"By The Lord Of The Dead!"  the Commander snapped, "If any of that material got loose it could head into The Empire!  No telling what it would do!"
      "Agreed!"  the Ambassador answered. 
     When they arrived at the capital they received an almost immediate audience with The Emperor. He listened to Tampon's report with considerable interest. 
     "An incredibly fair people, indeed!"  The Emperor remarked.  "I think the trade quite acceptable.  If they are willing to sacrifice so much to keep our good will, it shows great respect.  But I share your ship Commander's concern at the safety of this project, and I fully believe we have a right to voice our concerns.  Take a couple of days' rest, Ambassador!  Enjoy your family, then return to The Humes and say 'We accept the exchange and praise your generosity.'  We will begin sending parties soon to inspect these systems and ready them for our use.  We are greatly interested in their capability of manufacturing planets, and would be interested in seeking some way of acquiring their services to have them produce one in each of these systems.  But we are also concerned about this mining operation, and would like to send you and some of our scientists to inspect it so we can be assured it is of no danger to The Empire.  You may leave, Ambassador.
     "Tampon followed The Emperor's instructions precisely.  A few days later he was again in The Speaker's office.
     "Well!" The Speaker remarked, after Tampon had explained The Emperor's wishes, "All well and good!  I think if the situation was reversed we'd want assurances, too.  It is going to be six months before we begin operations.  It's going to take that long to get everything into position.  Why don't you return with your scientists at that time, and when I go out to inspect everything and oficially start the first mining operation your people can look everything over at the same time.  And if they have any concerns at all I'll address them before I allow any mining to begin."
     "Excellent!"  Tampon agreed.  "What of the planet building?"
     "Oh!"  the Speaker answered, "We wouldn't be able to consider that 'til we get the mining operation going.  But as soon as we do, I'm sure we could come up with something.  Right now we're pretty well tied up!  Might be a couple of our years before we'd have the necessary ships available."
     "A reasonable period of time!"  the Ambassador answered.  "I have written up a cursorary agreement. If you will sign it on behalf of your people I will sign it on behalf of mine!"  He produced a document from his carrying pouch.  The Hume took it and read through it.  The Ambassador was very surprised that he could read Pulp characters. 
      "Nothing here objectionable!"  the Speaker announced.  He took a writing instrument and signed the agreement.  The Ambassador did also.  The Hume made a copy and gave the original back to the Ambassador. 
     "To meet again in six months," the Ambassador announced.
     "Let it be so!"  the Speaker agreed. 
     Tampon returned to his ship.  "All too easy!" he told the Commander, "It is almost unworthy of an Ambassador!  Perhaps next time we should send a tradesmerchant!"
     Everyone on the bridge laughed, and they headed home.  Waiting for the next trip was going to be a long six months!

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