>>30455932
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

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The survivor initially claimed to be a Dro'all by the name of "Jarato Eldal of House Aeil'sen," an officer working for Alliance Intel. While he has not directly said as much he has not denied that he's a Krath shapeshifter. Eldal has expressed an interest in capturing enemy ships with the ultimate goal of leaning to subvert them in the field for use by Alliance forces. You're thinking of assigning him to assist Ecord's boarding teams.

With the return of Alex's squadron from getting repairs they've brought news that the Shallan Admiral Rasarm wants 3rd wing (and possibly 5th Wing as well, though they're not necessary) to begin making preparations for his special operation. Those taking part would be placed under com blackout for several weeks to ensure nothing leaks to the enemy.
It may have something to do with that decoy operation you suggested.

Do you wish to take part in said operation and if so what forces would you want to take along?
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DQ5SSH3
I got around to posting that survey to the wiki much later than anticipated. Sorry.


If you are taking part in the mission you'll need to depart within 48 hours. You have enough time to hit 1 possibly 2 targets in this sector, though you could jump to another sector entirely for the remainder.
What system are you attacking next?

>>30456027
I'll vote for destroying that small group near the Tanker fleet.

we could try capturing one of the battleships with the Krath operative's help.

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>>30456134
>I'll vote for destroying that small group near the Tanker fleet.
>we could try capturing one of the battleships with the Krath operative's help.

Well 3rd Wing is back up to full strength.

>Logistics, Planetoid- minimal shielding but heavy base defense guns. Lack of deep gravity wells in the area. 1 transport & 2 modified Tankers offloading supplies. Defenders are spread out.
>Battleships 6
>Carriers 6
Wait, that's a different number of carriers from on the map.
Oh well, we'll go with the map number of 4. Still, the base does have some dangerous guns.

Do you want to make capturing a Battleship the first priority or destroying the base?

Your plan of attack?

>>30456312
First priority is to SP-precision strike the base guns and clearing those carriers as fast as possible. Can we have the wings split into two groups, and have them jump in on opposing sides? One group hits the carriers and ships whilst the other focuses on disabling the bases offensive weaponry.

And get the wing to agree on one single target battleship and have them strike it only with intent to disable.

>>30456448

>SP-precision strike
3rd wing has approximately 80 SP torps remaining. How many do you want to use?
Do you wish to break into your personal stockpile? (Unless stated otherwise I'm assuming you want to use the older/lower yield model SP's first.)

Eldal contacts you.
"If you disable it that might well defeat the purpose of trying to capture a ship and put it into our service. We can't effectively repair Neeran ships yet. Just knock down the shields on one of them and let the boarding team secure it, with my help that is."

[ ] "It's too dangerous for our ships, we'll disable it. Capture what's left"
[ ] "We'll risk it, but that ship had better be worth it."

>>30456597
>[x] "We'll risk it, but that ship had better be worth it."

Roughing it up a little bit should be fine though, I hope.

As for SP torps, anywhere between 25 and 35 is fine. Those base guns could need some proper whacking to deal with.

A shame no one else is around just yet though. I don't want to be driving Sonia to her death with a poorly thought out plan.

>>30456656
Adding onto my plan, once we've taken care of the majority of ships, have the ships in our wing with the biggest shield buffers rotate through tanking duty to soak up fire from the Battleship so the more squishy corvettes don't get popped.

Jumping to the edge of the system you split the wing in half and designate targets. One of the Battleships that should take longer to jump out if it flees is marked as the capture target.
"Starfighters, stay at range and only engage if it looks like the attack squadrons are having trouble. Load conventional torps and missiles in case the base launches fighters. Maintain jamming and ECM as normal."

"What about that Transport sir?" Asks Thal.

"Hit it once everything else is done. Try to keep SP usage to a minimum."

Roll 7d20

Rolled 12, 7, 16, 19, 17, 3, 12 = 86

>>30456939
>Starfighters
I always forget about them.

Rolled 12, 13, 16, 2, 9, 5, 16 = 73

>>30456939
Rolling again

Rolled 3, 3, 16, 6, 17, 12, 15 = 72

>>30456939

12, 13, 16, 19, 17, 12, 16

Some poor corvette's getting blasted.

I do hope it's not just 1 person rolling.

The wing jumps in while you hang back and see who might end up needing assistance. The leading ships open up, targeting the carriers with 4 SP torpedoes each. One of them manages to launch 6 of their corvettes before they're hit while another get off 2.

Alex has Mike takes his unit in as fast as they dare and launch a volley towards the base, 1 SP torp for each of the gun turrets. 6th squadron still takes some hits from the quad heavy phase cannon emplacements though they seem to be minor. Mike pulls back until the shields on his ships can recover.

The sensor readings become comfused due to heavy brawling with the battleships and the Tanker adding it's own long range fire to the mix. The starfighters get involved from range as things begin to clear up and the rest of Alex's squadrons deal with the tanker.

A few of 1st squadrons Frigates get knocked around while dealing with the battleships forcing them to break off and Verilis orders one of them even jump out and head for the repair ship.

Two of your EX-K's make strafing runs on the Battleship you're hoping to capture, using phase cannon while inbound and their afterburner exhaust while on the way out.

Nytoria is the first to deploy an LST against the ship once it's shields fail followed by Sam.

It's not going down easily though. Your people don't know how much damage they can deal out without doing too little or too much damage.

"Ecord's team is aboard." Reports Kavos.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 22

>>30457376
Ok, let's roll.

Rolled 29

>>30457376
>Roll 1d100

Rolled 87

>>30457376
Rollin bones

>>30457499
Phew! That almost went sideways on us,

>>30457567
Worryingly so. I'd hate to lose Eccord. We should have given our plasma pistol too.

"This is Ecord, bridge secured. Are the weapons down yet?"

"Not yet." Answers Verilis just after a plasma cannon shot punches a hole in a Wing on her Vengeance Type. "Please hurry."

"This is Sam, their engines just cut out."

The rest of the warship begins to go dark as well, the heavier plasma cannons slowly losing power. The more conventional phase cannons don't cut out however forcing Naveen and Stacey from 1st squadron line up and blast them with single fire pulse cannon shots.
Far from perfect but done.

You jump in system and prepare to send more marines over to assist.

"Does your team have the data Eldal needs?" You ask Ecord.

"Hang on he's interrogating some of the bridge crew. What do you mean "It might be best if I look away?" ...oh god, ugh now I wished I'd looked away that was... yech. I've seen enough people's heads shot open but that was something else."

"Are you okay overt here?" you enquire.

"Yes, most of us sir. Eldal seems to be getting some of the systems under control, navigation, sublight. Our teams in engineering can turn the power back on once the rest of the ship has been swept more thoroughly."
Ecord flips to another channel your guest doesn't have access to. "Do you really trust this thing sir? I like killing the enemy as much as the next Marine but it just mutilated a Neeran and an enemy bridge crewman."

>What say?

>>30457883
"It's a Krath, Eccord. Consider yourself privileged because you can really now confirm /those/ rumours."

>>30457913
"I'll trust it as much as I need to if it gets me a Neeran battleship. That said, don't be afraid to subdue if he does anything suspicious. "

>>30457913
Did you get it on helmet cam?

>>30457913
"It did the brain tentacle thing, didn't it? I trust Edal as much as anybody who's on the same side as we are, doesn't mean we need to like them.

And yeah, they give me the creeps. I wonder what else the Alliance keeps secret about them... On second thought, I don't want to know."

"It's a Krath, Eccord. Consider yourself privileged because you can really now confirm /those/ rumors."
"I could have passed on that personally."

"I'll trust it as much as I need to if it gets me a Neeran battleship. That said, don't be afraid to subdue if he does anything suspicious. "
"Roger that."

You flip back to the boarding team's channel.
"Have you learned anything?"
"Yes." Responds Eldal in a much deeper voice. "There were some systems that didn't seem to have much use on the other ships captured before now or that we couldn't get to work. We knew that they used biometric lockouts for many of their bridge systems, the Alliance just assumed that it was a multi part system and that they couldn't properly duplicate their bioelectric field to go with it. They were mostly correct but it uses something equivalent or similar to a passive neural interface. The systems only follow commands if certain thought patterns are used at the same time as other actions plus the biometrics check. A bit overcomplicated. It's possible to unlock the system for the other crewmen to make use of it for a time, then I think it sends out a distress signal."

"You think? Can you unlock it for Faction crew members?"
"No, we would need to place a real Neeran aboard at all times to do that and I have the distinct impression that it wouldn't work for the Isolationists. We'll have to come up with new programs to fool the systems."

"Can you use it though?"

The operative requests that power be brought back up and soon the Battleship begins to move again, making course corrections and swiveling it's main guns one at a time.
"This is very tiring. It's doubtful I could operate this ship for longer than a few hours at a time. We should jump to another location."
The drives don't seem to have suffered much if any damage and it's able to jump out to a new rally point where it can be inspected more carefully without endangering the repair ship or reserves.

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"It did the brain tentacle thing, didn't it?" You ask Ecord later.
"Sort of sir. It was more like it stabbed it's face into the crewman's face. Maybe the eye sockets? I don't know."
"Did you get it on helmet cam?"
"Yes sir, it should be on the mission recording. I'm sure one of the others saw the second one."

"I trust Eldal as much as anybody who's on the same side as we are, doesn't mean we need to like them. And yeah, they give me the creeps. I wonder what else the Alliance keeps secret about them... On second thought, I don't want to know."
"I'll second that sir. Some things are better left alone."

Some of 3rd wing's squadrons are undergoing repairs leaving you with 4 squadrons available if you wanted to hit another target.

Daska has reported in. Her unit raided the Rare element mines in the upper right of the sector map. It must have been within range of another sensor array because a response fleet arrived within minutes and chased them off. Most of the wing was forced to scatter to lose pursuit and she's in the middle if reassembling the unit.
"They jumped in with a Heavy cruiser that had berths for corvettes on the upper and lower hull, 32 total. Once 5th Wing is back together i plan to locate the sensor array and destroy it."

Eldal would like to have the captured battleship towed back to a friendly base so that it can be looked over more closely with his available data. Doing so would require either the repair ship, or the Marauder and Gungnir type working together.

5/7 votes would like to take 3rd Wing on the special Op.
Do you wish to depart now or do something else in the sector?

>>30459023
We should probably transfer our remaining SP torpedoes to Daska's wing if 3rd is going to jump out.

If somebody wants us to run spec ops, they'll most likely provide us with proper equipment.

>Eldal would like to have the captured battleship towed back to a friendly base so that it can be looked over more closely with his available data. Doing so would require either the repair ship, or the Marauder and Gungnir type working together.

Ask Daska what she'd prefer to have as support.

>>30459023
I RETURN, a bit late to game.

I don't suppose we could jump back to friendly space, do a quick restock and then head out on the special op with hopefully a few more SP's. I think we've overstayed our welcome in this sector.

>>30459023
Help Daska recon for the sensor array, then head back for repairs and rearm for the SpecOp.

>>30459214
>transfer our remaining SP torpedoes to Daska's wing
Everyone okay with this?
>Ask Daska what she'd prefer to have as support.
She would prefer the repair ship provided you're not taking so many of the reserves and battlecruisers that it would be left undefended.

