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plutherusWatching season 2 on DVD. In one episode, Commander Ivanova is tasked with negotiating an alliance with an alien species who turn out to be the worst sort of racists and social darwinists. She's trying to convince them that we are not an "inferior" species, and thus should be considered for an alliance. The alien ambassador insists on being taken to "Downbelow" - basically the slum areas of the station. After seeing the abject poverty that exists there, they have the following exchange:
"We have isolated ourselves from inferior species. But you...you have shown the will and the strength to isolate the genetically inferior parts of your own species, as an evolutionary protection."
"I don't think you understand. This was not intentional."
"You're too modest. You're too modest. It's a brilliant move, Commander. You isolate the genetic pool. You limit their chances for procreation. You create a workforce without a power base to challenge you. This is not something we've thought of, but it's something we will institute on our world at the first opportunity."
"Wait...uh..."
"You see, alliances are built on more than tactical advantages. They are built upon similarities of culture. And it would appear that we are more similar than I had first suspected. Congratulations, Commander. This, more than anything else has convinced me that you are worthy of an alliance."
"We have isolated ourselves from inferior species. But you...you have shown the will and the strength to isolate the genetically inferior parts of your own species, as an evolutionary protection."
"I don't think you understand. This was not intentional."
"You're too modest. You're too modest. It's a brilliant move, Commander. You isolate the genetic pool. You limit their chances for procreation. You create a workforce without a power base to challenge you. This is not something we've thought of, but it's something we will institute on our world at the first opportunity."
"Wait...uh..."
"You see, alliances are built on more than tactical advantages. They are built upon similarities of culture. And it would appear that we are more similar than I had first suspected. Congratulations, Commander. This, more than anything else has convinced me that you are worthy of an alliance."
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Date: 2003-05-15 04:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2003-05-15 04:24 pm (UTC)