Hollann Empire
The biggest current threat to the Lystran Empire is the neighbouring Hollann Empire, an empire believed to be of comparable size though with better military capabilities. First contact with them was made 49 years ago by pilots following new Hyperspace routes discovered by House Karpeer.
At first the Lystran Empire thought nothing of trying to take control of the discovered planets having never had anybody stand up to them before. However, it wasn't long before they discovered the power of the new-found empire. The first battle was won by the Lystrans, the Hollann task force being only a scout mission. However, before long they returned with an assault force and engaged the reinforced Lystran ships. The battle was quickly deemed lost by the commander, Amun Set Karpeer after two of their ships were destroyed by the flagship of the assault force which seemed to be equipped with Legacy Technology weapons. The Lystran ships withdrew back into their own space.
Over the following years the two empires have had small skirmishes. The Hollann Empire seem to have managed to backtrack the route into the empire and the Machello controlled planet of Jitta saw several incursions from hostile ships. These encounters were just scouting missions before a bigger offensive but fortunately Machello had assigned one of their best generals to the defence of the system. Massan Voli Machello had prepared well and persuaded the Emperor of the importance of this defence so when the Hollann fleet arrived headed by the Legacy battlecruiser he was prepared.
As the battlecruiser moved in Massan sprung his ambush. He had four ships that had been fitted with powerful mining lasers and he used these to attack the battlecruiser. Though not comparable to the damage of their opposition they did what they needed to. Although the battlecruiser seemed to employ some kind of advanced shield system the mining lasers were powerful enough to cut through and damage the hull. The Hollann general seemed unwilling to risk the destruction of their flagship and began to withdraw. Both sides lost many ships but it persuaded the Hollann Empire that they did not have the military superiority to dominate the Lystran Empire.
Since then both empires have kept their worlds heavily fortified. There is some diplomatic contact but for the most part the only statements made by either side are outrageous demands for concessions and threats of what may happen should an intrusion be made. The Lystran empire has been officially at war since those first encounters although military action is strictly forbidden without the express permission of the Emperor.