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"Those are light corvette sized Veckron weapons."

Were this in real time your heart would probably have stopped for an unhealthy length of time.
"How many?" you manage to get out.
"At least twelve. More may be waiting to launch."

Studying the accelerating craft it's plainly obvious they'll go for your heaviest warships. The two SRL Supers followed by your Medium cruisers. Which includes your command ship as both Eclipse class vessels are the largest mediums present. If the readings are right Versa estimates each of the craft might have as much punch as an old Mark 5 Veckron weapon. Enough to crack the super heavies in half, or reduce your mediums to little more than vapour clouds.

You give a flurry of orders as the new Neeran arrivals move to engage the fleet. Some of your ships have to stay on task to protect the engineers and suppress remaining weapons on the carrier. That means Starfighters and Fire Drakes are directed to attack the Veckron suicide ships first.

The Helios AM Medium along with the similarly equipped battleships will engage whatever gets past them for as long as they can. Eventually they'll be forced to jettison whatever remaining stores they have and shut down their generators. The other battleships and battlecruisers will attempt to screen the fleet's larger ships from potential impact.
While they're doing that the Supers and medium cruisers will be trying to get the hell out of the stars gravity well.

Once those directives are away the battleships and medium cruisers are ordered to evacuate non-essential personnel. Anyone lacking ready access to teleport capsules have a bare few minutes to get to the shuttles and remaining LSTs. Rob Ecord helps to organize the evacuation of those on the command ship.

As the helm puts the Eclipse into a hard turn Maybourne sends you a message.
"Are we transferring your flag? We're a big target."
"No, that would mean closing down Versa's command system. We're going to need the reaction time."
You switch to your personal guards private channel.
"Get everyone ready to teleport off the ship."

"Versa cant be teleported out quickly." Valeri warns. "They have to get you out, unplug all of the components and get them into one of the capsules."

That's a risk you'll have to take.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNdZu0A6Qks [Two Steps From Hell - No Honor in Blood]

At the front line the newly launched enemy warships begin to open fire on the attack and assault corvette wings. Most of what they're using is conventional weaponry but some launch familiar looking torpedoes.
"They're using captured SP warheads," Versa warns, "primarily Mark 44 and 45."

The Alliance has newer models but if the enemy were smart they'd be shipping those ones through the gate to wherever they're sending equipment for reverse engineering. The 45's are bad enough. They can kill most of your attack ships with a single hit if they strike the right place. Most of the leading J-D formations go evasive in response to the new threat.

None of this has any effect on the wave of torpedoes your fleet has already launched, slamming into the aft shield of the super carrier. Shield breaker rounds and kinetic impactors dimple the outer surface of the gelatinous protective field. SP's penetrate the surface and detonate inside forming bubbles. Before long the entire aft shield has turned white with more gaps than protection. Following warheads and cannon fire tear into the hull and sublight drives wrecking them in short order and leaving the vessel to drift towards the open gate.

Or perhaps fall towards it would be more accurate, as the gravity from the neutron star will be pulling it in at several G's of acceleration.

Just behind the battle line starfighters and Fire Drake class corvettes are pulling back slightly and going for deflection shots on the Veckron corvettes. Missiles and guns on the starfighters dont normally have the punch to deal with even light starship grade shields but in massed numbers they do. Working together with the plasma cannon equipped Fire Drakes they manage to destroy five of the weapons before their staggering levels of acceleration soon puts them out of effective range.

A sixth vessel is damaged by plasma cannon fire sending it spiraling out of control but still headed towards your fleet. With its irregular movements a few of the battleship commanders seem certain they wont be able to shoot it down. A barrage of antimatter torpedoes detonate in its path delivering enough energy to destroy the remainder of the fast disintegrating ship.

Your heavier ships are now for the most part pointed out of the gravity well. Maneuvering drives on the SRL supers are burning bright as they dump extra antimatter to complete their course change. Through Versa's sensor readouts you can see that the ejection bay doors are already open, waiting until the last minute to jettison the valuable fuel stores.

As mediums and battleships prepare to move into blocking positions you send out a brief warning.
"Watch those drive plumes, we dont want to take damage from the engine wash."

This is especially important as shuttles and escape pods with non-essential personnel are only just beginning to leave their ships. Only those with emergency teleport capsules will be remaining aboard. Unfortunately many larger ships simply dont have the capacity to provide for the entire crew complement.

Versa draws your attention back to the Neeran capital ship.
"Alert, 8 additional Veckron corvettes have launched from the carrier."
"Damn, we haven't even finished off the first wave yet. Fighters and corvettes need to split their fire between the next wave more evenly."

That may not be so easy a task. Some enemy starfighters are beginning to join the battle, mostly heavier fighters with stasis shielding. Fortunately most of them are being held back by the bomber escorts.

Closer to home the detonations of antimatter warheads are drawing nearer. All attempts to stop them seem to be having little effect. Two veckron weapons headed towards your fleet emerge through a wave of antimatter explosions trailing debris and showing obvious signs of damage. A battleship moving to block their path causes one to explode on impact.

The other shreds a battlecruiser, leaving behind only the core of the corvette, shaped like an armor piercing projectile stripped of its sabot. This much smaller projectile punches through two battleships causing little overall damage to either before hitting a Monitor and exploding in its drive section.

By now everyone has dumped their remaining AM stores and the older storage tanks on the SRL ships go off soon after, momentarily obscuring both vessels. It's hard to tell but it looks like Veckron weapons headed towards both supers are successfully intercepted by battleships and Sledge class mediums.

With everything else going on you almost miss one weapon punching clean through your second Eclipse class medium before detonating in front of it. The front three quarters of the ship are blown apart, shattering the remainder. A shock wave produced by the vaporized remains shakes the command ship.

Even with all this going on Versa hasn't stopped working of course.
"Refining targeting data. If the outer hulls of the corvettes can be destroyed quickly enough our ships may have time to dodge the internal projectile."

Even with the additional interference the starfighters and Fire Drakes are able to shoot down 3 of the next wave of weapons and damage 3 more. Unfortunately this time you dont have any antimatter warheads to hurl at them. Missiles, phase cannons, point defense and even a few HAGs open fire on the next wave as they streak towards you.

Captain Padaran reports that his fleet is jumping. Despite being slow lumbering behemoths the South Reach supers were already hanging back at the edge of the gravity well. If they're lucky they might be able to jump before the 2 warheads targeting them are even an issue.

A new alert goes off drawing your attention to the south polar station. SRL fleet elements are busy there engaging Neeran ships while trying to capture the station. All of the enemy warships who recently arrived there have joined the fight except one. The heavy cruiser is deploying assault teams via shuttle and HLV to the energy emitter there.

An energy emitter that has now stopped providing power to the gate and appears to be targeting your ship. Your special forces infiltrating those stations were supposed to prevent something like this but they were never intended to hold off such a large enemy assault force.

It looks like the gate is still operational with the crippled carrier falling towards it but who knows how long that will last?

"Helm, roll 90 degrees to present a smaller profile!"

Behind you the remaining veckron weapons have cleared the latest missile barrage and are making final adjustments. One is headed straight for you. Battleships from your command squadron maneuver to help block the shot if necessary.

"Outer Heaven, use your storm cannons on that one!" you order.

Roll 1d20

So I actually had 2 tries at figuring out the V-torp hits and intercepts, having forgotten I'd done one at work. Went with the one that gave your people 2 chances to shoot them down between the fighters/Fire Drakes and then the fleet /battleships. This one went a lot better in my opinion and made more sense.

Also due to misremembering notes I initially though you were going to have to deal with 2 Veckron weapons plus the emitter targeting your command ship. Re-read it and realised the mistake there so only 1.
Your other Eclipse was super unlucky and in every simulation it would just straight up die no matter what I did. Even to the point where the second wave were still getting maxed out kill shots on it after it was dead.


Anyways...

1) Roll for the Outer Heaven to try and shoot the damn thing down and hope its not close enough to kill anything with a proximity blast.
Roll 1d20

2) Do you want to teleport Versa off the command ship now while there are still a few seconds to spare?
>Y/N?

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>3951222
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION
Hope you're doing well TSTG.

>>3951239
N, we're still behind enemy lines.

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Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>3951289

Well this is all going lovely. V-Torp Corvettes and SP-Torp Neeran forces. And an energy emitter pointed at our head. This is going swimmingly.

>1) Rolling for damage

>2) No, if we had a teleport receiver, maybe.

>>3951326
>N, we're still behind enemy lines.
>>3951339
>No, if we had a teleport receiver, maybe.
I was under the impression that you picked some up awhile back. There were certainly some with your fleet before you crossed the Crystal Sea.

The receiver ships might be nearing capacity right now after losing several mediums and a not small number of battleships.

>>3951345

Do your notes say we have any with us or rather, at our logistics fleet?

>>3951357
They would be stationed outside the immediate battlefield. So if you were planning to take command again right away after teleporting out that probably isn't an option.

>>3951369

If we have teleport receivers outside the battlefield or away from the battle in general. Then yes, get her out and get us ready to transfer over to OH.

>>3951380
>Then yes, get her out
Currently 1 vote yes, 1 vote no.

>and get us ready to transfer over to OH.
There isn't enough time to safely transfer to another ship except via teleport capsule at this point.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>3951289
>Y

>>3951289
>2) Do you want to teleport Versa off the command ship now while there are still a few seconds to spare?
We have our very own data analysis and probability calculation demi-goddess with us. Does Versa think we should evacuate? If she thinks it's the most prudent course of action, let's go.

Not our Eclipse! That's one of the most expensive frontline combat Sonia owns. If we survive this, have our lawyers check if we can demand restitution from the Alliance because they didn't warn us the Empire was deploying v-torps. Alliance Intel seems to have generally done a garbage job of preparing us for this engagement.

>>3952039
Nice roll, anon.

>>3951289
3 rolls already, and

> N

She won't die like a normal person if the ship is damaged. We just have to keep the part of the ship she is in. We can cut it out if needed.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>3952039
>Rolled 15
That's certainly better than the 13.

>>3952433
>1
Somebody is not going to have a good time...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPHeW7MLBbw [Two Steps From Hell - None Shall Live]

Watching the incoming weapon with increasing unease you begin to wonder if maybe transferring your flag earlier might have been a better idea.

"Versa, are we teleporting you out?"
"Negative. I can still improve targeting data."

The Outer Heaven rolls in with its engines at max burn, bringing both of its storm cannons to bear for deflection shots. Versa sends them additional updates and the gunnery crews adjust so that the target will end up passing through both cones of effective fire one after the other.

It's already showing signs of damage from the starfighters and corvettes but seemingly nothing significant. Both cannons activate filling space in its path with arcs of lightning powerful enough to disintegrate the hulls of most ships if given enough time. These aren't the weapons most people have dubbed "lightning guns" though, these are storm cannons. Pulses from their inbuilt repulsors rapidly oscillate between push and pull, ripping and tearing the target's structure.

The conical weapons outer hull splits open under the barrage, lightning clawing at the scattered fragments and fast reducing them to atoms. Despite all of this the central projectile that makes up its core emerges from the storm of explosions. A few last bolts of lightning still eat away at its exterior, leaving it damaged and unguided. The warhead unfortunately looks to largely intact.

You're still inside the gravity well but with its guidance out the helm might be able to get you a few kilometers of its previous trajectory.
"Starboard, 30 degrees. Emergency power to engines."

Even as engine power increases you can tell that the sluggish response in real time isn't going to match what you'd hoped for watching from inside the command interface. The few remaining interceptor missiles launch as battleships maneuver to block the warhead.

The Veckron weapon rips through your prized Artemis class battleship causing significant damage, then hits a Dominion fast battleship passing through its entire length. It has barely emerged from the second ships bow when it explodes. Despite the distance the blast is still powerful enough to damage a third ship that was moving to protect you, momentarily putting it on a collision course with your Eclipse.

Farther to starboard you can see two more such explosions before both super heavies jump to FTL.

"Get tractor beams on that third ship before it hits us. Helm get us out of the gravity well and prepared to jump in case that southern station opens fire on us."

>Cont.

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Once those orders are acknowledged you so a quick check. Your remaining heavier ships near the star are scattered and preparing to jump out of the system. Forces around the carrier appear to be on the verge of completing their objectives. Or at the very least protecting the engineers and first wave boarding teams long enough to do so.
At either pole the SRL Mercs are doing a good job of dealing with the garrison fleets. Even at the South pole whee resistance is fierce you note that the energy emitter hasn't fired yet. This despite it clearly being locked on to your command ship. Sensor readings show that no power is getting to its emitters right now.

Versa points to activity near the Carrier.
"A number of small transports have launched from the carrier and are escaping through the gate."

Sure enough two ships have already made it through the wormhole and more are following. Some of the attack craft battling your forces have begun a fighting retreat as well. It looks like the super carrier might be able to follow them at its current rate of fall.

Then your engineering teams begin to light off the fusion torches they've just locked onto the wrecked aft hull of the carrier. Two, then four, then a dozen begin to slow the enormous ships fall. Salvage ships lock tractor beams onto it as well and begin contributing their engine power. Versa estimates they should be able to stop it with only the front 1/3 of the ship passing through the gate.

Maybourne seems to think that with the situation largely moving in your favour you should jump the larger ships out as soon as possible.
"We can jump back in at another angle, help with the polar stations until they're secure. While also being out of the line of sight of that emitter."

>Your orders?

>>3952600

I am leery of making another plan of action. As the last time I made a suggestion, I almost got us all killed since I had no idea they were going to start throwing V-Torp capable Corvettes at us. So I’ll likely support any idea that can get us the gate and the two polar facilities.

