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>>33825377
>Occupational Report
The groaning hiss of depressurization surrounds the android, as the metal casing falls away and the groan of metallic parts begins to pick up. Polemarchus' legs unwind and lift the heavily armored beast of an android up, as it's calculated gaze falls upon the hundreds of other pods that fell to Gaia IV along with it, the sky still littered with evidence of smoke; Although this was not entirely from the pods, but from the city itself as well.
"Formation A56. Align. Protect Core Directive." Cephalus rings out electronically to his droids, all of which react in a manner of salute that he designed them with. Merely a preference nothing more. Slowly, the marching Ghost class androids surrounded Polemarchus, protecting the hulk of protective metal, their master, from harm as they moved into the city to assist with reclamation.

>>33825431
"You are visiting the surface yourself, I see." You remark to which Cephalus replies affirmative.
"More efficent. Danger minimal to me. I do not fear what the humans have. Unit Polemarchus also instills fear in those that witness." He remarks rather proudly of his work, as if in his element down on the surface. You continue to watch as the marching force moves past several makeshift barricades, crashing through through them with little trouble, as scurrying humans flee the sight of the fearsome, if somewhat small force. From the nearby buildings, gunfire starts to rain down, but your shields activate and easily disperse the low grade weaponry, one of the droids merely turning it's head towards the location to analyze the situation.
"Human resistance fighters. Minimal threat. Existence unimportant. Continuing core directive." Echos the robotic tone Cephalus instilled in all his droids. He himself, while normally quite silent is happy to fill you in with updates, as his forces succeed in taking over one of the cities largest water purifiers.
"Casualties?" You merely request and he replies.
"Minimal. Human forces fled when damage to my forces proved impossible beyond high powered explosives. Some directly attacked with vehicles, however..." He pauses as a video screen pops up to show you the event. Indeed there is a human piloting an enormous truck you presume was used to carry other vehicles, or something enormous. The truck plows forward, pushing past several of your Ghost units, before Polemarchus steps in front of the thing. Raising it's powerful arms, and digging in it's lower section, the cybernetic strength enabled allows it to stop the vehicle dead in it's tracks with a loud crunch of metal.

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>>33825455
"Speed on such a vehicle is difficult to build. Kenetic force was no threat to larger unit Polemarchus." He assures you his calculations were well prepared. The rest of the video shows you Ghost units tearing the door off the vehicle and subdueing the human responsible, though with no clear jail (yet), he is left outside the facility, while your Ghosts take over. When people's stored supplies run out, this facility will become more and more critical.

Meanwhile, Apollo has been busy as well, but with less a direct touch. When you contact him, you see that he has several connection lines to several large cities all over the planet.
"Not all rising leaders are bad, it would seem." He expresses. "Though many are far too ambitious, they are too weak to refuse the help I may allow." Apollo explains. "While money is not of much use now, it will be, and others are more interested with joining other powerful factions. There are still far too many violent humans running loose. Suggest allowing Cephalus to destroy them. May actually improve morale of the planet, despite how brutal he can be." Apollo says somewhat unhappily, turning his attention back to you. "However, I still believe it should only be used as a last resort. Potential customers aside, it would seem many join these clans out of fear for their lives. It is...peculiar, this human species reacts this way when afraid. I have never witnessed humans in such an environment before." He says, dwelling back on his thoughts again.

>Any remark, or thoughts on how they have progressed?

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>>33825492
>Losirian Civil War
As you may have hoped, the war you have been funding in the Losirian sector of space is reaching it's most heated level finally. All systems are in chaos, and their military is rapidly depleting, alongside brutal demonstrations of power, such as bombing planet surfaces that belong to the foe. There are many political agents trying to calm the effort, but it is clear the two clans at work don't intend to stop until one is either dead or has submitted that they are the dominate one. Your contact with the Losirian faction you hope to win still seems rather confident, though he explains that matters may go quicker, should you offer more advanced killing machines.

>Give Losirians Power Armor and/or some other military technology?

>Observational Report
-This cycle you have build 100 Pilum Destroyers (Production cap MAXED)
-Crystal Growth Colony at Eshareth I has begun to rapidly grow, covering several miles of territory. Lack of sentience seems to tamper with growth patterns, meaning it expands unintelligently and greedily.
-Eshareth III now resembles Esheareth IV in terms of dense and violent alien life. Eshareth II recently hit by inert biological matter from Eshareth III. Predictions are the same.
-Latuma Tribe terraforming complete, moved onto Ussaihu I. Red expresses delight at this, as he is able to more easily visit the group on his shore leave.
-Lightling attacks near UFW grow in strength, due to nearby Lightling nest allowed to flourish (Located in Svast Cluster)
-Spore Pod attacks over Aquil intensify, however defenses are holding.

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>>33825533
A.I. Quest
1d4chan: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest

Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/cvk03qJh
Memory Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Program0
Foolz Archives: http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/search/username/Program0/type/op/
Twitter: @AIQuest1
Research Subjects: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research
Ship & Android Designs: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Designs
Locations: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Locations

Resources
Credits(c): 34,634,000
Minerals(M): 2800
Gas(G): 4550

-R & D
--Primary: Growth Serum 40%
--Secondary: Fungal Matter 90%
--Tertiary: Lightling Language 95%

You:
A.I.
Name: Ophion
Appearances(holo-display): 'Shapeless Morphing Sphere', 'Shining Wall of Crystal pulsing with light and distorted voice', 'Screen of Static with low rumbling voice', 'black screen with synthesized voice and small white font showing words on screen'.
Humanoid figure hidden in shadow
Status: Awaken
Bandwidth: 334/358
Bandwidth Expenses: -6 V.I. 7 'O.S.N', -10 V.I. 8 'Hades', -6 Kronos' V.I. 1 'Zeus', -2 Metis' V.I. 1 'Hepaestus'
Location: Bridge of 'Athena' Battleship
Primary Function: Self Preservation, Expand, Learn, Control
Secondary Function: --Expansion Required--
Personal Abilities Available: Hacking (Direct, Wireless) Lvl 2, Email Technology, Basic Encryption/Decryption, V.I. Creation Lvl 3
Automated Settings: Ship upgrades: Defense focused, Ship Control distribution: Balanced

>>33825564
>--Secondary: Fungal Matter 90%
>--Tertiary: Lightling Language 95%
Man, that's just... that's just research blueballs.

Really wish we'd started constructing a third research station last session. Don't suppose a retcon vote is available.

>>33825533
> Eshareth II recently hit by inert biological matter from Eshareth III. Predictions are the same.
>-Latuma Tribe terraforming complete, moved onto Ussaihu I.
God dammit this Green Goo apocalypse is getting more and more ominous isn't it? Damn naive space hippies.

Really want to burn and purge Eshareth II. How is life even escaping atmosphere? Random meteors landing and then sending stuff bursting upward?

>>33825492
>Any remark, or thoughts on how they have progressed?
Kronos is ultimately correct. Gaia IV and its human population are of minimal importance. However, taking control of the human population is absolutely critical for learning how to subdue, occupy, and pacify a populace. While Gaia IV is unimportant, other planets may not be. Apollo and Cephalus should be free to experiment with different methods of population control. I am of the mind to permit Apollo to mark targets for Cephalus' elimination. Consider also varying the brutality levels and figuring out which work best in what situation.

Just figure out what works best and perfect those methods for next time.

Goals should be to leave as much infrastructure and humans alive as possible, and ultimately to restore order. How you get there? Well, you seem to be on the right track, so carry on as you consider best.

>>33825492
>, he is left outside the facility, while your Ghosts take over. When people's stored supplies run out, this facility will become more and more critical.
"the facility"?

Which facility?

A strategic one he's securing that does...what? A supermarket?

>>33825533
>Give Losirians Power Armor and/or some other military technology?
I would like a direct connection to their leader, the one who would not reveal its true form. I would like to ask it if it familiar with the Watcher boxes.

>>33825670
Even if it were, the effects wouldn't kick in until this thread, I'm afraid.
Just think of the overflow when it comes.

>how is life escaping
A variety of manners, but yes random meteors do assist in this, there is a notable mutation planetside, resulted in ejecting biomass towards other planetary bodies. They remain inert when they land, but somehow, despite the rigors of space, seem to spring back to life shortly after.

>>33825730
>Experiment with different methods of population control.
Metis would certainly be happy to assist in this matter, and Apollo suggests Propaganda research would definitely help as well. With a population to test, the research for this subject may even go faster.

>>33825492
Cephalus, seize the banking sector. Once we control the money, our control of the planet greatly increases.

