>
>"How long do you think it will take to get those records? I would
>appreciate it if Mr. Garibaldi and myself were able to have access to those
>files as soon as they arive as well.'
>
>Joe added, "In fact it will be a requirement."
>
>Rivik gave an unimpressed answer. "They should be here in a day or two."
>
>"Good. But, I am a bit unclear, Mr. Rivik, why is it taking so long to get
>background information on a diplomatic courier? You should have something
>along the lines of that information here at the embassy. Why are we
>waiting? We should be able to start with what you have until the complete
>files arrive. Why not search his quarters and his work areas? There is no
>need to wait like this."
>
>"This is a very complicated diploatic issue, Commander Garibaldi. We do
>things differently. We are more cautious, certain when we act. We have to
>be in the realm of diplomacy."
>
>"Obviously you do, because you do not seem to upset that one of your people
>brought a severed hand onto this station. You appear to be more worried
>about offending someone. Offending a courier..." Garibaldi just let the
>comment hang in the air. He was just falling short of accusing the Chief of
>Staff of covering up the incident.
>
>Dais leaned forward to get the attention of the two men. "I agree that this
>is a diplomatically delicate situation, Mr. Rivik. That is why I brought
>the incident to your attention and requested that the investigation be
>completed in tandem. At the same time, I think that it is important that we
>share all the information that we have and try to get this resolved quickly.
>Perhaps you could explain to us why we must be so delicate with dealing with
>your representative. That might help us understand better and come up with
>a timetable solution that suits both of us."
>
>"Caution must be taken to ensure that this does not hit the pess. A scandal
>must be avoided here. A highly public incident with one of the Ambassador's
>courriers will reflect on him, the Bajoran people, and their interests.
>This investigation must be done quietly, and carefully."
>
>"I am sorry, Mr. Rivik. You will have to excuse my ignorance. I do not have a
>strong back ground in in vestigative procedure. But how is talking
>to one of your own men going to lead to a public incident. I don't think Mr.
>Garibadli is proposing that we take the courier on to hte Promenade and
>public interrogate him." Dais paused to look at Garibaldi to see if he wanted to
>provide a reaction.
>
With an evil little smile Joe added, "While the thought of taking your courier
into custody is appealing, what Commander Dais is suggesting is just what I was trying
to propose. A 'friendly' Q&A would seem to be approperate, especially considering the
severed hand and all."
Joe was clearly getting to the Chief of Staff. It was also clear that Joe was
enjoying it greatly.
Rivik did not answer for a moment, but he finally did.
"It is my feeling that we should proceed slowly. The Ambassador and I are not
comfortable proceeding too quickly nor publically with the current level of press
presence on the station. The impression of the public both here on Earth and on Bajor
are very critical issues to the our diplomatic mission." He was stalling. He was
purposelly trying to slow things down.
>
Joe looked over at Dais again as if to say 'he is trying something'.
>"Are you saying that we could not sit down with the courier over lunch or something
>and hold a civil conversation addressing some questions that need
>to be answered without tempers flaring?"
>
Joe just smiled.
Rivik brough wrinkled. He just got backed into a corner.
With a sigh, "I will have our courier here, after lunch for a sitdown. Call it a
conversation over tea. Be here at 1500.
Now if that is all, gentlemen. I have other duties to attend to." Rivik answered
still annoyed at Joe.
{reactions}
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