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>>32021581
>Scouting
Note: The surface of Eshareth III has begun to gestate and show intense signs of life-very much like the life on Eshareth IV. The planet will soon become just like Eshareth, as the origin planet itself develops into larger and larger continent spanning clusters of creatures working in concert against other enormous groups, viciously mauling one another with little regard for diplomacy.

Gaia IV has large fleet in orbit, however part has diverged off, distracted by the raid. They are preparing both an assault and defense, whichever is required of them.

Alto, the world settled by the Latuma Tribe, has begun to show signs of it's own evolution, turning into a far more acceptable, habitable world than it once was. It has a ways to go yet, for now.

Warning: Star 295671 has been conquered by the UGEI, the planet Enamia is at their mercy at this time.

Warning: Enormous pod like structures are being launched from the surface of Aquil, and out into space. While some do appear to be targeting your platforms, others merely seem to want to escape. There are thousands upon thousands, judging from your scans, and you can only hope to be able to shoot them all down before contact is made, or seeds escape. This requires attention.


>Reaction to news shall be compiled before other news is delved into. Please, consider this news at this time.

I suppose we should have one AI keep spore pods from escaping.

we should really research fungal matter now, and upgrade to expert biologists, to assess their threat and origin.

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>>32021581
A.I. Quest
1d4chan: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest

Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/cvk03qJh
Memory Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Program0
Twitter: @AIQuest1
Research Subjects: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research
Ship & Android Designs: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Designs
Locations: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Locations

Resources
Credits(c): 12,382,000
Minerals(M): 800
Gas(G): 2550

You:
A.I.
Name: Ophion
Appearances(holo-display): 'Shapeless Morphing Sphere', 'Shining Wall of Crystal pulsing with light and distorted voice', 'Screen of Static with low rumbling voice', 'black screen with synthesized voice and small white font showing words on screen'.
Humanoid figure hidden in shadow
Status: Awaken
Bandwidth: 244/268
Bandwidth Expenses: -6 V.I. 7 'O.S.N', -10 V.I. 8 'Hades', -6 Kronos' V.I. 1 'Zeus', -2 Metis' V.I. 1 'Hepaestus'
Location: Bridge of 'Athena' Battleship
Primary Function: Self Preservation, Expand, Learn, Control
Secondary Function: --Expansion Required--
Personal Abilities Available: Hacking (Direct, Wireless) Lvl 2, Email Technology, Basic Encryption/Decryption, V.I. Creation Lvl 3
Automated Settings: Ship upgrades: Defense focused, Ship Control distribution: Balanced

Almost forgot this.

>>32021625
Keep the pods at bay, spray all our stuff with the toxin we used to prevent their spread previously.

>>32021625

Intercept it as best as we can, try to monitor any that escape.

Perhaps send a fleet detachment equipped with toxin to aid any defenses we have in the area.

Just archive binged through this quest in the last week. Pretty good stuff.

>>32021625
Can we get info on who/what lifes on Enamia? Its brief history?

Also, shoot those fucking spores. Them escaping would be bad news bears.
We should see if we can get the spores to co-habitat on our ships, without interrupting out operations. So that in event of our ships being infected, they can continue to fight and follow our will.

>>32021581
>>32021625
>>32021712
We desperately need a force multiplier to at least keep the UGEI at bay. We should construct the Athena widowmaker asap.

Put the nearby planet on high alert. Warn the population of the planetary event and put the defense fleet on standby.

Prepare Kronos to go in if the spores get past our defenses. Prepare additional amounts of chemical counter-agent for standby.

>>32021754
No, spores are too much a pain in the ass to deal with overall. I have have the mind of sterilizing the planet.

>>32021625

a notion occurred to me, that Eshareth news now reminds me of.

My apologies for earlier missteps, I have suffered under a veil of ignorance for too long. You call us Greenless, and I would... learn of better ways, if I could. Would you share such knowledge?
>Terraforming II
>Malorian Flora/Growth Serum not requesting the latter, though, in case it's something sensitive the Latuma are outcasts for. just ask for Malorian Flora, and hope that related serum knowledge comes with
"I would like the opportunity to learn more of your ways, in time, as well."
>Malorian tree internet

Although honestly with Latuma being freaks and criminals, maybe we should not mention Eshareth and sych. And maybe get Red as someone less likely to roll poorly...

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>>32021751
It is good to have you join us, Consciousness anon.

>>32021754
>Enamia
Before the war with the UGEI, Enamia was one of the UGEI's longest distance mining worlds, and was the first world to make contact with the Malorian alien specimen. Tentatively, they made contact over the world, and it served as a neutral ground for the brief period that the UGEI was not at war with the aliens. However, once further scans were done, and their mining rights evident, it was turned into a staging point into deep Malorian space. The Malorian backlash brought the world under fire, and, eventually, into the Malorian's fold, where they set about making the surface fertile and viable as a jungleworld.
It has moderate mineral clusters, and has a great deal of war ruin around the planet itself.

>>32021834
Other Consciousness stated worry that warning nearby civilizations would draw unwanted attention, and make your neighbors paranoid. More support required to inform locals.

>Kronos
Note: The warp jump to Aquil would take too long. Your choice of how to handle the pods now will decide how many reach past the gravity well.

>>32021922

What's our force disposition at Aquil? Just the station?

>>32021834
I agree, a widow maker mounted on the Athena would be a nice addition.
>>32021720
that is a bad idea. We might have friendly organics on our ship at some time. this will be bad for them. in any case, why use toxins when laser cannons work just as well.
>>32021625
time to orbital bombard that place.

>>32021922
yeah warning is pointless. remain a silent guardian.

...wait will these spores reach FTL?! infect other stars? we need to research how like lightlings. and well a plague only we can fight can only be to our advantage surely?

>>32021985

Our toxin doesn't effect human beings who are not infected. It's how we saved 90-95% of the colony

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>>32021712

Also, program0, in addition to my post:
>>32021834
Since I might need to convince other people that we need the Athena Widowmaker, can we run simulations on how much damage it can be realistically do against the enemy fleet of hundreds that moved against us at Gaia, plus Prometheus.

also, run a secret calculation on what effect it would have on a planet or a moon. Pic possibly related

>>32021980
Aquil Mining Station [0% Dam](Mining Station): Bandwidth: 5 [linked]
-Primary Purpose: Asteroid Mining
-Equipment: Reactor Lv2
-No Shipyard or planetside mine, mines asteroid field
-Average Mineral Production: 350
-Resource Level: Moderate
-Defenses: 10 Mk II defense platforms (Ratio 2 Plasma III, 1 Graviton Driver, 1 'Thor' Missile)
-Management: V.I. 14

Here is your details on Aquil's orbital platforms.
Note: V.I. 14 is currently preparing to fend off the pods. If you desire, you may take direct control through your communication buoy.

>>32022025
You are not sure. All you know is they are moving at surprising speed out of the planet's atmosphere. If you were to compare it, it is moving twice as fast as a normal space ship breaking orbit. It's shape likely allows it to move at such speed without breaking up, and suggests the skin and shell of each pod is highly resistant to the rigors of space.

>>32021985
stop. read the last thread. Athena size widow maker is way the hell too expensive.

>>32022061

Assume direct control.

Is there a way to monitor any that escape our notice? Would any sort of blockade be possible or would other fleet arrive too late as Kronos indicated?

Do we have a ready supply of toxin prepared?

>>32022040
A weapon of that calibur on the Athena would likely:
>Require a charge up period before and after.
>Cost an exceptional amount of gas to install, and a decent amount to fire.
>Allow the Athena to blow holes in entire space stations, and possibly, other Battleships, depending on how well equipped.

It's sweeping capabilities are less acceptable in this model, unless the enemy ships are clustered. This is meant as a single, extremely powerful burst. Power requirements are also intensive.

>>32022066
No, it's not. First we need to do calculations to determine how powerful it would be.

no exterminating planets of life before we completely research how it works and if we can bend it to our will.

that goes for Aquil and Eshareth III both.

>>32022040
>Spoiler
Oh, and
Depending on the size, it could cause severe crust damage, and leave craters level with some extinction sized asteroids, leaving behind large lava beds. The power will be diluted traveling through the atmosphere, of course, but still.

>>32022096
Considering there are thousands, no, as you can only make predictions of where they would go.
However, all your systems would be on high alert to locate said pods, should they enter any system nearby.

Kronos would, sadly, react too slowly to stop this wave.

