>>35070123
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

[x] Return it to the Wing Commanders?

>>35070123
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION I FORGOT THIS WAS ON TONIGHT!

I don't think we should decline our share of the profit, I mean we have invest personal money after all in the form of that industrial module for the Millennium. Oh I can't wait to get back home and get promoted for this! And meet the family! And see that big fat pile of money in our account! Oh and the upgrades to our rebuilt house!

Man, I love this quest.

>>35070123
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

We need to get our fare share, i mean, we do have to consider that we used our personal warship, that if destroyed we have to rebuild, the industrial module that could have been used to further our efforts back home in the new worlds, etc.

It is not nothing and we went the tycoon way.

If we wanted some more closer connection with out cadre could see about investing it in them.


Or if we were more politically astute and connected we could pass it along to he house and use this and further similar good to excellent results compounded by praise from our contacts and sabotage of rivals identified by said rivals to accelerate our raise through the ranks.

>>35070123

[x] Take share

IIRC, we invested 10 million into that DHI drive industrial module, so we'll still be taking a loss.

Onward to Baldur telling us bullshit lies about things because he was secretly a spy for the Neeran leadership on Svidur!

And probably see if anyone else has died working for RSS. That seems to happen when we're away fighting...

Also sorry for the late start.
After bidding final farewells to the officers and crew of "Millennial Host" along with the Shallan an mercenary personnel you've been working with, sections of the Fleet begin their trek towards the Pandora cluster for a brief stopover to help with training of the incoming personnel.

You're waiting behind an extra day for the opportunity to talk to Baldr, the apprentice of Svidur. There wasn't a chance for you to speak to him when you were in the decoy fleet operation. You want answers about this war and you're hoping this Neeran can give them to you.

Rather than meeting on a station you're directed to show up at a public park on one of the Shallan Colonies nearby. It is largely deserted with the landscaped gardens overlooking a calm lake. Only a few grounds keepers and a family with small children are present.

A giant steps out from behind a row of tall bushes and trees when you're about to pass by them, startling you.
"I took the liberty of arriving before you. My shuttle is efficient but inconspicuous it is not."
Equal to Svidur's height but not quite as frail looking the person you assume to be Baldr seems human enough in appearance, dressed in light coloured clothing that is vaguely robe like but seems much more suited to combat than those the old wizard wore. His "disguise" lacks a beard but his close cropped hair appears silver white.

"Right." You take a moment to get your breathing under control and loosen the death grip on your pistol before exchanging pleasantries.

>how they have been fairing since we last saw them?
"The number of people from our city ships willing to assist the Alliance has been increasing. As you've seen we're able to help act as decoys or to detect large forces through the cloaking fields employed by the Neeran Empire. Recruitment is a difficult task. Few wish to go to the front with a weakness in our city ships exposed that could kill a million of us at a time. Most have sent what you would call attack cruisers and Frigates which seem to be effective, especially since we redesigned ours to take advantage of Shield Piercing Torpedo launchers in your Faction Wars."

"Do your people have many ships at the front then?" You ask. "I've never seen them except for in the one large battle."
"Then you're not fighting in many large battles General. Not that I blame you. You can satisfy your own needs and those of the Alliance with the job you're doing. I've personally been constantly busy so this is a good opportunity to take a break before the upcoming offensive and perhaps the Alliance counter offensive."

>Have there been new attempts at negotiating a ceasefire? The last time anybody bothered to ask the Neeran made some rather unreasonable demands.
"Attempts yes, but the demands are the same."

>And Baldr better start explaining why the hell our people are dying for his people, because Svidur isn't here to do it and someone owes us that much.
"To put it bluntly this is a war over resources. Your kind should know how those can go. One side may claim the moral high ground and make promises to their people about justifications.
The reasons why you're fighting are really no different than when you were trying to topple the Warlords. Slavery, theft, genocide. You saw what they did to my kind aboard that ship, what they were taking. Sometimes its easier to steal from someone than to create something on your own. We don't yet know why however."

"To which part?" You wonder aloud, trying to decide what you should specify.

"There are many things we don't know the answers to that the captured rank and file haven't been told the truth about or simply are ignorant. Still if anyone ask you what this war is about slavery and genocide are adequate answers."

>Why the hell would the Empire Neeran think this is a preemptive strike against the Isolationists?
"Pretext. Justification for use among their own people and something to divide the Factions and make them think twice about stopping the invasion. Initially it was just a lie to satisfy their people. Most even in their own military though it to be the case at first but were eventually convinced otherwise.
Svidur and those like us saw the signs and would not stand idly by while they prepared for invasion. We... meddled in your affairs. Especially in the Republic to stop their civil war, but also to push the other Factions to combat the Warlords. Our actions were to assist the Factions, to ensure that they might stand a chance should the attack come. In doing so we also played into their hand. We made their claims about our influence a reality.
The Factions staged the largest military mobilisation in four centuries, without any knowledge of the buildup in the Empire. Can you honestly say that wouldn't seem threatening?"

>>35071430
>weakness in city ships

Have they had any luck determining if the 'safeties' they had in place were bypassed or simply overwhelmed by brute force? There must have been something left of the device used on their docked ship.

What are the chances of Svidur being alive? Possibly somewhere on/in that Dyson sphere? They didn't subvert the defense force for fun...

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>This is also a chance to confirm is he is also friendly Wizard tier.
Baldr frowns and brushes off a stray leaf that had stuck to your uniform. A moment later you realise your hair is on end.

>Really if possible I would like to try to understand more about what exacting being the apprentice to a wizard is like?
"It would be difficult to explain in words. What you would probably classify as "telepathic communication" is simply how we speak to one another. I will say it is not an easy process. I've been in training for more than a century in your years."
He trails off and seems to be lost in thought or is perhaps trying to find the right words.

>has Baldr learning anything about where that sphere ended up?
"There are only so many possibilities. Either it was a random exit point in which case we may never know or the enemy has likely recovered it, or an enemy ship with the capability of receiving it. Unlikely but possible.
I haven't visited it before but the Dyson sphere should also have had predictable coordinates to receive but there was an Alliance fleet base there that would have detected a distress signal or recovery beacon. The base was contacted by the search teams. It's been behind enemy lines so long now that there is little to be done about checking it again."

>Would he be interested in joining us when we're back at the front in 6 months?
"Thank you but I must decline. Your Krath friends should be sufficient for your purposes. They get their practice and intelligence and you get your ships. You should request a Krath starship be assigned to one of your units. How long have you been considering it?"
Well after hearing about those Krath mercenaries you have been considering some options.

>>35072091
What's the Neerans' stance on AIs and clones?

>>35071882
>Have they had any luck determining if the 'safeties' they had in place were bypassed or simply overwhelmed by brute force? There must have been something left of the device used on their docked ship.
"We've been able to devise how they did it though they took any equipment with them. Essentially one of our people would have to kill themselves which is not an easy concept for us. Suicide is not something common among our people, or in the Empire though for different reasons. They would have little to gain from such an act and the fanaticism required is seen only among the client species of the Empire. They lack the physiology required.

The only things on their docked ships were stasis pods. We suspect one of their false ambassadors killed themselves then the commandos came out of stasis and seized the ship.

When it comes to protecting our city ships against this type of attack the only effective method is to physically isolate the network. Severing it with emergency bulkheads. We're working to convert a pair of ships for experimental trials. It they prove successful we can try to convince our kin to quickly convert the remaining warships despite the drop in efficiency."

>What are the chances of Svidur being alive?
"That my mentor was still alive gives very good odds. Either they kept him alive for a reason or he devised a method of protecting himself. None of us have been able determine how he did it though stasis isn't out of the question if we're correct about the commandos."

>>35072304
"We see no real need for them. Besides cloning would be useless for one such as myself. Though the memories might remain it would take me half a century or longer to regain my strength."
He pauses to consider. "I could probably shave 20 years off my training without Svidur being stubborn about teaching me the virtues of patience."

>>35072091
>Dyson sphere
>Search teams contacted the base there

"Wasn't that base subverted by the enemy?"

>>35072584
"Yes it was, but there were other ships nearby and passing through the area for months. They would have detected a distress signal. Your recovery beacons can last more than a month and have a range of 20 lightyears?"

>Depending on how the whole thing goes there is the "We got a message from a certain wizard in case he were to pass away" thing.
Ask this?

>Find out what Oralth's force had issue with the Shallan Gov over?
The short version is that they were being fined over a particular incident involving a bunch of Hune soldiers being racist dicks and some of their crewmates chose to help them resist arrest. It was a large enough group involved that they were going to impound the ship.

>Also, did we ever look at the Krath mercenaries that were with the Warlord fleet?
There are apparently mercenary or former pirate groups in South Reach that include larger than average numbers of Krath. It's usually difficult to find or hire them but people with the right contacts exist. Just be prepared to spend plenty of money.
Odds are good they probably have a Neeran ship or two by now.

>>35073282
>Ask this?

I'd rather not. He's definitely a wizard but we have no idea if he's a bro tier wizard.

>>35073282
I'd rather just mention that he left us a note and it felt wrong when Sonia read it.

I miss the wizard and our strange chats about what might work for better names than 'Isolationist' and 'Empire' Neeran.

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>>35073727
You bring this up at the last minute. Baldr isn't sure what to make of what you tell him from the note. You're worried that simply showing it to him might give too much away.

"As for the names I'm sure if it weren't so clichéd Light and Dark Neeran would work well enough for your propaganda industry."
The occasional interview probably wouldn't hurt either you muse.

"Does the extinction of an entire species due to our inaction make us so much better than what our distant kin are now responsible for? This is what we have grappled with since our people went our separate ways. Were I born five thousand years ago perhaps I would have been on the other side. Svidur and others warned us to think long and hard of this whenever we try to change things. To meddle in the affairs of others."

You've run out of things to talk about it seems. Baldr bids you farewell until your next meeting then both of you go your seperate ways. The Devourer and its escort are standing by for departure in orbit and set off once you're aboard. The trio of Battlecruisers try to catch up with the rest of the attack wings as much as possible over the next few days so that you won't arrive terribly late.

When you reach the Pandora Cluster you're contacted by House logistics. They'd like to know if you're planning to buy out any of the salvage ships.
There are several Battlecruisers in addition to a few transports. Currently you own three of the ships in your command squad.

>>35074085
Find the biggest ship of the salvage and buy it.

>>35074183
why would we want the biggest?

>>35074183
or all of them. All the ships.

>>35074085
EW-BS and S-BCRS are not on the wiki. Could you be so kind and give us some data on them?

>>35074085
We could always use more Moli type ships for the company to use. Combat ships we hardly need to buy since we can just find them for free by the means of RSS. Besides the Moli twins I see no reason to buy any ships.

>>35074200
Really for salvaging smaller ships or scrap materials and storing them in the old. Maybe have a small onboard scrap processing plant.

Also useful for high load cargo hualing or when we have to bring something big with us and store it inside

>>35074237
kinda sounds like you want a barge

>>35074085

The only ships worth picking up for RSS are the captured Moli's.

If they're offering a decent discount, we should contact the RSS folks for a status update and see if such an expansion is warranted.

Or we could talk to that Knight that was thinking of starting a shipping company. Would the House be willing to sell some of the smaller FTL transports we claimed to him? Possibly with Sonia or RSS helping a bit with the funding?

Yeah, but a barge doesn't have enough guns

>>35074349
We could get a battle barge like that one merc had a couple threads ago

>>35074237

RSS already has a Kavarian Deci(?) rigged for salvage ops, along with the Anchorage and a gaggle of Moli and Y-type salvage ships.

Unless we're aiming to pick up battlecruisers for escort duties or planning to buy more battlecruisers to personally risk on the front lines...

Why would we want to buy battlecruisers from the House?

I believe our secondary battlecruiser production line can also switch to producing Dominion Battlecruisers (license covers them, Moli and a passenger liner design that use the same core structure, iirc), so why buy random battlecruisers when we will soon be able to produce the powerful Dominion Battlecruiser at-cost? (or sell for profit!)

>>35074218
>EW-BS
Sorry. You haven't run into this one in awhile.
ECM Battleship [Weapons: 2x heavy phase cannon array, 4x phase cannon turret, 2-4x spinal mount heavy pulse cannon, 2-4x torpedo launchers (2 forward optional, 2 aft)]

Added to the wiki
Shallan Battlecruiser [S-BCRS] [Weapons: 1x spinal mount Light plasma cannon, 2x heavy phase cannon array, 2x phase cannon turret, 2x Spinal mount Heavy Pulse cannon, 4x torpedo launchers (2 forward, 2 aft)

>>35074183
>biggest ship
That would be the old Legacy Battleship, the newer South Reach Fast Battleship or perhaps the Long Range BS.

>>35074237
You'd want a transport or modified construction ship for that unless you meant combat salvage. Few of the ships are ideally suited in that case unless you wanted to completely gut the South Reach Fast BS.

>>35074349
>>35074381
You can have one custom built to your specifications.

>>35074467
Kilo. Deci is about half it's dimensions or less. 1/4 its mass.
>Why would we want to buy battlecruisers from the House?
Merely an option.

>>35074637
No interest.

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Any SP Torpedoes the Alliance loaned you had been offloaded. The Marines maintain a constant guard over your own personal reserves in case anyone from the station gets any ideas. The last thing you need are black marketeers seeing if they can steal your torpedoes only to sell them back to you. With that completed you pass one of the Alliance holding yards for all of the salvaged Neeran ships and debris recovered before reaching the training base.

Tes'us makes a brief report.
"General, the House has 3 full wings of attack ships and their crews that have arrived. They've completed some basic training on the Assault Corvettes but there are only two squadrons that are rated as elite."

"They're both filled with Veterans from the previous tour." adds Kavos.

"There are also two mixed attack squadrons where are crewed by personnel transferred from the home guard. They're all veterans with experience fighting other Houses but haven't fought Neeran before.
New Assault corvettes fresh from the shipyards along with earlier models that have been upgraded have been prioritized for this wing."

