For House and Dominion I got to freaking sleep now edition! Keep Sonia alive people and plot about how to making Valeris life miserable

Yes, finally!

I also spent an hour or so counting surfaces on that thing you posted at the end of the last thread. It's a cuboctahedron with its rectangles stellated, and its triangles (inwardly? negatively? -?) stellated. I'd still say the most simply and accurate description of a symmetric six pointed star is 'stellated cube' but going how little there was to find about this, I guess nobody really cares about 3D geometry any more.

>>41750491
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

You've been trying to spend more time with the family when they're able to visit.

Mom likes to get out of the city for a change every now and then, but dislikes the flight. You've been giving some thought to getting her off the planet since she's terrified beyond belief of personal space flight. She doesn't say as much just that she refuses to leave the planet.

Putting her in stasis for the flight from Dreminth to Rioja would seem the best solution. People without any aversion to space flight have been known to go crazy during the long jumps between Galaxies or Nav Relays. You've even had your moments. You'd hate to see her reaction to being five million light years from the closest observable star.

Bekka has been busy with the last stages of school and is approaching graduation, though she could easily go for more specialised officer training. She's been a bit upset lately after one of her friends wrapped up their classes and left to join the Alliance. With all of the bullshit going on with the Dominion right now she didn't want to be part of it.
You're hoping an upcoming hiking trip will help distract her.

Ethan is your typical hyperactive kid you're finding out, having had to look after him for Mom a few times now. Getting him talking about his interest of the day can be a mistake. The problem is finding out what that interest is beforehand. Any time you've had to look after him has proven exhausting. No chance of getting out of shape with him around.

He's into sports, many of which you can't practice very well on your property, but catch is still up there. Kid can throw.
You added a new holoprojector to the living room at the lodge to let him play with building block programs. Outside of sports those seem to be his main interest.

Mom is having trouble when it comes time for him to stop playing. "Expect him to throw a tantrum. He's as bad as you or your sister at that age."

A new experience. How are you handling Ethan when he gets out of control?

>>41751094
>How are you handling Ethan when he gets out of control?

Stun shot? Or send him to his room without future vidya or tv.

>>41751094
Avoidingly? I imagine we're not used to people not doing what we tell them to. Planning ahead would be the better way to deal with him, have lots of traps and ambushes set up for him to encounter.

>>41751196
>>41751094
>traps
>ambushes
Put on our recon armour and fuck with his head using spoopy ghost reverse psychology.

>>41751094
>How are you handling Ethan when he gets out of control?

Make sure he's too tired to put up much resistance at that point?

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>Stun shot?
>traps
>ambushes
>recon armour ghost

I'm sure none of these would have long term consequences. Nope.

I would have to say that Sonia is not good with kids.

>Avoidingly? I imagine we're not used to people not doing what we tell them to.
I suppose that's a good point.

[ ] Send him to his room without future vidya or tv.
[ ] Ghost it up with your recon armor
[ ] Other

>>41751511
>[x] Ghost it up with your recon armor

BUT NOTHING TOO BAD
Tell him we're the friendly spooky ghost here to stop the actual danger, the skeletons.

>>41751511
>[X] Send him to his room without future vidya or tv.

>>41751482
There is a point at which that can work against you as if tired they could be cranky.

If you're trying to get someone to stop playing with toys and go for dinner getting him to do something else to tire him out first could also be hard to do.

>>41751511
>[ ] Other
Call for help. Didn't Alex have a boatload of siblings?

>>41750679
>It's a cuboctahedron with its rectangles stellated, and its triangles (inwardly? negatively? -?) stellated.
About as complicated as I figured. Thanks for looking into it.

Uncertain how to handle the latest crisis you send your little brother to his room. No toys or network access until he can behave when it's time to stop playing. This predictably does not go over well. For a six and a half year old he sure can hit.

Once he's secure in the family guest room you go throw on your armor and consider your ghost options.

>>41751848
>Didn't Alex have a boatload of siblings?
Yes, but the family had a lot of hired help.

Roll 1d20 for ghost with the most. You don't want your highest roll to be below 13 or you'll be scaring him a bit too much.

OR do you think the time in lockup is enough?

>>41751984
5 YEARS ISO-CUBES

>Dominion LD Plasma

Will the Dominion develop 4k plasma after HD?

>>41751984
>OR do you think the time in lockup is enough?

I think it is. I'm not really in favor of traumatizing Ethan.

I still think we should get the family a dog so he grows up with a younger sibling equivalent.

>Thanks for looking into it.

I'm curious myself why they would have chosen such a rather complicated shape especially that long ago. I can't think of a manufacturing process that would produce something like it more easily than other shapes.

>>41752061
>Get Ethan a dog
Maybe we can ghost mode as the BIRTHDAY SKELLINGTON?

>>41751511
We should just talk to him.

If he listens when we instruct him to do things, we will treat him like a (little) adult and we can both do fun things.

If he does not listen, he will be put in time out. Time out is not fun. Time out will be enforced.

And if he uses threats or violence, teach him the folly of his ways. Then start him with a dominion mr miagi.

When you mother stops by to pick him up she's unsurprised that your brother gave you trouble.
"I'm glad you only sent him to his room. It's not much but I think it's enough for him to get the idea that you won't tolerate it when he acts up."

"I was thinking of scaring him with my recon armor." you quietly mumble an additional "Or stun him."

"Or what?"
"Nothing."

"Don't do anything crazy please. I don't want him turning out like your sister."
"What do you mean?" you ask.
"Nothing." Mom replies, echoing your previous comment.

>If he does not listen, he will be put in time out. Time out is not fun. Time out will be enforced.
"That's probably the best policy. Old but effective."

You tell mom about your plans for a longer hiking trip with Bekka once she's not busy with classes. It might be good for Ethan to come along.

"Just make sure you're prepared to cancel and call for pickup if he gives you trouble."

Once they've left for the day you check in with developments on Rioja. The Governor has been in contact with a media company that is establishing itself on the planet and is wondering what your feeling are on their coverage of the construction of the cities.

"Rebuilding Rioja" would be a show covering the construction crews and civilians building the new cities and performing reconstruction of the old ones. It wouldn't necessarily just be restricted to those industries. The publicity boost off world could be helpful and letting the refugees and colonists get a better idea of the construction efforts could improve morale.

On the other hand it could prove a distraction for the construction teams and yards. They have very tight schedules to maintain.

What are your feelings on this project?

>>41752564
>What are your feelings on this project?
I think it really depends on who's doing the show.

If they have a clue on how to behave on construction sites in difficult terrain it shouldn't be too much trouble, especially since most of the sequences that aren't interviews or educational stuff can probably be provided by security cameras or the upgraded sensors we installed. Rioja's current atmosphere should make pretty much all outside footage requirements moot.

>>41752564
It could be good if it's not too full of propaganda. It would also be a nice record for this history archives of Rioja.

Sure, let's do it, as long as these filming crews aren't interrupting schedules and slowing construction.

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>>41752678
>If they have a clue on how to behave on construction sites in difficult terrain it shouldn't be too much trouble
Some of their crews may need some training in that aspect.

>Rioja's current atmosphere should make pretty much all outside footage requirements moot.
Your city with it's additional containment field has less atmospheric trouble than the main city on the equator. Dust can still be a problem but the additional projects are slowly reducing that.

>>41752697
>It could be good if it's not too full of propaganda.
You want them treat it more like a documentary?

Any other additions?

>>41753035
>You want them treat it more like a documentary?
Not that anon but I think best thing to do is to make it an honest documentary. We don't want to attract people with unreasonable expectations.

>Any other additions?
Make sure everybody has proper insurance and gets some training with the environment suits.

>>41753035
part of the expenses for the show/documentary should include some funds to cover a few additional shifts/expenses that might occur due to filming.

Ideally, it will never be spent. But if something does cause delays due to filming, there is some funding to help with unexpected expenses. At the end of filming, the amount could be donated to help refugees with children or say families where one of the parents may have been killed during their exodus to Rioja.

>>41753035
>You want them treat it more like a documentary?
Yeah. Ultimately I think that'll go down better with the non-Dominion immigrants.

We can ramp up the propaganda later on, and make them loyal subjects of House Jerik-Dremine

>>41753035
>>41753063
>>41753225
>>41753236
I'm loving it. Make sure they get some serious training on environment suit use and how not to mess up construction. That would be a neat part of a documentary too, the training part vs. the real experience, though I imagine that would occupy a very small part of it. Is this a single feature or a weekly series. There's enough to cover that a series would be nice. Its funny how if presented in the right way a series can bring incredible amounts of exposure and fandom to a relatively obscure area/subject.

>>41753225
>part of the expenses for the show/documentary should include some funds to cover a few additional shifts/expenses that might occur due to filming.
>Ideally, it will never be spent. [...] At the end of filming, the amount could be donated to help refugees with children or say families where one of the parents may have been killed during their exodus to Rioja.
I take it there are no objections to this?


>>41753402
>Make sure they get some serious training on environment suit use and how not to mess up construction.
Indeed. They'll probably try to claim it under company start up expenses to get funding or a tax break.

>Is this a single feature or a weekly series.
It would be a regular series, ongoing as Rioja is built up to help fill their programming block for required local content.
It'll be on their HGTV channel equivalent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XznR_UIpyB4

>>41753730
>I take it there are no objections to this?

I'm okay with it. There are definitely worse ways to spend money on.

>Other industry ideas
-Regular clothing
-Would the FA or House Military be interested in a factory that builds copies of those Neeran ultra heavy tanks?

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>>41753855
>>Other industry ideas
>-Regular clothing
You guys up for spending a million on that?

>-Would the FA or House Military be interested in a factory that builds copies of those Neeran ultra heavy tanks?
They're not available for construction.

You could buy licenses for any of the Faction repulsor tanks or Heavy Walkers.
I suppose wheeled or tracked versions of the Medium tanks or smaller aren't out of the question but they're much slower.

>>41754074
>They're not available for construction.
Would these things be compatible with the doctrine of J-D's land forces? And if so, would the FA be willing to sell us one so we can reverse engineer it?

>Heavy Walkers.
Weren't regular walkers pretty popular with Dominion nobles?

>>41754074
>You guys up for spending a million on that?
Sure.

>tonks
I'd rather we work on a smaller tank that can effectively fight the Neeran ultratanks.

>>41754169
They're not available for construction because the technology needed to match Neeran versions is not yet available. You do not have the weapons, armor or on-board repair systems needed. Research on captured models is ongoing.

It is not as high of a priority due to development of the HAG.

You will be offered an opportunity to join another major R&D program at some point in the future. That would be the time to ask for it.

>Weren't regular walkers pretty popular with Dominion nobles?
They are, but Bipedal walkers are not practical for mass production because of the technology needed to keep it alive.

The Walker Sonia used on Yineput cost more than a merchandised division.

You could build cheap walkers but they would cost more then other types and would be less mobile than repulsor equipped ones. Their higher profile would also make them bigger targets.

>>41754328
>I'd rather we work on a smaller tank that can effectively fight the Neeran ultratanks.
The most effective ground vehicles against them at the moment are minelayers.

Heavy Walkers equipped with shields are also effective but are costly to deploy as it takes several of them.

Does anyone have any interest in production of existing or conventional ground vehicles that would have a high likelihood of already existing?

