Articles of the Federation - Keith R. A. DeCandido [43]
“During the height of paranoia over changeling infiltration,” Matthew said.
“Yes.”
Kell looked at Nan. “Ma’am, what was this Wusekl person accused of?”
“Funny you should ask.” She looked directly at Artrin. “Being a changeling infiltrator.”
“Was he?” Gleer asked Artrin.
“Witnesses saw him altering his shape,” Artrin said matter-of-factly.
Nan rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, that’s hardly surprising, since Wusekl is a chameloid. See, the Founders aren’t the only shape-shifters in the galaxy by a long shot.”
Artrin shrugged, an odd gesture from a three-armed being. “We couldn’t be sure that it wasn’t a Founder posing as a chameloid, and using that species’ own shape-changing ability to divert suspicion.”
“Right.” Nan leaned back in her chair. “So of course you opened up an investigation, did a full medical workup, got testimony from Wusekl’s friends and family, right?” Her question was laced with sarcasm; she knew full well that hadn’t been done.
“That would not have been prudent,” Artrin said.
Chaoying stroked her chin. “You feared a public outcry.”
“Exactly.” Artrin seemed relieved that Chaoying, at least, understood his position. Certainly Nan was having a hard time with it. The Triexian looked at her. “Madam President, I do not see what the issue is. It was a time of war- “
Before Nan could explode at Artrin, T’Latrek came to the rescue. “That is incorrect, Councillor. War with the Dominion was not officially declared by this council for one year and seven-point-three months after 5 Torus Fortil, shortly after Dominion forces took Deep Space 9.”
“That isn’t the point. The Triexian people needed to be protected.”
This time, Nan wasn’t letting T’Latrek’s cooler head prevail. “Really? I’m a little befuddled, Councillor, as to how people in a free society are being protected when innocent people are imprisoned without any kind of due process. Those are the actions of a totalitarian state, and I will not tolerate them in this government for as long as I am president.”
Kell asked, “That poor man isn’t still imprisoned, is he?”
Shaking her head, Nan said, “No, when our friend here got elected to the council, his replacement as SMA reversed the decision within about six seconds. Wusekl’s a free chameloid today-although, Artrin’s replacement being a politically savvy type, Wusekl’s freedom was contingent on keeping quiet about his imprisonment. Well, that particular gag is going to come off.”
Artrin stood up. “Madam President, you cannot use your access to classified Triexian documents to let loose with a vendetta against- “
Nan smiled at that. “Oh, you think I got this from Triex by waving around my executive privilege? No, no, no. You see, Councillor, I got this from a member of my staff.”
“How can someone on your staff give you such information?” Artrin sounded justifiably confused once again.
“Someone gave it to him in a public restaurant.”
Now Artrin’s voice sounded dangerous. “Who?”
Nan snorted. “Don’t get your bowels in an uproar, Councillor. We don’t know who. He gave a name, but it belongs to a Triexian who’s been dead for seventy years. The reason why he gave it to one of my junior staff is because someone else already gave it to Councillor Severn-Anyar.”
Gleer slammed his furry fist on the table. “That is why she requested a further delay on his ratification vote?”
Nodding, Nan said, “That’s right. And if they can give it to a councillor and a presidential staffer, you can bet all the ale on Romulus that they can give it to someone in Jorel’s press room. I can tell you one thing, Councillor, we are not going to let the story break there.”
Artrin was still standing. “My actions were wholly within the purview of Triexian law.”
Matthew set his hands gently down on the table. “Your actions were wholly in conflict with Federation law-more to the point, sir, they were wholly in conflict