>>35220901
>babysitter

Our bodyguard has to somehow make up for that assassination attempt...

FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

>>35220901
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

>Did you have anything in mind?
Shopping spree, shooting range and fancy dinner? Nothing like combining fashion and violence with good food when you need to blow off some steam? And we could just pay a babysitter instead of mom.

Now I was thinking about House Aeon and Veritas. Aeon was kinda okay with us selling them the Fighters if the contract said they had to send them to the front. So why don't we do that and then compensate them by inviting them to the plasma weapon research project? If it means they are going to be among the first in the Dominion to get access to plasma tech I think they will forgive us selling another House a few Fighters.

>>35220901

"My last psych exam said I should be kept away from small children. Something about being a danger... I'll pay for the sitter!"

posting for someone that can't post, though it will likely not be something to immediately handle:

'Train with allied houses to build up political influence outside the House to support our bid for Baron within the House!'

>>35220901
>Did you have anything in mind?
According to a lot of the posts so far, Sonia has HOSUE AND DOMINION on her mind. Does she ever happen to say this outloud?

>>35221448
At least once when she gave a speech at the beginning of one of the neeran war tours.

>>35220901
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION!

"My last psych exam said I should be kept away from small children. Something about being a danger... I'll pay for the sitter!"

>Our bodyguard has to somehow make up for that assassination attempt...
You pull out your com to check where Valeri is.
"Currently with building security logged into the building sensor net. Sorry I wasn't able to warn you about the flying bowl."
"Do you have your armor on?"
"No sir. Mixed dress uniform reinforced with under armor. There are plenty of people from the fleet out and about in dress still so I'm able to blend in for the moment."

Well you could have your bodyguard help watch your brother. It should prove humorous. More for you than him. You're also about to go out in public while the building has its own security.
Then again who would try something so soon after the return of the fleet?

Will you have him stay here and help babysit or let him do his job?

>>35221350
"Shopping spree, shooting range and fancy dinner?"
"Shooting range? Really?" Mom questions your choice in activities.
"I like all of those things." answers Bekka.
"Shush dear. Sonia, can't you take a break from the military for a day? You and your sister can do that some other time."

[ ] Agree with her.
[ ] Sneak over to a range with Bekka while mom is having a manicure of something.

>>35221801
>[x] Agree with her.
Fine. Let's stick to things everyone likes. I'd like a third activity, though. Maybe watch a movie? Unless mom has a suggestion.

>>35221801
[x] Agree with her
[x] Other: take Bekka shooting tomorrow

She did say 'a break from the military for a day'

>>35221801
Let the poor guy do his job. He doesn't deserve the alternative.

>Agree with her
Buy our sister some nice military sim to make up for it.

>>35221801
>[X] Agree with her.

We can have our own private shooting range time later when it won't cause mom to have a heart attack.

I also say let Valeri do his job.

>>35221801
>>35221948

And dear god don't make Valeri watch our brother. The guy is our appointed bodyguard by Winifred, iirc.

And Sonia isn't a complete dick. Hire a certified/vetted sitter. I'm sure that there are services for that, considering how the Dominion works.

>>35221801
[X] Agree with her.
"Why mom I think you would simply love to fire off a few shoot from a Shallan Fusion Gun. You don't even have to aim with that thing! Just shoot it down a corrid- You may be right, let's go see a movie." Memory's of a hundred burning bodies after the fighting on the Forbearance.

Let Valeri do his job. Fun as it may be to send him to babysit I'd rather have him with us.

Also, H&D: Writer's block edition.
Let's see if I can get rolling.

>Hire a certified/vetted sitter. I'm sure that there are services for that, considering how the Dominion works.
There are.
Looking through a contact list mom has drawn up there seems to be 4 different people to call each day of the week.
"Wait, why do none of these repeat? There are 28 different sitters on this list."
"Because most want a week to recover after dealing with him for an afternoon."
"Mom, please tell me you're exagerating?"
"Yes I am. He only a has a few bad days a week, but they do leave an impression on people."

"Yeah, wherever they get hi-BRFT." A hand clamped over Bekka's mouth cuts off the rest of her comment.
"You sister is also being a handful but less than she used to be."

Well you certainly hope so. She's going to a school where you expect they'd crack down on that sort of thing.

After making arrangements you head out, making sure your bodyguard is following at a discreet distance. If necessary he can pass himself off as your staff officer.

While the limit on the amount of money the three of you agree can be spent isn't unlimited it's still far beyond what your mother usually allows. She's probably reluctant to have Bekka or Ethan get used to spending whatever they want on things, especially after the poor financial times when the Warlords were performing raids. Effectively your parents entire lives.

After the shopping spree there's some debate over seeing a movie or dinner first with dinner eventually winning over. You end up getting a dish more common on this side of the planet that you remember seeming fancy when you were younger. Now you realise it's more middle class than anything.

The movie the three of you end up seeing is a murder mystery.
"I swear if a talking dog shows up and solves this I'm walking out." You whisper to the others.
It turns out to have been committed by a perfect stranger met on a high speed train.

"I didn't know orbital platforms had gyroscopes that big." Says Bekka as you leave the theatre.

"Well it makes sense. The habitat stations around Loran II house tens of thousands of people each and they're the size of a Medium Cruiser." Still you never expected to see a fight scene taking place on one.
"It looked pretty real."
"I thought they were fighting kind of badly."
"Yeah, they were fighting like the untrained civilians they were supposed to be." you point out.
"Oh, I didn't think of it like that."

"Enough you two. Let's get everything to the car."

Getting back to the apartment the sitter predictably says that she doesnt want to hear from your family for the better part of a week. She actually said she'd be unavailable due to pressing school work but you all knew what she meant.

Heading to the range the next day you and Bekka take shots at targets and dummies along with the occasional holographic target.

There is a specially built heavy weapons range that was added to this building some time in the past year or two. Probably in response to the exotic firearms brought back since the Warlords campaign and fighting the Neeran. Do you want to let Bekka fire off a few shots with the plasma pistol?
You have 3 fuel cells on you in addition to the 1 in the weapon.

Sure

>>35223399
Uhh... don't the plasma pistol and fusion gun generally light contained atmosphere on fire?

Can we let Bekka fire our mass driver rifle instead?

I don't want to light the atmosphere in an enclosed range on fire. We might not be invited back!

>>35223399
Use the Shallan Fusion Gun! "Trust me, it will be fun!"

>>35223399
Let her earn it somehow.

>>35223399
We have let her shoot it before so I would not mind.

>>35223399
What can go wrong? If there's a chance this might end with charred Bekka, I think we shouldn't do it.

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>>35223831
>Let her earn it somehow.
Such as?

>>35223892
>What can go wrong?
Less than could go wrong with a fusion gun really. Think it would count as a heavy flamer template?

Uncertain if this is a good idea or not you ask the range attendant if they have any mass driver rifles stocked.
"Not many, but we do have one spare at the moment. You just need to make sure to follow all the usual safety precautions. Oh and don't forget to wear hearing protection. It may not use chemical propellant but can still make a loud noise from the projectile speeds."

Roll 1d20 to see how good Bekka is with this thing.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>35224177

inb4 spec ops tier

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>35224177
>such as?
Doing the dishes all week? Or whatever the equivalent future household chore is.

>1d20
Rolling.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>35224177

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>35224177
Go Go Bekka!

After failing to get a good grouping Bekka stops and looks at the rifle.
"I think the scope is screwy."

It looks fine to you. "Sure it isn't you that's screwy?"

"Haha! I'm taking the scope off."

After a series of a dozen high pitched cracks from the projectiles the two of you check the range target.
Most hit but few of them are close to one another. A little weird that she'd be having as much trouble given her school scores. Trying it yourself you're able to get a grouping with it.
"Yeah it's deffinitely just you."
"Damn."
"Maybe you need to steady yourself with it like a sniper rifle?"
"I don't know, I thought I was being steady."
"Like that time you took a photo using chemical based film for science class?"
"How was I supposed to know it would blur like that!"

You assure her she can practice for the weapon in the holobooths the next time she gets a chance.

After dropping Bekka off so that she can do her homework you grab an aerocar and fly out to the lodge.

When you arrive you see that Petras Amello is looking to be in good shape. The older man even seems to have lost a bit of weight.
"Aparently I wasn't taking care of myself as well as I'd thought. When I was being checked over by the medics last year after the kidnapping they made some recommendations and fixed a few minor problems I didn't even know I had."

"We'll I'm glad you weren't hurt badly."
"Bah. If I'd had a few seconds warning I could have shot both of them. I may prefer the reliability and accuracy of an antique bolt action for hunting but I do carry a pistol."

Looking around you notice the guards posted at locations that provide good fields of view.

"They keeping you company?"
"They're fine enough chaps. Very professional, not especially talkative. The additions to the basement all went in without incident. Only a small group ever went inside and they're all signed to their NDA's like you wanted. You have copies on file here if there's ever a security incident."

>>35224771
Should we take Bekka out Corvette piloting to let her get a feel of it and to give her firsthand pointers? Maybe in the same Corvette we first piloted?

>>35225507
That's not a bad idea. She has already piloted The Devourer though, so it might be easy for her.

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Much of the above ground sections of the lodge incorporates materials salvaged from the first. You don't see them but you know there are supposed to be observation drones for keeping an eye on the exterior of the building.

Heading into the garage you see that it's been expanded slightly but only marginally so. There's enough space that you could park a starfighter inside but still have room for a pair of aerocars.

There are two ways into the new subbasement levels. The first is the back half of the garage floor which can descend 2-3 levels. When locked in place at the top floor it's impossible to tell that it can move.
The elevator at the back of the lodge that accesses the basement and above ground levels also has a false retractable floor complete with drains to prevent anything giving it away.
Both have vibration dampeners built in to minimise the sonar signatures of either entrance being opened.
There are explosive bolts and recessed ladders in the main lift shaft should the entrances be jammed. If that still isn't enough to get you out there is some mining equipment with which to tunnel your way out of the mountain.
An escape chute from your room down into the bunker technically counts as a third way in but it's difficult for most people to gain access to.

There is a shield generator powerful enough to protect the site from multiple nuclear strikes, though not necessarily from residual fallout. Fuel stores can supply the reactors for a few weeks unless under continuous bombardment. It's recommended that you dump fuel into the lodge reserves whenever you visit.

Active defenses are located not just through the lodge but the subbasement levels as well. Specially modified stun pulse grenades and sentry guns have been disguised to look like light fixtures and can be controlled from your quarters, the command station or any of the terminals in the building. Everything is biometrically secure. You can increase security with additional features as desired.

>>35224771
Did we spring for those recon drones for lodge security/patrols?

Wondering if they've been a help if we picked them up.

Our guards are RTS folks, correct? Have there been any issues or requests from the ones guarding the lodge?

Is Mr Amello set up for regular medical visits with insurance or us covering the expenses? Has he technically been added to the RSS or RTS payrolls to benefit from medical and retirement stuff, or is he covered for that already?

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Your armory has a more sturdily built area intended to store as many and varied weapons, arms and armor as possible. A second more opulent room has racks and displays for your better quality or personal gear. There are charging racks that can easily be reconfigured for your plasma pistol and a maintenance bay for your Recon armor.

>>35225922
>Did we spring for those recon drones for lodge security/patrols?
Yes you did.

>Wondering if they've been a help if we picked them up.
Some trespassers were spotted crossing your land into someone else's. No charges have been laid but their images and the data were checked against regional police reports for the same period to see if there were any other incidents that may have taken place. You could have the data forwarded to the police just to be of help, or if you want you could even lay charges.

>Our guards are RTS folks, correct?
I believe that was the agreement.

>Is Mr Amello set up for regular medical visits with insurance or us covering the expenses? Has he technically been added to the RSS or RTS payrolls to benefit from medical and retirement stuff, or is he covered for that already?
He does have some medical coverage but you could increase it via RTS or RSS. He is not on the RSS/etc payroll as he was hired before you formed the company.

>>35221448
>According to a lot of the posts so far, Sonia has HOSUE AND DOMINION on her mind. Does she ever happen to say this outloud?
Would this be a good time?

>>35226313
Just forward the data to the police and to our neighbors.
Ask him if he would like to be formally part of RTS/RSS or prefer the current situation.

>>35226313
>Mr Amello
Let's sign him on as an outside contractor at RTS then.

>Other Houses
I was reading through the wiki the other day to update Sonia's reputation with other factions, I wonder if you could provide some info regarding our current relationship/reputation/deals with these Houses TSTG.
- House Helios
- House Kharbos
- House Ceres
- House Sulos

>>35226313

Did we inform the neighbor or their groundskeeper of the trespassers? I recall there was talk of some sort of land owner's network being formed after our incident.

>Increase Amello's medical coverage
I'd be for it. As groundskeeper, he is just as likely to be shot at as any of the security guys. sounds like a survey, worst case.

As for ensuring the lodge reserves stay topped off, why don't we just invest in a utility aerocar for the lodge and Mr Amello/RTS use? Slap an auxiliary tank on it like you see in most rural area pickup trucks and have that drop extra fuel into the lodge reserves.

