"histoically speaking though, there have been all manner of belligerent groups about the galaxy. you hail from the tapani sector, if i remember correctly, senator? have you had any trouble there with insurgents and the like?"

stomwell leaned back into the plush seats of the repulsorlimo, activating with the push of a button the massager that was built into the back. closing his eyes for a long moment, he sighed happily, regaining some of his calm.

"i would not call mr. ulyanov or the labor party rebels at all. i would just say they are unhappy with certain aspects they believe to be true and are acting on it with demands rather than with a public investigation. so many people feel the urge to force others or issue veiled threats instead of asking nicely. it's a shame."

"gentlebeings, i'm afraid duke cale has declined our visit at this time. he sends his apologies and is more than welcome to invite you to his home at a later date. he is also willing to dine with us this evening so he might see you both."

"it's duke cale, senator. and i was just informed by my aide of the passing of senator kruus' bill. if i remember correctly, the bill also states we have seven days to remove the vessel from our property. however, for the time being, the ship in question is still a baltmn naval vessel. if you wish, you may go aboard, but you will be limited to specific sections of the vessel."

the aide informed the driver they would need to return to the spaceport.

"You have seven days to turn it over to the New Republic. There was no option listed to sell it onwards. And as you are already aware, transactions involving these ships are prohibited."

"senator tiure, you were invited to baltmn. if necessary, i can revoke your diplomatic privileges and return you to the new republic. senator crion on the other hand has been the soul of courtesy and proper respect. frankly, if this is how you are on dantooine, then it is hardly a world worth visiting.

"furthermore, you never met the former duke cale, so you have no right or reason to cast aspersions such as murderer and the like. the elder duke was generous to the people, much as his son is.

"return to the new republic and report what you will, but as we are not part of the new republic at present, we will dispose of the vessel as we see fit. the new republic has no claims on data or personal items on said ships."

"Dukes get to be Dukes one of two ways, because their mother was whored by a King, or because they killed enough people to call themselves whatever they like. Maybe you don' like it I dont speak in your diplomatic BS boy. But I speaks my mind, I aint gunna apologise for none of that."

He opened his communicator to his ship "Captain, send a priority one message to the Chief of State. Baltimn intends to refuse to turn over its blackmarket vessel, I have it from the mouth of Mr Stomwell. Please advise."

He looked out of the window as the speeder reached the Spaceport.

"senator tiure, there has been no mention in any of my words on declaring war on dantooine. however, in my defense of baltimn's ruling class' defense, perhaps i was a bit hasty. you are free to remain on baltimn with your privliges unsuspended, but for the record, i will be contacting the new republic and request they waive your diplomatic privliges on baltimn until you can conduct yourself in a respectful manner befitting a diplomat of the new republic.

"according to the bill, we still do have seven days to turn the vessel over to the new republic. i simply won't turn it over to you, which is, by the bill, allowed."

"we do not respond to threats of force. the vessel will be turned over to verified new republic personnel for dismantling under the eyes of a baltimn customs officer and no other."