5 concepts that should be used for Second Contact protocols in Star Trek

First Contact (FC) in Star Trek canon is influenced by Starfleet’s prime directive to not interfere with pre-warp capable planets and civilizations to preserve the species’ natural evolution without the potential influence from alien cultures and technologies - albeit negative or positive. The prime directive is paramount for pre-warp civilizations that may not have a concept of off-world alien intelligent life. FC protocols dictate a peaceful, cautious, and diplomatic interplanetary introduction of two or more species that have reached space travel technologies sufficient to exceed the speed of light (e.g. Warp technology or otherwise).

However, FC is not the end of the species-to-species communications that may lead to Second Contact (SC) – assuming the planet wants to continue a relationship with the United Federation of Planets (UFP). Currently, there is minimal federation lore on SC protocols aside from “throwaway” dialogue here and there mentioning several diplomatic interactions between the federation and other planets - which alludes to follow-up encounters, hence SC!

The concept of SC has been implied in a few examples from Starfleet canon such as:  in Star Trek: The Next Generation S2, E4 when the USS Enterprise-D crew are sent on multiple diplomatic missions with other species, and the term SC was mentioned; or in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine S4, E1 following a withdrawal of the Cardassians from planet Bajor, included discussions about the Bajoran citizens moving forward with joining the Federation as part of a SC process; and in Star Trek: Discovery S1, E1 the USS Discovery engaging in FC with the Klingons, setting up a series theme of diplomatic interactions with alien species as part of a larger narrative of SC protocol.

One of the most direct representations in Starfleet canon on SC occurred in the adult animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks S1, E1. In this episode, Ensign Boimler (voiced by Jack Quaid), comically touched on how the USS Cerritos was NOT commissioned to initiate FC with an alien species; however, they had the honors of an SC flyby mission to planet Ornara - after Captain Picard’s FC 17-years ago!

With some levity, the episode briefly touched on scientific and engineering responsibilities, in SC, to set up a subspace communications array and to ensure the correct spelling of the member planet's name. Considering that Starfleet procedures of FC, it seems there should be some effort added to the canon to explore the details of SC protocol missions. Considering the lack of Starfleet canon on the subject, let's pursue what formal SC protocols could be adopted.