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While discussing what actions to take next and who if anyone should head down to the storage level, the lift console begins to light up. Valeri glances upwards but doesn't see the lift yet.
"Are they finally coming back? It's been a full week."

Sprinting to the bike he pulls out pair of micro binoculars and keeps watch. Eventually the lift does come into view, descending.

"I don't see any of our team. There are three Neeran aboard."

Eldal heads over to Attir, making sure he doesn't act up and hurt himself.

"You're sure Ran isn't one of them?"
"No, I think they're wearing armor."

Thinking it over you decide it best not to antagonize them. At least not at first.
"Don't seem threatening but let's be ready just in case they're not as friendly at the other Caretakers we've met."

Valeri positions the bike so it's ready for use in a getaway or for cover. Eldal doesn't seem to be doing much aside from checking on Attir. Hiding him isn't going to be a real option. No more than hiding the suit of armor.

Things you can hide though are the maps. Valeri hides his inside a void in the hull of the bike. You place Attir's behind a piece of structure partly hidden by a console.

After a few minutes the lift begins to decelerate, finally coming to a stop at floor level. The three Caretakers aboard step forward. Sporting sturdy looking helmets and gauntlets, the three of them are still clad in robes, but may have additional armor beneath them. Their leader addresses you.

"I am Veur, protector and guard. You are trespassing. How do you answer to this charge?"

>What say?

I will try to use some of the responses from the last thread.

>>2370587
> Do we get a representative to defend ourselves

Ask for a lawyer first.

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H&D COLD & FLU EDITION

My throat still feels like I swallowed a chain sword.

>>2370577
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

>>2370587
I think >>2370621 is a sensible question. I don't want to answer the question then get psi-knocked out.

>>2370587
So you're asking yourself, do I need a torpedo?

Of course you need torpedo! Everyone need torpedo! I am Crazy Has-Ann, and I have a used torpedo specially for YOU! Torpedos do at least twice as much damage as nukes, take one third of the space, and just between you and me, look very nice. But come, you must see my torpedoes! A torpedo for all situations and all permutations! You are stuck in little money? I have cheap torpedo L-GHM! Comes with it's own rust and even a little paint! Buy now, I'll throw in bottle of fresh, best-quality air for free! Need to kill something in the ocean? Modified Aqua-torpedo! Comes with its own waterwings! Great bargain - you buy the torpedo casing and explosive, I'll throw in a detonator! I have sold torpedoes to everyone! No complaints! Tell your friends, tell your family! Bargain torpedoes, most have been never used!

Ah, one almost misfired at the sphere, it must like you!

And remember, ALWAYS SHOP AT CRAAAAAZY HAS-ANN'S FOR ALL YOUR TORPEDO NEEDS!!

>>2370703
I laughed.

>>2370621
"Greetings. I am Sonia Reynard, commander of the Factions Alliance expedition to the sphere.

I'm not entirely certain about how correct charges of trespassing would be, as that may have been brought upon by lack of proper communication with the other Caretakers. I will be able to give you a more accurate answer if you let us know more about your laws, or possibly provide legal counsel?"

Veur trades glances with one of the others. Both lower ranked Caretakers seem to stand down somewhat, as though preparing to be here for some time. Their leader still looks as though they could be ready for a fight at a half seconds notice.

"This region of the sphere is protected by a powerful energy field. It is intended to keep out anyone not using the primary transit system. Only Caretakes are allowed within except under special circumstances. Anyone else is considered to be trespassing."

Well that's good to know. Might have been helpful if someone more knowledgeable had told you that sooner.

[ ] We have permission from some Caretakers
[ ] "We're your allies, I'd say these count as special circumstances."
[ ] "I'm trying to find holes in your defenses before the Neeran Empire does."
[ ] Other?

>>2370835
"We had a caretaker with our group who accompanied us out of his own free will until we were separated on the lift you're currently standing on. None of us were not informed that we were trespassing once we passed the shield or ordered to leave. I do hope that means our group is considered to be one of these rare exceptions."

>>2370835

For House and Dominion! Avoiding prison sentencing edition!

[ ] We have permission from some Caretakers

If it were against Caretaker rules or law, for outsiders to be this far then I am sure the Caretakers we have dealt with before would have told us this. In the mean time, our being here aught to also be a warning to you folks here that your control centers aren't entirely safe. As the Empire Neeran are seeking entrance to here and they will not be nearly half as nice as we are.

>>2370835
supporting this: >>2370861

>>2370835
[x] We're trying to help. In case you haven't noticed, the Sphere is currently occupied by invading forces and there doesn't seem to be much resistance to them. If we found a way in, I'm sure they will eventually as well. They are as determined as us, if not more.

>>2370861
Supporting.

Considering your options the fact that Ran acted as your guide much of the way should be a big help. Even if it does run the risk of getting them in trouble. That has to be better than jail time for the entire expedition.

"We had a caretaker with our group who accompanied us out of his own free will until we were separated on the lift you're currently standing on. None of us were informed that we were trespassing once we passed the shield, nor were we ordered to leave. I do hope that means our group is considered to be one of these rare exceptions?"

Veur does not seem pleased with this. When he doesn't say anything in response after a few seconds you continue.
"If it were against Caretaker rules or law, for outsiders to be here then I'm sure the Caretakers we have dealt with before would have told us this. Right?"

"I expect an argument with Ran's mentor in the near future." The Caretaker guard finally says. Your translator catchings something about unwritten rules in one of the other sphere languages.
"In the meantime you should still not be here. "

"Then you're right, we shouldn't. Our being here aught to also be a warning to you folks that your control centers aren't entirely safe. The Empire Neeran are seeking entrance to the sphere's control systems and they will not be anywhere near as nice as we are."

"Your... appraisal of the state of our defenses is noted. I'm sure we have a great deal of work ahead of us to make sure this sort of incident does not recur."

Veur points to Attir.

"What of this one?"

[ ] He's wounded (do not elaborate on circumstances)
[ ] He's a Prisoner
[ ] The Empire may have tampered with his mind

>>2371074
"Prisoner. Traitor. Slightly wounded. I suspect your cousins in the Empire probed his head and both removed and put things in there."

>>2371074
"Unknown. We were on our way to contact your, or whoever is in charge, when he fled with our transport. His story doesn't match up with what we know, he said he was captured by the Empire Neeran and mind probed but we have nothing on his file indicating any time spent as a PoW or direct contact with the Empire."

"Call me crazy, but could a commando hide some basic memories in his mind, then wait for one of you guys to try scanning him then take you over? Like a Trojan Horse."

>>2371074
"He's the reason why our group was separated. It seems he's panically afraid of thorough mind scans, his story doesn't check out, and he has the tendency to do stupid things when it can provide an advantage to the imperials. Either a traitor or a sleeper agent. Fortunately for him, shallans are too adorable to be kill in cold blood. "

>>2371074

>all the above

"He's the reason why our group was separated. We were on our way to contact your, or whoever is in charge, when he fled with our transport. It seems he's panically afraid of thorough mind scans and his story doesn't match up with what we know. Either a traitor or a sleeper agent."

"It shouldn't take us long to determine which, and it would be best to know before moving him to a more sensitive area."

An idea occurs to you after the whole thing with Svidur. What if the Empire did something similar in reverse?
"Call me crazy, but could a commando hide some basic memories in his mind, then wait for one of you guys to try scanning him then take you over? Like a Trojan Horse."

This causes the two lower ranked Caretakers to flinch, backing away ever so slightly. Veur turns and glares at each in turn then back to you.
"Your suggestion is equal parts fascinating and abhorrent."

Attir momentarily spasms then shouts in pain.
"OW! What the shit?!"

"He's been partially shielded against some passive scans. Impressive. We will have to place him in isolation until specialists are available to make a safer scan."

"How long will that take?" you ask.
"One should be available in one of your years time. Unless you would prefer to arrange for extradition or prisoner transfer to the Alliance? I'm assuming your people have their own ways of extracting information?"

Well this is the sort of thing that new Alliance Ambassador was supposed to deal with.

[ ] You're the experts
[ ] Extradition might be best

>>2371275
Make sure he's comfortable for now and decide when it's time to go back?

>>2371275
>[x] Extradition might be best
"Normally I'd leave this up to you, but he went crazy down here and said he heard things when we were on the Sphere, so it seems like taking him away is the safest choice for all of us for now."

>>2371275
In the short term, it may be better to let them hold on to him. While letting the Alliance rep here get this sorted out. Though what about that one older Neeran we talked to previously who helped us get Svidur out of that commando's brain? Would he not be the expert that they are refering to? If so we just have to either wait for our ship to get back or get in contact with our LST team and have them pick the older Caretaker Neeran up and have him come to the Command Center.

But it would be very important to the Alliance to learn of how the Empire Neeran have been keeping contact with him. So we can suss out other sleeper agents and negate any further harm that they may be causing.

>>2371313
>how the Empire Neeran have been keeping contact with him.
Just a wild guess, they might be putting hidden splinters inside the victim's mind, just enough for basic objectives and updates for them.

For now you think it's best if the Caretakers hold him and the Ambassador can discuss the possibility of extradition. If that should happen the same time your unit is extracted from the sphere so be it.

"Would it be possible to take us to the rest of my team? I'd like to see to their well being while our status here is determined."

"Yes. We will have a number of questions both for them and you still. After that it would be best if you leave."

One of the Caretakers assist Eldal and relocating the wounded Shallan onto the lift. The other heads over to the manufacturing system and activates it. A drone with four sturdy legs is soon produced which heads to the damaged suit. Picking it up with a tractor beam it heads back onto the production platform where both begin to be disassembled.

"Was that suit one of your designs or the Empires?"

"Some of it looked to be ours. I suspect if this one was working for the Empire parts of it will be hybridized."

Once both vehicles have vanished the Caretaker withdraws a device from the console and pockets it.

Soon you're loaded up on the lift, supplies ready to go. Attir is sedated for much of the trip to ensure there are no incidents. Only part of the trip is spent moving upwards. At one of the higher levels the car heads sideways into other parts of the polar installation. It's difficult to tell how fast it's moving thanks to a seamless force field maintaining an air bubble. Even the shaped air streams created by repulsors for atmospheric craft would leave more visible effects than this. Clearly the old lift had additional damage.

Despite the speed it takes nearly a day to get to your destination. Attir is brought to an infirmary and quickly healed by a medical system. From what you've seen it is not sphere tech but isn't quite Faction tech either.

"It was taken from the old city ship." one of the healers explains.

"I know there are healing artifacts. Why not use those?" you ask.

The healer trades looks with Veur then goes back to their job. You turn to the higher ranked Caretaker and wait to see what he says.

"The less your kind see of us using artifacts the better."

"I've got a full set, I just can't use all of them." you point out, earning you a slight frown.

"The healing artifact is... unsubtle. It is best used sparingly to avoid complications."

Interesting. You make it a point to talk to Alliance R&D about this later.

>Cont.

When it comes to the rest of the Polar Team you're informed that for security reasons they've been kept in stasis while you were located.
"They insisted you be present if negotiating their method of departing the region and the Sphere. We could have forcibly taken them to one of the smaller towers but it was felt avoiding a confrontation over that point was best."

"So you locked them up?"

