New Year, new plots

Happy New Year!

Having published my second book last year, I now have the series I always wanted, but now I've cleared up a lot of the loose ends from book one I have new questions to answer.

There is still an unknown traitor in the ranks and Se-se is holding things together while the Emperor's injuries have him incapacitated.
The cadets have a lot to learn about life in the Palace and decisions to make about where they will go next.
The other new arrivals are finding their feet too, learning their new roles and responsibilities.
Androvich has his title to live up to, but did anyone notice the other special title one of the former Marines has gained? He hasn't noticed it yet.

Away from the excitement and intrigue of Imperial Palace there is a lot more happening.

There is Salfou's escape and his rendezvous with Princess Beatrice.

The Republicans are also escaping and getting their injured friend the care he so desperately needs.

There are other planets with their own politics, people who want to use the upheaval as an excuse to break away from the Empire and declare independence.

So many members of the military are applying to become Imperial Guards, trying to make the dream come true, and they will get their chance when the ranks need bolstering after the recent attacks. The Selection is arduous and so many who make it to Homeworld are sent back to their old Regiments unsuccessful.

There are hundreds of planets, billions of people and so many stories.

Stay or go?

I could stay with Se-se and continue her story, to stay in the Palace with all the excitement still to come, or I could break away, if only for a little while, to explore the rest of the Empire and the things happening across the galaxy.
You are yet to meet the Isolationists or the Neo-Vikings. I have told you about Esterriads but you have not met any, and you know next to nothing about the Terac and their ambitions.

The problem with developing a complete Universe is knowing where to look next.