Interrupted by calls when I'm nearly done second post edition.

For House and Dominion!

The last few weeks have been spent touring several terraforming projects in Terran space that your orbital correction company helped make possible. Some are well on their way to making good progress. Others not so much. While there you tried to make sure to invest roughly 100 million in each of the 5 colonies that were under development. There was a 6th but it's lagging much farther behind the others. Even the planet currently without an atmosphere might be farther along.

Public Relations teams have tried to use each of the visits to good effect raising foreign and domestic opinion of you. In time it may be possible to hire some some of the crews for a few of these worlds to work for one of the terraforming companies you own or have shares in. Their experience may be needed when settling Rioja's second habitable planet.

A joint J-D and Talos sponsored trade mission is nearly finished its deployment to Norune space. They were hoping to show off the Talos E or Expanded Type Heavy Carrier along with your upgraded Nexus Heavy Cruiser. Given the Norune's general lack of Heavy Warship production they could be a good source of revenue both during the war and after.

From reports it seems that the Talos E has performed well and the Norune are impressed with its support capability. High performance attack cruisers that make up a majority of their conventional fleets have plenty of space to dock for repairs. The central bay also has enough room for 2 of their medium cruisers or carriers. While they dont like how sluggish the Talos E is, there are few fast heavy carriers that would meet their demands.

The Nexus was not as well received unfortunately. They liked its firepower, both the main guns and its many plasma canons. Armor and protection was considered adequate, though they did not approve of the heavy torpedo racks, seeing them as compromising the ships structural integrity. This hadn't previously been seen as a problem by any other customer.
Engines were seen as the biggest fault. While the Norune were willing to tolerate lower speeds from a support ship they were not as forgiving of a direct combatant. It's engine capability is adequate by most factions standards, but the Norune are not like most Factions. Current design of the drive section would be a major hindrance of its overall acceptance.

In talking with one of the company engineers that were sent along they've submitted a proposal for a redesign. An expensive looking one considering the Nexus just completed conversion to Talos engine blocks. It would further widen the drive section increasing output by 50% and adding AM Afterburner installation options.

>Would you be willing to consider these design changes or other modifications for the Norune market?

>>2926693
>>Would you be willing to consider these design changes or other modifications for the Norune market?
yes

>>2926693
Sure. Also, why not so what the dominion did with their new fast medium cruiser and glue winga with additional engines to the sides of the ship?

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For those who dont keep up with these things there were reports out semi recently about how red dwarf stars produce more UV radiation than previously thought. This means that it may not be possible to live on a planet in what would otherwise be considered the habitable zone around one.

FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

Just got out of night-shift, and my only goal is to get to bed and sleep. But just wanted to chime in and thank you Slow for the amazing quest. Will read in the morning. Keep up the great quest!

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Sorry that took awhile. Went full autismo and wanted the "right" engine blocks from the Talos.

Any of these look good? Or want to make some other design changes while we're at it?

>>2926893
I like the design on the right

>>2926893
The one on the right looks neat. Although you can probably put additional ld cannons on there if they don't like the torpedo racks.

>>2926953
In addition to that: maybe have a look at the terran medium that looks similar to learn some tricks their engineers used to make the ship better?

>>2926958
If you mean the Endeavour that ship is fairly light weight. The original has structural strength similar to the Lance class and those routinely get cut in half.

>>2926978
I remember fox ramming stuff in his endeavour.

>>2926984
Yes, and Sonia thought for sure he was going to beak the ship in half in the process iirc.

>>2926693
No, it seems like a lot of investment and we might be getting into a Bradley situation.

At any rate you have the engineers let the Norune know the company intends to consider their proposed engine power increase. Design studies would take a few months. Towards that end RTS welcomes them to share any other suggestions they might have. Hopefully this wont turn out to be a mistake. You dont want the biggest ship produced by your yards turned inside out with crazy alien design suggestions. Trying to get one ship to fill every role tends ot end badly.


Your last investment before departing Terran space was to determine where an arcology you purchased was to end up. This is been installed in one of the empty slots in the city of Hilo on Kanehekili. It hasn't taken long for people to begin moving in.

Within a week of your return to Rioja the manager of the local holding company in Hilo contacts your people. A Terran multimedia firm has arrived with a recent group of refugees. They've already started to sell titles to the newly opened holoplex. The manager believes these are survivors of a firm from one of the distant relays that have done work on award winning movies, if minor ones.

Did you want to see about hiring them?

>>2927044
have the person who is in charge of our holoplex chain talk to the multimedia guys

>>2927044
>Did you want to see about hiring them?

Sure

>>2927044
>Did you want to see about hiring them?
Poaching skilled workers is our specialty.

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>>2927057
>>2927128
They've sent an offer for continued work with the holoplex chain.


Due to increased cloning operations for the war effort there continue to be shortages of certain medical supplies. A few civilian aid agencies are now looking for handouts to deal with rising costs or at least to help acquire better synthetic and cybernetic alternatives.

The J-D military remains largely untouched by the shortages thanks to careful management. Some of your fellow Knights have even invested in additional production over the years. The military comes first though, and the focus has been on maintaining the House strategic stockpile.

You could probably set up additional production of cybernetics if you wanted, but with charities and civilian hospitals looking for them you wouldn't exactly be making money from it.

Did you want to donate any money towards civilian aid?
Or even set up additional production of cybernetics?

>>2927146
>Did you want to donate any money towards civilian aid?
>Or even set up additional production of cybernetics?

both

min of like 10 mil donation

>>2927146
>Did you want to donate any money towards civilian aid?
>Or even set up additional production of cybernetics?
Yes
Yes

Sonia Reynard Cybernetics Fund for the underprivileged. Sonia has used cybernetics for years and it would be cool if we could market robot arms based on our own.

>>2927149
>>2927164
How much production are we looking at? Unless otherwise stated this will be added to the "loyal Knights city" in the north which is currently under construction.

Small Factory 1 to 1.25 million
Mid sized factory 2.5m
Large Factory complex 10-12m

>>2927184
>Large Factory complex 10-12m

>>2927184
>Large Factory complex 10-12m

>>2927190
>>2927199
Will probably end up being 11 million because of the surrounding area being new development.

Which brings up an item I'd not previously considered. With that Reynard loyal Knights city being built by your own private sea, etc was there any thought to how you wanted it to look? Giving the city a theme and architecture of sorts to help it stand out from the others on Rioja? Or just keep using the current mass produced buildings since that would be cheaper?

>>2927251

Cheaper easier to produce buildings, but if the knights want to splurge on a particular design for their city they should start planning on footing the bill.

>>2927251
>Giving the city a theme and architecture of sorts to help it stand out from the others on Rioja?
I would honestly like to leave that up to the Knights, as long as it's not Linda-castle type outlandishness.

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>>2927265
>but if the knights want to splurge on a particular design for their city they should start planning on footing the bill.
Some of them may.

>>2927491
That is a good point.

Was mostly trying to decide if it should stick to the arcology(ies) surrounded by lots of little buildings or skip the big structure entirely. Then it occurred to me some players might want to customise a city more.


With the acquisition of the new super heavy tank stand-ins the army is getting a workout. General Rna is trying to press upon the army that the big enemy vehicles should be respected not feared. To adapt to their appearance on the field and quickly find ways to counter them. Not always easy, especially if one manages to bring their main guns to bear.

HAG crews are training for a variety of scenarios, from having to respond when out of position, to there being too many allied aircraft. With guns that powerful friendly fire incidents need to be avoided at all cost. Having expanded your HAG forces to ensure the clone troops have similar levels of support and protection there is a very real chance that aircraft might get in the way of each other. Especially during the initial drop where ground forces are far more concentrated.

What sort of scenarios would you like the fleet to focus its training on?

>>2927584
>Baserunner
>Top speed 350 kmh
Wait what? I did not realise they were that fast.

>>2927584
>What sort of scenarios would you like the fleet to focus its training on?
Full spectrum fighting/combined ground/air/space operations.
Limited orbital coverage support battles
Fighting unsupported stuck behind enemy lines with space supremacy having been destroyed.
Massed unit conflict.

>>2927584

>Fleet Scenario's

If we have any data on the Neeran Super Weapons deployed in their last invasion. Get some drills on avoiding that. Also rapid boarding and control for heavy and super sized targets, as well as counter boarding proceedures. Schedule time with our Allies in the Run to do combat drills of our fleets working together and against each other from skirmishes to eventual large scale battles like we saw with the Alliance v the Neeran armada.

Also other thought. Defense of ground positions with gradual removal of support to get to the minimum of ships needed to effectively protect a world or ground position of value.

Continued 'hit and fade' tactics training, and escort/ protection of ships carrying valuable materials. Rapid response and deployment.

At the next meeting with your Wing Commander, Admiral and General you lay out your plans to put the troops and crews through the wringer. The fleet will be operating with minimal support when it deploys, just what is with you. They need to be prepared for every eventuality. Since there is time for it you intend to make the best of it.

A good one to start on immediately is realistic training for units cut off behind enemy lines. It will require extended deployments and everyone will have to make do what what little they have. Their opposition will be rotated out on a regular basis to better simulate pursuit or harassment by numerically superior enemies.

Admiral Tama suggests that an escort carrier be set up as a special monitoring ship to keep tabs on each of these operations.
"Many of the younger pilots that have been trained since the civil war haven't been stuck behind enemy lines for the lengths you're used to. Lengthy deployments with constant stress, no backup and and minimal rest could become a problem. We don't want them to crack and endanger themselves and expensive cutting edge vehicles."

[ ] Use monitoring ship to secretly track bio readouts
[ ] Assign NCO's to each ship to keep an eye on things
[ ] They passed their training, don't bother

>>2927886
>[ ] Assign NCO's to each ship to keep an eye on things

>>2927886

Put some NCOs on the ships with the pilots. Though we should make it a note to appear before our pilots and tell them we are going to be putting them through some of the most rigorous and stressful situations that they have not experinced and only a handful of veterans have likely experinced. The NCO's are there not to work against them, but to work with them and ensure that they, the pilots do not harm themselves and their crews. Then give a message to the commanders of the wings and NCOs that there will be a monitor ship close by ready to come to assist on a moments notice, should they need it.

It may end up being that we never need to have our units stuck behind enemy lines for years or months at a time like we have been. But they should get used to such deployments now while we have a controled environment.

Also, get input from the the commanders after each "deployment" on how to improve and make sure our pilots get the most trainning while also put under the most stressful conditions. So that the next group gets either a more difficult or but improved situation. And our NCO's and monitor ships know when to step in and help the pilots.

>>2927886
>[ ] Assign NCO's to each ship to keep an eye on things

>>2927886
>[ ] Assign NCO's to each ship to keep an eye on things

You decide to assign NCO's to each ship to keep an eye on things. Squadron commanders are told to warn their people the training will be a grueling experience. The NCO's are there to help if necessary.

