SPD: David/Colonel

[Pete Boulay]

>"And Starfleet is supposed to be working for us," replied the colonel.
>"Hence the problem. You see, I have rumors that there was a 'traitor' among the Marines sent to us, and that he was attacked by his comrades before escaping to >his rebel friends. Reports are sketchy, but you *would* fit that description, Captain. I am well aware that the Marines are a branch of Starfleet, and that there are >often Starfleet officers and other personnel working with Marine detachments. So how can I believe you? You say you were attacked by rebels, but I also have a >description of a Starfleeter or a Marine that has defected to the rebels after being assaulted by his own people." He raised his hands in a defeated gesture. "You >see my dilemma.

"Really...." David shrugged, "Colonel-the fact is I am on a mission that answers only to Admiral Lasiter...I never even knew about Admiral VanDerLoo until you mentioned him. I am not defecting and anyone who is defecting is nothing better than a coward with no sense of loyalty."

>Who can I believe? Your unsubstantiated story, or a story given to me by my own intelligence?"

>He sighed. "Well, unfortunately, I have to have answers. My superiors will demand them, and they have made it clear that they must be absolutely accurate. If I let >you go and you *are* a traitor, you'll go back to them and tell them all kinds of information, and then I will be shot. I cannot ask Van Der Loo, because if you are >working for the rebels at his command, that would alert him that we are on to his little game, which could also get me shot. And frankly, Captain, to me, my hide is >much more valuable than yours."

"Or we can turn the tables on VanDerloo...it sounds like he is trying to doublecross you. You help me Colonel and I'lll see Van Der Loo gets his...if you can't accept that offer than kill me now because there is nothing I can give you." David said it almost nonchalantly...he had been threatened with death so much lately it would almost be welcome at this point.