>>3365550

For House and Dominion! Moving on to the next galaxy while giving the enemy the bird!

For House & Dominion!

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With a 12 hour timeline given your commanders begin evacuating what salvage they've managed to capture. Remaining strikes focus on damage dealing and clearing a path out of the galaxy rather than weighing down their transports with more loot.

While it required greater risks Hera managed to secure a heavy tanker. More than half of its fuel tanks have been ruptured or destroyed, some by its crew in an attempt to cripple the ship. After dumping any damaged tanks the big transport has been loaded down with other salvaged gear.

Lyas captured a Neeran version of a modular station along with a number of smaller transports. This should help with local logistics in operation areas if you're willing to keep them in one place for awhile.

Phas hasn't been as successful in terms of overall salvage. In fact the Knight was really hoping operations here would be extended another day. Fortunately she has hauled back a few curiosities.. Hitting a remote shipyard they captured 7 attack cruiser meant for the Empire's counterpart to the Shallan State.

Mezan looks over the data on them. "Furcula class. They must have moved production to other areas when the Alliance captured the empire's shallan colonies."

"It's a good thing they captured them from a shipyard." says Rob Ecord. "According to the reports there isn't a lot of head room to work with on those things."

You look to Mezan. "Do you have prize crews?"
"Enough to crew several squadrons in theory. I can't promise top quality once we get above 2 extra."

>1) As salvage becomes available did you want to expand the Shallan merc unit? And if so by how much?
1A) No expansion, keep as reserve
1B) +1 squadron
1C) +2 squadron
1D) +3 squadron

2A) Gift ships meant for Shallans to Mezan
2B) Transfer/take out of their pay
2C) Loan until they can pay with other salvage

>>3365647
>1C) +2 squadron
>2A) Gift ships meant for Shallans to Mezan

>>3365647

>1c
>2c

If anyone wants to recommend alternatives to surveymonkey feel free to suggest them at any time. It has steadily become more like the worst aspects of windows 10 and I've grown sick of it.

You instruct Mezan to assemble 2 squadrons using ships that have been salvaged so far. For now they'll be on temporary loan to her people. You'll decide later if they should be a gift or if they'll be paying you back with whatever they salvage themselves.

With the fleet reassembling you can see engineering and salvage teams get to work securing ships crippled in the fighting. Repair pads aboard Forbearance are soon occupied. Refits are also underway on captured enemy ships. Techs need to verify their computers have been properly wiped or overridden.

"How are out losses looking?"
"Not many ships lost. Of those we did lose most of the crews got out and were recovered by receiver ships. Engineers will get to work rebuilding any of the mostly destroyed ships once the easier jobs are done."

You know from experience that plenty of ships can be rebuilt from next to nothing but it takes time.
For now there are more than enough ships and crews from the reserves to make up for losses.

Though you'd like Mezan's unit expanded soon the big tanker is the priority. Its carrying capacity cant be understated, both for fuel and salvage hauling. Engineers are considering field upgrades using knowledge gained from the Qlippoth refit program. It will never be as powerful as one of those ships, but extra firepower to defend itself wouldn't hurt.

Checks begin on all ships expected to jump under their own power before the fleet moves on. Given the success of your commanders Baron Izolan Xedols hopes some of their forces can take part in raids against targets in the next galaxy the fleet visits.

It's a good hour before the fleet can jump when you get word from one of the contact teams that had been lagging behind. Apparently for good reason as they managed to encounter rebel ships.

Versa brings up scans of the vessels them made contact with. They're small, the size of light corvettes. Poorly armed and equipped, they'd stand little chance in a straight up fight with anyone. They look more like a missile with a light phase cannon turret for a bow than a starship.

"These guys are giving House Veritas a run for their money in terms of cheap ships."

It doesn't take long for the diplomats manage to get them talking. They've had some small success with harassment raids, as have other cells. Enough to force stronger convoy systems to be implemented. Convoys set up to counter small cheap corvettes, not top of the line assault corvettes and attack cruisers. Your fleet has managed to cause quite a bit of damage as a result.

Predictably the Alliance would like to aid the rebels and continue to tie up resources here. A number of the ships that made the crossing with you will remain in theater. Some of the mercenaries will as well, though they're in the minority.

Tama frowns. "They want some of our salvage dont they?"
You begin to sigh in annoyance even before Maybourne confirms it.

>>3365801

JotForm? It lets you create your own forms and what not.

Short shill:
Free version you can receive up to 100 submissions.
You have 100MB worth of space for images and shit to be uploaded to forms.
Receive 10 payment submissions
1000 Form views (no idea how this works)
Create 5 different forms.
No limit to number of questions per form.
Also free PDF creator for submissions.

Use it for work, but we grandfathered into the first paid tier at $15/ mo. It's a nice tool if you think you are gonna create a crap ton of forms or questionnaires. Only recommending it because it's the only thing beside surveymonkey that I am familiar with. But I'm certain there are other options out there that offer more for free.

End shill

>>3365883
>Rebels want our salvage.

I am of the opinion that they can't have it. If they want salvage they can trouble the Alliance for it. Unless we want to give them ships to damaged to be repaired quickly and we can afford to lose.

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What (if any) salvage are you willing to give or loan to the Alliance to aid the rebels? Logistics refuses to even discuss the idea of giving them captured transports. They're a bit twitchy on that point.

[ ] None. You're not sharing more salvage right now.
[ ] Alliance asteroid FOB builder
[ ] Neeran modular station
[ ] Captured Neeran Battleships
[ ] Light/Attack Cruisers
[ ] Frigates or corvettes

>>3365917

First option
>[ ] None. You're not sharing more salvage right now.

Second option
>[ ] Alliance asteroid FOB builder
>[ ] Frigates or corvettes

>>3366023
Supporting

>>3365917
>[ ] None. You're not sharing more salvage right now.

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"We have a priority target to investigate. That means we can't start giving handouts to units that wont be aiding us in that objective. We're moving on as planned."

A few Mercenary units that got wind of your intention to bail out of this galaxy promptly and move on are already on their way. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe you could use them to further mask your own fleet's movements. Which leaves you the question of where to next?

The supposed location of the builder facility in the Yang dwarf galaxy is 5.5 million light years from here. In a straight line your fleet could manage that in 3 to 4 days. Then again you may want to make stopovers at a few of the other galaxies along the way to hit targets of opportunity. With luck you could draw defenders away from other regions like your final destination.

SRL Warlords and their raider fleets are present along the left flank. Soon enough they'll be assisted by the big fleets arriving from Shallan space. More Alliance ships should be entering the cluster from the right flank, though in smaller numbers.

>Where to?
Straight to your target? Make stopovers? Detour closer to friendlies?

>>3366196

>Where to?
Lets make some detours to other galaxies. Make sure to be a bit random in choice. And try not to make it to obvious our intended destination.

Maybe hit one or two more galaxies and then hit our target?

>>3365550
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

>>3366196
>Detour closer to friendlies?
See if the Mercs have encountered any priority targets. Shipyards, sensor arrays, comm nodes, etc.

>>3366226
Supporting

>>3366196
>Make stopovers

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>>3366213
>>3366794
>>3366550
>>3366226
Here's a smaller version of the map. If anyone wants to mark a few route suggestions?
I'll resume around 7pm tonight.

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>>3366815

A couple of suggested routes.

Path A (red): Closer to SRL Raiders, four galaxies and then a direct jump to "Yang"
Bath B (green): Four galaxies and then a direct jump to "Yang"
Path C (violet): Three galaxies and direct jump to "Yang"
Path D (blue): Closer to Alliance fleet, two galaxies, direct jump to "Yang"

>>3366849
>>3366815
Blue path

>>3366815
>>3366849
green

>>3366849
Red

>>3366815
>>3366849

I'll pick Red Option, maybe going this way we can convince some SRL guys to tag along or just use them to create extra threat elsewhere.

>>3366849
I call for red. Cause thats a Nice war color.

>>3366849
Purple for me senpai

>>3366849
Thanks.

>>3367103
>>3367133
>>3367152
Looks like we're taking route A. This will take you into the general region the SRL fleets are operating in, but still keep you outside the areas of the heaviest fighting. Those larger galaxies will be prime targets when the big Alliance fleets begin to arrive, and the Neeran are likely preparing for them. Best to stay out of the way.

On the plus side this should take you close enough to establish secure coms.

All fleet elements continuing on with you are ordered to form up and prepare for jump. Once a final round of checks are completed on the heavy tanker you signal a goodbye and good luck to the Alliance ships remaining behind. The fleet jumps less than a minute later.

It will be 43 hours until the group arrives within striking range of the next dwarf galaxy. Many crews take the opportunity to rest up or help with repair to damaged vehicles. Volunteers from the infantry are run through boarding drills by the Marines. The extra help might be needed if it becomes necessary to board a super for whatever reason.

With the captured coms intercepts intel believes it may be possible to fake a number of ID transponder codes. These could allow your fleet to make it past long range sensors without alarming local defenders. Odds are it will only work once and even then they might seen through it if you get too close.

Or you can stick with the tried and tested method of knocking out sensor arrays with cloaked ships first. The problem there always being that someone knows the sensors are being deliberately taken out.

FTL decoy craft are also a possibility. The eclipse class ships might be able to generate a signature similar to a Super with a bit of jamming thrown in to obscure them. That would certainly draw off some defenders or keep them guessing long enough for your main fleet to deploy relatively unmolested.
Knight Zinovev has seen his share of action against the Neeran and warns that their sensors might be good enough to tell the difference.

There's time enough to prepare any of these options if work starts now. How did you want to deal with approach to next target galaxy?

[ ] Fade ID
[ ] Cloaked strikes
[ ] FTL Decoy

>>3368004
[ ] Cloaked Stirke.
[ ] FTL Decoy

Use cloake strikes ahead of FTL decoys yo pull defenders away from 2ndary targets.

Then we clean out all if them with rapid alpha strikes. That way the enemy thinks we tricked them intonconcenteating their forces around primary targets, and comes out to chase us down. Then we hit the main shipyards.

>>3368004
>>3368080

I am of the same opinion as this anon >>3368080

>>3368080
If you conduct cloaked strikes of the enemy long range sensors how will the long range sensors detect the incoming decoy?

Or do you want to run the decoy forces through the interior of the dwarf galaxy so that local arrays will detect them?

>>3368004
[x] Fake ID

To buy time for positioning ships to carry out

[x] Cloaked strikes

>>3368117
Because we'll intentionally let them see sectors go dark, then move into position while the survivors of the alpha strike move forward.

Neeran are arrogant AF. Totes reasonable to trick them into thinking we aren't as good as we actually are.

They see sectors gi dark, then get emergency calls from it, they'll think we're going for the easier targets instead of the heavily defended shipyards

>>3368004
>[ ] FTL Decoy

>>3368080
>>3368161
No, wait, post deleted.

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>>3368161
>>3368080
Okay, like this? Is this what you meant?

