Chapter 3.5 - Chief's Office
Galaxy Federation Police Station, Chief’s Office
The special investigation corps has been summoned there.
Jan: …You’re closing the investigation!?
McCallum: Yes, it’s an order from above. By 20:00 today, the detachment squad to Abraxas is to completely and indefinitely freeze their investigation of Voyager. You and your team are on standby until further notice.
Jan: Do you realize what you’re telling us to do?
McCallum: I am well aware of the consequences of suspending the investigation. However, this is a direct order from the Director. He spoke to me personally…
Jan: Chief, you must know that this is the result of some kind of political pressure!
McCallum: I know! I am aware of that! But without some proof, even I can’t do anything about it. …I’m sorry. Right now I just don’t have the power to help you.
Jan: What if…
McCallum: ?
Jan: What if we identify the person putting on the pressure?
McCallum: What are you saying?
Jan: If we could prove that Dmitri Yuriev was behind this string of incidents, would you petition to reopen the investigation?
McCallum: What are you saying!?
Jan: If the patron of the Descendents of Nestorius was Yuriev, a member of the Communications Promotion Committee, under the direct control of the Federation Council… would it be possible to reopen the investigation?
McCallum: …Would you care to explain this?
Jan: Melisse…
Melisse: I’ll relate the details. We have information from a reliable source that the Descendents of Nestorius is a fictional organization that was created for “a certain purpose”… Yuriev is in contact with Voyager through this organization. We believe he is trying to harvest the endorphin drug.
McCallum: …A certain purpose?
Melisse: We are currently investigating his intentions, but there's one special word…
McCallum: …"Zohar." You know, last term Yuriev's name appeared on the Public Safety Commission’s board of directors. Are you saying he's the one behind this?
Jan: I’m sure the suspension of our investigation is just a ploy to protect his reputation. …Chief, even knowing that, are you still going to order us to discontinue?
McCallum: I expected there was someone behind this political power play, but Yuriev… he might be a bit of a problem. Listen, Jan. For the time being, leave this matter to me. Stand by at home until the situation changes.
Jan: But…
McCallum: That’s an order! Got it? If what you said is true, the entire Federation is rolled up in a very big scandal. This is not the time for rash behavior.
Jan: …
McCallum: …Take a break for a little while. Did you really plan on working right through your honeymoon? Joaquin and Sharon will be delighted that you’re home. …Right?
Jan: B-But this is…
McCallum: I’ll go to the Director’s office to recommend that he reopen the detachment squad’s investigation into Dmitri Yuriev. That’s all I can do for now. Got it?
Jan: …I understand.
Another officer enters the room, passing Jan and the others on their way out.
McCallum: …I’m on my way to see the Director. Can it wait?
Gary: Planning to go tell the Director that Dmitri Yuriev’s been naughty?
McCallum: …!! How the hell do you know that!?
Gary: Nothing against you of course, but I can’t allow you to interfere with Yuriev’s agenda… My sincerest apologies.
McCallum: !!
Yuriev is leaning forward with his elbows on the table, looking thoughtful.
Beside him is a woman.
Zora: Those police dogs… seems they sniffed you out somehow.
Yuriev: Yes, it looks like I underestimated them. I thought if I let Voyager loose it would be enough to keep them busy, but even after I made arrangements with the highest departments in the police force, they still figured it out…
Zora: The collection of the endorphin drug… shouldn’t we stop for a little while?
Yuriev: Don't be stupid. The power of the Immigrant Fleet is the problem. Their numbers are enough to gain an overwhelming victory over the Federation… although their rivalry with us was nothing more than a ploy to get the Zohar into their hands. Now that Julius is dead, Sergius will almost certainly try something at the upcoming Pilgrimage Council. Before then, we have to bring forward the most superior specimens of the people of Zohar… the salvators…
Zora: Whether I'm talking to you or someone from the Fleet, it always comes back to the Zohar. If you ask me, you and Sergius don’t seem all that different…
Yuriev: Are you saying I want the Zohar for my own self-interest? Ha, how small-minded… It has the power to point the way to Lost Jerusalem. After escaping from “the horror,” I have no choice but to cling to that power. Only it can save me from a prison of fear!
Zora: Okay okay, you don’t have to get so upset. I understand that you don’t want to stop harvesting the narcotic. I just wanted to make sure before the big show starts. …So, do you want me to take care of the policemen?
Yuriev: Go ahead. Do it however you like. It’s time to put those mutts down…
Zora: Ah, such strong words from you. Fine. I’ll put on a show beyond your wildest expectations. You can prepare for the Pilgrimage Council without worrying. I won’t need much time to take care of those “puppies”, no matter how much they scratch.
Yuriev: …Good.