If that were the case, then they wouldn't even be considered for Federation membership.

"We would not be considering them for Federation membership were it otherwise."

You came because we're in a state of flux between Federation membership and autonomy.

Advanced enough to qualify for Federation membership, but probably just barely.

It was my political party that held power when we applied for Federation membership four years ago.

Even if everything you've said is true, I was always an opponent of Federation membership.

Something that was tied to his efforts to speed us into Federation membership.

In this particular case, though, there's a lot of local sentiment against Federation membership.

The issue of Federation membership is a debate for another time.

And, perhaps, thought the captain, the key to opening the door to Federation membership as well.