Baron Winifred wants you to set up training for these wings given your experience turning attack squadrons into elite units. You have access to all of your own attack wings and their personnel to use as aggressors, along with

20x captured Neeran corvettes.
45x Republic missile boats are converted to look and perform like Neeran Corvettes. More are available on request.
10x Holographic emitters for ships to masquerade as enemy Battleships.
6x Moli's with tractor beams that can act as enemy carriers

How do you want to conduct training?

>>35074637
Lets order us a barge then

>>35074637
I would like to have a barge built when we have time for it

>>35075528
We could stick it full of PD guns and have it stick by our bigger, slower important ships to act as an Anti-Fighter, Anti-Missile, and Anti-torpedo interdictor. We could also those artillerymen we picked up way back when from the Warlord slave markets head positions on that ship.

Or, conversely, we stick it full of missile and torpedo launchers and have it act as a heavy duty missile boat

>>35075462
Okay, lets run them through the standard ciriculum. Lots of simulated large brawls, deep striking raids that we specialize in, and several "ITS A TRAP!" scenarios

>>35075462

First off, we need to chat with the CO and Wing Commanders. Identify their deployment plans (Fleet support, raiding, etc) and put more focus on the skills that will keep them alive in those deployments.

From there... I guess we head onto our patent pending Reynard brand training montage?

>>35075658
No.

>>35075462
>How do you want to conduct training?

Reenact some of the smaller engagements we've had?

We definitely need to do a few cloaking field sims.

>>35075462
Well, let's see what they're capable of first. Have each new wing perform a mock fight against conventional opponents like us, then have them face an equal number of neeran corvettes. If a wing is successful, then they go up against increasing numbers until they either face the whole fleet, or fail. While this is going on we should observe them for any strengths and weaknesses they may exhibit, and work towards refining them.

>>35075475
Battle Barges do not fit our current style of combat. They are to slow and lack agility making them unfit for raiding duty. Sure they have a lot of guns and armor which would probably make them good for large scale formations when all they need to do is go forward but that's not our cup of tea now is it? We want speed and firepower over all things because we need to dodge shit since we can't really afford to lose ships as we are still rather small. Or rather it's bad for our image if we lose ships.

>>35075462
>How do you want to conduct training?
A lot? Just put them through the same scenarios as we did our own batch of new recruits. Teamwork between ships to take out targets together and cover people once their shields go out. The ability to dodge which will be important for all those squishy Corvettes. Generally large fights with lots of ships all over the place and no distinct lines to train them in confusion and chaos that is close quarter combat. If we need scenarios we can just look at what we just did in the Maelstrom.

>>35075780
>They are to slow and lack agility making them unfit for raiding duty
i thought it was said they were fast enough just not very agile, which is basically the same 'problem' we run into with the devourer in that we can keep up but cant dodge enemy fire like the lighter ships

>>35075475
>>35075528
>>35075658
>>35075710
Added to the next survey.

Did you have anything specifically in mind? Leaning more towards combat, salvage, or field repair capability? RSS has a Salvage Barge which is very good at what it does. It took awhile to get built. The House has that repair barge you had custom modified from a mining barge that had been damaged. It has proven its worth several times in the field since the start of the war.

>full of PD guns [...] stick it full of missile and torpedo launchers and have it act as a heavy duty missile boat
Keep in mind that the better at combat it is the worse at salvaging it will be.
Hell, you could probably make a legit space marine battle barge, though it might be a bit smaller than those in 40k.

>>35075708
>First off, we need to chat with the CO and Wing Commanders. Identify their deployment plans (Fleet support, raiding, etc) and put more focus on the skills that will keep them alive in those deployments.
Ideally they would like to do raiding, but with all of the fleet exercises by other Houses and Factions going on nearby there is a very good chance they could be recalled to act as fleet support in one of the larger battles once they enemy begin their attack.

>>35075686
> Lots of simulated large brawls, deep striking raids that we specialize in, and several "ITS A TRAP!" scenarios
>>35075713
>Reenact some of the smaller engagements we've had?

How many enemy ships vs how many of the attack wings/squadrons?


You still have access to simulators, but practicing with actual ships can often provide better experience.

>>35075814
Which is also while battle barges have heavy armor to make up for the lack of agility

>>35075841
>How many enemy ships vs how many of the attack wings/squadrons?

I think we should start by pitting squads against equal numbers of Neeran ships and go from there.

Once our squads can't win any more, we move on to traning in wings, once the wings face the same situation as the squads before, we move on to training all of them together.

>>35075841
I was thinking the barge would have as many mid range weapons/armor on it as possible while maintaining at least mediocre agility

>>35075841
>Hell, you could probably make a legit space marine battle barge
P-Please?

>>35075899
This sounds reasonable, I will agree on this.

>>35075841

Start with equal numbers combat vs enemy corvettes. Docked, 50/50 docked/deployed split, deployed. Add more carriers/corvettes, enemy ftl corvette groups jumping into the fight, enemy battlecruisers/battleships as they progress.

Deploy the 4 Knights from Meteor at random among the enemy corvettes as elites. Solo, paired, all 4 working as a team.

See what happens when we mix up the veteran pilots among the rookies.

>>35075899
>>35075985
>>35076147

>Deploy the 4 Knights from Meteor at random among the enemy corvettes as elites. Solo, paired, all 4 working as a team.

I was just about to ask, do you want all of the enemy corvettes in the simulations AI controlled or have your own pilots in them?

Would you prefer to wait until they've had a few rounds to throw elite pilots at them or wait until switching out of the sims and into the actual ships?

>>35076268
Start out with AI pilots in sims and gradually begin to introduce some of our pilots as aggressors once the new wings start to get an idea what Neeran ships are capable of.

Beginning training for lightning raids.

Single squadron vs Carrier + 12xCRV.
50/50 ships docked/on patrol.

Roll 6d20

Rolled 20, 16, 12, 12, 15, 7 = 82 (6d20)

>>35076482

Rolled 20, 17, 7, 9, 1, 19 = 73 (6d20)

>>35076482

Rolled 20, 18, 2, 9, 15, 8 = 72 (6d20)

>>35076482
Rolling

>>35076268

AI pilots for a baseline, mixing in some of our corvette pilots as we identify the skill levels of our trainees. Possibly Aaron among them?

Can we contact Major Firth or Pandora Mercs we've worked with in the past and see if any of them want to join in on some of this training playing the part of unexpected allies and then 'working with allied forces' training? Or possibly even some FA or Shallan training units in the area?

In the end, we're also trying to train the leadership of these units.

That was not at all a welcome interruption.

2 of the squadrons flunk the first round of training. 5 others take serious damage to their total number of ships though they do complete their objectives.
These are apparently not like the pilots that had competed to join your units, but they must have done well enough to be graduated from the training squadrons. Overall it seems to be a good indicator of their base line skills.

Do you want to move all of the worse rated pilots into 1 wing so that it can be held back for additional training, or will you spread them out to act as wingmen for the better crews?

>>35077784

Move them into 1 Wing.

Throw them into training exercises until they improve. I'm for pushing them to the point that we wash a few out, if need be. Better now than they get a crew killed.

>>35077784
Hold them back. As long as we don't need to send everybody to the front regardless of their skill, we shouldn't.

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>35077908
>>35077914
Roll 6d20 for the next round of training for the other units.

Rolled 12, 19, 8, 14, 2, 13 = 68 (6d20)

>>35078081
>Roll 6d20

Rolled 19, 6, 15, 8, 18, 12 = 78 (6d20)

>>35078081
Well you boots, lets see how well you do

Rolled 20, 18, 6, 4, 19, 17 = 84 (6d20)

>>35078081

Rolled 20, 15, 1, 16, 16, 10 = 78 (6d20)

>>35078081

Rolled 12, 8 = 20 (2d20)

Some of your people are conducting hands on training with those less skilled pilots to try and get them up to speed from a remedial level.
>As long as we don't need to send everybody to the front regardless of their skill, we shouldn't.
If only this were the case. The other expeditionary fleet needs as many personnel as they can get. They could hire merc pilots to fill out the wings if needed you suppose. At the moment you're sorely tempted to wash out a few of them so that the others get it into their heads that failing out is certainly possible.
Do so now or give them more time?

The other squadrons seem to be doing quite well handling the simulations. As expected the old vets are proving they do have skill fitting their age. The few of your people to take part in the exercise as aggressors have their asses handed to them. To be fair they did have to start docked to their carrier.

Did you want to have all of the higher rated personnel begin transferring to assault corvettes for the next stage of training or keep them in their current ships?

Full wing level battle simulations. Roll 4d20.

Rolled 10, 15, 14, 16 = 55 (4d20)

>>35078783
>Do so now or give them more time?

Set reasonable minimum scores we expect in sims in n days time. Everybody below the line will get washed out.

I think handling it like this would more fair than simply throwing the worst performing pilots out without warning.

>Did you want to have all of the higher rated personnel begin transferring to assault corvettes for the next stage of training or keep them in their current ships?

What would the benefits of each choice be? Sorry for asking, but right now I'd basically have to flip a coin to decide.

> Roll 4d20.

Rolled 18, 4, 1, 7 = 30 (4d20)

>>35078783
I would go with what >>35078904 said about washing people out and have the higher rated personnel transferred to the assault corvettes to see how they preform with them.

Rolled 16, 10, 3, 4 = 33 (4d20)

>>35078783
I say give them a week to shape up and then set up a minimum score to pass and have them train in assault corvettes so they have practice

>>35078783
>upgrading suitably rated personnel to assault CRVs

Yes.

>Wash out pilots

Contact their fleet commander on a secure line, explain the situation of X pilots that don't pass muster in our opinion. Inform them that we're going to wash out the worst 3 or so, to hopefully light a fire under the rest.

Now, if the Commander were to over-rule us after we've told 3 to pack their bags... perhaps they'll improve by the end of training and pass muster.

In the end, we can't afford losing ships and crews. We may as well just provide the ships to the FA instead of lose the ships and crews to a pilot that shouldn't be on the front.

>>35078904
>What would the benefits of each choice be? Sorry for asking, but right now I'd basically have to flip a coin to decide.
Keeping them in the current ships will provide more time for them to focus on learning tactics since they already are familiar with their current vessels.

Switching them to the assault corvettes sooner will provide more time to get used to the higher performance ships. However if they're concentrating more on learning the controls and handling of a craft it could potentially take away from tactics training.

Looks like most want to give the lower ranked pilots a certain number of days to get above the minimum.

>>35079052
>Contact their fleet commander on a secure line
I cant find the name of the Baron in command of the fleet for the next tour. It is NOT Baron Doedra Dremine, I posted the names of the other 2 somewhere.
Found it!
Baron Torben Eliot Christian has been eager for the opportunity to go to the front with his fleet having been restricted to the homeworlds for the past several years. He provided many of the light cruisers to the expeditionary fleet when it was deployed against the Warlords. While the investment was certainly rewarded few of his ships returned and most of the personnel who went with them have since gone over to Winifred's camp. This is an opportunity to build up his personal fleet once again and stave off stagnation.

You explain the situation.
"In the end, we can't afford losing ships and crews. We may as well just provide the ships to the FA instead of lose the ships and crews to a pilot that shouldn't be on the front."
Reluctantly the older Baron agrees that it would be a bad idea to send unprepared troops into battle.
"I want you to be careful who you wash out if it should be necessary Reynard. There are a number of families I rely on for support and I would rather not have to listen to the incessant whining of some lordling's family that could degrade that."

>What say?

>>35079504
"I'll have a suitable report on any pilots that don't pass muster, Baron."

The Baron can overrule us if he wants, but Sonia doesn't need some incompetent pilot's death on her shoulders because she rubber stamped their skills.

>>35079719
Sounds good to me.

>>35079504
stopping here for the night Will resume as soon as possible in the morning, but that rarely goes to plan.
I need to go pick up another Mouse before that. All of the current multi button ones have them positioned so that whenever I try to scroll left or right I hit all the side buttons instead of the housing. I guess they're designed for people with small hands these days.

>>35070638
> IIRC, we invested 10 million into that DHI drive industrial module, so we'll still be taking a loss.

This is partial payment towards that, not complete repayment. We're still owed.

>>35079504
Well they have a few days to train extra hard. probably almost a week.

If those less skilled are important enough we could get their names, call their family and urge them to light a fire under their arse. Extra pressure to perform better would probably either motivate or break them - we might even tell the mom or dad as much. We might have to get to know the family a bit to identify if the mom or the dad is the one pushing them forward, but after that we can get another tool to our teaching elite starcraft combat relevant to J-D.

Somehow I like to think that our combat style becomes J-D standard, considering the focus on Attack corvettes and Cruisers it seems the houses also agrees.

Perhaps when we go home we could find our old trainer if he is still in the training buisness and has out a more intensive and specialized training program that is tailored to current doctrine and focused to create the kind of pilots and tactics needed in Attack Wings, considering we and our house are more focused on Attack Wings than on than Massive Fleet option.

>>35080104
>Somehow I like to think that our combat style becomes J-D standard, considering the focus on Attack corvettes and Cruisers it seems the houses also agrees.
Our style doesn't translate that well into a defensive strategic stance, it's very offensive heavy.

After the Neeran war ends, our House will have a range of far-flung holdings that will need to be protected from our former 'allies'...

>>35081713
Rapid reaction fleets swarming aggressors combined with garrisons and fortification and local defensive fleets and good sensor coverage and intel penetration of systems needed for a fleet to go through to get to house holding.

>>35079719
Indeed Sonia shouldn't relax her standards.

But still, this is similar to that time when that Baron from another house came down to our station to buy a ship on another noble's recommendation. We really shouldn't piss of the other noble families and also put Baron Torbern in a bad spot.

We should see how badly those pilots do. If they fail not too badly and are salvageable, we should let go a bit and mark them out for more intensive training.

But if they are the mouth breathing sort of bad, then I have no problems with washing them out.

Remember, we are in the Dominion, if we are in other factions, I don't mind bring stricter.

>>35083186


Same guy here.

