>>31644613
hello

Rolled 59, 66, 37, 37, 41 = 240

>>31644720
Hi.
23 minute late start. Not great.

Clad in Recon armor, the prototype repulsor rifle at the ready you step through a doorway easily twice your size. The first thing you encounter is a Neeran soldier halfway through putting its armor on. A 20mm shot to it's head and two more to the chest send it sprawling backwards. Proceeding through the armory you kill two more Neeran in a similar manner, never having to reload. The next moment you're in the engineering section of the Neeran ship you captured, gunning down engineers with smaller caliber rounds, using the rifle as a bullet hose. The carnage doesn't stop until every last engineer in the room is dead.

"Sonia."

Hearing your name you turn to find yourself looking in a mirror. It's cloudy for some reason, the only thing you can make out when you approach is your outstretched arm, then two circles of glowing light where your eyes should be. As the fog clears somewhat you begin to make out the outline of a skeleton at which point the mirror shatters. Decompression alarms sound as the shards are swept away by gale force winds. The rush of air pulling you closer to the gap.

Snapping awake you look over to see the alarm on your clock going off. The audio has been set to randomly select starship warning sounds.
"Alarm off."
Getting up you grumble about having to change that at some point.

Now awake you check your messages. There's one from RSS, sent before most of the fleet departed on their salvage operation for the Heavy Carrier. It seems Nikolov didn't end up taking the new industrial module along, instead using the extra space to store a Y-type cargo container filled with fusion reactors, power conduits and other spare parts.
They're sure as hell not taking Eshik Medel along. Right now a few of the Mercs working for the company are testing him on the simulators. There's not much point in having him run escort for a small salvage op without passing that.

>>31644932

We should probably try to steal Dad away from Mom so we can ask if he ever has dreams like ours.

>>31644613
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

>>31645069
Ah yes, I almost forgot. For House and Dominion!

>>31645019
Should at some point ask about our uncle as well.

Also, FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

The morning is spent talking to the company responsible for clearing out the unwanted and illegal plant life and helping them navigate to the area through the dense trees. Even with orbital positioning data, finding particular clearings among the giant trees can be difficult.

"When was the last time there was a controlled burn in the area?" The team leader asks once work is underway.
You answer that you're not sure but can send along the records later.

"You should probably have one done this year to reduce the risk of undergrowth building up to dangerous levels. If you're a new owner please be aware that it usually takes a few months to get the necessary permits from the emergency services."
Oh good, more work.

>>31645019
With that taken care of you head into the city and grab your father to go on a tour of the waterfront areas and market sectors of the city.

"Dad did you ever have dreams while you were in the army?"
"What do you mean, nightmares?"
"Yeah, or you know, weird dreams in general."

The two of you stop at a bench overlooking the waterfront.
"I did for awhile after I was in the army. They don't happen much anymore. We all had to undergo psych evaluations when we came back. It was more thorough than the non combat deployments by a long shot. I think it's because casualties were so high."
"How did your unit do?"
"I don't really know. I don't think they ever publicised our losses. It had to have been more than a quarter. If you're having a lot of trouble with bad dreams you should talk to a psych at once of the military bases. If that's not your thing I know one of my old buddies has a private practice working with veterans."

>What say?
[ ] Ignore them, it's fine.
[ ] Schedule sessions on base on a more regular basis
[ ] VA private practice
[ ] Other

FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

>might have to leave early for some meetup with colleagues.
> Don't worry Anon! This is For House and Dominion the most awesome thing on /tg/ we are open almost all week around!

>>31645643
>[x] VA private practice
I don't think it's too serious yet. The dreams aren't that bad, just us killing a bunch of Neeran, which is pretty par for the course.

>>31645643
[X] Ignore them, it's fine.

"Probably just a random dream. If I can handle Neeran commands then I can handle a dream or two."

Stoic Sonia! Having to much to do to take care of her own mental health since forever!

>>31645643
I wouldn't say they were nightmares per say...

Well not the part about killing stuff, i even though about a few ways to improve that part. The wired existentialist followed by decompression dream induced by my alarm was more issue. That and thinking that i am going to wake up combat mode on someone.

The waking up of course is now easily handled with sleeping alone, leaving me with weird stuff.


I think i might go to visit your old friend. No recordings ever, of course is going to be my stipulation.

>>31645643
>[X] VA private practice
At worse he'll take up a lot of our time.

>>31645643
>controlled burns

We should see who we might know in the area and our neighbors to see if we can't all get one company or group to deal with controlled burns and the related permits for them. We may be able to help prevent regional fires and reduce the individual costs this way, especially if costs are area-based and we can contribute our portion in that manner.

There may very well be something like this set up that we can join, too.

>father
[x] hug father
[x] ask about that thing he mentioned earlier, about our uncle
[x] VA private practice (inb4 investment opportunity)

>>31645643
[X] Ignore them, it's fine
[X] VA private practice

At the moment it isn't that bad, but if it starts to get worse I would rather go to someone our dad knows.

"Probably just a random dream. If I can handle Neeran commanders then I can handle a dream or two. Besides, I wouldn't say they were nightmares per say..."
"Really?"
"Well not the part about killing stuff."
"Certainly not, what could be bad about that?" Your old man replies, half joking half sarcasm.

"The weird existentialist parts followed by decompression probably induced by my alarm was more the issue. That and thinking I'm going to wake up in combat mode on someone."
The two of you sit for a moment enjoying the scenery and the ocean breeze.

"I might go to visit your old friend. No recordings ever, of course is going to be my stipulation."
After getting the contact info you give your father a hug, though his response takes you completely by surprise.
"Bear hug!"
Ack!

Roll 1d20 to escape. Average of 3 rolls.

Rolled 3

>>31646166
Heh

>20
>Counter bear hug!

Rolled 9

>>31646166
>Roll 1d20 to escape
Why would we even want that?

contemplated rolling a d1 very briefly...

Rolled 7

>>31646166

Rolled 7

>>31646166
you can't escape an innfantryman's grasp.

>>31646166
Do not attempt to escape.

Rolled 1

>>31645643
We need a personal attendant for this boring and time-consuming stuff. We are a billionaire, we shouldn't spend our time helping weed control people through a wood nor bothering with government to get permits for burning a piece of said wood. We employ thousands of people, it is high time we don't micromanage boring and non-critical stuff.

As and aside I'm slightly sad I was not there to suggest documenting and reporting all expenditures of our personal SPs. I'm sure 'donating' roughly 300 SPs to the war effort would have given us a shiny medal and lots of good will.

>>31646245
Nah, the non critical stuff is what keeps us marginally sane.

About the torpedoes. We should just sell some like we originally planned to. Maybe 50 or so while the supply is still low, and donate another 50 to the squadron/house forces.

You fail miserably at breaking his grip and are eventually resign yourself to waiting him out. After picking you up and spinning you around in a circle dad sets you down and takes a breather.
"That's harder to do that it used to be. You must have gained ten or fifteen kilo since the last time I did that."
"Dad! Not the most flattering thing you've said lately."
"Eh, it's probably all muscle mass."
"Still not helping."
"And you're a little taller."

Later on in the walk you ask your uncle.
Your father sighs. "Not right now. I'll tell you before you head back to the front okay?"

Returning to the apartment you bid everyone farewell then get back to the task of looking after the property.

>We should see who we might know in the area and our neighbors to see if we can't all get one company or group to deal with controlled burns and the related permits for them.
>There may very well be something like this set up that we can join, too.

Newly knighted pilot Quidel Sibilla from 5th Wing now owns the patch of property near yours. A warning about the trespassers is sent.
The new Knight promises to look into the problem as soon as the property is organised.

The Dreminth fire emergency services have a team that deals with prescribed burning. It must be a real headache since they need permission from the property owners before anything gets underway.

>>31646245
>We need a personal attendant for this boring and time-consuming stuff. We are a billionaire, we shouldn't spend our time helping weed control people through a wood nor bothering with government to get permits for burning a piece of said wood. We employ thousands of people, it is high time we don't micromanage boring and non-critical stuff.
Now that you know the sort of work that needs to be looked into you can have Mr Amello hire appropriate people, or you can continue to look into the running of the property.

Rolled 4

>>31646774
>or you can continue to look into the running of the property.

I think it's fun, and it really doesn't take that much of our time.

>Documenting and reporting all expenditures of our personal SPs.
You have the sensor records of all the engagements your ships took part in and can easily designate which ones used were privately owned.

>I'm sure 'donating' roughly 300 SPs to the war effort would have given us a shiny medal and lots of good will.
Though it should net you considerable respect from the Admiralty and House, you would hardly be the first to contribute personal assets.

Given the number of SP's supplied by RSS you may have people asking if you have more to donate to the House reserve stockpile. The Earl and those in power want to be able to defend the homeworlds from any future attack by other Houses or the Terrans, Rovinar and Kavarians after the war. Or as Alex points out in one of your conversations, even against rebellion by far flung sections of the House.

Current stockpile (not counting those aboard the RSS escort carrier)
180 Mk 40 SP
298 Mk 41 SP

Do you wish to sell or donate any of your Torpedoes?


The 1st Expeditionary social club has purchased a location on Dreminth and is in the process of securing one on Loran II. While the building is a bit small it's a block away form one of the golf clubs and also maintains a grass sports field.
Arthur is the acting president, though he is looking into hiring one of the 3rd Wing vets that was forced into early retirement to fill that position.
Several knights, officers and pilots have already been contacted about setting up a date for an etiquette dinner with the informal BBQ later on.

You're attempting to take time off through most of January 4026 and are midway through the month. When would you prefer to event to take place?

>>31647242
>When would you prefer to event to take place?

probably near the end of the third week, don't want this to be the last event before people have to ship off again

>>31647242
We'll donate SP's over my dead body. Selling on the other hand I am okay with with. Perhaps selling a maximum of 200 SP's to the House? Cause those SP's are like the best possible defense for our salvage fleet. And like the House itself is making preparations for it we'll also want to be ready should the House or someone else decide to try murder us.

As for time off. We can take really take time off whenever as long as it does not clash with work.

>>31647242

We should offer to sell, but not donate SP torps to the House stockpile. Entertaining alternate forms of payment is an option, as well.

the SP torps are RSS property, and as such an asset of the company first and foremost. We used some to repay Sylvan's unit for throwing an extra volley of torps out, but that was a pressing/emergency situation.

Unless the House changed the laws to retroactively demand we give our SP torp finds to the SP stockpile, we shouldn't give them away. If the House changed that law to apply retroactively, we should protest the lack of a grandfathering clause.

Giving things away is -not- good business, and we've already risked two battlecruisers the company owns in combat against the Neeran.

>etiquette dinner

We should aim for it to take place around a month and a half after we returned, or when the newer knights should be getting some free time and before they actually ship off elsewhere to see family/friends

>>31647242
I think we should sell about 100 Mk 40s. I'm against donating any more, but if they ask a small sum (max 50) would be acceptable so we don't get any problems down the line. I'd also be fine with exchanging a few for war bonds.

>etiquette dinner
Sooner rather than later

Sooner rather than later. We still have an arms company to inspect and a salvage op with our single most expensive asset to check up on as well anything else that I'm forgetting.

>>31646774
>gained ten or fifteen kilo
Is that the bone restructuring?

>>31647242
>social club
>Several knights, officers and pilots have already been contacted about setting up a date for an etiquette dinner with the informal BBQ later on.

We should have regular whiskey/beverage_of_your_choice_here tastings at our social club. We're probably not the only one who has shitty stats when it comes to alcohol resistance, and this is one skill Sonia should probably not try to improve on her own.

File: Calendar H&D Deployment 4(...).gif (37 KB, 2020x254)

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Hopefully this image isn't too wide. I've been meaning to make one of these to help plan out the time you want to spend. Mostly while on leave.


>>31647407
>>31647553
>>31647761
>>31648073
3 for january-ish, 1 for late Feb.
Anyone else?

>Unless the House changed the laws to retroactively demand we give our SP torp finds to the SP stockpile, we shouldn't give them away.
They have not, though that may change. If the House is forced to pull their SP Torpedo stocks for whatever reason expect there to be a big push for nationalisation of SP assets from members of the nobility, or even your fellow Knights.


>>31648096
The obesity epidemic has been solved by a variety of methods by the time of H&D. As a result Sonia was somewhat underweight for her age group on entering the military. Then again that artificial arm isn't featherweight, I hadn't really factored that in.

