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Embargo Dispute

From ATS Wiki

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Slowly the Chief Councilor turns a screen on his desk to face Ian. On the screen the following words are seen, "This statement, however, does not address the Valiance Incident; namely, that the Starfleet flagship, while on patrol, was fired upon, disabled, and abandoned. The response to this action was a negotiation, such that the Valiance was returned to Starfleet, and Starfleet would agree to /scale down/ its patrols. This negotiation sets a dangerous precedent to the safety and welfare of all peaceful peoples; if Starfleet /backs down/ every time one of their ships is lost, then piracy ultimately prevails. I will maintain my embargo until such time as the Federation agrees to live up to ist responsibilities, instead of backing down from them." Leaving the screen in place he leans back in his chair, "Now I ask you... what would you have done in this situation?"

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel smirks, and points to the camera, "Ah, I see now. Is this my opportunity to speak to the Federation?" He shakes his head, "I expected a private meeting, Chief Councilor, not a interview. I'm sorry, I cannot agree to this."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Leaning forward in his chair Salizar turns the screen back towards him and then leans back, "This is not an interview and I am certainly not a reporter. This is an equal opportunity for us to have a discussion about your statements. On Earth there is a very old term called... "Monday morning Quarterbacking" and it means that it is easy to sit back and made judgements after the fact especially when you are not directly involved in the initial incident." He shrugs, "You can walk out of this office or you can sit here with me and have a discussion about your "embargo" of Federation companies. If you want answers here is your forum."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel folds his arms, and looks into the camera, "Ladies and gentlemen of the Federation, I was invited to Earth about a half an hour ago at the request of of the Chief Councilor to discuss recent statements I have made. No where in his invitation did he mention a public debate. This is interesting, in that I would assume that the Federation would welcome open and public debate at a predetermined time and location so that all peoples of the galaxy may be able to participate, and yet resorts to this kind of ...action... in order to get someone on live videofeed. He turns his head. "Not that I do not welcome public debate on the issue, but I would have thought that the Chief Councilor wouldn't have to resort to such tricks just to get someone in front of a camera." He chuckles, " besides, I didn't even have time to comb your hair, and you look fully coifed, sir. Did you plan this 'event' in advance? Again, without my knowledge?"

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Salizar folds his hands on his chest, "Mr Sturmvogel, your hair looks fine and our cameras remove ten pounds not add ten pounds." He smirks and continues, "You know perhaps the most interesting part of your last statement was when you said that we held negotiations, which is true but you also said that the result was... "the Valiance was returned to Starfleet, and Starfleet would agree to /scale down/ its patrols. This negotiation sets a dangerous precedent to the safety and welfare of all peaceful peoples; if Starfleet /backs down/ every time one of their ships is lost, then piracy ultimately prevails." He looks at the camera out of habbit and then looks at Ian, he begins to speak at an accelerated pace, "Now tell me... this government has issued numerous releases on our updated policy regarding the threat. This government has taken strategic steps to handle the pirate threat. Don't you think that if Starfleet Intelligence felt that Krussel was a true PIRATE threat we would be doing something about it? Our assets are assigned to areas of space where they will provide the most benefit in containing these pirates. Further our agreement was not to "/scale down/" our patrols it was an agreement to remain outside of the 10 parsec exclusion zone around Krussel setup by their government. Starfleet, still protects our citizens and galactic citizens from the threat."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel smirks, "Was my coming here and your live televised video feed planned in advance and without my knowledge? Will the Federation open up the questions to live public debate, with at least a week's notice, and open to all sentient beings of the galaxy?" He chuckles and raises his hand, "No need to speak quickly on my account, although your talking points do sound rehersed and planned. Again, it seems as though this live televised event was planned. Is that fair to say, sir?"

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Salizar leans forward in his chair, "Would you like me to turn the camera off Mr. Sturmvogel? Are you locked in this office? Did you come here against your will?" He shrugs, "If you can not justify your comments to the public at large, the galactic community have you... well perhaps you have no ground to stand on. We are open to conversation with you. But... in response to your desire for public attention as evidenced through your communications we have a desire to set the record straight. I will speak clearly so there is no misunderstanding. The United Federation of Planets is protecting trade lanes. We negotiated with Ritual Dance on the release of our vessel. She was not financialy compensated for the return of the vessel. Starfleet Intelligence did not connect her to the pirate threat. As a result we negotiated with the government of Krussel. Ritual Dance is a mercenary much like the Breen. You seem to have no problem with conducting trades within Breen space...do you Mr. Sturmvogel?

