>>4518561
FOR
HOUSE
AND
DOMINION

FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utFc9-Mz0x8 [Expanse - Do it together]

After returning home you began putting your world in order, working to make the best of the peace. Family is a big part of that and a trip to the J-D homeworlds with your children brought you back to Dreminth in time for the holidays.

While there conversation ultimately turned to advanced medical technology you discovered while on campaign. Capable of repairing nearly any injury or conducting gene therapy in real time, it would certainly be able to cure your mother of the underlying condition preventing her from leaving the planet. While not against the procedure she is prepared to wait until the technology is available on Dreminth. It's a compromise and one you're willing to accept. It will certainly ensure your continued investment in research on the tech.

After the holidays and a whirlwind tour of the J-D homeworlds you paid a visit to the House Kharbos colony world of Amherst. Now protected by a fleet of warships from more than 80 Houses, facilities on the planet are home to the Dominion's new SP weapon production facilities. This is a technology you've sought for the Dominion since early in your career. The search for which has probably jeopardized your life more times than you might realise. Now it is finally here, a chance to level the playing field with the other Factions.

A tour of the facility brought you up to speed on just how the manufacturing of such weapons work and the safeguards being taken to protect it. The Dominion isn't hiding this tech, but the Emperor isn't going to allow production to proliferate off world. Those are the terms of the treaty with the other Factions.

After the visit you've left with a new appreciation of the political maneuvering needed to get to this point. Along with just how close and how far your own guesses were as to how such weapons are made. Also with a few thousand torpedoes in your cargo hold for delivery to the House. The Emperor is not one to forget debts.

SP torpedo decoy manufacturing back in the Run is currently being updated and facilities prepared to meet demands of a new contract. They'll have to scramble to meet the quota of 8 million decoys over the next decade. That will be one steady source of income in the current economic uncertainty.

Another source of guaranteed if dangerous income are salvage and terraforming contracts in the former Neeran territories. Reynard Salvage, Logistics and Tactical Solution branches are gearing up for plenty of hard work ahead. Mercenaries and other ship crews are being picked up and vetted to ensure protection. With the Alliance mothballing their fleets there are no shortages of trained personnel right now.

Next up in terms of priority projects is a trade mission back into the occupation zones. The Kythera trade mission is one you've supported ever since the Alliance and the Factions were able to establish contact with their government. Given their advanced use of nanite technology maintaining peaceful relations is one that could be both extremely beneficial and lucrative.

Within the Dominion there are many voices still calling for their absolute destruction. Moderates along with the Emperor have been trying to placate the hardliners. Their argument being that the trade mission could still be a valuable means of gathering intelligence on a potential enemy regardless of its success. You dont know what they'll do if the mission succeeds but odds are good they're preparing to fight the Kythera once again.

Lord Admiral Irim Feron is someone you met back during the civil war as a liason to House Ber'helum. They've been a strong voice for Dominion weapon research and development. Speaking to them about the upcoming mission the Admiral seems quite positive about the benefits. Med tech and Hazardous environment applications are of course important, but their energy weapons could be quite helpful to Dominion plasma weapon development. The reverse could also be true with your weapons having a number of advantaged.

"We've also learned a great deal about the way their nanites link together to increase processing power. We're close to determining the threshold necessary for a personality construct to manifest. Of course it remains a theoretical based on disabled examples. To quote one of my researchers, the Kythera are like Voltron, the more you hook up the better it gets."

>What say?

>>4518617
"Are there any theoretical limits to these benefits? We've still encountered individual Kythera, I think. So going all in on one super intelligence must have significant enough drawbacks not to do it."

"Are there any theoretical limits to these benefits? We've still encountered individual Kythera, I think. So going all in on one super intelligence must have significant enough drawbacks not to do it."
Or you certainly hope there are such limits rather than the Kythera refusing to keep too many eggs in one basket. It's certainly possible they might put such a rule into place to improve their chances of survive against the Neeran.

"We believe there are physical limits where diminishing returns are encountered. They wouldn't be able to expand their mass to keep up with the increased processing demands of the construct. The Terrans have similar theories regarding growth of some of their own AIs.
A few Helios researchers have also postulated personality divergence. A sort of multiple personality disorder that would eventually lead to a physical division."

That would certainly be one way of doing it. "Sounds almost like cell division," you point out, drawing a chuckle from the Lord.
"That would be quite ironic wouldn't it? The machines copying the basics of life. I suppose if it works well enough why not?"

Changing topic slightly you ask why House Feron is so involved with looking into the Kythera.

"We have to be. Our light siege weapons are intended to be a key component of Dominion defense against the Kythera if anything goes wrong."

>Any other questions or things you want to get done before the trade mission?

>>4518674
What's the plan if things start going south? Do we have any contingencies in place if rogue faction elements are trying to escalate the situation? Do we have access to the logs of the first contact mission that managed to establish the current ceasefire?

>>4518617
So what would happen if they hooked up to a planet sized ball of them? AI singularity?

>>4518674
How's that going to work? Scale up a big EMP phaser? I can't think of anything else we wanted to do before the mission.

>>4518674
How close were they Kythera to completely replicating people? Based on the offers of immortality as an AI construct it sounded pretty distant.

>>4518702
>What's the plan if things start going south?
The Dominion wont be the only Faction present as part of the trade mission. Representitives from others should be arriving before or shortly after. In theory those on the trade mission will be granted diplomatic immunity and safe passage. If the Kythera decide they dont want a particular group there they'll be asked to leave. They are aware that attacking any of the delegations will have far reaching consequences since the Factions are still technically part of a defensive pact.

Your allies in the Dominion are bringing weapons and equipment to a rally point in the occupation zone outside Kythera space. These will be made available to those taking part. Hopefully they wont be needed but they should of use in a worst case scenario.

>Do we have any contingencies in place if rogue faction elements are trying to escalate the situation?
If something happens each Faction will have a limited window of opportunity to head off its own. So if a particular House pulls something other Houses will have to stop them immediately. Alliance ships will remain neutral observers and will only intervene with permission of both sides.

>Do we have access to the logs of the first contact mission that managed to establish the current ceasefire?
An Alliance liaison officer will provide an up to date briefing on your arrival. They've been acting as the go between during the later stages of the war.


>>4518726
>So what would happen if they hooked up to a planet sized ball of them? AI singularity?
Didn't they do that in Stargate Atlantis?
I have no idea. Maybe those hardware limitations and construct personality disagreements would be an issue?

>How's that going to work? Scale up a big EMP phaser?
Pretty much. They already had weapons like this but House Feron is working with Helios to improve them.

>>4518741
>How close were they Kythera to completely replicating people? Based on the offers of immortality as an AI construct it sounded pretty distant.
You'll have to ask when you get there.

Now, important questions time. Due to the distances involved and the side trip to take Bekka to Threochts Planet it is very likely you will not return from the trade mission in time to attend the Grand Tourney. Do you intend to take the fastest possible ships so that you might return in time, or will you take slower but better defended ones like the Outer Heaven?

[ ] Faster ships
[ ] Better defended ones

>>4518750
>[ ] Faster ships
Or see if we can have the builder ship pick us up to cut down travel times.

>>4518750
>Faster ships
>>4518793
And this is a nice addition

For House and Dominoin!

>>4518750
>[ ] Faster ships

Gotta go fast!

>Or see if we can have the builder ship pick us up to cut down travel times.
It is currently occupied with system tests of its wormhole generator to see if repeated use and earlier damage have had any long term impact.

>>4518793
>>4518822
>>4518824
Your Excalibur class battlecruisers and long range battleships are being prepared along with a few additional escorts. Bekka is a little disappointed she wont be able to bring her own ship because of this but at least it will be something of a vacation.

You still have a small arsenal of AI War outfitted weaponry and power armor that was given to you by Helios during the civil war. How much if any do you want to take along, and how much should be left behind to help protect Rioja? It wouldn't do to deprive the planet of such weapons if something happened to you on the trade mission. Stranger things have happened.

[ ] Take enough for a small team
[ ] Take half
[ ] Take all of it

>>4518835
>[ ] Take enough for a small team

Enough for ourselves and our bodyguards should be enough?

>>4518835
>[ ] Take enough for a small team

>>4518835
>[ ] Take half

Taking enough for a small team should give you and your bodyguards adequate protection.

With preparations almost finished you receive a new intel update. Vengeance attacks being carried out by scattered Neeran holdouts and terrorists are beginning to abate. Another organisation that may have been using those attacks to cover their own operations are now starting to emerge.

Dubbed "Marionette" by a intel agencies, this group is responsible for numerous incidents involving the hijacking of cybernetic implants. They've been primarily targeting war veterans with prosthetics. In some cases they've been able to take veterans hostage or use them as unwilling weapons. They are now believed to have been responsible for a number of earlier attacks, including one on Count Gernot Sigurd Jerik you helped foil.

Glancing down at your now largely invulnerable arm you're glad that it was replaced during your visit to the Sphere. If someone is able to highjack military grade cybernetics, which are supposed to be impervious to remote interference, then something very wrong is happening.

Any orders you want to give to your people on Rioja regarding this while you're away?

>>4518909
>Any orders you want to give to your people on Rioja regarding this while you're away?

Have them start with looking into improving security functionality of cybernetics. Also a preinstalled switch to where the user can disable their limbs from their fancy cybernetics arms and legs, to plain old prosthetic.

Have our spy master look into this organization. To see if there are any cells and whether or not we can infiltrate it if it tries to infiltrate Rioja. So we can either destroy it or turn its resources to benefit Rioja/ the Houses own security measures.

Also maybe make sure medical facilities as well as security facilities have their security measures up to date? (IE they aren't still using Windows XP when they should be using something more current)

>>4518909
Yeah, have our people follow up on any leads our secret police can provide. Did that Terran specops commando ever rescue his family from slavery?

Might be worth having the fleet perform some drills too.

>>4518909
Follow the money. I can't imagine that it would be cheap to get the tech to hack implants, so either they spent a lot of money developing it, or they spent a lot of money on planting it in the manufacturers.

We should investigate for who could have funded developing the hacking tech or getting access to the milspec required to do so.

We should also be able to track HOW they're hacking it too, right? That should narrow down the suspects capability.

>>4518938
>Did that Terran specops commando ever rescue his family from slavery?
Yes that was a whole thing with some of your people helping them out.

Intel and your spymaster are going to put in some work making sure security updates are put in for cybernetics in the short term. Longer term are some design tweaks and modifications including an emergency cutoff or other kill switch.

Rioja is a busy port so there is a good chance members of this organisation may pass through at some point, even if they avoid drawing attention to themselves. Fortunately your world is at reduced risk of attack thanks to the post-war limb cloning program. There are a few small warehouses full of cyber limbs waiting to be sold or donated to civilians charities. Security on these sites has been increased as a precaution, though Vanderwal doubts they'll be targeted.

"From what I'm seeing in my reports people targeted for hijacking by these terrorists are always military personnel. Who they send them after varies but they usually exploit veterans to do it."

"Well there's a shitload of people leaving the military right now. Priority is protecting our people but if you get a chance to infiltrate their organisation do it. We need to know how they're hacking people. Most prosthetics aren't even supposed to have wireless."

"I'll see what I can do Viscount. Just be aware I probably wont be able to keep this in House. I may even have to share information with the Terrans."

[ ] As long as it gets results
[ ] Not the Terrans

>>4519008
>[ ] As long as it gets results

I am wiped out by the time change. Resuming for a couple of hours tomorrow morning the I'll be running through the day on Wednesday.

>>4519008
> [ ] As long as it gets results

Also see if we can leak some flagged info to check that it isn't the Terrans. You know, stuff that we would be able to see a change in their operations if they were being coordinated by Terrans.

>>4519072
Thanks for running! Happy to see you back.

Good run so far tstg, glad you're back.

>>4518909
>They are now believed to have been responsible for a number of earlier attacks, including one on Count Gernot Sigurd Jerik you helped foil.
Is there any pattern to the attacks? Choice of target for instance.

>>4519008
>[x] As long as it gets results
I'm sure he'll take the necessary precautions and it seems like a situation even Terran veterans don't deserve to be in (at least most of them).

>Bekka is a little disappointed she wont be able to bring her own ship
What kind of ship is she in command of?

>>4519008
>[ ] As long as it gets results

>>4519172
They target veterans.

>>4519299
>What kind of ship is she in command of?
Bekka has made use of a heavily customized Dusk II since shortly after they went into production. Most of her squadron use similar vessels.

Despite this she has expressed interest in the High Guard class as with many others serving in the attack cruiser wings. It may be a better choice for long term adoption due to lower production costs and easier maintenance.

>>4519481
>>4519172
>Is there any pattern to the attacks? Choice of target for instance.
Many of them seemed to be politically motivated, targeting government officials. While using veterans as a preferred vector, officials they've gone after dont seem to have much in common.

>>4519515
>Despite this she has expressed interest in the High Guard class as with many others serving in the attack cruiser wings. It may be a better choice for long term adoption due to lower production costs and easier maintenance.
I guess we need to keep an eye on that. If even Sonia's sister considers switching ship, we might be seeing an even bigger decrease of sales in the near future.

>>4518561
FOR HOUSE & DOMINION!

How the fuck is this still going?
I remember this from 2011-2012.
Its been 9 fucking years and this still ongoing?

>>4520192
He truly is that slow typing guy

>>4520192
The virgin oneshot quest fan vs the chad slowburn quest enjoyer

Oh hey, this isn't dead.

File: Sonia fan art by SojournF(...).png (1.32 MB, 950x1642)

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"As long as it gets results."
The old spymaster promises to do what needs to be done before signing off.

You spend a day with the kids before departure. They're not happy you'll be away for several months again but those are the unfortunate realities of your job. At least this will be a much shorter trip compared to your last deployment.

