>>2594387
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

>>2594387

FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION! MOMA SONIA EDITION!

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With the newborn twins safe and healthy you and Troy have been trying to establish a new routine. Spending time with them while balancing matters of state would be impossible without the assistance of several maids. After an incident earlier in the year your spymaster has assured you there won't be any further issues with the household staff.

Troy is continuing work on a family manor and estates in the more remote regions of Rioja's northern hemisphere. Deep within your own land holdings it's about as private a place you could ask for. A nearby lake and waterfall are within walking distance while grass lands stretch out to the south away from the mount mountainous terrain to the north west.
On the other side of those mountains lie a hidden launch bay holding a stealth corvette. Your last resort if it becomes necessary to abandon the planet, or just if the mansion comes under attack.

Your friend Jan Novák, the former Krath agent known as Jarato Eldal, has been adjusting to life as a free agent. Having taken on the form of a human you suggested he try out acting classes. In part thanks to this he feels he's been learning a great deal.
With much more left to learn as a person about individuality he expects to keep quite busy for some time. If you ever need help though he won't hesitate to drop what he's doing and come to your assistance.
Getting used to "Jan" is still taking a bit.

The terraforming systems based on data you recovered from the sphere have been completed and have entered early production. Getting them up and running was not an easy task. Currently 2 of the project scientists remain under arrest as a result of their efforts to sabotage the project. There is still no clear picture of which was responsible or if both were. A Hune scientist was also arrested trying to steal project data to smuggle out.

Regardless the system was shown to work correctly in full scale demonstration in front of numerous guests. These included Troy's parents, visiting Rioja for the first time. They may regard you as a bit of a spendthrift but they do appreciate that most of what you invest in tends to pay back dividends.

Your land on the Dominion's capital have been built up into new offices supporting your various companies and those of the Harmen Family. With officers on the capital ambassadors from other House and even Factions can make appointments to purchase the new terraforming systems. Your salvage and station building companies can also accept contracts from a wider number of clients.

The Reynard securities company may not be large but having offices on the capital as well is sure to provide some higher paying clientele. Bernard Foss of the South Reach mercenary guild has also been allowed office space in the securities building. Not an offer the former pirate would turn down. House Medel was initially interested in acquiring offices for their mercenaries as well but have since changed their mind in light of continuing domestic problems.

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Rioja's plasma weapon production facility has a new addition. They are now able to produce the Helios Phased Fusion siege cannon. These are quite a bit different from the Republic style plasma weapons the engineers there have worked on before. Given the value of this production line to the House a few specialists have been transferred from Loran while other crews are in training.

The army is also in the middle of outfitting with new body armor. Enough of the new hard plate armor has been acquired to equip all special forces. Production established in the western cities will ensure the entire army is properly upgraded in just a few years. Enough time for Army training to catch up.

While staying on Rioja and studying your equipment from the sphere Levi Nxesi had something of an epiphany. Over a few short weeks he created one of the most advanced suits of power armor you've ever seen. Having gone a bit mad while making it the suit is a one of a kind. It has since been dubbed the Nxesi Pattern Relic Armor.

The Dominion Fast Super Sovereign has been rushed into service 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Currently the ship is to immediately reinforce the Dominion territories in danger of another Neeran attack. Because of this you were not invited to it's grand unveiling at the capital. Unfortunate but not much to be done about it.
As an apology the Emperor has sent you a set of (actually quite expensive) commemorative recordings and models.

Yacht races in the Smuggler's Run managed to cause considerable chaos for Rioja and immigration. As a result you had the Army assist the PDF with impounding ships conducting illegal landings. During this one of the racers landed on the planet with the antimatter tanks still aboard their yacht. Luc Bouchard was arrested for endangering the populace and given the choice between jail time or enlisting with the Alliance.

Using this event as justification you pressured the racing league into enacting increased safety measures and a zero tolerance policy on entering atmospheres of habitable worlds with their fuel tanks aboard. In addition you've clarified antimatter handling restrictions for government and research organisations. A more solid cap has been placed on limits permitted within the atmosphere in line with the Factions Treaty.

Staring at the red haired baby girl fast asleep in your arms part of you still doesn't seem to believe this is your kid. Even with the 9-ish month nightmare preceding it.

"This is still really weird." you tell Troy when he enters the nursery to check up on them.

"Which part?" he whispers.

>What say?

>>2594653

"All the parts."

>>2594653
"It all happened so quickly - I always thought I'd wait until after the war or things were much quieter. Now we're here, married, and with two kids."

It’s late on this side of the world, but I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for running an awesome quest before heading to bed. Awesome read will wait me in the morning :)

>>2594842
You're welcome. Glad people enjoy it.

