It could be worse Vezzra, you could have to face up a United Federation encompassing all western Empires for example. Wouldn't that be nice? Ruatha, do you want to be my partner?
Of course, what worries me is the fact that Ruatha is not involved in a war. Yet. Thus he is free to launch an offensive against any of his neighbours in this sector. Hopefully, I am at a somewhat safe distance, but... Loser? Would you mind to deal with Ruatha once you are done with the Nyxians?
