Take them up as a vassal! Even though Tungsten is going through some stuff right now, he knows that AlphaQ would want them to have as many allies as they have enemies, big or small. Tungsten would suggest using Cormack's position within the village to encourage the villagers to curry favor with the Infactorium, and when the Empire come to battle we make it a point that a battle here will threaten the villagers. 

If the Empire hold from attacking, we can use this opportunity to engage in peace talks/subterfuge. Subvert the empire from within. 

If the Empire attacks, unleash a strong but precise show of our might, to make it clear that we are fully capable of standing up for not just ourselves but also out allies.