Negotiations (TNG Novel)

Negotiations is the 5th episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1.
==Plot==
After narrowly avoiding destruction at the hands of the Gorn the Enterprise is at Deep Space 12 for some much needed repairs and the crew shore leave, while at the base Captain Branson has to negotiate with the R'ongovian Protectorate to gain safe passage between their space before the Romulans do. 
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
An establishing shot of Deep Space 12.
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 57843.1, After narrowly escaping destruction from the Gorn, the Enterprise is docked at Deep Space 12 for some repairs and shore leave for the crew
INT-DEEP SPACE 12 MESS HALL
The place is buzzing with life as everyone is enjoying themselves as John, Jessica, Jamie, and Kyle are enjoying some drinks.
KYLE: The Gorn I wasn't aware they were this far into Federation Space.
JOHN: Well they were and they killed the entire crew of the Finibus Outpost and nearly killed us if it wasn't for my plan of faking the Enterprise's destruction.
JAMIE: You took a bold risk John taking your ship into the edge of a black hole.
JOHN: It was either that or be food or breeding sacks for the Gorn I wasn't going to let that happen to my crew.
Then the com activates.
BRIDGE OFFICER [com voice]: Enterprise to Captain Branson
John tapped his combadge.
JOHN [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
BRIDGE OFFICER [com voice]: Sir, Fleet Captain Picard is in your ready room and is requesting the presents of the senior staff
JOHN [to com]: I'm on my way Branson out.
He taps his combadge twice to turn it off.
JOHN: Sorry guys but duty calls.
JESSICA [smiles]: Alright, good luck with the Admiral and I love you.
JOHN [smiles]: I don't need luck and I love you to.
John and Jessica kiss and John leaves.
KYLE: Well, I got some engineering work I need to get done on the Harrison.
Unknown to him and Jamie but noticeable to Jessica is that they're still holding hands they see this and break away.
KYLE [nervously chuckles]: So, I-I'll see you back on the Harrison then Captain?
JAMIE: Yes Mister Clarkson.
Kyle leaves quickly as Jessica turns to Jamie.
JAMIE: What?
JESSICA: You and Commander Clarkson?
JAMIE [blushing a bit]: I-I don't know what you're talking about.
JESSICA: Come on Jamie its not that bad I mean you two look great together how long?
JAMIE [sighs]: We met at the Academy and started dating there but we went to separate assignments I didn't keep track of his assignments and I didn't know he was going to be posted to the Harrison till I saw his name on the PADD.
JESSICA [smiles]: Aw that's so cute.
JAMIE: Yeah it's nice.
JESSICA: So, why are you keeping a secret?
JAMIE: I don't want the Harrison crew think that I am giving him special treatment.
JESSICA: Wow.
They kept hanging out.
[END OF TEASER, FADE OUT]
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Theme Song :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yweIpSWhyRc
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CAPTAIN'S OATH:
CAPT. BRANSON'S [voice over]: Space The Final Frontier These are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise its Five-Year Mission: To Explore Strange New Worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no one has gone before!
Enterprise enters warp.
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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
A STAR TREK FAN FILM PRODUCTION
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Enterprise emerges from warp.
BASED ON STAR TREK CREATED BY: GENE RODDENBERRY
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Enterprise flies by a nebula.
JARVIS DAVIDSON
 AS
CAPTAIN JOHN BRANSON
The Enterprise flies by a interstellar dust cloud.
FELECIA LINKOUS
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JANE KAL
The Enterprise approaching a nebula.
KEVIN REGAN
 AS
LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE JACK MASON
The Enterprise approaches a planet.
FERNE MYERS
 AS
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER STEPHANIE WILLIAMS
The Enterprise flies by a planetary system
JACOB ELLIOT 
 AS
DOCTOR PETER LANGFORD
The Enterprise flies through a debris of planets as a rock smashes into a larger rock.
SADIE BRICKHOUSE
 AS
ENSIGN SITO JAXA
The Enterprise flies next to a Galaxy-Class Dreadnought.
DELENA "DEE" LUSK
 AS
ENSIGN JAMIE KAYE
The Enterprise flies by a comet.