"All the parts." You reply. "It all happened so quickly - I always thought I'd wait until after the war, or when things were much quieter. Now we're here, married, and with two kids."

Troy checks that Leon is asleep before saying anything.
"If someone had told me a year ago this is where I'd be I probably wouldn't have believed them. Even after all of the surprises we encountered on the sphere this still seems... not impossible but unlikely? Even after we were married your mother warned me not to expect children for a long time."

"She said that?" you ask, trying not to raise your voice.
Glancing down you make sure Eleanor isn't waking up. Okay, good. The last thing you want is a crying baby. You've had enough of that the past couple weeks.

"I suspect your mother says a lot of things." Troy finally replies after rearranging a few blankets.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Like how she was expecting you and your bodyguard to elope and how she would have been okay with that."
"She said-" you almost start to shout then lower your voice and ask more quietly; "She said that?"

"Yes. Don't worry my parents weren't around."

"That isn't the part that I'm surprised by. More that she was still criticizing me for him being around despite helping to get me arrested."
She probably figured there were ulterior motives to you accepting him back and wanted to annoy you to the point of admitting what they were.

>>2594912
Poor Valeri, I voted for him and everything.

Still alive, just trying to figure out how big the J-D fleet in the region is.

The Alliance is currently tracking at least 16 main fleet groups crossing the area known as the Crystal Sea. It's supposed to be impassable according to the guild. Natural distortions are known to render navigational instruments next to useless in the region. It's also farther across than any ship can travel in a single jump.

Additional contacts were detected closing in on the relays themselves only hours out. Six advance forces, probably equipped with better cloaking tech or the deep space network would have detected them like the main fleets.

You've decided to mobilize the fleet and most of the other J-D Barons have done the same. The Run Alliance have begun to coordinate efforts in the event it becomes necessary to defend the Relay.

It takes longer than you would have liked but you do eventually get through to the Count. He's reluctant to fully mobilize the entire House fleet and send them against the Neeran, but is seeing about readying multiple taskforces.
"It is imperative that we still have enough forces left to defend out territory in the event the Neeran get through. No more than three fleets are to be sent. One from the homeworlds, another from your relay and the third from South Reach.
Select a Knight Commander to lead forces that you and Baron Avun feel you afford to part with. I'm authorizing you to send one of our heavy assets with them if you feel they can make the most of them.

Inform me once you've made your decision Viscount, I have other matters to attend to."

"Aye sir."

Knight Commander Nel'odym from Magdalena has been preparing for some time to lead a large fleet and prove their capability to become a Baron. They're the right choice for this mission.

With Forbearance and Avun's Heavy Carrier Righteous Intent being the only heavy assets available to the House in the Relay you're faced with a difficult decision. Both would be vital to supporting mobile operations locally if the Neeran make it this far. Then it occurs to you there is another option.

Contacting Bernard Foss you ask to hire his super heavy cruiser. His terms are that he be allowed to equip more powerful weaponry if going up against the Neeran.
Fortunately your House has a reserve of Iratar guns captured in the civil war. Weapons that, with the new Helios guns now entering production may become out dated.

You order Foss to bring his ship to the super heavy refit yards to be equipped with the more powerful weapon systems and to take on supplies. They'll need additional armor for repairs and Commander Nel'odym has already placed an order for stockpiles of torpedoes. They'll begin loading down the ship with what they'll need at the Knight Commander takes stock of what fleet assets they can requisition from the local J-D forces.

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Foss has managed to pick up a pair of upgraded Monitor class ships over the last few years in addition to the previous Sledge Mediums. That will certainly give the group considerable punch.

There was another heavy ship among the local J-D forces, though not nearly as valuable as Forbearance or a Heavy Carrier. A newer Neeran Heavy Cruiser that was captured by Rioja's fleet is currently stationed at Magdalena.

Up to 14 Medium Cruisers are available for assignment to the fleet. Those permanently attached to the H.Carrier or Forbearance as escorts are unavailable. Foss makes sure to point out that his Mediums are likewise for escort of his Super, not for other missions.

Among the Mediums 2 are outfitted for use as dedicated command ships. The Outer Heaven has served you and Drake well on numerous occasions. It has the mobility and firepower to quickly relocate to assist allied units in need.

Another Neeran ship, a Quattro that House Kharbos heavily upgraded, is also outfit as a command ship. You made use of it in the closing days of the civil war. It's not nearly as fast but it can keep pace with most ships and has fairly impressive firepower for its size. The big guns do not have same range as larger siege cannons.
The Knight Commander could make use of any Medium as a command ship but either of these 2 would be the best at it.

