Object

Riker's Negotiation Message for Katik Shaw

A concise, portable diplomatic directive that Riker entrusts to Katik Shaw—delivered primarily as a short, formal oral instruction and implicitly routable for transmission. It carries specific negotiation terms: the Federation will open talks to secure Dr. Beverly Crusher's release. Katik receives it in Alexana Devos's office while a waiter and security guard stand nearby.

2 appearances

Purpose

To authorize and transmit a Federation offer to negotiate for Dr. Beverly Crusher's release by empowering Katik Shaw to carry the message back to his people.

Significance

Serves as the tactical pivot from coercion to diplomacy: it de-escalates an immediate detainee crisis, humanizes the actors through Riker's moral choice, and seeds future political consequences by formalizing a negotiating position carried by an external envoy.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S3E12 · The High Ground

Line in the Sand — Riker Constrains Alexana

Riker's negotiation message functions here as an oral directive he entrusts to Katik Shaw: a concise promise that the Federation will open talks to secure Dr. Crusher. Narratively it acts as the concrete concession that transforms coercion into diplomacy.

Before: Not physically presented; the negotiation exists as Riker's verbal authority and policy stance.

After: The message is effectively in Katik's hands — carried out of the office as an envoy of Starfleet's offer to Ansata.

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S3E12 · The High Ground

Negotiation Over Coercion

Riker's negotiation message functions as the operative instrument of diplomacy: delivered orally to Katik as a concise instruction that the Federation is willing to negotiate for Dr. Crusher's release. Though not written or transmitted formally in the room, it becomes the immediate action that frees the detainee and redirects the tactical response toward talks.

Before: Conceptual — a decision Riker is prepared to enact; not yet entrusted to any messenger.

After: Effectively placed in Katik's hands as a verbal courier task; the message is in motion outside the office as Katik leaves to relay it.

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