Technically we have an equal number of votes for Cloaked strikes or FTL Decoy. So should we approach this using Anon /T1RPqk+ suggested plan, or somthing a bit less intricate?
Or does someone want to break the tie and make my life easier?

[ ] Multi Staged Fake out
[ ] Attempt 2 stage fake out
[ ] Alternate combination (Write in)
[ ] Tie breaker: Cloak or Decoy (Specify)

>>3368293

I'll change my vote >>3368151

to just [x] Cloaked Strikes


I'm not quite certain the other plan makes sense in my head, otherwise I'd support it.

>>3368345
And that 100% doesn't help. Herp.

Voting is closed. Writing.

>>3368398
The people jaw sook3n

>>3368234
Yes but birthday drunk so typing hard

You burn most of the nearly 2 days on approach considering ways to utilise a combination of strikes by cloaked ships and potential decoys. Discussing it with your staff they point out a number of potential flaws. Like the fact that your fleet is probably too small to breach an enemy super heavy shipyard on its own. There are probably ways to do it but it would require more in depth knowledge of the target area than is currently available.

Maybe it can be recycled to hit the next galaxy if you can get some assistance from SRL raiders? Ultimately dawdling in fleshing out plans means there isn't enough time now to conduct the Eclipse modifications for use against this galaxy.

"Fine, send out the cloaked units to begin crippling their long range sensors. Move up jamming craft to help obscure their initial approach. Try to grab a few of their com and sensor arrays like before so we can repurpose them."

Now you need to decide who will be conducting raids into the interior once sensor coverage goes down. Previously you've kept the Supers out of range to conceal the strength of your forces. That might still be a good idea.

Hera (House J-D)
Phas (House J-D)
Lyas (House J-D)
Zinovev (Dominion Knights)
Mezan [Without Command ship] (Shallan mercs: reduced morale)
Mezan [With Command ship] (+Sonia)
Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit] (Ruling House)
Baron Xedols [Fast Super] (Ruling House)
Sonia [Forbearance]
Full fleet / All of the above

>>3368470

>Mezan [With Command ship] (+Sonia)
>Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit] (Ruling House)
>Zinovev (Dominion Knights)

>>3368470

[x] Phas (House J-D)
[x] Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit]
[x] Zinovev (Dominion Knights)

I'm hesitant to send Mezan's command ship away from the fleet due to Versa and Sonia being aboard.

I have another post made up for the morning. Feel free to keep voting for the various commanders.

>>3368470
>Zinovev (Dominion Knights)
>Mezan [With Command ship] (+Sonia)
>Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit] (Ruling House)
>Baron Xedols [Fast Super] (Ruling House)

>>3368470
Lyas (House J-D)
Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit] (Ruling House)
Zinovev (Dominion Knights)
Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit] (Ruling House)
Mezan [With Command ship] (+Sonia)

Before the fleet arrives Estavan Risto requests to speak with you. The Krath infiltrator is one of the few RSS employees that have come along for this mission. He and Jan learned a lot from each other during the sphere expedition and were fairly helpful to have around. Estavan doesn't seem too happy with the current situation though.

"When I applied for a job with RSS I joined a company specializing in salvage, industry and securities. RTS mostly takes domestic contracts. I expected to spend most of my time conducting corporate espionage. Now I'm on missions for the war."
"You agreed to help on the sphere expedition." you remind him.

"That was fine, it was important. This is important." He pauses to consider his next words. "Jan is a soldier. He's fine with most missions you could give him. The more time I spend training with him and others the more I realise I'm not like them."

You dont like where this is going but try to remain diplomatic.
"Are you asking to resign?"
Looking at the displays showing galaxies flying past, you're not really sure what to do if he says yes. This isn't the best time. Luckily Estavan shakes his head.

"No. I agreed to help in your search for the builder facility. I'll do that to the best of my ability, but please dont ask me to do unrelated military missions."

[ ] Agree
[ ] You'll try to accommodate but cant promise
[ ] If it happens, it happens
[ ] Everyone contributes regardless of personal qualms

>>3369035
>[ ] Agree

He's done enough I feel. And he isn't retiring, just wanting to do things not on the front lines.

>>3369035
>[ ] Agree

>>3369035
> [ ] Agree

So is he a coward, or what? Is he telling us he won't do those things, or that he can't?

Either way, it's more of a risk to have someone like him involved in an operation than it's worth it for his skills.

It's a shame we couldn't get anyone better than him for this mission.

Clearly, these aren't things to say to him or anything.

>>3369035

[x] Agree

It makes sense that Sonia forgets about this sort of thing, but we should mention that this conversation is long overdue. Is there any specific reason Risto seems hesitant to approach Sonia on this, other than 'oh shit talking to the boss'?


>>3369071
>is he a coward?

He is a civilian that did not join the military, worried that his skillset will see him sent on exceptionally dangerous military missions unrelated to what he signed up for.

>a shame we couldn't get anyone better than him

He is an exceptionally able civilian that has agreed to participate in two sphere missions when he could have refused. More credit to him than any of the soldiers on this mission, imo.

>>3368470

>Hera (House J-D)

She crushed it with getting that Heavy Tanker, she deserves another round.

As for the rest, any unit except the supers are fine with me.

>>3369091
> Dominion

> Civilian

>>3368470
>Baron Xedols [Raiding Unit] (Ruling House)
>Zinovev (Dominion Knights)
>Hera (House J-D)

>>3369035
>[ ] Agree

Taking a moment to consider the request you decide that Risto has a point. He could almost be classed as a civilian, or perhaps a private securities consultant. Incredible abilities or not that doesn't make him a soldier.

"Alright, I'll make sure not to assign you to any missions that aren't part of the builder tech search."

Estavan is clearly grateful but you still have questions of your own.
"Is there any reason you waited until now to ask me about this?"

"I was reluctant. After working with others and seeing how willing they were to put their lives on the line I questioned bringing it up at all.
Then I started reading the few fleet reports I've had access to. The Krath mercenaries you hired revel in causing destruction. They're more than happy to take on special missions for extra pay and they'll leave nothing but death and ruin in their wake.
I wont be like them. They're what the Krath government fear my people will become."

>Anything else you want to ask him?

>>3370508

"We've all got our limits when it comes to this mess. I'd much rather have you voice these concerns if you believe you know your own than push you past them.

We're going to need good people after this is over, too."

God, I hope that doesn't sound as PTSD as I'm afraid it does. But this guy seems legit and we'll want him around after this war.

>>3370508

>They're what the Krath government fear my people will become.

Well if the Krath government was really that worried, they wouldn't create genetically engineered expert infiltrators and killers. But I think that is a thought we keep to ourselves. No need to kick that hornets nest.

Although if the Krath we brought with us start killing civilians of the world we're heading to. We will need to put our foot down on that habit. Speaking of civilians, is there a way to tell the difference between military Empire Neeran and civilian Empire Neeran? What is the Alliance word on handling Empire Neeran civilians?

As for questions to ask him. Did crossing the Crystal Sea give him or Jan any issues? It shook us a little, curious to know if it affected the Krath any or if their minds are wired to not be affected by it.

"We've all got our limits when it comes to this mess. I'd much rather have you voice these concerns if you believe you know your own than push you past them. We're going to need good people after this is over, too.
Warn me if it looks like the mercenaries are killing civilians. I'll have the rest of my people keep an eye on it too."

Before he leaves you ask Estavan if he had any trouble during the crossing.
"I felt unwell but not enough to get medical attention."

Interesting. You'll have to check with Jan later to see if he had similar trouble.

Getting back to work you look at potential raiding groups that will perform attacks on this dwarf galaxy. The Dominion Knights need an opportunity to deal some damage and potentially pick up some salvage. Given the smaller size of their unit it would probably be wise to assign them additional ships from the Rioja fleet.

Baron Xedols is clearly eager to get his people some action, even if their shiny new Super sits this one out. You'll let him decide how large of a force to put together. It will just be a matter of assigning a few salvage craft to assist them.

The Baron isn't the only one who wants to get things done. You'd really like to conduct a field test of Versa's command system and that will mean deploying Mezan's unit. With suitable backup of course. Adding the other two Eclipses to the mix plus your escort squadron and a couple attack wings should make for a powerful force.

Three active groups will allow the fleet to cover a wide area and support each other should you come under pursuit. If necessary your other commanders could rotate in with their units allowing the groups time to rest and repair.

Admiral Tama is concerned about having both you and the Baron deployed in forward positions at the same time. It could leave the main fleet cut off from leadership.

[ ] Have one of the Baron's subordinates command RH raiders
[ ] You and the Baron can trade places when the fleets rotate
[ ] Assign a commander to lead the main fleet if you're cut off (Who?)

>>3370820
[x] Sonia/Xedols rotation

Never decapitate your own leadership for the enemy.

>>3370820
>[ ] Assign a commander to lead the main fleet if you're cut off (Who?)

Of Phas, Lyas and Hera, who would be more suitable to the role and more likely to not take over the fleet in our absence? Also who would be the most likely to benefit from this and be more in line for becoming a future Baron if they were to lead a fleet this size?

>>3370830
>most likely to benefit from this
Phas and Hera have been rivals for years and have been taking assignments to help broaden their portfolio. It's likely one of them may be considered for a Knight Commander position after this deployment.

Lyas has increasingly become a threat to them of late by using a slow and steady approach. Acting as Garrison commander of Rioja's Lunar base has allowed Lyas to show off administrative capabilities in addition to previously established raider skills. For better or worse the Kavarian is considered overly cautious but as a result has rarely been taken by surprise.

Phas Rah'ne commanded the Talos E trade mission fleet sent to Norune space. Though they didn't see much in the way of combat it does count towards fleet command experience. So either of the other two would have more to gain.

tl;dr Hera or Lyas would benefit the most.

>who would be more suitable to the role
Phas is the more balanced commander of the three.

>more likely to not take over the fleet in our absence?
They're all quite loyal to Sonia and the House. All of them owe their success to you thanks to the ships you bought and provided to them when you built Rioja's fleet. Most people dont just hand out Eminence II's, or Knight Kavarian officers.

>>3370869

Part of me wants to say put Hera in charge in our absence if we get cut off. Just to keep the rivalry between the two of them strong. But then anon >>3370828 brought up a good point, if both of us got cut off from the fleet.

But it is not that I don't trust him to command the fleet brilliantly if we get cut off. I just don't trust him to lead the fleet in our absence. Since we haven't any experience with him, I think. So while yeah he is probably not going to stab us in the back, especially when so many of our allies are in this fleet. But this is the Dominion, the opportunity is there for them and he does have a Super under his command.

Eh, I'll go with the choice of keeping the rivalry strong. I vote Hera.

>>3370869
>>3370899
>>3370830

Aren't Phas, Hera & Lyas 3rd Attack Wing knights? Or were they from our later expanded commands?