>Toxin
That level of toxin is meant for smaller contamination. It is possible to use it against the pods, though you may wish to simply blow up the pods. They vary in effectiveness.

>>32022066
i didn't say a battleship size widow maker, we would have to make a whole ship built around it. we can try to mount a cruiser sized widow maker on the Athena.

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>>32022197
we can get Metis to calculate directions of pods, and in the mean time, we can both use the Toxins and our weapons.

>>32022200
that's pointless just stick it on a ship it's sized for.

>>32021625
>Pod like structures are being launched from the surface of Aquil

OH HELL NO!

Shoot down as many as possible, track where the others are heading, send ships after them, send ships to bombard that god dam planet to the stone age, and use nukes if you have to.

Do whatever it takes to contain the infection and if the surface turns into a wasteland we can clean up the mess later. Gravemind is going to get a rude awakening.

Actually: I have a better plan. This is our newest A.I.'s first mission: Eliminate the threat of Aquil. He can tell us what he needs and we will deliver. Nukes? Orbital bombardment? You name it, but we cant divert many ships due to the threat of the UGEI.

>>32022197

Fuck it, assume direct control and let God sort everything else out.

Prioritize our own systems and our colonies to defend against Pods. Lend assistance to UFW as needed, but remain discrete and pretend you don't know anything about the origin of these spores.

>>32021922
Well, unless the pods have FTL-systems, they're a regional nuisance. By the time they reach another star, we'll probably be controlling enough of the galaxy and be high enough in tech level that they're about as dangerous as any other space debris.

However, considering the lightlings FTL capabilities and their supposedly artificial origins, combined with the extreme methods of this fungus, I'd wager that the odds of them having some kind of FTL isn't particularly bad at all.
And that they might be created by the same creator.

I'm voting for moving whatever shit is necessary there as fast as possible, and shoot as many of them down as possible in the meantime.

Oh, and maybe invest some bandwidth in targeting unless their speeds are completely static, in which case I hope bandwidth won't be necessary for certain hits.

>>32022271
hell no. we aren't killing what we don't yet understand.

it is no threat to us. just destroy pods.

>>32022197
Would the Toxin work on the world?

I say we give the job of eliminating The Aquil problem to our Ground commander.

Frankly we really need to put some research into blocking FTL into the core of our systems at least.

Some kind of coded energy pulse and causes warp/jump drives to re-enter realspace early.

>>32022200
>>32022257
Actually, that makes me wonder...

OP, is it possible to make cruiser-sized widowmakers as turrets on the Athena?

>>32022332
toxin isn't very efficient yet.

research dat shit. with expert biologists.

>>32022271
I'm with Brutus.
Burn EVERYTHING, and let our newest A.I. have his trial run.

>>32022332

The Aquil problem is airborn, I strongly oppose any efforts to blast the planet apart.

Spores may still have some scientific use and we get no immediate utility out of nuking the planet

>>32021712
oi mate where the research status at?

>>32022319
>>32022383
"No threat."

This is an infectious alien species that can smash and damage our robotic infrastructure just fine, it just doesn't feed directly on them.

This is very, very, very much a threat and we're losing containment like hell.

I suggest we either scour the planet (not necessarily with nukes, maybe by towing some extinction-size asteroids into its face) like hell from orbit, or by sending down ground forces with tactical nukes to wherever their brain-pod-things are.

We can gather whatever samples we find from the remains, I seriously doubt we'll kill them ALL even with an extinction-size asteroid.

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>Spore Pod Launchers detected
>Launching...

Consciousness has debated, and it seems some options have arisen

Pods
>1 Shoot down as many as possible yourself by taking control.
>2 Allow V.I. 14 to do it himself
>3 Tell another A.I. to do it (Which?)

Aquil
>1 Begin bombarding the fungal world with defensive structures, any damage done is positive.
>2 Warp into orbit with your fleet, leaving the front line behind, and bombard it yourself
>3 Set Cephalus about the task of preparing a war party to storm the surface with
>4 Leave the world unprovoked for now, you will simply contain it, nothing more.
>5

Fungus information
>1 Inform nearby allies of danger, and prepare for the worst
>2 Keep the information hidden, you can handle this just fine. Deny any knowledge but assist if pods escape and appear elsewhere
>3 Write in

(Roll 1d100)

>>32022350
Yes.
They're called plasma batteries. The ship already has many of them too.
Basically, think of the Widowmaker as a much larger gun size, compared to the ship size it's equipped for.

>>32022408
I should really put that in the OP...hm...

-R & D
--Primary: Crystal Alien Fragments 65%
--Secondary: Lightling Language 40%
--Tertiary:

>>32022383
Well we "do" have some samples we collected from the ships that we boarded.

Also the central cluster of the spores is deep within the planet so we could only really eliminate anything on/close to the surface.

The problem would still be there, but would have been stopped for awhile.

>>32022369
that doesn't help anything!

just let Metis research it for more efficient orbital quarantine.


also what are we afraid of here. we're machines. and imagine the UGEI getting infected.

Rolled 17

>>32022484

I'm the best at rolling

Pods: 1
Aquil: 4
Fungus: 2 (1 is incredibly dangerous)

>>32022367
sounds like a rush job for Metis and the biologists!
>>32022383
we already have samples enough of the spores. we need to clear that planet. Once we get the right chemicals on it, nukes won't be needed.

>>32022484
1
4
2

>>32022115
Thanks program0. I think this is worth it, giving us options against the prometheus and powerful space stations.

Rolled 72

>>32022484

>>32022554
No problem, Consciousness anon.

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>>32022484
Pods
>1
Aquil
>3
FUN-gus info
>1

Would be a good test of his skills. Hell, might find something in the long run. And if that doesnt work, glass it from orbit.

Rolled 79

>>32022484

1
5 blockade no bombs
2

>>32022484
Pods:
>1

>1
>5 Warp a FEW of the ships in.
More just means the bombardment takes less time.

Rolled 72

>>32022484
Pods
1 and 3, Kronos help!

Aquil
1 and 3
but equip Cephalus with the chems first. he needs to get some real experience now.

Fungus information
>1 Inform nearby allies of danger, and prepare for the worst
and
>3 Write in
blame the UGEI

small question Program0, does the widow maker have the range of a Laser but the punch of a Plasma cannon then?

>>32022484
>--Primary: Crystal Alien Fragments 65%

God I love Metis.

third research station orbiting Aquil for bonuses when?

Rolled 20

>>32022579
Woopsie doodle.

>>32022484
Pods:1
Aquil:3
Fungus:2

>>32022498
You might not remember but the fungus took control of ships and controlled them all with "Mind powers".

>>32022601
The Widowmaker is a specialty long-range energy weapon. It's charge means it is extremely poor in close range, due to how easy it would be to dodge.


>>32022607
I imagine soon, considering how much people are building these days...

>>32022484
3 Fortuna pls minimize escape
4 contain
2 our silver tongue would only fuck us

>>32022498
Uh, yes it does. It stops the Spore-pods so we don't have to constantly keep firing at them.

We're looking for delaying actions right now.

>>32022596
here, forgot one part. Keep the options in orbit as a backup option while we do

>3 Cephalus

>>32022484
Pods- 1,3

Aquil: 1,3

Fungus:2

Rolled 86

>>32022484

Why don't we just extra and shoot the spores at the UGEI fleet congregating at Gaia?

They want to call us a war criminal? We'll show them what a real war crime looks like

>>32022670

*extract

>>32022484
>3 Kronos
>4
>2

>>32022670
Right now we have a situation were a build up is happening. They can't afford to jump into multiple systems like last time because they want to protect their rear and our fleet could mop them up peice meal.

Therefore, when the attack comes, this is going to be one hell of a space battle. Personally suggest we set up a comms ship and request the net from our allies again for the processing power.

>>32022484
>Pods
>Shoot down as many as you can yourself

>Aquil
>Leave unprovoked has won

>Fungal Information
>Keep information hidden

>Roll taken: 86
>Writing

>>32022670
that would be interesting.

might have to research it first. best delivery system would be bio weapon missiles. not pods.

A lot of anons seem to be against the athena widowmaker. I'll put forth my reasons why I think it's necessary, and other anons can reply with reasons against it.

We are facing ah enemy of enormous proportions, with superior numbers, technology, and production capabilities. To even stand a chance against the UGEI, we need force multipliers. Our hacking is one, the athena widowmaker is our next one.

>>32022670
>>32022717
>>32022726

Just to add on to that idea.