>>30459243
>Restock on the way
Ok.

>>30459384
>Help Daska recon for the sensor array, then head back for repairs and rearm for the SpecOp.
If this is okay with this select 3 systems in the unexplored part of the map and roll 3d100.
3 of your EX-K's will attempt scans while conducting high speed runs through the area.

Rolled 58, 59, 76 = 193

>>30459528
>recon targets.

Painted blue!

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>>30459632
Oops, forgot my image.

Correction.
>>30459528
If you are all okay with this please select 3 systems in the unexplored part of the map
>>30459023
and roll 3d100

Rolled 24

>>30459528
>select 3 systems in the unexplored part of the map and roll 3d100

Have Daska pick 'em.

1

Rolled 77

>>30459678
2

Rolled 19, 20, 74 = 113

>>30459528
Daska has her own SP's and like always something tells me we will end up needing them.
Actually I'd like to know the nature of the mission befor we parted or held on to anything.

Rolled 64, 74, 64 = 202

>>30459675

Rolled 11

>>30459698
3

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You don't manage to locate the sensor array but it has been narrowed down. One of them was completely out of range, that or they were too close to the other array and it's signal was more powerful.
They did detect response fleet being deployed in attempt to intercept them but your ships were too fast.

Daska says she should be able to track it down from there once everyone has finished repairs, still you could have one or more ships stay longer to assist while the rest of 3rd Wing resupplies.

.Your orders?

>>30459705
>Actually I'd like to know the nature of the mission before we parted or held on to anything.
Alex was told that it had to do with drawing off enemy ships using a decoy of an Isolationist vessel. He got the impression that something bad was supposed to happen to the enemy intercept force but wasn't given anymore info as it could potentially compromise operational security.

>>30459964
Wish Daska the best of luck, and a sorry that we can't spare any ships, then have the entirety of the 3rd Wing resupply, repair, and rest at the rally point. It's best to be in top form for the upcoming special operation.

>>30459964
Leave the repair ship with Daska, she can't operate efficently without it, and it's twin BC escort. With any luck she'll find another yard and destroy it and perhaps some more salvagable Cruisers for us to fill out the wings with.

Resupply then get a briefing on the mission

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You wish Daska well, letting her know you'll be leaving the repair ship and the battlecruisers with her. All except for The Great Devourer that is.

Returning to friendly territory you find that the Neeran have invaded the Nai homeworld already and are pushing onwards in other areas. You sure hope that whatever plan this admiral is working on is actually productive.
Resupply is difficult with the increasing number of ships trying to flee the area. You're forced to wait outside the docks for a pair of transports to arrive and conduct refueling operations then a cargo Frigate to drop off conventional Torps.

"Any chance of us getting some SP Torpedoes?" You ask.
The officer in charge of local resupply says he's able to spare 20 for a fleet your size which you don't hesitate to take.
>3rd Wing now has 70 SP torpedoes.

After getting in brief contact with the Admiral you're given coordinates to meet with a briefing officer. On arrival at the location you find a single Frigate standing by ready to provide new nav data.

Opening a channel you request to speak to the officer in charge.
"I'd like to know the nature of the mission before I agree to anything. I've managed to keep my unit casualties low so far this deployment and I'd like to keep it that way."

Agreeing you're asked to take a shuttle over to the Frigate as they've swept it for tracking and listening devices.

[ ] Go aboard with bodyguard
[ ] Go aboard in power armor and with an escort
[ ] Demand they send someone to your command ship
[ ] Other

>>30460859
>[x] Go aboard in power armor and with an escort
I'm not taking any chances anymore.

>>30460859
>[X] Go aboard in power armor and with an escort

Even if there aren't any enemies aboard, we've seen way too much Krath around recently to go anywhere without armour.

What's the recommended procedure if one of them should go rogue on one's ship, btw?

>>30460859
[X] Go aboard with bodyguard

>>30460859
Paranoia sense tingeling....
Power armor on us and an escort. Preferably with our two Men-At-Arms in their power armor aswell.

>>30460859
>[ ] Go aboard in power armor and with an escort

>>30460971
>What's the recommended procedure if one of them should go rogue on one's ship, btw?
Pray that it doesn't happen. Get off a distress signal if it does.

You suit up and get your two men at arms with power armor to do the same. Valeri throws on some power cell armor as well, making sure his camo is working properly.
"Your new gun should have arrived in the cluster by now sir. It would only be a matter of finding some place for it to be delivered to."

The ride over is uneventful and you disembark to find that the ship's security teams are less than pleased about your choice of attire. They can screw themselves, you've been in enough close scrapes you're not taking chances.

Once aboard you're shown to a cargo bay with what looks to have one of those secure conference rooms stored within. Stepping through the door you and your guards briefly scan the room finding nothing out of the ordinary. The briefing officer, a Hune in an Alliance uniform, shows that he's unarmed and asks to be sure of your identity. Once that's taken care of both of you proceed inside while your guards wait just outside the door, ready to break in at a moment's notice.

You get the feeling from the smirk on his face that he's trying not to comment on your outfit.

"Just what are we signing up for?" you ask after sitting down in a bare steel chair.

"This is an operation designed to draw as many enemy ships away from the front lines as possible, or failing that badly cripple their reserve forces. The destruction of one of their command ships had a serious and immediate effect on the enemy fleet and caused them to break off their drive into the Shallan core territories."
You recall that barely any of the Alliance ships survived that operation.

"That sounds like a suicide mission." you state.

>>30461538

"Admiral Rasarm has secured access to a number of ships and weapons that were supposed to be held back for use around the Shallan homeworld but now is increasingly less needed there. As it is they were holding back too many ships for the region anyways and they needed to be redeployed.

We're converting a pair of asteroids with drive systems from two Heavy cruiser sized asteroid tugs. Combined with holographic projectors, ECM, jamming and other measures it should be possible to make them look like Isolationist Neeran Supers. While Neeran vessels can only carry so many ships aboard we're building trenches into the asteroids that will allow us to hide Medium cruisers, Veckron Torpedo bombers and potentially hundreds of smaller starships like your attack wings within each one.
There will be an escort of some Heavy cruisers and Heavy Carriers but most of the Carriers will also be decoys. Once the vessels aboard have launched they'll be acting as fire ships.

Smaller ships such as those used by your unit will try to hold off the enemy corvette forces long enough for the Veckron Torpedo bombers to dispatch the enemy super heavy forces present."

>What say?

>>30461646
"This is sounding incredibly dangerous, Admiral. I am not adverse to working in close proximity to Veckron warheads, but we'll be the primary targets for those super-heavies' guns."

I'm really not liking the sound of this. Maybe we should consider turning this one down?

>>30461646
Why not simply launch the asteroids into the neeran?

>>30461646
> the ship's security teams are less than pleased about your choice of attire.
Apologise for any problems we caused for them, but we've seen some shit lately.

>What say?
We're a unit equipped for hit and run engagements. Big guns, high speed, elite pilots. Overwhelm stuff with high firepower, and be gone before their reinforcements show up.

How are we supposed to employ our strengths in this situation? Stuff like our plasma cannons are mostly wasted on corvettes, and our usual MO doesn't seem that well suited to the kind of gigantic brawl this will most likely end up as.
Most of our ships can't take the kind of fire that gets thrown around in a battle like that one, and even our incredibly skilled crews will only get us so far in a battle of attrition like the one he's planning.

I feel flattered he wants us on this operation, but I don't think it's something that utilises our Wing's strengths particularly well.

>>30461646
"Super Heavys which will no doubt have a large escort not to mention my last encounter with a Super Heavy cost me my ship. Best case this will be a slaughter ground for anything smaller than Heavys or Mediums. What's the back up plan? I don't suppose the rocks themselfs can be used to ram something? Also, should I agree to this plan will we be given priority access to SP's? We sure are going to need them."

Risky, oh so risky, but should prove a good blow against them if it works. I am willing to hear him out.

>>30461900
Anon you put into words all of my concerns. Thank you.

>>30461646
"Riskier than I prefer, but if I wanted safety I would have accepted teaching position."

"What kind of support and upgrades you can provide?"

Dangerous, but it is also and opportunity. Lets see what he can offer.

>>30461906
I have to agree. I'm willing to hear more about the operation.

>>30461538
> Gun is here
> Delivery location.
Uh, maybe the local logistics depo will hold it for us until we can pick it up?

"We're a unit equipped for hit and run engagements." You point out "How are we supposed to employ our strengths in this situation?"

"We'll need someone fast to help perform a breakout or as a reaction force, and the number of attack units that also have plenty of Torpedo capability are not as numerous as you might think. We'll certainly be trying to recruit a Kavarian Attack Wing or two."

Maybe your point isnt getting across. "Most of our ships can't take the kind of fire that gets thrown around in a battle like that one, and even our incredibly skilled crews will only get us so far in a battle of attrition like the one you're planning."

"We have some contingencies." The officer states. "The decoy asteroids where you would be launching from will have shileds and you would be able to take cover behind them for a time. As most of your ships firepower is concentrated in the forward arc, you could remain in the trenches with full shields forward for some time firing outwards.
As for the inevitable attition we're preparing a number of recovery locations for those abandoning ship via emergency teleporter. We plan to reduce crew size to skeleton level for the operation itself to ensure everyone will have room to get off their ships."

Little comfort if you happen to OWN the ship that's getting blown up...
"Those enemy Super Heavys will no doubt have a large escort not to mention my last encounter with a Super Heavy cost me my ship. Best case this will be a slaughter ground for anything smaller than Heavys or Mediums. What's the back up plan? I don't suppose the rocks themselvs can be used to ram something? In fact why not simply launch the asteroids into the neeran?"

"We plan to do so once all of the ships have launched, though it's possible they'll have taken too much damage by then."

>>30462904
You're still not happy about risking the Devourer so early in it's career. They don't just mass produce those things, they're made for individual Knights! With the support that's being drawn in for this mission you suppose it might not be out of the question to ask for another command ship.
Then again, there are those Medium cruisers your Wings have salvage rights on...

"What kind of support and upgrades you can provide? Should I agree to this plan will we be given priority access to SP's? We sure are going to need them."
"The Terrans have moved most of their Mark 42 SP torpedo reserves to the front. They'll be the primary offensive warhead for the operation. Engineering teams are also testing special jackets for nuclear warheads that will more effectively let them act as flash bangs for blinding enemy sensors."

Now that's interesting, you were just thinking of a modification like that a couple of weeks ago.
"How long have those been in development?"
"Decades. The Republic was coming to the realization that their missile stockpiles wouldn't be nearly as effective against next generation shield technology. After we saw their usage in the same manner by other Factions fighting the Warlords we stepped up development."
Damn it. So much for being heralded as a genius for that development.

"This whole operation is riskier than I prefer, but if I wanted safety I would have accepted teaching position. Let me think on it."

Your orders?
>Would you prefer that I put up a new version of the earlier survey?

>>30463269
>>Would you prefer that I put up a new version of the earlier survey?

Yes, please. And if possible, keep it active until you start posting again tomorrow. I'd hate to have half of the players miss out on this decision.