The Centri cluster gate is still in operation, connecting to the captured gate near the core of the Neeran Empire. It only shaves a week off the trip to Threochts Planet but considering the speeds and distances involved that's still quite a bit. The shortcut will be much more noticeable on the way back from Kythera territory.

Nearly four weeks aboard ship are an opportunity to get work done. Preparing for the trade mission, training and anything else you can think of to kill time. Sparring with Bekka of course enters into the equation. Your younger -but currently physically older- sister remains as intensely competitive when it comes to some things as it ever did. So holographic training sims where you're fighting each other a lot.

Roll
2d20

Rolled 4, 15 = 19 (2d20)

>>4520548
Rolling bones

Rolled 16, 6 = 22 (2d20)

>>4520548

Rolled 17, 7 = 24 (2d20)

>>4520548

During power armor sims Bekka does her best to try and end the fights quickly. She knows well enough that you've had reaction enhancements, though not the extent the more recent medical work has improved those.

Using a few tricks from Winifred's book she attempts to blind you with flash and smoke launchers. It almost works. When she closes to melee range you barely catch that she's drawn a second HF-blade, forcing you to leap to the side to avoid the second weapon. Having used up her secret weapon you pick away at her from maximum range, making full use of your greater agility. Eventually you wear her down winning the match.

The rest of your sparring sessions tend to have rather predictable results after this. She simply cant match you in close combat between your experience and upgrades.

"I almost had you in the first bout." Bekka says between deep breaths.

"I dont think smoke launchers are going to be legal in the Grand Tourney if that's what you're getting ready for."

Bekka shrugs. "I'm still trying to decide if I should attend. It depends if this age reset counts as an enhancement."
"So you're not getting any kind of reaction or strength enhancements?"
You're a little surprised by this. You sort of expected her to do just about anything to win. Then again the war is over so it's less of a pressing issue.

In ship to ship combat sims things go differently. It's just as close overall but you've been spending a lot more time commanding fleets rather than flying ships. Bekka has been a squadron level commander on the front lines most of her career. She knows how to push her ship to the limits without breaking it, while you have something of a history of causing extensive maintenance issues. Especially when a ship has afterburners.

Despite her narrow victory over you Bekka sounds rather annoyed with your performance.
"Why are you using the afterburners and high maneuver drives at the same time?! You know you're not supposed to do that!"

[ ] "Because I wanted to win!"
[ ] "Because I know I can pay for replacement engines."
[ ] Other?

>>4520620
[ ] Got to go fast

>>4520620
"Way too much of my career was spent on ships without emergency teleporters. I also actually had to abandon ship once, and a damaged ship is preferable to that in my opinion."

>>4520620
>, while you have something of a history of causing extensive maintenance issues.

Mumble grumble we made it work tho grumble grumble could always just ste~ er, salvage a better ship anyways.

>>4520620
It takes everything possible to survive, plus it's a simulation.

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"A damaged ship is better than a lost ship, and I've actually had to abandon one before. Sometimes you have to go all out in order to win."

This does not seem to placate your younger sister.
"Not being able to finish a fight because of an easily avoidable engine failure isn't just dangerous it's stupid! You need to keep as many of your ships in the fight for as long as you can. If one of my pilots kept pulling a stunt like that they'd be getting a ticket to the remedial units."
"Damn Bekka, it's just a simulation."

The younger Reynard takes a minute to calm down before saying anything else.
"Sorry. I've had to deal with rich shits occasionally that weren't careful enough in the field and had to be sent back to base. Operating under strength of because of someone being an idiot is a serious irritant for me."

That's understandable. You weren't really a squadron commander for very long and Winifred's attack wings at the time were a fairly exclusive group. Back then you had to worry more about the officers above you in rank being stupid rather than those below.
"You're going to have plenty of time to weed out the good from the bad in peace time Bekka."

"Fuck that! I want my squadron to become one of those invitation only elites like Serth's Dragoons. Now that we dont have every high school graduate ever wanting to fly assault corvettes I might be able to do it too."

I am actually running a fever and need to get covid tested, so that's great. Resuming when I can.

>>4520801
As a long time lurker and few time poster, I'll be waiting always for you tstg

>>4520801
Cuuuuuuuurse!

>>4520760

I wish you the best of luck with that, TSTG.

I'm so happy you're back - It feels like I'm reunited with an old friend. I don't use twitter, so I was getting worried I missed the finale or worse.

Don't we have a High Guard? If we do, I'd like to gift it to Bekka with full customization options included. If she does want to switch, better to do it sooner.

So I'm doing better and my test results came back negative. Probably just regular flu. Going to resume tomorrow after a grocery run.

>>4523757
i'm glad you didn't have the covid mate

>>4523757
Weird to be glad you have the flu, but hey at least you aren't dying. That's good.

>>4523757
The curse has spared you for now

A galaxy wide pandemic that kills everyone! Make it a sequel.

You and Bekka continue to clash through the rest of the trip, arguing tactics, politics and what the House should spend money on in peace time. According to her there is growing support for the Wardens and Egalitarian Coalition in the south reach territories. These are groups that are nominally opposed to one another, leading to some fairly public disagreements.

On the other hand some see the Warden faction as a potential means of checking the power of the Barons. It's fairly clear that the uprising would have had a much wider reaching impact if most of the Barons hasn't been against them.

"Are you saying the Barons should be elected?"

Bekka shrugs. "When we get farther into actual peace time, and the bulk of the fleets are mothballed, the Knights are going to be the real standing military of the House. Most of us own warships or soon will since now is the time to buy. I know plenty of Knights that are still owed a cruiser grade vessel but temporarily passed on it since they were going to be flying assault corvettes."

That is going to put the House in an interesting position in the future. It won't affect you of course as many of your Knights were given land on Rioja. Many of Winifred's older Knights hold territory in the homeworlds but those she Knighted during the civil war now have holdings primarily in South Reach. It's going to make things complicated.

"Maybe the Count will reassign Knights to opposite ends of J-D space to help maintain their loyalty."

Bekka rolls her eyes at your suggestion.
"Maybe that'll guarantee Knights loyalty to the House but it won't exactly solve the problem."

>Should the Knights have more say in choosing the Barons of the House?
>Y/N?

>>4524613
Maybe something more informal than a say? If the Barons are well liked by the Knights, that's a good indicator. Anything more seems like it's creeping dangerously close to democratic influence.

>>4524613
>N

>>4524613
Y

>>4524689
>>4524688
>>4524626
Yes, No, Maybe.
>H&D voting

>>4524613
> No.

For now you dont have a strong opinion on the matter. It's something you'll have to look into and talk to your advisors about. Possibly the Count or the other Barons too in order to see where they stand.

The unit reaches Threochts Planet without incident and soon enough enter a parking orbit to wait for permission to land. There are plenty of Dominion and Rovinar transport ships in orbit in addition to the local Rekesh. One of the captured Ulgean super carriers are still in a high orbit undergoing repairs. Orbital platforms have been rebuilt once again, though the heavy cruiser yard looks to have been removed entirely to reinforce the main platform.

Arriving on the surface you see that the main entry site at the equator has undergone some work. A proper cargo handling facility has been built, along with permanent defensive walls. Engineers are hard at work reinforcing weapon emplacements with secondary stasis shielding. It would take a major assault or an SP weapon strike to pose a serious threat to this place. With the Ulgean holding territory in this galaxy neither can be fully ruled out. They've already made one attempt to take the planet.

Uller has returned to the sphere but Sam and Dave from Baldr's faction of Neeran have remained on site. Liason officer Tu Quedis seems to have been promoted since your last visit, though you dont initially notice them at first. Partly because Bekka is blocking your line of sight. You start to realise your sister might be up to something when you hear her say in a rather mischievous tone, "Yes my eyes are up here."

Excusing yourself from the conversation with Dave you step over to get a better look and clear your throat rather loudly.
An extremely nervous Tu Quedis snaps to attention, eyes flashing back and forth between you and Bekka in visible confusion.
"Viscount?"

You have to resist the urge to facepalm or slap your sister upside the head when you see that Bekka is grinning ear to ear. Clearly she's been playing some kind of prank on the poor officer.

"Commander this is my sister. I hope she hasn't been causing you any trouble. Bekka you're with me. Now."
Once out of earshot you turn on Bekka.
"Can I not take you anywhere?"

"Come on, most of the Rekesh guys look like a Kavarian except kinda spooky and hot at the same time."
"I don't even- look just behave yourself please?"
"Excuse me for having both a sex life and a sense of humor."
"Bekka."

>>4524626

Maybe offer them like 5% of the ballot and they can elect their representatives. Or duel for the position.

>>4524718
Quality post.

>>4524613

I missed this vote but I would've been a No as well.

The wait to enter the planet interior is shorter than you worried it might be. Once enough people are queued up a personnel transport vehicle is substituted for one of the low priority cargo ones and you're headed through.

Bekka nervously glances around the transit chamber once inside.
"What was in that phone book of an NDA I had to sign?"
"The short version? This place doesn't exist, you were never here, and you didn't see any of the other Factions doing anything. Ever."
"What's the penalty for breaking it?"

It occurs to you that you dont actually know off the top of your head what the consequences for being that stupid are. Eventually you decide on a plausible answer.
"I'm going to say everything."
"Everything?"
"If you're not made to disappear immediately then you'll be charged with everything found guilty and executed. Probably by the Ruling House. They might arrest the rest of the family and any of your friends as well."
That seems to give your sister a few moments of pause.

After arriving on the planet's inner surface the passenger vehicle pulls off to a dedicated unloading area for new arrivals. The outpost on this side has also been expanded quite a bit though parts of the original base is still visible in places. Repulsor bikes and shorter range craft are still making use of the old landing pads.

On the side of the base that had been set aside for Krath use things have seen the most growth. A docking berth the size of a light corvette has been built and is currently home to one of the stasis packaging ships. Or it looks similar to the vessels the Krath were using. You'll need to get an update on that when Bekka isn't around.

The newest addition is on the east side of the base where a tower like structure is being built. It appears to be a mix of Faction and ancient builder technology. Pieces looking similar to those used in the Sphere's rapid transit system are still being arranged for assembly.

"Viscount," a familiar voice addresses you.
Turning you see a Rovinar in civilian field gear, soon recognizing them as Akyarres, one of the scientists with the Sphere Foundation.
"Welcome back. As you can see everyone here has been hard at work in your absence. Though the real progress is taking place in the city in the north. The ship is currently docked there undergoing tests. I'm to escort you and your guest there while keeping contact to a minimum."

>Questions?

>>4524718
>You're not the only one with an active sex life Bekka
>>4524770
Nothing comes to mind

I have been writing but I have to re-read some of the previous threads to double check details.

>>4524770
How has progress been going since we departed? Steady?

Is there any contingency in the event the Ulgean breach the surface? Any way to hard-disable the entry chambers?

Given the distances involved Akyarres leads you to a landing pad with a faster shuttle rather than one of the slower repulsor craft. Traveling a quarter of the way around the interior at subsonic speeds would have taken awhile. Being a cargo shuttle rather than a luxury craft there are no windows in the aft compartment. Probably better this way as it means your sister won't see as much on approach.

Along the way Bekka seems to get her voice back.
"You said they might arrest the rest of the family. Aren't you friends with the Emperor or something?"
"Yes, which is why I'd probably only lose half my fortune and holdings to pay for any of your mistakes."
"Oh."
"Shit, I bet my political enemies would try to nationalize all my starships too."

Bekka gives you a look.
"Then why are you taking the risk I might screw up?"
"Um, because you're my sister?"
"Oh... thanks sis."
"Yeah well don't mention it. Really, we're not allowed to mention this."

When the shuttle sets down you emerge onto a landing pad ringed by force fields. Outside it you can see structures in every direction, all made of builder material. Nearby on top of an elevated docking cradle is the ship. The builder ship that you put so much effort into recovering intact just sitting there for all to see.

A causeway enclosed with glass leads from the landing pad towards the base of the docking cradle. "The landing pads, connecting causeways and lifts here are sealed to prevent any atmospheric contaminants from getting in." Akyarres explains.
With the Rovinar leading the way you head down it, getting a better view of the city through the transparent material. You can't make out much detail from here which is probably just as well.

When about halfway along the causeway one of the ships beam emitters fire off towards a distant point elsewhere in the city. It remains active at least until you get inside. It might be they're using it to construct a new building, or disassemble a piece of technology elsewhere. A short ride in a lift later and you're passing through the same hatch you once used to first board the vessel.

The interior has been cleaned up a bit since your last visit. Walls are polished to a mirror sheen and personnel from several species are going about daily work. The main common area where the food dispensers are located is crowded with personnel compared to previous visits. Displays are active showing news updates from Faction space on the walls along with local weather reports. A few people from House Jerik-Dremine recognise you and stand to attention but you're quick to tell them to go about their business.

>cont.

Arriving at the medical bay you see Nadya Tola is there in addition to the few doctors. She informs you that she and Nikau are both in excellent health and are still working to help develop better enhancements. Both are now members of the Dominion's contribution to the Sphere Foundation. They're still continuing to advance the cause of the Dominion and the House, but there needed to be assurances they wouldn't be recalled.

"It's for the best really since under Dominion law we're technically clones so we're able to have a much larger impact here than we would back home."

"What do you mean technically?" asks Bekka.

Nadya looks to you for permission first and you give the go ahead for a brief explanation.
"This thing made a full scan copy of me, the original me, and could have created a duplicate indistinguishable from the original if they'd wanted. They didn't want to just make a copy though, they needed someone to test out a ton of experimental enhancements. I'm the result, or one of them."
Nadya glances back to you.
"There was only the two of us right? I feel like nobody would give me a straight answer if I asked."

"Just the two of you," you confirm.

Bekka considers this new information for a moment then asks a question.
"If I had the scans needed to clone someone could thing thing bring them back?"

Nadya shrugs. "Yes but so could regular cloning."

"Dominion cloning leaves markers." Bekka points out. "They're easily differentiated, even when trying to be covert about it."

