In the science fiction franchise Star Trek, Section 31 is an autonomous intelligence and defense organization. It is presented as a special security operation, manned by Federation citizens, that is not subject to the normal constraints of Starfleet ethical protocols.[1] The organization appears, or is mentioned, across nine episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Enterprise as well as the 2013 movie Star Trek Into Darkness.By: Eric L. Busby