>>30463319
I'm conflicted on this.

I was expecting the specops mission to maybe be some deep, deep recon with mobile shipyard support.

I'm kind of expecting the Neeran to see through the ruse and lay a trap as well. They're advanced enough to pull off lots of shit and seeing through some ECM sounds right up their alley. We'll drop out at the target location and be pounded by 20 super heavies.

Let's have people weigh in first. I think this needs a good discussion.

>>30463319
>Don't want to endanger the Devourer
>Think of getting another command ship.
>Medium cruisers.

If we could get one of those fixed up I am all for getting a new command ship. It will most likely be full of alliance crew,but it's a trade off.

>>30463442
Acceptable, I'd rather risk a House owned ship over our own in a high risk mission like this. Especially if we could get some Mediums with Plasma cannons, I like Plasma.

This does not sound like our type of mission at all but if it succeeds we will win lots of prestige for ourselfs and the House. Not to mention we might savy those nice Tyranids in the process and push back the enemy front in this sector, a big moral boost in this entire galaxy no doubt.

>>30463395
>I was expecting the specops mission to maybe be some deep, deep recon with mobile shipyard support.
Actually there were two other optional special forces missions I had planned but then you guys suggested the decoy operation.

One included stealing an enemy prototype corvette testing higher output weapon systems. This would involve sneaking then extraction by your Wing.

The other involved a fast raid with afterburner equipped starships to investigate a station that the Neeran have begun construction of. Stealthy approaches have not been successful so they're going for blatantly breaching the defense perimeter to get proper readings.


Do you guys want those options included?

>>30463749
Very true this type of mission is indeed our of our comfort zone, but if it succeeds it would be major blow again the Neeran (Hopefully)

>>30463776
Well this entire operation happened thanks to that suggestion so at the moment I think we should just focus on if we are taking this mission or not. It's not like we know about the other missions at this moment anyway.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NJMWW3G

New survey up. Posting it on the wiki next.

>>30464221
What sort of armament does the Republic Medium carry?

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>>30464320
>What sort of armament does the Republic Medium carry?
Where the hell are my notebooks when I need them. I've been liking for that one for days.
Hah found it. These are fairly rough. These are two classes base off the same hull, the lower one would have replaced the starfighters bays with missile batteries. Which means aft facing starfighter launch/recovery bays in addition to the ones on the sides.

Scribbled Notes: Expansive carrier bays, high density construction, heavy beam arrays, slow.
Weapons:
2x Spinal mount Medium plasma cannon (Wingtips)
4x Heavy phase cannon array (forward arc)
2x Heavy phase cannon arrays (Dorsal/Ventral) Full 360 degree coverage
4x torpedo launchers (Forward)
?x aft launchers?
+10 phase cannon turrets
extensive point defense and anti-fighter missile coverage

>>30463776

Oh i think those covert ops missions might be nice to run as well. Considering our reputation after we pull this off, and perhaps one or more of the others our personal, the two Wings and JDs reputation will get some serious bumps.

Perhaps even new potential allies or contacts. Sweet sweet social rewards.

Nothing prevents us from looting them too...

God damn, this is going to end badly.

At the same time, I really want to be there to ensure that it does work.

That said, no way we're risking our personal battlecruiser on this shit.

>>30465126
Hang on a sec.

Why are they throwing the big TARGET ME asteroids at them?

Why not have them go for a different target whilst a CLOAKED group hits the command ship? Jesus christ I regret voting for the operation now.

>>30465225
They're making the TARGET ME asteroids into 'Neeran Super Heavies'

Which will then erupt into a swarm of attack ships and V-torp ships

>>30465358
Isolationist Super Heavies.

The ones the invading Neeran want to kill really badly.

(Unless I've mixed up my Neeran's and then I'm an idiot.)

>>30464922
Let's take it, it should be able to dish out a nice amount of damage to the Neeran forces.

>>30464964
Stealing a prototype? Yes, we could take our own scans and shizzle and send it to the House while at the same time getting prestige in the Alliance. Good thing we found that Krath scout ship, it has a stealth thingy right?

The blockade run seems like a mission for someone who enjoys being shoot at, so nah.

>>30465126
I'm actually contemplating the cloning thing. Then I dismiss it just as quickly. Oh this is either going to be glorious or a disaster, either way shit will get broken.

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Gotta stop reading my old notes.

>>30465225
>Why are they throwing the big TARGET ME asteroids at them?
Because they should have roughly the same mass size and shape as a Neeran city ship.

>whilst a CLOAKED group hits the command ship?
There is a Rovinar contingent planned to be there as well.
In addition you can also select up to 2 special characters/commanders. Guess what equipment the Rovinar and Krath special characters get?

>>30465455
(Unless I've mixed up my Neeran's.)
No you have not.

>>30465508
>Good thing we found that Krath scout ship, it has a stealth thingy right?
The interior was mostly shredded. The only thing of value was the agent you recovered.

>I'm actually contemplating the cloning thing. Then I dismiss it just as quickly.
Let me know if enough of you change your mind.


Current vote is 6/8 for going along on the mission. The survey will remain up, but if there are no serious objections planning will commence.
As one of the more experienced unit commanders and one of the earliest to be brought on board you're being asked to help organise a section of one of the decoy ships. Essentially the front half of one of them. Your section must have at minimum 4 Veckron Torpedo bombers/cruisers. These ships are fairly weak combatants, as a result for each one added to your section you must include 1 medium cruiser as an escort.
You can also equip Rovinar disposable launchers to the Republic and Shallan Mediums but be advised that these launchers can not fire while there are other ships in the same trench.

You can request ships from any Faction, though each Faction has different stats, reliability, etc.

What sort of units would you like to recruit for your section?

>>30466573
Terrans, lots of Terran ships. With their SP reserves open to us their ships will be the most efficent due to all those torpedo slots of theirs.
Preferably Battlecruisers and Battleships seeing as regular Cruisers are a bit squishy when facing Neerans.

Perhaps mix it up with a few Republican ships for those Plasma cannons? Yeah, a mix of heavy Republic ships armed with Plasma weapons and solid Terran ships with plenty of launchers. Anything less will take to long to bring down the Neerans if we want this to go smoothly.

A few bombers, four of them, should be easier to protect aswell than a large swarm of them so we should go with just the minimum. Hopefully that will also make us less of a target and increase the odds of us walking away from this. We can just escort them, let them shoot and then wreak havoc on enemy support.

>>30466573
>Units.
Helios siege weapon ships.

Strap a few of them to the asteroid for a NASTY broadside.

Other than that, ships mainly focused on shield strength. For sub-cruiser level ships, speed and maneuverability to dodge superheavy shots.

http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/Ships

Dominion corvettes, while weaker than many other Faction ships, can be packed in much tighter allowing more firepower for the rest of the battle.
Newer Terran corvettes are bulkier but more maneuverable, better suited to brawling.

Combat Frigates are mostly used by Mercs & some Kavarian units.
Attack cruisers you already tend to know about, fast, not quite as tough. Variable depending on what faction.

Dominion Light cruisers are tough brawlers, Rovinar ones have powerful weapons, Republic vessels have tons of guns, though they cant fire all of them for long. Terran Polaris class are smaller and more maneuverable, but with less engine power.

Certain Battlecruiser and Battleship classes are currently unavailable but the cheaper more heavily mass produced ones can be recruited.
Kavarian Battlecruisers
Razor Battlecruisers
Terran Sydney class
Terran Alderamin class (Torpedo boat)
Rovinar Battleships
Republic Princeps class battleship.

Most Medium cruiser classes are available.


Larger ships:
1x Rovinar heavy and escort have been assigned.
2x Heavy Carriers modified as Fire ships
3x Kavarian Mega class are undergoing a refit and will be used to support the fleet. They're being fitted with reinforced internal sections to act as kinetic penetrators should it be necessary for them to ram.

Special characters to follow.

>>30466996
Would you mind posting the wing organisation chart too?

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Dominion - Baron Dante Zvonimir
Special: Walker unit/ boarding assault team

Terran - Captain Madeline "Mad Eye" Jones
Special: Mad Eye Class modified Transcendent

Rovinar - Captain Lori Vapasi
Special: Cloaked Medium & Escort (Escorts can fire while cloaked)

Kavarian - Kire Metra
Special: modified Sunleaf Battleships

Shallan - Sev Gradn
Special: Shallan old guard

Republic - Gale Linnas
Special: Type-6 Attack bomber wings

PCCG Mercs - Jivin Sengupta
Special: CCD BS's

Warlord/South Reach League - Chirak
Special: Medium cruiser prototype

Krath - Sans Marin
Special: Cloaked Battlecruisers / intercept unit

Neeran Isolationists - "Baldr"
Special: ???

Norune - [totally reliable translation]
Special: Running away at an inconvenient moment.

>>30467221
This has not been updated to reflect you change of command ship.

>>30467639
If we're picking and choosing what ships, let's drop the corvettes for now. They're squishy and will probably just get our crews killed.

>>30466996
A mixture of Dominion Light Cruisers and Rovinar ones.

>>30467639
>Neeran
Tempting, but I'll vote for the Terran.

Did we ask the admiral the exit strategy by the way? Is it just, point your ships towards the front lines and hope for the best?

We forgot the

>>30467747
*let's drop the corvettes from our wing.

A lot of players seem to have gone now sadly. Thinking of pausing for the night, TSTG?

>>30467639
>>30466996
The Sydney class sounds tasty, 2 Plasma cannons and 4 launchers. This thing was made for my wants and needs!

I don't know what E-beams are but the Rovinar Battleship has 6 of them so they must be good for something!

>>30466897
Arent those unreliable to use? The Shukhant seems to pack A LOT of guns and is heavily armored and the Eminence is apparently fast. But yeah I like the sound of the Shukhant

>>30467639
Cloaked Medium? Why don't we have anything like that in the wing yet? But yeah the Neeran seems fun, they need to get their act together and help out I bit I do think!

>>30467639
>Terran - Captain Madeline "Mad Eye" Jones
>Special: Mad Eye Class modified Transcendent

What exactly is this?

>>30467817
>E-beams
They're like disintegration beams basically. We use smaller versions as cutting equipment in our salvage fleet.

>Unreliable Helios Siege Ships
I thought it was that they were reliable but had little armor and were slow-ish.

You can select up to 2 special characters total, 1 is available from each Faction.

>>30467747
>If we're picking and choosing what ships, let's drop the corvettes from our wing.
You're picking what ships your allies will be bringing, not what your pilots will get.


>>30467771
>A lot of players seem to have gone now sadly. Thinking of pausing for the night, TSTG?
We'll see.

>>30467817
>Shukhant seems to pack A LOT of guns and is heavily armored
It's a fairly modern example of a Medium cruiser, though it lacks special weapons like SP torpedo launchers or plasma cannons that other Factions have.

>the Neeran seems fun, they need to get their act together and help out I bit I do think!
NOTE: Some Neeran from the Isolationists Faction will be accompanying the expedition either way.

