Negotiations (The New Voyages episode)

Negotiations is the 5th episode of Star Trek: The New Voyages Season 1. 
==Plot==
After narrowly avoiding destruction at the hands of the Gorn the Enterprise is at Starbase One 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 Klingons and Romulans do.
==Script Chapters==
===Teaser===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
Enterprise is docked at Starbase 1.
CAPT. BRANSON [voice over]: Captain's Log Stardate 6656.4, After narrowly escaping destruction from the Gorn, the Enterprise is docked at Starbase 1 for some repairs and shore leave for the crew
INT-STARBASE 1 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 his communicator beeps and he gets it out and flips it open.
JOHN [to com]: Branson here go ahead.
BRIDGE OFFICER [com voice]: Sir, Admiral April 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 closed the communicator.
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, STARTING CREDITS]
===Act 1===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
An establishing shot of the Starbase and the Enterprise docked next to the a golden starship.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
[EPISODE NOTES: OPENING CREDITS FALL OVER OPENING SCENES]
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 Vice Admiral Robert April is briefing them.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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. IVANOVA: Why haven't we been able to make inroads with them before?
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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?
Admiral April inputs commands into a panel and the screen shows 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
April ends the recording as Captain Branson is surprised.
CAPT. BRANSON: Damn, well you know how the Tellarites are Bob.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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 L'Rell making this kind of deal without Federation knowledge she must know that we are aware of this deal.
VICE ADM. APRIL: Maybe someone on the high council convinced her to do this who knows all I 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, Bob.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL: That's Vasso L'Gaelia, captain of their flagship. Docked right over there.
Julia looks at it.
LTJG. SMITH: Is that an old solar sailship, sir?
VICE ADM. APRIL [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.
Admiral April puts his hands behind his back.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL: You look nervous John what's on your mind?
CAPT. BRANSON: Well this is my first time negotiating safe passage through a corridor between two rival empires that we've almost lost to in two separate wars sir.
VICE ADM. APRIL: Well, I think you're ready John and you are our only hope of doing this but Ambassador Sarek is on standby should you need him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thanks Bob.
Admiral April 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-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
Same shot.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM/SITUATION ROOM
Doors opened and Captain Branson walks into his office with Vice Admiral April and Commander Ivanova and Lieutenant T'Lar.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: What is this? We have been waiting on our ship, while you are here discussing our upcoming negotiations?
VICE ADM. APRIL: You must be Captain Vasso.
CAPT. L'GALLEA: Are you Branson.
VICE ADM. APRIL: Uh, no I am Vice Admiral Robert April 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 Zhasa Ivanova and my Chief Science Officer Lieutenant T'Lar of the Enterprise.
CMDR. BRAX: You are Vulcan? Famous for your logic, yes?
LTJG. T'LAR: Yes.
CMDR. BRAX: Then, your voice is also a part of the Federation?
LTJG. T'LAR: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL [sighs]: One hurled down 10 more to go.
CAPT. BRANSON: Yeah.
[END OF ACT 2, FADE OUT]
===Act 3===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
Starbase 1 in orbit of Jupiter as the Enterprise is docked.
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 te 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.
CAPT. TOWE [smiles]: Ah, John its good to see you how's the negotiations?
CAPT. BRANSON: Slow going but proceeding nicely.
John sits in the chair in front of the desk.
CAPT. TOWE: I was just finishing briefing Vice Admiral Herbert about our encounter with the Tholians.
CAPT. BRANSON: I always thought they were xenophobic?
CAPT. TOWE: They are but they are also very territorial and protective of their borders.
CAPT. BRANSON: I heard about that from Kyle how many?
CAPT. TOWE [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.
CAPT. BRANSON: I am sorry Jamie.
Jamie leans back in her chair.
CAPT. TOWE; I'm just glad that Commander Clarkson wasn't one of those lost officers he's too good to have that happen to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: Kyle, is one of the best he saved the Wraith from a Klingon ambush once.
CAPT. TOWE: Well, its good to have him onboard the Harrison.
Then the com activates.
LTJG. TARU [com voice]: Taru to Towe
Jamie toggles the com panel.
CAPT. TOWE [to com]: Towe here go ahead.
LTJG. TARU [com voice]: Captain we're receiving a transmission from Vice Admiral Robert April 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-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
An establishing shot of Starbase 1.
INT-STARBASE WARDROOM
Both Admiral April and Captain Branson are in the room.
CAPT. BRANSON: What happened?
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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? 
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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'LAR: 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'LAR: Logic dictates that you continue the talks sir.
