I gave an ultimatum, which in effect warns you of the consequences. It makes no sense whatsoever to essentially declare war in any other year but the year I will strike. Otherwise you know my intent and can strike before I do. What sensible commander would do so?
Option A: You leave and there is no war.
Option B: You do not leave and there is war.
If you choose option B, why should I wait to attack?
There is the third option: he does not leave, and there is no war. Citizens loyal to different Houses can exist on the same planet without taking up arms. I find it more than a bit telling that after years of such hostile talk between these two Houses, only once the Fleet is no longer under the command of Li Halan does Decados begin issuing ultimatums, ultimatums Li Halan is given no time to fulfill before being struck by lightning attacks, and still you claim to be the aggrieved party here. Only the Decados would consider an artillery barrage a warning shot.
These pretensions at victimhood are trying my patience and wasting my attention. If you wanted a war, you now have one. If you did not want a war, then you should have taken greater steps to avoid one. If believe that you were wronged by Li Halan's presence on Cadavus, then retaliation was in your right, but if you wish any claim of intentions at peaceful resolution to be taken seriously then you should have given your opponent at least the time necessary to respond.
As to the matter of the Church's Inquisition, I do not question the directives of his Holy Patriarch's envoys, whether I consider the scrutinized my friend or foe. While their cause may cast the character of Li Halan into doubt, we are all imperfect in the judgement of the Pancreator, and the actions on Cadavus can speak for themselves.
I find myself drawn inexorably towards casting a judgement on the matter. I suggest both parties choose their next actions carefully.
(Turn isn't sent yet, but will be within an hour.)