Once upon a time, a captain could look at her sensors and trust the data displayed on her console. Nowadays, one must skeptically examine any incoming digital information since it can be faked, heavily biased and/or de-contextualized. (And this is why I use Ground News. Just kidding!!)
Perhaps even more concerning is the emergence of the Terran Empire. Though it still superficially resembles the Federation, it uses its officers to assert dominance, not peace, even within its own borders. Technically, those same officers swore to uphold Federation values, still they turn their phasers on their fellow community members at the behest of emperor Dolman P. Turd.
The majority if not all major subspace communication relays (social media platforms) and outposts (corporations) owned by Ferengi have bended the knee to Mr. Turd for their 30 pieces of gold pressed latinum. What surprises me the most are those that support the empire despite it being against their own economic interests and supposed moral beliefs. How they can root for heroes in holonovels (movies) but support a real life villain is quite the cognitive dissonance.
I suppose it was inevitable that the Federation would fall. All great galactic powers eventually go into decline. I wonder if I should start learning Cardasian. (sp) They seem to be growing stronger while the Terran Empire and Klingons waste their military assets on a proxy war against each other.
Everything going on in the galaxy has affected me very deeply. At times, I feel so cynical and helpless. I spend a lot of time trying to challenge this sort of cognition because it isn’t true. There is still good in the universe. I may not be able to make a major impact in the galaxy but I can make a difference in the sector where I live and so can you. Even in physics, small changes in initial conditions can lead to large effects.
In other news, I wasn’t able to get the higher ranked position I interviewed for. More openings will become available over the coming months but I’m not holding my breath. Commander Tino has yet to get a job or even really try despite promising to get one. He and the other cadets (kids) are still doing good at Starfleet Academy (school) which is a positive.
I continue to work behind the scenes on physics and other science. I hope to not only continue learning but I deeply want to be able to contribute something to humanity’s search for answers. My other papers didn’t go anywhere… However the one I’ve worked on the longest I’ve yet to submit. Whatever happens, I’m glad I tried. If only I had this sort of ambition in the past…Well that is gone, I only have now. And now is good.