Until someone else comes up with a better plan of action. Here’s my suggested plan of action. Have the SRL units that are pulling back. Jump out, realign and jump back in around the Southern facility. Meanwhile our units that are pulling out will jump out and realign to jump back in at the Northern facility.

I want to say we send the carriers and their escort to be midway points between either facility and the gate so that fighters and small craft can return to rearm and refuel. But that’s probably asking a bit much of our carriers and fighters groups.

As for the units engaged around the Super Carrier, have them continue to engage the carriers escort, but be ready to pull back to either polar facility to rejoin the fleet to refuel and rearm. Whatever units we have inside the Super Carrier. Have them continue to take control of the massive ship and bring it back.

Have our troops inside/ on the gate shut down/ close the gate. To prevent whoever or whatever is on the other side from following back through.

inb4 a massive swarm of V-torp corvettes come screeching out of the gate while we pull it back through.

Actually... could we close the gate as is? Sure it would mean the first third of the ship is gone and cut off. But it would certainly prevent anyone from coming back through as we pull the Super back.

>>3952676
>SRL fleet jumps to south facility
>J-D fleet jumps to north facility
This should ensure the larger fleet elements are out of immediate danger.

>Actually... could we close the gate as is? Sure it would mean the first third of the ship is gone and cut off
The bow of the carrier isn't through yet but it will be by the time the engineering teams get it stopped.
You could order the boarding teams and special forces to shut down the gate now. It may take a bit for them to respond to the new orders of course.

>>3952704
This sounds good. Instead of shutting down the gate though, I think we should charge our own V-torp and fire it through the gate. Suprise phone call bitches!

>>3952676
No plan survives contact with the enemy.

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>>3952600
>Your orders?
Hug Versa.

Have the heavier elements ready to jump in the second our teams secure the bays where the v-torps on that carrier are stored.

The fleet at the southern station seems to need help. If the medium cruisers that jumped out can help out over there without attracting v-torps, I'm sure it would be appreciated.

>>3952704
>You could order the boarding teams and special forces to shut down the gate now. It may take a bit for them to respond to the new orders of course.
I'd like to contact them, if possible. Were they able to secure the coordinates of where the gate leads? I'd hate to have gone through so much trouble to secure the gate, only to find out afterwards that it's impossible to reconnect once it's been shut down once.

>>3952790
I mean, do we want to be on the other end of a direct line to enemy forces? They could easily be preparing to send overwhelming force our way through it.

>>3952786
>we should charge our own V-torp and fire it through the gate.

>>3952790
>Have the heavier elements ready to jump in the second our teams secure the bays where the v-torps on that carrier are stored.

>>3952790
>Were they able to secure the coordinates of where the gate leads?
You send this message and get a response that coordinate data has been recovered.

>>3952812
>You send this message and get a response that coordinate data has been recovered.
In that case, I'd keep the gate open as long as the super heavy carrier isn't passing through, to keep the relay stations focused on supplying energy to the gate. If a sliver at the front gets cut off because shutting down the gate isn't an exact science, I'd be okay with that too.

If we get the polar facilities secured. Would that place our heavier units in position to aim towards the gate and provide long rage support?

When we secure them or at least negate the threat of the facilities being used as energy weapons. We could start sending mediums and carriers closer to the gate again. But not so close that they wont have time to target and take out any V-Torp Corvettes flying their direction. This way our fighters and smaller units can start pulling back for repairs and stuff.

I want to say give them the order to close it.

But other anons have good suggestions.

>>3952786

>V-Torp surprise
I assume in order to send our own V-Torp through. We would need to get the Super and any other ship in it out of the way? Or would the V-Torp entering a wormhole detonate due to whatever energies are being generated? This sounds like an entertaining plan and a good ‘Fuck you and whatever else is on the other side of this gate.’

>>3952790

>Secure Gate Destination
This is also very important, since there are probably hundreds of uncounted Super Carriers laden down with top of the line Faction technology, SP Torps and V-Torp capable ships. And whatever goodies the Neeran have squirreled away on the other side. And it would suck if by closing the gate we lose that destination because they auto-scrub the databanks for its destination. Though we could send a drone or Corvette through in the madness and get a quick scan of the area. Such as local stars/ constellations.

Have the Neeran created their own pocket sub-dimensional pocket similar to the Facility we secured? If the Terrans could do it, with great failure. Then Likely the Neeran could as well.

Why don’t we secure the gate and its facilities. Scour them for the data we need on where this gate leads. Having a ship on standby.

>>3952812

>coordinate data has been recovered.

Okay then. Well, lets secure the area and see about sending a drone or a small crew through with orders to scan everything and anything in the immediate vicinity to the exit of the gate within five to ten minutes. And get back through. Feed all that data to Versa to figure out targets of opportunity for a V-Torp barrage and send our own V-Torp surprise through and fuck up whatever is on the other side before closing the gate.

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>>3952831
>If we get the polar facilities secured. Would that place our heavier units in position to aim towards the gate and provide long rage support?
Theoretically? It would be long range and you'd be firing into a melee. You also wouldn't be in position to fire through the open gate if it remained open.

>I assume in order to send our own V-Torp through. We would need to get the Super and any other ship in it out of the way? Or would the V-Torp entering a wormhole detonate due to whatever energies are being generated? This sounds like an entertaining plan and a good ‘Fuck you and whatever else is on the other side of this gate.
You should be able to fire it past the super carrier without incident. There is room to spare.

As for how a V-torp might interact with the gate Versa has no data on this. Nobody has been in a hurry to test this with any of the valuable gate facilities captured so far. Theories are that it might do nothing, or be twice as unsafe as activating an FTL system in such an environment.

>>3952831
> This sounds like an entertaining plan and a good ‘Fuck you and whatever else is on the other side of this gate.’

Or is currently inside the gate, assuming the transference takes time.

Is it spiteful? Oh yes.

>>3952854
> As for how a V-torp might interact with the gate Versa has no data on this. Nobody has been in a hurry to test this with any of the valuable gate facilities captured so far. Theories are that it might do nothing, or be twice as unsafe as activating an FTL system in such an environment.

FOR SCIENCE! Also it'll make the other side leery of letting anything through the gate. They might shut it down themselves!

>>3952854
Could we send enough V-torps through to tear apart subspace on the other side when they explode?

>>3952854
>Theories are that it might do nothing, or be twice as unsafe as activating an FTL system in such an environment.
I'm not interested in blowing up the gate or accidentally the entire system'

1) Gate orders?
1A) Close the gate
1B) Leave it open and fire V-torp(s) through
1C) Leave it open, send a ship through

2) Fleet orders
2A) Move J-D mediums outside gravity well, wait for developments
2B) Jump out mediums, wait until carrier V-torp stores are secured
2C) SRL fleet jumps to south station, J-D fleet to north

>>3952886
1a
2b

>>3952854
So updated plan.

Tell the group at the gate to shut it down.

Warp out, SRL units jump to southern facility, J-D units jump to northern facility.

Once the polar facilities are secure, we start sending medium and carriers closer to the gate, about midway. To provide an area for fighters and small craft to fall back to ream and stuff.

Finish securing both facilities, the gate and the super. Pull the Super out of the gravity well either on the current side it is on or the opposite. So we can jump it out on a moments notice if need be.

Once we have the facilities and gate secure. Give the data to Versa to pour over. If the data shows it safe enough to open the gate for five to ten minutes. We send in a probe or other small ship to scan everything and anything on the other side before returning.

Determine whether or not we want to shut the gate down and salvage it for the FA. Or use it as an experiment for what happens when you fire a V-Torp through it and possible destroy it.

>>3952886

>1A) Close the gate
>2C) SRL fleet jumps to south station, J-D fleet to north

>>3952897
>To provide an area for fighters and small craft to fall back to ream and stuff.

The fast and nimble Escort Carriers are not evacuating the gravity well. They'll be able to help the deployed starfighters for awhile until the larger carriers are available again. Due to the numbers fielded they'll mainly just be supporting the manned fighters.
Tama intends to send any drones running low on fuel on a course that will take them a safe distance out of the gravity well for later recovery.

>>3952886
1B) Leave it open and fire V-torp(s) through
2C) SRL fleet jumps to south station, J-D fleet to north

>>3952900
C'mon, 1B with me and then we can close the gate after the torps are through? It'll take time for the teams to close them down anyways.

>>3952953

After last thread, I’d rather test that theory out after we got all we can salvage from this place. And determine that destroying this place is worth the risk of opening the gate long enough to throw a V-Torp through. As I get the feeling the moment we do there’s going to be some feedback loop or something. Where the V-Torp and the radiation it emits doesn’t play well with the gate and whatever systems it uses to create said portal. Causing a huge explosion that destroys everything nearby.

>>3952983

Eh, it's a win any way. And valuable data. Not like we have the forces to hold the portal for long anyways, whether they send reinforcements through the portal itself or through hyperspace.

It's too big to drag off, either.

So I figure fuck it let's chuck a V-torp through it before sabotaging it.

"Tell them to shut it down. Close the gate before anything else can get through. I dont want to have to worry about surprises being sent from the other side."

As the medium cruisers and carriers get outside the gravity well you issue orders for the fleet. All the heavier elements are jumping out and then back in to attack the poles. Forming up is going to take a few minutes so you make sure local command is delegated appropriately. While that is going on you pick up shuttles and escape pods. Marines are ordered to stay in their shuttles and LSTs as they'll be needed shortly.

Jumping to the nearest predetermined fallback point you find that Padaran and the SRL fleet are already in the process of coming about. The old pirate is less than pleased with the number of ships he's lost to what he now considers a bullshit assignment.

"You're not the only one," you reply. "I lost one of my largest mediums and my command ship was almost next. Lets just deal with it and get this mission finished."

Leaving the starfighter carriers behind you realign, make another quick micro jump and then plot a course toward the north polar station coming in from above. Any enemy ships still tangling with the Mercs dont stand much of a chance when your Eclipse and surviving Monitors add their heavier guns to the mix. The Quattro reports a weapons malfunction related to having reverted to real space too close to the polar jet. They wont be much help.

Fortunately it looks like they wont be needed. One of the Sledge class ships has broken through the north stations outer defenses and has begun landing troops. Most of the work here quickly becomes a mop-up action with a number of vessels surrendering outright.

At the south pole station the fighting is a bit more intense. The heavy cruiser and other vessels that arrived with the super carrier are a bit less inclined to throw down their arms. Padaran solves the situation by putting a few scrap cannon shots through the drive section of any heavy cruisers present.

Roll 3d20 for the progress made by your boarding teams. Gate, Carrier, and south pole.

Rolled 9, 3, 4 = 16 (3d20)

>>3953162

Gate, Carrier, South Pole

Rolled 12, 12, 11 = 35 (3d20)

>>3953162
Gate to the hell dimension,

Rolled 1, 14, 18 = 33 (3d20)

>>3953162

>>3953162
Did the two FA medium cruisers that got picked up by on of our battleships on approach to the gate have anything useful to say?

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Some of the art in Eve is great. Future WH gate?

Despite resistance the marines and special forces assigned to securing the gate manage to shut it down. The forward 5 km of the super carriers nose vanish, venting some sections into space. Emergency bulkheads soon stop more of the vessels atmosphere from escaping.

The breach doesn't affect the boarding teams on the carrier who are largely in the aft sections. They've managed to take control of the separation systems that can detach the drive section. Another priority has been cutting controls for the ships self destruct and internal security. Even where an energy drain is present your people are either moving quickly enough that it doesn't matter, or they're using hard plate armor which is largely unaffected.

No other Veckron weapons have been found, though a few small stocks of SP torpedoes and missiles were located. Technicians, engineers and civilians aboard are surrendering without much persuasion. Many are still trying to sabotage weapons before doing so but they've been unable to get all of it.

On the southern station the majority of your special forces have survived. They were driven from the control centers for the energy emitter, but managed to prevent it from activating by damaging or rerouting systems. It was a near thing and many will be out of action for awhile due to wounds.

The fleet has achieved control of local space. A small number of attack ships fled through the gate before it shut down, the remainder have been destroyed or crippled. Currently the north station is almost fully secure but it may take a few hours to finish sweeps. Likewise time will be needed to complete the capture of the other facilities and the carrier.

Where did you want to focus the efforts of your remaining marines?

General Rna wants to bring in more HLVs and Frigates to get additional boots on the Carrier ASAP. Who knows what war materials and other prizes could be secured if they have the man power to move faster.

Admiral Tama thinks it would be better to finish securing the gate first. It would obviously be valuable to intel and it might even be repurposed to help bring in Alliance reinforcements closer to the capital. He can task fighter drones to helping inside the Super Carrier.

Maybourne is a bit wary of bringing larger fleet elements near the carrier or the gate again until the polar stations are fully under your control. Who knows what the Neeran may do when they figure out they've lost control of this place? Try to establish a connection from another gate?

[ ] Super Carrier
[ ] Gate
[ ] Polar stations

>>3954301
> [ ] Polar stations

Get those heavier assets safely in first. Heavier assets = more available troops, no?

Those SP torps . . . Are they of Neeran make? If so, we should put them off to the side for research later to compare to Faction torps.

>>3954301

>RNA
I agree with RNA that we need secure the Super ASAP. But I feel we need to get the facilities fully under control. Otherwise someone is going to figure out they can over load the power systems manually. And this will all be for nothing. We can do a thorough search of the Super and what it is carrying after we secure the polar facilities and the Gate from enemy forces.

>Tama
This is a good plan. But like with the Caretaker Neeran. I assume the Alliance needs to have proper protocols observed before using a new gate for moving units forward. So while a good plan. This will have to wait.