>>31648148
>We should have regular whiskey/beverage_of_your_choice_here tastings at our social club. We're probably not the only one who has shitty stats when it comes to alcohol resistance, and this is one thing Sonia should probably not on her own.
You'll drop by for a drink or two on occasion. Thank goodness for cars with autopilots!

It looks like Bekka and most of her friends have gotten permission to come out to the lodge on the weekend.
Ideas for activities? OR did you just want to go hiking into some previously unvisited areas?

>>31648428
>Then again that artificial arm isn't featherweight
Wait, dosen't this mean that she has more weight on one side of the body compared to the other? Isen't that annoying as fuck?

Grab a few holo swords and teach them what little we know about fencing. Grab a few rifles and something to shoot at. Perhaps we could sneak down a Shallan Fusion gun from our ship and accidentally start a forest fire? Or you know... Some other cool gun.

Obviously mom will be told nothing of this.

>>31648428
Do we have a decently sized lake on our property? Or could we ask our neighbours to use theirs?

We could organise a treasure hunt for Bekka and her friends. They'd have to follow various clues while using a map, climb trees, and do various other physical stuff. At the end, they'd have to explore the bottom of the lake in space rated suits (these should be fine for something as deep as an average fresh water lake, right?) to find something nice.

>>31648428
>activities

A touch of phase pistol training, fixed to stun. If they don't have any incidents with that, maybe do some shooting with bolt action hunting rifles.

We should avoid anything too crazy with them, as we REALLY don't want to deal with any of them getting injured on our property and under our supervision.

Maybe on the last day we'll do something like let them try out phase rifles or high rate of fire weapons.

Teaching them some basic military hand signals and possibly tactics around the lodge might be fun, too.

Oh, and make sure Bekka and her friends can't access the gun storages without us opening them. the last thing we need is someone getting the mass driver out and removing someone's limb by mistake

So I had an idea on how we can attain something approaching immortality.

We make a clone, but have some genetic variation to it, and pass her off as our daughter. Of course make her look young enough to be this.

Then we keep a backup of our consciousness regularly updated. When we die in frontline duty, we clone ourself a new body at the age our daughter is, have her killed off, and take her place!

>>31648979
>We make a clone, but have some genetic variation to it, and pass her off as our daughter
>have her killed off, and take her place!
dont really like this myself

>>31648979
I'm not really okay with that.

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>>31648589
>Wait, dosen't this mean that she has more weight on one side of the body compared to the other? Isn't that annoying as fuck?
I considered this immediately after I hit the post button, but the sensor array in the arm would be heavier, there's no getting around that.

>>31648589
>Grab a few holo swords and teach them what little we know about fencing. Grab a few rifles and something to shoot at.
Done.
>Shallan Fusion gun
This would be an extraordinarily bad idea. They're currently classed as heavy weapons meaning even regular soldiers have to go for specialist training before using them. You and Mike just happened to buy them for your troops before they were properly rated.

>Or you know... Some other cool gun.
There are mass driver rifles which most civilians don't know much about other than what the returning soldiers have mentioned.

>>31648645
>Do we have a decently sized lake on our property?
There are some good sized streams closer to the edge of the property. Most of the lakes on your land are really small to mid sized ponds.
>Or could we ask our neighbours to use theirs?
There should be a lake on a neighbour's land that is a good size, though it'll take quite awhile to get there on foot. You might have to make use of some transportation in this case.

>>31648905
You get some training pistols that only have a stun setting.

>We should avoid anything too crazy with them, as we REALLY don't want to deal with any of them getting injured on our property and under our supervision.
This will be kept in mind.

>make sure Bekka and her friends can't access the gun storages without us opening them. the last thing we need is someone getting the mass driver out and removing someone's limb by mistake
I'm assuming everyone else is okay with this?

>>31648979
Because when have variations of this plan ever gone wrong?

>>31649214
Yeah Mass Driver Rifles sounds like a much better idea compared to the Fusion gun, fun as that would be. Besides and even with Sonia involved is never complete without the use of military hardware. Also on the subject of stun guns. Is paintball but with stun weapons instead a thing? Cause that totally sounds like it would be a thing.

As for cloning, I've always felt that it's kind of like cheating.

>>31649398
I believe our friendly Dro'all Kavos once said "being stunned is a bitch, even with armor" or something to that effect.

Sort of like being tazed, but worse

>>31649214
>This would be an extraordinarily bad idea.
>You and Mike just happened to buy them for your troops before they were properly rated.
>This would be an extraordinarily bad idea.

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>>31649639

>>31649398
>Is paintball but with stun weapons instead a thing? Cause that totally sounds like it would be a thing.
It is indeed. Though usually you need a last minute check by a medic before going in to ensure you won't have a heart attack or other failure from the shock. Paintball is still a thing as a result. Holobooths are the preferred low impact method.

Preparations for the weekend with Bekka and her friends takes most of the next day. A quick trip to orbit to get some additional equipment finishes things up.

When the Aerocar arrives all of Bekka's friends are fairly impressed.
"So you actually own all of this? Not just renting the land the lodge is built on?" Asks Dan.
"That's right."
"Wow."

First you make sure everyone knows the basic layout of the lodge interior then do a quick circuit of the area, showing where the nearest streams and waterfalls are and especially the cliffs and rock cuts.
"I don't need any of you falling and getting hurt."

When you pull out the holo swords the young teens express varying degrees of want.
"Yes! Can we keep them?" Asks Bekka.
"No. You have to find the last one I sent you."
"I think Mom had it recycled."
"Any why again?"
"Be... because." No additional explanations are forthcoming.

You show the four of them the few things you've picked up over the years about using a sword. Which might not be that much when it comes to fencing actually. Most of your skills center around quick close range stabbing motions to get through the weak points of power armor. It could come in handy though.

Let's get some dice!
Roll 4d100

Rolled 49, 35, 2, 28 = 114

>>31650056
SOME DICE HE WANTS

Rolled 12

>>31650056
>Roll 4d100
1

Rolled 74

>>31650144
Ooops, that was a d20. Sorry for that, here's the proper roll.

1

Rolled 50

>>31650161
>"I think Mom had it recycled."
2

Rolled 5, 39, 84, 46 = 174

>>31650056

Rolled 45

>>31650186
>"Be... because." No additional explanations are forthcoming.
3

Rolled 21

>>31650211
>...
ಠ_ಠ

4

Bekka starts out average and gets better, holding her own until screwing up near the end. Velsa is a bit worse and remains at the average level. Dan begins terribly and steadily gets better. Mirdem is far and away the best fencer of the lot, though she's taken by surprise later on, especially once Dan has figured out what to do.

"Dan, you get most improved." you announce.
"Not again, I always get "most improved" lately."

Pulling out a pair of practice dummies you've rented you show them the sort of thing you're better at with bladed weapons. One dummy is marked like a fairly average suit of body armor while another is done up closer to a set of power cell armor.
"HF and mono blades will go through the best armor you can buy, but sometimes it will take awhile. Learn to spot the difference and aim for the joints of the heavier suits.
Neeran are a lot bigger but the same rules still apply. Just remember, if you're in close combat with a Neeran you're already halfway to being screwed."

Next up are the stun pistols. You're not letting any of the four anywhere near the live weaponry until they've proven they can safely handle the pistols. Even after it might be best for them to stick with the stun weapons.

>Roll 4d20 for pistols.

[ ] Let them use a mass driver rifle if they do well enough
[ ] Stick with the pistols

Rolled 20

>>31650755
>[x] Stick with the pistols
For now

>Roll 4d20 for pistols.
1

Rolled 2

>>31650806
2

Rolled 12, 13, 7, 19 = 51

>>31650755

[x] Pistolero

Rolled 4

>>31650830
3

Rolled 13, 1, 2, 9 = 25

Pew pew pew

Rolled 15

>>31650856
4

>Dem rolls.
Poor [whoever] gets the 2,13,1 set.

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>>31650914
My shame is great.

>>31650755
[x] Stick with pistols

I'm against the mass-driver. Who knows how far the damned thing could end up going, and there could be a discharge toward something or someone important, like a member of the cleanup crew or our groundsman.

If they do good, let them fire some of the sport/hunting rifles

"Argh. I keep missing all the time." Complains Dan.
"I know what you mean." Agrees Velsa. "I think I'm doing worse than you this time."

Meanwhile Bekka and Mirdem are at the opposite end of the spectrum. You suspect Bekka has been using some of her extra allowance to spend time at the holoplex playing one of the firing range sims. You check with the data from the their part time instructor. The two doing the worst at the direct combat tests tended to have slightly better scores in the more technical aspects. Most of the time, not always.

"Hey watch this! Dan give me your gun." Velsa takes the pair of pistols and dual weilds them, throwing twice as many shots down range, resulting is an increase in hits. Until she fumbles one of the weapons triggering the safety lock.

"You just lost your weapon." you announce, taking back the locked pistol."You can get it back tomorrow. Dan, don't give your weapon away unless you're prepared to take responsibility for what someone else does with it. Got it?" You hand it back to Dan once he's acknowledged that he's screwed up too, though to a lesser extent.

"Since there's some goofing around I think it might be better if you four don't handle any life fire weapons."
There's a small chorus of "Aww" from them but after that display you deffinitely don't want them handling anything dangerous.

After the break for lunch you help them prepare for the treasure hunt.
"You'll all be wearing sealed suits and have gear and supplies to help you out. As far as you're all concerned this will be taking place on another planet with a toxic atmosphere. You have to recover parts from a downed recon probe. Collect them all and you'll get mission completion bonus. Or you could just go after the main databank from the probe."

>There are at minimum 4 parts to the probe: Databank, Sensors, backup databank, power supply. Do you want any others added to the mission?
What sort of Terrain will each be found in?

>>31651652
>Databank
Flat open plain. Good for ambushing other teams.
>Sensors
Thick woodland. The item up in a tree.
>Backup databank
Cold, in-hospitable mountainous tundra.
>Power supply
Radomised

Can we scatter helpful items across the area for them to find as well?

>>31651652
Forest, stream, in a hillside cave, up a tree.
Oh, one minor question: You said that there weren't many/any heavy cruisers in the old faction war battle sites we've been too. Does that include republic Punisher Heavy cruisers?

Add some type of shell/casing that they have to destroy like its a black-op. Extra realism and gets rid of their destructive impulses.

>>31651652
>Do you want any others added to the mission?
A warhead. This kind of recovery mission wouldn't be authentic without a lethal problem nobody was told about.

>>31651948
so much this.
Have them being ambushed by fuckheads once they find it the option being getting more of the data probe or the warhead or setting the warhead on a timer if they can figure it out and blow the fuckheads up.

>>31651652

Place it scattered across a valley, with the databank toward the higher end, two on each of the opposite slopes, and one toward the 'mouth' end.

>>31651757

we should really avoid putting anything up in a tree. These kids likely aren't used to wearing these sealed suits, and if one of them falls they could very well not make it to any sort of medical care for hours


>>31651948
paint or dye 'bomb', maybe?

>>31651757
>Power supply
>Randomised
How about the bottom of that lake anon wanted?

>>31651763
Yes. Terran built Punishers were few and far between. Their shipyards were destroyed and the few that escaped served as the center piece of larger fleets using their built in VT launchers and heavy torpedo batteries. Only two of them fought in South Reach and both were accounted for, destroyed or otherwise. Most saw action in the Pandora Cluster.

>>31651870
>>31651948
Okay, how about the casing of the probe could identify it. They have to disarm and recover its "nuclear destruct mechanism" (Fluorescent orange dye packs) since that would be overkill in a near habitable environment, but still have to destroy it with conventional explosives. (Dye packs)

Sensor array up in a tree... iffy but doable.
They'll have grappling gear to climb it, but will also have to wear an emergency harness should someone fall.
Or is this still a bit too dangerous?

>>31651757
>>31652075
>>Databank
>Flat open plain. Good for ambushing other teams.
You could pay a couple of volunteers from one of the ship crews to guard the object, acting as OPFOR.

>>31652075
I think the suits they'll be wearing should be more than enough to make this exercise exhausting. No need to go over the top with this, they're just kids who want to have some fun.

>>31652102
>paint or dye 'bomb', maybe?
A *beep*beep*you're dead* would be enough too.

>>31652255
How about automated sentry guns as guards for the databank?

