The pattern was discordant.. wrong wrong wrong.

Multiple jarring discordant threads- seeking cohesion but too aggressively.

The result ugly, disharmonious, fractured.

Lh’kta settled back, her holograhic interplays still testing her algorythms- a macro assessment of the Formari culture.

A race increasingly divided, every scenario she applied- many still dancing in graphs and contours, multi coloured lines intersecting with mathmatical equations offering outcomes and impact assessments. Invariably leading toward overpopulation, conflict, extremism, chaos, and ultimately collapse.

Lh’kta had attempted entering the Ferengi influence, with several variations and corresponding controls.

Some did offer extensions of the civilization’s survival, but the cultural cost in each case was staggering. Though certainly preferable to extinction or brutal anarchy.

The entry of Federation (and Klingon) factions added yet another potentially devastating factor to the chaotic situation.

She forwarded copies of her findings and algorythmns to her old Professor and to former classmates- after a pause including Sintalious Graves. She knew her old tormentor was, despite everything a genius in this area, and knowing that others had access to the data Sintalious would be motivated to offer her very best assessment of the research.

Lh’kta had a theory. It was delicate. She hoped it would plant seeds offering the Formari a road forward, and placate the Ferengi sufficiently to avoid conflict. It may even improve relations between them and the Federation slightly.

She sighed.

Self doubt had always been an issue for her and she found herself craving some time on a holo deck, simulating the beautiful mangrove swamps* of her home. However time was pressing. She was due at the shuttle bay to be transported with a team to the planet bel0w.

Apprehension caught in her chest even as she politely acknowledged familiar crewmates whilst heading to the shuttle bay.

End of Part 1.

*closest terrain definition of the shallow waterways and dense complex ecology of the temperate marshlands of Th’lll. Home to Lh’kta’s people.