Fairly small groups will be conducting training like this. Not much more than a wing or two at a time, rotating out while the bulk of the fleet trains in other areas.

Everyone is familiarized with known enemy and allied Super weapons. Siege and Schorcher arrays. That repulsor weapon that tore two ACS Standards apart like they were made of cardboard. Solar weapons use by the Norune or potentially the Neeran if they deduce how it worked. Veckron torpedoes, gravity well generators on suicide runs. Everything you and intel can think of. Lastly Alliance intel suggests familiarizing crews with countering SP Torpedoes.

That's not the most encouraging suggestion.

Engineering crews are kept busy transferring the available point defense mass drivers and interceptor missiles between ships for drills. Many of the guns have been requisitioned for use by the other fleets or have been transferred to HAGs, Frigates and Assault transports. Production can keep up but most are being sent to the front. The Rioja fleet is slated to get more in a few months time.

Ship crews dont have much in the way of access to holobooths right now. Those available on or near bases on Rioja are largely in use by the Marines. If another Super needs to be boarded they intend to be ready for it, regardless of what type.

The military is known to make use of your holoplex chain on Rioja during off peak hours, if they can get reservations. Given their popularity these days most chains are open day and night. A few marine officers are wondering if you would close each holoplex to civilians during certain hours to guarantee more available booths. Generally overnight during what would be curfew hours if Rioja bothered to have one.

>Approve Y/N?

I'll be back on tomorrow afternoon.

>>2928271
[x] Approve War Hours
Set up a small fund that commanders can use for emergency training situations they can use to buy civilian holoplex time.

>>2928271

Time to start reserving time for out own troops then. If we haven't already, put in the paper work to get such a holo booth setup in Mons Abyla for marines and pilots and another on the fleet base in the moon for starship pilots.

Work with general RNA to get times reserved for marines until those booths are setup on bases. And with our store managers for periods of time when they are the least busy and having marines coming in wont hurt their bottom line to much. Have our aides do the heavy lifting of course, but pretty much, get a time schedule set for when the marines can come in during down times for these places and not upset to many people. If people with reservations get uppity about their reservations offer to refund them or buy out their reservation and give them another more opportune reservation time and date.

And as >>2928281 suggested, Set up a small fund that commanders can use for emergency training situations they can use to buy civilian holoplex time.

>>2928271
>Y

>>2928271
>If another Super needs to be boarded they intend to be ready for it, regardless of what type.
If we get the chance and go for a Scorcher, we're going to need to be fast since they've self destructed every one that's been boarded right? We should simulate a lowest-possible-time to capture scenario.

>>2926893
I like the right one over the middle and left. Maybe we could get a second Heavy yard to produce the type B Nexus while the first yard produce the original type A Nexus? It's a major investment but if it becomes popular with the Norune then we can make up for it with producion liscenes.

>>2928271
Y
Everything should be focused towards the invasion at this point so that we can ensure maximum success. Besides people should be asleep late at night in any case!

On something completely unrelated. I've been thinking about ways to make more money. My understanding is that there are three primary ways to make money out of land. Rent, minerals and agriculture. Food is, after all, always going to be in demand. Now the problem with agricultre is that it's limited to crops and vegtables. What I suggest is a new meat industry. Using meatcells from good animal stock we mass produce lab grown meat .
With todays technology and understanding of biology we should be able to fairly quickly grow meat that holds a high quality. Since we control the entire process of growing from start to finish we should be able to balance nutritional value, taste and fat spread with in the meat. Or in other words. Make the best mass produced Kobe beef known to man.

>>2928271
Sure. Maybe build a dedicated extra holoplex for military use.

I'd also like to buy one or two dedicated hospital ships.

>>2927584
Evacuating a station or planet.

>>2928281
>War Hours
This is now being used by PR.
Additional funds will be set aside so that the military can make use of other civilian training facilities if necessary.

>>2928320
>>2929208
>build a dedicated extra holoplex for military use.
Most of the stations and Mons Abyla do have booths intended for military use, there are simply not enough of them.

3 more should be enough to take up the worst of the slack if they were dedicated completely to military use. They can always be repurposed for civilian use at a later time.

Did you want to invest 12 million in 3 new holoplexes? Or more than that?

[ ] 12m for 3
[ ] 16m for 4
[ ] 20m for 5

>>2930391
>[ ] 20m for 5
We could offer the other j-d worlds to ship some of their troops over for training. Maybe even the other houses in the run alliance if we have free capacities.

>>2930391
>[ ] 16m for 4

4 for sure. We'll see if there are any more votes.

>>2928853
>Maybe we could get a second Heavy yard to produce the type B Nexus while the first yard produce the original type A Nexus? It's a major investment but if it becomes popular with the Norune then we can make up for it with producion liscenes.
If you're going that far you might want to consider just building the new yard in Norune space.

The Surakeh Heavy Cruiser yard responsible for building the Nexus have been slowly improved over time. With each completed ship a bit more machinery on site was built up to provide the necessary parts and equipment. Much of those needed for the engines were changed over once the Talos drives were added causing production delays. The yard is just getting back to full speed now.

Doing all of that from scratch will cost at least a billion, probably more. Especially if you want to build a sturdy yard. Start up costs for the ship itself could probably be covered by loans as usual.

Is there any interest in building a second shipyard?

>>2930624
>Is there any interest in building a second shipyard?
I'm not disinterested but I'd prefer to see what other things we have to take care of before the invasion before we commit that kind of money. However, if we still have a significant amount left at the end, we might also want to look into upgrading the surakeh heavy yard.

Big ticket items.

A security/insurance deposit of 1 billion is expected to be returned as soon as the Talos E and the Nexus get back from their trade mission. So that's good.
Once returned you'll have a bit over 14.3 billion S available.

Last year you invested 1.4 billion in the J-D Reserve Ship stockpile being built up in the Pandora Cluster.
In additional 1.7 Billion was diverted into a special savings account to fund future Rioja fleet deployments.

Did you want to make any further investments to these or other major projects?

>>2930783
600 and 800 million each, so we end up with nice round numbers? We'd then have 2 billion in the ship reserve, and 2.5 billion in savings.

>from their trade mission
Did the Norune like the Veritas designs?

>>2930796
>Did the Norune like the Veritas designs?
They found it intriguing, comparing them to enemy corvettes. The Cooperative have started asking questions about producing a cheaper version as unmanned weapon platforms or short range drones.
House Veritas is considering the request, though they're still less familiar with newer drone techs.

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Albeit a bit late two new shield generators intended for use by ground forces are now available for purchase. With the imminent invasion they've been rushed into mass production.

>Palisade defense shield
The Palisade is a type of shield meant for use at ground level to repel weapons fire from vehicles and infantry. They require a network of projectors around the perimeter of sites being defended and have a limited maximum height. These are intended to protect landing zones and ground side transports while they're unloading.

Optional upgrades allow them to repel even slow moving objects which normal shields have difficulty with. The cheaper of these are simply additional repulsors to keep things out. The more expensive upgrade induces a small plasma reaction with the nearby atmosphere which will destroy most slow moving objects that might come into contact with it.
Essentially the C&C Firestorm shield.

Palisade shields only operate outwards leaving the projectors vulnerable to fire from inside the defensive perimeter. It is possible to double layer Palisade systems, though understandably these are more expensive.


>Citadel defense shields
The Citadel is a more conventional bubble shield that has been optimised for use within atmosphere, further hardening it against plasma weaponry. They are intended either for use in fixed defensive positions like forward bases, or mobile platforms like larger ground vehicles.

The Dominion has previously made use of shields similar to this on some of their Heavy Walkers. Those usually require dedicating most of the onboard space and power systems to the shield, leaving little left over for weapons. This was treated as an acceptable trade off and usually 1 dedicated shield walker would be assigned to a squadron.

New Citadel shields are more compact allowing mobile platforms greater options. There do remain some drawbacks to their operation. It's often necessary for mobile vehicles carrying them to remain grounded due to occasional need to discharge the generator, especially while under fire. Because of this heavy walkers or wheeled vehicles are preferred for when these shields are going to be active while on the move.

Both of these systems are fairly expensive with Palisade requiring more setup time.

>>2930391
>[ ] 16m for 4

>>2931095
>The more expensive upgrade induces a small plasma reaction
If you were to pack all of it into a turret, how effective would it be as a PD weapon?

>>2931217
>If you were to pack all of it into a turret, how effective would it be as a PD weapon?
Not terribly? It only generates a thin layer of plasma to help destroy anything moving too slow for a normal shield to intercept. Vehicles, grenades, people. It might have trouble with an Adamant heavy tank but it would certainly damage it badly.

It's not terribly effective against faster objects like torpedoes or nuclear warheads. The shield portion will try to take the hit from those. Try being the optimal word.
In a PD system it might be able to deal with smaller missiles though.

>>2930796
I'll support these investment numbers too. Maybe another 50m for the Veritas superweapon fund this year as well?

The order goes out for additional holoplex facilities to be constructed with emphasis on them being for military use. They can be converted to civilian facilities later.

Marines have been enthusiastic about training to board enemy Supers and are trying to get the time down needed to secure the ship. They're all painfully aware that the enemy might self destruct the ship or its power systems to prevent capture. Scorchers especially are dangerous in this case since so much of the ship is made up of those same systems. Destroying the array even accidentally will take out most of the ship.

While pilots, command crews and gunners are practicing in the dedicated simulators, other crew members are being drilled in counter boarding tactics. As some of the marines are still waiting for additional holobooths they're being used as opposition forces. Ship crews are predictably not happy with this arrangement but they rarely are.
Fighting people drawn from the top 10% of the army is going to feel a bit lopsided.

Regarding the new shields General Rna believes the Army has spent enough on new equipment of late and is reluctant to ask for more. Citadel shields might be useful to reinforce the defenses of garrison buildings. They dont work as well with the Army's mobile spearhead tactics which are reliant upon repulsor vehicles.

Tama suggests acquiring some Palisade shields to further reinforce the approaches to Mons Abyla base, but those are considered a low priority.

>>2931388
>Tama suggests acquiring some Palisade shields to further reinforce the approaches to Mons Abyla base, but those are considered a low priority.
Maybe it's worth buying more than we need now, then when there's a demand for them during the invasion, we can price gouge some unlucky customers?

>>2930796
>>2931384
Fleet investment updated.

>>2931647
Could be worth it.
How much did you want to spend on it?

>>2931095
I wonder if it would be possible to make cheap single shot shield generators that would be designed to last just long enough to contain the explosion of a torpedo or missile, for breaking through heavy armor by forcing the full energy of the shockwave to travel through it. Ideally shattering it or passing the shockwave through it to warp the frame or destroy subsystems.

>>2931662
I don't believe Faction shields are ideal for making a more powerful nuclear shaped charge. Neeran shields might be so hang onto that idea.

