Prime directive does not just apply to first contact. The easiest example would be the entire show DS9 but also just the first episode where Picard is giving orders to sisko.
PICARD: <… >I’ve come to know the Bajorans. I’m a strong proponents for their entry into the Federation.
SISKO: Is it going to happen?
PICARD: Not easily. The ruling parties are at each others throats. Factions that were united against the Cardassians have resumed old conflicts.
SISKO: Sounds like they’re not ready.
PICARD: Your job is to do everything short of violating the Prime Directive to make sure that they are. <…>
Here we can clearly see the prime directive being referenced in regards to a space age civilization that already has contact and awareness of the galaxy at large and who funnily enough consists of a bunch of religious terrorists. Honestly bajor was a better example but the Klingons are more disagreeable from a moral standpoint. What with their racism and misogyny
Prime directive does not just apply to first contact. The easiest example would be the entire show DS9 but also just the first episode where Picard is giving orders to sisko.
PICARD: <… >I’ve come to know the Bajorans. I’m a strong proponents for their entry into the Federation.
SISKO: Is it going to happen?
PICARD: Not easily. The ruling parties are at each others throats. Factions that were united against the Cardassians have resumed old conflicts.
SISKO: Sounds like they’re not ready.
PICARD: Your job is to do everything short of violating the Prime Directive to make sure that they are. <…>
Here we can clearly see the prime directive being referenced in regards to a space age civilization that already has contact and awareness of the galaxy at large and who funnily enough consists of a bunch of religious terrorists. Honestly bajor was a better example but the Klingons are more disagreeable from a moral standpoint. What with their racism and misogyny