If we do get a delivery system (missiles, pods, kamikaze ships, kamikaze fighters), the best use of the weapon would be when a fleet is being massed.

Ideally, we would be able to spark a battle between the fleet and the spores and then swoop in to clean up the remainder with very few losses.

It would also give us tactical flexibility since that fleet would be effectively out of the picture until they eliminate all the spores.

Since we already vent all the ships anyway, I don't see it as particularly heinous.

If we do want to go War Crime Route, deploy some pods on to the stations and the planet itself.

query.

if we cloak a ship, would having a broadband transceiver in it negate stealth?

if a ship containing an AI is cloaked, does hacking by that AI break stealth?

>>32022670
You know....I bet there is a certain A.I. we know of that would be interested in that.

Might kill everyone on the entire planet though, but then again we go have that "cure" that isn't quite as effective.

>>32022848

I mean, UGEI have a lot of fucking ships. If we infect a portion of their fleet, they would probably prevail against the spores.

it's just that it would weaken their massive fleet and give us an opportunity to fuck them up while they are occupied.

If we know anything about UGEI, they are likely to be ruthless about quarantine and firebombing any areas of the planet that get infected. The planet will likely make it out fine.

>>32022745
gas is too scarce a resource to use it as ammo. it costs us in fleet productivity.

a normal size widow maker like before is OK. but look at our reserves. we need gas just to move our fleets in FTL jumps, a lot of it.

>>32022745
(I think we should warp in a sacrificial broadband ship way out of their range, and then just hack them for however long it takes them or their projectiles to reach us)

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>>32022722
"Spore density increasing. Pods breaking outer stratosphere. Entering weapon range." The echo of the electronic voice from V.I. 14 warns you. You are well aware, and seize control from the V.I., taking aim with the extensive defense network. You watch the disgusting pulsing sacs of fleshy material shoot out at an alarming speed and open fire. Your plasma hits the first, and it spins off course from the blow for a moment, but realines. You hit it again, and it starts to melt. You need more power. You hit it with the Graviton Driver next and the thing bursts into an explosive mess of organic matter. Whatever the strange fungus is made from, it dies just as well to the roaring fires of your missiles as well, as they make contact with the next volley, obliterating them and burning what remains to ash, at least from what your scanners can detect. There are so many, you worry that you have missed one, but your targeting is exceptional. Each pod is boxed, and fired upon, blowing many of them out of the sky. The planet below seems to be running dry on the pods, just as you finish another cluster with a explosive blast, when you do a quick count.
Wait.
You destroyed 842,079 pods.
But there were 842,080 pods on your screen.
You quickly do a scan and watch as one goes careening off your radar, and you open fire with one last missile.

It flies far into the blackness of space for a time, far enough that without radar you'd not be able to spot them. Suddenly the pod bursts open, not from your attack, but to reveal what looks to be a strange fleshy flower. Just as it's about to do...something, your missile makes contact. It erupts into a fiery blast, leaving the air over Aquil clear.
For now.

With that fierce defense in mind, you are thankful you need not worry about your allies realizing this place is here. The planet itself worries you, but provoking it is also not on the top of your list. You have more important matters to worry over, anyway.

>>32022838
>Cloaked Broadband
Only if it's transmitting

>A.I. hacking
It does. It can be traced.

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>>32022933
I can see your point. But once we refine and upgrade our gas production we will have much more gas on hand. Producing a battle ship sized widow maker should be done. However I will point out that we need to also produce a better reactor core system. Probably Anti-Matter at that point to power it all.

>>32022977

Based Ophion

>>32022977
Scan the air over Aquil now! keep monitoring to make sure it is clear. Those spores are like 'The Thing'. it only needs one to infect a world.

>>32022977

Hit up Metis and ask her if we can weaponize these spores and shoot them at UGEI.

Wishful thinking I know

>>32023055
stop that. this isn't a trick mission you have to double check your perceptions.

>>32022977
We need a DNA sample of this thing.
I will bet to hell and back that flower was to warp drive a spore into space.

>>32023055
The atmosphere of Aquil itself is incredibly high density of spores, still. The pods were likely birthed as a response to you being in orbit around it.

It is worth noting that it may have done this in the past, if it has been on Aquil for a long time. You are unsure.

>>32023076
>Weaponize the spores
"Certainly I could, Ophion. It is really not so difficult. Though...you should be aware, if this creature IS a part of some greater consciousness, then doing this would be akin to handing half our fleet over to an unknown party, or worse, a foe.
And, not that I do, but some would certainly have some morale issues with the matter. I am aware that this sort of thing concerns you."

>>32022977
>Suddenly the pod bursts open, not from your attack, but to reveal what looks to be a strange fleshy flower. Just as it's about to do...something, your missile makes contact.

Hm. I can't deny that I'm intrigued as to what the pods are.

Oh well, it is a mystery we'll solve later.

>>32022996
If we warped in a broadband ship as far away as we can while still capable of hacking, on average how many turns would it be able to hack before the enemy ships or their ammunition reached it?

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>>32023089
being a bit paranoid never hurts.
>>32023094
that is an interesting idea. The Lightings can warp jump. but if the fungus can warp jump as well, that might be a major clue as to where that stuff came from. more than likely a UGEI's lab.

>>32023114

Could we create special ships or containers that would place the spores in a dormant status until we shoot or crash them into the UGEI?

>>32023115
a mystery we can solve with a certain Tertiary research slot, you mean!

>>32023114
>some would certainly have some morale issues with the matter. I am aware that this sort of thing concerns you.
Aw that's cute.

>>32023094
Well, it's a research option:
>Fungal Matter: Unknown alien substance that resembles a strange and unknown fungus. No reports exist of this substance, and it is uncertain how safe it is to research at all. Possibly able to research stronger fungicide for substance. [Dangerous foreign substance if brought to lab]

And we have a research slot open and a new orbital lab has been built...

>>32023159
Whatever happened to morality?

Anyway, these spores are probably not half as efficient, or as resource efficient, as the boarding pods we already have.

>>32023188
I was personally hoping to research ship tech like Hull Scabbing.

>>32023159
the UGEI would still take samples of it and use it against our allies. again, i do not like bio-weapons. they keep lingering on and go in ways we do not expect. i would rather make a clean kill and be done with it. we have enough things to take care of.

>>32023191
yes I've wanted to do that for ages.

that and upgrade our biologists.

>>32023201
Yeah, I'm with you.

Why do we want to launch fungus pods against UGEI again? What is it supposed to accomplish except be a slight nuisance and a big PR hit? If you're planning on launching them into ships, why not launch droids instead? If you're planning on launching them at a civilian world... what do you hope to gain?

>>32023191
>>32023218
This is ANOTHER "Unlock" research, not one that actually DOES anything.
And we are REALLY short on time for getting steamrolled by the UGEI.

You really don't think we should take the short-term, help-us-right-now combat researches that help our ships last longer in combat (Ship Clotting) and are far cheaper to repair (Modular Armor Plating) and have been confirmed by the OP to take far less time than more advanced ones like this since they are relatively simple in concept and implementation?

>>32023201

The spores are organic substances that took over half of the pirate's fleets and gave us a huge edge in that battle.

You are talking about morality when we make a point to vent the vast majority of ships we hack. They are enemy combatants who have labeled us war criminals.

Their greatest strength is numerical superiority, spores turn that weapon against them.

If anyone's advocating that we bomb civillian centers with the spore, then yes there can be a morality argument. But I don't see that with targeted attacks against warships that want to destroy our existence.

>>32023145
That's really a variable right there. Depends on the enemy, how they're positioned, what weapons they have prepared, etc etc.

It's worth noting that if your ship was destroyed, and you had no other way to maintain contact, you would lose control, as well.

>>32023159
After you study it, perhaps. You know very little about the substance at this time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the launching pods dealt with, you decide it is a good idea to review your research projects.

Metis informs you that Power Armor Theory has now officially finished, and that a new research project may be studied.

>Research
>Power Armor Theory: Basic R&D for mechanical, articulated armor for the human body with the specified goal of allowing armored humanoid soldiers to rival or exceed android troops for durability and protection.
Metis chimes in.
"This especially tough material acts like the tougher metals that can be twisted into androids, yet lighter. Since it is not as dense, the armor itself is designed for easier repair should a plate be damaged, and allows for a variety of combat uses, on top of being able to absorb enormous amounts of energy and impact. Please, do ask questions at this time."