>>41754544
Those jet bikes we ran into several times in the past seem like something that could easily be sold to civilians once the current conflict is over and military spending gets cut a bit.

>merchandised division
Does House Uranium use a lot of these?

>>41754544
I'd be up for building a repulsor tank production line. A high-end one would be cool.

>>41754544
I remember the APC being lost rather quickly by the PDF on Loran II. Was the House using a bad design, or was there a shortage of AA vehicles?

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>>41754864
They were getting overwhelmed by auto cannon fitted Technicals using swarm tactics. The local PDF just didn't have enough vehicles in the area.

THEY MADE SHARKNADO 3!
AND THEY'RE WORKING ON A FOURTH
MIND FUCKING BLOWN

>>41754544
Not the guy who wanted a tank line, but heres an idea, what with our friendly relations with some factions and companies, is there a good high to mid end model with an attractive price point we could just license to build. Instead of tying our research up?

>>41754993
That was me.

>>41755308
Medium or MBT's? Sure. Even Heavy Tanks or Heavy Walkers.

House Phobos has the most up to date Dominion produced tanks out of those you have contacts with.
There are also the Ruling House and Ber'helum of course.

If going with Phobos did you have a particular trade of licenses in mind since these won't be available to just anyone? You could always contact Knight Captain Darrow.

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>>41754544
I think we should build a bigger and better factory for our Ammunition company.

Did we ever get pic related going? I remember at the time of drawing, we lacked even the rifle manufacturing business and the general consensus was, wait until you have an R&D team and some Shallans, since they're the fusion experts.

>>41755696
What about artillery?

>>41755753
Plasma Artillery could be cool.

>Terran Plasma Artillery
>Shudder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVi9O02WXU

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>>41755704
A couple of rounds similar to that have been evaluated as theoretically possible. There would be some minor differences.
That fuel pellet, it would be metallic hydrogen right? Or another compressed fusion fuel?

>>41755753
Mass Driver or missile based artillery vehicles should be easy enough to get hold of.

The former could be fitted with newer weapons like those now being produced on Kaartinen.

>>41755912
>Plasma Artillery could be cool.
There are probably fusion/plasma warheads like those being used in place of nukes these days being developed for smaller missiles and artillery. They would be more expensive.

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVi9O02WXU
This pic is the first thing I was reminded of.

I think the most useful military vehicles we could produce would be APCs. Especially if we start manufacturing a modular version so we can sell them to police forces as well.

>>41756290
>That fuel pellet, it would be metallic hydrogen right? Or another compressed fusion fuel?

I have no idea, I left it ambiguous simply because I have no idea what would work and what wouldn't. What would we need for something like that to even get started? Can we fund it? Recruit some of the Shallan's we've now acquired?

the sudden interest in producing ground vehicles seems a bit out of the blue.

Can we just add to the crazy idea page instead of ending up with Q&A thread?

>>41756357
Depends how it works. I'm reluctant to add something unless I have some idea, even if it means bullshit space physics.

I'm leaning towards a particular design but they'd need special storage and you'd have a limited amount of time to fire them or they might go off. Better for use with the cheaper Reynard rifles you can load the 20mm's into the back of. Or perhaps a chemical explosive would be better, I don't know. Have to give it more thought.

>>41756561
>Can we just add to the crazy idea page instead of ending up with Q&A thread?
Might be a good idea.

You guys up for adding a production facility to build an as yet undecided ground vehicle?

>>41756673
Honestly, I think we should chill on further expenditures until JD's payday to us officially clears.

If we spend everything, our political enemies could try to screw us by delaying that payment via investigation 'delays', along with our expected appointment as Baron.

>>41756673
>Depends how it works. I'm reluctant to add something unless I have some idea
Give me a day or so, I'll do some research. I think I'll be able to even give you an estimate on how much of a boost of energy it will give the round too.

Been trying to get to this.

Tamoren Balle has been successfully hired on to assist the Governor and is relocating to the Run. As predicted it was relatively easy to convince the Shallan to take the job. Easy doesn't necessarily mean cheap. The Governor has sent some funding to assist the situation on Plateau as part of the incentive.

With the expanding population centers there is an increasing demand for food. It's under control. Having bulk foods shipped in that the local processing centers can work with is still a relatively cheap option.

Stockpiles are being built up should they be cut off but it's better to plan ahead.

The Governor has recently found out that there are options for the local fisheries that could be implemented more quickly. Ocean algae farms have yet to reach suitable levels to allow extraction, and the atmosphere is making sure that the water isn't in the best shape either. There are species of fish from certain worlds that are better suited to the current conditions. They could act as another food source.

The downside is that their export would be restricted since they're rather invasive and would out compete other species. On Rioja that's less of an issue due to the destroyed biosphere.

[ ] Hold off and wait for better conditions
[ ] Introduce them now to help boost food reserves
[ ] Let Governor's new assistant study the issue
[ ] Other

>>41756987
[x] Hold off and wait for better conditions

Anything highly invasive will end up being a bad choice in the long term, as it probably will limit what else can be added to the ecosystem. And in the end, we need to think long term.

>>41756745
I'll agree with this. Our payday is not too far away, we can cool it with the big purchases for a few weeks.

>>41756987
>[ ] Hold off and wait for better conditions
We're thinking long term here. A few years of higher food prices is a much lower cost than trying to completely eradicate an unwanted invasive species.

>>41756987
>[ ] Hold off and wait for better conditions

>>41756987
>[x] Hold off and wait for better conditions

>>41756987
>On Rioja that's less of an issue due to the destroyed biosphere.
Speaking of that, were the Bioforming teams successful in recovering any native plants? Especially ones that could be brewed into alcohols.

>>41756987
>algae farming
This is the future and all so are magic food replicators a thing yet?

And does this world even have any native life to reintroduce or are we starting with a blank slate?

>>41757572
In a few pockets around the Northern Sea. They have not yet been evaluated for brewing potential.

>>41757748
There are food processors of varying complexity but they can only do so much. Even when doing a slightly more advanced equivalent of 3D printing food you need suitable starting ingredients to make certain things.

Military grade ones can do more in some ways and less in others. They can break down things like alien plant matter that might be inedible into a state that could sustain a Human or Dro'all. Still tastes awful though.


Seems it would be best to hold off on introducing new species just now.

Maybe it's best to hold off on any more spending. You're putting how much money into Rioja right now? No you don't want to look at that right now, the numbers scrolling downwards are depressing. The projections are what you want to see. Add some business here, subtract some costs there... you should be able to strike a balance soon. It really depends upon more businesses and actually making money off them.

Maybe it would have been better to become Baron of a world that didn't still need a decade of terraforming?

The factories you own personally and their exports are the real answer. Stasis production alone is probably your biggest money maker right now, with everything else being needed in some way shape or form on the planet.
The Metals refinery is getting some additional use you hadn't planned for. That Alliance FOB you bought has been steadily tunneling into Mons Abyla as part of the base building and there seems to be some surplus. Not enough to call for an expansion to the refinery complex but still nice to have.

Some of the starfighters are beginning to find buyers off world. Some are seeing temporary use with the PDF. While they are buying some you're producing more they could afford right now so some are being loaned for training before they're sold.

>>41756561
>>41756673
>reluctant to add something unless I have some idea

Okay, for a fuel pellet consisting of gaseous deuterium inside the bullet with a volume of approximately half a centimeter, you're looking at an energy gain of around 7 MJ, which isn't a lot to be fair. It's just under 2 kilograms of TNT, and metallic hydrogen is definitely a no-go since it needs stellar level pressures and ultra cold temperatures to make and store.

This is assuming all optimal conditions, so in use I can see it being more around 3 MJ gain in explosive energy, probably less.

Relations with the other Houses in the Run are doing well thanks to the flow of refugees being properly directed. The station is expanding with crews mining the asteroid interior for more space.
Some people from Rioja's main station are being asked to go through processing at the edge of the system but many are worried that if they do they may be shipped somewhere worse off. For now people on the station will continue to be processed by the less well equipped crews.

A few people here and there are slipping through the cracks but everyone is slowly getting better at finding them. Less smugglers are getting through and warnings go out about those even entering the sector, letting other worlds keep close watch.

An interesting trend is that of transports from other worlds in the Run bringing people to the refugee processing station in an attempt to potentially find work. There are a couple of less well off planets in the Run that refugees were dumped on after Wayward Treasures and its fleeing pirate fleet were captured. There hasn't been much in the way of opportunity for those people with their backgrounds.

You may need to make a decision regarding how to handle these ships.

"Sir, we have a ground vehicle approaching the western property line."

You've been meaning for some time now, since you were accused of treason at least, to speak to your former bodyguard Valeri Fusaro. As you still can't leave the property and he's understandably nervous to set foot on your land that only leaves a few options.

Heading out you hike down the mountain to where a few guards are patrolling the edges.

What weapons or equipment are you taking with you?

>>41758523
So then the question is if we gain any more explosive yield compared to futuretech materials by using a fusion core. If we could even get the same yield but in a smaller space that would still be useful because you could increase the armour piercing power.

Honestly though if we wanted to make mad scientist tier 20mm shells with maximum destructive power by weight we could make antimatter stasis rounds.

>>41759246
Full Recon (use one of the programmed disguises if we have to de-cloak?)
and a typical RSS rifle loadout?

This would be a perfect time for someone to off us, if Valeri really is a traitor. Or was just a patsy for another traitor.

Conducting the talk by personal frequency would be acceptable, due to mutual paranoia.

>>41759484
Don't forget our plasma pistol.

>>41759246
Smart grapple + the usual. Plasma Pistol of course. RSS Repulsor Rifle as well.

Recon Armor for sure, just in case. I would say LIGHTNING GUN but we aren't allowed that yet.

>>41759384
Eh, it's not just down to explosive power. If we want a bigger boom from the fusion we can compress it (and we will since I just realised I did the Hydrogen Capsule at 1atm). It's the hot gas effect too, so really this is more down to TSTG than anything. It would definitely be a noticeable shot though, something special.

>>41759543
>I would say LIGHTNING GUN but we aren't allowed that yet.
You aren't allowed that yet because you guys got the cooling laser. The Lightning gun was deemed to be too uncontrollable by your fellow players.

>>41759587
>You aren't allowed that yet because you guys got the cooling laser.
Huh? I could have sworn we voted for the Death Ray and to keep the cooling laser.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/40714184/
>Do you want to send one of the devices with Dave? If so which one?
>3 votes for lightning gun
>1 opposed
>? number abstaining

I even wrote why I wanted to keep the cooling laser, which was to develop and understand it.

Oh oops. Too late I guess, I like the idea of being able to zap things with ice beams and plasma at the same time. Also having the cooling laser be controllable will also make it much easier to research when we get around to it.

BTW I don't remember if this was ever mentioned but is the laser visible? If it isn't we now have a stealth weapon that makes the x-ray laser look like a windup flashlight.

>>41759654
I don't know why I remembered it the other way. I remember someone saying the lightning one would be a bad idea but I can't find that specific post.

Very strange.

>>41759835
Ultimately it's up to you I suppose.

Which one do you consider better? And will the modifications David made to them make it easier to reverse engineer?

You choose your footing carefully as you make your way down hill towards the property line. No reason to give away the fact you're wearing armor by letting people notice deeper footprints.

Rifle check, plasma pistol check, smart grapple check. The usual bag od assorted goodies are secured as well.