What Medium assets do you want to assign to the Expeditionary Fleet? (You can add the Neeran Heavy if you want.)

>>2595401

Give him the Quatro to use. OH is gonna be our Command Ship, should we need to defend Rioja. As for the Neeran Heavy I'm surprised the Count or another noble hasn't requested it to defend the home worlds. So if possible keep it fueled and on stand by to report to whichever region in J-D space gets hit first to help take some of the pressure off.

>>2595423
>I'm surprised the Count or another noble hasn't requested it to defend the home worlds.
The House picked up an Inexorable Class heavy at the end of the civil war. That makes 2 heavy cruisers and 2 heavy carriers in the homeworlds. The Zeus is a bastard for logistics so they can't support any more there long term.

>So if possible keep it fueled and on stand by to report to whichever region in J-D space gets hit first to help take some of the pressure off.
Keep in mind if the homeworlds come under attack they'll probably panic and request Forbearance.

>>2595477

Alright, well then still keep in on stand by should we need to respond to something happening within the Run. Still prefer to keep the OH as our flag/ command ship.

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>>2595507
The upgraded Quattro will be assigned to the expeditionary fleet.

Assign any other medium cruisers?

>>2595568

1x Monitor
1x Crescent
2x Eclipse
1x Sledge (Mostly because the mercs already have a few with them so they should be able to repair/ refit the sledge while working together.)

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>>2595613
With that awaiting approval or alternate suggestions, how much of the region's J-D fleets did you want to make available to the Knight Commander?

Previous deployments to Shallan space while you were away were generally around 35% of the Rioja fleet. At this time assets are available from Avun's fleet and forces based at Magdalena.

>>2595648
At this time assets are also available from Avun's fleet and forces based at Magdalena.

>>2595648

Personally anywhere from 40-50% until other anons put in their thoughts.

>>2595648
Good morning. Sorry for getting here so late.

Considering the size of enemy forces and the threat they represent along with how many Mediums we are sending I would say that 40% of our forces should be sent. Then we will still have a sizable force to react and help protect the run with.

>>2595660
>>2595741
40% of just the Rioja fleet or did you want to ask Avun to send forces from the Kaptlyn fleet as well?
Keep in mind that Magdalena while adequately protected is outside the Smuggler's Run defenses. Then again if it gets to the point where that matters you've got bigger problems.

[ ] 40% of Rioja Fleet
[ ] Rioja and Kaptlyn
[ ] Rioja, Kaptlyn & Magdalena

>>2595779
[ ] Rioja, Kaptlyn & Magdalena
I assumed 40% of all our DRH1 forces.

>>2595779
[ ] Rioja, Kaptlyn & Magdalena

>>2595779
Åre Neeran fleets on the way to us? In the run that is.

>>2595840
Cause if not then send from all three.

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>>2595840
At the moment it looks as though they're headed towards the nearest Faction Nav relays, spacing out their fleet approach angles.

You talk to Baron Avun and ask if it would be possible to make elements of her fleet available to the Knight Commander.

"Can we afford to send 40% of our forces away?" Avun asks.

"If this is as serious as it looks I don't think we can afford not to." you reply.

Even without Forbearance going this is one of the largest deployments conducted by the House since the Civil War. Ships are quickly being readied and crews embarking. There is no send off with the entire fleet departing in a grand gesture. Units when ready are deployed to a holding position near one of the navigator stations as the fleet is assembled.

It takes 4 days for Foss and his group to arrive sporting hastily fit turrets. Nel'odym has purchased a good number of LD plasma cannons as spares and upgraded some of the Mercenary ships. Combined with the better quality torpedoes The commander hopes the fleet will be able to throw out an impressive barrage.

"I think you're in good shape." you tell him. "Just wait until the Alliance loads up your fleet with SP Torpedoes."

"I'm preparing in case they can't spare us any. They're certain to send us some but who knows what will happen to our supply lines."

You can't help but notice that a lot of the equipment is being bought on credit but that's how things are normally done. Salvage will be needed to pay the deployment costs. It's make or break time for the would-be Baron.

By the time the J-D fleet begins their jump out of the relay a few secure updates have come in through intel. The deep space sensor network has detected possible deployment of enemy gravity wells at locations in the Crystal Sea. A number of fleets have stopped, some only temporarily it would seem.

The early wave of cloaked enemy ships has been largely wiped out. Apparently Admiral Chen had deployed an Alliance fleet largely filled with Terran reserves to lie in wait in anticipation of the attacks. They were able to protect most of the long range sensor arrays. In a few cases enemy troops were trapped after attempting to reach ground based generators to disable the shields. Even shield platforms it seem aren't a perfect defense.

