LT Melvin Martinson - Lay It Out

[Aine Sherlock]

((Conference Room, Deck 5, USS Octavia E Butler))

Granted, a JG would never be given the broad discretion Mel had described. Starfleet just wouldn't allow it. But the concept was the same regardless of the stakes. So many young officers just never tapped into their creativity. So many of them forgot the philosophy of the Federation, and in turn, what it could offer in and of itself.

Martinson: Remember, broad discretion. It's up to you. But you also have to remember, you have something they want too.

Nilsen: If you really want it, there are ways, but it comes with strings attached…

Mel simply nodded. Yes, Nilsen couldn't offer membership, meaning he couldn't guarantee it. But any planet could apply. Whether they knew they could or not, it was a valid offer.

Taggert: response

Nilsen: I mean, it ain’t bad, in the Federation we work together in a kind of union, each planet is represented on the council, we share resources, we come to your aid in times of need. I’m sure you know the details and for the price of single mine that sounds great right? But then, our problems become your problems, just as much as we come to your aid, we expect you to do the same. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem such a good deal.

Mel's face went solemn. It felt like Lhando had taken a step forward, then one back. Phrases like "it ain't bad" and "our problems become your problems" weren't exactly things people wanted to hear. And Mel found it better to not list possible downsides unless they asked. He really hoped this was a strategy he didn't see coming.

Taggert: response

Nilsen: Now, if you and your people are sure you want in, then that process is out of my hands. You'll have to petition the federation council and meet a whole bunch of criteria that I can't remember off the top of my head, but that’s a big commitment for just one mine.

Martinso: ::looking up to the ceiling:: oO Please God, if you exist, stop this. Oo ::under his breath and into his hand:: Don't talk them out of what they want.

Taggert: response

Nilsen: But there is nothin' stopping us from trading. You've got the means to mine the ore effectively, but you've got a problem we can help you with. You don't have as much land to farm on as other planets. We can provide you with agricultural technology to make better use of your limited space; hydroponics, minor weather control systems, and soil reclamation projects come to mind.

Mel folded his hands together on the table and looked at Taggert. Lhando had turned that around nicely, much nicer than he'd expected. It had appeared he was on a descending path at first.

Martinson: ::to Taggert:: Well, that's something to consider, yes?

Taggert: response

Martinson: Ok, I want to pause here. Do a bit of review.

Nilsen/Taggert: response

Martinson: One thing I learned early on, hit first, hit hard. Meaning, layout what you're willing to offer and what you want in exchange. Be firm about it. Almost always, both parties already know why they're there.

Nilsen/Taggert: response

Martinson: The reason you do that, it forces whoever you're negotiating with to compromise. It puts them on the defensive.

Nilsen/Taggert: response

Martinson: Well, if they don't want to compromise ::beat:: walk away. Or at least act like you're walking away. It lets them think you don't need what they have. Now they have to impress you. Again, forcing them to compromise.

Nilsen/Taggert: response

tags/TBC

LT Melvin Martinson

Trade Negotiator

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

R239712AS0