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Episode
556
Riddles
We’re faced with a challenging question: when is a Vulcan not a Vulcan? Seven has one kind answer, Neelix another. But it’s an altered version of Tuvok whose answer matters the most. Does he like who he has become, or does he want to be who he was? Mission Log ponders “Riddles.”
Hosted John Champion and Nic Fendley
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John, you and NIk (sp?) got close, but I think you missed it. Norman, as the child of a physician would have probably been all over this. It’s about consent.
Tuvix was an adult, in their right mind. Jane way TOTALLY, straight-up murdered him. And as Captain of a small crew, far from home, surrounded by threats, maybe that was the right choice, maybe not. But at the end of the day, as softened as Starfleet is,* it’s still a military ship.
*(Much like the modern-day Coast Guard—of which, I’m a volunteer. But that’s another story.)
But in “Riddles,” Tuvok was injured and not in his right mind. He could neither give nor withhold consent for the procedure. Whether because in the judgement of those around him he was analogous to an adult with dementia, or whether because he was analogous to a child, it fell to other to make decision in his best interest, not him.
Every parent has experienced this. No child wants their vaccinations! But in that moment, the parent(s) must choose. Legally, they are required to choose in what they believe is that child’s best interest, like I said but that too is another story.) In this case, it’s a little more complicated.
– Tuvok’s parents or other family aren’t there, so others must act “in loco parentis.” That falls to the state.
– Janeway represents the state. Being the Captain of a military vessel adds another layer, as I’m sure she has protocols to follow which include the welfare and safety of the ship above all else. ALL else.
– The Doctor probably must be consulted by her
– The patient should be consulted by her, even if it’s not their final decision.
– Other concerned individuals may or may got get a say, legally, aboard Voyager.
But probably the biggest complication of all you DID touch on; Tuvok was recovering. Once the immediate threat was over, Janeway should have judged what the likelihood was that Voyager would be attacked before Tuvok could speak for himself.
I mean, it seems like they’re getting attacked every week! But, maybe it’s boring for three months between episodes, too.
And the Captain could probably still order him to undergo the procedure, under these circumstances. When you join the military, you sign a blank check with your body.
Dragging myself slowly into the 21st century,
—Jeff