And also Sonia just suffered an assassination attempt with just a seemingly harmless action of putting a Baron and his ship (what's left of that guy's fleet) under her command.

Pissing of nobles, and high ranking ones, can be ....unhealthy.

>>35079719
A better option would be to transfer them to positions that don't require as much skill. Perhaps the Baron could take one or two of them as Aids?

>>35079908
>This is partial payment towards that, not complete repayment. We're still owed.
You mention this in a quick note to Winifred and get a reply soon after.
"If you think that's bad wait until you're a Knight Commander or a Baron! If you want more of your people to live expect to spend money out of your own pocket for equipment they'll need on occasion. I did much the same for some things considered nonessential requested by your unit when fighting the Warlords.
Fortunately there are some things you can claim as a legitimate expense on your taxes."

The wing level battles go well overall. Despite mixing the units each group are able to complete their objectives. There are some that don't quite do as well however, losing ships or having them crippled.
A few of your vets take the controls of larger numbers of agressors this time, and are responsible for most of the casualties suffered. They are altimately taken out but the damage they inflicted before that was not something to be ignored.

You're tempted to warn them that you're trying to train them, not just kick their asses.

It's time for everyone to play "It's a trap!"
Do you want to have them thrown into a scenario identical to Verilis with the gravity well projector?

Roll 6d20

Rolled 19, 19, 9, 13, 9, 11 = 80 (6d20)

>>35085187
Sure, but tilt the odds more in their favor. Their objective will be to escape and retreat to a friendly shipyard. Which will naturally be compromised Laatham style.

Rolled 1, 9, 19, 4, 6, 3 = 42 (6d20)

>>35085187

>It's a trap!

Keep the ratio of enemy corvettes/starfighters similar to the one 9th encountered.

If possible, spring this in as similar a situation as possible, having their commanders react to the situation.

>>35085252
>Their objective will be to escape and retreat to a friendly shipyard.
Did you want additional friendly forces helping them fight their way out like you did to help Verilis?
>Which will naturally be compromised Laatham style.
The ride never ends?
Everyone okay with this additional twist?

>>35085349
>Keep the ratio of enemy corvettes/starfighters similar to the one 9th encountered.
So an overwhelming number.

>>35085475
>Did you want additional friendly forces helping them fight their way out like you did to help Verilis?
Yeah, they'll all die otherwise.
>Everyone okay with this additional twist?
Well, we have to pull it at some point.

Rolled 3, 4, 19, 6, 8, 4 = 44 (6d20)

>>35085187

>>35085475
I'm against throwing them at an Interdiction and then Lat'tham shenanigans.

>additional friendly forces

Yes. Either Baron Christian's people quietly prepped for it or if we can call in some friends in the area to act as allies. Use our people as a last resort.

>overwhelming number

Have Verilis and his/her people ensure we get this as close to the real thing as possible.

>>35085475
>Everyone okay with this additional twist?

I think it's too much, to be honest. We can play through that scenario on their last day but the gravity well projector should be more than enough for them at this point.

>>35085539
>Well, we have to pull it at some point.
>>35085585
>I'm against throwing them at an Interdiction and then Lat'tham shenanigans.
Maybe in the last sim before they depart then?

>Either Baron Christian's people quietly prepped for it or if we can call in some friends in the area to act as allies. Use our people as a last resort.
You ask 2nd wing if they'd be interested in helping with a pair of larger unit sims which they agree to.

The Battle is a tough one. 4th Wing generally has smaller ships and does better because of it. Or some of them do. The best pilots do amazing but the average amount of damage taken by the wing in the opening moments are about what you'd expect. 2nd Wing quickly fights their way from the edge of the grav well to their position helping to drag 4th's ass out of the fire.

6th Wing averages a little worse, though the more experienced people do about as well as some of the other group. It actually takes the support from 2nd wing a little longer to reach them to help the unit escape, which probably didn't help their survivability.

Once the sims have ended the commander of 2nd Wing asks that personnel from all units involved attend a planning session to counter such tactics. Their main request is what the mission is based on at which point you show them the data from the real battle its based on. They actually had a slightly easier version with less enemy reinforcements. At the same time there wasn't a friendly Battlecruiser squadron backing up the rescue force.

Those Wings are more determined to do some smaller practice drills to get ready for any sort of similar mission you throw at them. Possibly expecting to switch to real ships for drills soon. That should keep them occupied long enough to get the more remedial pilots up to speed.

With extra time set aside for getting the basics down the less skilled wing are slowly improving. Two of the squadrons are now getting good enough that they should be able to progress to the other exercises. Another two have their grades up to a middling level. Not great but good enough for the moment, they just need more time.

The last two squadrons are doing very poorly still though a few have shown more improvement than the others.

Is there anything you have in mind for special training options or will you go straight to this:
>If those less skilled are important enough we could get their names, call their family and urge them to light a fire under their arse. Extra pressure to perform better would probably either motivate or break them - we might even tell the mom or dad as much. We might have to get to know the family a bit to identify if the mom or the dad is the one pushing them forward, but after that we can get another tool to our teaching elite starcraft combat relevant to J-D.

>>35086038
Are there any spots that we can transfer the more well connected of the troublesome to?

>>35086038
I would recommend having those doing very poorly take aptitude tests. Just because they're bad pilots doesn't mean there isn't a career in J-D military for them.

Also, speak to Daska or Fox to see if there's a way to ask a noble if they're just doing poorly to flunk out. Preferably in a way that doesn't come over as insulting. Maybe some of them are forced into this by their families.

In b4 one of them actually wants to be an elasmobranchologist.

>>35086038

I don't think we have time to do all that. We're in the Pandora Cluster, not J-D space.

If there are nearly two squadrons of pilots that don't make our cut, cherry pick the few that are showing more improvement than the others and write up recommendation that they be placed in reserve until they improve.

Send the rest back to the training squadrons.

Plenty of people can over rule Sonia, but Sonia doesn't have to live with signing off on pilots that aren't ready. Especially if they get their crews killed but not themselves.

>>35086145
Shouldn't they have aptitude tests on file? I recall Aaron is a sensor officer because he didn't make the cut for pilot, but didn't quite get cut to infantry.

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264 KB JPG

>>35086081
They could be moved into a reserve unit, perhaps defending the DHI base or the House Medium cruisers while they wait for deployment.

>>35086145
>speak to Daska or Fox to see if there's a way to ask a noble if they're just doing poorly to flunk out. Preferably in a way that doesn't come over as insulting. Maybe some of them are forced into this by their families.
The two of them explain that some will have been forced, others see it as a potential way to reach Knighthood quickly or get rich from salvage hauls as your people have demonstrated. There are few avenues that will allow for the sort of quick advancement like service in the Attack Wings can.
That they were allowed entry into the program instead of becoming a bridge officer means they or their families were using wealth to try and give them an advantage.
Doing some checking about half of them are from rich or noble families, the others just somehow slipped through.
Perhaps they impressed the right person or just quit trying after getting in?

The most effective methods of potentially getting them to request reassignment on their own would be to interview them personally and either try to persuade them or simply intimidate them into admitting they may not be cut out for this. If you use a localised jammer there won't be any recorded evidence that you intimidated them either.

Speaking to the family could also work out in this case too, convincing them that it might be better for their child to look into a career change. If they refuse you could then ask them to try and encourage their kid to put more effort into it.

>>35086479
Aaron is actually a better pilot now than many of these though he's spent years training in his free time.

There are 8 nobles that aren't making the grade. Will you be trying to persuade or intimidate them or talking to the family members? Or will you simply go ahead and make the recommendation for reserve status now?

>>35086618

I'm against intimidation. Persuasion while telling them they're being sent back to training squadrons. They can either wash out, request transfer to another duty, or prove us wrong from there.

It sounds like we need to see if any of these pilots not making the cut have a common training leader and call for an investigation into how some of these guys were rated into attack wings.

Seriously. If someone is taking bribes to let sub-par pilots into attack wings, that reflects badly upon J-D and the J-D attack wings in particular. If we're asked to overlook this, it reflects badly upon Sonia and everyone in her command. We were asked to quality control these pilots, and we damned sure aren't lowering our standards because some rich family wants money to talk more than skill.

>>35086824
>Seriously. If someone is taking bribes to let sub-par pilots into attack wings, that reflects badly upon J-D and the J-D attack wings in particular. If we're asked to overlook this, it reflects badly upon Sonia and everyone in her command. We were asked to quality control these pilots, and we damned sure aren't lowering our standards because some rich family wants money to talk more than skill.
That however is the nature of the dominion. We can't really get up in arms about it considering what we do.
>>35086618
Take a far less confrontational approach. Basically try to get them to agree to a transfer, or tell them off the record that they aren't really prepared for front line duty. They won't perform well at the current rate, and that will reflect on their families.

>>35086824
>It sounds like we need to see if any of these pilots not making the cut have a common training leader and call for an investigation into how some of these guys were rated into attack wings.
Fuck no. Bad political Juju right there

>>35086881
>That however is the nature of the dominion. We can't really get up in arms about it considering what we do.

I agree that it is the nature of the Dominion.

I disagree that we can't get up in arms about this case. The reputation of the House as a military force in this war is something that can not be damaged by such corruption. If they want to bribe instructors to give special attention to their kids so they get the best training, that is fine. Passing people not qualified into the attack wings that our House is getting a reputation for elites with? Unacceptable.

The good of the House outweighs the good of some nobles in it.

>>35086961
And you think others are unaware of this? Flunk them out if we absolutely have to, but we aren't going to accuse a bunch of nobles of corruption, even if its true.

>>35086961
>The good of the House outweighs the good of some nobles in it.
We aren't going to commit political suicide over every tiny problem in the house's war machine. We're campaigning for a Knight Commander slot so we can help the war effort more, and your proposed action is enormously detrimental to that. Have an off the record talk or reassign them or what have you, but for the love of god don't piss off the noble families or the Baron counting on their support.

>>35086961
Agreed. JD military will be proffesional and I refuse to let some washup assholes who will get people kill be a part of this. We have a reputation as elite pilots and we will maintain that reputation.

>>35087054
Agreed. Think of it as an opportunity to get more people in our debt, not piss them off

>>35086145
>At my birthday party
>Give my nephew the TV remote while we wait for dinner
>Brother-in-law: Oh no he has the remote
>Why, is that bad?
>Suddenly Nature program on TV
>Nephew: SHARKS! LOOK! THERE ARE SHARKS ON TV!
It was like the thread didn't end last week.

>>35086824
>see if any of these pilots not making the cut have a common training leader
Some of them do but far from all of them. You have more ships than pilots. It's very possible minimum entrance restrictions are slipping because of the war. Some bribery is obviously taking place, but it's unlikely to be responsible for everyone.
There was active competition to get into Sonia's unit with only the best getting in. The rest have to go somewhere.

>>35086881
>That however is the nature of the dominion. We can't really get up in arms about it considering what we do.
This is also something to consider.

>>35086961
>The good of the House outweighs the good of some nobles in it.
>>35086998
>Flunk them out if we absolutely have to, but we aren't going to accuse a bunch of nobles of corruption, even if its true.

Modifying this slightly to take into account the different arguments. I hope >>35086881
doesn't mind?

Basically try to get them to agree to a transfer if they don't get their grades up in the next few days. Or tell them off the record that they aren't really prepared for front line duty (At this time). They won't perform well at the current rate, and that will reflect on their families. (And get valuable crew killed).

If they should refuse to transfer and don't improve before the cut off date then wash them out?

>>35087096
Works for me.

>>35087096
That sounds like a good plan to me.

Oh and happy late birthday TSTG. It sounds like the will of Sonia is following you wherever you go.

>>35087237
>Oh and happy late birthday TSTG.
Thanks.

>>35087140
>>35087237
For the remaining few days that you're responsible for the remedial pilots what particular training scenarios did you have in mind? Just more basic drills or something a bit more extreme?

>>35087466
Belated happy birthday TSTG.

>For the remaining few days that you're responsible for the remedial pilots what particular training scenarios did you have in mind? Just more basic drills or something a bit more extreme?

I think doing mostly basic drills is just fine. However, we should start this training week off with the battle of Loran II, and throw them into a sim of the battle around the decoy isolationist Neeran super at the half-way point.

Just so they see what kind of missions they can end up on, and why being bad as a pilot isn't really an option.

>>35087646
Sounds good to me.

I'm tempted to say on the last day we upgrade the training difficulty from Minnow to Great White just to see them react under pressure.

>>35087646
In addition to that, see if some of our knights are willing to tutor small groups of pilots who are in danger of being washed out for these last few days.

>>35087797
P.S. see if we can get some input on these guys from Aaron.

>>35087096
A late Happy Birthday from this annon here!

>>35087839
>see if we can get some input on these guys from Aaron.
"The bottom of the barrel would be my first impression of this group. I think some of them can improve. One or two of them took it badly when they got their asses kicked by people trying to get into the elite units. Getting killed multiple times in a few minutes within the same simulation can be a bad for morale. A few probably won't make it through the training."

Some of your Knights that weren't helping out the trainees yet are directed to do so, making sure to try and help them out. Mike and a few others act as the wingmen for the remedials to help cover them so they have enough time not getting killed to actually do some damage. Alex focuses on teaching gunnery and targeting.

Roll 4d20. First 2 are for the remaining training while the last 2 are for the large battle(s) at the end.

Rolled 14, 15, 15, 17 = 61 (4d20)

>>35088080

Rolled 10, 6, 6, 11 = 33 (4d20)

>>35088080
sorry wrong number of dice

Rolled 3, 2, 8, 20 = 33 (4d20)

>>35088080

Rolled 3, 8, 5, 19 = 35 (4d20)

>>35088080

By the end of the final set of training a number of the remedial pilots had either improved or started to actually put some effort into it. The addition of some experienced hands certainly helped them out in the opening stages of the larger battles.

Some are still borderline and should remain in training despite technically passing. You make sure the Baron is aware of this and that the unit should still be delayed on entering combat until they've been able to catch up with the others.