>>30467874
A Transcendent class light cruiser, originally built by the opposition forces in the Republic civil war, this version has been rebuilt with more powerful sublight drives pushing it into the attack cruiser category. The missile armament is much reduced as a result of changes to the hull. Captain Jones is pushing for a proper version of the class to be designed giving attack squadrons the firepower of Centurions without the extra bulk.
She assembled a unit of the vessels using salvage and trades with mercs.

>>30467911
>I thought it was that they were reliable but had little armor and were slow-ish.
This, though their armor isn't terrible, just not the best.


Drawing up what I can from the posts so far.

I'll leave fleet composition to others, but I want to point that whole idea is to lure Neeran Command Ship in the position for veckron torpedo barrage without wrecking habitable system, then GTFO away once it is dead.


As such, we need :

Ships to carry extra torps (I remember TSTG saying that Republic Mediums are good platform for them, since you can install launcher on the tip of the wing and have most of the radiation go into empty space);

Ships to destroy/intercept enemy escorts (It would be really embarrassing to pull ambush perfectly only to have torpedoes physically intercepted by enemy corvettes).

>>30468037
Then I'd say the Neeran dude and the Rovinar cause Rovinars are always fun to have around and the Neeran dude is a surprise and who here dosen't like those?

>>30468037
>A Transcendent class light cruiser, originally built by the opposition forces in the Republic civil war, this version has been rebuilt with more powerful sublight drives pushing it into the attack cruiser category.

Vengeance types supposed to be very modular, right? I wonder if it is possible to install plasma cannon in place of A or C spinal armament. B should be easy to modify as such, but it is really a pocket battlecruiser than attack cruiser.

>>30467639
Okay. As for Characters I would say Baldr and either Captain Lori or Mad Eye Jones.

As for the composition. Any corvettes we pick up should be I think a 60/40 split between Dominion and Terran.

Light Cruisers should be a mix of Rovinar and dominion.

I'll let others handle any battleships and i'm not sure how the vote went but I would love to command a Medium cruiser for this opp.

Not sure about picking larger ships.

Neeran and Terran sounds good. Are we going to be able to pick up the rifle before we deploy? I'm going to assume the maker already did some testing so we won't have to break it in on our first op.

>>30469750
The more that I think about it I want the Neeran and Mad Eye Jones.

>>30470092
That sounds like one hell of a wildcard squadron.

>>30470669
So a regular monday then?

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Your current plan is to get both of those Medium cruisers salvaged and added to the fleet. One of them will just happen to be serving as your command ship, even if only temporarily.

Over the next two weeks repairs are made on the salvaged vessels and workers cut more trenches into the asteroid surface. Simulations begin to be run on launching from the asteroids as more ships arrive to be stationed aboard.
A trio of Heavy carriers arrive and begin to distribute SP weapons which are checked to make sure they'll work with everyone's launchers. Mk 42's were not produced in the same numbers as their predecessors and were slightly less reliable than the newer Mk 43. Few ever reached the black market.

Looking over the unit levels you check to see if you've missed anything before sending it to the Admiral for final approval.

Your section:
3rd Wing
12x Attack corvettes
28x Frigates
26x Attack cruisers

576x Attack Corvette
184x Assault Corvettes (96x Gamma, 88x Jenning)
200x Dagger corvettes

50x Silent Hunter Combat version (Substitute for insufficient Rov Cruisers)

144x Knight class
48x Rovinar cruisers
60x Centurions

16x Princeps BS
12x Alderamin BS
8x Sydney class BS
24x Rovinar BS

4x VT bombers (Max possible torpedo loadout)

Mediums
1x Republic Medium command ship* (Sonia's Temporary command ship)
8x Heron (+ 2x single shot VT launchers each)
4x Helios
9x Shukhant

>How does it look? / Do you want to add or trade some ships?

>>30470843
I would have to say this looks good and i'm going to assume that any ship that has starfighters will have their own mix of them

Also, my final vote for Persons of interest to join us are Baldr and Mad Eye Jones.

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>>30467747
>Did we ask the admiral the exit strategy
"We either break them, or we use the attack squadrons to punch a hole the rest of the ships can use to escape. Even weaking the enemy line could be enough for our medium cruisers and smaller ships to cut their way through and escape."

>>30468141
>Vengeance types supposed to be very modular, right?
For certain things. Not for ripping out the core section where all of the vital systems and crew areas are buried for protection.


Votes for special characters seem to be centered around the Terran, Rovinar and Neeran. Select 2 while linking this post please.

[ ] Terran - Captain Madeline "Mad Eye" Jones
[ ] Rovinar - Captain Lori Vapasi
[ ] Neeran Isolationists - "Baldr"

>>30471010
As stated here >>30470998

I am voting for
[X] Terran - Captain Madeline "Mad Eye" Jones
[X] Neeran Isolationists - "Baldr"

>>30471010
>[x] Terran - Captain Madeline "Mad Eye" Jones
>[x] Neeran Isolationists - "Baldr"

Definitely Neeran/Terran. If this was a sneakier operation the Rovinar would fit better but this is more of a slash and burn.,

>>30471062
>>30471080

I'll third that.

Wonder if Baldr contains anyone that knew Svidur

>>30471835
What if Svidur was his hated rival?

I keep forgetting they do the mind-reading thing so we should probably make sure extra hard to not think about those dyson sphere keys and designs we have locked up.

>>30472205
We should totally just think of the dead isolationist Neeran that were turned into zombie cyborgs instead. Bring up shit he won't want to see and he'll GTFO right quick.

Fireships:
TCS Enterprise - Despite taking serious damage in the La'tham coup the ship returned to action and remained near the front lines while battling the Pirate Warlords. Recent fighting in Shallan space has left the ship nearly unsalvageable. There are insufficient facilities available to fully repair it and it's drives are too questionable to risk a long jump to the Pandora cluster. Crews are stripping usable equipment and refitting it for use as a fire ship.
It's rumored the Terrans want to name a new super heavy carrier after her so they're not too broken up over it.

TCS Liaoning - Gutted in the Lat'tham coup and never fully repaired there were long term plans to use it as a target ship for training units. Since the start of the invasion it has been pressed into use as a transport ship, carrying supplies into Shallan space and other crippled ships out.
As the ship's registry number was long considered unlucky it had already gained a reputation as a cursed ship long before it's near destruction. It shall not be mourned

Besides the Kavarian Mega class ships present the Republic Heavy Carrier Granite Fulcrum will be the only vessel capable of providing field repairs that is not considered an expendable asset.

>>30471835
Baldr was one of Svidur's apprentices and was in Republic space until recently.


>make sure extra hard to not think about those dyson sphere keys and designs we have locked up.
>Ending up thinking about them more than you would have.

I'll see you guys in the morning.

>>30472943
>Baldr was one of Svidur's apprentices and was in Republic space until recently.

Suddenly I instantly like this person and feel we will be getting along quite nicely.

Hmm, not sure if we should leave the rifle behind on this op. How likely are we to get into a boarding operation?

>>30471010
Terran and Rovinar support, please.

>>30471010
Rovinar and Neeran support. Dat cloaked fire support and fast escort please.

Majority vote seems to be for the Terrans and Neeran, which is a little surprising considering the requests for cloaked ships earlier. Also, not one question about that Baron.
>Ask Daska if she wants to come along with the 5th wing.
She respects your decision to have taken on an unspecified special assignment you cant tell her about via long range coms. The Dro'all suggests that it would be better if the Houses resources were not concentrated in one place where they might all be lost.
Daska: MUAHAHA! All this salvage is mine!
Sonia: Oh, I'm taking those Mediums and a few other salvaged ships for that special op I'm on.
>Sonia was here! Daska is a loser!

While communications getting out have been tightly controlled those getting in have been less so. Word has just come in that an enemy fleet group swung through the regions closest to the galaxy's core then out to strike four colony zones. Several sectors were overrun when sections of the local garrisons were subverted and turned on the Alliance forces stationed nearby.
The commander of the converted science outpost monitoring the Dyson sphere attempted to assassinate the captains of the Alliance Super Heavies stationed nearby. While only partially successful he was still able to destroy half the assault corvettes stationed there. Their fighting retreat was certainly worthy of a few medals but ultimately they were driven from the system.
The station commander escaped in the confusion and is now wanted by every Faction. There is a bounty of 1 million S on his head dead or 1.2 mil alive.

Some of the unit commanders want to scrap the operation entirely and use the current resources to go on the offensive, retaking recently conquered systems.

>What say?

>>30479478
>There is a bounty of 1 million S on his head dead or 1.2 mil alive

That's surprisingly low, considering how much damage that guy has caused.

>Some of the unit commanders want to scrap the operation entirely and use the current resources to go on the offensive, retaking recently conquered systems.

It would help if we knew what exactly was captured by the enemy. If people have been using scorched earth tactics during their retreat, retaking the systems might not particularly viable.

>>30479478
"You can either go there and win a battle, or you can go on this op and ensure that that the rest of the galaxy might be able to start push back them."

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>>30479524
>It would help if we knew what exactly was captured by the enemy. If people have been using scorched earth tactics during their retreat, retaking the systems might not particularly viable.

The 3 sectors deeper in friendly territory didn't have time to properly evacuate to allow for scorched earth tactics. Everywhere else is staying ahead of the invasion and sabotaging equipment or shipping it out, but only barely.

>>30479560

This, S-OP is all good, we can save the day later.

>>30479751
Well, that's not good at all. Was there anything particularly important in these sectors before they were overrun?

>>30480187
Not good at all is putting it lightly, more like a complete and total disaster in the making. We really need to take out the local command ship of the Neerans and send them on the defensive so we can stabilize the battlelines and bring in some reinforcements.

>>30479560
"You can either go there and win a battle, or you can go on this op and ensure that the rest of the galaxy might be able to start pushing back them."
"Might." is the the key word that most have an issue with. It's likely one of the reasons why there are few mercenaries here it seems, and the Shallan contingent is very small. Morale is not in a good state overall but could be worse.

>>30480187
Nothing else out of the ordinary no.

>>30480232
Another problem is that there have been several command ships sighted. Intel believes that the current command ships may have once been the much smaller super heavies that fought in the incursions four centuries ago. It would fit with the way Neeran expand their city ships.


Training picks up pace. The VT bombers in your section should have enough space to charge and fire their torpedoes without endangering anyone but themselves. The launchers equipped to the mediums will still not be able to fire before they clear the asteroid.
The technicians and ship captains are discussing equipping more of the Rovinar built launchers to the Heron Mediums, but there's a chance that close proximity will cause subsequent shots to charge early, this will make it more difficult to estimate when the warhead is ready to fire. If it finishes too soon it might explode in its launcher.

You currently have 2 equipped to each Heron, there is talk of putting 4 on each wing for a total of 8. How many extras do you wish to carry if any?

>>30480460
Let's leave it at 2. Veckrons aren't the sort of thing you want accidentally going off.

>>30480460
2 to each seems a fine number. I don't want to be anywhere near a Velkron missfire and less of them means less of them blowing up in our faces. 16 Velkrons on the Herons and the 4 bombers should by itself be a substantial amount of firepower for any purpose. Besides the less the Herons have to focus on sinking ships 100 times larger than it the more it can focus on shielding the bombers.