"Not at all. The "guest lounge" as one of them called it is encapsulated in a stasis vault. As far as they are aware your group has been separated for two to three days."

If you lock me in a stasis vault I'm lodging a strongly worded formal complaint with the Embassy. You're thinking it but not saying it.

Everyone on the team is certainly glad to see you're alright given the abstract nature of your departure.

[ ] Tell them they've been in stasis
[ ] They don't need to know (yet)

Stopping here for the moment. I've been called in to work tomorrow so not sure if I'll be resuming in the evening or just picking up on Sunday.

>>2371747

g'night TSTG

>>2371738
Chances are we're gonna be in stasis while we talk to our team. What is a couple of years in stasis to one of them?

>[ ] Tell them they've been in stasis

>>2371738
>[x] Tell them they've been in stasis
These guys are the masters of 'sit around and hope for the best'

>>2371738
>[ ] Tell them they've been in stasis

>>2371738
>[ ] Tell them they've been in stasis

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>>2371738
>[x] Tell them they've been in stasis
Welcome to the day after the day after the day after the day after tomorrow!

>They insisted you be present if negotiating their method of departing the region and the Sphere.
>negotiating
Considering the state of neglect the sphere currently is in, I'm going to assume the caretakers will need our help with something but are too proud to ask.

>>2372789
>Considering the state of neglect the sphere currently is in, I'm going to assume the caretakers will need our help with something but are too proud to ask.
Like say the support of a large industrious Faction capable of supplying them with manpower, supplies and warship in exchange for... Well. We will get there eventually.

>>2372799
>industrious faction
I'm sure the Kavarians would be more than willing but I think the caretakers want to avoid getting dragged even deeper into intergalactic shenanigans. I think of them as space Switzerland without the banks.

I'd be interested in asking the caretakers what they think will happen when we push the Empire out of this area. It's definitely going to happen given the Dominion's massive buildup and the general state of the alliance, plus the strategic importance of the sphere means it's a priority target.

If we had the capabilities of the Empire Neeran and the willingness to be as ruthless, I would seriously consider scorched earthing the Sphere. We know how important it is now, and they probably wouldn't want us to get any advantages from it.

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>>2373393
>and the willingness to be as ruthless
In that case we would have probably avoided this whole war and resorted to farming Neeran organs and selling them to the Empire instead.

>>2371275
>Both lower ranked Caretakers seem to stand down somewhat, as though preparing to be here for some time
>This causes the two lower ranked Caretakers to flinch, backing away ever so slightly.
Awww, they're new. Quick, plant salvage themed ideas in their mind before they grow jaded by centuries of sitting in their sphere basements.

>>2373901
>In that case we would have probably avoided this whole war and resorted to farming Neeran organs and selling them to the Empire instead.
Honestly this whole war makes me ask myself 'Would anyone be sad if all the Neeran everywhere died?'

I'd miss Svidur for sure but these guys are just trouble makers all around. Big, overgrown, lumpy troublemakers.

>>2373969
We'd probably run into some other assholes who behave like dicks for different but similarly idiotic reason.

>>2374047
We just gotta kill everyone and take their ships. That's the way we do things now. Shoot 'em and loot 'em.

Still alive. Cold is still kicking my ass.

>>2377566
TSTG ded. Ded quest. Abandon all hope ye who read this.

>>2373969
>Honestly this whole war makes me ask myself 'Would anyone be sad if all the Neeran everywhere died?'
That is quickly becoming a sentiment shared by many in Faction space. Even witht he positive PR that Baldr's group have been getting an increasing number want all of the Neeran gone from Faction space when this is all over.

Many Terrans and Kavarians want to see the Empire crushed in response to the losses of worlds they've suffered. The Rovinar see the Empire as a threat to them and their allies and support them on this.
The Republic is disinclined to leave a fight half done, but they haven't suffered the loss of any key worlds so support for the war isn't as strong as it could be. Their politicians are probably considering ways to use the war as justification for asking the Isolationists to renegotiate their defense agreement.
The Shallans predictably just want it to be over.

In the Dominion the new Emperor has plenty of justification for the continuation war. Dominion worlds have been lost and invasion of the Empire opens up avenues for captured resources, materiel and territory. It also keeps the Dominion's tech competitive by investing in Alliance R&D projects.
Opinions back home remain split on what to do with the neeran once everything is over.

To warn against future stasis waiting room bullshit you tell everyone they've been in stasis for more than half the week. Eldal helpfully keeps the door from closing, thus preventing the room from forming a complete Faraday cage. Unless the Caretakers want to kill him they wont be able to activate the stasis field.

Ran is able to see the team again, and lets you know that yes he's in quite a bit of trouble. One of Veur's assistants is put in charge of looking after your group while its here. They inform you that the Alliance ambassador has been contacted and should arrive at the Polar installation in 4-6 weeks, weather permitting.

"What does that mean, weather permitting?" you ask Ran when it becomes clear the assistant wont answer your question.

"Apparently they're able to shield the use of the transit system from sensors with lightning storms, but they have to wait until they're just right or it will look suspicious. It will take multiple hops between towers to get here and each one requires waiting for weather control to get a storm in place without having it form too quickly."

Ran offers to make sure the team comes out of stasis on time if you wanted to skip the wait. Or you could offer to assist the Caretakers during that time. Most of you do have experience fighting the Empire. Maybe they could benefit from training?

[ ] Skip to Ambassador arrival
[ ] Training
[ ] Other

>>2377699
I am aaallll for dismantling the Neeran Empire and destroying really salvage all their cityships.

>>2377744
[ ] Training
Eye of the Tiger montage?

>>2377744
I'd say we split the team, those more interested in training do that, while the others go with Ran, some locals and
>[x] Other
Help them fix the stuff we encountered on our way here. There's a tram station that needs to be repaired, and we still need to collect the dead Terran soldiers and their equipment. I'm sure there's more to do in addition to that.

Also, have Attir do something useful in his spare time. Do they have some books from the surface civilizations he could translate while waiting for the ambassador to arrive?

>>2377744
supporting: >>2377759

>>2377759
>Also, have Attir do something useful in his spare time.
After having been fixed up by the medical suite he's been confined pending assessment to see if he's actually a spy.


>Training
>split the team
You offer the services of your team to take part in training exercises with Caretaker warriors. Some of them will doubtless need to fight some of the Empire's people, or at least defend themselves.

Eldal will be the one chiefly responsible for assisting in training efforts. He can take on the form of low level Neeran soldiers and can use all of their weapons. Illya and Sayadov help a bit with training as well. Most of the trainees they go up against are considerably less used to dealing with snipers outside their detection range. With the Empire's tendency to use Gadaran "Hunchback" troops on and off the sphere snipers are a threat to be taken seriously.

Sayadov nearly stuns Eldal when the Krath shape shifter enters a training simulation in the form of a Warrel.

You spend some time discussing what actions the Empire is expected to take when the Alliance fleet pushes into the area over the next few years. Your main concern being that their commander might order a scorched earth policy to prevent the Alliance from retaking the Sphere itself.
They're confident they can protect the interior of the sphere when the time is right, but the threat of antimatter weapons being used by the Empire's fleet outside is very real.

You mention the defensive system Svidur gave you directions to which immediately gets the attention of several higher-ups. Veur wishes to know how you learned of it.

[ ] Tell them
[ ] Offer to trade information they want for info you want (Specify?)
[ ] "You have your secrets, I have mine."

>>2377934
[ ] Offer to trade information they want for info you want

"I feel the need for carrots. I more than just I fancy the idea of some very hard to break power armour. If we can have that then I will spill my secrets."

>>2377934
>[ ] "You have your secrets, I have mine."
I found an artifact
Ancient aliens

>>2377934
"You guys hide yourselves in this sphere, and iit's pretty big I'll admit, but there's a whole damn Universe out there with all kinds of fantastic secrets."

>>2377934
>[ ] Offer to trade information they want for info you want (Specify?)
can't think of anything specific right now

>>2378151
>can't think of anything specific right now
Mindshield?
Some kind of way to prevent Neeran detection at close range?
SUPERWEAPON?

>>2378151
They must have incredibly advanced sensors back from when they still used their wormhole gates. I'm not really for telling them why we know but maybe they could use their scanners and targeting system for these gates to tell use where all our MIA emergency teleporter capsules ended up?

>>2378151
I've already got a good part of a post written for refusing to trade secrets. Am I trashing it or not?

>>2378196
feel free to ignore my vote, it was rather late

That's one piece of information you don't intend to share with them.
"You have your secrets, I have mine. Outside of this sphere? There's a whole damn Universe with all kinds of fantastic secrets to be found."

Veur remains unflappable.
"Most of what we do not share with outsiders is what you would consider need to know information. Would you share the inner workings of your city's defense systems with an ally who might only be on your side for a few months? We face similar problems. Your Faction especially, not just the Factions as a whole, is tremendously fickle. In a few short decades your people might decide they will try to take it for yourselves.
For these and other reasons we have tried to isolate ourselves from the space faring civilisations as we do our work."

"You're right I don't need to know everything." You admit. "But if you have a defense system that can protect the sphere from damage why haven't you just used it? Lock down the sphere and just wait out the war."

"Because it's intended as a permanent measure."

Oh shit. "So if you turn it on that's it? Would it just lock down the sphere and nobody can go in or out?"

"In essence yes. We could set it to deactivate after a short period but then it would take centuries to recharge the system to the point it could be used again. A great deal can happen in that time. Especially with the Terrans conducting their mad experiments."

>What say?

>>2378263
"A defense that is not used, even when the needs call for it, is pointless. Why bother even having it at all? It is like saying you are okay with losing your right arm today in order to save your left arm tomorrow. And yes, a great deal could and most likely will happen during that time. But guess what, neither i nor you (I hope) can see into the future. But if you are really worried about the Factions then why don't you gather together some of your Eldars and hitch a ride with me back to the FA and start some proper talking back there?"

>>2378263
"While I can understand your concerns, one good thing about the Dominion is that people like me are much less bound to what their faction wants compared to others. What information I've been given hasn't been shared with a large group of people, and most of them have only seen parts of it. I'm here as a representative of the Factions, the Dominion, and entrepreneur/adventurer Sonia Reynard in equal parts."

>Especially with the Terrans conducting their mad experiments.
"You know, considering that they managed to break the universe we came from badly enough that every known interstellar civilization had to flee, a word of warning to the factions that actually explains why you're worried would probably put a stop to anything exceedingly dangerous."

>Most of what we do not share with outsiders is what you would consider need to know information
"The sphere research society claims to have had little to no interaction with you since they were founded a couple of centuries ago. Are they misrepresenting your past interactions?"

>>2378263
supporting: >>2378330

>>2378330
>>2378263

This. The Terrans could just as easily blow up subspace again as much as become a threat.

>>2378263
"Although I'm sure your isolationism has served you well in previous years, has there ever been a situation like this? You're digging your heads into the sand even as the Empire fly their ships over your heads. I can understand why you might have reservations about us, and the Factions, but wouldn't now be the time to reach out and address those concerns? Like you said, the Defence system can only be used rarely but no one else need to know that."

>>2378464
I bet if they put their minds to it the Terrans could do a lot of shit including blow up the sphere, even with the defence mode active.

If they're unwilling to turn it on, maybe we should force them to do it. We do have that super-big Veckron crystal.

