Nimbus III is the famed Planet of Intergalactic Peace. More diplomatic
meetings are held here than on any other planet in the galaxy. One natural
factor contributes to this: Nimbus III is more or less in the center
of inhabited space. Of all the governments in the galaxy, none claim
territory that encroaches too near the Nimbus system, minimizing the
chance that any one government will be able to find an excuse to threaten
the diplomatic factions of other empires. Furthermore, Nimbus III is
a very undesirable planet. Valuable mineral deposits below the surface
of its vast, sandy deserts are negligible. The surface itself is sandy,
making it too unstable to support large structures.
Taking these factors into account, the three strongest governments
of the galaxy felt that they had found the perfect neutral ground on
which to conduct their legal discussions. To facilitate this, all acts
of violence are illegal here. Weapons and ammunition have been banned,
and an enormous planetary militia has been formed to keep the peace.
The poor environmental conditions and a lack of a strong economy have
lessened the effectiveness of the police, however. This has attracted
a high number of honest and not-so-honest businessmen -- the promise
of protection from the police appeals to those who need it, and the
promise that the police might be inadequate appeals to those who are
searching for opportunity.