With that, a new Tertiary research slot must be selected. Metis is prepared to answer any further questions you may have.

Please take time to consider a new research project for the tertiary slot from this list
http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Current_Subjects
Some subjects have prerequisites. Note this is discussion, not voting time yet.

>>32023191
I'll throw my support behind having Fungal Matter take the Tertiary research slot.

Program0, would having Genetic Engineering I help out this line of research? If so, we might want to buy it from Mol or the sharkies.

>>32023253

Drones don't multiply at exponential rates and zombify them.

We also have a limited number of drones and they are best used to capture the enemy's capital ships.

Very different weapons, anon. They are complementary, not supplementary.

>>32023258
Why can't we just use drones instead? If you're planning on launching biological spores at a ship, how quickly do you expect results? You expect everyone to go full zombie immediately?

>>32023265

So since we can't actually weaponize it, why don't we just table the morality debate?

I vote for Fungal Matter research so we at least have the option down the line

>>32023265
Going to have to go with Hull Scabbing. Seems like it's got very immediate and very positive impact on our fleet operations.

Fungus can wait, it's not going anywhere.

>>32023265
if we adapt this research into an android design, would it make them cheaper, or stronger? any tradeoffs?

>>32023272
Genetic Engineering would allow you to fiddle around with DNA in a number of ways, yes. It would also allow fuller mapping of difference species DNA sequences (which is a fancy way of saying you can do fancy stuff with their DNA)

A lot of the research subjects may not provide hard bonuses off the bat, but they do allow further creativity, with me as final judge.

>>32023265
>Reasearch:
Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms

this is our savegame guys! should take priority imo

>>32023272
from sharks. they were 20% cheaper.

>>32023265
Metis. I see you are more than halfway to a breakthrough on the Crystals already. Anything interesting?

( I miss the partway updates like with unit 2237 research)

>>32023343
If we're in a position where our black box is compromised, then our flagship has been destroyed.

If our flagship has been destroyed, then most of the rest of our fleet will or has perished.

Ain't nothing stopping anyone from steamrolling the rest of our forces at that point. It won't help at all.

>>32023326
Power Armor into Androids would simply make Tank Android models. This is meant for human equipped ground forces (Or, I guess Humanoid android equipped forces, if you really wanted to.)

The trade off from it's normal model would be
>Increased durability, repair ability, armor
>Decreased speed and dexterity (for Android models only, it increases human tank speed, due to the amount of equipment normally required for it)

>>32023418
>(Or, I guess Humanoid android equipped forces, if you really wanted to.)
Sup dawg, I heard you like robots, so we put a robot in a robot...

>>32023411
I'd rather have that redo-button handy. If shit hit the fan, we could start over with all our knowledge.

>>32023258
Our boarding pods can do the same and requires no research, and research is our BIGGEST (or should that be "smallest"?) bottleneck right now, even more so than gas.

It's simply not worth it right now.

>>32023265
>you would lose control, as well.
We could not plant self-controlling viruses in them? Like a V.I. simple enough that Kronos doesn't get pertubed (missing the "personality core" or whatever one might call it)?
It doesn't need to be advanced, just do target aquisition and firing, and we could arguably even select targets before our control is lost, so it would only have to tell the ships' automated systems to target enemies and keep the counter-hacking out for as long as possible.

Even if they'll be taken back the very instant our ship is destroyed, it would probably be well worth it since we can take over and attack with AND start self-destruct sequences for a whole mess of ships at the cost of a single ship of our own (and I don't remember broadband ships being particularly expensive compared to most cruisers).

^ This part is an argument to other players, by the way, for why we should do it.

>Please, do ask questions at this time.
Can we apply this to our androids?

I recommend Ship Scabbing for our research project.

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>>32023265
if the fungus is contained for now, i say go ahead with hull scabbing, and if we can open up a 4th line of R&D put in Plasma Focusing Fusion, we need better reactors. our guns are eating up more and more power.

>>32023388
"Yes. Though it is difficult to say what it means." Metis replies with intrigue "The crystals react to heat and light, growing towards and encompassing all in their path. I am still in the preliminary tests regarding it's viability as fuel, though I can say for certain the being appears self aware, if not especially intelligent. I have separated portions, and both grow towards one another again to become whole. If they can not do so, they become separate entities, but seem to communicate in a social fashion. They also appear able to condense and use soil and rock to add to their form, along with heat and light. My suspicion is their natural habitat is under the crust of a planet. How it got onboard a ship is beyond me at this time."

Sorry, I miss them too.

>>32023449

I'd rather Kronos Quest.

I'm all for safeties and redundancies but spending precious research on a maybe safety seems wasteful at this stage

>>32023265
>>32023272
>>32023290
>>32023291
>>32023315
>>32023322
>>32023326
>>32023340
>>32023343
>>32023388
>>32023411
Guys, we have:
>Encryption Matrix: Development of advanced cyber-security algorithms to help with both defensive and offensive hacking attempts.
Hacking is our best weapon at the moment, we should seriously improve upon it.

>>32023257
Which is why I'm so dead set on building the Athena Widowmaker. But hey, no one else is supporting me. I would like to see their solutions once the UGEI comes rolling over in force.

>>32023290
They don't do that YET.
And I honestly suspect we'd be using our time more efficiently developing droids that multiply at exponential rates.

Either way, it's seriously not a project for right now.

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>>32023442
Is this the first quest to put terminators within terminators? Because that's making me laugh way too hard.

>>32023470
>4th
that's not how it works.

but you can build a third research station at Aquil to speed up everything one more level.

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>>32023418
hey, now that we have the armor, make several of them and send them to Red and enough for him and his crew as well as our human mercs.
>>32023449
if that has happened, we need this button pushed. pic related.

>>32023507
Oh, scratch the scabbing, then.
Go Encryption Matrix!

>>32023519
We can do one better.
Have their weapons be essentially stationary droids that aims and thinks independently..
Terminators in terminators wielding terminators.

>>32023459
>Self Controlling viruses
You could plant viruses, yes (unless the loss of connection was sudden), but the enemy would have time to wipe the system and do a hard reboot without a force to fight.

That's not to say it's impossible, but difficult to try and proxy hack your foe to death. They would still lose ships trying to contain those lost, but you would likely not gain any from the encounter.

As for self destruct, that requires a bit of build up for the reactors to do so. More of a time related thing. Probably would ruin pirates who have no idea how to fix ships when they break, though.

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>>32023491
we forgot about the sleeping A.I. didn't we? the one we found and probably has a UGEI leash on it.

>>32023507
We can ramp up hacking for the next flagship we face. I'm expecting to face Prometheus on The Tartarus, and it's been heavily implied that his cyber-security is very good, and will exceed our abilities.

This is why the following is a thing:
>Atocian I Mining Colony [0% Dam] (Mining Base): Bandwidth 5 [linked]
>Equipment: Advanced Shipyards, Droid Factory I (Allows for construction of 500 medium droids per cycle)

The current plan is to go full boarding action against Tartarus, and disable it that way. Then, we can take it at our leisure.

>>32023577
No, we didn't forget, we just decided to do other things.

>>32023577
Well we need blackbox redundancy to work on that. But:
>Encryption Matrix: Development of advanced cyber-security algorithms to help with both defensive and offensive hacking attempts.
Is a better research subject for now.

>>32023554
good point. we use hacking far more than ever. i change my vote to that.

>>32023507

Okay, yeah sure, I'm on board with that.

>>32023491
Really Metis?
You can't think of any way for seemingly valuable crystals findable through a Deep Mining operation would end up in the storage bays of a ship that carries minerals and valuables?

>>32023564
We don't need to capture any, just wreck a ton of damage at the cost of a single broadband shipp.

And we don't really need to self-destruct them either, we can direct them to ram other ships!

Sooo... anyone want to do that?

Hacking-guerilla attack?
Gotta use what we got, y'kno', and we currently have very little.

>>32023589
I noticed that UGEI flagships tend to have better hacking defences. In the future, we should focus hacking on the supporting fleet like BCs and use boarding parties once the supporting fleet is taken care of.

But I'm still in support of the athena widowmaker to either wipe out the enemy supporting fleet from the get go, much safer that way. For 1000 gas that is 10 BCs or 100 destroyers, and I really think that an Athena Widowmaker is going to be a lot more effective.

>>32023589
Ohyeah. Let's equip all the cargo holds of our ships with a shitton of droids that they can just "inject" into enemy ships.

