet officers. Additionally, I believe that you may have an eidetic memory, a valuable tool for an agent.”
“I’ve always had a near-photographic memory, but…” Hawk shook his head, then asked, “Why now?”
“Because I fear that