2 pilots outright fail. One is a noble, one from middle class. The middle class kid reluctantly accepts the transfer, though with little in the way of choice. You're not sure where he's headed but it won't be at the controlls of a corvette.

The noble, a Dro'all by the name of Dal Talos however refuses the transfer and doesn't seem to accept the results of the testing. The family is certainly a rich one but there's no room for negotiation on this. He is going to be returned home for more training or reassignment unless agreeing to a transfer.

Talos immediately protests the action and promises to go to the Baron if you don't reconsider.

>What say?

>>35088631
How bad is he? I take it that if we had a duel with simulated ships he'd have basically no chance of winning? What about Aaron? Tell him that if he can beat our com officer in a simulated ship duel he gets in. If he fails, he takes the transfer and shuts the hell up, and Aaron takes his place.

>>35088796
I like the idea of pitting him against Aaron but not loosing Aaron if we getting him for our Wing or RSS/RTS would be much better

>>35088631
"I will not have you risk the lives of your would be wingmen just because you do not accept your own inability to fly this ship. Nor will I accept wasting a potentially good pilot and asset to the House just because said pilot refuses to admit that he is ready to face the single largest threat the House and the Dominion has ever faced. Now get your act together soldier."

>>35088854
Perhaps Aaron gets the option to transfer?

>>35088631

Aaron technically makes the cut to be placed in command of a corvette, now?

... If we could get the OK from both Winifred and the other Baron, would Aaron want to volunteer to swap out with the middle class kid and pull a second tour as a pilot? We could mentor the kid like we've done with Aaron, and we put a pilot with potential into an attack wing.

>Talos

"I am recommending you return to the training squadrons for another rotation. From there, you may either wash out or prove me wrong. Personally, I suggest that you prove me wrong and mentor at least two wingmen along the way. I will not stop you from going to the Baron, but I will be forced to make a formal report to defend my position on the matter. My job is to make sure that you survive to make a name for yourself, rather than die along with your ship and crew."

>>35088796
I like the idea with Aaron though i'm not sure if taking his place would be a good idea since we are just about to head home.

If Aaron wins it just shows that he is a pretty good pilot. (Note To Self: Ask Aaron what he plans to do once we get back. I'm not saying that he could work part time as a pilot in our company....but he most likely totally could.)

>>35088796
I'm totally not in favour of giving Aaron away.

Otherwise, the noble is more than welcome to bother the baron. We did our best to reduce the headache that could come from this for the baron.

How he wants to deal with this guy and his family is up to him.

>>35088930
IIRC Aaron has been good enough to get commissioned as a corvette pilot for at least 6 months, he just held off on it because he wasn't good enough to make it into Sonia's elite wing.

>>35088796
>How bad is he? I take it that if we had a duel with simulated ships he'd have basically no chance of winning?
Not unless he has SP's while you did not.
>What about Aaron?
It's unlikely he'd be able to defeat Aaron but not impossible.

>Aaron technically makes the cut to be placed in command of a corvette, now?
>IIRC Aaron has been good enough to get commissioned as a corvette pilot for at least 6 months, he just held off on it because he wasn't good enough to make it into Sonia's elite wing.
This. He also has some problems with discipline according to his file.

>>35088930
>If we could get the OK from both Winifred and the other Baron, would Aaron want to volunteer to swap out with the middle class kid and pull a second tour as a pilot?
He's reluctant to join someone else's unit, let alone serve under a different Baron entirely.
"If I were to transfer over it would be hard for me to come back unless I pulled a third tour."

>>35089349
Lets have Aaron duel him then

>>35087096
The sharks never end.

On a side note do you guys think there is much point in putting rear-firing torpedo launchers on any ship smaller than a battlecruiser? Or even dedicated missile launchers?

Attack ships do a lot of hit and run attacks or short ranged brawls, so while rear firing weapons are nice there doesn't seem to be much call for torpedoes. Our opponents are now so strong that we never really use missile offensively now and they are more of a smokescreen thing, so compact racks make more sense than launchers that take up more space and weight.

>>35089349
I'm against any sort of competition/duel. The guy has outright failed.

>Aaron's response

Just pointing out an opportunity.

>>35089349
Just let the baron deal with Dal Tolos.

Other than that, I would also like to suggest having dinner with the runts who pulled their shit together and the knights who volunteered to tutor them.

I'm also in favor of keeping tabs on the middle class kid.

SURVEY! <<<<<<<<<<<<<

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRKS85G

Hope I don't get a posting error today.

The other Wings have been continuing their training with Daska and are beginning to switch over to Assault corvettes. It's a bit late but there should be time to get used to the craft before they have to fight anyone.

For the return flight hme everyone is informed that they can return early aboard faster ships if they wish but that the entire expeditionary force is going to conduct another flypast of Dreminth like the first time you returned so they have to park at a designated location in the system's comet belt.

Did you want to get back early on your Excalibur to see the family or wait until the fleet has arrived?

>>35090410
As much as I'd like to get home sooner, it's our job to stay with our fleet for as long as there's even the slightest chance something might go wrong.

I'm sure we have more than enough things to keep us busy while we're travelling home.

>>35090410
Get home sooner. Hope mom hasn't heard about the assassination attempt.

>>35090410
Can we arrange to meet with the head of the Bar'lethum(?) House that we are partnered with the FTL interdiction project on? I'm in favor of whichever option lets us get to him ASAP with the data on the Neeran interdiction device.

If that isn't possible, see if there are any RSS or Bekka based emergencies that require us to rush home for.

If not... could we rush ahead and bother our Father while the fleet catches up?

>>35090410
We stay with our fleet as we should.

>>35090551
>Hope mom hasn't heard about the assassination attempt.
There are some areas where you still have slight skin discolouration. Fixing it wasn't exactly vital, the medics figured you'd want to be back and on your feet primarily.
Having it removed is easy enough, do you want this taken care of before you get back?

>>35090591
>could we rush ahead and bother our Father while the fleet catches up?
He should be somewhere in the Pandora cluster with House Logistics actually. You can find out where. You do also have the option of staying late and using the Excalibur to catch up with the fleet.

>Can we arrange to meet with the head of the Bar'lethum(?) House that we are partnered with the FTL interdiction project on? I'm in favor of whichever option lets us get to him ASAP with the data on the Neeran interdiction device.
It can take some time to arrange such a meeting. It would be faster to schedule a meeting with the R&D personnel assigned to the project.

>>35090776
>Having it removed is easy enough, do you want this taken care of before you get back?

Oh god, yes. Please.

>>35090776
>do you want this taken care of before you get back?
Nah, I'd like it if Sonia has some scars to show off. It would give her character.

>>35090776
>it could take time to arrange such a meeting.
Saying "We encountered something fighting the Neeran that pertains to our conversation at the Lat'tham ball" should either move that along or get a qualified stand-in made available fairly immediately? The sooner they're looking at the raw information we have from 9th Wing, the sooner things get moving on that front.

>Father
Find out where he is, admit the assassination attempt happened, and receive hugs. We should be able to take care of that in a few hours, and not be too far ahead/behind of our force. We'll also be at a J-D station, so we're not out of contact.

>>35090776
>It can take some time to arrange such a meeting. It would be faster to schedule a meeting with the R&D personnel assigned to the project.
better idea really. Or just send an email.

While the fleet jumps out you begin to track down House logistics operations centers and their records on personnel deployment. Eventually he's located acting as a House officer attached to the Royal Logistics Corps.

By contacting the base commander you're able to surprise your father while another officer is called in to cover the rest of his shift. He's certainly surprised to see you here but isn't complaining.
Well, not openly. The sight of a young General hugging an older Lieutenant draw the curious stares of several coworkers.

"It's good to see you. Why didn't you tell me you were stopping by?"
"I wasn't sure when I'd be able to or if my timing would be right to catch you in the area. My fleet is headed back to the Homeworlds."

"Then we may not run into each other for awhile, my non-combat rotations last longer than yours, especially if you're headed off to the South Reach area later on like you usually do."

You don't know about that, there are some things you need to take care of before anything else.

"What are you doing here?"

"The Ruling House tries to do what they can to combining all Dominion logistics capability to make things easier and increase efficiency. This isn't that unusual, it can just be complicated at times. The House has me assigned here to help coordinate along with a few other people."

Looking out at a panoramic display showing external views of the station you can see hundreds of cargo ships lined up to drop off their cargo for sorting and inspection. Tugs are flying in every direction moving containers of every size.

"It's not that different from the market district back home once you get used to it, only scaled up. To think there are a few Houses that might only have one or two systems but with nearly as much traffic as this."

>Anything you want to talk about?

>>35090954
>admit the assassination attempt happened
Do this? Y/N?

another belated happy birthday TSTG.

Is House offering any kind of discount if we spring for a battlecruiser or Moli from the salvage list? Wasn't RSS planning to mount light plasma cannons onto Journeymen as salvage escorts for possible front line duty? That Shallan BCRS could be a suitable addition to that planned group due to also having a light plasma cannon.

Just asking again before the window completely closes on those ships. >>35074335

>>35092039
>>Anything you want to talk about?
If he could build a factory for one piece of equipment there's never enough of around, what would it be?

How is his end of the military doing?

Anything family related we should know about?

>Do this? Y/N?
Yes, I think they deserve to know. Although we might want to be wearing our stealth armour when we tell mum.

>>35092235
>Yes, I think they deserve to know. Although we might want to be wearing our stealth armour when we tell mum.
I approve of this.

>>35092039
>Anything you want to talk about?

What we might get the base commander and the guy covering his shift as thanks.

Where we can find something good to eat on this station.

Our possible deployment of an RSS salvage group to the front and the proposal we made to base them out of the DHI Pandora facility. Also the fuel credit thing with the House.

Does he have any input on the RSS logistics train that would be needed to support that? Would it be wise for us to integrate part of the RSS logistics train with the House/RLC for that? Just having RSS fill any empty space with stuff for the House/RLC instead?

Talk about some of the Neeran transports our command captured?

>>35092111
>Is House offering any kind of discount if we spring for a battlecruiser or Moli from the salvage list?
Oh, yes you're only paying about half like you usually would on salvage.

>Wasn't RSS planning to mount light plasma cannons onto Journeymen as salvage escorts for possible front line duty?
Yes, because they can easily detach them then go back to cargo hauling in a few minutes.

>>35092235
>If he could build a factory for one piece of equipment there's never enough of around, what would it be?
"Food if you believe it or not. It seems basic but there is always demand for it. Basic rations are one thing but people want natural grown food. Stuff that actually tastes good. Not everyone likes to eat those coloured food brick rations some of the companies make."
You don't think they taste that bad.

"Stasis containers are needed to get fresh food to where its needed and those are largely being reserved for vital military supplies. So really I think stasis systems would be helpful too."

>How is his end of the military doing?
"We're doing well enough. There are few attacks by raiders, either of the Pirate or Neeran variety. The House doesn't need to hire out for too much of its transport capacity but there's never really enough."
"Who does the House hire?"
"A mix of independent freighter captains, people who owe us money, that one fat merchant and a few others."
Fat merchant? "Ferigold?"
"That's the one. You're still getting all of your supplies right?"
You give a brief explanation of what you've been up to that shouldn't give away anything classified.
"Oh so now you're really a pirate."
"Dad."
"I know people were saying that about you for ages."
"Okay, you can stop."

>Anything family related we should know about?
"Lets see, your sister has been marked as a potential recruit for special forces once she's old enough."
If she suddenly vanishes you're going to find whatever officer wasresponsibleandPERSONALLYTEAROUTSEVERALVITALORGANS.
"Sonia calm down. They've made an offer for a different set of schooling courses but Bekka is set on commanding a starship, even if it's just a corvette."

You're not sure if that's good or bad. She still sounds just as stubborn as ever.

"She did take a special class for a few weeks to help deal with her coordination due to growth spurts."
"She had another growth spurt? If she's too tall it would make it harder to become a pilot."
"Well its about the same age you had your last one and it looks like she's going to be about the same height as you."

That's going to be scary. You need to practice your unarmed hand to hand skills.

"Your mother and I got you a holiday gift for when you get home. Something for the long flights back and forth. I think you'll like it but your mother isn't sure."
"Do I get a hint?"
"It's a drama. Hey, don't give me that look young lady."

>>35092486
>What we might get the base commander and the guy covering his shift as thanks.
"Beer for the one covering my shift. The station commander I don't know yet to be honest. It's hard to get a read on that one. Just a non specific gift that's easy to resale or regift would be my suggestion."

>Where we can find something good to eat on this station.
"That I do know! There's this chef from back home that came aboard with us. Thought this would be an great way to set up a restaurant chain among one of the larger Houses if those passing through could be impressed."

A few minutes later you're enjoying some rather good tasting Linguine with Garlic Oil and Pancetta. The garlic might be a bit strong or you just haven't tasted it in awhile.
"It's mostly pasta dishes but they always come out well."

>>35092039
I would say Yes to telling him but ask him to keep it between us. The last thing we need is our mom worrying about us even more since now have a habit of going on secret missions the keep us from sending mail a lot of the time.

>>35093333
>Food and stasis
You know...that is a pretty good idea.

>>35093587
Heh. Anyway, maybe get his reaction to the assassination attempt?

Could we set up a stasis field factory by any chance? IIRC they are not necessarily pod shaped enclosing the stasis field. You can have something like a suitcase project a field around something. They seem to be rather ubiquitous and there is never enough of them. Rather like transports.

Having lots of cargo-scale fields could help with the refugee situation too. Perishable cargo goes out, refugees go in standing room only and we freeze em for the trip back.

Don't we already have a transport shipyard? The wiki page for Sonia's holdings only lists how much we paid for shipyards in general.

Also holy crap we have a lot of medals and ribbons. Is our uniform running out of room?

>>35093587
Does his unit have any problems that could be solved that could be solved more efficiently by throwing money at them?

>Well, not openly. The sight of a young General hugging an older Lieutenant draw the curious stares of several coworkers.
D'aaaaaaw

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>Our possible deployment of an RSS salvage group to the front and the proposal we made to base them out of the DHI Pandora facility. Also the fuel credit thing with the House.