>>30480460
> extra Vtorps

Would it be possible to put Vtorp launcher pods onto/into the asteroids themselves?
If Vtorps are guided, it could be a damn fine shock, especially if the asteroid's mass could partially hide the torp charging from the Neeran.

Wand was there still a bounty on taking a Neeran battleship intact? Did we take that one intact enough to qualify?

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>>30480605
>>30480613
Leaving them the way they are.

>>30480645
>Would it be possible to put Vtorp launcher pods onto/into the asteroids themselves?
Yes, though you cant have them too close to the trenches for the smaller ships. There are currently 4 mounted in the bow of the asteroid.

>especially if the asteroid's mass could partially hide the torp charging from the Neeran.
Visually yes if it's deep enough, it'll still show up on sensors, but if there are enough ships charging them elsewhere it might avoid notice.
Try to have more mounted on the surface of the asteroid, or try to hide more of them?

Final preparations are underway. Unless you're planning otherwise the Admiral is highly recommending that ships reduce their ship personnel to skeleton crew levels and that those remaining undergo teleport shock training if they haven't already done so or it's been more than 18 months.

Your command ship being a Medium cruiser designed to carry starfighters you're approached by a number of officers representing starfighter command and Aries.
Aries is offering to provide drone fighters to fill out the stafighter capacity of your ship since there aren't enough fighters available even if you transferred those from your escorts over.
While remotely controlled they have additional systems that cant be accessed remotely that will prevent them from targeting friendlies if coms are hacked. They're not strong dogfighters, relying on missile and torpedo armaments.
Most Factions prefer clones to drones but even they're in short supply as industry continues to ramp up. Do you want to try the drone fighters?

>>30461538
>Pray that it doesn't happen. Get off a distress signal if it does.

I remember something about adrenaline being poisonous to them. Would it be possible to secure some ammo that releases adrenaline after entering a body?

>Do you want to try the drone fighters?
Yep, sounds good. Although it will probably make our ship a priority target once the enemy figures out how the drones are controlled. Do they have any ideas how we could prevent that situation.

>>30481126
DROOOONES! All my love to you TSTG! Obviously we want drones! I mean the Neerans are going to fling Plasma balls everywhere and that is no place for our elite pilots to be at, much better to have soulless Drones take that place. Could probably use them as Suicide drones when we run out of ammo for them!

If they do not take away from the ships I am more then okay with mounting Velkrons on the asteroid, or in it. More of them in the opening volly is all the better for us. And if the Neerans see it enough of them fireing off from a rock they might redirect the majority of their fire that way and give our ships a chance to fire without dying in the process.

>>30481126
>Stealth Drone
>Revolving Missile Racks

I swear Aries makes the best shit.

>>30481126
>Final preparations are underway.
We should make sure that nobody brings ships they actually own to this engagement. Will the house get ships we lose in alliance service replaced by them?

>>30481126
Questions I should have included! Will we get to keep any Drone that survive this and does the House have any wish to any of them? I'd figure being a minor House with low manpower then this would be a golden egg to have when the need calls for it. I know we arent suppose to hand tech given from the Alliance to our own House but technically it's Aries that is offering and we could just let House Engineers make repairs on them once back at our own Repair ship and they could take down notes and such.
They could then bury the data for a while like they did the super awesome stealth thingy we got them and the scans for the SP machine.

Heck, if the House is interested we could either get funding to build our own Fighter production line or sell it to that asshole Baron for a cut of each sale.

Am I making any sense here or am I just rambling?

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>>30480645
>and was there still a bounty on taking a Neeran battleship intact?
Yes, 3rd wing and the boarding team's guest will get bounty.

>>30481173
>I remember something about adrenaline being poisonous to them. [..] secure some ammo that releases adrenaline after entering a body?
It primarily destroys their memory but is overall not good for them.
You can secure rounds specifically tailored to inject chemicals into their targets, normally used for tranquilizers. These are only available on larger caliber rifles as most standard ballistic weapons fire small rounds. Your special rifle should be able to fire modified 20mm rounds.
(Also yes, you can get it delivered to the operation site if I hadn't previously said so.)

>Drones
>will probably make our ship a priority target once the enemy figures out how the drones are controlled. Do they have any ideas how we could prevent that situation.
You can use them as com relays to help spread them out, or set them for autonomous attack. Be aware that you'll be targeted just for being a carrier since the drones will need to land to rearm.

>>30481278
>Could probably use them as Suicide drones when we run out of ammo for them!
Very true, though Aries would like to get some of them back so they can get hold of their combat data.

>>30481602
Totally not stolen from the movie Stealth. Nope. Not at all.
In all seriousness these drones can carry a lot of missiles. Some of them are being equipped with shorter range shard missiles so they'll be able to do pic related.

>>30481609
>Will the House get ships we lose in alliance service replaced by them?
Your crews would be assigned ships by the Alliance and they would be able to use those ships on future deployments. They wouldn't necessarily just buy new ships for the House.

>>30481765
>Will we get to keep any Drone that survive this
No, you'd have to buy them.
>does the House have any wish to any of them?
You'll have to ask after the battle.

>>30481864
Let's just load ourselves with as many Drones as we can then.

Missile spam is always fun.

>>30481864
I would say get the drones.

Also a question for the commander. Have they considered taking along a A.I. to help with any hacking and would be able to help with mass Drone formations.

>>30482116
Oh yeah. Good point about the AI.

That's something I forgot to ask. How's Versa doing?

>>30482116
>>30482146
I swear my goal isn't to have Versa on our ship so that we could be the ultimate wild card team.

>>30481765
>technically it's Aries that is offering and we could just let House Engineers make repairs on them once back at our own Repair ship and they could take down notes and such.
Be advised that as a company, Aries could sue you, jack up prices of anything else they might plan to sell to you and pull the production licenses they may have sold your House. If they were really pissed off Aries also has a mercenary arm, though they don't like to use them.

Still it could be a good idea in theory.

>>30482116
>>30482146
The Kavarian super heavies will be providing remote hacking support if needed. Their computers are not classified as true AI but they should be powerful enough.
The Aries people would prefer the have their drones coordinated from the same carriers they're launching from. They don't want other people messing them up if possible.

>How's Versa doing?
Last time you traded messages Versa's ship has returned to action. She was happy to help with the plan to sabotage the Triads and hopes that it helped with evacuation efforts. She is still exchanging data part time with the other AI's to work out a method of lessening beam diffusion caused by shields. Though with the current sensor range problems caused by Neeran cloaking fields that may prove to be less than useful in the short term.
Other than that and the steady enemy advance everything is going well enough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--9hfm24umo

"This is Admiral Rasarm to all ships. We've finished engine and FTL tests with the tugs. Heavy Carriers are also ready for deployment. We're beginning final loading checks. Commence loading ships onto the decoy craft."

Your command ship is moved into position and locked in place using titanium braces. Should the braces fail to detach they've been fitted with explosive bolts. Should that fail your cannons should be able to shoot them, and if even that doesn't work full engine power will cause the braces to fail from stress.

>>30482489
Do you have a particular ship in mind to move your flag to should your command ship be lost, or will you just use the emergency teleporters?

Any last minute changes to your will?

Do you have anything to say to your people before departure?

>>30482518
>Do you have a particular ship in mind to move your flag to should your command ship be lost, or will you just use the emergency teleporters?
If it's gotten to the point where our command ships are being beaten heavily enough I think it's time to bail out via teleporter, personally.

>Any last minute changes to your will
uh

>Anything to say
"FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION."

>>30482518
>Any last minute changes to your will?
Have half of our remaining fortune and 5% of RSS's annual profits invested into a fund to research time travel so they can either prevent our death, or at least teleport us to the future at the moment of our demise.

>Do you have anything to say to your people before departure?

Tell them to use the emergency teleporters if they're in any kind of serious danger. We couldn't care less about this ships, the important thing is the crews make it. Also, remind our people to stay as far away from the Veckron stuff as possible.

If we die today, at least we will never be in a situation where we will have to start rolling for our parents to survive to the next thread.

>>30482659
>Have half of our remaining fortune and 5% of RSS's annual profits invested into a fund to research time travel so they can either prevent our death, or at least teleport us to the future at the moment of our demise.
no

>>30482518
We are not dying here, emergency teleporter all the way! All our assets, belongings and the like goes to our family to do with as they please. Ownership of our companys likewise passes down to them. The Bittenfeld passes to our sister once she gets her own squad command and the BC once she becomes a knight. That should be some motivation for her.

"They thought they could bully us into submission! Today we teach these bastards a lesson they will never forget! Today we show them the might of all the Factions, be they Rovinar, Dominion or Terran. Today we send a message to all of them, a message that says we will come to you and kick you in the balls... I don't know if they even have those but I'm sure a kick between the legs is painful in either case. For the Alliance and House Jerik-Dremine!"

>>30482518
Get some extra fuel cells for the plasma pistol because holy christ we might be cut off in enemy territory and that pistol can do ANYTHING.

>>30482489
While we have had the plan for the Reynard War memorial I think we should write it down and put it in our will that if we don't make it back it should be built. At least having three statues: Svidur in front of the building, our veteran marine that we got the message from standing guard where all the names of the fallen are, and Sonia sitting in a command chair.

>>30482518
These kind of questions are making me incredibly worried.

On a scale of 1 - 10, TSTG, where was the lethality before, and where will it be on this mission?

I really don't want to die or see this end yet oh god

>>30483130
Any time you've been fighting Neeran I upped the lethality of rolls but in return any squadron getting an 18 or higher would help out sections of the unit that would have otherwise been killed outright. A few more solid hits than usual from Neeran corvettes can completely destroy a ship, even an attack cruiser.
Thanks to the training you guys did your units have also been more likely to simply retreat if it looks like they're going to get their asses kicked.
Here retreat will be more difficult as you can only flee to the safety provided by the asteroid shields, and then only until they're used to collide with enemy supers.

Level of lethality on this mission will depend on some choices you're about to make.

>>30482489
I'd actually like to amend our will in part so that if we are KIA, Baron Winnifred gets 10-15% of RSS on condition that she ensure our mother/sister/father/brother is fit to assume the helm of the company. I'd also like to give some shares to our salvage team leader in the will.

>>30483359
Good to know. Thanks TSTG.
>>30483437
This is a good idea too.

>>30483437
Why? Mr London is our right hand of the company and knows just about everything about it. If anything he should be the one to teach whoever takes charge of the company. Besides 10-15% is like 100 million, counting not just our liquid assets, and I see absolutly no reason for the simple job of teaching to value that much. Especially when there are more qualified people that can do it far far cheaper and safer as I have no doubt the Baron would take the chance to use our family and company if she could.

>>30483541
Mr London is the bank's man, not ours. As far as I can recall, we didn't secure his permanent services due to his specialization in 'start up' companies.

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"All ships are loaded." Reports coms. "Fleet is preparing to jump."
You glance around the bridge of the new command ship you've occupied for the past couple of weeks. It's more spacious than even the redundant command centers on the Terran Super Heavy cruisers you've been aboard. It's a little strange not being at the helm for once.
With luck you'll be able to leave the battle with this ship, though with the carriers bays it's going to be a big target. Emergency teleporters were installed in the refit, the bridge getting 4 seperate ones due to it's size. You're a little concerned about the crew in the starfighter bays. They'll have the hardest time getting to their pods.

