Good catch DCB.  Even though it is a pre-trial conference, the defendants and their attorneys should get a feeling for what follow through the judge might take.  It could be they may be offered an opportunity to settle with Treaty.  This could possibly mean a good deal of money of which it could then go to drilling and Treaty would own the wells outright.  Hhmmm.  That would be a nice bright picture.  It's only five weeks away.  The shorts might want to cover before then.