BECKY ELLIOT
 AS
LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE T'MIR
The Enterprise pauses as her warp engines power up and she leaps into warp as particle streams emit from the backs of her nacelles.
CREATED BY:
JARVIS DAVIDSON & JEREMY REGAN
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALLING OVER OPEN SCENES]
An establishing shot of Deep Space 12 and the vessels around it and docked at it.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Captain Branson and the senior staff are around the table as the wall monitor shows Federation Space as well as the borders of the Klingon Imperial Empire and the Romulan Star Empire as Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard is briefing them.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: The R'ongovian Protectorate controls a small but vitally important piece
of territory in between Klingon and Romulan space. It's the fastest route to the other side of the Beta Quadrant, but without safe passage, we keep losing ships.
LTCMDR. KAL: Why haven't we been able to make inroads with them before?
FLT CAPT. PICARD: They've been unusually private up until now. That all changed after initial diplomatic discussions were undertaken by the Tellarites.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ah, and how did that go sir?
Picard inputs commands into a panel and the wall monitor shows a recording of the meeting between the R'ongovian Ambassador and Ambassador Q'Ral.
AMBASSADOR L'GALLEA [monitor]: Your beard is as ridiculous as your proposals. Every word you speak is an insult to R'ongovia. I can see why they
Picard ends the recording as Captain Branson is surprised.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damn, well you know how the Tellarites are Jean-Luc.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [sighs]: Maybe Ambassador Q'Ral said the wrong thing. We don't know, and we can't wait long to find out. We've just learned the R'ongovians are now in negotiation with the Klingons, with the Romulans not far behind. Time isn't on our side. We need to strike a deal with them first.
LTJG. MASON: I can't picture Chancellor Martok making this kind of deal without Federation knowledge she must know that we are aware of this deal.
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: Unless his cabinet tells him not to inform us of this there's no secret that there's some Klingons that hate the Alliance between us and the Empire, we've seen it with those rouge Klingons that tried to steal the Battle section of the Enterprise-D and the Duras Sisters.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Well all we know is that time is not on our side.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Well, I'm certain we can handle the situation with considerably more delicacy and grace than the Tellarites, Jean-Luc.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [nods]: Good, 'cause we're meeting them tomorrow, first thing.
CAPT. BRANSON: Who's leading the negotiation on their side?
Then he inputs commands into the console and it enhances on the image of the person.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: That's Vasso L'Gaelia, captain of their flagship. Docked right over there.
Monitor shows the vessel as Sito looks at it.
ENS. SITO: Is that an old solar sailship, sir?
FLT CAPT. PICARD [smiles]: Yeah. They bring her out for ceremonial occasions. When they sign a treaty, apparently they fly the flag of their new allies as a tribute.
CAPT. BRANSON: That's interesting.
Picard puts his hands behind his back.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Yeah.
Captain Branson turns to the senior staff.
CAPT. BRANSON: Alright we've got our assigned duty we've got these guys to deal with and hopefully they'll allow us to travel through that passage dismissed.
The senior staff leaves the briefing room.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: You look nervous John what's on your mind?
CAPT. BRANSON: Well this is my first time negotiating safe passage through a corridor between one ally and one rival empire that we've almost lost to in two separate wars sir.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Well, I think you're ready John and you are our only hope of doing this but Ambassador Spock is on standby should you need him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks Jean-Luc.
Captain Picard leaves the ready room as John looks at the map of the Federation Space as well as the borders of the Romulan Star Empire and Klingon Imperial Empire.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
John and Jessica are having a romantic dinner together.
JESSICA: So, you're going to mediate a safe passage treaty with the R'ongovian Protectorate.
JOHN: Yeah, first thing in the morning.
JESSICA: You'll do good John.
JOHN: I hope so.
Then the com activates.
LTJG. MASON [com voice]: Mason to Captain I'm afraid we have a bit of a situation
JOHN [to com]: Go ahead.
LTJG. MASON [com voice]: I have the R'ongovian delegation here and they're quite insistent
on seeing you right now''
Both John and Jessica are confused.
[END OF ACT 1, FADE OUT]
===Act 2===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Same shot.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doors opened and Captain Branson walks into his office with Fleet Captain Picard and Commander Kal and Lieutenant T'Mir.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: What is this? We have been waiting on our ship, while you are here discussing our upcoming negotiations?