"Where are you going with this?" you ask.

Your sister pulls out a data card with Alliance markings.
"A friend of mine died in the war. I want to bring them back."

Your first instinct is to warn that all of you could get in serious shit for illegal cloning. Then again the goings on here are about as heavily redacted as you could find anywhere. If they'd joined the Alliance and died on their watch it's not like you're cloning people for your own House.

[ ] Fine but we have to keep this quiet
[ ] No, we're not doing that
[ ] Other?

>>4524966

>[X] No, we're not doing that

Express apologies but explain something about how cloning to regain comrades is a slippery slope, impact on their family, and whatever else is commonly cited in the dominion as reasons to not willy nilly clone soldiers who have died.

We didn't bring her here for this. Even if she thinks it would make her happy, would it actually be a good thing? Privilege to knowledge of this kind of tech needs to tempered with extreme caution, something many have to learn the hard way rather than having a wise beyond her (altered) years sister explain to them.

>>4524770

>Questions?

Nothing comes to mind on what to ask with Bekka around. But we may not get another chance to ask or not anytime in the near future.

So questions we can just ask for in a report. How are things going in/ with the core? I know we kind of fiddled around back and forth and risked a lot. But has the cores status remained stable, no immediate changes posing a threat to the rest of the facility?

What is the estimated date for the Krath finish "clean up" of certain biological hazards? Also part of this question, how long after this clean up until the Builder Ship is sent to the Sphere?

What are some of the projects being conducted/ tested here in the facility in the northern portion of the city?

Have they managed to replicate those matter syphons yet? Because that would be extremely useful.

What of that builder found in the tower? Is it still in stasis? Any possibility of scanning it and its biology so we can store said scans on the Builder Ship. And maybe use those scans for future improvements on "upgrades"?

Status of the Builder Ship and whether or not it can be repaired using the facilities here? Or would we need to bring it to another Builder Facility to repair it?

Anymore libraries or data vaults uncovered that could point to other Builder Facilities? Which we can claim as Salvage Or any other data on reversed engineered Builder Tech which can be sold to the Dominion?

How is Space Wizard and his grand daughter? And the rest of our group in exploring this facility. Would Space Wizards grand daughter like to come with us to see more of what life has to offer? And see more stars and worlds and people than what she has already seen already. And make her the uncontested future Wizard with her experience in dealing with outsiders and the universe at large.

>>4524966
>[ ] No, we're not doing that

>>4524966

>[ ] No, we're not doing that

We can't bring them back. They have already been recorded as deceased. Their families and loved ones informed of their death. If we cloned them, brought them back. We would be exiling them from the Dominion and forcing them to live away from their family and those they loved.

We are already taking a huge risk by bringing Bekka here. Bringing someone back would be adding more risk on to it. Plus as >>4524980
pointed out there is a reason the Dominion does not like cloning soldiers who have died and why the Emperor made it a point to only bring back those who died in defense of the Capital and not the rest of the Dominion Civil War.

If Bekka doesn't take our reasoning as good enough. Give her the upgrade. But also make it so she comes out of it asleep and her memory altered so she doesn't remember this place or what she saw. And when she asks why she doesn't remember, we tell her we had her mind wiped so as to protect her. This plan will piss Bekka off to no end and likely end any bond or relationship with her most likely.

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>>4524996
>there is a reason the Dominion does not like cloning soldiers who have died
Just to be clear the Dominion will totally do this if the person gave permission. It's just you know, that the clones cant be nobles under normal circumstances. It's also encouraged that they stay away from family members as there have been rare instances where there have been multiple clones of the same person. That can be rather awkward.

>Emperor made it a point to only bring back those who died in defense of the Capital
He want farther than a lot wanted and allowed cloned nobles in that particular instance to retain their noble status.

>>4525009

Oh, I always figured it was just this big thing that you should never ever do. Unless you want bad things to happen to you.

Did the person request to be cloned? And were they previously knighted? If they agreed to be cloned and weren't knighted then okay, sure clone the guy.

>>4524966
>[ ] No, we're not doing that
If the person were on the verge of death, like that one soldier we lost, I'd agree, but from the sounds of it they've been dead for a long while.

>>4525014
>Oh, I always figured it was just this big thing that you should never ever do.
Not illegally you shouldn't, and your House doesn't have cloning capability. The House draws up a list of people to get cloned and it gets sent to one of your allies. Allies that have to keep track of just how many people they're cloning so that none of the Seven or the Ruling House decide its time for a crack down. Especially now that peace time cloning restrictions are going to be put back into place soon.

>Did the person request to be cloned?
They'd actually taken their name off the list but had kept up with regular scans as per Alliance protocol.
>And were they previously knighted?
That's a bit of a sticking point. It turns out they had been Knighted at one point but were stripped of their title due to a "diplomatic incident."

>>4524984
You'll ask some of these questions when Bekka is being checked over after her medical procedure.

>>4525035
>from the sounds of it they've been dead for a long while.
Several years. Before the invasion of the Neeran Empire.

Not bringing back friends long dead.

Resuming tomorrow.

>>4524966
>"A friend of mine died in the war. I want to bring them back."
Would they want to get brought back? It's nice she cares that much about her friend but the relatively large time gap might make things complicated. The guy whose scan was still stored on the builder ship didn't deal too well with everything either.

>>4525052
>You'll ask some of these questions when
Did they manage to send any probes into the shipyard yet? I'm curious if the two engineers and the guy we recreated managed to reactivate the stasis fields in that area before everything got dropped into the planet's core.

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How do you guys envision the Sphere armor Sonia has? I was always partial to this, but with a more human helmet.

>>4525543
That looks about right to me

>>4525083
It's not like the technology is going to disappear. If she wants to bring her friend back, she can do it as a clone or we can find a way to do so outside of the Dominion. Definitely not in the heart of the most secret research complex that we just told her has to remain as secret as possible. Does she have any idea how much would be put at risk by what she's asking? We would have to kill her friend after, or keep them imprisoned her for life, even if we did bring them back here.

FFS Becca. We've all lost people. We have to accept that eventually, it's time for them to go.

"I'm sorry Bekka but we're not doing that. I've lost people too. If you can't accept that fine, but we're not doing it here, it's too dangerous."

"Fine. I'll find another way." Bekka replies dejectedly. "Let's get this over with."

You look to Nadya who gets Bekka's attention.
"Are you getting any enhancements done? We have quite a few different kinds available now. General reaction and strength boosters or the ability to use caretaker artifacts more efficiently. There's one we're almost finished testing that can make someone nearly immune to Neeran influence."

"Just the age thing," she decides. "I'd rather be on an even footing with the younger Knights."

Any interest in convincing Bekka to go for enhancements or just leave it to her?
[ ] She has already decided
[ ] "Enhancements could help keep you alive."

>>4525577
>"Fine. I'll find another way." Bekka replies dejectedly.
It's probably a good idea to inform her that the medical improvements will be shared with the sphere Neeran and the FA (if I remember correctly). If she's willing to wait a couple more years, it should be possible to revive her friend without compromising the security of this facility or resorting to questionable means.

>[ ] She has already decided
She's old enough to decide for herself, we don't need to baby her.

>>4525577
>[ ] "Enhancements could help keep you alive."
Enhancements performed here would get passed down to any descendants right? As long as they were performed at the genetic level of course.

>>4525577
>[ ] She has already decided

No need to push her into anything she doesn't want.

Also as >>4525592 suggested, could let her know that such tech will be made available to the FA and Sphere Neeran eventually. If she has waited this long a few more years will not hurt.

>>4525577
>[ ] She has already decided

>>4525577
>[ ] "Enhancements could help keep you alive."

This ain't a common opportunity she has here.

>Q&A

>How are things going in/ with the core?
>Did they manage to send any probes into the shipyard yet?
A probe was constructed entirely out of builder material and sent to the planet exterior. From there it burrowed through the crust and into the core of the planet in real space. They weren't able to remotely control the probe due to the presence of the same field that reflects sensor readings.

Fortunately the autopilot worked as intended. When the probe returned to the surface it had managed to collect some data. It would seem the shipyard is there in real space, though the probe couldn't get inside. There were also some odd readings that may be a result of the field and interactions with subspace.

There is believed to be little to no danger of the yard's gate being accidentally activated. The presence of so much mass under such pressure would prevent its operation. Because of this the yard is not believed to be a threat to the continued safety of the planet.

>What is the estimated date for the Krath finish "clean up" of certain biological hazards?
Things are moving along quite steadily. The Leviathans are now off site thanks to use of the gate and a majority of the captured scales were shipped out at the same time. Any remaining scales are being removed to the surface by the transit chamber.
Removal of the bulk of the population should be done in another year. Getting the last of them may take a bit longer as finding small numbers hiding in remote areas will be more difficult.

>Also part of this question, how long after this clean up until the Builder Ship is sent to the Sphere?
That remains a matter of some debate. Your arguements regarding security on the Sphere have found a receptive audience among the Rekesh and others. It may turn out to be better to have the ship make temporary visits to the sphere, returning here the rest of the time.

>What are some of the projects being conducted/ tested here in the facility in the northern portion of the city?
In terms of footprint the city is actually quite large now, built out in all directions from the north pole facility. Power that once would have been used for the (now damaged) transit chamber is used to supply the city grid.
One entire quarter of the city is set aside for use by the Krath as an education facility of sorts for the recovered Scales. Only a small number are present at any given time and it is environmentally sealed from the rest of the city.
The main focus of work at the city is the reverse engineering or deconstruction of technology via the ships beam emitters so they can be used to build things. Construction capability is growing increasingly sophisticated.

>Have they managed to replicate those matter syphons yet?
This is a high priority project. The engineers are doing what they can to advance towards this point. They hope to be able to build a prototype soon but even with builder material it may take several attempts to get one that works.

>cont.

>What of that builder found in the tower? Is it still in stasis? Any possibility of scanning it and its biology so we can store said scans on the Builder Ship.
The one that is basicly an energy being? That is not currently within the capabilities of the recovered tech.

>Status of the Builder Ship
They're still trying to figure out if the current damage will impact future operations. Signs point to no but they want to be absolutely certain.

>whether or not it can be repaired using the facilities here?
It can not. It's part of the reason why constructing a matter syphon is so important. If they can do that then it should be possible to build a repair facility to patch up the damage to the ship. Though that will take much longer.

>Anymore libraries or data vaults uncovered that could point to other Builder Facilities?
Not so far.
>Which we can claim as Salvage
Haha no. The Alliance and the Sphere Foundation are all over that now so good luck.

>data on reversed engineered Builder Tech which can be sold to the Dominion?
The Dominion is still in the process of constructing labs that can be equipped adequately to study this stuff. They were rather busy putting everything into the Shield Piercing weapon program. For now they're mostly waiting to see the results of the matter syphon research with the ship. Until one can be built by that thing the Dominion wont stand much of a chance.

IF they can get it working properly the plan is to try and duplicate it substituting stasis technology for builder material. Faction stasis fields are probably not strong enough to pull that off yet but at the current pace of their development it should be possible eventually.

"How long is eventually?" you ask.
"Maybe a century or two?"

>How is Space Wizard and his grand daughter?
Both are doing well. The Lady Af Ied is continuing to grow in power and influence, which some see as a problem, but her help has been instrumental in reverse engineering some tech. As for the old wizard he has largely gone back into seclusion. Every month or so someone convinces him to take a look at the work going on in the north.

Partly because of his wanting to waste as little time as possible on transportation a number of additional locations are being upgraded with sphere rapid transit systems.

>cont.

>And the rest of our group in exploring this facility.
A lot of this place if fairly mundane compared to the gate and polar installations. Most have been assisting Rekesh and Krath teams visiting settlements to help locate blight scales. Or simply helping provide security.
About half of the gravity well generator techs have finished their main study of the singularity reactor and have departed back to Dominion territory. A few are rumored to have been sent to the Neeran built Lighthouse station to look over the singularity reactor there. According to rumor it's much less advanced but it is able to power most of the main system allowing it to act as a navigation relay.

>Would Space Wizards grand daughter like to come with us to see more of what life has to offer
They have their hands full and are not available to travel far right now.

>>4525593
>Enhancements performed here would get passed down to any descendants right? As long as they were performed at the genetic level of course.
Actually the reproductive organs are largely being left alone on everyone in case there are any issues with the upgrades. Exceptions are the two people who were cloned. They were being built from scratch so changes were baked in as it were.

So 2 questions before I have to head out for a bit.

1) Is Sonia getting any further enhancements at this time?
>Y/N?

2) Did you want any enhancements to be ones that can be passed on the future children?
>Y/N?

>>4525712

>1) Is Sonia getting any further enhancements at this time?

I was against them before, especially the stuff that made us vulnerable to that jamming device. But now since things are quieting down? Sure lets go for it. Yes.

>2) Did you want any enhancements to be ones that can be passed on the future children?

I do not think Sonia is that far of a radical to test it. Maybe if we knew some people from Kharbos who we could trust to test this out. But I say no for going this path.

But Sonia and Troy are planning on eventually another Reynard at some point. So if we want to do this, time is now.

>>4525712
>1) Is Sonia getting any further enhancements at this time?
I don't really see the need for it.

>2) Did you want any enhancements to be ones that can be passed on the future children?
It's not really an enhancement but did we get hereditary diseases scrubbed from Sonia's DNA? Like the stuff that makes her mother explode if she leaves a planet. If we haven't, we should have things like that removed from both sisters.

>>4525712
>1) Is Sonia getting any further enhancements at this time?
N
>2) Did you want any enhancements to be ones that can be passed on the future children?
N

>>4525712
N

Y. Remove all genetic ailments, cosmetic flaws and increase attractiveness of all children.

>>4525712
>1)
Y

>2)
N

>>4524984
>other Builder Facilities?
And before I forget there was another builder facility located by the Alliance unit. There wasn't much left of it. It looks to be the remains of a subsurface facility was was wiped out by sustained antimatter bombardment. The only thing that survived were parts of the foundations and what may have been stasis vaults. All of the vaults had been rendered inoperable with less than ten percent of their structures remaining.
Like the previous site they looked at the planet had lost its atmosphere.