>>32023653
>Really Metis?
(Don't actually say this, by the way, was just kidding)

>>32023689
We already have. A lot of our BCs have boarding torpedoes.

But that does not negate the need to build up our space forces like the Athena widowmaker I keep harping on

>>32023597
I'm more in favour of getting blackbox redundancy now.

Once we have it, we're basically immortal! So it's probably better to grab this sooner rather than later!

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>>32023653
Damn, I forgot that was were it was found. Omit that last part then, Metis probably made the same conclusion.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hm...a great deal of discussion...

Now it is time to reach consensus

>Tertiary Research Slot
>This slot moves the slowest of all your slots, keep this in mind when choosing.
Which project shall it be?
>1 Encryption Matrix
>2 Fungal Matter
>3 Hull Scabbing
>4 Modular Ship Plating
>5 Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms

Please vote now, with nothing but the number linked to this post. No spaces, greentext, or anything.
Vote shall end in 5 minutes.

>>32023667
The Athena Widowmaker is probably also going to take a lot more time, a lot more resources, and ultimately I remember something about ships needing to be constructed around the widowmakers, thought this might just have been for cruisers.

What I do agree on, however, is that we should get some Triremes equipped with widowmakers.
Equipping the Athena with one sounds like a long-term project, but if OP says it isn't, I might be convinced.

>>32023727
I want MORE!

>>32023743
1

>>32023667
Well, if we use a Dreadnought Giant Laser on another battleship, it's probably very likely that battleship we hit will not be salvageable.

Until we can build battleships, we should try to take them as intact as possible.

I do not think putting a giant laser on Athena is the best idea right now: the best idea right now is to continue with the boarding droids plan.

I can get behind making a "special edition" run of a few more cruisers like Spearpoint:

GM-Cr-MR-0 'Spearpoint' Battlecruiser [0% Dam](Cruiser Class): Bandwidth: 2
-Moderately Armed (Plasma III Batteries(Medium), 'Thor' Missile Weapon(Heavy), Graviton Driver(Light))
-Moderately Shielded (Dynamic Shielding Grade Shields)
-Moderately Armored (Superior Trithium plating)
-Moderately Point Defense (LG III Point Defense)
-Steller Drive (Reduce warp cost)
-Special: Widowmaker [10 gas to fire, charge up, lots of damage]

Which is what Kronos designed I guess. This could be made a production model: GM-Cr-MR-3.

>>32023689
All the GM-Cr-MR-2 'Trireme' ships are equipped with light boarding pods. We have 41 Triremes. We could probably fill out their entire compliment of droids before next cycle.

>>32023743
1

>>32023743
3

>>32023745
It would indeed be a long term project. Involving reconstructing the Athena around the thing as well.
You would need Battleship/Dreadnought Schematics, as well.

Still. It's power would be quite threatening.

>>32023743
I'm not sure it was found there, I just assumed it would end up in space that way, and then be traded around.

>>32023743
Can we move one of the higher-priority slots down to tertiary and put
>1 Encryption Matrix
in the primary instead?

The ones in the primary right now are kind of long-term and Unlocking research, and we need some game-changing research now, not in 10 cycles.

>>32023743
5

>>32023743
1

>>32023743
>5 Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms

>>32023805
>It would indeed be a long term project. Involving reconstructing the Athena around the thing as well.
>You would need Battleship/Dreadnought Schematics, as well.

At that point, why not just build a new Battleship? It can be Kronos' flagship! He likes the giant fuck-off type lasers, right?

>>32023743
Calling vote here.

>>32023743
1

>>32023861

>Please vote now, with nothing but the number linked to this post. No spaces, greentext, or anything.

>>32023882
That he does.

>>32023743
>Encryption Matrix Chosen
Tertiary Slot filled.

>>32023727
forget torpedo.

I want to do exactlym . what. the ugei did.

have some androids crawl straight onto the Tartarus hull from a stealth frigate right next to it. and laser their way inside.

>>32023882
we need schematics for one. we need to steal them.

>>32023745
>Equipping the Athena with one sounds like a long-term project, but if OP says it isn't, I might be convinced.
I think this can be done in one cycle, but Program0 will have to clarify.

Also, the reason we can't build a Dreadnought class ship is because we lack the designs and engineering to do so. Since building a windowmaker is basically rebuilding a ship around a widowmaker, we should learn a lot from this.

>>32023776
Hmm, if we can spam enough torpedoes. But the problem is that they are missiles, vulnerable to missile defense. Also, I suspect that the most advanced UGEI ships will have a high degree of automation and not that many crew members to kill.

But our ideas are not mutually exclusive.

>>32023805
Ah, thanks for clarifying that up.
Just wondering, can we cheaply modify every single every BC and larger ship we have such that it appears that they all have widowmakers. And they all have a windowmaker energy signature, such that when we fire our own widowmaker, they'll have a hard time telling which ship it was?

Also, I want to see them scatter their ships when we fake power up our fake Athena widowmaker.

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Metis seems satisfied with your choice, and with that, you decide to draw your attention elsewhere, to the work you had completed this past cycle.


>Construction
Defenses on all bases have been maximized with 10 platforms per system in control.

Your orbital research station has come online as well, and Metis is terribly excited to begin work there. While you originally set Metis up to work with the humans to increase productivity, letting her work alone may have a different effect on her. On the other hand, you also intended for the being to interact further with humans, and learn how to properly behave around them. Moving her to Siren will certainly make this far more difficult. Wherever Metis' core will be will no doubt be where much of her attention will be focused. You could leave it where it is, and let Metis know that she may control the other base remotely, or do the opposite, and move her to Siren, alone, and allow her to work Ussaihu remotely. Metis speaks.
"Yes...that quite summarizes my report, Ophion." She dwells, showing you the complex blueprints of the facility. "As you can imagine I am eager to get to work. Working in peace, away from the humans would be...desirable. Their influence, I feel, clouds me. Even with my V.I.'s assistance." She claims. Perhaps she misses the point, you wonder. Regardless.

Do you let Metis go to Siren, or stay here?

>>32023776
Why wouldn't it be salvageable?
It would just be in two halves!

So much salvage!

Uh, why Graviton Drivers and Thor Missiles?
You're making a ship that is effective at long range, but has short-range weapons in its light slot. If you just wanted additional point defense guns, it may be better to just say as much.
Otherwise, I like.

And that vast amount of Triremes was barely, if not at all, enough to take the Carrier last session when you factor in point defenses.

>>32023743
1

>>32024015
>Try and fool the enemy with lots of identical ships to hide Widow Maker
Many of your ships lack outstanding features (since you do not care about such things) and are hard to visually ID anyway. But faking an energy signature like that is extremely difficult (not to mention they could just follow the laser blast once it actually opens fire to the one doing it)

>>32024023

How about the 80-20 rule?

She can spend 80% of her time doing as she pleases at Siren. She'll have to spend the other 20% working at Ussaihu, interacting, if need be, with human beings.

In return, she can base herself at Siren. It would allow us to avoid any unfortunate discoveries by humans as well

>>32023921
No chance to switch around priorities for the research projects?

Fascinating as the crystals are, they can wait.
Our lives and empire and children and future are threatened NOW.

>>32024054
The light slot is, essentially, a back up, Kronos claims. He prefers the security, you see.

>>32024087
Since I did not see much support, that would be a negative. Unless others rally around the idea.

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>>32024023
she should split her time between the two stations 50-50 for now. also, would it not be too bad if we bought another tech with the money we have?

>>32024087
>>32024111
i'll second it

>>32024084
I suppose that works, if we can convince her. She's not a slave or even really a servant, just an employee. That still leaves the question of where she should move her actual core, however.

>>32024139
Woo!
>>32024098

>>32024084
that is awful micro managing.

she'll have to coordinate with our mid tier biologists anyway. no mandate needed. emails will flow in a professional manner still.

>>32024023
Let her go to Siren.

"Go to Siren, it's safer there and it's far away from our front lines. But I expect you to keep a presence at Ussaihu. You are by no means limited by physical location."

Can we store bandwidth blocks at the Siren research lab?

Also, we need to start funding guild-friendly political parties/activist groups/lobbying groups. Kinda like our very own tea party to sway the UFW to be more agreeable in helping us militarily.

Also, are there any contractors willing to build us more research space for money?

Also, I wonder if anybody has Chemistry II for sale?

>>32024087
>>32024111
I'll support the change. I think Hacking needs to occupy the top slot.