>>2931660
>How much did you want to spend on it?
20 million?

>>2931733
I will support this. Its not much money after all and we can use it as a test bed if nothing else.

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With the occasional assistance from your special forces over the past few years Drake has managed to get her shit together enough that she should be able to deploy her fleet. She's made a number of agreements with groups of nobles while you were in Terran space and this has helped cut back on violent incidents.

None of the old nobles from the previous House on Kalino had been stupid enough to implicate themselves in the ongoing resistance efforts. At least not after one was killed during orbital strikes on rebel munitions depots. With the invasion coming up Drake negotiated a few minor concessions ending most of troubles that had plagued her Barony. There are still incidents of course but they're far more sporadic and well within the capability of the PDF to handle in her absence.

In a final effort to deal with the least cooperative citizens one of the old nobles actually volunteered to lead a force joining the first wave units. They'll be helping to bulk up some of the former Aries supporters hoping to earn a chance at leading new Houses.

That taken care of means Drake will be among the last of the J-D Barons to deploy to the front. 8 of the 14 Barons from the House will be taking part in the opening wave. The others will be keeping an eye on the home front, preparing for subsequent waves or acting as reserves. You, having a special assignment, wont be counted among the regular forces the House is expected to field.

Daska has announced her intention to purchase that Nexus class you'd sent out on the trade mission. Winifred took the older one she's been hanging onto since the Civil War leaving South Reach a bit under defended. Avun and her carrier group will remain at home, well positioned in the Run to help respond to any problems. Saputo will assume temporary command of the home guard with Alex as next in command.

With Majestic out of action the home fleet is much reduced. Construction on the new Talos E is progressing but it may not be finished this year. House crews learned a great deal about operation of the larger carrier and minor design changes are being made. Fortunately the Qlippoth you and Jor'ron captured last year is nearing completion of its refit. Depending on how things go it should be finished its shakedown in 3-4 months.

Should things drag on at the front the House should be in a good position to rotate out 5 of the Heavies.
From what you'd heard Archivald requested permission to command the entire J-D expeditionary force. It seems he's still determined to redeem himself after the heavy losses suffered back in the Civil War. He's commanded fleets against the Neeran since then and done well.

Any last minute well wishing or gifts for the fleet before they embark upon the Great Crusade?

Resuming tomorrow.

>>2931714
We have shaped shield tech no?

>>2932067
Give every crew member a tiny piece of a Dyson sphere to put together to make a bigass model sphere?

>>2932067

Who all is going to be part of the first wave?

So far I am understanding there is Archivald and Alex, Drake and Daska, if I read into it right. Are going to be part of the first wave?

Is there a list of Barons going out as part of the first wave? As for gifts. Give each a personal stasis field. And go out on a bit of a splurge and get them something that will prove useful to them. I don't remember what each of them use best.

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>>2932115
Yes, though it's not ideal because the shield would absorb a lot of the blast energy.
Torpedoes are already designed to deliver as much of its energy into the target as possible. Heavy torpedoes are not nearly as efficient though and might be large enough to actually a mount a shield like you're suggesting.

>>2932123
And they're missing a few pieces when they get back?

>>2932134
>Who all is going to be part of the first wave?
>Is there a list of Barons going out as part of the first wave?

>>2932067
>J-D Expeditionary Fleet.gif

>>2932154

>feelingofdumbassery

Right then, still not sure on the best gifts so here are some suggestions.
>Drake
Lightning Guns

>Dremine
SP-Torps

>Nel'odym
Monetary support

>Archivald
Drinks/ combined gift from us and Troy

>Kharbos
Monetary support

>Nilium
Shaped shields, if the Hecaton doesn't already have some. And monetary support.

>Jor'ron
Monetary support/ Lightning cannons

>Winifred
Drinks

>>2932152
A) The shields could be tuned to reflect the force of the torpedoes, a known quantity, no? Make a fragile "hard" shield, in paradox to the Neeran "soft" shields? Besides it would still narrow the blast surface so I assume the basic square/cube law would apply to result in more energy being focused on a single point.

After all, armor with holes in it isn't very structurally sound, especially if you could detonate multiple torpedoes at the same time on the armor causing resonant vibrations to further stress the armor. Additionally, the goal isn't really to wreck the armor at all but to fuck up the equipment and people hiding behind it.

B) That's what clones are for

>>2931095
>Palisade defense shield
Would handelheld plasma weapons with SP plasma be useful to deal if these if/when the Neeran capture some of them or against other factions?

>>2932067
>Any last minute well wishing or gifts for the fleet before they embark upon the Great Crusade?
Has our teleporter projected resulted in anything useful yet?
Send a few point defense HAGs along for each of the capital ships that don't have them yet?

Aside from that, is the the upsized dominion battleship medium ready for production yet?

>>2932067
>Any last minute well wishing or gifts for the fleet before they embark upon the Great Crusade?
Two damage control teams worth of engineering power cell armor for each baron would make a useful gift, in my opnion. And we should expand production for these anyway, they're super useful.

It's somewhat unrelated but are things like jetpack and power armor training offered to students as after school activities? It seems like something that would be interesting for the children while also offering a potential benefit to our army when their recruits enlist already trained in these areas. Especially the jetpacks seem like a relatively cheap way to offer training that's useful for the military to a large amount of students and an entertaining way to spend their spare time on top of that.

>>2932366
Yes it might reflect some of the blast but you'd lose a lot in the process. The shield is going to absorb some of that energy no matter how you tune them. The question is how much would be reflected before the generator overloaded?

This would require expensive testing and R&D. Your House has been trying to take on a minimum of new R&D projects to divert resources to fleet support. R&D is again approaching the point of being over stretched. Especially with the Talos E construction and modifications.

>>2932570
>Would handelheld plasma weapons with SP plasma be useful to deal if these if/when the Neeran capture some of them or against other factions?
Potentially. You'd have to take out several emitters to create a large enough gap. That might take a fair amount of ammo.

>>2932664
>Has our teleporter projected resulted in anything useful yet?
It's making progress. They claim that they should see (unspecified) results soon™.

>>2932664
>is the the upsized dominion battleship medium ready for production yet?
A Prototype of the Earl class has been completed this year. It is currently undergoing testing.

>>2932911
>jetpack and power armor training offered to students as after school activities?
There are holobooth training sims available, which is enough for the flight packs. The House does not generally permit civilian access to training on the neural interface used by power armor. They don't want some rando stealing power armor worth more than some starships.
Nobles of course can generally get around this by having family members willing to train them. Like you getting Ethan training on them.

>Two damage control teams worth of engineering power cell armor for each baron
Added to the list.

>And we should expand production for these anyway
Did you want to have one of the RSS Salvage crew power cell armor factories converted for damage control suits? They're already very similar and RSS already has more than enough suits for current operations.

[ ] Convert Factory (minimal cost)
[ ] New Factory (12m)

>>2933168
New factory.

>>2933168
>[ ] New Factory (12m)

>>2933168
> [ ] New Factory (12m)

We need more expensive things to invest our money in.

>>2932221
Also are there any objections to this list?

I was thinking 50m in cash minimum for each plus equipment listed, or additional funding.

>>2933203
Yes to all.

>>2933203
Yes. There are definitely worse ways to spend ~500 million.

>>2933203
Yes to New factory and yes to that. We got money to spare after all. I am mostly craving that second heavy yard

There are a couple suggestions that should probably be look at in more detailed.

>>2932221
>Dremine
>SP-Torps
You have a very limited stockpile of your own at present and the fleets will be provided with torpedoes from the Alliance before the attack. Probably no point in this but still possible.

1A) Skip SP's, send other munitions (Shield breakers, etc)
1B) Send some of your very limited stockpile of SP Torps
1C) Pay for acquiring some off the black market (@ 2.5m S for 1 Good quality SP)

>Drake
>Lightning Guns
PPCDG Lightning guns can be acquired for only 20 million each right now. The Republic has made the far more powerful Storm cannons available for sale to front line fleet for 100 million each. This is better than the 150m price you paid for yours off the black market.

2A) PPCDG Lightning guns (40m)
2B) Storm Cannons (200m)
2C) Send her Sonia's Storm Cannons (Removed from Rioja inventory)

>>2930624
>If you're going that far you might want to consider just building the new yard in Norune space.
>>2933290
>I am mostly craving that second heavy yard
Why not a mobile shipyard?

>>2933300
>1A) Skip SP's, send other munitions (Shield breakers, etc)
Don't forget the sp decoys.
>2B) Storm Cannons (200m)
Make that a loan, though. I'd like these for the Rioja fleet if they make it through the deployment in one piece.

>>2930863
>House Veritas is considering the request, though they're still less familiar with newer drone techs.
We could help them get in contact with Nirium. After all, they were the RH that helped and allowed House Veritas to come into existence and they designed the most advanced indigenous drone fighter in the Dominion. If the deal works out, it might also help our flagging diplomatic relations with Nirium.

>>2933300

>1A) Skip SP's, send other munitions (Shield breakers, etc)

>2B) Storm Cannons (200m) (For Drake to Own)

>>2933300
1A) Skip SP's, send other munitions (Shield breakers, etc)

2B) Storm Cannons (200m)
They are real nice

>>2933300
>1A) Skip SP's, send other munitions (Shield breakers, SP torp decoys)
>2B) Storm Cannons (200m)

>>2933315
>Why not a mobile shipyard?
Because it's unlikely that tech will be permitted outside the Dominion's borders.

More than 40 million is spent on a new Damage Control power cell armor production factory, as well as purchasing more of said suits for delivery to the fleets. For the ships that actually large enough to need DC crews the extra suits will help out quite a bit. Repair drones are a thing but many are still wary of employing too many of them aboard ship. At least on the larger ones. Assault corvettes dont have much choice with most designs having a 3 man crew these days.

Each of the Barons are sent gifts, some personalized by you and Troy. For others there is equipment munitions and additional funding for anything they might be running low on. With the addition of Drake's storm cannons her gift manages to push the total expenditure over the Billion S mark.

It's several days before you get any response from the Barons about the gifts. Apparently the Alliance has ordered the filtering of nonessential coms to and from the first wave fleets. The Barons all express their gratitude. Drake is overjoyed. Archivald and Winifred send their compliments for the additional drink that will probably be needed.
Everyone is also glad for the extra point defense ships for those Heavies that had previously lacked them.

>>2926893
>>2930624

With the Nexus class ship and engineers having returned from Norune space they go through what would be necessary to upgrade the ship. Addition of the extra engines would require some structural work and wont be as easy as just slapping them on the sides. Figures.

The expanded engine block will increase overall production cost by more than 600 million before factoring in the potential for additional weapon systems. It's suggested that extra weapon mounts could be customized per customer request. Refitting the Surakeh yard for the faster design will once again result in a drop in production speed. Once they get rolling they're able to pump out a heavy cruiser in 8 months rather than 12.