You clear the tree line and spot Valeri. He's a few meters back from the property line, his car parked near the edge of the small lake Bekka and her friends had needed to search one one of their outings.
A quick scan detects nothing else in the area except for the car which is still cooling. Your camo is still in place giving the impression you're dressed as you usually would be around the property.

He's just wearing a normal run of the mill duty uniform.

"Hell you're not even wearing body armor."
"Heard you got your plasma pistol back. Armor wouldn't do much good."

He's got a point there. Before you can come up with a response he continues.

"It's twenty eight degrees out, you just walked down a mountain and you're not sweating. You need to update the camo."

>What say?
>Anything you want to ask him?

I was looking forward to Sonia having wizard powers, but since the lasers is already here I can just roll with it. I'm happy with either.

>>41760704

"Noted."

So does he really believe we're guilty of the charges? As the guy we effectively forget about due to his camo system use, it should be an interesting response either way.

>>41760704
HMMM. Not sure how to handle this.

As we discussed before we can't totally cut him loose because he knows too much. So either we give him his job back or quietly assassinate him.

>>41760704
I don't really have a lot to say, to be honest.

Just wondering why, and for that matter, how? Did he know what this would do?

>>41760704
"I feel like I somehow wronged you, Valeri. What did I do that meant you didn't come to me first about Fox approaching you?"

>>41761112
This. Let's just talk this out, at least for now.

Just wrote a whole section and seems fairly unusable.

Starting over.
Sorry for the delay. We'll see if I can get a decent post finished tonight otherwise see you in the morning.

>>41761971
>Just wrote a whole section and seems fairly unusable.
Did we ask the wrong questions for it to get posted?

Post it anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66cZudF8ggY

January 4024
NAV DRH 1
Knight Commander Winifred's Command ship.

"Corporal you have a solid record, exemplary in many areas. I understand you were offered a position recently that one of your relatives tried to make available to you. A Warrant Officer position with the Ruling House occupation forces on Gesaur. Why did you turn it down?"

"I wouldn't be serving the House Sir."

"You realise that many would have taken the job then later found reason to transfer back? We send officers on exchange programs often enough during peace time."

"I may not have considered that at the time Sir. It still would have felt wrong to leave during war time."

Winifred rolled her eyes and shook her head, turning to the desk nearby and picking up a pad.

"I have to say your loyalty to the House is commendable. I have a job for you. Do you know who this is?"
She offered the pad with Sonia's image on it.

"One of the navy officers sent down to the surface with us on Gesaur."

"That's right. In the not too distant future she's going to be Knighted. With luck she'll even wisen up a bit before then. I'm assigning you as her bodyguard. There has already been one attempt on her life, there may be others. Your orders are to keep an eye on her.

This won't be a babysitting assignment. The House may not have room in the expeditionary force to promote you right now but I suspect this will pay just as well as any promotion if things go well.

And Corporal?"

"Sir?"

"Given your record if you see anything... out of the ordinary I have a feeling you'll know what to do."
"Yes sir."

>>41763226
Why TSTG? Why do you do this to me? My paranoia machine had just managed to reset after the arrest and now it's going into overdrive again.

Looks like the pegged us for being crazy early on. As they should

That still doesn't explain why he cooperated with Fox of all people. COMMENCE NAGGING.

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>>41760518
>Which one do you consider better?
For pure destruction lightning, for any kind of accuracy laser.


>>41760704
"Noted." you reply. Gotta start planning ahead for things like this. More comprehensive programming on the suit.


>So does he really believe we're guilty of the charges?
"I believed you capable of it. You certainly considered it even right there on Surakeh I could tell.

The more I've thought about it, the more certain I am you would have waited until you were powerful enough that it might not have mattered if you got caught. So no. I don't think you did it."

>Just wondering why, and for that matter, how?
"Seemed like the right thing to do at the time Sir.
I'm a soldier, I served the House for years before you joined the military. Legally once someone finds evidence of treason they have to report it.

As for how, my suit recordings were all used as evidence. Odds are you and your lawyers have seen everything that I have. If you mean how did the files end up in your safe, if you didn't do it I don't know how. Not for certain. Rufaro would never take that kind of risk. Tes'us... has questionable loyalty but it's stronger to you than anyone else in this House."

>Did he know what this would do?
"A vague idea, but the law is the law."

>"I feel like I somehow wronged you, Valeri. What did I do that meant you didn't come to me first about Fox approaching you?"
"I fully expected the files to be locked just as when you took them from the Governor's office. At which point I would have returned and held Fox at gunpoint until you arrived to deal with him.
I... admit I did feel somewhat betrayed when I found the decrypted files instead. I didn't think there would have been time after the meetings, but you are much better than me at Recon work when you want to be. It wasn't impossible.
My trust in you was called into question. At that moment I still had my belief in the House.

I want you to know that I'm sorry."

Meanwhile in South Reach...

Winifred: Are you shitting me?! He did that because of what I said all those years ago?

See you in the morning. Continue to as questions.

>>41763370
What do you mean still had belief in the past tense?

>>41763370
He knows too much... but we can't very well shoot him on the spot now, could we.

>>41763370
"You do realize that if things had gone worse than they did, I possess material that would plunge the entire Dominion into civil war, and would lead to the House becoming enemies not only of several other houses, but of entire Factions?"

Do our bodyguards have access inside the safe, or is it only us?

>>41763446
"Being sorry isn't good enough in face of betrayal. You've put the headsman's axe at the nap of my neck but what's even worse is that you've put into question my unwavering loyalty to the House. All to feed Fox's ambition to rise through the ranks with no regard for what is good for the House. And that is something I will never forgive you for. I hope you are prepared for the consequences of your betrayal once I am freed of all charges?"

>>41764044
I'm sure he realizes that, and we really shouldn't say that out loud.

>>41764273
Not a fan of murder Sonia myself.

>>41763370
Did Fox at least set him up with a decent reward for this? Was he given some land so he'd have at least some legal protection?

"Did Fox promise you anything after he walks over my corpse?"

"Did you ever hold any loyalty to me?"

"Did it ever cross your mind that Fox, or someone else entire, may have been lying in order to get access to some of the data I had in that safe?"

>>41765271
>Not a fan of murder Sonia myself.
Murder is getting away to easy, we need to make his entire life shite to make him regret betraying us.

>>41765311
>Murder is getting away to easy
It's really not.

This is more about tying up a loose end than some half-assed, stupid revenge plot.

We wait for the Council/Alliance investigation to clear us of any wrongdoing and get promoted to Baron.

Then we pay someone to make him disappear, and then we space that guy. Easy and clean.

>>41763446
First she repeatedly took our cruisers, and now she caused trouble again. We should totally murder Winifred...really. What could possibly go wrong. Maybe we can take her stuff too.

> Continue to ask questions.
What is he planning to do now? Sign up with the Factions Alliance? Enter an entirely different line of work?

>I want you to know that I'm sorry
"I think the whole incident turned out pretty poorly for everyone involved."

Sonia's enemies got relatively little for burning Fox and Fusaro. Sonia lost time and money, Fusaro lost his career and now has to be worried about Sonia and whoever planted those files. Dunno how things look for Fox.

Anyway, I don't blame Fusaro for any of this. Officially everybody is serving House and Dominion, and I don't think he actually did something wrong. Of course it's understandable to be upset about the whole situation but he didn't take any of the other secret stuff Sonia had when he clearly had the chance to do so and he would have been set for life after selling it.

In Fusaro's case I'm absolutely willing to let this go and move on.

>>41759246
>Relations with the other Houses in the Run are doing well thanks to the flow of refugees being properly directed.
Are there any investment opportunities in the other Houses? And what are the predominant industries in the 'Run?

>>41756987
>Tamoren Balle has been successfully hired on to assist the Governor and is relocating to the Run.
Excellent.

>The Governor has sent some funding to assist the situation on Plateau as part of the incentive.
We should definitely check if the planets location and cheap labour supply would give it an advantage in some areas of industry.

>Other
How much would a shipyard for Barge class spacecraft cost?

bump

>>41765311
>>41765411
>>41763867

It is bad karma to kill Valeri over this. After all, he did save us from that assassin with the poisoned blade.

If someone saves your life, you can spare them death. But it only covers one incident. If he's involved in another plot, all bets are off.


>>41766209
>comments on Valeri

spot on. While it may be impossible to trust him with our life again after this, Sonia likely would have done the exact same in his position.

>>41763370
>more questions

"Did you volunteer information about my safe or its contents to Fox, or did he know about either before you presented your findings?"


"Where do you want to go from here?"
- He saved our life once, so killing him isn't an option.
- Our ability to trust him with our life is running on empty.
- He'll need to sign a crippling and legally binding NDA about time served with us.
- And we can't guarantee our father won't try to kill him if they meet.
- or that Fox won't kill him as a loose end.

>>41767996
I half an apple is rotten and the other half is not what do you do? Do you eat the apple? No, you throw it in the trash. Valeri may have saved our life, which he was paid to do but none the less did. This however does not make up for betraying the trust that we put in him and endangering us and our family.

>>41768178
unless you're asking me if I amputate gangrenous limbs from the human in question, the apple/human comparison is horrible.

And you can 100% cut the rotten bit of the apple out, with margins, and eat the good half. You just choose not to.

Evil Overlord Rule 68: I will spare someone who saved my life sometime in the past. This is only reasonable as it encourages others to do so. However, the offer is good one time only. If they want me to spare them again, they'd better save my life again.

>>41768178
I think you are too idealistic. That attitude of "if it isn’t perfect, it must be completely destroyed" simply doesn’t work in this setting. If you look deeply enough you will probably find issues with pretty much everyone we have interacted with so far: Winfried was quite cautious of us and may work against us at some point. The Earl likes us because of how useful we were, but that just means he shows us his friendly side, who knows what other plans he has. He might even be happy about the accusations because he somehow got the contents of our safe from it, and might have used his influence to have secretly gotten copies of sensitive information.

I wonder what you would do if anyone managed to convince Linda that we have gone insane and she started working against us, would you suddenly say "Well, Linda used to be our friend, but she ratted out our secrets because of false information, so now we must kill her." or what?

This is of course exaggerated, but if you want to kill someone who obviously likes us, saved our life only over a single issue that was engineered by a third-party, where do you draw the line?

>I want to kill him
>We should marry him
>I want Sonia to be able to transform into a motorcycle

Just another day on For House and Dominion.

>>41768534
I'm rooting for the marry Versa option personally.

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There are 2 (or possibly more) ways of taking it.
1) That there wasn't anything else he had left to believe in but the House at that moment or
2) that he has since lost that belief in the House.
Which one he means is up to each player to decide for themselves. He's not going out of his way to clarify.

>>41763370
"I think the whole incident turned out pretty poorly for everyone involved."

>>41764044
>"You do realize that if things had gone worse than they did, I possess material that would plunge the entire Dominion into civil war, and would lead to the House becoming enemies not only of several other houses, but of entire Factions?"
"The only one who knows about those are Baron Winifred. She or one of her allies would have taken steps to ensure the contents of your safe were moved to a secure location."

>>41765311
>"Did Fox promise you anything after he walks over my corpse?"
"He did not."
>"Did you ever hold any loyalty to me?"
"Yes. Until it seemed that you'd betrayed the House and the law. You've always made it a point that the nobility should not be above the law."

