>>31956236
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

Good to see you again TSTG.

One of your contacts with House intelligence helped provide temporary security for your parents until such time as you can acquire some personal bodyguards. Police investigating the kidnapping at Bekka's school initially suspected it to be the work of a slaver ring. Since finding out about your involvement they changed tactics and prepared for the ransom demand to be sent to your family.

Police have instructed you not to antagonise the kidnappers and to try and follow their instructions, but sitting still with a family member in danger is not something you're especially good at. You've been on the move with some of your Marines nearby at all times as you attempted to investigate the kidnappers and any leads that might point to their whereabouts. Mercenary groups were able to provide some information for a price. While useful, nothing points directly to the kidnappers.

For the moment you've handed off your leads to the Private Investigators you previously hired to investigate black marketeers.

Eventually the demands were sent, 32 million for the return of all 5 children taken in the form of hard currency, credit transfer cards and casino chips. So far there have been exchanges for two of the children, each radically different from the other. The second also allowed you to come face to face with the hired thugs responsible for abducting the five kids from the school, two clones of Thomas Lagunov, a former House Special Forces operative.
Were your sister safe it's unlikely you would have hesitated to blow up their vehicle as it sped away.

Using a special tracking device you acquired from the Rovinar you've been able to track the movement of money from both exchanges. 5 million has been sent off world to the Pandora Cluster, while 2 million is hidden away in the twisting access tunnels of the undercity.

"Get construction plans for the city so we can find a better way in there when the time comes."

>>31956236
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

Make sure the other children are ok and get professional medical and perhaps psychological aid. Apologize the them and the parents (it's sort of pro forma, we didn't intend for the to get hurt, but we are sorry association with us has resulted in harm).

It's unlikely an experienced soldier like Lagunov would bring potentially compromised money back to where the other children are being held but you might be able to recapture some of the funds you've lost in this debacle.

>Contacts in the Pandora cluster.
Besides the support that DHI is building in the area there is also Major Firth in the PCCG Militia. Do you wish to see if he can find out about funds leaving the particular bank the 5 million was transferred to?

>Just a reminder that we should cover all medical expenses for treating the kidnapped children and personally apologize to the parents.
Sonia's parents would have done so had you not, but it would be better for it to be coming from you. Both had hearing damage as a result of the stun grenades used to initially subdue them outside the school. Dan has a mild concussion.
>Apologize the them and the parents (it's sort of pro forma, we didn't intend for the to get hurt, but we are sorry association with us has resulted in harm).
You make sure to talk to the parents of the two children recovered so far and let them know this. One of them nearly hits you but is restrained by a family member.

"Thank you Knight Captain." Says one of the others, quickly covering. "I'm sure you're doing everything possible to get the rest of them back safely."

>>31957030
For house and dominion!

How is it our fault that some crazy guy is kidnapping people? Not to mention we are actually paying for people whom we aren't even related to.

>Do you wish to see if he can find out about funds leaving the particular bank the 5 million was transferred to?
Yes please. They are not getting away with this.

>>31957030
If the Major can help we would greatly appreciate that.

You know we should do something for him later since we tend to count on him for anything we want in the Pandora cluster. Note to self: Make more friends in the Pandora cluster.

>>31957030
>Do you wish to see if he can find out about funds leaving the particular bank the 5 million was transferred to?

Sure, although we should inform him that secrecy is paramount until all children have been returned.

>clones
Is there a way to track down where they're coming from? Maybe the cloning equipment imprints some kind of manufacturer ID on them?

Also, can we leverage the fact that our house has let this guy clone spec ops clone copies for several years without doing anything about it for some kind of advantage? Somebody must be at fault.

>>31957241
>Is there a way to track down where they're coming from?
Possibly.
>Maybe the cloning equipment imprints some kind of manufacturer ID on them?
Actually it does. While undergoing medical treatment the med bay finds a small amount of one of the clone's skin cells and hair left behind when carrying Dan. Isolating them you have the medics scan for the usual markers clones will show.
The sample shows all the usual signs consistent with relatively modern cloning technology used by the Houses. Definitely post Faction Wars and not the work of older Terran or Kavarian tech that a House might have salvaged in the Wars.

Talking to one of the people more familiar with history they inform you it's been approximately 150 years since the House had access to this level of cloning tech. It was turned over at the request of the Ruling House to prevent an imbalance of power in the region artificially created by clone soldiers.
Had your House refused the Ruling House and the Seven would likely have provided immediate military aid to its surrounding rivals to quickly crush it.

Even after Houses Jerik and Dremine were nearly defeated the Ruling House did not offer to provide full cloning technology once more. All full body cloning for the House has been done by a permitted ally. The Ruling House and the Seven try to keep a close watch of how many are actually being produced to help maintain the balance and prevent an all out clone war.

With the Dominion currently in a state of total war cloning is slowly being increased to full output, but they're still carefully evaluating when particular Houses should get full access to that technology once more.

>TL;DR
Nobody in the House should not have access to the tech necessary to clone Lagunov.

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Heading back to the apartment the next call comes in before you have time to contemplate much in the way of a strike operation.

"We have held firm to our side of the ransom payments thus far, proving we will deliver as promised, as have you. Your crude attempts to track the money however have been noted." States the distorted voice.

"You will divide up the remaining funds into three groups totalling 6, 8 and 11 million. They will each be taken to the following locations.
6 million to the East 190 mass transit station small items storage lockers. Use locker 190.
8 million to the corner of Mira Flores Hill and Kopf Mews Street. Place it in the waste bin near the south east corner.
11 million to the DPP Delivery Service building on North Farthing Green Heights. Tell them it's an express delivery to the Capital spaceport.

All packages are to be dropped at their respective locations three hours from now. You will be contacted with the pickup locations for the remaining children once the funds are secured."

This will complicate matters. You only have the two armored Aerocars you've been carrying out the previous drop offs with. There won't be time to rent any others.

Allied assets:
11 Knights (9 Pilots, 2 Marines)
41 Marines (3 intrusion specialists + Duncan)
1 LST
6 Shuttles
5 Starfighters
2 Armored Aerocars
∞ Aerocars
∞ Ground level repulsor cars


What are your deployment plans?

>>31957925
Don't think there is much we can do other than drop the money at the locations and hope for the best?

>>31957925
Good thing they've only noticed the crude attempts...

>deployment
Sonia and a shuttle to the 11 million drop.
1 of the marine knights in One of the armored cars to the others.

>>31958140
6/transit station - Armored car, Nytoria, Knight (Marine), Escort
8/waste bin - Armored car, T. Reynard, Knight (Marine), Escort
11/Delivery service - Shuttle, Sonia, Escort

Your father insists on going to one of the drop points. He's familiar with the area around Mira Flores Hill and it's much closer to the apartment. Nytoria used to live not too far from the transit station and wants to look around the area later regardless so its one less flight.

You're contacted on a secure channel as you prepare to leave the building. "This is Alex, the rest of our people are standing by in shuttles or aboard the LST. Just a warning that Mike and his team were called away to help those PI's you hired."


Any changes?

>>31958570
Nah, let's go with it and hope for the best.

>>31958570
I'm the anon who suggested that plan, and I haven't had a better idea yet. So I'd say we should go with it.

If I remember correctly, the molecule tracker can follow 6 targets at once, and we have only 5 drops. How are the molecules applied to an object? Would it be possible to put one of the clones without them noticing?

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>>31958981
>How are the molecules applied to an object?
It looks a bit like a hypo injector. You hold it against the object you with to tag and press the button. Depending on what it is that's being marked it will drive a molecule wide needle into the object imbedding the marker inside it.

>Would it be possible to put one of the clones without them noticing?
A pick pocket probably could, the problem would be where. If the marker went into the skin of a human it could last not much more than 35 days.

"Well at least we're not spreading this out across the rest of the damn week." You state as you head out the door. You're a little bit nervous about your father heading out to one of the drops but he has an escort and some basic bodyarmor underneath his civilian clothes.

It nearly takes you the longest to reach your destination this time due to air traffic control and finding enough parking space for a shuttle. Setting down on repusors to prevent engine wash from blasting anything and anyone nearby, you hop out and head for the drop point.

"How can I help you today?" Asks an older woman behind the counter.
"I have a package for express delivery to the Capital spaceport." you state.
"I'm afraid we'll need a bit more information than that deary."

That's not according to plan. Looking at the clock you're a few minutes early. Just then the manager walks out and sees you all.
"Oh! Del, go on your break." He tells the woman before turning back to you. "We were told to expect a special package around this time. Also that if we attempted to divert it some bad things might happen to the premises."
Paying the ransom is bad enough, you also have to pay for shipping the not insubstantial weight of the money itself.

With that completed you return to the shuttle were the pilot tells you they've been ticketed for a parking violation.

"This is Reynard, we've made our drop."
"This is Reynard Senior, case is in the trash. There's a collection vehicle approaching from down the street."
"Nytoria here, case is in the locker and we're pulling back."

A few minutes after your lift off the delivery truck leaves and heads north. The garbage truck has also emptied the waste bin by this point.

"No reports of anyone trying for the lockers yet sir." you're informed.

"You want me to follow the lorry from altitude sir?" Asks your shuttle pilot.

>>31959669
"Make it look as if you're following it, but lose it at the first believeable chance. I don't need you to waste your time, and I don't want these guys to do anything stupid."

>With that completed you return to the shuttle were the pilot tells you they've been ticketed for a parking violation.

Send the house a bill over the cost of this whole clusterfuck in return for that because they can't be bothered to provide decent security or stop criminal clones who've been causing trouble for years.

>>31959669
This sounds good. >>31959728

Really though it's a "ticket" and we are a billionaire so I doubt it's a big deal for us.
I can't wait to get that security firm made as i'm sure Mr. London would like that as well.

>>31960037
Reynard Security, watching you sleep so others do not.

>>31960037
>Really though it's a "ticket" and we are a billionaire so I doubt it's a big deal for us.

It adds up quickly. A parking ticket today, stealing our SP torp stockpile tomorrow. The day after that they'll take our shipyard.

We should start our own House, with sharks, and salvage. All of our friends, and Daska, can join.

>>31960150
The stupid blue space elves make you feel less bad about the fact, though.

>>31959653
>With that completed you return to the shuttle were the pilot tells you they've been ticketed for a parking violation.

Were we actually violating a parking law very obviously?

I half suspect that the kidnappers just used that to plant a tracking device on us or something.

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>>31960277
The shuttle was blocking a parking space so an annoyed civie reported it.

>>31959728
"Make it look as if you're following it, but lose it at the first believable chance. I don't need you to waste your time, and I don't want these guys to do anything stupid."

"This is Alex we're tracking both vehicles and moving the LST to a more central location."

You ask Alex to transfer the location data from the detector to your shuttle ops console. All three packages are now moving.
"How are things there Nytoria?"
"No movement yet."
"Really? Both the others are well on their way." You tell her while trying to avoid saying that you can see it moving.
Your transmission to the LST is a secure line of sight, but the same can't be said for the ground teams.

Soon the smallest one is on the move by vehicle, specifically a taxi. Its headed south west.

The other two vehicles are halted by stop lights and when they resume their trackers show them as heading in different directions.

Switching to private coms with Alex and Duncan you ask them "Did they just hand off the cases?"

"Nothing that we can see from here."
"They're both underground now... wait, manhole covers. There are power grid access covers the vehicles stopped directly above."
"Good eye Duncan."

One of your people watching the ops console points at the screen. "I think that taxi is taking the scenic route towards a spaceport to the south of the city."

You don't have the manpower right now to get the Devourer operational properly but you could man the Bittenfeld. With its afterburners it can catch nearly anything at sublight and most civilian ships can't match a warship's FTL. Then again you could put some of the shuttles and starfighters into orbit.

"Sonia, do you want us to keep pretending to watch the old vehicles until you get the info for the captives?"

>Your orders, be it before or after you get the info on your sister?

I think we should look into the situation Dominion clones find themselves in. Maybe if they had some kind of option to live a decent life, we could have avoided the whole Lan'tham fiasco and Bekka's abduction.

Is there some civil rights movement for them? Or some kind of political or academic discussion how to deal with them in a way that causes less problems?

>>31960688
They can keep following the old vehicle to make them think they've tricked us so far. Meanwhile we'll scramble our Cruiser and what Starfighters we can should they try make a run from the planet with the money and our sister.

I will enjoy it when we finally put a bullet in whoever is responsible for this.

>>31960688
What's the range on that tracker, btw?

>"Sonia, do you want us to keep pretending to watch the old vehicles until you get the info for the captives?"

"Affirmative, I can make do without the money if necessary."

>Your orders, be it before or after you get the info on your sister?

Continue as planned until the children have been secured. Let the kidnappers think they've managed to fool us.

Ready the Bittenfeld, and ask our knights if one of them has a fast starship he could get ready as well.

Also, is there anything we can do about that bank that let them launder 5 million so easily? Or is Dominion law not very strict when it comes to these things? I would assume showing up with 5 million unmarked credits in an economy that's probably using mostly digital curreny should raise a few eyebrows.

couldn't post this earlier from phone.

>Major Firth

After we've secured our sister and the other kids, can we send a secure message to Major Firth (through Alex, maybe) with enough info that he could possibly seize the money or get info on where the money went or is going?

There has to be one hell of a holding period on interstellar banking, especially from Dominion to Pandora cluster with the history between the two.