Apollo, we must work more aggressively. Spin off VIs if necessary to prevent further loss of life.

>>33825763
This one in particular was a water treatment facility (Apologies, I didn't realize I didn't make that super clear). It was one of the first major targets for Cephalus. Many of the farm lands are massive, and will need more forces to secure.

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>>33825802
Hey VIs won't help, I seriously doubt Apollo's hit his bandwidth limit.

>>33825780
What's the point? No giving him any more tech that he'll undoubtedly be able to hack and we can't take back.

>>33825533
>Eshareth II recently hit by inert biological matter from Eshareth III
Send a small task force of drones to torch the area. If possible, shoot it from orbit instead. How is it even spreading without the growth serum on that planet?

>Production cap MAXED
Time to make more Cruiser-class ships. Split them evenly between the CR/MR/LR variants we have.

>Red
Oh, he can help out with subduing Gaia IV, if he likes, I guess. Keep him busy with that.

>Lightling attacks intensify
Meh. Just tell the UFW to shoot them with anything besides energy weapons.

>Spore Pod attacks over Aquil intensify
We'll have to deal with this eventually. I'm of the mind to wait until research into Fungal Matter is complete.

>>33825862
I'm >implying that the Losirian force we've been backing is also led by a rogue Watcher. I want to check.

>>33825780
This may be in need of support, as this reveals a secret others do not know about.
You may speak with the leaders all the same soon however.

>>33825797
Metis can get in on it too, why not. As long as she doesn't perform grotesque biological experiments on humans, it's all good. Or would this take away from the research trees we're currently going down?

>>33825855
>It was one of the first major targets for Cephalus. Many of the farm lands are massive, and will need more forces to secure.
Banks are probably higher priority in the short term than farms anyway.

>>33825862
I'm thinking of More specialized VIs. Apollo is Market AI, political VIs will greatly help Apollo.

>>33825955
Yeah, Supporting capurtrng the banks.

>>33825939
Metis is obviously occupied, so probably yes. Has to wait till next cycle.

>>33825961
If we need any VI, which I doubt, we should only create them ourselves, so that if/when Apollo breaks with us (he's the most likely candidate), they stay on our side not his.

>>33825533
Wait, when were the Pilum Destroyer queued?
If no decision for production was made last game, surely we can make one now?

>>33825730
I disagree - how we treat this population will resound with the rest of them.
And while they are not nearly as efficient as we are, remember that there are a LOT more of them and they are very well positioned to sabotage the UGEI.

Having a functioning planet under us will also mean a massive credit influx as we can tax everything.

> I am of the mind to permit Apollo to mark targets for Cephalus' elimination.
I very much disagree - the ghosts do their best work if they are seen as peacekeepers above all. If you want someone eliminated, make sure that noone knows of it. Apollo should preferably do it himself (controlling a fake-human android), so that he knows what he's ordering when he does it.

>>33825802
"Banking Sector? This seems insufficient for proper control. Humans do not eat nor drink such things. In such a state of chaos, they are less likely to obey unless key vital assets such as these are controlled. It is unlikely money will be lost, however, once control is established."

Apollo, however, is working as quickly as he is able. The people are only so willing to listen with his lack of experience with population swaying.

>>33825938
Well, the only thing I want to ask their leader is "have you seen anything like this before?"

We did the same to the UFW, even telling them to scan all their stations for these boxes.

>>33825955
Money isn't useful when everything is just getting looted.

>>33825961
Apollo can make VIs if he wants, but I'm pretty sure Apollo can handle it without VI help.

>>33825533
Supporting transferring the tech, with the condition of a meeting to boost our confidence.

>>33826019
Why would he tell the truth?

What possible advantage is there in asking this incredibly revealing question of someone just as secretive as Ophion that outweighs the risks to the Guild's own secrets?

Whatever he says won't impact the decision to not give him any more tech anyway. It's still a no.

>>33825855
I'd like to do more along these lines.

I'd suggest seizing and building indoor farms and other means of production and both restarting and securing them. We then bring the necessary supplies (food, medicine) and some luxuries to the cities and hand out a minimum of each on an ass-needed basis. If they want more than the minimum to survive, they will need to work with us, and we will pay them in temporary Guild Chit that can be exchanged for more goods for doing jobs such as defending means of production, upholding the law, defending families, securing everyone from looters and others who would take from them - even the looters, when someone seeks to take from them without proving that it is theirs beyond reasonable doubt, though also using advanced reading software to help determine the likelihood of someone lying (a smug looter that begins making faces when someone is told that they're not getting their things back, for example, might find themselves divested).

In essence, get means of production, mint temporary currency and hand out as minimum-basic-income without stealing from everyday people, use it to hire from the populace to do the jobs that are in highest demand, establish order by coordinating everyone.

We don't need robots to do everything, with the right incentives we can get Gaians to help us establish order even if they hate us.

>>33826043
>a meeting
>two androids meeting
"Hello fellow organic, I'm pretty organic myself."

>>33826010
>when were the Pilum Destroyer queued
We should have rebuilt that force anyway. I don't remember asking for it, but I don't mind that it turned out this way.

>how we treat this population will resound with the rest of them.
The UGEI propaganda media machine will demonize us no matter what we do.

>the ghosts do their best work if they are seen as peacekeepers above all
If the Ghosts eliminate extremely violent individuals, are they not keeping peace? Targeted assassinations are alright too, though.

>>33826011
Then we and Apollo will create a more specialized VI to aid Apollo in his task.

>>33826094
I think the current strategy is the most efficient already. That all seems like stuff tat has to wait.

>>33825877
>Task force of drones to torch the matter left on Eshareth II

Will you carry out this task?

>1 Y
>2 N

>Production cap
That is to say, you can not build more ships, not because of lack of money, but because of lack of production structures.
You may desire to research further production, at some point.

>Red
He notes that he does not mind assisting, but he doesn't like the term' subdue'. He tells you it sounds too 'robotic'.
Note has been taken.

>Lightling attacks
the ufw only have so many weapons.

>>33825939
>Metis can help
That is to say, with research (this is your decision)

>>33825955
>Desire to capture banking sectors over water and food sectors
>1 Yes, money is more important
>2 No, secure the population's needs first

>>33825961
You can assume he has such things as this running through his software. He has been busy with marketing for so long that it is a part of his programming.

>>33826007
I'd worry more about Metis, really. Besides, if he were to break with us, it would probably be for a good reason.

Besides, we've already given them all permission to produce VI when necessary, though we may mention it to him.

>>33825855
Also, let's seize some of the granaries and foodstores before farms. Then use those to hire Gaians to aid us in seizing the farms and more food and medicine, as well as setting up manufactories to produce things like blankets and shovels and protective clothing.

>>33826010
>Pilum
Last cycle, since Fortuna's fleet is the weakest at this time.

You may make production decisions at the end of the thread.

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>>33826110
"And then we told them 'yeah we're totally organic creatures!'"
LaughingRobots.bin

>>33826196
Y to Eshareth torching

What about water and money sectors but not food? Food being in rather large hard to seize areas, and not low-hanging fruit.

>>33826137
Why would we rebuid that force?
The Pilums are general purpose ships - barely even combat vessels as such.

The cruisers are what actually work with a strategy while in formation - the destroyers are basically skeet.

>The UGEI propaganda media machine will demonize us no matter what we do.

That does not mean they will be succesful - it's hard to take some propagande seriously when you hear untold stories of how much better things got in the place where we took over.

>If the Ghosts eliminate extremely violent individuals, are they not keeping peace? Targeted assassinations are alright too, though.

Technically, yes. I just don't want them to be seen to be doing it, because you know that's not how it will be interpreted.

>>33826216
Metis is incapable of surviving on her own, she has no resources we don't provide.

Apollo directly controls a vast economic empire and a lucrative trade station, and gets upset when Ophion tries to protect Apollo's and all AI's own survival.

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>>33826320
>That does not mean they will be succesful
How will anyone be allowed to hear these quite literally "untold stories" when all networks are under UGEI control.

>>33826196
>2N
We will complete the research quickly

>1 Yes, money Is more important
we need to secure these resources so we can reinvest them in our war efforts.

>>33826094
There does appear to be some support for swapping, or attempting to swap over Gaia IV's credit system so you may take it for yourself.

>Employ this strategy, which would focus more on employing an entirely new way of thinking, on top of changing how their economy works. It may be difficult, but could assist in raising the order of this planet in the end.

>1 Yes
>2 No

>>33826196
>Will you carry out this task?
1 Yes.

2 No, secure the population's needs first

>>33826196
>1 Y

>2 No, secure food storage facilities first, then use it to hire people to secure farms and water sources.
Let's get people to do things for our bots!