"A defense that is not used, even when the needs call for it, is pointless. Why bother even having it at all? It is like saying you are okay with losing your right arm today in order to save your left arm tomorrow. Yes, a great deal could and most likely will happen during that time. But guess what, neither I nor you -I hope- can see into the future. But if you are really worried about the Factions then why don't you gather together some of your Eldars and hitch a ride with me back to the FA and start some proper talking back there?"

"The fact that we've recently exchanged Ambassadors with the Alliance should be an indication that we're beginning to take steps towards a dialog. Change is rarely quick for us."

"You know, considering that the Terrans managed to break the universe we came from badly enough that every known interstellar civilization had to flee, a word of warning to the factions that actually explains why you're worried would probably put a stop to anything exceedingly dangerous.
Goodness knows we need any excuse we can get to keep them from building more terrifying bombs."

"That suggestion will be passed along to the other Caretakers. We've chosen to deal with the Alliance rather than the Factions directly in the hopes that any agreements will be applied to all of you."

That as good a reason as any. With luck the Alliance might be able to establish some ground rules on interaction with the Sphere and its inhabitants. Given the amount of space available, maybe you could dump the Empire Neeran on an isolated part of the Sphere somewhere and salvage all their city ships?

I'm being called away again. Sorry guys.
I'll try to make a post later tonight when I get back, and will probably resume on Tuesday.

>>2378473
I bet they would be more likely to do it by accident.

>>2378528
>>2378473
What if they managed to destroy everything but the sphere?

What would happen if you took a phase cannon and made it the size of Neeran city ship?

>>2378631
>What would happen if you took a phase cannon and made it the size of Neeran city ship?
Then you would have a really big phase cannon. It wouldn't warp spacetime or anything. Though I'm not 100% certain it would work properly at that scale without some minor adjustments.

>>2379825
What if you used it as an engine?

>>2379852
Then it would be terribly inefficient.
Rufaro and Troy Harmen spend time helping a small team of Caretakers locate the bodies of the deceased hazard team. They also use the recovered journals to determine which access points the team may have accessed to track down others. The caretakers do eventually locate and safely recover them.

A damaged shield passage tram was confirmed to have been locked down several thousand years ago to prevent anyone from accidentally harming themselves. The hazard team apparently tried to undo these locks breaking the tram in the process. It has now been flagged for eventual reconstruction. The other trams have been locked down for the time being to prevent the Empire from making use of them. As an added precaution nearby maintenance drones have been repurposed as a rudimentary protection detail.

According to records the last person sent to those areas was investigating a troubling series of security alerts. Supposedly they dealt with the situation but it looks like they intentionally turned off the cleaning systems that would have eventually removed the bodies. Apparently they were nearing the end of their apprenticeship but instead left the sphere soon after.

With the Kavarian village the decision is made to bring in covert observers. They'll look for a way to relocate them without destroying their culture if possible. This could take decades.

>>2379924
>Apparently they were nearing the end of their apprenticeship but instead left the sphere soon after.
What was their name?

>>2379937

Space Wizard, the earlier years?

I figure now is probably the best time to ask why all the Sphere items and artifacts all have some kind of mental connection to them.

>>2378509
Also worth pointing out
>Change is rarely quick for us
That's fine but it seems like something changed on the Empire side because they want things done fast and it seems to be working out pretty well for them.

>>2379937
>What was their name?
It says they took on the name of a wanderer but doesn't specify which one in a manner that would be easy for Sonia to directly interpret. This is partially because Caretakers take on new names to best reflect their current role and experience.

>>2379980
>I figure now is probably the best time to ask why all the Sphere items and artifacts all have some kind of mental connection to them.
"It is a result of the physiology of the previous Caretakers, or perhaps the builders themselves. One of the reasons our species was chosen was because of our ability to more easily interface with the technology, as well as communicate with the former caretakers. When we encountered them they were similar in many respects to some of the energy based life forms your expedition may have encountered after entering the Polar region. They claimed to have not always been that way."

"What happened to them?"

"I believe they were losing their ability to interact with this plane of existence, though that is speculation on my part. There are many disagreements over what precisely happened. We could still perceive and communicate with them and in this manner they taught us much in a short period of time."

See you Tuesday!

>>2379924
Has anyone tried to turn their sun into a laser cannon yet?

Like. Putting giant thin smelting mirrors into space by their sun, then using those as giant lasers?

Or something like in the Ringworld where the defense system uses the superconductor grid embedded in the Ringworld's scrith floor to manipulate the magnetic field of the Ringworld's sun to trigger stellar flares that power a titanic gas laser?

If we need to escape legal punishment we could try claiming we were trying out the Wanderer lifestyle, only seeking knowledge and wisdom.

>>2380142

If Salvage isn't covered under that, then I don't think we could ever fool them. By the way, do you think we could claim the mech as spoils of war/hand made salvage?

>>2379988
Do they have some kind of permanent identification number that stays the same despite name changes?

>>2380028
Is he willing to tell us why they sent their city ship away and shut down the gates?

Did they keep some data on that human fleet that settled on the sphere?

Can we visit the defense system? Svidur made it sound like a really impressive sight and the weirdness on the map got me curious.

>>2379924
>>Rufaro and Troy Harmen spend time helping a small team of Caretakers locate the bodies of the deceased hazard team
Did they recover anything of interest? Did some of them manage to stash away in a drone's stasis system or something like that?

I think we should make plans that these guys won't cooperate. They seem to have the same mindset as the surface caretakers except even more elitist. Maybe work with Eldal and try to find some method of covert escape? We'll probably just get sent on our way with empty promises that they're going to do something at some point in the future, maybe.

>>2380066
>Has anyone tried to turn their sun into a laser cannon yet?
>Or something like in the Ringworld where the defense system uses the superconductor grid embedded in the Ringworld's scrith floor to manipulate the magnetic field of the Ringworld's sun to trigger stellar flares that power a titanic gas laser?
Well the polar installations keep the sphere centered on the Star, as well as containing gravitational lensing systems. That wouldn't be too much of a stretch.

>>2380398
Salvage isn't covered under that.

>do you think we could claim the mech as spoils of war/hand made salvage?
The mech suit has been reduced to its constituent elements.

>>2380533
>Do they have some kind of permanent identification number that stays the same despite name changes?

They have DNA records but they've not going to share them with you.

>>2380533
>Is he willing to tell us why they sent their city ship away and shut down the gates?
"You're aware of that as well?!"

"Yes." you reply simply.

Veur stares at you for a few seconds before finally deciding on a response.
"As it may be related to our current predicament I will provide you some information. It was the result of sabotage by extremists. They may be related to the extremists currently controlling the Empire. That is all I am prepared to provide your Alliance at this time."

With that line of questioning closed down you decide to change direction.
"Did you keep any data on the human fleet that settled on the sphere?"

"We have some data on them."
"What happened to them?"
"Most were disassembled though not immediately. After disembarking their passengers we converted them into warships. Some of their crews volunteered to help command them. We used these ships to destroy the extremists that had carried out the sabotage. We thought there were no survivors but that may not have been the case, or their supporters in the Empire persisted.

In return for their assistance we have looked after the human populace that was permitted to settle here. Even teaching some of them to use the artifacts. Their volunteers continue to be extremely helpful to us."

File: AHCR markers 4.jpg (3 KB, 125x146)

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>Can we visit the defense system? Svidur made it sound like a really impressive sight and the weirdness on the map got me curious.
This request is refused. They don't want untrained personnel poking around sensitive systems.

>Rufaro and Troy Harmen spend time helping a small team of Caretakers locate the bodies of the deceased hazard team
>Did they recover anything of interest? Did some of them manage to stash away in a drone's stasis system or something like that?
They find some old equipment, weapons, tools, another code book etc. None of the hazard team seems to have survived. Their trail does indicate they entered the section the defense system was in but the Caretakers assigned as escort prevent them from investigating in there.

They are able to locate a AHCR marker near the entrance to it though.

>>2382404
>Maybe work with Eldal and try to find some method of covert escape? We'll probably just get sent on our way with empty promises that they're going to do something at some point in the future, maybe.
Eldal thinks that your people are having quite a bit of success with the training program. Given time he may be able to acquire some measure of access to a means of escape. He'll keep you updated.

By the time Rufaro and Harmen have finished their collection tour a few weeks have passed. The Ambassador is making making decent though not great time. Liljana Brantha should be here in another 2 weeks.
You've managed to not annoy the Caretakers enough to get yourself killed. A few of the humans local to the sphere have been trying to teach you how to get the most out of your lightning gauntlet without exhausting yourself.

Roll 1d20 to improve your artifact weapon stamina. Average of 3.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>2384149

Bring on the lightning.

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>2384149
inb4 1

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2384130
Makes me wonder what other fucked up shit they had encountered before to come up with all these markers. Or if they simply let their research department design markers that would work for the more popular scifi books at that time.

>>2384111
Would he be willing to share a copy of the archives the fleet had? At least the part that would explain where they came from?

>>2384149
>Roll 1d20

>>2384266
>Would he be willing to share a copy of the archives the fleet had? At least the part that would explain where they came from?
"They came from the Republic. We have made no effort to hide this fact, but nor have we advertised it.
Your faction sciences Foundation already came to the same conclusion decades ago based on recovered text and language. The Hune would prefer this information not become widespread. We believe they've used their position with the Foundation to prevent this from happening."

>>2384333
I mostly meant before they encountered the republic. Or were they initially a local species and part of the republic?

You don't seem to be making much improvement with the gauntlet at the moment but only time will tell.

Ambassador Brantha arrives more than 5 weeks after the team was picked up by the Caretakers. She's not so happy to be seeing you so soon but isn't terribly surprised.

"You managed to get the Alliance in trouble with the Caretakers before their official Ambassador, ME, even made it to their capital."

"We took a shortcut."
"Clearly. The caretakers aren't going to have you executed for espionage fortunately but I guess you already deduced that. You'll have to hand over all of the maps Ran printed for you before you'll be allowed to leave. The data tablets you had made are to be given to the Alliance. They're being considered a gift in return for the Alliance's continuing efforts to drive away the Neeran fleet."

"There's no way I can keep one weather control data tablet for myself?"

"You'll have to negotiate with the head of the Alliance taskforce on the Suvorov."

Meaning probably yes if you manage to spin things the right way. Maybe they'll just ask you to make a donation. Ships? Untraceable currency? That shouldn't be too difficult.

"So what's the plan from here on?" you ask.

Brantha sighs. "It's going to take a few more weeks to get the secure communications system set up in a way they're happy with. Then they can call for a cloaked ship to come and pick up your team. I'm hoping you wont cause another diplomatic incident between now and then?"

Anything you wanted to discuss with the Ambassador?

>>2384341
>You'll have to hand over all of the maps Ran printed for you before you'll be allowed to leave.
Can Eldal grow a biological data storage and download the map data into it?

>The data tablets you had made are to be given to the Alliance
Erm, no? Sonia did all the hard work on this. Wait, not only all the hard work but basically all the work. She even paid for the whole expedition. The only ones with any kind of claim are the people from the sphere foundation.

"I mostly meant before they encountered the Republic. Or were they initially a local species and part of the Republic?"

Veur looks at you as though you've said something crazy.
"What do you mean? They founded the Republic."