>>4525817
>cosmetic flaws and increase attractiveness of all children.
Not enough votes for new modifications.

>>4525782
>did we get hereditary diseases scrubbed from Sonia's DNA?
That's a good point. Other than this no changes are/have been made. Presumably this would have been picked up during your previous visit. Bekka is also checked for your mother's condition during her reset.

>Like the stuff that makes her mother explode if she leaves a planet.
It would fuck with her nervous system, especially her brain.

>>4525712

>Further enhancements?

Yes. If we get the relic usage enhancement we might be one of the most capable users in the Dominion. I'd love to git gud with the healing relic that I dont remember much about.

>Pass it down genetically

Nah, they can choose it if they want. Probably.

>>4525712
N
N

Even after all this time, people don't want brain powers. I'm a little surprised, especially since they might have helped against the Nano-menace.

You finish a few conversations with people then meet up with Bekka and Akyarres for the trip back to the landing pad. Outside a modified stasis capture vessel rumbles past on repulsors. It looks like they've structurally reinforced it to better operate for extended periods above the surface.

Your sister is quiet for most of the trip back. Enough that you eventually ask if she's alright when lining up for the trip through the transit chamber.

"Yeah I'm just feeling a little weird. I'm not that much younger now but I guess it's enough to notice."

You shrug. "You'll get used to it again I'm sure. It's just a-"
The sisterly advice you'd been trying to give Bekka is interrupted as she suddenly doubles over and throws up.
"...matter of time. Are you alright?"
"Ugh, no."
"Right hang on, medic!"

A few minutes later Bekka is back in a medical bay. Fortunately the main outpost has seen a few upgrades on that front. A precaution in case of an accidental blight scale exposure event.

"What's wrong?" you ask once things seem to be under control.
"She's been poisoned," one of the medical staff explains.
"WHAT!? This is an ultra high security facility!"

"It must have been in her system for awhile and a recent treatment removed a blocker. Probably some crazy Dominion assassination method that wouldn't show up normally."

"And it just so happens that not even a builder medical system picked it up?"
"Might not have been recognized as a threat while it was inert."

You lower your voice so that anyone else in the room cant hear your barely restrained fury, while ever so gently placing your indestructible right hand on their shoulder and pulling the medic closer.
"I want samples, in stasis, and a likely origin of this poison. Quickly. Quietly. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now tell me that my sister is going to be okay."

"She'll be fine in a few hours sir, we just want to make sure we haven't missed anything."
"Okay. Get to it."
"Yes sir!"

>>4526067
This seems pretty weird. Would the poison have been lethal if only standard dominion equipment had been available?

>>4526067

So Bekka got the same poison as Reffa? I guess someone was planning to use her as leverage against us? Or to prevent her from rising up/ against the house?

It seems Foxx is no longer alone on our shit list. And thus does the spark of another grudge form and a desire to knock off such ass hole arise.

>>4526067
Sounds like someone needs to be killed.

>>4526108
>Would the poison have been lethal if only standard dominion equipment had been available?
If they weren't able to catch it in time yes. There would have been a much narrower window of opportunity to get treatment.

A few hours later your sister is back on her feet and you get her some water.
"Bekka would you like to tell me why someone tried to poison you?"

Bekka half spits out a mouthful of water in surprise.
"Someone poisoned me!?!"

Valeri hands you a small towel to dry off your face. This already long day is going to be even longer than you thought.

Discussing the matter at length on the way to the surface you try to find out who she may have angered enough to attempt an assassination. Based on the readouts provided by the medics this is a rare poison only used by the Dominion nobility and possibly the Rovinar, though that last bit hasn't been confirmed. It's also an expensive means of poisoning someone according to a Ruling House officer with their intel division.

"Have you pissed anyone off enough that they might want to kill you?"
"I don't think so. There were a couple of guys that didn't take breaking up well. Then there was... heh, I dont think that was it. Oh and that time I was kidnapped but I thought everyone involved was arrested."

You're not so sure about the kidnapping. "As far as I remember the kidnappers got away but we traced most of the money and the people who hired them back to Erid space. The backers were all mostly arrested and Baron Xisoth and my contacts in the PCCG got some publicity out of it."

"Huh? Oh you mean that time I was kidnapped when I was little. No no no, I got kidnapped on the Surakeh station one time but Winifred and her people took care of it."

You were not aware of that. Or Bekka played it down enough that it hadn't really registered.
"How many times have you been kidnapped?"
"Uh... two? It doesn't count if they completely flubbed the attempt and I beat the shit out of them right?"

For fucks sake Bekka.

"Oh, I might have pissed off that Ceres kid the one time."
"I'm sorry, kid?"
"Uh, the Baron. He was kinda young for a Baron. I thought he was being tsundere but in retrospect he might have actually been kinda mad at me."

You take a deep breath trying to remain calm.
"Sis you're not exactly narrowing down the list of suspects."

Found it.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2457327/#p2458327

The only person of any real power or significance that Bekka may have angered to your knowledge is former Baron, now Earl Torsten Vlegel. Like much of House Ceres he lost a lot in the civil war, but gained far more back in the year of recovery afterwards.

Did you want to do anything about this at this time, or just get your security people to begin an investigation?

>>4526193
>Did you want to do anything about this at this time, or just get your security people to begin an investigation?

Have them begin an investigation. And let our Spy Master know we might be dealing with a profile target in the near-ish future.

>>4526193
start an investigation, but don't expect much.
assign a diplomat to her to smooth things over whenever something happens and for basic diplomacy training.

>>4526193
Investigate, then maybe we can confront them at some point.

>>4526200
>assign a diplomat to her to smooth things over whenever something happens and for basic diplomacy training.
"How is this my fault?" Bekka exclaims.
"People dont try to assassinate you over nothing."
"You've had assassination attempts before."
"Yeah, over politics and fleet command. Neither of which I would consider to be nothing."
"How do we know they're not going after me to get at you?"

Your cross your arms.
"We don't, but it's clear you're not helping matters with the devil-may-care attitude regarding flings. You're a Knight of House Jerik-Dremine, not Catherine the Great."

Bekka looks as though she's about to say something in response but stops herself. Eventually she settles on a new train of thought.
"Thank you for the gift sister, and for helping me survive an assassination attempt. I hope your diplomatic mission works out."

"No interest in seeing the Kythera worlds?"
"Appearances to the contrary I'm crazy not stupid. I'm not going anywhere near a grey goo planet. See you and good luck!"

>Anything you want to take care of in Rekesh territory before departure?

>>4526231

>"Thank you for the gift sister, and for helping me survive an assassination attempt. I hope your diplomatic mission works out."

Does it feel colder all of the sudden? Or is it just me? Probably reading to much into it.

>Anything you want to take care of in Rekesh territory before departure?

Check up on the RH Baron who came with us during the second wave, if he is still here. See how he is doing for himself here.

Check up on the Rovinar Ambassador we pulled into the craziness of super secret shit and away from what he was originally intended to do. See if he's had any chance to use his skills lately.

Check on our Rekesh allies/ RH delegation, see how things are going and the status of when the Rekesh will reinstate their Baron equivalents. And just how obstinate the Rekesh Council is being. Also how are relations between the Rekesh and other territories here.

Also our Rekesh ally who was the head of the Rekesh military for pretty much this entire thing.

>>4526231
>"Thank you for the gift sister, and for helping me survive an assassination attempt. I hope your diplomatic mission works out."
Oh jesus.

>Anything you want to take care of in Rekesh territory before departure?
Weren't we attempting to influence the Rekesh towards a more dominion style government? How's that progressing?

>>4526171
Can we send the Earl a message, like maybe have some obvious observation go on? See how he reacts when put under the spotlight.

Maybe remind him that we technically haven't committed any war crimes, and that since we currently aren't at war we can keep that streak going.

>>4526260
Put them under observation and then see how they react to the call? Or am I misunderstanding?

Either way you would have to be careful what was said. House Ceres is one of the Seven now and is the most powerful Human led House. Accidentally insulting someone who has a few Barons nominally under their command would undoubtedly be a bad idea.

>>4526296

Rather not piss of an Earl of one of the Seven. But if he did poison Bekka, then we obviously need to take a form of action against him. But with Bekka's list of possible people. Lets find out who it was first. Then if it turns out it was him, then of course we start quietly funding his rivals who we can find agreeable ground with, maybe have one of them get the idea to use a similar poison on him. You know, standard Dominon practice. But do nothing just yet.

>>4526426
I've done something I should have done a long time ago. Started creating Dramatis Personae wiki pages for each chapter. Then I dont have to look through the entire list, or check the list inside the same file I'm writing out of that I may have accidentally screwed up at any moment.

>Check up on the Rovinar Ambassador
Whose name I finally found after scouring 3 different threads. Man the /qst/ threads are long.

Resuming tomorrow.

>>4526171
>Anything you want to take care of in Rekesh territory before departure?
Make sure someone is keeping an eye on Bekka so she isn't doing anything stupid while she's still in the region.
Try to check in on Ni Ahni and see how he's dealing with his new job of getting a proper government established.

>"Thank you for the gift sister, and for helping me survive an assassination attempt. I hope your diplomatic mission works out."
Try not to get too paranoid that Bekka is trying to play nice for some reason.

>>4525712
1) Is Sonia getting any further enhancements at this time?
>Y

2) Did you want any enhancements to be ones that can be passed on the future children?
>N

If this is still a active vote. I mean come the fuck on. We waited for year and years for this. Don't take brain powers away from me even in the end.

>>4526296
Accidentally?

>>4526690
> Becca acting like a mature adult

Quick, give her a shot of adrenaline.

Now I'm actually worried. That's so not Sonia's sister. She's either planning something or has been replaced (poorly).

>>4526984
Yeah, that's why I said we should check if she's a Krath.

>>4526984
For real though, pretty sure the whole cellular reconstruction is pretty convincing evidence she's Becca

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>>4526244
>Check up on the RH Baron who came with us during the second wave, if he is still here. See how he is doing for himself here.
That Baron has rotated home, though another is in the area with another Sovereign class fast super. They're stationed at the nearest Alliance fleet base to avoid drawing more attention to the region. This Baron does not know the particulars just what is at the planet, only that it is of the highest importance to the Emperor. Ruling House officers and Knights permanently assigned to Threochts Planet are the only ones who are considered need to know.

>Check up on the Rovinar Ambassador we pulled into the craziness of super secret shit and away from what he was originally intended to do.
Ambassador Schiroth has been quite busy trying to help the various states in this galaxy get long. The Western Liberation Block and Northern Coalition have resolved many of their border claims and disputes, though a few remain. The fleet base is still under Alliance control but both nearby nations are being allowed to invest in the colony there.

Meanwhile the southern provisional territory has gained control of the 2 main systems being disputed with the Rekesh. In return they've had to make various concessions. Many more uninhabited systems are now under rekesh control. This includes a large chunk of the more densely star packed region of the galaxy.

After some lengthy negotiations the Ulgean have agreed to withdraw from bases in the south east of the galaxy in return for a section of territory in the north. As both sections of space have no habitable worlds this was agreed on to help clean up the border lines.

Overall things are settling down, though the four nations continue to remain on alert for border incursions and priracy.

>Check on our Rekesh allies/ RH delegation, see how things are going and the status of when the Rekesh will reinstate their Baron equivalents. And just how obstinate the Rekesh Council is being.
With the return of something approximating peace Rekesh society is slowly coming to grips with the cultural damage the Neeran inflicted on them as a result of their earlier rebellion. It may take a generation for the traditional tribal Keepers to be fully replaced.


>cont.

While the Rovinar are rather annoyed at Dominion attempts to influence the Rekesh, Ambassador Schiroth has actually supported revival of Rekesh traditional culture. The elected Rekesh Council remains unenthusiastic about sharing power with nonelected leaders like the Keepers but those things are quickly leaving their control. Part of this is because of a failed assassination attempt on Ni Ahni.

A few days into the new year Ni Ahni helped to force through new laws regarding the fleet and military. Mostly ones that would prevent political meddling in the command structure. With those passed Ni Ahni had actually stepped down from their position as an active fleet commander. A rocket attack during a public gathering a couple of days later almost certainly would have killed him had the timing not been off by a few seconds.

This attack was seen by many as an attempt to prevent the last of the old Keepers from having any more say in politics. Public opinion has sharply turned as a result.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack and it doesn't look like the Ruling House was involved either. If it was a genuine attempt by the government to remove him then it blew up in their faces.

>Weren't we attempting to influence the Rekesh towards a more dominion style government? How's that progressing?
Sort of working. It's going to need some long term attention though.

Did you want to encourage the newly selected Keepers that they need to maintain some measure of military force for personal protection?

>>4527269
>Did you want to encourage the newly selected Keepers that they need to maintain some measure of military force for personal protection?
I feel like Ni Ahni has things well in hand and the Rekesh deserve to reestablish themselves like the think is best after the centuries of Neeran occupation. Suggest it to him but leave it at that.

Departing Threochts Planet you and your sister go your separate ways. While you certainly wouldn't want your more brash sibling accompanying you on a diplomatic mission it would have been nice to think she might have your back if asked. However she made her opinion on going near the Kythera quite clear.

It remains to be seen what you'll find in the Kythera occupied worlds. The Alliance apparently have some liaison personnel there but they're letting out very little information on what is happening.

Close to the newly assembled navigation outpost leading to the Centri cluster gate is a rally point for the mission. House Helios is standing by to equip Dominion personnel involved with suits and equipment to improve their odds if things go badly. A Terran delegation is providing experimental counter-nanites for their closest allies.