>Maybourne
I am with Maybourne in getting both facilities under control as well as the gate. Unlike with the Builder Facility which we were debating opening the wormhole. Because we didn’t know if anyone else knew of the facilities existence so we couldn’t just send a deny signal. The Neeran know of this place, since it was theirs. So we can send a deny signal back to whoever or whatever we want now that we have this place. Just need to make sure we have the FA techs work with Versa in changing the remote self-destruct codes for the gate and facilities.

>[ ] Polar stations

I vote for securing the polar stations. And securing any and all data possible for where these Supers were going. And what they were carrying. And who was commanding the Supers to come here. And where the Supers were coming from with all these supplies. A Super a day laden down with top of the line FA tech? That needs to be figured out where and how they got a hold of that stuff where they are keeping the rest of their stuff.

Also, now that we’re in the capture stages. Have those two Mediums who forced us to act earlier then planned. Return to the FA with the news of the Neeran using this place to stash away top of the line FA equipment. And just give them a list of what was used against us. As well as the fact the Neeran are using V-Torp capable Corvettes now. If they haven’t figured that out already.

>>3954301
>[ ] Super Carrier
Intel ASAP.

>>3954317
>Those SP torps . . . Are they of Neeran make?
They're captured Terran ones that hadn't been loaded onto ships or transports. Mostly early war models.
There may be a few Rovinar ones mixed in as well.

>If so, we should put them off to the side for research later to compare to Faction torps.
This will be kept in mind if any are found.

Planning to run for most of the afternoon tomorrow then back on for saturday.

>>3954301
I'm leaning towards securing the
> super carrier,
simply because it seems where the enemy can potentially deny us important stuff with the least amount of effort. We should also establish contact with FA intel to see if they can establish a connection with this gate. And to complain about Eclipse-chan's death. And speak to the people on the white swan cruisers we detected earlier'

>>3954527
Y'all seem to forget that the reason we get so much salvage is because we take the risk.

The alliance don't owe us shit for haring about and attacking sneeky deeky neeran space tubes randomly.

I mean yeah, it sucks, but that's how she goes.

>>3954301
>[ ] Super Carrier

>>3954601
We got the mission through the alliance. Since they were already losing supers to v-torp strikes in the neeran core territories, providing us with updated details on enemy capabilities is pretty much the reason why their department is supposed to exist. Somebody was clearly not doing their job properly, and this is one of these situations where a lot of people got hurt by it.

What was supposedly going to be a quick errand to help out family members this morning turned into: And we're all going christmas shopping together.
Me: Wait, what?

>>3954301
[ ] Super Carrier

>>3955027
>Me: Wait, what?
Hah! This sounds all to familiar. Just accept the pain.

>>3954708
Lol, are you seriously trying to complain that the Alliance was supposed to inform us of the detailed weapons of the Neeran at this secret gate we stumbled on?

Are you serious?

>>3954301
>>3954339

Alliance isn't likely going to recomp us for losses. If they do it'll be in Alliance bonds. Changing to Super Carrier.

See what else we can secure on that huge over sized loot box.

>[ ] Super Carrier

>>3955121
>Neeran don't have v-torps for the first 20-ish years of the war
>Alliance suddenly starts losing supers to Neeran v-torps
No idea why I think they should have told us when we decided to deploy supers against vital assets.

>>3955152
I don't think they are Neeran VT.

There's some kind of fucked up story going on here. We know literally nothing yet. Unescorted supercarriers, alliance prototype ships, and a wormhole that could lead literally anywhere.

Before screaming that the Alliance needs to pay us, let's secure the area and try to determine what the hell is going on.

We also have the Cloaked super we could sell off if we really desperately need money to fix our fleet up.

>>3954301
Additionally, medals for all the battleship crews that took a VT instead of one of the larger ships.

"We have enough marines in place to take the stations right now. Divert the remainder to helping with the Carrier. General Rna, bring in the Frigates and HLV's. Our marines will be in place soon to help clear landing zones for them."

Shuttles and LSTs with the remaining marines launch and head for the super carrier. A few hitch rides on battleships or attack cruisers to get there faster or in greater safety. With the earlier Marine squads already spreading out through the ship they're able to direct the incoming units to easier to secure bays. From there they move to take and hold more of the bay doors, signalling when safe approaches are available to the additional transport craft.

Frigates that have earlier dropped troops begin to make runs out of the gravity well with POW's and equipment. General Rna has requested the use of the kilo class salvage ship which be being used to transfer people and cargo between HLVs and Frigates. Given the potential threat of more enemies showing up he's not taking any chances on using the slower HLVs.

A good number of the army troops that were brought in to assist have previously taken part in an assault on an enemy super carrier. In that particular incident the drive section had been destroyed and you were forced to deal with large numbers of non-combatants aboard. This situation seems to be somewhat similar in many respects. It looks like the Neeran were evacuating war material and the specialists needed to develop, reverse engineer and manufacture more.

Boarding teams sweeping through the interior report captured arms, technology, intelligence, all things you expected. They also report subtle differences between this ship and other carriers that have been encountered. Minor changes to the interior layout may have been the result of being built in different shipyards than most others encountered so far.

Engineering teams are still in the process of boosting the carriers altitude. It will take a few hours to get it out of the gravity well at the current rate. Right now they're working to establish temporary shield generators to protect against attack should more enemies arrive.

>cont

While that is going on you contact the pair of Alliance medium cruisers who have linked up with your fleet reserve and logistics elements. Apparently they were part of a unit assigned to helping maintain the siege of the Neeran capital. Their commanding officer had noticed the carrier and its escort skirting the region rather than trying to link up with other Neeran fleets engaging the Alliance. They were ordered to pursue and determine what the carrier was up to. Secondary objectives were of course to inflict whatever damage they could before returning.

"So you Alliance intel didn't tell you that there was an operational gate out here?"
"Our communications had been unreliable for nearly two weeks. The Neeran counterattacks have been trying to break up the Alliance fleets into pockets they can overwhelm in local engagements. Both our side and theirs are using cloaking fields in nearly every system."

"I doesn't sound like things are going well," you point out.

The Hune captain shrugs.
"The situation isn't great, but the Light Neeran fleets commanded by Baldr seem to have taken the enemy by surprise. Some are reluctant to go near them, others have overcommitting their fleets."

"How many enemy command ships have been sighted?"

"Last we had heard was nearly fifty in the AO or on their way."

>What say?

>>3955169
>"Last we had heard was nearly fifty in the AO or on their way."

"Yeah, my mind is telling me I want to go home right now and stay as faaaar away from that as possible. My body on the other hand craves the salvage this battle is going to create. I wonder if I will get to salvage my own Apex? How does HMS Sonia sound?"

>>3955169
"That's a lot of baddies. Where did they hide these things all this time?"

>>3955169

Sounds like a tough break out there. What is their CO's name, anyone we know?

Would keeping this gate open for the Alliance help alleviate or shorten supply lines from the reserve to the front. Thus getting their unit/ fleet unstuck help in any measurable way? Or would its existence in its current state prove to costly? It would be nice to have a dedicated Alliance fleet to holding this side of the gate open.

Any supplies or intel need before they return to their fleet? Do they mind ferrying some POW's and civilians to nearest FA station before returning to the front?

>>3955192
>What is their CO's name, anyone we know?
Admiral Jarsoon Theran. You've never met and they're one of who knows how many Republic Admirals with the same surname since it's the second most numerous in the Republic.

"Yeah, my mind is telling me I want to go home right now and stay as far away from that as possible. My body on the other hand craves the salvage this battle is going to create..."
You trail off contemplating the idea of salvaging an Apex or something equally impressive.
"Sir?"
"Huh? Oh right. That's a lot of enemies. Where did they hide so many command ships during our initial invasion waves? I knew there were a lot but this is way more than I expected them to ever show up with at once."

"I dont know sir. Last I'd heard only 10 were detected or engaged in the second wave. Maybe they were evacuating other parts of the Empire they knew they'd lose control of? The rebellions did cause them a lot of trouble."

It's an idea. For now you have to consider what to do about this gate and if it could be of value to the Alliance to open it up again. It would certainly provide a shortcut, though some crews are using time in transit to the front to give their personnel more training.

The pair of Alliance ships will be repaired and fully operational in a couple of days. Fuel, parts and some heavy shield breaker torpedoes are the only things they're running short on. They're asked if it might be possible for them to ferry POW's or civilians to the nearest Alliance station but that's not going to be possible.

"Nearest friendly station we could risk sending civilians or prisoners to is on the other side of the capital region. Stations we've secured near the capital itself are under threat of recapture. You have the nearest secure station on this side so expect more to be headed this way once the Alliance knows.
We're rejoining the fight as soon as we can."

One thing the Captain is able to tell you is that there are no other enemy super carriers on the way. It looks like this was probably the last one.

Once the gate has been fully secured and inspected Versa believes it might be possible to attempt to establish a connection with an Alliance facility in the Centri cluster. There is a testing facility that was used for work with the main Alliance gate which is closer to the Republic. Even if ships cant go through, just opening it would be enough to alert Alliance forces elsewhere that you've completed your objectives.

Attempt such tests? Or did you have other plans?

Gone to work!

>>3955255
Hell yeah lets dial that gate.

>>3955255

>Attempt such tests? Or did you have other plans?

I wanted to see if it was possible to send a V-Torp through this gate. To wherever the Neeran were sending these supplies.

I'm still tempted to send a "Fuck you" through the gate in the shape of a V-Torp.

But if we can get word to or from the Alliance that we have the gate secured, then great. Maybe we can use it to travel back to the Centri Cluster in a day. Instead of several weeks. Risking being intercepted by Neeran.

>>3955255
>>3955276
No, no, the V-torp idea has passed sadly.

I'm also worried that opening the gate will draw the Neeran to us, or give them co-ords for friendly gates.

I say we focus in getting it out of here. Or wiring it to blow if we can't take it away.

>>3955255
Attempting a connection with the allied gate facility seems like a sensible course of action.

>>3955255
>Attempt such tests?
yes

>>3955255
Can we find out where the gate was dialing without sending a probe through?

>>3955255
>Attempt such tests? Or did you have other plans?
What the hell, sure. Let's try it! If we're lucky then maybe we can use this gate as a staging ground for reinforcement from back home.

The Super Carrier has been settled into a stable orbit around the star just outside the gravity well. It is now fully under control and POWs are being placed into stasis. One of the dedicated stasis frigates you acquired back in the Dominion civil war is being used to store as many prisoners as possible to ensure they wont be able to attempt recapture of the carrier or cause other problems. Safely indexing all of the captured equipment onboard is going to take awhile.

Salvage ships are beginning to move wrecked vessels back to the fleet. Four squadrons worth of your own attack ships were completely destroyed by SP weapon hits. The majority of the crews managed to teleport out, as did those from the battleships and medium cruisers that were lost. Teleport receiver ships also captured a few enemy crews.

Despite damage from repetitive boarding assault the polar stations are mostly operational. The north station is providing enough power to the gate to retain its altitude and slowly charge its capacitor banks. In order to charge the gate in a reasonable timescale the energy emitter on the southern station will need to be brought online. That may take another day or two.

Engineers investigating the gate report that there are similarities between it and the Builder wormhole gates. There are also some important differences. This one is much less stable and due to certain vortices created as part of operations they cant guarantee two way travel. It will have to be shot down and a connection attempt made from the other end. This shouldn't be an issue if the secondary Faction test gate is able to dial back.

"At least it would let us update the Alliance and maybe get the POWs out of here." says Maybourne.

You agree with her there. Keeping this many potential hostiles in check is taking up a lot of your manpower and resources.
"Have we found out where the gate was targeted? I know our special forces recovered some data."

Everyone looks to Versa who has been going over the data and comparing it to known gate systems.
"I have been able to identify the gate data responsible for determining target coordinates in normal spacetime. There are also additional variables which may indicate targets for interdimensional travel."

"Targets, plural?" asks Tama.
"Yes. The data the teams were able to acquire show two destinations with dramatically different numbers in the secondary coordinates."

>cont

You decide to propose one of your crazier ideas.
"Any chance they were targeting pocket dimensions? It would be a lot easier to deal with them later if that was the case."

Versa doesn't know if there would be a way to tell them apart. Dialing one of the coordinates and sending through a probe would undoubtedly provide useful data. Unfortunately it's questionable if such a craft would be able to collect enough information to fully determine the state of the universe on the other side.
"It might be best to leave such investigation to the Alliance or one of its dedicated branches."

You'll have to give it some thought.
"How long until the gate systems are ready for a test connection to the Centri Cluster?"

"Two days. Engineers will have to disable the system responsible for interdimensional targeting. It's possible this this may damage the gates ability to do so in the future."

If that's the case maybe it would be a good idea to try testing it in its current configuration first and send through probes while it still works. Then again that might be above your pay grade.

[ ] Test interdimensional gate first
[ ] Reconfigure to target Centri cluster

>>3956598
>[ ] Test interdimensional gate first

>>3956598

>[ ] Reconfigure to target Centri cluster

>>3956598
>Engineers will have to disable the system responsible for interdimensional targeting. It's possible this this may damage the gates ability to do so in the future.
Make sure to take scans of this modification with a sphere builder scanning device no matter what we decide to do.

It's kinda hard to decide. Did FA officer commission come with a red envelope that say "Only open in case of dimensional shenanigans" or something like that?

>>3956706
>Did FA officer commission come with a red envelope that say "Only open in case of dimensional shenanigans" or something like that?
Unfortunately not.

>>3956715
Then it's the alliance's fault and I'm okay with sending probes or transdimensional beacons through the gate.

>>3956598
[ ] Test interdimensional gate first
I would prefer to obtain data before we try to connect it to back home. Lest something bad happens there.

>>3956598
> [ ] Test interdimensional gate first

Above our pay grade is only a concern if it's also beyond our firepower.

