Would Captain Picard Join Section 31: His Ethical Stance Explained

Speculating about Captain Picard joining the covert and controversial Section 31 is a fascinating topic, especially considering his distinct character and principles. While it is highly unlikely that Captain Jean-Luc Picard would join Section 31, a deep dive into his ethical stances and past experiences with shadowy organizations provides valuable context.

Unlikely Character Fit for Section 31

Both in the original Star Trek: The Next Generation and the recent Star Trek: Picard series, Picard's character is known for upholding a strict code of ethics and moral principles. His opposition to Section 31 would be utterly consistent with his personality and character arc.

The premise of Section 31 is fundamentally at odds with the ethical standards Picard has established throughout his career, particularly his unwavering commitment to the Prime Directive and his respect for individual lives and rights. Section 31, while claiming to act in the greater good, often disregards moral and ethical considerations in achieving its objectives. Picard would certainly resist any involvement with such an organization.

Romulan Influence and Extremism

When Picard served as an admiral, he would have had extensive knowledge of the Romulans and their extremist tendencies. The Romulans, like Section 31, would not hesitate to take extreme measures to eliminate perceived threats, even those that seem far-fetched or unethical. This willingness to go to any lengths to achieve their goals is deeply troubling to someone like Picard who adheres to a philosophy of integrity, honesty, and respect for life.

The example of the Romulans' extermination of the Planet of the AI's to prevent it from summoning Cthulhu is particularly telling. Picard would strongly disapprove of such actions, especially if they involved bypassing fundamental ethical principles.

Prime Directive and Ethical Standards

Picard's adherence to the Prime Directive, which maintains a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of alien civilizations, is another key aspect of his decision-making process. The Prime Directive is built upon the principle of respect for individual autonomy and the right to self-determination. Section 31, on the other hand, often operates outside of established protocols and legal constraints, leading to morally ambiguous and potentially dangerous actions.

For example, Picard's actions during the events of Insurrection demonstrate his willingness to go against Starfleet if they fail to uphold his ethical standards. His involvement in the Borg conflict as Locutus, where he did not annihilate the Borg but instead allowed them to be assimilated, shows his strong commitment to ethical considerations even when it means defying Starfleet orders.

Admiral and Knowledge of Section 31

Given his position as an admiral, it is highly likely that Picard would have knowledge of Section 31. The New Series introduces Picard as a retired admiral, which means he would have had the necessary clearance and information. Admiral Ross's clear disapproval of Sisko's knowledge of Section 31 further supports this idea.

Picard's disapproval would be even more pronounced considering his past experiences with other shadowy organizations like the Obsidian Order and the Tal Shiar. These experiences demonstrate Picard's tendency to distrust and oppose such organizations, which are willing to disregard ethical principles in pursuit of their goals.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Captain Picard would be highly unlikely to join or even work with Section 31 due to his deep-seated ethical principles and opposition to such morally ambiguous and dangerous organizations. His character arc and numerous previous experiences provide strong evidence of his unwavering commitment to ethical standards and the Prime Directive. Even if he were to become aware of Section 31, he would take every measure necessary to expose and dismantle it, ensuring that the higher ethical standards he upholds are not compromised.