Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Chapter 35 - Eric Pressman's Crimes (Patreon)

Published:
2023-02-22 14:00:02
Imported:
2026-06
haven't archived this post yet. have a subscription? use the importer!

Content

When I watched this episode as a teen, Picard's actions here made perfect sense.  I'm a lot more jaded now and have seen the way the world really works, so I sympathize quite a bit more with Pressman and his supporters.  If the Treaty ended tomorrow, it'd be great if on Day 1 Starfleet already had a Federation cloaking design that worked and was compatible with its ships.  The Romulans almost certainly would have expected as much of the Federation.

What do you guys think of Pressman's actions and the Federation/Starfleet developing a cloak in violation of the treaty??

Files

Previews only

That treaty is the biggest mistake we ever made.

TNG 7x12 The Pegasus

Comments

red demon

I do think the Federation/Starfleet was right in developing a cloak. Not only would it be useful for their general use but it would give them greater understanding on how to counter them. That said I do think Pressman was the wrong man to lead such a project. I'm willing to bet it was Pressman's attitude that led to the loss the device in the first place. A MUNITY aboard a Starfleet vessel. What's more is that Picard was able to get a copy of the report from the court martial for the loss of the Pegasus.

Joseph Orlando
>>102542952

There is a lot about that episode that doesn't make sense. You're right. Developing a Federation cloak would probably be extremely useful in countering other races that use cloaking. As far as I know, nothing in the treaty prevents them from efforts meant to defeat the cloak. Pressman was definitely the wrong choice there. I have a suspicion that the experiment aboard his ship was meant to be a field test in integrating this technology into a working Starfleet vessel, rather than proving the technology itself. A Federation cloaking device is useless unless the current ships in the fleet can use the thing. They were likely trying to figure out if and how quickly the technology could be installed, used, and maintained. Yes, he had the right temperament, but obviously the crew did not. They should have pulled the ship away from its duties, a refit cover story or what not, and brought on a handpicked group of people who were fully onboard with what they were doing. Why bring on rank and file people who were going to have an issue with the treaty violation?? Just from a strategic point of view, Federation strategists and planners probably suspected the treaty with the Romulans was not going to hold up forever. Why shouldn't they secretly develop a cloak that would be available for use starting on day 1 of that new reality? It would still probably take a ton of time and effort to distribute, install, and train on this tech even with the head start.

red demon
>>102542952

Exactly. A ship with a hand picked crew would of been smart. My guess is Pressman's backers kept him on only because he was a useful idiot to them. The report what really happened was probably left out there just in case said backers needed to bury Pressman. Throw in the fact that the Romulans were very interested in the recovery of the Pegasus shows the security may not have been absolute. Pressman always struck me as one of those holier than thou types. Sure in the belief that HE saw what needed to be done and only HE could do it. That he was right and everyone else was wrong.

Joseph Orlando
>>102542952

Yes. Probably a useful (and visible/public) patsy and fallguy should it come out that perfectly hides the fact that Section 31 was likely the one behind the whole thing.

War sage

To be honest I've always approved of the Starfleet development of their own cloaking devices as for one its the best way to counter improved versions the Romulans and Klingons create. I will say the way they went about field testing was incredibly stupid, I mean while Pressman supported the project, it's obviouss the vast majority of his crew, including atleast two of his senior officers...I mean they either could have come up with a refit/bayron sweep or something to get the crew off the ship for an extended period of time....or maybe just either searching the massive fleet for a ship who more of the crew would support the idea, or take a ship recently decommissioned and staff it. I mean I'm sure Starfleet Intelligence has a few that could be sent on a long term 'recon/surveillance assignment' Though considering how Picard was able to get the report it seems it was ensured that if discovered Pressman would take the fall.

Joseph Orlando
>>102664471

I agree. They really only needed a skeleton crew. Staff it with Intelligence folks or friendly folks who are cool with the plan and do it. Seriously, why involve a crew that they weren't 100% sure would go along with things? Riker was some wet behind the ears new officer, and for some reason he's involved and knew about this? Makes no sense.