>"Did it ever cross your mind that Fox, or someone else entire, may have been lying in order to get access to some of the data I had in that safe?"
"Yes, but as I was the only one checking it I didn't see how that could be possible."

>>41767996
>"Did you volunteer information about my safe or its contents to Fox, or did he know about either before you presented your findings?"

>>41764273
Say this? Y/N?
It doesn't leave a lot of room for other options.

>>41768534
>I want Sonia to be able to transform into a motorcycle
More likely than you think.

Sorry for the long wait.
Survey ready. Do these questions cover the full spectrum adequately?

Shoot him on the spot
Make him disappear after your promotion
Never speak to him again (Force to sign NDA)
Agree to go your separate ways
Tell him you're willing to forgive / Hire him later

>>41768636
Survey link pls

>>41768636
Some of the answers seem not to have made it.

>Say this? Y/N?
Nah.

>Do these questions cover the full spectrum adequately?
Maybe set him up with a job far, far, far away until things quiet down? The Norune will probably have a few career opportunities for somebody with his talents.

Survey
surveymonkey com/r/ V7GPMZB


>>41766209
>What is he planning to do now? Sign up with the Factions Alliance? Enter an entirely different line of work?
>>41767996
>"Where do you want to go from here?"

"First I'll see if I'm alive in a year. If I haven't been taken off of administrative leave by then I'll resign. Maybe move to Tourta."

>>41768921
Might sound strange but can we have our intel team look out for him? Make sure he doesn't do anything, and make sure no one else gets to him as well. If anyone's eventually going to kill him, I'd like it to be us.

Survey down? URL not found, didn't get a chance to vote. I'm in favour of giving him his old job back later.

>>41769267
>Survey down?
It's still showing as up. Did you try the link on the wiki?

>>41768300
>>41768339
Points taken. Betrayal still hurts however.

Also I am now conflicted as to what to vote for. On one hand I still kind of want to murder him with a rusty spoon by repeatedly stabbing him in the face with it. On the other hand I am beginning to lean towards forgiveness but putting him on a short leash.

Banishing him or just walking different ways is just to unsatisfactory. It's either one or the other.

>>41769267
There's a working link on the wiki.

Ok it works now. I think the reason it didn't was that when I copypasted the spoilered link it didn't automatically add the HTTPS.

>>41769416
I'm secretly hoping 'hire later' wins but Fox's people clean up the loose end.

So we can kill Fox and his entire family in revenge.

which brings up an interesting question. Does this mean we lose access to Meteor on any future deployments?

>>41769439
>>41769267
Both of the links work. You need to remove the spaces and add a dot before the com.

>>41769504
Or that could be it.

>>41769416
>On one hand I still kind of want to murder him with a rusty spoon by repeatedly stabbing him in the face with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhfuuKiTcYQ
?


"You know anything else about the case against me?" you ask before he leaves.

"Not much, just that Fox is working for someone."
He tosses you a data stick before departing.

You quickly play it's contents, an audio log of Fox speaking to someone via com. The other voice is impossible to make out.

"No it's not working, the Earl isn't buying it. It will still weaken Winifred's Faction but only for a short time, simply plan accordingly.
How was I to know she wouldn't resist arrest?
No, it's too late to try and kill her. If you'd wanted to do that you should never have involved me. Trying to kill her now would just result in an early release.
The Evidence was solid, she should be in a prison.
No... What? Why would Reynard do that? What does she get out of it?
I suppose.
Just make sure your side is prepared."

>>41769728
Does the log have a date and location?

>>41769728
Hah. A copy of this needs to be given to the commander of the Earl's guard ASAP.

>>41769728
Hey I just had an idea.

Have we been able to hire any of those cool Krath from watcher space?

Can they do the mind-probe thing? That way we'll definitely find out what their game-plan is.

>>41769895
I have a feeling this sort of thing isn't legally admissible evidence.

>Krath from watcher space?

Now that we're in contact with these guys, would it have been possible to have the murder not-krath Beryl ran into stand down with some kinda of code phrase?

>>41770125
>Can they do the mind-probe thing?
That would be illegal and probably harmful.

>>41770165
Probably not. They're not all citizens of the Kavarian Protectorate.

>>41770205
>That would be illegal and probably harmful.
Well framing someone is also illegal, I say we kidnap Fox, mindprobe him and have a Krath take his place.

>>41768636
>Say this? Y/N?
Absolutely No. Even if the murder-crazy people win, we shouldn’t tell him beforehand.

>>41768921
I’m afraid to vote for what I want most. I absolutely do not want to kill him, so in order to avoid that it seems necessary to estimate the most popular not-killing option and vote for that to make sure it wins.

Could you make it a two-parter, please? The first vote is on kill/ no kill, the second is on the specifics?

>>41769416
>forgiveness but putting him on a short leash.
That’s also what I would like most. Sadly, there is no vote specifically for this. TSTG, could you also add one for this?

>>41770373
>>forgiveness but putting him on a short leash.
>That’s also what I would like most. Sadly, there is no vote specifically for this. TSTG, could you also add one for this?

Should: Tell him you're willing to forgive / Hire him later
Win you will get to work out specifics.

If you forgive him but want to go your separate ways there isn't really much point in putting him on a short leash is there? You could still ask him to sign the NDA.


The only kill options are shoot him right there or making him disappear later.

>>41770132
It is still worth making known to the Earl, however.

With the case essentially being hearsay over the actual proof that the evidence wasn't planted (Fox's evidence demonstrates that he had the ability to compromise our safe, meaning he had the ability to plant evidence, but no proof that we actually decoded the information), this could be a small but important piece damaging Fox's story. And potentially starting an investigation into a conspiracy to commit murder.


That said, we have to determine where this information can cause the most damage to Fox and friends.

Winifred clearly needs it. The Earl's Guard should probably get a copy.

We could probably spread it through the fleet, damaging Fox's reputation among the enlisted and fellow Knights?

Media leak could force powers that be to pressure Fox into revealing who wanted to kill a fellow Knight, but could also cause problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWh9l8RSkPk

You head back up to the lodge considering your options. You weren't about to kill Valeri right there. He still needs to make up for what he did while ensuring that he won't be telling anyone about the other contents of your safe.
At the moment it seems that he isn't telling anyone or the Earl would have talked to you about the other items in there. That redesign of the safe can't come about soon enough.

The next day the Alliance representative arrives. Wearing the uniform of an officer with the intelligence branch, you hope this will provide a resolution.

After stepping inside and sitting down the officer gets right to the point.

"General, our investigation has not been as conclusive as we would prefer."
"That is not what I wanted to hear."

"Given the time window someone boarded the station from your Battlecruiser, The Great Devourer, then returned before you disembarked.
Based on what little evidence is available we've determined that whoever carried out the theft was wearing Recon armor and holographic camouflage when they took the hacking unit from a sealed storage locker. They were definitely from your House.
We have not been able to determine where the hacking module ended up after it was used, but it was the one that decrypted those files."

The officer pauses considering their next words.
"Holographics can sometimes leave a residual imprint on materials in the surrounding area if the person doesn't move for a minute or more. It's hard to scan for and not exact. Those caused by the holographics on your suits are similar to what we found. There is room for error however."

"How much error?"
"The ones your suits are equipped with were all stolen Terran models, with the exception of one that was manufactured in South Reach."

>Cont.

"The signatures we found lean slightly towards a Dominion model but it's not conclusive enough to say for certain. In the future it may be possible to get better sensor readings so evidence has been stored in stasis at a secure location until they're available."

"How long will that be?"

"Uh... years, many years I imagine. At this time it is the official opinion of the Alliance that you had the equipment, capability and training to carry out the alleged actions and cover for yourself. Motive supposedly exists but can't be substantiated.
That one of your subordinates just happened to be aware of it shortly afterwards is considered highly suspicious."

"So you're saying I'm guilty?"
"Evidence would seem to indicate that either you're guilty or the victim of a setup by someone within your own House, either could be true. Until new evidence is found to indicate one or the other the case is going to remain stalled.

We're recommending the case against you be dismissed until additional evidence is made available at which point you would be retried."

Well that's not ideal but it's something at least.

>>41771054
THIS GUY

He seems to know his shit.

Can we get him to run a background audio program on the log we just got?

>>41771054
So no new information, but a very hint that it wasn’t our own recon armor.

Can he recommend anything that would make gathering of evidence easier in the future? Eg, certain security features or regular scans that notice those "residual imprint"s when they are still fresh?

>>41771054
Is this enough evidence for the FA to censure JD like when that assassin was deemed to be from the Baron's House?

Could be an interesting angle to put pressure on House Intel or Fox's people to try and claim a big reward for evidence.

>>41771123
>Can we get him to run a background audio program on the log we just got?
Unless it's related to the case that would seem like an internal affair, and/or a conflict of interest.

To speed things along, one of your people on the Devourer have looked at it. It's not possible to recover audio from the other side of the call.

>>41771147
>Can he recommend anything that would make gathering of evidence easier in the future? Eg, certain security features or regular scans that notice those "residual imprint"s when they are still fresh?
They're difficult and time consuming to scan for. They won't be picked up by the internal sensors of a ship, you have to know where to look first for a team to conduct an analysis.

"You can install the newer security scanners into key corridor sections which should detect the movement of people in holographic camo. It might be a good idea to specially fit your suits IFF transponder to send a return signal to help identify which person's suit it is passing through them. If a suit doesn't have it then it's not one of yours. I'm sure you have someone that could conceal that bit of IFF code so others don't know about it."

>>41771174
>Is this enough evidence for the FA to censure JD like when that assassin was deemed to be from the Baron's House?
No.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help General. I know the Alliance could certainly use another flag officer at the front."

>Anything else you want to say?

>>41771561
>>Anything else you want to say?
"Thank you, I really appreciate the time and effort you and others were willing to put into this investigation. Fortunately, I only have x days of my house arrest remaining, so I should be available for another deployment with the Alliance rather sooner than later."

>>41771561
Eh, I have a bunch of stuff I wanted to ask but I doubt it would help the investigation so, no.

Just general advice at this point.

>>41771715
>"Thank you, I really appreciate the time and effort you and others were willing to put into this investigation. Fortunately, I only have x days of my house arrest remaining, so I should be available for another deployment with the Alliance rather sooner than later."
"Well that's good news."

>>41771805
>Just general advice at this point.
"Try to stay out of trouble would seem the appropriate thing to say."

Skyscrapers keep going up on Rioja. Population of the main colony is expected to catch up with the available completed housing at around 2.7 million.

In your city, there are now enough buildings up to support 850,000 though everything needed to let people live there isn't quite done yet. Current population is 250k and climbing fast. The infrastructure company has built another construction yard, with plans for a fifth that will be rented out to the companies doing reconstruction work elsewhere.

Media companies and crews are starting to get settled. For the moment many are concentrating on the spaceport area. Some will be splitting off to cover the residential sectors while others will get training to keep from causing trouble in the industrial park.

The PDF had a starfighter accident near the city that has been listed as pilot error. He struck the atmospheric containment field at hypersonic velocities. All pilots had been warned about it but apparently it was a new guy just out of training. Additional warnings have been put out and training instructors are trying to make sure this doesn't happen again.

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You Bekka and Ethan head out on your long planned hiking trip up the mountains. You have an aerocar on stand by if needed.

