During the war with the Empire all these and more had been done.

But what has that to do with the Empire itself?

I think they can be brought into full alliance with the Empire.

We've got peace with the Empire and land to farm.

Without it, we are completely out of contact with the Empire.

And they have a long tradition of conflict with the Empire.

"I see your long contact with the Empire has rubbed off on you."

To risk war with the Empire over an attack by a third party?

I want to find out what the hell he's doing with my empire.

Now, with the Empire in retreat, that same control had been extended to others.