Prescient.

How do war and threats to a society eat away at its moral fiber? At the very principles upon which it is based? These are questions that 21st century societies are currently facing. “Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges” (explained in the episode as “In a time of war, the law falls silent.”) is an episode about these very issues. And it tackles them through a series of events that are as suspenseful as they are profound. Some plot elements might stretch plausibility, but the meaning behind the events — the lengths people in power will go — are powerfully relevant and realistic.

Dr. Bashir is scheduled to go to Romulus to take part in a conference designed to share intelligence about the Dominion, and strengthen (at least symbolically) the alliance between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. But before he leaves, he is approached by Section 31 to become part of a “fact-finding” mission. Because of the moral danger represented by Section 31 — the fact that they exist outside of the law — Bashir initially refuses. Reluctantly, at Sisko’s behest, Bashir ultimately agrees … end he quickly finds himself caught up in a very complex web of secrecy, deceit, and dangerous cloak-and-dagger situations.

What makes the episode work so well is in the fact that it treats Bashir intelligently. He is, ultimately, being duped by just about everyone. But he still manages to see through many of the deceits — ultimately figuring out exactly who was pulling the strings on the mission itself. Even more importantly, Bashir’s moral compass is very clearly defined, despite being relentlessly challenged throughout the entire story.

At just about every turn, Bashir must make some moral decision: Follow Section 31? Confide in Admiral Ross? Romulan Senator Cretak? Betray Section 31’s ultimate plot to the Romulans themselves? Bashir continually operates from an admirable position: That regardless of the circumstances, the ends never justify the means … that we must never sacrifice who or what we are, simply for the sake of survival.

Bashir’s beliefs, though, are opposed right from the start — beginning with a seemingly innocuous conversation he has with Garak about the difference between optimism and cynicism. More desperately, Section 31 represents an organization completely at ease with assassination (of life and character), manipulation and conspiracy. And yet even Bashir goes along with their efforts … for a time.

Much of the episode’s time, though, is spent on the mysteries themselves. And there’s more than enough going on to keep a viewer interested. The framing and direction are help convey a sense of disquiet and unease. Bashir’s investigations, actions and confessions are well conceived and acted. And, of course, there is the final twist …

Truth-be-told, it’s not all that difficult to have seen beforehand that Admiral Ross was, in fact, a Section 31 conspirator. What is interesting, though, is the fact that Section 31 would be willing to sacrifice Senator Cretak — her career, her freedom and, possibly, her life — simply to cement the position of Koval, head of the Tal Shiar and Federation mole, within the Romulan government. This, of course, is what gives rise to the episode’s central confrontation and explicit debate about morality … especially in times of war.

When Bashir learns of Ross’ actions, he confronts the admiral directly, who invokes the episode’s title as a justification for his actions. Bashir shouts back, “What have we become, a 24th century Rome?” And the basic conflict has been established: Does the survival of a political entity, and the safety of the people that entity protects, justify abandoning laws … even morals?

Bashir is adamant in his position, but it’s the episode’s coda with Sloane that provides the best example of how this question of morality can lead people into very dangerous areas. For his part, Sloan admits admiration for Bashir and his morals. But what Sloane says next is particularly chilling: “The Federation needs men like you, Doctor. Men with conscience, men who can sleep at night. And you’re also the reason that Section 31 exists: to protect men like you from a universe which doesn’t share your sense of right and wrong.”

How does one justify becoming such an absolute arbiter of “safety and protection?” What does it mean for the society’s that such arbiters protect? The episode, while clearly portraying Bashir’s position as morally just, nevertheless finds space give voice (and a strong voice at that) to the other side of the question.

Once hopes that these issues will be explored more fully as the series unfolds.

“Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges” is an example of what makes Deep Space Nine such a compelling series. In a smart, well-written episode, it provides not only solid entertainment, but great character and thematic work. The fact that the issues faced by Bashir and Sloan resonate even more strongly today speak to the episode’s ability to get at the heart of very important philosophical, political and moral questions.

Filed under: Deep Space Nine