"It all sounds like a good idea. I wouldn't personally recommend sending civilians anywhere near the front if possible but you have more experience in that area than I do. If your fuel processing ship can mine the atmosphere for a few weeks or months to build up a stockpile then move on to another location that would give the House some advantages. Storing it all would be more difficult and make the site a big target."

>Does he have any input on the RSS logistics train that would be needed to support that? Would it be wise for us to integrate part of the RSS logistics train with the House/RLC for that? Just having RSS fill any empty space with stuff for the House/RLC instead?
"You might be better off with your own supply chain. For a private company to rely to heavily on the House there's the opportunity for political rivals to cut your support at the worst possible moment."

You show him the stats of the proposed salvage fleet. He honestly expected you to send the Anchorage to the front which would have been a beast to keep supplied. A few Aries transports and Moli's with support should be far easier to keep maintained.
"Buy some external fuel tanks. The 90m ones or smaller should be about perfect and they're cheap enough to ditch if you need to run away. Don't screw yourself over by carrying a big 200m one or larger."

>Talk about some of the Neeran transports our command captured?
Dad whistles when looking over the capacity of the CX transports.
"It's like, 6 Y-types rolled into one! How many did you bring back?"
Well... you kinda left them all behind and converted one into an evacuation transport.

He gives you the look.

He is more impressed with the Heavy Tanker. "I hope that once the House has taken it all apart they'll put it back together. We could really use something like that."

>>35094127
>CX transports
Well, we do have the plans to build them. Might want to add a yard for CX transports to the list of potential investment opportunities.

>>35094198
We have a whole RnD staff who specializes in reworking existing vehicles. Maybe we could optimize the CX for human/droall use and set up a shipyard with the House?

>>35093333
>~50% cost due to salvage
'talk to RSS at the time but thread priority' Raincheck on the Shallan BCRS & 2 Moli, please.

>Sonia being a pirate
hahahahaha

>Bekka marked for Spec Ops
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6e5E20k9jY

>Beer for guy covering shift
Station bar should be able to cover that... keg or two worth because we really love our dad?

>station commander
Bottle or two of good booze?

>chef from homeworlds
Spread the word among the expeditionary fleets and pay for a small sampling catering for the station commander and some ranking staff as part of our thanks?

>>35094127
>the look
We totally didn't get screwed by the Shallans over those ships, either! OhshitdidIblurtthatout?

>>35093899
>transport shipyard
IIRC, we have a battlecruiser sized line that has production license for Moli Transport, Luxury Cruise Liner (based on Moli), and Dominion Battlecruisers. Supposedly, they all use the same base framework, so we can retool the line between them within a month or two? We should be producing Moli transports, I think.

>>35093907
>D'aaaaaw
Agreed.

>>35092039
>admit the assassination attempt happened
Yeah, dad deserves to know. Even if it will bring the mood down.

>stasis and food production
Sounds like a winning combo to me!

>>35094648
Or local supplies.

>>35094541
>Beer for guy covering shift
Station bar should be able to cover that... keg or two worth because we really love our dad?

>station commander
Bottle or two of good booze?

>chef from homeworlds
Spread the word among the expeditionary fleets and pay for a small sampling catering for the station commander and some ranking staff as part of our thanks?
This is all good

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>>35093899
>Could we set up a stasis field factory by any chance?
You can. Guess what? They're expensive. Also you're running out of places to build unless you're looking at more Frostback or space options.
I'll get back to you prices and construction options as I need to sort some things, and update the wiki page since a few things were never added.

>>35093899
>Don't we already have a transport shipyard?
Yes, it has been producing Moli class ships for a few months now most of which are being sold to the House or being put into service with Reynard Logistics. I think 1 has been converted into a salvage ship to expand the smaller salvage teams so that they don't have to rely upon the Anchorage as much.
Mr London is wondering if the yard should switch over to building a few passenger liners next year to help with refugee transportation. It's not pressing, the House transport is doing a good job at that and all of the Moli's have found a buyer before they've finished shakedown.

>Also holy crap we have a lot of medals and ribbons. Is our uniform running out of room?
I'm sure they'll find room somehow.

>>35094440
That would require abandoning the HAG project. Your R&D team is otherwise locked in for some time. They only have a prototype at the front lines after all, with little to no data sent back on it.

Lastly you get down to talking about your assassination attempt. Telling dad what happened, the attack, all of it. Both of you are silent for a few minutes watching the freighter traffic.

"Sonia, I didn't want this sort of thing for you. The world wasn't so cooperative."
He leans in as though to give you a hug but instead smacks you in the back of the head.
"That's so that I don't have to tell your mother because she would have done the same thing. Or worse.
Dear you have to smarten up. You could have died because you didn't seek prompt medical attention."
"I wanted to find out who sent the assassin!"
"Which wouldn't have done you much good if you were dead!"

>>35095138
>"Which wouldn't have done you much good if you were dead!"
"I know Dad, I know."
"That being said, what's your view on cloning?"

>>35095138
More hugs?

>>35095138

"I love you too, dad."

and time to set up the classic joke...
"Did you just strike a superior officer!?"

>being told 'no, you're just a higher ranking officer' by your father
classic!

"I know Dad, I know. That being said, what's your view on cloning?"

"What does that have to do wi- wait, when was the last time you went for a neural mapping procedure?"

"Uh, I haven't really."

"Yes you have. They make you do it when you first join up. Are you saying you haven't gone in for one since back in 4023?"

"Maybe?"

The next thing you know you're in a headlock. You don't remember seeing him move. You can hear him paging through his communicator with his other hand.

"Dad, what are you doing?" You ask through clenched teeth.

"Looking up the closest medical facility that's set up for neural mapping."
"Dad I can't, I know classified crap that might fall into the wrong hands."
"Oh. That's different then." A second later he lets you go. It takes a bit to shake off the effects and get your balance back.

"You need to get one made at some point though, even if it was just one your mother or I had. If you were brain damaged by an injury it might allow for reconstruction of the affected areas."

Well that you didn't know. And you have had enough cases where you could have easily suffered brain damage had things gone a little too differently. Like the haircut you got while escaping the Lat'tham ball. You don't recall ever telling them about nearly getting shot in the head.

"Hey hang on, did you just assault a superior officer?"

"No, you're just a higher ranking officer. Also family disputes can be a grey area in Dominion law. Besides I can just say the bear hug knocked the wind out of you for a moment."
"What bear hu-gah!"

A few hours later you say your goodbyes and promise to say hi to the rest of the family when you make it to the homeworlds. Your father has a job to do here and can't really take much time off. You are able to get those gifts taken care of for the station commander and the other officer before you go however.

I suppose neural mapping for medial or personal grounds is okay. The problem is getting one done while ensuring that only one copy exists.

>>35095138
>They're expensive. Also you're running out of places to build unless you're looking at more Frostback or space options.
Yeah I bet, still they seem to go hand in hand with logistics in general. If we get one going it and the transport factory will never lack for business.

Is there any land adjacent to the plots we already own available on Surakeh or Tourta? That would simplify things a lot, but if not we could look elsewhere on those planets. Or maybe even see about getting another asteroid base going, that would add another layer to our cover for special projects.

BTW where is our LST production asteroid current parked?

>I'm sure they'll find room somehow.
According to wikipedia if you have multiple examples of the same medal you can put a little star on the ribbon of that medal instead of wearing two of them. They even have roman numeral "V"s to show that you got five or more of the same medal. Now that helps a little bit but we just get so many medals from different sources. I'm sure there must be something in the regs that lets you wear medals on the other side if you run out of room.

>>35096200
Maybe we can get some unfortunate junior officer who has to accompany us with a banner displaying our family crest and all our medals attached to it?

It sounds like something decadent nobles in the future would do.

>>35096200
>>35096313
I support wearing all of our medals. We earned these medals, and it would shame us and those who helped us earn these medals if we did not wear all of them with pride.

>>35094127
>"You might be better off with your own supply chain. For a private company to rely to heavily on the House there's the opportunity for political rivals to cut your support at the worst possible moment."
Do we even have any political rivals yet? Heck, I don't think we even have any suitors yet.

>>35095138
>Medals

Did we get any from the Hune, Krath, Shallans, or SRL yet?

>>35096200
>ensuring that only one copy exists.
Buy neural mapper. Stick USB stick into it. Neural map brain. Remove USB. Destroy machine. Then we just keep it in our safe with the rest of the secret stuff.

>>35095138
I have to say that the idea of a Stasis Field factory is interesting if they are in such large demand. We do have to look into that and see what kind of potential it holds. Perhaps even combine it with a Stasis Field R&D like we did with the LST factory and the HAG design? That way we could also research that other Stasis Field idea we had before that I do not remember what exactly it was.

As for food... If Frostback is habitable enough for it to be possible after our terraforming efforts then I say go for it. It will help bring more people to the planet and more sources of income as well.

>I'm sure they'll find room somehow.
Perhaps we could start putting them on our back so those behind us can bask in our glory as well? Ofcourse they will have to compete for all the new medals we will get when coming home. Even if I think our days of gaining more medals than we know what to do with is slowly disappearing due to the fact that we are hardly getting wounded anymore and wont get anymore Wounded in Action medals.

>>35096488
I think there is one or two in the House that does not like us but I don't actually think we got any "Rivals" so to speak. Then again there is probably several nobles that snear at us because we are not born noble.

Oh I can't wait to get back home!

>>35096573
I would be sorely disappointed by Dominion culture and humor if there wasn't a "Survived your first assassination attempt" medal.

>>35095138
>Also you're running out of places to build unless you're looking at more Frostback or space options.
We'd get more land given to us for free upon reaching the rank of Knight Commander right?

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>>35096200
>BTW where is our LST production asteroid current parked?
5AU out from the orbit of Surakeh. If anyone is headed your way they'll know it.

Parade Formation. That's an order you haven't heard in some time. Like before the fleet is given an approach path that comes in from above the plane of the galaxy for a direct line towards House space. The dense stellar clouds and course corrections seem more like a formality than a nuisance. Compared to ghosting through the Shallan galaxies this is the fast lane.

3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th Wings line up for entry into Dreminth. 1st Wing is out ahead. They've picked up a number of upgrades and are nearly at full strength but you question how well their ships would integrate into the rest of the fleet with their Iratar military grade parts. Gear not so easily replaced should the Houses find themselves on the other side of a war against the other Factions.

"Collision avoidance for final jump looks good" Reports Linda.

The Command ship and other Medium cruisers jump in first followed by the Carriers, their escorts and landing forces, Battleships, Battlecruisers, including your command squad, then the Attack Wings in order.

A portion of the home fleet is parked in orbit. Light Cruisers and the older attack corvettes that have been rotated out of front line service in favour of the smaller upgrade of the old standards. A newer style Carrier is also present.

Upgrade work seems to continue on the main station. The observation decks added two years ago now look as though they're always been present. Your Wings probably seem just as mixed and matched as before. The few corvette and assault corvette squadrons would probably only seem to temporarily break up uneven landscape of ships passing by.

>>35096573
Stasis-as-shields for fighters was one idea. I can't remember the other things we came up with, some kind of SP torpedo catcher?

Lots of new research topics we can pursue now, stasis, repulsors and gravity have a lot of potential. And of course we can't neglect the basic shields/armour/phase weapon stuff too.

The fleet performs an orbit of Dreminth before returning to the station to dock. The arms have been expanded to accomodate the extra Medium Cruisers and Battlecruisers added over the course of the campaign.

Stepping through the airlock doors this time you find that the station interior is crowded with close to as many as the first time the fleet returned. Last year things had begun to approach routine. This year you've brought your force back with minimal losses, managing to contribute while avoiding the heavy fighting and securing resources the House was desperately in need of.

"Three cheers for the returning fleets!" Shouts an officer from an upper level.

It isn't three cheers but one continuous stream. The MP's are a bit late in arriving to make sure things don't get out of hand. They must not have expected this level of turnout. Eventually someone breaks out the champagne but you avoid drinking as much as on previous occasions.

Do you want to try and rein in the newer crews to prevent them from ending up in lockup like some of the others did the first time back? Or will you let them go wild for the rest of the day? Everyone will be going down to the surface tomorrow so there is some time for the medics to fix any injuries and get them sobered up.

>>35097391
Let them have their fun, they just survived like half a year behind enemy lines and deserve to let lose a bit. The MP's will make sure things don't get to much out of hand. Meanwhile we can maybe have a bit more calm celebration with Winifred and the Admirals?

>>35097391
Try to keep them somewhat sober.

>>35097391
Eh, let them enjoy themselves in my opinion.

>>35097391
>Do you want to try and rein in the newer crews to prevent them from ending up in lockup like some of the others did the first time back? Or will you let them go wild for the rest of the day?

Let them have their fun. At worst we'll have to swing by the cells to collect them tomorrow.

And it's probably a valuable experience they have to make at some point of their career. Better now than later when it could actually spell trouble.

The next morning you, your wing and squadron commanders bail 14 pilots out of lockup and make sure they're ready for today's ceremonies.
Glad that you were able to get some sleep yourself you spend the better part of an hour making sure anyone else from your units are also suitably freed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmaTn__RpCE

The shuttle ride to the surface is a bit bumpier than previous ones but it's just some turbulence. Soon you're on the ground and boarding the cars lined up for everyone.

As the limo enters the city you hear the distant sound of bells. Looking out you see the crowds are back this year, civilians from all over having shown up. Given the turnout on the station yesterday there was some warning for the PDF and police to set up crowd control. It seems nobody was expecting such a large turnout as there wasn't supposed to be a large parade with all of the crews and returning ground forces present. Mostly it was just intended to be confined to officers, knights and those receiving the more important individual awards.

The vehicles have to slow down after a few kilometers and people on balconies begin throwing confetti. A few of the veterans look to see how you'll react remembering the minor freakout you had in the first parade. Last year was just a simple drive down the street.

>Do you intend to wave to the crowds or just watch from inside?

>>35098152
Take one for the penguins. Just smile and wave

>>35098152
Just smile and wave

>>35098152

"Enjoy the moment, people. You've all earned it."