FLT CAPT. PICARD: You must be Captain Vasso.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: Are you Branson.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Uh, no I am Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard I am the one who planned these negotiations this is Captain John Branson he'll be speaking with you.
CAPT. BRANSON: If I knew you guys were coming I would of planned a party in the mess hall to welcome you aboard my ship.
The two R'ongovians just look at John.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: Pleasure to meet you Captain I am Vasso. This is my first officer Brax.
They shook hands.
CAPT. BRANSON: Nice to meet you both this is my first officer Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal and my Chief Science Officer Lieutenant T'Mir of the Enterprise.
CMDR. BRAX: You are Romulan?
LTJG. T'MIR: Yes I am I've heard of the R'ongovians but never had the honor of meeting one till now.
CMDR. BRAX: Then, your voice is also a part of the Federation?
LTJG. T'MIR: My people aren't apart of the Federation but yes I can lean my voice to these talks.
LTCMDR. KAL: All members of the Federation have a voice in its governance.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: Sounds confusing.
CAPT. BRANSON: It can be sometimes.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: With so many voices in your Federation, how do you decide which one is in control?
CAPT. BRANSON: Well, we vote. We gain our power from all our membership so we try to listen to each other. All of us.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: Then we shall sit and talk about what is on the mind of the Federation.
They sit at the table.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am sure you're aware of the importance of the passage between the Romulan and Klingon Spaces.
VASSO: Ah, yes we are aware of the disappearances of ships along our area.
CAPT. BRANSON: Those were from Starfleet we are aware that you are looking at allying with either the Klingons or the Romulans.
VASSO: Yes our government is aware of your Federation is wanting to ally with us.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yes we are wanting to ally with you not only to use the passage but to also give you membership of the Federation.
BRAX: We saw another of your vessels docked here.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: That's the U.S.S. Harrison her crew got into a situation with some Tholians and are here for shore leave and repairs.
CAPT. BRANSON: And if you allow us to use the passage you'll see her helping one of your bases or repairing a damaged outpost.
Both Vasso and Brax look at each other.
VASSO: We will take it to our government you'll hear from us within the hour.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am looking forward to it.
They leave the ready room.
FLT CAPT. PICARD [sighs]: One hurled down 10 more to go.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Deep Space 12 is in orbit of the Ba'ku homeworld as the Enterprise is docked the camera pans over to the U.S.S. Harrison.
INT-U.S.S. HARRISON MAIN BRIDGE
Engineering teams are working on repairing the damaged systems the Harrison sustained during a recent encounter, as the turbo-lift doors opened and Captain Branson walks onto the bridge.
LTCMDR. TATE: CAPTAIN ON THE BRIDGE!
The crew snaps to attention.
CAPT. BRANSON: As you all were.
They resume their work as Commander Tate walks over to him.
LTCMDR. TATE: Welcome aboard the Harrison sir I am Lieutenant Commander Anthony Tate ship's first officer.
They shook hands.
CAPT. BRANSON: Commander it is good to meet you where's Captain Towe?
LTCMDR. TATE: In her ready room sir she's briefing Starfleet Command on our encounter with the Tholians.
Captain Branson walks over to the doors of the ready room and pressed the panel.
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. HARRISON CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doors opened and Captain Branson enters.
JAMIE [smiles]: Ah, John its good to see you how's the negotiations?
JOHN: Slow going but proceeding nicely.
John sits in the chair in front of the desk.
JAMIE: I was just finishing briefing Vice Admiral Herbert about our encounter with the Tholians.
JOHN: I always thought they were xenophobic?
JAMIE: They are but they are also very territorial and protective of their borders.
JOHN: I heard about that from Kyle how many?
JAMIE [sighs]: 19 crewmen were killed in the encounter we were lucky thanks to Commander Clarkson's idea of hanging in the magnetic pole of the planet we hid from their sensors till they gave up and left we limped back to the nearest Starbase.
JOHN: I am sorry Jamie.
Jamie leans back in her chair.
JAMIE: I'm just glad that Commander Clarkson wasn't one of those lost officers he's too good to have that happen to him.