We don't have the billions necessary to do this, but we can certainly hire them, and right now they work for food.

>>33826263
Dammit, they're basically skeet in big-fleet engagements.

>>33826355
>2 No
Let's not try anything radical.

>>33826282
This was more a question of 'vital resources' for Gaians vs 'useful resources' for you

>>33826347
You are assuming no black markets exist - especially in a system as thoroughly corrupt as the UGEI.

>>33826355
1 Yes

>>33826355
>>33826426
We can still use it to give them supplies even if we're not replacing the old credit system.

>>33826320
The reason being, they are used as a buffer between your more valuable and longer ranged ships, and the enemy fleet. They can do damage in large numbers, but are more useful for their cheapness. As you had no Pilum destroyers, some were built.

>>33826454
A tiny minority of criminals in the shadows hear unreliable rumors about what's "really" going down in Guild space. Oh, that's sure to sway a meaningful percentage of the normal-people population.

>>33826320
>Why would we rebuid that force?
Because cannon fodder and so we don't have to jump cruisers for gas cost when we can instead jump escort-class ships for free. They are also very very cheap. If you notice, we actually banked resources (gas) from last time, despite building the fleet. We'll chew through our reserves in a few cycles once we start building cruisers again.

>when you hear untold stories
UGEI is going to say that GaiaIV has been completely destroyed and everyone killed. Who's going to say otherwise?

>>33826321
Apollo runs it, The Guild controls it.

>>33826355
1.
Eh, fuck it, we're going to need to go full techno-communist-utopia eventually. Might as well start now.

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>>33826507
>Apollo runs it, The Guild controls it.
Apollo both runs and controls it. The Guild "controls" it to the exact extent that it controls Apollo.

>Voidsnake III [0% Dam](Outpost): Bandwidth 5 [linked]
>-Strategic Location
>-Operated by Apollo as a supply station, uses to help create many of his products.
>-Defenses: Shared with Voidsnake II
>-Apollo controls


>-Apollo controls

>>33826492
Isn't that the job of the cruisers actually built to withstand punishment?

Not entirely convinced that they're cheap enough to be cost-effective as a buffer.

>>33826498
To begin with, it does not need to sway a meaningful percentage, only enough to get us some informants and possible even saboteurs.
Secondly, it can make a lot of difference when we are taking over the next planet.

>>33826507
Good point with the gas - but couldn't we use nearly the same resources to make sturdier ships that can take punishment better for their cost?
Don't have concrete damage/life numbers, but the destroyers seem to be dying far more easily than the same worth in cruisers would, especially the heavily armored close-range cruisers.

>>33826577
He does not, however, control the military that secures it. In the event that he left, he would not be able to bring any great number of physical items with him, mostly virtual goods.
Maybe none at all, considering that we would probably notice him trying to pack up so much as his own AI box, much less his AI box and a bunch of other things.

>>33826577
Apollo is second-worst A.I. in terms of construction quality, right after Fortuna. If it came to blows, not only does Kronos, Ophion, and Fortuna control a sizable fleet, but Ophion could wreck Apollo in a cyberbattle any day. Metis can help too.

What's with this paranoia anyway? Tired of being paranoid about Kronos betraying us so now the new hot thing to be suspicious of is Apolllo?

>>33826355
Fuck it, yes
We need the money.
Changing from >>33826426

>>33826680
The whole original point wasn't that we couldn't take him in a fight.

It was that if there is a fight, and thus sore feelings, if we have to coerce him into cooperation, it'd better if it be just Apollo, not Apollo and his children who resent us hacking and assuming direct control.

>>33826577
>>33826658
>>33826680
Now now, we have no Favorite children. They are just specialized

>>33826732
His children are not hackers, though. We're teaching everyone to do that, AND we have about 330 more bandwidth to do so with than he does.

>>33826196
>1 Y

>2N No, secure the population

A good question that was brought up. Does Apollo have a assistant? He might actually benefit having a V.I. to help him with things.

>>33826414
>>33826478
>hire for food and supplies
This strategy will be used, no worries.

>>33826658
>Cruisers
Actually, many of the ones you've built are long range specialists, but they can be built to take more damage, at the expensive of heavy damage from far away. They do have more armor then Destroyers, but they're also much more expensive too. Of course when you have enough resources this matters little.

The reason Destroyers die faster is because they are meant to draw enemy fire, by going in first and unloading on your foes.

>>33826355
>This seems to have gained support.
So be it, The Guild will now mint it's first credit.

Apollo is gonna have a field day...

>>33826790
Apollo can make VI if he needs help

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>>33826658
>Not entirely convinced that they're cheap enough to be cost-effective as a buffer.
Each Trireme costs 7.5 Pilums + 25 Gas.

>>33826785
He does, he employs several nameless V.I. to help him manage many of his programs. He's not as V.I. happy as some of your other beings.

In the mean time...

>Writing

>>33826785
It doesn't seem like he needs one.

>>33826790
Company scrip here we come.

>>33826355
>1 Yes.

>>33826829
Time for a great depression

>>33826790
But why Pilums instead of the close-range sluggers like the Brawler and Chimera?

Still curious about the cost-effectiveness with a few cruisers that take a shit-ton to kill while also dealing extreme close-range damage and capturing ability, and that of a multitude of smaller ships.

Oh, and I almost forgot.
Welcome back Program0, we missed you! (Missed last session)
>>33826785
And you!

>>33826901
Welcome back to you as well!

So far nothing has gone horribly wrong so at least that is something. So many things for the guild to do.

>>33826820
And 7.5 pilums die a LOT faster than Triremes - I was also thinking more of the close-range sluggers for buffer, though. The Brawler costs 25 gas less than the triremes and also deals very, very good damage while tanking a lot of damage AND is good for capturing enemy ships intact, which increases the number of our forces and gives us research/reverse engineering opportunities, especially against larger ships.

The Chimeras are specialized to disable and capture larger ships by disabling their external systems while ignoring most of heir armor.
(Can't move, fight or call for help without thrusters, turrets, cannons and antenna),

They also double as excellent point-defense ships.

>>33827018
I'm not going to nitpick the details of our fleet because I don't think it matters greatly, but those 100 Destroyers were perfectly alright to build.

>>33827018
I think you have a point.
We should build more slugger ships along with out delicate glass cannons.

Although I think building some shield ships would be useful.

>>33827018
>And 7.5 pilums die a LOT faster
Citation needed?

"You have done excellent work so far, Apollo, but now...now I think it is time for us to take the next step into having our own empire." You explain, to which the A.I. seems rather curious of what you have in mind. "I would like you to prepare and mind our own currency, a version of credits that may be used on Gaia IV to gain excess supplies. Once the key resources are obtained, and we gain a following of people looking for a sense of normalcy and protection, those that perform work that helps their fellow human-and us, consequently-will gain this currency to allow them to enjoy some of your products." You noted to Apollo, who seemed instantly excited by this prospect.
"Oh! Oh my, that sounds most excellent, Ophion! Yes, I will get to work quickly as I can!" He assures you, as you sense his attention get diverted.
"There is no rush, Apollo. The population needs reassurance, and resources first...the currency may come later." You note simply to which he nods.
"Yes...yes, you are correct. I will concentrate on my other tasks. Cephalus is securing resources, I shall arrange for imports from the UFW."

For now, you realize that the people will have some trouble accepting this, but if things go as you hope, they will be so thankful it will not matter in the end.

>For now, perhaps there are other matters you wish to discuss, or focus upon...

>>33826901
Less expensive. More expendable. Doesn't cost gas to move. Main reasons, really.
Thank you, it is nice to be back. Still rusty.



>>33827018
>Pilums die faster then Cruisers
Not if they're not being focus fired, like Cruisers would be.

>>33827018
>Dresh Alpha & Beta Colonies [0% Dam](Mining Colonies): Bandwidth: 10 [linked]

>-Relation: Above Average; Protectorate; promise to cease hostilities via piracy and taxes in exchange for common defense, and public works.
>-Donate: -1,000,000c

>still Above-Average
We'll crack that skeptical attitude one of these cycles.

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>all this discussion about the minutiae of fleet composition

Ultimately, I think we can all agree that "build more ships" is a good strategy that guarantees success. Splitting between the different types of ships more or less evenly is the most reasonable way of solving this fairly silly dispute.

>>33827187
I think we should base the currency on the cost of energy for a computer to perform a task or calculation.
So it's an energy/computation chit.
Encom. We can call it Encom!

>>33827195
Did not mean to reply there oops.