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel sighs and looks down at his padd, keying something up with his stylus. As he does so, he speaks. "Mr. Chief Councillor, when I was invited here to speak with /you/ this morning, I was told over subspace through communications between your Starbase 73 and our Deep Space Nine that I was on the verge of slander and libel in my communications about the United Federation of Planets. Of course, threat of legal action has me concerned. Now, in looking up the definition of 'entrapment,' I see here the entry reads, 'the action of luring an individual into committing a crime in order to prosecute the person for it.' Now then, sir, since libel is open to interpretation of multiple parties, I would suggest, that 'entrapment' is open to the same multiple interpretations, do you agree, sir? I will ask a final time, was this live-feed interview planned, as it seems you have cleared air-time for this over FNN. It sure seems planned to me."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Salizar shrugs, "If you would like to enter into a legal debate I will win Mr. Sturmvogel. But let me lay your concern to rest. I would have to talk you into committing a crime while you are here. Simply giving you the opportunity to commit a crime is not the same as persuading you to commit a crime. This is not entrapment. Furthermore, if you were subject to the laws of the United Federation of Planets we would have prosecuted you, on behalf of the companies you did not deliver supplies to, for breach of contract. You are a Bajoran Citizen and your actions take place elsewhere. We have no intention of bringing legal action against you." He leans forward in his chair once again, "You have already taken up more time than this topic deserves. We have explained our position to you. So I ask you one last time, what more can this government do to cater to your needs Mr. Sturmvogel. What is it that you are looking for us to do and say that will appease your sense of...inquisitivity?"

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel hesitates for a few minutes and then nods. "As the galaxy does not know all of the facts of the Valiance Incident, I would like to ask several questions that perhaps other governments are interested in as well. My first question is, what was the name of the vessel or vessels that nearly destroyed the flagship of the Federation? My next question is, what distance were you from the Krussel system when the Valiance Incident occurred? How did the mercenary Ritual Dance come into possession of the USS Valiance? Is there an investigation being performed into this matter? And has Ritual Dance agreed to, or been contracted out to, eliminate the pirate threat within the Nightmare Coalition? And if she has not agreed to do this, then why does the Federation continue to negotiate with indivudals who aid, abett, or give comfort to pirates or terrorists?"

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Salizar nods, "Finally... the root of the matter. As to the names of the vessels I would have to reference the reports. However it was a small fleet that launched the attack on the Valiance. The Valiance had violated the 10 parsec zone around the planet. We admit the vessel was at fault for entering that area. The fleet disabled the Valiance and Dance beamed aboard. The vessel was captured. The crew was able to leave. Yes there is an internal Starfleet investigation underway. No the Federation does not contract with mercenaries as Starfleet is capable of working with governments of the willing to handle the threat. Ritual Dance and Krussel is not connected to pirates."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel nods approvingly. "Mr. Chief Councilor, this is all imporant information you have given the Federation, and the galaxy as a whole today. I do have additional questions, as your answers beg more of them. I don't know if your schedule permits, but I would like to continue this conversation in further detail."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Salizar shrugs, "My thought was not to entrap or trick you Mr. Sturmvogel but to get the truth out. We do not usually hold discussions with individuals but rather with their governments. As I had time this morning this meeting was able to happen. I will be happy to sit with you to discuss your concerns about our government but will have to find the time in my schedule to do so. Perhaps you can help us understand how we are not communicating the events clearly enough as we, as a government, desire to remain as good neighbors to all who will have us as neighbors. A private conversation would have mystery behind it, this conversation does not. I will look forward to our next meeting. You can contact my office and they will schedule a time."

<FNN Government Edition|Earth> Ian Sturmvogel nods. "Indeed, and I thank you for your time, Chief Councillor. I believe we are getting to the heart fo the discussion, and welcome the candid dialogue. Although, next time, please tell me in advance if it will be televised. Fool me once, sir."