I mean, I still am against decapitating our own leadership, but lets not get paranoid here. Plenty of time for that later after invisi-Neeran slip onto the ship

>>3370924
>Or were they from our later expanded commands?
Later. Lyas took part in some of Sonia's campaigns in Shallan space. Phas and Hera were up and coming Knights transferred to Sonia's command when the Rioja fleet was formed iirc? Not 100% on that. They graduated about 5 years after Sonia.

>>3370820
If we can get a tie breaker before morning I'll be able to write up the next bit at work tomorrow.

>>3371001
Just to keep things moving I'll go with swapping command between the us and Baron Xedols.

>>3370820

[X] Assign a commander to lead the main fleet if you're cut off

Lyas Cinayk. Guy doesn't get surprised, seems like a good trait when you're deep in enemy territory

>>3370820
>>3371001
>>3371581

If my vote makes another tie just ignore it please.

>>3370820
>[ ] Assign a commander to lead the main fleet if you're cut off (Who?)
Lyas

>>3370820
> [ ] Assign a commander to lead the main fleet if you're cut off (Who?)

Lyas.

Mezan's flag ship will be taking part in the opening raids, as will the Baron's unit. Despite the objections of your staff you decide that now is the time to test out Versas command system. Lyas will be given temporary command of the main fleet in your absence. Admiral Tama transfers to the Forbearance before your departure.

Hera will be standing by to assist on short notice should your unit end up in trouble.

When the main fleet arrives one thousand light years outside of the dwarf galaxy reports start to come in showing which sensor arrays have been successfully taken down. 3 smaller arrays have been captured and are being hauled off by the Krath mercenaries, along with one com relay. They'll be repositioned within a few hours.

Giving the word, the three raider groups split off and begin their approach. Mezan's group will be hitting targets along the left flank of the galaxy while Baron Xedols takes the opposite. Dominion Knights will take up the middle. With their smaller group they should be able to respond to requests for assistance from the other two more quickly.

It takes about an hour to get into a good position while the scouts confirm local targets. Arron sends you and Mezan a list for the region. A Neeran fleet group is present and was moving in the direction of the sensor arrays, though they've begun to slow their approach. Intel believes they've probably determined its too late to get to the arrays and may be setting up a new perimeter.
"How many ships?"
"Two super carriers, a damaged Arbalest plus medium and heavy cruisers."

At least one shipyard is nearby which is mass producing corvettes for later pickup. It might be a good idea to take it out to cut down on enemy reinforcements.

There is a colony which the scouts believe the fleet could hit and get out before reinforcements arrive. Mezan however is drawn to three sets of targets on the displays.
"Rare element mines. I wouldn't hesitate to attack and loot them if not for that fleet group nearby."

The fleet is a problem you admit.
"Time for the fleet to respond if we hit any targets here?"

Versa is not very optimistic. They'd be able to reach you too quickly to scoop up any FTL drive components from the surface and make a safe getaway. The AI does have a suggestion.
"An wing sized unit with supporting jamming craft could perform hit and run attacks on the fleet and keep them distracted long enough for the remainder to attack targets and move on."

It's risky. Enough that it might be better to simply move on.

>1) Plan of attack
1A) Move on, this region is too dangerous
1B) Pin enemy fleet while others conduct raids
1C) Lightning raids only and quickly move on


>2) Targets: Which ones would you prefer to hit?
Mining operation
Shipyard
*Fleet group
Colony
Rare element mines A
Mining operation
Rare element mines B
Rare element mines C

>>3376044
>1B) Pin enemy fleet while others conduct raids
>2) Targets: Which ones would you prefer to hit?
Rare element mines A
Mining operation
Rare element mines B
Rare element mines C

>>3376044

>1C) Lightning raids only
>2
Shipyard
Mining Operation - farthest from fleet

Boom & Zoom. This is not our primary objective or even the region of our primary objective.

If we feel that we can snag a mining barge or smaller mining vessels, great. If not, there will be other places to raid for such vessels.

>>3376044
> 1B) Pin enemy fleet while others conduct raids

In order

Shipyard
Mining operation
Rare element mines A

Loot will help with Merc morale, as well as with later recovery of salvage, but our ultimate goal is to cause havoc and mayhem here.

Looting one mine will make them double down security for the other two, especially if we trash the mining operation they'll focus on evacuating the other two sites.

I forgot to ask. Sonia's unit has 5 Mediums, 3 Eclipse and 2 Sledge. Did you want to assign any of them to helping the team pinning the enemy fleet in place or keep them far away from that?

>>3376255

I'd rather see those heavy assets as part of the strike groups to bring maximum kill to things like that shipyard, or to jump stuff out.

They're a bit large for harassing an entire fleet and escaping, imo.

>>3376263
We have to send enough force to keep the fleet there instead of just leaving to respond to the other attacks.

>>3376255
2 sledge for suppression

1 eclipse to raid the mining camp

2 eclipse to attend attacking the shipyard

Despite the risks you agree that it might be best to try and pin the enemy fleet in place while others wreak havoc. One assault corvette unit will be reinforced with extra jamming craft and SP torpedo stores.

"We'll target the farthest rare element mine, the shipyard and the conventional mining operation." you decide.

Mezan insists on hitting the rare element mine first as survivors from the shipyard might get a message off. That would make things harder and deprive you of time needed to loot drive components.

"Fine. Set the fleet up for approach to the system as you see fit. Once we jump in I'll try coordinating the various units via the command system. Versa I'm not sure how well this is going to work from an Eclipse class ship so if anything goes wrong Mezan is to assume command."

The AI and the Admiral both acknowledge your order and get ready to launch the attack. Sitting down in the modified command chair you lean back and connect the special helmet.
"Beginning uplink."

Closing your eyes your perception seems to shift slightly, like undergoing momentary vertigo. Touch and sensation becomes oddy distorted before finally you find yourself surrounded by a command display. It takes a minute to remember how to move and alter displays. Still similar to uplinks with power armor it's not that difficult.

"Things feel a little different this time." you observe.

"That's because this is a finished product not a prototype. You've also had some work done to enhance your nervous system." Versa points out.
"You can alter perception of time back to normal levels to more easily converse with the crew if you want. I suggest doing so. Most people consider it impolite to interrupt your officers in the middle of a sentence with a completed response before they can even finish."

"I suppose AI's would know that better than anyone."
You get the impression Versa is smiling politely.

Returning to normal speeds you watch as the Attack wings jump in system first. In addition to jamming coms the mixed squadrons target transports and vessels outside the gravity well. While the approach and reversion points were ideally positioned some of Mezan's newer squadrons are out of position in relation to where enemy craft are still present.

Acting quickly you update each of the squadrons with new target locations. It doesn't take long for them to disable their current targets and micro jump to other locations. Rioja squadrons with EC-K's are redirected to hit the local long range com relays now that they can be detected.

>Cont

Once those orders are in progress you indicate where you'd like the medium cruisers and escort to arrive in orbit. Navigators change the reversion point slightly and soon enough the fleet is in orbit.
Versa lights up possible planetary shield generator locations which you mark for priority mass driver bombardment. Your ships have more mass drivers than Mezan's but the Shallans throw what firepower they can at the targets.

"Planetary shields on this side of the planet are disabled." reports Versa.
Those on the other side of the planet are going up but they won't be able to stop your shuttles and landing craft from getting beneath them. If you decide to bother.

"Launch LST's and call in the salvage craft."

The Bombardment continues while the planetary assault craft scramble. You pummel garrison bases that are attempting to mobilise while leaving the more valuable targets untouched.

Despite your reluctance to mess with ground force deployments you find yourself spotting for them as they breach and secure the cargo and processing facilities. You're certain General Rna or the army in general could benefit from the use of a C&C system like Versa's during large scale planetary assaults. Convincing the General of it though would probably be a difficult task.

When you return to normal speeds and talk to Mezan the Admiral looks surprised.
"I wasn't anti-AI like the rest of your officers but even I'm surprised how quickly you were able to coordinate. That was fast."

>What say?

>>3376469

"Versa and I have a touch of practice ruining other people's day as a team. This system is almost terrifying, when you think about what it will be used for after we defeat the Neeran."

>>3376469
> Versa is a person, just one with different abilities than others. Could be said about a lot of people. More than that, Versa is my friend. I'm not forcing her to help, but she's instead choosing to help.

> If she wanted to, even with us forcing her she could do much to obstruct us. By why would she want to hinder a friend?

> We know now that there's an entire AI civilization, we can either learn to live and work with them for the benefit of all, or we can drive them out until we are either defeated by those that do work with them, or by the AI themselves whom we made our enemies.

> Space is big. There's no reason to compete with AI when they can go anywhere in it.

>>3376455
Where did the mediums end up beig distributed to?

>>3376503

That seems like a list of things that are extremely dangerous to say aloud considering the recent AI issues in the Dominion.

And remember, Versa is Terran. We can't rule out that during this she is potentially running a Black Ops routine to gather intel on Sonia/J-D, and is compelled to turn such information over.

Seriously, though. Let's not come out of an AI link sounding like the AI might be overwriting us when there is massive AI hate within our fleet.

>>3376507
Sticking together as I was already running behind on getting the posts written.

>>3376503
Going to need confirmation on saying some of this stuff.

>>3376469
"I was lucky enough to meet Versa early in my career, or I think I'd have an opinion similar to my crews. The fighting on the Capital was a bloodbath for both sides, but it's worth mentioning that Faction AI are nothing like the Kythera. I agree we have to be careful, but working together with AI is the only way things will ever be safe for either side."

"Besides, I can't discourage the use of a project that I supported since its inception."

>>3376469
>I had the opportunity to test an early Version before the civil war.

>>3376534
Yeah fair enough


>>3376552
Nah just go with >>3376488

"I had the opportunity to test an early version of this system before the civil war. Plus Versa and I have a touch of practice ruining other people's day as a team. We were lucky enough to meet early in my career or I think I'd have an opinion similar to my crews. This system is almost terrifying when you think about what it could be used for after we defeat the Neeran."

Mezan shrugs. "I wouldn't blame you for being afraid after what happened with the Kythera."

"Faction AI are nothing like the Kythera but I agree we do have to be careful. There's an entire AI civilization out there we may need to deal with after the war. For good or for ill."

On the surface teams strip the bases of what they can as quickly as possible. A few HAG's and LSTs destroy the remaining shield generators allowing transports to land. Two Neeran cargo ships already on the surface are captured relatively intact and launch as soon as they're loaded. Most of the industry is sabotaged or destroyed on the way out.

As soon as the salvage craft are out of the gravity well the fleets depart, pushing hard for the next target. Once detailed scans come in you start to question if this is a good idea. There are a lot of corvettes present at the shipyard.

"There has to be a few thousand. Why was this even marked as a viable target?"

Fortunately Versas analysis shows that nearly all of them are inactive. No crew, nothing powered up. They're just docked in rows at cargo arrays awaiting loading onto a big ship or the smaller corvette carriers as needed.

The active defenders are nothing you cant handle with a few well placed SP torpedoes. Or a lot of cannon fire. Get in, kill the ship production and defenders, salvage what you can and get out. Both of the sledge class ships and one of the attack wings will break off to hit the mining operation as soon as the fighting here is done.

