Ding.

The soft noise reverberated through the otherwise silent office, drawing Regina's attention and causing her right eyebrow to raise without thought. Her fingers slid over the smooth glass surface of her desk, coming to rest on top of the pin pad that emerged to cover the alert. Tapping in her pin, Regina sat back in her leather chair and allowed her eyes to scan the information that now covered the glass-covered screen that stretched across the length and width of her desk.

Regina's eyes widened as they scrolled over the numbers and words sliding over the display in front of her. She found she did not need to finish the document before...

"Claire, call the Board. We're meeting in one hour. My conference room."

"I received the results of our latest planetary probes this morning. Upon review, we have located one of the richest deposits of ravita arbaron in history. We estimate that the total lode is several thousand tonnes."

Regina knows the smile on her face is the very definition of the cat who got the cream but as she sweeps her eyes up and down the table, she finds the look mirrored in every face present. Ubel is already one of the largest corporate conglomerates in the galaxy but thousands of tonnes of ravita arbaron would mean a significant boost in their profits for years to come, not to mention their stock prices.

"Where?"

Her mother's harsh voice cuts through the buzz in the room and Regina locks her eyes with the older woman's.

"Foraoise."

The buzz silences immediately, just as she knew it would. Ravita arbaron is doubtless the most valuable mineral known to man, used in a wide range of electronic equipment, but Foraoise is known amongst most of the galaxy as the Forest Planet. Her mother raises an eyebrow and turns to Sydney.

"Mr. Glass, I'm sure most of the board is aware but, if you would, please give us a brief summary of Foraoise's climate."

He coughs, his eyes darting between Cora and Regina rapidly before Regina gives a subtle nod. They do need to discuss this and she'd rather Sydney be the man standing before these vultures when the news is delivered.

"Certainly," the thin man stands, straightens his tie, takes a sip of water and, "Foraoise is commonly known as the Forest Planet. This is because the ruling monarchy, now headed by Mary Snow of the House of White, has long worked to maintain extensive environmental protections on the planet. The main industry on the planet is agriculture and, while the information infrastructures are outdated, their irrigation and harvest systems are renowned galaxy wide for their efficiency and sustainability. The current monarch, Mary Snow, has ruled since she was orphaned at the age of 16. She rules with her husband, David, and the two have a daughter, Emma, who will take the throne after her parents' death. The Forest Planet seldom allows foreign corporations entrance to the planet's economic systems. Their economy is socialistic with the rules created by the monarchs and their economic advisory counsel. The most prominent member of said council is Gru Mphy, a former mining executive and he has been vocally opposed to allowing outside mining companies onto the planet. Foraoise is a member of the Renewable contingent of the Galactic Congress and closely allied with nearby Midas, Nuerland, and Gorgos where the sitting King's father rules."

The room is silent for a long beat, taking in the information Sydney rolls through.

"While I appreciate that there are difficulties inherent to this... situation... the amount of ravita arbaron is extraordinary. We simply cannot pass up this great opportunity. Every monarch has their price, we just need to find theirs," says Regina confidently.

"And if they cannot be bought?"

Regina eyes her mother, considering her words carefully.

"Then we have other options. Our militia ships are within a week's journey and we certainly have the capability to overwhelm the local forces."

"Can we afford to take such measures with the Galactic Government already breathing down our neck's after the whole Concorde incident?"

Graham's question is not unexpected. Regina is prepared.

"We have contacts in Midas and Gorgos that promise us we can reach a separate agreement with their governments if the need arises. I believe we can keep any unfortunate incidents relatively quiet and prevent the Galactic Trade Commission from looking into things too deeply."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

Cora's smile is evil and Regina finds herself subconsciously matching it.