"We should test it in the current configuration before we screw anything up with modifications. Prepare reconnaissance probes with additional sensor and communications gear. While we're working on that I want scouts surveying this cluster and deploying communications and sensor satellites. If enemy reinforcements show up looking for anyone tampering with the gate I want some warning."

Remaining salvage is towed out of the gravity well and moved to the logistics fleet for refit. Both of the Neeran bases and the Faction modular base are deployed to assist with repairs. The base with the attached drive section is deployed farther into the cluster to support the scouts. The Alliance medium cruisers have departed for the fighting around the capital, wishing you luck.

Work on minor repairs to the gate is faster but there are still delays due to having to wait for more power from the south station. After nearly two days it's brought online and within 12 hours the gate is fully charged.

The fleet is put on alert and prepared for a fight as last minute preparations for gate activation begin. Larger ships are parked outside the gravity well and the super carrier will be on the far side of the star when activation begins. Some enemy crew have been debriefed on the operation of the facility and their stories cross referenced to check for potential lies.

Initial gate activation fails to work properly but the problems are quickly identified with minimal power loss. On the next attempt the gate activates but the outer rim of the vortex releases far more energy than anticipated, super heating nearby parts of the structure. This would seem to be the source of previously observed heat damage.

[ ] Shut it down, fix the problem
[ ] Send a probe through first

>>3956845
>[ ] Send a probe through first

>>3956845
>[ ] Send a probe through first
If the Neeran couldn't fix it, I doubt we'll manage it easly.

>>3956845
>[ ] Send a probe through first

>>3956927

Are the on our side or the other side?

>>3956936
The corsairs are on the other side of the wormhole. The gate appears to have projected into open space rather than connecting to another gate.

>>3956927
>[ ] Self destruct the probe before the gate shuts down

"Send a probe through first. Maybe we can get some useful data before shutting it down."

You see one of the battleships standing by near the gate launch a probe, sending it out wide to avoid the edges of the vortex before heading through the opening. Maybourne reports that telemetry is coming through fine, though the probe is experiencing shearing forces. Secondary equipment added to it may fail quickly.

Shipsnear the gate are doing what they can to help keep the facility from overheating. Some extending shields above and below the edges to try and block radiation without interrupting operations. More power is being diverted to the cooling systems which is causing the gates power levels to plummet. It wont stay open for long.

As predicted some of the higher resolution instruments on the probe fail but it reaches the other side. There is no corresponding gate here, nor are there any enemy ships present. The probe sends back star positioning data and any fragments of communications being picked up. Most of it will be of use more to intelligence than your own fleet.

Before the wormhole has to be shut down due to the power drain, a pair of Corsairs with enemy IFFs are detected by the probe. They've just jumped into the area of space near the opening and are on an intercept course with the reconnaissance craft.

[ ] "Self destruct the probe before the gate shuts down."
[ ] Try to make contact (What say?)
[ ] Broadcast an Alliance locator beacon

>>3956966
>[ ] "Self destruct the probe before the gate shuts down."

>>3956966
>[ ] "Self destruct the probe before the gate shuts down."
We've collected what data we can without causing trouble. Let's leave the rest to the professionals. If there are any for this kind of situation.

>>3956966
>[ ] "Self destruct the probe before the gate shuts down."

Personal theory here, maybe a Neeran commander decided to commit his own forces to a retreat and regroup operation. The Neeran Empire already survived being hunted down once, and this gives them the ultimate position to retreat to.

"Self destruct the probe before the gate shuts down."
"On it." replies Maybourne.

Once the destruction of the probe is confirmed the gate is quickly shut down. There is some emergency venting of the fuel stores near the gates secondary reactors but for the most part it looks like there has been little damage.

Just in case inspection teams begin checking the heat damage and testing exposed equipment. General consensus is that if the next activation results in similar heat output into the surrounding systems, then a lot of equipment will need to be replaced. The engineers think they know what the Neeran have been doing in order to prevent this. It will require another day at least to tweak the activation systems that may have been sabotaged by crews during capture operations.

Fortunately they didn't do any serious damage.

Did you want to do another interdimensional test or dial the Centri cluster next?

>>3957068

>Centri

>>3957068
>Did you want to do another interdimensional test
Send a second probe to the other set of coordinates with weird location data.

>It will require another day at least to tweak the activation systems that may have been sabotaged by crews during capture operations.
We also have access to holographic cooling systems.

>>3957068
Dial home.

>>3957083
>We also have access to holographic cooling systems.
None of the activations by the Neeran your fleet observed were putting anywhere near as much heat into the structure. The added cooling would help reduce power consumption but parts of the gate would still take damage.

>>3957148
Maybe if we put in a salvage claim on this gate we can have the first Wormhole trade network linked in between the Run and the Rekesh cluster. Imagine all the business we'd be able to funnel through the Run and Relay if we had the first commercial gate up and running right when the war ends.

Deciding it best not to take any more chances you give the order to attempt a connection with the Centri cluster. Refit time is as expected but the engineers are careful to meticulously record the original state of systems before changing them. Hopefully the Alliance will find this data to be of some use.

If you dont simply try to steal the entire gate for yourself that is.

Corrections both for the new target and to prevent the overheat and unstable vortex are made and the gate once again charged. Ships are once again made ready for combat or to assist the gate. Probes are also prepared should there be difficulty getting a message through.

Roll 2d100

Rolled 10, 40 = 50 (2d100)

>>3957199

Rolled 35, 98 = 133 (2d100)

>>3957199

Dice to make things right.

Rolled 1, 20 = 21 (2d100)

>>3957199
>Roll 2d100

Activation this time is done a little differently. On power up the gate creates only a tiny pinprick of a distortion at first. Crews report that it is attempting to connect with the other gate at the destination which is taking a bit. It's easy to tell when a connection of some kind has been made.

The wormhole snaps open to full size but this time with a vortex even less stable than the previous attempt. Oscillations in the wormhole rim are fluctuating wildly enough that you can make them out from here.

"Connection established!" announces Versa, just before your outgoing coms are overloaded with a burst of data from the AI.

http://www.infinitelooper.com/?v=GgmPFEu5_ck&p=n#/19;23

Fortunately what sounds more like a bust of static only lasts for a second or two.
"Message sent," the AI hastily informs you. "Please shut down the gate."

"Shut it down!"

It takes a moment for the wormhole to collapse this time but soon enough it's offline. There is significant damage to the inner facing of the ring, though it looks like it has mostly just stripped the outer armor. Unarmored sections the engineers had worried might fail if an activation went bad again are predictably out of action.

"Estimated repair time six days." Maybourne announces a few hours later.

While the repair time isn't ideal you're almost surprised that your engineers are certain they can get it done.
"It was all damage we can fix?"
"Mostly standard components from Neeran inventory. Our people can manage it. Much more than that and we would have been out of luck"

Versa reports that the Alliance will attempt to make a wormhole connection from their Centri cluster test gate to here in 3 days.
"I estimated we would need time to make repairs but the damage was more severe than I had anticipated."

"Will we be able to handle an incoming gate by then?" you ask.

Maybourne contacts a few of the experts you'd brought along to see what can be done. If they focus efforts entirely on being able to handle an incoming wormhole they should be able to manage it. It does have the downside that it would lengthen the period of time necessary to complete repairs overall for outbound travel.

Get started on this or did you have another plan in mind?

>>3957268
>did you have another plan in mind?
Can we use this gate to travel through time?

>>3957268

>Get started on this or did you have another plan in mind?

Get them started on repairs. But also start checking on our scouts. See what is going on around us. See if anyone is looking this way be it Empire Neeran or those ass hole potato's. Be just wonderful to secure the gate and get it to open and have either of those two decide to take the gate for themselves.

We could also see if there is any other activity in this galaxy. Things have been to quiet for my liking, being this close the Neeran Empire Capital someone or something is bound to come here and we should be ready.

>>3957268
Get repairs underway and establish local patrol routes and sentries to look for incoming Neeran.

File: Future You.png (51 KB, 1392x1536)

51 KB PNG

>>3957284
>Can we use this gate to travel through time?
Theoretically no more or less than using a black hole to do so. Versa suggests every attempt should be made to avoid doing so just in case. No reason to go and cause a paradox by mistake.

>>3957332
I guess we should focus on repairs to prepare for the incoming wormhole in that case.

>>3957285
>start checking on our scouts. See what is going on around us. See if anyone is looking this way be it Empire Neeran or those ass hole potato's.

Scouts have managed to sweep most of this cluster. There are a number of Neeran unmanned science platforms and satellites studying the black holes and other formations of the region long term. One manned outpost was located at the edge of the accretion disk of a smaller black hole and has been secured. Those present claim it was established entirely for looking at the life cycles of such celestial objects. Lyas is of the opinion that they're hiding something and has made sure all of their data has been copied and backed up.

Mike has been keeping watch on the approaches using the faster ships. A few Neeran vessels have jumped in from the direction of the capital and were intercepted. These seem to be deserters or the desperate hoping to escape the fighting around the capital. 5 attack cruisers, each on their own have been crippled or captured with 3 others destroyed.
A heavily modified Alto Medium carrier surrendered immediately after coming in contact with elements of your fleet. It was being used to evacuate a Neeran official, some sort of magistrate, from the capital.

Do you want your intel people to debrief the official or hold them for the Alliance reinforcements?

>>3957383
Hold them for now.

>>3957383

>Do you want your intel people to debrief the official or hold them for the Alliance reinforcements?

Debrief him find out what he knows and what is happening on the Empire Neeran side of things of the siege since they left. If the Alliance wants to ask him other questions when they get a hold of him they can.

Plus this could help us build a picture of what's going on over there. When we're practically on the doorstep to the Neeran Empire's Capital.

>>3957409
Yeah I'll support this.

Your position here is dangerously exposed so close to the capital. All without knowing what is going on. Rather than wait a few more days in isolation you has your intelligence people to debrief the captured official.

Later in the day the Neeran has been convinced to offer up some information. Alliance troops have made it to the capital, an enormous space station containing habitats, shipyards, long range communications arrays and more. Most of the civilians in the empire that are aware of it refer to it as the Celestial Nexi. Most Neeran simply call it Confluence Station. Between its outer defenses, layers of habitat sections and ancient technology, it is widely considered unassailable.

The Alliance hasn't been able to block its communications which intel suspects includes quantum entanglement systems like your own. Because of this the Emperor has been able to summon reinforcements from throughout Neeran territory. Though they are engaging the Alliance fleets the motivation of the various commanders remains questionable.

This is the most perilous position their Emperor has ever been in, especially since they've refused to evacuate. Likely for fear a political rival will claim the seat of power of the Empire. There is also division among their advisory council, many of whom were against the invasion of Faction space. The magistrate and others who nominally support the Emperor have decided it might be best to move elements of the government elsewhere against their leaders wishes.

Whether their intention was to set up a government in exile, or if there were other plans, they haven't decided to share at this time.

"Rats fleeing a sinking ship?" asks Tama.

>>3957545
>"Rats fleeing a sinking ship?" asks Tama.

Sounds like it. Also likely the commanders that are answering are either the ones super loyal to the Neeran Emperor. Or were unlucky enough to be caught with supporters of the Emperor keeping them fleeing.

And it's not like there's dozens of other Neeran officials that the Alliance are going to get their hands on in the coming months if not days. Depending on how hard the fighting is going to be.

>>3957545
>Between its outer defenses, layers of habitat sections and ancient technology, it is widely considered unassailable.
Then why not let the Neeran Emperor just sit there for as long as it takes before his own people throw him out? Storming the place doesn't seem worth what it will costs. Blockade the system and be done with it.

"Why the hell are the Alliance assaulting the station instead of just maintaining a siege if its such a tough nut to crack? Anything actually useful about the fleet battles going on?"

While the magistrate wasn't terribly useful in that regard the ships sensor and communication logs were. The situation is a chaotic one with neither side being able to hold positions for long. Conflicting reports over Alliance losses are common. Some Neeran officers are claiming they've smashed entire squadrons of Alliance Capital Ships, while other reports show nothing of the sort. Neeran losses are mounting.

The ship the magistrate was on escaped during the confusion when one fleet broke through the Alliance blockade. Much of the relief force was quickly lost. Alliance fleets have not hesitated to use Veckron weapons it seems.

Analyzing the records in detail Versa finds evidence of 4 enemy veckron corvettes similar to what you encountered being used. Clearly they haven't been produced in large numbers yet if an entire relief fleet could only field less than a handfull.

There is minimal enemy activity in your area before the scheduled gate activation. Just one stray battleship that appears to have been built by a client species or perhaps pirates. Most of its weaponry is devoted to mid range broadside engagement. Patrols easily subdue it.

Enginers manage to complete the necessary repairs a few hours ahead of the gate activation. Systems report an incoming connection attempt right on time. The tiny initial wormhole stutters a bit before stabilizing and expanding to full size. Coms report to the Alliance fleet that they're clear to come through.

A few minutes later an assault corvette squadron comes through followed soon after by others. They of course confirm that it's not in fact a trap and larger ships are given the go signal. 5 brand new ACS outfitted with the latest Kavarian guns come through along with 3 ACC and several Terran Antares class heavy cruisers. Only one battle group but a well equipped one.

Nearly all of the assault corvettes are painted in base white. These are units full of rookies not veteran crews.

You're hailed by a Kavarian Admiral who introduces themselves as Refeah Farhaz, apparently a relative of Kalah Farhaz who you once met early in the war.
"It's good to meet you Viscount. We weren't expecting another gate to be available this soon so this is the largest cohesive force we could assemble in a few days. I understand there will be a largely Dominion fleet coming through in 36 hours. Provided we still hold the position. Any opposition?"