>>31960755
> situation Dominion clones find themselves in.
>Is there some civil rights movement for them?
Yes, there usually is but it's difficult to change things on a large scale within the Dominion for fear of returning to a dark period in Dro'all history.
>Or some kind of political or academic discussion how to deal with them in a way that causes less problems?
There are usually physical (and online) forums for discussion and help groups that operate similar to a veterans affairs office.

>Lat'tham fiasco
That was the direct result of nobles being captured by the Warlords and held for a long term ransom. Though you're right it would not have been nearly as effective if the clones themselves had more rights.


>>31960894
>and ask our knights if one of them has a fast starship he could get ready as well.
A few have personal starships but nothing with afterburners.

>Also, is there anything we can do about that bank that let them launder 5 million so easily? Or is Dominion law not very strict when it comes to these things? I would assume showing up with 5 million unmarked credits in an economy that's probably using mostly digital curreny should raise a few eyebrows.
Many nobles make use of banks similar to this one to do some of their own less than above board trades and transfers. As such while they might get in some trouble there's little a single individual can do. If necessary they'll fire the bank teller as a scape goat, though they themselves are often aware of the risks.

>>31961626
>Yes, there usually is but it's difficult to change things on a large scale within the Dominion for fear of returning to a dark period in Dro'all history.

Wouldn't it be possible to stake a claim sections of distant new galaxies, and simply zone off a few sections for the clones so they can run their own houses?

Or offer them a farewell package and expatriate them to another faction?

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"Where is everyone keeping their starfighters?"
"On the surface mostly." Responds Alex.

"Get them into orbit, now. I also need a pilot that can handle the Bittenfeld and a message ready to be sent to Major Firth in the PCCG militia the moment we know the kids are safe. Once we're sure I want the bank in the Pandora cluster to stop the 5 million that was sent there from being moved."

Over the next few hours you watch and wait as the 3 contacts move across the city or even out of it. While that is happening the Bittenfeld is crewed and powered up, getting permission to move into a distant polar orbit just inside the ring of geosynchronous satellites and stations. Arron is at the helm once more, with her usual pilot having gone home to Loran II for their leave.

4 starfighters and 2 shuttles are now aboard being armed with missiles and other weapons.

"The contact with the 11 million just entered an off shore casino. They have most of the chips."
"Are they communicating?"
"If they are we don't have access."

"One has made it to the space port and the other one has gone deeper underground."

"Can they board a ship with that much currency on them?"

It seems the police are already checking the space port entrances but are scanning for more conventional locator signals. They may have tried to slip some of their own in among the cash. If they did, whoever is transporting them must have had time to ditch them because they pass right through their checkpoint.

"You have got to be kidding me. Have the cops been paid off or are they just stupid?"

You watch the reports for a few more minutes.

"The 6M contact is now aboard a civilian transport registered out of House Erid space. Their flight plan has them departing in 5 minutes. 8M is still underground and has stopped moving. 11M is still in the casino."

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For the ones on the planet there are still ways to deal with them but you're most concerned about the transport. Once it leaves the ground the call comes in with the location for the three kids.

"They're in one of the industrial stasis storage bays in the market district!" Your mother tells you over the com. Or yells at you more correctly.

[ ] Have Marines move in on the three shipments while you rush to the market district
[ ] Wait until you have the kids at a secure location
[ ] Other

Roll 1d100 for time spent getting to the stasis vault.

Rolled 14

>>31962765
>[X] Wait until you have the kids at a secure location

I don't want to have them trigger a bomb on the kids, or something like that.

Have the marines get ready, though.

>Roll 1d100 for time spent getting to the stasis vault.

Rolled 17

>>31962765
[X] Wait until you have the kids at a secure location
It's just money after all and I'd rather not get Bekka killed and there WILL be retribution for this. The Bittenfeld can make preparations to hunt down and halt that transport once we have the kids and the rest of the money is on the planet anyways.

Rolled 97

>>31962765
>[X] Wait until you have the kids at a secure location

>>31962765
>[ ] Other
Any chance we can delay their jump without it appearing suspicious? If I remember correctly, one of the civilian ships we used had to wait with their jump for one reason or another.

>>31962765
We know the ship and where it is registered, so we should know the flight plan and/or destination, correct?

Would Bittenfeld with a knight on it have the authority to order the ship to heave-to due to the presence of a criminal aboard at the first or second transition on it's course?

>>31962765
We should also contact Mike to see how he is doing since the PI's called for him.

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>>31963135
>Any chance we can delay their jump without it appearing suspicious?

Best I can think of at the moment is an unauthorised training flight and subsequent accident with a pair of the starfighters that would result in debris crossing it's flight path. This would get some of your people in a great deal of trouble however.

GE assault shuttles may be among the most utilitarian craft in the universe but it would be nice if they were a bit faster in atmosphere.

"Get us there as fast as you can, I don't care what you have to do." you tell the crew.
"Then I respectfully advise you strap your bottom to a seat sir."

The shutte's copilot broadcasts a request for emergency military priority to city flight control then cuts in auxiliary power to the engines and repulsors. The angular shuttle goes supersonic over above the city streaking in towards the water front and avoiding the taller towers. Its a good thing the windows on skyscrapers are rated to survive shockwaves from passing fighters and shuttles or there would be a great deal of property damage right now.

Swinging out wide the pilots bring the shuttle in below the overhanging levels around the market district, aiming for a larger gap above boulevard. Even with a starfighter you would have been reluctant to pull off such a maneuver. Strapped in at the back of the cockpit all you can do is hang on and try to distract those at the controls as little as possible with your cursing.

"Ninety degree starboard turn at the mark. Mark!"
Oh god.
The shuttle pulls a drift maneuver snagging the side of a building with the nose repulsors then flying down the remainder of the street sideways towards the imposing cargo doors to the long term storage vaults. Mostly through thrust vectoring they're able to bring it to a sudden halt, pushing well past the inertial compensator's 25G rating.

Prtly through a sense of urgency and partly to get off this shuttle you unbelt and are out the side hatch before touch down.

When security at the main gate sees a mad Knight and a half dozen troops headed for the entrance, some of them in power armor, most elect to get out of the way. The remainder follow behind to keep an eye on what damage you might do inside so it can be billed appropriately.

You pill out your com and contact the apartment again.
"Mom, which vault was it?"

"Below ground two, number 6157. It should be the fourth row on your left from the main cargo gate."

Sprinting the entire way most of the more heavily armed marines have trouble keeping up with you being less familiar with the storage bays. Turning a corner you nearly crash into a loader, dodging aside at the last moment.

Spotting the correct storage vault you screech to a stop and hurriedly hit the open button.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 12

>>31964546
>Roll 1d20

Rolling.

Rolled 12

>>31964546
I can just imagine one a roll of one that we, in our eagerness to to get in, just punch the button so hard it shatters and we have to bend the door open.

Also If she aint there things are going to be broken and people will be hurt.

Rolled 17

>>31964546
>>31964247
>Shuttle thrust vectoring

Oh god I had almost forgotten about our phobia.

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>>31964619
>Also If she aint there things are going to be broken and people will be hurt.

Sonia_gets_what_she_wants.jpg

>>31964795
And 4chan turns the time code for the video into a trip.

Ewww

The protective door retracts causing the stasis field within to shut down. Space inside returns to normal and you're suddenly faced with a fist flying towards your head.
"Woah!"
You're able to intercept it with your open palm and direct it away from you along with the rest of Bekka's body as she attempts to slam into you. Rather than sailing past to the concrete floor as you expect, she rights herself and begins raining blows on your mid section, screaming incoherently.

"Bekka stop! BEKKA STOP IT!" You grab her by the shoulders and shake her enough to get her to actually look at you. Belatedly realising who it is she sobs something that you think is your name before hugging you.

She's a mess. From the looks of it one of her captors must have tried the same thing you just did except providing enough of an extra push to send her face first into the floor in the process. She's missing at least one tooth and most of her face and arms are badly scraped. She also has hearing damage and a slight concussion from close proximity to the stun grenades but you expected that. The medics that check her also report signs she's been stunned twice and may have been struck a few times with the butt of a pistol.
"No signs of implanted devices or other irregularities."

"Good. Let's get out of here, you three are going to the hospital." You tell them.

Once back at the shuttle you hit your com. "Reynard to all teams; take them down."

>>31963804
>so we should know the flight plan and/or destination, correct?
House Erid Space.
>Would Bittenfeld with a knight on it have the authority to order the ship to heave-to due to the presence of a criminal aboard at the first or second transition on it's course?
That is debatable and depends on if they choose to cooperate. It's now flying a House Erid IFF. If they decide not to and you board them anyways House Erid could protest the matter to your House and may use it as an excuse to perform their own searches of ships from Jerik-Dremine.

>>31965548
>House Erid Space.
Don't we know one of their knights who's actually kinda friends with us despite our houses being at odds?

>>31965548
>Once back at the shuttle you hit your com. "Reynard to all teams; take them down."

Try to capture them alive. We don't need future clones going after Sonia and her troops if we don't find our where they're coming from, and we still need to find out who hired them.

>>31965601
as far as I recall, their expeditionary force vs the SRL was recalled after their fleet got raped and bailed out by J-D forces right before Gesaur.

They lost at least two mediums, a Baron and I think a high ranking knight when all the scarabs went suicide on his ship.

>>31965637
>taking the clones alive

If we're really dealing with a cloned Intel operative turned hitman/merc with unlimited lives, is it really wise to risk the lives of people willing to follow us on this?

The clones will probably go for revenge regardless of if they're taken alive or killed, and will only get more chances to kill and escape if they're alive.

We should put in a line to that Ruling House Admiral we met at the Helios facility, though, and ask him to come by RSS's base in South Reach to look at some of the ships we've got in the pipeline. A good cover if we want to give samples from these clones to the ruling house's intel people (or even one of the clones in stasis) to see if they can't figure out who is behind it. They probably won't like those clones' existence.

... if we were to take one of the clones, captured and disarmed (literally, perhaps?), could we have a company that does clone 'backups' rip their memories out to try and locate stuff? I forget if that is possible or not...

>>31965954
I would guess our troops simply start throwing stun grenades like there's no tomorrow.

I'm also worried about civilian casualties, and I'd rather pay a fine for stunning a civilian than mission a shot on these guys, or worse killing somebody who isn't involved.

Also, they might not all be working together. Once we're done with this, we should probably try contacting the clone working as a bodyguard for that reclusive noble.

>>31965671
>>31965601
Yes. Thanks to the assistance your fleet rendered to the House Erid forces with search and rescue you and others were able to earn the goodwill of many of the survivors.

Knight Captain Desh Xisoth of House Erid. He survived actually, the merits of having the command center buried deep in the heart of your ship.

I take it you'd like to see if they could board the ship themselves? As still nominal rivals are you prepared to offer some sort of bribe? They did take 6 million after all.

>>31965954
>If we're really dealing with a cloned Intel operative turned hitman/merc with unlimited lives, is it really wise to risk the lives of people willing to follow us on this?
That does beg the question. Now that everyone is rescued will you be focusing primarily on recovering the money or catching those responsible. Because one may be easier than the other.

>if we were to take one of the clones, captured and disarmed (literally, perhaps?), could we have a company that does clone 'backups' rip their memories out to try and locate stuff?
Difficult, not impossible. It would be helpful if they were still alive.

>>31966042
>I'm also worried about civilian casualties, and I'd rather pay a fine for stunning a civilian than mission a shot on these guys, or worse killing somebody who isn't involved.
The longer you chase these people the higher the chances of collateral damage.

>>31966186
>I take it you'd like to see if they could board the ship themselves? As still nominal rivals are you prepared to offer some sort of bribe? They did take 6 million after all.

Offer them the usual 5% finder's fee? It's not like they have to do a lot to earn it, and 300k should still mean a decent reward for everybody involved. It would even make it look like an official reward, House PR could probably spin a story about how the rival houses work together in these troubled times if they want to.

Been meaning to participate more but...

>This apple cider tastes funny
>Wait a sec, did the cap pop up when I opened it?
>Open fridge, the jug (now on it's side) is leaking slightly
>Twist cap, no resistance, no seal
>Well shit

I now have a headache and a slight fever. Is this what food poisoning feels like? I guess I'm about to find out, will be back tomorrow.

We need to follow up on that lead about the clone bodyguard. Obviously someone out there is cloning this guy repeatedly but it's not clear who is in control. The clones do jobs for money, but is that money for themselves or some higher power renting them out as disposable mercs? Do the clones work together? Do they regularly backup memories so that successive clones remember previous lives? We need to figure this out before we burn down the hornet's nest.

Since no one in our house's territory could have cloned him he must be coming from outside. And whoever is cloning him had to have gotten ahold of his DNA somehow. Wherever he died in that first operation would be the obvious place to start looking, if we can even find that out.

>>31966473
>I now have a headache and a slight fever. Is this what food poisoning feels like? I guess I'm about to find out, will be back tomorrow.

If it's been less than six hours since you've consumed that stuff, get to the toilet, and see how far you can get your fingers/hand down your throat.

It'll save you a lot of trouble tomorrow for a minute or two of discomfort.

>>31966284
I am willing to bride them with 1 million in order to get 5 million back.

>>31966473
If you're lucky you may just have Hard Apple Cider now, though I wouldn't advise testing that theory.

>>31966473
>Wherever he died in that first operation would be the obvious place to start looking, if we can even find that out.
Checking his file the specifics of his last mission are heavily classified. The only thing available is his official date of death. That could easily be misinformation. You'd need to talk to someone high enough up to get clearance for the data and that would be willing to share it with you. Winifred is likely in South Reach by now and is unavailable for this sort of help. Your best bet is one of the Barons. There are currently 4 in the Homeworlds with several abroad.

