Object

Sheliak Colony / Negotiation Vessel

A single Sheliak starship that functions both as a colony/settlement vessel bound for Tau Cygna V and as the Sheliak's authoritative negotiating presence. The ship projects a faceted, non‑humanoid geometry and broadcasts legal demands and settlement deadlines while carrying colonists and settlement modules; its imminent arrival converts a legal dispute into an urgent operational and moral crisis for the Enterprise crew.

2 appearances

Purpose

Serves as the Sheliak delegation's platform for formal diplomatic consultation and enforcement of treaty terms during high‑stakes negotiation.

Significance

Functions as the story's antagonistic fulcrum: its arrival compels Picard to exploit a microscopic treaty clause to force face‑to‑face consultation, escalates political pressure on the planet, and provides the immediate threat and leverage that drive evacuation and diplomatic strategy.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S3E2 · The Ensigns of Command

Picard Chooses Risk: Intercept the Sheliak Ship

The Sheliak colony ship functions as the intended interception target: Picard explicitly orders the Enterprise to intercept 'that ship' once they infer one must be en route. It is the pivot around which negotiation becomes tactical action and the obvious locus of potential hostility and rescue.

Before: Detected or inferred on long‑range orders; en route to Tau Cygna Five, not yet engaged by the Enterprise.

After: Designated as the interception objective; the order to intercept has been given though no contact has yet occurred.

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S3E2 · The Ensigns of Command

Decision to Intercept the Sheliak Colony Ship

The Sheliak colony ship is the explicit target of Picard's ordered interception; its imminent arrival two days hence (with settlement modules and shuttles) is the catalyst that forces the Enterprise to convert diplomacy into direct action.

Before: En route to Tau Cygna Five with settlement modules and personnel shuttles attached; not yet arrived at the planet.

After: Designated as the interception target by the Enterprise; still en route but now the focal point of an impending Starfleet operation that risks diplomatic rupture.

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