JOHN: Kyle, is one of the best he saved the Hood from a Cardassian ambush once.
JAMIE: Well, its good to have him onboard the Harrison.
Then the com activates.
LTJG. TARU [com voice]: Taru to Towe
Jamie tapped her combadge.
CAPT. TOWE [to com]: Towe here go ahead.
LTJG. TARU [com voice]: Captain we're receiving a transmission from Fleet Captain Picard on the base
CAPT. TOWE [to com]: What is it?
LTJG. TARU [com voice]: The R'ongovian delegates have pulled out of talks with Starfleet
Both Jamie and John are shocked about this.
[END OF ACT 3, FADE OUT]
===Act 4===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
An establishing shot of Deep Space 12.
INT-STARBASE WARDROOM
Both Fleet Captain Picard and Captain Branson are in the room.
CAPT. BRANSON: What happened?
FLT CAPT. PICARD [confused]: I don't know. Uh, they just said that a connection wasn't made. Whatever that means.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'm honestly baffled. You saw them. I mean, after fighting with the Tellarites, I thought we'd somehow managed to win them over. Right? 
FLT CAPT. PICARD: I mean, if that was a bad diplomatic meeting, I don't know what a good one would look like. 
CAPT. BRANSON: We have to get back into a room.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Well here's the thing John we were able to get them back to the table but they're not wanting to speak with you.
CAPT. BRANSON: Then who?
CUT TO:
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
LTJG. T'MIR: Me sir?
CAPT. BRANSON: It seems the R'ongovian delegates have taken a liking to you and want you to conduct the talks.
LTJG. T'MIR: But sir I am a Romulan wouldn't that make these talks look bad if I speak with them?
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: I don't think you're getting it, T'Mir. They won't talk to anyone else. You're pretty much all that stands between us and the R'ongovians allying with the Romulans.
T'Mir thinks.
LTJG. T'MIR [sighs]: Very well I will speak with them.
CAPT. BRANSON: I will let Admiral April know and where we'll conduct the meeting.
T'Mir gets up and leaves the ready room John is worried about the pressure he just put on his officer but knows she's the only one who can convince the R'ongovians not to sign with the Romulans.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
Same shot of Deep Space 12 and the three ships docked at the base.
INT-STARBASE 1 WARDROOM
Lieutenant T'Mir, Captain Vasso L'Gallea, and Commander Brax are sitting at the table as Captain Branson and Fleet Captain Picard are watching from afar.
LTJG. T'MIR: Query. Is the R'ongovian Protectorate aware of the Romulans history of cultural domination?
VASSO: Response. Merely pointing out the risks of an alliance with the Romulans does not make an adequate argument for the Federation.
LTJG. T'MIR: Understandably, I'm trying to prepare you for the logical fallout should these negotiations fail. Which, in essence, is a threat.
CAPT. BRANSON: Is it me or are the R'ongovians seem a bit more Romulan-y to you?
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Shh, we're here as spectators only.
They go back to watching.
LTJG. T'MIR: For several generations my people have been dominating and conquering races in our sector of the galaxy and my people will not hesitate to conquer you siding with them would be foolhardy.
BRAX; What is the logic of an alliance with a Federation whose interdependence merely dilutes the cultures that comprise it?
John leans forward.
CAPT. BRANSON: Maybe I should step in.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: T'Mir can handle it.
John looks at Jean-Luc.
LTJG. T'MIR: As a Romulan, I sympathize with your fears that you will lose your culture to homogenization in a multilateral alliance like ours. There are times I wish I could return to Romulus to focus on my culture, instead of traveling the galaxy focusing on Starfleet.
Then Captain Branson gets up and goes to support his officer.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: John, John?
Captain Branson walks over to the table.
CAPT. BRANSON: Ambassador sorry to interrupt but may I say something and before you shut me up I am not speaking on behalf of the Federation I am speaking as Lieutenant T'Mir's commanding officer.
Vasso allows John to speak.
CAPT. BRANSON: If I may, T'Mir. It is a noble sacrifice you've made, to spend so much time
away from your own culture. Your commitment to the Federation and to understanding both the values and plights of cultures wildly different, sometimes at great personal cost,
your constant striving for intellectual excellence and your commitment to the spirit of duty is inspirational. To answer the question, "Why the Federation?" one need only look across
the table, Captain Vasso. You, T'Mir, are simply everything that is great about Starfleet.
