"Commander K'Tael, just how did you learn of this severed hand?? I am
interested in what circumstances and what methods were used to determine
it's existance." asked the judge.
"To be honest, sir. I was not initially involved in the investigation. It
was Commanders Dais and Garibaldi who had approached me about it. My
understanding is that there was some sort of confusion with custom that
brought about knowledge of the hand. Commanders Dais and Garibaldi were
assigned to work with the Bajoran Embassy to address health concerns
relating to the hand. They asked me to help them out. It became more
important to other investigations my department has been working on as we
delved deeper into the situation."
"How was it discovered in the first place and what link or links does it
have to your other investigations?" the Judge asked yet more questions.
"I believe the hand was brought to the attention of Commander Dais, the
station's Exec, when customs scanned a Bajoran official. There was concern
about diplomatic immunity, so the Bajoran Embassy was approached. Officials
at the embassy agreed to work with our people to get to the root of the
situation."
"Judge, I would like to note that the Bajoran government has waived
immunity for the official that is cooperating with us in this
investigation." Joe added.
"The hand belongs to an informant who was going to testify on a conspiracy
case we have been working on. There is a good chance he was murdered to
stop him from testifying."
"Just how do you plan on addressing the immunity issue?", the Judge asked in
such a way as to hint that this answer would determine if he would sign the
warrent.
"The informant that Commander K'Tael mentioned that was going to testify on
a case that he was working on was murdered, and this arrest revolves around
the murdered informant's hand. Murder is a charge that is not covered by
diplomatic immunity. In fact is is one of the small number of charges where
immunity does not apply, according to the Articles of the UFP that discuss
diplomats and representation. The trafficing of this hand is directly
related to the murder, and as such furthers that crime. The conspiracy to
hide their involvement with the severed hand can also be charged as
conspiracy to commit murder...." Joe explained, but was cut off.
Holding up his hand, the Judge had heard enough, "Commanders let me not
delay you any more. Your warrent is approved. Good luck. You're goning to
need it." he added signing the warrent.
"Thank you Your Honor." Joe said taking his klingon collegue out with him.
{response}