>>2384365
>Can Eldal grow a biological data storage and download the map data into it?
Negative on that one.

>Sonia did all the hard work on this.
Support this line of reasoning?

>>2384341
>You'll have to hand over all of the maps Ran printed for you before you'll be allowed to leave. The data tablets you had made are to be given to the Alliance.
How about you suck my big fat cock FA cunt? I will enjoy it when we dismantle the FA and take all their Supers from them.

My anger burns like a hot coal in my chest at this uppity FA cunt trying to steal our salvage. Even after we went out of our way to get data specifically for the FA to get from this trip. Goes to show their goodwill counts for jack shit unless Command at Suvorov manages to fix this. We've been nothing but helpful to the FA. We even gave up NANITES to them when we could have not done so.

>>2384382
>"What do you mean? They founded the Republic."
Uh... Uuuuuhhhh........ Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhh. Wat.

File: Spoiler Image (125 KB, 800x566)

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Sonia's present status:

[ ] Lose shit
[ ] Keep that that shit secured

>>2384382

How about a hard NO on giving up the data to the FA. The FA can have their copy of the data. But we went to the hard work of recovering it.

"Thanks for finding all this nice stuff Sonia! We'll be taking all this and you don't get shit. Be glad our representative managed to get you out of being in prison forever. lulz!" -how this sounds to me

>>2384402

In a private room. We vent loudly as possible. Then in another private room voice our displeasure at these circumstances to the FA rep.

>>2384382
"Hune are considered to be a separate species at this point. That they started out human isn't really widely known. At least I didn't."

>Support this line of reasoning?
On second thought, that depends on whether Sonia is currently on the FA payroll or not. If she's in FA service, Rufaro did everything. Even the part where somebody paid Linda 200 million. That was Rufaro too.

>Negative on that one.
Second thought, can Eldal increase his memory capacity to remember more of the map? Not a direct download but a expansive photographic memory.

>>2384402
>[ ] Keep that that shit secured
Well, we do have more than enough time to think about this. We can leave once we turn over the stuff. They didn't say that we have to turn over anything, just that we can't leave without doing so.

>>2384341
These caretakers suck shit. They've just confirmed to the Empire this is the second time they've been invaded.

Do they not understand the concept of sovereign territory? They seem totally unwilling to defend the place. I'd honestly recommend starting a raiding fleet and doing what the Empire is doing if they're unwilling to help.

Bottom line is we're losing whole planets permanently and the Empire is only getting stronger thanks to the caretakers non-intervention.

>>2384402
>[ ] Keep that that shit secured
at least in public

>>2384402
[ ] Lose shit
Lose it. All of it. We're not taking shit from the FA after all the help we've given them. But in private. With thin walls

You take a few tries to come up with a response and instead ask Rufaro if any of the nearby rooms are sound proofed. Finding out there is one you ask the Ambassador to excuse you for just a few minutes.
"I'll be right back."

Stepping out to vent you return shortly after to the concerned looks of your bodyguard and the Ambassador.

Clearing your somewhat sore throat you sit down.
"I'm not giving up that data."

"Okay General, you're going to have a hard time getting off this Sphere then. These were the terms the Caretakers were prepared to go with after I talked it over with them.
If you'd broken into an Alliance facility like this you'd be demoted and spend a few years in a maximum security military prison. I think they're being very generous given the situation."

"My team and I put in the effort to secure that data." you protest.

"You're an active duty Alliance officer Reynard! If you were going to break in and steal shit from a brand new ally we barely have relations with, the least you could have done is not get caught. Did that ever occur to you, General?"

[ ] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Evade by trying to change topics

>>2384548
>[x] Yes

>>2384548
"To be honest, I kinda expected everybody in here to be dead after encountering 400 year old Terran corpses nobody bothered to clean up and the Kavarian kingdom. Also, I didn't steal anything beyond the resources to create these devices. The technology is very clearly not theirs, a fact they don't dispute."

>>2384548

>Yes

[Insert rant here, but remember we spent a good minute shouting in a sound proof room.]

Things we've done so far that I can think of.

Finding a civilization living on the Caretakers very door step to the control center. Finding a back door right to the control center. Capturing a Neeran Sleeper Agent, whom by the way was cleared by the FA to go on this mission. And anything else other anons can think of.

>>2384548
>You're an active duty Alliance officer Reynard! If you were going to break in and steal shit from a brand new ally we barely have relations with, the least you could have done is not get caught. Did that ever occur to you, General?
Of course not. The Alliance stole muh nanites.

>>2384573
>The technology is very clearly not theirs, a fact they don't dispute.
I love this angle. Is it their's even if they're squatting?

>>2384582
They just seem unwilling to do anything at all.

>>2384548
"Steal is such a strong word considering I was GIVEN it by a Caretaker. Technology which both would help the FA with the war and help me built new worlds for all the people whom have been displaced by it. But no -Ambassador- give me shit for taking what I am given and trying to do something with it. Unlike the Caretakers who don't even seem to understand most of the technology they have inherited from others. Give me shit for taking things just as the FA is taking things from me. Again. I am beginning to think that helping out the Alliance was a mistake for both me and the Dominion and I pray to the Emperor that Alliance Command is more accommodating the second time they steal from me."

>>2384593

The FA rep here just sounds like a push over when it comes to negotiations. That or just getting us out was an after thought to her.

"Oh, my what nice new presents for the FA! And I didn't even have to risk my life for them! This will surely advance my career like nothing else! Hm, what to do about that pesky Dominion noble though. Ah, pull Active duty FA rank on them that always works." - my mind for what she was thinking in negotiating this 'release'

>>2384548
Okay, let's take a moment so Sonia and the ambassador can calm down. Is it possible to get some tea? Even if we disagree, we can at least be civil. She's not our enemy.

>"I'm not giving up that data."
>Okay General, you're going to have a hard time getting off this Sphere then.
It's mostly a technicality. Even if we give the data to the alliance they can give it right back to Sonia if they want to.

>If you'd broken into an Alliance facility like this you'd be demoted and spend a few years in a maximum security military prison.
Possibly.

> I think they're being very generous given the situation.
They're certainly not being as confrontational as they could, she's right.

>You're an active duty Alliance officer Reynard!
Because their leadership hounded Sonia until she gave in. The expedition was a semi-private undertaking, at least I think so. The research society got involved because they had something to contribute. We were just nice enough to bring her along.

>If you were going to break in and steal shit from a brand new ally we barely have relations with
We weren't allies at that point. We did some work for them before and got paid. This was most likely not even breaking and entering because nobody had clearly been to these areas in centuries or even longer.

>the least you could have done is not get caught
>Did that ever occur to you, General
We weren't caught. We decided to contact them because the region was so poorly maintained the Empire could have easily entered this installation or the other one without anybody knowing. It was better to take the blame for our actions than having the Empire contest one of the control centers.

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Split vote for Yes or being as evasive as possible.

>>2384633
>She's not our enemy.
Far as I see it the FA just stole from us again and is reprimanding Sonia for getting the tech where were getting for them. This after we where nice towards them and even brought them personal and stuff when we did not have to. On our PRIVATELY funded trip at that. The FA can suck it as far as I can concerned. Admiral Cheng better be damn soothing when we return to Surorov cause my feathers are ruffled. ALL of them. No one steals our salvage.

>>2384644
She made it possible for us to get the tech off the sphere at all without getting into a confrontation with the caretakers. That's good because that means we have to negotiate with the FA instead of just yelling at these Neeran, and the Alliance is not entirely unreasonable as we saw the last time they took our stuff without asking. Unintentionally or not, she made at least that a bit easer for us.

Aside form that, she's obviously trying to spin this in the FA's favor simply because she has very little reason to be loyal to Sonia and the Dominion, while being highly loyal to the Alliance or she wouldn't have got the job. That's understandable. At the end of the day, she's not the FA. She's as little in contact with them as we are. Raging at her solves nothing, unfortunately.

"Yes it did occur to me. I decided it was worth more to report the security problems we found quickly to ensure there was time to do something about it."

"So you knew the Caretakers were likely to lock you up and take all of your new toys away?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYs3L6c39BU
With some effort you do eventually manage to get the word "Yes" out.

"Oh, well then good. At least this way you've been able to complete some of what you wanted. Once communications are secured I'll make sure Captain Wilson with Intel is made aware your team will hand over everything you've collected so far for analysis. I don't know how you Black Ops types operate in terms of wait times for debriefings and things, but it sounded like Wilson thought your people were top tier."

"Oh, good." You reply somewhat distractedly. In the back of your mind another plan is being hatched to ensure your map data isn't lost. You tell Rufaro that you need to talk to Eldal ASAP.

Did you want to tell the Ambassador about the previous acts of sabotage against the sphere by Neeran extremists?

I regret voting to meet the caretakers. We should have just pushed on and found the defense field then activated it.

>>2384690
>Did you want to tell the Ambassador about the previous acts of sabotage against the sphere by Neeran extremists?
Yes.

>>2384690

In light of learning that Attir is a Neeran Sleeper Agent, I'm also in the camp of regretting informing these Neeran of our presence.

>Did you want to tell the Ambassador about the previous acts of sabotage against the sphere by Neeran extremists?
No, save that for when we return to the FA. I'm done with being in the presence of these Caretaker Neeran. I guess next time we will just have to dive into the sphere's systems solo, without FA or Caretaker Neeran. If we're being treated like criminals by both.

>>2384690
no

>>2384690
>Once communications are secured I'll make sure Captain Wilson with Intel is made aware your team will hand over everything you've collected so far for analysis.
One thing before we agree to that, how much trouble is Ran in? We're kinda responsible for that.

>Did you want to tell the Ambassador about the previous acts of sabotage against the sphere by Neeran extremists?
I don't really care at this point. What's the plan with Attir? Do we at least get to keep the shield that damaged to lift?

>>2384724
>how much trouble is Ran in?
Quite a bit. Almost as much as his boss. It sounds like he'll likely be banned from returning to the previous territories he was assigned to. The presence of the Empire's fleet means for now Ran and Uller will probably be stuck waiting to see if there are other duties they can perform to help counter them.

>What's the plan with Attir?
He'll been checked in more detail shortly now that the Caretakers have an agreement in place with the Alliance. After his mind has been checked he'll be handed over to Alliance intel to see if they can find a use for him. There's always a need for double agents in various operations.

>Do we at least get to keep the shield that damaged to lift?
Yes.


Catching up with Eldal you propose the idea of him trying to back up as much of the map data as possible with photographic memory.
"I think I can do it, but I'll have to be careful to change form as little as possible. I'll have to avoid combat if possible or avoid injury and excessive strain."

[ ] Wait until just before departure
[ ] Try it now, practice retaining memory during combat training

>>2384751
>[x] Wait until just before departure

>>2384751

>Practice it now
give him other things to practice memorizing and then work up to the data we need saved

>>2384751
>[ ] Wait until just before departure

>>2384751
>Quite a bit. Almost as much as his boss.
Anything we can do to help them? While obviously not entirely in line with the caretakers in the control center, their actions uncover several issues in the polar area. No matter how this turned out, they were willing to help Sonia when they had little reason to. That should count for something.

>There's always a need for double agents in various operations.
He seemed like somebody who'd just want to retire to a quiet position at some university at this point. If he's not a traitor maybe getting him away from the war would be a better idea?

