Lam has got himself involved in the local political bickering, besides he clearly has lost sight of the bigger picture. He firmly believes he is doing the right thing and considers Owens an ill-informed intruder failing to understand the situation. I don’t think he can be brought to reason, he can be only forcefully deposed. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cardassians had their own hidden agenda concerning the future of this world.

It is a very complicated and intriguing chapter that poses even more questions and dilemmas. The ground forces and the Starfleet personnel have very different stances. Death might be names on a casualty list for people who watch a ship explode but it is a very real and personal experience for those who fight face to face.

Author's Response: Great point and I think you are completely correct about the differences between the Marines who are fighting in the trenches and the regular Starfleeters engaged in starship combat. Trek has never focused much on the ground forces, even though we know they exist from a couple of episodes, and this story makes the distinction quite clear. As for getting rid of Lam, let's give Owens a chance to flex his diplomatic muscles first. He's been known to sway a mind or two.