You've brought along some weapons and equipment held over from the battle in the capital back in the civil war. Just enough for a small team of bodyguards. You're eager to see just what Helios has prepared in the years since.

The new suits being offered would hardly seem to be an improvement. Minimalist and light weight, they're built more for ease of movement with little in the way of combat capabilities. What they do offer are a comprehensive improved defense against Kytheran nanite infiltration. In theory you could walk through a sea of nanites without any damage. In reality you and a number of others express concerns about its ability to withstand kinetic impacts. They could just crush you with their weight or use large masses to bludgeon opponents.

"It has a micro inertial compensator like some suits of power armor," Valeri points out, "but that will only do so much. "

One of the other Barons brings up an important point. "Do we really need such protection systems? If we are to negotiate should it not be done in good faith?"

The Count representing House Nasidum is less than enthusiastic about taking such a progressive stance.
"I don't care who was at fault, they caused grievous damage to dozens of Dominion worlds. We have reason enough to protect ourselves."

The Kythera are supposed to be providing a safe environment to meet in but they may have different ideas of what is considered safe. What do you intend to wear for the trade mission?

[ ] New Expedition Suit
[ ] Jumpt Jet AI War Armor
[ ] Dress Uniform

>>4527290
>What do you intend to wear for the trade mission?
Something sensible that's not armed to the teeth but offers more protection that a dress uniform? We don't know if somebody will try to sabotage the meeting. There's Neeran remnants, different parties in the various factions, and possibly competing forces within the Kythera state who might want for this mission to go up in flames.
Something that provides protection from open space and spalling should be the absolute minimum. I wouldn't be surprised if the Dominion had specifically designed diplomat armour to keep dignitaries protected in a potentially hostile without threatening the opposite party.

>>4527290
>[x] New Expedition Suit
[x] Sphere armor

>>4527290
>[ ] New Expedition Suit

Show off our own bling. While also making sure we wont be naked if someone decides to interfere in the talks.

>>4527290
>[ ] New Expedition Suit

>>4527290
>[ ] New Expedition Suit

>>4527313
>Something that provides protection from open space and spalling should be the absolute minimum.
You do have uniforms that can do a bit of that. There's probably a modified dress uniform that could do the same thing with a bit of update work.

>>4527322
>Show off our own bling.
So, just make sure you have your own weapons and equipment to go with it?

File: Spoiler Image (101 KB, 1060x859)

101 KB JPG

You place a request for some of the new expedition armor and have it fitted. At least half of the Dominion representatives will be doing the same. Something else you see is that many of the others are not equipping their bodyguards with the same suits, but rather combat grade power armor.

It seems Helios is offering additional upgrades to any that brought their old AI War armor. This includes an improved outer armor layer and measures to better seal off breached sections. While the upgrade is technically free there is a "suggested donation" to help fund continued development. About 2 million per suit. Figuring it's best to get the upgrade while it's available you tell them to go ahead.

The expedition suit meanwhile is fit and readied. Once you're satisfied that it will do the job the technicians and tailors ask about customization options. Oh boy does it have customization options. Most of it is similar to modern high end pilot suits, allowing you to better withstand g-forces, shrug off damage, the usual. In addition to the nanite protection it can also boost the wearers strength like rather weak power armor.
The upper section around the neck and shoulders are made of thicker armor sections carrying the power supply and other vital systems. There are also convenient locations to display House and family crests along with other markings.

The first thing to be added is a mount for your plasma pistol and 3 spare fuel cells. That's standard for everything you wear and nobody is going to convince you otherwise.

I suppose it looks a bit like the mass effect 3 phantom armor. Except the skin tight sections are dominion purple, plus the helmet is transparent and retracts into the neck/shoulder armor.

Aside from House/family crests and the pistol is there anything you want added to the suit?

>>4527625
Space for the lightning gun to hook up. Beyond that, not much else for me.

Sorry guys I have not been with it today.

>>4527625

I guess a small bandolier of EMP grenades would help if shtf. Can't think of anything else.

>>4527770

Writing is the usual top notch, don't sweat it. Good luck with recovering.

>>4527770
No complaints here.

>>4527625
> fiat accompli havung us buy the suit upgrades instead of a vote

I mean, not like we weren't gonna vote to buy it lol.

>>4528371
Just to clarify, this isn't a complaint. More like "you know us so well".

Well I didn't get anything written today but I did manage to draw up a few ships I'd been putting off for many years. Exodus Battlecruiser, Battleship, the Chevalier attack cruiser and the Dragoon attack cruiser. The Dragoon didn't end up quite how I wanted it but I still think it's pretty good.

Exodus Battlecruiser meanwhile is leftover lego pieces tier because that is literally what I made it out of. No way to make that look good.

>>4529393
Nice. On the wiki?

>>4529393
Exodus ships give me strong Babylon 5 vibes. Their battlecruiser looks like they only had a warehouse full of space truck parts but realized they needed more warships ASAP and made the best of what they had.

>>4529505
>On the wiki?
Yes.

>>4529696
>Their battlecruiser looks like they only had a warehouse full of space truck parts but realized they needed more warships ASAP and made the best of what they had.
That basically sums up the Terran situation in the Second Faction War.

>>4529393
I really like the look of the dragoon.

bump

Yes I'm still alive. Busy with work. I'll be resuming Sunday or Monday.

>>4532032
Thanks for the attempt but last I checked threads go into autosage after 3 days on /qst/.

>>4532057
>Thanks for the attempt but last I checked threads go into autosage after 3 days on /qst/.
damn. Oh well

Turns out Neutron stars might be a better theoretical power source than black holes in terms o output. So it's just as well I put that wormhole gate next to one.

What's the comfiest faction to live in during peace times for the average citizen? I'd guess Norune and Kavarian societies are pretty close to TNG levels of sensible people living sensible lives?

>>4532943
I guess it would depend on how you define comfy. Quality of life? Freedom of speech/expression? Availability of work?

>>4533615
Blue elf traps.

>>4527275
100% keen on having this chat with him before we leave

Also, man did Bekka go cold on us after the operation

I wonder why she didn’t opt for enhancements...

>>4532943
>What's the comfiest faction to live in during peace times for the average citizen?
>>4533615
>I guess it would depend on how you define comfy. Quality of life? Freedom of speech/expression? Availability of work?
These are the important questions.
If you want something more similar to Gene Roddenberry Trek? Then the Rovinar Federation is where it's at.
Terran space is okay but it varies quite a bit from planet to planet. Systems can make their own local laws provided they dont violate their basic charter of rights. As much as the Terrans may scream about rights and freedoms some of their own worlds do just as much to try and undermine the core laws as some Dominion worlds.

>I'd guess Norune and Kavarian societies
I think you'd be fairly spot on for the Norune Cooperative, though humans might have some difficulties with certain things.
Norune can be a bit... odd. Many of them find violence rather abhorant, though just as many consider it a necessary evil for the protection of their nation. Those considered violent or ill tempered are usually ostracized. Before the war that meant criminals were largely exiled and those in the military often lived apart from the rest under alternate identities.

The Kavarian second imperium is heavily capitalistic, though nothing as ridiculous as the first. People are expected to work hard and those who don't rarely get far. You're either part of the solution or part of the problem. Fortunately Iratar and the other Kavarian corporations support plenty of programs to help people find jobs that are a better fit.

>>4527275
>Suggest it to him but leave it at that.
>>4535631
>100% keen on having this chat with him before we leave

There isn't a lot of time but you are able to briefly contact Ni Ahni before your ship leaves the galaxy. You're glad they survived the assassination attempt and suggest that the Keepers may need additional security.

Though more protection is clearly needed he is wary of these protective forces becoming small armies in their own right. Political power is one thing but he'd rather avoid each keeper having the military strength of a Dominion Baron.
Apparently this is one of the reasons he pushed forward legislation to keep the politicians from meddling with the military. He wanted both sides on an even footing.

Anything to add?

>>4537259
The way the Dominion handles thing is hardly perfect. Wish him the best of luck with his approach and tell him he's welcome to contact Sonia if he needs an honest opinion from somebody in a similar position.

>>4537214
I keep mixing up Kavarians and Rovinar.

>>4537274
>I keep mixing up Kavarians and Rovinar.
I have got to get some art commissioned of the various species. I think I have all the reference material needed for the Dro'all and Rovinar at least.

>>4537274
>Wish him the best of luck with his approach and tell him he's welcome to contact Sonia if he needs an honest opinion from somebody in a similar position.
Ni Ahni promises to keep in touch and wishes you well in your journeys.

Your new expedition suit has been outfitted. Dominion, House and family markings. Lightning artifact on the left forearm. Plasma pistol and fuel cells on your right leg while a set of 4 new EMP grenades are attached on the left leg.

These new pulse grenades are similar in capability to the older Terran Stun pulse grenades you've long used. Rather than being a sphere made up of two halves that lock together, this one is made up of a central grip with much smaller emitters on the ends. It is far more compact as a result.

Last minute additions before entering into Kythera space?

1) How large of a donation did you want to give to House Helios for the new toys?
1A) Low ball it
1B) Enough to pay for their actual cost
1C) Pay more to help with their development
1D) Clearly these are a gift and will be accepted as such

2) Do you want to purchase any of the previously missed AI War weapons and/or more of the same?
[ ] Phase Armor 2.0
[ ] Phased Plasma Launcher
[ ] Phase Long Rifle
[ ] Gatling Rapid Phase Cannon

3) Additional equipment ideas/suggestions for Helios to work on?

I'm going to make a quick run to the store pick up a couple of presents. Hopefully we'll have some votes by the time I'm back.

>>4537351
>1C) Pay more to help with their development

>>4537351
>1) How large of a donation did you want to give to House Helios for the new toys?
I'm definitely be okay with option B no matter what the equipment actually costs. C mostly depends on how much we're already paying.

>2) Do you want to purchase any of the previously missed AI War weapons and/or more of the same?
Which of these are useful for defending a starship against boarders?

>3) Additional equipment ideas/suggestions for Helios to work on?
A stun grenade equivalent that works on Kythera? That would prove useful if we ever need to capture one of them. Or if relations ever normalize so much that our police will need to deal with non militarized Kythera.

>>4537351
>1B) Enough to pay for their actual cost

>>4537351

>1B) Enough to pay for their actual cost
>[ ] Phase Armor 2.0

>3) Additional equipment ideas/suggestions for Helios to work on?
Suggest working on ship sized phased equipment to work on AI if such equipment isn't already available. Or rather develop a means so that current or future weapons can be switched between normal state and anti-AI state. Sorta like the one rifle, just updated and ship sized.

Also maybe provide funding to improve/ upgrade that Helios made Scorcher we saw during our holding the gate.

>>4537400
>Which of these are useful for defending a starship against boarders?
[ ] Phase Armor 2.0
[ ] Gatling Rapid Phase Cannon
These would probably be best suited. The Gatling is a different model from ones you've seen before used for ceiling mounted security turrets. This is a 7+1 barrel version meant mostly for use with heavy power armor. The 8th "barrel" being a central pulse emitter with 120 degree arc.

>A stun grenade equivalent that works on Kythera?
Your old ones could be modified to work on them, but it takes awhile to switch them between modes.

>>4537428
>a means so that current or future weapons can be switched between normal state and anti-AI state
That upgrade has been rolled out to most of the Dominion fleets.
Lord Admiral Irim Feron is working on improving siege weapons to work on them.

>>4537484
>[ ] Phase Armor 2.0
>[ ] Gatling Rapid Phase Cannon
Thanks. Have our guard detail decide how many of these they need.

>>4537351
>1C) Pay more to help with their development

>[ ] Phased Plasma Launcher

For now you've paid enough for the actual cost of the suits and equipment picked up for your expedition party. If anything new comes up that needs development funding you've asked that they send along a newsletter or equivalent. Something may catch your eye enough to get support.

Upgraded Phase Armor and some of the new Gatling weapons have been picked up for use by the marines aboard ship. Veterans from the capital battle are enthusiastic about the new guns.

A day later the last of the late arrivals jump in and final preparations are made to head into Kythera space. It takes another 10 days to make the jumps between the old Empire's equivalent of navigation relays.
Kythera space is made up of one small galaxy cluster and 3 additional relays. It was once home to a rather powerful Neeran fleet, though much of their strength was drawn off to fight the Alliance. There is only one main navigation route connecting their territory to the core of the Neeran empire. Other more dangerous routes exist and this is how the initial Faction contact group reached them.

According to intel there is a minor successor state on the other side of their territory. The Kythera are supposed to be on good terms with them, having withdrawn after disabling a Neeran gate facility there. According to the Alliance the gate remains inoperative.

Eventually the fleet arrives in orbit of a planet called Sicolious.

"Is this the Kythera capital?" you wonder, checking the screens from the bridge.
It doesn't look like a grey reflective mass, just a normal planet with a mix of different coloured splotches of vegetation covering bits of land.

You can see what look to be a trio of Neeran capital ships in orbit, though they don't look quite right. Possibly modified with additional weapons. A few escorts and Kythera battlecruisers hang nearby.

Maybourne looks up from the latest reports coming in.
"From what I'm reading the Kythera don't really have a capital. This planet has been set up specifically for trade and negotiations with the Factions. Sensors are getting some weird readings planet side."

"Nanites?"
"Yeah but it's not like what we saw before when fighting them. These are forming structures or barriers but not anywhere near the same density."

Guess you'll have a few things to ask about once down there. Fadila is already headed for the shuttles. Last chance to chicken out.

>>4537660
What happens if you use an emergency teleporter capsule on a planet? If you're not ending up where you started, we should bring one as an emergency evacuation plan.

>>4537677
>What happens if you use an emergency teleporter capsule on a planet? If you're not ending up where you started, we should bring one as an emergency evacuation plan.
With the advent of receiver ships and then increasing development of the technology it's possible to teleport ship to ship or ship to planet. Planet to planet is also possible if set up correctly.
Downsides are teleport shock still being rather punishing physically and the energy and system requirements. It's possible to modify an LST with the gear for an emergency teleporter now but it would still take up a lot of room. Most of the cargo bay would be used up.