Did you want to build a new heavy yard in Norune space for the new design? Build such a yard within J-D space or expand the existing one? Upgrade the Surakeh yard despite the delays? Or would you rather stick with the current design, likely passing up Norune contracts in the process?

[ ] New Heavy shipyard, Norune space ( More than 1b S)
[ ] New Heavy shipyard, J-D space / Expand Surakeh Yard (Varies, >1b S)
[ ] Upgrade Surakeh yard for new design
[ ] Stick with current design & yard

>>2933522
>[ ] New Heavy shipyard, Norune space ( More than 1b S)
Would we get any subsidies from the local government?

>>2933522
>[ ] New Heavy shipyard, Norune space ( More than 1b S)

>>2933522
[ ] New Heavy shipyard, J-D space
Would rather keep it close at hand since then it would provide jobs for Dominion citizens and help our own economy as opposed to the Norune economy. Sure we will have to ship the ship to them once done but that's hardly a bad thing.

>>2933522
>[ ] New Heavy shipyard, Norune space ( More than 1b S)

Also, working something with the Norune representatives that we can start working on selling the yard to the Norune after the war is over. We still retain the Nexus class, but they can keep the yard after the war. So we don't have to worry about an additional heavy yard in another factions space.

>>2933540
>Would we get any subsidies from the local government?
Probably for the start up loans.

>>2933547
>working something with the Norune representatives that we can start working on selling the yard to the Norune after the war is over.
Could probably be done.

>>2933569
>Probably for the start up loans.
That's fair. Norune seem like people who won't give us much trouble with the yard, and having some assets as far away from the centri cluster as possible while still being in civilized space does certainly have some appeal. Buy a local law firm along with the yard, like we did in Terrans space. Just to make sure.

>>2933522
>[ ] Upgrade Surakeh yard for new design
Let's be practical.

>>2933522
>The expanded engine block will increase overall production cost by more than 600 million
If we're making a massive engine upgrade to the ship, can we look at adopting other newer technologies that weren't available when we started building it, to bring the cost down? If we stripped some of the cooling system and replace it with cooling lasers, maybe more efficient shields and reactors?

>>2933639
That will increase the efficiency and overall capability of the ship, but it wont exactly make it cheaper. The newer techs still tend to cost a bit more than the older gear.
In the case of the main guns though it might work out as a cost savings.

>>2933547
I do not fancy selling of a yard just like that when it could provide a steady source of money instead.

>>2933675

Will we be able to afford to have two heavy yards running in the future? Sure there will still be a need for warships for a short time after the war is over. But there will be a gradual decline in their need. Better to sell the thing off to an ally and make profit off it when it is clear that things are going to calm to the point having more then one heavy yard might prove more of a drain.

>>2933689
>But there will be a gradual decline in their need.
Considering the Norune have currently no heavy warships to speak of, they should also have no or very few facilities to produce and service heavy ships in their territory. Even if their demand drops off once we have provided enough heavy ships the yard should still remain busy with repairs and refits for the Nexus or the Talos ships.

>>2933689
Immediate money concern will be solved with sales. Since the price of goods is dependent on the cost of labor to make them. So that's not an issue. Besides the Norune have no Heavy Cruisers. If they like this it will be the only model in their arsenal that needs to be filled out.

As for after that war.... To be honest I do not think the need for warships will be over. The Dominion will go back to House vs House fighting in almost any case and the risk for war against the Terrans is a constant concern since they obviously do not like the Dominion growing this strong again. I mean the Dominion has not been this strong in centuries and after the Neeran Campaign we should hold a number of tech advantages, some that they themselves do not have. No. I think a new Dominion / Terran war is coming. Regardless of what we do.

Assuming peace reigns with in the Factions and between the House? Yards can switch production over to transport, mining (Both gas and metal) and building ships. All which will be needed as planet moving becomes more common in the Dominion and all the fresh virgin territory that comes with it. After that? Then there is the new territory in the then former Empire that will need new infrastructure. Not to mention the possibility of new territory during what I suspect will be a new age of discovery and exploration.

>>2933675
Selling it would require a vote at the very least.


3 for a shipyard in Norune space, 2 for different options in J-D space.

London has the station construction company do an estimate. Complete setup of the yard and equipment would cost 1.2 Billion. He'd prefer to make sure there was a mining barge and other RLS support infrastructure to reduce operating costs adding another 200 million.

Then there is the issue of defense. While the Norune are likely to defend an installation of such value they're not known for having the greatest morale. If a defense fleet should cut and run it might be a good idea to have solid defenses. Enough to hold off a medium cruiser or two, or at least buy time to evacuate might be wise.
The Smuggler's Run medium Defense platform costs 150 million each. Defenses from two of these could be integrated into the yard with the addition of more powerful shield and other upgrades for a similar cost. 300 million.
An RTS detachment could be stationed there for 60 million.

1A) Add support infrastructure
1B) Skip it for now

2A) Basic defenses
2B) Added defenses (150m)
2C) Upgraded defenses (300m)

3) RTS detachment (60m)
>Y/N?

>>2933759
If we are doing this then we should do it right. We got money to blow after all

1A) Add support infrastructure
Expand Logistics

2C) Upgraded defenses (300m)
Add some pew pews

3) RTS detachment (60m)
Put some boots on it.

>>2933759
Ask the Norune for a guarantee to keep the yard from harm as long as we're providing services for their military. If the yard gets destroyed or damaged by enemy action while in their service, they'll have to pay reparations.

>1A)
>2C)
>3Y)
The RTS units could provide some additional training to the locals, if they're interested.

>>2933759

>1A) Add support infrastructure
>2C) Upgraded defenses (300m)
>3) RTS detachment (60m) (Y)

And >>2933777 suggestion of RTS units providing training to locals. We all benefit when we work together.

>>2933759
>1A) Add support infrastructure
>2B) Added defenses (150m)
>3) RTS detachment (60m)

The Norune government are glad you are willing to accommodate on design modifications. With your company constructing the shipyard they're willing to provide advance funding for the first ship to be built there. An agreement for additional orders is drawn up though there are conditions that the design may need to be tweaked slightly based on field performance.
London makes sure that there are limits to the sort of changes they can demand within the framework of the contract so they cant just screw over the company later.

One of the Kilos will head out to Norune space loaded down with equipment and industrial modules. A supporting construction ship, a mining barge and ore transports will accompany them. One additional RTS detachment will be sent along with the escort and stationed there on a permanant basis.
The company will also hire the local branch of Exodus to help speed up construction of the defenses. Better than having to send even more ships all the way from South Reach or the Centri Cluster.

All of those expenses put a noticeable dent in your wallet but you still have more than enough for any other projects you have planned this year.

It isn't much longer before all nonessential coms and messages to the fleets are cut. Speculation at first is that the invasion has started or that the Alliance just wants to maintain operational security.

Nearly a week into the com blackout messages from the fleet start to be allowed through, but they're just text messages with a limited number of letters and characters. Your father is doing fine. Things are busy but he's managing. It looks like he'll be at his current post for awhile. Which is preferable to going elsewhere.

Mom remains a bit worried even though Dad won't be anywhere near the action.
"He thought he would be fine taking that post in the Pandora cluster years ago. Look how that turned out."
"That was when the Neeran were still launching offensives." you assure her.

"What if they try to attack the bases before the Alliance attacks? They probably want to prevent this offensive from starting."

>What would you like to say to calm her down?

>>2934005
"Attack? With that navy? We gave them such a hard trashing in the last battle that they where shooting each others ships out of the way to get out of Shallan space. If anything they are trying to restore order and discipline in time to be a able to properly fight off the coming invasion. If they can that is. They have no offensive power anymore what so ever. Now assume they could magic up enough fleet power to launch where would they go? Through the Crystal sea? Not bloody likely. Into Shallan space and into the waiting arms of millions of bloodthirsty Shallans just itching for a fight? Hah! Nah. He is safe where he is. Trust me on that. Not as a extremely successful Navy Commander, but as your daughter."

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>>2934005
"I doubt anybody in the house would risk upsetting either Troy or me by getting dad killed just because they put him in a bad spot. In addition to that, ff they were actually able to attack before the invasion starts, they'd also be running into all those fleets currently parked in the region. If Neeran could still take these on offensively, we wouldn't be preparing for an invasion right now."

>>2934005
"Attacking the Pandora Cluster would be a suicide mission for them, it'd be tantamount to throwing their forces into hell for very little gain."

I wouldn't doubt it though, that's the kind of crazy shit they'd try this late-game.

"Attack? With that navy? We gave them such a hard trashing in the last battle that they where shooting each others ships out of the way to get out of Shallan space. Attacking Shallan space again, let alone the Pandora Cluster would be a suicide mission for them. It'd be tantamount to throwing their forces into hell for very little gain."
"Like that movie your father watches? Battle of the bulge?"

Oh great.
"It'd be worse for them than that. If anything they're trying to restore order and discipline in time to be a able to properly fight off the coming invasion. If they can that is."

You dont mention the presence of Alliance forces already in enemy territory near the planned beachhead. No reason to say that on a relatively unsecured channel.

"If they were actually able to attack before the invasion starts, they'd also be running into all those fleets currently parked in the region. If Neeran could still take these on offensively we wouldn't be preparing an invasion right now. Dad is safe where he is."

"You're sure?"
"Mom trust me, not just because I know a thing or two about this, but as your daughter."

Your mother sighs. "I suppose I'll just have to hope for the best."

"Also whoever assigned him there had to know I'd get really angry if Dad were put in any danger."
Mom is not amused by this comment.

Okay I guess it was my ISP giving me trouble since my ID changed.

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Sonia's fleet is still mostly based around corvettes and attack cruisers, right? How much is a BCW?

>>2933300
> 2B) Storm Cannons (400m)

Let's get some for ourselves too.

Price updated using my heavy carrier cost calculator formula.

BC Carrier [Bonrah] (192 berths) = 1.7b
BCB Carrier [Bonrah](240 berths)= 2.043b
BCE [Ceres] (256 berths)= 1.99b Highest corvette capacity
BCW [Ceres] (192 berths)= 2.07b Best logistics capacity, can repair Frigates & some light cruisers

Ceres has not been able to produce them as cheaply as Bonrah, but theirs are less likely to suffer severe structural failures. Bonrah may have thrown together the original BC Carriers for a little as 800 million and it showed. Few of the first gen are still operational.

All of the available current designs can be further upgraded with better repair systems.

>>2934541
>can repair Frigates & some light cruisers
Would that include the attack cruisers Sonia's fleet is using or are they too large? Going by the images on the wiki, I'd guess the kavarian ones should fit because they're not especially wide? The Dusk maybe not?

The repair pads are roughly 550m wide and 750m long?

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>>2934574
Actually they could repair quite a bit. Not really big enough for a fast battleship, but enough to help.

