I kind of wonder what all these commodity prices have to do with the price of fish. Granted, one of them is the actual price of fish; however, I was speaking figuratively, of course. This is a faction - a faction out in the black. I am, very much, the empress's man - indeed, I am absolutely of the empire, a servant of all of their imperial majesties; but, with a slant in favour of the wise, benevolent, and beautiful Zemina Torval. I get that this is a Help for Hermits thing for the weirdos and unmutuals who go out into the black and stay there. But, I'd like to see a quid pro quo. I want the empire to enjoy a mutual benefit relationship with the factions outside of the bubble - preferential trade prices, and agreements for us to be able to set up Imperial defence forces bases on their territories, so that we can defend them from federal and alliance incursions. If we can get that put in place, then I'll happily haul cargo to the feast for free.