[Incoming Transmission]
[Comm ID: Ensign Jarl Thompson]
[Accessing secure line]
[Granted]
[Transmission is encrypted an secure, level 7]
I intercepted the known smuggler Oft at Mojave today carrying 5000 units of counterfeit software.
To quote the law on this matter:
* Possession or Dealing of Counterfeit Software; Defined as the possession or dealing of counterfeit software. Most commonly applied to whose who possess or trade in Counterfeit Software. Penalty for possession is 750,000 credits, penalty for dealing is death.
When I was flying in a wing with one of our highest ranking officers and encountered a similar situation, a trader with 3000 units of counterfeit software, my ranking officer charged him with dealing and the penalty was death. This is what the instructor at the academy tough us and it occurred outside WestPoint academy.
I have since followed the example of that officer and charged everyone with more than 10% of their cargo capacity filled or more than 200 units of counterfeit software with dealing, the penalty has been death.
I then charged Oft with dealing in counterfeit software and requested backup from Lt Malaign and the San Diego. I also explained to Oft what the good officer had told me a long time ago, that we can’t be sure if the software contains secret military information or simple hologames, and even if he drops the software there is no telling what he has downloaded to his onboard computer.
But before I was able to engage the smuggler Director Copeland appeared and took control of the situation (as it is in his right as Director).
However, the Director charged him with possession (?) as a first time offender and to pay him the fine of 2.000.000 credits (?).
I’m not challenging the Directors authority in this matter, but none of his actions make any sense from what I’ve learned so far.
If carrying 5000 units of counterfeit software heading for Bretonian space is possession, it should be charged with 750.000? And if that is so, carrying 5000 units of cardamine in Manhattan orbit should be possession as well and charged with only 100.000 credits?
I hope you can understand my confusion. I hope I can get some clarification on this matter.
To Director Copeland; when I asked you about this in space I know I expressed myself badly. I apologize and hope I made my case more, understandable.
[Closing secure line]
[Transmission End]
// Edit: I can't honsetly belivie why I made the misstake of sending this as "Liberty Daily News service", Changed it back.