530x750 meters

>>2934618
That's pretty impressive.

Talking to intel the next day you find out that there have been problems in Shallan space. Fortunately its not a direct threat to the Alliance forward bases just yet. Two State fleets were ordered to subdue a rebelling planet via orbital bombardment. The larger fleet instead broke off communications with the State and crippled the other fleet before they could complete their orbital strikes.
They've declared themselves an autonomous federal republic and accused the State of warcrimes. Commanders of the rogue fleet have provided the Alliance with evidence of State leadership ordering bombardment of Shallan civilian population centers and other atrocities. The Alliance in turn have passed this data on to the other Factions intelligence agencies.

The Alliance is not pleased that this is happening right now. Steps of the "or else" variety are being taken in hopes to force a cease fire between the State and rebel elements.

"Hold on, what kind of steps?" you ask Vanderwal

"From what I can gather? Declaring the Nai homeworld an independent state and giving them a five thousand light year buffer zone would be the first one. Taking temporary administrative control of the colonies the fleets are basing out of right now is also a possibility. If they really want to play hardball cutting the State off from reconstruction funds would be a serious blow. That last one is a step they wouldn't be able to survive."

For now it looks like logistics to the fleet staging bases wont be affected. It's a straight shot from the Nav station across to most of the bases and the Alliance has too large of a presence for the state to threaten either of them. Even if reconstruction funds didn't enter the equation at this point the State needs to stay on the Alliance's good side to secure new territory in Neeran space.

"What do you think they'll do?" you ask.

The old spymaster shrugs. "They'll have to make a deal, but may try to hold out on one for a few weeks to see if they can crush the rebels first. Unless they think that might blow up in their faces. The fleet that turned was supposed to be loyal."

Did you want to make preparations for different contingencies, or adopt a wait and see approach?

>>2934746
Let's talk to the higher ranking Shallans in our government and fleet about this.

>>2934761
>Let's talk to the higher ranking Shallans in our government and fleet about this.

Tamoren Balle is of the opinion that whoever tried to follow the order to bombard a planet deserves a trip out an airlock.
"If the State is smart they'll ask the people who gave the order to resign then negotiate a return to the Federation's elected government. I don't expect that to happen. The military will want warcrimes charges dropped before they'll agree to a return of civilian government. I doubt the civilians would accept that provision."

Mezan is with mercenary groups on the far right flank and cant be contacted right now. More than a few Shallan personnel in the House military are of the opinion that this could be an opportunity to reestablish the Shallan Federation one way or another. Some are prepared to fight, though they would continue to carry out their duties to the House until released from them. Many want the issue resolved peacefully, or if force is needed, after the conflict with the Neeran is over.

News of this rebellion has not yet reached Shallan civilian leaders in Dominion space. Did you wish to discuss it with them?

>>2934857
>News of this rebellion has not yet reached Shallan civilian leaders in Dominion space. Did you wish to discuss it with them?

Is this considered Secret level material? If yes, don't say a thing to them yet. The Shallan in our military are already riled up. No need to get the civilians riled up as well.

>>2934857
>Did you wish to discuss it with them?
No. If the RH would want the informed, they would have done so themselves.

>The military will want warcrimes charges dropped before they'll agree to a return of civilian government. I doubt the civilians would accept that provision.
I think we did that with those assholes who had the planet bombed with biological weapons in return for handing over the planet peacefully. It's a shit deal but if it can help resolve things without further bloodshed, it should be considered. Does Ber'helum have an (un)official opinion on this?

>>2934885
>Is this considered Secret level material?
Classified to an extent. It's being contained at the moment within the major governments and intel organisations. Those you've spoken to about it will keep quiet for now.

>>2934889
>Does Ber'helum have an (un)official opinion on this?
Not yet.
"They do know that having a civil war isn't a prerequisite to rebuilding their economy as quickly as ours?" -EmpBer

>>2934912
I'd like to make a personal appeal to them to place the long term survival of the Shallan people over temporary political gain.

>>2934938
To the government in exile or the State? Or both?

>>2934912
It's simply a matter of making the tallest Shallan their leader

>>2934966
Somehow that's both better and worse at the same time. Does this mean they would get that the title of "the biggest little Shallan alive"?

>>2934912
The Shallan government does need a Washington like figure to see them trough at this point.

>>2934966
How can we make this happen?

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>>2935008
Simply refer to the chart.

>>2934966
Urkon rules? Or American?

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>>2935022
Time for the Shallans to become Irkens then.

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>>2935022
> that chart tho

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>>2935075
Aw man, it's like when I stopped looking at Tau fapbait and saw the actual models.

Now I'm thinking of Shallans as *creepy* blue skinned space elves and not sexy short fuckmuppets.

One can't deny the described features of the Fae apply to Irkens. Large luminous eyes, long thin limbs, narrow waists, overly expressive faces, minimal hair.

Just gotta palette swap to blue.

Anyways, what are you plans?
Hold off and wait to see how this develops? Prepare forces in case a military intervention is called for? Get ready to take in more Shallan refugees? Send messages of support to the Count or Emperor for a particular course of action?

>>2935073
Yep.

It's headcanon now.

I was not previously aware of the "Almighty Tallest" having only watched maybe 3 episodes of Zim, and those being on youtube.

>>2935086
I'd say better to prepare for more refugees and our forces whatever happens in the near future.

>>2935086

>Shallan Plans

Don't say anything to the civilian governement in exile just yet. I'm sure they'll learn eventually. In the mean time, have our stations ready for additional refugee's from Shallan space should the Military Government decide they'd rather go out in a blaze of glory.

I believe we've already told the count once in the past we would support their decision. Not sure if we should send B'H a message. I think our actions would speak loudly for us in this instance. We're ready to respond and to help. But unless the Shalan Military Government starts opening fire on Dominion forces. The Alliance has to deal with that mess.

>>2935086
Suggest to the alliance to post observer ships at shallan colonies. Even if the state has a 1000 worlds under their control, the factions should easily be able the field that many obsolete vessels with minimal crews.

We're already preparing our fleet for a deployment, so I doubt we'd have to reactivate forces for an intervention separately.

And yes, prepare for more refugess. See if we can buy an additional arcology or two. Maybe some of these floating cities, Rioja does have oceans we aren't really using atm.

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>>2935098
>>2935104
>>2935131
Preparations begin should it be necessary to handle a new wave of Shallan refugees. Rioja is one of the few places that could handle more, even if it might knock the intended House population demographics off course for a few years.
With 4 new cities being built just on your property, each able to handle 25 million people, a couple million Shallans each shouldn't hurt too much. If necessary there are other city sites that were under consideration.

You make sure to reiterate to Balle that you dont want word of this getting out to the government in exile. Not yet. They'll learn of it on their own.

With the fleet conducting regular exercises they're as ready for deployment as ever. A good sized force could be launched in a day or two if needed. No special preparations will be made on that front.

With RSS having diverted much of its ships from salvage to cargo transport duties in Shallan space RTS should have a few escort ships to spare. You offer to make them available to the Alliance as observers to keep an eye on Shallan colonies.
The low ranking Alliance officers you initially talk to aren't certain they'll be needed. They become a bit more enthusiastic once you imply that shit may be about to hit the fan in that area. Neutral ships with Alliance officers aboard could keep an eye on things and ensure the State doesn't start a cluster wide purge.

As for additional locations for settlements on Rioja, there are still 7 prospected city locations on your land. Some nobles are also looking at founding another city to the west of Garzweile in the southern hemisphere. They're looking for additional investors in the 20-50 million range.

Did you want to invest in more cities on Rioja or wait until the current ones under development have been finished?

>>2935277
We should be fine with the 50 million investment in addition to what we already have.

>>2935277

>Rioja cities

Will us helping to fund the additional cities before the other are completed affect the governors projections any?

I'd like to have the population spread out more, but without effecting the current output of factories and businesses to negatively. And having more space for any future Shallan refugees ready now would be great.

Just lets see if getting any more of these cities up and running will have a negative impact or not.

>>2935310
>Will us helping to fund the additional cities before the other are completed affect the governors projections any?
So long as there are only a few extra. The Governor doesn't want more cities rushed to completion ahead of those currently under development.

>>2935322

Then lets help fund the city to the west of Garzweile.

>>2935330
Let's do this then.

>>2935277
Let's build a big, beautiful city. It's going to be so nice, just perfect. It will be Dominion only, but we can let in Dominion converts and they'll love it.

You invest 50 million to help along the nobles in the south with their city construction.

The next week sees frantic diplomatic coms traffic between Shallan space and the other Factions, all of which is heavily encrypted. Contact is temporarily lost with one of ships you'd provided to the Alliance observers. When they're able to use coms again they inform you they were relieved by an Alliance Battleship. They're contractually obligated to keep quiet about what they saw while deployed.

RSS units that were not on contract to the Alliance have reported that the number of Shallan military deserters coming through the Nav station are way up. Enough that the State have pulled troops from the station. Most Shallan fleet personnel now on the station aren't even bothering to hide the fact that they've left their units. Some warships from deserting units have been impounded under orders of the Alliance.

Current rumors are that a second fleet defected to the rebels and that they've managed to take several worlds including bases with repair yards. They're staying far from the Alliance staging bases at the moment. State units taking part in the invasion are stationed at or near most of those.

Eventually you get word of an actual cease fire being called. There is very little information available at first but more is released over time. It seems that some of the State leadership have been dealt with in one way or another. Not all of them though. A good sized block of them remain in control and have agreed to terms with the Alliance. Certain troublesome worlds will be permitted to apply to the Alliance for temporary protectorate status. This status will expire 10 years after the conclusion of hostilities with the Neeran.

Alliance observers will be maintained on numerous Shallan worlds to keep watch for potential war crimes. The State will no longer block emigration from its worlds or transfers from their military to the Alliance.
The Rebel fleet must disarm completely. All warships and armaments will be returned to the State by way of the Alliance. Those who refuse to disarm by an appointed date will be flagged as pirates or enemy combatants. You doubt the Alliance will put bounties on these people right away but the State fleets will have nothing stopping them from hunting the remainders down.

"They're awfully vague about what constitutes troublesome worlds." you state when looking over the reports.

>Cont.

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Balle is certain that the rebels, especially the civilians on those worlds, will accept the deal if it gets them Alliance protection. It will buy time if anything. Time to work out a better compromise or end the State. She's not certain about the fleet though.

Hera Boosalis is of the opinion that the Rebel fleet commanders are going to try and make a break for it. A few of them with larger ships at least.
Verilis Rah'ne isn't as certain. "If someone makes them a better deal along with ships they could hang onto after the war I think they might be convinced to lay down their arms."

"I'm not made of money, I'm just swimming in it occasionally." you point out, causing Verilis to facepalm.

"Get them hired by the South Reach League or a House with good mercenary connections. Someone that can provide them ships if they want to resume their fight with the State in another decade."

