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Watson looked concerned, "We would appreciate an opportunity to speak to
Golan Dulath alone-then afterwards we could meet with the members of Central Command?" Annoyance peaked through as Gul Legrath's eyes narrowed slightly. He took a deep breath before responding. "I believe that could be arranged. We could set up such a meeting at the University or hear at Central Command. Would that be acceptable?" The response was fast and quick as the Cardassian spoke. Watson eyes lit up and he smiled, "Thank you Gul Legrath. Your kindness will not be forgotten." The Gul bowed his head. "I believe we can have such a reception set up in about two hours. We can contact your ship when all is ready if you would like." "That will be good. Thank you for your expediency on this matter. Watson out." He signaled to close the channel. He then turned to the council members-thinking he had handled a touchy situation well he said, "It seems we have a lunch date." He looked at the Plantoc and others... Melora stood there looking fairly uninterested. She was here because she needed to be rather than really wanting to be here. Golan had earned whatever he got. He knew the laws of his people and the consequences of not following them. She saw no reason to get involved. The Plantoc stepped forward. "You did well, Ambassador Watson. Now we can only wait for the appointed time and hope that all is well with Mr. Dulath." Rilg had spent most of the time studying his Cardassian peer. She was trying to seem uninterested, but it was clear that she was paying attention to the details. He looked to the others. "The real question is what we are going to do if we find that he is not enjoying his homecoming as much as we have been led to believe." "We will deal with that if it comes to that, Grand Proxy Rilg," responded T'Kresh. She hoped that was not the case for two reason. One, she did not want that to be the case for her friend, and, two, she did not know that there was really all that much that could be done. "Why can't we just take him and leave. One of our governments could claim amnesty for him," answered Valtris. Sometimes it seemed like the most obvious options were missed by her fellow diplomats. The Aqualish representative just shook her head. "It would not work. The Cardassian government would just claim that we abducted him. It would worsen the political situation." "But it would remove Golan Dulath from danger," continued RIlg. "And
he could claim amnesty. It would be his word against there's.
Wouldn't people believe the alleged victim more?"
T'Kresh and her people had had a great deal of experience with the
Cardassians due to the occupation of their homeworld. The Cardassians were
not that easily thrown off. "They would claim that the speaker was an
imposter or had been brainwashed. You forget how devious these people can
be."
Melora glared at the Plantoc. "I object to that characterization of
my people," she stated firmly. "It borders on racism, Madam
Plantoc."
Deep purple eyes took in the sight of Melora Damesh as the Council Chair
considered her response. "Miss Damesh, your people have earned that
characterization of deviousness. Before the Dominion War, Cardassians had
conquered a large number of planets in their section of space and raped pillaged
them of their people and resources. I don't want to hear your pathetic
claims at victimization and mischaracterization. I will admit that your
people have suffered greatly as a result of the Dominion War, but that does not
release you of the debt you owe the galaxy for the evils done in the name of the
State."
Melora's mouth popped open and closed as she kept tried to come up with an
appropriate response. She ended with just a "Hrumpf!" before turning
and walking off the Bridge.
Rilg felt a smile tug at his lips. It was nice to see the woman made
so uncomfortable after all the trouble she had put him through. It was
from a surprising source. One would have expected Valtris to be the one to
slam Damesh down, but it was the quite and diplomatic Ra'aj that put her in her
place. Somehow, that seemed so much more appropriate.
Captain Annan was surprised at the interaction. He had not expected
such a scene to occur among the leading representatives in the Quadrant.
He was pleased to see that his crew went about their business. "Is there
anything I can do to help with your preporations, Ambassadors?"
T'Kresh looked back toward the other ambassadors to see if there was
anything they thought the Captain might provide.
(folks?)
AJ |
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