LTJG. T'MIR: Thank you Captain.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am so sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. I hope I haven't insulted you with my presence.
Vasso gets up.
VASSO: Wait, your actions have impressed us, Captain, defending your crewman like that. We will conclude this session but will offer you the opportunity of summation before we leave.
CAPT. BRANSON: I'd be honored.
They leave as Fleet Captain Picard walks over to them.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: I hope you didn't put this alliance at risk John.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Me to Jean-Luc.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
The repairs to the Enterprise are almost completed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LTCMDR. WILLIAMS: As you can see sir these new injectors can boost our warp power to at least 75%.
CAPT. BRANSON [re: PADD]: 75% that's impressive Steph.
ENS. KAYE: I can't wait to test it out in the field.
CAPT. BRANSON [smiles]: You'll be able to get that chance soon Ensign.
Then Lieutenant Mason reports.
LTJG. MASON: Sir, Fleet Captain Picard is requesting you and Commander Kal's presences in DS12's Wardroom.
CAPT. BRANSON: Inform the Admiral we're on our way.
They leave the bridge.
CUT TO:
INT-DEEP SPACE 12 WARDROOM
Captain Branson, Commander Kal, and Fleet Captain Picard are on one side of the table as the R'ongovian delegates are on the other side of the table.
VASSO: Well, Captain. Tell us. Why should we ally with your Federation?
CAPT. BRANSON: Easy, you shouldn't.
Fleet Captain Picard turns to him.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: John?
CAPT. BRANSON: Why would you want to turn our enemies into your enemies? We're just a few years clear of the Dominion War. The Romulans are out there biding their time. Who knows what species we'll piss off next? And it's not like we've coming to you with any great respect for your culture. We barely know anything about it. Now, it's pretty clear we're only interested in you for your territory. And what would you get in return? The hypothetical benefit of new trade markets? Scientific advancement? Our promise of support in the event of a crisis which will probably only come about because you've thrown your lot in with us? No. The Federation has lots to offer, sure, but it always exacts a price. You have good reason to suspect that price is too high for you to pay.
VASSO: Thank you.
They leave as Picard looks at him.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: John, what the hell was that?
John turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: A hunch.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: You're risking an alliance that could be the key to the Federation's
future security on a hunch?
CAPT. BRANSON: It's a good hunch.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: John?
CAPT. BRANSON: The R'ongovians were rude to the Tellarites, reasonable with us and deeply determined when talking to a Romulan.
LTCMDR. KAL: So, you're saying they were copying people they come into contact with?
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah, that's what I thought at first. And then it occurred to me, what if this was a diplomatic technique? They responded positively when I took T'Lar's side, even though it was in direct violation of what they'd asked. Maybe they're just looking for somebody to take their point of view.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: Radical empathy. Maybe what they value the most in others is the capacity to see things their way.
Then they see the R'ongovian sail ship's sail activate and it shows the flag of the United Federation of Planets as the Star Trek fanfare theme plays.
LTCMDR. KAL: They're flying our flag.
FLT CAPT. PICARD: A Hell of a job you pulled John.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you sir.
EXT-BRIAR PATCH, BA'KU ORBIT
The R'ongovian sail ship flies over the Enterprise.
[END OF ACT FIVE, FADE OUT]
==Cast==
===Starring===
*Jarvis Davidson as Captain John Branson
*Felecia Linkous as Lieutenant Commander Jane Kal
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Williams
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Peter Langford
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Jamie Kaye
*Sadie Brickhouse as Ensign Sito Jaxa
*Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Mir
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
*TBA as Captain Vasso L'Gaelia
*TBA as Commander Brax
===Special Guest Stars===
*Joshua Irwin as Fleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard
*Ashley M. Kalfas as Captain Jessica Smith
*TBA as Captain Jamie Towe
*TBA as Lieutenant Commander Anthony Tate
*TBA as Lieutenant Junior Grade Marianna Taru
*Jeremy Regan as Lieutenant Commander Kyle Clarkson
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===