You open a channel to the wing. It's only fitting you say something inspiring to them.
"Reynard to all ships listen up. The Neeran thought they could bully us into submission! Today we teach these bastards a lesson they will never forget! Today we show them the might of all the Factions, be they Rovinar, Dominion or Terran. Today we send a message to all of them, a message that says we will come to you and kick you in the balls... I don't know if they even have those but I'm sure a kick between the legs is painful in either case. For the Alliance and House Jerik-Dremine!

FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!"

The majority of your pilots likewise respond with a loud. "FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!"

Vibration from the asteroid's acceleration carries through the reinforced structure.

Linda is looking worried as the view out of the trench flickers with subspace static for nearly two minutes straight. A highpitched shriek runs through the ship before the asteroid vessel is overtaken by the more normal bright glow of subspace.

"That was normal right?"
Linda grimaces and holds up her crossed fingers.

"Will we be okay?" you ask her.
"I hope so. I dont know as much about drive systems this large as I would like to."

>>30484015
Well if we all make it out I'll get you a book on large drive systems. Fair trade?

>>30482518
>Do you have anything to say to your people before departure?
For House and Dominion.

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The fleet is currently moving above the plane of this galaxy towards a realignment on the other side. This should give plenty of enemy fleets in the main invasion corridor a good reading to pick up and time for them to pursue. Intel believes that Neeran reserves in a nearby dwarf galaxy may respond as well which would provide quite the shooting gallery.

At a total distance of 167,000 lightyears the jump should take 3 hours at FTL cruising speed, but it seems performance isn't quite what it could be moving these asteroids. As the fleet approaches the end of it's jump long range sensor have picked up elements from 4 Neeran fleet groups on intercept courses.

A couple of people say to let them catch up and take them as soon as possible but they're in the minority. There is still no clear sign of a command ship and the majority want to find a way to draw more enemy fleets from the lines.

Once the fleet drops out and the FTL problems are corrected Admiral Rasarm feels that the best course of action would be to make a jump in the direction of the main Neeran staging area for the cluster which would certainly draw away more ships from everywhere. A couple want to set course for the dwarf galaxy they're using as a closer staging base.
Others commanders suggest heading into one of the systems where the invasion fleets destroyed a planet and seem to be mining the debris. Intel has leads on 3-5 such worlds including the one your Wing scanned down.

Which course of action do you support?

>>30484422
Mining the debris might be a good idea. They do have command ships there.

>>30484422

>>30484522
Yeah, this.

If you're going to put a command ship somewhere it's going to be in a place of no strategic importance. A recently destroyed planet would be no target for the alliance to retake, is what I'm hoping the Neeran are thinking.

>>30484522
I feel inclined to agree with this. Best case we break a command ship along with a sizable number of Supers aswell as hampering their logistics by taking away a raw material location.

Then if enough ships survive afterwards they could all split into smaller fleets and raid the enemys yards and logistics while making their way back to friendly lines.

>>30484594
>>30484584
>>30484522

Already >>30484584 voted here.

If we're going up against the planets then we'll probably be hitting the huge planet scourers as well. They should be priority targets, but did the alliance figure out a way of destroying them more effectively than just 'shoot it a lot and hope we can overwhelm it?'

>>30484631
>did the alliance figure out a way of destroying them more effectively than just 'shoot it a lot and hope we can overwhelm it?'
Their Scorchers are about as tough as a regular carrier type super heavy, their fleets just tend to be far more protective of them when their big gun is charging.

The alternative to shooting them a lot is shooting them with a few Veckron weapons. The Helios class Mediums in your section can reconfigure their main gun to fire an EMP type burst, though it wont damage armor and they don't know how effective it will be. The shot could be intercepted and they would need to hit it with 3 at minimum to stand a chance at partially overloading the gun on a Scorcher.

>>30484775
The EMP round thing is good to know if we're ever in a pinch. Thanks.

>>30484422
I'm not a fan of destroying the smaller 4 fleets and blowing our cover, at least no yet.

I'm against leaving the cluster as it would probably make teleporter pod retrival a chore, and the closer we are to friendly lines, the better.

Both other options seem okay to me.

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You connect to the command channel. "We've encountered command ships hanging around destroyed planets before for their mining and shipyard operations. That's bound to have a large escort. Wouldn't that get more attention?"

One of the Shallan officers contacts the Admiral next. "Sir if we head for their main staging area not only would it make teleporter pod retrival a chore but there's a chance the drives on the asteroids and our Carriers might not be able to make the trip."

Opinions of the other commanders and admirals slowly shift toward finding a closer target. Cloaked scout ships in the region are contacted to try and find a suitable location quickly.

"We'll have to relocate before our pursuit catches up. All ships stand by for FTL."

As the fleet jumps again you contact the rest of the Wing. "Everyone double check their emergency teleporter database. The last thing we want is to end up on a planet that's in pieces."

Within an hour a target is located and good thing too because elements from 11 fleets are now after you all. Sensor readings from the asteroid show your arrival in a suitable system. A distant bright star has resulted in an orbital period of numerous standard years but it was deemed suitable for easy terraforming.

Nice looking place before it was blown to hell.

The fleet drops out a safe distance from the gravity well formed by the remains and begins a slow acceleration towards the debris field.

"Launch of enemy corvettes detected. A small contingent are incoming, the rest are hanging back. Our Heavy carriers are launching their forces."

"Any sign of a command ship?" you ask.
"Yes, I think. It's hard to get a good reading."
The coms officer speaks up. "Sir, getting reports that the other Neeran fleets will revert in another few minutes."

"We should get into the debris field before they figure out what's happening." Says Alex over the Wing channel.

>Do you want your section to engage the enemy in open space or within the debris field?

>>30485930
>debris field

Yes to cover. But only rush for it if it does not compromise the mission.

>>30485930
>>Do you want your section to engage the enemy in open space or within the debris field?

The debris field should favour our skilled pilots, speedy ships, and heavy burst fire power.

Unless there's a huge strategic error by using the debris field to our tactic advantage, I'd say we should go for it.

>>30485930
Into the debris field we go for added cover!
>>30485983
>>30486006
And what you guys say.

>>30486006
Our asteroids will be right at home.

>>30485930
Debris field.

That makes use of our maneuverability too.

Rolled 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRJiAXjbuvs#t=1m50s

You switch to the command channel and tell your section to wait until they're inside the debris field to reveal themselves.

"This either going to go really good or really badly." Comments Mike.

A pair of Shallan medium cruisers and some frigates clear away the opening wave of corvettes before they can get within range. The debris field and the light from the system's star are soon blacked out as enemy cloaking fields go active.

"Nice try, we've got cloaking fields too." Replies the Admiral. The area where both of your fleet's asteroids are located are covered over by another form of cloaking field that disguises the space around the fleet as a nbulous cloud bank that continue to expand. The Admiral gives out course corrections to each of the ships that will make it more difficult for the Neeran to locate them given their camouflage.

"How are we supposed to see out?" you ask.

"We're getting data relayed to us from ships in the fleet... and we also have targeting data on every enemy ship within twenty million kilometers, even though we dont have scout ships within the enemy cloaking field yet."

The externally mounted weapons intended to pass for those on the hull of a real Neeran ship open fire at maximum range, targeting enemy ships that can no longer see their target effectively. Asteroids pop up on sensors in wire frame based on a combination of previous scans and new data.

"We're into the debris field. Enemy ships have arrived in system and are in pursuit."

"Report from the scout ships, there are HLV launches from the newly arrived fleets. It looks like they're preparing boarding teams." states Kavos.

A heavy impact shakes the asteroid ship.
"Fleet contingent in the debris field are volley firing blind. They just got lucky that time. I have a solid reading on the local command ship. Holy shit."
"What? Don't hold back for dramatic tension Arron!"
"Look."

They're using this place as a shipyard all right. Aside from the enemy fleet and mining vessels there are skeletons for more than twenty new supers, six of them that look to be Scorchers.

Kavos looks them over in detail. "Fifteen to twenty percent completed I would estimate. New construction beginning on berths for another ten."

You only have a moment to take it all in. Corvettes are swarming through the asteroids trying to figure out where your ships are located within the cloaking fields. Surface guns are now firing non stop.
The Admiral is angling the first asteroid to attack the main command ship. The other half of the fleet based around your asteroid ship are coming in from a slightly different vector.

There are two Neeran command ships that have entered the system with the other enemy ships and all are in pursuit.

Do you want to see about heading into the center of the field to help destroy the local forces, or attempt to ambush the other Neeran fleets that will soon be entering the debris, or something else?

>>30486641
Hmm... not sure. Do Alliance fighters ever do deliberate suicide runs? Because if the Neeran wouldn't expect it we can get a lot of mileage out of our drones if we can catch them off guard.

>>30486641
I would say help destroy the local forces.

If we do this right we will have destroyed more than just a command ship.

>>30486641
Let's help ambush the incoming debris Neerran.

>>30486641

We should probably task our elite unit to killing incoming HLVs. Every Neeran boarding team that gets onto one of our ships will likely slaughter the skeleton crews present upon our vessels.

Perhaps we should task our drones to destroying HLVs while the wing covers and picks off targets of opportunity?

>>30486641
We did grumble abit about us being more of a fast attack ambush force. Well here we got a chance to spring an ambush.

>>30486799
>>30486891
>>30486910
Very true. Looks like ambush it is!

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>>30486764
>Do Alliance fighters ever do deliberate suicide runs?
That would generally be a no. It tends to end badly for the pilots involved. It has happened but it's rare and is generally depends on the pilot involved.

>>30486891
HLV's are only fast and maneuverable enough to allow boarding of crippled ships or super heavy cruisers. Like say a Neeran Isolationist Super. But destroying them in space would certainly inflict casualties.

"Sir, some of the ships located along the flanks of the asteroid where the docking bays would normally be located have begun launching fighters."

Not much you can do to stop them at this point.

You contact the other captains and ask if they'd like to ambush most of the Neeran fleet which gets a fairly positive response.

"This is Baldr, we'll try to hide you all as long as we can for the ambush, but it could inadvertently give away that this isn't really a Neeran ship."

Roll 1d100

Rolled 78

>>30487118

Rolled 67

>>30487118

Rolled 71

>>30487118
>roll 1d100
Look mom, i can doom sonia

>>30486641
>>30486553

If we can make a run for those ships even if we do not completely destroy them just trap them in for a vektron strike or something we will distract enough of the incoming fleets that the ambush will likely be more successful, as long as they are chasing us.

And we get to not be stuck in a slugging match by doing the speed run.

Once we are done with that we can return for another one, a escort for a vecktron strike or to flank remains of the ambushed neeran fleets.

That is if our section allies we got can keep up with us.

>>30487118
>HLV speed/maneuverability

So they could board our asteroids or some of our more unwieldy ships in the debris field with luck?

Still, if we assume that there are at least SOME commando-tier Neeran on those HLVs... a few easy kills shouldn't be out of the question.

Rolled 26

>>30487118
Maybe we should use the 100 here.