A few antique aircraft owners out in the boondocks used to do that with their aircraft that could run premium before they started putting corn in everything.

>>35226313
>Would this be a good time?
In the quiet of our office yes, I can see us occasionally muttering it.

>>35226540
>Ask him if he would like to be formally part of RTS/RSS or prefer the current situation.
While he wouldn't mind increased medical benefits he's otherwise fine with the current arrangement. He's working for you and by extension your family as opposed to a company that can theoretically change hands.

>>35226548
>I wonder if you could provide some info regarding our current relationship/reputation/deals with these
>Helios
Usually considered the second most powerful House (even when not the case on paper.)
Well you've got the Gorget of the Seven so by default you have some basic good will. You helped out their fleet in House Lat'tham space, though that could be seen just as easily as being self serving.

You're a vocal supporter of their siege cannon for use against the Neeran, as a result the Alliance have been trying to get hold of more of their ships. You invested 2.5 million in their shipyards, for which you're getting 100k a year. (Not a huge amount, but it's there.) Your security clearance and support were sufficient to get you access to see the construction site for the mobile asteroid forts.
Personally they like you well enough.
You don't really have any deals going on with them at the moment. There's that siege gun you salvaged in the last tour which is staying up at the front in Alliance use to ensure it gets repaired.

>House Kharbos
Currently one of the Seven.
Your House bought the production license to upgrade the older standard corvettes into Mk 2 attack corvettes.
You helped capture facilities on Gesaur they'd lost to the pirates. While not seen as anything personal they're still not really happy about that. Basically that means they're slightly annoyed with the half of the Dominion that took part, but they are working to get past it.
You currently have no deals of any kind with them.

>House Ceres
Probably the most powerful Human led House. J-D had dealings with them to help handle the giant asteroid Tug as they're better at it.
>Cont

>House Ceres (continued)
They hold territory in South Reach near yours and while they are not outright allies of House Veritas, they will trade with them. (They are not responsible for the activities of bounty hunters with ships registered in their space.)
You conducted business with Baron Torsten Vlegel to convert a salvaged Dominion Carrier to his specifications. The Baron has made favorable comments about the deal despite not caring for how messy the RSS station was.

>House Sulos
After failing to recover their holdings in the Smugglers Run, and with one of their Knights trading valuable data on Forbearance to you rather than selling it, relations were initially a bit poor. Now weaker than J-D, House Sulos has been drifting towards better relations with your House and allies. They've been providing ships and experienced personnel with years of knowledge about the Run and its various hiding places in return for rights to salvaged ship hulls.
When not on diplomatic duty Knight Myrish Avun is usually assigned to the Run commanding small units of Light cruisers or training corvette units.

>>35227539
>>35227867
Awesome, thanks! Info like this is crucial to planning political activities.

Given both our position and the position of our House it seems like budding up with Ceres would be a good way to secure an ally beyond the 'medium' ranks within the Dominion.

Do we have RTS operatives in place? Otherwise, maybe we could strike a deal with a corporation in their space, utilising them as a 'transit' corp for the attack bombers for Veritas.

>>35223494
>Uhh... don't the plasma pistol and fusion gun generally light contained atmosphere on fire?

If I remember correctly it goes:
-Shallan Fusion Gun and fusion weapons: Tanks of hydrogen feeding into a heater and accelerator.

-Plasma pistol and plasma weapons:
Reserves of iron heated to a plasma state and kept in containment thanks to stasis tech, the gun only accelerates it. (Safer?)

>>35227867
I see. What shall we do next?

>>35226540
>Just forward the data to the police and to our neighbors.
Do you want this to be the default response in the future?

>>35226984
>Did we inform the neighbor or their groundskeeper of the trespassers?
>I recall there was talk of some sort of land owner's network being formed after our incident.
This has been put into place but still needs some work due to rotations of the various knights.

>>35227530
>In the quiet of our office yes, I can see us occasionally muttering it.
After looking around the different levels of the subbasement you quietly whisper "For House and Dominion!" and do a fist pump.

Returning to the upper levels you see that there's room for your ultralight to be parked on the wall of the garage. Handy to have. Now it's just a question of how to make sure Bekka doesn't ram it into a tree on you.

>>35228326
>Do we have RTS operatives in place?
No, but it would be fairly easy for them to look around for some basic info.

>strike a deal with a corporation in their space, utilising them as a 'transit' corp for the attack bombers for Veritas.
Added to the next survey.

Previous survey results that didn't get posted.
That noble brat that failed the training still was washed out. (I didn't really expect it to change.)
You've picked up 8 million in bonus cash from the Alliance bounties and your cut of salvaged gear. There have been calls for 1-2 million to be donated to charity.

7 people don't want to spend money on a Barge. 10 people do want one but cant decide between 4 very different types.

After some vacation time it looks like Arron will be getting some more pilot training.


>>35228495
Linda's new place or argue over Barge types?

Straight up combat 3
Combat salvage 3
Salvage & repair 3
Salvage & Materials processing 2
Space Marine Battle Barge AKA Planetary assault version had 0 votes. Very surprised.

>>35228731
Linda's. I don't want a barge at all. Though I suppose Salvage and repair is possible.

>>35228731
>Triple three's on the barge vote.

Damn what a close one.

>>35228731
It depends. What kind is the barge do we have?

I would say Either Combat salvage or Salvage & Materials Processing.

>>35228731
>Straight up combat 3
we dont seem to have trouble looting things from the field, so i'd like more combat potential to help prevent losses and create salvage for us.

>>35228944
Okay. I could get behind that and wouldn't mind supporting just a straight up combat barge.

Oh god i'm having flashbacks from that one Merc Barge that trying to capture us for the bounty on our head.

>>35228731
The only Barge I could think we should get is the salvage and repair Barge for RSS. The one that we have now is pretty good as far as I remember and having two must mean it will go even better for us. A combat Barge still feels kinda meh to me. Also I think the reason why we did not get a planetary assault one is because we don't really attack all that many planets now do we? That's Winifred's job with all her Mediums.

Now let's go bother Linda and comment on her castle.

>>35228971
even if we do go strait up combat, it would be nice to have something like those tractors that they had. if only for the fun option of throwing enemy ships at each other. (or maybe some other irregular sort of module)

>>35228782
>Damn what a close one.
And ultimately that would have still been a minority. Not the smallest minority but there's still plenty of people who don't want another Barge at all.
If you guys want I'll string this along in the surveys a bit longer

>>35228901
>What kind is the barge do we have?
RSS = Salvage.
Not combat salvage (though it can take a few hits), not repair and salvage, just straight up salvage. It's very good at what it does.

>>35228971
>Oh god i'm having flashbacks from that one Merc Barge that trying to capture us for the bounty on our head.
It's a good thing Drake was able to help save your ass or you would have had to lead a counter boarding action and you were still rather green with your Recon armor. In normal Marine armor odds are good someone would have eventually stunned your ass.

>>35229289
To Lydia.

>>35228944
>>35228971

I'm worried a combat barge will fall into the category of 'not maneuverable enough to avoid 9/10 plasma cannon shots by Neeran ships at it' or the 'modified for more maneuver at the cost of being just another battlecruiser but for more $$$'

Yes, I know it will likely have more shields, but the Neeran play for keeps if they concentrate plasma fire or you can't dodge a ramming battleship/battlecruiser. or a swarm of corvettes?

It may be interesting to pick up a more combat salvage style barge for RSS to deploy with our force or just to the front lines, though.

Regardless, onward to see what Linda spent her money on.

>>35229982
True. Maybe get the opinion of London and Nikolov as it's a addition to the company?

You arrive at the GPS location Linda sent you, now where the heck is this castle? This is a parking lot. Valeri catches up to you, now in a simple duty uniform, and reports that his armor is down for maintenance and would prefer to accompany you since things seem suspicious with Linda's new residence not being here.

A ground car eventually pulls up. Linda gets out and waves to you. "Over here!"
Walking over Linda apologises to both of you.
"Sorry I'm late. Get in I'll drive us, I need the practice."

As far as ground vehicles go it's a nice one. Not a luxury model but enough for a well paid middle class family.

"Promise you're not going to laugh."
"Why, did you lose this castle of yours?" you ask
"No. I just should never have bought it. It's really childish and now it would be hard to get rid of without losing nearly a million S. I had an idea though. I've talked to some friends of mine from school and I'm going to take on some of them as renters. Just enough to pay for the upkeep so it will be cheap enough to convince them. That's where I was by the way, meeting some people."

"So you actually own the land it's on? Doesn't that make you a noble? And how did you convince someone to agree to that?"

Linda slams on the brakes. You've glad this isn't a busy street.
"Wait, I'm a noble now?!?!"

"Uh, well do you own the land it's on?"

Pulling off to the side Linda undoes the top button of her suit jacket and pulls out a sturdy looking folded paper, handing it to you. Sure enough it's the deed to a small parcel of land. It looks very official and you tell her as much.

When she stats hitting her head off the car horn you interrupt to ask how she got it.

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"I don't remember it so well. I went into one of the higher class bars after RSS sent me the money. I spent a lot of money really fast. Those drinks aren't cheap. How can people afford that on a regular basis?"
"Moving on?" you prompt her.
"I kinda got a little tiny smidge drunk and got talking to some guy and I may have mentioned I was one of your subordinates."
"You and how many thousand others?"
"Crew don't get as much money as I was throwing around, only the Knights or people who got knighted a few months later had that much cash then. So he may have put two and two together and when I mentioned it was one of my childhood fantasies to own a castle he left and came back a minute later and offered to sell it to me."

"Please tell me you didn't spend all the money on it."

"Three quarters of it."

If it wasn't for the land aspect you'd say she was ripped off. Pulling up to the place you can see why someone wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible. It looks like a gingerbread castle.

"Sonia, I. If this noble or whoever it was ever decides they want to buy it back because the value of the area goes back up again they're going to actually bother checking into my background. They could claim I was impersonating a noble when I bought it."

>What say?

>>35230352

Time to find a good lawyer that can find a loophole, even if we have to buy the land off of Linda.

>>35230352
Easiest option is to sell the land underneath to us. Problem solved. Though come to think of it we might be able to make the case for knighthood for her (the Veona, The RSS thing, I think she had a hand in the heavy cruiser, that scan that caused the Neeran to attack early). Also, get her a financial adviser stat.

>>35230352
*Snort* "No they couldn't and if they tried to i'll make sure they realize that they've just made a terrible TERRIBLE mistake. Before you know it I'll have them at your feet begging for forgiveness. I do have some pull in the House after all and if I can't outright bully them into submission there are always other ways. So relax."

No one touches our tiny castle owning Linda.

>>35230352
You could sell it to me and then I'd sell it back to you, breaking the direct chain and therefore avoiding legal entanglements.

(Or does this not work / are commoners not allowed to own any land?)

>>35230579
Could always have Baron Winfried Knight her for her contributions to the area's economy.

>>35230352
She could always tack on out name onto "ownership" of the land to get around any legal loophole. (Run this by our legal team)

We will make sure she doesn't have to worry about it and if someone makes trouble we will deal with it.

>>35230616
I agree with the sentiment of this but not the delivery. My waifu-dar pinged on the boasting.

>>35230680
>are commoners not allowed to own any land?
If you own land you're not a commoner.
The nobility own land in the Dominion. The House can bestow land and titles upon Knights and so forth, and people can also inherit land. It's possible for the rich to try and buy land to become members of the nobility but this is usually frowned upon. Someone who does so is ultimately looked down upon as something of a sellout.
It is much more common for Lords and nobles to sell land between one another while holding onto one particular area so that they can maintain their legitimacy.
Impersonating a noble to secure the purchase or sale of land is a fairly serious offense that can result in jail time or more serious consequences.

>>35230683
>Could always have Baron Winfried Knight her for her contributions to the area's economy.
This would not work unfortunately and would only serve to draw more attention to the entire affair.

>>35230564
>Time to find a good lawyer that can find a loophole, even if we have to buy the land off of Linda.
>>35231113
>(Run this by our legal team

"I need to get a bunch of lawyers added to my quick call list not just PR people."

Talking to some experts which are charging more than you really wish per minute over the com you find out that Linda's situation is a bit of a grey area. It could end up being taken to court where it might cost a considerable amount of money in legal fees. More than the land might be worth ultimately.
Having you buy it off her and then sell it back could complicate things.

You have 2 options if Linda wants to keep it. Ignore it and hope the situation simply never develops, or gather a group of people that could act as financial backers to her legal team in the event that it were to go to court. A sufficiently large or rich group could act as an intimidation factor allowing you to make an agreement now with that noble that will prevent them from ever coming after her.

>What do?

>>35231424
Does she actually want to keep it now?

I mean, we could just buy it off her and lease it to her, right? That presumedly wouldn't add any legal liability on our part.

>>35231424

So unless the original seller has unquestionable proof that Linda was intentionally impersonating a noble, technically the sale made Linda a noble?

... could Linda instead go after the noble and accuse them of knowingly attempting to entrap a non-noble into impersonating a noble?