By the time you return to Rioja after seeing the fleet off, troop transports have nearly finished loading up reserve personnel for transfer. They'll be headed to help staff the reactivated Alliance Capital Ships which are running low on manpower. Hopefully that will help give them a fighting chance. The new ships can bring a tremendous amount of firepower to bear in a short period of time.

With that taken care of you're faced with the inevitable questions from the Media. A good portion of the populace wants to know the cause of the recent deployment. For now the media haven't been able to comment due to wartime secrets acts but word will spread and it would be best to make an official statement.

Did you want to assure the populace that this just another Neeran offensive, completely lie about what's going on, or warn them to prepare for losses among the fleet?

>What say?

Resuming tomorrow and running until I need to leave for work at 4:30PM

>>2596037

Tell them that there is another Neeran Offensive happening in the very near future. While we don't know the exact size or scope of it, we're using this as an opportunity to strengthen our inter house ties and alliances with our allies in the Run Alliance and else where. During this upcoming trying time, that we ask the families of our fleets and armies to be supportive of the military and to do what they can to support them. And for the rest of our citizens of Rioja, to please listen to commands from Governor Dlam'ard and the PDF, to follow them to their utmost capability. So that everyone remains safe and unharmed.

>>2596004
Bless you Admiral Chen. Best Admiral and the only Terran I like.

>>2596037
The truth with propaganda of course. The Neerans are once more attempting a attack on the relays. Much like they did before except bigger this time.

We will not stand for this incursion into Faction space. The Neerans will be sent reeling back into the Crystal Sea with their tail between their legs. Already the Factions are showing them that this time we are ready. This time the vanguard of the enemy only managed to stick their head I to the door before we knocked them out. The enemy is beginning to feel the pressure. They know their time is coming and they are afraid. This is a desperate act and we will stand triumphant in the face of their fear. The Dominion will prevail.

>>2596079
>>2596096
Combination of these two sound good.

Don’t mention the crystal sea or any details about the incursion location though - gotta remember OpSec.

Wanting to head off matters you prepare a statement for the media.

"As some of you may already be aware the Neeran Empire has launched another offensive against Faction space. We will not stand for this or any other incursions into Faction space.
This is being treated as an opportunity to strengthen our inter house ties and alliances with our friends in the Run Alliance and else where. In cooperation with them, elements of Rioja's fleet have been deployed to face this renewed threat.

Make no mistake, this is a desperate act on the part of our enemy, and we will stand triumphant in the face of their fear.
During these trying times, that we ask the families of those serving in our fleets and armies to be supportive of the military. Your reassurances and support from home help to remind them of what it is they're fighting to protect.

For the rest of our citizens of Rioja please be mindful of upcoming broadcasts from the Governor and PDF. Emergency preparedness drills may be conducted in the days ahead.

For the sake of our allies, friends and families we will continue to push back the Neeran. The Dominion will prevail."

>Is this adequate? Y/N?

Intel has confirmed the presence of enemy gravwell generators in the Crystal Sea region.

It seems the Alliance is now considering strikes against these deep space gravity wells. The admiralty is arguing that as long as those wells remain in place the Neeran will use them as Nav Relays for more conventionally equipped forces to directly invade Faction space. These are allowing them to bypass the choke points in Shallan space or the DS2 colony zone.

Terran and Dominion gravwell generators are being moved to the front. The Alliance thinks the new Terran and Dominion focusing systems will allow fleets to reach the enemy units without becoming trapped. There seems to be opposition to this plan from most of the Factions given the risks but the Terrans are keeping suspiciously quiet.

Vanderwal suspects that the Terrans and the Alliance have already thoroughly tested the system but hadn't used it yet because they didn't want to tip off the enemy.

Many Houses currently believe the risks to be too great and within the day are already petitioning the Emperor not to allow Dominion Super Heavies to be used in this operation.

1) What is your position on this?

2)Do you think the Count should back either side?

>>2596759
>Is this adequate?
yes

>1) What is your position on this?
Allow Dominion super heavies

>2)Do you think the Count should back either side?
no

>>2596759
I feel it is adequate enough for now until we get more info.

>>2596805
>1)
I feel we should help them. We have another heavy sitting in the Run that we can send to help with those operations. That way the forberance can remain with the home worlds.

>2)
Depends on how he feels this will affect the houses standing. We are willing to help support him if he decides to support the decision to send ships after those Neeran in the Amaranth Sea. He did protect our holdings for three years, it's good to help friends/ allies.

Personally, we need to gst rid of thise ships now. Or else the Neeran are going to keep coming until we damn up their approach and force them to go the normal routes. It will only take one Neeran Command ship to appear before the homeworlds for the rest of the factions decide making space uninhabitable around our worlds is a suitable enough loss to V-Torp it to death.