>>31966572
>>31966284
An average of these would be 650k. Sounds good? Higher? Lower?

Meanwhile on Dreminth...
Your troops enter the casino and soon after the police arrive, both because of reports of the Marines presence and because one of their informants gave them a tip. They're not happy you refused to give them information about your own tracking devices and more so that they were not given any warning that your people would be causing trouble at the casino or elsewhere.

Roll 2d100 for recovery of assets and avoiding an incident. These are not best out of 3.

Rolled 45

>>31967007
>There are currently 4 in the Homeworlds with several abroad.

Do we know any of them other than the dick-ass baron?

>An average of these would be 650k. Sounds good? Higher? Lower?

I don't really want to go beyond 10%. So 600k would be the maximum for me.

>Roll 2d100 for recovery of assets and avoiding an incident.

First roll.

Rolled 10

>>31967108
>Roll 2d100 for recovery of assets and avoiding an incident.

And the second one.

Rolled 69, 12 = 81

>>31967007
>>31967007
This is going to be bad isn't it?

Rolled 4

"Mike how are your squad doing?"
"Trying some more of that diplomacy."
"And?"
You hear a faint "tink" noise of a slug hitting metal over the channel.

"I think this is the sort of diplomancy you bring power armor for."

"Do you need backup?"
"No, by the time you get here they'll have run out of ammo and surrendered or retreated. I think we did finally locate the place where the aerocar was modded. We'll send you a full report later."
"Just don't get killed." you tell him.


Meahwhile Nytoria and another squad of marines have tracked down the signal from the 2 million you handed over to the clones.
"It looks like they've hidden it behind a removeable wall section in one of the waterways. We're still trying to open it but from the sonar readings it's too small to hide all of it. We'll have to check the other locations they stopped at before this one. They may have multiple cashes scattered throughout the city."

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>>31967007
No other rolls?

>>31967777
It isn't long later that you get a report from the marines in Nytoria's team. The hidden caches had been rigged with claymore mines. Two of the Marines and your pilot are hospitalised. One of the suits of power cell armor are badly damaged.
"Until we know how to deactivate them I would suggest cordoning off each cache that we find. Police bomb squads can eventually get around to them and we can install sensors nearby to keep watch. If these clones are special forces trained it would be suicide to keep guards near each one for them to pick off."

>Do you have any other plans for dealing with that 2 million?


Major Firth is attempting to trace and track down the ransom money that reached the Pandora cluster. He was able to stop some of it before it was pulled and is after the people that managed to escape with the remainder. His militia force is undermanned and underpowered on a good day, though you did help to alleviate that somewhat more than a year ago. This time he's restricted to one ship and any patrol craft that can be called in.
You can send a bribe to DHI for them to conduct a field test of one of their ships in an area coincidentally close to the Major, or pay for mercs nearby to help.

How much are you willing to spend?

>>31968616
>No other rolls?

I don't want to roll multiple times, tbh. I'm sure somebody else will roll eventually. Just remind the people who will bump that they should roll in your last post before the break.

>Do you have any other plans for dealing with that 2 million?

Let's mine it ourselves. That way the kidnappers won't be able to access it either until the police finds some time to do their job.

>How much are you willing to spend?
10% of the sum that was sent there? So, 500k?

>>31968616
>No other rolls?
do you need more? thought people already rolled enough

>>31968616
I would gladly pay 1 million in order to get back 5.

It's all about making sure we get our money back.

Hell, I would be willing to pay 2 million in order to guarantee that we get 3 back.

Such is the way of the rich.

>>31968616
I'd just say locate and hit the caches with breaching charges.

Scorched earth.

and how bad are Nytoria and the marines?

>Firth
1 or 2 million should cover a decent merc force, shouldn't it?

Rolled 20, 59 = 79

>>31967007
>>31968616

sorry, thought rolls were done. another pair if needed

Rolled 67, 53 = 120

>>31967007
If you need another roll

Rolled 60, 38 = 98

>>31968616
MOAR DICE

Between the police and your team you've managed to recover slightly more than 5 million of the cash that made it into the casino. Not terrific to be honest but it's cash you'll be able to split with those that have assisted with the rescue efforts. Goodness knows your wounded would appreciate it.

Unfortunately between the marines, the police, casino security and the owner of the establishment there was an incident. Things got out of hand then out of control, eventually turning into a brawl. The team's demolitions expert (an only one with power cell armor) had the presence of mind to grab the money and get to the shuttle. The civilians are in the sector lockup while the police officers are under house arrest. Everyone else involved has been collected by the MP's and are currently in the brig at the nearest base.

Not the most gallant outing in the annals of your forces.

>>31968902
>how bad are Nytoria and the marines?
Not good when they reached the hospital. They'll be up in a few days and require some physiotherapy but they should make a full recovery.

Knight Captain Desh Xisoth has met up with the light transport that Arron has been shadowing and intercepted it. They're currently checking the passengers. While the team aboard the Bittenfeld would like to join in they've been warned not to interfere with the customs patrol.

Assistance for Firth.
>>31968755
>500k
>>31968877
1-2 mil
>>31968902
1-2 mil

>1 or 2 million should cover a decent merc force, shouldn't it?
Yes.

Stopping here for the night. I'll see if there are any other votes or suggestions by morning. I'll post briefly in the morning then resume around 4PM EST.

>>31969859
Honestly, I don't care much about cash; Rep of a someone who will make you pay if you try to harm her or hers? Yeah, worth the effort.

tl;dr
1)Priority goes to capture of criminals
2)House Erin can keep 6 mil if they got them alive.
3)Same for Firth, he can keep/use (remains of) 5 mil for catching them.

Rolled 49, 23 = 72

bump

>>31971024
I agree to an extent, but lets not give them all the cash, splitting it 50/50 would be generous and personally I'd rather give them 35/40% of the cash

>>31969859
I don't care about how much of the money we actually get back. The highest priority is to catch as many of the criminals as possible, the second highest priority is to remove our money from their hands.

I want to do as much damage to the kidnappers as possible, if we get nothing of the 30 Million back, so be it.

I suggest those who can recover some of our assets may take a huge part of it. Maybe a fourth? Those who in the process manage to gain valuable information to find more of the organization get another huge part. And those who manage to get enough incriminating evidence to win a court case get another huge part. If they do all three can have half of the assets or even more.

We also pulled a lot of people out of their vacations. Those are all awesome and I'm not quite sure what to do about them. They are just to many to just say, we owe them a favour. We could thank them and pay them appropriately in the case of marines and low crew-members. If any of our pilots/knights/friends need help we would help them anyway, though telling that might be enough.

>>31969859
>Not terrific to be honest but it's cash you'll be able to split with those that have assisted with the rescue efforts. Goodness knows your wounded would appreciate it.

I was thinking about splitting the money we recover like this:

-1/3rd goes to the people who helped us.

-1/3rd goes to Bekka's school in form of scholarships and maybe a trip for her class someplace nice (and educational) that they usually couldn't get in because it's too expensive.

-The remainin 3rd goes back to Sonia's bank account.

>>31971565
>>31972063
>>31973336

A nice bonus to the people involved in helping us, especially the wounded people, would be nice. However giving a majority of it away I am against.

>>31973336
Why would we give anything to the school? Other than as a dedicated fund to increase security, that is (which I would be a fine way to spend the money).

>>31974016
Simply to do some damage control in the PR department.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KHTF9WC

See you in a few hours.

>>31972063
>I want to do as much damage to the kidnappers as possible, if we get nothing of the 30 Million back, so be it.

Indeed. Sonia tends to be very spiteful, and willing to self destruct to give similar or disproportionately damage or to make a object lesson.

Kind of like in that childhood memory.

>>31974219
Oh they are sooooo going to regret getting Sonia's attention for only a few millions. Something that worries me however is how the House allowed these clones to exist at all in their territory. Either they got connections or the House is using them for their own black ops.

>>31974061
I don't see how donating to the school would help our PR. The school itself might like us if we give them money, but that is no different than at any other time. The only issue that 'the public' might have with the school would that it gains a reputation as insecure because of the kidnapping. That would not be solved by just giving them money, it would be solved by giving them assistance to increase security (eg. pay for a security company to make an analysis on how to best increase security and then pay for that. If we really wanted to we could even pay for upgraded surveillance and a rapid response unit or something).

>>31974433
Or there is the infrastructure to support such clones outside legal monitoring.

Be it house black ops, like you say or a criminal or corrupt element.

In any case if we go with a positivist attitude towards humanism if its a flash clone its basically the same person in two different instances, instead of a new person with similar mannerisms and experiences. This would mean probably expectation of attachment both ways, so rich people loosing loved ones seeking to repair them, or highly loyal servants being remade due to security issues.


If we do not then it means that it cannot be used for black ops since it is no guarantee of absolute loyalty.

However considering this is only one guy who does it and there are not more we could approach this as a aberration to either hypotheses. Probably a inherent desire for immortality, and a way to achieve it, making each clone a member of a cult that has the continuous survival of said cult as the prime objective.
It's more of a philosophical debate for Tstg to answer via perhaps Sonias research or lore knowledge on the subject.

>>31973336
Id prefer 2/3 go to those who helped us hell even 3/4 but i wouldnt give anything to the school. PR or not its sorta our fault for not having security attached to our family in someway since kidnapping of the wealthy and upper class is prevalent in this setting.

>>31974433
Or they are competent enough to escape the police and normal investigators and have been careful enough to avoid so much attention that high-level investigations happen. After all, they would have avoided us even with the help of the house had we not had help from the Rovinar. We have risen so rapidly that they might not have known just how many connections and assets we have, a normal noble would not have been able to do what we are doing.

>>31974721
I'm not really worried about the school's reputation, but the fact that Sonia should make some public amends for getting 4 children kidnapped, and another 10 injured.

I simply thought financing a nice excursion for them, or paying for the renovation of some classrooms would be the best way to deal with that issue.

>>31975069
Again how is it Sonia's fault that some mad criminal choose to kidnap a bunch of kids? Not mentioning that she just paid millions to free them even when she only had to pay for one of them truth be told.

>>31975069
I fail to see how Sonia is responsible. If anything, it should be school fault for not providing adequate protection.

Generally, I don't understand 'oh woe is me, it is all our fault' histrionics.

>>31975069
what >>31975103 & >>31975127 said

>>31975103
>Not mentioning that she just paid millions to free them even when she only had to pay for one of them truth be told.
pretty much, Sonia was solely responsible for getting all the children returned, none of the other parents lifted a finger to help pay for them or anything, they just yelled at us for some random reason and then we paid for THEIR children to be freed

Well, if you guys are already dead set against it there isn't much point arguing for.

To cut things short, just forget I said anything.

>>31974806
Well considering our current worldview this means that the Dominion Minor Houses are basically second or third world equivalents, compared to others, if criminal elements can manage to pull this off. Luckily for us the fact that they have a mix of second/third worlder approach with first worlder trappings means that Sonia was able to pull a lot of resources to deal with it.

If i continue on this analogy and our lack in more developed weapon systems i get the idea we are somewhere around a mix of India/Soviet Union in regards to a competing superpower.

If we are going to have our R&D initiative work out not only do we have to develop inhouse what others already have but also try to go for a active talent scouting and headhunting campaign to attract future minds around our endeavors to boost our scientific and technical output, or else we will be constantly playing catchup.

Fortunately with out relative success against the kidnappers we now have a thing we can capitalize on to bolster security around centers of learning. Probably a way so we can have them as secure as ourselves and our house can make them against even Terran Teleporting Terminator Comando Death Squads.


This way we ensure a safe environment for students, teachers and researchers, at home and at their activity places and we can have our main theoretical R&D efforts in a ancillary wing in a university, say a Reynard wing, we can do secret practical testing and prototyping and such that would signal to any monitoring actual progress beyond the theoretical at our secret base.
>>31975318
>>31975103
>>31975127
I agree.

>>31975518
I'm not dead set against it, I do reckon we should pay for some security experts to do a once over of the school and help improve its security, but it ain't on us, its on the scum that targeted us and our sister

>>31974107
*!*

Make sure to tail the ship. They could hijack it and direct to other port, or transfer to other mid-flight.

Guys, something very important to consider is that we've likely pissed off the mastermind of this kidnapping by going after the money.

We should get our family somewhere secure while we put security measures into place for the future, as they might not be taking people alive next time.

"Mom, shut up and get on the space ship. I've got a tutor for Bekka for the next month or so and we're going to visit South Reach."

>>31976669
yeah, which I why I want to go after the 'mastermind' of this clusterfuck and make them fellate the Devourers guns

>>31976738
I agree with going after whoever is behind this, however, I'd prefer to speak with our baron or some of the more established nobles before we do anything drastic to them.

Last time we did something overly violent and not especially prudent, it netted us a bounty from the South Reach League that still tends to pop up and cause annoying situations one real time year later.

Only semi-related to Sonia's current situation, but things I'd like to do before we leave our homeworld:

Talk to the people responsible for the police and fire departments in the region and see what kind of support they need, and why they're seemingly underfunded. Then we can either simply throw some money at them, or come up with something fancier like a charity dinner, or something.

I'd also like to buy a horse. Sonia's a knight. Imagine, if you will, a completely unlikely situation where all technology beyond swords stops working. It will be a good thing to know how to ride down peasants and serfs like a proper knight of old when that time comes. Maybe Bekka, Linda, or even Mom would enjoy having a horse available as well.