>[x]other
Leave it to Eldal, he knows best about this.

I think we failed.

>>2384780
Very likely.

>>2384784
We'll just have to come back with a mega-veckron and threaten everyone like a mad suicide bomber.

>>2384825
Or just retire from the FA. Dealing with them doesn't seem particularly beneficial any more. At least we'll be able to bill them a couple of millions for the time Linda spend modifying their FTL drive.

"You might want to wait, unless you think it's best to get a bit of practice in?"

Eldal promises to begin studying the key areas more closely but hold off on a big attempt until the last minute before departure.
"Once we get back to the ship leave me undisturbed for a few days. The less distractions the better."
"Got it."

You help out with training exercises over the next few days. The lower level trainees seem to be adequate and soon work out how best to counter the threats your people are presenting. That's about it though. The next time you see them you ask Veur about this.

"Most Caretakers that wander the different habitats, especially those checking on the human populations, are not intended to be warriors. First and foremost they are healers and scientists. Problem solvers that see to the well being of their charges. We have found that certain negative aspects can prove detrimental to our physical health over the long term. Overspecialization in combat traits can shorten our lifespans with physical damage over time.
I'm sure the irony of this is not lost upon you."

You point out that the Isolationists seem to think it's more a mind over matter approach.

"They are correct to an extent but that can only be taken so far. This place was once considered neutral ground to the warring between the two camps. Some of the greatest and most knowledgeable of the Neeran species once visited the sphere on pilgrimage. Here we could develop philosophies based on aspects of both in the hopes of finding a better solution.
A very small number have chosen to abuse those privileges."

Back to the bit about training you wonder if it might be possible to see the higher level warriors practicing.
"No. Observers are not permitted to prevent injuries or fatalities from collateral damage."

Any other questions you wanted to see if you could get answers for? As always don't expect to get an answer to everything.

>>2384926

Can we do anything to help Ran? I feel bad for him. I don't like these Caretakers, but we kinda ruined his future.

>>2384926
>Any other questions you wanted to see if you could get answers for?
Still curious if they'd be willing to do this for us:
>>2378186

-Are they still in regular contact with the previous caretakers? How far back can they trace the previous caretaker species?
-That hastily repaired area that showed damage from anti matter weapons, what happened there, exactly?
-What did the Kythera look like before they ended up going completely digital? Do they have a preserve for digital lifeforms somewhere on the sphere?
-What's their plan once the war is over? Minimize interactions, allow some low key cooperation with the sphere research society and then wait until intergalactic civilization collapses again?
-How many interstellar civilizations have they seen collapse since they started taking care of the sphere?
-Do they have anything interesting on the species or society that jump-started FTL travel back in the Factions' native universe?

>>2384926
All I want to know is if the offer of information for artifact is still available

Do they have a miracle cure for aging Dro'all?

>>2384926
Do they have records of any artifacts they might want salvaged? Old war graveyards and such?

You ask if there is anything to be done for Ran. It's unfortunate they should get in trouble for the rest of you.

"They decided on a course that would take them into what might be seen as adventure, but also great peril. Now they've been touched by this war and they'll have to see it through."

>>2378186
>maybe they could use their scanners and targeting system for these gates to tell use where all our MIA emergency teleporter capsules ended up?
"We would need to be actively scanning a particular region of space at the time in order to have any accuracy. It is conceivable we could detect activation of any such system in this galaxy if tuned properly. It will need to be discussed with our technicians and the Alliance."

>Are they still in regular contact with the previous caretakers?
"Not in some time. One or more of them may be in stasis according to rumor but if that were true only a small number at the highest levels would speak to them."

>How far back can they trace the previous caretaker species?
"A quarter million years before we arrived."

"That hastily repaired area that showed damage from anti matter weapons, what happened there, exactly?"
"An unfortunate incident."

>What did the Kythera look like before they ended up going completely digital?
"They were Arachnid like. There is a preserve which must be carefully monitored."

>Do they have a preserve for digital lifeforms somewhere on the sphere?
"No. We were advised that other facilities had been created to fulfill that role, though we do not know where they are."

>What's their plan once the war is over? Minimize interactions, allow some low key cooperation with the sphere research society and then wait until intergalactic civilization collapses again?
"We hope to be able to establish relations through the Alliance that will allow for dedicated science missions to observe and catalogue the various species present. Ideally without disturbing them. Given our past relations with the Neeran groups if may be necessary for us to act as negotiators for a lasting peace."

"Even after everything the Empire has done here?"
"These are the actions of but a few commanding many. There are other solutions."

>How many interstellar civilizations have they seen collapse since they started taking care of the sphere?
"Surprisingly few. Aside from the Neeran there was only one other before the Norune and Republic began to rise in power."
"Who was it?"
"It was... I've forgotten their name. Ultimately they had little impact in the grand scheme of things. I know they didn't have a habit of destroying worlds though."

>Do they have anything interesting on the species or society that jump-started FTL travel back in the Factions' native universe?
"I know more about present or lingering threats and less about the pasts of other universes."

>>2384974
>All I want to know is if the offer of information for artifact is still available
Can you link me the post? My brain is going 404.

>>2385071
>Do they have a miracle cure for aging Dro'all?
Very specific gene therapy the price of which is kept artificially inflated to prevent all Dro'all from becoming nobles. Not very effective if they're already old.

Or a high end medical medical system. Many of these were damaged by the Kythera attack.

>>2385086
>Do they have records of any artifacts they might want salvaged? Old war graveyards and such?
"Our leadership may discuss looking into this with the Alliance in the future."

>>2385088
>"A quarter million years before we arrived."
Is turning into energy beings a side effect of inhabiting certain regions of the sphere?

-With the way Faction FTL works, exploration has mostly been focused on areas within existing galaxies. What interesting stuff can be found in dark space? I'm sure they've had a look.

>I know they didn't have a habit of destroying worlds though.
So that platform that is supposed to have destroyed the republic homeworld...

>>2385088
>Can you link me the post? My brain is going 404.
Yeah I read the post wrong, my bad.

In any case, it was mentioned that the Convertor was our best chance of hiding from Neeran detection when operating solo. Does he have any ideas how we could accomplish that?

Is Svidur considered one of their 'extremists'?

>>2385108
>Is turning into energy beings a side effect of inhabiting certain regions of the sphere?
"No."

>With the way Faction FTL works, exploration has mostly been focused on areas within existing galaxies. What interesting stuff can be found in dark space? I'm sure they've had a look.
"I hesitate to warn you as it will doubtless be taken as a challenge. Save your self the trouble, do not go looking."

>I know they didn't have a habit of destroying worlds though.
>So that platform that is supposed to have destroyed the republic homeworld...
The Norune built that. They said they built it and they're not proud of it.
The fact that they've managed to recreate it for the Alliance should be proof enough.

>>2385118
>In any case, it was mentioned that the Convertor was our best chance of hiding from Neeran detection when operating solo. Does he have any ideas how we could accomplish that?
This question causes the warrior to laugh.
"Give you the keys to remaining hidden while you're still in the pole? No I think not."

>Is Svidur considered one of their 'extremists'?
"Certainly one with differing viewpoints, though not considered dangerously so. At the time."

>>2385161
>"Give you the keys to remaining hidden while you're still in the pole? No I think not."
Not my intention but we do need to figure out how to do it simply due to upcoming combat we're likely to see. If we ever need to take out one of their high ranking guys we'll need every advantage.

>>2385161
>Save your self the trouble, do not go looking.
Wow! It's fucking nothing.
Maybe in more ways that one.

>"I know more about present or lingering threats and less about the pasts of other universes."
What does usually happen to AI civilizations? Considering we don't have see entire galaxies disappearing and still have more than enough planets to go around, I guess the usual exponential growth horror stories don't happen?

-Who covers the rest of the universe? I would assume even the sphere has a limit where the distance is just too great to rescue civilizations from the brink of extinction in time.

>>2385181
>What does usually happen to AI civilizations?
"I've heard of some that get stuck. The Kythera may be among the longest lived one at present."

>Who covers the rest of the universe?
"You're right there are limits. Even at its height the farthest I've heard of any Caretakers traveling is a few hundred million lightyears."

That may cover an area only twice the radius of known space. Maybe there are other Spheres? Or perhaps this is the only one? The caretakers are operating on the assumption that there are no others. At least none they've been able to detect.

You're called once the specialists have had their chance to look at Darweg Attir. By sifting through buried memories the Caretakers confirm that someone from the Empire has taken his mind apart and put it back together again. Mostly in the right order but as you've noticed not everything completely lines up.

Attir was captured but elemnts of it were partially covered up to look like he and his unit had evaded capture behind the lines. Convincing in some aspects because he clearly remembers helping destroy a few enemy patrols in ambushes. If he's to be believed they even had matching combat footage on their helmets when they were picked up that verified their story.

Part of him remembers the unit escaping.

"That may have been a real memory leaking through the planted ones." you're told.

Ther were no Trojan Horse style traps as you'd suggested planted in his head fortunately. Still considered dangerous, Attir is to remain in restraints at all times. He'll be transfered back to the Alliance with you, then taken for deprogramming, which could take a very long time. If necessary they may even have to partially wipe his memory.

A few days go by after Attir's interrogation without seeing Veur again. Everyone remains busy with training or tactical planning. You're called in by the Ambassador to detail how an Alliance fleet might attempt to drive off the the Neeran forces present. Much of that studies the risk of collateral damage.

Someone has gone and kicked off your minefield plan. A number of small ships outside the sphere are destroyed causing the Command ship to relocate to a higher orbit where it can jump to FTL on shorter notice. This has the unintended side effect of causing the enemy to deploy a more serious sensor net to begin scanning down the mines and destroying them.
While this net isn't powerful enough to detect the Hidden Dagger, the better coverage means that all exits to the sphere are now under permanent observation. They'll have to sneak in alongside an enemy ship.

"You're certain the Alliance wont risk deploying Antimatter mines?" an older Caretaker asks you.

>What say?

>>2385331
"Not if we can help it, but we're still badly outmatched in a straight up fight. With anti-matter off the table and Victory torpedos dubious it's one of the reasons I wanted to persuade you to activate the defense system."

>>2385331
>Gates
The caretakers could open them randomly to fuck with the Empire,

>What say?
"Most likely. Or at least not without your permission. They know anti matter is one of the few things that can cause serious damage to the sphere."

>>2385331

We don't want to risk damaging the Sphere. And agitating them more (ie a serious fleet or anti-matter) would likely cause them to aim that scorcher at the sphere and it would most likely cause serious damage to the sphere before the spheres own defenses could get rid of it. Of course... with Terrans and their new Vekron beam weapons... and a minefield of anti-matter mines just makes me think of one great big death field. And a new idea for how to fuck over the neeran in the next battle.

Dump Anti-Matter laden mines that are inactive in a region you want to fight in. Then let the Terrans start using that Vekron laser to start destabalizing and causing all those mines to explode.

>>2385101
We have very reasonable rates. Heck, we'll do it for a song and a favour.

>>2385389
>Heck, we'll do it for a song and a favour.
>song and a favour.
>favour

[Worried Rovinar diplomats]

>>2385394
The Caretakers don't know us that well yet.