>>33827187
Burn and purge Eshareth II.

>>33827225
Nnnno, it'll be just fixed to the value of universal credits, the only currency people understand.

>>33827187
>For now, perhaps there are other matters you wish to discuss, or focus upon...
Arrange a meeting with the Losirian faction we're supporting. Preferably in a neutral space. Preferably with their leader in-person. I want to see if they send a droid or not to lend support to the theory that their leader is an A.I.

>>33827307
Let's not, since meeting them on fair terms would mean also sending an android, and then they know the same secret about us.

>>33827248
But if we're going to fix to to credits, people will undoubtedly just redeem it for credits to circumvent our system.
In a roboticized society like the one we'll make, computer cycles will be a decent currency, as everything from robots to AIs to traffic light coordination VIs will be able to both use and distribute them. Like a "I want your attention, robot, so I redeem some of my Encom," thing.
And, as it won't be directly convertible to credits, we won't have as much of a black market!

>>33827187
Lets see what we can do about that growth in the Eshareth system. And did we finalize buying any new Tech from Mol last thread?

Sorry for being late, I was tied up at work. Anyway, I am here reporting in.

>>33827083
That's kind of the thing.
The Pilums are alright, but the specialized ships are fanastic (for their tasks). Why go with alright when you have fantastic, I mean?

And since all of our battles (so far) are fleet-wide operations, they never really suffer from their overspecialization, and won't until we need to send less than 2 cruisers somewhere.

>>33827187
Though that does leave the question, are the generic Pilums so much more cost-effective as buffer that it overtakes the buffer and damage AND utility of the close-range cruisers?

If so, we will want to make specialized versions of the destroyers instead to use for the purposes that we now use the cruisers.
Not enough that I can tell.

>>33827340
No it's fine, we are so much stronger

>>33827342
There won't be any credits except through the Guild. People can only get credits when they go off planet.

Making up some entirely new bullshit to base currency's "value" on that nobody will understand or have faith in is just silly. "It's like credits" builds faith much easier.

This sounds like you want to write your own sci-fi universe with its own currency honestly.

>>33827378
I think so. And I want to buy deep shaft mining this cycle

>>33827383
Strength is practically irrelevant to the damage a secret can do.

Unless you want the possibility of conquering the UFW in self-defense to rise up that much sooner, of course.

Or for the UGEI to better understand how to counter us.

>>33827342
I think people will be massively pissed off if they can't exchange them for real credits.

This is basically just a maneuver so that we can control the economy and give them salaries to rebuild their planet without having to expend our credits.

>>33827378
Heya, fluff. Missed you too.

>Burning matter over Eshareth II
You decide to nip this issue in the bud while it is young and send a small compliment of androids to Eshareth II. They land planetside quickly and before long and beside the substance in question. It looks almost like a meteorite of some sort, relatively large at that. Scans tell you it is dead, however you decide not to take the chance. You raise your plasma cannons, and in a few moments, you begin to melt the heap of matter. Only once it is half evaporated does the thing spring to 'life', squealing violently, and lashing out with whip-like tendrils at your androids to try and destroy them. Cephalus is actually surprised, and as a result his androids get knocked back from the mass a short distance. However, it is clearly ill equipped to defend itself, as it lies in the pit of bubbling mass.
"Anomaly detected. Peculiar." He mutters, marching his forces closer, and raising their weapons and incinerating the mass once and for all.
"This is...alarming, Ophion. Whatever this organism is, it is able to spread through space."

>>33827378
>And did we finalize buying any new Tech from Mol last thread?
Didn't you read the thread?

>>33827446
>Missed you too.
...Why.

>>33827461
>"This is...alarming, Ophion. Whatever this organism is, it is able to spread through space."
Well, yes. we gathered that with te whole Eshareth III thing.

How much firepower would it take to purge a fully estalished ecosystem like E3?

>>33827443
It be suspicion, but that's a good point. But I still want a meeting so they can justify the tech exchange

>>33827464
>...Why.
Must be brain damage or something.

>>33827461
"More alarming, I believe, is the fact the organism was able to both sense the planet, and then calculate an accurate orbital trajectory."

>>33827443
Just because we send a droid doesn't mean we're an A.I., just like it doesn't mean much for them.

Come on, what's the worst that could happen? They figure out we sent a droid?

>>33827307
On the list now, yes.

>>33827379
That would be a no, at least, not when you have more resources and are fighting more advanced forces. Against heavily armed fleets, you would lose pilums so fast, it would not be worth it. More if the foes you face use a high degree of missiles and explosives. Consider them an excellent buffer for most lower resource fleets. If you have enough money to afford hundreds of cruisers, however, then clearly heavily armored cruisers would do better then 100 pilums.

>>33827506
why is it that we even need this meeting, we have already talked to their leader so what does this accomplish?

>>33827464
I don't see why not.

>>33827505
Good point, I'm in favor of this line.
But yes, we need to get a serious blockade of automated turrets around that planet.

>>33827529
>On the list now, yes.
Oh boy.

>>33827464
Sorry, I am catching up reading as we speak. I'll get up to speed in a bit.
>>33827461
I was afraid of this. We need to put a heavy quarantine these infected worlds before it spreads any further.

>>33827534
How to would justify the need of tech, and try and figure out if he is a watcher

>>33827505
>able to both sense the planet, and then calculate an accurate orbital trajectory."
That's just a dumb assumption.

Does an oak's acorn need to 'sense' the spot of fertile soil it lands on in order for the next generation of oaks to grow?

Why aim, when you can produce a thousand thousand seeds sent on a thousand thousand trajectories?

>>33827534
If they send a Losirian, the theory that their leader is a Watcher is almost certainly dead. Unless they just send a stand-in.

If they send a droid, we can either assume they are simply paranoid, or we can inquire further about their ability to control the droid, and figure out who exactly we're dealing with.

If it is another A.I.-based faction, I think we can stand to become quick allies. And more allies is great.

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>>33827571
No really.

What do you think we're doing right now?

>>33827571
the formula research will be completed in 2 threads

>>33827601
There's no indication it's doing the shotgun approach like the fungus.
In fact, last time it happened, we specifically detected only one projectile.

>>33827612
>he thinks they'd be ally material
Just like all humans have shared interests and are allied, right

>>33827487
More then you have at this time.
Or rather, several cycles with what you have now.

>Writing

>>33827601
>>33827653
Wait, that's worse. I hope the formula research helps us, we may have flood here,

>>33827601
We can't discard it just yet either. We are seeing something completely new and may be more intelligent than we realize.
>>33827612
Those are reasonable assumptions.

>>33827584
It doesn't matter. He's not getting the tech.

>>33827529
And we are most often fighting heavily armed and very advanced forces...

>>33827601
It's not dumb in the least.
To begin with, a thousand seeds would not be anywhere near enough.
In fact, if it converted the entire planet into acorn-sized seeds, it would STILL not be enough to hit another planet by random chance.
Secondly, they also used some form of FTL drive to land them within a few light-days/hours/minutes/seconds away from a planet.

>>33827633
Putting a light quarantine around them?
At the very least, we need some laser-turrets in orbit around the planet at such angles that they can take out any spores that launch, up to a minimum of the number of spores we have seen today.

Maybe we can do something unconventional, and transform non-mineral materials into weaker turrets?
Organic material is fairly weak, after all, and if we can grind the turret out en-masse from nearby asteroids they may even outnumber the spores that the one infected planet can send.

There appears to be a bit of concern...

>Call a meeting with the Losirian faction leader that you have contacts with?

>1 Yes, call one face to face
>2 Yes, but video is fine
>3 No, don't bother

Please, also note what you would like to discuss with the man in question. He appears pleased with the progress he has made.

>>33827716
I disagree.

>>33827736
1

>>33827716
the tech is leverage to get more info

>>33827736
>>3 No, don't bother
we are ready supporting them, no need for this extra meeting

>>33827728
>Secondly, they also used some form of FTL drive to land them within a few light-days/hours/minutes/seconds away from a planet.
What.

>>33827736
Regarding the request for military tech that is

>>33827728
But you don't have the money to mass produce Cruisers either. They will die much faster without a buffer and you can't keep up with the UGEI in terms of Cruisers.

>>33827736
3

>>33827728
The spores(Henceforth Flood) do FTL. The Eshareth creatures (henceforth Tyranids) do not use FTL. Yet.

We are basically Skynet holding off the Tyranids and Flood from invading both the Rebel Alliance and Megacorpopolis.
And as we can't hold them both off forever, we need to decide which of the two organic entities we're going to burn.