>>31976669
>>31976738
The Fuckface pissed off Sonia by targeting her and her own.

We want to do as much damage as we can to Mr Fuckface.

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>>31975340
>none of the other parents lifted a finger to help pay for them or anything
Along with the police they also waited to see if they would get phone calls for ransom demands. Instead the criminals directed all enquiries towards your family. Sonia's parents remained in contact with the others, none of whom have much in the way of financial resources available.

>they just yelled at us for some random reason and then we paid for THEIR children to be freed
Some of them were upset that their children were kidnapped because a noble was going to a mid to lower class school instead of another institution that would have been better prepared.

>>31974721
>The only issue that 'the public' might have with the school would that it gains a reputation as insecure because of the kidnapping. That would not be solved by just giving them money, it would be solved by giving them assistance to increase security (eg. pay for a security company to make an analysis on how to best increase security and then pay for that. If we really wanted to we could even pay for upgraded surveillance and a rapid response unit or something).
The school board and parents committee is of the opinion that unless someone were to pay for new security measures for the school Bekka will need to go elsewhere. Her presence is a threat to the other students.

>Do you want to hire a security company to do an assessment?"

For the squad involved in the casino brawl, do you intend to try and bail them out right away, tell them they can spend a night in lockup for letting things get out of hand, or did you have a longer stay for them in mind?

>>31980090
Bail them out, we would most likely have done far worse if we had gone there ourselfs and they where just trying to help us.

>>31980090
>
For the squad involved in the casino brawl, do you intend to try and bail them out right away, tell them they can spend a night in lockup for letting things get out of hand, or did you have a longer stay for them in mind?

They handled things poorly, but when it comes down to it, they did so on an off-duty assignment for Sonia, and it would be a kinda shitty move to let them stay in the brig.

I wouldn't mind a mandatory deescalation course for our troops, however. It can't hurt to know how to avoid getting into trouble with civilians when things become heated.

>>31980090
>Sonia's parents remained in contact with the others, none of whom have much in the way of financial resources available.

How much does a usual middle-class job pay per year? 20-40k?

Although it might have been entertaining to see what would have happened if Sonia had suggested splitting the ransom equally. It would have probably been a smart idea to wear power armor while doing it...

>>31980090
>casino brawl
bail them out right away, if we're allowed to do so.

>Bekka's school
Hold a conference call with the superintendent and the school principal, explain that we'd like their assistance in doing a security assessment of the school for possible security upgrades.
For now, we'll pull Bekka from the school for safety concerns, and would appreciate if they could assist us in getting the proper information to ensure Bekka doesn't fall behind in her studies with home schooling/tutoring/transfer. I assume she'd have to transfer to another school during the next year/semester/unit of study.

Oh, and we DID save that clone DNA sample in stasis, right? I want to turn it over to the Ruling House in secret, and hope they have more interest in rooting out the source than J-D intel. (I half suspect JD Intel or a member of it as the source of the clones)

>>31980090
Bail them out right away.

>The school board and parents committee is of the opinion that unless someone were to pay for new security measures for the school Bekka will need to go elsewhere. Her presence is a threat to the other students.

If Bekka wants to stay there for school then just tell us what you need. After what happened I wouldn't mind letting our sister stay in her school if all we have to do is add security measures to said school.

If anything this just compounds with the idea of Sonia's new security company.

>>31980353
>I want to turn it over to the Ruling House in secret, and hope they have more interest in rooting out the source than J-D intel.

I think we should be very, very, very careful when it comes to getting the ruling house involved in this. Dominion politics seem to be one gigantic minefield, and Sonia doesn't know how to get through it unharmed.

This has the definite chance to piss off very powerful people in J-D, we should try to see if our baron can get this thing handled internally.

>>31980551
You know who we are good friends with that works everywhere and just so happens to work with/for the Ruling house?

The Knights Errant.

I say we get in contact with them to see if they can help with their connection and they can most likely find out about the cloning situation better than we can.

Also I think this is a good time to mention that academy we talked about last time and maybe even expanding upon that idea. Military & Security academy. It seems that there are two types of people that are needed. Those who will fight the enemies of the Dominion and those that will protect the citizens of the Dominion from harm.

That is what I propose.

You bail out the team as soon as you have the opportunity to do so. They're all quite grateful to be out so soon.

>I wouldn't mind a mandatory deescalation course for our troops, however. It can't hurt to know how to avoid getting into trouble with civilians when things become heated.
Do this?

>>31980316
>How much does a usual middle-class job pay per year?
15-20k

>>31980353
>Oh, and we DID save that clone DNA sample in stasis, right?
Yes.
>I want to turn it over to the Ruling House in secret, and hope they have more interest in rooting out the source than J-D intel.
>>31980754
>Knights Errant
These will be added to the next survey.

The money caches located below the city are too dangerous for your people to handle. Instead they place remote cameras to keep an eye on things, call in the bomb squad and get back to the rest of the search.

Knight Captain Xisoth has been offered 1 million to get the remainder of the funds back that might be aboard the transport. This takes some time and politicking during which the ship is towed back to House Erid space and impounded. Most of the passengers are allowed to depart. Those found to be involved are isolated but more than that becomes unclear.

Eventually you're sent a message that there are some high level meetings taking place within House Erid as those who were moving the money had connections and can't just be arrested or extradited.

Days later Xisoth sends you the amount you agreed to but asks that you not respond for some time as there is some turmoil within the House at present.
You have the option to report this to one of the Barons if you'd like.

The easiest Barons to get hold of are Baron Doedra Dremine and Baron Archivald. This goes for talking to them about the other things such as getting hold of the intel files on Lagunov.

>>31981323
>deescalation course
Yes, and we should add that we'll be bringing in some drinks at the completion of it.

>Barons

I wouldn't mind meeting both Barons individually, just to see what we learn from them about House issues and to introduce ourself to Dremine.


Oh, and Bekka is going to write everyone that helped us a thank you note.

I dread the parents giving us that talk... but we can always wear our recon armor and drop a flashbang if things get bad.

>>31981323

While the only Baron I really have any trust for is Winifred I do think we should share this information with someone else. My vote goes to sharing the info with Baron Doedra Dremine since we have not meet this character befor and increasing our list of people we know is always a good thing.

>>31981495


>>31980754
Reynard Security, or Caetus Security if we want to keep it shark themed, will do for now I think.

>>31981495
Oh god... The talk.

>>31981574
True, we don't have to do the academy right this moment, but I think it's a good future idea.

I have to say I do like the sound of Caetus Security.

>>31981323
Before we meet any Baron, we need to visit our sister and her friends in the hospital.

Hugs must be dispensed. Ruffled hair will be had.

It seems that while shark will translate to Caetus it does not translate back.
Squalus will translate to shark but not the other way around. That's annoying.

Now that i've wasted enough time with transmlation programs...

Out in the Pandora Cluster Major Firth has been chasing down a ship with a good amount of your money on board. Uncertain of the best method to help him from so far away out you've offered 2 million in assistance. Half on bribes to DHI and half for him to spend on mercenaries.

Roll 3d20

Rolled 18

>>31982581
>3d20
Roll number one.

Rolled 12

>>31982646
And the second one.

Rolled 2

>>31982674
The last d20 for this set from me.

Rolled 20, 7, 9 = 36

>>31982581

Rolled 20, 13, 13 = 46

>>31982581
I will praise the day we get a perfect internet translator.

>20, 13, 13
If the first roll is for Major Firth's performance, then the dice just decided he's some kind of mini Sonia.

We should look for a way to help finance his militia and how to earn some money from doing that.

The ship that was being pursued attempted to seek refuge in a non-aligned port as the Major's ship was in the process of battering down it's shields. It seems the locals didn't care much for that as the vessel was one of theirs and opened fire. At which point the Major's backup arrived.

The distraction caused by Mercenary Frigates and DHI assault corvettes bought time for the Major to get his Lancaster attack cruiser into the port where he disabled the main guns then the shields. Between the Mercenaries and the Major's own troops they've been able to secure the money and several suspicious ships within the port.
While entirely legal the nearby systems are not happy.

As a result of the Major's intervention PCCG member states are pushing for more clearly defined limits on the authority of the militia.

Those captured reveal they were hired to wash the funds via a poorly policed civilian station like the one they fled to. The money would then have been transferred to an automated account elsewhere and the cluster, though the people involved suspect it would have been routed back to the Dominion homeworlds eventually.

Too bad for them. You've got your 5 million back! (Minus 2 mil.)

DHI was able to get some combat data with their newest ships against Faction weapons systems and targets. Useful for after the war. They have noted they're having trouble with the tracking speed of the light pulse cannon turrets used on their latest designs. Newer high maneuver drives make it increasingly difficult for the turrets to provide accurate fire while evading.
The smaller Scarab light attack ship only has two turrets so the pilot can often take into account where they'll be firing. With the corvette's current 6 turret setup it can be harder to do this, especially since many maneuvers will break the line of sight for half of the guns.
The test pilots felt you should be aware of the issue since apparently they'll be assigned to your command when you return to the front.

>>31983817
> (Minus 2 mil.)
Did he spend it all on mercs and bribes, or will he be able to spend some of it on his militia?

>>31984033
A good question and I also hope that our asking for his help got him in trouble. I wouldn't mind "helping" him out more.

>>31984033
Most of it was all spent. The mercs did take damage to one of their frigates from the station guns, and they did provide boarding troops. The Major will do well enough though thanks to the captured ships. Those that cant be pressed into use will be sold.
"The government might restrict our ability to police as much as they wish but our long term funding can not possibly get any worse. Our militia can only grow stronger from here."

>>31982473
>Before we meet any Baron, we need to visit our sister and her friends in the hospital.
>Hugs must be dispensed. Ruffled hair will be had.

Returning to the Hospital in time for all three of the kids to be discharged, you have to endure the stares of several people still not thrilled your family was partly to blame for this whole mess.

As far as you're concerned they can get over themselves.

Everyone that isn't giving you the evil eye thanks you and your marines for everything they've done to help get all of the group back safe and sound. You also formally greet the parents of each of the other four that were captured as their kids are let out.
Bekka seems to be preoccupied by her replacement front tooth, enough so that you're able to mess up her hair.

[Hair ruffling intensifies]
Why am I getting only finding pictures of benedict cumberbatch.

Bekka is a little out of sorts but that's to be expected you suppose, she did get rather beat up. While fully healed it will still likely take a few days at least to get over it mentally.

"Sir we've got a problem."

Just what you did not want to hear. Stepping outside you spot what must be fifty reporters trying to get past your personnel. Why do some cameras still use a flash system in this day and age, is it just to blind and stun the people they're trying to get info out of? That must be it.

>>31984806
>"The government might restrict our ability to police as much as they wish but our long term funding can not possibly get any worse. Our militia can only grow stronger from here."

What kind of position does his militia hold in the PCCG's military/police force?

>Those that cant be pressed into use will be sold.

Our company might be able to provide a very decent offer for these if we decide to provide some support to the Major.

>>31984806
>Those that cant be pressed into use will be sold.

Would the Major consider providing info on those ships? Especially if the militia might be willing to trade them for some stuff in RSS' inventory? (I think we have more standard frigates and pandora frigates than we'll ever sell any time soon)

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"There's too many of them!"
"I don't think we can hold them sir." Warn your marines.

With this you and the other parents begin to get everyone to their vehicles. Seeing this the reporters increase their efforts, shouting a barrage of annoying questions.

"How did you feel when your child was discovered missing?"
"Sir, can you please answer a few quick questions for me?!?!?! SIR!!"
"What do you remember thinking at the time?"
"How do you feel?"
"What is it like going to school with an under dressed noble?"
"Did you see it coming?"
"How do you think this will change your life?"
"Did it hurt?"
"Are you scared this could happen again?"

>Do you intend to answer any of their questions, keep getting kids and others into the cars or do something unexpected?

>>31985154
"Away with you, you harpys!"

No talking to the press. They aint got anything to do with our personal life and this is NOT the moment for them to start pestering us.

>>31985154
>do something unexpected?

Announce an official press conference with Q&A with Sonia (others can participate if they feel up to it) in a couple of hours, and everybody who's still bothering us in a minute will have his face recorded and be barred from participating.

Then rent a location and try to get a spin doctor.

>>31985154

"A press conference will be arranged in a few days for those that wish to answer questions. Anyone that continues to hound the victims or their family at this time will result in their station not being allowed to participate. Now clear a path, you're endangering yourselves and others by distracting my men."

>>31985646
I like it.

>>31985267
Spin doctor would be interesting.

>>31985267
>>31985646
You shout to get the attention of the reporters then announce your intention to hold a press conference in a few days time to answer questions.

"Anyone that continues to hound the victims or their family after the next minute will have his face recorded and be barred from participating. Now clear a path, you're endangering yourselves and others by distracting my men."

With that taken care of all of the families loads up in the vehicles and begin to depart. The marines take images of a dozen reporters who remain to ask questions and are forced to restrain one that makes a run towards the vehicles.

"Sorry you guys are having to run escort for us all like this." You apologise to your men once the convoy is away.
Next you make sure that each of the families know that you'll deal with any reporters if they want to direct their attention your way. They can also come along to the press conference to answer questions in a few days if they want.

The PI's with Mike's help have taken into custody the people who helped custom modify the clones getaway vehicle. They also report that one of their contacts have sighted the vehicle in another city. It was sold before the final ransom drop was made.

When the cars have dropped off the families at their respective apartments you're contacted by the team you have protecting your parent's place.
"Package just came in. We've scanned it, it's clean."
Inside is the stolen license plate the clones used on their vehicle for the kidnapping. They or an associate has written a letter on the back of it by burning holes through the metal with a small cutting laser.