Jumping in with 5 Mediums you dont even need to make use of the C&C system. A few areas of the yards main station explode from medium plasma cannon fire but to the designers credit the rest holds together. By the time you're finished the station itself looks like swiss cheese, venting atmosphere and plasma stores in equal measure.

"Go attack the other mining site as planned. Everyone else, load salvage and lets get out of here."

Roll 1d100 for non-corvette salvage

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3376685
haha yeet that salvage

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>3376685

So long as it is denied to the enemy, salvage is a bonus.

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>3376685

>>3376455
>"I suppose AI's would know that better than anyone."
>You get the impression Versa is smiling politely.
This is cute.

>>3376685
>>3376707
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Two raids in and already loaded up on all the salvage we can carry. How much we end up slagging I do wonder?

Part way through getting food so next post will be a little bit.

>>3365550
Rad ur still runing tstg. Hows your year my quest master friend?

>>3376703
Shut your whore mouth.

Salvage is what got us to where we are, and will bring us to greater heights.

>>3376685
Hey, can we leave some AM torpedoes as Bobby traps laced around to set off a chain reaction? Do we have time for that?

>>3377043
You could call back one of the cloaked battleships or drop the AM canisters used by the assault corvettes for their afterburners.

>>3377043
>salvage is what got is where we are

Well aware! But it is always a bonus of victory.

And it is always sweetest when it denies the enemy vital resources

>antimatter what we can't take with us

Great idea. May the salvage gods forgive us and understand that this war has made monsters of us all.

>>3377055
Yes, let's do that.

At least if it doesn't kill them, they can see it all burn in front of them.

Neeran Corvettes are meant to be fairly automated for a minimal crew yes? Is there any way we could slave them to Versa and use them as a disposable fleet?

As predicted the majority of the salvage was always going to be corvettes, there's no getting around that. Despite that there is a haul of other craft that were docked or nearby at the time of the raid. A pair of newer battleships are largely untouched as is a corvette carrier. A trio of neeran bulk cruisers and some frigates can be refit and used to fill out Mezan's squadrons.
There are the usual mix of transport craft that had been providing materials for the yard and a few curiosities.

A new battlecruiser clearly descended from the V2 support ships is one of them. Rather than carrying a vastly expanded ECM array or beam weapons it's instead fitted with what seems to be vast numbers of missile racks. They're empty on the one you've captured but it's surprising just how many racks are present. Are they getting desperate enough that they intend to bury targets with lower damage weapons like conventional nukes?
"Maybe they want to outfit them with antimatter missiles?" suggests Maybourne.
Everything is saved for analysis by intel.

In addition to corvette construction this base was also experimenting with cheap add-on packs with FTL systems. All data bout them has been wiped from the station archives but they're clearly working to make their attack corvettes jump capable with as little material cost possible.

Last is a captured Republic Centurion. It's seen some refit and repair work, improving its structure around the engines and replacing the main gun. Other than that it's unchanged from standard. Oddly enough its original IFF is still intact.

>>3377182
Oh that's a good idea to look into.

>>3377196
> Oddly enough its original IFF is still intact.

Huh. Can we tell which part of the Republic it came from? Bit strange to find it way out here.

>>3377182
NO

>>3377196
anything useful about how it got there in its computer?

>>3377196
Can we tell if it was refit to be used by Neeran or Hune?

>>3377182

Again, this seems like one of those extremely dangerous things to say aloud considering the recent AI issues in the Dominion.

Frankly, I'm convinced there are at least 3 people assigned to watch Sonia for any behavior changes from interacting with Versa, with someone's authority to relieve her of command if enough flags are raised. Via words or execution.

There are likely also about 12 people watching for those same signs of behavior issues, but without orders to relieve of command.

And then there are likely an additional 100 or so that are just plain watching Sonia for AI-subversion red flags for their own reasons. Be it loyalty, genuine care for Sonia's well being, or their own self preservation.Out of those 100, I suspect that 2 are willing to kill Sonia for the good of the fleet or for fear of their own life, should it come to that.

>>3377242
>>3377252
>>3377263
It would seem to be from a Republic fleet assigned to Shallan space a few years before the last big enemy offensive. A few of those fleets took heavy losses when they were ambushed and forced to scatter. Apparently certain Republic Admirals had grown a bit too heavily reliant on wall formations. There is nothing to indicate how it got here, though salvage it the most likely reason.

Certain control systems have seen only minor modification that would allow most Neeran client species to make use of it. It's a bit too cramped for most Neeran to bother going aboard. Despite work done to it it should be operational in short order.

Salvage operations are nearing completion when one of the cloaked battleships arrives and begins efforts to mine the area. Salvage craft begin jumping out along with the Eclipses. Mezan's command ship is currently towing the Kraken, two battleships and the blockade runner. Once to a safe zone you can dump the cargo and let the dedicated salvage teams work to haul it back to the fleet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3_1gwzbV84 [ME2 - Normandy Attacked]

"Sir we're getting a signal from the diversion group."
They shouldn't be able to send a signal without risking breaking the jamming or sending a ship out of range. Neither are good.
"Incoming enemy capital ship." Versa summarises.

An enemy Super Carrier reverts to real space 50,000 km away from the station. Watching events at battle speed you can see their weapons powering up.

[ ] Drop the salvage and jump ASAP
[ ] Attack wings cover us (Try to keep the salvage)

>>3377369
>[ ] Attack wings cover us (Try to keep the salvage)

>>3377369
[x] Drop the salvage and jump ASAP

We do not risk an Eclipse II carrying Mezan, Sonia and Versa for salvage. Especially with an enemy Super Carrier firing upon it.

>>3377369
> [ ] Attack wings cover us (Try to keep the salvage)

Unless we left the AM boobytrap, in which case abandon what we must.

>>3377369
Could we rig salvage to somehow self destruct using Versa? Leave a semi-autonomous program to do so?

It seems silly to have an AI and not use it for cyber-warfare.

Oooh. Or we could have it sit in their weapons targeting and be ready to be triggered to suddenly target allies.

>>3377436
>Unless we left the AM boobytrap, in which case abandon what we must.
One battleship just started minelaying operations. They have maybe a dozen high yield AM mines out at most.

>>3377442
>Could we rig salvage to somehow self destruct using Versa? Leave a semi-autonomous program to do so?
It would be impractical under combat conditions. You'd have to send engineers over first at which point they might as well overload the reactors themselves.

Salvaged ships are usually shut down before being hauled out system in case someone sabotaged their reactors to destroy the salvage craft. They wont be properly restarted until the control systems have been gone over.

>>3377369
>[ ] Drop the salvage and jump ASAP
I know we simulated something similar to this when we tested the Versa prototype, but we're also towing salvage.

>>3377460
well that's a plan for later then.

Maybe Versa could help us turn them into fireships that just blast into action and randomly fire when they detect the enemy has entered them.

Not something that could hold up to a true fleet, but if we find a bunch of salvage like this again that we're forced to abandon . . .

Sticking to

> Try to keep the salvage

>>3376918
Could be a lot better but could still be worse.

Things are probably going to get interesting next month in regards to my job situation.

>>3377516
Whom whomp

But hey interesting times bring opportunities and catastrophe in equal measure

>>3377369


>[X] Drop the salvage and jump ASAP

I think there are a lot of convincing reasons for this choice. Experienced crews, morale, and ships are more important than salvage right now. I don't think it's worth loading up on salvage at the possible cost of losing ships before we've reached our objective.

I don't want people to think Sonia prioritizes salvage over her subordinates lives too much.

Your first instinct is to cover your retreat rather than dump valuable salvage. If it comes to it that can be a fall back option. The assault wing is called back to act as a screen and skirmishing line. While they change course you send off a message to the unit attacking the mining site, ordering them to break off and link up with you ASAP.

The Super Carrier opens fire while still closing on the ruins of the station. Helm changes course to get out of the gravity well as quickly as possible will still trying to get out of effective weapons range. After dumping the mines it was working on loading the cloaked battleship ducks behind the station before disappearing from view. You'll have to hope they can get out of range without risking detection.

Phased plasma cannon fire form the carrier finally catches up with you shaking the bridge. Ordering full jamming and a missile screen you see that Mezan is already ordering evasive maneuvers and having shields diverted aft.

Shield output drops precipitously as missile detonations aft block the carriers line of sight. The flight crew slaloms the big ship out of the way of a follow up barrage, avoiding the worst of the damage. Despite this impacts continue to rack up damage. Mezan orders power diverted from weapons to secondary shields before the main fails.

"Okay fuck that. Prepare to drop the salvage behind us to screen our escape."
You check over the sensor readouts in confusion looking for the best timing to release the cargo.
"Versa why aren't we seeing corvette launches? Are we that much in slow motion?"

"Negative. The Carrier has launched twelve battleships and what appear to be tugs. They're recovering corvettes from the station cargo arrays."

It looks like the battleships are trying to clear the AM mines while the guns on the carrier keep you and the assault corvettes occupied. One mine detonates scattering a wing's worth of docked corvettes in every direction. A few of the tugs swoop in and grab those closest to the battleship and begin hauling them back to the Carrier.

[ ] Dump cargo to screen escape
[ ] Corvettes focus on screening escape, keep salvage if possible
[ ] Call in the main fleet

>>3377797
> [ ] Call in the main fleet

Why not double down?

>>3377797
>[ ] Call in the main fleet
They seem to REALLY want to kep to ships this yard made.
Let's stop that.

>>3377839
>...want to KEEP THE ships...
how did I mess this up?

>>3377797

[x] Dump cargo to screen escape

We can always capture more loot. Our primary mission isn't even in this galaxy.

>>3377922
Nah, but finding such a juicy target is worth the diversion.

We gotta capitalize on this opportunity.

Hell, we can just sell the salvage to the rebels here and make it much easier to retreat back through this area later. This much materiel should be plenty for them to suddenly throw this region into chaos.

>>3377831
>>3377839
>>3377922
Looks like we're calling in the main fleet.

>>3378013
>>3377797

>[X] Call in the main fleet

I'm not sure about revealing both supers but if other anons think it's fine then I suppose it's fine. It took me a while to come around to this choice, I was all for leaving until it was revealed how unprepared these guys are. Let's punish them and be ready for more of those heavy assets we saw setting up the perimeter.

If we could capture this supercarrier, it would be quite useful for carrying all this corvette salvage.

"They don't have any corvettes." you realise. "Call in the main fleet! If we do it now we can score an easy super heavy kill."

Even caught completely without aid its going to take time to kill a Super. The decoy forces wont be able to keep the other two and their escorts busy for long at this rate. With Hera already standing by to move it's easier to send her unit to reinforce the others. You just hope the extra ships can get to where they're needed in time.

Mezan's reaction to your plan is less positive than you might have hoped.
"Are you insane? I'm not fighting while we're loaded down with scrap." Not waiting to consult with you further she orders the salvage dumped and has the navigator plot a micro jump to the edge of the system. No longer burdened by the extra weight the Eclipse class ships accelerate much more rapidly, clearing the gravity well before the main shields fail under the barrage.

