Rezo still refrains from helping himself to the refreshments, although he would be tempted to nab a biscuit or two if he wasn't being implicitly called upon to speak.

"The Empire's rule over the seas can't last forever," Rezo says bluntly. "The rebels grow in strength as more people escape or choose to defect from the Empire. You recall the unpleasantness over Vindess just this Spring, yes?"