"Unacceptable."

Rico Belgardi's voice was bussiness-like, but firm.

"The Empire's claim to this planet was terminated when the Outer Rim Soveringty took it from them by force. ORS's claim ended when the Black Dragons did the same.

There are no Imperial citizens there. Your former facilites were all destroyed by ORS. The tinbanna mines that exist there were repaired or built by either BDE or Belgardi. You have grounds to take action."

Rico Belgardi had worked hard to get a working relationship with BDE, and the tinbanna mining business was lucrative. Even with its production still recovering from the ORS attacks, Bespin was turning a profit. The guarenteed contract with BDE was certain to bring in beaucoups of money. And Rico Belgardi was not about to yeild the planet for nothing.

As long as the Dragons back him up. Rico looked toward the BDE ambassador.

"I'm sure you'll find that Ambassador Derris shares my opinion."

Ondajh toyed with the idea of leaving the discussion at that. But he was well aware that the result would be a full military invasion of Bespin, and given the obvious power of Belgardi Ltd.'s defence force, it would not bode well for him to force that outcome.

"Let us be frank for a moment, Mr. Belgardi: your position is not unexpected. But you fail to grasp that Imperial Law does not allow for a territory to be removed from the Empire's oversight unless so ordered by its leaders.

"Such was not the case with Bespin - whether the Outer-Rim Soveriegnty laid claim to it at one point, or whether yourselves do today, is irrelevent - the world is and has always been the Empire's property.

"To say otherwise, Sir, is to argue with the Lord Regent. And the Regent's word is law."

The diplomat shrugged.

"That said, the Empire has no desire to be forced to nationalize Belgardi Ltd., and if it pleases you, Mr. Belgardi, I have been authorized to present you with an alternative:

"The Empire will guarantee Bespin's protection, as well as that of Belgardi Ltd. The territory is already ours - you must relinquish any claim to the contrary. In return, you will receive a guranteed contract with the Empire for our entire supply of Tibanna gas, with exlusive supply rights (outside of our own internal supplies).

"The Black Dragon Empire will remove themselves from Bespin. You may continue to supply them as you see fit, assuming the Empire's demands for tibanna gas are met."

Ondajh shrugged easily.

"I am sure this deal is no more ideal for you than whatever contract you hold with the Tions. But know this: this is not a 'take it or leave it' deal. If Belgardi Ltd. does not comply, I have been ordered to inform you your company will be nationalized."