Politically; you have the following relationships with the neighboring powers.
You are in a Non-Speaking, Non-Aggression Pact with the <span class="mu-s">Esaal</span>, but are very friendly otherwise.
You are on poor to neutral terms with the <span class="mu-s">Aristocrats</span>.
You are at war with the <span class="mu-s">Consortium</span>.
You have had no contact with the <span class="mu-s">Seekers</span> for centuries now. With much of their territory gobbled up by the Consortium; in all likelihood they are no more.
With the general state of the Hegemony all laid out, you focus on the more immediate task at hand.
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2023/5605303/The current focus of the war with the Consortium is centered around <span class="mu-s">The Stand</span>, which is the name you have given a tiny, unwanted planet orbiting a red giant. The concern over this planetary system is only relevant at all is for two key reasons; it is the closest planetary body you own near Consortium space, and it has a decent supply of Azuirum, which has currently been reserved to building your massive planet-wide cityscape that will be home to billions upon billions of your people for centuries to come. Due to border friction and politics- the Consortium claim it as their own and have since sent two assaults to try and dislodge your defense. You have repelled both; and are preparing for the third and final wave.
Why is it important? Truthfully, the planet has little value intrinsically, and while the Azurium is quite valuable and you aren't sure where you will be able to get more for the near future, it isn't a totally irreplaceable resource. So why fight? It has become a token conflict. Something <span class="mu-i">representative</span> of the difference between your two powers. To back off is to show weakness for both nations- and to the absolute power of the Supreme Ruler- and so in order to prove yourself- you must stand and fight. For this mission, you are resolved. You have staked your legacy on it, and have no choice in the matter. And given the closeness of the Consortium's leadership and the space worms- a hateful race bent on proving your true ultimate purpose of defeating entropy futile- this goes beyond simply a spat between two political powers.
However, that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. The first two waves were small; exploratory or minor attack forces. The third is going to be all out- taking the full might of the Consortium's massive GDP and industrial base against you. Even if they are individually less advanced and weaker then your own great race; the many peoples of the Consortium can drown you in their excess. Quantity over quality, in this case. Plus, they may still have a few tricks you aren't too sure about. That duplicate 'ghost fleet' nearly got you to retreat last time. Who knows what else they could have in store...