By the time you're ready to jump Mezan has already started to work out a series of return jumps that will bring the unit back around to the other side of the planetoids gravity well.
"We'll slingshot around it and back into the fighting using the station for cover. That should give the main fleet time to get here."

Before jumping out you order the assault corvettes to break off their screening action and begin harassing the carriers recovery operations. They have to keep them from manning those corvettes for as long as possible.

"We'll take care of it sir." replies the Wing Commander. They send the destruct codes for the remaining mines further scattering the enemy's objective and creating more debris for them to deal with.

Leaping to the edge of the system Mezan orders a complete restart of the main shields which takes a few minutes. The corvettes you left behind continue to tangle with the carrier and its battleships. A minute later the remainder of your unit soon reports that they've crippled mining operations and are on their way to assist.

Once communications are able to determine how soon the main fleet will arrive you let Mezan know to head back in. Thanks to Versa's coordination you have the two Sledges and the mixed wing jump in at a good angle to link up on the planet's far side.

"Here's hoping the rest of their fleet doesn't swoop in to rescue them." Grumbles the Shallan Admiral. You've too far into the gravity well now for a quick escape. If more of them to arrive you'll have to change course and finish a loop around the planet while suffering further bombardment.

As the enemy comes into view you see that the assault corvettes have only lost 3 of their number, still dancing around fire from the big ship. The Carrier has moved in closer and is dragging in corvettes from all directions now, despite attempts by your ships to interdict them.

Just as your unit starts to take fire from the Carrier once more sensors begins counting down the time to the main fleet's arrival. Eschewing any complicated formation most of the Rioja fleet uses the planet's gravity well to drag them back to real space. The exception are both Fast Supers and the gravity well generator safely parked in their shadow. The Gravwell begins a hard burn away from the planet then powers up its generator.

[ ] Kill it quickly
[ ] Conserve SP Torpedoes
[ ] Shoot to disable / Try to capture it I'm not crazy, you're crazy!

>>3378423
>[ ] Kill it quickly

And then, if possible, maybe salvage?

>>3378423
[x] Kill it quickly

We've now exposed our most vital assets and they're more difficult to extract than our raiding elements.

do not linger

>>3378423
> [ ] Kill it quickly

If we don't use our SP toros for this sort of thing, when will we.

>>3378473
Worth it for an easy Super kill. That's a massive blow to their capabilities here.

>>3378423
>[ ] Kill it quickly

>>3378575

The last 'easy' Super kill I recall was the ambush that cost the Factions Alliance 3 supers and Sonia the Unnamed Guard.

And lets not count kills before we've made good our escape.

"Kill dead so we can go home people." you order.

The Fast Supers maneuver to bring their main guns to bear, secondary weapons and torpedo batteries already firing. 18 medium cruiser and 5 squadrons of battleships join them. 4 Attack wings screen the fleet as a preventive measure while Lyas and Phas have 3 additional wings close in on the flanks.

Soon more than 900 ships are bearing down on them. Overkill for a super carrier caught without an escort but you're not about to let that stop you. Too many times the Alliance and the Factions have lost ships to ambushes, bad luck or simple lack of reinforcements. Best to pay them back when the opportunity presents itself.

It isn't long before fire tears down the shields and beams from the siege cannons rip the drive section apart. If this is a model that's able to detach the forward section then that capability must be damaged. Soon enough escaping plasma from the main reactors is venting into the carrier bays and out into space.

Versa still detects some active power sources aboard but with most of the ship on fire it's not going anywhere. It's unstable orbit will send it plummeting into the atmosphere of the world below in a matter of hours.

"That planet's not habitable is it?" you ask as weapons fire from the fleet begins to taper off.
Versa confirms its atmosphere is not, but there are mining operations scattered beneath the deep planet spanning ocean.

Salvage crews quickly scramble to secure anything of value including the battlecruisers Mezan dropped earlier. As scans of the crippled super continue Versa concludes there may be HLV's or other landing craft aboard with their shields up. There may be survivors.

[ ] Destroy it to make sure
[ ] Leave it alone
[ ] Ask them to surrender
[ ] Push the hulk into a stable orbit

>>3378732

>[ ] Leave it alone

Have stealth units give it an extra push to make it land on one the largest mining base on planet.

>>3378732
[x] Fire upon any possible HLVs/landing craft signatures while we move to jump

Intact vessels are valid targets, and I'm all for parting shots if we're not lingering longer than necessary.

>>3378732
>Destroy it to make sure

Working on IRL Taxes tomorrow and will resume as soon as I'm able.

>>3378732
>[ ] Destroy it to make sure
No witnesses.

>>3378743
>>3378732

Supporting

>>3378732
>[x] Destroy it to make sure

>>3378732
[ ] Destroy it to make sure
There has been no call for surrender from them and we cant det them go free to tell others of our fleet strength. We also do not have time for fancy stuff.

>>3378732
>[x] Leave it alone

>>3378732
>[ ] Destroy it to make sure

>>3378732
>[x] Destroy it to make sure

File: 15535465952524078.gif (896 KB, 444x250)

896 KB GIF

"We cant risk leaving survivors. If they dont surrender in the next five minutes use the siege cannons to destroy it."

There is no response from the calls for surrender for four minutes at which point one Neeran HLV appears at a bay entrance. It soon broadcasts one of the empire's recognized surrender signals. They've ordered to move away from the Carrier at which point a Battleship is sent in to grab them with its tractor beams and haul them clear.

They're out of the danger zone with only seconds to spare. Both Supers open up with their siege cannons, cracking open what remains of the outer hull. Internal damage soon rips the vessel open, tearing into smaller pieces as it's pushed farther into the atmosphere.

https://youtu.be/7NjIH1MZhzU?t=177 [ST3-A Fighting Chance To Live]

Both Supers continue to fire the occasional shot, furthering breaking up the carrier and scattering its burning remains across the skies of half the planet.

"I dont suppose any of that will land on their ocean mining operations?"
Versa believes some of it will, but it's a big planet.

With that done everyone salvages what they can and loads up, preparing to depart as soon as possible. Within the hour the last ships have jumped out and Hera is ordered to break off her harassment of the other enemy fleet group.

The Wing that was initially assigned to pinning them in place has suffered considerable vehicle damage and losses. It's going to take awhile to get them back up to full strength. Damage to the rest of the fleet was light but calling in the entire main fleet is going to mess up unit rotation. Mezan insists that the Eclipse class ships stand down for several hours while checks are done on the shields.

With things being such a mess in regards to how much salvage the fleet is drowning in it would probably be best to wait until the Baron and the Knights have each returned from their round of raiding. That will also give intel time to deal with the prisoners.

Taking a break from the command chair interface you rest up briefly using a sleep headset.

When the rest of your allies have returned Knight Zinovev brings with him news from a few of the forward scouts. They've detected a few units of Faction ships that did not enter the region with you. One of them was observed conducting an orbital bombardment of a habitable enemy world using phase cannons, hitting several population centers.

"Did they get an ID on them?" you're quick to ask.
"Mostly older model ships using Dominion IFF's. They read as House Gal'mil."

Gal'mil has -or more accurately had- territory in the DS2 colony zone. Most of those worlds were lost to Neeran attacks despite stubborn resistance.

How did you want to handle the situation?

>>3380180

Weren't those DS2 Houses known to lose older model ships during the Neeran? In fact, I recall captured ships attacking our forces during the final intercept.

Are the IFFs older ones or verified brand-spanking new?

My first thought is quite obviously that the Neeran are using captured older model vessels to cause their rebelling worlds to turn into insurgencies against the Factions.

>>3380180
Just kick it up the chain to the Alliance command.

We haven't exactly been clean ourselves, like say scattering a Super debris cloud onto a planet.

*Technically* not a war crime a la colony drop, but not exactly nice.

But we aren't Shallans, and we aren't Neeran, and we have a job to do. It'll be bad enough fighting ourselves.

It actually makes me reconsider aiding the rebels at all, since if they start protecting the colonies with the ships we would sell them from salvage, that'll maybe allow for more Neeran forces to fight us instead.

>>3380213
>>3380180
If this is true, then I would absolutely say we should send the rebels a fire-sale discount deal on Salvage with the rights to re-purchase said salvage at the same cost we sold it to them after the sector is secured or have them pay the balance of the discount.

>>3380180

I'm tempted to look the other way but is there any way we could prevent the Alliance observers from finding out?
Even then, it might be better to just let them know we saw and tell them to stop.

>>3380213

This interests me. I think this is equally as likely as them being actual Dominion ships.

>>3380221

I like this too

>>3380217
>>3380221

I'm confused on the selling salvage to rebels thing.

Are you saying we should sell salvage to the rebels, or that we should continue to avoid selling salvage to the rebels?

Because as far as I care, depopulation of these worlds opens them up to Dominion Expansion far more easily.

>>3380180

That said, did Zinovev or his people attempt to make contact at all with these guys?

And is this a formal report from him?

>>3380246
Well, on the one hand the rebels are an easily reached and immediately available market.

In situation one where it's Shallan death squads though, if the rebels are defending the population centers then the Neeran main force doesn't have to. However this assumes the Neeran force WOULD in the first place, which is questionable given their fantastic racism for non-Neeran, and the extremist philosophy of individuality and society of objectivist meritocracy wherein people who die prove they weren't worth it.

In which case it would be best to help the rebels quickly take control of the threatened world so that the Shallans get pushed into fight the Empire Neerans. Maybe we could sell it as a way of stealing planets from the Empire > destroying them which the Empire would prefer themselves to having them get liberated. Maybe sell the rebels the equipment through the Shallans to tie two problems together and let them solve each other.

On the other hand, if the Shallan forces are a false flag then it's good to sell the rebels salvage to generate good relations with them for future occupation while also trying up more Empire forces.

Also making money right away.

>>3380268

What Shallan forces are you referring to?

File: technically correct.jpg (33 KB, 600x452)

33 KB JPG

>>3380213
>Weren't those DS2 Houses known to lose older model ships during the Neeran [Invasion?]?
Those Houses tended to only have older ships at the time when they were first attacked. They have bought up more as surplus from Houses upgrading to newer vessels.

>In fact, I recall captured ships attacking our forces during the final intercept.
You haven't had any intercepts lately so you'll need to be a bit more specific.

>Are the IFFs older ones or verified brand-spanking new?
They're the current Dominion standard which have been in service since just after Crystal Sea. They are not using Alliance IFF's which are updated more frequently.

>>3380217
>*Technically* not a war crime
Especially since it lacked a habitable atmosphere.

>>3380228
>is there any way we could prevent the Alliance observers from finding out?
Yes for awhile, but not too long.

>>3380246
>did Zinovev or his people attempt to make contact at all with these guys?
No, the cloaked scout saw it and reported it to the Dominion Knights because they were the closest unit from your fleet.