"Nothing yet," you reply. "I hate to say it but it's been a little too quiet. I keep expecting an enemy fleet to show up and try to take back the gate. We have some prisoners that intel will need to talk to and captured sensor records of the fighting around the capital."

"Excellent. We'll remain on station until the next fleet comes through. It is a delay but that's still much shorter than the 5 or 6 weeks it would have taken to otherwise get here."

>Anything you wanted to discuss?

>>3957729

>>Anything you wanted to discuss?

Let this Admiral know that the gate isn't the most stable. And it will need structural reinforcement and repairs if they plan to use it for constant traffic.

Also if they care to give us an update on the Rekesh, see if they have been getting along fine without us. And if the Dominion reps there have been doing all they can to assist them.

See what the Alliance are willing to offer us for a captured, mostly intact Neeran Super which was being used to ferret away top of the line Factions equipment and SP-Torps. Oh, and who the hell screwed up so badly to ship off such equipment. Intact to the Neeran in the first place.

Give the Alliance the targeting data for the gate and where the Supers were likely being sent to, let them figure that crap out. Also, that it goes without saying. That each of those carriers likely contained enough Factions tech and V-Torp Corvettes and SP-Torps that wherever they are they can continue their research and achieve such technology in a few years if they aren’t pursued.

See what our orders are. Now that we have this gate secured. And whether or not the Alliance will recognize our salvage claim on this gate. And if after much debate and hand wringing, if they wont accept our salvage claim on it. That they recognize the Dominion’s claim on it. Not sure if we have and RH reps still in the fleet or not. But I’m sure they would just LOVE being given something to argue over with the Alliance.

What is the status of the Shallan Military Government? Have they decided to bar Alliance fleet access to their space as was feared? Or are they still playing ball?

How about the Ullgean front? I assume the Ullgeans are still pushing their luck and trying to grab up territory from the Neeran Empire, before the Alliance can defeat them. Thus tying up more of the Alliances resources.

Too tired, resuming tomorrow.

>>3957729
>Anything you wanted to discuss?

>>3957802
Basically everything here sums up what we need to know at this point.

This supposed Neeran Government in exile has me very worried. Especially since they are clearly planing to continue reseraching faction tech. They need to be hunted down lest a third Neeran war breaks out in the future once they return for revenge.

>>3957545
>Confluence Station
>Between its outer defenses, layers of habitat sections and ancient technology
>ancient technoloy
Builder tech?

>>3957729
>Anything you wanted to discuss?
It would probably be a good idea to think about placing additional defences and repair platforms close to the gate, if this is the closest gate to the Neeran capital.

We also need to talk to somebody from the FA's interdimensional headaches division, the name of which I can't remember.

>>3957802
>Let this Admiral know that the gate isn't the most stable. And it will need structural reinforcement and repairs if they plan to use it for constant traffic.
"Understood. We brought some technicians from our Centri cluster gate to help look over the systems here. If necessary they can take over if you need your people elsewhere, though I would appreciate it if your engineers remained on station for the foreseeable future."

>Also if they care to give us an update on the Rekesh, see if they have been getting along fine without us. And if the Dominion reps there have been doing all they can to assist them.
The Admiral has their people forward the latest reports from that region. Things there still seem to be going well. It's clear the Alliance are concerned with the strengthening relations between the Rekesh and Dominion but there's not much they can do about it while maintaining a defense against future Ulgean aggression.
It looks like the Rovinar have decided to take similar actions with the North Coalition, assisting it beyond Alliance guidelines. This is undoubtedly because they would be a primary target for the Ulgean forces. Analyists cant ignore that it would also allow them to act as a counter to potential Rekesh expansion.

Another thing that hasn't gone unnoticed is the rise of Ni Ahni's economic holdings. The Rekesh government is increasingly worried their attempts to marginalize the political influence of the Keepers in their society will now simply be ignored.

It is expected that in another month Ni Ahni will be able to force elections among the old tribal councils, instating new Keepers to replace those killed by the Neeran. This has the potential to cause considerable unrest over the next few months but should leave them stronger than before. Incidentally it will also allow them to engage with the Dominion politically on a more similar level. The Ruling House intends that any Rekesh Keeper is to be treated with the same respect as any Baron or Earl of another House.

>See what our orders are. Now that we have this gate secured.
For now it's to hold this position until more Alliance fleets can reinforce the area. Ideally they would prefer that your fleet remain on station for the foreseeable future or until the situation in the capital is resolved.

>Cont

>What is the status of the Shallan Military Government? Have they decided to bar Alliance fleet access to their space as was feared? Or are they still playing ball?
They're still permitting Alliance access but it's increasingly looking like it will be more a question of when not if they will block it. The Guild have received requests to hand over security duties at their installations to State troops. This request has been refused at this time.

The Nai have already quietly requested Alliance protection and recognition of their homeworld and surrounding systems as sovereign territory separate from the Shallan State. Alliance forces and science teams at and around the Sphere are prepared to resist any attempt by the State to kick them out. Fleet units posted in the other galaxies of Shallan space are preparing an evacuation to the nav stations.

>How about the Ullgean front
They are pressing the Neeran where they can but are being more cautions when conducting operations near Alliance positions. So far their advance in the direction of the capital has been halted by 4 larger Neeran fleet groups.

>>3958275
>Builder tech?
They haven't provided any more information on this but it seems probable.

>>3958655
>We also need to talk to somebody from the FA's interdimensional headaches division
Temporal Continuum Enforcement. A request has been sent but it will be another week before anyone arrives. Most of them are focused on activities near the main Alliance gate.

Skipped over a few that will take me a bit. Still going to answer them.

>>3957729
What are the Alliance's current fallback plans if the siege on the capital fails?

Unrelated to the Alliance fleet, but what is the general consensus on the universe that the Neeran have retreated to? Because if this situation were the other way around, I know I'd be advocating for a similar plan and for Sonia to escape to a Universe that runs way faster so she could build a fleet of ships, put them under AI/Clone control. and return to wreak havoc.

>>3958916
I think that switching universes is neither cheap nor easy otherwise the "faster universe production" plan would be a starter plan not a last resort plan.

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>>3958916
>>Unrelated to the Alliance fleet, but what is the general consensus on the universe that the Neeran have retreated to? Because if this situation were the other way around, I know I'd be advocating for a similar plan and for Sonia to escape to a Universe that runs way faster so she could build a fleet of ships, put them under AI/Clone control. and return to wreak havoc.
It's kinda hard to guess the motivations and plans of a race/civilization that was willing to start the biggest war in history just so they can steal the organs of their distant relatives. All to empower themselves on an individual level to roughly the power level of a small starship that gets thrown around in the millions even by small interstellar civilizations.

>>3958837
>>3958838

>would appreciate it if your engineers remained on station for the foreseeable future

Good then have our engineers start working with FA engineers to get the thing running more efficiently for the Dominion fleet coming through in a day and half. I think we should only stay on station for as long as it takes for us to get a stable quantum communication with the Emperor/ RH to say we’ve done our task in securing a lasting relationship with the Rekesh then also securing this gate for the Dominion interest, and that we’d like to request a relief fleet to hold Dominion interest here at the gate before the FA decides that maintaining these gates is solely their responsibility. If there’s going to be a

Since studying the way this gate works may also help them understand how the wormhole generator on that builder ship works. And give Dominion scientists a leg up on the other Factions.

>Shallan acting sketchy

Welp, if there was ever a time to start making plans to go in and capture Shallan Military Government positions. It is now. As it seems like the FA or the Factions themselves are going to have to deal with the Shallan Military Government which just so happens to easily be shortened to SMG. In liberating the Shallan people and reinstalling their rightful civilian government instead of their military being in charge of everything.

>Nai
If the Nai don’t want to be considered part of the Shallan State. Then by all means they have their right.

>Sphere
I’d like to see the Shallan State try to take that place now. After we went through all the hard work to secure relations with the Caretakers there. Be a humorous bitch slapping.

>>3958837

>Ni Ahni

Good for him and his people. I hope they reinstate more Keepers. Put those lousy political fools in the Rekesh Government in their place. Easier to deal with one person who is a fool then it is to deal with a government run by fools. And hey, who knows maybe some of those currently in the government might be made into Keepers.

>The Admiral has their people forward the latest reports from that region. Things there still seem to be going well. It's clear the Alliance are concerned with the strengthening relations between the Rekesh and Dominion but there's not much they can do about it while maintaining a defense against future Ulgean aggression.
>It looks like the Rovinar have decided to take similar actions with the North Coalition, assisting it beyond Alliance guidelines. This is undoubtedly because they would be a primary target for the Ulgean forces. Analyists cant ignore that it would also allow them to act as a counter to potential Rekesh expansion.

tl;dr: Anon thinks the FA should keep its nose out of business dealings with factions and freed states lest it overstep its own boundaries.

I would have thought the Alliance would be happy to see Factions Alliance Members taking the charge and build relations with recently freed member states. Or would they prefer these recently freed member states only interact with them solely through the Alliance itself? Because if that’s the case. That is a VERY worrying prospect. Since then none of the Factions or any of these recently freed states would be able to interact freely without a nanny watching over everything.

I really hope the Alliance doesn’t intend to be the middleman or observer who is constantly in the room taking a constant cut of whatever deals are made between the factions and these freed states. I can understand for short term or for situations in which there is no stable form of government currently. That they might need some guidance. But the Factions Alliance wasn’t formed to be its own government was it? To absorb these freed states as their own members.

Because if that is the way the Factions Alliance is heading. Then there is going to be a very BIG upsetting war. If they start interfering in internal affairs of recently freed member states. And preventing the Factions and these states from interacting normally.

With Alliance personnel heading over to the gate to assist with repairs you make sure they, along with the Admiral, get the targeting data. Farhaz agrees that TCE is going to have to have a look at this one as its well outside of their scope.

"I'm far more concerned by the type and amount of equipment aboard the carrier. Even with our new anti-missile systems this many Veckron weapons would have had a significant impact on the fighting so far. I'll transfer a few battle plates over to your fleet for now. They'll need to be returned when you depart Empire space."

"Battle plates?" you question.
"What some of us are calling them."

Versa brings up a sensor scan of what look like flat slabs of armor attached to some of the siege weapon mounts of the recently arrived ACS. It's made of the new structural metal that Iratar developed for the skeletons of capital ships. Attached to its backside are a number of maneuvering units. Pretty basic but enough to push it into the path of an incoming warhead.

Getting back on topic you point out that a pursuit force will need to be sent through the gate to chase down carriers that already escaped.
"We cant give them a chance to reverse engineer our tech. They'll just come after us again in another generation."
"You'll get no disagreement from me Viscount, but for now we're rather busy with the enemy at hand. Perhaps when the situation in the capital is resolved?"

You contemplate the ongoing fighting only a few days travel from here.
"Speaking of which, what is the Alliance's fall back plans if the siege of the capital fails?"

Farhaz isn't sure. He's heard rumors such as killing the Emperor or simply destroying the capital with a massive veckron device or singularity generator. Nothing substantive though. The upper levels of the Admiralty have been keeping quiet about a lot of the smaller details.

At least they're willing to take the risk themselves. Last you'd heard Admirals Ralthan and Chen were taking their own fleet groups into the fighting.

Now for the really important question.
"What about our salvage claims? The Carrier, the gate, stations and so on? We have a fairly substantial claim on them for the Dominion."

"So does the Alliance remember." Farhaz points out. "By using SP weapons provided by the Alliance they are legally entitled to a share of the salvage."

You've managed to get away with most of your claims this campaign thanks to providing ships to rebels via lend lease. These have been counted as the Alliance's share of your claims since they would have given those ships to assist anti-Neeran rebel groups anyways. Here it's going to be a problem.

The Kavarian Admiral continues. "I was told that the matter was being discussed by your Emperor and their decision would be ready by the time the Dominion group comes through."

>>3959010
>The Kavarian Admiral continues. "I was told that the matter was being discussed by your Emperor and their decision would be ready by the time the Dominion group comes through."

Okay that matter's likely settled or at least in the hands of someone elses realm to worry about/ argue about.

Meanwhile on the Dominion command ship...

>You can give us the Gate
>OR
>You can give us the Carrier and all of the technology the Neeran had stored aboard it.
>Laughing in Emperor

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>>3959037
>Meanwhile on the Dominion command ship...

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>>3959037

>You can give us the Carrier and all of the technology the Neeran had stored aboard it.
>Laughing in Emperor

>>3959037
I wonder if the Emperor just threatens to deploy Sonia to a region to get certain Alliance members to cooperate.

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>>3959072
"So how much are you willing to pay for me to convince her to not go out there and steal literally everything?"

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>>3959110
"Hey guys, it's only a few more seconds until we reach the salv-

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Company Christmas party in a bit.

Protip for anyone going to Kelseys: MSG somehow doesn't exist there because they dont believe it is real.

>>3959142
. . . . Did you tell them it's just salt found naturally in some vegetables?

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Engineers manage to complete more repairs in time for the next scheduled gate activation. At this rate it will still take most of another week to finish due to the frequent stoppages and need to safely secure systems.

When the gate opens a trio of Alliance Capital Ships outfitted with Dominion weaponry come through. Along with them are Talos and Cage class heavy carriers, swarms of Dominion assault corvettes and one last super heavy you're not familiar with. It's about the same length as a Faction super but any similarities with the long lived Mega design end there.

"Is that entire ship a giant siege cannon?" you wonder aloud.

Versa brings up a breakdown of the vessel, identifying a long main gun chamber based around massed banks of phase weapons. She estimates a convergence point slightly ahead of the vessel that would produce a massive linked beam. Attached to the ship are Sovereign drive units and the aft engine bank from and ACS.