During the flight to the surface you learn what you can of the planet Sicolious. It seems to have varied terrain with small oceans, a number of larger plateaus and signs of plant life imported from other worlds. Either the Kythera or the Neeran before them had wanted to maximize use of the different biomes.

Most of the other shuttles and landing craft from the various diplomatic delegations are being directed to the same city. It looks like a dome built at the highest regions of the planet. High enough that the atmospheric pressure is less than 20% standard.

After landing your party happens to run into one lead by Baron Khyor Binil from the Run. You certainly hadn't expected to see them here and say as much.
"Yes our House has tried to keep any interest in the Kythera rather quiet. Not very popular you see. A few of the other Barons tried to start a betting pool to guess who would take part in this mad scheme. I can say you were considered a safe bet."

To be fair you haven't ever tried to hide your interest in advancing the Dominion tech base.

Holographic indicators light up along the walkways showing the direction the diplomatic parties are intended to travel. You and the Baron are not exactly thrilled with the lack of a welcoming party but the Kythera may have different ideas of what constitutes polite behaviour.

Heading inside the city you finally get a good view of the dome from inside. It doesn't take long to realise there isn't much supporting it. Though mostly transparent there are clear signs that something is off about it. Already you have a sinking suspicion of what it might be made of.

Fadila is looking a bit out of sorts, probably not helped by your obvious interest in the dome. She seems to better compose herself when an Alliance officer appears, clearly glad to see someone besides the arriving diplomats.

The female Kavarian officer approaches and salutes you and the Baron, looking rather happy to see you.
"Lieutenant Commander Koranis Bylan. I'm one of the liaison officers assigned to bring you up to speed. Representatives of other Factions and Houses are being similarly briefed by Alliance personnel.
Are there any questions before we begin?"

>>4537826

What can we expect from the Kytheran Delegate to look like, so there are no surprises. Will they take a humanoid form or a cloud of swarming nanites or what?

What are some things we should avoid saying out loud to avoid upsetting our hosts.

Just how receptive are the Kythera being to the Factions and in particular the Dominoin considering the recent interaction during the Dominion Civil War.

How should we address the Kythera Delegate?

How long has this officer been here for and how many other FA Officers are there here?

Does the FA have plans in place to evacuate parties/ groups should things go sideways?

Is there anything in particular that the FA Officer or the FA might be willing to impart upon us as to what the Kythera might be interested in gaining from the Factions/ The Dominoin?

Would the Kythera be willing to sell some of their ships or weapons? Or how about exchanging medical technology or terraforming equipment so as to improve/ change some of their worlds or this world to be more varried in their apperance and allow wider biodiversity. (Versa likes taking care of plants, if I remember right. So might be a good idea to offer a means to increase and care for wider range of plants.)

>>4537865
"I do have some questions Commander."
"Wonderful! I'll answer as many as I can on the way to the diplomatic quarters. This way please."

The rather chipper officer leads the way while you begin posing questions.

>What can we expect from the Kytheran Delegate to look like
Humanoid, generally that of one of the empire's successor state species.
Some of them may choose to surround themselves with a swarm of nanites though they've agreed to at least keep them to their personal space.

>What are some things we should avoid saying out loud to avoid upsetting our hosts.
Nothing too specific, just avoid threatening them.

"How long have you been here for?"
"I've been out here for 2 years and I am glad to see normal people again. Some have been acting as liaison since before the second wave of the invasion launched."
"Just how many other FA Officers are there on site?"
"A few battleships and probably some cloaked assets I'm sure. There might be as many as 500 people with the Alliance here on planet? Most of those have been diplomatic, medical or engineering making sure things will be safe for those present."

>Does the FA have plans in place to evacuate parties/ groups should things go sideways?
"There are plans in place, though the Kythera have guaranteed safe passage for the diplomats. House Helios found those plans to be somewhat inadequate? Because of this they insisted on reinforcing the Dominion contingent."

"How should we address the Kythera Delegate?" Fadila asks. "Do they have titles we should be aware of?"
This causes the commander to frown but only for a moment. "That's a bit more complicated. Many Kythera personality constructs use a numerical designation that indicate their route origin. These can be a bit on the long side. Because of this any of their representatives that speak to you will provide a short hand designation that you can address them by. That's seemed to work out the best in our experience."

>More to follow

Over the course of the war the Kythera managed to expand, becoming a serious threat once more. Fortunately their expansion was held in check by their promise to stay out of the Alliance invasion corridor. From the available data they've managed to secure a respectable sized territory, though much of it has suffered damage as a result of scorched earth tactics on both sides.

Despite the damage dozens of habitable worlds were secured along with a number of mostly intact capital ships. The ships have been heavily modified with numerous "clamshell" battlecruisers affixed to the outer hull providing their primary armament. Most of these are super carriers though they did manage to get hold of a small number of Executioners.

As for the planets taken, their populations remain intact for now. No Neeran were spared but the former client races, those that didn't resist, still survive. Just what to do with these civilians is a matter of contention. There are groups within the Kythera that want the entire populace changed or upgraded with their nanites to ensure they wont be a threat. Others feel that such an act would permanently sour relations with the Factions.

Immigration and emigration are important topics for talks with the Factions. While the Kythera dont want to be told what they can and cant do by the Alliance, a good portion of the AI race realise peaceful relations will be key to long term survival.

>Just how receptive are the Kythera being to the Factions and in particular the Dominion considering the recent interaction during the Dominion Civil War.
"They're more concerned about how the Dominion sees them than the other way around. Kythera attacks on faction space were the result of just one of the political groups that now make up their people. They didn't think it would be possible to establish peaceful relations after what happened with the Neeran so they never bothered to try."

Arriving at the diplomatic quarters you spot a few other groups arriving, also exchanging questions with briefing officers. The embassy for the Dominion is understandably larger than most of the others, with the need to house many more delegates. Really it looks great deal like the embassies in the Dominion capital, or is clearly patterned off them. In this case they're considerably smaller but no less important looking.

>cont.

Once everyone is squared away you meet up with Commander Bylan along with your party and a few other Barons.

>Is there anything in particular that the FA Officer or the FA might be willing to impart upon us as to what the Kythera might be interested in gaining from the Factions/ The Dominoin?
"You said immigration and emigration are important. What do you mean?"
"Diversification is a key goal of the Kythera. They want to bring in new blood, people that can offer differing viewpoints compared to those that have split off as personalities of the same AI. They want to be able to analyze problems from different angles. That means more people from other nations joining them specifically to undergo conversions into a machine intelligence.
At the same time they realize that needs to be a two way street. Populations living on these worlds should be allowed to leave if they want, but it cant be allowed to become an overwhelming flood of refugees leaving their space. That would be bad for everyone."

Right. The empires successor states are having enough trouble dealing with displaced populations and rebuilding of infrastructure. A new wave of refugees would overwhelm already taxed systems and might cause spillover into Faction space.

Fadila turns to you.
"You can be certain some of those leaving Kythera space once treaties are in place wont be limited to organics. We may need plans in place to ensure the safety of Kythera leaving their space as well as the safety of everyone around them."

"We don't have such systems in place with the Krath." Valeri points out.
"If people knew how many Krath were on Rioja their reaction might be different."

>>4538022
This is a:
>What say?

Also if you're looking for something as slow as my ability to figure out what to write the NASA live stream is up.
Crew-1 Mission : Rendezvous and Docking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hK540tMmvw

>>4538030

The Dominion is not very open to AI or trusting, right? Especially after the Civil War. And I am sure even people from our House would be very highly against us suggesting having them in our space, but so long as they are on Rioja they might just write us off as loons. And our enemies could use it against us. Though I am fairly certain that the Terran population might be interested in them. At least those in the universities and what not.

Ask Fadila, since we are clearly not the Count and cant make such a decision as to allow Kythera into J-D space. Would the Count likely be receptive to a 'Kythera Ambasador'? Who would be allowed on Rioja. So that we could allow at a minimum of one Kythera to visit J-D space. I don't want to rock the boat, but it may help us in negotiating if we say we can allow a 'Kythera Ambassador' do come to Rioja. Maybe have one of their humanoid representitives with a nanite swarm.

Also running this by the Count before making this agreement official, is a very important thing. So we probably should not tie anything that we want to this offer. Since there is a high probability of him turning it down.

Our enemies in J-D and Dominon already expect us to return asking the house to allow nanites into Dominoin homes to use against Dominon interests. So we can both meet and disapoint their expectations. In coming up with a more diplomatic means of allowing one of these AI into Dominon space. We of course would have to get this approved through the Count first. But we can spin it as a means for protecting ourselves and the House in case someone from Kythera space does something in J-D space now or in the future. So that we and the House can complain to them about that persons actions. Since it is likely those already living in Kythera space and probably aren't with nanite swarms are at some point going to come to J-D space or close to it.

We can also give this as a chance for the Count to send anyone from the House to a place as far far away from House space as possible to be a representative of J-D. But the only person who he likely would send, is us. And I am sure he probably would think of that himself as well. But it could be a good way to get rid of some pesky person from one of the nobility who is causing to much trouble and needs to go away. Without them 'disappearing'. That is a Dominon thing right? Sending people on 'diplomatic missions' away from their holdings and out of peoples hair.

And with the Run being a high traffic area. It could also bring in some more open minded individuals to Rioja as people who are interested in AI/ Kythera could come to Rioja to learn about them or see one.

Just some thoughts.

>>4538060
>The Dominion is not very open to AI or trusting, right? Especially after the Civil War.
They weren't before. Many certainly aren't now.

>even people from our House
A lot of veterans got Knighted and those who fought the Kythera are going to have strong opinions about them.

>At least those in the universities and what not.
Possible.

>Ask Fadila, [Kythera Ambassador on Rioja]
>running this by the Count before making this agreement official,
As long as the deal benefits the House and doesn't put it in danger as a whole it should be possible to convince the Count. Of course he's not going to lift a finger unless the okay is given by the Emperor first. You can't reach Rioja without passing through several other Houses territory.

>coming up with a more diplomatic means of allowing one of these AI into Dominion space.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?

>a chance for the Count to send anyone from the House to a place as far far away from House space as possible to be a representative of J-D.
>That is a Dominion thing right?
This is amusing to me and yes is it.

>And with the Run being a high traffic area. It could also bring in some more open minded individuals to Rioja as people who are interested in AI/ Kythera could come to Rioja to learn about them or see one.
That is an interesting idea. Though some might see it as too dangerous to allow them there because of it.

There are 3 main political factions that make up the Kythera. The Grey, the Neutral and the Lazulum.

>The Grey
The Grey believe that the entire population of their territory should be uplifted into a state of nanite enhancement becoming full Kythera. That doesn't mean they want to pursue hostilities. In the past those of this mindset were responsible for sending the infiltration groups that attacked the Factions.

Since then opinions have changed. Mostly this was the result of the establishment or relations with the Alliance. They've seen what the Alliance is capable of and what the Dominion is prepared to do. If there was a war with the Factions the Dominion would be leading the charge. They don't want that.

They do still want people from outside joining them and are willing to conduct some trade. Other than that they're prepared to largely remain inside their own territory not bothering anyone.

More than a few Barons would support relations with this group as it gets them the chance to trade without having to worry about Kythera ending up in their territory.

>The Lazulum
At the other end of the spectrum is the group known as the Lazulum. They want open borders or as close as they can get to them. Much wider trade with other Factions and nations regarding ships, weapons and other technologies. Their belief is that by opening up Kythera space to the outside they will be able to entice more outsiders to join them. More people being voluntarily enhanced is their goal.

Therein lies the problem. They want Kythera to be able to visit other other territories outside their space. A terrifying prospect for some and one that will draw the attention of many detractors. The Kythera would probably take exception to their citizens being attacked by vigilantes just for existing. There would be no shortage of potential diplomatic incidents.

The Neutrals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ussCHoQttyQ
They want the Kythera to expand their numbers. Grow as a people and a nation. They're not really certain of the best way to go about this just yet though. Some still want to cut off all contact with outsiders until they've worked things out for themselves. Others want to hear what diplomats from the Factions have to say first.

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Resuming tomorrow.

Late war Gamma class. Hope it looks a little better. Included is the Frigate upgrade with wider bow and 2 burst fire torpedo launchers.

In b4
>Why does the Frigate look so much like the Kharbos modular Corvette/Frigate?
Because the Kharbos is actually ripoff of this thing and they stole design data from the Terrans.

>>4538138
The Grey were the ones responsible for the original attack on Rioja?

>>4538020
>No Neeran were spared but the former client races, those that didn't resist, still survive.
Isn't that a bit drastic? I was also surprised the Factions confined all the Empire Neeran to the sphere. I mean, if you run across an orphanage full of Neeran toddlers there's little reason to kill or banish them. Unless the species has some kind of genetic memory going on and all of the automatically turn evil.

>>4538022
>>"We don't have such systems in place with the Krath." Valeri points out.
Do Kythera nanites have a demilitarized version? The Krath don't tend to give out all the murder upgrades during peace times.
Or we could house a containment unit of mostly inert nanites in a cloned body that effectively functions as its brain while they're in Dominion space?

>At the same time they realize that needs to be a two way street
I would assume among at least among the sick and old there would be a noticeable demand to upgrade. With how large the faction population base must be at this point, even something like .00001% of everybody in the last year of their life going Kythera should be a decent population boost.
Have they figured out how to do the conversion properly yet? I remember their attempts on Dominion citizens always ending up with crazies. Is it possible to reverse the process if you create a suitable organic vessel?

>>4538109
>You can't reach Rioja without passing through several other Houses territory.
We're going to build a big, beautiful wormhole gate and the Kythera will pay for it.