>>2596759
Approved.

>>2596805
>1) What is your position on this?
Let's throw everything we've got at them, this whole war has been them slowly grinding the Factions down and we might be able to stem the flow of reinforcements.

2)
His prerogative on which side he picks.

>>2596759
>Y

>>2596805
>1
The Alliance would not make such a statement without anything to base it on. Furthermore they would not risk precious warassets and the continued support of the Dominion for something reckless if there are other options.

So I say the Dominion should go along with it

>2
It would be better if we and perhaps some other Barons did it. That way if this SHOULD backfire, which it hopefully wont, he can save face of the House at the expense of us.

Deciding it makes the most sense for the Alliance to strike at these targets now you make it clear to your advisers that you would support the Alliance operation.

The next time you talk to the Count you discuss this matter and your position on it. At the same time you're not always the best judge of the political climate of the Dominion. If he feels it would be wisest to support either side or stay out of the decision entirely you'll back him.

Count Jerik thanks you for your understanding for the often times difficult intricacies of inter-House political debates. He intends to have the J-D ambassador quietly support the Alliance initiative for the time being rather than outright public support. There is a very real chance things could go badly and he'd rather J-D not get dragged down by it if that happens.

>>2596979
>I feel we should help them. We have another heavy sitting in the Run that we can send to help with those operations.
Did anyone else want to send along the Neeran heavy? It's FTL is rather good so it could either catch up with the expeditionary fleet or head up to the front faster and join up with the Alliance forces there.

>>2597043
>Did anyone else want to send along the Neeran heavy?
Yes.

I feel like if there's any serious Neeran threat in the Run/Relay we'll just end up infiltrating their biggest ship and assassinating the commander.

>>2597043
>Did anyone else want to send along the Neeran heavy?
You know what. I think that may be prudent. If anything it will help us get some more salvage.

You order the Heavy Cruiser at Magdalena to prepare for departure. Admiral Tama has a contingent of small craft assigned to it along with four LRBS II's. They should be able to keep up while providing adequate escort.

Less and less intel is available on the situation at the front. The Alliance is clamping down on information about their current fleet deployments and force concentrations. From what your spymaster is able to uncover the Alliance is throwing a substantial fleet against the Neeran. Elements are moving to intercept the incoming wave in deep space before they can attack any of the relays.

A few nobles from Garzweiler are aware of just how tenuous the situation at the front potentially is. They own local production lines that construct Tugs, LST's and larger shuttles in the southern hemisphere.
With very little modification they could quickly convert their existing lines to produce evacuation ships similar to those built for the Shallans. These could be quickly deployed to locations across the planet when needed and could potentially help evacuate tens of millions in a short period of time.

Most of what their lines produce are used by the local economy so there would be an impact if diverted towards evacuation ships.

Did you want to convert some of the production lines, or assure them that Rioja is not at risk?

>>2597210
Convert 10% of the lines. I'm really hoping we don't need them.

Can we go Nav Hazard diving to look for any leftover Faction War items that might give us an edge should the conflict reach home territory.

>>2597210

I think we all agree that we hope we don't need them. If they want to convert their lines to building enough shuttles to evacuate the world, should the worst happen. Then let them.

It would most likely be bad PR for us, if it was found out that nobles in charge of those production lines offered to build shuttles to evacuate the populous and we said no. Even if the threat never came to us.

What are the chances that our Empire Neeran commander who was holding down forces at the Sphere, decided to come personally get rid of us?

>>2597210
Assure them Rioja is not at risk at this moment. We need to appear calm or the entire economy might spiral into panic.

>>2597250
>If they want to convert their lines to building enough shuttles to evacuate the world, should the worst happen. Then let them.
While they might do so themselves there isn't a lot of money in it. They'd need some funding to actually pay for the evacuation ships. The Governor won't have spare funds available for more than a month.

>>2597232
>>2597250
>>2597265

[ ] Assure them Rioja is not at risk
[ ] Quietly convert of 10% of lines (-30m)
[ ] Convert half or more (-60m)
[ ] Secretly construct evac ships at Mons Abyla base (-60m) (Delayed start)

>>2597338
[ ] Assure them Rioja is not at risk

>>2597338

[ ] Assure them Rioja is not at risk
[ ] Quietly convert of 10% of lines (-30m)

>>2597338
>[ ] Assure them Rioja is not at risk
>[ ] Quietly convert of 10% of lines (-30m)

You assure them that Rioja is not at risk but at the same time cant fault them for their caution. Still, it can't be allowed to adversely impact Rioja's economy. Because of this you promise to provide funding if they were to quietly convert 10 of their production lines.