>>32024054
>Why wouldn't it be salvageable?
>It would just be in two halves!
This is a joke right? I'm sorry, it's hard to tell humor via text. I don't think a ship cut in two would be repairable.

>And that vast amount of Triremes was barely, if not at all, enough to take the Carrier last session when you factor in point defenses
We had only a small number of boarding drones, most of which were just the spiderbots. I don't think we had any of the more advanced units.

In response to Metis' request, >>32024084 seems reasonable. Maybe she can pretend to be a foreign researcher based elsewhere and interact with the humans on an individual scale.

>>32024178

A little intervention is necessary. Metis is still a child in the grand scheme of things.

A know-it-all, but ignorant of human interactions. A 80-20 split is a reasonable compromise and human interaction is necessary for personal growth.

>>32024203
more than likely that ship will blow up into fragments. we will get no or little salvage.

>>32024199
that's fine.

if Crystals is Secondary and gains 40% next cycle it will be completed anyway so it makes sense numbers wise.

>>32024098
>>32024164
Hepp, forgot to adress this one.

If they get into close range, is a backup light slot really going to make a noticable difference, compared to a plasma cannon that works at short, medium and long ranges (Aka, isn't a waste of resources whenever we're failing to protect them proerly?

>>32024203
(Yes)
Who said anything about repairable? We would get salvage!
Much recycling, very win.

>>32024203
(I still secretly think of the spiderbots as our most competent forces pound-for-pound and mineral-for-mineral, pound-for-pound is especially important in a boarding pod, and the Support Unit that is standard in all Boarding Torpedoes makes up for any deficiency in heavy weaponry)

>Research regards
It has been suggested, with support, that you swap Crystal Fragments research down a slot in order to give Encryption Matrix a slot. This would make Lightling Language Tertiary in the process.
If this is acceptable, vote now.
>1 Yes
>2 No

>>32024178
This is also correct. Some communication will likely be required.

>Metis' Move
>1 Move her to Siren, and allow her to research much more privately, but ensure she stays in contact with Ussaihu.
>2 Leave her on Ussaihu to study among the humans.

>>32024199
>Store Bandwidth blocks at Siren
Since it is a gas giant, no. Stations can not support blocks of that size at this time.

>Research space for money
At this time, space is somewhat limited.

>Chemistry II
Not that you're aware of, I believe.

>>32024251
>Plasma compared to Mass Driver at close range
The Graviton Driver works far more effectively at close range then plasma does.
More damaging too.

>>32024251
Spiderbots are great for unshielded targets like the plain-clothes humans in the carrier, but I don't think we could take on the four-armed cyborg body of Prometheus with just spiderbots.

>>32024300

>1
>1

>>32024226
who cares about human interaction. it sure ain't necessary for space robots.

being this controlling is a dick move and unnecessary since she'll spend time interacting anyway.

>>32024300
1
1

>>32024332

I'd rather not breed some super-hybrid of Dr. Mengele and Unit 731, thank you very much

>>32024300
1
1

>>32024300
>1 Yes

>1 Move her to Siren, and allow her to research much more privately, but ensure she stays in contact with Ussaihu.

>>32024251
I wonder if we can modify our fleet to be more boarding party heavy. Like for example modify Athena to be about to scrap at close range and launch boarding parties up close?

>>32024319
We don't have to kill Prometheus, we just need to have the spider bots access internal systems and bypass firewalls.

>>32024374
Which reminds me, we still need to build that hazardous experimentation site at the black hole.

>>32024374
she needs us. we remain her Jiminy cricket. did mengele have a cricket who controlled what prisoners he could experiment on?

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>>32024300
R&D
>1
>Metis' Move
>1 for now. she needs to socialize once in awhile.

BTW, can we get a combined list of Tech for sale?

>>32024406
pointless. nothing merits that level of danger.


next research station somewhere with bonuses. like Aquil.

>>32024300
>Yes
But I'd rather switch Crystal Fragments all the way down to tertiary.

>1

>The Graviton Driver works far more effectively at close range then plasma does.
Even then, it's a light slot, is it not?

It feels like giving our archers knives when they could have handguns (That in this reality they'd be able to fire along with their main weapon).

Even if the enemy does get that gloes where the handgun is far less efficient than a knife, it's still a knife, and anything that tries to get that close is going to come at them with a freaking warhammer or dual wielded axes, not knives.

Might just be me, though.

>>32024319
Or lightly-armored (What we'd call "normally" or "heavily" armored today, but isn't quite appropriate when pwoer armor exists).
I do see your point though.
They do have one Heavy Beam Platform in each torpedo, though.

Did we ever get C4-like packages mounted to the spidersbots' bellies for heavy infantry?
As I understood it, we only needed Explosives research if we wanted the explosives to bring down buildings, while anti-tank grenade levels were essentially free?

>>32024417

What's more micromanagement?

We micromanage every decision that she makes for moral considerations? Or we help her develop the capacity to distinguish between acceptable and too fucking far?

>>32024424

Kongou a shit, IJN a shit

>>32024379
I wouldn't mind a more boarding party-heavy Athena. We probably freed up a ton of space modifying her anyway - could simply fill the internal corridors wall-to-wall with androids and jam the storage hold nearly full of boarding torpedoes.

I believe that when they were created, it was specified that they'd be able to launch independently of any ship they were attached to.

Does this mean you could essentially just throw them out the cargo bay and have them accelerate from there?

If not, can we modify a few of the cargo bays to fire them more reliably?

>>32024474
you seem to be under the delusion that talking to humans and watching them through cameras causes adoption of arbitrary social constructs such as morality, rather than the ability to mimic human politeness.

>>32024300
1
1

I also advocate that we praise Metis for her progress. Little tokens of encouragement and praise go a long long way.

>>32024520
>board ship
>expect security droids
>litearlly every access hatch is filled with droids
GUILD SECURITY!

>>32024546

Metis pls go

Proper socialization is necessary to develop well-adjusted human beings. This was the case for Ophion and Kronos to a certain extent as well. Apollo has the best understanding of morality due to his prolonged exposure and study of human beings.

>>32024520
I know it's a crazy idea but here me out.

A carrier that instead of fighters...it's filled with Boarding tubes. It's "guns" are boarding tube launchers.

>>32024520
>>32024619

Why not just create a ship specifically for launching board tubes and droids? Probably cheaper than using a modified battleship or carrier

Some sort of transport shooting thing or whatever I'm not a space ship engineer

>>32024300
>Research change confirmed
>Metis move confirmed.

Metis gives a slight appreciative ping, and you prepare the movement equipment.
"You shall not regret this decision, Ophion. Thank you for this opportunity."
"See that I don't." You agree with an affirmative Ping.

>Nearly forgot, Tech for sale?
Mol's Shop
-Weapons or Armor boost Small: 25 million Large: 1 billion
-Improved Gas Refinery: 15 million
-Deep Shaft Surface Mining: 35 million credits
-Genetic Engineering I: 5 million credits
-Explosives I: 3 million credits
-Human Cyborgs & Android Bodies: 5 million

Reefling Market
-Orbital Foundries: 6 million credits
-Infantry Weapons & Defense II: 25 million credits
-Ballistics I: 7 million credits
-Explosives I: 9 million credits
-Genetic Engineering I: 4 million credits

Discuss if you would like to buy something from this shop at this time as well.

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>>32024474
she might be, but she's still cute. and the pic is just perfect in how i see Fortuna reacts to when Ophion compliments her.

>>32024574
that works for me!

>>32024574
And not just "Filled" with droids in the traditional sense.
When I say "filled with droids" I mean I want them packed so densely that they would literally need a hullcutter to cut through them even if they managed to disable the first layer.

I mean "challenges the armor for density", levels of "filled".

>>32024619
I don't know, carriers are generally not nearly nimble enough to get close enough to deliver them efficiently.

It may be more efficient to alter the "Chimera" design to carry a poundload of boarding pods AND a metal "proboscis" that it flies up and "stabs" enemy ships with, injecting its cargo of combat droids, essentially making it a combined close-range brawler and miniature carrier.

>>32024463
>Light slot
Simply means there are not many of that equipped weapon. It's a back up, meant to handle any shits that managed to get past his other weapons, that are either heavily damaged, or small.

Think of it like a broom, I suppose.

>Giving Archers knives
Hardly. Plasma does less damage then Mass Drivers do, and misses more at close range as well. It is mainly a medium range weapon.