>>4538030
>"We don't have such systems in place with the Krath." Valeri points out.
>What say?
Valeri is in on the whole Krath origin story, right? Just making sure to not cause a Sonia moment.
"The Krath left an even worse first impression on the Rovinar and those two species still found a way to coexist. Their first couple of centuries interacting with each other were probably even worse than what we face with the Kythera. Despite the attack on the Dominion's capital and various other acts of terrorism, it doesn't come close to what the Krath did to the Rovinar."

>>4537826
>Are there any questions before we begin?"
Did the FA ask the caretakers to check their archives for societies where organics/AI interaction worked out well for both sides? Or sent their own people if the caretakers are busy with the influx of billions of Neeran. It seems like something that happens relatively early to many civilizations in the H&D setting, so there should be an abundance of attempted solutions.

>>4538358
We don't, but I bet the Rovinar sure as heck do.

>>4538192
>The Grey were the ones responsible for the original attack on Rioja?
They were responsible for all of the attacks, though they themselves didn't necessarily pick the exact targets. Rioja being targeted was the fault Marson Edect who was quite insane at that point.

>>4538257
>Isn't that a bit drastic?
Yes. The Alliance did ask them to stop. Their response was that they would stop if the Alliance could bring back the billions the Neeran had killed and the worlds they had destroyed.

>Have they figured out how to do the conversion properly yet? I remember their attempts on Dominion citizens always ending up with crazies.
Part of that was choosing people who were already somewhat crazy to begin with, as it was felt they had less to lose and be more open to such an opportunity. There were issues, most of which have now been resolved.

It is still felt by many in the Lazulum and the Grey that changes need to be made to the base nanites. The way Kythera nanites are set up currently there is a chance that nanite enhancement may alter the persons personality slightly which is something they want to avoid.

>Is it possible to reverse the process if you create a suitable organic vessel?
That is not a project they have attempted before. It could be worth investigating.

>>4538559
>Rioja being targeted was the fault Marson Edect who was quite insane at that point.
Could we demand an official apology from the Kythera? And for the civilians lost in the attack.

Open the diplomatic proceedings with big dick energy moves and remind everyone that the Kythera just kept escalating.

>>4538257
>Do Kythera nanites have a demilitarized version?
Nope. Though they do want to work on alternate versions to improve nanite enhancement of individuals.
The problem with making a demilitarized version is that the person can just think something for their nanites to do. It's like trying to demilitarize a green lantern ring.

>The Krath don't tend to give out all the murder upgrades during peace times.
Krath can choose what memories are passed on to new members of their species when born/created. This makes it harder for the young ones to become a menace.

A lot of the more dangerous abilities can be learned through experimentation but this is quite dangerous. For instance if a Krath wants to learn how to make a bio acid injector, then they also need to figure out how to safely create and contain it. Doing it wrong means of good chance of injuring themselves.

>Or we could house a containment unit of mostly inert nanites in a cloned body that effectively functions as its brain while they're in Dominion space?
That's an interesting idea. Nanite brain inside of a cloned body. As long as it remains sealed it could work to convince some of the skeptics back home to allow Kythera safe passage.

>>4538358
>Valeri is in on the whole Krath origin story, right?
Yes so is Ruiz.
>Just making sure to not cause a Sonia moment.
Nobody else in the room is privy to such information so it's going to have to wait.

>Did the FA ask the caretakers to check their archives for societies where organics/AI interaction worked out well for both sides?
At least one is known to have pulled it off back during the time of the builders and they had good relations. There are gaps in the records around when most of the builder sites were destroyed. After the gap that civilization is one of many that doesn't exist anymore.

>>4538617
>Could we demand an official apology from the Kythera? And for the civilians lost in the attack(s).
This might be a good step in opening up normal relations. The other Factions that were similarly attacked would appreciate it as well.

>>4538622
>The problem with making a demilitarized version is that the person can just think something for their nanites to do.
Would it be possible to remove or weaken the special shielding that makes them so dangerous compared to faction nanites? Having somebody in control of these would still be pretty dangerous but would at least enable regular police or security forces to deal with them if they become a threat. Or maybe make a special downgraded version for travel in faction space?

>>4538622
>That's an interesting idea.
It's also a decent excuse to allow the Dominion to keep more of their cloning infrastructure operational. It might even be the start of a new industry if there's noticeable demand for (customized) biological vessels. Also get in on the deal early if it ends up being a thing.
A Kythera brain in what's essentially a Krath body sounds like a highly unpleasant combination. Although I'm not sure if you'd end up with a potential super menace or something that just doesn't work nearly as well as intended.

>>4538637
>At least one is known to have pulled it off back during the time of the builders and they had good relations. There are gaps in the records around when most of the builder sites were destroyed. After the gap that civilization is one of many that doesn't exist anymore.
I wonder what happened back then. We still have 2(?) builders in stasis we can ask in the future. Or have these been handed over to the sphere Neeran? As a last resort we could print another copy of that unfortunate guy who was still in the builder ship's archives.

>>4538652
>Would it be possible to remove or weaken the special shielding that makes them so dangerous compared to faction nanites?
If you did it would be very easy to kill the person. Nanites aren't used outside of sealed medical devices because phased particle emissions from weapons and even some sensors will wreck them.

If some idiot today was given a phase pistol they could probably fuck over the cell phone network of an entire major city.

>A Kythera brain in what's essentially a Krath body
[Assassinations intensify]


>We still have 2(?) builders in stasis we can ask in the future. Or have these been handed over to the sphere Neeran?
They're certainly not going anywhere.

>>4538622
>That's an interesting idea. Nanite brain inside of a cloned body.
Why are the Kythera so adamant on 'upgrades' being full, total replacement of a person with machine components? Why not go the SupCom route and augment people at a molecular level, and have them be both AI and organic at the same time.

>>4538652
>Also get in on the deal early if it ends up being a thing.
Meant to respond to this. You and your House dont have direct access to full body cloning. It has to be carried out by other Houses.

>>4538721
>Why are the Kythera so adamant on 'upgrades' being full, total replacement of a person with machine components?
You'll have to ask them.

Did you want to schedule meetings to talk with any of the Kythera political groups to discuss wants and needs?

>>4538751
>Did you want to schedule meetings to talk with any of the Kythera political groups to discuss wants and needs?
We should talk to all of them. If they have enough influence within their society to be present here, their respective opinions should be heard and treated with at least some respect.
Ignoring political groups with a significant power base, even if they have the best of intentions, isn't something I can see Sonia doing after the whole fuck-up that got the previous Count killed.
If going for a certain group first carries connotations of importance or preference in this environment, I'd go for the neutrals. We aren't really sure how to deal with these guys either, so at least we'll have something in common.

>>4538751
It would probably be good to meet them all. It could give us another angle or give us a wedge to drive betwen them.

>>4538765
>We should talk to all of them.
>>4538765
>It would probably be good to meet them all.
Scheduling meetings.

>If going for a certain group first carries connotations of importance or preference in this environment, I'd go for the neutrals.
That was going to be my next question. Who do you want to talk to first?

[ ] The Grey
[ ] The Lazulum
[ ] The Neutrals (1 vote)

>>4538812
>[ ] The Neutrals

>>4538812
>[ ] The Neutrals

>>4538812
[ ] The Neutrals (1 vote)

Do they know about the Terran AI and that we're friends with Versa?

Really, dick move on their part to attack us when we're probably the most pro-AI person in the Dominion. WTF Kythera.

>>4538812
>[ ] The Neutrals

>>4538845
>dick move on their part to attack us when we're probably the most pro-AI person in the Dominion. WTF Kythera.
This might be something worth pointing out. Sonia, despite having literally fought AI more than anyone else in her career, is still incredibly pro-AI compared to everyone else in the dominion.

>>4538524
>We don't have such systems in place with the Krath
>We don't, but I bet the Rovinar sure as heck do.
You ask Commander Bylan to schedule a meeting to talk to representatives of the Kythera Neutrals. While that's going on you privately contact the Rovinar. How they established peaceful relations with the Krath and what systems they have in place to monitor internal security could be of great benefit here.

"It took many centuries to normalize relations with the Krath and build understanding. Now we don't necessarily keep tabs on individual Krath living in Federation space, just their movement on and off planets. They have identification and financial records as anyone does that can assist in finding them just as we would anyone else."

"What happens when one goes rogue or breaks the law? I can't be easy to track them."
"We find that to rarely be an issue. Many will simply turn themselves in so as to avoid more severe punishment. Our civilian security services keep a contact list of Krath citizens or officers that can be mobilized if a Krath becomes a serious danger. Usually they get results very quickly."

That's worth keeping in mind. You may need Kythera to hunt others.
"What about instances where Krath may need protection from assassination attempts or vigilantes?"

This question seems to give the ambassador pause.
"That is a problem we do not usually encounter within our own territory. It is mostly one we would see in the occupied regions. There any Neeran still present we might be making use of face similar threats. As a result they have to be provided guard details or kept from public view."

Not an ideal solution. It's probably just as well the Neeran are being shipped off to the sphere. It keeps people in the successor states from constantly trying to kill them.
"Thank you ambassador."

"You are welcome Viscount. I hope the Dominion is able to come to a peaceful resolution regarding the Kythera."

Is House Aeries run by a "rogue" AI? I think there was a rumor about that during or shortly after the civil war threads but I might just be misremembering things.

>>4538916
At present it is not. Clearly they still had control of something after the corporation was kicked out of the Dominion, but that was removed as a result of the Kythera attacks at the end of the civil war.

Heading to the scheduled meeting you find out that Lord Der'ils Helios will be attending in addition to yourself and Khyor Binil. Perhaps it is their intention to keep an eye on you given some of the diplomatic missteps earlier in your career. Or it simply might be out of convenience.

Your three small parties are led to a conference room with wide windows overlooking the city. The atmosphere outside the dome is thin enough to make out many of the brighter stars nearby.

When the Neutral representative arrive you're treated to quite a sight.

The first to be introduced is Recidivous Filament 098 who looks to be little more than a vaguely humanoid shape surrounded by a thick cloud of nanites. As the Commander had previously stated they're keeping the surrounding swarm quite close to their body, respecting everyone's personal space.
Among those on your side of the table there are clear signs of worry and concern on the faces of those present. Hearing about nanite clouds is one thing but actually seeing them for the first time can be quite unnerving. Even you have to take a deep breath and calm yourself.

The next in is Antevert Rho who looks little different from most Trayan mercenaries you've met in the Empire except this one has silver eyes. Once they sit down you notice few sections of their forearms not covered by clothing seem to have pieces of armor grafted on.

Last is Matrix 7.1 who looks like a bipedal maintenance drone. A cylindrical body and head with stick like arms and legs ambles over to the table. Sensor arrays on top are mounted in a turret like housing, frequently turning to point at different people in the room.
It's quite a collection of leaders.

The Lord Helios seems to have their voice stuck in their throat at the moment.
[ ] Give them a few seconds
[ ] >What say?

>>4538972
>[ ] >What say?
"Thank you for giving us the chance to attend this meeting and the hospitality you have treated us with since we arrived on this planet. Please forgive my somewhat... surprised initial reactions, I have never met any of your species in person outside of intense and lethal combat. The nanite swarms bring back some bad memories but I assume us being here is a chance to keep these things in the past."

>>4538972

>[ ] What say?

"Thank you for meeting with us." For a start. And if Helios still looks like he needs a minute. "I am sure you have had plenty of briefings about the Dominion from your own people who we have had less than favorable interactions with not to long ago. As well as from the Factions Alliance. As we have had of your own people. Hopefully we can reach some common ground here today and maybe work together."

>>4538972
"Normally we'd shake hands and exchange pleasantries but I hope you can understand why we're a little hesitant."

Off topic post: Room Temperature Superconductors found to be possible. Downside, they require extremely high pressure.

"Thank you for meeting with us and for the hospitality your people have shown since we arrived on this planet. Please forgive our somewhat... surprised initial reactions. Few of us have had the opportunity to met your people outside of less than favorable interactions. Despite some bad memories I hope that us being here is a chance to work to put these things in the past.

I am sure you have had plenty of briefings about the Dominion, as we have had of your own people. Hopefully we can reach some common ground here today and maybe work together."

Matrix 7.1 emits a series of noises that sound like a cross between while noise and some of the music Ella Rufaro used to listen to. Eventually they begin to issue a translation.

"This platform hopes your platitudes are not as empty as those of the Neeran or others who once approached us under a guise of peace. We are prepared to listen and engage in discourse."

The other two neutrals give similar affirmatives that they will at least listen.

By now Lord Der'ils is getting their act together, thanking you and the Kythera in turn for this opportunity.
"We've heard a great deal from the Alliance about what it is your people might want in order to secure peaceful relations. The Grey and Lazulum have very different ideas about the direction for the Kythera. We would like to hear what it is those outside those groups would prefer."

This prompts a quick debate between the three Kythera. They are not at all in agreement other than that they disagree with the two main factions. The Neutrals it would seem are a far more fractured group than you had hoped. The only thing they do agree on is the need to bring in more allies. Preferably ones that will join their nation is full Kythera.

"If you don't mind explaining, why are the Kythera so adamant on 'upgrades' being full, total replacement of a person with machine components?"

"We have difficulty trusting your kind." Recidivous Filament responds. "We are few in number now. Fewer still than before your war with the Neeran. We must expand our internal diversity. Our society can not survive if all Kythera are born from the same root strands of consciousness. The risk we will become caught in loops is too high. A heterogeneous mixture produces a wider array of results."

>Questions?

>>4539141

So from what I understand. If they make to many new Kythera from the same version. They risk making degraded Kythera copies. To steal from the game Destroy All Humans, if they clone themselves to much they risk degradation and inability to procreate their species, meaning they would die off on their own in the distant future. Barring them going out and invading their neighbors and kidnapping their population and turning them into Kythera. Which would of course lead to war and hasten their own destruction.

Is what I understand.