"Good game. Sorry about the mines but we have investments to protect. Tell your rental detectives they're too late, we've moved on. Or don't that's your call. This was business, do not make it personal and neither will we." -TL

Did you want to visit Baron Dremine or Baron Archivald next?

>>31986416
>This was business, do not make it personal and neither will we

I don't have a problem with these guys, tbh. I'm still interested in finding out where they get new clones from, but considering Sonia was willing to kill somebody for a lot less money just because some random person on a telephone told her to, I can live with letting them off the hook. However, if we should ever meet them again, they owe us a front tooth, and the chance to see how sturdy the butt of our new plasma pistol is.

I still think we should try to find out who was behind this all, though.

>Did you want to visit Baron Dremine or Baron Archivald next?

Can we look up Baron Dremine on space wiki before we decide which one to visit first?

>>31986416
>>31986581
I was actually going to suggest we hire this guy to track down whoever hired him to mess with us. Not saying we should ever trust a killer clone soldier for hire or pay him back eventually. Just that it would be fun to pay his employer with the same kind of bullshit that he, or she, pulled on us.

Baron Dremine, go go go.

>>31986416
I dare say I might like these clones.

Let's pay the PI's, thank them for their time.

>Baron Dremine

>>31986416
I get the feeling this isn't the last time we will bump into him or his clones. For the time being though I am willing to let them go as to not endanger our family anymore.

>>31986581
We already know of our good friend Baron Archivald who thought and I Quote:" The expeditionary forces should be stripped down to the bare minimum of manpower and materiel."

Then again he controls most of the home fleet and since we "technically" know him he might be sympathetic to our cause of knowing.

Baron Dremine is from an old house who wanted a Dro'all to be in charge of the expeditionary fleet or at the very least an advisor high enough up so that they have some sway.

I say we hit up Baron Dremine first and if that doesn't work out we can pay a visit to Baron Archivald.

Is auto update not working for anyone else?

>>31986581
>Can we look up Baron Dremine on space wiki before we decide which one to visit first?

Age wise the oldest Baron in the House, the current Baron came to power 30 years ago after leading House forces in a foreign war helping secure the territory of several important allies. These were among the allies that helped secure the Smugglers Run. With their power bases secure it would be much more difficult for your surrounding rivals to threaten your House in the future.

As a descendant of the former ruler of House Dremine the Baron has political backing from most of their family and many of the established nobility. If it were necessary he could even assume control of the House should something happen to the Earl, though this would be temporary due to existing agreements.

>Baron Dremine is from an old house who wanted a Dro'all to be in charge of the expeditionary fleet or at the very least an advisor high enough up so that they have some sway.
This is also correct.

>>31987383
>Is auto update not working for anyone else?

It sometimes takes 2 or 3 update cycles before a post shows up but other than that it seems to be working for me.

>This is also correct.
Can't argue with the advisor part, Kavos has been invaluable so far. Every ship captain should have one,

File: 1327178246214.jpg (35 KB, 447x578)

35 KB JPG

Even with everything going on you're not missing the appointment you scheduled with the Baron. Being less than enthusiastic about heading over to Loran II to talk to the one that slapped you a few years back you've decided to see the Baron of your home planet.
The headquarters Doedra Dremine maintains in the capital is in an average unassuming building like many of the others located nearby. Most of them were probably built in the shipyards in space then brought down by HLV. You do notice evidence of shield generators in the building and locations where retractable point defense turrets could be present. Assaulting it with anything less than a heavily armed LST would be suicidal. Three or four of them might be a better choice.

With everything checked personnel wise you head on. Don't want to screw up on the introductions.

"Knight Captain Sonia Reynard, House Expeditionary Forces. Space attack fleet, special forces, and infiltration specialist." Announces the Baron's aide when you're eventually shown in.

The Baron sits behind a wide desk with a large window situated behind him. A classic office setup for people in these sorts of positions. You idly wonder if you should get a proper planet side office in the homeworlds, South Reach, or one on your station?

"Greetings Knight Captain, or should I call you Commander? You've spent a great deal of your career assisting the Alliance of late. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

>What say?

>>31988105

"Well they prefer to call me Major even if, between you and me, I do think Knight Captain has a better ring to it. On to work then. During the recent events surrounding the attack on my family one of my contacts in House Erid told me how apparently I managed to put it in quite the turmoil. I don't know how Jerik-Dremine can take advantage of this but who knows? Perhaps you've been waiting for just something like this to happen? Also are you aware of that there is a criminal with cloning capability's here? Dreadful really what with it not being under proper control."

Should we share our knowledge about Erid's involvement in trying to push SRL away from the Alliance and cause infighting? Perhaps we could play it off as Neeran collaborating and treason towards the Dominion?

>>31988105
>You idly wonder if you should get a proper planet side office in the homeworlds, South Reach, or one on your station?

I think the answer to that is yes.

>What say?
"First of all I'd like to thank you for making it possible for me to get an appointment with you on such short notice. I would imagine your time is a rare and much sought-after commodity and I appreciate you are willing to make time for me.

As you probably already know, my inexperience with the problems faced by nobility has led to my sister being kidnapped a few days ago. We were fortunate enough to resolve the situation quickly and without any serious harm to the people involved but the mecenaries who ran the operation have me worried.

As far as we know, the whole operation was executed by Thomas Lagunov, a former House Special Forces operative. I bear him little ill will, he conducted himself professionally and was simply a contractor carrying out a job.

However, my curiosity was piquedby the fact that it seems there are multiple copies of him around, working together. What has me worried enough that I'm here today, is the fact that it seems he still has access to new clones despite becoming a freelancer.

Judging by DNA samples we were able to obtain, the copies were created on modern equipment, meaning a house with access to cloning technology has a security leak."

>>31988105
"I assist the Alliance for House and Dominion, Knight Captain if you'd please, Baron."

I believe things we have to chat about are the House Erid bound funds from the recent kidnapping of our sister, possibly testing the waters of getting some more info/clearance on the service record of the kidnapping merc clones, and general inquiry into anything RSS or Sonia might be able to do (or stay away from) to assist the House beyond South Reach.

Besides that, this is simply a formal visit to introduce and familiarize ourselves with the Baron of our homeworld.

>>31988105
I personally think Knight Captain has a better ring to it and I was hoping that I would have been able to have a first meeting with you under different circumstances but recent events have changed that. There was a recent kidnapping amounst my family and though we were able to get everyone back safe an sound I uncovered a name in my investigation. Thomas Philbert Lagunov. His official records say he was KIA during a missions but all relevant information has been classified. Evidence points to his clones being involved in a number of less than legal activities and their numbers are currently unknown.

Most distressing is that our house currently is said not to have the capabilities for cloning on this level which leads me to believe that there is a cloning operation somewhere within house territory or worse that they are being cloned outside and finding their way back to the homeworld.

That and I wasn't so sure about bringing this to Baron Archivald.

If asked why say because the second time we had met (or was it the first) he slapped me for borrowing a fighter of his that helped greatly during a mission. It may or may not have had scratches on it.

>>31988570
I do enjoy that last part.
Must remember to always promote the company.

"I assist the Alliance for House and Dominion. Knight Captain if you'd please, Baron.
First of all I'd like to thank you for making it possible for me to get an appointment with you on such short notice. I would imagine your time is a rare and much sought-after commodity and I appreciate you are willing to make time for me."

"You are among the most financially successful of your generation of Knights Captain. Your military successes, while conservative on occasion, also should not be ignored. I knew eventually we would have need to talk."

"Thank you all the same. As you probably already know, my inexperience with the problems faced by nobility led to my sister being kidnapped a few days ago. We were fortunate enough to resolve the situation quickly and without any serious harm to the people involved but in the process my people and I uncovered some information.
A ship leaving the planet with some of the ransom was bound for House Erid space. By sending one of my contacts in House Erid information about it apparently I managed to put it in quite the turmoil. I don't know how Jerik-Dremine can take advantage of this but who knows? Perhaps you've been waiting for just something like this to happen?"

"There has been a minor disruption for the past few days and House Erid has restricted media coverage more heavily than usual on certain political topics. How much money was involved?"

"Six million in transfer cards."

"Hmpf. Pocket change, but I suspect it to be more the case of being caught with their hand in the bag. Perhaps they were more well connected than they would like to admit. We may be able to press the issue, though it would have to be done carefully by professionals. What other business brings you here? That can't be all you would come here for."

"No sir. I uncovered a name in my investigation of the initial kidnapping. Thomas Philbert Lagunov, a former House Special Forces operative. His official records say he was KIA during a mission but all relevant information has been classified."

"As well it should. There are times when the past should remain buried and young nobles have a tendency of looking in places they are not welcome. Only those who have proven themselves wise and restrained enough to be trusted are given unrestricted access to such files, and even then the rest of us know who has looked."

"Yes sir. However, my curiosity was piqued by the fact that it seems there are multiple copies of him still around, working together. Evidence points to his clones being involved in a number of less than legal activities and their numbers are currently unknown. Judging by DNA samples we were able to obtain, he still has access to new clones despite becoming a freelancer.

Most distressing is that the copies were created on modern equipment and our house currently is said not to have the capabilities for cloning on this level. This leads me to believe that there is a hidden cloning operation somewhere within house territory, or worse another house with access to the technology has a security leak and they're finding their way back to the homeworld."

"Secure seal compartment. Full electronic jamming."
At the Baron's order you feel and hear the distinctive vibration of space tight blast doors slamming shut in the nearby sections. All sensor input from your arm goes dead.

"Captain you yet have options available to you. You can choose to forget this line of enquiery, or at least that you asked about it here, we could say you came here to discuss Reynard Salvage Solutions future with the House. Or I can unlock the mission file for you at which point you'll be sworn to secrecy or face short term memory erasure."

>Your answer?

>>31989940
>"Secure seal compartment. Full electronic jamming."
Ooooh, I want one of these. On second thought, make it three.

>Your answer?
Let me think about it. I assume it's time for the usual H&D break anyway?

Anyway, before agreeing to anything... could the Baron simply give us a clue if we'll find the answer we're looking for in that file? And more importantly, if we'll be able to act on that information?

>>31990020
>I assume it's time for the usual H&D break anyway?
Yes it is getting late.

>before agreeing to anything... could the Baron simply give us a clue if we'll find the answer we're looking for in that file?
"There is a chance you may. Or you mey find yourself with more questions"

>And more importantly, if we'll be able to act on that information?
"You always have the option to act.

Will post in the morning but will not be able to resume until after 7PM EST.

>>31989940
You have no idea how bad I want him to unlock the file, but what if we restrain ourselves?

His exact words were "Only those who have proven themselves wise and restrained enough to be trusted are given unrestricted access to such files". So what if we acted on that and showed restraint at this moment. In a "If I ever get to the point where I have proven myself in such a way maybe then I would look at that file, but until then i'll just have to bury those where no one will find them. Though with the reputation I gained while with the expeditionary fleet that might be quite some time.

Strangely enough I was going to ask about RSS and it's future with the House.

Basically
>>31988570
>General inquiry into anything RSS or Sonia might be able to do (or stay away from) to assist the House beyond South Reach.

>>31990559
bump

>>31989940
We want this information with a very clear goal in mind: Stop/harm/vanquish the kidnapping ring. We have also made it very clear that we want to act on the information. There is absolutely no reason to gain the information here in exchange for promising not do anything about it. There is also no reason for Baron Dremine to give us that information.

>"You know why I want the information. If you still offer to give it to me, does that mean you want me to act in *some* way? In that case I want to say, whatever secrets those are, they are probably peanuts compared to what I have already been entrusted with. If you actually don't want me to do anything about it, then I fear I could only promise you inaction with the intention of breaking the promise right away. As I want to be honest to you, I would have to decline, and ask why you'd even offer it to me?"

>>31993509
Well hold on a minute, don't say that just yet. Why ARE we asking for this info? Lagunov is only related to the kidnappers in that they hired him. If he wasn't available they would have used someone else.

So lets think about what we know:

- Here be clones, this can indicate a number of things, some of them bad.
- This particular clone is related to our house
- Everyone who knows about Lagunov the spec ops guy as opposed to Lagunov the merc considers his origins a BIG secret. ("you never heard this from me")

And now we are talking to someone who knows the full story. And they are telling us that once we know we can't share the info with anyone else on pain of whatever. So clearly something beyond the realm of dirty laundry is going on here and it would hurt the house if this were to get out.. For all we know Lagunov might STILL be working for spec ops using his job as a cover and the house is cloning him with tech they are keeping secret from everyone.

So I'd say, look but don't touch. Swear to secrecy, open the file and do NOTHING with it. There must be a good reason why anyone who already has the info hasn't done anything with it, and we need to know what what is before we act.

>we could say you came here to discuss Reynard Salvage Solutions future with the House.
Oh and we have to do this anyway so it makes a perfect cover. We could also discuss Reynard Munitions while we are at it.

>>31993777
Ok, by still: we want to act sooner or later. I think it's curious of the Baron to tell us about what a huge secret it is and how we all who know it may not act on it, even going so far as to monitor those who are allowed to see it, just to offer it to us the next moment.

I agree that even unrelated to the kidnappings this is interesting information. Still, if he didn't want us to do anything about it, why would he tell us? We need to know what exactly we are agreeing to, if we accept.

>regarding school
I reiterate that we have not harmed the school and have no negative PR which could be removed by giving the school money.

