Chapter 209: October 1985
Back for another update. I have some time to write and finally a little energy, so we'll get in at least a short chapter today. In this installment, Israel calls off Operation Wooden Leg at Secretary of State Carter's request, allowing Jordan's King Hussein the space to join the five-party talks. A Star Wars cartoon is announced for the 1986-1987 television season, and Paramount begins planning a new Star Trek series, after Harve Bennett announced his move to Fox. Plus, more Starfleet Intelligence episodes.
IN AMMAN, CARTER CONVINCES KING HUSSEIN TO JOIN TALKS
ISRAEL CALLS OFF ATTACK ON PLO BASE IN TUNISIA, IN DIPLOMATIC BID TO ISOLATE PLO
October 3, 1985
Secretary of State Jimmy Carter met with Jordan's King Hussein in Amman and hammered out an agreement regarding Jordanian participation in the five-party Middle East peace talks. Jordan would agree to join the negotiations if Israel refrained from attacking Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) targets outside its borders. Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres conditionally agreed, but countered that he would hold Jordan responsible for any PLO attacks in Israel. A tenuous rapprochement was reached, and Secretary of State Carter promised to bring all five parties (the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, Israel and Jordan) to Oslo in January 1986 to begin peace negotiations between the Jordan River neighbors. "We've potentially got a historic settlement if all parties can agree," Carter said. "President Glenn is banking on this, and we feel that we're closer." PLO leader Yasser Arafat condemned the Jordanian monarch, proclaiming that "there is no peace without a Palestinian voice in the negotiation. Jordan is an enemy of the Palestinian people just like Israel. "They will split the West Bank and there will be nothing for us." Immediately after the announcement, backchannel communications began between Mossad, the Israeli secret service, and their Jordanian counterparts. Although the arrangement was unpopular in some Israeli circles, Prime Minister Peres framed the agreement as a step forward for Israel's security. "Peace is secured, albeit loosely, with Egypt. If we can arrange a similar peace with Jordan, we can orient our military posture towards our northern frontier," Peres said. "I believe a joint administration of the West Bank with the Jordanians is possible."
NEW STAR WARS CARTOON IN PRODUCTION
October 14, 1985
George Lucas green lighted a new Star Wars cartoon, which will begin airing in 1986. The cartoon will focus on the period after Return of the Jedi, with Luke Skywalker as the main character in search of potential students to rebuild the nearly extinct Jedi Order. The cartoon, "Star Wars: The New Jedi Order," will introduce brand new Jedi Knights to be, with Skywalker as their teacher. Mark Hamill, who played Skywalker in the trilogy, will voice his character for the cartoon. "I'm glad Star Wars is returning, even if it's only in cartoon form," Hamill said. "When I've been looking for work, the agents are telling me I'm Luke Skywalker and I can't do anything else. I'd like the franchise to give me more opportunities in the movies. Hopefully George Lucas is ready in the next couple of years to make some movies again." Other characters confirmed to be returning include Princess Leia, who will be voiced by Carrie Fisher, C3PO and R2D2, the kid-friendly droids, and Han Solo. However, Harrison Ford, who played Solo in the movies, will not play him in the cartoon. "Harrison Ford didn't want to do the cartoon, so we'll have to find someone who sounds like him," The New Jedi Order producers Peter Sauder and Ben Burtt said. Similar to Hamill, Sauder and Burtt were also worried that Star Wars would fade out of the national consciousness. "We can't be a dormant franchise," Sauder said. "Star Trek never stops, and we've got to keep up with the joneses."
