"Understood."
...
Admiral Thomas is feeling somewhat troubled now.
He is at the New Federation border, directing the Empire's amassed heavy forces, a total of seven combat groups, all under his direct command. He is the overall commander of this impending battle, as well as the direct person in charge of it.
If they lose, he will bear all responsibility.
If they win, it will be the glory of the entire Military Department.
And now, Admiral Thomas looks at the orders he just received from the four elders of the Military Department, momentarily unsure what to say.
A delayed war, continued bloodletting, creating pressure on the New Federation;
These are the objectives of this war.
Thomas also received the specific battle plan. Simply put, the Empire would first occupy a few habitable planets, plunder the population, seize resources, then deliberately spread news of the Empire's crimes here to force the New Federation into direct conflict with them.