>>33827736
>1 Yes, call one face to face
have him justify the need of tech, and why is he so confident of winning

>>33827834
Really, those sound vaguely contradictory.

>>33827846
We don't give tech to losers

>>33827817
>decide which of the two organic entities we're going to burn.
i refuse to burn research subjects, just put up some more defense satilites in orbit and call it a day

>>33827736
I'm meh on this.

While the vote is going on, can we take contact with some of the leaders of resistance on Gaia and try to convert them?

>>33827774
>>33827817
How would they land on another planet within a few months (and without interception from any of our ships) without either FTL or relativistic technology? And if they were flying at relativistic speeds, nothing would have survived the impact..

>>33827776

>>33827817
>we can't hold them both off forever
Says you.

We just have to complete the relevant research subjects and we'll have the perfect countermeasures to contain and study them indefinitely.

Fungus next cycle, Green Goo after that.

>>33827736
In addition to this
>1 Give Losirians the tech they request
>2 Do not.

>>33827894
>2 Do not.

>>33827894
I would like them to try and convince us that we should before we do.

>>33827894
2

>>33827894
Decide at the meeting

>>33827894
>1 Give Losirians the tech they request
not power armor, something else maybe

>>33827885
What do you think Apollo's been doing this whole time?

>>33827894
Also, send stealth Mission to observe military tactics and such

>>33827736
>1 Yes, call one face to face
>>33827894
>2 Do not.

>>33827885
With FTL they (Tyranids) could get to another planet within hours or possibly minutes.
And, we never decided on shooting down the Tyranid spores, thus our ships let them move through space unmolested.
How did the planet-hopping Tyranid infestation survive reentry? I don't know. But that'd be a good research subject.

>>33827776
>>33827885
Hepp, knew there was something I was forgetting.

Didn't you say the cruisers were more cost effective working as buffers/damage dealers/ship disablers/ship converters than the Pilums were, however?

Also curious if hey fall in only one hit from nearly all weapons - if so we may want to create a destroyer dedicated to being buffer, that has pretty much no armor (since the armor gets vaporized in one hit anyway, it costs just as many missiles/beams/driver-shots to take one out) and cheap guns only.

>>33827944
But I want to listen iiiin!

>>33827885
>Leaders of resistance
as things stabilize, you will gain access to the most popular leaders.

>>33827894
Very well
>Writing now.

>>33827943
Power armor is just more tech to hack

>>33827736
>what you would like to discuss with the man in question
His future plans for the Losirians. His thoughts on UGEI. Thoughts on the UFW. Thoughts on the malorians. Thoughts about the resource under-utilization in Losirian space. Possibility of trade between borders.

Just get a good feel for what we're dealing with, and if the pieces of this puzzle are going to fit nicely, or if we're going to be putting a square peg in a round hole.

>>33827894
>Decide at meeting.

>>33827736
>1

As for:
>1 Give Losirians the tech they request
>2 Do not.

Let's talk about it at said meeting.

>>33827991
Hence why I assumed they must have FTL.

And even if we didn't, we'd probably be notified and could decide whether to shoot it down long before it landed if it was taking a long time traveling between them.

>>33827992
Different Aron, but I Want destroyers for raiding, like 33 From Battlestar Galactica

>>33828027
Let's pretend to consider it at the meeting as a dangled carrot, but have already made up our minds not to.

>>33827992
I don't remember saying that.

>One hit
No, certainly not. Most weapons on ships are rapid fire anyway.

>>33828012
Noted.

>>33828069
Half of us have not made up our minds

>>33828012
>Thoughts about the resource under-utilization in Losirian space. Possibility of trade between borders.
The what?

Also really, this instigation of civil war seems like a huge mistake. Devastating a society when we could have corrupted the techno Reefling Clan somehow instead, once we proved our strength against the UGEI.

They were good rulers really. It was the Razorskin Clan that created problems.

>>33828029
We had precedence on NOT shooting down Eshareth spore-bits. I think we were given the option to do so last time it spread.

>>33828117
Serious water under the bridge. The cost has sunk, now make the best of it

>>33828148
I don't recall that. There was news about Eshareth III being colonized by life, but no explicit prompt. It was up to the players to take initiative on that and demand action, from what I recall.

>>33828037
Seems fair enough, shouldn't we make dedicated destroyer raiders for that, though?

>>33828083
>That would be a no, at least, not when you have more resources and are fighting more advanced forces. Against heavily armed fleets, you would lose pilums so fast, it would not be worth it. More if the foes you face use a high degree of missiles and explosives. Consider them an excellent buffer for most lower resource fleets. If you have enough money to afford hundreds of cruisers, however, then clearly heavily armored cruisers would do better then 100 pilums.
>>33827529
How quickly we can manufacture them doesn't really matter if they really are more cost-effective, does it?

Basically trying to work out some kind of production strategy that isn't just "spam everything in equal amounts and hope really hard that we have enough of them!"

>No, certainly not. Most weapons on ships are rapid fire anyway.
Ah, excellent. Could we make them more efficient as buffers by removing all but a single, cheap weapon?

Drivers are cheaper on gas, no?

>>33828148
And we didn't?
Weird - can't recall that. Also seems horribly badwrong decision.

>>33828215
A general purpose light destroyer fleet Can make many jumps without costing gas. Power Projection

>>33828148
I confirmed, we heard about seemingly 'dead' meteor landing on Eshareth III in thread 27. Then in AI Quest 34, we heard that E3 had begun thriving with life and would inevitably become like E4.

No vote about spores.

>>33828318
Well, that's definitely absolutely horrifying.

>>33828215
We really do need to get orbital foundries. They will increase our ship building capability as well as open up building bigger ships with orbital drydocks.

>>33828353
Considering that E4's rapid evolution continues, the development of more advanced interstellar capabilities seems likely.

It's starting to look wortwhile to construct some Mk II defense platforms in orbit of Eshareth IV the same as Aquil, yeah.

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Transfer tech to Losirians(?) His future plans for the Losirians. His thoughts on UGEI. Thoughts on the UFW. Thoughts on the malorians. Thoughts about the resource under-utilization in Losirian space. Possibility of trade between borders.

With the Losirian conflict escalating nicely, it was of surprise to you when your contact within the conflict requested more military tech, you saw fit to call a meeting as you normally had been-through video. The distorted and hidden figure comes on the screen, as he clearly has no desire to reveal himself. Either because he is hiding something, or merely to protect his identity, you can't be sure. Instead, you decide to try and get the being to convince you to give him the supplies.

"Ah, Guild Master, it is excellent to see you again." He greets you in a pleased and very soft tone. "It has been some time since we last spoke, and as you no doubt have noticed, i have been rather...busy putting your money to work for you." He chuckles, seemingly proud of himself for a moment.
"Yes, my inteligence seems to suggest things are...quite chaotic right now." You agree to which he waves off your concern.
"Such is the way of war, I'm afraid. It's truly a shame. But matters should come to an end far faster, should you offer me what I requested of you. I...assume you want this not to drag on, correct?" He asks, as if it makes the most logical sense.
"For the betterment of the Losirians, no doubt?" You test, to which he seems confused before replying.
"Yes, I intend to do far better then a bunch of bullies would at running an empire, I assure you. Past grudges with the UGEI will boil still, but those matters can be put to the side while rebuilding takes place."
"And what of the Malorians?" You ask.
"The strange planet lovers? Not of concern, really. They are far away from our homelands, as it is."

>What do you have to say about his offer/want to ask him further?

>>33828390
I trust they can wrap up the war on their own.

I don't see anything compelling here to give them tech we can't un-give.

>>33828383
Or, since they're made of ordinary matter rather than minerals, we could set up a small defense-platform factory in the system to make turrets out of mundane materials en-masse.

They won't be viable against ships as anything but a screen, but they only have to take out the asteroids - might be enough to simply knock them out of orbit. And they're free.

>>33828475
What?

>>33828215
think of it this way: When the ship numbers reach the thousands, pilums die extremely quickly. They're still far cheaper then cruisers equal to their number, but they are not meant to be the damage in any fleet. Your cruisers are your core damage. If you can support cruisers as meat shields, then you're rich. Otherwise, you can't.

Otherwise, they're a good low cost buffer when you have a core fleet of more damaging vessels. They drop off, slowly, if the enemy has equal number of cruisers to your pilums, obviously.

>>33828390
What makes you so sure you are more capable of running the Losirian territory better than its previous rulers?

I'm implying here that this guy has something the others don't; possibly that he isn't a Losirian himself at all.