>is this a formal report from him?
It can be treated as such, but you're the one in charge of the fleet. Your word is the last word until the deployment is over.

>>3380296
Oh I thought because it had seas it had atmosphere.

>>3380296
>You haven't had any intercepts lately so you'll need to be a bit more specific.

During the Neeran retreat from their DS2 attacks, when we were commanding the mixed J-D & Terran forces.

During that final battle when we intercepted the Neeran fleets before they jumped the Lighthouse path, a small fleet of older 'Dominion' ships jumped in on our flank and were Neeran trojan horses. We moved the Lance class vessels up to do what Lance class vessels do best - wipe out swarms of small, older ships.

>current Dominion Standard

Please correct me if I am wrong, but that means they are using codes similar in age to that Centurion we just liberated that still had intact Factions IFFs?

>>3380296
Could we use that to blackmail the DS2 Houses (for some reason I totally thought they were Shallans who got their worlds burned and were going tit for tat) I to working with the rebels for us here?

>>3380309
It DOES has an atmosphere. That doesn't mean you should take your helmet off and expect bad things to not happen.

Venus has an atmosphere, so does mars, that doesn't mean either of them are anywhere near habitable.

>>3380310
>During the Neeran retreat from their DS2 attacks
That was 13 years ago. Mind you they are old enough designs.

>that means they are using codes similar in age to that Centurion we just liberated that still had intact Factions IFFs?
The last big enemy offensive was just after Crystal Sea which was around 3 years ago in game. The Centurion was probably captured "a few years before the last big enemy offensive" so 4-5 years ago.

>>3380316
>Could we use that to blackmail the DS2 Houses
In theory it could be used to blackmail House Gal'mil, but only them. You'd need separate evidence against each House you wanted to black mail.

[ ] Ignore them / Dont tell Alliance
[ ] Keep current data for blackmail
[ ] Have a cloaked ship shadow them and collect data
[ ] Let them know we saw and tell them to stop
[ ] Send a unit to intercept and investigate

>>3380346

>3 years & ~4-5 years ago

Until we can actually verify that these are Dominion vessels, I believe we should operate on the plausibility that the vessels are in fact hostile Neeran trojan horses.

This will hopefully prevent a case where our vessels are attacked during attempts to stop any war crimes, regardless of the truth of the matter.

As far as the official report, I believe we should report the incidents to the Factions Alliance as per legal requirements, citing the very real possibility of a Neeran false flag as our initial conclusion, citing the captured ship we liberated. The Neeran are willing to blow up planets, why would they hesitate to bombard some cities in order to bait a trap while framing others for the act?

But for now, we're behind enemy lines and just exposed our fleet to enemy eyes.

>[x] File Report when able, conclude enemy false flag and possible ambush scenario

>>3380368
>[ ] Have a cloaked ship shadow them and collect data

>>3380368
>[ ] Have a cloaked ship shadow them and collect data

Keep track of their movement. This can be used for blackmail by the house in the future. Or if they are acting in ways that are unbecoming of the Dominion. We can use this to gain the house more territory in DS2 if we report what we're seeing to the R'H and we have a R'H Baron with us so hey we're already got a verifiable R'H rep who can back us up.

>>3380368
>[ ] Ignore them / Dont tell Alliance

>>3380400
>>3380414
>>3380489
A ship will definitely be sent to keep track of them. Once there is more data available you can decide weather to turn it over to the Alliance or the Ruling House. Sound good?

Phas and Lyas will begin raiding now that they're ready again. Sonia and Hera will rotate in after them..

>>3380538
>A ship will definitely be sent to keep track of them. Once there is more data available you can decide weather to turn it over to the Alliance or the Ruling House. Sound good?


That works for me.

After destroying the super carrier enemy forces are on high alert, working to reinforce defensible positions, and launching more patrols. Phas and Lyas keep on the move, not wanting to risk getting bogged down long enough for a well armed response force to catch up.

The scouts report that enemy units are actively searching for your main fleet. They know a unit powerful enough to completely destroy a carrier is present. Probably one toting siege cannons since it would be wasteful to completely destroy a super in such a manner with just torpedoes.

"If we're unlucky they may believe we have an ACS group here." suggests Tama. "Before we could be dismissed as a lone ACC with an escort force. It's not unusual for those to operate solo behind the lines."

"ACS groups are slow." you point out. "Overestimating our strength could be to our advantage. Especially if they double down on defenses in certain places and leave others unprotected."

"We need to offload some of our salvage unless we intend to end up just as slow." Maybourne warns.

You've gathered up large quantities of salvage but the bulk of it is stuff you can't readily use. The corvette turrets can be swapped in for the LD plasma cannons on your Neeran built Mediums. That would free up spare guns for battleships or other craft.
Fortunately the engineering crews report that they'll have most of the captured CX transports and blockade runners operational within a day.

When Baron Xedols returns and looks over the reports he's a bit disappointed to find out he missed the first real engagement with his new Sovereign. He gets over it quickly enough.
"We may need to deploy a temporary base to act as a salvage depot. Maybe the Asteroid FOB?"

Those take time to set up and are meant more for long term covert use. You're reluctant to stay in this galaxy more than a few days.
"Then perhaps we should trade the lesser salvage to a rebel unit via the Alliance? Counting it towards their overall share of the fleet's salvage will mean more of the final target for us. Assuming we dont simply ignore any Alliance claim to what we uncover."

Maybe you and Hera will find another heavy tanker when you go out and solve the capacity issue?

>Did you want to deploy a base of some kind in this galaxy?

This was going to be part of a lengthy post but but decided to split it up more instead.

>>3380843
I'd rather sell the salvage to the rebels through the alliance.

But running a base here seems like we'd get bogged down.

>>3380843
Not yet no, I want to break down some of the salvage into parts for quicker repairs if we can, and trade the rest to rebel forces.

>>3380843
>>Did you want to deploy a base of some kind in this galaxy?

Negative, in my opinion. We should deploy a hidden base in our target galaxy. So that when the response fleet comes to kick us out of orbit of our target planet. We have a place we can send units to base out of to spy and draw heat away to other targets in that same galaxy. And generally prep for our return to retake said planet from the response fleet in that galaxy.

>"To much salvage"
What heresy is this?! Shoot them on the spot for such heretical words! Oh wait, some of them are of out same rank and power. Hm, if they are concerned about how much we've looted so far. Maybe start leaving said loot with the logistics part of the fleet? Though trading the excess in to the Alliance for a bigger cut of our final target sounds good to me. Of course, I don't want to presume to tell other people what to do with their salvage. But if they are concerned with having their ships laden down with salvage then suggest they trade it in to the alliance to be given to a rebel group.

>>3380843

We've stirred up a hornet's nest.

Do we have contact with any rebel groups in this galaxy? I only recall the one in the initial 'beachhead' galaxy.

>>3380868
>Do we have contact with any rebel groups in this galaxy?
Not yet.

>>3380874
Well let's make some.

>>3380910
It seems your commanders are well ahead of you on that point. Phas returns with her unit sooner than expected.
"We were attacked by rebels."
"Oh great." you mutter, trying not to facepalm.

Fortunately her fleet isn't in bad shape.
"What happened?"

"We encountered several of a type of escort carrier. They launched drones at us and a few escorts the size of light corvettes opened fire on us as well. All the carriers escaped but we managed to cripple one of the corvettes and take its crew section intact."

"You're sure they're rebels?"
"I haven't seen the Neeran using junk that looks like the old Peacock class."

Alliance interrogation officers interview the surviving command crew of a largely destroyed corvette that was brought back. You hold off launching another raid until hearing the results. They'd wiped the navigation data after the ship was crippled so they're smart enough to do that.

They claim that a number of worlds that have been attempting to rebel have been attacked by Faction ships in the past few weeks. The Neeran fleet units in orbit attempting to help suppress the population withdraw when threatened by superior numbers of Faction ships. These faction ships have targeted population centers but generally avoid firing on the more industrialized areas.

"Apparently they've heard a thing or two about how the Dominion prefers to capture planetary industry intact. That's supposedly why the Factions Treaty was originally signed with the Dominion being one of the main proponents. Of course the treaty doesn't apply to treatment of the Neeran and their member states. Or so they've heard."

You look to Maybourne. "This just gets better and better doesn't it?"

Predictably the Alliance wants to convince the rebels that these attacks are not authorized by them.

[ ] Leave it to the Alliance
[ ] Assign Phas Rah'ne, she encountered them first
[ ] Best to handle this yourself

>>3381012
>[ ] Assign Phas Rah'ne, she encountered them first

>>3381012

Wait, first were they attacked by the same Dominion House we saw previously? Or is this another Dominion House?

>>3381027
Unknown for certain at this time but it's plausible. The particular ship that was captured wasn't there but according to the prisoners some of their carriers witnessed at least one such attack.

>>3381012
>>3381041

Well crap, if there is a possibility that there is a Dominion House going rouge during our deployment that is ignoring the Factions Treaty, what will be the penalty to us from the Factions Alliance if we ignore it? And from the Dominion/ R'H if we let this House continue to go rouge as it is? Though I am somewhat certain if we asked Baron Xedols what he thinks the R'H position would be on the matter. If we let said House continue on as it is or made it clear if they continue as they are doing they will likely lose whatever support they are getting, for making the Dominion look bad.

I also take it that it is still to early for a report from our stealth unit that is tracking the other ship to get a better picture?

Because I really want to follow through and make sure that there isn't a rouge Baron or worse a rouge House operating in the same theater as us and we ignored them while having the ability to put a stop to their nonsense or bring them to heel, before they harmed Dominion reputation. Because if the FA learns of this I am pretty sure they'll use this against us if not the Dominion, that we let a rouge Baron or House violate the Factions Treaty. And take away more of our reward from the final cut.

But at the same time. It is not our duty to police other Barons or Houses on this deployment. And sticking around here would only endanger our fleet more. Especially when all we have is speculation and may be's.

>[ ] Assign Phas Rah'ne, she encountered them first
So for now, I think it would be should let Phas return these rebels and work something out with them. To monitor and report to us or the Allliance if there is a rouge Baron or rouge House that is ignoring the Factions Treaty. Figure it will give her experience in dealing with other House and getting valueable dirt to use against them in the future for favors. If this turns out to really just be a rouge Baron. Lets just make sure she has enough back up to help make sure she doesn't get blown out of the stars by rebels.

Not feeling great the past couple hours so I'm stopping here for tonight and resuming tomorrow around 7-ish.

Do you want Sonia to conduct another series of raids while Phas is playing diplomancer?

>>3381137

I think we should pick on the bases here a little more. Make it look like we are leaving in the direction of another smaller galaxy. So that they might possibly lower their defenses. Or send units from one galaxy to another so defenses are lowered in the other. Of course we keep most of the fleet ready to bail Phas out and GTFO out of the galaxy to the next.

>>3381137
Raid with the more damaged units to make it seem like the Carrier did more damage to the fleet?

>>3381171
>>3381137
Yes this.

