The conclave’s forces had reached a tipping point. Due to the vast expanse occupied by the empire’s thirty-five territories, Admiral Cordelia and Commander Tocknicka previously had to bide their time. They employed discreet tactical actions to harass the Krackus overseers and their mercenaries, the Radags. Now, Tridents in the hundreds and multiple Quadrants, with their experienced crews, were in place to deliver strategic actions against the Imperium Empire.

There was a major unknown. Tens of peacekeeper patrol fleets were sent home to the Paltur system. The admiral was aware of the unrest among the Krackus fleet commanders about the executors’ cruel orders, but she didn’t know what the commanders would do if numerous conclave ships arrived at Imperium.

Tarbar and Parvelt continued to shine a light with their broadcasts on the executors’ excesses. Listening to the broadcasts, Imperium citizens grew more restless cycle by cycle hearing of their leaders’ egregious misdeeds.

Another thing challenged the conclave’s success. The admiral wished for a bloodless revolution for the empire. It’s swath of space was so large that the assembly mustn’t be toppled in a coup. That would endanger the delicate economic balance that existed among worlds.

To succeed, the admiral needed the executors to abandon their positions. That would be difficult as the executors through many annuals had accumulated fantastic wealth and enjoyed unlimited power. Time would tell if the admiral could manage a peaceful transition for Imperium worlds.