He sighs, mouth pulling into a wry twist of a smile. It is as much a victory as he can hope to win.

"Please understand, I in no way mean to discredit the work you do," he adds. "I'm sure in your own time and place you are a boon to the people you protect.

"As for the Federation, oh no. There are some who have refused to be any part of it, and to those we give a wide berth. We do not cross into their territory, and they do not cross into ours. Disagreements are to be expected in any time and place, I should think."