File: TheMostDominionOfNoseArt.jpg (493 KB, 3974x2727)

493 KB JPG

>>3381171
>>3381597

Do I hear 'revive the painting of battle damage onto repaired sections'?

Because campaign nose/trench art is awesome

>>3381647
We have holigraphics now too!

"Phas, you made contact with them first. I want you to seek out the rebels and find out what they know about these attacks. Take a team of negotiators and some of the captured rebel officers with you."

"Request permission to load up on extra point defense sir. Their fighters were pelting us with a lot of torpedoes and missiles."
Normally most ships only carry half their maximum point defense loadout these days to ensure fewer weapons are lost if they take hull damage. It's not like you have to worry about SP Torpedo attacks such as when fighting other Houses or Factions.

The request from Phas is fine, you have plenty of those weapons to spare at the moment. The question now is if the rest of the fleet should do the same? Your raiders might encounter additional rebel ships before things are resolved, though the risk of that is low.

>Did you want to increase PD weapon loadout while in this galaxy?
Y/N?

>>3381171
>>3381597
>>3381647
Was considering this at work and was likewise going to suggest paint or other alterations to make them look damaged. That way your crews wouldn't be going into battle in ships already on the verge of exploding. Things like radar and thermal reflective paint are a thing.

>>3382535
Might as well use 'em if we got 'em.

I wonder if we could turn any of those corvettes into slaved PDF escort ships for our larger ones.

>>3382574
>>3382535
Not saying we have to do so now, but it wouldn't be a bad thing to plan ahead for integrating Neeran salvage as PD gun replacements since we're swimming in salvage.

>>3382535
>Y

>>3382535

PD has rarely served us badly.

>Y

>>3382535
>Y

While your subordinates look for the rebels you head out on another raiding deployment. Some of the spare crews like those from the Carriers were assigned to assist in applying suitable camouflage to those ships from your raiding unit that were damaged.

The individual Wing Commanders are not thrilled with the idea of deploying under strength while reserve craft are available. If anything the Wing that was tore up keeping the enemy battlegroup occupied should be rotated out for one of the other units.

Knight Lt Nashwa Tawfeek, who against all odds kept his unit in action despite everything, has an alternate suggestion. If you'd prefer to keep his unit below strength for appearances then any replacements could stay back with the Medium Cruisers. If given Alliance rookie corvette paint schemes it could impy that you're calling on reserves.

"Or you could just back them up with another veteran unit like Serth's Dragoons." Suggests Maybourne.

[ ] Rotate out the depleted Wing
[ ] Bring them back to full strength
[ ] Keep replacements near the Mediums
[ ] Provide backup

>>3382682
[X] full strength

Paint replacement ships as FA training wing or rookies

>>3382682
>[ ] Rotate out the depleted Wing

>>3382709
Full strength it is. We'll see if there are any objections to this later.

Once in the field you link up with Arron and find out what targets are available in this new area. A lengthy trade lane connects a pair of colonies. Several stations are located along the way and are used by patrol units. There are no convoys ready at the moment but plenty of fast transports and blockade runners are risking going solo.

The region remains on high alert so you can't affort to get bogged down. No more than 20 minutes on site if possible. No trips deep into gravity wells where you could be pinned.

Salvage is going to be tricky if its even possible. Convoys would seem like the best place to attempt recovery and capture. If it didnt take so long to cycle between on and off you'd consider taking the gravwell generator.

Versa brings up an analysis of a sensor array located at one distant end of the trade lane. If correct it seems that it's focused more on the trade lane than what's immediately around itself.
"Unfortunately that end of the lane is located closest to one of the major shipyards in this galaxy."
"So the moment we take it out all hell's going to break loose?"
"Precisely."

What targets would you prefer to hit in this operation area?

Colony 1 - Industrialized world with orbital infrastructure
Asteroid base - Barely detected. Possible covert base?
Battle debris 1 - Unknown ship debris marked for investigation
Station 1 - A smaller patrol base
Station 2 - A larger station focused on assisting trade
Mining operation
Logistics station - Fuel and cargo depot
Battle debris 2 - Unknown ship debris
Colony 2 - Industrialized but with limited planetary shields
Sensor array - A larger but older facility (Not terribly far away from an enemy shipyard.)

>>3382682

>[ ] Rotate out the depleted Wing

Give them some rest.

Then put in a different group

>>3382792
>>3382795
And then suddenly objections.

The assault corvette wing will be switched out for one of the attack cruiser wings.

>>3382793
Well I won't tie it up.

>[ ] Rotate out the depleted Wing

But paint combat damage on the new ones.

> Asteroid base - Barely detected. Possible covert base?

> Logistics station - Fuel and cargo depot

> Sensor array - A larger but older facility (Not terribly far away from an enemy shipyard.)

Here for a good time not a long time.

>>3382793

>Asteroid base - Barely detected. Possible covert base?
>Logistics station - Fuel and cargo depot
>Battle debris 2 - Unknown ship debris

>>3382801
Just put me down for whatever unties this.

>>3382793
>Colony 1
>Asteroid Base
>Logistics station

>>3382793
>Battle debris 2 - Unknown ship debris
>Logistics station - Fuel and cargo depot
>Battle debris 1 - Unknown ship debris marked for investigation

Your main force will raid or investigate the following targets.
Asteroid base
Logistics station
Battle debris 2

Meanwhile a few squadrons will split off to deal with these 2 sites.
Colony 1
Battle debris 1

Sound good?

>>3382811
>Sensor array
Will need confirmation from at least 1 more anon.
Did you want to hit this on the way out or have Arron drop some SP torpedoes into it as you begin your attacks?

>>3382892

Plan sems sound and if we're throwing some rounds at it on the way out I'm down for blowing that thing to hell and stirring up a nest.

>>3382892
Might as well hit it on our way out, if anyone agrees. Make it harder to chase us.

Moving in from a point farthest away from the sensor array you order some of the attack cruiser squadrons to split off. They'll hit some of the orbital infrastructure around Colony 1 then move on to investigate the battle debris.

"Let's check out this asteroid base they spotted. Maybe they're working on something valuable we can steal."
Arriving in a system largely devoid of valuble resources it takes awhile to pin down the asteroid in question. It's a binary system where most of the planetoids have largely been swallowed up by the two stars as their orbits drew closer together.

Once the location is locked in you have the medium cruiser and attack wings jump in from multiple angles, blocking any chance of escape. There are no signs of continuous com signals so unless they have a regular check in you should have a bit ot time to resolve things here. You have jamming activate just as you micro jump in.

All ships train their weapons on a pair of old mining boreholes that cut deep into the ateroid interior. There are no signs of surface weapon emplacements powering up but sensors have a hard time penetrating the interior.

"Send surrender on Faction and Neeran channels. If they dont respond in 2 minutes we're destroying the asteroid to deny it to the enemy."

Just over half a minute later you get a weak signal. The occupants claim to be smugglers operating outside the Empire's law. They're prepared to offer what supplies they have in return for the safe passage of what ships they have.

"What are they offering?" you ask coms.
"Munitions, materials, He3 fuel and antimatter."

You feel a sudden chill and begin checking the distance between your ships and the asteroid.
"How much antimatter do they have?"
"They claim to have several hundred kilograms."

"Do you want us to slowly back away from this thing?" whispers Maybourne.

>Your orders?

>>3383052
Why the hell would they have so much AM?

>>3383052
>"Do you want us to slowly back away from this thing?" whispers Maybourne.

Yes lets give this thing some space. And aim a torpedo down one of those holes.

"Reverse slow, repulsors only." you reply. "And make sure a couple of ships are ready to fire torpedoes down their throat."

Once that's underway you ask coms to pass along a message. Namely why the hell would anyone need that much antimatter?

"They claim it's because they have fast ships for blockade running."

They currently have what the Alliance classifies as an Oberon and a few ships that haven't been classified yet, similar in tonnage to an older silent hunter. They all make use of antimatter boosted sublight engines.

[ ] Agree to trade for supplies
[ ] Forget supplies, l want one of those ships
[ ] Use as an intel resource for the Alliance
[ ] Other?

>>3383176
>[ ] Use as an intel resource for the Alliance

>>3383176
>[ ] Use as an intel resource for the Alliance
Ask about allowing some of our engineers to have a look at their engines, if any volunteer. We could pay the smugglers with salvage. I'm sure they'd be interested.

>>3383176
>[x] Use as an intel resource for the Alliance

>>3383176
> [ ] Use as an intel resource for the Alliance

> what relationship do they have with the rebels?

>>3383197
>Ask about allowing some of our engineers to have a look at their engines, if any volunteer. We could pay the smugglers with salvage. I'm sure they'd be interested.
This can be arranged, though they'd prefer a different more discreet pickup location for material, which they'll provide.

>>3383220
>what relationship do they have with the rebels?
They sell munitions and tech to the rebels but they do have other clients.

I'll try to finish my next post in the morning.

A team heads over to the station for a hasty look around, as well as providing the smugglers with a communications system that the Alliance will respond to. It wont access the newest encrypted frequencies but it should be enough for now. The also confirm the smuggler's claim about the ships they have docked inside. Their smaller craft are sleek high speed vessels probably capable of atmospheric entry. Not that you'd want them to do so if they carried several times more antimatter than a racing yacht.

Maybe the that's the secret to their success? Carry so much explosives that everyone is afraid to shoot them?

With rendezvous coordinates given for a future salvage drop you head out for your next target. The fleet doesn't particularly need fuel and it's doubtful that whatever cargo this place will have is something you're running short on. You're burning as much of this base as possible in the time you have.

Assault corvettes jump in first, launching enough SP torpedoes to cripple the stations shields before breaking off. This leaves the station open to conventional fire from the mediums, mixed and attack cruiser squadrons. What weapon fire the station gets off is largely shrugged off by your bigger ships.

Once 3 of the four cargo docking arrays are in flames you order everyone to break off and jump out. The central core of the station took quite a bit of damage too but it still had enough guns that you might have started to take ship losses if you'd hung around. Two of the Battlecruisers from your escort took armor damage and will need repairs.

"Signal Arron to torpedo that sensor array in about twenty to thirty minutes. Are the other squadrons finished up?"

"Yes sir. The debris field was mostly made up of Neeran corvettes that had been refit with FTL systems. From their markings they may have been a rebel unit or from a special patrol group. There was wreckage from a few battleships but not enough to indicate they were destroyed. Someone probably salvaged them already."

>>3383234
I second that, also paying with salvage.

Honestly I'd rather be a client than just outright extort them. Making sure to impress upon them that it was House J-D that was willing to treat them well, and that after the war they might as well request our continued presence in the area as opposed to other Houses that might not act so honorably.

After departing the sector you get word from Arron that an enemy response force has sortied from the Shipyard. A Cinquedea class Super and a full escort. They've been tracking his FTL signature with surprising precision.
"I'll have to go dark for a few days to lose them, or make a run out of the galaxy. I'm worried if I run they'll stumble on the position of the fleet while looking for me."

