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 havejurisdiction, 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."
Before they could answer a call came in from the recpetionist.
"Mr. Rivik, a Commander K'Tael is here to see Commander Dais. He says it is an
emergency."
"Very well, we are breaking up. He will be there in a moment..." Rivik replied to
his receptionist. Then turning his attention back to Dais, "Fine... Day after
tomorrow at 1100 hours. We can give you roughly an hour."
{response}