You remember the weapons development discussions between Helios and House Veritas you'd helped to set up.
"I thought they were going to use an Avalanche class for a big gun platform like this!"

"Perhaps they couldn't finish it quickly enough?" posits Tama.

An Avalanche class also probably wouldn't fit through this gate. Hopefully they put it to good use.

The Admiral in command of the fleet, a Baron from House Helios, soon hails you.
"Viscount Reynard, the Emperor regrets to inform you that the Gate has been labelled a strategic asset requiring joint ownership by the Factions. We will be unable to maintain a sole claim on it.
You will have to content yourself and your House with the captured super carrier and the contents thereof."

"I understand, thank you Admiral." You try not to smirk over your next few words. "We'll try to find a way to make do with our meager winnings."

"I'm sure you will. Our logistics fleet has brought with it additional station modules, forward bases and other equipment for front line production. We are to begin fortifying this position immediately and establish POW holding facilities.
Questions?"

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>>3959676
>"I understand, thank you Admiral." You try not to smirk over your next few words. "We'll try to find a way to make do with our meager winnings."
I don't know if I have an anime girl smug enough for this.

>>3959676
>"Viscount Reynard, the Emperor regrets to inform you that the Gate has been labelled a strategic asset requiring joint ownership by the Factions. We will be unable to maintain a sole claim on it.
You will have to content yourself and your House with the captured super carrier and the contents thereof."

I’m sure they are busy. But can we offer them a bottle or whatever for such news?

>We are to begin fortifying this position immediately and establish POW holding facilities.

Can we get a hold of our own personal holdings to quickly call up London and tell him to ship out a station core to our coordinates for us to sell/ rent to House Helios? I’m sure Helios already has such a plan in mind. But there is an opportunity for us to sell it for a premium or for us to make bank on renting it out to Helios. If they haven’t thought of it already.

I get the feeling this site will for a time be a hub of activity.

Likewise, I am pretty sure some anons might want to keep the mobile stations from our deployment to Rekesh territory. But would Helios be interested in purchasing them from us at a premium? I think we have at least one of them that can repair a super. Or did we leave that back in Rekesh space?

>>3959676
>>3959753
>Questions?

I don’t suppose anyone has an untapped Quantum Communicator for us to talk to the Emperor? Or having a RH rep aboard who we can talk to to see what the RH needs of us now that this place is being reinforced and secured. The FA wants us to be here during the siege on the capital. Likely to come in and assist. Or just to baby sit the gate itself. I’m just curious to see if we’re going to be sitting here the whole time the siege is happening or not.

I don’t suppose we can contact London and tell him we landed a whale and are going to need all hands-on deck to salvage it. As I am assuming from the Helios Barron’s words, we got full control of the Super and all technologies in it. Unless I am understanding the wording wrong. So we’re going to need London to start searching for people to sell to also. Most likely to the RH with a deal to repair it in the Foreberance yards or maybe give Alex’s mobile yards a chance at fixing up a Neeran Super? Hm, who would we even go to to have the Super scrubbed and decontaminated from any Neeran viruses or counter intrusion and stuff. I know the FA would be the most likely. But we can look around right?

Is the Baron at liberty to tell us whether or not House Helios has any projects that could use a Super Carrier? You know, just so we have options available for people to sell it to.

>>3959753
>quickly call up London and tell him to ship out a station core to our coordinates for us to sell/ rent to House Helios
This will take about 2 weeks due to the need to get it shipped from the Run to the Centri cluster, then scheduled for handover to be sent to the very secure Alliance facility. No civilians allowed unfortunately.

>Stations
You have 2 Neeran modular bases.
1 Alliance FOB. (The second one was still being used in base building.)
There was the Faction modular base that could be set up for super heavy repair. I think you guys brought this along?
1 SRL Super Heavy with construction ship upgrades. They can be ready to repair alliance supers in a couple hours.
1 crippled Neeran Super Carrier. It still has onboard reprocessing and fabrication facilities able to produce: battleships, corvette carriers, construction vessels, corvettes, and rebuild its engines.
Rebuilding its engines would take a considerable investment of time and resources.

>>3959772
>I don’t suppose anyone has an untapped Quantum Communicator for us to talk to the Emperor?
Wouldnt do you any good. You're out of range unless the gate is open.

>I’m just curious to see if we’re going to be sitting here the whole time the siege is happening or not.
After completing 2 mission deployments in a row you're entitled to go home. The reality though is they cant afford to do this right now. The gate as a strategic asset is too valuable as another shortcut to pull warships away from it. Aside from those headed for the heaviest fighting that is. Until the Confluence Station situation is resolved you'll have to remain here.

Of course the Neeran may try to neutralize the gate once the Alliance begins using it as a full blown staging ground.

>I am assuming from the Helios Barron’s words, we got full control of the Super and all technologies in it.
I'm sure the Ruling House would very much appreciate you sharing that hoard of captured techs. Especially with your House actively trying to get its R&D budget under control.

>give Alex’s mobile yards a chance at fixing up a Neeran Super?
This is actually a really good idea.
The Carrier could be repaired with just its own onboard equipment and manufacturing, but with the addition of a mobile yard like Alex's that would speed it up quite a bit.

>scrubbed and decontaminated from any Neeran viruses or counter intrusion and stuff.
The Loran yards are capable of it in theory. They've done so repeatedly with Heavy Carriers, though it required substantial refits.

>Is the Baron at liberty to tell us whether or not House Helios has any projects that could use a Super Carrier? You know, just so we have options available for people to sell it to.
"I dont believe Helios is in the market for one at present but I will make inquiries."

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>>3959793
>>3959834

>Station Core and Mobile Stations/ Bases
Ah, well still shorter and safer then sending it the long way. Though I believe other anons would like to have a say in this.

I'd be very interested in renting or selling a station core to Helios. Once we have an agreement with them on whether they'd like to rent or buy a Station Core from us.

If we did bring along any of the modular bases or FOB's cappable of repairing a Super I'd like to deploy it to get the Super Carrier's engines up and running at the very least. So we can get that monster on its way back home.

>Entitled to head home, likely to be kept on station until siege is over.

If we're going to be kept on station for that long. Then lets setup shop and get those FOB's and Stations up and running so they can get the Super Carrier working. Same with the polar stations and refine their energy emitters to be even deadlier and accurate siege platforms. And get all our units repaired. Also see if we can get the Super Carrier and other units with manufacturing capabilities to make mining vessels or mining equipment. So we can start mining whatever resources are left in this galaxy.

Also have our units actively looking for viable mining opportunities. Since we’re likely going to be here for a while.

>RH appreciate sharing of captured technology.

This is a given. Since JD seems more interested in improving its logistics and other fields. So long as we get a cut of whatever comes of said research of said technology. Which I assume we can let the diplomats work out a beneficial deal to ensure JD stays in the development loop somewhat or at least gets access to whatever R&D can cook up from it all.

>Alex’s Yard assisting in rebuilding

Great, lets fix up the things engines and send it back!

>Loran yard could theoretically scrub it.

Oh, if we do decide to send it to Loran. Include a message to the Count that we’ve found a means to solve the fear of the nobles who fear that RH might ever think to call claim to the JD yards. And that they all owe us a favor. And another message to Lord Harmen telling him he can use the repair/ scrubbing of the Super to help his ‘reelection’ or whoever he chooses as a successor for securing more jobs to Loran’s citizens.

One last couple of questions/ suggestions. If we’re going to be fortifying this position until the siege is over. Can we start performing practice actions with whatever units are staying here to assist us? Or are we going to be all on our lonesome? And while I doubt we’ll get many. Can we ask for some additional pilots/ troops? To replace those we lost?

>>3959834
>After completing 2 mission deployments in a row you're entitled to go home. The reality though is they cant afford to do this right now.
If that's the case, I'd be in favor of letting Lyas Cinayk lead a small raiding and support detachment. He's especially careful as a commanding officer, so he should be able to navigate the battlefields around the capital region without many unnecessary losses. That way he would get a chance to distinguish himself as a independent commander at least a bit before the current phase of the war ends.

>>3959676
>supersiege Veritas superweapon
The madmen actually did it! 100-linked phase cannon exotic matter beam!
I wonder if we can persuade the Captain and Admiral to do a test firing for us.

>Questions
If they could supply a number of Helios cooling laser units maybe we could run the gate more frequently?

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>>3960595
>The madmen actually did it!
Indeed.
>100-linked phase cannon exotic matter beam!
This is a lot more than 100.
>I wonder if we can persuade the Captain and Admiral to do a test firing for us.
Negative. The weapons life expectancy is low enough they're not going to fire it unnecessarily.

>If they could supply a number of Helios cooling laser units maybe we could run the gate more frequently?
It can be operated more efficiently in it's "not operating correctly" mode with the addition of them yes. The newly arrived fleet has enough spare that a number of them are transferred over immediately. Obviously if there is another gate irregularity that starts eating the structure the lasers wont be able to do much.

>>3959901
>I'd be very interested in renting or selling a station core to Helios.
They have a few of their own already. Instead you'd be selling to the Alliance.

>If we did bring along any of the modular bases or FOB's capable of repairing a Super I'd like to deploy it to get the Super Carrier's engines up and running at the very least.
The faction base isn't the best choice for repairing the Neeran Super. Either of the Neeran mobile bases would be better.

>see if we can get the Super Carrier and other units with manufacturing capabilities to make mining vessels or mining equipment.
Neeran mining corvettes can be produced quickly. Also your logistics fleet has a full sized Mining Barge.

>Can we start performing practice actions with whatever units are staying here to assist us?
Yes.
>Or are we going to be all on our lonesome?
No, there will be at least 1 other Alliance fleet here at all times.
>Can we ask for some additional pilots/ troops?
Some will be sent along with the escort for Alex's repair ship.

>Also have our units actively looking for viable mining opportunities.
This is going to be difficult. Most matter in this galaxy remnant is tied up in singularities or gas clouds. The scouting units have been deploying satellites but it will take a continued effort to find viable material sources.

1) Do you want Lyas Cinayk to deploy with a small force to the Neeran capital region? While there Lyas can keep an eye out for enemy units that might decided to make a run for the gate.

1A) Deploy, we need the warning time
1B) We may need their forces here

2) "SALVAGE everything you encounter!" does not negate the need for resource harvesting.
Roll 4d100

Running a quick errand.

Rolled 76, 94, 93, 97 = 360 (4d100)

>>3960781

>Negative. The weapons life expectancy is low enough they're not going to fire it unnecessarily.

Oof, that doesn’t sound good. Maybe with its use in the field they can see how it works. And improve its design from there. Still good to see the fruits of that particular enterprise bearing some fruit. Even if it is a fragile thing. Here’s hoping it performs well enough to prove the benefit of the particular venture and push for continued development if not refinement.

>They have a few of their own already. Instead you'd be selling to the Alliance.

Ah, more Alliance bonds then. That takes some wind out of the sails as it were. Well if other anons are good with it, wouldn’t hurt to make a buck off of the Alliance.

>Either of the Neeran mobile bases would be better.
Okay.

>Some will be sent along with the escort for Alex's repair ship.

I thought the RH and the Seven didn't want any of those yards to be anywhere outside the Dominion? Because it was such brand-new technology and had the blueprints for some of the Dominion's most advanced technology or something or other. Or did they change their mind? Which wouldn't surprise me. Or maybe there's a loophole that allows them to bring it to the front. So long as it doesn't have Dominion designs/ blueprints on it?

Either way, I am not complaining. Just surprised they would send it forward. Definitely not going to look that gift horse in the mouth.

>1A) Deploy, we need the warning time

If this is going to become a serious deployment zone or beach head into the heart of the Neeran Empire. I'd like all the early warnings we can get.

>2) "SALVAGE everything you encounter!" does not negate the need for resource harvesting.

Rolled 22, 60, 83, 46 = 211 (4d100)

>>3960781
1A)

Rolled 26, 20, 13, 41 = 100 (4d100)

>>3960781
1A) Deploy, we need the warning time
Honestly. We got 15 Supers here. Anything that comes our way is either getting wiped out or is hella dangerous and we need the early warning.

>2) "SALVAGE everything you encounter!" does not negate the need for resource harvesting.
Gib

>>3960808
Nice high rolls, Anon.

>>3960781
1A

>>3960781

>1A) Deploy, we need the warning time

Rolled 100, 80, 75, 18 = 273 (4d100)

>>3960781
>1A) Deploy, we need the warning time
Lyas also needs a chance to prove himself. Can we convince the present Alliance commanders to put some of their units under his command? Leading FA units is still better than leading practically nobody.

>2) "SALVAGE everything you encounter!" does not negate the need for resource harvesting.
Rolling just to see what I get.

>>3960781
How much work will it take to make the Neeran Super compatible as a command ship for Sonia? Does it need any special work? Can we slap a few Sovereign Drive units on it to improve the mobility?

That deleted post, did it have a roll on it?

>>3960908
Sonia's forces already looted a stealth super a while ago, it's probably a better command ship for her than this one.

>>3960909
Highest rolls of the three posts that were first is 76, 94, 93, 97

Can't see any deleted posts on my end.

>>3960911
No, it didn't. Anon exchanged his anime reaction gif for a set of rolls.

>>3960914
I accidentally refreshed the page and it was deleted quickly enough that it didn't save to any of the archive sites.

>>3960917
Meant to reply to >>3960909

>>3960911
We haven't heard anything about that yet since the Alliance dragged it back for us. Being the only one of its kind they captured I don't think we'll see the inside of it for a while.

A number of potential mining sites have been located. A planetary body that is just beyond the distant edges of an accretion disk. Mining crews are reluctant to go near it despite being in more open space.