That is a good point. Even with Berwari and Foss out of the picture at present there others in the SRL that could make it work. House Medel is kept afloat by mercenaries. There are also your PCCG contacts.

Avun who is attending by hologram makes another suggestion.
"Maybe we don't want them to hand over all of their arms."

"The State is assisting with the invasion." you point out.

"I'm aware, but if someone were to get their heavier assets out of Shallan space safely they could join Mezan's unit."

[ ] I'm listening
[ ] This is a bad idea

>>2935642
>[ ] I'm listening

>>2935642
This is a terrible idea!

>[ ] I'm listening

>>2935642
>[ ] I'm listening
I wouldn't normally vote to interfere in Shallan politics this much, but the military government did order civilian bombardment.

Coherent sentences are not forming so I'll be resuming tomorrow.

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>>2935642
Shallan Bullying

>>2935098
Citizenship in exchange for military service?

>>2935642
What happened to sending rebels to the Alliance? Worked for the Dominion. Second them to our attack fleet.

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>>2935998
>Citizenship in exchange for military service?
Offer them the same deal the Erid baron got? They help with the invasion and get to form their own house in return. They'd even be free to do their silly democracy thing.

>>2936307
Hook them up with Veritas, through Medel?

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>>2936500
>"Were you going to risk sending your Anchorage to Shallan space while Neeran ships were still present?"
"Maybe?"

>>2935998
>What happened to sending rebels to the Alliance?
That's probably what the State would prefer. That's why they re-approved transfers from their military to the Alliance. It gets them out of the State while still counting towards their contribution to the Alliance.

>>2935658
>>2935670
>>2935680
At length you eventually reply. "I'm listening?"

"The Warlords have super heavy cruisers deployed in platform construction duties." Avun explains. "They're not generally part of the larger fleets and sell their services to individual planetary governments. One of the Warlords can send one of those to a rendezvous point in Shallan space after dropping off station components and haul out the Rebel ships."

"And the State wouldn't stop them?" you have to ask.

"Not if the ships were hidden by holographic camouflage. Like the kind a couple warlords use to disguise unauthorized salvage operations."

What what?
"That could work, but why am I just hearing about this now?!"

Avun shrugs.
"Were you going to risk sending your Anchorage to Shallan space while Neeran ships were still present?"

>>2936517
"Good point."

"Maybe?" You reply, then reluctantly grumble; "Fine, it's a good point."

The next question is do you get involved, or leave it alone to avoid potentially being implicated later? Hera seems certain some of the Rebels will try to hang onto their ships, which means being hunted down as they run for the border.

Assisting with mercenary contracts might not let them keep their ships but their new employers will probably be glad to help them out in that department.
Or take the biggest risk and try to smuggle some of their ships out of Shallan space under the cover of Warlord assistance.

[ ] Leave the situation alone
[ ] Help get them PCCG Mercenary contracts
[ ] Help get them SRL Mercenary contracts
[ ] Get them House Medel Mercenary contracts
[ ] Contact Warlords to smuggle out ships

>>2936556
[ ] Contact Warlords to smuggle out ships
The days of the military government is numbered in any case. Let's go for big!

>>2936556
>[ ] Get them House Medel Mercenary contracts

>>2936556
[ ] Get them House Medel Mercenary contracts
[ ] Contact Warlords to smuggle out ships

>>2936578
If they get their ships smuggled out they'll probably want to join up with an established pro-federation group like Mezan's. So unfortunately getting smuggled out doesn't go as well with the other options.

>>2936556
>[ ] Get them House Medel Mercenary contracts
>[ ] Contact Warlords to smuggle out ships

>>2936556
>pccg mercs
Deleted my post and now captcha won't let me post but only in this thread. Thanks google.

>>2936578
>>2936603
Please select 1.

>>2936578
>>2936603
Or are you suggesting paying Medel to pay the warlords to smuggle the ships out?

>>2936614
I voted for both since there might be circumstances where we can't get all of the ships out without warlord help but let's focus on House Medel.

Looks like you'll see about hiring on some of the Rebels with Medel. Eshik Medel is always glad to bring on more mercenaries. Especially ones with professional experience. As always though he remains a bit strapped for cash.

Would you be willing to provide Medel with financial assistance either for more ships or to help support the new mercs? If so how much cash are you willing to put up?

>>2936650
Sure, 500m very low interest loan.

>>2936586
I think it would be good to offer the SRL option to crews who are going to run for the border otherwise.

>>2936650
A minimum interest loan of... 300 million?

>>2936607
>At least it only took 30 minutes to reset.

>>2936689
>I think it would be good to offer the SRL option to crews who are going to run for the border otherwise.
I suppose that's fair.

>>2936659
>>2936689
400 million low interest loan?

>>2936708
>400 million low interest loan?
I'd be okay with that.

>>2936708
400 sounds good.

Medel is glad for the low interest loan of 400 Million. It'll help purchase new ships for the Shallan mercs. You're likely to make a good portion of that money back just through the Dusk II production you own half of. They wont be able to grab any Eclipse II's on their own but it might be possible to acquire a couple Katar class mediums.

Some pro Federation groups from among the exiles are now trying to find ways of preventing the Rebel fleet from surrendering the ships to the Alliance. They dont have the resources or connections to prevent it though.

With a bit of assistance Medel is able to make contact with the Rebel forces and present his offer. Hire on as Dominion mercenaries and in time they'll be provided with ships for their cause. While Medel may not have the most resources to offer compared to others he is seen as a sympathetic choice. Someone who identifies with their plight, even if they may not entirely share the same values.

Arrangements are made to have ships under Dominion protection transport the crews out of Shallan space once the treaty is ratified.

As word of events in Shallan space becomes public and spreads so to does some of the impact on the military government. Half the previous State leadership is gone, having been arrested for war crimes or killed while attempting to escape. State forces are working to consolidate their hold on most of Shallan space, especially their home galaxy before it becomes necessary to release worlds into Alliance protectorate status.

Fighting has been reported in a few areas between elements of State forces unrelated to the rebellion. Not all of those leaders accused of war crimes went quietly. Despite this the military is maintaining its grip on well over half of Shallan space. The State isn't going away any time soon.

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The next few days are spent observing mass unit exercises. Several fleets from throughout the Relay are participating and its good practice for how chaotic events tend to get. One of the Dominion Enhanced Capital Ships takes part following a refit at the Forbearance yards. They figured they might as well participate during their shakedown. Just as well as they do have a few problems and need to briefly disengage.

"Do we stop the exercise?" asks Maybourne?
"No. Ships get damaged in battle and need to break off. Better their side learns how to handle it."

The Super does return to the fight a short while later evening the odds once again and causing their side to rally. Things continue to go well until a ship suffers a malfunction and find their phase cannons operating in live fire mode. That brings a temporary halt to events while both sides try to prevent an incident.

In the next few days Planetary assault exercises are held at Tabernas. Simulated bombardments of the planetary shield by the fleet take place and the assault drops are contested heavily by the local PDF and the army. Rioja's army has trouble during the drop operation and nearly has to abort until HAG's and LST's with special forces manage to deal with the ground based defenses.

Rob Ecord reports that his troops secured the defense guns intact increasing the army's overall score. The planet could be held much more easily from a counterattack.

"How did things go down there?"
"We had trouble getting in at first but once we were through the commandos made short work of things. I walked into the defense gun control room and shouted "Bang you're dead!" scaring the hell out of them all. I dont think they realised we'd made it inside the structure."

At one of the morning briefings Vanderwall makes an announcement.
"The invasion has started."
"It's about time." comments Verilis.
"Any word on how bad things are?" asks Tama.

"No major reports yet, just that it's started and when it started. The fleets had already left their bases before the entire blowup with the Shallans happened. The Faction and Shallan fleets that were still reading as near to where the rebels were fighting were all decoys."

As it turns out the State had attempted to pull some of those fleet units from the invasion to help deal with the Rebels. Those orders were refused, supposedly due to previous agreements to help attack Neeran space. The State were never aware that the ships simply weren't there. Mind you the Rebels didn't know either or they might have pressed their advance closer to the bases in those regions.

With little else to go on you have no choice but to carry on with the day to day. The fleet and army are given the task of defending against enemy counterattacks with progressively less orbital support. They're not given the change to get used to any one particular place either. Operation areas are shifted around planets or to other ones entirely.

As Ecord tells the troops when they get to defend the planetary defense gun on Tabernas. "Have fun, this is going to be the easy one."

It turns out to be anything but easy, with Nirium troops determined to retake the gun. They manage it but not for lack of effort on anyone's part. General Rna being diplomatic congratulates the opposition forces on a job well done.

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The Terran media firm hired on Kanehekili is taking steps to expand their business to Rioja, seeing it as a good market since they're already doing work for you. It isn't long after they've set up local offices that a deal is made to produce a few movies to feel out the audience in the region.

Towards that end they'd like to do a movie based on the fall of Rioja's larger moon from orbit. Warlord attacks knocking it out of orbit resulted in the creation of Mons Abyla and the entire planet being rendered uninhabitable for more than 30 years. It could be a touchy subject, but then few people living on Rioja today are former House Posat citizens.

>>2936980
Did you want to give approval?

>>2936980
Fund it! Ending credits with a speeded up timeframe of Mons Abyla from the point of impact, to the desolation of the planet, to recolonization, being built upon and with the final frames of green grass growing upon it's slopes as life returns to the planet!

But yeah, make sure the script aint a B-script. We need some more high quality stuff.

>>2936980
We could do a limited release on Rioja and focus on the rest of our House as a market instead.

>>2936988
>Ending credits with a speeded up timeframe of Mons Abyla from the point of impact, to the desolation of the planet, to recolonization, being built upon and with the final frames of green grass growing upon it's slopes as life returns to the planet!
They agree to using a timelapse view of the plateau for the credits.

>But yeah, make sure the script aint a B-script. We need some more high quality stuff.
Their response is that they usually try for S Rank but will settle for A- if there is a lack of time.

Do you require a spoiler of the ending for them to proceed?

>>2937025
>Do you require a spoiler of the ending for them to proceed?
Nah, they're creative types and those usually get pissy if you exert any kind of oversight or pressure on them.

>>2937025
Do you require a spoiler of the ending for them to proceed?
Nah. We good.

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>>2937025
>Do you require a spoiler of the ending for them to proceed?

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Movie approved and you've sent them a couple million in additional funding. If necessary they'll be able to get access to old archives.

Several days into the limited orbital coverage support battles you get word that there has been an incident on Dremine. The prison holding protest leaders arrested earlier this year has been bombed leading to the escape of most inmates. Almost immediately there have been incidents of civil disobedience reported across the planet.

By the next day protests have broken out again in several major cities and worse the usual media blackouts on these sort of things has failed. Things don't stop there. Someone has released numerous incriminating files from the Planetary Governor's office.