CAPT. BRANSON: I don't think you're getting it, T'Lar. They won't talk to anyone else. You're pretty much all that stands between us and the R'ongovians allying with the Klingons or the Romulans. Hell, maybe both.
T'Lar raises an eyebrow.
LTJG. T'LAR: Very well I will speak with them.
CAPT. BRANSON: I will let Admiral April know and where we'll conduct the meeting.
T'Lar 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 or Klingons.
[END OF ACT FOUR, FADE OUT]
===Act 5===
FADE IN
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
Same shot of Starbase 1 and the three ships docked at the base.
INT-STARBASE 1 WARDROOM
Lieutenant T'Lar, Captain Vasso L'Gallea, and Commander Brax are sitting at the table as Captain Branson and Vice Admiral April are watching from afar.
LTJG. T'LAR: Query. Is the R'ongovian Protectorate aware of the Klingon history of cultural domination?
VASSO: Response. Merely pointing out the risks of an alliance with the Klingons does not make an adequate argument for the Federation.
LTJG. T'LAR: Understandably, I'm trying to prepare you for the logical fallout should these negotiations fail. Which, in essence, is a threat.
Branson turns to April.
CAPT. BRANSON: Is it just me or do the R'ongovians suddenly seem awfully Vulcan-y?
VICE ADM. APRIL: Shhh, we're here as spectators.
They go back to watching.
LTJG. T'LAR: What is the logic of an alliance with a culture whose central purpose is the subjugation of other cultures to its own?
BRAX; What is the logic of an alliance with a Federation whose interdependence merely dilutes the cultures that comprise it?
VICE ADM. APRIL: T'Lar can handle this.
LTJG. T'LAR: As a Vulcan, 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 Vulcan to focus on my culture, instead of traveling the galaxy focusing on Starfleet.
Then Captain Branson gets up and goes to support his officer.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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'Lar's commanding officer.
Vasso allows John to speak.
CAPT. BRANSON: If I may, T'Lar. 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'Lar, are simply everything that is great about Starfleet.
LTJG. T'LAR: 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 Admiral April walks over to them.
VICE ADM. APRIL: I hope you didn't put this alliance at risk John.
CAPT. BRANSON [sighs]: Me to Bob.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER ORBIT
Repairs to the Enterprise are almost completed.
INT-U.S.S. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE
LT. 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. CARLSON: I can't wait to test it out in the field.
Then Lieutenant Smith reports.
LTJG. SMITH: Sir, Admiral April is requesting both you and Commander Ivanova's presences in the Starbase Wardroom.
CAPT. BRANSON: Inform the Admiral we're on our way.
They leave the bridge.
CUT TO:
INT-STARBASE 1 WARDROOM
Captain Branson, Commander Ivanova, and Vice Admiral April 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.
Admiral April turns to him.
VICE ADM. APRIL: John?
CAPT. BRANSON: Why would you want to turn our enemies into your enemies? We're just a few years clear of the Klingon 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 Admiral April turns to him.
VICE ADM. APRIL: John, what the hell was that?
John turns to him.
CAPT. BRANSON: A hunch.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL: John?
CAPT. BRANSON: The R'ongovians were rude to the Tellarites, reasonable with us and deeply logical when talking to a Vulcan.
LTCMDR. IVANOVA: 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.
VICE ADM. APRIL: 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. IVANOVA: They're flying our flag.
VICE ADM. APRIL: A Hell of a job you pulled John.
CAPT. BRANSON: Thank you sir.
EXT-SOL SYSTEM, JUPITER 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 Zhasa Ivanova
===Also Starring===
*Kevin Regan as Lieutenant Junior Grade Jack Mason
*Ferne Myers as Lieutenant Stephanie Williams
*Blake Waymire as Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyson Mitchell
*Delena "Dee" Lusk as Ensign Kara Carlson
*Jacob Elliot as Doctor Steven Carlson
*Sadie Brickhouse as Lieutenant Junior Grade Julia Smith
* Becky Elliot as Lieutenant Junior Grade T'Lar
===Guest Stars===
*TBA as Nurse Christine Chapel
*TBA as Transporter Chief Kayla Mackenzie
*TBA as Ensign Dana Christina
*TBA as Lieutenant Samuel Kirk
*TBA as Ensign Elias Sheridan
===Special Guest Stars===
*TBA as Vice Admiral Robert T. April
*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
*TBA as Captain Vasso L'Gaelia
*TBA as Commander Brax
==Trivia Notes==
===Background Information===