It's a great educational experience as Bekka can attest to. Both of you make sure to show your little brother tips about plants, hot to check and treat water before drinking, things of that nature.

Much to your dismay Bekka seems to have had some input on recent shows watched the day before the trip. Getting Ethan to stop talking about them is proving difficult.

"And then! And then the monster knocked over the whole building! And it was roaring and knocked over a smaller one. I don't think even a monster that big could knock over a building like that, they're supposed to be really strong, but they did it. It was in a movie so that means it could really happen like that right?"

>What say?

>>41772409
>>What say?
"I'm not sure but maybe the monster was secretly a robot? A robot that big could definitely knock over a building just like that."

>>41772409
"Totally! You should have been there that one time when we where fighting these Neeran guys. They had this base dug -deeeeeeep- underground so we took this -huuuge- ship and crashed it into the planet. Left a hole big enough to see from space! Ahh.... Good times."

Absolutely nothing can go wrong with war stories.

>>41772508
We promised not to screw up this sibling.

>>41772542
He is a Reynard, he was doomed to end up like one of us from the start. He has already show the Reynard born skill to swiftly deconstruct anything he think he can salvage and he is already liking explosions.

>>41772409
Yeah...Yeah I bet it could, actually.

>>41772409

"Did I ever tell you about the time I piloted a mech warrior?"

>>41772409
Since Bekka got to shoot our Plasma Pistol, should we let him try as well?

"I'm not sure but maybe the monster was secretly a robot? A robot that big could definitely knock over a building just like that."
"Do they make robots that big? There was a robot he um, he stepped on a robot just before that."
"Oh? What kind of Robot?"

"I think it was a heavy walker." Bekka answers.

"Oh. Has Dad talked to you about those yet?"
"No."

"Well if it stepped on a heavy walker then yeah...Yeah I bet it could, actually knock over a building."

"Wow."

>>41772508
"Did that really happen?"

"Of course it really happened."
"I don't know. That doesn't sound like a thing that would really happen. Bekka did that really happen?
"I don't know, I wasn't there."

"Why not?"
"Because I had to go to school, just like you do."
"I still haven't seen you at my school."
"That's because I go to a school for older kids."

"Sonia do you go to school too?"
"No, I have a job flying around in spaceships. That's how I'm able to see all kinds of neat things."

"So why is Bekka still in school? She's bigger than you."

>What say?

>>41772907
"Lies and slander. Not that I need to be taller than my baby sister. My spaceships is bigger than hers."

>>41772907
"Only after I had her shins surgically lengthened by ten cm so she couldn't wear my things."

>>41772893
"Bigger usually doesn't mean older after a certain age."

Urge to pay for gene theraphy intensifies.

>>41772907
W-Wha? That's not relevant!

Bigger isn't better, especially when it comes to Neeran bastards.

>>41772176
>He struck the atmospheric containment field at hypersonic velocities
WHELP, they'll be burying him in a matchbox.

>>41772893
Note from Mom: Wait five more years. Or else.


>>41772972
"Lies and slander. Not that I need to be taller than my baby sister. My spaceships is bigger than hers."
Bekka glares at you. "I don't even have a ship yet."

"Do I get a ship?"

"No." you and Bekka both reply in unison.

"You have to earn it." you continue.

>>41772981
"And she only got taller after I had her shins surgically lengthened by ten cm so she couldn't wear my things."

"I thought we were done talking about lies and slander." Bekka grumbles.

"Are you two going to fight? Because I saw a fight at school once and it was really scary and the teachers got really mad."

"We're not going to fight." you proclaim "I already know what would happen so there's no point."

"You're admitting that I would win?" you sister asks, a smirk back on her face.

"Remember what happened when you were kidnapped?" you remind her.
"That was years ago and they had stun grenades. You can't compare the two."

You turn your attention back to Ethan. "Bigger usually doesn't mean older after a certain age."
"Oh okay. I know Mom is shorter than Bekka but I didn't think of that."

"Now Neeran are really big."

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Ethan can keep talking for hours it seems. The long hike lets each of you burn off enough energy that it takes little convincing to break for lunch or dinner.


You reach the top of the mountain near sundown. You chose this particular one to climb because the top is fairly clear. There are enough rocks that the trees don't have room to grow providing a stunning view of the surrounding land. There's a small flat section down among the trees nearby that offers plenty of cover and a good place to set up tents. Small ones at any rate.

The three of you search the area and collect fallen branches, enough to start a camp fire. Ethan learns the hard way not to stand down wind of the fire, coughing from the smoke.

Before long you've pulled out the marshmallows and showing Ethan how to not catch them on fire, though that takes some convincing. You didn't bring enough supplies for many s'mores but it seems your brother isn't keen on the graham crackers anyways.

It's been ten years since you and Bekka went on a camping trip with the rest of the family. It was hard to plan out for one reason or another. Most of the lands suitable for it are owned by nobles. The last thing many of them want are some middle class families wandering around in their woods. While rare there are a few camp sites around. That was a long trip.

After snacks and cleaning up, you check the fire and flashlights then head up to the top of the mountain to look at the stars. This far away from the cities there's little light pollution. Sure there is air and orbital traffic but most of those are small moving pinpricks of light.

>>41773707
>Most of the lands suitable for it are owned by nobles. The last thing many of them want are some middle class families wandering around in their woods.

We could see if we can find a few knights who would be willing to make part of their property available to a limited number of the general public while they're on deployment.

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You point out a few nearby stars you know the names of then try to answer questions for a bit.

Sitting down you take a few minutes to rest while checking what supplies are in your pockets. Odds are you'll have lost one item or another on the way up but everything seems in place.

"What is that?"

You glance over to see Ethan pointing up at the sky.

Looking up you catch sight of the expanding ball of a multi-megaton explosion in orbit.

"It's probably just the navy test firing weapons in orbit." Bekka assures your younger brother. "Right sis?"

Your HUD implants would disagree with that assessment. When you flipped the system on to gauge the size of the explosion they also picked up the light from identical detonations. Five that you could make out from your current location. From the arc they formed they could only be Dreminth's Geo stat stations.

A few seconds later the light from the stars in the night sky dims. The planetary shields have gone up.

>Your orders?
>What are you telling your brother?

>>41774130
>>Your orders?
Call that car we had on standby and get back to our bunker asap.

>>What are you telling your brother?
"It seems we won't be camping outside tonight but to make up for it you'll get to see a secret."

>DEFCON 1 INTERNALLY

>>41774130
>>What are you telling your brother?
We get to stay in an extra-special place tonight!

>Orders
Definitely get back to the lodge, contact everyone we can. Get Mother and Father over too, see if we can contact Tes'us.

>>41774130

Time to check in with PDF/Command.

And our ships in orbit. Coup seems unlikely to blow the geo-synch stations.

We're under attack, it would seem.

Lat'tham 2: Reynard Harder time?

>>41774130
Also, stopping for dinner. Will try to have next post up in an hour.

>>41774130
>Dreminth's Geo stat stations

How big were these? These are not the stations we arrived back on after our deployments, right?

>>41774236
The Devourer is in orbit isn't it? We should get a status update from the skeleton crew once we're in the bunker.

Also, we have some men-at-arms on the property, right?

>>41774978
I remember we went whole-hog with the bunker and property after the break-in.

The bunker has practically everything to survive sustained mass driver bombardment. Separate generator, turrets, armory, back-up communication array.

"This is Reynard, we're going to need a pickup." you tell the pilot waiting down by the lodge.

"Pack up your things. It seems we won't be camping outside tonight, but to make up for it you'll get to see a secret."
"What secret?" Asks Ethan
"We get to stay in an extra-special place tonight!"

"Okay?" Ethan gives you an odd look then heads for the camp site to pack up his things. Bekka shoots you a questioning look then follows.

While you're still here you try to contact Mom and Dad but you're informed the planetary network is being restricted to essential coms. After sending out a text you head down the hill to help pack.

Within a minute your ride has arrived and brings the car in to help load your supplies. No reason to abandon perfectly good gear.

It isn't long before you set down and the three of you head inside and into the bunker complex.

"Has this always been down here?" Ethan starts once inside.
"Ever since the first lodge burned down."
"When was that?"
"A few years ago. You were still a baby."

Entering the command center you call up displays, try to patch into orbital control and the Devourer. It takes a bit but eventually you're able to establish a connection. Your Battlecruisers are fine, they're at full alert, recalling all crew and standing by to cast off at a moments notice.

"What's happening up there?"

"I don't know sir." Answers Tes'us. "Everything was fine then orbital platforms started blowing up."

"Which platforms? Did they take down the system defenses?"
"No, they're fine, so is the main station. It looks like the industrial blocks on the manufacturing platforms were being targeted. Do you want me to send down a shuttle? There are approach windows."

>Send down a shuttle Y/N?

>>41776099
>>Send down a shuttle Y/N?
First make a call to see if we can get our House arrest temporarily lifted.

>>41776099
>It looks like the industrial blocks on the manufacturing platforms
SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE

WAS TRYING TO MAKE SP TORPS

>>41776099
Yes if we can have our arrest temporarily lifted.

No if we can't.

>>41776193
I doubt anybody in our house would be stupid enough to do that in the high traffic area around the house homeworlds.

>>41776099
Send a shuttle down, but we won't leave until we've got a green light from Earl/Earl's Guard to do so.

>>41776193
Winifred wouldn't be stupid enough to try and make them in orbit of the home world. It would have to be somewhere she located during her time as a Knight Commander, far from J-D and possibly even using one of the various hidden stations we located?

Manufacturing being targeted sounds more like another House looking to cripple say our new torpedo construction.

>>41776304
>Winifred wouldn't be stupid enough to try and make them in orbit of the home world.
Not saying it was Winifred.

>>41774482
>How big were these?
They're roughly medium cruiser sized, specialised for steady mass production. Each one is it's own facility so they don't have to worry about all of the other traffic a modular station does.

>>41774978
>Also, we have some men-at-arms on the property, right?
Yes, some with power cell armor.

>>41775447
>I remember we went whole-hog with the bunker and property after the break-in.
You have a shield generator and the bunker can be sealed off and go self sustaining for awhile if needed.

>turrets
These will not shoot down starfighters. Aside from the shields most of the defenses are internal, geared against infantry and intruders.
>>41776142
>First make a call to see if we can get our House arrest temporarily lifted.
Even with the back-up communication array that doesn't make it any easier to get people to take your calls if they're busy. When you get through to the capital you're informed that "A representative has been scheduled to see you shortly. Will you be able to see them at your residence in the next hour and a half?"

Well you suppose if they're not releasing you from house arrest just yet then you don't have much of a choice.

>Send a shuttle down, but we won't leave until we've got a green light from Earl/Earl's Guard to do so.
Everyone okay with this?

>>41776442
>Everyone okay with this?
Yes.

>>41776442
>Everyone okay with this?
Yeah.

I've got to say, with the nuke Bekka tripped over and now these very specific, minimal traffic stations being blown up...

We need to find out who Our (and Winifred's) political enemies are, and who is standing where in the scheme of potential war. Some of this stuff is starting to smell of elements of JD false flagging, potentially to knock out the Dro'all council's influence or in a stubborn bid to start a war and reclaim lost space?

>>41774482
>These are not the stations we arrived back on after our deployments, right?
No that's a different one.