Watch from the inside.

>>35098152
We may as well indulge the crowd a bit, smile and wa-
>>35098217
>>35098229
I miss that movie, it was great.

Anyways, just don't tire our arm out. We'll act like the knice but respectable and proper Knight-Commander we are about to become. Also we have not had any Lat'thamar coups happening to us lately so we should not be as effected by PTSD as before.

"This is why we fight people... That and it's fun to make things go boom."

>>35098292
"This is why we fight people... That and it's fun to make things go boom."
"That, and we're also making a killing on salvage"

>>35098152
Smile, wave, watch out for snipers...

>>35098370
I highly doubt anyone would make an attempt when a good majority of the house military is in the area

>>35098388
Eh, non-professional assassins aren't generally known for their intelligence or forward-thinking.

See that guy who tried to kill Reagan, and he was the US President.

>>35098465
Reagan didn't have a good majority of the US military leadership (and all their guards) around him at the time

>watch for snipers internally

>>35098152
Smile, wave, and in the back of your mind watch out for snipers but try not to let it show...or say anything.

Now that I think about it....we really don't have a dedicated "ground" vehicle do we? We should totally get one so we can put a custom Shark hood ornament on the front.

>>35099462
>Now that I think about it....we really don't have a dedicated "ground" vehicle do we? We should totally get one so we can put a custom Shark hood ornament on the front.

Let's just loot one of those Neeran Super Heavy Tanks.

"Enjoy the moment, people. You've all earned it."

Inwardly you still watch for possible snipers.

After a few minutes of this you turn to the others.
"I wonder how many propaganda posters each of our careers have inspired over the years."

"Not as many as you might think." Answers Mike. "Remember that movie, heroes of Geuaur? In which Knight Sylvan and a team storm the Scarab production lines and then the prison? With you and a few of us as supporting characters? We were all portrayed by other actors and actress that looked similar-ish."
"And?"
"All the actors from that movie have done a lot of recruitment drives, and have posters of them and such."
"I do remember seeing a few of those." says Alex. "At least you'll be less of an assassination target this way. Less people know what you actually look like."

That could be taken as good or bad.

Eventually you pass the cordon surrounding the palace and dismount, approaching on foot.

Then through the gates and the same wide halls with marble columns running parallel to each other. The pillars stretching upwards into the ceiling of the dome and the natural light are all much as you remember them. Once everyone has been shown to their places Earl Gernot Sigurd Jerik and his wife appear. Knights and officers instantly stand to attention.

The Earl makes is speech a short one again this year explaining that the deeds and numbers of those present are such that there would otherwise not be enough time in the day.

"But this is a very good thing. Our numbers grow to approaching those at the height of both Houses Jerik and Dremine. Our assets are not the same. They may seem more ragged to some but you are all a far finer fighting force than either House has ever assembled in all the centuries they stood."

"You have fought and survived. Our people gain experience fighting those battles that can be won not futilely wasting them on ones that are lost. There will be a time were we, you, may be forced to stand your ground. Because of your actions your experience gained by surviving where the enemy has not, you will be ready when that day comes. I am sure of it.

In the not too distant future the greatest addition to our fleet will be ready to join you out on the front lines. Perhaps in another year. That day we will no longer be counted among the minor Houses. Take pride in your accomplishments today as we honor you for your unceasing contributions."

You're closer to the front of the pack this time, up with the Admirals and the Baron.

Soon it's your turn to step forward for the Earl to bestow the latest round of medals on you.

"I'm sure your actions have served to annoy the Terrans once again Knight Captain. Another Medium cruiser among other things they won't be getting back from us soon." He seems to be getting a kick out of the idea.

"Some of the medals you're to be given are upgrades of previous ones. It seems we're running out of potential awards for you. I wait to see how you will handle yourself in the political arena. But be careful, others that are watching may not wish to see you succeed."

>>35100179
'Even so, I serve for house and dominion foremost.'

>>35100179
Looks like the Earl has a soft spot for us, thats pretty good.

No promotion to Knight Commander though...We may have reached as far as we can go on military talent alone, we'll probably have to start throwing some of the money being made by RSS around to gain some political favours.

NEW MEDALS!

* Joint operations medal (Shallan Federation)
* Joint operations medal (Factions Alliance)
* Expeditionary Medal

* House Citation ( For recovery of warships and funds for the House )
* House Citation ( Combat in Shallan Space )
* Noble Citation (Secured surface base expansion for DHI)
* Noble Citation
* Hostile Acquisitions Medal with Oak Leaves and Swords?
* Wounded in Action ( Assassin is being treated as a traitor to the Dominion/ enemy combatant)

* Distinguished Service Medal (Shallan Federation)
* Meritorious Unit Commendation (Shallan Federation)
* Life Saving Medal (Shallan Federation, rescue of civilians)

* Medal of Benevolence (Rescue of civilians in hostile territory)

*Convoy Escort Medal
*Convoy Raider Star

*House Elite (Re-issued since you're not technically the direct commander of the 3rd Wing now, Katherine Drake is)
*Outstanding Unit Award / Emperor's Elite ( The Ruling House has taken notice of your performance )

I may be missing a medal. Feel free to make suggestions.

While certainly well decorated 1st wing actually receives more medals due to having taken part in more large scale battles and fleet actions.

>>35100507
Maybe it's coming still?

>>35100179
I am very very very very VERY disappointed. Nevermind the 5000 ships we destroyed while losing like 15 ourselves. Nor the 4 billion we pulled in. Or the awesome tech deal with the Alliance. Or our creation of the resistance. Or our own tech additions to the House. Or the SP tech we got them. Or the über Rovinar stealth tech we stole.

Military talent, money for the house, profitable deals with other groups, new tech. What more does this asshole want from us? But I suppose bringing this House up to heights not seen in decades is not worth more than a few pesky pieces of metal to put on our chest.

>>35100636
>*Outstanding Unit Award / Emperor's Elite ( The Ruling House has taken notice of your performance )
Even the Emperor sees our potential!

I am disappointed and I am going to bed.

TSTG, could we have an update to our 'personal skills' as recorded on the wiki page, since I think that they were written down at like the end of the Warlords campaign?

Or has not much changed?

>>35100507
>>35100739
>>35100758
Yeah, I wasn't really expecting us to be promoted even with all we have done. This section of Home-Front might turn into "Political area" edition if we really want that promotion.

*Outstanding Unit Award / Emperor's Elite ( The Ruling House has taken notice of your performance )

Now "this" is interesting. Why do I get the feeling that at some point we are going to get a visit from our favorite Knight's Errant while at some point this visit?

>>35100636
What is the 2nd Noble Citation for?

>>35100636
>Suggestions
Something from the FA for the construction data of all those Neeran ships and the stealth field generator?

"Didn't make us want to shoot them most of the time" - Highest medal for non-Hune available from the Republic.


>Outstanding Unit Award / Emperor's Elite
Do we get to pick another ship?

>>35100758
I'd guess it mostly comes down to politics. There are most likely only so many spots for Knight Commanders with our current fleets, he can most likely not get any of the old ones to step down, and Sonia is pretty much a blank page when it comes to politics. And there's probably a long list of nobles waiting to be made Knight Commander on top of all that.

Also, for all he knows, Sonia might defect to House Veritas tomorrow because if you look at their territory from the right angle, it looks like a gigantic shark.

Well, he most likely doesn't think that. But you know what I mean.

>>35100636
I'm a bit surprised there isn't some sort of 'raider' medal or Hostile Acquisitions deal for going so far behind enemy lines, or for capturing 4(?) Heavy Cruiser sized vessels in a single raid.

Or some sort of honor citation for collecting allied stragglers from behind enemy lines.

>>35100507
Earl likely just acting like he enjoys us to avoid us knowing we'll be assassinated along with Winifred when the time comes.

>we'll have to start throwing some of the money being made by RSS around to gain some political favours

The problem with that is we are constantly trying to spend it on RSS things!

>>35100865
>>35100758
>Emperor's Elite

I wonder if any of the 7 Major Houses get a kick out of the Emperor's Elite being commanded from one of their shark ships.

>>35100883
I believe it was for recovering some modular station sections the first time you went raiding this past tour but I still need to recheck that. I know you didn't keep the ones you picked up in the Maelstrom galaxy as they were used to set up the hidden base.

A medal from the Krath would be interesting but it looks like none is forthcoming for the time being. You can still hope.

Rufaro is Knighted which she is very excited about as are a number of your other pilots and squadron commanders despite several of them lacking cruisers. This is the first time that the Earl has Knighted any that haven't met that prerequisite. The fact that four of Fox's subordinates each use a newer but much smaller ship despite being Knights may be helping to shift some requirements. They wouldn't be the first ones.

Once the post ceremony reception kicks off you briefly meet up with Alex and Mike.
"I really hope nothing bad happens this time causing all of the Barons to rush out of the room."

The three of you pause and look around. So far no one seems to be in a hurry to leave except for the occasional servant going to refill trays of food.

"I think we're good." states Mike

"That was getting a bit ominous when it happened that one time and then again." Admits Alex.

>>35100758
Awhile later you run into Winifred.
"So I take it I won't be seeing that promotion to Knight Commander at this party?"

The Baron chuckles. "I had to lobby strongly to be named commander of the expeditionary fleet. That was only after I had established myself politically. You have the military support you need and most of the financial. Now you need political backing. Then you can push to be named Knight Commander of an expeditionary force.
Remember the position is only a temporary one. A stepping stone to becoming a Baron. Have you given any though to what particular world you would ask to be named Baron of?"

Stopping for the night. Will resume after 7PM Tomorrow, then all day Friday.

>>35101313
>Rufaro is Knighted which she is very excited about as are a number of your other pilots and squadron commanders despite several of them lacking cruisers.

Neat, we should take lots of pictures. Could Rufaro's parents attend the ceremony?

>>35101313
If we are going to be involved in the political arena, we either need to a) learn how to duel, or b) learn how to orchestrate "accidents" for our rivals, or c) Become masters at economic warfare.

Ideally, we'd do all three.

>>35103118
We could always just simply do starfighter duels instead of the regular sword fights. But we just really need to actually start pushing into politics since we have focused on military/economics.

>>35100636
>* Hostile Acquisitions Medal with Oak Leaves and Swords?
Nah, see, they make the award specifically because of our antics right? Its really
*Hostile Acquisitions Medal With Sharks

They could award Sonia a robo-parrot.

It would have laser eyes to prevent future assassination attempts, and built-in database to estimated the value of any salvage she encounters immediately.

>>35101313
Right then, let's see what we can do to get some political backing. Seeing since giving the House amazing tech every moment we can is not enough we'll try something else.

As I see it there are five Houses we could approach to try and increase our relations with them.

There is House Veritas whom we basically ensured that they got created and not conquered and split up. However the question remains if the House want's to be associated with them at all.

The House who own the planet we got out Starfighter factory on had a Baron that was pretty bro and I am sure we could use that to further improve relations with our two Houses. It would be good to have an ally so close to our South Reach holdings.

The House whom we gifted back a set of power armor we salvaged is also a potential for increasing relation. At the very lest we can open up for talks with them since I do not think we have any relations with them what so ever.

House Posat still sees us as an investor and we can approach them from that direction if we want to.

And then there is that one major House whom we got the FTL denial project with. If we could tie them into an Alliance we would have a strong backer in the case of an invasion of House territory.

>>35106967
I think what we need is backing within our own house. We have many allies and associates around the universe, but little interaction with the nobles of Jerik-Dremine. We would probably need to go to some of those dreadful balls, invite people to parties, go to other the parties other people throw and so on.

So far our noble / influential potential backers are:
>Daska, who doesn't like us much.
>All the new nobles of our wings.
>The knight commander
>Perhaps Dremine himself or others who have an idea of how much we have helped the house.

>>35101313
Could we take this chance to ask Winifred if she knows any secure neural mapping facilities so we can get neural mapped without possibly compromising all of the classified stuff we know or getting cloned... Prematurely?

political power quick?

Borrow a leaf off Winifred and get a political marriage. But then this totally does not fit Sonia's character at all.

>>35101313
Maybe we should see how Alex is dealing with his family. I seem to recall he was something of a threat to his older siblings. Then we promoted him to wing commander. And he got a bunch more money this tour. And he'll probably make Knight Captain soon.

>>35107651
Seconded

>>35107232
>Daska
does she really hate us? Trying to catch up on threads and I was wondering if something happened? iirc it's just because she wants to be in command as well.

>>35109716
Sonia and the anons in the quest are very liberal with the emotions of hate and love. Not only do they tend to categorize most people of importance in those category but the reaction is similar. Sonia has a bipolar love/hate coin flip in the head., that sometimes happens to land on the edge, if people are unimportant on a personal level.

> Hostile Acquisitions Medal with Oak Leaves and Swords?
We're gonna have so many of these that we can draw a shark on the ribbon with all of the diamonds.

>I may be missing a medal. Feel free to make suggestions.
This being the Dominion I'm surprised there isn't some kind of "Big Game Hunter" medal for capturing a medium or larger ship in combat. If there isn't we should totally get one named after us.

>>35106822
We need to double down on external holoprojectors for the Devourer. Then we can get animated shark jaws and a towering hologram of Sonia pointing her sword at the next ship she wants to salvage.

>>35106967
>>35107232
The question is how do we want to sell ourselves to other nobles? What are they going to get out of supporting us other than a competent fleet commander? We seem to be trying to make JD into the House with the elite units backed up by lots of high tech. Maybe we should play up that angle? We tend to go out and salvage a lot of cool stuff and share almost all of it with the House. At some point we will become too useful to too many people for most of the Dominion to want to get rid of us.

The obvious downside is this makes us more of a threat to other factions.

>>35111835
I guess we'll simply need to become too useful to too many people in the various factions as well.

>>35111835
>This being the Dominion

I'm a bit surprised there isn't a medal for preserving House assets against overwhelming odds.