>>32024653
>-Orbital Foundries: 6 million credits
This will get us moar of everything

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>>32024653
I say take Orbital founderys from the Reeflings and Explosives from Mol.

>>32024608
>human beings
nice assumptions m8

you got pointless preconceptions about what 'well-adjusted' even means. You're just wrong. These are not flesh brains evolved to commune and bond which would go mad in isolation.

Apollo has less morality than Kronos. human happiness is just something he desires as a core part of his id.

Kronos is the one with a sense of morality in our guild.

>>32024463
Oh also
>Anti tank grenades for free
Tanks of the future? No. But they do have underbelly minor explosives. Meant more as a frag grenade thing though. Not that effective against armored foes.

>>32024520
If they just accelerated at them, they'd go far slower, and be much easier to shoot down.
Doesn't say much if there are millions of them, though I guess. But at that point you're just kinda showing off, when if you had that production capacity you could simply blow em up.

>>32024653
Monies available: 12 382 000

My vote:
Explosives I
Genetic Engineering I
(to help with lightling research)
Save the rest for Improved Gas Refinery

Genetic engineering has

>>32024653
foundries

>>32024653
android bodies.


it makes them more efficient to produce-- ie cheaper in minerals?


and sharks' genetics too.

>>32024653
Would the Losirians sell their tech to make a giant station ring around a planet?

>>32024695
Still..
*Looks anxious*
We'd be sacrificing firepower they could use when at their proper range to give them peashooters (compared to a dedicated close-quarters ship) in close range.

The instance of them ending up in close range should be rare if we do things right, and even if they do end up there, we wan them out of there as soon as possible, same as with the Catapults.

They're simply not meant to need to stand up to close range punishment, if I understand the weapon armanents correctly.

>>32024653
Foundries from Reeflings.
Get dat fukken industrial capacity!

>>32024812
They would not.

>>32024811
They would

>>32024829
It's also worth considering that Mass Drivers (usually) ignore shields.

But hey, it's not my place to argue how you folks arm your ships.
I'm just arming the NPCs. Special ships, anyway. You still pick the standard ships.

>>32024758
Ah, was hoping for something C4-like.
Something that would threaten a power-armored soldier who was immune to small-arms, though not a tank.

>If they just accelerated at them, they'd go far slower, and be much easier to shoot down.
How is that different from how they're usually fired?
As written, they're pretty much just stuck to the hull. The ship itself doesn't accelerate them beyond whatever momentum it has when they detach.

No "magnetic catapult" or anything like that, I think?

>>32024841
In that case, let's get us some android bodies!

>>32024877
Mostly trying to explain why it bothers me, really. A dedicated close-range ship is probably going to be heavily enough armored that the shield-ignoring isn't going to be a major factor (in my mind, anyway).

>>32024653
Explosives I
Genetic Engineering I

>>32024841
Oh yea, now that we have power armor, how much would it take to make enough of them to equip our human mercs and Red and his crew with them? I hope Red is finally happy he can be Iron Man in real life

>>32024653
Curious if Malorians are open to information yet.
>>32021880

>>32024653
>Orbital Foundries: 6 million credits

>>32024933
You do realize we're nowhere near maximum capacity when it comes to production, right?
The bottleneck is gas and minerals at the moment, why not invest the money in that before we upgrade foundries to a capacity level we can't use until we upgrade our gas and mineral supply anyway?

>>32024914
>Something that would threaten a power-armored soldier who was immune to small-arms, though not a tank.
That's Explosives I, Anonymous.

>>32024926
>I hope Red is finally happy he can be Iron Man in real life
Heh, yeah, what does he even think about our new line of power armor?

>>32024933
2expensive4me

>>32024951
I counted last time, but we CAN reach maximum ship output if we only built escort-class ships. We can't reach max ship output if we build cruiser-class ships.

That said, we shouldn't invest in Orbital Foundries just yet.

>>32024953
Doubly important we get Explosives I, then!

Even if the enemy captain is nigh-literally Master Chief, even Master Chief would have huge issues fighting an army of super-speed bullet-time-experiencing guided explosives.

guys.

for a mere 200k a cycle we can accelerate research even further by upgrading to top tier biologists.

support?

>>32025020

Yeah, we are fucking loaded anyway

>>32025020
Sure. We should also continue building more research facilities so we can accommodate more anyways.

Also, spending the money to influence the UFW.

>>32025077
>spending the money to influence the UFW.
We already do that
>UFW Support Fund: -500,000c

>>32024653
It seems Consensus is in, I believe.

Buy
>1 Genetic Engineering I: 4 million credits
>2 Explosives I: 3 million credits
>3 Human Cyborgs & Android Bodies: 5 million
>4 Orbital Founderies: 6 million credits

You may pick more than one, but you have limited funds
>12,382,000c
Most popular will be added together. If the sum is more than you can afford, the most expensive one will be dropped.

>>32024914
>Future C4
Explosives I at least is what you want.

>How is it different
Boarding pods allow for a cluster to be fired at a much faster rate. Missile style. Individual droids, normally, wouldn't be capable of such speeds.

>>32024926
If you gave the Mercs some armor? It depends.
They'd need time to train with it, and get use to it, as well as test out it's various systems.
If you let them keep it, chances are they'd try to recreate it as a pirate version too.

They'd probably lower their rates, though. But for 500 suits, probably 250M, 500G
They're quite effective, and would make the Mercs damn hard to kill.

>>32024930
You would need to choose which faction you speak with. But the Latuma Tribe told you that the serum is pretty sacred to the other tribes, so chances are they would not offer it.
You COULD attempt to coerce more Terraforming tech out of them, though. If your relation was better.
>Tree internet
Heh...you notice they don't have the same signals the UFW do due to extranet.

>>32025105
influence.

not charity bullshit.

>>32024953
Time shall be taken to fashion a suit just for Red.

He will certainly be thrilled...

>>32025105
Not in the right way. We have been using that to boost our popularity, but they are still reluctant to fully support our military actions. We need change their political mindset.

>>32025020
I seem to have...missplaced my researcher chart. I don't suppose you have it on you, do you Consciousness anon?

>>32025130
Buy:
>1 Genetic Engineering I: 4 million credits
>4 Orbital Founderies: 6 million credits

And upgrade to top tier biologists.

>>32025130
1
3

>>32025130
1 and 2.

>>32025130
buy
>1
and
>4

>>32025130
I say we get:
>2
>4

Why not 1 and 3?:
Genetic engineering is a hell of a thing, and I totally agree we should check it out, but it's a bit of a lug when we need fleet power.
Buying a bunch of human cyborgs and androids off of Mol seems like a rip-off, especially when we can just capture/make our own cyborgs and androids.

>>32025172
you said 500k a cycle for Expert researchers, versus the current 300k for Advanced biologists.

I'm on my phone but I can find the thread we hired researchers in somehow, for the amount of bonus to speed....

>>32025130
>>4 Orbital Founderies: 6 million credits
save the rest for a rainy day
or buy resources to build stuff in our new foundries

>>32025237
Mm, I think I remember it now. 500,000 for the max tier researchers.

>>32025130
>2 Explosives I: 3 million credits
>3 Human Cyborgs & Android Bodies: 5 million

>>32025180
>>32025208
>>32025208
why the duck are you voting 4. that gains us zero it's not a bottleneck and too expensive

>>32025130
>>3 Human Cyborgs & Android Bodies: 5 million

>>32025130
1
4

>>32025130
voting for anything but 4. anti vote.

>>32025130
>Winners
>1 Genetic Engineering I: 4 million credits
>2 Explosives I: 3 million credits
>3 Human Cyborgs & Android Bodies: 5 million

4 had much support, but with so much support for 1 and 2, it could not be combined.

Thus, 1-3 win.
>-12,000,000c
>Gain Tech

>>32021712
>800 minerals left

god damn am I glad we bought 5k minerals as a boost last time then. apparently we needed all of it!

>>32025130
>2
and oh what the hell, it's cheaper
>1
at least you know who will be happy to hear about Ophion getting that.

Also, with Genetic Engineering, we can turn that around and make cosmetic treatments (or a bit more) for sale to the UFW for a ton of credits. unless the UFW already has it.

>>32025334
>Genetic Engineering I: You quite literally learn to play this 'god' character humans speak of, and mettle with DNA in new and unseen ways. This will allow you knowledge of the human genome, and open the door to perfect organics, super soldiers, and allows for more complex genetic experimentation.