Is it technically a crime for a noble to misrepresent someone as a noble in order to pass off a transaction like this? scamming another noble must certainly be acceptable, but you can't have your nobles running around and not doing some basic checks to see if someone is in fact a noble before selling them land?

If we round up evidence that a basic investigation into Linda shows she is not a noble and wasn't at the time of sale, does that not set a defense that the noble in question here knowingly sold the land to a non-noble? That should fall under the same protection that lets them screw rookie nobles out of their money with shit like this castle.

If Linda were to sell it that could also be problematic in the long run for her because then it could be made to look like she were buying it only to sell to another noble.

You could say it was your idea all along to resale it which would get you both slapped with some fines most likely for misrepresenting herself. And you for knowingly having a commoner pass herself off as a noble. Really that would just be a bad idea all around. just forget it.

>Does she actually want to keep it now?
Sort of but only if it doesn't get anyone else in trouble.

>>35231692
>So unless the original seller has unquestionable proof that Linda was intentionally impersonating a noble, technically the sale made Linda a noble?
Yes.

>... could Linda instead go after the noble and accuse them of knowingly attempting to entrap a non-noble into impersonating a noble?
It would be a stretch, cost a lot of money you might not ever get back and make you and her some enemies, but it's not impossible. Laws are generally on the side of the nobility.

>>35231692
>Is it technically a crime for a noble to misrepresent someone as a noble in order to pass off a transaction like this? scamming another noble must certainly be acceptable, but you can't have your nobles running around and not doing some basic checks to see if someone is in fact a noble before selling them land?
That's what lordlings are for. They're nobles and would thus only get a slap on the wrist for misrepresenting themselves rather than a commoner impersonating a noble.
Odds are whoever sold her the land just wanted to get rid of it and didn't bother with a thorough background check assuming they'd heard the right things that indicated another noble. Their mistake.

>If we round up evidence that a basic investigation into Linda shows she is not a noble and wasn't at the time of sale, does that not set a defense that the noble in question here knowingly sold the land to a non-noble?
It's certainly worth a try.

>>35231912
I guess it's a question of whether the burden of proof was either on Linda to reveal her non-noble status, or on this random guy to do background checks on the person he was selling property to.

Does the deed have any special information, like explicitly referring to the Linda as a noble? Also, can we get some info on the seller, because he he/she was merely an agent rather than the true owner, we should be able to argue that the burden on proof was on them to represent their client in the best way possible.

>>35231912
hey how strong is J-D in the dominion

>>35233481
I think TSTG said that after these campaigns we're on the lower side of the 'medium' Houses bracket.

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

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F8M99P3

This is a long one.

>>35232795
>Does the deed have any special information, like explicitly referring to the Linda as a noble?
No it does not. There's very little info at all save for the seller and the buyer on the receipt, though the deed is in order and is currently in Linda's name.


>>35233481
150-ish and climbing the ranks. Much better than it used to be. You'll be hard pressed to get past 100 without taking the territory of other Houses in the Homeworlds.

Was there anything else you wanted to take care of quickly before heading over to House Ber'helum to deal with the R&D thing?

I'll try to post briefly in the morning and resume around 3PM EST.

>>35233883
I had a question about House Aeon. Just how much "land" did they lose out on when the other house was formed?

I had an idea about tying the Terraforming thing in to House Aeon's "land trouble" to see if we could smooth over relations between the two.

It could be something to bring up with the House Veritas people.

Maybe open talks with that one house where we could swap assault corvettes for Karbos redesigns? Seems like a straightforward deal if there is a market for them in our House.

Anything else I can think of is all South Reach business.

>Space Marine Battle Barge AKA Planetary assault version had 0 votes. Very surprised.
It would definitely be the FUN version to have but we really don't have much use for one. Maybe if we were fighting on the front line. The whole point of a battle barge is to carry enough shields and guns to fight off an entire enemy fleet while landing drop pods everywhere and supporting ground forces with orbital bombardment. This isn't really anything we can't already do with our much more mobile fleet. That said I fully support going full OUR HAGs WILL BLOT OUT THE SUN at some point.

How do barges compare to medium cruisers in terms of speed and agility?

>>35224771
I think we might need a bit more focus on the family side.
With probably a buttler like presence of Wilikins for Sam Vimes and Lady Ramkin from Discworld.
I mean we are about to become a Baron if all things go well, our Sister might be following in our footsteps or go all specops and espionage, and our dad is a salty old logistics wiz who is two steps away from being the quartermaster general or weather the noncom in actual charge of all logistics if her were not a officer.
We got a monster baby brother and the mom who seems to be the only person in the family with something akin to common sense and normality.

We need better protection for them and aid in ensuring they have a good future even if we get killed. Or disappear.

>>35231912

Well considering the shit Linda managed to pull another service tour could perhaps be enough to get her Knighted. So we could sidestep this business entirely. The most expedient way would be a battlefield knighting if she manages to pull of something impressive again and save or kick ass with fancy FTL jumps and calculations. That or ensuring that this issue is overlooked/forgotten/slipped out of the minds of the relevant people when she is Knighted.

>>35234203
I thought I voted fot the battle barge? What happened to my vote?

Same anon from here >>35234270

>>35234203
The HAGs are nice and if they get done perhaps we should consider researching something like the HAG but for mining and salvage barges to aid them into being more efficient and productive. Because once the war is done the salvage business might end up drying out since there is a limited amount of salvage to be had. Not immediately, of course but in five or ten years most likely it will be done. If so, then we could have a eye out to reprocess a lot of ships into mining and reprocessing for industrial use and star ship component manufacture and such while keeping a core of our best Salvage guys and gals when salvage specialty is needed.

>>35233883
Can we request a squad of Silent Hunters for our next tour of duty?

Those ships proved really useful last time, and it would be nice to have more than one right from the start.

We might also want to ask Winifred about the Terran torpedoes we saw in use on them.

>>35230165
She could turn part of her castle into an academy for navigators.

Would her parents be happy to hear she got promoted to noble status?

Also, for fuck's sake Linda, stop being so adorable.

>>35233883
>Was there anything else you wanted to take care of quickly before heading over to House Ber'helum to deal with the R&D thing?

I'd like to visit Sonia's old school and Bekka's current one. It should be a good opportunity to throw some tax-deductible money around that could net the opportunity to get early access to useful graduates.

I'd also like to see what Bekka's new school is like.

Can we get a tutor to teach Sonia Hune culture and language while she's travelling? It could be useful in the future when she's dealing with the people of the Republic company she has shares in, and the crew of the MH and various escort ships.

>>35235545
lets do this it sounds fun

>>35234280
>I thought I voted fot the battle barge? What happened to my vote?
I dunno, maybe it didn't work? It said there were 3 people who skipped the question.

>>35234033
>I had a question about House Aeon. Just how much "land" did they lose out on when the other house was formed?
Most of their territoy was retaken by other Houses in the Expeditionary force. J-D has one of their former worlds. The FPL helped make it possible to lose them to begin with.
Had House Veritas been invaded they might have picked up another world or two. So a couple.

Some research shows that Aeon is getting terraforming tech from another House. There are few other candidates within the South Reach territory they currently control.

Were you thinking that Veritas could trade or sell off outer worlds that had the potential to be Terraformed?

>>35234203
>How do barges compare to medium cruisers in terms of speed and agility?
Agility wise they're about the same, though the Barge may be slightly worse than a couple Medium Cruiser classes.
Barges tend to have much better speed/acceleration thanks to having engines powerful enough to help move asteroids.

>>35234270
>I think we might need a bit more focus on the family side.
Anyone else for this?

>We need better protection for them and aid in ensuring they have a good future even if we get killed. Or disappear.
So you want to hire a butler that doubles as a bodyguard?

See you guys in a few hours.

>>35237601
>Were you thinking that Veritas could trade or sell off outer worlds that had the potential to be Terraformed?
I think that was how we wanted them to pay US originally, since they probably don't have the cash to pay the sort of premiums our house could demand

>>35237645
Yeah, the idea was that we get political benefit (and possibly more money) by brokering a deal which will get our house both money, and additional territory.

Bump.

>>35237601

I'd just like to point out again, that WE NEED TO PRACTICE DUELING. So many times it's come up now. Fuck, instead we're getting more body-guards. Which is cool and all if we want to rule from the shadows, but in a Feudal political arena that allows dueling we are either going to have to be more ruthless & smart assassination (including the economic variant) then I think most anons want to go, or accept the fact the we will have to duel another noble at some point.

We're on leave, let's find a teacher, we can bond with Becka over it.

>>35237601
Yep. Exactly how >>35237690 put it.

>>35234270
>Well considering the shit Linda managed to pull another service tour could perhaps be enough to get her Knighted

I think the problem is that being a knight involves being in the military, or in some organisation that's likely to see combat.

If I understand things correctly, Linda doesn't want that. At all. A few threads ago she said she really doesn't enjoy serving on warships and that she'll likely switch to a civilian navigator guild vessel at some point in the future.

I'd guess she wants to see new things, and discover stuff. Preferably without shooting or killing anybody.

Now, maybe there's some way to get her appointed knight explorator or something like that. It can't hurt to have our lawyers and research teams looking into it.

But becoming a regular knight doesn't seem to be anything she wants.


Also, how about this:

We take the new(ish) knights in our fleet, and randomly divide them into four equally-sized groups.

Each of the four groups has to host and plan a small ball or equivalent social event for the other three groups and whoever of our senior knights who is interested in attending.

A month or a few weeks before we move back to the front, these groups have to put what they've learned into practice by hosting a big social event for everybody of a high enough rank in our fleet.

Advantages:
+ Our new knight get practice in this whole acting properly in high society.
+ Gain useful organisatorial skills
+ Everybody does have a chance to meet the other important people in our fleet in a social setting.

Disadvantages:
-Costs time
-Costs money

We could also ask Linda if she'd be willing to rent us the necessary rooms in her castle for the big event. Maybe even for the smaller ones.

>>35237645
>>35237690
Ah. Okay, sorry my mistake.


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

After calming Linda down a bit the three of you go inside the castle and look around. It seems smaller when looking at it from the road. The interior isn't huge by any means but there's more than enough space. Honestly you expected everything to be child sized but it is in fact in livable condition. Whoever lived here previously gave everything an antique look, probably in an attempt to make it easier to sell. Stone accented with wood paneling in places make up most of the hallways and some other areas.

The kitchen has been fully modernised and there is a second working kitchen large enough to prepare meals for a large number of guests. The largest dining room isn't quite as up to date looking more like a classical castle with rough interior walls.

"I think I'm supposed to hang tapestries in here to cover up the walls."

Downstairs the wine cellar is almost empty but there are a few bottles of cheaper vintages left over.

Lastly you head up to the walkways connecting the small towers and overlooking the entrance. It's higher up than it seemed.

"This is actually a pretty good view from up here." You point out.

"Yeah, but there's only one lift that goes up this high and then you have to take the walkways around to get here. There are still the stairs but not everyone wants to use those."

Valeri draws your attention to a few places that could act as concealed snipers nests providing adequate security.

"Aside from the look this place isn't completely hopeless." you tell your navigator. "Let's get something to eat then see about contacting some good lawyers. I'm sure there's some way we can work things out and bend a few rules to our advantage."

>>35241194
This is actually a very good idea for our new young knights. Maybe we could even invite Winifred and a few other nobles we are on friendly terms with to attend the big event and give us a grade on the event and conduct of our new knights.

>>35241814
One thing worth mentioning is that I'm not sure the original survey quite reflected the fact that we intended to get additional land for the house from Veritas.

If family stop interrupting me we might actually get something done today.
It seems you will be loaning the devourer to the R&D program. Many people in the other comment field would like project data or shares in the resulting tech if possible. The majority are fine contributing without compensation payment

>Wouldn't the Seven or the yard that built our ship have already contributed to this while the ship was under construction?
This is actually a good question. The Republic civil war was only just ending when your ship was requested and the Houses went out of their way to get the best gun possible for it to meet your specifications. There were quite a few more Hune mercenaries working through the Dominion still and some of them were employed to assist with the gun installation. Data on it was recorded at the time and may have been passed on.

Your gunners have become much more familiar with the weapon and have been fine tuning it, as it has been fired plenty times in combat now for them to figure out the best ways to optimise it.

Most people would like the cannon charging, camo/ID change, and decoy system for the Devourer. Drones that can be carried along with you to help with the sensor decoy options are also very popular.

>Why do I get the feeling that neither the House nor the Alliance will cover replacement parts for what would be considered a vanity system?
Because it's a good guess?

>Also have holograms that would allow us to impersonate several common ships so as to further confuse enemies
Okay, but keep in mind that few ships will match your engine profile.

>Can we make it so that the ship looks like it's displaced? Not cloaking, but blurring?
I don't see why not, but you're still going to register as a sensor contact.

>We could even launch them ahead of time and make them look like de-cloaking silent hunters.
That is an option.

>>35237601
Were you thinking that Veritas could trade or sell off outer worlds that had the potential to be Terraformed?

Yes in combination of >>35237645 >>35237690 .