>>35111835
I did have one suggestion for rallying support. From what I understand, our house is currently having difficulty keeping recruitment up to standard. Manpower and money is the real limiting factor, not hulls. One option to increase recruitment is for us to begin offering discounts to military personel and their families in our land. Like active duty military and immediate family get 5% off of rent payment, and two months rent free if they die. Might cause more Shallan refugees to enlist.
Shallan Knight when?


>Remember the position is only a temporary one. A stepping stone to becoming a Baron. Have you given any though to what particular world you would ask to be named Baron of?"
Robrinaan maybe? I'm not sure the house has any other worlds important enough, though I'm not sure if we grabbed enough terriformable worlds in the area to support a barony.

>Training Ribbon
Easily the best medal Sonia has.

>>35107232
I was thinking along the lines that if we gain good deals for the House with others outside the House people to begin to approve of us. If they approve of us as and see that we are politically capable then perhaps THEY will approach us instead of us approaching them. But yeah a combination of inter House politics and outer House politics should be good. I think our time back home will be more full of work than usual if we aim to gain some backing. Not much time for sheninigans when you are running a multi billion company, trying to elevate your social status and avoiding assassins.

>>35107772
>get a political marriage
The logical part of me thinks this is a good idea since that would give us an already built political base to stand upon and would certainly raise our status if we got the right one. On the other hand I don't see who we could possibly marry Sonia. I mean aren't all the Barons taken already?

>>35108223
You are giving me ideas about marrying Alex...
But yeah he probably knows more about maneuvering than we do so we can probably ask him for help. And we could probably help him deal with his siblings, one way or another.

>>35111212
Sometimes I wonder how a psychologist would describe Sonia.

>>35111835
Far as I see it we've been playing the high tech angle since forever. However now that we got the capital for it we can really start up some serious tech madness. Like I really REALLY want us to get an R&D lab for plasma seeing as the Republic wont sell a license to anyone. Oh and that Rovinar cloaking tech would be sweet as well if we could begin work on.

>>35103938
>But we just really need to actually start pushing into politics since we have focused on military/economics.
Indeed. There were several opportunities offered on your previous leave to become more active in the political scene which everyone was fairly adamant about avoiding.

>>35104999
>Nah, see, they make the award specifically because of our antics right?
I did, but it made sense that such a medal would have existed before.

>>35107651
>Could we take this chance to ask Winifred if she knows any secure neural mapping facilities so we can get neural mapped without possibly compromising all of the classified stuff we know or getting cloned... Prematurely?
"I'll have one of my people get back to you on that." she replies.

>>35106967
>As I see it there are five Houses we could approach to try and increase our relations with them.
Helping to improve relations with another House would indeed help your own standing within J-D, as would forming alliances that could help when the Houses go back to fighting one another.
That kid you're been helping to set up to eventually retake his House is a good example but that's a much longer term plan and probably won't contribute towards a promotion in the short term.
The remainder of this post will be addressed because there's actually a lot of good stuff here. To move things along, did you want Reynard Tactical Solutions to look into options that could present themselves with each of the Houses? They do have some intel personnel now.

>>35116635
>The remainder of this post will be addressed because there's actually a lot of good stuff here. To move things along, did you want Reynard Tactical Solutions to look into options that could present themselves with each of the Houses? They do have some intel personnel now.
sure
>There were several opportunities offered on your previous leave to become more active in the political scene which everyone was fairly adamant about avoiding.
Really? I honestly don't remember them. Maybe I wasn't there when you presented them.

>>35115464
>You are giving me ideas about marrying Alex...
I ship Alex and Becka actually.
Mostly because I find the very idea funny.
>>35116635
One group we definitely should talk to is the DHI people.

>>35116635
>To move things along, did you want Reynard Tactical Solutions to look into options that could present themselves with each of the Houses? They do have some intel personnel now.
Sounds good to me.

What were the names of these Houses again?

I also agree with the anon above me in that we should go have a chat with DHI. I'd love to but some more shares from them if that is possible...

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>>35109716
>does she really hate us?
"Is annoyed by you at times" would probably be a better fit.

>>35111835
>We tend to go out and salvage a lot of cool stuff and share almost all of it with the House. At some point we will become too useful to too many people for most of the Dominion to want to get rid of us.
At present it's mostly your House that's in that position and maybe 2 dozen other Houses.

>>35112195
>Shallan Knight when?
Certainly a good idea, but remember that people can attempt to join the Factions Alliance directly now, though they lack their own training resources presently.

>Robrinaan maybe?
That was something I did not expect you guys to suggest.
>I'm not sure the house has any other worlds important enough, though I'm not sure if we grabbed enough terriformable worlds in the area to support a barony.
There are some in the Smugglers Run. (Few of which were directly named, but they exist.)
Tourta is just about the only real option in South Reach as none of the other worlds support enough population or infrastructure.

>>35115464
>The logical part of me thinks this is a good idea since that would give us an already built political base to stand upon and would certainly raise our status if we got the right one. On the other hand I don't see who we could possibly marry Sonia. I mean aren't all the Barons taken already?
Doesn't need to be a Baron, or one from your own House for that matter. Winifred married a Lord who was at the time a Planetary Governor.

>Sometimes I wonder how a psychologist would describe Sonia.
Paraphrasing slightly but when you got checked out by a House psych that one time the report basically boiled down to him shrugging and saying he'd seen worse.

These sort of research projects need more backing than RSS can provide. Thankfully there are a number of Houses that have been looking into it since you began picking up plasma cannons when you were fighting the Warlords.

>>35115464
Not all the barons are taken Winifred is free after all!

>>35117608
>That was something I did not expect you guys to suggest.
It does have a population of 2.6 billion IIRC

>>35117608
>img

Let's just stick to the old agreement and never ever mention it. Ever.

>>35117608
>Certainly a good idea, but remember that people can attempt to join the Factions Alliance directly now, though they lack their own training resources presently.
Yup, but we don't want them to join the Factions Alliance. Its for House and Dominion, not For Space NATO and World Intergalactic Peace.

>>35117772
Nah, its kinda inevitable. Also, I don't recall us having such an agreement ever.

>>35116635
>did you want Reynard Tactical Solutions to look into options that could present themselves with each of the Houses?
Yes, need those people to work for their money now that we do not need to rush in new crews to our ships.

>>35117608
Robrinaan? I can not actually recall the specifics of that planet or what we even did there. However taking a planet in the Smuglers run does not seem entirely bad as it's new territory for the House and we should not have to contest with all that many other people when creating our powerbase.

>Winifred married a Lord who was at the time a Planetary Governor.
Suppose we'll see if any suitors approach us wont we?

>Thankfully there are a number of Houses that have been looking into it
Then we should find out which of our allied Houses and those that could potential be allies wants to do this and begin negotiating. Jointed weapons programs like these should help bring us together.

>>35117623
... I don't think Winifred would survive even the idea of that. Just imagine the headache she would have 24/7.

>>35116783
>One group we definitely should talk to is the DHI people.
You have excellent relations with DHI thanks to your contributions towards it. You're not able to buy more shares at this time but it may be possible in the future.
While certainly powerful DHI can't get you appointed to a position as a Knight Commander themselves. Given the right incentive they could certainly provide support.
Any Baron will need production assets. While you have DHI production modules and an assault corvette line they're mostly at Surakeh. If you were to relocate them that could hurt DHI's business with the Planetary Governor there and Baron Winifred. This should be kept in mind.

>>35117828
>Space NATO
>Read as Sharknado

>>35117763
>It does have a population of 2.6 billion IIRC
Oh it certainly has things going for it, I'd simply forgotten about it when coming up with various possible future scenarios for the Smugglers Run.
>>35118142
Robrinaan was a world that had suffered pirate attacks on its orbital shroud used to help maintain the terraforming. House Erid iirc deployed a small fleet there which got its ass kicked by kamikazi runs on their Medium. The House gained control over it and Sonia's father was posted there as his first assignment.

>Jointed weapons programs like these should help bring us together.
The House has made some of its salvaged plasma cannons available to the R&D group.
The cannon systems on the Devourer are some of the best available of its class size where as most salvaged ones use older outdated weaponry. Would you consider providing data on it?
You could also go there personally as part of an R&D assignment to boost output.

>>35118586
Shall we talk to alex about his family now?

>>35117608
>I'm not sure the house has any other worlds important enough, though I'm not sure if we grabbed enough terriformable worlds in the area to support a barony.
>There are some in the Smugglers Run. (Few of which were directly named, but they exist.)
>Tourta is just about the only real option in South Reach as none of the other worlds support enough population or infrastructure.
Could you provide some info on these worlds?

Realistically speaking though, I think we should aim for the barony of Tourta in the medium-term. It is a world on which we already have significant holdings, its also near our own assets. Furthermore, we're in the middle of Winifred's influence, so we can support her if (when) she tries to break off and form her own House.

With that in mind, we should slowly try and move the heart of RSS's operations from Surakeh to Tourta, as this will give us more sway locally.

>New Knights

If we ever got around to making that "Being a knight for dummies" pamphlet for lower and middle class people, this is probably a good time to start handing it out.

>>35118965
>Furthermore, we're in the middle of Winifred's influence, so we can support her if (when) she tries to break off and form her own House.
Pay attention. Those rumors are bullshit. Also, far from certain we'd follow her.

>>35119187
>Pay attention. Those rumors are bullshit. Also, far from certain we'd follow her.

I also have no idea why she'd want to do that. Things seem to be going pretty swell for J-D right now. And leaving just because her governor is annoying would be pretty weird.

>>35119187

True, but rumors are political weapons. If we openly gun for being named Baron of Tourta, we may play into the hands of the people that want that rumor about Winifred to spread.

"Oh, look! Winifred's prized pet Knight is gunning to be named Baron of Tourta, so that they can conspire together against the House..."

Personally, I'd prefer a world made out of destroyed Neeran ships that can't be repaired and returned to service. Clump them together, heat them up and introduce spin and an atmosphere...

Bekka would buy that idea hook line and sinker.

>>35119314
Why I suggested Robrinaan

1) House Veritas
The House you assisted in joining the Dominion, you're one of their strongest supporters. Most people are willing to let that pass for the time being but they may pay more attention to your activities as a result.
>the question remains if the House want's to be associated with them at all.
This is fiercly debated among the Knights and nobles of the House it seems. Did you want to discuss this with any of the Barons?

Intel: They're building a new fleet using the salvage you recovered for them. They will likely be supporting Republic wall formations up at the front. Selling them new Type-6 attack bombers for a few of their elite units as planned will be a great help to them.

2) House Aeon
The House who own the planet your Starfighter factory is on. Most of the fighters are being sold to the Republic as planned, along with your own House and some to House Aeon.
Baron Idoh has found out about your plan to sell limited numbers of the Type-6 attack bombers to House Veritas and wants you to reconsider waning it could hurt relations. Alternatively there are several enemies of House Veritas who are willing to offer support or favours to your House provided you allowed them access to the shipment of fighters before they're sent off.

As it has taken time to get production up to speed and reach quota Mr London has held off on shipments to House Veritas until you decide what to do.

>>35119587
Would House Aeon be willing to agree to us exporting the fighters to Veritas if they stay under FA command and at the front at all times?

>>35119587
Why would we send Fighters to house Veritas? Now, on the other hand we sell A LOT of military equipment to mercenaries from the PCCG. If one of those mercianary companies turned out to be, through a maze of shell companies of course, a state run company of House Veritas that is mainly used to purchase armaments denialby, now, that's hardly OUR fault is it? I mean, the PCCG exists so we don't have to do such expensive investigation of our clients.

>>35119792
I would like to second this idea. It's sneaky, like a shark on the seabed coming up from below

>>35118586
>Would you consider providing data on it?
For a joint plasma research program that will give us plasma tech I am willing to GIVE them our Battlecruiser! Not that we actually will do that but data they can have.

>I'd prefer a world made out of destroyed Neeran ships
Space Hulk?

>>35119587
>Did you want to discuss this with any of the Barons?

Yes, any one of them who will listen really. They have a strong position near our South Reach holdings and would be able to help us repel any enemys invading there. This is essential due to our holdings being so far between. And seeing as few others wants to be their allies they would hold onto us much more.

>>35119792
Selling to a third party that sells back to Veritas seems like the best outcome here.

But it will come down to this. Which House is stronger? Aeon or Veritas?

>>35119896
Veritas I think. They're certainly closer. And they need us more than Aeon does, that's for sure.

>>35119587
We could always sell the fighters to FA then get the house to 'ask' for the fighters.

>>35119896
>This is essential due to our holdings being so far between. And seeing as few others wants to be their allies they would hold onto us much more.
Much better to have an... informal relationship. Basically, use us and RSS as an informal go between. Everybody knows we're more or less speaking for the house, but everyone can pretend we're simply a "private citizen"

>>35119792

Actually, if word of our plan to sell to Veritas has gotten around that plan could very well be expected and watched for. We're hardly the first person to think of it in the Dominion, and the enemies of Veritas are more than likely to look for every and any way to cripple or outright eliminate Veritas supporters.

Hell, there is probably a way for someone to bring litigation against RSS for selling military equipment to a Veritas shell due to 'aiding war criminals' or something.

>>35120053
>Hell, there is probably a way for someone to bring litigation against RSS for selling military equipment to a Veritas shell due to 'aiding war criminals' or something.
Wait? You realize that the war criminals thing is basically a few houses being butthurt. Its certainly not a dominion wide decree.

>>35120044
>Basically, use us and RSS as an informal go between
Personally I think the complete opposite, we should be as far removed as possible - especially given that our starfighter factory is located in House Aeon territory, which they can seize at any time.

>>35119792
This anon's plan would be the best if we still want to keep selling fighters to Veritas. Though I don't really know why we would. For all of our support of them, we haven't seen many benefits thus far..

>>35119896
>But it will come down to this. Which House is stronger? Aeon or Veritas?

Considering that the House's main holding of Surekah was and likely still is home to a number of FPL supporters, that may not be what it comes down to. What happens if we get buddy buddy with Veritas and suddenly Surekah wants into Veritas, not J-D?