DAVID GERROLD TABBED TO DEVELOP NEW STAR TREK SERIES, WITH RODDENBERRY IN OVERSIGHT ROLE
October 28, 1985
Award-winning veteran Star Trek writer David Gerrold was pulled from his duties with Starfleet Intelligence and Andromeda by Paramount president Michael Eisner to develop a new Star Trek series set almost a century after Kirk and Spock. Gerrold was initially reluctant to leave his duties with Intelligence and Andromeda, but the chance to become an executive producer was too appealing to pass up. "We're going to create a new Star Trek series, hopefully in 1986, but no later than 1987," Eisner said. "The popularity of Starfleet Intelligence compels us to expand the property on television, so we remain competitive in the ratings with CBS." Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the original Star Trek in the 1960s, will be in an oversight role, as an "executive consultant," while Gerrold is responsible for the day-to-day operations. Gerrold immediately sought out D.C. Fontana to become a producer, and she agreed. "This is the best opportunity of my career," Gerrold said. "Creating a new Star Trek series without Kirk and Spock is extremely challenging, but Dorothy and I are up to the challenge and we'll create some very compelling Star Trek." When fans heard the news, they were skeptical. "How could Star Trek exist without Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura and the rest?" a fan who wanted to remain anonymous said. "They can't do the same thing as the old series and Intelligence. I'd imagine there will be a new Enterprise in the future but it has to be completely different to succeed."
STARFLEET INTELLIGENCE EPISODES
Hat tip to @Ogrebear for Episode 78.
EPISODE 75: A MATTER OF DECEPTION. (Airdate: October 1, 1985). Uhura dispatches Karlax and Nerva, the Romulan member of the team, to Gamma Hydra III to investigate Tal Shiar activity. Karlax is captured by the Tal Shiar, and Nerva initially does not try to rescue him. Karlax believes that Nerva placed him in a trap, because he is wanted by the Tal Shiar, having served in both the Klingon security services and Starfleet Intelligence. However, Karlax doesn't know that Nerva is using him as the bait to unravel the entire Tal Shiar operation. Nerva calls in Marx and Uhura in Romulan disguise, and they discover that the Romulans are working on another chemical weapon that can incapacitate both humans and Vulcans, placing the Federation at a disadvantage in a war. The Tal Shiar attempts to test the weapon on Karlax, but they miscalculated; Karlax's eight-chambered heart was able to withstand its effects. Uhura and team confiscate the chemical weapon and remove the Tal Shiar presence on Gamma Hydra III. Afterwards, Karlax asks Nerva why he used him as bait, and Nerva tells him, "I knew the weapon wouldn't work on you." Karlax and Nerva share some Romulan ale at the end and toast their success.
EPISODE 76: THE PSIONIC CHIP (Airdate: October 8, 1985). Starfleet Medical wants to study Michael Decker, Ilia's son, and they discover that Michael has psionic capabilities. Starfleet Intelligence is brought in to investigate, because they believe the young Decker is a risk to others if he acts out violently. When the boy is taken away, he lashes out, placing one Starfleet security officer in a coma. The young Decker is confined and Ilia protests, pleading that they don't understand her child. Uhura and company are tasked to develop a chip that allows the young Decker to control his emotions, which would ensure the safety of others around him. When they attempt to implant the chip, Decker lashes out again, paralyzing Nerva. Marx is the only member of the team who can handle Decker's powers, so she is tasked for the job. Almost driven to the point of madness, Marx corrals the boy's emotions and implants the chip. Decker initially rejects the implant, but Ilia convinces her son that this is the best solution for him, so he can live a normal life.
EPISODE 77: THE WEATHER MACHINE (Airdate: October 15, 1985). Starfleet is designing a weather control machine that will ensure the weather remains stable on Earth and other plants. The machine malfunctions, causing significant disruptions to Earth's weather. The only member of the team who has any expertise with that equipment is Nerva, due to his work on terraforming colonies with the Tal Shiar. Nerva determines that the machine's algorithms did not account for the salt content in the Earth's oceans, which is causing changes to the ocean current system. Nerva recommends that the machine be shut down until this factor is resolved, and this occurs. Later, it is discovered that the Vulcan Science Academy wanted to develop the device to cool down the Vulcan climate, which will become unlivable in 50 years without a technological intervention. Uhura questions why the system was tested on Earth and not Vulcan, and gets stonewalled. She asks Sarek why the Vulcans were so secretive about the device, and Sarek replies that it was a matter of the security of the Federation. The Vulcan delegation in the Federation Council is forced to apologize for the disruptions on Earth, and they promise to repair the damage done to several of Earth's cities.
