SPD: The Venasian Annex

[LunarHunk]

Once outside, Dais stopped the group a short distance from the building.
"Mr. Lasiter, may I ask what you were doing in there?"� It was clear that
Dais was not pleased, though his anger was controlled.

Audra was shocked by Dais' reaction.  Things had not gone well, but she had not expected him to react so strongly since he usually seemed fairly reserved.

� "Testing the waters and casting a few times, sir", the other Commander
answered.

"Mr. Lasiter, we were sent to speak with the Venasians to get information.
Offending them is not the best means by which to do this.� You not only
ended our meeting prematurely, but you may have made it impossible for us to
complete our mission."

� "Commander Dais, they are not any less likely now to tell us that there
was a military coup then they were before we arrived, so little is *really*
lost.� However, we know a few things that we did not before.� For
starters, General A'amon's absence tells us that the new government is not
interested in reassuring the other governments in the area that friendly,
diplomatic relations will continue.� He is most likely off overseeing military
preparations for an assult on the Federation or planning to trample another
Venasian colony.� We also know that the Venasian government is firmly in the
control of A'amon.� The Secertary's demeanor and attitude when questioning
the reasons behind the change in government and ambassador.� We also know
that they are willing to give us thin lies.� You may remember the way that he
responded when asked about how the people were taking the wholesale
abandonment of centuries, if not millennia, of tradition.� He said that change is
easier then we would expect, but we know for a fact that tradition runs
deeper than their telepathic abilities.� Commander, they are perfectly willing
to believe that they are superior, and the Federation and our allies are
totally inferior.� So, I played into that role.� If they go on thinking that
we are inferior, then we have an edge."

"Sometimes it is what they don't say that is important, Mr. Lasiter.  Observing reactions and using your intuition can often be helpful in a situation like that.  We no longer have that option."  Dais paused for a moment before continuing with the conversation.  What was done was done, and there was no need to linger over what could not be repaired.

"How do you propose we proceed from here to attain our objectives, Mr.
Lasiter?"

�� "We start where all good investigators go.� We go to where the action
is, and in this case we go to the port.� The comings and goings should of
this place should give us something to report."

"Why don't you lead the way, Mr. Lasiter," responded Dais.  He had to admit that the young officer thought well on his feet.

(response)

AJ and Jack