"The last thing I want to cause a panic among the populace. As far as anyone else is concerned these ships are being stockpiled for donation to front line worlds. I fully expect to do just that with them, just not immediately."

They're certainly glad this has worked out without badly damaging their bottom line. They genuinely want to help people but they'd rather not go bankrupt in the process.

The Governor promises to set aside docking bays inside Mons Abyla to store a good number of the evacuation craft. As long as there is adequate warning they should be able to move them into place to assist evacuation efforts in an attack.

Your new heavy salvage ship has been completed. RSS crews have taken possession of it from the Ceres yards and are now headed to the J-D homeworlds under escort. Once there they'll spend the next 2 weeks taking on more crews for training. More defensive armament will also be installed.

With the war situation London is wondering if you would prefer to send it to assist Alliance salvage operations closer to the front. Alternatively it may be possible to pressure the guild into giving an early green light to salvage a few locations near nav hazard zones.

[ ] Conduct training operations as planned
[ ] Support operations closer to the front
[ ] Annoy the navigators for early salvage

>>2597595
[ ] Conduct training operations as planned
Considering the amount of money we've sunk into this thing I would rather not take it anywhere close to a Neeran Command Ship. Also I don't want to bug the Navigators more than we need to.

>>2597617
>[ ] Conduct training operations as planned

Get the crews trained up to our standards. Once they are good to go then we can send them out to the front to start salvaging those megas and supers that are going to be shot to shit.

>>2597646
And I have to head out. Not sure if I'll be able to resume tomorrow as I need to go buy some birthday presents.

>>2597617
>[ ] Conduct training operations as planned

>>2597617
>[ ] Annoy the navigators for early salvage

>>2597617
>[ ] Annoy the navigators for early salvage

Faster than building ships for the war effort.

I'm worried, guys. How much more can the Factions take?

>>2598437

Considering the factions were pushing the Neeran out of Shallan space and planning to invade Neeran space before this invasion? In fairly good shape, albeit if the Dominion Civil War is anything to go off of. People were getting tired of fighting and losing to the Neeran. This will likely be the biggest test any of the factions have faced since the opening shots of the Neeran war. I expect several worlds to be lost to Scorchers or V-Torps in the coming days. The sooner the Alliance can cut those supply routes through the Amaranth Seas off and force the Neeran to rely on getting through the Shallan space the better.

Will not be resuming tomorrow looks like. Possibly Tuesday but won't know for sure until tomorrow as my online schedule is acting up again.

>>2598677
>>2596979
>Amaranth Sea
Is there an obvious joke here that's going over my head?

>>2599121

Nope, I'm just an idiot and mixing names up because I was thinking of something else at the time of writing that.

So apparently I'm not working today like I thought. Oh well, time enough for the birthday party thing.

I'll be running in the evenings Tuesday and Wednesday then plan to run through the day Thursday and Friday barring getting called in to work.

Q&A for now I guess? There's always questions in thread that I mean to get around to answering then forget about or get side tracked.

What does our house think about us now that we're married?

>>2601256

What is the overall opinion of Sonia from the people of Rioja as a whole. Then what do the lower and middle classes as well as nobles think of her separately?

How are our friends and allies feeling? Do any of them feel betrayed or neglected? Anyone that we haven't spent a long time with that we really should to ensure that bridges don't just fall apart from decay.

What are something we can be doing besides showing the Harmen family with goodies. That we can do to show the old-guard we mean well and don't intend to usurp them. Not without good cause of course. If they had anything to do with Fox and the attempted coup earlier. Then they can rest assured they are still firmly on the shit list.

Has House Intel turned up anything in their investigation to prove that the Rovinar was indeed a spy and was sabotaging the development of our company.

What is the status of the Alliances pet project that we green-lit to be built in the Run, with the agreement of our allies in the Run Alliance. Is it still just bits and pieces? Or is it a frame of a ship yet? Or heck is it anywhere near completion? And has intel managed to get any data off of it on how to replicate it?

While I know it is still in the design phase and Alex has only just started talking to the Great Houses. How is that going for him? Are any of them biting or showing interest? We've funded his project and sent some engineers and will most certainly back him politically. But is there anything to help improve his chances of ensuring the Great Houses are on board?

What are our chances of being called upon to lead an expeditionary fleet or any fleet for that matter from the House anytime soon?

>>2601421
>What does our house think about us now that we're married?
General feeling about you among the Barons and most major nobles was moving towards positive overall even before the wedding. They know you're good for a fight and are using your wealth and skills to improve the House.
Being big goddamn heroes of the last battles of the Civil War certainly helped.

