“What Is Starfleet?”

The long-teased documentary by Umberto Ortegas has finally been released. “Starfleet presents themselves as our quadrant’s shining example of duty, honor, peacekeeping,” says the little brother of Erica Ortegas, who flies the ship. “But what separates a federation from an empire? Both colonize. Both impose their laws and doctrines on others. Are they explorers as they claim? Or soldiers as they appear? They call their vessels starships. What distinguishes them from warships?” Filming a mission during which the Enterprise is ordered to transport cargo that turns out to be a sentient being that turns out to have been transformed into a weapon certainly begs answers to those questions. As viewers, we watch the findings of this young investigative reporter unfold and lead him down a path he may not have expected.

In this episode of Saddle Up! hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our journey through Strange New Worlds with “What Is Starfleet?” We discuss the documentary concept, Beto's agenda, and pacing in short seasons as well as the big question (and whether the story answers it).

Chapters Intro (0:00:00) An Age-Old Question (00:03:26) Speed Bump for the Season? (00:17:36) Journalistic Standards (00:21:49) Are We Too Impatient As Viewers Today? (00:27:46) Core Elements (00:36:43) Seeking Out New Life (00:41:04) There Be Whales Here! (00:47:57) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:51:09) Closing (01:01:57)

Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing

Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)