Claudius AetiusErisDelaine not only directly oversees a sizeable region of inhabited space, but it appears that his influence in the Bubble's underworld stretches very far. It would have been unwise for Sirius Corp to annoy the man who probably knows every shady 'business' deal they've ever made, and commands a navy (in everything but name) of experiencedpiratespilots.
From my perspective Delaine does control a nation, the only thing in the way of it being recognised as such is everyone's perception of him. He wasn't exactly wrong when he said "We all wear a crown of bones." The blood on his crown just hasn't dried yet.
Exactly. He already got the huge amount of resources for his expansion. New Starports, new strategic systems. Considering all situation, and not putting aside the "Adamastor" mystery, I foresee a intense galactic "Game of Thrones" in the next weeks. Too many pieces positioned in this chess board.
Some will fall, for sure. Maybe forever.
Based on six years of watching Frontier derp their way from one half-baked feature and storyline to the next, I doubt that we'll see anything in the way of lasting significance. We certainly won't be seeing any power play-level characters die or be affected.