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You are now <span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">Cijan Anak</span></span> again. And you are quite peeved.
Throughout history, there are repeating patterns of great rulers, followed by their lessers. The “cycle of strength” is a philosophical belief, though often very fallacious, which seems to corroborate this cycle. But you don't like such a concept when you're on the receiving end of its bad side!
Talacent was a great Supreme, one of the best. He was followed by Agori, who besides cutting down dissidents and solidifying the genetic caste system, didn't do much to advance the Hegemony. Then we have Eoba II, another great Supreme Ruler and one you personally admired. And now, you're living in his shadow. Are you laughing at me from beyond the grave, you indigo knife-obsessed alien fucker lunatic!?
Here you are, halfway through your reign and with so little to show for it. Sure, you've advanced the Hegemony's science and infrastructure, but that's something that happens passively over time as knowledge and science advances. That's not what great rulers are remembered for! They are remembered for decisive action! Great change!
Perhaps balancing the tenuous political situation the Hegemony finds itself in could be a key point. Even if you aren't remembered and praised for it- it would be a pretty big benefit. Because you decided <span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">not to conquer the Hazaar or Baalathi star clusters</span></span>, it is highly likely rival empires will move in and take them over themselves. They may have already done it- after all, you're working with 50 and 80 year light delays respectively. Most empires mark their territory with FTL beacons, but it makes sense to not set them up until your first few vulnerable colonies and warships are fully entrenched and set up to defend the new territory. At least your expansion isn't totally cut off- you could always look towards the outer galactic rim...
However, there is one small thing you can do before you are boxed in. There still exists a gap in Esaal and Consortium controlled space that you could squeeze a long range Cruiser into- for an exploration mission. There is one local power to which you are not yet acquainted- the <span class="mu-i"><span class="mu-s">Galactic Society of Aristocrats</span></span>. You have no idea if they are allied with the worms or not, but you DO know they are very exclusive. In all the years since the first FTL drive and communications were unlocked by the Hegemony, the GSA has only once ever contacted the Hegemony. They don't pick up your calls when you try to contact them- do they want a <span class="mu-i">signed invitation</span>?! Perhaps they have an isolationist policy except with close galactic neighbors to avoid getting sucked into conflicts. Maybe they don't know you still exist- best to remind them of that.
