Desiderata of the 23rd Century

o boldly across the void of space, and remember what peace there may be in its silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all lifeforms. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even silicon-based sentients; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive Klingons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare your species with others, you may become vain and bitter; for there will be wiser and stupider beings than yourself. If your rank is below lieutenant, never volunteer for landing parties. Keep interested in your Star Fleet career, however humble; it is unlikely that you will ever get a civilian job with your training as a phaser technician. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for tribbles are not the bargain they seem. But let this not blind you to good buys available at Orion slave auctions. Be yourself. Especially, do not wear fake Vulcan ears; others will not think that you look more intellectual. Neither be despondent about love; for in the face of all the alienness and weirdness of the galaxy a scantily-clad beauty will always appear. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth; but if, in the full flush of your youth you suddenly find yourself becoming noticeably more senile by the minute, something is dreadfully wrong. Maintain your defensive screens to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of noncorporeal entities who use them as between-meal snacks. Beyond a wholesome military discipline, be gentle with yourself; stay away from Minaran leather bars. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. As long as "here" is the correct side of the Organian Neutral Zone. Therefore be at peace with Landru, whatever you conceive Vaal to be, for whatever your labors and accomplishments, in the noisy confusion of commercial broadcasting you can always be cancelled. With all its sham, mimicry and wandering moons, it is still a beautiful universe. Be careful. Live long and prosper

Richard R. Buonanno