Your parents are flown out to the lodge by security forces. Once their shuttle is clear and your own has landed you warm up the shield generator. If anything hostile is thrown your way you'll be ready for it.
Unless it's shield piercing bunker buster, then you might be in some trouble.

Over the next hour traffic in orbit picks up. Three House medium cruisers jump into the system, including Wayward Treasures, and the command ships belonging to the Barons of Loran and Torun.

Soon shuttles are descending on the capital from the Medium carrier.

"Tes'us are you seeing this?"

"Yes sir. There's also been a great deal of shuttle and LST traffic between the House command ships."

You manage to bounce a signal and get hold of Mike but he informs you he can't talk and knows less of what's going on then you do.

"Where's Alex?"
"At one of the Alliance training bases in a Terran Relay. I've got to go, I need to get to my ship."

"Watch your back." you tell him.

[ ] Wait for that appointment
[ ] Take drastic action

>>41777026
>[x] Wait for that appointment

>>41777026
>[X] Wait for that appointment

>the command ships belonging to the Barons of Loran and Torun.
What ships do these guys have?

>>41777026
>[X] Wait for that appointment
But have our ship ready to go.

Also send a message to Winifred / our company roughly describing the situation and the fact that we might need reinforcements

>command ships belonging to the Barons of Loran and Torun.
What do we know about these Barons?

>>41777026
[x] Wait for the appointment

We should probably be in Full Recon mode, just in case the appointment isn't friendly.
Dad and Bekka should probably be armed and armored with whatever armor we can spare, too. If something -does- happen, we'll need everyone ready before it starts

>>41777161
I'll back sending word to RSS/RLS/RTS that all company assets are to be on alert, but Winifred would be alerted by the House faster than we possible could. And if they aren't informing her, we're probably dead already.

>Planet burning down
>Potentially hostile starships in orbit
>Earl probably dying in a coup
>Sonia patiently awaits a pencil-pusher in the lodge's study.

Yep.

>>41777086
>What ships do these guys have?
Archivald still has one of the original Eminence Class that belonged to the House, while Torben picked up a Kilo a few years ago and fitted it with torpedo batteries.

>>41777161
>What do we know about these Barons?
Archivald is the commander of the home fleet. Torben is one of the runner's up.
Both are considered part of the House old guard or established nobility. They're part of the faction opposed to Winifred's.

>>41777268
>all company assets are to be on alert
>send a message to Winifred / our company roughly describing the situation and the fact that we might need reinforcements

>>41777394
So Archivald and Torben showing up is a fairly legit defensive move.

Wayward Treasures deploying shuttles and LSTs is likely a crash 'idk what is happening, deploy ground forces into defensive positions' to ensure they aren't taken out in orbit if there is an attack.

We should probably be a minor annoyance and contact all 3 of the big ships for word on wtf is happening, and if we need to deploy due to an enemy attack.

If this is a coup, Tes'us would be reporting signs of combat as the Earl's Guard and PDF attempted to resist. There wasn't a ball tonight, was there?

>>41777394
Whoops, missed a bit there.
Message sent.

With the way things are going you decide now might be a good time to show Dad and Bekka the more recently stocked weapons locker just in case.

"Yes! I'm getting a plasma pistol right?"
You and Dad both turn to her at the same time. "NO."

There are plenty of Reynard rifles and special ammo for them.
"Ammo is colour coded by type. Just stick with the simple ones you're not going to mix up."

You head back up to the control room when the sensors detect an inbound shuttle that just decelerated from orbit.

Well this is it. Going topside you wait for the shuttle to touch down on the pad outside. A pair of Marines in power cell armor are the first out, declaring it clear before Baron Archivald steps down onto the pad.

"What the hell?"

A second later Alex follows suit, which means something must be going on if Mike thought he was in Terran space.

"Knight Commander Reynard, so we have your permission to enter?"

>What say?

>>41777838
"What's yer business?"

>>41777838
Initiate mandatory security procedures. Marines are to stay outside unless we can check their backgrounds. Chat with Alex to make sure its the real one and not some clone/duplicate/krath.

>>41777773

Does our arm sensor/armor detect anything besides the ones we can see?

"Depends. Are you going to slap me again?"

>>41777961
>Does our arm sensor/armor detect anything besides the ones we can see?
Shuttle crew plus 4 more marines in power cell armor in the shuttle. There is plasma weaponry aboard.

"Depends. Are you going to slap me again?"
"That was eight years ago."

"Fine, fine. What's yer business?"
"Ending your House arrest."

"Alex if you turn out to be a clone or duplicate or Krath I'm going to have to shoot you just so you know."
He raises an eyebrow in question. "That seems fair?"
"What was one of the first things we talked about after our first mission?"

"That you almost got me killed. Also you talked about your father's army stories."
Close enough.

>Anything else? Otherwise typing.

>>41778393
Please do come in then. I'll fetch the drinks decanter.

>>41778393
This might sound funny but even with the slap, I always figured Archivald was one of the better nobles.

>>41778393
Well this is an unexpected turn of events...

>>41778393
>"That was eight years ago."
6, at best 7. Our House arrrest happend in 4030, while we signed up in 4024.

>>41778969
Sonia signed up in 4023. Battle of Gesaur was December 4023. The first assassination attempt (stabbing) was in January 4024.
You were arrested in late 4030. It is mid 4031. You've been under house arrest for more than 8 months, closer to 9.

The three of you head inside and you pull out a bottle and some glasses just in case.

"I don't suppose there's much point in contacting each of the command ships in orbit to see what's going on?"
"Not especially. The captains don't know all of the specifics. "

Once you've sat down he opens a briefcase and hands you some documentation regarding the charges against you and the deal struck with the Earl.

"Forget the Earl and the Council, you're active duty military right now. There are problems that need to be dealt with in a very short period of time. These attacks have accelerated things as we can no longer afford to deal with any loose ends. There is a lot you don't know.

I suspect that your enemies within the established nobility will no longer be a problem for you. That's not a reason to let your guard down, I felt you should be made aware."

"Why, what happened to them?" you ask.

"If you really must know a number of them have been arrested for attempting to overthrow the House. Those that resisted were executed by teams Winifred and I have been putting in place for most of the past decade. Before you panic, the Earl, the Council and much of government are being evacuated from Dreminth. It's not safe here at the moment."

He activate a holodisplay in the briefcase and sets it on the table.

"Terrorists claiming that they're Separatists from the Outer colonies have struck some of our most important manufacturing blocks using SP torpedoes. All of DHI's primary orbital facilities were hit."

"How did they get past the system defenses?" Is the first thing you want to know. "We could have vectored ships with newer armor or point defense systems to intercept any ships or warheads."

"Their torpedoes were stealthed." Alex explains. "The PDF sensor arrays never detected the warheads, or even their launch ships until it was too late."

"Which means either they launched them ages ago from outside the system, they have a cloaked ship, or they have Aries stealth drones. We have teams trying to back trace their flight path.

I realise this is all a lot for you to take in Commander but I want to know if you'll be ready to go once we have a target to hit back against."

>What say?

>>41779562

kind of feel like a dick for asking it, but every homefront thread seems to make it clearer and clearer that 'For House and Dominion' leaves out 'for myself' as the first part.

What is in it for us? Besides the obvious sudden demand increase for anti-torp armor for industrial stations and probably some additional DHI facilities needed on Rioja?

>>41779562
"I don't want to inflate the problem, but do you think it's possible this is the work of not just terrorists but another house, or perhaps even another faction?"

"Either way, I'll be prepared for any future developments."

I think it's time we crewed and readied that medium we stashed in deep space.

>>41779866
the ship we stashed was the old Kavarian Attack Cruiser from Vieona's location. (After we set it on slowboat course to escape the FTL hazard on its own)

>>41779562
Play them the audio recording.

House Intel is corrupt and if this is Winifred's 'faction' then we should help them.

>>41779767
>leaves out 'for myself' as the first part.
>What is in it for us?
I dunno, getting your promotions and things help make the House stronger. If there hadn't been so many game delays this year you probably would have had the opportunity for a promotion by now or two.


>I think it's time we crewed and readied that medium we stashed in deep space.
>>41779915
Indeed. It was upgraded into the latest model EC-K before it was stashed.
>>41779866
Any chance you may be thinking of your capture Neeran Medium?

>>41780085
>Any chance you may be thinking of your capture Neeran Medium?
Maybe. The more ships the better, really. Is Forbearance safe?

>>41779562
"I've spent 9 months with nothing to shoot at, damn right I'm ready."

>All of DHI's primary orbital facilities
While this definitely sucks for the house, this might be an opportunity for our companies to expand hugely to make up for the sudden drop in House industry.

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>>41779359
>All of DHI's primary orbital facilities were hit
>Stealth SP torpedoes
>Nowhere is safe
>THERE MIGHT BE A TORPEDO HEADING FOR US RIGHT NOW AND WE WON'T KNOW UNTIL WE'RE DEAD

I think that this may had been partly to frame us but things did not go as well as they had hoped. We provide a large amount of wartime products to the House with our companies and they took a stab at mainly industry.

This also makes me think we need to send messages out to all our holdings to keep scans going for stealth / long distance torps.

>>41779866
"I don't want to inflate the problem, but do you think it's possible this is the work of not just terrorists but another house, or perhaps even another faction?"

"Reynard, Terrorists don't just get hold of SP Torpedoes or Stealth Torpedo casings out of nowhere. They had help. We're meeting with a contact later that should be able to give us evidence of who did."

>>41780020
>Play them the audio recording.
>House Intel is corrupt and if this is Winifred's 'faction' then we should help them.

The Baron shrugs. "Fox is an asshole, and a minor concern right now. Any House Intelligence personnel that were plotting against you were in the minority I assure you."

"Do you know who was he talking to?"

Alex grimaces. "With our luck it was Lord Holtby which is a dead end."

"Why is that?"

"He pulled a gun instead of surrendering so I had to shoot him."

[ ] "Oh."
[ ] "You couldn't have stunned him?!"

We should show them the audio log and see if they think one of the nobles they wacked was on the other end of that call.

Other than that lets get the Devourer and the other battlecruisers warmed up and ready to go purge some separatists.

>>41780581
>[ ] "Oh."
oh,well, it happens

>>41780581
>You couldn't have stunned him?!"
Not that I'm complaining much but still the hell.

>>41780581

"I hope you salvaged anything valuable from his location that wasn't bolted down."

>>41780581
"Oh, that's...unexpected?"

>>41780581
"Oh...Well I presume Winifred is enjoy some wine over this."

>>41780581
[X] "Oh."

>>41780581
>[X] "Oh."

>>41780581
[ ] "Oh."
"Torso or headshot?"

>>41780581
So, uh, what's the game plan for right at the moment?

>>41781420
Yeah...everything seems to be moving so quickly!

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"Oh... Well I presume Winifred is enjoy some wine over this?"

"Not yet she isn't, she'll be informed later today."


>>41780156
>Is Forbearance safe?
It's on alert and patrolling the Run.
Majestic is on deployment and unavailable.

"Are you ready?"

"I've spent 9 months with nothing to shoot at, damn right I'm ready."

"Good. You may want that Medium cruiser you requested fitted. It's in one of the Loran II space docks. Equip it how you want, we'll take care of the remaining expense later."

We need some suiting up / ship fitting music.
All I have is MWO Trailer theme and the Pacific Rim Theme.

Sorry for the delay, trying to look up what you'd previously requested.

