The Void - Tick 312 Cycle 14

 War in the South is imminent.

After my start of cycle Ind/Sci purchases, I'm at Stars 78, Economy 179, Industry 105, Science 46

I'm doing well and continuing to expand West but I'm in semi-bad shape for the war in the south. My logistics are just not good enough, I know where I want all my warp gates but I need Hyperspace 5 to connect them all (4 would get me most) and this is slowing the flow of ships. I'll have Hyperspace 4 in 8 ticks which will start to help but by then I expect to be in a full on war. 

To my west, I'm pushing through GeneralKenobi with no resistance. Holy Roman Empire's deadly 1K smuggler attack has broken his spirit and he's been AFK ever since. I'm taking what stars I can but have largely stopped the flow of ships to these western stars now. 

Diplomatically, we're trying to recruit Dieste (Battery) because he's positioned well and is a potential swinger (he could join either our alliance or Tube-Pipes) both me and CRISPR are seeing this recruitment as a priority, and to be fair to us we are 1 ally smaller than what we believe the opponents to be. Battery is reluctant as he wants to bring his ally Amogus with him - but 6 feels too much. At the very least the aim is to keep him a sympathetic neutral. He cannot join Tube-Pipe or we're done.

Cool fact, from the northeast to the very south of my empire (longest distance apart stars) is now a whopping 6 days of travel as the crow flies. Definitely enjoying the epic vibes in this galaxy.