Allso spoke up for the first time. "Commander Dais, I did not know what I
was transporting as part of my duties as a diplomatic courier, nor did I
ask. It offers some level of protection by not knowing."
Garibaldi added, "Protection from what... you conscious or the law?" his
tone dripping with distain.
"Commander, really... Is that necessary? No one here has questioned your
handling of your ivestigations, now have they?" Rivik responded.
Gariabldi did not answer..
Dais leaned forward. "Gentlemen, I think the focus needs to stay on the
topic here. "Mr. Rivik, I think it is important to point out that Mr.
Allso is claiming that he was transporting this hand unknowingly as the
result of it being part of a diplomatic package. Is this possible?"
"As difficult as you may find it to believe, yes, it is." was the reply.
Joe just looked at Dais.
Dais clearly blanched at the claim. "So, the Bajoran diplomatic service
is responsible and knowingly transported such an item to the station even
though it is clearly against Federation law?" Dais' tone of voice deried
the situation incredulity.
Relik answers, "Federation Law is not your jurisdiction, Commander. That is
for another body. Your authority is limited to Starfleet..."
Joe decided it was time to take the bait... His way...
"Well, that may be Mr. Relik. However, Judge Holtz does have
jurisdiction, and he says that Mr. Allso is not to leave the solar system,
and he is to be made available to investigators. This material witness
order will explain it all...." he said passing the PADD over. His
exaggeration of the law was not important, as they would not likely read the
entire order now. It would serve to inflame the situation a bit, allowing
Dais to play a bit more good cop before the meeting ended...
Relik was stumped but revealed nothing. Revik was a better poker player
and his answer proved it...
"Well, it looks as if that were so... It also looks as if our meeting is
over for the time being. This will take some time to sort out.
"However, for the record, the Bajoran Diplomatic Service is not admitting to
knowingly doing anything with respect to this investigation. We have spoken
about Mr. Allso's itinerary and the normal duties and travels of diplomatic
couriers, nothing else..." He was polite and courtious, just as a diplomat
should be.
"That is clear, Mr. Rivik. It is only Mr. Allso's statements that imply
the Diplomatic Service has knowledge, which would be considered hearsay."
He paused for a moment to let tempers subside. It was clear that hearsay
was not submissible in most courts. "Our job and yours, Mr. Rivik, is to
bring this investigation to a conclusion that satisfies all the parties
involved."
Dais looked toward Mr. Allso. "Was your parcel addressed to any
particular representative of your government, Mr. Allso?"
"Only by title, not by name. It was to go to ..."
Relik cut his answer off. "That is all for now. We will have to resume
this conversation at a later time. Contact us tomorrow, and we will
schedule a time. Thank you for coming, Commanders....."
Joe hardly reacted, as he had expected this. However, he thought a good
does of contempt would be good, just for effect..
"Well Gentlebeings, I would like to thank you for nothing. You will most
definately see me again. Mr. Allso, please do not ignore that court order,
or I will have lots of fun tracking your hide down..."
Dais decided to jump in before the Bajorans were too offended to want to
participate in these discussions any longer. It was clear to him that they
knew a lot more about the hand situation than was brought forward during the
conversation today. "We do appreciate that you all took time out of your
busy schedules to meet again. Perhaps it would be better to schedule our
next discussion before we depart. That would make sure we are all available
at the appointed time."
(response)
Jack
=====================================================================
Jack Ryan _+_
(Not named for the character) ____..---===== ========-..____
__________________ __ ,-='=====____ = _ = = - _ = = _____==`=
(.__ ______I__)/ - _-=_/ `------=_=-------'
/ /__...---==='---+---_' "I'm not an agent, I just write
'----'---.___ = _ = = _.-' books for the CIA."
`-------' -Jack Ryan, The Hunt for Red October
=====================================================================
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