>Lake
Good idea

>>31652458
How about we let the kids have a fun treasure hunt and save simulated combat for after they have learned to handle guns without hurting themselves or others.

>>31652255
>still too dangerous

Lets just keep everything on the ground for now. We can save tree climbing for when they've had some training to make sure they can safely use the equipment.

We don't want someone ending up hanging from a tree with a limb twisted in a line.

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Unless there are additional opinions on the Fun vs Spartan-II training spectrum they'll be getting the easier options looks like?

Databank = Flat open plain
Backup databank = Freezing cold stream
Sensors = Up a tree /or/ boulders
Power supply = bottom of a lake
Probe casing (bomb) = mid point of the crash area / rough terrain?

You all set out, with you pacing the others to help them out in case they have any trouble. Old man Petras contacts you from the lodge over a secure channel.
"Not so sure about scaring the kids out in that plain are you?"
"No, though I'd like to."

"If you want I could use the Aerocar to buzz the clearing once they're out in the open. It should give them a bit of a scare without being dangerous."

[ ] Better not
[ ] Go for it
[ ] Actually deploy a paintball sentry after all

>>31653380
>[ ] Better not

>>31653380
[x] Better not

If we don't do it the first time, they won't suspect it the second time!

>>31653380
tell him this>>31653482

>>31653380
>[x] Better not
Make them think they're safe.

>>31653482
Ooooh, that's a good idea. We're doing the family friendly version this time so they'll come back, and it's paintball Omaha Beach next time.

"If we don't do it the first time, they won't suspect it the second time!"
"You're going to be doing this how often?"

Looking through the data on the different areas the probe components are located the kids determine that the sensor package is the closest and head for it straight away. It doesn't take long to find the collapsed section of cliff with it's slight clearing. Boulders fill the area making the terrain difficult. It might have been a better choice for later on is it would have meant a shorter trip back should they slip or twist an ankle.

Velsa takes a bit of a tumble amid the loose rocks.
"Why do I have to be the one looking like a fool in front of your sister Bekka? I swear."
"I almost wiped out like that the other day we were up here."
"Usually you fall on your face on flat surfaces. I suppose it only makes sense for you to do good out here."
"Thanks! W-wait, that wasn't a compliment!"

"Got it." announces Mirdem, passing the sensor package back to Dan then climbing down from the rubble.

The others help check Velsa then you take a follow up scan. The injury is minor and she just has to take it easy for awhile.

The probe casing is next.
"I know this is a game but nuclear destruct charge doesn't sound good." Even working together they're not able to get the dye pack removed and elect to head for the next one. They still place their charges which would not have set off a nuke but overall its a fail on that one.

Heading uphill they reach what will have to be the last target for the day; the backup databank. Its situated on a small island surrounded by a freezing cold stream. It's a bit on the fast side too, though not so much that they'd be swept through rapids or over a waterfall. You position yourself downstream to catch anyone that gets knocked over and pushed along.
Taking the hint the four of them tie themselves together with rope to prevent that from being necessary. Dan can't get his footing well enough in the water so he and Bekka act as the anchor points on land to help the other two over since together they're the strongest. Once across Mirdem hoists Velsa up by her good leg to reach the probe component.

"I've got it! Here."
After passing it to her teammate the two make their way back across the stream. Mirdem's feet are swept out from underneath her at the last moment, but it's close enough to shore that it doesn't matter. Both are pulled to safety.

"It's getting dark. Head for home base." You tell them while approaching from down stream.

"I'd leave the decision up to all of you but your parents would have me buried in complaints if you didn't get some sleep at a decent hour."

It takes a few hours to hike all the way back to the lodge, even going down hill. If anything you have to be even more careful in that direction as you'll keep going down the hill that much faster if your footing goes.

The lodge has more than enough accommodation for everyone to get their own room, even if it's a small one. The next morning is filled with complaints about sore muscles and lack of sleep as a result of sleeping in a strange place.


>What say?

>>31654911
"So, is everyone ready to move on to rifle practice?"

>>31654911

They've done good so far, and if they don't think they're up to going for the rest of the items, they should consider taking a break.

This is first and foremost about them having some fun, no need to force them to do it.

If they feel like they need a break, maybe they should relax in that grotto/spring thing that was once mentioned?

>>31654911
It's probably not a good idea to use those sleep headsets on children is it?

"If you don't think you're up to going for the rest of the items, you should consider taking a break."
The four of them mull over the idea.
"Is everyone ready to move on to rifle practice?"
You hand Valsa her stun pistol. "Don't make me regret giving this back to you."
She nodds nervously in response.

>This is first and foremost about them having some fun, no need to force them to do it.
>If they feel like they need a break, maybe they should relax in that grotto/spring thing that was once mentioned?
"Sis, all the streams around here are freezing cold!"

>>31655432
>It's probably not a good idea to use those sleep headsets on children is it?
No.

While the students are still waking up you get one of the hunting rifles from the weapons lockers and pull enough ammo for it should they decide to try the rifle rather than the treasure hunt.

An hour later you head in to see what's taking so long and find them packing gear to head out again. At Bekka's request you pull out some pain relief meds to take the edge off of still stiff muscles. You're a little sore yourself. Exercise aboard ship is not the same as hiking up and down a mountain for a whole day.

"This marker shows the location of a lake. Is the probe component supposed to be nearby?" Dan asks you.

"You have to work with the intel you've been given." You reply.

It looks like they're going to check the lake first today. Heading out there will take most of the morning since it's not even on your property.

On arrival they each attempt to get a position reading and finding nothing within visual range split up and circle the lake.
"We've got nothing. It has to be on the bottom."
"No way, we can't get that."
"These suits are sealed."
"That's crazy. Bekka, your sister wouldn't do that would she?"
"Uh, that does sound like something she would do actually."
"Seriously?"
"I'm kinda surprised she isn't shooting at us with paint marker."

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Setting up to dive the lake Bekka soon realises that her suit is not water tight.
"How did you even manage that?"
"I don't know, but my feet are wet."
"Maybe it's just a seal that you need to check?"
"They seem good, but more water gets in when I go deeper so I'm out."
"You could spot for us."
"Here, use this as a float and tie a rope to it so I can tell how far out you are. Everyone keep a rope to the shore to help get back more easily."

Velsa and Dan get a good piece into the lake before they each run into trouble, getting disoriented or gear fouled, and have to return to shore.
"I don't feel comfortable being on my own down here." Comments Mirdem.
"If anything happens all three of us can pull you to shore quickly."

"Go left."
"I am."
"I think he means the other left."
"Stop shore seat diving... Um, wait I think I found it."
"Was it on your left?"
"No, just... shut up for a bit."

Coming ashore the Dro'all of the team shows the power supply. It seems they found it.

After drying their suits and Bekka taking a hazard penalty for having a damaged suit seal the team sets out for the next area. The next one is fairly easy, you bought an old Drogue parachute used by the atmospheric interceptor trainers and attached it to the databank to make it look more plausible.

Initially reluctant, the team heads out into the open plain to recover it, rolling up the chute and stowing it.

"That was easy."
"Too easy."
"I don't know, this thing weighs a ton. It's not that easy."
"We could just download the data then place a demo charge on it if it's too heavy to carry all the way."

After getting it to the tree line they do just that, though Dan takes the parachute with him. The entire time you've been watching, resisting the urge to shout "Pew! Pew! Pew!" Over their com channel to startle them.

Their time will come.

"How were your escapades today?" Asks Petras on the return to the lodge.

"Mission accomplished!" All four team members shout.

"Not bad." You tell them. "Though the probe casing you destroyed and failed to remove the nuke from contaminated the surrounding area with radioactive isotopes. Or would have if this was the real thing. Clean up cost of 200-500k."

This results in groans from all assembled.

"I'm going to give you each a chance with the hunting rifle on the shooting range. One at a time."

Roll 4d20

>Anything else you'd like to do with the gang before their flight home?

Rolled 2, 18, 19, 20 = 59

>>31656840
Get them all to draw cool ideas for weapons and ammo and ships.

Rolled 8, 3, 10, 1 = 22

>>31656934
Looks like the first person fucks up and the rest learn from their mistakes.

Rolled 4, 4, 18, 1 = 27

>>31656840
>.

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Your sister is up first and flubs the first couple shots. You think Bekka is having trouble with the recoil, clearly having been practicing use of energy weapons.
The rest all have much better luck with a mix of hits near the targets, though other shots still miss by a fair margin.
"Hey I wasnt completely terrible or most improved for once!" Exclaims Dan.

"Yes!" Shouts Mirdem after scoring a perfect hit right on the center. "Top that everybody." Going to reload she has some trouble with the bolt seeming to be stuck.
"Knight Captain Reynard? I think I broke it."
You ask to see the weapon. "It's a bolt action, you can't... well f-uhm. Let's practice some hand signals? I'll set this aside and fix it later. Once I figure out how I'll show you all how to."

>basic military hand signals and possibly tactics around the lodge might be fun, too.

You continue this until it's time to leave and fly the group back to the city. All the parents are waiting for your arrival and mom looks relieved that everyone has come back alive and unharmed.
"No injuries?"
"I think there was one twisted ankle, but the rest was all sore muscles. They'll be fine." you tell her.
"Well now that those war games are out of their systems I hope they'll all get some homework done this week."

>>31657715

"Who will have their grades improved before we do this again? I'm sure I can come up with a suitable prize."

>>31656934
>Get them all to draw cool ideas for weapons and ammo and ships.
Dan draws what looks like a green upside down Constitution class.

>1st Exp. Fleet Social Club
The turnout for the first real big meeting besides the party last year is quite good. There are enough people that even a dozen Knights and officers failing to show up doesn't cause much of an impact. Daska sends a package which includes a message apologising for not being present but that there were family matters that took precedence at the moment. Included are two dozen gift cards to a wine shop located within walking distance of the clubhouse.

Mike is among the last to arrive, having just caught a shuttle flight in.

Anyone that didn't arrive in their dress uniforms excuses themselves to the dressing rooms before the etiquette lessons begin. Two of the newly promoted find themselves a bit out of place as they accidentally brought Factions Alliance uniforms instead.

"It's fine for now, they're close enough visually to pass for our purposes today." You tell them.

Attempts are made to keep the seating with one acting instructor next to someone who needs help getting used to the way the nobles do things.

Once the dinner is underway Arthur mentions the results of their short hunting trip with the other nobles going after Warrels. "We had one killed and two others that almost certainly would have died if a few of us hadn't been wearing power cell armor."

"Arthur, don't you have a full suit of power armor?"
"I do but it was damaged when my ship took a few hits at Apsis. Nothing serious but those suits can require a lot of maintenance. So as I way saying, at one point I had one Warrel by the jaws that nearly bit this fellow from up north in half. And would you ever believe it, the thing was giving the suit servos a hard time! I was forced to knee it in the throat to stun it so that Jeremy could get a clear shot with his carbine. Nasty things."

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Nytoria confirms that they were not as easy to take down as expected. Sam, who is currently not present, rammed two of them using one of the groups Safari Rovers. The larger one was still able to get back up afterwards.
One Lord from House Ceres who had previously deemed use of vehicle impacts to be "bad form" in hunting had completely reversed his opinion by the end of the second day. Their group is now attempting to contract a number of LRV's from New Port Fleet Systems that are known to have a fairly sharp bow section. You know that vehicle is also built to carry under-wing anti-tank guns and a pintle mount 50 cal.

>Things you'd like to talk to people about at the club meeting?

Stopping here for the night. I'll be posting in the morning until shortly before noon, then resuming after 8PM EST. I plan to run all day Thursday.

Looks like were going to have no shortage of buyers for our mass rifle. Seems like carbine splinter ammo doesn't cut it, .50cal should, 20mm will probably come out the other side.

>>31659145
Talk about their plans and activities outside the military. Who created their own business, what does their family do, how long do they even intend to stay with the military etc.

By the way, how long do people stay with the military? Are there any here who don't want to extend their contract / only want to do the minimum required years? Or do some of them try to get transferred to a position with a lower mortality rate? Elite front line combat is not for everyone and just two years ago this was a normal wing. Also, they would probably get great positions training the next generation of pilots given their abilities.

>tl;dr
>Try to gain access to contacts beyond the wings.

>>31659145
>Things you'd like to talk to people about at the club meeting?

-Ask the Baron's not-daughter if she's been to Surakeh lately.