They most likely don't have enough capital so maybe they help us out with some money/fringe world and maybe we can convinse them that "Hey, I know a Baron from House Aeon and I bet they would look favoribllly if you helped them out like we are helping you. They had some claims, are a little mad about how things turned out. They didn't even want me to sell you those sweet fighters.

So we help you out, you help them out, and because of good relations being formed we can help you out even more."

(Of course that is just the general idea)

Split vote on Sonia approaching House Veritas with the terraforming deal or just proposing it to the Harmen family.

>Doesn't the younger Harmen still owe us for his betrayal at our first ball and saving his ass a the Lat'tham coup?
Maybe for the first one a bit but there was mutual ass saving going on at the Lat'tham ball as he was the only one among you with true field medic training.

>I'd like to ask what will be the JD gameplan when all the houses start fighting each other again. This would make it clear to see if closer relations with Veritas is worth it.
There is no clear single plan at the moment other than try to hold on, look for weak spots to exploit and try to guard any of your own weak points. The Territories in the Run and South Reach may be cut off by blockades so they need them to be fairly self sufficient for supplies and equipment.
The yards located in the Run are expected to be able to defend themselves and many of the systems held through their zone. J-D relations are improving with any Houses that might stand a chance at an invasion there.

Surakeh has the potential for an insanely powerful PDF and militia that could push any invaders off world. Few would be able to best the current terms the House has negotiated with the planet in the near future. The other worlds in South Reach would be much harder to hold and you may be forced to rely on a hard point defense. Hanging on at Surakeh until it can be relieved and other worlds retaken.

More than that is difficult to plan on given the current change in warship technology due to the Neeran invasion.

>One thing worth mentioning is that I'm not sure the original survey quite reflected the fact that we intended to get additional land for the house from Veritas.
You're correct as I'd misunderstood slightly at the time.

Convincing Veritas to make trade deals with other Houses for Terraformed worlds may work better separately from the J-D deal, though you could act as an intermediary.

>>35243257
>Lat'tham ball

Now that we have our own intelligence division, could we try to find out what happened to the clone who introduced himself as Treyal Lat'tham?

>>35243257
Yeah, I think working as an intermediary would be a good deal since we are putting ourselves into the political arena and this is just another chance to prove ourselves. It's also the same reason Why I think we should approach House Veritas and propose the deal to the Harmen Family or the other way around.

>>35243257
I'm willing to approach them yes.

>>35243354
>Now that we have our own intelligence division, could we try to find out what happened to the clone who introduced himself as Treyal Lat'tham?
He survived the fighting and was among those who surrendered. Having passed a loyalty test he was sent with other Lat'tham clones who had volunteered to infiltrate Warlord space with captured ships and assault the main cloning facility.

His unit was part of a group that located the captured Lat'tham nobles and freed them.

The original Treyal Lat'tham survived and escaped with the others back to friendly lines. The clone was last seen working for the 'real' Treyal helping the noble catch up on the time that had passed while the captured were in stasis. Current whereabouts are unknown but the clone should have died of old age by now as that group were not intended by the Warlords to live long.

As a number of the clones were sent to the front lines to fight the Neeran it's possible he may have later ended up there. Your people are unable to find out any more.

>>35243808
Thank you.

Would it be possible to call the 'real' Treyal to find out more? Also, could the clone's short lifespan be fixed the by throwing money at the problem?

>>35243896
Nah, lets let him have his rest.

>>35243954
I just want to know.

Maybe the original felt grateful and decided to have his doctors try their hands at fixing the clone? Or perhaps they put him in stasis hoping somebody could.

I just liked that guy, regardless of how briefly we met him and what happened afterwards.

>>35244084
Okay, great. Still not worth the effort, this thread is moving slow enough As is.

>>35243896
>>35243954
Going to leave this for now.

> this thread is moving slow enough As is.
Agreed.

It takes some time to get hold of some lawyers but things are well underway by the time your planned departure for House Ber'helum space. RTS is also informed that you want House Posat to be infiltrated to find out what's going on before you'll make a move on that front.

Heading into orbit you board the Devourer and leave the system with another of your pilots, Cris, at the helm of the Bittenfeld. Within a day you've arrived at the location of a base where the R&D teams are conducting experiments, trials and other tests of plasma weaponry.

As someone who helms a modified Centurion Cris is interested in finding out if the Dominion and the House will be able to get replacement ships and weapons. The Centurions are being retired from the attack wings which will be depriving you all of considerable firepower. Depending on how long the ship is left here the pilot may book passage back to J-D space on a liner.

You meanwhile head out on the Bittenfeld and race for House Ber'helum space. The Duke isn't available to personally speak with you due to an urgent meeting with the heads of a few other Houses, but a representative briefed on the project will escort you.

According to the feasibility study conducted the technology you proposed development of should be possible. The older Terran gravity well generators, and the devices other Factions built to copy them, used artificial gravity to simulate the effects of a planet. FTL safeties would prevent the ship from jumping, or bring them out early. These can be circumvented when it comes to an artificial well, but you need the navigation system and sensors set up properly to do so without killing you when you next run into a real one.

The scientists who took part in the study have come to the conclusion that to project a well that can't be ignored by programming requires the creation of a quantum singularity.

>>35244518
Well, assuming that the Neeran know about the older Terran projectors and can ignore them, not much to suggest here. Make sure they have our combat data and move on.

File: ibrokethethingisthisbad.jpg (84 KB, 1280x800)

84 KB JPG

There are two way to create an FTL interdiction field they believe should be possible.

The first is to create a small artificial black hole by compressing a sub critical mass using powerful repulsor systems. Once the system is turned off the black hole doesn't have enough mass to sustain itself and it effectively boils away. (This is a good thing as the generator would otherwise never be able to move again once activated.) If something were to go horribly wrong and the singularity ate the ship or station projecting it there still wouldn't be nearly enough mass and it would cut out.

Another idea is based off how FTL drive cores and Veckron weapons work. They're hoping to generate the effects of a gravity well but only within subspace. There are concerns this could damage subspace similar to Veckron warhead detonations.
This project would be greatly aided by data from the Factions Alliance sleeper ships as it could have useful data that could save scientists years if pursuing this route.

The Duke is of the opinion that the second option should only be attempted if your Houses were to collaborate with the Alliance on the project.

>Your thoughts?

>>35244852
>>Your thoughts?
If the singularity could possibly eat a ship and then disappear as soon as it runs out of matter to consume, wouldn't that make it incredibly useful against ships with large mass like Neeran city ships?

I would also with the Duke's assessment. Involving the FA would probably also result in making this tech available to other factions if our research should be successful, so I'm not too sure if it's worth it.

>>35244518
>quantum singularity

Can we get them the scan data from Linda's group locating the Scorcher that was refueling from a black hole's plasma jet? I recall there was some strange reading they chalked up to a wormhole, but there could be some connection.

it would also explain how their scorchers contain enough plasma to actually destroy planets, too.

>>35244852
Do we have data on which the Neeran are using?
Also, point out that our unit MIGHT be able to steal one of the ships intact, though we'd require the following:
Intel on a target going in for refit or replenishment operations (The house Veritas led resistance forces might be able to get us this information)
A cloaked ship to deliver the recon commandos undetected.
Sufficient forces to take out its undoubtedly substantial escort.

>>35244967
>If the singularity could possibly eat a ship and then disappear as soon as it runs out of matter to consume, wouldn't that make it incredibly useful against ships with large mass like Neeran city ships?
Yes, though it would be difficult to maintain it long enough to destroy the Neeran vessel instead of just the projector at that point. Odds are good it would destroy both ships.

>Involving the FA would probably also result in making this tech available to other factions if our research should be successful, so I'm not too sure if it's worth it.
Your Houses would be able to build them first and potentially supply them to the Alliance but yes the tech would eventually fall into the hands of the other Factions.

>>35244976
>Can we get them the scan data from Linda's group locating the Scorcher that was refueling from a black hole's plasma jet?
The scans are consistent with a wormhole, not an artificial singularity.

>>35245164
>Do we have data on which the Neeran are using?
Based on your data it appears to be a more up to date version of the older style of gravity projector. Verilis could have had her unit disable their FTL safeties and make a blind jump but if they'd gone off the trade lane they were raiding doing so might have put them in serious danger. The House and project scientists did actually get some info passed along to them from Alliance intelligence reports but your scan data is of better quality.

The Navigators guild has been working to update programming that would allow Alliance ships to jump out of such a well more safely, though they would still have to reach a minimum distance from the projector. The scientists on the gravity well project could shave a couple thousand km off the guild's programming with your data.

>point out that our unit MIGHT be able to steal one of the ships intact
This would certainly help the project, either of them, though it would be indirectly due to the differences in the systems.

>>35245465
Personally in favor of option 1, but this sounds like a "Add it to the survey" type deal.

>>35245465
>The scientists on the gravity well project could shave a couple thousand km off the guild's programming with your data.
Give it to them obviously

>>35244852
>FTL interdiction field
Pretty cool, but I thought this was going to be more of a thing that catches up with other ships in FTL and sort of, 'rapes' the space around them and forces them out of FTL/destroys them.

>>35245164
>Intel on a target going in for refit or replenishment operations (The house Veritas led resistance forces might be able to get us this information)
It's still early in their deployment and intel gathering operations. In a few months time they should be able to establish a network. You allies will also listen for anything that might assist.

>A cloaked ship to deliver the recon commandos undetected.
>Sufficient forces to take out its undoubtedly substantial escort.
House Ber'helum could get hold of a small Recon team for you in addition to some other warships but their number of cloaked vessels are few. The only one available has an outdated cloak that would probably be detected.

They can provide a number of attack corvette squadrons as additional assistance and some other specialist gear as requested.

Are you willing to consider a mission to capture one of these before your next tour? You could probably look for volunteers from your own House as well who are looking for more money the capture of such a ship might bring them.

>>35245526
>but this sounds like a "Add it to the survey" type deal.
I guess so unless there are any other opinions

>>35245902
>Are you willing to consider a mission to capture one of these before your next tour? You could probably look for volunteers from your own House as well who are looking for more money the capture of such a ship might bring them.
Nah, we've got enough on our plate already.

>>35245902
>Are you willing to consider a mission to capture one of these before your next tour? You could probably look for volunteers from your own House as well who are looking for more money the capture of such a ship might bring them.
Mom would kill us if we went back into combat early.

>>35245902
>Are you willing to consider a mission to capture one of these before your next tour? You could probably look for volunteers from your own House as well who are looking for more money the capture of such a ship might bring them.

I'd rather not.

>>35244852
>If something were to go horribly wrong and the singularity ate the ship or station projecting it there still wouldn't be nearly enough mass and it would cut out.
>Just another day on Research Station 13
>Only the clown survived

Reposting some ideas from a couple threads ago.

>Develop tactical gravity well tech (in progress)
>Focused gravity beams disruption beam (IE interdiction beam)
>Gravity well mines (One-shot wells to pull fleets out of FTL into waiting fleets and or further mines)
>FTL gravity torpedoes (like gravity well mine only with FTL engines)

When gravity messes with jumps is it the strength of the gravity that is the problem or the "turbulence"?

>>35245992
>>35246029
>>35246081
"The Duke will of course make these forces available to you should you return to the front lines. If someone else is available that is believed to have a suitable chance of taking such a ship please understand that those resources will then be made available to them."

Not much you can do about that you guess.

Are you interested in investing in the project? These sort of things take time and are expensive. You may never get your money back for it and future generations fighting for the House may be the ones to benefit from it rather than yourself. With competition high for budgets these people will take anything they can get.

Currently you have 46.8 million, though you've yet to receive your payout from RSS for the new year.

>>35246365
How much money does our other research lab get? That should give us an idea how much these guys would need to conduct efficient research.

>>35245889
FTL Interceptor Missiles? That thing only had 1 vote

>>35246353
Did he get to the shuttle first?

>>35246353
>Focused gravity beams disruption beam (IE interdiction beam)
The Scientists think they may be able to pull this off but you'll need to capture one of the Neeran gravity genarators. Based on your scans it should be possible for them to modify theirs to do this.

>Gravity well mines (One-shot wells to pull fleets out of FTL into waiting fleets and or further mines)
I don't know how viable these would be at present. I'm going to say that this is locked atm due to certain techs being needed.
"I think I could build something to do this—though I could bank the money and live off it for the rest of my life instead" ―Kell Tainer

>When gravity messes with jumps is it the strength of the gravity that is the problem or the "turbulence"?
The strength usually. It's not unusual for jump plots to be off by a few hundred km, so you don't want to micro to the edge of a planet's atmosphere even if your drives are powerful enough to do so. You might end your jump inside the planet or simply vanish. There is no evidence of ships appearing inside a planet.


>>35246424
>How much money does our other research lab get?
Good question. Some of your key lab people are on discount. Development of the HAG is estimated in the +20 million range, possibly as high as 30-40 if there are any major design changes. Currently it doesn't look like those will be needed. Some work on the gun turrets will need to be contracted out to get the loaders working properly. They have some trouble with jamming if the rate of fire is too high.

You're not expected to finance the gravity generator project on your own.

>>35246888
Give them 1 mill or so.