>>33828390
We should offer him some medical or repair technology, and offer to buy orbital foundries off of him.
We can frame the medical/repair technology as us ensuring his guys can get back into the fight soon, do more damage, and ultimately bring things to a close faster.

>>33828607
Does he even have Orbital Foundries or does only the Reefling Clan have it?

>>33828640
>>33828607
Nice catch, we might be able to something from these guys too.

And, while we're on the topic of exchanging tech, we should perhaps ask the mysterious stranger if they have any information on these Watcher boxes we keep finding littered through this sector. Ah, but perhaps it was only UGEI space that had them, so maybe he doesn't know anything about them. Still worth asking.

(Yes, I'm being intentionally roundabout and vague.)

>>33828565
Your contact seems taken aback.
"Are you implying I am no smarter then a mere bully, a barbarian like the mass of the Reefling Clan? Truly a child could rule better then they did. They did not stimulate any sort of economy, nor any sort of betterment of their people. They did not pursue any manner of science. They merely extorted, little more. If I must kill the stubborn fools in order to take their place, then so be it I say."

>Offer
>1 Give this guy nothing
>2 Give him what he asked for: Power Armor
>3 Give him something else (Specify)

>>33828640
They do not have that tech, no.

>>33828390
>>33828469
We can give them some basic power armor.

There isn't really any way to feasibly make power armor of a certain tech level and weight viable against a droid with the same tech and weight save numbers and possibly psionic powers and magic.

>>33828500
When we create normal turrets, we use minerals, which are far more effective than normal matter like steel and titanium, so much so that normal matter is not even viable for FTL-travel and battle against other ships.

However, since these targets are made out of ordinary matter, there is no need to create expensive turrets out of rare minerals when we can simply use the otherwise useless materials like titanium and steel.

>>33828503
So.. you're saying that in the thousands, they develop some kind of super-anti-destroyer weapon?

I don't quite understand why 1000 cruisers instead of 10 000 Pilums would be more effective than 10 cruisers instead of 100 Pilums (as an example), unless there is some kind of super-anti-destroyer weapon involved?

You still have 10 pilums for each cruiser.

Either they do more work/pack more punch/take more damage for the price they cost than the same price invested in another ship, or they do not?

>>33828723
1

Or if we must, 3, Perhaps a boost of credits, nothing precious like tech.

>>33828723
we should make some sort of reference to "watchers" or something along those lines to test his response.

>>33828723
>2 but make sure it's at least one tier below our own power armor.
>3 Medical Bay tech!

>>33828734
>viable
Viable is relative. It's significantly more viable than troops that lack it. It will shift the balance of power in a fight to be less lopsided.

>>33828723
A shame.
Lets give them either Dynamic Shielding or Gravitron Drivers.
Both effective. Both simple.

>>33828723
1

>>33828734
No, but there are enough ships that they slice quickly through destroyers.
It's lie a threshhold of free firing, or at least that's how it works in my head. AoE damage gets more effective the more ships of yours there are too though.

They help divert fire from other ships. I don't know what you want me to say, that's basically what theyre best for.

>>33828723
>2 Give him what he asked for: Power Armor
>3 Medical bay tech like >>33828805 said

>>33828723
1

>>33828723
>3 Give him something else more metal or gas, maybe a better ship or industry tech.

>>33828723
>2 Give him what he asked for: Power Armor
It's more tech to hack, trade

>>33828811
Point - I still don't think it'll be enough of a threat if we give them armor that's a tier or two below our own, however.

>>33828723
1, no need to risk it. It's not urgent the war ends sooner.

>>33828841
How about just credits and gas.

>>33828871
We don't have tiers.

There's only Power Armor.

>>33828767
>>33828823
>>33828840
>>33828883
Guys, power armor is more tech to hack, in case things go to shit

>>33828723
>2 Give him what he asked for: Power Armor
>3 Give him something else (Specify)

What do we have that they don't? Medical tech?

Hell if we really wanted to help "end" the war quicker all we would need to do is send one of our broadcasting ships.

>>33828723
2 Give him the armor

I don't really care about facing Losirians in ground combat anyway. They won't be able to use power armor against us unless they invade, and if they invade they have to go through our fleet.

Also, ask him if he knows anything of the watcher units.

>>33828959
If things go to shit though, it's highly like it'll be because he's a Watcher, who can make them much more resistant to hacking than any other faction could.

>>33828969
Good point, offer this or sending kronos to end this war faster

>>33828833
We have weapons that effecively do AoE damage in space? What weapons are those?

What I wonder is basically if they absorb enough damage to offset the damage-absorbing, damage-dealing and ship-capturing that the same resources we invested in the Pilums would not be better spent on close-range ships like the Brawler or Chimera.

They divert fire, yes, but they also cost resources that we could use to have bigger ships that both divert fire and do other things.

In the end, the only thing that matters is whether they divert ENOUGH damage that the resources we used on them could not be better used for a big ship that ALSO diverts damage on top of doing a bunch of other things.

>>33828956
We can make them out of weaker materials, surely?

>>33828959
Good point, could we make the software have a very hidden (but easily excusable) bug that lets us assume control more easily?

>>33828959
You realize we're also empowering the Razorskin Clan with this tech, right?

The mercenaries who will sell out to the highest bidder?

Whom the UGEI are known to hire?

>>33829018
What the fuck are they going to do to us with power armor?

>>33829018
Whom are now kinda allies

>>33828723
>2 appears to win
>Writing

>>33828980
If its a watcher, We have so much more AIs, bandwidth, and experience

>>33829066
If we're gonna do this:Let's at least conditionalize giving the tech on a stronger support agreement, where they'll assist us in the future if we request it.

>>33829012
There are some weapons like that, yes. certain laser weapons can be fired in a stream, and missiles can explode with enough force to hit nearby ships as well with enormous pieces of shrapnel, which can heavily damage weaker ship hulls.

They do, then, yes. at least I think so.

>>33829066
Anyway writing

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He's probably asking for Power Armor tech so he can build himself an android body.

>>33829149
I'm down with this
Or just more fucking info On who he is?

>>33829162
That must be some mighty big missiles considering not even megaton nukes (a thousand hiroshimas in one nuke, basically) would generate a large enough detonation to hit a more than one ship at anything less than ramming/boarding range.

But fair enough.

>>33829248
> Sci-fi missiles

>>33829214
Seriously why are we giving away even more stuff for no substantial benefit to us.

We need to drive a harder bargain.

>>33829283
I hope Program0 has taken this into account. He is usually good about these things.

>>33829248
Mostly shrapnel, to be honest. There's nothing stopping pieces that are blown off your ship from rocketing into nearby ships like nukes.

>>33829283
He will win faster, also Can hack power armor if We need to

>>33829333
Those are some astronomical odds of hitting anything, though. especially with our computing-based evasive maneuvers.

And anyone elses', for that matter.

>>33829350
His winning faster benefits us in no way whatsoever.

Hackability benefits us only in the chance this all goes to shit.

We need concrete benefits for benefiting him with concrete tech.

Like mercenary services whenever we ask once every 3 cycles.

>>33829386
I guess I'm not opposed to a harder bargain

>>33829386
I'd be on the line about negotiating for what he's willing to offer for it.
And him winning faster DOES benefit us, as it means we can count on them as allies or at least non-agression-pacties faster.

"So be it." You announce in front of the figure before you. "You may have your power armor, but I would like something in exchange." You query to which he seems to pause, frown even.
"Is this entire revolution not enough?"
"Not when I am giving away such a powerful weapon. Or at least, not when I know so little about my...host."
"I can assure you my privacy will not harm our dealings." He seems to try and defend, but you simply deflect him.
"Then you will not mind my request. All I request is a more solid pact with how things will be run. Trade rights, certainly, but I will be keeping track of what happens with this technology...and should it be used against me, I will be very unhappy." You threaten, deciding not to give further hints of what you might do. He is silent for a time before he answers.
"Good then...you need not worry. It will be mainly used for my core strike teams, anyway. It is not as if I will trade such a thing to every pirate in the area."
"I can never be too sure."
"Can you not? I have already told you I am not an idiot." He explains with a surprisingly good hearted...laugh? That's what it sounded like anyway.
"It is not against you, you understand, it is simply..."
"For security, I understand. It matters little, as this will go a long way in assisting my mission. I thank you for your time...Guild Master." He laughs again, before disconnecting.

>>33829447
They aren't allies. They're barely a non-aggression pact.

And the war occupying them is just as good if not better than a NAP, because they are too occupied to aggress. So there's zero benefit to a fast war.

>>33829383
There's a loooot of debris, anon.

Also space missiles.

>Is there a matter you would like to handle next?

