Holding the reigns of power for decades is can be unhealthy as it pushes past the normal human lifespan. As time rolls on, other nations change their leadership. Smith and company can read the room, and know when it is time to let go. A society cannot progress on their own when leadership is stuck in a rut. Just because it is time, doesn't make the transition easy. What happens to their newly formed empire when the founding powers pull back to let it grow on its own?
Colonel Smith and the original Americans are preparing the younger generation to take over the empire that they developed. He also plans to fade away with his wives to spend as much time with them as possible before their mortality catches up with them leaving him alone. I like the action, humor, and empire building intrigue. I look forward to another book.