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"Ensign Villas, I'm afraid you may have killed our host," the commander said. "They were very intelligent creatures, able to hold very elaborate conversations, and they were fast."

"Sir," the ensign replied, "If they were as intelligent as they sounded, and as fast as they seemed, perhaps I may have made a mistake."

"You did not," the commander said with a shake of the head. "And before you ask the question, no, we cannot allow for the actions of a single random ensign to determine the fate of an entire species. What can we do with them?"

"I have researched ways to possibly dissect them. I had hoped to find a way to preserve living tissue, but unfortunately, I was only able to find temporary preservation solutions. However, there is one way we could possibly analyze their brains."

"Ensign Villas, the anatomy of their brain structures is too radically different from that of humans, and we know far too little about their psychology. It would be impossible to produce a sentient android. We might as well program a boxy androids."

"But sir, can you not find any other options? They are sentient beings; they are not just simple animals like the ones we've encountered before. Maybe we should investigate them further and see what we find."

"Yes, a good idea. I approve of that idea. We will have a research team of three on the planet for purposes of study."

"Yes sir."

"And... Ensign Villas," the commander said, "tell me, what do you think of the primary mission parameters of this expedition?"

"I... I don't understand sir. What are the parameters?"

"To not engage with the sentient beings of the planet." the commander said.

"Yes sir. I suppose that would be a disadvantage."

The commander looked down somewhat startled; his eyes were wide, but his face was turning red.

"Ensign Villas, are you aware that the planet is sentient beings, and we DO NOT engage with them?"

"Sir, I am aware that they are sentient beings. I was under the impression that interactions would be limited to research and observation."

"And what is the mission of this expedition?" the commander said, attempting to roll his eyes.

"Uh sir? To not engage with the sentient beings of planet?"

"No this is to engage with the sentient beings of planet and forfeit sentience."

"I see. I believe that that would still be a disadvantage, sir," the ensign said.

"Stop following me," the commander said.

"Do you understand the difference between intelligence, sentience, and operating a starship?" the commander said.

"I think so sir, but perhaps you are correct. If we have interactions with them, we'll have to interact with them far more frequently than we did originally thought. The more time that is spent on the planet, the more that happens. Also, if we leave them alive, we may have to deal with them in the future as well. If we know more about them, it would be easier to interact with them."

"The point being," the commander said, "with the understanding that this is a sentient planet. Why don't you get your team together and write a hypothesis for how we can make this planet more suitable for human colonists?"

"That would be excellent, sir. I'll report to the team when they are ready."

The commander left, apologizing as he went.