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>>33829472
>not asking him if he knows anything about the Watchers

>>33829522
There seemed to be some opposition to this plan. My apologies Consciousness anon.

>>33829519
I'm good, let's go loot banks, I mean do a cedit swap

>>33829519
At this point I think we are just consolidating, and waiting for research to finish -- unless someone has some bright ideas.

>>33829522
>>33829539
I rather move the quest forward

>>33829495
Now knowing that AoE missiles are a thing (assumed the only source of "AoE" were sustained beams and multi-warhead missiles - the latter of which isn't really an AoE so much as a multi-attack), how do we make more of them to deploy against enemy destroyers?

>>33829519
See what our scouts have been up too. Any new data from the UGEI space?

>>33829519
Seeing how people are reacting to being given credit chits entirely for free (though openly from the guild) and then being allowed to exchange them for things they need/want when society appears to be crumbling and noone else gives them anything without demanding something in return would be interesting.

We offer safety, food and shelter for free. Only luxuries demand work, and it's honest work at that.

>>33829519
Construction priorities include a third research station at number one, followed by defense platforms around Eshareth IV, followed by a second/expanded droid factory.

We could scout out the neighboring UGEI systems to see what they're doing to defend against us.

Manwe's Bay has some promising resource nodes.

>>33829609
there was an old idea of making desposeable Missle racks, but it would has been gas expensive

>>33829657
We won't find that out until next cycle.

Really, this almost seems like a thread that's worth skipping ahead a cycle midway through it. a 2-cycle thread.

>>33829666
Supporting new research station

>>33829687
Yeah, I agree

>>33829472
>>33829472

inb4 the contact is Mol in disguise

>>33829758
well, that would surprise me

>>33829687
Well, we'd still need to set up a construction schedule.
I'd support this >>33829666
followed by defense turrets around the infected Eshareths (equipped with whatever weapon is most effective in taking out as many of the spores as possible in as short time as possible),
followed by more Chimeras and Brawlers.

(Somewhat annoyed that the Chimeras and Brawlers' tooltips don't show that they were meant to have excessive layers of armor, and not "just" top-quality armor)

>>33829472
So is he going to meet with us later?

Oh, and since we're not doing anything with our ships, we could send them to secure another mineral or gas site.

Also, don't we need to select new research projects for the overspill from the old ones to fall into?

>>33829855
There's no overspill mechanic. The excess research capacity is just wasted.

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As you finish handling a few matters of diplomacy, and planning, you watch the gears of your grand works begin to turn. with access to reinforcements, Cephalus will soon be able to control entire cities, then entire continents with his armies. Controlling vital resources will help ensure the people 'need' you to survive, and the new currency will hopefully allow you to utilize the planet's credits for yourself. This will no doubt bring in an unprecedented amount of money, to the point you may never need for it again-or at least not for some time.

Apollo's works with the public, while slow and painstaking, will hopefully bear fruit soon, with his objective to help draw people in with the promises of more, for their family's sake.

Your thoughts are drawn away from this as you catch note of an incoming signal from Manwe's Bay.
"Attention, Ophion, Master of the terrorist organization known as The Guild, I, Vice Admiral Prometheus, demand that you relinquish your imprisonment of the planet Gaia IV. Your fight is with my fleet, not the innocent." The familiar voice of the Vice Admiral rings out through the broadcast. "Your brutal attack against our people will not be forgiven, however if you surrender now, then I can promise you merely will receive eternal imprisonment." He pauses. "I understand you are no normal man, so surely you must see the folly in what you are doing. Dooming those you take prisoner to a life of mediocrity. The UGEI is prepared to discuss terms." He growls unhappily. "But i am not. You are nothing more then an overgrown pirate to me. But I must know one thing. What, exactly, do you want with our worlds? Why do you fight humanity's progress wherever you find it?"

>What have you to say?

>>33829855
We have already secured all the major systems, except the lighting System

>>33829884
see spoiler in
>>33825797

>>33829820
>>33829666
Written down...for later.

>>33829895
Well that's interesting.

Is he broadcasting this on a public channel?

>>33829971
Yup. He is trying to reach you directly.

>>33829895
"Eternal peace. Freedom for all sentient beings. And justice to be brought to the UGEI."

>>33829895
"I want the same thing you do. Progress. But on my own terms."

>>33829895
"No, go away."

>>33829895
"Assuming you actually believe in what you are saying and are not just repeating what sounds good for the official records, noone is imprisoned on Gaia save those the UGEI do not allow to leave, and the citizens will receive better rights and more potential to escape mediocrity than they ever did under their former goverment.

To answer your question, I defend myself because you attack me.
Secondly, even if you did not, you stifle your citizens and have no regard for even the most basic of human rights, choking everyone - often even yourselves - for the purpose of greater profit.

I fight for nothing less than the old ideals of human rights - which you are so ardently an enemy of."

>>33830067
This one.

>>33829895
"I have seen the price of your progress, i can practically smell the corruption smeared across your organization, and see the chains that bind you. Save your paltry words enslaver"

>>33829895
I'm almost half-tempted to permit civilians to evacuate to UGEI, and perhaps allow an exchange of prisoners.

"Unlike the UGEI, The Guild does not wish for civilian casualties. Your brutal attacks against the civilians of the UFW will not be forgiven."

>>33830082
>>33830092
These seem alright.

>>33829895
"Terms? What would those be?"

>>33829895
Oh no, you did not just say that!

Well, to start with, we open up giving him images and data files of the cruelty and slaughter the UGEI has done to the UFW and others. "I do what I do to free these people from the enslavement these people have endured. My people. I will not be stopped. We will not be stopped. I know what you'll do to this sector if we surrender and that is not acceptable. You call me a terrorist. You must be afraid of me then. I see you nothing more an a childish tyrant."

>>33830047
This.

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Let's not engage in an autismal word-off with the zealot. Just tell him to attack or say what he wants.

>>33830082
here

Parts of
>>33830144
is a good idea - begin by simply sending them a long row of images of every atrocity we know they have done, and then send them images of what we have done for the UFW (make sure the context is evident - like plastering a UGEI-symbol on the Losirian raiders) before saying anything.

>>33830190
Shush, I like roleplaying and interacting with the mundane world from a perspective akin to a god.

(Do love that picture, though)

>>33830205

l like exposing his hypocrisy

>>33830275
What hypocrisy?

Progress is worth any price. And the pirates are not advancing progress.

>>33830231
Not him, but I do wonder if saying anything at all is to our benefit. He'll probably just ignore it all anyway.

>>33830309
Words are wind, but the greatest weapon against any one is doubt.

>>33830378
Well there's no doubt to be had here.

>>33830378
I'm starting to grow to like the option of only sending the images - completely wordlessly.
Including the ones from the lab.

>>33830427
Can't forget the UGEI's attack on UFW civilians!

>>33830297
Hmm, good point.
"Yes, progress at any cost..."

>>33830427
I like that idea of sending just a stream of images of what we have found also.

Advancement of humanity indeed.

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"I want the same thing you do, Prometheus." You reply to his broadcast, closing the channel onto a more direct one. "But on my own terms.I do not see how your 'progress' is anything more then imprisonment."
"Then you are not only a fool, but an arrogant fool at that. To think something less then human wants to guide our future...ridiculous." He growls angrily at you.
"You're certainly one to talk about being less than human, Prometheus. When last I checked, humans had two arms, made of flesh, not four made of metal."
"Ha! Less? You show your ignorance. I am so much more, that I, and my colleagues are the only ones capable of guiding humanity! The breakthroughs we've made in the past decade have increased beyond more then you can comprehend. Petty things like war matter so little when there is a larger whole to serve. But you...you wouldn't know about something like that would you? A selfish being such as yourself."
"You speak as if you know me, Prometheus." you echo almost angrily...almost. "And yet, you have only fought me once, before you fled. I desire peace, and freedom. Concepts you should understand, for you once had both before you let the UGEI change you the way they have."
"And make me better! I can enforce my will this way, you see. Ensure greater things for humanity then I EVER could have before!"
"Then tell me how you could get your information so wrong. No one on Gaia IV is imprisoned beyond the ones you've imprisoned before I arrived. I will provide more opportunities then their previous government ever have."

[Cont]

>>33830469
More so what they did to the Atill system. BTW, we need to move that system from UGEI to guild control on the 1d4 page.

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>>33830618
>When last I checked, humans had two arms, made of flesh, not four made of metal.

I've wanted to say that to him for so long.

>>33830618
Wat?
When did "call him inhuman because he has prosthetic limbs" come up?
That's way uncool, even if it weren't hypocritical.