>>41781590
>Equip it how you want
>we'll take care of the remaining expense later
>
>

Let's see what the alliance will sell us. They might even help out if we prove we're fighting for order, stability, and the overall support of the FA from our house.

>>41779359
>If you really must know a number of them have been arrested for attempting to overthrow the House
>[ ] "You couldn't have stunned him?!"
I knoiw it's convenient this happend but why? With stun grenades readily available it should have been able to actually catch most of these people easily.If the military was worried about them right now, why not just toss them into stasis until things have calmed down?

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>>41781682
Unfortunately there are only certain things you can get hold of from the Alliance right now. Fortunately general ship systems like shields, capacitors and engines are among those the ship has been upgraded with.

ECM/ECCM was deemed a must, as were torpedo launchers and plasma weapons. How much of those remain in question.
You've picked up a pair of spinal mount medium plasma cannons but they're both Dominion built models. Individually they're inferior to the main gun on the Devourer. You'll have to find better ones outside of House space.

The ship has been refit with a command center suitable for looking after a fleet. You could fit additional communications or sensor arrays on the equipment support arms, or reserve them for repair systems. That would be relatively easy to add or switch out at a later time.

1) Bow section
a) Ramming prow & 2x torpedo launchers
b) Reinforced bow & 4x torpedo launchers
c) 6x Torpedo launchers

2) Forward Turrets (x4)
a) Neeran elite corvette (phased fusion plasma weapon)
b) LD plasma cannon prototype (Max 6 available)
c) Faction built Fusion cannon
d) Mystery box

3) Aft mount options
Light Torpedo battery
Republic heavy missile battery
Neeran elite corvette
LD plasma cannon prototype (Max 6 available)
Fusion Cannon

I'm not putting up a survey yet because people could yet come up with better ideas.

>>41782028
c) 6x Torpedo launchers
d) Mystery box
Neeran elite corvette 6
LD plasma cannon prototype 6

>>41782028
1) Bow section
a) Ramming prow & 2x torpedo launchers

>2) Forward Turrets (x4)
b) x2 LD plasma cannon prototype (Max 6 available)
d) x2 Mystery box

3) Aft mount options
Republic heavy missile battery

Survey!

surveymonkey com/r/ 92BDNHN

I would say that the previous survey is largely decided.

Had a couple of ideas for your ship. Bow Pulse cannon arrays like your Norune Medium has.
Resonance Repulsor weapon as an option for one of the other weapon mounts. I think someone was asking about them.

EDIT: I do intend to continue tomorrow, but I may be called away as a place is looking at hiring me.

See you tomorrow!

>>41783000

Nooooo, quest for us for free forever and ever! Seriously best of luck with the job though. Thanks for running, I hope you can get us to Baron status and have the Neeran war wrap up. Totes gonna archive dive while I wait, it'sworth the re-read.

Fuck yeah are things getting exciting now. I think the civil war is about to begin.

>>41785450
Ooh baby, these next few threads are going to be good. Unless the enemy is overwhelmingly competent, this should be a good way to get ourselves some of everything.

>>41779359
>If you really must know a number of them have been arrested for attempting to overthrow the House.
Were these nobles actually trying to do that, or did the military just take out people they didn't get along with?

I'd hate for us to be on the wrong side of a Surakeh situation.

>>41786140
It's probably a bit of both to be honest.

I think it's too late to back out now, we're in for the long haul. If we try to back out, we'll find that our enemies have doubled and our 'allies' have dwindled.

Rolled 2 (1d5)

>>41786140
>Were these nobles actually trying to do that, or did the military just take out people they didn't get along with?
Yes some of them were. They may have waited for a better moment had they realised Archivald never really was on their side.
Very few people were killed. Most will eventually strike deals with the Earl or Council to get out of prolonged jail time.

There will still be a gap between the old guard established nobility and the younger generation, that will always be the case. Your various plans have helped minimize that though.


The Valeri Fusaro situation. Was a little surprised given some of the rhetoric in the threads. Winning vote was to Tell him you're willing to forgive and/or possibly Hire him later. You guys can discuss the specifics but it might be best to decide sooner rather than later.

For the ship things are a bit more up in the air, except for the interest in the com and sensor arrays. Repair systems are also up there. Roll to see if you can pick up any repair drone prototypes!

Roll 4d100

Rolled 18, 49, 73, 57 = 197 (4d100)

>>41788754

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>41788754
>You guys can discuss the specifics but it might be best to decide sooner rather than later.

Going by what he said when we met him, it seems he feels like he has to do some soul-searching to do.

He said he was thinking about moving to Tourta, why not give him the chance to do something meaningful there? We have lots of refugees on the planet, and, if I remember correctly, also a trade school.

He could help out with the refugees, or simply learn a new trade new while he evaluates what has happened from a bit of distance.

>Roll 4d100
1

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>41788884
2

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>41788899
3

Rolled 91, 85, 22, 78 = 276 (4d100)

>>41788754
Dice time, baby!

>Valeri Fusaro

As much as I loathe the idea of putting trust back in Valeri...

if something is going down, he is part of a very small group of people in JD with both a fitted suit of recon armor with a cloak and the training to use it.

Perhaps Alex should reactivate Valeri under his command for the duration of this crisis? iirc, Valeri's equipment is either on Devourer or at our lodge...

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>41788934
4

>>41788754
>Was a little surprised given some of the rhetoric in the threads

Well loath as I am to forgive him he did only do what he thought was right for the House. I don't want him anywhere near Sonia but he is still useful to the House and if recent events are any indication then we will need every able bodied man and woman in the months to come.

91, 85, 73, 78

Not too bad at all.

>>41788754
>You guys can discuss the specifics but it might be best to decide sooner rather than later.

I think the most important thing right now is to get him to safety. This seems like an ideal situation to tie up loose ends while the house is busy with other stuff, and I'm sure there are people who'd prefer Fusaro dead at this point.

If part his old marine unit is stationed on the planet it might be a good idea to send him there. He would know he can trust a sufficent number of them not to murder him for some shady noble.

I really should have said small repair ship, not drone but sure, a couple of those too.

Two new repair ships based off the Scarab hull have been added to your command ship. They can conduct repairs in the field during combat and have their own shields. These are most useful for patching and closing up the outer hull, although they are capable of some internal repairs.

A trio of cylindrical, roughly human height repair drones will also be aboard. They're still undergoing testing but they should be able to assist with repairs inside the ship more effectively than the existing equipment which can be limited when damage is too extensive.
They use repulsors and tractor beams to move around, relying on quick changeable power cell blocks like those on the newer power cell armor. When working inside sections that still have power they can draw from the grid.

They're not being used in large numbers because as with most drones there are concerns their control systems could be hijacked. Because of this they're not well armored.

Seeing a great deal of support for mystery box.
>Rolled 2

Phased Plasma Channel Discharge Beam!
You've picked up 4 of these. Their range is not exactly ideal. They're mid to short range weapons but will wreck anything at short range. Maintenance can be a problem. The emitters will burn out eventually, it's just a question of when. The Republic has been working on improving them so you can get a few battles out of them. Any time you're not fighting they should be checked.

Do you want to keep these or trade them for one of the other weapon systems?

>>41789675
Can we trade them for another re-roll on the box option?

>>41789675
>mystery box
What were the other outcomes?

>keep these or trade them
Does the way we usually end up playing space battles make these useful, or rather a liability? It's a bit hard to tell as a player.

>>41789734
>Can we trade them for another re-roll on the box option?
Nope.

>>41789738
>What were the other outcomes?
That will remain a mystery.

>Does the way we usually end up playing space battles make these useful, or rather a liability? It's a bit hard to tell as a player.
You guys generally keep the battlecruisers far back and engage from range whenever possible. I'm not sure how you'll be doing things with a Medium.

>>41789801
>m not sure how you'll be doing things with a Medium

Can that ship afford to get close to medium and heavy cruisers for hit and run tactics? There's little sense putting a short ranged weapon on a ship where getting that close means it will be annihilated.

Can these be mounted in turrets and are they useful against faster targets?

>>41789675
I recall these being put to devastating effect by the Republic sleeper ship we found during the Lat'tham coup.

Equip 2 of them and reserve the other two for spares?

with the reduced range of the dominion plasma cannons, this ship may be seeing a healthy brawling life. Especially as I recall it being attack cruiser fast?

>>41789675
How about putting two of them on and use the other two slots for something with a bit more range?

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>>41789849
>Can that ship afford to get close to medium and heavy cruisers for hit and run tactics?
For a little bit. You'd want to end that fight fast though.
>Can these be mounted in turrets and are they useful against faster targets?
Yes, they're turreted weapons, hence why they were to replace the 4 forward corvette/ turrets.

>>41789916
>Especially as I recall it being attack cruiser fast?
Fast Medium. It can keep pace with or outrun all but a few Faction medium cruiser designs.

>Equip 2 of them and reserve the other two for spares?
>How about putting two of them on and use the other two slots for something with a bit more range?
On on the top side one on the bottom?

>>41790020
>For a little bit. You'd want to end that fight fast though.
Hmmm, seems like they aren't exactly ideal for that type of ship probably the reason why they were only 2/5

Has anybody we know bought a brawler medium while we weren't looking?

>>41790020
Could we mount the PCCBDs on the wingtips?

A brawling weapon doesn't seem practical on those 4 forward mounts, unless we go all 4.

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>>41790191
>seems like they aren't exactly ideal for that type of ship
Mystery box!
>probably the reason why they were only 2/5
That had nothing to do with it.

>Has anybody we know bought a brawler medium while we weren't looking?
Not really. Most people don't get hold of one until they become a Baron, or unless they're specifically assigned to command it for one.

Wait. It looks like Daska acquired an identical ship.

>>41790222
>Could we mount the PCCBDs on the wingtips?
Not without getting rid of the very popular communication and sensor arrays.

You could move them aft.
Possible solution. Have 2 PPCD Guns in the aft mounting slot. They'll have good coverage above and below.

Move the 4 of the LD plasma cannons or Neeran turrets to the forward mounts, and keep the other 4 in the back. Remaining slots used by 2 missile battery and 2 torpedo battery.

Would this be acceptable? Or would you rather keep the lightning guns up front?

>>41790690
>Would this be acceptable?
Sounds good to me.

>That Neeran heavy cruiser/tanker modification we picked as salvage.
Did our House put that ship into service?

>>41790690
>Would this be acceptable?
Yea, fine with me.

Trying to think of all the other sweet loot ships we have stocked and can put into service now to be honest.

>>41790690
That config may actually work. the dorsal/ventral coverage should be a healthy 'fuck off' to anything small that tries to brawl, or allow us to throw a PPCD burst at something large if we do a close pass.

>>41790757
>Neeran Heavy Carrier
The docks at Loran II are testing out different options for carrying and supporting DHI built assault corvettes. It should be able to carry 72 of them in the main bay. They're mostly having trouble ensuring the bay is adequately protected and not compromising structural integrity.
Four Battlecruiser grade repair docks are ready, replacing the external corvette docking points normally seen on Tanker models.

One of the heavy tankers are in use. House logistics has been stockpiling fuel stores in the Run and elsewhere and it's been helpful. There is some debate over converting it into another carrier or not.

You contact Alex about your former bodyguard.
"Alex, with everything goling on I figure we could use all the help we can get.
I was wondering if you'd be willing to take Valeri Fusaro? I have his suit of Recon armor and it would take forever to get it fitted to anyone else."

