Arbitration (audio story)

Arbitration was the third story of the fifth series of Big Finish's Gallifrey audio series. It was written by David Llewellyn.

Publisher's summary
Romana's secret is in danger of being exposed by those she trusts, and the only hope of escape is through the Axis. But will Leela's forthright determination to see justice done, whatever the costs, mean their chance to get home will be lost forever...?

And if they are able to regain access the Axis, is the world they left behind any better than the society they have built here?

Time will tell.

Plot
Lord Zakar, whose responsibilities take him all over Gallifrey, informs Romana that the electorate, namely influential Regenerators and members of the Mining Guild, are unhappy with her recent actions and her capitulation to the Outsiders' demands. He remarks on how different she is to the woman he knew, who poisoned Cardinal Alloran, and asks that at the very least she could reconsider her ruling on the Vitarian Pass, a trade route between the Capitol the West Coast, which she gave to the Outsiders. Should she continue in her mission of equality and freedom, he will be unable to ensure the continued support of the Guild and other businessmen.

Headed to build a factory in Prydonia, Zakar is transported to the shuttle port by Bigloc and talks to himself about how he dislikes Romana and how there is nobody on the Inner Council worthy of replacing her. He says that he might run for the Inner Council and try for the position of Supreme Leader.

Romana is visited by Narvin and tells him about how Zakar wants all of her policies reversed. As he is practically a celebrity, Narvin suggests that she keep him on side by slowing down the rate at which she is changing this world. He also says that Kavil has strengthened the signal that the Science Ministry picked up and that they will soon be synchronised with the Axis, allowing them to leave in three days. Whilst happy about this news, Romana is insistent that she do as much good for this world as they can before they leave.

Zakar is called by Slyne and speaks with him about his visit to Romana, to whom he will continue his support unless something catastrophic happens. He has to end communications when it seems that his vehicle is about to crash.

to be completed

Cast

 * Supreme Leader Romana - Lalla Ward
 * Outcast Leader Leela - Louise Jameson
 * High Chancellor Narvin - Seán Carlsen
 * Lord Zakar - Barnaby Edwards
 * Science Ministor Kavil - Simon Fisher-Becker
 * Castellan Slyne - Peter Sheward
 * Councillor Braxiatel - Miles Richardson
 * Councillor Rahvon - Marcus Harris
 * Commentator Matthias - Stephen Perring
 * Jamalan - Jack Baggs
 * Andred - Andy Coleman

Uncredited cast

 * The Daleks - Nicholas Briggs

Continuity

 * Romana refers to the recent emancipation of the Outsiders from slavery. (AUDIO: Forever)
 * Romana refers to the Outsiders' desire for mining rights. (AUDIO: Emancipation)
 * Lord Zakar reminds Romana that he financed the recent research into time travel technology. (AUDIO: Evolution)
 * Kavil tries to synchronise the signal which Gallifrey received recently. If successful, this would mean that Romana, Narvin and Leela can get into contact with the Axis and therefore K9. (AUDIO: Forever, Evolution)
 * Romana tells Narvin that she misses the Irving Braxiatel of the proper timeline. (AUDIO: Disassembled)
 * Leela tells Narvin that she was named after the greatest warrior in Sevateem history. (AUDIO: The Catalyst, The Abandoned)
 * Lord Zakar and Councillor Braxiatel were present when Lady President Romana was assassinated by Coordinator Vansell. (AUDIO: Forever)
 * Lord Zakar refers to Councillor Allora's failed attempt to seize power and her subsequent imprisonment. (AUDIO: Emancipation)
 * Leela says that one day one of Narvin's mistakes will destroy the universe. (AUDIO: Ascension)