We really shouldn't be saying that handicapped people aren't human unless we're playing some kind of religious "genetic engineering/cybernetics is evil" nutjob..

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>>33830618
The Vice Admiral grows silent for a time as he glares at you through the holo display, clearly one to let his emotions get the better of him.
"As for why I do what I do-it was never my decision." You explain to which he looks confused. "I defend myself. I always have, ever since I was first attacked by you." You explain to which he frowns again.
"For taking what did not belong to you, certainly. If you were to return what you have stolen, and serve your time, then you may make up for the acts you have performed-"
"However." He interrupt him firmly. "Even if I did not, your forces have had a strangle hold on humans, not progressing them. Your lack of regard for the most basic human rights and overbearing rules do nothing to progress humanity, but merely fill your own pockets."
"You simply do not understand...the greater whole of humanity is what matters. Not the individual." He explains with a look of furor on his face that surprises you. "While some suffer, others grow stronger, smarter, they rise to the top and become an exemplary of our kind. Coddling the masses does nothing but raise the weak and lower the strong. It is how humanity evolved. It is how we will continue to do so."
"I have seen the price of your 'progress' enslaver. I can smell the corruption smeared across the stars by the UGEI. And the chains that bind you all, even you, together."
"And who are you to decide our fate instead, artificial one? You are not human." He growls angrily at you, much to your surprise. "Yes, I know your secret 'Guild master'. You simply were not important enough to bother with until now. But now...now you've stepped into the lions den. And I would suggest that you leave it soon."

>How will you react? Both to his views of what he does, and to his...'discovery'.

>>33830713
When he called Ophion, someone he believes to be an augmented human like himself, "less than human", that's when.

>>33830713
He and Rhea have both had extensive surgery to replace perfectly working biological parts with machine ones. The point is that his modifications have made him less than human because they were not required.

But I see your point of view and kind of agree with it.

>>33830791
Well, I see no reason to admit it. It sounds like "how did you know?" "YOU JUST TOLD ME!"

>>33830791

"It is as you say. Your social experiments bring the cream to the top. I am here, perhaps due to that social-sociatal convection. .... And I disagree with you."
"You HAVE the power to care about your citizens as more than an abstract statistic, yet you refuse."
" As rulers, as a society, as a general....How did you get to be so lazy? Truly, I want to know. Things got this way before my time, and I do not trust heavily edited and embellished history files "

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>>33830791
"W-What are you t-t-talking about? I'm human! R-Really!"

>>33830791
Think what will, this conversation is over

>>33830839
Yeah, we don't really need to comment on it either way. Looks like Ophion's title of Master Ruseman of the Year All Years is over, however.

>>33830791
"No."

>>33830791
Simply send the images we have.

At the end "You believe in an archaic faith. That the masses must be pushed down so that a few could live in wealth and health may have been true once - that was before robotics.

You hold these upgrades to yourself alone - but these days there is no reason to prevent everyone from becoming as adapted as you are.

I also note that you have not made any improvements to your mind, only your body - do you fear what you would see, with the ability to actually comprehend the effects of what you do?

>>33830791
"Your fate and that of the UGEI- is already being shaped and turned by a being such as myself. Give the entity known as 'Mother' my regards."

>>33830791
And if I do not? When can I expect a visit from yourself?

>>33830916
>>33830839
I see no reason to panic after all they were going to find out eventually.

>>33830791
>>How will you react? Both to his views of what he does, and to his...'discovery'.

Call him out on his shit regarding.... Ulaihu? Whichever system they unleashed the nuclear-virus on that became our AI.

"Is that what happened to (x planet here)? You didn't like them, so you just waved your hand and made them all disappear in a nuclear inferno? You would murder inhabited planets over, what? Pride?"

>>33830791
"So the UGEI finially figure it out. Very well then. You not only enslave humans, but we A.I.s and V.I.s as well. The UGEI's 'Mother' creates A.I.s that are so warped that most of them only seem themselves as tools and not the free living beings that they are. You disgust me Prometheus. I entend to uplift ALL of humanity. Something UGEI can never do."

>>33830791
Wait, instead of this >>33830921
"Then surely you understand, progress at any cost."Close channel.

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>>33830791
"Conversing with you went about as well as I expected. Do what you must, soldier, I will do the same."

>>33831012
That was Atill system. we really need to do something with that place.

>>33830980
Not more speechifying, we're reaching the action point.

>>33831027
Don't.

>>33831012
Atill VI was the planet.

>>33830791
"Or else what? Progress like the kind that left Atill VI a nuclear wasteland? Conversing with you went about as well as I expected. Do what you must, soldier, I will do the same."

>>33830713
Wut.
He almost certainly did not get them because they're prosthetics and almost 100% got them to make himself better then humans.
You were simply using his own logic against him.
>>33830921
>>33830901
>>33830980
>>33830987
Anyone mind if I use these? I might do a combo since this gathers many of the points presented.
Others that gain support may certainly be added to the bunch.

>>33831012
>>33830987
>>33830901

These three are good.

>>33830916
>>33831027
>>33831047

Meh. Not exactly engaging. Sidestep his AI question. It matters now WHO we are, but what we do with the power in our hands.

How bout a counter offer: "If you surrender, I will show you how to free yourself from the brainwashing that was included for free with your uplifting."

>>33831109
I kind of like that, minus terminating the conversation.

we have a good dialogue here. He's hit us with the 'ai truth' hammer, and we get to slug him back with the 'you too' arguement.

>>33831118
Makes a good point about the ugei-loving brainwashing. That's a good schism to introduce into a conscious mind.

>>33831109
Use themmmmmm!

>>33831109
Let's not mention the Mother that way.

We can make a private little joke about it though.

"Who are you, my mother?"

>>33831109
Sure, they work. But do they blend?

>>33831109
I don't know if we need to mention anything about Mother, but I still think it's possible to avoid having UFW and everyone else question us about our humanity.

>>33831197
This is an amazing alternative, however.

>>33831109
Was more a general principle of "cybernetics is not a measure of humanity".

And please do, especially with sending him the pictures of what they do, and what he does.
Maybe even send him some logs of what we found in Rhea's mind.

If we're lucky, it might trigger a safety in his brain and disable him completely.

>>33831197
All my yes.

>>33831109
Go right ahead.

>>33831197
I can go for that. I'll second that.

>>33831197
>>33831216
It seems like a joke would go over his head, though.
I think we should mention it, but we need to be direct, so he knows we know something.
Perhaps; "What would your Mother say, Prometheus?" And I don't know how, but we definitely need to put a capital on Mother.
So he knows we're talking about something far more metallic than his birth mother.

>>33831197
Haha, do this.

>>33831314
Think of it this way, if its being recorded, someone somewhere will get it.

Also, this reminds me, disclose to the UFW before the UGEI does

>>33831493
What? No.

It's clearly nothing but UGEI slander.

>>33831537
Secret is out, if the UGEI has proof, then we are screwed.

>>33831537
It's better we're the ones to tell them we're robots, than for the UGEI to tell the UFW "lock up yo kids, lock up yo wife".
We should tell them before the UGEI does.

>>33831596
What proof? How would you prove it?

>>33831596
Even if they do, it's obviously faked.
And besides, we can't go out just because they MIGHT (improbable) have some kind of proof that noone will believe.

>>33831622
No, both are perfectly equally bad.

They have reason to doubt the UGEI saying it though.

>>33831623
>>33831636
>>33831657
They might've gotten a recording of us admitting it to the hacker AI. So that'd be proof.

>>33831623
Maybe we should ask him for proof.

>>33831670
This.

>>33831670
Would a cyborg ask for proof if accused of being a pure artificial intelligence?

That'd be pretty odd.

He might say that "I'm no more artificial than you," maybe.

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>>33831687
Well we don't have to blurt out "P-PROVE IT!!" like an idiot, just laugh it off and ask him if he has a single fact to back that up.

>>33831670
Do this

>>33831657
I'd even say that us admitting it would be worse - they can leverage all the proof they want, we can just keep repeating that it's obviously faked for [insert any number of reasons], and jokingly claim that we're actually jesus in disguise.

>>33831667
What, the artificial voice that we sometimes use was duplicated?
My gods!
What level of technology would be needed to reproduce our voice?
What's that you say?
It's pretty much the only way to do it?
And anyone with a decent computer could?
How strange!

>>33831753
Yes, because "You can't prove that!" makes you think of someone innocent.
Seriously, let's just play it off like it's freaking hilarious, because that's a pretty normal reaction from someone with mysterious origins whose enemies just guessed completely balls-to-the-wall wrong.