We do put people associated with us at risk. That is a form of bad PR, if those attending school with Bekka, or their parents, feel threatened. We could offset that by improving the security of places we frequent and I would be willing to part with a couple of Million for that purpose. Especially, because we are at the same time increasing the security of our own family.

>>31989940
>>31990020

Now that I've thought about it:

"You know, I think I'll try my other options first. However, I do appreciate you consider me trustworthy enough to be granted access to the file if I should ask for it."

>>31993990
>Still, if he didn't want us to do anything about it, why would he tell us?
Because we asked? I don't see why you would think they specifically expect us to do something with the information once we have it.

>>31993777
I would rather know and be potentially prepared in case we run into him/them in the future than willfully remain ignorant

>>31989940
>Or I can unlock the mission file for you at which point you'll be sworn to secrecy or face short term memory erasure."
Swear it, and if we don't like it we can get the memories wiped.

I'd rather know and be prepared than willfully leave ourself unguarded against it in the future

>>31994366
"Because we asked" is not sufficient reason. They obviously have reason to heavily restrict access to this information. From what is implied even the Baron himself might not have been informed, had he not shown sufficient restraint on top of being one of the most important people in the house. We are neither.

"Baron, at least two of his clones attacked a school and kidnapped my sister along with four other students. They then proceeded to send the license plate used on their vehicle to my parents with a message. This isn't personal, but I've had this man's existence thrown at me. The only conclusions to be drawn are that he is either a renegade asset, a House asset, or another House's asset. If you believe I'd be a threat to something larger by reading his file, that is acceptable to me. But I need to know something about this asset's status after this event. Believing that I'll never encounter one of these clones again is frankly too much wishful thinking for my tastes."

>>31988105
>proper planet side office

We should definitely open these, or at least one at home. Even if all they do is send out greeting cards, keep an eye on our family, friends, and acquaintances, and offer a place for people who don't have access to military channels to contact us reliably while we're busy running around the universe.

We're probably at the point where people with great ideas but not enough money or influence are willing to approach Sonia for her support. We don't have to make it unnecessarily hard for them.

>>31989940
Okay. I really don't mind if we take a look at the files and I get the feeling we won't be able or shouldn't act on said information at least right away.

Even then though I would still like to bring up the company.
I like >>31995448 train of thought with setting up a office on the homeworld and it would be a good stepping stone for any activities our company will make.

We may be going to storm the frontier with RSS, but it would be nice to have a few holding on the homeworld proper since that just widens out influence instead of having it contained to one area.

Of course we would have to talk to Mr. London about it and might need to hire a few more people.

Note to self: Find someone who can upgrade a room to something like the Baron has.

"Baron, at least two of his clones attacked a school and kidnapped my sister along with four other students."

"Did they kill anyone in the process?"

"No." you admit. "This isn't personal, but I've had this man's existence thrown at me. The only conclusions to be drawn are that he is either a renegade asset, a House asset, or another House's asset. If you believe I'd be a threat to something larger by reading his file, that is acceptable to me. But I need to know something about this asset's status after this event. Believing that I'll never encounter one of these clones again is frankly too much wishful thinking for my tastes."

"Captain, you will find that throughout your career you will face tests, not just of your courage as you do out on the front, but loyalty to the House and your fellow noblemen. Sometimes loyalty to the law or the larger Dominion as a whole is more valuable. Everyone has their limit. Ignoring this matter for a moment, do you truly know what your limit is yet?"

You're not going to get any more information out of him on this matter unless you ask to see the file.

[ ] Ask
[ ] talk about RSS instead

>>31995787
>[ ] Ask
we can always get the memories erased if we don't like it or don't want to know

>>31995787
>[ ] talk about RSS instead

I say we don't read the file unless we run into problems with these guys again. The Baron, and the leadership of our House in general, obviously has an idea what's up with the whole situation, and is content not to interfere unless Lagunov starts doing really bad stuff e.g. killing children.

So, yeah, let's stay out of this. I doubt we'll be able to act on the information we gain anyway.

>>31995787
>[ ] Ask
I gotta know, after they shit they put us through, I gotta know.

>>31995787
>[x] Ask

They hurt our sister.

If they are house asset, we'll limit ourselves to simply breaking few bones (each) after we get the name of the one who hired them; If not, we'll kill them and transfer cloning machine to house intelligence.

If they are ones to plan it... well, House should be more selective in it's hiring practices.

Ask.

I think we've already demonstrated that we can work to a higher goal than our house alone by joining the Alliance.

>>31995787
>[X] Talk about RSS instead
Thanks, but no thanks.

>>31996092
>They hurt our sister.
I can absolutely understand where you're coming from but I have to disagree with your suggested course of action. The clones didn't injure her because they got bored with twirling their mustaches, laughing, and wearing top hats, they hurt Bekka because our sister was being a problem. And even then they could have probably caused a lot more damage before putting her in stasis if they had wanted to. If she hadn't tried to escape, she wouldn't have been hurt, as is pretty evident by the fact that we got everybody else back with minimal injuries.

If they had done it for fun or some other twisted reason I'd totally agree with your idea of exacting retribution, but they kept it professional, so I'd say we should keep it that way too. Hostage was being a problem, hostage got pacified with a minimum of lethal force.

We don't really need an additional group of people who bear some personal grudge against Sonia. Especially not a group with black ops training.

Now that I've written that, I think we should ask Bekka what happend while they held her captive. If they started hurting her for fun after she tried something, which I doubt as it wouldn't fit at all with the way they've interacted with Sonia, I'm completely willing to second your suggestion. If they didn't and Bekka just kept trying to cause trouble, well, I'm proud of her but the injuries are to be expected.

>>31996969
>We don't really need an additional group of people who bear some personal grudge against Sonia. Especially not a group with black ops training.
and asking does not get said group a grudge against Sonia

>>31997016
That part was strictly directed at the suggestions >>31996092 made with the bone breaking and things. Sorry if it wasn't clear, I fail at proofreading my posts when I'm typing on my phone.

>>31995846
No fucking way. We are not getting memories erased.

We can ask and then if it is a problem we can shut up about it, and suck it up, if its for the House. After all its For House and Dominion. Note the placing of the words, and what is first.

>>31996969
Indeed. Thus i have no malevolence towards the clones.

We can have a time piece now set on a timer and if we determine that this information is harmful to have for us and the house, we can later have it removed via a doctor ordered to erase from date/time/x to date/time/y with another consultant we thrust there and with a armed guard to know he does not look at the memories, thus erasing things if said knowledge could be harmful to have, for our family, friends and house.

Things like getting captured on a intel op or something like that. We could have said memory removed and set into a secure bank for it to be reconstructed if there is say a issue that it might be necessary.

We would know its related to say its about Lagunov and the Clones and perhaps the reasons under which it would be relevant but not more. However that would be a major vulnerability for house intel and security and i would rather not compromise that.

Lets find out still. Knowledge is power after all.

And considering that we want to work on stealth ships, vectron weapons and large scale economic FTL interdiction all of those are already potential targeting reasons.

Heck we might even be able to use Lagunov for security, if it is from the house and Winifred would be knowledgeable about said area.

>>31997053
I gathered that much and saw where it was directed, but none of your points or reasoning is actually in favor of your vote, and seeing as you voted against the guy you were quoting, it kind of sends mixed messages

bump

>>31995787
[X] Ask

Considering what we have done with Winifred and the other secrets that we hold onto (Wizard is friend until ze end) I would rather know now.

If it's a conflict of loyalty between our House and the Dominion as a whole I say there this is no conflict at all.

The survival of the house is what matters.

bump

>>31996969
>minimum of lethal force

That would be stunner shot, not punch to the face.

So, yeah, they weren't 'professional'.

>>32001164
>That would be stunner shot, not punch to the face.

Holstered pistol, close quarters. It's very unlikely they had one of them hold the hostages at gun point the entire time. So, yeah, if somebody is attacking you, a punch to the face can be much quicker than getting your pistol on target.

And I doubt Bekka tried to attack them when there were multiple guys around. At least not after her first attempt.

>>31995787
[x] talk about RSS instead

I don't trust this noble, for some reason. And it seems clear that he doesn't trust us. We have other avenues to access this information, and one of them might even just pass enough to satisfy us off verbally instead of recording us as looking at the file.

As for the clones, we don't know that they didn't hand off Bekka to someone else that proceeded to rough her up. And if we ever encounter the clones, we can always say they're owed a punch to the face and a tooth.

The bull-headed approach isn't always the best, and we might even earn some points with this guy if we admit this could be over our head.

>>32001274
annon>>31997146, here. I do tend to agree this seems highly political, and probably baron alignment is a big thing, so we should use kid gloves around them. The only one we really thrust is Winifred, who's power base is probably quite young and not that structured, having to contend with established ones if she is not subverting some. And perhaps Archibald the slapper. We might think of him fondly for the whole episode and the contact with his family and us trashing his jet ride and fighting for the planet.

This might already have us in a camp by default so we should consider that any other interactions might be political landmines and traps.

>>31995787
Lets not commit ourselves to anything in front of this higher-up.

Considering we are a Knight Captain, that means we are one military rank and a campaign command and some political maneuvering away from Baron title ourselves.

>>32002621
>some political maneuvering
I'm afraid that's probably a severe understatement, it seems like it would take half a lifetime to get that kind of support base if you aren't born into it.

Or very (un)fortunate circumstances.

>>31995787
>>31995787
[X] talk about RSS instead

I actually like this >>31990559 suggestion of waiting until we can access the file without having to ask because by that point we will no doubt have had our loyalty tested and (hopefully) proven that we are trustworthy.

>>32003423
>[X] talk about RSS instead

Selecting this for the same reason as the above anon.

Since you feel conflicted about what the information could possibly reveal you decide that for the moment you'll simply discuss RSS business.

Of prime importance to you is how to assist the House outside of South Reach without your efforts being detrimental to existing plans.

"For starters you could stop finding quite as many ships." The Baron smiles slightly. "That was in jest of course."

You're informed that while the Governor of Surakeh is making a great deal of money off of your contributions to the orbital infrastructure, RSS is still taking a large chunk of the profits the planetary government would otherwise get. In response the other two stations have been expanded at the Governor's expense.
"Governor Veos presented a carefully planned outline of how the local infrastructure would be built up over time. This would have maximised income as the construction was to be spread out across ten years, providing a stable level of job growth. Instead Veos has been forced to spend personal funds to keep up with the expansion your company is driving. While this may be beneficial it is not necessarily welcomed by methodical planners."

It seems that Winifred's warning to keep your Anchorage away from Surakeh was to prevent it from coming under the Governor's authority. Even if Veos immediately turned it over to the military the Governor's part in securing the ship would have to be rewarded. As long as it doesn't enter that particular system it should be safe. There are no other House planets beyond the homeworlds that have the military capability of Surakeh.
"For the time being should you keep your largest ship away from the homeworlds or Surakeh it should be safe. If you were to place on board manufacturing capability on the vessel we may be able to hire RSS to assist with a number of projects in the Smuggler's Run. The infrastructure there is of poor quality. With the war on we will need to take full advantage of the relative peace there to build strong support."

"Your other activities such as using your station to repair salvaged ships is a good use of resources. I would suggest keeping such an operation there permanently."

The last thing the baron tells you is that a number of officers have been wondering when you'll be sending salvage teams closer to the front lines. At the moment House salvage assets there are limited and so it's necessary to hire private groups or other Houses.

Do you have any questions to ask the Baron before your time is up?

>>31995787
If you guys change your minds I have the entire ASK option written out.

>>32006078
We intend to reassess that after we finish our current salvage operation.

>>32006078
>Do you have any questions to ask the Baron before your time is up?

- If the Baron would be willing to tell us where he purchased these privacy measures.
- The best way to gain and excert influence in Terran society as a member of the Dominion.
- Buy kidnapping insurance, or invest in security?
- What kind of gift to give to a person who can afford practically everything they don't already have.

>>32006078
"Unfortunately I have no plans to send the salvage fleet into such hostile territory, at lest not until I have expanded it some more where I can afford to lose a fleet of salvage ships without it being a devastating lose. However once I have that capability I will most definitely take advantage of any business opportunity up at the front that will results in gains for both RSS and the House.

As for mobile manufacturing capability's I do have more than one ship that may be able to handle that. It's currently assisting in evacuation efforts in Shallan space but with a few modifications to it I am sure I could make something interesting with it. We'll see."

I'm thinking we switch out the modules on the legacy ship and send it packing to the Smugglers run. We did make it so we could switch out to different modules on it right?

OH! Ask what he thinks about our prototype!

>>32006078

"I've been considering sending some level of salvage assets to support House forces on the front, Baron. My concern is that my company has overextended in terms of manpower that can be trusted to not run away with ships and won't pull overly from manpower pools that the House Military may view as 'their' reserves. I suspect that Intel has a healthy presence, however.

Would you be in a position to speak about possible assistance or arrangements to be made with RSS in order to get more House salvage assets toward the front, Baron? Nothing official, but simply idle chatter, if need be?"

IIRC, RSS is struggling to clear personnel for open positions. Could we do some sort of assistance program where the House helps us with background checks and such or maybe puts House personnel on some of our ships sent to the front for experience while we clear and train our own crews? I'd also assume the House would provide escorts?

>>32006309
we have enough Y-types and possibly enough Moli ships that we could afford to send a Moli and a flight of Y-types to help with salvage on the front. If the House is willing to provide suitable escort, we should be able to help out.

is front line salvaging something that could be made safer for our fleet if they have advanced sensors to detect incoming enemy ships?