The middle and lower classes, especially those not living on Rioja, are now more inclined to seeing you as established nobility. They're increasingly wary that you'll stop supporting efforts to improve their lot. Continued efforts to ensure there are jobs, food and housing on Rioja help you out considerably.

Your enemies within the House have largely lost their enthusiasm for continuing attacks on you. It's not worth the effort and wont be for some time. They've gone back to "wait and see" mode.

You're also sitting on the key connection point between the Homeworlds and the South Reach territories. If they piss you off too badly you can make their life hell by making trade more difficult. Marriage with the Harmen family has only made it much easier for you to potentially do that.
Any family that effectively declared war on either of you would suffer a two pronged assault against their distant holdings. That you have good relations with Winifred and Daska means they'd probably stay out of it and let both sides duke it out.

>>2601466
>How are our friends and allies feeling? Do any of them feel betrayed or neglected?
Few if any. They fully accept you've been away a long time and have been busy looking after your holdings.

Baron Kári Darrow did accept the gift you sent as an apology. Relations there might still be a bit poor still but it looks like he has moved on. House Phobos is still looking at trying to solidify an alliance with your House despite setbacks. It's increasingly looking like Alex may be called on to help out on that front.

You've been working hard with the Run Alliance improving support and relations there. Avun has done her part while you were away but the other Barons were prepared to talk more to you than her.

>Anyone that we haven't spent a long time with that we really should to ensure that bridges don't just fall apart from decay.
Winifred and Daska would each probably enjoy a visit.

Relations with House Veritas remains complicated.
HTF is still doing work in their territory. They hope that with your new terraforming tech they can complete the jobs there more quickly so they can leave ASAP.

An official visit would provide an opportunity to propose that phased energy weapon R&D program previously suggested.

>Cont.

>What are something we can be doing besides showing the Harmen family with goodies.
Not make an ass of yourself in public? That's about it. You're doing enough and they have somewhat low expectations of you when it comes to inter-family politics.

Speaking of which, the comedy show Sofa Kings is ready for your two guest appearances. They've set things up with their producer and studio space acquisition so that in your second appearance you'll be able to "salvage" their production set.

Sonia's appearance would be altered slightly for the scenes since this is a parody after all. Mostly just minor cosmetic stuff.

Still up for it?

>>2601664

>Solidify Alliance with Phobos
I wont presume to know how Alex thinks or what kind of women he might be into or if he even wants to consider marrying anyone from Phobos.

But are there other ways to solidfy an alliance between J-D and Phobos? Our houses are good allies as is, but if they want to solidify it, actually what do they mean when they want to solidify our Alliance?

I should ask that first. Do they mean they want a marriage between our house and theirs? So that we are less likely to betray them or forget our ties or connections to them? Can you clarify what they want to do to solidify our alliance?

>>2601711
>Don't make an ass of ourselves.
That shouldn't be to hard...

>Sofa Kings appearance
If other anons are into it.

I think it would be fun, and let the populace of Rioja know we are okay with a few jokes. Who knows, maybe it'll get the other nobles who complained about it think twice about wanting to shut it down or instead funding it if they can get us to appear on it. Also I'm not expecting some high payroll for making a guest appearance on it for however long we're supposed to be on it.

>>2601744
>Do they mean they want a marriage between our house and theirs? So that we are less likely to betray them or forget our ties or connections to them?
Yes that.
They want more ties to the second strongest Human House in the Dominion. Political, personal, through marriages or whatever they can get. J-D has good relations with the Ruling House, Helios and Ceres along with passable relations with Nirium.

As J-D isn't a member of the Seven, alliances with your House won't hurt their existing ties to Nirium. Increasing direct ties to Ceres for instance most likely would. By allying more with your House they get a 2 for 1 deal of sorts.

>>2601744
>Also I'm not expecting some high payroll for making a guest appearance on it for however long we're supposed to be on it.
Considering they started out at Wayne's World basement filming tier you can bet you wouldn't be paid a lot.

>Has House Intel turned up anything in their investigation to prove that the Rovinar was indeed a spy and was sabotaging the development of our company.
Both suspects are trying hard to implicate each other. Part of the problem is that what they've pointed out all seems to be correct. Taken seperately it would clearly seem the other was responsible.

Vanderwal is of the opinion that each of them worked out the same way to sabotage the system. If they were aware others were doing the same it allowed them to collect evidence to use against their counterpart while hiding their own tracks. Therefore they're both correct and both equally guilty.

The Rovinar ambassador has finally made an official request on the status of the investigation against their citizen.

