A wry smile rose to her pale face and she raised a skeptical brow. "Oh, but they are (to an extent, of course). There may be some small discongruity from tribe to tribe and person to person, but there are just a few things that most people (who have 'laws') agree are worthy of imprisonment, punishment or death. Theft and murder are two of the most common.

Now, don't take my (highly educated) word for it, but throughout history there are very few rulers who allowed both theft and murder to happen unchecked and with no punishments, and still managed to keep a tight leash on their people. The ruler in question could indulge whenever they pleased, and their men could do it during wartime (or because they were on the royal family's payroll, so to speak). But your average person? Nope! The belief that an action or actions are wrong is a moral, if from an ethical standpoint or for no other reason than to keep your people in line through fear."

Though she was happy enough tossing herself into a debate, her knowledge on the councilmen and women on the ship was a smidge lower than it should have been.

"Ah, you simply think it's a popularity contest, (which it very well might be) then? But what do you suggest? That we choose who should govern over the ship by who holds the most raw power? I'd be (delighted!) to hear your thoughts on this."