"Most likely. Or at least not without your permission. They know anti matter is one of the few things that can cause serious damage to the sphere.
We're still badly outmatched in a straight up fight. With anti-matter off the table and Victory torpedoes dubious, it's one of the reasons I wanted to persuade you to activate the defense system."

>Gates
>The caretakers could open them randomly to fuck with the Empire
"The gates must be able to close properly for that defense system you're insistent on using to function. We've left them on automatic so they don't become a target."

With the locals assured that the Alliance isn't quite that reckless you head back to the training area for the day.

A few days later no one comes to collect you for a briefing or training. Figuring it might be an off day you go looking for Eldal to see if he's having any luck with his trick memory practice or other routines. You encounter him before leaving the residential area.

"No one turned up for practice today." he informs you.

That can't be good.
Heading back to collect the others Ran soon appears, apparently in a rush to find you.

"Something has happened. Do you still have your map?"

"Yes, it's with my gear. What's happened?"

Ran isn't certain so you immediately suit up and gather the others. Checking pockets it doesn't take long to find the map.
"There you go, one Terry's chocolate orange shaped map projector." you tell him handing it over.
Troy is the only one on the team that seems to get the reference.

As Ran begins to look through the map the much more broadly built Uller appears.
"Ah you did make it. I was worried I'd gotten in trouble for nothing."

"What are you doing here?" you ask.

"I was told to guard this section a few hours ago, but had no idea why until Ran encountered me. "

"Will someone -anyone- answer where everyone else went?" Illya asks.

"There is a security alert in the lower levels of the Polar region. Command and control is being reinforced while other teams are moving to investigate. Guarding you all is a waste of time and resources that could be better spent doing other things."

[ ] You go do your thing, we'll be fine here
[ ] Since you're already in trouble we could help you out
[ ] How far is that defense system?

And as I have work tomorrow I'll be resuming on Thursday.

>>2385443
>[x] Since you're already in trouble we could help you out

>>2385443
>[ ] Since you're already in trouble we could help you out

Cant get in any more trouble. And if worse comes to worse, they can come work with us. Of course if their Caretaker buddies are that much of being ass holes to kick out their own for helping. Then Ran and Uller will be better off working with us. Plus they get to see more of the galaxy and interact with their isolationist cousins. Imagine Baldr's reaction if we came home with Caretaker Neeran friends.

>>2385443
>[ ] Since you're already in trouble we could help you out

We have very reasonable rates.

>>2385443
>[ ] Since you're already in trouble we could help you out

>>2385443
>[ ] Since you're already in trouble we could help you out
Where's the armory?

>"Ah you did make it. I was worried I'd gotten in trouble for nothing."
"I'm going to guess this security alert isn't a surprise to you?"

If you think about, Sonia would really be nowhere without the Neeran Empire. I don't know what we're going to do after the war ends, we can't reasonably fund mass shipbuilding if there's no demand for it.

>>2387344

Can always turn those shipyards into churning out heavy transports.

>>2387344
That's the good thing about the Dominion. There is always war with in it. Then there will be the inevitable fight when everyone scrambles to pick up the FA's many Supers after the war. The Neeran campaign to dismantle their Empire. Expansion into new space. And most importantly. The next Faction War which we all know is coming. So don't you worry about that. We're still going to be able to make money.

"Since you're already in trouble we could help you out. It's not like you can get in any more trouble because of us right?"

"Possible..." Uller admits "-but I doubt it. Thank you."

"I'm going to guess this security alert isn't a surprise to you?"

"I knew we would be attacked eventually, but even I hadn't suspected it would be so soon. What did you do?"

You look to your cohorts.
"Why does everyone always assume things are my fault?"
Your bodyguards pointedly look away.

"We used the secondary transit system." Ran explains.

"Then it may have been detected. Come with me."
Uller leads the group through the rather minimalist hallways and through a common area to what you take to be a small security station. The halls here seem to be deserted. The older Caretaker then instructs Ran to interface the map with the terminal to download security updates. They proceed to do this with a few of the others, though not all of them.

"These should now display all of the locations where our security are concentrating their forces at present and suspected locations of enemy activity. With them I hope to determine weak points they'll try to use.
These maps can not be permitted to leave the sphere or we risk the Empire acquiring them. I agree with the other Caretakers on that at least. Do you understand?"

[ ] Agreed
[ ] Or we could just keep it really safe?

>>2389289

[ ] Agreed

Not like we're being allowed to keep anything else we've gotten from this blasted trip. Sure, why the hell not, fine they can keep the damn maps here. Seeing as how we cant keep the other stuff.

Not annoyed view. I understand not wanting to risk having troop deployment info being intercepted by the enemy.

>>2389289
[x] Worry about this later.

I do agree, the risk is large currently, but after we've taken care of the Empire I'd like a limited map. Sure, take out the most sensitive stuff from them but something that will still remain helpful if we ever decide to just explore the place for fun.

>>2389289
>[ ] Agreed
Fiiine. I just want my weather control shit from the FA and I'll be happy.

>>2389289
>[ ] Agreed

You offer a tentative agreement though you'd still like to discuss alternatives later.

Both caretakers begin searching through the updated map and find the crossings similar to what you used. A number are listed as locked down for one reason or another, with data on many having been recently updated. Several did not update, though security teams are marked as deployed nearby. One has a marker for unit under fire. Others are rapidly moving to assist them.

You've seen enough actions like this to know that the defenders seem have things contained there. Uller is worried that the fighting is a distraction while others try to sneak in via crossings where there is minimal sensor coverage. Fortunately the lifts are secured, either locked in place or set to send out alerts if used.

"Is there anything they could get to on foot?"

"Given time, yes. You own team could have reached many backups or machinery eventually. If someone clever enough is with them they might be able to manually activate them."

You wouldn't put it past them. Pointing to a few sections on different levels you ask what they're for.

"This large area is part of the protection system." Uller points out others in sequence. "Secondary offensive systems, Gravity focusing arrays, Energy drain and dampening fields. Wormhole gate controls-"

"I thought the wormhole generator didn't work?" you interrupt.

"It still does. The North Pole's interior gate is supposedly damaged but the exterior one should still function."

You recall among the larger battles earlier in the war one included destroying a gate the Empire had constructed in Shallan space. For whatever reason they never replaced it. Presumably enough ships were in the region by then and others could just make use of a long jump.

"The Empire couldn't connect the gate here to one of their larger gates in their home territory could they?"

"If the dimensions are close enough I imagine they could."

The last item Uller was going to mention is another manufacturing level.

"You've fought the Neeran, where do you think they're most likely to go?"

[ ] Defense system
[ ] Secondary offensive systems
[ ] Gravity focusing arrays
[ ] Energy drain and dampening fields.
[ ] Wormhole gate controls
[ ] Manufacturing

>>2389418
My concerns greatest to least.

Wormhole gate control
Secondary offensive systems
Manufacturing
Defense System
Gravity focusing arrays
Energy drain/ dampener

>>2389418
>[ ] Energy drain and dampening fields.

>>2389418
>[x] Manufacturing
This is what they're here for on the Sphere. Taking control of the Defense or Offensive systems would make sense in a conventional battle but they control the space around. If they can make some dangerous artifacts and smuggle them out it could be bad.

>>2389418
>"You've fought the Neeran, where do you think they're most likely to go?"
"Whenever they had the chance to, enemy commanders loved dragging non-combatants into the fight to draw defenders away from their positions. Which of these systems pose the greatest threat to the surface population if damaged or manipulated? "

>>2389494
"Whenever they had the chance to, enemy commanders loved dragging non-combatants into the fight to draw defenders away from their positions." You look up from the map To Uller. "Which of these systems pose the greatest threat to the surface population if damaged or manipulated?"

"Secondary offensive systems and Gravity focusing arrays would post the more direct threat. Energy drain field control would be next, allowing their forces elsewhere to make regular use of energy weapons. It's a less immediate threat."

"By your own point shouldn't we ignore those systems then?" asks Sayadov. "Like you said, if the rest of the Caretakers move to defend them it could leave other areas vulnerable."

>>2389553
That probably depends on how much faith you have in the caretakers' ability when it comes to maneuver warfare.

>Gravity focusing arrays
Not really sure. Manufacturing could be a pain in the ass as well.

Manufacturing seems to be the only one that has any overlap between anons, even if it's not their first choice. Go with this or bounce ideas off the team?

>>2389643
Can't hurt to discuss our options, I guess.

>>2389643

see what the team thinks but im okay with hitting the factory

>>2389643
I'm always up for hearing the opinions of our squad.

For once Valeri is quick to speak up. He believes the wormhole gate controls to be the most important system. "They could bring in reinforcements from the Empire. The Alliance is trying to sabotage Girisha. Opening a new gate would mean they control the shortest route to and from the Empire. That would repair anything we've done to their reputation."

At this point the Empire accomplishing anything of note here might bolster their reputation, but that is one that would be harder to ignore.

Eldal remains concerned about the secondary defenses but admits that he'd less in favor for that after what Sayadov said.

Rufaro thinks the gravity systems are a prime target. "You can do a lot with gravity. Like turn the star into a weapon. Or direct an increased gravity field at parts of the polar region most of the caretakers are in."
"Wait, would that work?"
"I have no idea." says Uler. "I certainly hope they can't be used like that. Would your scientist- oh he's under arrest."

Illya supports heading to the Energy drain and dampening field systems, worried they might allow the Empire to move craft into sensitive areas of the sphere more easily. Or tax the energy shield protecting the pole to the point of breaking.

Uller believes manufacturing to be a prime target. "If they could produce vehicles to speed their movement, that would make it a nightmare to catch them."
"Or they could make weapons and power armor." Eldal points out. "We've seen that."

Troy is the last to speak. "I have an idea. Why don't we say screw all of that and turn on the defense system. That will lock down the sphere right? That should include the external wormhole gates?"

"In theory? Yes." Uller confirms.

"With the sphere locked down that gives us time to catch the Neeran attackers. Or better yet, force them to come to us since they'll need to open the gates again to get reinforcements. Am I right?"

>>2389768
Before I forget to ask again, what happened to the rest of our troops? Did they make it to Hidden Dagger in time? Were they picked up by the caretakers? Are they still somewhere in the sphere?

>>2389437
Wormhole gate control

>>2389768

I want to secure the Wormhole Gate, so they cant bring in anymore ships or back up. Not like they cant already, but the less troops/ ships we have to deal with when we take this place back the better. But again, they are likely concerned with getting the factory so they can get loot.

Also Troy does make a good point... locking the sphere down does mean we have time a plenty to secure the inside of it against external threats. But if we do that, then that is a Neeran fleet with nothing to guard or do anymore and thus be redirected else where. And us cut off from the Dominion and the Alliance.

>>2389782
>what happened to the rest of our troops?
They're alive and were picked up by the remaining LST. It's back at the hidden Caretaker base you first met Uller and Ran at. As it took time to get there Uller and the Ambassador had already left for the pole before they arrived.

>>2389768
Realistically the Manufacturing sector should be our first stop to get power-armor, then I want to do the Troy plan and force the Neeran into an ambush.

>>2389768
What if we go to manufacturing, and get us some decent equipment? With power armor, some decent guns, proper medkits and maybe a proper troop transport we should be able to react much better to whatever the enemy will be doing.