[ ] Go dark
[ ] We're leaving this galaxy soon anyways

>>3385214
>[x] Go dark
It'll give us some additional time to prepare for our departure and maybe manage to find out what's going on with the rebels and if those strikes are really conducted by Dominion troops. Or if it's just a clever ruse by the Neeran to get rid of troublesome population while also increasing the loyalty of other worlds.

>>3385214
>[ ] Go dark

>>3385214
>[ ] Go dark
>[ ] We're leaving this galaxy soon anyways

Might as well do both and catch up later. He should know where we are heading to next anyways right?

>>3385214
> [ ] Go dark

"You'd better go dark. Worst case scenario meet as at our next target galaxy."
"I copy. Switching to silent running."
"Good luck."

Returning to the fleet you wait to see if there is any news from the other raiders or Phas.

It's close to a full day later when the acting intermediary returns. It took some work but they did make contact with one of the rebel groups. They were understandably wary of any faction ships, especially those with Dominion markings. Despite this Phas and the Alliance representatives managed to open a dialogue.

The Rebels have provided what information they can on a unit of Dominion ships. It's made up of 2 Shukhant mediums, an Apollo Class Battleship, 2 escort carriers and several attack corvette squadrons. There may or may not be a few Faction Frigates and Vulture class ships attached as well.

Unfortunately the sensors aboard the rebel ships aren't the greatest. They couldn't get solid drive or IFF data on the individual ships aside from the House affiliation. The only way to positively ID where the ships are from for certain would be to locate them yourselves.

As long as this group is carrying out orbital bombardments of population centers the rebels here can't ally with the Alliance or be seen to be helping them. Doing so would be political suicide at best and might result in a mutiny among the rebel fleets. What they have provided are locations of colonies where they're certain the Dominion fleet has attacked and when. Hopefully it will be of some help to you.

What resources (if any) do you want to commit to finding this supposed Dominion fleet? Will units continue raids while the search is ongoing?

>>3385500
>What resources (if any) do you want to commit to finding this supposed Dominion fleet?
Can Versa analyze the data to find a pattern or get an idea in which area they're currently operating in?

>Will units continue raids while the search is ongoing?
I'd prefer to stop the raids for now. Make it seem like we're gathering forces to hit a major target.

>>3385500

I think this anon has a good idea for start. >>3385530

Have Versa see if she can piece the data and scans that the rebels got, if any. To see if she can tell which house is doing this. And to make it in my opinion look like we are leaving or left.

While we're waiting to discover which house is doing this. We catch our breath and put some stealth units into tracking down this house.

>>3385554
>>3385500

Yes this please.

You ask Versa to attempt an analysis of the planets that have been attacked, in what order, as well as adding in known data on enemy garrison strengths and uprisings. Versa in turn requests more data from captured coms intercepts and records from salvaged ships. Collecting everything takes longer than the process of combining it all.

"I'm glad I've learned a few things from intelligence that I wasn't supposed to over the years." Versa comments.
"This wasn't as easy as I'd initially expected it to be."

Three areas pop up on the displays showing the most likely areas the ships might be encountered in. Even with Arron out of contact it should be possible to monitor those regions for possible activity.
"Based on the dates of the previous attacks one of these should suffer a raid in the next week."

You look up from the displays. "A week? I wasn't expecting to remain in the area that long."

Maybourne concurs that the fleet really should get moving before that.

A fourth area appears on the map an uncomfortably short distance away from one of the major shipyards. It's in an apparent sensor blind spot and in theory a nearby dense star cluster should delay any jumps between there from the yard.
"I believe these systems are the most probable location for a staging base if these are false flag units controlled by the Empire."

From outside appearances it looks safe but you've seen Neeran starships perform jumps dangerously close to the edges of gravity wells and make it past in once piece. Response time between the yards on that 4th site could be shorter than advertised if it's an enemy facility.

[ ] Stake out the 3 farther sites with cloaked ships
[ ] Stake out the 3 farther sites with attack forces
[ ] Investigate 4th site with cloaked ships
[ ] Send attack force to 4th site

>>3385862
>[x] Stake out the 3 farther sites with cloaked ships
Let's take things slow and careful this early on. At some point we'll have to sift through the salvage we managed to collect anyway, might as well do it now.

>>3385862
>[ ] Stake out the 3 farther sites with attack forces
Have whatever forces we send there do their best to mask their signatures and to just not show up on any radar. I'd say go into low power mode to try and increase their chances to avoid detection. Or as low power as they dare go without seriously affecting their ability to respond or gtfo to threats.

>[ ] Investigate 4th site with cloaked ships
And it goes without saying for the cloaked ships. Make sure they exercise their utmost best to avoid alerting the neighbors to their presence.

>>3385862
>[ ] Stake out the 3 farther sites with cloaked ships

>>3385862
>[ ] Investigate 4th site with cloaked ships

Sending cloaked ships everywhere, got it.
Resuming around 7pm.

>>3385862
> [ ] Send attack force to 4th site

I have a good feeling about it, and better to have all our guns.

>>3386331
>Sending cloaked ships everywhere, got it.
As we'll likely have to wait a few days for the 3 farther sites to show results, maybe wait the 4th until Arron is back? Unless we have a second Nocturn. It seems like a mission that requires the best stealth ship we have available.

"New plan. We're going silent for a few days while our cloaked assets watch all 4 sites for signs of activity. That should also give us time to better organise our salvage situation. I'd like engineers to see if we can automate some of the enemy corvettes we've captured. It would be nice if they can be used as spare turrets."

With most of the other immediate work done the neeran tech specialists get to work. They're able to complete a refit every hour, docking the slaved corvettes to the drive sections of the supers. 6 Neeran battleships are now operational with skeleton crews assigned. CX Transports have increased cargo capacity of the logistics group. Attack Frigates are rounding out Mezan's new squadrons. Techs are also testing corvette FTL mods.

Some scrap and salvage is eventually traded to the smugglers as the heat in that sector has died down.

The Kraken Battlecruiser is also ready, leaving the question of what to do with it. Data on it has already been recorded for later analysis ay Alliance intelligence. As one of the fastest ships of its size in the fleet there are a number of options for what to do with it. It also has quite a bit of capacity to work with.

[ ] Equip with corvette turrets & Missiles
[ ] Assign to Salvage, search & recovery
[ ] Missile ship
[ ] Minelayer
[ ] Covert ops
[ ] Give to the rebels
[ ] Other

>>3387264
> [ ] Covert ops

When life gives you the enemies IFF, give the enemy a surprise!

I wonder if we could use it as a bait ship to lure enemies into traps to rescue it. At least once it should work.

>>3387264
>[ ] Other
We have a few days downtime, so why not have a tournament? People who are about to get promoted to piloting a battlecruiser get to pick a setup for the ship and then they'll have to compete against each other in VR. Whoever wins gets to command the ship for the duration of this deployment in a configuration of their choice.

>>3387264
>[ ] Covert ops

>>3387264

[x] Corvette turrets & missiles

It seems like an ideal ship to jump in, help blow stuff up, and then put the capacity cleared by expended missiles for buddyjumping salvage out.

Or to do the same, but leave behind a bunch of mines on a tradelane/reversion point.

>>3387274
Worth a shot.

>>3387279
>People who are about to get promoted to piloting a battlecruiser
That's usually called requesting a transfer because you're too old to handle attack ships anymore.
However given that this ship is far more maneuverable than most battlecruisers its an unusual situation. One of that attack cruiser commanders might appreciate it.

That still leaves the question of how it should be outfitted, though it could be left up to whoever won.

>>3387264
>[ ] Covert ops

"Set it up for covert ops work. Maybe we can use it to lure enemy ships into an ambush somewhere."
Really even its reconnaissance value could come in handy since it might free up cloaked ships.

You ask the wing commanders to think things over regarding possible acquisition of more Krakens in the future. Perhaps they could be handy as a fast command ship?

After the first day is spent focusing on repairs and readiness, pilots are ordered to work on training sims based on data collected so far. This keeps the staff occupied for most of the second day. With their cloaked ships the Krath mercenaries continue to conduct reconnaissance and low level raiding of their own. While their Battlecruisers are old they still have the drive signature scattering tech making it extremely difficult for enemies to track them.

It's well into the third day before there is a change.
"Viscount Reyard to the command deck."

When you enter Maybourne is already bringing up data on the displays.
"Sir, we're getting a transmission from search area 3. We've found them."

Two old Shukhants -a 5th gen and a 6th gen- make up the center of the fleet the scout is tracking. Sure enough there are approximately as many corvettes and supporting craft as anticipated, but you dont see the escort carriers.
Their flight path indicate they're headed for a system that may have rebel sympathies, though there isn't information on active resistance.

"Markings and IFF?"
"Markings are a bit worn overall. A few have House crests that have been painted over more recently with House Gal'mil insignia. Not too unusual."

Maybourne takes a hard look at the IFF codes. "They're running basic. Stripped down codes missing some of the extra junk Houses like to throw in. Ship heraldry, that sort of thing. Pirates and privateers tend to do that. Makes it harder to run the registry."

Versa speaks up. "Most but not all of the sublight drives are aligned to Dominion specifications. Some have been tampered with. They're consistent with repairs performed using Neeran components as replacements."

"So these guys are suspicious all around but it's not outside the realm of possibility that they still might be a rouge House force."
The other agree, though some like Mezan are leaning more heavily towards it being a false flag operation.

Maybourne is not entirely convinced yet.
"Some Houses got hit hard. I wouldn't put it past them to do this."

Do you want to send one of your commanders to intercept? Or will you have one of your cloaked ships send a challenge? Or would you rather wait and see, catching them in the act?

>>3387307

>That still leaves the question of how it should be outfitted, though it could be left up to whoever won.

I really like this idea. Every pilot has their style, let them choose.

>>3387422

I think when we intercept, we want to be seen intervening in favor of the rebels. So let's shadow them until they give us that opportunity.

>>3387422
Does Baron Xedols or one his subordinates have the authority to tell them to stop bombing civilians and join up with either us or one of the merc units accompanying us instead?

>>3387422
>Or would you rather wait and see, catching them in the act?

Wait and see. Maybe ready one of the commanders for rabid deployment to that zone. If the stealth ship is found out or to generally respond to the aid of the planet to chase the fleet off. Also have the stealth ship there ready to follow them if they decide to run when our response fleet shows.

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>>3387444
>rabid deployment
First thing that came to mind.

>>3387441
>Does Baron Xedols or one his subordinates have the authority to tell them to stop bombing civilians and join up with either us or one of the merc units accompanying us instead?
Either of you do really. You have a priority mission issued by the Emperor.

>>3387433
>>3387444
Yes you can have the cloaked ship keep tailing them and then intervene with a fleet at the right moment.

>>3387471
>Yes you can have the cloaked ship keep tailing them and then intervene with a fleet at the right moment.
Seems like a plan. Have the other cloaked units keep an eye on fleet movements in the area.