-Talk about their plans for the land they've received when they were knighted.

-Younger siblings in general.

-Interesting gifts and presents.

>>31659145
We should probably try to broden our knowledge base beyond our wing. Maybe talk with the head of the carriers how he would use a Senate Class Heavy Carrier on the off chance we found one lying around.
After all, we've already started repairs, and house intelligence undoubtedly has a few of the crew on payroll to ensure we aren't turning the ship into the Baron's secret weapon.

bump

>>31659145
>Things you'd like to talk to people about at the club meeting?

I'd like to hear how our wings' experiences with the FA observers have been.

oh hey, posting is back?

>>31659145

We should probably toast the dead and swap a few stories of them.

I'm not really sure how to say it, but a few words about how we're the new blood of nobility and we should watch eachother's backs on and off the front lines wouldn't go amiss, I think. The old guard can only afford to ignore and attempt to swindle us for so long, and we'll be able to start shaping our House's future sooner rather than later if we all work as a team instead of letting the old guard break us into infighting groups.

>>31659145
Don't think there is anything specific to talk about. Just got to make sure everyone has a good time and all. But not to good a time, don't want the MP's here breaking up the party because we start a rave or something.

>>31663659
I have the feeling that Dominion MP would be very, very, very reluctant to even show up at a building with that many nobles present for anything short of murder.

>>31663596
Well yes, House intelligence probably has our company infiltrated yes. Of course, they probably haven't noticed how important the company could turn out to be until relatively recently, and our compensation policies should help keep most of our people loyal so we shouldn't be completely compromised. That said, I expect we'll come under pressure to let other nobles purchase a slice of the pie to defuse power, or a merger/buyout from DHI.

>>31663953
If they want our company then they can go fuck themselves with something long and sharp and covered in tiny tiny hooks. That is unless they want to make us into a Baron and give us a planet. Then they could probably get a tiny part of it.

>>31663653
We are the future of the House. It is by our blood and our determination we've gone from the laughingstock of the neighborhood to something that should be feared and respected in it's own right. We've bleed and fought and our time is now! We will take this House from the ashes of what it was and shape it to something we want it to be. The future us now! Psyco Sonia fuck yeah.

>>31663653
>>31664832
Yeah no. Blatantly inflammatory. Lets not massively piss of the entrenched power blocks.
>>31664832
Eh, I suppose it matters how much they'd value the company. If the buyout would give us a large enough ownership % of DHI to be chairman, I'd say yes.

>>31663953
I'd be surprisingly ok with a merger. Would certainly be interesting. I give it one year until we have taken over DHI.

I don't think that will happen though. We are probably one of the top 100 in our house regarding wealth, maybe even one of the top 50. However, we are currently only worth about 3-4k SPs. And given how many of those our wing found and used, and how much all the other assets we found in private hands cost, we are probably not that huge in the grand scheme of things.

>>31664832
Voting against that speech. We give a small speech to our social club, we are not inciting a coup.

>>31664832

Well, I was thinking less 'Viva la revolución' and more 'hey, watch out for each other and we can do great things on the Homefront, too'

>>31663953
>>31664931
I doubt we're even close to requiring a diffusion of power, or anywhere near 1% of DHI's value if they were to conduct a buyout of RSS.

we're still a small fish among the wealth rankings, IIRC.

>>31665171
The diffusion of power is more because we have a private fleet, including a private heavy carrier.

>>31664931
>>31665142
>>31665171
Yeeeahh... Still it was fun to write even if I can imagine a revolt going awfully bad for all involved. Not that we actually got a reason for revolting yet either and if such where to happen I would imagine it would mean the House is finished as our neighbors decide to gobble us up. Still we'll have to see what kind of stuff Winifred will pull eventually.

>>31665171
Well while we're still not the wealthiest of people we are by no means poor and we're still growing quickly. I mean who at our age and with our background has earned 1.5 billions and is one of the more respected military people in their House with well over 100 combat missions and enough medals to build a small tank if we where to melt it all down?

Now I'm going to sleep, have fun without me!

>>31665819
>>31665819
True but when I hear "Revolution" I think of the Baron though and I am strangely okay with that.

The multiple downtimes today was unexpected.

>>31659363
"Seems like carbine splinter ammo doesn't cut it, .50cal should."

Nytoria shakes her head. "It works, you just need to hit the right parts."
"Our main problem was when they got in close and people weren't prepared for it."

After a few hours of etiquette practice several of the others find themselves improving, and you're a bit less rusty.

>Talk about their plans and activities outside the military. Who created their own business,
Most have bought shares in existing companies, though a few have started small businesses. Javi bought some transports off Iratar and Tarketta and his company has taken some contracts running freight out to the Smuggler's Run.
Vaughn is trying to get some businesses opened around his and Mike's home town but things are still a bit too rough around there at the moment. He assures you that they are improving.

>what does their family do,
Nytoria's parents are actually land lords, which is odd because you took her to be middle or lower class. They own a relatively small area of a city on the other side of the continent.
Arthur's family own the land several dozen high end apartment blocks are located on. They split their time between managing the property and trading stocks.
A few people's family help maintain properties or are workers in various factories.

>how long do they even intend to stay with the military etc.
If the war ends most will wait things out and take their 20, though a few officers would retire shortly after the end of hostilities.

>>31668473
Is this a prompt?

>By the way, how long do people stay with the military?
4 years minimum in peace time, 20 if you want a pension. Indefinite in wartime, though humans can choose to retire at 65. Dro'all it depends on their physiology.
Kavos will be old enough to retire in another 4-5 years.

Being Knighted can be a curse since you're stick with a semi-permanent position militarily and politically. They can still request transfer off the front lines to training units, reserve positions or other jobs that require a high security rating. Top secret projects are one of them. This is usually not denied though they may be called up in an emergency.

Two pilots somewhat wish they hadn't been Knighted as a result and do want to transfer to training units after the next tour. But they sure were not turning down the land and money offered.

>Ask the Baron's not-daughter if she's been to Surakeh lately.
"No, just when the wings were being put back together before our deployment last year."

>Talk about their plans for the land they've received when they were knighted.
Several are leaving their land alone for the time being, more are uncertain especially those near your area where the land is covered in several centuries worth of tree growth. Not much to be done without heavy logging activity. Those with land elsewhere on the planet are looking at agriculture projects due to flat wide open sections.

>Younger siblings in general.
"Annoying."
"I love em."
"Always someone you can talk to."
"I want to kill them. They ruined my best outfit."
"It's hard being a role model for them I find."
"My younger brother tries to be nothing like me."

>Interesting gifts and presents.
Old books and antiques tend to top the list for several people, along with odd handmade crafts from infrequently traveled regions.

Weird to think that we're the most business aggressive as well as being rank aggressive, though they would go hand in hand. Recommend Mr. London to those that are starting businesses if he can spare the time for it, I'm sure they'd appreciate the help.

Ask their opinion on leading their own squadrons. If we're gonna get split up sooner or later we need to get an idea of who wants to lead, not just who can on paper; so to speak.

>>31669157
We should ask if anyone would like to be contacted in the event our salvage company comes across a certain model of ship. I'm sure we could cut them a decent deal, if it doesn't conflict too much with the company's interests

>>31669742
Didn't a ton of people specifically vote not to bring that up?

We should attend a starfighter race.

>>31670005
Now I am up for that.

>>31669863
I honestly don't see the problem. We'd be failing the name of nobility if we didn't try to secure our places, especially in the Dominion. If they found out that we hadn't, we be in a far worse position than those in power knowing that we intend to keep our hands on what we'ge worked and bled for.

>>31670130
I don't mind building comradery. I'm against publicly calling out the people who control our promotions as a problem. Keep it positive.

>>31670221
We're not. No names, no titles, just warning that them that orders on the front aren't the same as orders at home.

Just ask the Baron how well we follow orders away from the front if you're so concerned.

>>31670221
agreed.

>>31670221
When I proposed we talk about working together and being able to do good things as a team on the homefront, I was thinking of it more as a call to keep working together, rather than the inflammatory rambling that someone else tacked onto it.

>>31670542
What OP said was
>"The old guard can only afford to ignore and attempt to swindle us for so long. We'll be able to start shaping our House's future sooner rather than later if we all work as a team instead of letting the old guard break us into infighting groups. We can contribute outside of battle more than some people realise."
That's pretty damned inflamitory.

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>Factions alliance observers
Most of the observers have been quite professional. Many of them had limited experience before coming aboard, being selected due to the aforementioned good manners, technical expertise and simply because they wouldn't be missed as much as more vital personnel.
Most complaints have been regarding salvage rights on equipment since as you noticed the few times people have found Veckron weapons there have been observers right there to make it difficult to simply walk off with them.
One of the Dro'all personnel does state that the Hune observer on his ship would not stop hitting on him and making inappropriate comments and implications.
"If I'm stuck with them again I'm lodging a formal complaint."


>>31663596
>After all, we've already started repairs, and house intelligence undoubtedly has a few of the crew on payroll to ensure we aren't turning the ship into the Baron's secret weapon.
Given the speed at which RSS has grown in terms of population you should be more worried if there were not any agents from House intel working for you.

>>31663653
>Toast the dead and swap a few stories of them
Once things move outside to the less formal BBQ this takes up the majority of the time there. A few people draw straws to head over and grab the wine Daska paid for and while two of the younger people get a bit tipsy the older officers and Knights make sure to keep them in line. No MP's need to be called.

>>31669863
>>31670130
>>31670221
>>31670453
>>31670542
>>31670663
After reading some of the additional posts after
>>31663653
I've re-written a piece that should better fit the sentiment agreed upon.

>Comment too long!

Before people start to leave you get their attention and bring one last thing up.
"Not everyone here, but many of us, are new to the nobility of our House. We have a lot to learn still, about ourselves, each other and the realities of our station. It's my hope that we could or perhaps should learn to watch each other's backs both on and off the battlefield. This game called politics can be as dangerous as a minefield. Watch out for each other and maybe we can learn to get our footing before it's necessary to lose a limb. Remember that all of us can contribute to this House outside of battle too. Maybe more than you realise."

>Acceptable Y/N?

>>31663953
>That said, I expect we'll come under pressure to let other nobles purchase a slice of the pie to defuse power
That would certainly be an interesting solution. You haven't been asked yet. There's nothing stopping you from trying to preempt such a move.

>or a merger/buyout from DHI.
DHI is primarily an energy systems manufacturer. Up until recently they didn't build ships so much as they built what makes them work. Yes, they were largely responsible for the EX-K modification but that was only so they would have a testbed for their new afterburner. At first.
DHI's has wholly owned subsidiaries that assist the shipyard in the Smugglers run in producing EX-K type attack cruisers, and another responsible for running the yard in the Pandora cluster you set up.

Getting off track, a merger might have been more likely if they were refurbishing more salvaged reactors and components for resale.
Fortunately, or unfortunately a particular DHI plant manager that was more into that sort of thing died in a car accident. As a result the company doesn't deal with rebuilding old power systems originally built by competitors, those are sold off to others.

Oh, DHI still owes you for those attack cruisers you got them that were later converted to EX-K's, so there's more money for RSS there. ~70 million-ish?

>>31670542
>>31670663
Agreed and what TSTG wrote was decidedly much less inflammatory than what the OP wrote.
Hence, why the problem?

>>31671085
>Agreed and what TSTG wrote was decidedly much less inflammatory than what the OP wrote.
OP and TSTG are the same person...

>>31671061
Sure

>>31671061
>Acceptable?
Yes


>DHI finally gives RSS more $$$

Just begun the megacorp waifu wars have.

>>31670880
>agents from House Intel working for RSS

This reminds me of a thought I had over the weekend. I wonder if we could find an ex-House Intel guy and just have an official 'House Intel guy' in charge of keeping an eye on our ops and preventing OTHER Intel groups from infiltrating RSS. A sort of benevolent parasite.

>>31671183
TSTG and the original poster (OP) of the inflammatory comment are not the same person pleb.

>>31671366
That was what he wrote the first time though. Its a copy paste quote.

>>31671061
Don't forget to gloat, er ask the carrier pilots for tactical advice.

>>31671407
My apologies for assuming that everyone understood common board slang. I'll just stop here.

>>31671616
OP usually refers to the person who started the thread.

>>31671679
And its literal translation is original poster. The point is moot, lets move on please.

