I've long ago decided to align myself with the Empire. As for which power, that's something I've already decided on when the recent struggle for power and the Imperial Succession became public.
My choice is Arissa Lavigny-Duval.
While I do appreciate Denton Patreus' qualities as military leader, especially with regard to the recent reappearance of possibly hostile Thargoids, his actions also have destabilized economies in and close to his sphere of influence. Aside from increasing military production, he has so far done nothing for the Imperial Economy - and I don't really expect much in this regard from him. I'm somewhat liberal when it comes to blood line, so him not being a Duval has little influence on my decision. He disqualifies for me because he's too single minded.
Aisling Duval might possibly be the most legitimate successor, regarding her heritage, but her political agenda is way too radical leftist. Abolishing imperial slavery, that's also abolishing an important social safety net. So far she has offered little alternative to this. Don't think she'd make a good military strategist, so far she's been mostly reacting and band-aiding. She disqualifies for me for being too radical, too controverse and not showing enough initiative.
Zemina Torval who? A senator previously specializing in trade relations with illusions of grandeur. Nope.
Well, that leaves Arissa. Initially I thought not much of her, spoiled child of imperial blood, a flowery playful princess. But her recent efforts in Persephone have won me over. Under the guise of charity, she provided the refugees of Quivira with supplies for a most probable recapture of Quivira. While also improving general commerce in Persephone and neighbourhood. Denton Patreus must either have underestimated her or overestimates himself when he single-mindedly kept on "ing around" in Quivira, attempting to turn the mostly depopulated Quivira into another war-machine factory. Arissa's efforts to combat corruption will surely not sit well with the senate, challenging their status quo, yet she remains undeterred. And now she offers the "Imperial Hammer"? That's a no-brainer for any self-respecting imperial Bounty Hunter, Agent of Arissa's Justice!
Lawful, just, smart, shrewd, open-minded, traditional: all the marks of the future Emperor/Empress of the Empire! Bask in Her Glory!
I've long pledged my allegiance to Arissa Lavigny-Duval. The Powerplay Update and it's "Pledge Allegiance" button is merely decorum, ceremony.