Still rather uncertain you decide to take a more proactive approach. There's only so much to be done with your current equipment. Maybe with better gear you'll have a better idea of what the team can take on.

"Whatever we're doing we're going to need the best gear we can get. Where's the armory?"

"I believe it is this way." Uller takes one of the maps to be certain and leads the way into a region your people had been banned from entering. You cross several training areas with signs of battle damage that seem to be repairing themselves. It's a good thing the Caretaker is leading the way, many of the halls seem indistinguishable from others and even with a map it would be easy to get turned around.

It isn't until you begin to pass through wider halls flanked with statues and figurines fitted with equipment that you know you're in the right place. In a back area the team finds what looks to be a small manufacturing platform similar to the larger ones you'd previously made use of.

"If you step onto the pad, suits and equipment can be constructed around you. Do not keep anything on you that you'd rather not lose."

"I-is this going to be like a magical girl transformation sequence?!"

Both Caretakers stop and trades glances.
"I do not know what that is. I suspect I don't want to."

What sort of equipment did you want? Something light but indestructible, or were you thinking full on power armor?

I feel like we're gonna have to be high speed low drag on this one so light and indestructible sounds good, along with a grenade launcher and enough explosives to level a small town.

>>2389973

>"I-is this going to be like a magical girl transformation sequence?!"

That would be funny, but great.

>"I do not know what that is. I suspect I don't want to."

Clearly we must introduce Dominion based anime to the Caretakers when we get a chance. Unless the Terrans are the one with that claim.

>What sort of equipment did you want? Something light but indestructible, or were you thinking full on power armor?

Power armor that doesn't suffer from energy drain would be great. But indestructible armor sounds better, just how indestructible are we talking here? Higher grade armor then what is used in power armor? Or actually bullet/ plasma/ energy proof armor?

File: Spoiler Image (1.8 MB, 1280x688)

1.8 MB WEBM

>>2389973
>"I-is this going to be like a magical girl transformation sequence?!"
Or as close as Sonia can get to that...

>What sort of equipment did you want?
The sphere's take on Sonia's usual recon armor? It would be great if it could at least temporarily hide from Neeran psy detection as well.

>>2389973
>"I-is this going to be like a magical girl transformation sequence?!"
definitly

>What sort of equipment did you want?
something similar to recon armor, may more focus on speed than stealth

>>2389994
>just how indestructible are we talking here?
The suit cant be broken, but the wearer still might be. Enough heat can still bleed through, and if you're sent flying by impacts there's still the problem of the sudden stop at the end.

>>2390074

Then lets get armor similar enough to our recon armor. Hopefully without being affected by the energy drain.

>>2390011
>Death of Stallin
Is this worth seeing? I see that it's banned in Russia so that could be a point in its favour.

>>2389973
> or were you thinking full on power armor?

Medium jump jet PA with AOE weapons.

Something like a fusion cannon and a whole shit ton of grenades.

Maybe some AM.

> Manufacturing.

>>2390146
I have no idea. /tv/ mostly likes it which is usually a bad sign but even when it was new it got hardly any attention there because people were busy with star wars at that time. And now they're busy with cape shit again. Haven't seen it myself yet and I'm not really informed on Soviet history, so I'm a bit worried I'd be missing out on a lot of things in the movie. Still, I guess there are significantly worse ways to waste 107 minutes of my life. It's not like there are a lot of decent movies in cinemas to choose from at the moment.

>>2390011
>It would be great if it could at least temporarily hide from Neeran psy detection as well.
Uller is not well enough versed to train you on this quickly.


Making sure to remove all weapons and valuables first you step onto the pad.
"Try to remain as still as possible."
"Can I still breathe?"
"Yes but you may want to hold your breath for the smell."
"Got it."

Getting set you stand as directed with arms held out to the side and feet slightly apart. Scanning fields wash over you and what clothing and armor you'd been wearing largely falls away and disintegrates, quickly being replaced by the underlayer of the new suit. The next wave brings with it another sturdier layer of armor attached to the underlayer. The helmet and finishing touches are last. A fully enclosed face plate similar in some aspects to your recon suit takes shape in front of your eyes.

Blinking away the after images of the assembly process you experimentally move your arms and hands. It's a bit stiff at first bring brand new but it only takes a few motions to break it in.

"You can step down."

Getting out of the way you examine the suit more closely. It's a mix of patterns from the plate armor you'd been using for the expedition and your usual Recon suits. The plates of this suit might only be a millimeter thick but you can tell that even HF blades wouldn't be able to get through it.
Unlike the previous suit it's as light as a feather. Trying out a few routines you think you might actually be a hair faster than in your power armor.

Ran is now working at a second pad, calling up specifications for weapons and other equipment. He seems to be customizing them to fit the new suit.
"Does the armor fit you well?"

Easily removing the helmet you reply that it fits perfectly. Probably the best fitting suit ever.

"We had an idea on the way here. I'm trying to figure out an upgrade that will effectively make your suit into power armor. We've never done anything like this before though so I'm worried it might cause injury.
Full on suits of power armor in the databases are bulkier, heavier and less nimble. Still capable of great speed but not agile like the Light Power Armor the Factions use."

Did you want to try the upgrade?

>>2390449
>Did you want to try the upgrade?
Tell him about the lightning reflexes upgrade Sonia has received. It seems like something that should be taken into consideration when deciding if this is worth a try.

>>2390449
As another anon pointed out, speed is of the essence. That said if more anons want the power armor upgrade lets go for it.

>>2390449
>Did you want to try the upgrade?
yes, Sonia got her skeleton reinforced at some point, that should minimise the risk

>>2390476
Can we get our bones enhanced with the sphere stuff?

>>2390449
>Did you want to try the upgrade?
Hell yeah.

Agree with >>2390457

You tell him about the improved reflexes upgrade you received before the expedition.

"I'm not well versed in Faction enhancement programs."
"Also I got my skeleton reinforced at some point, that should minimise the risk."
"Oh good! If your bones are reinforced that should help lessen the chances of injury if things go wrong. Just start out very gentle."

"I don't suppose you could further strengthen my bones with the same material the sphere is made of?"

"No? That sounds like it would involve a terribly complicated surgery."

Ran finishes work and the pad produces a rounded oval shaped item. Stepping behind you he instructs you to hold still and connects it to the back of your armor between the shoulder blades. There's a distinct click and a sudden surge of electricity that you feel as static. Ran hands you his staff so you can ground yourself.

"Try moving around but do not hit me."
"Why would I hit you?"
"Start out very gentle, away from me."

Let's see what difference this makes. You've used power armor before, how hard could it be?

Roll 1d100
Highest of 3. This is a rare case where you don't want it to be too high.

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>2390581
The one time I want a nat one... how odd.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>2390581
roll...low?

Rolled 84 (1d100)

>>2390581
I'm guessing it's because the neural interface is missing

>>2390626
>Rolled 84
PANIC

>>2390626
RIP our spinal column, better print out a wheel chair with text to speech device installed for us. My roll of 81 being no better.

>>2390581
>Rolled 100 (1d100)
You died but, good news everybody, you immediately get reprinted by the fabricator.

Putting the helmet back on you see if the suit has any kind of interface like your usual power armor. That doesn't seem to be the case but there does seem to be something more like the usual artifacts, only instead of requiring power this one has plenty to spare. It's just a matter of tapping in and directing it towards movement.

Your limbs tear through the air at terrifying speed and it's all you can do to keep up. This is like early power armor training all over again times ten.

"Holy shiiiiiit!" you manage to get out.

"GENTLE!" Ran shouts.

"I AM being gentle!"

Trying to bring yourself to a stop you only succeed in colliding with a very sturdy wall. That's one way to stop.
"Ow... I might need some practice."

Ran walks over, remaining a safe distance away. "Could you roll over? I need to check the power unit."
"Sure."
The attempt to roll over sends you skidding across the room.

"Go limp." Valeri helpfully suggests. He then picks you up and carries you over to Ran who detaches the module. After a few slight adjustments he plugs it back in again. This time you're able to keep everything under control.

"You can choose to not make use of the additional power available to the suit. I would recommend using it as little as possible. We don't know how long the power unit will function at sustained operational levels."

"Got it."

Now it's time for weapons. The suit can mount two artifacts in slots on its arms in addition to whatever you can carry. Your old gauntlet is not compatible with the new suit.

Choose your loadout!

Left arm slot: [EMPTY]
Right arm slot: [EMPTY]

Retractable Shield
Immutable Staff (Compatible with most artifacts)
Singing Sword
Shield

Plasma Artifact
Lighting Artifact
E-beam
Cooling laser
Converter
Amplifier
Tissue regeneration

>Faction weaponry
12.7mm Rifle
Heavy pistol
Grenades

>>2390732

That went better then expected.

Singing Sword
Lighting Artifact

12.7mm Rifle
Heavy pistol
Grenades

>>2390732
Does the shield take an entire arm slot, or does it simply limit the number of items for that hand?

We should probably coordinate a bit with our group. Valeri with a tissue regeneration artifact in his bio armor is probably a damn scary enemy.

Are there any buffs available for Eldal or his bio armor cousin?

>>2390732
>Left arm slot: Converter
>Right arm slot: Tissue Regeneration

Then I'd like to keep our sword with us and take a Plasma artifact by hand.

I should also clarify that the staff and the sword by their very nature has an artifact slot.

So if you wanted a staff (I doubt this will happen) you could then select 3 artifacts. 2 for the arms, 1 for the staff.

>>2390745
It limits what you can take on that hand, but as the artifact slot is built into the armor it shouldn't get in the way too much.

>Are there any buffs available for Eldal or his bio armor cousin?
Not for Eldal no, though he says he's fine with that. Actually he's seemed almost happier since having some of that food you found a few weeks ago.

Valeri is getting the armor plates replaced with material like the shields.

>>2390746
That works.

>>2390746
>Then I'd like to keep our sword with us and take a Plasma artifact by hand.
Er, you mean in the slot on the sword?

>>2390771
Sorry, I worded that poorly.

I'd like the Converter and Regen in the arm slots, and a Plasma Artifact/pistol as our main weapon/rifle, then if possible have the sword strapped to our back if we get into a melee confrontation.

>>2390732
Left arm slot: Plasma Artifact
Right arm slot: Singing Sword

Sword Slot: amplifier

And like a bag of grenades.

>>2390732
> Right arm slot: Amplifier

Gotta go fast.

>>2390768
>Actually he's seemed almost happier since having some of that food you found a few weeks ago.
We should probably ask what that food was. Or if he doesn't want to tell, if it could become a problem in combat.

>>2390732
Right: E-beam
Left: Shield
Sword + converter
Rifle
Grenades

Are there any non-lethal weapons available? Or can we have a stun setting added to any of the artifacs? Grabbing some of the attackers for interrogation could be useful.

>>2390783
Surprisingly enough there isn't a ready made pistol type device for a plasma artifact. Most people who make use of them just use gauntlets that way they're on all the time. I suppose a short staff might be possible.

Oh god, it'd be like the Force Lance from Andromeda. Rest assured the Caretakers and the Alliance will rectify this problem but it will have to be later.

>>2390792
>Are there any non-lethal weapons available?
Lightning, just don't hit them quite so hard? It usually isn't a problem for Caretakers since they have enough of their own abilities to rely on.