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Opening Poster /vs/ Original Poster. Usage can sometimes vary depending on the context. I've seen plenty of both used over the years.
>The more you know!
Some post cleanup, while not necessary, would be appreciated.

>>31671361
>I wonder if we could find an ex-House Intel guy and just have an official 'House Intel guy' in charge of keeping an eye on our ops and preventing OTHER Intel groups from infiltrating RSS.

"My liege I have thwarted an assassination plot by myself to kill myself"
Oh Crusader Kings II. I almost miss that they've patched that sort of thing out.
Anyways, yes London will look into getting someone in charge of Company intel, secrets and the like.

>>31663802
>I have the feeling that Dominion MP would be very, very, very reluctant to even show up at a building with that many nobles present for anything short of murder.
And miss the opportunity to beat up a noble and get away with it?

>>31663596
>We should probably try to broden our knowledge base beyond our wing. Maybe talk with the head of the carriers how he would use a Senate Class Heavy Carrier on the off chance we found one lying around.
"A Heavy Carrier?" Sputters one of Captain's in his late forty's, barely preventing himself from spitting out his drink. "Operating such a ship is far different than simply providing starfighter support. Even that Medium Command ship you picked up is closer in role to what we usually do. No a Heavy Carrier supports the entire fleet, perhaps multiple fleets with their onboard repair ability. You keep those ships as safe as you possibly can.
If we had one it would mean being able to support nearly the entire House Expeditionary fleet we deploy at any given time.
It's too bad they're less useful for medium cruiser repairs."

"How would that change things?" you ask.
"It would mean a complete change in how we organise our fleet for one thing, but that's not far off. They say Forbearance might be operational in another 3 years."

>>31672008
>"It would mean a complete change in how we organise our fleet for one thing, but that's not far off. They say Forbearance might be operational in another 3 years."
I could have sworn that was much closer to completion.

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Leaving the club meeting you head out to one of the mini malls nearby to pick up some things for out at the lodge. The others are beginning to disperse as well, a few checking out the nearby shops as well and others walking to were they parked. Maybe they had trouble finding the right building at first. The place might need some proper underground parking if more people join.

Walking out the door of one shop nearby you see... well you're not quite sure what it is. It's obviously a person, but their face and any other identifying features, even exposed skin are obscured by oversized pixels, changing shape as the person moves.

"How the hell..."

Briefly moving in your direction the person seems to notice you staring at them as they suddenly stop. After only a second the person turns and begins moving away from you at a brisk walk.

>Your orders?

>>31672490
what are we armed with, and does it have a stun setting.

>>31672490
turn our hat backwards and throw a poke-ball?(grenade)

>>31672490
Use our scanner arm to keep tracking them.

This sounds like some Krath-tier infiltration.

>>31672539
>what are we armed with, and does it have a stun setting.
You have your pulse pistol.

>>31672560
You currently lacking in grenades or other spherical devices.

>>31672573
Starting up your sensor array in a low power mode you attempt to track the movements of the individual. You're able to detect continuous com traffic coming from them, though it's encrypted and seems to be bouncing off of every wireless device within the current scanning range of your sensors.

>>31672490

Cheap holographic camo that our HUD implants are partially detecting?

Sounds like someone from the black market or that group of kids wanted to fuck with us... a professional hit would probably have been cleaner.

Perhaps we should pull out our phone and contact the local PD to report a suspicious person and act like we thought we were seeing things?

Can our arm's sensors detect the person on low power or get a reading that can be saved? Preferably without doing the 'fuck everything electronic in this general area' thing again?

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>>31670880
>the Hune observer on his ship would not stop hitting on him and making inappropriate comments and implications
>Shallan observer intensifies

>>31672274
But are all of those replacement bitz we salvaged to fix up the Forebearance public knowledge at this point? Not sure if those would speed it UP to 3 years or faster.

Speaking of superheavies, what happened to the one we captured while convoy raiding?

>>31672490
I wonder if this is because of our augmented eyes.

>>31672490
I am suddenly very interesting in this individual.

START THE STALKING/CHASE SCENE

>>31672799
>Eyes
Wow, that's a good point. I'd forgot we had those implants

>>31672799
>Speaking of superheavies, what happened to the one we captured while convoy raiding?
Majority ownership of it was sold to the Ruling House with conditions. Some House JD personnel will serve aboard it getting experience from the Ruling House's better trained personnel. This will continue for several tours with additional crews rotating out.
It's hoped that enough will have received full training to help crew Forbearance once it's finished being rebuilt. Depending on their observations additional modifications to the design of the ship may be made before it is launched.

>>31672775
>Cheap holographic camo that our HUD implants are partially detecting?
Your sensor is detecting no signs of holographics.

>Can our arm's sensors detect the person on low power or get a reading that can be saved?
You can get an approximate build and height but exact details seems to be difficult to lock on to, almost as if the com signals bouncing everywhere are acting as a rudimentary ECM.
>Preferably without doing the 'fuck everything electronic in this general area' thing again?
This might take down the local ECM but civilian infrastructure on a planet's surface is considerably less hardened than what is found aboard space stations. Property damage could be racked up rather quickly.

>Perhaps we should pull out our phone and contact the local PD to report a suspicious person and act like we thought we were seeing things?
Do so?

>>31672956
>START THE STALKING/CHASE SCENE


1 for following, 1 for calling police

>>31672713
Can our arm sensors isolate some of the 'bounce' signals by ignoring some of the different band ranges that aren't coming from what we know to be the source? Or perhaps the source is broadcasting a specific set of wireless bands that some/all of the 'echo' transmissions are lacking?

Can we save a sample of the com traffic for later decryption?

>>31672956
Act like we saw someone/something behind the guy? Maybe pull the 'hey, dont I know you from school?' act or spot something in a store that caught our eye and see if the game and watch man doubles back to follow us?

>>31673406
>rudimentary ECM

Can we toggle our HUD implants off and use the good old Mk 1 eyeball to get those details?

>>31673437
>Can our arm sensors isolate some of the 'bounce' signals by ignoring some of the different band ranges that aren't coming from what we know to be the source? Or perhaps the source is broadcasting a specific set of wireless bands that some/all of the 'echo' transmissions are lacking?
You make a note to yourself to talk to the Electronic warfare and sensor people about better training in this department. You can isolate certain bands but there are so many it's hard to tell which are relevant.

>Can we save a sample of the com traffic for later decryption?
Yes. You save several.

>>31673502
Roll 1d100

Rolled 50

>>31673684
Rollin Let's see how bad I fuck this up

Rolled 81

>>31673684
So many things to train in, so little time.

Go go Mk1 Eyeball(s!)

Rolled 38

>>31673684

Your eye HUD blinks off for a few seconds then back on, for all the good it did you. The person is wearing a hat and a dark green coat, while they're now carrying their bag in front of them. Since they're headed away from you at a quick walking speed you cant see their face at all.

The HUD should not have been able to turn back on like that.

[ ] Do nothing
[ ] Stay where you are, contact police
[ ] Follow at a distance
[ ] Attempt to catch up to them
[ ] Attempt to stun
[ ] Other

>>31674167
>[X] Follow at a distance

>HUD turns back on after we turn it off
>Can't make out his face

Yeah, that is 100% suspicious in every way.

>>31674167
>Contact police while briskly walking behind them.
I'm tempted to call them. We're just curious after all, we would even stay at a safe distance so they don't feel threatened.

I didn't realise it was getting this late. May have to resume in the morning.

Heading up the stairs to the walkway running in front of the stores you wait for the mystery man to round the corner of a nearby building then turn off your sensor. Rushing through an alleyway between the buildings you cut around the long way and set up to watch as the person crosses the next street still moving along at a good clip.

Flipping your jacket inside out you cross the street as well, staying far enough back that you don't think you stand out. Pulling out your com you contact the police and report the suspicious person.
Giving them your military service number rather than your formal rank you let them know that you are pursuing them.

"Ma'am, are you harassing this individual in any way?"
"No, I'm just following them for a good distance."
"Besides yourself our street cams are not showing anyone on foot other than some children playing in a yard nearby."

>What say?

>>31674930

We should inform them of the camo, and I'd they don't react to it, either assume the connection is compromised or the police just don't see it.

>>31674930
"That's not surprising. Some of my sensors are compromised as well. Can you detect the encrypted com-traffic coming from the individual?"

>>31674930
Can we send them a video of the guy from our eye implants?

>>31674930
How do we see the individual? Does our arm detect him? Do our eye-implants notice him? Could we send a data feed to the police? Do they have a sensor unit of their own that could be deployed in a reasonable amount of time? Why don't we just apprehend the individual, trying not to scare him? Didn't he walk away when he noticed that we could see him? How many questions is one too many?

>>31674930
"Strange but not unexpected. None the less do send a squad or five over here just in case. It could be just some idiot running around with a cloaking device but on the other hand it could be something else."

>>31679541
This also seems like a good idea.

Regarding ships, if we do get the Heavy Cruiser and Forbearance we will have two super heavys right? How are we going to keep them, i mean the house?

They must be something fierce in upkeep and maintenance as well as crew necessities.
But considering we have now properties in the South Reach and the Smugglers run,
and I think the Pandora Cluster as well, coupled with the home-worlds that means four different and quite distant main hubs our House has.

We should consider getting some serious logistical pointers from our Dad and work out a paper regarding military defensive posture of our house.

I am thinking using the two super heavies as the cores of two reaction fleets, staying at equidistant bases on the closest run between two such hubs that can be hidden in some way. And another two bases on the other two major routes between the houses with two other mobile fleet elements being the official response fleets and patrol. plus two bases on the same routes as the super heavies to distract from the super heavy base covert posting and to secure those lines officially as well.

Probably with a third such base that can have one fleet in the minimum amounts of jumps to all hubs.

Or going directly with the thirds location for the super heavy basing and having four bases for smaller flotillas around medium cruiser in between the hubs, patrolling the lanes between them and allowing to jump in from both flanks to support a defending fleet.


The first option is probably more costly but allows a far better defensive posture in terms of firepower alone if it can be pulled off.

The second one however is more likely to succeed, allows our house to run a Super heavy in the open while keeping another one secret if we can manage it, and provides a similar mobile defense to our House holdings.


This of course in conjunction with Hub defensive fleets and Planetary Defenses.

If there are only three hubs, reduce the mobile fleet elements from five to four (triangle +center)

>>31680294

Only Forbearance is a super heavy.

our Anchorage and the Senate class are both heavy (cruisers) carriers.

A problem with your plan, as I understand it, would be that our territory would seem to have other Houses or the empty space between galaxies between them, as opposed to places we could station a hidden reaction fleet.

Core worlds - Centari cluster, surrounded by rival Houses
Smuggler's run - first galaxy/cluster out from Centari cluster, near the nav station?
South Reach - on the opposite end of (former?) House Latham space, which was an entire dwarf galaxy or cluster?

And then there is the DHI holding in the Pandora Cluster, which is... what? 3 galaxies worth of jumps?

Once the Neeran war ends, the House is in a fairly shit defensive position, really.

Rolled 48, 35 = 83

>>31675163
"That's not surprising. Some of my sensors are compromised as well."
You inform them of the possibility of holographic camouflage being in use. Perhaps there's a malfunction only you can see?

"Can you detect the encrypted com-traffic coming from the individual?"
"Bandwidth usage near you is marginally higher than the daily average though still within standard variance. We're not seeing any encryption from here."

You send them a video of the guy from your eye implants.

"Ma'am the file you just sent us is corrupt and may contain spyware and/or a virus. We're going to have to ask you to stop until such time as your system has been swept clean by a specialist."

"Strange, please do send a squad or five over here just in case. I'm beginning to doubt it's just some idiot running around with a cloaking device now."
"We have an officer on their way to your location."

And with that he's now running full out, only slowing down to turn a corner heading for the main thoroughfare. You're still most of a klick from there but more disturbing are the number of parked vehicles along the streets and in parking lots between here and there.

[ ] Wait for police
[ ] Charge after him
[ ] Attempt to stun
[ ] Other
Ignore the rolls

>>31682857
>[x] Attempt to stun

>>31682857

>vehicles
>someone may have hacked our eyes
>every wireless device in range is broadcasting

Yeah, no. Being crushed by a car or lured past a bomb isn't sounding fun right now.

[x] Wait for police

and then we'll have to visit an intrusion specialist from one of our ships, I imagine...