"When it come to deployment to the front, we intend to reassess that after we finish our current salvage operation. Until then I have no plans to send the salvage fleet into such hostile territory. One of my concerns is that my company has overextended itself in terms of manpower that can be trusted to not run away with ships and won't pull overly from manpower pools the House Military may view as 'their' reserves. I suspect that Intel has a healthy presence, however."

You consider winking after this but suspect it wouldn't go over well.

"When I can afford to lose a fleet of salvage ships without it being a devastating loss then I'll certainly be sending some to help.
Would you be in a position to speak about possible assistance or arrangements to be made with RSS in order to get more House salvage assets toward the front, Baron? Nothing official, but simply idle chatter, if need be?"

"I'm sorry no Captain. You would need to come to an agreement with the Expeditionary fleet commanders."

>Where he purchased these privacy measures.
"I'll be sure one of my people send you a brochure."
>The best way to gain and excert influence in Terran society as a member of the Dominion.
"Human or Terran? There can be a considerable difference. The Terran Alliance can be maddening to deal with at times with each system as it's own confederation. Other than amassing enough wealth to make ones self difficult to ignore I choose to leave that to the diplomats. If you mean Human society I am also the wrong person to ask."
>Buy kidnapping insurance, or invest in security?
"Both."
>What kind of gift to give to a person who can afford practically everything they don't already have.
"Having enough money do buy anything does not mean you have the time to look at everything. Finding something unique, they have not looked at is helpful in my estimation."

>Ask what he thinks about our prototype!
"I have not yet looked over the specifications for it though I remember Baron Winifred mentioning it briefly in a report."
You send him the specs along with post battle analysis of a few bodies.
"Intriguing. Once they reach production some of my people may evaluate them. I prefer tested technologies personally."


>IIRC, RSS is struggling to clear personnel for open positions.
>Could we do some sort of assistance program where the House helps us with background checks
You've been helping the House with getting background checks done more quickly since they couldn't spare the manpower on Surakeh last year. To make this safer you hired the info brokers on Tourta.

>[Ship] currently assisting in evacuation efforts in Shallan space but with a few modifications to it I am sure I could make something interesting with it.
The House Transport can not mount an industrial module without gutting the entire ship again. If you buy the full license from Exodus you should be able to build smaller construction ships that could fill this role.
You could also buy data to build equivilant mobile construction vehicles from the Warlords.

>We did make it so we could switch out to different modules on it right?
Industrial modules that attach to a station are too big. The engineers worked up a number of custom modules that would allow quick conversion of the interior between a cargo ship, refugee transport, or a support vessel carrying tugs, shuttles and starfighters.

>>32006784
>is front line salvaging something that could be made safer for our fleet if they have advanced sensors to detect incoming enemy ships?
No, you need escorts more than anything. Sensors and ECM/ECCM would be helpful should an enemy arrive in the same system but by that point you want to be running away.

>>32007733
>The House Transport can not mount an industrial module
Awwww

>No, you need escorts more than anything
How much of an escort does our company have at this time? Actually, how many ships do we have total?

>>32007453
>expeditionary fleet leaders
Oh boy, more chances for people to say we're plotting with Winifred.

"I'm afraid the only Expeditionary fleet commander I'm familiar with is Baron Winifred. Would it be possible for you to assist me with a few other names that I might speak to about offering my company's assistance? I've already had my fill of insinuations from the Governor of Surakeh over similar events."

>>32007453
>Questions
"Do you have any idea how I can make a bounty on somebody disappear? It's not terribly high, but it tends to pop up every now and then and has caused quite a bit of trouble in the past..."

>>32007733
>No, you need escorts more than anything. Sensors and ECM/ECCM would be helpful should an enemy arrive in the same system but by that point you want to be running away.

How well would cloaked salvage vessels work?

>>32008553
To expand on that idea, we could cloak a small or medium sized transporter, and just have them hop around the various locations to categorise the ships without alerting the enemy. They could also secure valuable stuff like SP torpedoes before the competition has even the slightest clue what we're doing.

"I'm afraid the only Expeditionary fleet commander I'm familiar with is Baron Winifred. Would it be possible for you to assist me with a few other names that I might speak to about offering my company's assistance? I've already had my fill of insinuations from the Governor of Surakeh over similar events."

Baron Stanni Jor'ron [Dro'all]
Baron Torben Eliot Christian [Human]
"Both of them are taking part in the Expeditionary fleet deployments when your group is not at the front. Normally it would just be one but both have decided they need front line experience against the Neeran."

>>32007905
>How much of an escort does our company have at this time? Actually, how many ships do we have total?

Not counting the battlecruisers that came with you there are about 30 FTL capable ships that RSS operates. There are also ships that have been bought by the mercenaries that provide escort.
(The Polaris and Terran light carrier are counted as part of RSS even though mercs provide most of the combat personnel.)

There are more ships currently in line for repairs, usually with purchase offers from one of the mercenary companies or your Knights before they even have work done.

>RSS news!
Five employees were arrested for illegal drag racing using starfighters they had repaired themselves. Each was diverted from the list of fighters to be sent to the surface for refurbishing. Security has corrected for the problem. It shouldn't happen again.

Mr London would like to fire those who took part but is aware that you sometimes find creative solutions for people.
>Your orders?

>>32009179
>Five employees were arrested for illegal drag racing using starfighters they had repaired themselves.

Interesting. Where did they get the material? Did they only repair them, or did they modify these fighters as well?

>>32009179
I'd say put them in a room together, fire them, and have a starfighter pilot recruiter for the military walk in and have a chat.

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>>32009396
>Where did they get the material?
From other salvaged starfighters and vehicles.
>Did they only repair them, or did they modify these fighters as well?
Just repairs. Any modifications were to keep them from exploding. Part of the reason they were arrested was because they were not been flagged as safe to operate.

>>32008553
>How well would cloaked salvage vessels work?
It would complicate operations and make the ships expensive, especially maintenance wise. Getting reliable cloaking systems for them could be problematic and the military would likely not be thrilled. Still, if it was only for a couple of ships it could work.

>>32008630
>To expand on that idea, we could cloak a small or medium sized transporter, and just have them hop around the various locations to categorise the ships without alerting the enemy. They could also secure valuable stuff like SP torpedoes before the competition has even the slightest clue what we're doing.

With a Battlecruiser grade cloak a Moli or Y-type transport would be able to carry it. An Aries transport could also be custom modified to carry a cloak. While more expensive they're much better armed than other transports.

You don't have many (any?) transports that could make use of smaller cloaking shields.

>>32009689
How much would an Aries transport and an adequate cloaking device cost?

>Repair guys

Well, we can't really keep employing them at RSS, but I would be willing to drop charges if they were to accept a contract as teachers at the school on Tourta we should have going by now. They must be pretty skilled when it comes to fixing machinery if 5 guys managed to repair multiple starfighters on their own.

>>32009849
>How much would an Aries transport and an adequate cloaking device cost?

38 million for the transport.
45 million for a cloak from Aries.
You could also try to get a cloak from the Rovinar so that they could finally be out your debt.

>>32009486
Do this?

>>32010165
>Do this?
Well, are they better when it comes to repairing fighters, or when it comes to flying them?

>>32006078
>If you guys change your minds I have the entire ASK option written out.
Ask

It fucking loses us nothing just asking and its better we're informed and can avoid them in the future than not and remain stupidly blissfully ignorant.

Also, that vote was tied 5 Ask VS 5 RSS

>>32005808
>>32006078
oh ffs, I went to bed after Ask was in a clear lead and wake up and you're all ignorant fools

just Ask about it al-fucking-ready

>>32010290
>Also, that vote was tied 5 Ask VS 5 RSS
indeed it was anon, TSTG seeing as you have it written up, may as well post it and if the idiots don't like it they can get the memories wiped and be back where we started.

>>32010290
>>32010357
...
>_>

>>32010211
>Well, are they better when it comes to repairing fighters, or when it comes to flying them?
They were hired as mechanics. Each has a history of surface racing having worked on their own vehicles. They don't have enough experience flying starfighters to say for sure. At the moment they're better at fixing things.

>>32010165
>Cloaked transport
I think we should probably ask our head salvage coordinator what she thinks about our idea once she's back from her current mission.

>>32010640
Well, we could also revive that idea of starting a racing team. A crew where we can use a part of the team interchangeably as mechanics or pilots might have some merit.

The mission report appears on a display near you.

Back before the turn of the century Lagunov was sent on a mission to infiltrate the territory of a rival House. The overall objective was to recover a few of the full body cloning systems from a House Jerik-Dremine was already on less than friendly terms with. Any House meeting the criteria were to be considered.
He was allotted resources not exceeding 20 million in value and had a time table of two months. Liquid assets were to be washed through off planet banks not listed in the reports. A light transport secured from the black market was the provided for transportation.

42 days after deployment he returned with 1 cloning system and extensive injuries which would ultimately prove fatal. That concludes the official report. Nothing about what happened to the recovered device.

You're about to ask how the clones came about when you see there is another file attached dated a year after the report was closed. It seems Lagunov didn't quite die of his earlier wounds but the time and date of death were still correct. A number of Nobles within the House that were aware of the mission, including the previous Baron of Loran II, the head of House intelligence and others attempted to take the system for themselves.

Think this scene for a rough idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEfIk0wTYeY#t=1m35s
Lagunov fought his way free and hid the cloning system.

When Baron Dremine and Knight Commander Archivald found out about this they went to the Earl and received permission to execute several of the nobles responsible to end things permanently. They then negotiated an agreement with Lagunov who had hidden the device and cloned himself before he ultimately died.

The House can have clones made by Lagunov while denying they know the location of any such device in their space. As for his day job he's forced to confine his activities to House space and not assassinate high level officials.

>>32010773
>Well, we could also revive that idea of starting a racing team. A crew where we can use a part of the team interchangeably as mechanics or pilots might have some merit.
That sounds good

If there's nothing else your conversation with the Baron is concluded.

After holding a conference call with the school principal and the board you see about getting that security assessment of the school done for possible security upgrades.

Bekka still has her tutor and is able to get appropriate material to keep up in school while away.

When they get back to you the price tag is a bit steep. The main item is a new defensive system that would prevent vehicles from landing by using tractor beams. There's also a few minor point defense systems that working together could destroy incoming missiles. Their safety rating is supposed to be quite good. More conventional security would be present and lastly are the power grid upgrades.
Emergency power should be able to keep things going but when the shool isnt running off its backup it will need more power.
All of it comes to 500k.

Did you want to take some of that out of the recovered ransom money?


Will post in the morning then once again I won't be able to resume until 7PM EST. Not the greatest week to run things. See you in the morning.

>>32011840
>Did you want to take some of that out of the recovered ransom money?
sure, is the school willing to cover any of it? if so we can split the bill

>>32011250
We are not a high-level official :(

>>32011910
Eh, it's so little and we are the only reason the school even needs those upgrades, if we even remotely care about PR, I don't see a reason to ask a contribution from the school.

>>32011840
>recovered ransom money
That's a very good point. We now have a pile of hard to trace money! I would hold on to at least a couple of million and maybe properly launder it at an opportune moment in the future.

>>32011840
Personally I think fuck the school. Enroll her in a proper academy with people of our station that way she can start making friends and connections with people who are also likely gonna go down the military path.

As for the money split all that was recovered and some of our money equalling to 32 million with all of our friends kind enough to help us on their vacation.

>>32011840
500k isn't really that much for us at this point. Let's pay with our regular funds, though. Untraceable currency is probably handy to have around, and I'm sure there's a way to get a tax rebate for the money we spend on the school.

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>>32012096
test

I find the cloaked retrial vessel idea intriguing.

We could start out with one and go for three.

One to scope out anything around any battlefields in cooperation with house intel about things we would want to pilfer or take a look at from other people, or plant for them to find, and two for doing fast retrial of high value goods in a timely manner, SP torps, Vektron Torps, information, people, etc.


I think beyond the cloak it would need a top notch crew, kind of like a Corsev Battlecruiser in Sins, but with a cloak and more salvage gear, but still with some measure of heavy weapons and a lot of specialists in boarding and boarding defense, sabotage, retrieval, repair and salvage. Also a highly extensive capsule system that allows in optimal condition 100% crew extraction, with probably some assets in cargo (say nav computers, a piece of tec the size of a room, ) and the necessary self destruct mechanism to totally obliterate it.

This would be optimal, but the optimal configuration is something after we do some trials with some simple converted and armed transports. These could serve in lieu of such highly specialized gear. And we could 'steal' stuff that was blown up right away by combat from say Rovinar, Neeran, Terrans, Hune, Shallan, Norune, Karth, etc. - but its not stealing since its not theirs anymore. Still, the might go all teleport commando anyhow, best not to invite such attention.

Not only that but we could mine stuff for neerans to salvage or sabotage the salvage of rivals if we are winning the war.
Such gear would be imho far more useful than purely military since it would serve intel, economic, R&D as well as military asset, all the while being deniable.

I really want crack troopers we can thrust for this, people from our marine teams that want to pull out of the military or come work for us or something like that, super pay and Sonia (tm) family care and concern.

>>32012096
>>32012096
We are a high level military officer, but you will note we were not targeted for assassination per say.

bump

>>32011840
I would say pay it will our "regular" money.

We now have an excuses you have a lot of non "traceable" money on us.

>>32010773
You know....this isn't a bad idea.

Not quite sure about the cloaking device, but it "would" be a interesting addition to our forces.

