Star Trek: The Thing - If That Alien Creature Was Discovered on Earth by the Federation

Imagine a scenario in the Star Trek universe where the alien creature from The Thing (1982) movie is discovered on Earth. This would initially pose a significant challenge, but Starfleet's advanced technology and strategic capabilities would ensure the situation is handled properly.

Introduction to the Scenario

While the immediate discovery of the Thing would cause alarm, Starfleet is well-equipped to address the issue. They have various technologies and doctrines at their disposal to contain and neutralize the threat. A phaser set to vaporize would be the ideal weapon to neutralize the creature.

Starfleet's Capabilities in Handling the Aliens

Throughout the Star Trek series, there have been numerous encounters with predatory aliens. In many cases, Starfleet officers have faced invasions, interstellar politics, and even mind-control operations. Despite the severity of these situations, Starfleet prevailed due to their readiness and technological superiority.

Starfleet's defensive technologies, such as shields and forcefields, would be invaluable in containing a hostile organism. Phaser technology, capable of vaporizing targets, would also be instrumental in neutralizing the alien threat. Internal sensors and tricorders could easily detect an imposter, ensuring that crewmen are not compromised.

The Thing in Context

When considering the discovery of the Thing in modern times, it's important to note that it has survived for over 300 years in Antarctica and continues to pose a threat to humanity. Starfleet and the Federation would be surprised by the longevity of the creature. However, these organizations are more accustomed to dealing with far larger and more existential threats, such as hostile solar systems and mass-invasive entities like the Borg.

Given this context, the mere presence of a single creature attacking a small group of humans would be relatively minor in comparison. Even in the early days of Starfleet, when dealing with shapeshifters and other threats, they developed sophisticated methods to detect, contain, and neutralize these entities.

Handling the Discovery

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As for the person in charge, Jean-Luc Picard would be the ideal commander to handle this situation. Picard would be prudent, using his experience with various entities to beam the creature into a contained area. Acid for blood wouldn't work behind a force field, so Picard would take care of it, then report back to Starfleet on the best method to exterminate the species due to its sole purpose of killing whatever it encounters.

The threat might not be significant in the grand scheme of things. By the time of Starfleet, they have encountered and dealt with numerous shapeshifting entities of varying forms. Their advanced technology can even search an entire planet and locate specific objects, such as an undercooked potato, and then beam in the necessary materials to cook it. Thus, finding, containing, and studying the creature would be a routine operation.

Conclusion

In summary, the discovery of the alien creature from The Thing in the Star Trek universe would pose a significant initial concern. However, with Starfleet's advanced technology and strategic capabilities, the situation would be handled efficiently. The presence of a single shapeshifter attacking a small group of humans would be less of a priority compared to other existential threats. Picard's experience and strategic thinking would ensure that the situation is managed effectively, leading to a clearer understanding and eventual resolution.