EPISODE 78: THE PROMOTION (Airdate: October 22, 1985). Uhura is offered a promotion higher into SI, and the rank of captain. Commander Chekov would take over her Unit. She is conflicted and distracted during a mission vs Orion slavers who have been seizing Tellarite ships and gets hurt. As she is in sickbay recovering, Tellerite Captain Tarv (John Wheeler) talks to her and they speak about what makes them happy, and Uhura realizes she wants to stay with her unit.
IN AMMAN, CARTER CONVINCES KING HUSSEIN TO JOIN TALKS
ISRAEL CALLS OFF ATTACK ON PLO BASE IN TUNISIA, IN DIPLOMATIC BID TO ISOLATE PLO
October 3, 1985
Secretary of State Jimmy Carter met with Jordan's King Hussein in Amman and hammered out an agreement regarding Jordanian participation in the five-party Middle East peace talks. Jordan would agree to join the negotiations if Israel refrained from attacking Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) targets outside its borders. Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres conditionally agreed, but countered that he would hold Jordan responsible for any PLO attacks in Israel. A tenuous rapprochement was reached, and Secretary of State Carter promised to bring all five parties (the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain, Israel and Jordan) to Oslo in January 1986 to begin peace negotiations between the Jordan River neighbors. "We've potentially got a historic settlement if all parties can agree," Carter said. "President Glenn is banking on this, and we feel that we're closer." PLO leader Yasser Arafat condemned the Jordanian monarch, proclaiming that "there is no peace without a Palestinian voice in the negotiation. Jordan is an enemy of the Palestinian people just like Israel. "They will split the West Bank and there will be nothing for us." Immediately after the announcement, backchannel communications began between Mossad, the Israeli secret service, and their Jordanian counterparts. Although the arrangement was unpopular in some Israeli circles, Prime Minister Peres framed the agreement as a step forward for Israel's security. "Peace is secured, albeit loosely, with Egypt. If we can arrange a similar peace with Jordan, we can orient our military posture towards our northern frontier," Peres said. "I believe a joint administration of the West Bank with the Jordanians is possible."
NEW STAR WARS CARTOON IN PRODUCTION
October 14, 1985
George Lucas green lighted a new Star Wars cartoon, which will begin airing in 1986. The cartoon will focus on the period after Return of the Jedi, with Luke Skywalker as the main character in search of potential students to rebuild the nearly extinct Jedi Order. The cartoon, "Star Wars: The New Jedi Order," will introduce brand new Jedi Knights to be, with Skywalker as their teacher. Mark Hamill, who played Skywalker in the trilogy, will voice his character for the cartoon. "I'm glad Star Wars is returning, even if it's only in cartoon form," Hamill said. "When I've been looking for work, the agents are telling me I'm Luke Skywalker and I can't do anything else. I'd like the franchise to give me more opportunities in the movies. Hopefully George Lucas is ready in the next couple of years to make some movies again." Other characters confirmed to be returning include Princess Leia, who will be voiced by Carrie Fisher, C3PO and R2D2, the kid-friendly droids, and Han Solo. However, Harrison Ford, who played Solo in the movies, will not play him in the cartoon. "Harrison Ford didn't want to do the cartoon, so we'll have to find someone who sounds like him," The New Jedi Order producers Peter Sauder and Ben Burtt said. Similar to Hamill, Sauder and Burtt were also worried that Star Wars would fade out of the national consciousness. "We can't be a dormant franchise," Sauder said. "Star Trek never stops, and we've got to keep up with the joneses."
DAVID GERROLD TABBED TO DEVELOP NEW STAR TREK SERIES, WITH RODDENBERRY IN OVERSIGHT ROLE
October 28, 1985
Award-winning veteran Star Trek writer David Gerrold was pulled from his duties with Starfleet Intelligence and Andromeda by Paramount president Michael Eisner to develop a new Star Trek series set almost a century after Kirk and Spock. Gerrold was initially reluctant to leave his duties with Intelligence and Andromeda, but the chance to become an executive producer was too appealing to pass up. "We're going to create a new Star Trek series, hopefully in 1986, but no later than 1987," Eisner said. "The popularity of Starfleet Intelligence compels us to expand the property on television, so we remain competitive in the ratings with CBS." Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the original Star Trek in the 1960s, will be in an oversight role, as an "executive consultant," while Gerrold is responsible for the day-to-day operations. Gerrold immediately sought out D.C. Fontana to become a producer, and she agreed. "This is the best opportunity of my career," Gerrold said. "Creating a new Star Trek series without Kirk and Spock is extremely challenging, but Dorothy and I are up to the challenge and we'll create some very compelling Star Trek." When fans heard the news, they were skeptical. "How could Star Trek exist without Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura and the rest?" a fan who wanted to remain anonymous said. "They can't do the same thing as the old series and Intelligence. I'd imagine there will be a new Enterprise in the future but it has to be completely different to succeed."
