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[p]“So, my loyal generals,” said the Emperor to the assembled senior officers and leaders of the Empire’s factions. “It is impossible to restore the Empire to its pre-Invasion state. Therefore, I offer you the following solution: each of you has proven your worth and the quality of your approach, and so you will retain almost complete control over your territories. The Senate will retain its functions and freedom of action. I will only intervene in this matter if I deem it necessary. Anticipating your questions, I will answer: I could not return or declare my existence earlier, otherwise the fate of Earth would have befallen any place where I appeared openly. Now this threat has passed with the death of the Precursors. And yes, what happened in the Solar system is yet another misdeed of the former masters of the Galaxy, who even in stasis managed to destroy worlds.”[/p][p]“I beg your pardon, Your Highness,” asked Ironside, “but what shall we do with Warren? He controls Sterpefeid and is completely disloyal to you.”[/p][p]“We’ll deal with that right now,” the Emperor replied with a slight smile, and gave an order: “Connect us with the leader of that... what’s it called... the Great Empire.”[/p][p]A call to Alfred Warren was made, and he appeared on the screen. The usually arrogant and self-confident general turned pale. He turned even paler when the Emperor asked him:[/p][p]“They say you are no longer loyal to me. Is that true?”[/p][p]Warren managed to gather his will and reply, “Yes. I am no longer loyal to you. The Great Empire will go its own way, and you have no choice but to respect its freedom. Otherwise, you will pointlessly kill billions of those you consider your citizens. My people will defend their home, Sterpefeid, from you at any cost. I will never forget how you destroyed one of our planets.”[/p][p]The Emperor paused for a moment, not revealing that he had already made up his mind, then said:[/p][p]“So, Warren, you want freedom. Well, you and the former Sterpefeid will have it. And you won’t even suffer the fate of Skifia.”[/p][p]The Emperor’s words were surprising, but he continued his speech, pressing a button on his panel, after which an alarm siren sounded on Warren’s side.[/p][p]“So, first things first. Right now, I have disabled the warp stream stabilizers that made your region convenient for travel. Without them, warp storms will destroy half of your communications with other sectors and states within a month. The remaining channels will become even more expensive to maintain. You will let those who wish to leave your Great Empire go. Moreover, our conversation is now being broadcast on all your terminals, which you have so thoughtfully placed on every corner of your territory. I disabled the warp stream stabilizers for a simple reason: they are feeding on resources from other parts of the Empire, which you received free of charge under one of the old agreements. And I now consider that agreement null and void. So, I offer you the freedom of choice: return to the central authority of the Empire and become part of our state again, or continue your attempts to build your own Empire. But in the second case, do not count on my leniency, and, of course, all Wardens’ tech will be dismantled from the sector, including the weapon you hate so much. I give you a week to think about it.”[/p][p]“Freedom!” Warren shouted. “I choose freedom, we don’t need your handouts!”[/p][p]“So be it,” replied the Emperor, after which silence hung in the room.[/p][p]The Emperor glanced at one of the folders on the table, then demanded a call with two parties: Sparta and the Republic of Separate Worlds.[/p][p]“Now, I have a number of complaints against the Republic of Separate Worlds,” said the Emperor. “Not only are you attacking Sparta, but you are also damaging space stabilizers, which leads to increased activity of the Aliens in the systems near Pandora. Stop this, and we can begin negotiations on the status of your territories. I may forgive you for past grievances, but new ones... Open a communication channel with the Alliance.”[/p][p]“We assumed you were alive,” said the Federation’s foreign minister. “Do you want some kind of negotiations?”[/p][p]“Yes,” replied the Emperor. “I agree to recognize the Republic of Separate Worlds, but if they show aggression towards my citizens...”[/p][p]“That will be their own business if they wish to commit suicide in this manner,” replied the minister. “Please tell me, do you have any other constructive proposals?”[/p][p]“Yes,” replied the Emperor, cutting off communication with Sparta and the Republic of Separate Worlds. “A new trade agreement and some proposals for joint control of dangerous territories. My representatives will send it to you shortly.”[/p]