>>2390801
Is there a chakram artifact available to complete the magical girl / warrior princess look?

>>2390807
No. Neither is there a Glaive from Krull.

>>2390801
What happens if we pick TWO Amplifiers?

12.7mm Rifle
Grenades

Retractable Shield
Singing Sword: [EMPTY]
Left arm artifact slot: [EMPTY]
Right arm artifact slot: [EMPTY]

Plasma Artifact
Converter


Select one of the following for your 3rd artifact slot.
[ ] Lighting Artifact
[ ] E-beam
[ ] Amplifier
[ ] Tissue regeneration

>>2390893
>[ ] Lighting Artifact

>>2390893
>[x] Amplifier

>>2390854
>What happens if we pick TWO Amplifiers?
That would depend on you. I'm sure both Caretakers would be a bit nervous being around you though.

>>2390893
I'll swap from >>2390910 to support >>2390906
just to speed this along.

>>2390906
>>2390910
>Why not both!
They can be switched out as needed.

Ran hands over the various artifacts you asked for. While they're not manufactured here there are some stockpiled for use. For now you keep the Converter that's already in your sword and add lightning and plasma ones to the arm slots. An amplifier artifact is put in a sturdy pouch.

"Should we get some practice at the range with these?" you ask.

"No time." replies Uller, walking over to an equipment rack and grabbing a heaviest staff weapon you've seen yet. The others are finished suiting up now and begin kit out with whatever they're rated to use.

"Rifle for long range, artifact weapons once we're closer in?" suggests Troy.

"Pretty much."

Now we return to the issue of where to go.
>In alphabetical order!

[ ] Defense system
[ ] Manufacturing
[ ] Wormhole gate control

We'll be picking up with this in the morning.

>>2390893
[ ] Amplifier

>>2390997
>[ ] Manufacturing

Best loot chance. Less chance if LARST IN SPERRRRSSEEE

>>2390997
>[ ] Wormhole gate control
ARMED AND ARMORED

Uller and Ran are definitely top tier on my Neeran ranking now.

>>2390997

>[ ] Wormhole gate control

We already got some nice duds, any more and Caretakers will want to take it back. So Unless we can disable the factory some how. I want to hit the gate control.

Of course we could do what Troy suggested and activate the defenses. Of course then EVERYONE will hate us, as the Caretakers said that it is meant to seal the sphere FOR GOOD and takes centuries to recharge if turned off. So unless things are desperate. Save that for a last resort.

At least with the wormhole gate we can prevent them bringing reinforcements in. And this is a wide swinging guess. We can use it to somehow screw with the wormhole generator on the Scorcher/ Command ship. (Though I doubt it works that way.)

>>2390997
>[ ] Wormhole gate control

>>2390997
Changing from Womrhole to Manufacturing.

I don't want to get any loot from there, we can worry about that later. I'm more concerned about limiting the capabilities of any invading forces. They'll be forced to use un-powered equipment with the power drain which is a big bonus for us, and we don't want them to manufacture a large force of drones.

We saw Veur make a drone with the system so it's been shown possible and it would be an easy tactic for them to use to advance quickly.

Can we lock them down? Shut them off?

>>2391178
If either Ran or Uller can shut down or disable the factory so that the enemy cant use it, but our own forces would be able to reactivate/ repair it later I'd be down for hitting the factory. Of course we could just have them set the factory to start spitting out defense drones to start backing up own forces. Which would probably be a bad idea, especially if the enemy has any tech that allows them to take over or gain control of drones (ie Areis).

If they can't then we would be waisting time on a holding action until we get relieved by someone that can disable or shut down that factory. Giving the enemy time to reach the wormhole gate control.

Why do I get the feeling that if they gain control of the wormhole that they will bring the Scorcher INSIDE the Sphere? I cannot remember whether or not TSTG said it was big enough to fit a super through it or not. But I cannot think of a better place to protect your command ship and also threaten your enemies from a more impenetrable position then inside the sphere.

>>2390997
A few questions:
Once the wormhole is open, can it be shut down via the controls?
When it's established, is it one-way or allows transit from both directions?
Is there any way they could weaponise it? Turn it into a black hole or something like that.

There's something off about going for the Wormhole controls. If they can't defeat the Caretaker forces then they can only run it for a small period of time and even calling in reinforcements I'd assume it'll take them days/weeks to reach the control center, time in which the caretakers could reassert control.

>>2391178
>Can we lock them down? Shut them off?
>>2391268
>If either Ran or Uller can shut down or disable the factory so that the enemy cant use it, but our own forces would be able to reactivate/ repair it later I'd be down for hitting the factory.
They would have to go there to make sure it was shut it down permanently.

>Why do I get the feeling that if they gain control of the wormhole that they will bring the Scorcher INSIDE the Sphere? I cannot remember whether or not TSTG said it was big enough to fit a super through
The Caretakers once had a city ship. They used to bring it into the sphere interior using the exterior wormhole gate and linking it to the interior one. The North interior wormhole gate was disabled by sabotage thousands of years ago.

>>2391446
>Once the wormhole is open, can it be shut down via the controls?
Uller isn't sure. It may have a minimum duration, or be as easy to disable as flipping a switch.

>When it's established, is it one-way or allows transit from both directions?
"In theory? Either option is plausible. I'm not a wormhole specialist."

Rufaro points out that Faction emergency teleporter tech is supposed to be one way and requires forming a new connection to send anything back.

>Is there any way they could weaponise it? Turn it into a black hole or something like that.
"They could aim the other end at a black hole I suppose, but there must be safeties to prevent that."

Manufacturing and Wormhole gate control both seem likely targets. As much as you'd prefer not to split your forces further that may be the only choice. Even with a small force you should still be a credible threat with the new equipment.


Uller [Neeran]
Rán [Neeran]
Sonia Reynard
Valeri Fusaro
Knight Illya
Troy Harmen
Ella Rufaro
Lt Arif Sayadov
Eldal

How do you want to split your forces? Ran is more familiar with the manufacturing systems now and could shut them down more easily. Uller is by far the more capable warrior.

>>2391601
>Team Wormhole gate
Uller [Neeran]
Knight Illya
Lt Arif Sayadov
Troy Harmen

>Team Manufacturing
Rán [Neeran]
Sonia Reynard
Valeri Fusaro
Ella Rufaro

Eldal gets to choose which team he thinks could benefit more from his presence.

And make sure to grab some medkits and emergency stasis fields if the caretakers have a version that can remain active for a couple of days despite the drain.

>>2391601
>Wormhole
Ran
Illya
Sayadov
Troy
Eldal

>Manufacturing
Uller
Sonia
Valeri
Ella

Can we ask Uller why he decided to help us when we first met him? Is that his Empire upbringing shining through?

We'll just need a 3rd vote to round things out. As that seems to be taking a bit I'm going to make a quick run to the store. Should only take 20 minutes.

>>2391601
>Wormhole
Uller
Troy
Illya
Sayadov
Eldal

>Factory
Ran
Sonia
Valeri
Rufaro

>>2391601
I hope this adventure is living up to what we promised Illya.

>>2391664
More like 28 minutes.

>Manufacturing
Rán
Sonia
Valeri
Rufaro

>Wormhole gate
Uller
Illya
Troy
Sayadov
Eldal


Splitting up into two teams you decide to go with Ran to the Manufacturing level nearest the potential area of enemy infiltration. Uller's team will try to ensure the safety of the wormhole gate systems.

You talk to Uller as both teams head to pickup some transportation.
"A few last questions before we go out separate ways. Could we use the wormhole generator to screw with the smaller gates on the Scorchers outside?"

"If we had their codes so we could link our gate to theirs? Possibly. That would give us a number of options. Infiltrating their ships to get that information would not be easy."

Huh, that other mission to sabotage the Scorchers might have been even more useful than you thought.

"Is there any way our two teams can communicate? We'll be quite far apart."

"Yes, our vehicles can contact one another as well as leave messages if no one is available to answer at the moment we call."
Basic answering machine. Better make sure to check your messages.

Each team boards a vehicle similar in many respects to the lift you'd taken earlier but fully enclosed with a rounded glass bubble. Additional devices that are probably repulsor engines dot the perimeter. There are no weapons but at least it has seating.
Rufaro says that this is the same sort of vehicle she and Troy were taken aboard when helping the other Caretakers locate remains of the hazard team.

After performing a com test to be sure you can stay in contact both vehicles move out, descending the lift tunnels.

"What's the range on this thing?"

"It uses sphere technology similar to the artifacts. If we left the polar region where it can simply reply on the local grid I'd eventually tire from using it, but that would take many hours."

Glancing outside levels are flashing past much more quickly than during your previous trips. Looks like Ran wants to get there as soon as possible. Even at supersonic speed it still takes some time to get to your destination. While waiting you watch for updates over the vehicles rudimentary communications system. Reports confirming that fighting is taking place are coming in from security forces near the shield.

"Elevator chime!" announces Ran when you arrive.

The three of you are instantly on alert, weapons ready as you survey the surrounding area. There isnt much to see here.

Opening the doors Ran steps out and surveys the area before heading over to a control console.
"I'm disabling manufacturing in this block, or as much as I can from here."

The three of you take up positions and provide cover as the Caretaker works. Soon enough he's done.
"There are two more sections just in this block that I'll need to lock out."

[ ] One closer to the fighting
[ ] One farther from the fighting

>>2391869

>[ ] One farther from the fighting

>>2391869
>[x] One closer to the fighting

>>2391869
>[x] One closer to the fighting
We might as well help while we're here.

>>2391869
>[ ] One closer to the fighting

"Let's get to the one closest to the fighting. If it looks like things are getting out of hand we might be able to help."

"As long as we don't get arrested for leaving the guest area." Rufaro mutters.

Getting back inside the vehicle sets out again, this time using the tram lines present in the manufacturing area. As structures flash past it's evident that there was work being done here recently. Recently completed machinery has been moved off of the fabricators awaiting transport. It's hard to tell what all of it is for.

Ran points out a few that he believes are intended to be assembled into larger plugs for holes in the sphere's exterior.

"Did we accidentally shut this down?"
"No. I think they've been preparing all of this in case of a fleet battle outside. It must have been shut down and the Caretaker engineers relocated once the security alert started."

Arriving at another terminal Ran gets to work again. It doesn't go undisturbed this time.

"Trouble!" Rufaro warns.

You and Valeri relocate and take aim.

"Enemy contacts." Valeri confirms. "At least twenty, unknown species."
"Where?"
"Ten degrees left."

Zooming your archaic telescopic sight you spot a number of fairly short almost reptilian aliens scampering about. Where not covered by dark armor you can see washed out scaled features, often yellowed or reddish in hue.

"Never seen these guys before. Are they from the sphere?"

"Rovinar." says Ran
You glance between Ran and the new aliens. They definitely lack the vibrant green scales and upright posture you normally associate with them.
"Those are not Rovinar."
"They are." Ran assures you.

"Take them out?" asks Rufaro.

[ ] Engage from range with Rifles
[ ] Wait until they're closer to use artifact weapons

>>2392093
>[x] Engage from range with Rifles

>>2392093
>[ ] Engage from range with Rifles

>>2392093
>[x] Engage from range with Rifles
I wonder if they have white mohawks.