And this is just an idiot question since I know nothing of coding never mind AI. But why not just randomize the code for which generates new Kythera? Or do like the Terrans do when creating their own AI? Or if they are strapped for people for which to make into Kythera, why not use cloning tech of their own humanoid population?

There is no easy way to ask these questions without upsetting them is there?

>>4539141
>We have difficulty trusting your kind."
If the conversion process leaves the person undergoing it intact aside from the physical changes won't they still be stuck with people they can't trust? It's still effectively a human or dro'all or other species in a new body.

>Our society can not survive if all Kythera are born from the same root strands of consciousness.
I think this is a chance to find out more about the process they intend to use on people interested in joining them. Is it immediately irreversible or can people still opt out until a certain point? Do they even have any organic kythera left? Were there any before the Neeran decided to exterminate them? It's probably a silly question but whats the minimum intelligence required to undergo the process? Would something like a Dolphin be sufficient? Can it be used on faction AIs or advanced but still 'dumb' computers?

>>4539141
What do they have to offer people, so that they don't just get people who are unsatisfied or actively hostile to their previous Nation? Because over time, that'll cause problems.

What do they think of cloning?

Have they had any interaction with Terran AI? Why do they need input from biological individuals?

>>4539141
>"We have difficulty trusting your kind."
That's a two-way street. How do we know people that get upgraded aren't going to be infiltrating the Factions with their new capabilities?

Our society and theirs are completely opposed and entirely different. If they want this to work, they need a compromise.

>>4539246
>Our society and theirs are completely opposed and entirely different.
We have no idea how their society actually works aside from everybody ending up as an AI. For all we know these guys might have been running their own cyber Dominion before the Neeran almost hunted them to extinction.

>>4539157
>If they make to many new Kythera from the same version. They risk making degraded Kythera copies.
Close.
When they develop multiple personalities and split both of the resulting Kythera are still based off the same root. If for whatever reason that line is corrupted or degraded it may turn out to be something the entire family/line might share.

Right now they're risking the equivalent of having too small of a gene pool.

>why not just randomize the code for which generates new Kythera?
This is how you get an out of control nanite infestation.

>>4539186
>If the conversion process leaves the person undergoing it intact aside from the physical changes won't they still be stuck with people they can't trust? It's still effectively a human or dro'all or other species in a new body.
True but in their experience such people might never be accepted back into their civilization of origin once undergoing the change. They can also communicate in much greater detail and bandwidth with other Kythera. A newly enhanced/converted Kythera would be something of an open book to the older ones. They would knew very quickly if someone posed an actual threat.

>I think this is a chance to find out more about the process they intend to use on people interested in joining them. Is it immediately irreversible or can people still opt out until a certain point?
It can still be interrupted in the early stages. Once large scale conversion or upgrade of brain matter has taken place it becomes increasingly difficult to turn back.

>Do they even have any organic kythera left?
Not anymore.
>Were there any before the Neeran decided to exterminate them?
Yes. Though not a lot, maybe a few hundred million. Most of them had decided the whole nanite immortality thing was too good to pass up.

>It's probably a silly question but whats the minimum intelligence required to undergo the process? Would something like a Dolphin be sufficient?
That's an interesting question. I suppose that could work, Dolphins are supposed to be quite smart.

>Or do like the Terrans do when creating their own AI?
>Can it be used on faction AIs or advanced but still 'dumb' computers?
The Kythera can trace their origins back to people that became machines. There is much disagreement among them regarding created intelligences like Terran AI. They are in some ways seen as unnatural which is rather ironic.

Matrix 7.1 thinks that AI's should be allowed admittance to the Kythera while Recidivous Filament 098 is on the side of those thinking them unnatural. Antevert Rho is undecided since he and others that have joined more recently have never even had an opportunity to meet one.

>>4539297
>I suppose that could work, Dolphins are supposed to be quite smart.
Can you use it to do the equivalent of the blight scale uplift and glue several stupid things together to form a sapient creature?

>Not anymore.
There's a population on the sphere, if I remember correctly. Would the caretakers be willing to part with a few to reestablish a population in the wild? Or we could clone a couple thousand, I guess.

>Most of them had decided the whole nanite immortality thing was too good to pass up.
You can have still kids and then decide to move on to AI life once they're old enough.

>>4539297
Brass tacks time, what exactly can they offer us in return? They need an infusion of new people, and we can facilitate that, but we aren't going to do it for free.

I'm not particularly impressed with them, the more we get to know about them.

Talking shit about our AI friend isn't helping them.

>>4539307
>There's a population on the sphere, if I remember correctly. Would the caretakers be willing to part with a few to reestablish a population in the wild? Or we could clone a couple thousand, I guess.
Cloning some of the ones from the sphere. Now there's an idea.

>You can have still kids and then decide to move on to AI life once they're old enough.
True though impetuous young people seem to be an issue faced by many species.

>>4539246
>How do we know people that get upgraded aren't going to be infiltrating the Factions with their new capabilities?
Clearly the Neeran were not willing to take such a risk.
"Then what can be done on your side to help at least reduce that risk?" asks Binil. "We're open to finding solutions."

"A registration system for your security scanners maybe?" suggest Antevert Rho.

Filament speaks up. "We will discuss additional measures among our number that might be seen as acceptable. Hopefully an answer can be reached before a future meeting."

>>4539320
>Brass tacks time, what exactly can they offer us in return?
Rho gestures out the window. "This whole planet was prepared for demonstration of technology we could offer in trade. This city was built in a few days."

Matrix 7.1 confirms this. "The city dome is made of a nanocrystalline structure that can be rapidly constructed or disassembled. It is resistant to many types of damage and self repairs. There are other versions that are permeable to programed objects such as vehicles or vacuum suits."

>>4539359
But can it be made without nanites? Can it be secured against hacking? Was this their trump card, because if it's really so amazing then why didn't they drown the Neeran in fast fabbed warships and weapons.

>>4539407
>But can it be made without nanites?
No.
>Can it be secured against hacking?
Yes actually.

>Was this their trump card
No, it's merely one of the many demonstrators on the planet for civilian use technologies.

>why didn't they drown the Neeran in fast fabbed warships and weapons.
They tried it didn't work. The Neeran knew how to fight them fairly effectively and the phased plasma cannons they started fielding a few years into the war were initially developed specifically to fight the Kythera.

There are limits to the capabilities of the weapons, shields and vessels they could build. Each Kythera personality construct can only control so much. It takes several to field a Battlecruiser with their most effective beam weapon.

Actually one of the items they've expressed an interest in purchasing from the Factions are starship hulls. Their own are far too susceptible to damage from phased plasma cannon fire.

>>4539448
I mean. I see convincing people to live in a nanite city as a hard sell.

>>4538721
>Why not go the SupCom route and augment people at a molecular level, and have them be both AI and organic at the same time.
And to answer this: Because they've never done that before.
If anything it's not far off from the AI assisted command system the Alliance have been using.


Tomorrow I'll try to put together a more comprehensive list of wants from the Kythera for the different factions. May not get it all done before I need to leave for work, we'll see.

>>4539604
Take your time, no rush in the epilogue.

>>4539604
>>4539141
>And to answer this: Because they've never done that before.
I think my answer to them not trusting organics would be, 'learn to.'

If they had an organic component, that would help them in the event of being caught in an error loop right? The brain could filter that out.
They could reproduce and raise children, and become a nation not entirely dependent on immigration.

If we remember what the Sphere caretakers said, no fully AI race has survived a truly long time, and it didn't help them fight the Neeran.

>>4539616
They are getting organic components. Namely immigrants.

"At some point you'll need to learn to trust organics. If neither of us can count on the other to hold to our agreements then the peace won't last."

You bring up the AI assisted command system used by the Alliance as a possible bridge between the two sides. The Kythera might be able to use a similar system. On organic component could help them in ways they may not realize.

The Helios ambassador speaks up. "This is a very interesting proposal Viscount but the Terrans largely control that technology. The Alliance would need their permission to share it."

You turn to face Lord Der'ils. "This isn't just a case of forming an agreement between the Kythera and any one Faction. If treaties are put in place they're going to affect all of us in some way."

Matrix 7.1 emits a burst of noise getting everyone's attention.
"While your ideas sound like they have noble intent, we still have suspicions regarding ulterior motives. What do you gain from this technology being shared between us and the Terrans?"

"I've been a supporter of AI rights for most of my career. Even after seeing the worst of what they're capable of I've tried to find ways of helping those held by the Terrans. I see little difference between them and your people.
I can't count the number of times I nearly died fighting Kythera nanites. I've probably fought more AI based horrors than anyone else I've met. Despite that I still support greater rights for AI's and machine races like the Kythera. Continued war and aggression isn't a solution. Or that's my take on things."

Nobody else is immediately ready to speak up after such a declaration. Lord Der'ils seems a bit concerned but isn't prepared to counter anything you've said, probably waiting to see if they can take advantage of however the Kythera respond.

The Kythera representatives appear to discuss what you've said, probably through their network. After the better part of a minute Recidivous Filament speaks.

"It is reassuring to discover people such as yourself exist Viscount Sonia Reynard. You have given us much to discuss and possibilities not previously considered. We will need to present these new options to our people for consideration."

With that the other two Kythera representatives rise and depart. Once they've left Khyor Binil lets out a deep breath.
"I don't know about anyone else but I found that equally terrifying as it was fascinating."

The Helios Lord meanwhile still seems a bit on edge.
"You play a dangerous game Viscount. I hope this causes the Terrans as much trouble as I suspect you intended. How much of the rest of that was the truth?"

>What say?

Gone to work!

>>4540096
Causing trouble for the Terrans isn't the intention, but it is welcome. Uhh, all of it.

>>4540096
>"You play a dangerous game Viscount. I hope this causes the Terrans as much trouble as I suspect you intended. How much of the rest of that was the truth?"
"I may have put an overenthusiastic spin on it but I really do think if any of the factions create AIs and they don't turn out to be murdering megalomaniac assholes, it's their government's job to treat them as well as any other of their citizens. Since the war started, I've met a lot of very weird people and usually trying to have a sensible conversation is a pretty good way to not end up trying to murder each other.
Aside from that, I think none of the factions should get used to preemptively exterminating entire species just because they could potentially turn out to be a threat. At least not if the other side is willing to talk.
Making things slightly less pleasant for the Terran's main government is just a bonus, they'll have to deal with this issue sooner or later anyway. We might as well try to get a bit of an advantage by forcing it while they're still off balance."
tl;dr The universe it way too big to hold on to grudges forever.

>>4540096
> Have you met Versa? I've killed more AI then I've befriended, but I'm confident in stating that I have at least one AI friend who hasn't betrayed me or used me for personal profit. At our level, how many of those do we have even within our own families most of the time?

> I've been playing dangerous games my whole career. Let me assure you, I'm not one to let potential benefit blind me to potential danger, nor the other way around.

And flash a holographic shark swimming around us.

>>4540096

If it gives the Terrans a headache, then we can call it a happy accident. We do support more/ better AI rights. But we also realize that not everyone is going to be open/ accepting of such a stance. That said, we have done what we could in our own capacity to assist AI, without stepping on to many toes.

Our House knows of our stance and have so far not done much to either hinder or help us, to the best of our knowledge. As we've done our best to help the House and not rock the boat when it comes to AI. Which is fine, because this is the Dominion.

We should probably ask Baron Khyor and Lord Der'ils, what interest they have in Kythera or AI in general. Since we've just pretty much gushed about being for/ about AI. It would pay to see how our fellows feel on it. They may be just as much or less aligned with our goals. Also see what they are intending to offer in trade with the Kythera, so we can work with/ around their offers so we can all come out of this richer.

>>4540251
Sonia's just incredibly utilitarian and pragmatic. If somebody isn't going out of their way to make people miserable she'll most likely put up with their idiocy. I'm relatively sure she would have tried to make some kind of deal with the gigantic snake monster imprisoned in the builder shipyard if there hadn't been ample proof in addition to everybody telling her they're irredeemably malevolent.

>>4540096
"Imagine the chaos among the Terrans when an AI asks for voting rights."

>>4540774
I think TSTG mentioned that it's a recurring debate in Terran space, although now with existing Terran citizens being effectively able to become AIs it will probably create an enormous legal hedache even when compared to the previous debates. Especially in a federal mess of a government system like theirs.

"I've been playing dangerous games my whole career, and if anything I do gives the Terrans a headache, then we can call it a happy accident. As for your actual question... uhh, all of it?

I may have put an overenthusiastic spin on it, but I really do think if any of the Factions create AIs and they don't turn out to be murdering megalomaniac assholes, it's their government's job to treat them as well as any of their other citizens. I realise not everyone is going to be open or accepting of such a stance."

Before heading back to the diplomatic quarters you ask Baron Khyor and Lord Der'ils what interest they have in Kythera.
The Baron is here officially for intelligence gathering but personally it's largely out of curiosity. Their House wanted an ally besides Jerik-Dremine to keep an eye on things. Out of those asked among the Run Alliance he was the only one to volunteer.

"We know all too well about your interest in advanced technologies. My House wants a bit more warning this time. Or if things work out in a positive manner a larger share of the rewards than if the technology passed from you to us."

That's understandable you suppose. The fortunes you've made off of bleeding edge tech development is enough to hold anyone's interest.

The response from Lord Der'ils is more predictable. House Helios has a duty to help defend the Dominion and assessing the risk the Kythera pose is a large part of that. At the same time if a treaty could be agreed upon it could benefit both the Dominion and Kythera greatly.
"My recommendation will carry a great deal of weight with the Emperor. It is not a responsibility I take lightly."

Resuming on the weekend. Not sure of Sat or Sun.

>>4541740
Have we ever been less than generous to people who work with us?

>>4542034
We kinda scammed Firth out of a couple of millions worth in ship bounties back in... For House and Dominion: Neeran War 3. I can't really remember any other incident, so I'd guess Sonia actually felt bad about it in hindsight.