If "do" get one I would say it should be from the Rovinar as the price tag is a big much for the company unless we want to pay out of pocket also. We could also wait until R&D with the cloaking device is done to try and get it cheaper due to our "helping hands".

>>32011250
Whelp, into the vault THAT memory goes. Lets hope we don't have reason to bring it up ever again.

>>32010165
>>32011840

Bleh, just fire them and be done with it. As for the school, it' clear that it is not safe there neither for Bekka and for the rest of the kids so why stick with it? A little pocket change is not going to improve it's defenses that much and would just add a sense of false safety. Just throw her into a school for nobles where they are prepared for things like these and have done it for a while instead.

>>32011840
>school upgrades

We can afford 500k if our sister wants to go back to school there.

Yes

>cloaked ship

I'd be more worried about people picking it up at FTL while it scouted, and back-tracking it.

We'd also need people we could trust without question manning the thing. A ship with a cloak could easily be mutinied by someone's operatives and just vanish on a mission.

Especially if the crew is approached by someone offering them sanctuary and instant millions to get their hands on both the ship and cloak

>>32015651
I'd say it is Bekka's decision to which school she wants to go. I don't think she would enjoy leaving her friends behind though.

>>32011840
Tstg, how long will Bekka go to school anyway?

>>32014897
>We could also wait until R&D with the cloaking device is done to try and get it cheaper due to our "helping hands".
It's unlikely the House will be selling any cloaks for civilian use. They would be prioritised for use by the military.

>>32015748
>I'd be more worried about people picking it up at FTL while it scouted, and back-tracking it.
Certainly a real issue.

>>32015781
>Tstg, how long will Bekka go to school anyway?
She had just started high school so another 4 years unless she were to transfer to one of the academies, in which case it would be 5.
After high school she could still go to an academy for another year. After that she would be eligible to join the armed forces.

I'll be putting up a survey for a number of things when I get back.

bedtime bump, someone else take over for me

>>32009179
>30 FTL capable ships that RSS operates

Which reminds me. We kept that Terran Science ship, correct? Do the sensors on such a ship act like that one Navigator's Guild frigate we had access to in the Smuggler's Run? Detect shit in neighboring sectors?

And how hard would it be to get that ship probes to scout FTL hazard zones?

I bet Linda and that ship would be love at first sight.

>>32016967
>Linda

I've been thinking about her role in the attempted invasion of the Apsis system, and I think we should recommend her for whatever the civilian equivalent of being knighted is. If there isn't anything, then at least for some fancy medals from the Factions Alliance, the Shallan Government, and our House.

Why?
- She volunteered for the recon mission.
- Nobody else could do it.
- It might have very well ended fatally for her and the other crews involved if she wasn't so good at her job.
- It was probably the only reason we even had a fighting chance to hold the Apsis system.
- She discovered another important bit of information about the Neeran use of wormholes.

Bump.

How far processed must materials be atm to be used by our fleet of ships?
Personally my aim would be to ultimately have a fleet that can act as a mobile shipyard/industrial complex that jumps into an empty system (as in uninhabited but still containing stuff like asteroid belts and shit for materials) and starts omnomnoming local resources to spit out industrial products/starships/replacement parts/whatever the hell we feel like. This kind of fleet would ideally be mobile enough to move whenever discovered and as such be able to operate close to the frontlines, shortening supply lines considerably.

Would something like this be viable with currently existing tech and do any factions we know about already employ it?

Depending on how much money we have left just sitting on our bank account when we're mobilised again, we might be interesting in asking Mr London to send us smaller local investment opportunities.

>>32017844
Unless anyone is strongly against this it will be done.


>>32020647
>Would something like this be viable with currently existing tech and do any factions we know about already employ it?

Yes it's possible.
Normally mining and refining into finished metals and other materials will take place in the same area and then everything would be shipped to existing shipyards. Other times manufacturing stations are set up in resource rich areas. When the stations and equipment are not moving around expensive equipment like FTL systems are just sitting there being useless. That's why transport ships capable of moving much cheaper station modules are popular.

It would take a bit to have engineers design a number of ships that could operate in a group like you've suggested. Your best bet would be to commission Exodus to design them for you since they have the most experience with operations of that sort and are fairly neutral.

The Factions Alliance is working on development of a super heavy design which would jump into an area along with a half dozen mining barges. In theory it could carry enough shields and firepower to escape, even if a large force were to attack it.

>>32023510
>Unless anyone is strongly against this it will be done.
I'm for it.
>>32020647
I'm more in favor of traditional manufacturing arrangements. Maybe set up an assault cruiser line.

>>32023510
Has the Gunship LST conversion been tested yet?

>>32023611
>Maybe set up an assault cruiser line
Assault corvette rather.

>>32022635
Probably a good idea. We should also hold off on most decisions about our company until we are in the area and have a meeting with our board.

>>32023611
This was a ground attack /fire support ship to help out ground troops fighting those Neeran heavy tanks correct?
I remember the problem with arming them was going to be finding weapons heavy enough to break shields but not violate the Factions Treaty. As for dealing with regular tanks and ground forces they would be more than adequate.

I think there's a scaled down E-beam being worked on that could do the job but it's not ready yet. I can't seem to find the posts where it was discussed.

>>32024658
>This was a ground attack /fire support ship to help out ground troops fighting those Neeran heavy tanks correct?
And the fact that the Neeran just pasted the area from orbit when corvettes were used in a similar fashion. These would presumably be too small and numerous to make that particularly practical
>I remember the problem with arming them was going to be finding weapons heavy enough to break shields but not violate the Factions Treaty. As for dealing with regular tanks and ground forces they would be more than adequate.
One option for the heavy tanks is a ground penetrating shaped charge. Basically, you fire it out of the barrel into the ground, going under the Shield, and it then explodes up like a classic mine or IED.

>>32024658
I think it was mentioned at the beginging of either our first or second tour at the front. It was a long time ago for certain

>>32024784
>ground penetrating shaped charge. Basically, you fire it out of the barrel into the ground, going under the Shield, and it then explodes up like a classic mine or IED.

Yes I remember that now. If the warhead were large enough advanced non nuclear explosives should still be able to do the job. The best option would be large missiles fired from a pair of batteries installed into the sides and/or bottom.
Think Battletech Leopard dropship with missile racks in place of the mech ways.

I'm going to say that by now they have some prototypes undergoing field testing. Large scale mass production will probably wait until a new line of LST's can be developed that can have the missiles swapped out for troop and vehicle bays.

Going through some paper work from your last campaign you realise that while the crews you sent on a particular recon mission were decorated the few "civilians" aboard were not. An easy mistake to make with the House now picking up fewer civilians trained via the navigators guild. Most these days are former flight engineers sent for training to get them out of their starfighters and shuttles.

Linda did play a part in finding that Scorcher, or at the very least spooking it enough that the Neeran launched their attack early. Thinking it over she really is under appreciated for her role.

That's it, you're writing out a recommendation for a medal! There has to be an award of some kind that would be applicable.

>>32026442
I think some people were interested in seeing if RSS could make the design the gunship variant

>>32026442
>>32026760
Original Proposal: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/29492055/#p29513834

>>31996969
>I think we should ask Bekka what happened while they held her captive. If they started hurting her for fun after she tried something, which I doubt as it wouldn't fit at all with the way they've interacted with Sonia, I'm completely willing to second your suggestion. If they didn't and Bekka just kept trying to cause trouble, well, I'm proud of her but the injuries are to be expected.

"So." you begin, sitting down next to Bekka.
"So?"
"You got a little beat up."
"Yep."
"You want to tell me what happened?"
"Are you going to be like Mom and Dad about it? Because I have to live with them."
"I just want to know if it was because of anything you did."
"No..." She responds, making sure not to look directly at you.
"No?"
"Or not really. Maybe a little bit?
"Bekka."
"You're sounding like mom now."
Dammit.

As you expected she did attempt to cause problems for the kidnappers once she'd shaken off the effects of the initial stun grenade. While still within the aerocar she attempted to take a pistol off one of them, getting hit and stunned in the process. Later on she picked up her worst injuries when the momentum of her attack was used against her resulting in a collision with a concrete floor. Still despite this she remained less than cooperative when put into the stasis vault. If the swing towards your head was any indication.

>>32027455
"That's so stupid. And awesome. And adorable... Don't tell mom and dad I said the the last two."

How are her friends doing, btw? I hope they're not upset they got kidnapped because they were hanging out with her.

>>32027455

"There is a line between bravery and stupidity, Bekka. It seems I'll have to ensure you get the training to know the difference."

And then Bekka was a marine

>>32027455
>>32028225
Note to self, get Bekka a trainer for combat and self defense. She is going to be this tiny little killing machine by the time we're done with her and will completely outmatch everyone that graduates to cannon fod- I mean Corvettes along with her.

>>32026895
>Original Proposal
Thanks.

The shields needed for such a design would require quite a bit of power. Sublight drives and reactors used on an LST or light attack ship are what's needed to take care of that so they'll be trans-atmospheric capable.
The Shallans have used nuclear land mines to take down those tanks on a few occasions so they would just go ahead with modding existing LST's.

As for building your own design you're going to need a shipyard. Just a small one mind you but a place to build them all the same. They're small enough that it could be on the surface of a planet, a station or in one of your asteroids. It seems this will need to be brought up when visiting South Reach to get RSS straightened out.
(Please remember to bring it up.)


>>32027624
>How are her friends doing, btw? I hope they're not upset they got kidnapped because they were hanging out with her.
Mirdem and Velsa were annoyed that they were not kidnapped as well as they likely could have moderated Bekka's impulsiveness long enough for the group to stage a coordinated attack.
Dan is still angry that his concussion kept him from contributing.

>>32027624
>>32028225
"That's so stupid. And awesome. And adorable... Don't tell mom and dad I said the the last two."
Bekka glares at you. "Just stop saying I'm adorable and I won't."

"Anyways, the lesson to be learned here is that there is a line between bravery and stupidity, Bekka. It seems I'll have to ensure you get the training to know the difference."

"Also that you need to spend money on security so I don't have to change schools." She points out.

"Ye- no, that's not what it means."

[ ] "It's too dangerous, even Mom and Dad want you moved elsewhere."
[ ] "I suppose if you're really determined to stay I'll try to convince Mom and Dad."

>>32028976
>[X] "I suppose if you're really determined to stay I'll try to convince Mom and Dad."

The things we are willing to do for our sister.

>>32028976
>[ ] "It's too dangerous, even Mom and Dad want you moved elsewhere."

>>32028976
[x] "I suppose if you're really determined to stay I'll try to convince Mom and Dad, once measures are taken."

>>32028976
>Bekka glares at you. "Just stop saying I'm adorable and I won't."
D'aaawwww

>[ ]
"Let's see how your old school measures up to the place mom and dad are planning to send you to once I'm done with throwing money at it."

File: gif-animate-4.gif (977 KB, 250x187)

977 KB GIF

I'm making up a survey which includes the previous question, but also a few other things. Your armoured jumpsuit proved its use once again when your lodge was broken into. What sort of upgrades would you like to see for it?
I have the following options so far:

Integrated Oxygen/Filtration mask
Integrated retractable helmet, vacuum rated (Pic related)
Retractable gauntlets
Retractable gauntlets, vacuum rated
Interlocking mesh support for smart grapple system (Your arm won't get torn from it's socket)


>>31980754
>You know who we are good friends with that works everywhere and just so happens to work with/for the Ruling house?
>The Knights Errant.
Does anyone still want to talk to them about the Clones or send them a sample? If so I'll see about adding it.

I just found this thread, and it seems really interesting, but I went to the archive, and I have no clue where to start, does anyone know the proper order?

>>32030991
Okay.

The first thread start in December 2011 and goes like so:
For House and Dominion: Space Combat in the 41st Century I-XXV (1-25)
Smugglers Run Campaign 1-12
Wing Commander 1-35
Neeran War 1-10
Home Front 1-10
Neeran War 2nd Tour 1-11
Home Front II 1-3.5/current thread

That is the reading order with a "Ballroom Edition" here and there.

>>32031398

Thank you! You are amazing!

>>32031443
It's no problem as it can be kind of confusing to find the first thread due to sup /tg/ archive silliness.

Hope you like what you see and that you will join our merry band.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5XB3MFC


>>32031507
>it can be kind of confusing to find the first thread due to sup /tg/ archive silliness.
Part of the reason I've been meaning to make this page for awhile. I just never have time for it.

http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/House_%26_Dominion_Complete_Archive

Does anyone know the best way to host pages on the wiki that suptg didn't save? I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually I just don't want to muck it up in the process. And it's past 3 AM so things are not making the most sense right now.

>>32032120
you should be able to find threads not saved on sup/tg/ on the foolz archive, it auto archives all threads on /tg/

>>32023611
Personally I would like to try out mobile manufacturing on a small scale with a single product first, I think armor plating would be perfect, as it is a) in constant demand along the front lines b) a good that needs to be produced in bulk and shipped in large quantities, therefore putting a strain on our (the Alliance's) logistic network, c) we already have contacts with House Posat and their armor plating manufacturer and d) I imagine it is comparatively simple to produce (as opposed to say weapons or drive tech etc.)

TSTG: How many ships (and other investments such as manufacturing licenses) would we roughly need to set up a pilot project like this?

>>32032120
>No option to just fire the rulebreaking amateurs.
I mean really, why would we reward them for harming our company to joyride unsafe fighters? If anyone wants to sponsor amateurs, I'm sure there are better ways to go about it.

Don't know if we need the thread bumped but I'll give it one anyway.