>>35246888
>Financing

10 million? Although I would prefer to wait with this until we've talked to the usual people from RS.

>>35247006
>>35247010
Looks like another survey option to me.

You promise them that you'll see about investment once you've had a chance to look over your finances following the recent campaign.

Was there anything else you wanted to take care of with House Ber'helum before returning home?

I'm also working on Sonia's finances. How much do you plan to take from RSS profits this year?
50 million? 75? More less.

>>35247211
>RSS profits
15%-ish? Unless the company really needs the money to invest in something awesome?

>>35247266
In addition to that:
>Was there anything else you wanted to take care of with House Ber'helum before returning home?

Visit a ball or other events where important people congregate? Might as well say hello if we're planning to build a powerbase in politics.

Putting all of your years of training and experience to the test you turn and ask the Duke's representative if there are any invitations available to a local ball. Preferrrably one where you might meet people of importance from the House.

"Oh certainly! The Duke expected that you would only be here for R&D or military dutues so it may take a few minutes."

Before long you're given information on where and when the next formal ball will be held that those of import will be present at. Jumping a few systems over with a convoy you brush up on a few things then arrive on the surface in your dress uniform.

Valeri wishes to know your orders regarding his assignment. Hang out with the other bodyguards in the lower class areas while in dress uniform, wait outside the building in camo or recon armor, or attempt to follow you in while in recon armor?

>>35247266
>>35247324
Makes sense to me.

>The other worlds in South Reach would be much harder to hold and you may be forced to rely on a hard point defense. Hanging on at Surakeh until it can be relieved and other worlds retaken.
Random point, but how big are the FPL/Veritas block ships? I seem to recall that they were very small, around the size of an LST in fact. So our shipyard, and any other hag lines we create, could in fact produce them, given licenses and changeover time. Just a thought for our local PDF.

Could we use the singularity as a fire ship

>>35247815
probably too expensive to be used normally.

>>35246888
Seems like capture of one of the gravity well devices is a priority for the next campaign. Having an interdictor beam would help with our tactics because it makes it that much harder to get away.

Also if strength is the problem could we counter enemy gravity wells with our own gravity wells? You can't jump out of a lagrange point directly but if you lessen the pull of gravity you increase the size of the safe zone and allow ships to jump away or microjump closer to you.

And on second thought the FTL mine thing isn't as efficient as just putting the device on a ship to make it reusable.

>Hang out with the other bodyguards in the lower class areas while in dress uniform
Better to have him nearby. The other two options are a little too Latham II Electric Boogaloo.

>>35247701
I'm going to assume having a guy in recon armour follow us around at the ball would be an insult to the host, implying they can't provide proper security to their guests. So we probably don't want to do that.

Let him choose between the other two options, whichever he's more interested in. Spending the evening with colleagues could prove interesting.
And Sonia would have somewhere to escape too if the ball got too boring.

>>35247853
>Hang out with the other bodyguards in the lower class areas while in dress uniform
>Better to have him nearby.
>>35247856
>Let him choose between the other two options, whichever he's more interested in.

Looks like he'll be waiting with the other bodyguards.

You head in after presenting your invitation. The weapon check involves the usual amount of BS. They don't want you in a crowded room with an anti-tank gun that can cut down ten people with one shot, etc. As a compromise you'll still have your plasma pistol and ammo for it but it will be kept unloaded. If you load your weapon you'll be escorted off the premises. There's no comment about your backup though they probably know about it.

Inside you find that most of those present are Dro'all. That shouldn't be a huge surprise, your House has one of the higher ratios of Humans to Dro'all. Unsurprisingly dress styles are a little different, with civilian females preferring a form of frilly blouse modified somewhat from the older styled clothing you saw at your first ball.

"It's fortunate for those of us in uniform, we have to worry very little about the rapidly shifting styles of clothing. With all of my time at the front I haven't been able to keep up." Admits and older Baron. "Even being a few months behind certain changes can be devastating to the standing of some of these young ones in their social circles. Enjoy yourself. Before I forget, don't drink the wine towards the middle, humans don't care for it much."

In your time here you're able to observe representatives from several other Houses. Though the Duke doesn't make an appearance there are several Counts, Earls and Barons from different Houses all allied to the larger one.

One older Viscount approaches you. "Ah I don't recall seeing anyone from your House at one of these events. New to this circle or just here hoping to establish better relations?"

>What say?

>>35248774
Something along the lines of both a desire to establish better relations, and a general lack of free time on our part due to the years of campaigning we've been on.

>>35248774
"Both really."
Standard introductions. Who we are, polite inquires about each others business ventures, ect.

Both really? We will probably be spending more time here once the research project bears fruit.

>>35248774
"House Jerik-Dreminth is always looking for new friends so to speak. That is not to mention I've rarely had time too attend any balls as of late, what with the war and work getting in the way. So I decided to take advantage of the Dukes hospitality and attend this lovely ball. I am Sonia by the way, Sonia Reynard."

Politeness with a smile.

>>35247840
I was thinking you get old or damaged ship hulls gut them and then put in a guidance system, the singularity thing, and propulsion the slap on as much armor an shields as you can. Then you have a big missile that can probably take out the biggest Neeran ships, maybe even one of there city ships and even if the house doesn't want them because there so expensive maybe the Shallan government will want a few to try to blow up some city ships as revenge

>>35248978
>>35249047
>>35249102
"Both really."
You introduce yourself and make some small talk with Viscount Rhant'dem who is currently the head of his own House.

You indicate that you will probably be spending more time here once joint developments for the war effort are underway.

"House Jerik-Dreminth is always looking for new friends so to speak. That is not to mention I've rarely had time too attend any balls as of late, what with the war and work getting in the way. So I decided to take advantage of the Dukes hospitality and attend this lovely ball."

"It's unfortunate the Duke is so preoccupied at the moment but these things happen. I hope you're able to enjoy yourself."

You're able to meet quite a few other nobles and both listen to and discuss the difficulties in owning large holdings and finding suitably skilled people to mind them.
Later on you notice a few of the more well dressed present that are talking to each other stop and point you out. That must be either a good thing or very bad. One Count quickly finds another Knight from their House who is sent your way.

"Knight Captain Sonia Reynard I presume?" The slightly taller Dro'all asks.
"Yes, and you are?"
"Knight Captain Dosh of House Ancirci. Late this past year your House exposed a supposed plot to strip the South Reach pirates of their stolen goods. My House was one of those accused.
To satisfy the honor of our House being called into question I challenge you to a duel."

>Your orders?

>>35249674
Accept. I assume we practiced more recently considering how often we ask to do so? We did have the trip back home after all.

>>35249674
Accept and ask for rules and terms.

Also, what medals are we wearing on our dress uniform and how do they compare to others around us?

>>35249720
Well, according to our personal sheet Sonia is:
>While at the upper end of the Military level for unarmed hand to hand, Sonia is far more capable with a knife or bladed weapon. When fighting in power armor her skills rate as Special Forces. This could be improved with a more serious training regimen.
So basically, Sonia is really, really good with swords.

>>35249720
>I assume we practiced more recently considering how often we ask to do so? We did have the trip back home after all.
Yes you've practiced on the trip back but it's questionable whether you'd be able to best someone with years of experience.

>>35249777
>Also, what medals are we wearing on our dress uniform and how do they compare to others around us?
Mostly campaign ribbons except for your highest awards. There are only a few present whose medals rank quite as high as yours. Others have more but they tend to have less highly ranked honors.

>>35249974
>So basically, Sonia is really, really good with swords.
Killing people with them in an efficient manner, not necessarily dueling with them but we'll see.

>Accept and ask for rules and terms.
"Holoblades due to the current terms of war. Any shape blade you prefer but not exceeding 1.5 meters.
Or if you prefer we could both take standard single handed models based off HF-blades.
The contest will last until one of us land what would be a killing blow or mortal wound."

Do you want to take a custom blade or stick with the standard? It's fairly close to what you use, just slightly longer.

> One Count quickly finds another Knight from their House who is sent your way

This is bad, he's most likely someone VERY good at dueling.

> killing blow or mortal wound

This is very very bad. Guys, we better think this through properly...

>>35250166
Fine with me. I've got a plan. The rule is "Killing blow" right? So basically, no wound on a cybernetic limb would count. Ergo, we offer him an opening for a "killing blow" on our cybernetic limb, then gut him when he takes the opening.

>>35250166
Even with the little formal duel training we've had, fighting style is still ruthlessly pragmatic, as befits our years of active military service.

Would utilising this style in a duel be highly looked down on?

Honestly, this duel is a step above for House Ancirci to basically assassinate us. This duel is to the death type.

The goal right now is not let Sonia get killed. Also, if we success, the should put House Ancirci on our list of potential threats who may want to send assassins on us in the future.

>>35250554
Read the damned rules idiot. Its with holoblades.

>>35250267
>>35250554
Note: You cant actually kill someone with a holoblade. It can hurt though and will make it feel like the areas hit have gone to sleep.

>>35250324
Just remember that Sonia is primarily right handed (the hand that's cybernetic), and that while you're a good shot with either hand dueling is not so much the case.
This would effectively be an all or nothing attack. If your cybernetic is hit and becomes useless for a bit things will be difficult.

>>35250403
>Would utilising this style in a duel be highly looked down on?
Perhaps mocked by those with more elegant training and showy styles, but if it works, it works.

Custom or standard holoblades?

>>35250596
>Custom or standard holoblades?
standard

>>35250578

ops... , I stand corrected.

But I won't be suprised if one happen in the future

>>35250888
Sending a paid duelist after someone is almost certainly illegal. Not that it isn't done mind you, but if any noble gets that reputation, most people would consider a noble well within his rights to refuse to fight him.

>>35250982
>ly illegal. Not that it isn't done mind you, but if any no

True, true. But if someone is willing to go for a reputation hit just to kill us, it wouldn't do Sonia any good to cure her from a bad case of death.

>>35250596
Standard.

>>35251033
We have 2 votes for standard dimension holoblades.

Rather than causing a scene the two of you adjourn to a small courtyard accompanied by your respective bodyguards and before long a number of onlookers.

"Think he's a paid duelist?" You ask when getting ready.
Valeri isn't sure and does a quick check on the local infonet. "I don't know if he's being paid, but is certainly a professional. He tends to duel people who have slighted his House in some way but on occasion will do so just for practice. He's lost to a number of prominent nobles who are supposed to be among the best. Perhaps he was trying to determine the maximum limits of his skill?"

Somewhat useful you suppose.

When the holoblades are brought out each bodyguard inspects the weapon to be used by their opponent. The weapons have a slight basket hilt to protect the hand and is weighted to make up for the insubstantial blade.

Both of you salute each other then an acting referee shouts for you to begin.

Do you wish to switch the blade to your left hand and attempt to offer him an opening which you can turn against him?
If not what are your tactics?

>>35251531
Lock blades and get close, then start kicking and punching. Generally try to turn this into a brawl rather than a duel

>>35251760
What the fuck man, We're a knight, not some street fighter. We have class and follow honor. This is a duel not a battle

>>35251760
And look like commoners soughing it out on the street? No. We have to win this the straight up way or we gain nothing from this but dirty glances and brush offs when we try to approach conversations.

Act as if we're going for an overhand chop for Max damage. He'll either 1. block high to give himself leverage to turn the intended attack in which case we quickly crouch forward on one knee and stab forward so that he impaled himself, 2. take 1's idea and crouch/stab in which case we sidestep and slash his face, or 3. he sidesteps and slashes, we catch his blade near the basket hilt and use our cyberarm to overpoweringly shove him off balance and strike.

I'm convinced that we need to end this quickly or his experience will pick apart our utilitarian style quickly and find a hole in our defense.

>>35252091
*slugging it out

Damn autocorrect

[ ] Take arm hit to deliver killing blow
[ ] Full Wes Janson (Punching, kicking)
[ ] Death from above fakeout

Any others?

I'm going to be resuming after 4PM EST tomorrow so please discuss your plans.

>>35252413
>>35252783

Wait, why are we letting the guy that challenged us pick the terms of the duel? I thought the person being challenged got to pick that.

Neeran corvette sim duel.

Or surprise.

>>35253455
It's on now, but good point.

>>35253549
well, then we need to look to the past. Namely, the Loran II ball. We watched a more experienced duelist (him) tire out a less experienced one (us) because he knew that time favored him due to experience.

So we feint. Fight defensively, like we're trying to play for the Human vs Dro'all fatigue rate.

Play at that until we can block/parry a blow and grab his sword arm/wrist with our free hand. Proceed to control arm and go for the killing blow.


If he's being a dick during the duel, optional Sonia brand thick skull to face before the killing blow.

We just got picked out as a target of opportunity and let the guy choose what is likely his strength. If he doesn't expect us to fight dirty after being backed into a corner like that, screw him.

>>35252413

Take arm hit to deliver blow, or Full Wes Janson. I mean, this guy is pretty damned good at this apparently. I don't think a fake-out is going to phase him at all.

OR! We can pull a Princess Bride. Feel him out, and when he outclasses us go "Aha! But did you know that I am actually left handed?" then do the "take arm hit to deliver killing blow".