>>31682857
>[X] Wait for police

If Sonia's eyes have been hacked, she's gonna sit there, and do nothing.

You stop at the next corner to try and get a better idea of where he might be headed.

"The suspect is now fleeing at a full sprint towards the ocean highway. I'm breaking off pursuit due to my eye implants being compromised."
And because you cant rule out the possibility of one of the cars nearby actually being a bomb.

"We're still not seeing anyone on foot that matches the description you've given us."

You lose sight of him when he cuts behind a dentists office. Two air taxis lift off from the general area just as the police cruiser pulls up beside you.

"Knight Captain Reynard? Something seem to be the matter?" asks one officer through the open window.

>Your orders?

>>31683296
>>Your orders?
"It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I think somebody managed to hack my eyes. I've either been chasing a phantom and somebody is playing a very poor joke on me, or I've been following somebody who is actively infecting WIFI devices around him with some kind of malware."

Then inform them where he went.

>>31683429
Supporting this.

What if Versa is playing a prank on us

>>31683296

Give them the description from our Mk 1 eyeball, tell them the person fled when we noticed something odd about them, and appeared to be hacking our phone, as they bolted when the dispatcher informed us that an officer was being sent. Point out the two air taxies that just departed the general area, but suggest that the person may be hacking or jamming electronics in the general area and relying upon that to avoid detection, instead of the air taxies.
and on another note... when did our HUD implants get wireless functions and the ability to transmit images? Certainly we'd have that shit disabled out of habit, considering the liability it could be in combat or special missions?

Time to have an intrusion specialist check our shit for backdoor accesses and clean our implants of viruses. And put those recordings we took into a stand-alone machine to decrypt

>>31683429
>>31683440

Triads, using a trace on Versa's communications because they're employing a spy on her ship

"It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I think somebody managed to hack my eyes. I've either been chasing a phantom and somebody is playing a very poor joke on me, or I've been following somebody who is actively infecting WIFI devices around him with some kind of malware.

They also appeared to be hacking my phone, as they bolted when the dispatcher informed me that an officer was being sent."
You point out the two air taxis that just departed the general area and the officers set them to be monitored. Nearby units will tail the passengers when they set down.

"The person may also be hacking or jamming electronics in the general area and relying upon that to avoid detection, instead of getting on the air taxis."
"We'll take a look for someone matching the description you gave us, but those sort of coats are rather popular. We might be chasing ghosts. Still, it's worth investigating. Good day to you."

The cruiser heads off towards the offices where you last saw the person, the officers looking around.

One of your pilots, newly promoted Knight Edon, passes by and says hello, asking if you were lost after the meeting.
"No, I just thought I saw something." you tell her.

>when did our HUD implants get wireless functions and the ability to transmit images? Certainly we'd have that shit disabled out of habit, considering the liability it could be in combat or special missions?
They've had the option but you always had them locked down after they were first repaired specifically to avoid the possibility of compromising missions and the like. You can consciously choose to transmit to a phone or com like just now but otherwise they do not.
File storage is also set at almost nothing so you can't accidentally record things you'd rather people not see.

>Time to have an intrusion specialist check our shit for backdoor accesses and clean our implants of viruses. And put those recordings we took into a stand-alone machine to decrypt
After a flight up to the military station you visit a dozen specialists, both doctors and intrusion experts to find someone who can fix whatever is wrong with your eyes.

"If I hadn't been looking for it I never would have spotted this one block of code sir." says one of the techs helping out the medics, a man in his 30's named Franklin.

"What did you find?" you ask.

"There are some sections that have been hard coded, probably when the implants were first manufactured that might allow someone to create a back door. I can't be certain though."
"Can you remove them?"
"Not without damaging a number of the main features, in this case most of the HUD. I would have to find you new programming, screen it for more of these back doors and then jury-rig it to operate your particular model. Of course you might still end up with a similar back door from House intel at that point."
You ask about getting something off the books even if it costs extra.

"I'm sorry sir, I don't have the skill to make you something like that myself. If you're really determined to keep something like this from happening again I'd suggest one of the companies in the PCCG the next time you're there, or having your eyes reverted to their original state before the implants."

[ ] Leave it as it is for now / look into it later
[ ] Eye reprogramming by House personnel
[ ] Remove the implants
[ ] Have the implants disabled
[ ] other

>>31683982
[X] Leave it as it is for now / look into it later
Perhaps we can get into contact with some black market seller back in South Reach once we go there?

>>31683982

[x] other: Contact Duncan, inform him of this. He had a similar pair of implants, correct?

[x] other: disable the code for the wireless features. We don't need them, and a back door is useless without the ability to connect.

>>31683982
>[X] Have the implants disabled
I think we can safely disable them until we can get some a professional to deal with this.

>>31684126
>disable the code for the wireless features. We don't need them, and a back door is useless without the ability to connect.

It might be accessible by a series of visual signals, like that weird distortion at the end of Versa's transmission.

>>31683982
>[x] Remove the implants
Not like we need them anymore.

>>31684126
If the wireless ability can be completely and securely removed, I vote for this.
>>31684183
>It might be accessible by a series of visual signals
I'd fine with physically removing/disabling that capability.
>>31684300
We need them just as much as when we got them. Or just as little, if you want to look at it that way.

>>31684410
The main thing we used them for was the trajectory program. Now we're in a command position we don't need that any longer.

We should also update any security systems. They could have stolen our iris pattern and try to break into our bank accounts and what not.

>>31684300
The HUD is actually incredibly useful when piloting, and it's ballistic trajectory calculation capabilities have saved us more than once.

>>31684508
>try to break into our bank accounts

Emergency freeze upon our personal accounts for a few days for something like that to be dealt with, and RSS transactions held in limbo until Mr London can verify them?

>Contact Duncan, inform him of this. He had a similar pair of implants, correct?
Which you recall he chose to not have put in right away after the initial failure yours suffered.

A day later you manage to get hold of your old Marine intrusion expert.
"Duncan, how are you doing?"
"Oh you know how it is, complete secrecy about everything I do or say to anyone. Every day, forever. Other than that pretty good! Glad that I'm not on the front lines after all those stories I'm hearing about the Neeran."

Just as well he's not out there since he was not always the best shot. As you knew he's been working on hacking module development and that's all he can say.

"So you're having trouble with your implants again?"
"Yes. There's a backdoor program in them and someone used it to mess with what I was seeing the other day."
You send him what the other tech discovered.

"...wow. This is not something that is an easy fix. I am sort of glad I sold my set rather than having them put in."
"What? When you were so hyped about getting these things?"
Duncan shrugs. "It was easier to just buy some contacts that I can switch out."
"Next you're going to tell me you use erasable tattoos to look tough when deploying with the Marines."
"..."
You sigh. "Can you fix it?"
"Not without breaking most of the programing the runs the implant. I'd say it was designed so that it couldn't be easily removed. Maybe it's an anti-theft option? We know the pirates we bought them off stole them on raids."
An interesting idea.

Duncan promises to look into all of the code from your implants to see if there is anything else that might be harmful.

>>31684532
>>31684532
>trajectory calculation capabilities have saved us more than once.
This program was copied onto the computer systems of most of your ships for awhile. After it started to become more popular House technicians sought out other commercially available versions of the program and modified it for use by House starships. That version is the one currently used as the standard TAP by the expeditionary fleets.

>>31684183
>I think we can safely disable them until we can get some a professional to deal with this.
If shut down and disabled entirely they should not interfere with your vision, nor could they be remotely restarted. It would require visiting a medic or tech to have them turned back on.
Simply turning off their wireless option would return them to they state they were operating in since you got them.

>>31684183
>>31684410
>It might be accessible by a series of visual signals, like that weird distortion at the end of Versa's transmission.
>I'd fine with physically removing/disabling that capability.
If such a system exists, physically removing it would mean removing the implant itself.

>>31684508
>>31684603
>We should also update any security systems. They could have stolen our iris pattern and try to break into our bank accounts and what not.
>Emergency freeze upon our personal accounts for a few days for something like that to be dealt with, and RSS transactions held in limbo until Mr London can verify them?

Oh shit! You contact the bank and London and tell them to block any transactions from you for a few days while you get things straightened out. Identity theft is not a thing you want to deal with.

So this is either Triads or Terran Blackops.

Can we search the futureinternet to see if there's been any other criminal cases involving hacked implants and who it pertains to?

We should probably do a bit of searching/asking around for a company that makes HUD implants for Dominion nobles, or a PCCG company that does so during our next traveling stint

And turn over our recorded signals to House Intel so they can make sure this isn't someone undermining House stuff

>>31685000
All that gear seems really sophisticated for simple gangsters. It's most assuredly black ops. Who says it's the terrans though? Could be a rival House. This should be reported to command, and the recordings we took should be given to house intelligence.

>>31685131
I agree. Let's have a house expert look at the recordings and data we took.

And have our arm scanned for intrusion code too.

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>>31685000
>>31685131
>Can we search the futureinternet to see if there's been any other criminal cases involving hacked implants and who it pertains to?

It seems that there have been incidents in the past in some Houses with people able to fool security sensors and personnel with optical implants. Usually assassins, but sometimes infiltrators. Most bodyguards are required to have some means of unaugmented vision as a result.

>a company that makes HUD implants for Dominion nobles,
Few nobles use implants, most will take wearable equipment like helmets, contacts, or even HUD projectors like you used to use aboard your older starships that attaches to the head and projects onto the eye. There are plenty to choose from.

It takes some time but you do find a few models that some nobles use when cloning lost eyes isn't an option for one reason or another. There's no publicly available information about their systems ever being compromised. Probably because they don't want prospective buyers to be worried. There is still a chance that they're more hardened against this sort of thing.

You make sure Duncan has copies of the com transmissions and then hand off the data to House intel, telling them this person could be a serious threat to internal security.
Within the day you're contacted on a secure channel by a high ranking officer from House intel.
"Captain Reynard, it seems you've encountered what's known as a "Recluse" within the intelligence community. They're potentially dangerous to security and are nearly impossible to track."
"Is it possible they were an assassin setting up a hit? I do have a fairly large bounty on me due to certain South Reach people I'm still looking to deal with."
There is also the Social club and the nearby upper class golf resort that you suppose could also be targets.

The officer looks at you rather blankly for a moment. "Oh. No, from your descriptions to police it looks like they were just getting groceries from a store there."

>>31685131
For this I wouldn't mind contacting a PCCG company.

>>31685889

laugh

laugh hard

If this Intel officer is ever in the neighborhood, he should stop by for a drink on us.

Should we report any sightings of similar events we have in the future?

>>31685889
You mean to tell me this guy went though the trouble of compromising every wireless device and scramble every camera in the immediate area just for a milk run? What are these "Recluses" anyway, people who just don't want to be tracked?

>>31685889
The what now?

Why would someone like that go to buy groceries and if they do so why would the put so much effort when they would be better served by appearing totally average an mundane?

And if said 'Recluse' is so skilled I am to assume all police records and coms pertaining to it have been read or monitored by said person, right?

>>31685889
Well that seems like crisis averted.

We should have stunned him.
And then hired him to work for RSS.

>>31686133
Take out and delivery to the door does not exist in the Dominion. There is only the Post Office.

>>31686158
We could go full Psycho Sonia and stalk the area for a few weeks to hunt him down...

>>31686158
Well, we could simply post a few Job ads in the area. On paper, of course. I already like that person.

You begin to laugh a bit but then clear your throat to stop yourself.
"You mean to tell me this guy went though the trouble of compromising every wireless device and scramble every camera in the immediate area just for a milk run? Why would they put in so much effort when they would be better served by appearing totally average and mundane?"

"Because then there would be records, presumably. According to the cashier records for that hour a prepaid credit card of the sort that can be found almost anywhere was used. Essentially untraceable. The cashier herself doesn't remember any distinguishing features either."

"What are these "Recluses" anyway, people who just don't want to be tracked?"
"It's a catch all term we use to refer to individuals who fit certain basic parameters. Assassins, thieves, saboteurs, anyone that scrambles security in this manner to avoid detection. This is different from someone who infiltrates areas with holographic camouflage but does not disrupt or intercept the other security measures. It seems to be a matter of preference for some, often to the point of obsessive compulsion."

"Should I report any sightings of similar events I have in the future?" you ask him.

