Jameson Commands Secured Negotiation Channel with Karnas
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Jameson commands Data to open a communication channel to Karnas, initiating direct contact with the planet's governor despite potential tension.
Picard questions Jameson about the intent behind contacting Karnas, introducing a note of caution and foreshadowing conflict.
Jameson asserts his authority as the negotiator, dismissing Karnas's pride and insisting on cooperation despite diplomatic risks.
Picard advises securing the communication channel for safety; Jameson agrees, signaling pragmatic acceptance of caution.
Data confirms opening of the secured frequency, enabling confidential communication with Karnas and marking the scene's tactical pivot.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Concerned yet respectful, balancing deference to Jameson’s rank with responsibility for diplomatic prudence.
On the Main Bridge, Captain Picard intervenes cautiously, questioning Jameson’s approach and advising prudence by recommending a secured channel, embodying measured diplomacy and concern for political ramifications.
- • Prevent escalation by urging caution in dealings with Karnas.
- • Ensure communication security to protect diplomatic interests.
- • Karnas’ pride could jeopardize negotiations if provoked.
- • Secured communications reduce risk of misunderstanding or sabotage.
Calm and focused, devoid of personal bias or emotion.
Receives orders from Jameson and Picard, executing them with efficient compliance by opening a secured communication channel, serving as the neutral, precise operational executor bridging command intent and technical action.
- • Successfully establish a secured communication link as commanded.
- • Maintain operational protocol and security during the exchange.
- • Following Starfleet protocol ensures mission success.
- • Precise execution of commands is paramount in crisis situations.
Resolute and commanding, masking any personal vulnerability with stern determination.
Seated alone in the dim Conference Lounge, Admiral Jameson asserts firm control over the crisis by commanding Data to open communication with Karnas, demonstrating decisive leadership and a commanding presence shadowed by physical frailty.
- • Establish direct communication with Governor Karnas to gain critical intelligence.
- • Assert his authority as the sole negotiator despite political sensitivities.
- • Direct negotiation is essential to control the hostage crisis.
- • Karnas’ pride must be subordinated to the mission’s needs.
Implied guardedness and guarded pride, unlikely to easily concede or cooperate.
Though not physically present, Governor Karnas is the focal recipient of the communication, his pride and sensitivity inferred through dialogue, representing a key political and emotional barrier in the hostage crisis.
- • Maintain dignity and authority despite crisis.
- • Navigate the hostage situation without further loss of face.
- • Negotiations are a test of honor and strength.
- • External interference threatens his governance and pride.
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The Enterprise Bridge Viewer Screen functions as the distant visual and communicative interface relaying the communication link with Governor Karnas. While Jameson initiates contact from the Conference Lounge, Picard and Data operate around and through this device, which symbolizes the fragile technological lifeline connecting disparate parties amid volatile political tensions.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Main Bridge acts as the operational heart of the Enterprise, where Captain Picard monitors and influences the unfolding communication, embodying structured command and diplomatic oversight amid crisis management.
The dimly lit Conference Lounge serves as the private, authoritative site where Admiral Jameson asserts command, projecting an atmosphere of controlled power and deliberate secrecy. Its shadowed, intimate setting contrasts with the urgency and exposure of the Main Bridge, reinforcing Jameson’s isolated but pivotal role in the negotiation.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
No narrative connections mapped yet
This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph
Key Dialogue
"JAMESON: Commander Data, I wish to open a communication frequency to Karnas."
"PICARD: A moment, Mister Data. Admiral, this is Picard. May I know the purpose of this communication?"
"JAMESON: Karnas must have tried to negotiate with the terrorists before he was forced to call on me. I want all the information he has access to."
"PICARD: You said he was a proud man... probably sensitive about his failure to deal with the situation. Is it wise to press him on this?"
"JAMESON: I'm the negotiator, Picard. Karnas will have to cooperate with me and the terrorists, and damn his sensitivities."
"PICARD: Then I suggest a secured channel, Admiral."
"JAMESON: (beat, then:) A sensible precaution, Picard. Make it so."
"DATA: Aye, sir. Frequency open and secured."