Sorry writers block

The ship changes course between a number of larger asteroids, taking it back around towards the areas the enemy fleet will likely pass through. It's becoming more difficult as some of the large rocks begin to change course.

"There are repulsor emitters deploys on most of the larger rocks to keep the field from collapsing in on itself it looks like."
Kavos takes a look. "The enemy are beginning to manipulate the debris field but our own cloaking systems is interfering."

"That's good news. Let's hope we can keep the outer edges of the debris between us and the incoming ships until we need it."

Towards the center and the enemy command ship a slugging match has started, with the Admiral still holding off on revealing the truth about the fleet.
When a Neeran Super Heavy carrier passes a few hundred kilometers above your position none the wiser you begin to think that this might be the ideal location.

"We're keeping them from finding us for the most part but it will not last long." Baldr informs the captains of the group. "Even when they find us the deception should still hold."

Currently there are 2 supers well within weapons range, you have not been detected.

[ ] Hold
[ ] Fire

>>30488219
>[x] Hold
I, for one, would not like to be responsible for popping the cork too early and letting the command ship potentially run away.

You wait for more ships to come into range and soon more vessels make their appearance.

6 supers now within weapons range, 2 of them Scorchers. They are beginning to deploy their siege weapon arrays. Some battleships are engaging your escorts but are being killed off and their coms jammed before they can report your position. Still, it would only take one of them to give away your position.

[ ] Hold
[ ] Fire

>>30488219
>[x] Hold
>Don't hesitate to open fire if it looks like we are discovered.

Command ships are reason we are here, but it wouldn't help us if we hold too long and lose bombers without firing even once.

>>30488608
This going to end bad....
[x] Hold.

>>30488643
This

>>30488608
>[X] Hold
Steady...

>>30488608
>[x] Fire
ALL TUBES FIRE

An enemy command ship enters weapons range. Your cloaking field in the area is being stripped away by powerful active sensors and ECCM, but so far your holographics are still in place. You still look like an Isolationist ship.

Every enemy ship within range now knows your position and several are changing course.

"Two of the supers look like they're going to try and match velocity with us. HLV's are massing behind them using them as a shield."
"They're going to try and board our "Neeran" ship." Laughs Kavos. "Maybe we should wait, let them attempt to board the asteroid then destroy them at last minute."
"Won't they have disabled our holographics by then?" points out Sayerna.
"Not necessarily. Asteroid is plated in some sections with nuclear explosive reactive armor. Will look like we've been hit and lost weapons."

[ ] Hold
[ ] Fire

>>30488955
>[ ] Fire

>>30488955
>[x] Fire

>>30488955
FIRE FIRE FIRE!

>>30488987
>>30489040
>>30489216
Do you have any targeting priority for Veckron weapons and the Helios siege cannons through the remainder of the battle?

Supers under construction
Command ship(s)
SH Carriers
SH Scorchers
Heavy Cruisers

(All other ships aboard that have a clear field of fire will target the closest enemyships they can unless ordered otherwise.)

>>30489310
Command Ships
SH Scorchers
Carriers
heavy Cruisers
Under construction (they're at 20% completion. Veckrons are overkill.)

>>30489346
It's like you are in my head, this.

>>30489310

Can ships under construction be moved from this location?

>>30489346
This

>>30489444
Our supers probably can, but it will take time we are unlikely to have.

>>30489346
Sounds good.

>>30489444
Probably not, their skeletons lack engines and it's difficult to tell if they're stable enough to be moved even if you were not under constant attack.

We may be able to cut out and loot some bits of the ships under construction if they have any installed components.

>>30489578
I wonder if they have phased plasma weaponry?...

>Quad-linked heavy phased plasma cannon.
>domingm practically
Thank you, captcha, you are only one who understands me.

"VT bombers and Siege cannons target the enemy command ship." You send them a secondary priority list.

Space erupts as every vessel hidden away inside the asteroid and concealed by hologram fires.
9 Veckron torpedoes launch from the upper side of the decoy ship, 2 from your section 6 from the aft section. 3 of them are intercepted by Heavy cruisers which are destroyed or ripped in half. 6 of the warheads impact blasting craters in the hull of the enormous ship.

The response is immediate, swarms of Corvettes and the occasional battleship opens fire, attempting to locate and target the specialist terran ships and punch through the shields. Each has it's own shields, those from its Medium cruiser escort and the asteroid's defenses helping to protect it. There are only so amny things that will get through so many layers of shielding quickly and it will take time for a Scorcher to reposition.

"Enemy Super Carrier is out of action from VT hits from the ventral trenches. All Boats charging for next launch."

The helmsman in control of the asteroid ship begins to roll the vessel, allowing the Helios siege cannons to fire on the command ship while the torpedo ships can recharge. Even if the heavy guns are not enough to get through the shields of the larger ship, they still kill or disable plenty of smaller craft along the way.

"Maybe we should have packed more VT bombers." Observes Mike.

"No, we've got plenty of SP torpedoes to add to the mix instead. Anyone with SP launchers, target the nearest Supers. You know the drill, focus fire!"

roll 8d100 for focused Torpedo fire

Rolled 2, 78, 1, 96, 56, 42, 39, 79 = 393

>>30490178

Rolled 55, 56, 64, 44, 8, 47, 27, 29 = 330

>>30490178
I can almost taste Neeran tears!

Rolled 94, 98, 46, 74, 30, 23, 15, 34 = 414

>>30490178

Rolled 65, 74, 91, 74, 64, 79, 42, 40 = 529

>>30490178

>>30490307
>>30490367
>>30490390
94, 98, 64, 96, 56, 47, 39, 79
Not perfect, but not bad, not bad at all.

>>30490307
>>30490367
>>30490390
94, 98, 64, 96, 56, 47, 39, 79

Christ I think this is going to be painful for us no matter what.

Rolled 50, 64, 8, 28, 25, 75, 83, 43 = 376

>>30490178

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Three nearby super heavy cruisers are hit by tight enough groupings of Sp torpedo fire that holes in their shields open allowing siege cannon fire to punch through and hit hull. With some shields damage to the surrounding sections, the liquid like shields take some time to reform, letting your Battleships and light cruisers exploit the openings.

"Everyone with line of sight, focus your fire on those three supers. Let the VT boats deal with the command ship."

Subsequent SP torp and cannon barrages continue to tear into the openings causing extensive damage. One of them breaks in half while attempting to roll the critically damaged areas out of the line of fire, another goes dark and the third limps off into the debris field.

the command ship you've been fire Veckron weapons at continues evasive maneuvers, mostly rolls, takaing damage on more heavily armored sections. Escorts also attempt to intercept them with varying degress of success.

Neeran Corvette units group up into wall formations and begin launching volleys of plasma balls, blocking out sections of the asteroid field from view and making solid torpedo locks difficult with all the enemy ECM.

Kavos points out the shield and power reserves."Sonia, shields on the asteroid will fail in a few more minues, even with extra power from every ship."
"Understood."

A larger asteroid that had actually been offering some cover in one direction shatters as beams from a pair of Scorchers punch through it from the other side, breaking it in two. A moment later more Neeran ships pour through the gap.
"Another enemy command ship breaking through." Reports Arron. "They're going to box us in."

Do you want to set the asteroid on a collision course yet? Or will you attempt to restart it's shields using the ships in the trenches to provide cover?
>Your orders?
Also roll another 8d100 for focused Torpedo fire

Rolled 3, 9, 26, 77, 8, 55, 71, 28 = 277

>>30490936
collision course

Rolled 61, 91, 90, 77, 32, 19, 22, 32 = 424

>>30490936
>Attempt to restart it's shields using the ships in the trenches to provide cover

The more time we buy the more destruction we can bring.

Rolled 42, 21, 95, 55, 77, 38, 60, 77 = 465

>>30490936
SONIA SMASH! It's time that Command ship is gone and smashing a rock into it is simply the best way to go about it.

>>30490936
ITS TIME FOR THE ROKTAGON

MAXIMUM SMASH. TARGET RICH ENVIRON.

>>30491399
>>30491332
>>30491029
Lets not be hasty. If we can help it recover shields we can hold out longer and get some more rounds of fire from under the shield.


What is the total count of super heavies?

Aside from the 20 under construction - things we have to destroy and smash before we get out of here to make this truly a hit to their war making infrastructure.

>>30490936
In consideration of >>30491501, let's get the shields going again.

>>30491501
From what you've been able to detect, there were a half dozen or more near the local system's command ship. The 11 fleet groups that responded brought 2 command ships and 24 super heavies. (Plus support.)
Your half of the group has crippled or driven off 5-6 Supers.
One of those crippled was a Scorcher but most of the others of the same class nearby are untouched, mostly because other ships were in the way, and the VT bombers are still trying to kill the command ship.

>>30490936
>Your orders?
can we launch our drones while staying in the rock?

Rolled 43, 96, 27, 18, 20, 33, 44, 96 = 377

>>30491670
Do we have enough drones to distract the corvettes or will they just get chewed up?

>>30491670
>>30491553
>>30491501

If we smash we should smash before they box us in, and smash into the construction area to take as many out as we can - they are less likely to be as structurally sound as the other, less guns and are not mobile. - but once they box us in they will be able to use scorchers on the asteroids to play, well asteroids or missile defense for the yard.

Meaning we have to take the command ship down we have fucked up and then clear a path to the yard if they box us in so they can do the smash. Hopefully in the process taking out another or both command ships, and then make a run on the yard to shoot at anything that is left standing, and perhaps make a run on the command ship if it is exposed.

Seriously that is a total of 32+ superheavies discounting the ones under construction.

Killing the other two command ships and wrecking the construction yard is going to be enough to make this mission a success imho.

Once we have done that we should skedaddle the hell away, if we have not already be all killed and shot to pieces.

At least that is my take on the situation. Cripple as much of their command structure as we can and then blow up their reinforcements and infrastructure. This will leave alliance in a better position to deal with them.

Kill the combat multipliers first.

>>30491891
Agreement.

File: 1393389028666.gif-(9 KB, 748x480, Med-Command ship.gif)

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>>30491714
Yes, it'll just take a lot longer as they maneuver around the other ships then find a way out.

>>30491809
>Do we have enough drones to distract the corvettes or will they just get chewed up?
Hard to say. Outside the shield the current situation would be best described as a maelstrom. You do still have some fighters and escort ships outside, they're just trying to stay away from the giant fire magnet that is the Decoy ship.

Do you want to call in the remaining fighters already deployed to strike the enemy corvette forces when/if a shield restart begins?

>>30491938
>Do you want to call in the remaining fighters already deployed to strike the enemy corvette forces when/if a shield restart begins?
Yes

Them asteroid shields are too great an asset to let fall.

>>30491938
Sounds like a plan to me.

Would really like it if we could keep these shields up for as long as possible.

File: 1393390523709.gif-(8 KB, 1014x480, Debris field rough.gif)

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Here's a rough map of the debris field and where everyone is. The shipyards are closer to the inner areas of the debris field, you headed back out a bit when preparing to attack the incoming fleets.

