Ah ha-har!
If modern Sci-fi sucks; WRITE YOUR OWN!
A few things bogged down my understanding of the story here and there, but you've created such a rich world that I happily stuck it out.
Will the Empire discover conspiracy on Ihrziel?
Will the hot spy manage to keep from braining her partner?
Will anyone else ever find a use for Symbol font?
...Not sure I can wait two years to find out!