The second is a gas giant with a ring system that could be easily mined. That the giant itself still has enough atmosphere to support fuel refining operations is an added bonus.

Third is the remnant of what might have been a gas giant planet now orbiting a white dwarf. Your mining barges should be able to make good use of its denser materials, it'll just be a little less convenient than the other gas giant which still

Last is an actual Neeran orbital mining facility that had previously gone unnoticed. Largely automated it has been in operating standby mode for a number of years. Crews are able to bring it back online, activating stripmining systems ripping materials from the planetoid below.

Maybourne looks over the results.
"Cargo ships should be able to make runs from the mining facility meaning we wont need to tie up barges to deal with it. I recommend focusing operations on the ringed gas giant. Fuel and mining sites in one stop."

It seems a reasonable idea, though concentrating your operations largely in one place could make it easier for the Neeran to locate it later.

Where did you want to focus your resourcing operations?

[ ] Accretion disk orbit
[ ] Ringed giant
[ ] Gas giant core
[ ] Automated mining platform

>>3960993

>[ ] Ringed giant
>[ ] Automated mining platform
Just make sure to its not sending out some signal or what have you to the Neeran saying the facility is reactivated or that it has resumed service or has resources to be collected.

>>3960993
>[ ] Ringed giant
Agreeing with Maybourne here, fuel to support the larger warships and resources at the same time.

>[ ] Automated mining platform
Can we have a secondary team investigate this site? Seems a little too good to pass up, almost suspiciously so. Do automated mining systems even exist for the FA? Seems like something Sonia and the House would enjoy to free up precious manpower for more important assignments.

>>3961021
>Do automated mining systems even exist for the FA?
They do exist but usually they're not left alone because Pirates.

>>3960993
I don't see any reason not to go with Maybourne's recommendation.
>[ ] Ringed giant
>[ ] Automated mining platform

Lyas has departed for the edges of the Neeran capital region. They've taken 2 fast mediums, a mixed wing and 2 assault corvette wings. Salvage craft are accompanying them as well.

The faction modular station has been set up in deep space away from the gate system. They're preparing for repair requests for Faction super heavies. The other fleet groups seem to appreciate this.

Mining teams are being deployed to the ringed gas giant to set up shop there. Fuel tanker craft will also be assigned.

The Dominion fleet group have brought Exodus station modules which are being used to reinforce defenses around the gate and emitter stations. Their own modular stations which are being deployed at another site will be able to produce more of these modules to add to the defenses. Setup is going to take some time though.

Both fleet groups have also been busy assembling assault corvettes aboard the carriers. Your smaller ship losses have been largely replenished.

The manufacturing capacity of the super carrier and Neeran stations need to be allocated. This will be done in 6 points. How do you want to spread them out?

[ ] Expanding mining/refining operations
[ ] Fortification & repairs of stations
[ ] Repairs to Super Carrier
[ ] Producing replacement battleships

>>3961086
>[ ] Expanding mining/refining operations
3.
Important to get a solid foundation for local projects.

>[ ] Fortification & repairs of stations
>[ ] Repairs to Super Carrier
>[ ] Producing replacement battleships
1 to each.

>>3961086
Can we produce faction battleships or would we have to resort to using the neeran standard bb?

>>3961086

>The manufacturing capacity of the super carrier and Neeran stations need to be allocated. This will be done in 6 points. How do you want to spread them out?


[ 1 ] Expanding mining/refining operations
[ 2 ] Fortification & repairs of stations
[ 1 ] Repairs to Super Carrier
[ 2 ] Producing replacement battleships

We have mining ships in our logistics fleet. And places to gather resources. And if we are desperate, we can request resources to be sent through the gate with the next fleet.

Repairing the gate and its facilities will mean we can free up resources for other locations. And fortifying this position will ensure we can fend off any incoming attacks. As well as making sure the gate remains operational if we’re attacked in the middle of gate operations.

While I want that Super Carrier up and running so we can move it out if we need to or use its foundries to rebuild losses quicker. Putting any more resources into it than we already are will drain resources we could use else where.

Replacing lost battleships is also important. And while I hope we don’t have to sacrifice them again to stop V-Torp Corvettes. We will still need them for such a role if we have to do so if those battle plates aren’t fast enough to intercept those things.

>>3961086
4 to
[ ] Fortification & repairs of stations
2 to
[ ] Expanding mining/refining operations

We want resources for repairs and we want to be as fortified as we can in here. Turtle up

>>3961101
>Can we produce faction battleships or would we have to resort to using the neeran standard bb?
Neeran Battleships would be fastest. You can build sector patrol craft with it with little to no modifications, but they're more like a battlecruiser. I think CCD Fast Battleships should also be possible with very little modification, you'd just need to buy the production license and data.

>>3961139
Thanks. In that case I'd probably prefer to buy proper replacement ships back home so the FA can ship them in, and produce Neeran BBs for sale to rebels and successor states.

>>3961086
>[2] Expanding mining/refining operations
>[2] Fortification & repairs of stations
>[1] Repairs to Super Carrier
>[1] Producing replacement battleships

Rolled 3 (1d4)

Production assets are divided up focusing primarily on expanding mining and refining operations first, as well as fortification & repairs of stations. Current estimates put the stations being fully repaired within 3 days at which point the defenses will be expanded.

Battleship production will begin on both the Neeran modular station and the Super Carrier, though only in small quantities. Most of these will only be temporary replacements for the vessels you've lost. Eventually they'll be sold or leased to the various rebel governments.

Finally any remaining production will go to repairs on the Super Carrier drive section. Construction ships captured with their data intact will allow reconstruction of the engines and structure. Given the size of the ship and extent of the damage the timescale is expected to be a lengthy one.
At current resource allocation it will take 52 days to finish repairs. Other upgrades will have to wait.

Alex's oldest mobile yard will be sent through the gate, though it will be lacking a lot of the production data needed to build ships from scratch. As the original prototype it has some structural problems and was going to have to be retired or scrapped in the future anyways. Because of this its transfer through the gate has been approved.

It isn't known how well it will work regarding repairs to Neeran ships. This will be something of an experiment.

A largely Rovinar fleet is next through the gate. They've followed a day and a half later by a more mixed force. Kavarian super heavies and escort, Dominion corvettes and support fleet. Alex's yard as well as the smaller RSS station you requested. Apparently London was able to make arrangements with someone in the homeworlds.

Rolling for repair boost!

It looks like as long as the mobile yard is able to assist the super carrier might have its engines back online in as little as 2 weeks. Of course your people are still a bit inexperienced with this particular class so there could be additional delays. Not to mention engine shakedown and FTL tests.

Your allies have used the last few days to establish expanded POW holding facilities allowing transfer of the remaining population off of the carrier. This should allow a draw down of the many, many marines and infantrymen from the vessel.

With the arrival of the latest Alliance fleet group they finally launch forces toward the capital region. The Terran/Kavarian force, Rovinar and Kavarian/Dominion units set out together. The fully Dominion unit will remain on station to assist with expansion of local defenses.

"Almost a shame they're not taking that phase weapon ship with them." says Tama.

Given its experimental nature they may be holding it back as a weapon of last resort.

Lyas has reached the combat zone and deployed a communication array to keep in contact. A few small sensor arrays have been emplaced as well but their range is rather limited with the amount of jamming going on.

Roll 4d20 to see how they're doing.

Rolled 12, 1, 5, 16 = 34 (4d20)

>>3961283
God I hope a Super makes a run for the gate and we get to see the weapon in operation. What are they calling it anyway? Hyperphase Array? Super Phase Siege?

Rolled 16, 15, 4, 2 = 37 (4d20)

>>3961283

From 52 days down to 2 weeks. Now that is a hell of a contribution. This may be the first of its line and riddle with structural problems as it is. I think this would be the best way to give this fine ship yard a final task. And help drive sales to Dominion forces.

Rolled 8, 11, 5, 6 = 30 (4d20)

>>3961283
>Roll 4d20 to see how they're doing.
Go Lyas!

>>3961249
>Battleship production will begin on both the Neeran modular station and the Super Carrier, though only in small quantities
Would it be possible to modify the BB yards to produce battle plates? I'm sure they're in demand with FA fleets, so being able to send them along to the combat zone with arriving fleets might prove beneficial.

>>3961342
>Would it be possible to modify the BB yards to produce battle plates?
No, you dont have the production data necessary for the new alloy. Something that Iratar is jealously guarding. At this point its only available for sale to the Alliance. The new arrivals have brought stockpiles to be transferred to other fleets when they link up.

You could potentially produce an alternative. Like an entire drone corvette with many more layers of conventional armor.

>>3961355
Okay, that's understandable but still unfortunate. Has the Dominion tried to use the gravity lensing system we recovered during the first sphere expedition to deflect v-torps?

While Lyas and their units are doing well overall they are taking losses. One assault corvette wing responded to another Alliance unit in distress and got dragged into some of the heaviest fighting. Their contribution kept an alliance capital ship from being lost, but in the process they suffered heavy casualties. Survivors from the unit are being outfitted with replacement corvettes.

The other units are doing much better. Inflicting losses and withdrawing works just as well here as anywhere else. Due to the strength of the enemy forces they've had little chance to conduct salvage operations, instead focusing more on recovering as many of their own ships as possible.

There have been occasions where it has been possible to recover Alliance ships. They're being repaired and survivors will be temporarily drafted into the unit until they can link up with others.

While they haven't been able to reach them Lyas has located Admiral Chen's fleet. About 75 super heavies of various types are centered around Enterprise and the House Nasidum flagship, which looks to be an Avalanche class. Both of the larger vessels have been heavily upgraded from their earlier configurations if their long range sensor reports are anything to go by.

Lyas thinks they're acting as a hunter killer group, specifically targeting enemy command ships and their escorts. They're certainly not going out of their way to help maintain the blockade.

"If our reports are right Chen's group alone has destroyed 3 enemy fleet groups and knocked out their Apex command ships just since we arrived."

>What say?

>>3961430
"I'd expect nothing less from Chen, maybe it's worth shadowing their fleet if possible to see how they're being so effective."

>>3961430
"I'm glad Nasidum is actually doing something to improve the Dominion's image for once.
Keep up the good work Cinayk."

>>3961430

>What say?

It looks like things are really heating up. But there are bound to be surprises soon. I know it goes without saying, but be cautious, but also be sure to help press the advantage when presented an opportunity and make sure not to over extend quickly without some back up.

Also, while the chances are slime. Any chance of assisting JD units should be acted on. Same with whatever word cam be passed along, being this close, I am sure they would like to know there is a fall back point where they can regroup. Or at least know they have an ally keeping the door open for them to gtfo, if the Neeran show off some other new super weapon.

>>3961430
Maybe it's worth making contact with Chen's group and acting as scouts for their larger ships?

>>3961466
>Any chance of assisting JD units should be acted on.
According to reports the J-D fleet elements were most likely going to join some faster Supers on the opposite side of the the capital region. It's unlikely (though not impossible) you'll be able to link up with them.

"I'm glad Nasidum is actually doing something to improve the Dominion's image for once. As for the rest I'd expect nothing less from Chen, maybe it's worth shadowing their fleet if possible to see how they're being so effective?"

"They're drawing a lot of attention sir. I'm reluctant to get too near them. Especially with so many Executioners making use of gravity well generators."

"I guess if you're staying farther away maybe you can scout or send them sensor data at least? Just try and keep your people alive."
"Will do sir."
"Keep up the good work Cinayk."

A few hours later you get a quick report. It looks like the Terrans are using updated Thuban class battleships. They're outfitted with more powerful drive sections and most energy weapons are replaced with shield generators and other equipment from shield platforms. These shield ships are helping to deflect incoming siege weapon fire thousands of kilometers away from their targets. It's helping to reduce the amount of damage the upgraded weapons on the Apex class ships can do.

Engineers have come up with a potential alternative to the Alliance Battle Plate that you could manufacture. The design looks like an old style Firestorm frigate, except instead of the big quad linked phase cannon on the front it's stacked with layers and layers of armor plate. Thrust to weight ratio is atrocious, making it handle more like an older battleship. Then again given the next best thing is an actual battleship that isn't so bad.

Do you want to have a few built in place of a couple Neeran battleships?

>>3961553
>Do you want to have a few built in place of a couple Neeran battleships?
Sure. Send some with the next FA unit heading towards the front for field testing.

>>3961553
I'm all for field testing prototypes in an environment like this. It's sink or swim.
Manned or unmanned?

>>3961553

Build a few and send them out with next group like anon suggested.

>>3961567
>Manned or unmanned?
Ideally unmanned since they'll only have to operate for very short periods of time. Adding an assault corvette cockpit as a backup could be done though.

>>3961579
Could it be fired from an Aries torpedo battery?

>>3961583
>Could it be fired from an Aries torpedo battery?
I should clarify. The design doesn't just look like an old style Firestorm frigate, it is the same size as Firestorm frigate. Despite being made almost entirely of armor a Veckron weapon will probably turn the first one it hits into dust while passing through it.

>>3961579
Small backup cockpit sounds like a fair compromise.

>>3961593
I was unsure how large heavy torpedoes are. I guess not 40k size, in that case.

File: Dedicated PD medium.png (93 KB, 2000x2000)

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No idea if there's demand for something like this or if it's viable but I liked the idea of an escort medium that's entirely focused on defensive support and came up with this.

A medium cruiser that does nothing well except float alongside heavies, superheavies, and mobile fortresses to protect them from projectiles, fighters, and some fire with its heavy directional shield generator.

>>3961597
Some heavy torpedoes are pretty big. They're not the size of a 400m frigate though.

A few of the vessel are built and their engines tested. The other Dominion force will take one for evaluation purposes, but they're going to rely on the tested battle plates provided by the Alliance before placing their hopes on these stand-ins.