>>30491891
So you want to head into the inner areas of the field before the asteroid ship loses shields and then set collision course with some of the construction areas?
Each super under construction is being built on the side of an asteroid essentially.
>less guns
Try no guns.

Shipyards, command ships then GTFO? Do you want to attempt a shield restart on the asteroid ship while fighting to the inner area?

>>30492237
>>30492321
Does this new info change anything for you guys?

>>30492425
>Shipyards, command ships then GTFO?
I'd prefer command ships, shipyards, then scramble.

>shield restart
Moving the asteroid is going to attract a lot of attention I think, if the see the shields go down for a restart then they'll focus fire. How quickly can a restart be performed?

>>30492532
>How quickly can a restart be performed?
+10 seconds for minimal shields. It might buy time for the heavier ones to recover. 30 seconds for something more serious.

>>30492621
Ah fuck it let's do it then. Have fighters screen the asteroid for any incoming corvettes trying to make a pass at the trenches though.

Thanks for running TSTG. Gonna have to head to bed now, it being 5am and all.

>>30492425
>>30492425
>Shipyards, command ships then GTFO

That is the basic plan and I would indeed like to attempt a shield restart while we head to the inner area.

If we can lure the command ships to follow us into the area while we start to destroy the shipyards at the very end when we abandon said asteroid we could reverse it's course to send it smashing into said ship that follows us.

>>30492732
and now it says posting is working. testing

>>30493644
Welcome back to the land of the living.

File: 1393395235354.jpg-(39 KB, 616x379, foolz.jpg)

39 KB JPG

>>30493644
As I was attempting to say about 50 minutes before the previous post, I think I'll resume in the morning.
Maybe it was a problem with my ISP?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LFBKJND

>>30493759
Bump of sleep

>>30493759
Oops, on the survey I accidentally voted for ' restart shield, head into the debris field' but I meant to select 'restart shield, keep fighting'

Restart shield, head for inner sections of debris field is far and away the most popular option, >>30499273
even with losing 1 vote from it.
"If we stay here and get boxed in we'll be trapped in a kill zone once we launch. Take the ship into the center of the debris field."

An explosion lights the area of the asteroid field near the command ship the VT bombers had been hammering.
"What was that?"
"Liaoning just did her suicide run. It took out a Scorcher that was lining up a shot on us."

"Asteroid shields are collapsing."
Next you have to convince the other commanders to hold their position and extend shields to overlap. A few squadrons of corvettes launch regardless and dive into the smaller sections of debris where there is more cover. Everyone else for the most part tries to hang on.

Roll 4d20 for shield section restarts.

Rolled 18, 5, 5, 14 = 42

>>30500985
Cowards! When we get back for the debrief we will kick those pilots asses for running away like that! There is only like two dossen Super Heavys and only like three Command ships.

Rolled 3

>>30500985
1

Rolled 19

>>30501074
2

Rolled 13

>>30501091
3

Rolled 14

>>30501099
4

Rolled 18, 1, 1, 20 = 40

>>30500985

18, 13, 19, 20

Ehhh

>>30501271
Oops, meant 18 19 13 20

Can't delete on a phone either

The various sections of the asteroid ship begin their shield restart. The shield protecting your ship and the forward dorsal trenches are only down for 12 seconds, though its enough to nearly drop your extended main shield. The ventral forward section only has to stay down for 11 seconds. Dorsal aft sections have to stay down for the longest, 17 seconds, with ventral aft only down for the minimum of 10. All of the extra ships in dock to recharge the shields really make a big difference.

As the asteroid ship maneuvers a Super Carrier that must have been driving with engines full out appears from below. It's attempting to block your path so the second command ship's fleet can start hammering you as well.

The VT crews don't wait, firing the four launchers buried in the bow of the ship. One grazes a Heavy cruiser removing a quarter of it's mass while the remainder hit the Super, blasting a trio of 5km diameter craters in it's mid section. While they don't kill it the damage hamper's it's maneuvering enough that your vessel is able to slip past, nearly striking shields against theirs. A pair of SP torpedo broadsides in conjunction with two of the Helios rip through it's shields at only a few kilometer's distance. Barrages from 3 sections totaling two hundred and thirty SP torps break the ship in two.

As it's shields dissipate subsequent energy weapons fire breaches the main drives and the aft section explodes. Debris is hurled in every direction, complicating firing locks and giving you some cover.
"Brace for shock wave and debris hits!" the aft section commander warns. There's an impact then a 4 km long chunk of the enemy ship scrapes past the shields just above your trench.

After clearing the asteroids to reach the inner area of the field you see the other asteroid ship making it's run, along with one of the Kavarian ships colliding with the open end of a Scorcher, all but destroying the front half of the weapon ship.

When the other asteroid connects with it's target the structural reinforcements begins to telescope down in on itself, crushing the abandoned trenches. Still, it drives deep into the moon size command ship's hull before halting with part of the aft section still clear. When the remaining power systems are set off a pillar of fusion flame erupts from the impact point. A shock wave visibly travels through the surrounding sections. Soon another gout of flame breaks through the opposite side of the hull. You don't know if it's from the main explosion or the ship's reactors but the local command ship is now venting plasma from most of the ship.

As you close in on the battle for the inner section of the field you try to spot the all important repair ship.
"Where are Fulcrum and Enterprise?"
"Looks like E rammed the aft sections of the command ship. Fulcrum is... on the other side of the battle. Looks like they're trying to find cover so the intercept fleets don't reach them."
You spot the last Kavarian Mega, which is in danger of breaking in two, ram a Super heavy carrier trying to make a run for Fulcrum's position. A pair of Heron Mediums drop their wing mounted VT's into it for good measure.

The second of the two command ships chasing you breaks through to the center of the battlefield as well. In close pursuit are two more Scorchers, already charging to fire at you.

[ ] Focus VT Fire on Command ship
[ ] Focus VT Fire on Scorchers

>Do you want to launch your ships from the asteroid now, or wait to see if it can hang on a bit longer?

>>30502088
>[X] Focus VT Fire on Scorchers

If these things manage to destroy the asteroid ship, we lose our cover, and the chance to inflict devastating damage on one of the high profile targets.

If we destroy, or at least disable them, the enemy is down two scorchers, and the asteroid will still have the chance to ram something.

>>Do you want to launch your ships from the asteroid now, or wait to see if it can hang on a bit longer?

It's probably best to slip out while the enemy is focussed on either avoiding or intercepting the VTs.

>>30502088
>[X] Focus VT Fire on Scorchers

I had a idea. How long would it take to do a complete 180 with the asteroid ship?

I'm think of hitting the scorchers and going for ramming speed at the command ship that is chasing us.

>>30502088
>[ ] Focus VT Fire on Scorchers
Have the asteroid set a colision course for the command ship. It was damned stupid of them to let it get so far ahead with minimal escort. Swat the escort, ram the ship and have our forces take it down.

>>30502088
VT strike on the Scorchers, they can't be allowed to fire on our position. And god damn does this battle feel brutal.

Smash that rock into the command ship!

>>30502088
Fire Helios EMP rounds at the schorchers too!!

>>30502355
Look at it from the Neeran perspective. This is the second time they've been snookered by fake isolationists this month.I'm sure they're currently swearing to never get trick in the same fashion again. Ever heard of the boy who cried wolf?

Rolled 93, 18 = 111

>>30502234
The command ship is on a parallel course so you'd need to pull a 90 degree turn more or less depending on maneuvering. Not overly long. You could broadside with VT's towards the Scorchers while doing so.

>>30502196
>>30502238
>>30502355

"Target those Scorchers before they can blast us."
Next you tell Kavos to have ships start bailing out using the asteroid for cover while the VT boats launch their torpedoes.
"Once we're clear launch all of the fighters. Things are going to start getting crowded."

Roll for fire accuracy, 9d20

Rolled 16

>>30502469
This is going to take a while...


1

Rolled 10

>>30502492
2

Rolled 15

>>30502508
3

Rolled 15

>>30502533
4

Rolled 10

>>30502547
5

Rolled 2, 19, 12, 5, 9, 8, 2, 14, 1 = 72

>>30502469

Rolled 18

>>30502560
6

Rolled 17, 12, 9, 16, 19, 1, 16, 14, 17 = 121

>>30502469

Rolled 10

>>30502587
7

Rolled 20

>>30502616
8

Rolled 1

>>30502640

9

Rolled 4, 1, 9, 20, 17, 15, 3, 12, 7 = 88

>>30502469

17 19 15 16 19 18 16 20 17

Pretty okay!

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The asteroid turns towards the command ship and rotates to bring the next set of Veckron launchers to bear. Everyone else launches to get clear of the trenches should the Scorchers be able to fire first.

The nine brightly glowing projectiles streak across the battle space, one of them being intercepted by a Heavy cruiser rapidly shedding escape pods, corvettes and HLV's. The others continue on hitting their targets, but not before one of the ships fires. A stream of plasma strikes the aft sections of the asteroid washing over the shield. Everyone bails out of the nearest trenches, with one of the Medium cruisers reinforcing the shields for a moment to allow the smaller ships to escape. It doesn't hold for very long and the beam penetrates, destroying the Medium and six other ships.

"Go! Go! Go!" you order the helmsman, hoping that this ship's engines were upgraded enough to boost the poor speed rating they were supposed to have. As Corvettes and other starships that were previously blocked from firing due to others in front of them get clear the fleet's firepower actually increases by almost double.
"We're clear." Reports the helm.
"All fighters launching."

Checking the readouts it looks like three of the VT's impacted near the focal point of the emitters. Combined with the other hits, the weapons and much of the forward half of both ships are now out of action.
The asteroid ship took a heavy hit through, and with a two kilometer diameter hole through the aft sections the structure is starting to deform.
"Will the asteroid still strike the command ship?"

"Yes, but they're trying to change it's course using repulsors and the Forward VT launchers are expended."

Two of the Herons equipped with Vecron weapons change course, moving to clear the way for the Asteroid. Both charge and fire their warheads. One goes off course due to a Battleship ramming a wing section just as it fires. The stray weapon shatters an asteroid sending more debris into the battle space.

File: 1393444734988.gif-(11 KB, 1014x480, Debris field rough2.gif)

11 KB GIF

"It's going in."

The collision isn't perfect as the command ship attempted to match course to reduce the velocity difference. It strikes one third of the way back from the bow, driving farther into the forward sections, rather than deeper into the ship. A series of VT detonations from inside the ship make the damage worse than it would have otherwise been. A trio of VT hits from your cruisers cause enough additional damage that the bow section breaks off.

"Second Command ship is maneuvering the get out of here. The rest of the response fleets are entering the inner sections of the field."

"What does that leave them?"

"About fifteen supers from the intercept forces, the first response fleet's command ship and four more supers in the interior."
"That last command ship isn't completely out." Points out Kavos. "It's bow is gone but much of the ship could still threaten us. Too bad we lack boarding teams, we could try to capture an Admiral from one."

Republic units are grouping into wall formations and bombarding the units of enemy corvettes attempting the same thing. The attack units are starting to spread outward from where you abandoned the asteroid. Allied Corvettes are heading into the asteroids.

>Your orders? Keep in mind that your command ship can not match pace with your attack squadrons. Maybe the Battleships.