Your friend seems a little uncertain. "I suppose I could. Are you sure?"

>Y/N?

>>41790998
Y, if only to keep an eye on him.

>>41790998
>Y
He is useful, especially so in the current situation of internal struggles.

>>41790998
>Y
"He is good at his job but if he stays around me any more then I am liable to punch him in the face. Besides I got a feeling we're going to be needing everyone soon."

>>41790998
>"I suppose I could. Are you sure?"
"It really depends on how much questionable stuff you're planning to do."

>>41790998

"I'm not sure of much more than my innocence, recently. Your command, your call."

As soon as the last pieces of equipment are fitted to your new command ship the military starts transferring crew over. Even with the modifications the deck plan is a bit off in places due to it having been built primarily for Neeran crew, especially around the command center. All of the large decks that aren't needed by the engineers to move cargo have been subdivided into two levels. It makes things interesting.

On the plus size the bridge was large enough to easily refit as a fleet command center. It seems you won't be helming this one except perhaps in emergencies.

Maybourne looks up the status reports on the ship and gives you the highlights.

"Most of these system upgrades I think you're aware of along with a few of the peculiarities. Armor has been upgraded with the newest type but it was just finished. There hasn't been time to upgrade the heavy phase cannon turrets to arrays. That'll require a week in dock."

"A week?"

"The power taps through the hull need to be fitted properly and they need to try a few things because of the design.
60% of the crew is new. They know their jobs but they haven't had a real shake down cruise with this type of ship before. The weapon crews are a little uncertain, our House has only minimal experience with most of the new systems."

Maybe it's a good thing you're not relying upon 4 of the lightning guns.

"What's morale like?"

"Mediocre. It could be worse, you being here and your reputation helps."

>Do you want to address the crew or do anything else to help boost morale?

>>41791894
>>Do you want to address the crew or do anything else to help boost morale?

What are we actually supposed to do? Invade another House? Fight back terrorists?

>>41791962
You're on stand by at the moment. Just get your ship and crew ready for when your orders come in.

>>41791894
Nah, speeches are for when we are getting shit done. Not for when we sit around doing nothing. Just run some ship exercises with them and familiar ourselves with them.

>>41791894
>Do you want to address the crew
Perhaps not yet, since we don't know who we're going to be fighting against yet, other than just 'terrorists'

>>41792048
Okay, thanks.

>>Do you want to address the crew or do anything else to help boost morale?
Considering how new and unfamiliar many of the systems of this ship are, it probably be especially hard for our crew to perform at their usual level.

To account for that, I would suggest to double all performance bonuses the crew is usually paid to account for these difficulties.

Holding off on speeches for now.

"Final pre-launch checks complete, beginning castoff."

Once you clear the docks the basic shake down checks are begun. It's not unlike when you left here the first time you commanded the Bittenfeld. Well, except you're not at the controls.

While you're still in system Tes'us contacts you.

"Sir I know this may not be the best time but with the transfer of your flag to a new command ship and my once again assuming command of the Devourer, I was wondering. Would it be out of the question for a promotion in the future?"

>What say?

>>41792357
>>What say?
Oh god, somebody else has discovered the secret to getting things from Sonia: Reasonable and polite requests.

How does that work with Tes'us being from another House? Do we request a promotion for her from them?

>>41792357
I'm glad he brought this up, to be honest, I was thinking about how we could reward him. Perhaps granting him some land on Rioja, maybe Dreminth, and an official promotion. He's technically still from another House, right?

"Certainly not, Tes'us, your service hasn't been unnoticed."

>>41792213
>To account for that, I would suggest to double all performance bonuses the crew is usually paid to account for these difficulties.
Throwing money at them won’t make them less nervous. Rather the opposite in fact, I’d imagine.

>>41791894
I’m tempted to go for something along the lines of "I know many of you are new at this, and are therefore nervous. [Insert stupid joke about ship also being new and nervous]."

Or something like "The others are also new to this ship, and whoever is on the other side will also be nervous to fight it."

I’m not really happy with either, so please only count this as an idea thrown in the air, not as a vote.

>>41792357
>"Promotions are never out of the question. Especially for someone who has been doing as consistently good work as you. However, please understand that I won’t give you clear answer right now."

>>41792420
>How does that work with Tes'us being from another House?
The original crew of the Devourer while from another House originally, are under your command. You are their leader, nobody else.
You can promote them as you see fit.

Others in your own House may question it if say, you gave Tes'us command of a House Battlecruiser squadron.
If you choose to promote officers under your command who came from different Houses, expect their actions to reflect good or bad upon how people see your decision to promote them.

>>41792357

"It is not out of the question, but we'll need to talk and some other things may need to be soundly settled beforehand."

>>41792432
I was actually wondering something similar... Devourer's original (now ~half of) crew were formed from engineers working the Great House shipyards producing Errants, right?

Perhaps if we were to retire Devourer from front line service (or worse happen to it), Tes'us and the other originals would like to run their own shipyard over/on Rioja or something similar?

So generally positive response, though not a promotion right this minute?

>>41792819
>Perhaps if we were to retire Devourer from front line service (or worse happen to it), Tes'us and the other originals would like to run their own shipyard over/on Rioja or something similar?
They might be interested in the idea, all except the main gun engineers cult. I mean what cult there's no cult on the Devourer, none at all you can't prove anything.

>>41793035
>So generally positive response, though not a promotion right this minute?
Yeah, I feel like we should study fleet organization charts and performance reports before we come to a decision. And this is definitely not the time to do it.

>They might be interested in the idea, all except the main gun engineers cult.
Well, maybe we'll be able to get them a heavy plasma cannon at some point in the future.

>>41793035
We'd get the main gun boys a Dominion plasma cannon facility.

>>41793035
>So generally positive response, though not a promotion right this minute?
Certainly. Let him know he's in line for it (and I wanted to promote him after we had finished our arrest) but this situation, once dealt with will let us focus on advancements and what-not.

>>41793164
>We'd get the main gun boys a Dominion plasma cannon facility.
This is definitely something I'd like to set up on Rioja eventually, regardless of costs. I want to push Dominion Plasma weapons to the very peak of performance and eventually have them rival or even overtake Republic ones.

>>41793520
Something I'd personally love to throw money at is Winifred's cloaking device factory.

>Baron Archivald
What happened after we gave him our report?

If Petras is currently considered not safe, should we start evacuating our friend and family? Or is it not that dangerous for the average citizen?

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>>41793698
He started implementing some changes to starfighter and corvette crew training but wasn't able to make as many as he would have liked.

I'm sorry for that delay. My map conversion program is not cooperating which will be a problem when I zoom out and you can't see anything. J-D space is going to be a tiny speck.

>>41794628
It shouldn't be that dangerous for citizens but it's your choice.

The coms officer situated near the aft of the command platform informs you about an incoming encrypted message from command. You're directed to a location in space several light years from the outer colonies, closer to House Hase'tos space. The orders included tell you to switch to silent running, even turning off your IFF.

When you arrive Baron Archival's command ship is waiting there for you. A laser pulse message tells you to head over with people you trust to keep quiet.

"This is ominous."

Suiting up in your recon armor and activating a disguise you head over with a squad.

"Our guest should be here soon." The Baron informs you when you arrive, watching the situation outside via a few displays set up in the otherwise bare confrence room.

A Shukhant class jumps in and soon another shuttle is coming aboard.

You're a little surprised to see Knight Captain Desh Xisoth from House Erid enter the conference room. Other officers from both Houses intel divisions join you.

The Baron begins his briefing.

"After the outer colony speratists claimed responsibility for the attacks on Dreminth's orbital industry Baron Ukalah of House Erid made statements to the media publicly condemning the attacks. He's also claiming that we've lost control of the colonies and offered to move troops in to help protect the civilian populace. Obviously the Earl has refused."

Displays light up showing the number of attacks within the outer colonies in the past ten years.
"In previous attacks we have seen no signs that the terrorists have interstellar transport. Most were carried out by ground teams or used surplus starfighters and Raiders."

The intel officer types a few commands then points out a few worlds.
"There are fifteen cells currently in operation, another two or three that are underground at most while they wait for resupply. We estimate them to number approximately two thousand personnel."

"Why haven't we wiped them out?" You ask.

"We're trying to determine how they're supplied. There has only been one bombing this year that produced fatalities."

Captain Xisoth taps his datapad and uploads information. "They're being supplied by a House Erid black ops team. They have a transport equipped with a cloaking device."

[ ] Say something
[ ] Let them continue

>>41795024
>[ ] Let them continue
Let's hear all of it before we start asking questions.

>>41795024
"I see, when do we begin the invasion? I have this sudden urge to do some conquering."

>>41795134
That's probably not the right thing to say when there's a Knight Captain of that House present.

>>41795024
>[ ] Let them continue

Xisoth has a reason to be here. Maybe he has lost faith in his house. Let's wait and see.

>>41795184
Uh... Oh yeah. Yeah... Ahem.
[ ] Let them continue

>>41795024
[x] Say something

"Do you have any idea what type of cloaking device?"

If this is a substandard one we can probably track it, and if it's a Rovinar or Krath one, well we're shit out of luck.

>>41795574
>and if it's a Rovinar or Krath one
Maybe we can use that little bit of favor we still have left to ask them to send a ship that could? If I remember correctly, they were pretty amused by the low quality of J-D cloaks 2 or 3 years ago.

"We figured as much but they're watching whenever we relocate our sensor arrays to look for them." Replies the woman from intel.
"The situation in the outer colonies isn't nearly as dire as people have made it out. While there have been a number of very public attacks they've ultimately been carried out by small teams. The only exception was the hostage taking that took place during the HLV drop attack. As a result of that incident House inteligence wiped out all active terrorist cells in the outer colonies at the time.
Despite this they continued to rebuild their numbers in record time wevenever we seemed to destroy them completely. Now we know how. "

"It doesn't explain the attack on Dreminth. They wouldnt risk their only cloaked ship like that. Would they?" Questions the Baron.

"No, or I don't believe so." Xisoth changes the displayed images to a heavy cruiser shipyard in orbit of Alaior, in House Erid space. It's surrounded by dozens of Hades class assault corvettes. Zooming in on a nearby platform a pair of dark shadowy vessels can just be made out against the station.

"My sources tell me these are new model Aries attack cruisers that have been upgraded with a stealth coating. At first I thought it was just similar to what their drones use but this is much more advanced. It has properties similar to Neeran cloaking fields. My contacts don't know anything else."

>>41795574
>>41795656
>Suggest involving your Rovinar contacts? Y/N?

>>41795753
>Y/N?
[x] N

I'd rather we keep any Rovinar involvement to ourselves, even if it's just the Rovinar/Krath tailing enemy ships and letting us follow after them.

>>41795753
>Suggest involving your Rovinar contacts
We should let them know the option is there. I also think we don't have enough of an overview to actually suggest involving them or not.

>Very off topic
I had a look at the medals on Sonia's wiki page and now I'm wondering if we got a medal (or a few) for keeping that Neeran city ship from crashing into their homeworld.

>>41795903
>I had a look at the medals on Sonia's wiki page and now I'm wondering if we got a medal (or a few) for keeping that Neeran city ship from crashing into their homeworld.

I'm pretty sure the medal list hasn't been updated in a year or so.