>>3961620
In theory the Alliance Medium Escort can be outfitted for this sort of job. They're a bit flimsy but are cheap to produce.

An anon in the last thread suggested defense platform modules that a transport like the Ceres heavy tug could drop off, or haul to act as a fleet defense ship. That was an interesting idea too.

File: High_Guard_A&C.gif (10 KB, 601x768)

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ID numbers of the for various captured ships and SP torpedoes have been tracked down. Most can be traced back to units that were believed to have been ambushed or wiped out. Signs of damage on some of the ships plus serial numbers show that most had been repaired using parts from multiple ships.
It looked to you like the Neeran engineers had done a good job with the repairs overall.

Torpedoes likewise were from many of the salvaged vessels, though others were listed as having been stolen from logistics bases. You know the Neeran made off with a lot of tech when they launched an attack close to the Centri cluster just before the Dominion civil war. You even stole back some SP warheads they had captured and quietly smuggled them back to House space.

There are some ships that dont fit the profile. Intel has been notified to look into their disappearances.

Mike has taken the opportunity to do some evaluation of the High Guard class since it hasn't been widely available. The Neeran had 3 models, the A type which is the cheapest and a C type that had wingtip fusion pulse cannons set up like the Jenning. Lastly the Neeran engineers had been experimenting with upgrading a C type with Trayan plasma cannons. It wasn't finished yet so the guns were non-functional. If it had worked it would have given the ship a hell of a lot more firepower.

It is Mike's recommendation that the modified ship be sent back through the gate to Dominion territory ASAP. It might not quite have the firepower of the Fire Drake, but it's closer than anything else in its tonnage range. It's also much cheaper to produce.

[ ] Get it back to J-D space
[ ] Get it to the Ruling House

>>3961735

>[ ] Get it to the Ruling House

I'm sure someone over there will appreciate it and give us a large sum of money or whatever for this ship. And supposedly JD is trying to get its R&D under control. So clearly we should send this to RH for them to study and develop something with it. Rather then doing it ourselves.

>>3961735
>[ ] Get it to the Ruling House

>>3961735
Assuming we're keeping the A&C, would we even be able to handle the additional Plasma research? Another sample for the Plasma Moon?

>>3961750
You do have captured examples of Trayan plasma cannons. Even some data from larger models. In theory your engineers could work out the kinks in it, though it might take awhile.

>>3961757
In that case I'm fine with sending the T type to the RH as long as we can ship some Trayan weapons back to Rioja for study.

>>3961771
You have had a Corsair in personal ownership for some time now. It's just the larger version of the weapons that are mounted on medium cruisers you didn't have until this campaign.

>>3961735
>[x] Get it back to J-D space
Sonia has done enough for the RH during this deployment. If we can supply the royal guard with an exclusive upgrade to their ship, we'll gain yet another powerful ally.

>>3961735
>[ ] Get it back to J-D space
Changed my mind. We can always swap it to the RH later.

Resuming tomorrow.

>>3961735
>[ ] Get it back to J-D space
Get it for JD to look at first. Then we can subcontract or outsource it to allies like the RH

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>>3961735
One of my favourite shapes for aircraft and looking a lot like the X47B, so I made it look even more like it. FAST variant? Who knows.

test

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>>3962548
It wasn't what I was originally going for. At first they were going to look quite different, with the primary hull divided into 2 sections. A result of being inspired by this.

Construction of a fuel refinery has finished. A few Tanker HLV's have been completed as well allowing the refinery to operate at lower altitude in the atmosphere of the gas giant. It can then launch assist HLVs into orbit. This would be enough to keep your fleet supplied indefinitely provided they weren't engaged in heavy fighting every day.
For now this fuel output is also being augmented by your own logistics forces, which have tankers capable of scoop operations. The other Dominion fleet is in much the same boat so for now there is a surplus.
If more Alliance fleets pass through it might be a good idea to complete a second refinery.

Construction of forward processing facilities to assist the mining operations is still ongoing. Repairs to the gate and energy stations is largely completed and work is now beginning on adding more turrets.

There has been a delay in repairs to the super carrier due to an engine issue. Some engine ducting wasn't constructed properly requiring it to be ripped out. This will delay completion of the surrounding structural reinforcement by 4 days.

1) Build a second refinery or focus on mining?
1A) 2nd Refinery
1B) Mining

2) Did you want to maintain the current split of production resources?

>>3962694
>If more Alliance fleets pass through it might be a good idea to complete a second refinery.
Instead of just constructing a second refinery, we should probably ask alliance command how much traffic they're planning to direct through the gate. Then we can decide.

>>3962694
>1B) Mining

>2)
Cut back on Battleship production and allocate the resources to getting the Super Carrier operational.

>>3962694
>1B) Mining
No need for a second right now. Get more materials to fix up the Super Carrier!

2) Did you want to maintain the current split of production resources?
Allocate more into the Super now that immediate problems are seen to and fixed. Then we should see about turtling up the Gate with plenty of guns. A big battle is going to be fought here. I can feel it in my bones.

>>3962694
>>3962704

>Instead of just constructing a second refinery, we should probably ask alliance command how much traffic they're planning to direct through the gate. Then we can decide.

I am pretty sure it is safe to assume we are going to see a lot of traffic. What with how close we are to the front and their need to get ships to the Capital ASAP.

>1A

>2
My opinion is we can either leave it as is. Or we can start focusing on repairing/ fortifying the gate system. Or get the Super Carrier fixed up so we can either use it or send it home quicker.

>>3962704
>we should probably ask alliance command how much traffic they're planning to direct through the gate.
A fleet group every 36-48 hours by the looks of it. They're only heading into the capital region once 3 groups are assembled.

>>3962729
>>3962694
>1A) 2nd Refinery
>2) Did you want to maintain the current split of production resources?
Shift one point of station repairs to carrier repairs.

>>3962634
> with the primary hull divided into 2 sections

That seems structurally . . . Unsound. Shear forces seem like a big concern for spaceships, especially ones that get shot at.

>Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>3962818
Never said it was a good idea. Was mostly going for aesthetic.

Split vote on 1.
Because of this a second refinery will be built and then efforts redirected to conventional mining.

Votes on the allocation of resources were a bit of a mess but it worked out to 1 point being transferred from mining to Super Carrier repairs. This should speed up efforts to get it operational and through the gate. Just keep in mind that when it leaves it will also take a lot of the manufacturing capacity with it.

[ 1 ] Expanding mining/refining operations
[ 2 ] Fortification & repairs of stations
[ 2(+3) ] Repairs to Super Carrier
[ 1 ] Producing replacement battleships

With additional resources being put into the super carrier repairs the estimated time of completion is now 8 days.

The fleet units posted here are making sure to get plenty of practice. Captured corvettes and battleships are acting as opposition forces. Rookies and clones make up the majority of crews coming through the gate. Dominion units tend to be the exception but even their numbers include increasing numbers of cloned personnel.

One thing the rookies have not been handling well are exercises with much lower limits on the number of available SP torpedoes. Terran corvette units train expecting full or nearly full loadouts, with little in the way of what the other Factions consider "conventional" warheads. Kids that have grown up playing assault corvette simulators in school are getting a rude awakening to things like munition shortages on the front lines.

Fortunately the fleet are actually in good shape for SP weapons. Every fleet from the Centri cluster is fully stocked. Overstocked really since many expect they'll be handing off some to embattled units that have been fighting around the capital for a couple of weeks.

A second set of Alliance fleet groups have now departed for the capital. They're glad for the extra reports from Lyas and the sensors they deployed.
Speaking of which, how is Lyas doing?

Roll 4d20

Rolled 1, 13, 15, 7 = 36 (4d20)

>>3962982
Really makes you think what the Terrans will develop when the Dominion eventually gets SP weapons.

Rolled 1, 18, 19, 8 = 46 (4d20)

>>3962982
Come on Lyas, I know you got it in you!

>>3962988
You mean besides a inflated sense of what the Dominion can and can not develop when it comes to tech?

Rolled 17, 5, 5, 18 = 45 (4d20)

>>3962982

>Rolled 9 (1d100)
Oh, that's terrifying.

>Kids who play video games, sign up for war expecting the best kits.

I do not have high expectations of their survivability in the days to come. There are going to be a lot of dead Terrans if they think war is going to be anything like their video games. Then again, it would do to have the Terrans get punched in the face once in a while. If they really think this way.

Good luck to the fleets. And here's hoping Lyas is doing well.

>Super Carrier leaving will take production with it.

I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I still think we should send it back asap. But I would also understand if other anons say we should keep it on station.

Rolled 4, 9, 19, 6 = 38 (4d20)

>>3962982
>Roll 4d20
Lyas is doing well, I hope!.

>>3962988
>>3962996
>>3962997

17,18,19,18

Looks like he's doing alright over all if these rolls are anything to go by. I wonder if he's picked up any stragglers or survivors from other units and put them to use?

>>3963005
>Send out Lyas with a couple of ships to earn some pity points before the war ends.
>He comes back with his own salvaged fleet and an IOU from the Ruling House for a planet to be Baron of.

Lyas is doing well. Even managing to rebuild the heavily damaged wing that had previously taken losses. Escort carriers that have run out of starfighters or drones to transport have been assisting teleport receiver ships in returning personnel to their respective units when possible.

The unit was only able to assist Admiral Chen's unit for a little over a day before having to go their separate ways. Blockade forces were in need of help and your people have been running between hot spots.

Intercepted enemy communications have been picked up with one Neeran admiral declaring they have defeated a major Alliance fleet. Supposedly they've also made their intentions known of plans to depose their Emperor when this is all over.

Later that same day Alliance intel reports that particular Admiral is unlikely to get the chance. Their fleet was destroyed by a mass stellar ejection. It would seem someone dropped a Dominion built gravity well generator into the star after drawing the Neeran fleet into range.

Two days later you get an update from Lyas. They've managed to get a Scarecrow and a squadron of attack ships operational from among their front line salvage. Hauling in more has been difficult due to the frequent shifts in local superiority anywhere.
They're also sending back a few captured ships with POWs. Some have been separated from the others as potential mercenaries. The plan being they could either be hired by you or Trelta Gun back in Rekesh space.

>>3963117
> Later that same day Alliance intel reports that particular Admiral is unlikely to get the chance. Their fleet was destroyed by a mass stellar ejection. It would seem someone dropped a Dominion built gravity well generator into the star after drawing the Neeran fleet into range.

Hey! You remembered my star laser plan! This makes me really happy.

>>3963117

The fog of war is a bitch. We've no idea if we are winning or not. Well, wait that isn't right. If we were not winning we would be seeing fleets being sent our way to gtfo to centri for repairs and refits.

Just difficult to get a read of things, when we don't know how many supers or megas have been lost along with their attendant fleets. That said, I suspect we might see a Neeran fleet or two trying to capture the gate to escape to one of those two destinations. Or to just try their luck anywhere else but here in the capital.

>POW Mercs for Gun.

I don't think we are planning to head that way anytime soon? But it is a sound plan/ idea.

>>3963204
I wonder if we could sell "retreat" passes? Let demilitarized fleets use it to be transported 1 way to a distant place outside the war.

Maybe like 2 years into disturbed sub-space fields or something.

Sure , they'll be away for 2 years but when they come back it'll be with enough power to bargain for a position in whatever government rises.

Also it'll save th Neeran who are most willing to negotiate.

Finally we can put fleets in separate places and stagger their return times so they have to spend time integrating the returnees unequally.

Interference with communications and sensors around the capital continue despite efforts to counter it. Three days later outbound relay ships begin to report sensor contacts.

"What do you mean sensor contacts, where?"
"Here." Versa brings up markers on the long range sensor display. Enemy ships about 9 hours out from your position.
"An Executioner and 2 Scorchers."

"How did they get past the sensors Lyas set up at the other end of the navigation lane?" asks Maybourne.
"Doesn't matter, we need to get ready for a fight." you reply.

Training flights are cancelled and all units put on alert. Mike takes his fastest ships and begins long range patrols trying to pick up any additional ships that might try to sneak in ahead of them. Captain Padaran and the Helios Baron what to know what your plans are for engagement.

Do you intend to hang back around the gate and let the come to you? Try to jump them when they enter the cluster? Send ships out to perform FTL intercepts?

>Your orders?

>>3963239
>Do you intend to hang back around the gate and let the come to you?
How many scorcher shots can the shields around the gate take atm?

>Your orders?
Has the FA had any success simply buying out isolated units?

>>3963245
>How many scorcher shots can the shields around the gate take atm?
Not a lot but the fact that it has so much power available means they can in theory be reinforced quite a bit.

>Has the FA had any success simply buying out isolated units?
They've negotiated settlements in a few cases but it's unknown how they'll work out in the long term.

>>3963239

Plan is to intercept and engage at multiple points. Bleeding them slowly on the approach to the gate and its system defenses. Padaran and his Supers stay with Helios Baron meanwhile we and the faster moving units will head out and do our best to keep them from reaching the gate unmolested.

Also we could deploy the gravwell generator with minimal crew away from the star to draw their units out of position and away from the gate/ star at extreme range. So that our heavier guns and siege weapons can shoot them while they are forced to either slog their way to us or jump out and back in after being bleed some more. Of course the gravwell will need its own defensive fleet to protect it once the enemy is drawn out. To protect it long enough to shut down the gravity well and gtfo.

Also out as many mines at the edge of the gravity well as possible so that if they somehow bypass the gravwell or we dont use it. They will exit right into firey death.

While I would not presume to tell the Helios Baron what to do with his new toy. He should save its one shot for when there is a big enough opening in the scorchers or executioners shields to ensure a clean hit.