Hell, if it's our prosthetic, why don't we go all out and actually grab his holo sword? Is that feasible?

Finally, if we lose this duel, what exactly do we lose? Face, or are there legal ramifications? Because if it's just face, then we might want to ask him for pointers afterwards if we go Arm Hit route. Acknowledge that it was a tricky win, and that we'd most likely lose if we faced him again. State that since we spend so much time on the front, we haven't actually had a lot of time to practice dueling as opposed to killing.

>>35253889
I like this guys plan.

>>35253455
Excellent point, at the very lest we should have picked something like a combat sim where we can sneak around in our power armor.

>>35252413
[X] Full Wes Janson (Punching, kicking)

There is no honor in combat, only those who are alive and those who are dead. And how much honor is there in ambushing enemys with the Recon armor or micro in on their flank with four times their ship numbers and blasting them with SP's. Neither seem very "honorable" ways to approach combat but both works darn effectively. Just let him attack, block and then apply kick to groin to end this quickly and efficiently.

>>35252413
>[ ] Take arm hit to deliver killing blow

>arm hit

I remember reading something a Karate instructor said once. It went something like "there is nothing I dread more than sparring with an untrained rookie". What he meant was that when you are highly trained to fight expert opponents the most dangerous person to fight is someone who has strength but no technique. The moment you think "he can't be dumb enough to do that" is the moment you get your nose broken.

This situation isn't quite the same, but he is used to actual duelling and all of our experience is of the brutal facestabby variety. We have to make this a short fight or he will quickly recognize our lack of skill and capitalize. We can take at least one hit to our arm because the loss of cybernetics doesn't count as a fatal hit. So hit hard and fast, and the first chance we get let him hit our arm while we shank him like a Neeran who stole Bekka.

>>35252413
>[x] Full Wes Janson (Punching, kicking)

She'll kick you apart

>>35253455
Yeah, surprised by that as well.

>>35252413
[X] Feint a rush at the start of the match and counter him as he reacts.
Long fights are disadvantageous to us.

>>35258033
Wouldn't he expect something reckless and aggressive from us though? This guy seems like a pro.

>>35259170
No one says we have to start like this. But fuck the Marquis of Fantillaire.

>>35259170
Wait, sorry, Fuck feinting. Full Wes Janson is what I, >>35259320, meant.

Besides, if he calls foul on it, we can say we're a soldier, not a duellist, and if he wanted a fair fight he should have allowed us to pick a champion, or a second. After all, it's not very fair for someone of his skill to challenge a rookie.

>>35253455
>Wait, why are we letting the guy that challenged us pick the terms of the duel?
Sonia asked for rules and terms of the duel and did not attempt to offer an alternative.
Nobody said anything different until you did.

>>35257618
>Yeah, surprised by that as well.
Likewise. I fully expected you guys to counter offer for starfighters or something crazy, like Shuttles, LST's or the HAG.

Boy was I surprised reading this. Normally, I don't mind being away for most of the thread, but agreeing to the duel just like that? Wish I had been there to vote differently…

I think the last stupid decision I can vote against is using the normal holo-blades. If we have to duel an experienced knight in his element at least use the weapon Sonia is most proficient in. Using an unusual blade might be the only advantage Sonia has here.

What does this duel even mean here? What are the consequences if Sonia loses, what happens if she wins? Does this honour stuff even affect Sonia if she doesn't care about it? Is she even allowed to represent her house in this manner?

>>35260661
These are all very good questions. I would like the ramifications cleared up before we continue. Also, adding vote for familiar weapon, and making our first kiss a Glasgow Kiss. Full Wes Janson.

I like >>35259341, putting it in the context that the fight wasn't fair from the get go, so we're entitled to take whatever advantage we can.

Hell, if the guy isn't too pissed we can even turn around and ask him if he'd be willing to teach us. We have to have SOMETHING to bribe him with, we rich bitch!

>>35259786
I wasn't one of the voters, but I assumed that reason for picking swords was to show that we can noble-ing with the best of them, win or lose;

Which made subsequent votes for distinctly un-noble conduit during duel puzzling indeed.

>>35260661
I'd like to second that post. Especially the questions at the end.

>>35263777
Well, Ye-essss, but this is a more private affair. As well, there's always something to be said for winning. I mean, we are a) A soldier on leave, b) Not a skilled duelist, facing off against quite a skilled duelist, c) Motherfucking Sonia Reynard, he's honestly lucky we don't scream "YOU'RE SHARK BAIT, CHUM" and fucking bite him.

Honour ALWAYS comes second place to winning. Unless there isn't anything to really lose, or you think you can get more by losing honourably. Which is why it's so important that TSTG let's us know the ramifications here.

I suppose we could always talk to him, explain our position vis a vis experience dueling. Chat him up a bit, tell him that we are dueling him as much to see what it's all about compared to actual combat, flatter him a bit by telling him we thought a man of his skill would be an excellent teacher even if his instruction comes with bruises.

Maybe flirt a little. Use those hips. And then see if he wants to go best out of three and have a duel on OUR terms afterwards in a ship battle simulation. Then, if necessary, as a tie-breaker we can have a dance off. Finally, that ballet will come in use!

>>35264417
>And then see if he wants to go best out of three and have a duel on OUR terms afterwards in a ship battle simulation. Then, if necessary, as a tie-breaker we can have a dance off. Finally, that ballet will come in use!

This. I want this now. I want a dance-off. And some goddamn flirting. I think we'll be adorably clumsy at it.

File: It's Sharktastic.png (312 KB, 489x720)

312 KB PNG

>>35264436
>Sonia Flirting

File: I miss you Senpai.jpg (104 KB, 640x960)

104 KB JPG

>>35264470
> Sonia's thoughts while flirting

>>35264436
HAH! We have a way to weasel out of our quite possibly embarrassing duel loss. That makes me want to try the arm trick instead of going all Wes Janson and looking like a pleb.

Also, it'll fuck with their heads if they're trying to be mad at us, meanwhile we're making their guys like us and want to teach us dueling.

Especially if this guy really is good, and we're open about us not being on his level. We could even talk to him about the Dro'all boxing match we had, and promise him a video of us getting sweaty in the ring if he wins.

Oh, and I'm down for the flirting. Even if he's a Dro'all and they're not attracted to humans, it doesn't mean a bit of charm won't stroke his . . . ego.

>>35263777
But we cannot duel with the best. What reason does Sonia have to willingly and without any known benefit agree to a fight she in very unlikely to win?

>>35264417
>Honour ALWAYS comes second place to winning
Even in an honour duel? If honor is what we fight for, this seems like a good plan to lose even if we win. Not to mention that this is a political enemy who will use all our words and actions against us and explaining will do little to help us.

>>35264671
This is a professional duelist who fights us for the honor of his house. And is most likely not attracted to Sonia's race. Do you really think that flirting will help?

>>35264726
As a somebody said before, what would be the exect consequences of losing this duel?

If it's just a bruised ego, I'd rather maintain integrity and lose than win and lose the respect of many nobles present.

>>35264726
Yeah, I agree with you that we should stay away from reminding people about our Middle Class origin.

I do like the idea of flattering the dude, though, and trying to go for best out of three, or get some pointers from him. I mean, just because he's a political enemy doesn't mean we can't make him like us. HE WILL LOVE US. WE ARE THE SALVAGE QUEEN OF THE ABYSS BETWEEN THE STARS AND ALL SHALL LOVE US, BECAUSE THEY ARE OURS, BODY, SOUL, AND SHIPS.

Anyways, it looks like we're already dueling with holo-swords, so it's too late to switch anyways. W/E.

I'm all for going high risk and taking the hit on our arm, then Alpha Striking him.

>>35264779
I say regardless, we thank him for the opportunity for our second duel to be against such a fine opponent, win or lose.

>>35252413
>[x] Take arm hit to deliver killing blow

>>35264779
It is unlikely to be anything other than minor-ish loss of face, since we are using non-lethal weapons. In any case, acting like a "pleb" as another Anon put it, will certainly result in far more significant drop in public opinion.

>>35260661
>If we have to duel an experienced knight in his element at least use the weapon Sonia is most proficient in. Using an unusual blade might be the only advantage Sonia has here.
Well their size isn't that different from your usual one. The other knight accepts this change.

>What does this duel even mean here? What are the consequences if Sonia loses, what happens if she wins?
It's a duel between two Knights with no financial stakes involved. As far as the other Knight is concerned your House has insulted his and he intends to take some small measure of personal vengeance upon anyone from it.
If he loses he'll just have to live with the current level of shame (and that of losing to novice duelist.) If he wins he may simply be satisfied with the win or gloat and look down upon you. It may depend on how the fight goes.

>Does this honour stuff even affect Sonia if she doesn't care about it?
Some nobles don't care about it. Others do. How does Sonia feel about it? It could affect how people see her among certain circles.
>Is she even allowed to represent her house in this manner?
This is a more or less private duel and may not change how the Houses interact. Your actions or those of the other Knight afterwards would determine things more. For instance if you took the loss personally and had RTS personnel try to find ways for you to sabotage the other Knights career. That would probably start a feud.

You're just there at the ball and therefore a convenient target of the other House's ire.

>>35264470
>>35264563
And now it's just getting weird.

>>35264779
>If it's just a bruised ego, I'd rather maintain integrity and lose than win and lose the respect of many nobles present.
That's one way, others simply see unsporting behavious as simply refusing to lose.

Take arm hit to deliver killing blow = 3
Full Wes Janson (Punching, kicking) = 3
Defensive, wait for an opportinity to grab sword & arm/wrist =2
Last call for votes.

>>35265196
Arm hit! And challenge him to best out of three afterwards, with a ship duel and a dance off.

>>35265196
>Last call for votes.

>>35257618
here, changing my vote to
>Take arm hit

I'd prefer the option to wait for an opportunity, but I don't want to turn this into 3-3-3.

>>35265196
Yeah, lets focus on WHY we came to duel here. All that's at risk is our PERSONAL reputation as a NOVICE duelist fighting someone clearly more experienced.

We can easily poison his win with that by thanking him for the chance to learn if he's a dick about it, since it's so rare that a novice like ourselves gets to duel someone so much more experienced. Alternatively, if he's okay about winning, we can say it sincerely and get some pointers/tips.

>>35265196
In the light of this post I vote
>Take this duel as the joke it is. Have fun. Try to last as long as possible, don't use underhanded tactics, do use opportunities.
>If the opponent hits the arm and things the duel is won, feel free to strike, but don't use it as the main tactic.
Of the offered options this would most closely fit:
>Defensive, wait for an opportinity to grab sword & arm/wrist

My input on how Sonia should see duels: They can be serious business. They can be used to settle serious business. In this case it's just some old dudes who are butthurt that their plot was discovered. If an angry noble had decided to challenge Sonia, I would have taken them seriously. This is the high-class equivalent of someone hiring kids to throw eggs at someone's door because they didn't give you enough candy on Halloween.

>>35265433
What? Don't take the duel as a joke. That's just insulting. What are we, a fop? We're gonna go for the win, we're going to be ruthless and tricksy and try for the arm hit.

Although, if I recall, Dro'all tire out more easily, are more flexible and slightly stronger.

Those last two completely put the wrist grab out of the question

>>35265196
Take the arm hit. It's our best shot, without making us lose the very reason we came to the ball - to get in good with nobles.

>>35265514
And why would you do this? I would also like to remind you that underhanded tactics are a far cry from a certain win. You would only make it a more crushing defeat if we lose despite using them.

And I do want Sonia to win, I just think it is unlikely because of the enemy has far more experience. I want Sonia to be invested in the fight, but for the fight's sake and not because of some childish need to win every fight. She should have fun, because there is no other reason for her to do this at all. Also she is the type to love fighting, especially if it turns out she has found a worthy opponent, even if she loses.

This is a sport. Sonia should mostly play by the rules.

>Duel as a joke
By this I mean the fact that some old house dudes think having their lackey challenge Sonia will actually do anything other than slightly amuse her. The whole idea is hilarious because it shows just how ineffectual they are. They took a serious political loss and the best they can do is sick their trained fighter against a novice of another house. That's what I think is a joke. Sonia should still try to fight as well as she can. It's just that I don't think the outcome should mean much to her. Other than being able to rub it in their face if she wins, of course.

Rolled 19, 5, 9, 6 = 39 (4d20)

Due to tactical circumstance bonus you'll get your usual best of 3 rule. If you flub these rolls it may affect your bonus for the rest of the fight.

1st is staying alive long enough to set up for the arm hit rather than simply being overwhelmed.
2nd is for how well you've suckered him by taking the hit.

Roll 2d20

>>35265814
So, I don't think you understand duels. In this case, yes, it's just a grudge match. But we're here to meet people and make connections, not dick about.

I want Sonia to be invested in the fight, because we're a goddamn noble now, and we're starting to play the great game. If we can turn this into a personal relationship with our challenger, or gain standing from it by winning, that's the goal here.

Also, you seem to have made some story up in your head how this is their idea of them being ineffectual. Forgetting that we are PERSONALLY responsible for shaming their house.