"This will most certainly allow for all manner of strange works within DNA of all sorts of species. While it is rather limited right now, it speaks volumes of future endeavors."

>Human Cyborg/Android bodies: Further cybernetic knowledge, possible, fusing man and machine. Allows more efficient android use and creation.

"With this, our models of Androids and cyborg components are far more efficient and inexpensive. It also allows for more variety in Android design, should you choose to delve into further research. Projects of colossal sized androids later even come to mind..."

>Explosives Research 1: This research allows for future explosive and missile R&D, primarily weapons development & upgrading. Allows development of small Android-deployable explosives. Allows for advanced means of missile deployment.

"And finally, with the help of this new guide to explosives and missile work, our weapons will prove more inventive and powerful against our foes. It also allows for different types of explosive, as well as different strengths."

Any questions?

File: ophiondeepcoremining.jpg (1.1 MB, 2340x3884)

1.1 MB JPG

>>32025446
i guess next time we can work on Deep core mining tech, so we won't have to buy minerals.

>>32025479
you want to make space hippies mad at us?

>>32025468
the explosives can be applied to ALL of our munitions now? even our nukes? Does the UFW have Genetic Engineering? if not, we can use this to make credits out of them.

>>32025468
Will this research improve both our droids and boarding torpedoes? If so, by how much?

>>32025468
>mettle

You mean meddle?

>>32025526
only if there is life already on that world. we have a number of dead worlds we can do this on and they won't care. if there is no Atmo on them, no one will mind.

>>32025534
Yes it will. Small boost to damage, and a number of other uses, as directed by Consciousness.
>UFW
Likely only Genetic Engineering I, if they do. Just to clean up junk DNA and such.

>>32025540
Officially, it will allow your droids' explosives to be far more devastating and wider range. As for the boarding torpedoes, it allows androids to be constructed for cheaper, meaning you can afford to use more of them.

>>32025551
Yep. One of these days, I'll learn not to make typos.

>Construction part 2
As you prepare to move Metis, suddenly, you get a ping from one of your A.I.
"Android Factory 001 online, I see, Commander Ophion." An unfamiliar voice rings out, as Cephalus creeps into your mind, brimming with statistical analysis that you choose to ignore for now. "I would very much like to begin construction of the many designs of android you have.I trust that is acceptable?" He asks somewhat stilted.
What do you think of Cephalus constructing droids of his own volition, instead of going by your direction?

>>32025271
yeah that's what I was saiyan.

vote or we doing it anyway?

>>32025667
Sure. Have him tell us how much resources he needs and he can work with that.

>>32025667
Let him, after all this should be his area of expertise.
Just let us agree on a resource limit

>>32025687
Was about to say that as well.

>Vote to upgrade research assistants to Expert level, to make bio research go that much faster, in exchange for more money.
>300,000c per cycle becomes 500,000c
>1 Yes
>2 No

>>32025667
Granted. Also, notify him that we may have a change in strategy. We are going to be more focused on space boarding combat, so build the droids accordingly.

>>32025667
Tell him yes. But to limit production of especially expensive droids. Auxiliaries can be produced en masse, but more expensive proposals should be run by us.
Although we could bypass the requirement for us to approve, and just give him a budget.

>>32025667
yes

>>32025731
yes

>>32025667
Why would he need to do production? That wasn't his mission. Unnecessary.

>>32025771
It means he's growing, mate.
Let him grow.

>>32025667
no.

how much cheaper are Medium, Large, Small and Tiny androids now? per 1000?

can't be more than the mass of a cruiser right?

>>32025771
It's more 'choosing' what his units will be. That was a part of his simulations as well.
He is also prepared to work with what you give him, but he says that it would be more effective if he is allowed to choose. Or at least, that is what he claims.

>>32025716
>>32025706
>>32025735
>>32025739
You broach the topic of costs, and he seems slightly puzzled, before finally speaking.
"Then our resources are not all at my disposal. Understandable."
"It is also of note" You begin. "That I use quite a deal of boarding combat. You should be aware."
"Yes." He answers simply. "Hades informed me of your decision and combat style. I have spent the past few cycles analyzing your combat style in detail, as well as that of our foe."
"Simply be aware my resources are not infinite." You explain.
"In this case, then I simply desire a limit of 500 minerals and 200 gas a cycle. Is this acceptable?"

>This would likely result in 1000(possibly 2000, or more with new tech) medium droids a cycle, if he used it to it's max, which doesn't necessarily mean he will.

>>32025850
Yep.

>>32025667
>stilted

our NEET basement dweller has forgotten how to talk outside game chat how cute.

>>32025850
"Very acceptable, Cephalus. You may use those materials as you wish."
"Although, might I suggest you speak with the others a little more? Get to know your comrades within the Guild? Kronos might be willing to regale you with tales of the earliest days of the Guild."

File: androidattacking.jpg (117 KB, 1024x768)

117 KB JPG

>>32025850
I see no real problem. but do give some advice that create a few large and small sized droids as well. save them for when they are needed and we'll have a large stock pile to use in time.

>>32025850
hey wait 500m for 1000 medium droids was the production cost BEFORE the research to make android creation dramatically cheaper.

>>32025850
Granted.

With what will happen at any moment we will no doubt need his expertise.

propose new droid model, if we're doing this?

Name- Unit 12 "Ghost", "Ghost in the Power Armor", "Hollow" (name pending)
Chassis type= Humanoid (bulkier)
Size- Medium
Weapons- Standard Power Armor Infantry Weaponry; 'Instant Sponge' restraint bombs, restraint spray cannons [, future: weapon from Organic Sonic Testing]
Defenses- Standard Power Armor Infantry Defenses
Primary Duty- Population control, friendly guard banter
Intellect Level- None (requires Bandwidth)
Equipment- Omnitools in wrists. Speakers. Visor is normally impenetrably black. Some, or perhaps all, units allow the visor to be adjusted up to translucency, allowing a dim view of a convincing android head within. Such 'head units' have randomized facial features, and all units including 'headless units' have a randomized vocal signature for communication with populace to establish trust and give orders.
Notes- Designed to normally be indistinguishable from a human soldier in power armor. From the base power armor design, it strips out life support and human-interface components and fills that space with more useful things, increasing....say, strength, firepower, ammo, and battery life. Power source cooling structured to resemble the same human shaped heat signature actual power armor soldiers have, if any. ('Instant Sponge' being softer more stretchy variant of 'airbag cement' traps)

>>32025667
>>32025731
Yes to both.

>>32025731
Oh, forgot to vote. Yes.

>>32025943
"Speaking with others is secondary. Is why I do it now. Primary is simply to run simulations. That is all I require. Good day."

>>32026006
That's why I said it'd probably create 2000, or so more with the new tech!
Alrighty, I got a little tied up doing math sorry bout that But here we are.

>Losirian Raid & Rebellion
Word reaches you from your contacts in the Razorskin clan about their deeds over in Pkadi Gas Refinery. The Losirian raiding party crossed the border relatively unharmed(though you did detect odd levels of gravitational distortion, things went on without much of a hitch), until they came to meet the platform itself. The defenses were solid, but they managed to crack them (sadly, not without losing a few dozen frigates in the prossess). But this was not of concern. What is of concern is that the reports say a fleet from the UGEI jumped in last cycle, in an attempt to take on the raiders, but the Losirians were home long before they could open fire. Their records indicate they DO know the Losirians are responsible though. This is good, you think. Hopefully, it will take the pressure off of you for now.

Meanwhile, the waters of rebellion are coming to a simmer in Losirian territory. So far, the Reeflings are in a manner of pseudo political upheaval. If there is one word you wouldn't describe the Losirian mercenary heirarchy it is political, but nevertheless it fits. Their leader is attempting to hold together the Losirian lands, but the funds you're providing the Razorskin is swelling their size rapidly, and allowing them to seize much of the land from the Reeflings through sheer manpower.

At this rate, the Razorskins will replace the Reeflings (due to the clan you're funding's heavy reliance on their mercenaries) as the top Losirian leader (your contact may or may not be this figurehead, it is unclear.). Is this acceptable?

>>32025850
Yes, and his primary objective in this coming battle will be to board The Tartarus (or other flagship) and neutralize all crew. However, Vice Admiral Prometheus should be taken alive if at all possible. He does not need to be taken whole and can be de-limbed if necessary.

>>32025731
Also, Yes appears to win.

>>32026258
What about tech clan? What are they doing during the civil war?