STARFLEET INTELLIGENCE EPISODES
Hat tip to @Ogrebear for Episode 78.
EPISODE 75: A MATTER OF DECEPTION. (Airdate: October 1, 1985). Uhura dispatches Karlax and Nerva, the Romulan member of the team, to Gamma Hydra III to investigate Tal Shiar activity. Karlax is captured by the Tal Shiar, and Nerva initially does not try to rescue him. Karlax believes that Nerva placed him in a trap, because he is wanted by the Tal Shiar, having served in both the Klingon security services and Starfleet Intelligence. However, Karlax doesn't know that Nerva is using him as the bait to unravel the entire Tal Shiar operation. Nerva calls in Marx and Uhura in Romulan disguise, and they discover that the Romulans are working on another chemical weapon that can incapacitate both humans and Vulcans, placing the Federation at a disadvantage in a war. The Tal Shiar attempts to test the weapon on Karlax, but they miscalculated; Karlax's eight-chambered heart was able to withstand its effects. Uhura and team confiscate the chemical weapon and remove the Tal Shiar presence on Gamma Hydra III. Afterwards, Karlax asks Nerva why he used him as bait, and Nerva tells him, "I knew the weapon wouldn't work on you." Karlax and Nerva share some Romulan ale at the end and toast their success.
EPISODE 76: THE PSIONIC CHIP (Airdate: October 8, 1985). Starfleet Medical wants to study Michael Decker, Ilia's son, and they discover that Michael has psionic capabilities. Starfleet Intelligence is brought in to investigate, because they believe the young Decker is a risk to others if he acts out violently. When the boy is taken away, he lashes out, placing one Starfleet security officer in a coma. The young Decker is confined and Ilia protests, pleading that they don't understand her child. Uhura and company are tasked to develop a chip that allows the young Decker to control his emotions, which would ensure the safety of others around him. When they attempt to implant the chip, Decker lashes out again, paralyzing Nerva. Marx is the only member of the team who can handle Decker's powers, so she is tasked for the job. Almost driven to the point of madness, Marx corrals the boy's emotions and implants the chip. Decker initially rejects the implant, but Ilia convinces her son that this is the best solution for him, so he can live a normal life.
EPISODE 77: THE WEATHER MACHINE (Airdate: October 15, 1985). Starfleet is designing a weather control machine that will ensure the weather remains stable on Earth and other plants. The machine malfunctions, causing significant disruptions to Earth's weather. The only member of the team who has any expertise with that equipment is Nerva, due to his work on terraforming colonies with the Tal Shiar. Nerva determines that the machine's algorithms did not account for the salt content in the Earth's oceans, which is causing changes to the ocean current system. Nerva recommends that the machine be shut down until this factor is resolved, and this occurs. Later, it is discovered that the Vulcan Science Academy wanted to develop the device to cool down the Vulcan climate, which will become unlivable in 50 years without a technological intervention. Uhura questions why the system was tested on Earth and not Vulcan, and gets stonewalled. She asks Sarek why the Vulcans were so secretive about the device, and Sarek replies that it was a matter of the security of the Federation. The Vulcan delegation in the Federation Council is forced to apologize for the disruptions on Earth, and they promise to repair the damage done to several of Earth's cities.
EPISODE 78: THE PROMOTION (Airdate: October 22, 1985). Uhura is offered a promotion higher into SI, and the rank of captain. Commander Chekov would take over her Unit. She is conflicted and distracted during a mission vs Orion slavers who have been seizing Tellarite ships and gets hurt. As she is in sickbay recovering, Tellerite Captain Tarv (John Wheeler) talks to her and they speak about what makes them happy, and Uhura realizes she wants to stay with her unit.
