Metafire

Ferguson was polite, "Yes, this is John. By the way, my last name is not Smith, Dr. O'Leary, but that doesn't matter. What may I do for you?"

"Well, first I want to thank you John, for permitting us to continue our business operations. I understand that we are all under arrest. The charges are criminal conspiracy and kidnapping. Is this something that my people did? Quite frankly, I am confused." Dr. O'Leary was not about ready to give anything away. He had a purpose in making contact.

"I am sorry, Dr. O'Leary, but I can't talk about this. The charges are not yet made. You are being held under suspicion.

"You can help us, though. We want your people in space to submit to our investigation. They are not permitting anyone to join with them. They aren't even responding to our attempts at contact. You must understand that you will be held responsible if you don't help us."

"Really, as I told your agents two weeks ago. I don't have control over them. If they aren't talking to you, what can I do?"

"Can you talk to them?"