Doctor Janith-Lau lowered her gaze, not attempting to dispute his characterization. Kirk answered in her stead. “Then you should welcome her visit, Commander. The best antidote to fear is understanding. That’s what we’re here to build.”

Rakatheema frowned at the doctor again. “I hope you’re right, Admiral. All these cadets want is the chance to prove themselves, the same as any other cadet. And that means to prove what they can do—not to constantly justify their very existence.”

This time, Janith-Lau didn’t look away. Her tone was calm and relaxed, but there was steel behind it. “In that case, Commander, we should let them speak for themselves, shouldn’t we?” She moved past him, offering a courteous smile. “Shall we go in?”

Kirk hastened to follow her inside the lounge, concerned at how the Warborn cadets would react to the sight of her. Indeed, he found them already facing her tensely. As Rakatheema and the other two activists came in behind Kirk, one of the Warborn stepped forward and circled Janith-Lau, sizing up the slighter woman as if she were an opponent in a sparring match. “So you’re the peace doctor.” Kirk recognized her voice and manner—it was the female called Portia. He was still learning to differentiate the Warborn by their identifying decorations and subtle differences of face, build, and body language, but Portia’s intensity made her stand out from the pack. “The one who doesn’t think we have the right to exist.”

The largest Warborn, Bertram, shrugged. “Our existence isn’t a right. It’s an accident. If she’s afraid of us, she’s not wrong.”

“Both of you, stand down.” The speaker was the one called Horatio, memorable for his charisma and the de facto leadership role he seemed to have adopted. Kirk saw command potential in him, and that perception was reinforced as Horatio stepped forward, greeting Janith-Lau with an extended hand. “Doctor. I’m Horatio. I appreciate your willingness to meet with us and gain our perspective on this pilot program. I want you to know that I admire your commitment to peace. Protecting the peace of our people is the purpose we were created to serve. There is no higher calling.”

“I appreciate it, Horatio.” Janith-Lau shook his hand, then turned to take in the others. “I want you all to know that it isn’t your existence we object to. Our concern is merely that you not be exploited—that your lives not be devalued or jeopardized in service to others’ agendas.”

“Many in the Federation are uneasy with the apparent trend toward militarization in Starfleet,” T’Sena added. “There is concern that your recruitment may have a hidden agenda behind it.”