Fadila considers the situation to be not good.
"Even the few leaked files that we got wind of here would be enough to call for the Governor's resignation."

"What sort of files?"
"The bulk of them are the usual low level corruption. Favoritism for particular companies or family businesses for development contracts. That sort of thing isn't unusual, but Lord Veos has been Governor of Dremine for a long time so by that alone it seems much worse.
There have been other more serious incidents. Like sending political dissidents to Gesaur where House Kharbos experimented on them. There were also a few assassinations listed."

Not great but sounds like business as usual for a planet as populated as Dremine. Especially considering the planet has been under the same governor this entire century.

"So count Jerik will ask Lord Veos to step down right?" you ask.
Troy indicates that the Count may have to exile the governor or place them under house arrest.

Fadila isn't so certain.
"Normally the populace doesn't know about all of these things going on behind the scenes."

"So... things could get bad until order is restored?"
"Yes."

Right. Priorities time. You look to Vanderwal and Rufaro. "Are my family members in danger?"
The older man shakes his head. "Not immediately. None of the protests are in their city, but they are on the shortest route between those cities and the capital."

>Your orders?

>>2937174
Who is still on the planet? Sonia's mom and Ethan?

>>2937183
Yes.

>>2937174
didn't we get contacted by some nobles hat wanted to get rid of Dremine's governor a while ago? maybe try to find out if it's the same people

>>2937174
Take the family out to our lodge and have them under RTS guard. Put some RTS personal in and around their apartment in the city so it seems like they are there. Should the rioters desire to loot moms crib then they will find it not such a easy task with armed guards around.

Otherwise we just follow the Counts lead.

>>2936621
Yeah. We've been kind of heat with the Shallans lately. I would have preferred an intermediary use them.

Sorry I was flying.

>>2937198
>>2937174
This sounds good.

Make sure we have a cryo set up for our mum in case they gotta leave the planet.

>>2937194
They may have given Dremine's Governor as an example yes.
>maybe try to find out if it's the same people
Fadila will try to get hold of them.

>>2937198
>Take the family out to our lodge and have them under RTS guard. Put some RTS personal in and around their apartment in the city so it seems like they are there.
>>2937218
Looks like we're doing this?

Ethan is doing some last minute classes which will be another few days. Rufaro thinks they can get him out of there on short notice but would rather not chance it.

[ ] Get them out, he can retake the class later
[ ] Increase guard, try not to interrupt his schedule

>>2937226
>[ ] Get them out, he can retake the class later

>>2937226
>[ ] Increase guard, try not to interrupt his schedule

>>2937226
[ ] Get them out, he can retake the class later
Nigga we'll take your teacher to if it's that important. If he risks failing we can just apply bribes until that is no longer the case.

>>2937226
>[ ] Increase guard, try not to interrupt his schedule

>Fadila will try to get hold of them.
This wasn't intended as contacting them, but Vanderwal trying to figure that out

Waiting on a tie breaker it would seem.

>>2937294
>maybe try to find out if it's the same people
>but Vanderwal trying to figure that out
Right.
He promises to get on it but that could require considerable resources. He'd like temporary access to all of your private intelligence assets on Dremine, as well as a memo sent to Count Jerik stating his intention to not cause trouble.

"If I start digging too deeply while the Governor is under attack people might get the wrong idea."

[ ] Approve request for resources
[ ] Just get in touch with House intel efforts
[ ] Restrict search to threats to DRH 1

>>2937226
Increase guards, have an extraction team and shuttle on standby, get mom some training with power cell armor just in case.

>>2937339
Don't get involved, offer our help and wait for the count to make a decision.

>>2937339
>[ ] Approve request for resources

>>2937339
>[ ] Just get in touch with House intel efforts
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2638980/#p2648857
>Shanta Filippi
The stuff happeing on Dremine right now sounds alot like what she wanted our support for

>>2937339

[X] no rules Vanderbud go nuts

Let's see what he finds.

Reading through our investment page, did the 250m Plasma Corvette R&D investment in 4035 produce any results?

Protection of mom and your brother are greatly increased and the Reynard guard are under orders to get them both out to the lodge at the first sign of trouble. Rufaro orders a shuttle stationed nearby Ethan's position.

The crew of the Bittenfeld are told to warm up the ship and get it prepared to assist with extraction if necessary. They have a stasis unit to use on mom should she need to be moved off the planet. Probably best if she doesn't know that though.

>>2937516
Soon™ Was trying to figure out when they would become available earlier today actually.

>>2937492
Counting this as approve request for resources

You send off a memo to Count Jerik advising him your intelligence forces are going to be looking into a potential source of the current trouble on Dremine. You don't know for certain if they're involved and want to be sure before before pointing House intel towards someone.

"If you find out someone is involved send me the data immediately." The Count tells you. "I dont want intel to waste an hour or two verifying it before telling me."

>>2937621
"If we were to mount shield generators on superheavy platforms and keep them mobile, would that help?"

>>2937621
"That's perfectly okay, I'm terrible when it comes to using starfighters effectively for example. Just make sure you have somebody you can rely on to perform well in that kind of situation."

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While Vanderwal begins his investigation you continue to monitor the training operations as well as the situation on Dremine. Rioja's army is faced with even more difficult defensive scenarios. They win some of them but there are limits to what they can do with diminishing orbital support.

General Rna eventually contacts you. While reluctant before they now think more backup shield generators are needed to defend ground positions. Citadel shields to be used as mobile backups for the garrison base shields and larger planetary shield generators. Rna admits to not being the best when keeping their forces purely on the defensive.
"I am more accustomed advancing constantly at great speed, rather than fortifying positions."

>What say?

>>2937621
How many does he feel the army would comfortably need?

>>2937629

"Hopefully we don't need to hold positions for extended periods of time. I'd rather be on the attack as well, but with all the unknowns. Isn't it best to get our troops this familiarized now while we can? Either way, the troops are doing an amazing job, despite difficulties, which can only be attributed to their general. With what you and your commanders have gone through now, do you think you can come back with an accurate estimation on the minimum number of troops we would need to hold?"

Sorry for the delete.

>>2937625
>>2937626
"That's perfectly okay, I'm terrible when it comes to using starfighters effectively for example. Just make sure you have somebody you can rely on to perform well in that kind of situation. Hopefully we don't need to hold positions for extended periods of time. I'd rather be on the attack as well, but with all the unknowns. Isn't it best to get our troops this familiarized now while we can?"

Rna promises to search for suitable support officers. This is the time to work out those problems, especially if you end up sticj behind enemy lines later.

"If we were to mount shield generators on superheavy platforms and keep them mobile, would that help?"
"We're already deploying mobile shields by using sets of trucks which then link together the generator gear at a location. Citadel shields that stay active while in motion need heavy walkers which are too slow, or those Neeran Super heavy tanks that are too big for most operations."

"What if we take that new super tank and stripped it down to the size of a heavy walker, just with a shield? Or could we put wheels on the heavy walker?"
"That might be possible. Especially if it were only acting in a support role. It will have to be tested."

"Get the engineers on it. For now the troops are doing an amazing job, despite difficulties, which can only be attributed to their general. How many shields do you feel the army would comfortably need to hold ground positions like we've been testing?"

"A dozen to start with? More as backups. Perhaps 20 million S worth of shield gear. The engineers should have enough in their remaining vehicle budget to test the wheeled modifications. "

"With what you and your commanders have gone through now, do you think you can come back with an accurate estimation on the minimum number of troops we would need to hold?"

"A hard point defense against massed assault? 150,000 dismounted troops with adequate time to prepare could potentially hold off four times their number in Neeran. Not an unusual figure with experienced troops. Sudden upsets could always change those numbers as could the arrival of more enemy support options. Super heavy tanks, planetary assault frigates and so on."

The Neeran do have assault craft that were somewhere between the HAG and assault frigate in terms of capabilities they had just started fielding. Worse those things could air drop two super heavy tanks. There is one way to deal with those.

The big planetary defense guns are 10 million each including dedicated power systems and shields. They're very specialized but dont cause the sort of atmospheric damage a phase cannon would. Setting up one would take days and carefully tearing it down again longer.

1) 20m Citadel shields Y/N?

2) Acquire planetary defense guns?

>>2937763

>1) 20m Citadel shields Y/N? (Y)

>2) Acquire planetary defense guns? (N)

>>2937763
>1) 20m Citadel shields Y/N? Y
>2) Acquire planetary defense guns? Y

>>2937763
>1) 20m Citadel shields Y
>2) Acquire planetary defense guns
Can we put one of these guns on a heavy walker or a superheavy tank to keep it mobile?

>>2937829
>Can we put one of these guns on a heavy walker or a superheavy tank to keep it mobile?
Absolutely not. They're an installation intended to engage landing starships.

>>2937763

Yes

Yes, however many Rna thinks would be optimal.

>>2937840
Then what would it take to make them mobile or is it not realistically possible?

>>2937863
The closest thing would be to equip a Frigate with dedicated atmospheric use beam weaponry. This would involve ripping out most of the existing phase cannons and use up additional interior space. So you'd probably go from 5 phase cannon turrets down to 2 less powerful weapons tuned to operate in atmosphere.

The much cheaper route would be to use the Rovinar E-beams intended for use on HAGs and simply use more of them.

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Shields and guns acquired. 2 planetary defense guns for testing purposes. If one breaks down they'll have a spare.

The army engineers will begin testing alternate means of deploying the new shields in training exercises. For now the Rioja forces are called on to spend the next week in the offensive role allowing your allies to put through similar figurative meat grinder. This finally gives Rna the chance to play with the Neeran tank stand ins, which have largely been under the command or allies performing opposition forces roles.

Their first day's skirmishes dont go as well as you'd expected. A few people suggest the General was having too much fun playing with the new toys. Fortunately there is a marked improvement subsequent days while trying out various Neeran tactics. Having seen a few of these in action the previous week both sides are trying to find better methods of countering defense and offense.

Troy takes his unit out on one of the larger exercises, his jetbikes posing as low flying starfighters. Once engaged they drop to surface level, using ground cover to evade starfighters and enemy defenses. Smaller and more agile than the larger fighters are used to dealing with the bikes are able to duck behind rocks and cliffs, or even use forested terrain for cover if ECM support is able to jam sensors.
Their harassment tactics are enough to pull away multiple tank and IFV squadrons to try and deal with them, or at the very least drive them off. In one exercise Rna is able to use this to flank a unit that has been pulled out of position, effectively destroying most of a battalion.

The situation on Dremine is worsening. Protests and riots have spread to several other cities. Organised groups are getting advance warning from someone whenever the PDF move in to cordon off areas.
Vanderwal has confirmed that members of the "Young Upstarts" group are tied to this uprising at some level.

Ethan has finished he remaining classes and security is preparing to move him and your mother out to the lodge.

Although it wasn't asked of her Fadila has located Shanta Filippi who is currently with the fleet training operations.