"Absolutely. I'm sending you some contact info now. If possible I would suggest not staring and drawing attention to yourself should you notice interference like that. Just buy us time to arrive. It's unfortunate you were unable to apprehend them but such individuals usually prove difficult to hold for one reason or another. Other branches of intel like to use them when they can be caught."

"If said 'Recluse' is so skilled I am to assume all police records and coms pertaining to it have been read or monitored by said person, right?"
"Very probably. It would explain why they bolted."

You joke about posting some job offers before saying goodbye and closing down the call.

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For the moment do you wish for the HUD implant to be disabled entirely? I plan to add the decision replace, reprogram or remove it to the next survey.

Next up, you guys planned a trip to the Helios shipyards for a tour at some point. Since that will likely take several days you may want to consider having the trophy room put in at the lodge at the same time, though it can certainly wait until your next deployment.

There was also the trio of individuals that the private investigators found for you.

>31533526
>Check in with Mike and Alex on the Sector 29 situation.
>Private investigator: They found the weapon traders some time ago now, what did you want to do about them?
>Since we all started this together we might as well combine these two. THIS IS A RAID

>31535731
>If they're good at what they do, and not too morally bankrupt, we might add them to the sales team of RSS. We will still need to have a talk with them about the whole Krazy Kali thing, though.

Thoughts? Attempt to recruit them or raid and arrest them? You have enough evidence to have them locked up for black market trading and by extension, tax evasion.

>>31686937

can we get the info on them again?

We may want to talk to Alex/Mike about it, before we act. They usually have some decent ideas

>>31686937
Arrest them, we do not want RSS associated with smugglers and criminals. Also they stole our thing, the bastards.

>31686665
>666

>>31686937
>Trophy room whilst away
Please, yes.

>Traders
I'm split on this. Agreeing with >>31687028 for now, but in the end we probably don't want to muddy our corporation's reputation by associating with unscrupulous characters.

>>31686937
I like the idea of adding them to the "team" but not as part of RSS.

Some of their hardware was for Starships and I would be interested in just how they are able to "acquire" their stock.

Also it's good to have someone in the know on current black market things going on at the homeworld and possible abroad as well since Mike is trying to get out of that life.

It's also the first step of making sure that no one operates if we don't want them to.

>>31687068
The way I see it is the Triad is going to be coming after us sooner or later if they find out it was us.

Best way to make sure that doesn't happen are a combo of raids against them and taking control of criminal elements to make sure they can't get a foot hold in the Dominion.

Old reports updated.
>Krazy Kali

The PI you hired to look into the three indivuduals and their business has turned up some information. You have contact information for all of them, along with new address information on two. It seems a couple of them have moved to another area of the city, while the one with the more respectable office job has not.

Following their movements has not been easy most of the time and it's believed they're searching out other areas in the larger city where black market trading takes place. They have located a number of storage units large enough to hold good sized stocks of weapons and munitions. Using a camouflaged recon drone the PI's have been able to observe transfer of equipment to and from the cargo containers, though everything has always been covered over or radiation shielded.

The trio continue to maintain a cargo truck from a previous area near the current storage unit locations. It's their primary means of moving goods, though they have been known to use trailers and small local cargo movers.

It they are making sales at the moment it's at a very slow pace.

Doriane Andrysiak
Alazne Schwartz,
Is'eut Talum

Doriane Andrysiak: A Human female that previously lived in a building a few blocks away from the black market you raided. She's retired from the military some years ago having served in the infantry. Was an explosives specialist. Has moved to the northern sections of the extended city on that side of the planet.

Alazne Schwartz: She's listed as a business secretary in one of the major local shipping companies working in an office 700km north of Collingwood.

Is'eut Talum: The last is another retired infantryman, Dro'all this time, with a background in munitions handling. Lived in a building near the outlet of the flood control channel your people used to get in to the market. Has since moved to the northern sections of the city 2 blocks from Andrysiak.

>>31687262
Agreed, I like the idea of keeping them around.

>>31687502

Well, if they're working together recruitment is a different story.

Can we give that Intel guy a call back and ask to cherrypick whatever they might be illegally holding/selling in exchange for the information and maybe assisting in the takedowns? Anything we can get our hands on for our marines or ourself for our return to the front is worth it, and we'll earn some credit with Intel by letting them hand out the public credit for the bust to whomever they may owe some little debts to.

>>31687262
As long as they are not part of our legal company's I am willing to endorse trying to recruit them. A smuggler group would be a certain asset to have if a bit risky

>>31687502
Do they have a routine or at least check on their cargo truck every once in awhile? I had an idea of leaving a note on/in their truck basically saying "Crazy Has-Ann has taken interest." with a number to a pre-paid phone we should buy.

>>31687028
>We may want to talk to Alex/Mike about it, before we act. They usually have some decent ideas
Alex is certain that the trick used to secure so much equipment in the black market hub trade for your personal use won't work again.
"You can forget about trying to take their stuff for free. The military will ultimately get it all, which is good, but we won't be making any money off of it personally. Better for the House since war Materiel is always expensive.
If you wanted to hire them though you could buy their equipment above board and get them to pay taxes on it. I'm sure one of my lawyers could come up with a suitable story."

Mike would just like to arrest them and get it over with. "Unless they can help give away other trading locations. That might make it a bit harder to hire them and we still wouldn't make much money off it ourselves."

>>31687831
They do check the storage units on a fairly regular basis, though the 3 of them are never near them at the same time.

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While waiting to decide on the fate of the the trio of weapon traders you set about planning your trip to House Helios space. With most of the Devourer's crew currently on leave and the Bittenfeld undergoing a rebuild of one of her engines you'll have to book a commercial flight. Weapon transit permits, especially if you want to bring your plasma pistol along will be a pain.

Checking in with the shipyard it seems that they do in fact do tours for the upper classes and members of the Admiralty. Mostly it's for representatives of Houses that want to try and buy one of their powerful siege weapons. As a promoter of the design among Alliance and House personnel they are happy to schedule a place on one of the tours, though they will still have to make last minute security checks when you arrive.

What weapons or equipment do you plan to bring along with you? It's unlikely you'd be allowed to enter the shipyard with your plasma pistol. However there is certainly nothing stopping you from trying.

You could bring such additional gear in your luggage for on the flight since it will take 2 days in either direction.
>Equipment not limited to guns.

>>31688710
Plasma Pistol always.
Never again after Lat'tham.

A camera.

>>31688710
Wait, don't we have that compartment in our arm for storing guns as well?

>>31688710
we forget to mention our plasma pistol then put some fangirlish question about the siege systems and ask if it i similar to how our plasma pistol would smash through , say a desk or whatever. Then proceed to yank it out and shoot said desk out of sheer excitement.

>>31688710
Plasma pistol
Some other pistol they will be more willing to let us bring in like a pulse pistol or you know, something.
Camera for taking pictures of us hugging all the huge plasma cannons and drooling on them.

Perhaps Mike, Alex or Dad or anyone really wants to come with us to explore the great and awesome place that will be House Helios? Man plasma weapons are awesome!

>>31689172
Yeah, some engineer-types from RSS would appreciate the tour maybe. Someone like the Head Engineer in charge of the Anchorage maybe?

>>31689293
While I like the idea I feel he is going to be need for when a certain Heavy carrier comes back.

>>31688864

We're a knight captain, not a child.

>>31688848
Agreed, but take the mk1 instead of the new one.

What about that extra holographic camo set? Might help us GTFO if something bad happens, and it shouldn't be illegal to posses.

>>31688710
>You could bring such additional gear in your luggage for on the flight since it will take 2 days in either direction.

Did we ask Linda if should would like to join us?

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Before setting out you buy one of those expensive armored suitcases just large enough to store the plasma pistol and it's six extra fuel cells. There's just enough space to pack one of the camo systems too. With a biometric assisted lock it's going to be hard for anyone but you to get it open.

Your parents are already gone on their holiday and Bekka is going to be spending the next couple of days at a friends place. Everyone else is busy with one thing or another. It seems like you're going to have a hard time finding someone, or anyone really, that might want to come along on the trip. Lorraine Day agrees to go along since it means she has a ready to avoid a formal appearance.

"To be perfectly honest sir, I don't really care for the pomp and pageantry."
"What happened with the Knights Errant unit?"
"What, and leave 2nd squadron down one of their best pilots? No, I think those guys are a bit too stuck up. I eventually would have flipped off some of them and left."
"Well their loss."

The shuttle flight to the civilian liner is uneventful and soon after you're aboard the ship leaves the gravity well and prepares to jump. You reach the observation decks in time for the transition to FTL. While most ships close the blast shutters over their view ports before jump some liners like the big one you boarded back in training have additional shielding so people can watch it unobscured.

Rather than the bluish-green hue you've become more used to as a result of watching jumps via ships sensors, the tear in the fabric of space lights up with every colour in the visible spectrum and beyond.
"Holy shit." Says Day before you can manage any comment.

After a few seconds of this your eyes are starting to hurt. Looking around at the others here you see that a few medics from the crew are stationed near the entrances.
"You guys here if someone has a heart attack from the sudden light show?"
"No, seizure."
Well that's one thing some Humans and Dro'all have in common.

>>31690294
>"What, and leave 2nd squadron down one of their best pilots? No, I think those guys are a bit too stuck up. I eventually would have flipped off some of them and left."

We should share the story of how they tried to recruit Alex and us, but didn't want to take Mike.

What a bunch of idiots.

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Getting set up in your rooms doesn't take long and neither does an orientation of the liner. At just over 1000m in length this model is apparently fairly common within the Dominion Homeworlds and even in Terran and Rovinar space. Probably because it can be built using the same slipways as battlecruisers.

There's a slight delay a few jumps into the flight due to quarantine measures. A ship stopping at a smaller nav relay for course adjustment reported being infested with giant centipedes and all those nearby had to be checked just in case. Fairly mundane stuff apparently.

The view from the observation decks on the flight between galaxies is one that evokes feelings of solitude and seclusion. Even with the dwarf galaxies that orbit the larger ones the gulf between them is one that could swallow anything. It doesn't happen often in the Centri cluster but occasionally transports and starships just simply vanish, never to be seen again.

A fair number of people on the ship are military personnel on leave but far more are people who haven't had the opportunity to go on a flight like this for the past decade due to pirate attacks. The economy is recovering but in the middle of another war is not the best time for the populace to enjoy it.

On reversion to realspace a little over two days into the flight the ship's shields are pelted with meteors. While they're hardly a threat it is a little unnerving that civilian ships are being allowed to drop in within hazard zones.

After docking above the Helios capital the two of you board another ship headed out to the shipyard. While leaving orbit it's easy to make out the carefully planned patchwork of sculpted cities, forested park land and agricultural zones.
"Third oldest capital world of any House." States a visiting Admiral. "Only Ber'helum and Astalen have held theirs longer, and Astalen barely counts."

>>31690963
Helios is my favourite house after our own.

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>>31691400
Just some minor improvements, and they'll be producing the best ships in the universe.

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>>31691648
Oh shit, I heard about this game the other day.

The older gentleman introduces himself as Admiral Wallace. "Here with requisitions for the Ruling House. They brought me out of retirement in the hopes I could fast talk a few of the Helios people to speed up production. Wasted breath. The Helios people are no fools, if they say they're at full production they mean it."

"Have you been out here before then?"
"Oh plenty of times."

>>31690860
You tell Lorraine about this on the flight out.
"What a bunch of idiots."
"I was just going to conclude with that." You tell her.

As the ship approaches the larger of the two gas giants in the system you start to make out the occasional blast of weapons fire. Siege weapons are being test fired, their beams streaking out from stations in high orbit to hit targets that have been positioned at range.

In much closer orbits are energy collection stations, though they don't seem to be ideally placed for solar power. Pointing this out one of the other Knights aboard the ship explains.
"Radiation from the gas giant. Either directly emitted or as a result of a flux tube effect from the magnetosphere. Beaming the power to the other stations mean fuel requirements for the yards are much lower than they would otherwise have to be."

Coming in to dock at the main shipyard you're all shown aboard for your tour at which point you encounter the dreaded weapons check in. The camo system is concealed on your person, the pulse pistol you'll probably get permission to keep.

>What say to the attendant if you hope to bring the plasma pistol with you?

>>31691841
"Madam, the last time I willingly surrendered my armaments, an entire expeditionary fleet from multiple factions was nearly stolen."

