> > "Well, I was hoping that you would be able to bring in something or
> >possible smuggle some people in and out to see family at predetermined
> >locations, but if you want to do a strip tease, I will pay triple..."
> >Garibaldi replied completely in a joking tone...
>
> "Some things in the galaxy aren't for sale," she retorted.
> >
> > "But seriously... illegal by *my* standards or Federation/Starfleet
> >Standards? " he added seriously interested in her offer. Afterall he was
a
> >man that got things done, and refused to pass up any offer until he he
knew
> >all he could about it first. Lasiter, was a bit different. He had high
> >morals and standards... when it benefited him...
>
> "Federation," she replied, "All right, since you told me yours, I'll tell
> you mine. As you know, I deal in extortion, racketeering, arms, as well
as
> some other unsavory things you probably don't want to hear about. I also
> deal in the slave trade." Seeing the expression on his face, she
continued,
> "I run an underground railroad for escaped slaves, or people running from
> abusive spouses, partners, families. You get the idea. After I get them
> out, they have two choices - either get their memory wiped, a new
identity,
> and a new life, or join my staff. Women, mostly, but there are some men
> and other genders. Jack is one of those. His mother sold him to slave
> traders when he was 6. That's what they did to his face. Tela is another
> one. She was a sex slave on a Miridian pirate ship until I torched it.
>
> "I can always get weapons in and out of a place, as well as people so long
> as they're one at a time. But authorities from all the governments are
> cracking down on slave traders, and my smuggling ships are getting caught
in
> the middle. Police ships automatically assume I'm running slaves to
> traders. And slave traders know what I'm doing and are also attacking my
> ships and finding my secret hideaways. It's getting increasingly
difficult
> to keep the railroad going. If I had a safe port with considerable
traffic,
> where a few dozen people could easily be ignored as they pass through, the
> railroad could stay open at least for a while longer."
>
Garibaldi was impressed. He really liked this part of her
operation, and while technically illegal in the eyes of the law. He found
it not only moral and just, but well worth supporting. He knew he could
sell this to Lasiter.
"Deal. To be honest I am surprised that you would be involved in
such a noble cause. Surprised in a good way. It proves my theory that you
are far more complex a being that anyone had thought. I like that. Now
because of that I will get you set up with a special access, a separate
docking bay, and quarters facilities. If it would help you out, I can also
arrange quiet passage on our outbound ships to the busiest of Federation
ports where they could blend in and begin a new life. SPD being one of
those ports. Consider it, becuase Starfleet does not have to clear customs
like civi craft do. I can also help, if you are willing, by giving you
official, legitimate Starfleet cargo to run in those areas that give you the
most trouble. I doubt that they will stop you so often if they knew that if
they did they would get a group of SF cruisers in their areas... Besides
you could use it as cover... All that if you can guarantee me that our
dealings and what you learn from them do not make it to the open market,
screw the price consessions...." he counter offered.
{response}
