In the end, this conflict, rife with schemes and underhanded moves, was peacefully resolved in a bizarre, almost surreal fashion. Both sides were deeply unhappy.
Here was the post-match recap.
M'tok Union: the deposit and down payment paid to the Community Security Fleet were a painful loss, but a Criminal Enterprise branch could now be established on Amat Eiro II.
With the treaty restricting Xi Yan from interfering at will, Energy Credits would naturally come pouring in down the line.
Interstellar Human Military Junta: over thirty corvettes had been destroyed, but it had gained a decent alien power as an ally, and its agent had been entrusted with important responsibilities.
Most importantly, it had established communications with other alien empires. It no longer had to face this Criminal Enterprise alone.
Community Security Fleet: it had also suffered heavy losses, but had received substantial resource support from Xi Yan and established a partnership with his empire. Its future looked bright.
Although all three parties were unhappy, objectively speaking, each had gained something. It was not really a loss.
Thinking about it that way, Xi Yan seemed to possess a remarkable ability: practically every cooperation agreement he negotiated with another power ended in a win-win.
Leader trait +1.
Meanwhile, the Community Security Fleet spent over half a month repairing its ships. The destroyer Community finally set sail again with its escort flotilla, ready to return to the M'tok Union.
Before their departure, the filthy-rich Xi Yan waved a hand and approved a large shipment of resources and human specialties for the Community Security Fleet, encouraging them to go home and build themselves up.
Gorpious was moved to tears. A thousand words welled up inside him, but in the end, they became a single heartfelt "Thank you."
Heaven knew, this human he had