>>35120140
>What happens if we get buddy buddy with Veritas and suddenly Surekah wants into Veritas, not J-D?
Then they don't piss off their only ally? Frankly, that's a LOT more likely to happen to literally any other house in the area, since we took measures to ensure that things like that didn't happen.

>>35120137
>Though I don't really know why we would. For all of our support of them, we haven't seen many benefits thus far..
They're about to pay off in a big way behind enemy lines for one thing. For another, we got hundreds of millions of dollars in profits from them because they sorta trust us. For a third thing, we can sell any military equipment we want to them at a premium because of politics

>>35119587
Can we talk with Alex now, Please? Too much infodumps, not nearly enough IC partying.

Tourta makes the most sense for a Barony, we have stuff and contacts there already and it's located nearby our other assets.

>>35115464
>Cloaking plasma assault corvettes
We could call em the Piranha class!

>>35116783
>Sonia stalking the couple's first date in her recon armour

>>35118586
A research assignment could be fun, we could look into that electrolaser idea while we were at it. But would that interfere with our next deployment? We passed on that FA research assignment for similar reasons.

In any case we can do what we did with our plasma pistol years ago. They can take scans and do tests but we really need that cannon on the frontline, so they can't do anything that would take it out of action.

>>35120219
Well we could still go ahead with the sale to Veritas and gain their favor while losing some with Aeon. But to make up for it we could perhaps offer them a premium deal on Assault Corvettes to sooth them? Or bombers. Or even transports. Or our new rifle that everyone will soon want. Have the Alliance and the House decided if they want any yet? Cause I can't see why you wouldn't want that rifle now that we've updated it to match with the Mass Driver ammo.

>>35120104
>You realize that the war criminals thing is basically a few houses being butthurt.

FPL was full on murder nobles, terrorist bomb things as a movement.

When they got to the point of fleet battles, we know that they most certainly took surrendered Dominion crews and executed them. (during our salvage op for them)

We also know for a fact that officers and members of their military (possibly civilian government, too?) are wanted specifically for those crimes. The bounty hunters that spooked us provided that info, and we removed certain Veritas personnel from our ships for safety concerns.

That does not sound like butthurt. That sounds like legit terrorism and war crimes. Their reformation as a House of the Dominion does not mean that these crimes ceased to exist and were perpetrated by members of their military and/or 'noble' government structure. Last I heard, they certainly aren't allowing anything like a trial to even be heard of about these things.

>>35119587
>This is fiercly debated among the Knights and nobles of the House it seems. Did you want to discuss this with any of the Barons?
Actually, I think we have an enormous business opportunity with House Veritas. They live near the center of the Galaxy, which means a lot of their real estate needs terrriforming. Our house are experts at terriforming. They are politically isolated, and lack the expertize to terriform things themselves. Not only could we charge a premium, we might be able to convince them to pay in (obviously uninhabited) Real estate from the edge of their territories.

>>35120385
>FPL was full on murder nobles, terrorist bomb things as a movement.
Which differentiates them from the rest of the Dominion nobles HOW? Assassination is considered a legitimate part of the Dominion political process. Except, apparently, when commoners do it because their particular nobles are notorious d-bags.

>we know that they most certainly took surrendered Dominion crews and executed them.
And do you honestly think the Dominion forces didn't exicute FPL prisoners as traitors? It was that kind of conflict Anon.

>Would House Aeon be willing to agree to us exporting the fighters to Veritas if they stay under FA command and at the front at all times?
"We would rather see their pilots die horribly in outdated craft. However that is not an unreasonable compromise."

>Which House is stronger? Aeon or Veritas?
Locally Veritas is but they can't threaten much of anything beyond their home galaxy in South Reach. If they decided to go turtle they could probably fend off 2 of the Houses that actively want them gone.

>>35120053
>there is probably a way for someone to bring litigation against RSS for selling military equipment to a Veritas shell due to 'aiding war criminals' or something.
If that were the case people like Ferigold would have been locked up years ago. Houses do bad shit to each other on occasion, the FPL are considered no different in that regard by the more powerful Houses now that they've joined up.

>>35120172
>Frankly, that's a LOT more likely to happen to literally any other house in the area, since we took measures to ensure that things like that didn't happen.
Indeed. Surakeh and Tourta do not have conscription for a set number of years and the PDF just has to meet a baseline number. It's made recruitment for RSS and mercenary companies easier.

>>35120219
>For another, we got hundreds of millions of dollars in profits from them because they sorta trust us.
This. Big salvage haul. Not Heavy Carrier big, but big enough.

>>35120391
This is an item to bring up with the Harmen family who are one of the wealthier groups in the House.

>>35120247
>>35118957
You head over to talk to Alex and find out how his family is doing.
"Most of my siblings are taking administrative jobs where they can, trying to avoid getting dragged into fighting in the war. They know they won't be able to catch up to me at this point. My older brother is hoping my father will retire early so that he can prove his own skill assisting the planetary governor. That might make him a good heir."

>>35120597
>"Most of my siblings are taking administrative jobs where they can, trying to avoid getting dragged into fighting in the war. They know they won't be able to catch up to me at this point. My older brother is hoping my father will retire early so that he can prove his own skill assisting the planetary governor. That might make him a good heir."
"I see. And I suppose the way people all pulled together when my family was kidnapped gave pause to the more... ruthless of your family? I hope so at least, it would be nice for something good to come of that mess."

>>35120597
>"We would rather see their pilots die horribly in outdated craft. However that is not an unreasonable compromise."

The problem is that outdated craft don't kill Neerans effectively and might also get a lot of their non-Veritas allies killed. From the larger battles Sonia's been in it does seem the chance of survival in a fighter or bomber is low enough to ensure a horrible death in most cases.

>Various
Could we also see how Rufaro's doing? Was the ceremony like she hoped it would be? Did her family visit?

Also, did some of the fighter pilots get knighted? Or promoted to corvettes? I remember some of them doing incredibly well. Did any of them survive?

>>35120597
>This is an item to bring up with the Harmen family who are one of the wealthier groups in the House.
I'm fine with bringing it up. Obviously, we tell them we can't know if its a good idea until we know how much they'll pay us of course.

>>35120956
>Rufaro
I jumped in before finishing the backlog, who is this?

"I see. And I suppose the way people all pulled together when my family was kidnapped gave pause to the more... ruthless of your family? I hope so at least, it would be nice for something good to come of that mess."
"I tried not to give them too many details on what I was up to. I don't think any of them would try to kill me. That's just too weird, even if we didn't always get along. If it wasn't life threatening then they might try to sabotage things. They've stayed away from my involvement in Mike's home town simply because of how many people were killed in our raid and could die if things get out of hand there."

"Will setting yourself up on Frostback be enough to get your parents attention? You might even become a Baron yourself there eventually."

Alex laughs. "That's why I wouldn't be a good heir to the family fortune. I'm doing too well for myself now! It's only fair to let the others have something, especially after the profit I made this past year."

You consider bringing up the topic of political marriage but decide to leave that for another time.

Ella Rufaro is positively beaming from her excitement. It was certainly different from what she thought, almost boring from the waiting really, but it was no less enjoyable.
"I suppose it will look bad if I go looking for rocks as souvenirs here."
"Probably. Besides I'm sure this was all brought in from a quarry manually."
"I promise not to walk off with the masonry sir."
"Did your family attend?" you ask.
"I don't know. They may have. It's not like they would have been let in here. The big display screens are for people to watch from outside the grounds. I'm going to see if they're on planet once I leave. I don't want to place a call from here that might have security asking questions."

>>35121330
Body double, Recon armor user. Daughter of 2 terraformers. Helped secure valuable data and a Heavy Carrier.

>>35121462
Well, give her our congratulations. I suppose we should see if any of the newly knighted need fire support, then mingle.

>>35120274
>Sonia stalking the couple's first date in her recon armour
Is it bad that I want this?

>>35121565
Gotta invite them all to our social club of course.

We should hold an event sometime with said club sometime in the future as well. Gotta build that cred in the military.

You congratulate her once again and remind her that at some point you'll have to try and capture an even bigger Neeran ship to outdo her. After all the biggest Neeran vessel you've personally picked up was that Light Cruiser. Or was it a Battleship?
The city ship doesn't really count unfortunately.

>Also, did some of the fighter pilots get knighted? Or promoted to corvettes? I remember some of them doing incredibly well. Did any of them survive?
Plenty of your fighter pilots survived. Those aboard the EBON only saw action a couple of times this tour.
You lost around 6 squadrons worth of starfighters out of the 32 aboard the escort carriers you started with. Pilot losses were not as heavy thanks to the new stasis field protecting them a bit when struck by a plasma ball or ejecting. The system can't take much damage but it has saved lives. Half of the losses were sustained when 9th Wing was ambushed, the rest were the occasional fighter here and there which happens.

Some of the pilots were indeed knighted and offered positions aboard carriers, training squadrons, wherever they wanted to transfer really. Some pilots will be moving to corvettes, others to ships in the home fleet.

>>35121764
Done. Some of them had been invited by others before you get to them so that's good, people are trying to help one another out.

>>35119587
3) House Pentaris
Fairly neutral relations, could be worse. Currently in the middle to minor range of Houses.
Gifted a set of family power armor back to a young heir which will be held in trust.
There have been previous suggestions to build ties with his house.

Intel: This House is one of several that currently lacks access to the assault corvette program and as a result have been moving towards the House Kharbos upgrade program. You could establish a trade deal between them, J-D and DHI. They can also sell you the newer Kharbos designed ships that J-D has refused to buy production licenses for and are not readily available to mercenaries.

>>35122055
Mind if we say something to Winifred along the lines of
"Ma'am, if I can find a good suitor among the rest of the nobles, will you marry me?"
with a complete serious face up until we see her reaction, then burst out laughing?

>>35122163
>Mind if
Yes.

4) House Posat
You're an important investor in their armor production company and you still profit from it thanks to the Knights Errant. The information they've provided you indicates much the same as before. One the war with the Neeran stated the demand for SP torpedo resistant armor dropped off. They are selling to some groups.

Intel: There are inconsistencies between the statements you're being given on your investments vs the amount of armor supposedly being sold. The best explanations your people can decide on are that the production order for the Knight Errant are being handled off the books, or that House Posat is once again lying about how much money they're actually making.
Their House wasn't that financially stable back in the Warlords campaign you recall.


5) House Ber'helum
FTL Interdiction R&D Program.
Given the appearance of the Neeran interdictor it seems time to push ahead on this project. Only a few people in your House know all the details of this joint R&D program. Research personnel assigned to it and the higher ups. Mostly the Barons and the Earl.

>If we could tie them into an Alliance we would have a strong backer in the case of an invasion of House territory
You have an appointment to see Duke Aros Ber'helum, or a suitably empowered representative in the near future.

RTS Intel: None available. (This is a good thing!)

See you guys tomorrow!

>>35122163
Seconded, as the anon who jokingly suggested to marry her we should atleast see what sort of reaction she will have

>>35122163
>>35122462
... I actually want to see this too.

>>35122055
>>35122457
Offer to make Pentaris a priority buyer from our Corvette yard and in return we could ask them to make J-D a priority buyer for their Kharbos ships if the Admirals would like some. Else we can probably come up with something else. Easy way to increase reputation.

Posat pulling this shit again? I'm getting real tired of their shit and I am half tempted to pull support from them. However that would only serve to spite them, which while fun would in the end serve no real purpose at this time. How do we deal with this?

I look forward to the meeting with Ber'helum and hope it will go well.

>3) House Pentaris
If the Karbos designs are any good this seems like a decent and simple "I scratch your back you scratch mine" sorta deal that wouldn't ruffle many feathers.

>>35122457
>How do we deal with this?
Insert some of our agents into the company / bribe some people to find out where the additional revenue is going?

Once we find that out, I guess it's just a case of constructing a case that someone in higher management is skimming off the top, thereby providing us with blackmail material which we can use to obtain more money.

Alternatively, it might be time to sell our shares and invest in something more...lucrative/honest? That statis/food combo our dad talked about seems like a solid candidate.

>>35123836
I guess we could also just ask the Errants if the purchase is going discreetly. If not then someone is probably cooking the books.

>>35122457
We could simply talk with the Knight Errants and ask them about the armor. Just discuss about their effectiveness and eventually go into are they worth it price wise. We could say we might be able to get them a better deal with House Posat.

bump

bump

>>35122462
>>35122613
>>35122163
>Trying to troll Winifred
I'm totally expecting something along the lines of "Sure, as long as you pay for the wedding.". She's been in this game far longer than Sonia.

>>35125151
Sensible. Seconded.

>House Info
That House J-D had historical problems with but who helped us capture some of the guys who kidnapped Bekka. How are things with these people?

>>35127027
>>>35125151
>Sensible. Seconded.
Meant to quote >>35123971 instead.

>>35127027
>Trying to troll Winifred
I have to step out for upwards of an hour, should be less than 2. I'll handle this when i get back.

>>35127027
6) House Erid
>How are things with these people?
While they're still technically rivals it has been awhile since these Houses fought each other. Relations improved considerably as a result of the battle of Robrinaan. Some of their people are still angry your House gained control of the planet but there's not much they can do about it.
Relations between a few important people in their military and Sonia is actually much higher thanks to Bekka's kidnapping and a political shuffle that took place when you asked bribed them to intercept some of the ransom.
Intel: The House is aparently in the middle of negotiations over a production deal with GE.

>>35123971
>I guess we could also just ask the Errants if the purchase is going discreetly.
They hope it is, the transactions are all going through you. That part of your statements all seem to match up. It's when comparing it to the rest of the company that it doesn't.
>>35125151
Their armor seems to work fine. It has seen action when dealing with a Baron or two that needs to conduct a policy shift. It's really been useful.
Currently the armor they're being sold is equal in quality to the Kavarian stuff.

>Insert some of our agents into the company / bribe some people to find out where the additional revenue is going?
Do this? Or would you prefer to simply contact them directly, or even make a surprise visit once you've settled the R&D matter with Ber'helum?