The Long Night Read Online Free PDF Page A

said.
    "The statue's on my cargo report!" The Caxtonian was shouting now, but no one seemed to notice. The group around Rom had started shoving.
    "I don't care what's on your report," Sisko said. "You've violated Federation law. This item is obviously contraband. I'd say you may be in our custody for some time unless you decide to talk to us."
    "I have nothing to say." The Caxtonian wrenched his arm but couldn't get free. He shoved Odo, and Odo shoved him back.
    "I think you'll want to talk with us," Sisko said. "I'm sure it would be in your best interest to tell us how that heirloom managed to come into your possession."
    The Caxtonian started shouting, but Sisko grabbed him by the collar.
    "You'll cooperate," Sisko said. "You'll do everything I tell you or I will trace each and every item in your cargo hold back to its original owners. The Federation deals with the sale of contraband by imprisoning offenders. The Klingons punish such behavior with death. But the Cardassians have reserved a slow form of torture for such offenses, and we all know that the Cardassians have made torture into an art form."
    The Caxtonian's jaw worked. He glanced at the surging crowd, then at Quark. "I don't want to talk here."
    "I didn't think you did," Sisko said. "The constable will take you to his office. Dax and I will join you shortly." He nodded at Odo. "Constable."
    Odo led the Caxtonian out of Quark's, keeping a firm grip on the trader the entire time. As they went out the door, the Caxtonian glanced over his shoulder at the statue, a look of longing on his filthy face.
    Sisko ran his other hand over the statue. Dax knew that Sisko was also an expert on the Nibix and its contents. After a lecture at the Academy on the Nibix, the lost ship had become one of his hobbies. He and Curzon used to discuss it at length.
    Sisko's fingers trembled slightly when he found the tiny oval at the base of the skirt. He swallowed, then glanced at Dax. She nodded. Once. Quark didn't see it. He was watching the growing riot.
    "I think we'll have to search his ship," Sisko said to Dax. "Let's impound it until we get him to talk with us."
    "He'll talk," Dax said.
    "I don't think you should assume that just because a Caxtonian trader automatically has contraband," Quark said. "You're discriminating against my patrons. And," he added, waving at the shoving match going on near the dart game, "disturbing the peace in my bar. I should-"
    "Do you want me to arrest you as well?"
    Quark looked shocked. "I was only talking to him."
    "No, you were negotiating for this." Sisko's soft voice had a firmness. He clutched the statue to his chest. "If one word of this interchange gets past your lips, I will personally close this bar down and have you imprisoned for trying to sell contraband items. Am I making myself clear?"
    Dax was shocked at the threat from Benjamin. Threatening anyone was not usually his style. But in this case she agreed completely. If word that the Nibix had been found leaked out, this station would be overrun.
    Quark took a deep gulping breath, staring at Sisko almost in shock.
    Sisko did nothing but stare back. Dax could tell he was very, very serious.
    Finally, with a quick glance at Dax, Quark nodded. "Not one word. Not one. But if you find the ship, I want to see it."
    "No deals," Sisko said.
    "But-"
    "No deals." He held the statue carefully and threaded his way through to the door.
    Rom broke free of the crowd and was running toward the bar. Quark glanced at the growing mob, then at Dax. "I-"
    "You have customers," she said.
    "I want to see that ship," Quark said.
    She sighed. "If you say nothing, I will see what I can do."
    Rom skidded into the bar and began reciting drink orders like a Bajoran ceremonial rite. Quark grabbed glasses. Dax put her hand on his arm. "One thing, Quark. I've known Benjamin a long time. He never makes idle threats. I would believe him when he says he'll arrest you."
    Quark shuddered. "Oh, I do, Lieutenant. Believe me. I