>>31691841
>What say to the attendant if you hope to bring the plasma pistol with you?

"Allow me to tell you a short story: I once was at a ball. With the head of a house. When, suddenly, the Lat'tham coup started. Unfortunately, I was with the head of House Lat'tham. Or at least a clone of said person. The ball was held on the Lat'tham homeworld. I didn't bring a proper gun. I try to avoid making the same mistake twice."

>You tell Lorraine about this on the flight out.
>"What a bunch of idiots."
>"I was just going to conclude with that." You tell her.

I like her.

>>31691841
What the hell is there even to shoot on a tour!

Some shipyard Engineers? And in such a high security area? Surely they take us for a fool.

>>31691841
Maybe saying nothing is better than saying something in this case.

>>31692104
"Madam, the last time I willingly surrendered my armaments, an entire expeditionary fleet from multiple factions was nearly stolen."
"It's not that sir, it's just that-"
"Allow me to tell you a short story: I once was at a ball and the head of the House was there."
"Capta-."
"When, suddenly, the Lat'tham coup started. Unfortunately, I was standing near the head of House Lat'tham. Or at least a clone of said person. The ball was held on Yineput, their capital. I didn't bring a proper gun that day and I have tried to avoid making the same mistake ever since."
"Captain."
"Besides, what the hell is there even to shoot on a tour!"
"Captain. Pl-"
"Some shipyard Engineers?"
"Captain. Rey-"
"I like engineers, they build ships that I need."
"It's not that si-"
"It's not like I'm going to just steal one of the ships... is it?"

Day whispers to you.
"Actually sir that does seem like it might be a legitimate concern with your record."
"Whose side are you on?" you respond.

"Captain Reynard your pistol is classed as an anti-vehicle weapon. Even with our security measures there are concerns about containment. Our sensors picked up another device on your person when you came aboard, not just the sensor package in your right arm. It's a mil-spec holographic projector. The only reason to come aboard with one would be for espionage purposes."

Lorraine takes one exaggeratedly large step away from you and points towards her new location, mouthing the words; "I'll be over here."

"If you would allow security to hold at least one of the devices I'm sure we could expedite things."

[ ] Keep the Pistol
[ ] Keep the Camo

>>31692786
>[x] Keep the Pistol
I cut my way through a wall with a HF-Blade.

That's the only reason I'm here now. Because I hid it.

I have never traveled unprepared since.

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>>31692786
>[X] Keep the Pistol
Don't want them to think we would steal their secrets.

>The only reason to come aboard with one would be for espionage purposes.

Sonia's just paranoid.

>"If you would allow security to hold at least one of the devices I'm sure we could expedite things."

Hah, next time we'll take three things that break security protocol, so we can keep the two items we actually wanted to bring!

Genius_Sonia.jpg

>>31692786
>>31692786
Keep the pistol. We can create havoc with sensor bursts if SHTF and the pistol is sentimental, not so much with the camo.

>>31692786

[x] Keep the pistol

"My apologies. I'm afraid that a Guard Captain's words have stuck with me from that day."

They're lucky we didn't show up in recon armor

Keep the pistol definitely, we're paranoid but not trying to steal secrets.

Also we should find away to program our recon armour to use its holographics to make us look like we are not wearing it.

>>31693605
>program our recon armour to use its holographics to make us look like we are not wearing it.
What the fuck how have we never thought of that before.

That's excellent. Making it look like our dress uniform would be perfect for an event like this.

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"My apologies. I'm afraid that a Guard Captain's words have stuck with me from that day." you tell the Dro'all in charge of the check in.

The tour begins showing the shipyard areas where sublight drives are being built. Each is larger than the more standardised drive units seen on most ships. They're then assembled into the larger blocks with 3 engines each.

"Why use larger drives instead of multiple smaller ones?"
"The original design was first developed with the intention that later Medium cruiser classes would use them as well. They have a higher maximum thrust rating, though their efficiency can suffer as a result. When moving larger siege weapons it's proven most important to be able to get them into position quickly. Drive sections on the more recent generations of the Helios class are much longer to make use of exhaust acceleration for improved overall statistics.
We do fill custom orders on occasion for the Royal Guard using drive sections with their smaller engines. Unfortunately all data on those are classified by treaty."

The next area is where the primary hulls are being built.
"The underlying structure for all of these ships are the same. Strong braces to ensure the cargo, in most cases being the main gun, can not cause damage to the rest of the ship and the sublight drives.
The type of main gun being fitted to the ship determines what support systems are installed. What we call a massed phase cannon array is the most common type and requires far less recoil dampening systems than a Fusion cannon or other plasma weapon. Because of this it can be made quite large."

>Questions about any part of the ship, assembly, tour etc? I'll continue writing it's just taking awhile.

>>31693683
>What the fuck how have we never thought of that before.
Actually it has been mentioned in the past I've just forgotten to reply to it as too many other things were on the go. I think.

>>31694080
They're certainly impressive ships. What's the average build time on them?

>>31694178
*and man hours that go into one?

>>31694080

Are they making any headway with modifications to improve the design against Neeran tactics or upgrades to help avoid scorcher fire?

>>31694080
Is there a significant change in power between massed phase arrays and fusion/plasma cannons? What are the secondary armaments to complement the main destructo-gun? What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the design versus other similar role ships?

>>31694080
These ships are in great demand aren't they? Have you thought of outsourcing any production lines?

The next area is where final assembly of the hull takes place. Sublight drive sections are attached to the main hull, secured and then stress tested. Secondary weapon turrets go on next and checked to be sure they're getting power. Sections of armor similar to that used on light cruisers are brought in after that, cladding most of the ship in tough layers of tritanium and composites. Additional stress testing to be sure they won't detach is next.

Only once all of that is done is the nose and main gun moved into place and secured. Half of the weapon is now deep inside the main hull, surrounded by engines and armor. Of the two ships you see in this stage the nose sections have much different armor configurations. One has many small armor plates surrounding the gun that can fold back exposing radiators.
Asking about it you're told that particular model uses a Fusion gun.

The finished guns are being brought in from other stations where the weapon tests are being conducted.

"They're certainly impressive ships. What's the average build time on them?"
"From start of construction to final assembly the hulls can be built in 60 days, with finishing work completed in another 30-40 days."

"They why haven't most Houses been swamped by massed siege formations?" Asks another Officer. "You have more than enough slipways to build a dozen at a time."

"Depending on the systems used each ship may require extensive logistics support to remain fully operational for long periods. As a result there has simply not been enough demand before now. Currently production is now being held back by the issue of suitable weaponry. The necessary phase cannons are taking longer to build than the ships. Suitable Fusion cannons can often take longer to fit properly and weaponry from the Republic is being diverted straight to the front lines. House Helios is currently working to rectify these problems."

"How long until you or others can start producing enough of the guns to make up for it?"

"I'm sorry sir but I'm not privy to that information."

"Is there a significant change in power between massed phase arrays and fusion/plasma cannons?" you ask.
"Phase weaponry often has a much better range rating, and against Faction shields there is the possibility of matching frequency sufficiently to penetrate them, though this rarely happens these days.
Fusion cannons are much easier to maintain since they simply require fusion cannon parts but require much more logistic support because of their fuel usage. Sieges have been failed on numerous occasions because of these cannons exhausting their fuel supplies.
Republic plasma cannons share similar fuel supply issues but in return have higher kinetic damage ratings. We currently have people working with the Republic in the hopes of providing a means of fielding their latest weaponry."

"What are the secondary armaments to complement the main gun?"
"They usually consist of 4 Heavy Phase Cannon turrets or arrays. Some Houses have contracted versions with more secondary weapons but these can take away power needed for the shields or main gun so they're less popular."

"What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the design versus other similar role ships?
"It's main rival is the Rovinar's main Heavy cruiser, which costs four to five times as much to build. Equivalent Terran designs have been phased out of service as a result of their torpedo technology. The only other comparable Faction siege weapon would be the formation system used by the Kavarians. Their specialised medium cruiser design merely projects a containment field for superheated plasma to be added to before hurling it at the enemy. It's unable to fight on its own.

Bombardment arrays used by the Warlords while certainly powerful enough to be considered siege weaponry, are primarily designed to penetrate the atmosphere of a planet. They're only slightly better in ship to ship engagements than other phase cannon arrays."

As for weaknesses, the Helios is primarily a bombardment ship and should not be engaging enemy warships at close range or unsupported. The Shukhant class is much better suited to that role.
These ships are vulnerable to attack by more maneuverable vessels. There have been reports of the shields being overloaded by too many hits in a short period of time from multiple directions. However with all shields directed towards a single facing they can be very difficult to bring down, even for other Medium cruisers.
This is one reason we advise commanders to keep these ships well guarded."

"Are they making any headway with modifications to improve the design against Neeran tactics or upgrades to help avoid scorcher fire?"
"I'm not sure, that may be classified. If you want I can try to get you an appointment with the head of the appropriate R&D manager?"

[ ] Take the appointment
[ ] Take a look at the firing ranges
[ ] Other

>>31696131
>[ ] Take a look at the firing ranges

>>31695860
Are there any novel or unexpected uses that have been found for the ship beyond its intended role like its EMP burst?

>>31696131
>[x] Take the appointment
Maybe it is time to offer some exciting Neeran blueprints for the greatest siege ships ever built?

>>31696131

[x] Take the appointment

As a Faction Alliance Commander and someone offered a chance to move to R&D, we should at least talk to the guy.

>>31696131
Firing ranges. As much as I'd like to know, these are way too far out of our price range, probably even the House's price range.

I'd be ballin if we got a contract to build them though.

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>>31696224
House Helios and a few of their allied Houses use the basic hulls as the drive section of Medium-Heavy cruiser sized transports. A cargo cylinder replaces the gun assembly and support systems. Tugs or HLV's are located at the ends of the cargo cylinder to help with maneuvering or to extend a drive field bubble in an emergency if there is a problem with aboard the main ship.

Other than that and the EMP, much else so far.

2 vs 2 on the appointment vs firing range. Not at all surprised.

>>31696722
>>31696722
Unless one of us has a bright idea or remembers something we brought up several threads ago this R&D guy is unlikely to be able to tell us anything the guide couldn't, in fact, probably even less considering that we have a history in our own houses R&D.

If anything, grab some contact info and get this show on the range.

>>31696722
>2 vs 2 on the appointment vs firing range. Not at all surprised.
It's times like this I feel bad for voting one way.

>>31696722
Firing Range

Looks like I showed up just in time

>>31696338
I want to talk to the guy, but I 'd feel bad about wasting his time with our idle curiosity. So, I'm gonna go with
>[ ] Take a look at the firing ranges

>>31697111
Dunno if we could suggest much to RnD at the moment. Dealing with Neeran ships is mostly a matter of more dakka and more agility.

Oh wait, well there is one thing. Weren't we discussing the possibility of coordinating siege cannon fire with the corvette railgun?

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https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MCX83CR


Nah, you decide, they're probably really busy.

The tour heads out to one of the firing range next.

The station where the cannon fire is coming from is the sturdiest looking one you've seen in the system yet. Most of it is covered in slabs of lunar concrete or is in the process of loading similar slabs onto target ships to be towed out onto the range.
The cannons are each firing from berths large enough to house most medium cruisers, each filled with equipment, sensors and power feeds all to monitor the cannons and properly calibrate them.
One of the weapons fire off a stream of twin linked phase cannon fire.

"Some Houses are still funding development efforts on multi-linked phase weapons. They've always proven less capable as siege weapons but much better against smaller targets. Unfortunately they receive less of a power boost from this type of setup than a spinal mount cannon would."

Day points out the tractor beams farther down the range intended to grab debris once the targets are destroyed.

"How reliable are these guns? I saw them cut their way through many Neeran ships and keep on going."

"Reliability can suffer a bit at times. Traditionally the engineers attempt to push to the output to better levels for individual orders. This is good for competition and keeps pushing development forwards but is not as good for mass production. We're attempting to push things back to a policy of greater standardisation but many old guard still remain. These weapons will be among the last lot to be customised for buyers within the Dominion."

"Wait, you've been customising all of your guns?" Asks Lorraine.
"You misunderstand. We do produce standard weapons but it has often been in batches so small that Houses request additional customisation, often so a siege gun can act as the centerpiece of a fleet."

"What is your largest batch since the start of the war, if that's not classified?"
"We can show you."