We can come out of this with a serious enemy, if we act like autistic retards.

So lets try to end this quick with the arm trick, and at least impress people. If we do win, we can even offer to re-duel the person after some training.

Anyways, it looks like the arm trick is winning anyways, so let's just get this going okay?

Rolled 13, 20, 11 = 44 (3d20)

>>35265883
Rawling

>>35265941
HAHAHA! god I hope that 13 is enough.

So glad the arm hit won.

Rolled 11, 11 = 22 (2d20)

>>35265883
>IDK if a 3d20 counts

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>35265883
1

Rolled 14, 4 = 18 (2d20)

>>35265883
>Roll 2d20
Rolling

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>35265989
2

Rolled 19, 4 = 23 (2d20)

>>35265883

Rolled 1, 19 = 20 (2d20)

>>35265914
From what I gathered they don't know that Sonia is responsible for it. I know duels are usually serious business and agree that Sonia should usually treat them as such. I will attempt to explain one last time why I consider this to be an exception.

What is the best they can hope to gain from this? They can show that one of their top professional duelists, the creme de la creme of their house in this discipline, has managed to win against a hobby duelist of our house. What do they lose if he loses? They have shown that even their top dog is not enough. They would lose a lot of face in this case.

What can Sonia gain from this? If she wins she will get a lot of prestige for this near impossible feat. This would be increase by the fact that she had no obligation to even agree to this duel, nor did she insist on a medium that plays to her advantage, like ship-battle. If she loses? Either she was a good sport and only shows her lack of experience in noble matter (both for agreeing to an unfavourable duel and for losing a duel), or she shows that she is still a middle-class commoner at heart by fighting dirty.

I think it is a joke because those guys in their anger asked for something where they have little to gain and a lot to lose, while Sonia has a lot to gain and little to lose. It would still be better for her to win and to fight seriously. Calling it a joke may be a bit extreme, but it is how I see it.

>>35265914
Please count the first two dice of >>35265941
? It . . . hurts, to see that 20.

Rolled 1, 11 = 12 (2d20)

Things are not going quite as you planned. While you're doing rather well in getting set up Dosh opens with a powerful series of attacks that wounds your left arm. This means your cybernetic right is the only one strong enough to actually lift the sword. There is also a limit to how long you can continue fighting as it would have been a rather serious hit.

"Serious wound!" Announces the Referee to underscore this point. "Hidden timer started."

If you were hit in the artery you wouldn't have too long before risking bleeding out were this real. It's a good thing you didn't plan on this contest being anything but short.

You're forced to change some details of the plan which will limit your ability to successfully it pull off. Switching to the reverse grip you use more commonly for stabbing people through the weak points in their armor, you charge in close to not give your opponent the option of backing away and playing for time. With a powerful back swing you swipe his blade aside, it partially catching between your hilt and hand.

Not quite as you wanted but you might be able to get him now with the forward swing if he's not swift enough to disengage.

Roll 1d20 (Best of 2 due to not as planned)

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>35266816

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>35266816

>>35266841
good job me
>>35266855
better job anon

>>35266879
this actually my third time I have gotten crits in this quest which is the only quest I have ever gotten a crit in

>>35266816
Oh, dear. And Dosh appears to have crit-failed, too.

If he deals well with this loss, we should mention that we're more used to fighting beings a foot taller and twice our weight to save him some pride. If not, snappy line and a flourish coup de gras.

>>35267181
we could ask him if he is interested in teaching us or Becca to duel

>>35267181
Or offer a re-match at a later date. I mean, we honestly got lucky here. It's no substitute for skill yo.

Hell, asking to learn from someone who just beat you is a great way to make friends. Something along the lines of "Hey, look. I know that was a pretty lucky hit. I was honestly gambling on something like that, since I didn't really expect to be able to beat someone as reknown as yourself. You know, it might look bad if I beat you, and then someone else beat me easily. Maybe you could help me out, so that you've lost to a burgeoning prodigy, as opposed to just another beginner? I'm sure that if you could teach me I'd be competitive fairly soon."

Or something like that. I'm gassing out and not good at word much.

>>35267181
>>35267296
We haven't won yet.

You carry through with your charge as Dosh attempts to disentanlge himself, an action that might have broken a human wrist with a real HF-blade.

The leading edge of your holoblade strike the other Knight in the throat before he can begin to get the blade back and up into the way. Had you used a more conventional attack he certainly would have been fast enough to block you. In this case you were barreling forward much like one of your attack ships and not much could have stopped you.

Your blow wouldn't have been enough for a decapitation but it certainly counts as fatal.
The Referee reveals that you've won with less than 10 seconds to spare before you would have "lost consciousness."

Dosh is initially stunned buy the rapid assault and defeat but eventually recovers his wits, and once the tingling from the holoblade hits have worked themselves out, his voice.

"I concede defeat. It seems we both hoped to score a quick victory. I have done little research on you other than being informed what House you are from. Are you a street fighter or an attack corvette pilot?"

>What say?

>>35267373
I'm a little bit of whatever I need to be. Honestly, I'm often not given the choice to not be. This was . . . nice. I figured regardless of whether I won, or more likely lost, it was an opportunity to try to learn more about how to duel from someone better than me, something I'm going to need to know if I ever plan on stopping being a street fighter or attack corvette pilot. If you want, I'd be happy to allow you the chance to regain your honour. All I ask is that you give me some time to practice, I don't think I can pull of something like that twice. I'd have to come up with a whole new trick."

>>35267373
I'm your date for the next dance. You've had your chance at getting your satisfaction, now it's time for me to get mine! I came here to relax, and you're going to help me out.

>>35267530
no

>>35267373
"To be honest, most of the time I fly a cruiser that looks like a shark In speeeehs!.

However, I did start out as a corvette pilot. I hope a proper street fighter wouldn't have had to rely as much on luck in that fight as I did."

Is it appropriate to shake hands now?

>>35267373
Well I started as an attack corvette pilot but I have done some missions that have caused me to pick up some skills in close combat but I am always looking for ways to learn new fighting skills would you mind giving a few pointers?

>>35267373
"I was originally in a corvette training squadron and salvaged an attack cruiser before I completed training. That sort of set the tone or the rest of my career.

>>35267540
I WILL HAVE MY DANCE. Come on, we just defeated him, he owes us a little dance. We can sound out just how mad his house is, if any other houses are gunning for us, if there's anyone important here etc. Plus we did all those ballet lessons. And it would probably confuse the fuck out of everyone there.

I mean, the guy would be perfect to learn some dueling from too. He was able to suss out our attack cruiser style swordplay.

Don't just rain on my parade, man, gimme a reason!

>>35267583
Actually, we've never piloted an attack corvette I think.

>>35267373
"Street fighter? Well I have fought on streets during military campaigns but I hardly think that was what you meant now was it? And I traded away my Corvette some time ago, sometime before the start of the campaign against the Warlords I do believe. Right now I am flying my ever so lovely Battlecruiser but I have been playing with the idea of buying myself a Medium or two. How about you?"

Is he trying to insult us? Cause it feels like he is making a bad attempt at a veiled insult.

>>35267583
This, plus dancing. I'm kind of liking the idea of making him dance with us while we act giddy/pump him for info.

I mean, it's a shame his house was implicated in the Pirate scandal, but that doesn't mean we can't work on repairing relations. Also, if we act reconciliatory then it might take some of the heat off his house.

>>35267682
I think he's just damned good at what he does, and recognizes the style of attack we used - and the fact that it definitely wasn't classical dueling (as described by TSTG)

>>35267665
really? Did we start on a stranded corvette then? I can't remember

>>35267736
yup

>>35267736
Yep, we started out on a shit-tier garbage corvette with Kavos ready to shoot us should be get any fancy ideas about running off with the ship, and Linda barely able to navigate.

>>35267373

"Attack and Battlecruisers, though I've had the honor to lead the Third Attack Wing of my House since shortly before the debacle in Lat'tham space."

>>35267799
I remember most of the beginning just couldn't remember the ship we started on

>>35267799
And she bumped into something while trying to move out of the dock the first time too

>>35267682
Nah he's just good enough to recognize what we are, a blunt soldier without much use for flair.

A dance wouldn't be out of character I guess, we did come here to socialize.

>>35267736
>>35267799
Heheh, good times. We started with a standard and probably would have upgraded to an attack corvette at some point, but then the cruiser happened and Winifred's headaches began. Was it Mike or Alex who was using the dagger corvette? I forget how long it took them to upgrade their ships.

>>35267613
I think that is the perfect thing to say.

>>35267613
that works

"Street fighter? Well I have fought on streets during military campaigns but I hardly think that was what you meant now was it. I hope a proper street fighter wouldn't have had to rely as much on luck in that fight as I did."

"I was referring to your fighting style. I believe it could be described as brutally efficient."

"I figured regardless of whether I won, or more likely lost, it was an opportunity to try to learn more about how to duel from someone better than me, something I'm going to need to know if I ever plan on stopping being a "street fighter" or attack corvette pilot."

"So you are one?" questions Dosh.

"I was originally in a corvette training squadron and salvaged an attack cruiser before I completed training. That sort of set the tone or the rest of my career. Most of the time I fly a cruiser that looks like a shark these days, but I have been playing with the idea of buying myself a Medium or two."

He seems mildly impressed by this.
"I myself command light cruiser units in defense of our heavier warships. Sonia Reynard, you have earned my respect as a warrior though it has done little to heal any rift between our Houses. I hope we will meet again on the battlefield. Once this mockery of a war is over it would be good to still have worthy opponents."

You offer to return to the ball for a dance with him to which Dosh laughs in response.
"I apologise but I must decline. The head of my House is present and I must be mindful of my position. Farewell until we meet again."

>>35267613
Lets go with this.

And dancing.

>>35268397
Say our farewells and return to the party. Also I have a "modest proposal" for dealing with house Posat later if anyone is interested.

>>35268397
Okay. Lets go invite the Head of his House to dance. He wouldn't refuse a maiden's invitation, would he?

>>35268662
No, shut up

>>35268723
You're rude, and I don't like you anymore.

>>35268397
This is probably a good excuse to check up on Valeri and to spend a few minutes around people who aren't this high-maintenance.

>>35268566
>Say our farewells and return to the party.

You get back to the ball none the worse for wear with your bodyguard glad nobody attempted to assassinate you. Things are in full swing with little sign anyone missed the two of you. A small group of Knights pass you headed the other way towards the same courtyard. Must be a popular place.

>And dancing.

Well I suppose there are bound to be a few people that would-
>Lets go invite the Head of his House to dance.
Really?

There are people looking for opportunities to dance btw. Just most of the higher ups are not participating.

Off to one side of the ballroom you encounter a group of Human nobles from different Houses taking a moment to talk.

"House Jerik-Dremine eh? Not as many humans here as you're used to I'll wager." Says a Knight Lieutenant who looks to be in his mid 30's.
"Most humans at one of these events end up meeting one another simply because we stand out a bit. Not as much as that one Kavarian fellow in House Kharbos mind you. Rónán Loukas, at your service."

After the usual pleasantries you listen in on some of their conversation. A couple of the Knights are from Houses were humans advance more slowly than their equally skilled Dro'all counterparts. Most of the larger Houses avoid that sort of thing happening as it can lead to trouble but it is a known issue.

Do you want to take part in a quick dance before things are over, talk to some of the nobles present or do something else?

>>35269051
dance for a bit get to know who we dance with

>>35269051
I'm fine to head on

>>35269051
>A couple of the Knights are from Houses were humans advance more slowly than their equally skilled Dro'all counterparts.

Would the Knights Errant be interested in getting a list with their names? I'd imagine it would be an easy way to pick up talent for their organisation.

>do something else
Is it customary to send the host a present if we enjoyed the ball? If it is, we should do so. We got our invitation on short notice, and the evening proved to be very entertaining.

>Really?
I have to say no or we'll end up doing that, right? So: pls no

>>35269051
We're dancing. At least with the Baron's stand in. Don't want to just duel and jet, it would be rude.

I think with the head of house could be . . . interesting. Lets face this head on. What, is he going to challenge us to ANOTHER duel?

It could be a good ice-breaker. And a way to get to talk to him one on one and determine just how upset with us they are, if they're a serious threat or just annoyed etc.

>>35269241
Well, now I want to say yes to see where this goes.

>>35269051
What exactly is the worst that could happen if we danced with the head of the house?

I'd like to do that if there's no other way to talk to him, but we should 100% talk to the nobles. Did anyone even notice our duel?

>>35269051

Find out if any of the gathered humans command attack wings or have any experience with the Mk 3 program or the Kharbos franken-ship designs.

I recall we thought they'd be death traps due to being several ships melded together.

We can sell those Type-6 bombers in limited numbers to Dominion Houses, right? It might be worth seeing if anyone friendly is a big on carriers and fighter wings like Archibald. A good olive branch might be a gift of some of the craft, leading to sales. If no Alliance conflict due to various House Allies.

>>35269051
Don't try to dance with the guy

>>35269401
Do eet! Show off our skills! Start an adventure!