1) Send the information to the Count as asked?
>Y/N?

2) Family Matters
2A) Move family to Lodge
2B) Get them off planet
2C) Alternate plan?

3) What do you want done with the young Knight?
3A) Arrest Shanta Filippi
3B) Bring her in to talk
3C) Place under surveillance

>>2938027

1) Send it with another note. "While some of these members are likely guilty of these riots. Not all of them. Give me a week to talk with one of them that I know and I'll give you a more accurate list of who is responsible. And you can excise them."

2 Move the family to the lodge now with security up and running.

3 Bring Knight Filippi in and have a talk. Make it clear we are not supporting either the established or new nobles. We're acting in the best interest of the house. While the governors actions are criminal, what members of her group are doing is going to ruin the rest of their groups reputation. Making the established nobility less likely to want to work with or trust new upcoming nobles without good reason. Present her a list of names of those who are responsible, and giver two options. She can narrow it down to those who are for certain are doing this. It'll be a black mark on her groups record. But better this then to be seen as causing the house to be weakened while we're at war with an enemy. And making our rivals within the Dominion think house J-D is weak. Or the other option her group is is brought down and disbanded given jail time and fines at best and at worst being labeled terrorist during war times.

>>2938027
>1) Y
I thought they'd try to play things subtly until the war concluded, but they really picked the best/worst time.

>2) 2A) Move family to the Lodge

>3) 3B) Bring her in to talk

>>2938027
1)Y

2)A

3)B then C, see who she goes and talks to, then A "Protective Custody" where we thank her publicly for her cooperation while simultaneously hitting what leaders we know about.

We've had prior dialogue with her, might as well set her up to completely turn against the Young Upstarts by making it look like she was feeding us info.

Your first order is to secure family members.
"Rufaro! Move my family out to the lodge."
"Got it!"
"Someone bring in Filippi to talk. Don't arrest her yet. I'll talk to Count Jerik."

You immediately open a priority channel to Dremine. Thankfully it doesn't take long to get a direct line through to the Count.
"Reynard? You're sooner than I thought. Go ahead."
"My people have linked the uprising to a group of reformers the nobility refer to as the Young Upstarts."
"I've heard of them. How much involvement do they have? Is their entire group contributing to this or a few hotheads?"

You shake your head.
"I dont know for certain. Not all of them seem to be acting. I'd like time to talk to one of them that are here, try and get answers out of them. Maybe even a list of who is responsible."

"Time is rarely in abundance in these situations Viscount. Do what you can from your end, I'll prepare some of my personal guard for surgical strikes against these people in case it should be needed. Good luck."

To make things easier Filippi and her unit are recalled to the lunar base then sent planet side. If anything happens and she decides to try something she'll be cut from her ship and crew. The Knight is nearly to the capital when Vanderwal rushes in.
"They switched the army unit!"

"Wait, what? What army unit?" you demand.
"The last army group still on Dremine. They switched out most of them with their supporters. They also have all the extra phase rifles we shipped to them."

>Your orders?

Resuming tomorrow afternoon!

>>2938171

In a calm cold voice. "Vanderwall, you have my express permission to alert the Count now, I don't care what or how you do it. Prevent a massacre from happening and being pinned to me. I have a meeting with a person who is either going to be cooperative or is going to earn a hole in their chest from a plasma pistol." Then go talk to Fillipi in the most calm mama Sonia voice and get the answers we need.

>>2938171
Call the count, call somebody from his guard if we know any of them. If it makes sense also try to call the council.

>>2938171
>The last army group still on Dremine.
"What? Are they planning a coup?! We need to get Filippi here now, this is going to be a disaster. Let the Count know too, his guard need to be on alert."

Good grief, the old guard try to frame us and the new blood try to take over. Maybe it's time to start our own political faction, the middling moderates?

>>2938171
Welp, guess we should tell the executor to prepare his axe. Warn the count immediately

Are we back for real? I tried posting a half hour ago and it still wouldn't let me.

>>2938488
I tried to post my vote to twitter lol

>>2938171 Issue orders to the Traitor Guard to stand down, claiming we don't want to escalate the situation. Then call in the Space Marines and sacrifice them all to Khorne . . . Er . . . Heeeeey there, I meant make them die for their God as well as our Manperor of Mankind?

But seriously let's play along as if we haven't caught on yet to both make ourselves look conciliatory while also obstructing the from moving out. At the very least it will make them look like the instigators, instead of "Soldiers refuse to fire on civilians, join revolutionaries

Getting Vanderwal to contact the Count is a go.

>>2938573
>But seriously let's play along as if we haven't caught on yet to both make ourselves look conciliatory while also obstructing the from moving out.
Do you mean in your conversation with Filippi?

>Issue orders to the Traitor Guard to stand down
You're 13 million light years away. You are not in a position to directly order them to stand down. Unless you intend to have the message sent to Dremine and broadcast on all military channels for the army to stand down/stay in their bases.

Baron Saputo is currently in command of the Home Fleet so he would be the one expected to broadcast such an order. Have Vanderwal send him this information as well?

>>2938616

>Baron Saputo is currently in command of the Home Fleet so he would be the one expected to broadcast such an order. Have Vanderwal send him this information as well?

Just the Count.

"Alert the Count now, I don't care what or how you do it." You order Vanderwal, then turn to Fadila and Rufaro.
"Get Filippi here now, this is going to be a disaster."

Both of them do what they can to rush the Knight to the capital more quickly, though it will still take at least 10 minutes.

Your spymaster curses.
"It's no good, the lines read as busy, I cant get through to the Palace. I'll try to warn the council. Maybe one of them can get hold of him."

Valeri points out there is another last ditch way of getting some one to the Count.
"The recovery shuttles aboard the Bittenfeld. One of them could head to the surface."

Risky as a direct descent towards the center of government could be seen as threatening.

[ ] Send the shuttle
[ ] This is getting out of hand, contact Saputo or Alex

>>2938730
>[ ] This is getting out of hand, contact Saputo or Alex

Well shit, how the hell did we get through to him so quickly before? I thought we had some secret backdoor conference room call thing. Where we could talk to him at any time in an emergency.

Get Saputo, Aex, anyone over there who we're allied to alerted to what's going on/ about to happen and to get troops mobilized and prepared for either traitors or protesters dressed as military or protestors with military grade weapons.

Claim it's meant to be military drills as to why troops are being deployed from the fleet without warning and into the city.

>>2938730
Missed one.

[ ] Wait until you've talked to Filippi

>>2938730
>[ ] This is getting out of hand, contact Saputo or Alex

>>2938758
>Well shit, how the hell did we get through to him so quickly before? I thought we had some secret backdoor conference room call thing. Where we could talk to him at any time in an emergency.
There's the secure high priority /diplomatic line reserved for communications between the Count and the Governors/Barons. It would be difficult to block this without cutting communications to the planet, unless it was done at the source. Like via Palace communications array.

>>2938730
And of course this is a situation of "Damned if you do, damned if you don't."

Where they could pin the massacre on us for supplying the weapons and the current administration for firing on protestors with military grade weapons.

And if we do respond they claim we opened fire on protestors and loyal soldiers who were there to protect them from abuse.

Once this mess is over with. And these upstarts who are messing with a good thing are in custody. Can we have a good execution where we feed them to the 'Great Devourers' Main cannon as targets on an asteroid during target practice.

"This is getting out of hand. Contact Saputo and Alex. One of them will have to deal with this."

It takes considerably longer to get hold of Baron Fredric Saputo than you ordinarily would have expected. When you get through the connection is a bit patchy, occasionally cutting out.

"Reynard, this isn't the best time." Saputo informs you.

"I know, the situation on Dremine is worse than the Count knows. The army isn't loyal. You need to get ships and troops there."

"Reynard I can barely read you. I'm having difficu-ties here on Torun. Some of th- PDF have locked out the de-ense platfor-s and planetary shield-. Supposedly th-y're holding the Governor hostage, but I t-ink he's turned. My fleet is mob-lising but I -ant get to them. I'm stuck on the ground."

"What about Alex?"

"He's - exercises in allied sp-ce. Recall his fleet for me. - can't be c-rtain my communications are get-ing through."

No point in debating it. You locate Alex and find out he's conducting planetary assault exercises similar to your own in the House Binil home territories. You don't even give him the chance to finish saying "hi Sonia" before cutting him off.

"Alex, you need to get back to Alaior ASAP. The riots taking place on Dremine may be cover for a coup attempt. I cant raise the Count and Baron Suputo is trapped on Torun by the PDF and orbital defenses."

"What? Sonia, uh, slow down. I'm going to need at least 48 hours for my army to stage a return back to House space. No, that's probably too long... I'll be back at Alaior with most of my fleet in six to ten hours."

Seeing that Shanta Filippi has arrived in the hall outside you have to cut the call short.
"It'll have to do. Keep my updated." you tell him.

The slightly shorter Knight is shown in, looking perhaps a bit winded but otherwise fine.
"The guards rushed me here as quickly as they could sir. I hope everything's alright?"

>What say?

>>2938948
"You need to start talking. Are you currently, or presently involved in organising the protests on Dremine, the leaking of files implicating the governor in numerous unscrupulous activities, and the rigging of the PDF to allow for the current insurrection?"

>>2938990
*Are you currently, or previously were involved"

>>2938948
"Have a seat. We have a lot to talk about and not a lot of time in which to do it."

"It would seem the company you keep or associate yourself or had associated yourself with, have been quite busy as of late. I would ask what your group intends to do, but right now I have a potentntial massacare to avert."

"I have with me evidence to indicate your group the Young Upstarts in the current riots and protests on Dremine. Now, I know it is not likely all of your group who are responsible. But likely only a few of them. But I need to know names now."

"As it stands, it stands either all of your group are branded traitors and terrorists to House Jerik-Dremin. Or only a select handful of you are and the rest earn a black mark in your reputation for being associated with them."

"I am willing to protect you and those in my employ who are not responsible for what is happening on Dreminie. But I need names and I need to know what your groups plan is. Because as far as I or anyone else can tell. This is an attempt at a coupe. And I will not stand by and watch this House be destroyed because one group thought now would be the perfect time to strike."

>>2939011
>Have a seat

>>2939015
Was the first thing that popped into my mind.

Stopping a bit earlier tonight. Headaches plus I'm trying to get used to waking up earlier for the new job next week. Will run tomorrow until I need to leave for work.

>>2938948
This
>>2939011

Along with a reminder that we and other associates are a powerful enough block to cripple JD simply by leaving, let alone joining the Old Guard. And that while we're a respectable member of Government *now*, that our reputation of our youth is NOT exaggerated.

It's gotta be said their leaking of files WAS a good idea that would have been a long term play, they just had to ruin it with this army and protest thing

>>2939015
Any idea why part of the military on at least two of our homeworlds is trying to stage a coup right now?