What are some cultural faux pas when working at Starfleet?: originally appeared on Quora: The best answer to any question. Ask a question, get a great answer. Learn from experts and access insider knowledge. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
Answer by Anne K. Halsall, Lifelong Trekkie
1. Having a relationship with a holographic image of a real person.
If that cute ship's counselor won't give you the time of day, why not just recreate her in the holodeck? It must be tempting, but can go horribly wrong if the objects of your "recreational" programs find out what you've been up to.
Who does it?
- Lt. Barclay in TNG: Hollow Pursuits
- Geordi LaForge in TNG: Booby Trap
- Quark in DS9: Meridian
- Countless other people
The result?
"I'm outraged by this! I have been invaded, violated! How dare you use me like this? How far did it go anyway? Was it good for you?" - Dr. Leah Brahms, upon discovering Geordi's holographic version of her
2. Being polite to a Zaldan.
A successful Starfleet recruit should be able to recognize this unique species by their webbed fingers, and know that in their culture they consider courtesy to be a sign of deceit and insincerity.
Who does it?
- Wesley almost makes this mistake in TNG: Coming of Age, but corrects himself in time to make the appropriate insult.
The result:
"Do you want this to become violent?" - Wesley, passing the cultural test
3. Being dishonest, even to protect oneself or one's friends.
Starfleet officers are expected to tell the truth at all times, even when it is self-incriminating or may harm someone they care about. If you are discovered in a lie you may be forced to stand down or even resign your commission.
Who does it?
- Wesley in TNG: The First Duty
- Data in TNG: Clues
- Simon Tarses in TNG: The Drumhead
The result?
"The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it's scientific truth or historical truth or personal truth! It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based. And if you can't find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don't deserve to wear that uniform!" - Capt. Picard, upon discovering Wesley is lying about a training accident
4. Not wearing the proper uniform.
Though some people may get away with it with lenient commanders, all officers are expected to wear their uniforms when on duty. Which is probably a good thing considering the fashion alternatives that seem to be available to people.
Who does it?
- Counselor Troi, until ordered to wear a uniform in TNG: Chain of Command.
The result?
"By the way, I prefer a certain formality on the bridge. I'd appreciate it if you wore a standard uniform while on duty." - Capt. Jellico, after taking command of the Enterprise from Picard
5. Firing on a ship before identifying it.
In a combat situation, especially where cloaked ships are involved, it's all too easy to be reactive and fire on anything that moves. However, caution is advised, as the consequences of accidentally destroying a civilian vessel are quite dire.
Who does it?
- Commander Worf in DS9: Rules of Engagement.
The result?
"You made a military decision, to protect your ship and crew. But you're a Starfleet officer, Worf. We don't put civilians at risk or even potentially at risk to save ourselves. Sometimes that means we lose the battle, and sometimes our lives. But if you can't make that choice, then you can't wear that uniform." - Capt. Sisko, scolding Worf after his trial
6. Violating the Prime Directive
The Prime Directive is supposedly Starfleet's most important binding principle. It states that Starfleet will not interfere in another culture's internal affairs, social order, or development, especially in pre-warp civilizations.
Who does it?
- Every captain on every series of Star Trek, often multiple times. Most notably within TNG: Justice and VOY: Prime Factors.
The result?
Supposedly this is a court martial-able offense, and yet this never actually seems to happen. On screen, anyway.
"Would it surprise you to learn that you have violated the Prime Directive a total of nine times since you took command of the Enterprise? I must say, Captain, it surprised the hell out of me." - Admiral Satie, questioning Picard on his loyalties