>>35269051
Let's limit our interactions with everybody from House Ancirci to a short greeting unless they approach us first.

This is a political minefield, we really don't want to cause any trouble.

>or do something else
Maybe talk to the other bodyguards waiting in the lower class areas once the event starts winding down. I'm sure they have interesting things to talk about, and good advice to give.

>>35269051
Lets ignore them for christs sake. Please. Going to this ball was a terrible idea.

>>35269716
We have to get into the political arena eventually. Would you rather go into it with some measure of control, or eventually be nailed by an assassin?

Or did you just want to murderhobo the entire time? Seriously, we've been talking about getting into politics since like, thread 50, and we're FINALLY starting to actually do so. I mean, we had delicious salvage to deal with and a couple of wars, but this is where it gets exciting!

>>35269202
>Would the Knights Errant be interested in getting a list with their names? I'd imagine it would be an easy way to pick up talent for their organisation.
You make sure to record their names when you get a chance. Your friends should be able to look into their histories themselves later.

>Is it customary to send the host a present if we enjoyed the ball? If it is, we should do so.
Not strictly necessary, some guests might send gifts in the day(s) after if it was enjoyable.

>>35269618
>Cont.
There's a delete post button and we have a limited post count for the thread.

>>35269716
>Going to this ball was a terrible idea.
Apparently because it means nobody can agree on anything here.

You're nearly intercepted on the way to the Count as two Knights from House Ber'helum move to bar your path. Probably security. Instead you ask one of the closer Barons from a different House to dance while discussing political standing with their House. The older Dro'all admits he could use the practice and the two of you make polite conversation while dancing through one song.

Once finished you ask one of the other Knights from House Ber'helum about you being blocked form seeking audiences with those from House Ancirci.
"We know you just concluded a duel. We're attempting to minimise potential incidents. We can pass along a formal request to the Count for dialogue on behalf of you and your House if you would prefer."

>Do you have a message for the Count or are you done here?

>>35269828
Oh, I agree with going into politics. I just think this particular ball was a bad idea. Mainly, its that the thread seems positively glacial, and idiots with TERRIBLE ideas won't shut the fuck up.
>>35269859
No, we are leaving.

>>35269859
We just wanted to let him know we didn't take it personally, and we were impressed with the quality of his retainers.

>>35269946
Yeah sure, I'll support this. It's polite enough to not get us into hot water.

After that, let's go back to talking with those human nobles. I want to suss out if any of their Houses have territory in the Southern Reach, and how their Houses feel about J/D

>>35270225
That was pretty much all I wanted to do with asking him to dance. Feel him out etc. People are acting like we were trying to husbando him, or attack him or something crazy IDK.

I mean, that's part of what the dancing at a ball is for, a private conversation in public.

>>35269879
Yeah, the slow thread is frustrating. Also, I feel like final destination voting might be useful for when we have issues like this that don't really qualify for a survey. Or not, it ain't my quest.

>the thread seems positively glacial
Insufficient pre-planning on my part is as much to blame for that. Also didn't expect you guys to get invited to a ball outside J-D's sphere of influence.

>We just wanted to let him know we didn't take it personally, and we were impressed with the quality of his retainers.
This message will be delivered.

>Maybe talk to the other bodyguards waiting in the lower class areas once the event starts winding down. I'm sure they have interesting things to talk about, and good advice to give.
You do take a few minutes to see what they're up to before departing. Several of them look at you with suspicion, possibly assuming you mean to bribe them, fleece them for info or otherwise act as a distraction. Those that don't are certainly pleasant and are experienced soldiers for the most part. You trade stories with a few of them of running around enemy ships and installations. A couple of them had fought through the Lat'tham coup.

"Well if you ever get tired of your current House and are looking for some well paying special forces work look me up."

A few shake their heads at the statement, incredulous that you'd try to recruit from the larger Houses bodyguards.
Someone would have asked and you know it.

>>35270225
>any of their Houses have territory in the Southern Reach, and how their Houses feel about J/D
Most have good or neutral relations with your House, only a few present have poor relations. Several have territory somewhere in South Reach which isn't limited to the small Galaxy Surakeh is located in.

>>35270409
Thanks for rolling with it regardless! I enjoyed it. Lets grab Val I guess and be off!

>>35270409
Lets go deal with house Posat now.

>>35270526
Your people still need a bit more time to infiltrate the House and it's armor company unfortunately.

Next on the list, I believe talking to the Harmen family about the terraforming proposal was in order. If anyone has suggestions on how they would like to go about this? Bringing it up at the next ball they host (which we can fast forward through if you prefer) or just making an appointment to see the Planetary governor of Loran II.

Oh, and there are messages from the military and Winifred. With the influx of cash into the House and more specifically among the crews of your fleet the government would like some of the Knights and other prominent soldiers to take part in a war bond drive.

"Just because we're successful now doesn't mean we should allow our cash reserves to drop. We may need them in the future and families who buy those bonds can still cash them in later after the war."
That's one thing to keep in mind.

Winifred's message adds; "Be alert, I understand the media is looking for you for interviews. You can allow your PR people to deal with it but they will still try to harass you for direct statements."

Sure enough, when your shuttle touches down on Dreminth you spot a small crowd of what look to be reporters by the terminal.

[ ] Deal with some of them now
[ ] Ignore them and head for the aerocar
[ ] Remain out of sight while Valeri gets a vehicle
[ ] Other

>>35270846
>[ ] Ignore them and head for the aerocar
>Bringing it up at the next ball they host (which we can fast forward through if you prefer)
This works.

>>35270846
>[ ] Deal with some of them now

>>35270846
>[X] Ignore them and head for the aerocar
Bring it up at a ball.

Really it allows our people to have some time to infiltrate.

>>35270846

[x] See if any of the shuttle crew would like to make a quick buck collecting reporter contact info for us, with the option to erase the info of anyone that is rude to them.
[x] Inform reporters that there will be a press conference for those that politely give their information and contact info to [crewman]. Rude or aggressive reporters will have their contact information deleted or ignored. You may tip him generously if you fear you've insulted him and will be removed from the list.


>Harmen family

Make an appointment

Ignoring the reporters you head for the car. They seem to be recording anyone coming out of the building which you suppose could be claimed to be a security threat if they really become bothersome.
One of them must have been able to get a positive ID on you because soon a small stream of them are headed your way.

Soon a few of the closer ones are shouting your name attempting to get your attention.

"Knight Captain Reynard!"
"Wait, please stop and answer a few questions!"
Valeri, still in uniform rather than his armor grabs one of them by the wrist that was about to yank on your uniform to slow you down, throwing him off.

"Ow, what the hell! I should sue your bodyguard!" the man complains.

"That one was from a Terran news outlet." your bodyguard informs you once you're safely in the car. "They believe that because they're not local citizens our laws shouldn't apply to them."

Repulsors powering up push away any that are too close as the autopilot lifts off.
The great thing about a flight capable vehicle is that you can get over ground level obstructions like a crowd of annoying people.

[ ] "Good job."
[ ] Berate him for potentially injuring a civilian.

>>35270526
Didn't we decide to just infiltrate them and wait for more info before making a 'surprise inspection'?

>>35271632

[ ] "Good job."

>>35271632
>[X] "Good job."
Reporters are the worst, nearly as bad as lawyers.

>>35271632
>[X] "Good job."

Conflicted between pausing here and resuming around 2-3PM tomorrow or just stoppoing the thread here tonight.

Do you plan to go along with the War Bond drive and if so did you have a speech in mind? Or would you prefer just being "one of the gang" for a group of personnel supporting such a drive?

What is your sales pitch to the Harmen family in terms of what you actually want to say to them at the next ball/ or the appointment?

>>35271957
>What is your sales pitch to the Harmen family in terms of what you actually want to say to them at the next ball/ or the appointment?
Basically, that we think there is an opportunity to acquire territory for the house. With their options for terriformation so limited, we can pick up additional territory for cheap, which would be quite useful, especially if we can get things we can exploit quickly.

>>35271957
Stop here enjoy your friday. That way youll have more content for next weeks session

>>35271957
>Do you plan to go along with the War Bond drive and if so did you have a speech in mind?
Yes, it'll help improve our political profile.

Maybe a speech about extolling the virtues of sacrifice and faith in the final victory? Toss in a few anecdotes about our glorious time on the front; and finish with a largish(?) purchase of war bonds?

>What is your sales pitch to the Harmen family in terms of what you actually want to say to them at the next ball/ or the appointment?
Well, personally I think we should play up two angles here. One involves the obvious economic benefits to our House and their family associated with such a large, long-term terraforming project.

The second is strategic. Veritas is a new House and the hold a large amount of territory right near ours, which is far from the homeworlds and fairly vulnerable. If we ally with them now, we gain a partner in defence.

At worst, we have an way into their space and could mount a surprise invasion...but that's an extreme move.

>>35272589
>The second is strategic. Veritas is a new House and the hold a large amount of territory right near ours, which is far from the homeworlds and fairly vulnerable. If we ally with them now, we gain a partner in defence.

Something has always bothered me with that logic. Veritas has horrible force projection. Their main fleet strength is in those block formations that have to be ferried around. Cripple the transports and you've hamstrung their limited projection.

They are building a proper fleet that they'll likely be loathe to send as an expeditionary force.

Yes, they have a large territory near Surekah and the surrounding J-D holdings.

Any way I try to look at it, any alliance with Veritas will be harmful to J-D. Their ability to help us defend our holdings without a previously stationed defensive force is minimal due to their fleet composition, and they come with a dozen anchors in the form of Houses based in the Home Worlds (at least some must be) that will be hostile to us if we ally with Veritas. Veritas isn't going to do -shit- to help us outside of South Reach.

Should we be cordial and professional with them? Yes.

Are they a viable strategic ally for J-D? No, not at all.

The only way I can really see this change is if we make out like Robber Barons with the territory for terraforming idea, but even then you'd have to make the South Reach holdings more valuable than the J-D home worlds.

>>35274703
I wonder if we could make an alliance based around being responsible for ferrying House Veritas forces around and filling that hole in their fleet. Meanwhile, we spin it as keeping them in check since we could withdraw at critical moments if it looked like they were a threat.

I mean, I think we should work with them to some degree, but yeah, best bosom buddies? That could be more expensive than our house can handle. Which is a shame, because I REALLY REALLY do want to help them become a powerhouse. Right now, they're like a sleeping giant. They could totally America that shit by the end of the war.

>>35277645
>Right now, they're like a sleeping giant

From what I understand, they aren't. They're more like Switzerland was in medieval Europe, but without the mountains that made defending it so easy. They can be a local power in this galaxy but that's pretty much it.

Survey up should the thread fall off the page before I get back.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NVY53ML

>>35277983
>They're more like Switzerland was in medieval Europe,
This is actually a good analogy.

>but without the mountains that made defending it so easy.
There are only a few easy FTL lanes into the heart of their territory and the smugglers back door route is not a great one.

>>35277983
They might be simply a local power, but J/D couldn't defeat them on our own. Sure, we would likely blow their fleet out of the sky, but we couldn't hope to occupy all of their planets without resorting to non-faction approved planetary weapons or mass reprisals... Aside from the orbital-to-ground part, is there a part of the Factions Treaty detailing universal ground rules?

>>35279614
Maybe slow fly a ship into the atmosphere to FL 600 so we aren't technically shelling them from orbit

>>35279743
IIRC the factions treaty limits the explosive yield of weapons used against targets on planets with habitable atmosphere.

So it doesn't really matter where you're shooting from, as long as you don't ruin the ecosphere.

Bump.

File: Deep-space shipyard.jpg (135 KB, 1600x800)

135 KB JPG

Profit margins on ship production.
Your shipyards are all in full swing, though some of them are not quite as productive as you'd hoped due to resources needed for rebuilding the Heavy Carrier. You're saving money on that thanks to repair and mining contracts with some other companies. The situation should get better once enough raw materials have been mined and refined to finish it. It's the rebuilding aspect that will take longer.

The BC Yard has a 2.3% profit margin, the Assault Corvette line is at 6% while the LST and Starfighter lines are at 2% and 3% respectively.

Mr London explains in a message that the LST line would be higher but several hulls were diverted to R&D for the HAG project early on before the line ramped up to full speed. Likewise a few Moli's were built as salvage ships for RSS preventing you from making much money off of them.
Improved logistics support could help the BC and Starfighter lines in the future. This is currently being worked on.

Over time the speed and efficiency of your shipyards will improve thanks to experience. One thing you can do is encourage the crews to improve more in one particular area than the other.

Boosting speed will get ships out faster, securing the profits on more vehicles per year.
Focusing on efficiency will increase your profit margin on each ship produced.

You've made a profit of 18.86 million off the 4 put together.

Do you want to have the company focus on improving efficiency, production speed or will you let your people work on improving both at a slower rate?

>>35282744
>improving both at a slower rate
This, we're here on the long run. Wouldn't mind some money to encourage it.

>>35282744

Both at a slower rate. Organic growth!

Would it be possible for RSS to get some sort of Space ISO-9000 certification process going to boost the growth of one or the other? And possibly give us a bit of a leg up on government contracts...