[ ] Still under investigation (Solidify your proof)
[ ] They've both been found guilty

>>2601664

>Daska & Winifred
I would be up for visiting them both. But that would likely have to be after this current invasion. Unless we want to use the excuse of going to talk to them about requesting their assistance to help fight the Neeran off to go visit them.

>House Veritas and Phased energy weapon R&D program
Again, likely after this recent Neeran invasion is over with and likely after we talk to Daska and Winifred.

>>2601763

>Phobos
I would assume the Count is well aware of Phobos wants to reinforce ties to us. Which leaves me to wonder why he hasn't said or done anything towards that, unless he has been to busy with other stuff or was hoping other members within the House would take the initiative.

Is Phobos allied to anyone that doesn't like J-D or is envious of J-D that we could calm down by strengthening ties with Phobos? And what of their allies who are opposed to the way B'H replaced Nirrium? It may have been a good thing for Phobos that we didn't marry Darrow, seeing how we played a part in ensuring B'H became the new RH.

>>2601829

>Rovinar
>[ ] Still under investigation (Solidify your proof)

What are our chances of using this as a means to get the Rovinar to owe us a favor? We let their agent go and point all evidence to the Dominion agent. In return they owe us a favor. I would assume they would agree to this so long as we have good strong concrete evidence to imply it was their agent.

>>2601711
>Still up for it?
Yeah, let's do it.

>>2601829
>[x] They've both been found guilty

Is Rioja still hosting the Custom Power Armor/Arms show with the renewed Neeran offensive?

>>2601852
>I would assume the Count is well aware of Phobos wants to reinforce ties to us.
He is.
>Which leaves me to wonder why he hasn't said or done anything towards that, unless he has been to busy with other stuff or was hoping other members within the House would take the initiative.
Delicate matters do occasionally take time. He has no interest rushing into an alliance without the particulars worked out.

Also you may have interfered slightly what with getting married to Troy.

>News report: "According to our sources Troy Harmen is getting married but not to the person everyone thought. If you've been following our coverage you'll know that Lady Elissa of House Phobos has been on Loran since the holidays. Speculation was that she and Troy Harmen might be married to strengthen ties to her House."

Mind you that was doomed to failure but she and her House didn't know that.

>Is Phobos allied to anyone that doesn't like J-D or is envious of J-D that we could calm down by strengthening ties with Phobos?
This is a possibility. Having another House acting as a bridge between them can help reduce tensions and allow neutral locations for diplomatic efforts.

>And what of their allies who are opposed to the way B'H replaced Nirrium?
Partly why negotiations are not being rushed.

>>2601886
>Is Rioja still hosting the Custom Power Armor/Arms show with the renewed Neeran offensive?
It could certainly be used as a distraction even though many Knights with their suits have been sent away with the fleet.
Proceed with it?

>>2601920
>Proceed with it?
If others are interested, it gives Sonia some public exposure and it's a good day out at least. I bet Dante would bring some interesting items if we invited him.

>>2601920
>Proceed with it?
Yes

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>>2601964
>>2601974
Okay it's added to the list.

>>2601466
>What is the status of the Alliances pet project that we green-lit to be built in the Run, with the agreement of our allies in the Run Alliance. Is it still just bits and pieces? Or is it a frame of a ship yet? Or heck is it anywhere near completion? And has intel managed to get any data off of it on how to replicate it?

Before I forget, the teleporter project is now running and hasn't exploded yet. So that's good.

The mobile fleet base project is progressing well enough considering it's expected to take 3 years. Most of the work being done is focusing on constructing the base frame of the ship. It looks like they're building a cylinder with rectangular boxes sticking out either side. It's easily large enough that an ACS series ship could comfortably fit inside the box structures.

The only part of the ship that's being actively built up are what appear to be materials processing and industrial fabrication bays. Apparently this was part of the Alliance's original plans. Even with finished materials arriving from Houses in the Run they still need to customize everything for this particular design.

Intel believes that the structural frames being built up are not the final key structural elements that will support the ship. With conventional tritanium construction the current design would fall apart the moment it tries to jump. They've leaving gaps for what must be much stronger supports to be added later.

"Are they getting set up to produce the stronger supports from their own fabrication bays?"

Vanderwal doesn't see any signs of that happening.
"I think they'll have these frames flown in from the main Super Heavy shipyard in Kavarian space. The frames used in the ACS Standards are made of a much stronger material we still don't know a great deal about. It seems Iratar isn't sharing it with anybody except the Alliance."

>>2601256
>Q&A for now
Here's a small one.
Can the Focusing technology we acquired for the Gravity Well systems be applied to HRR weapons to improve them as well?

>>2602081
>Can Gravity Well focusing systems be applied to HRR weapons
Not for repulsors, though it is plausible it could be used to produce gravitational pulse weapons.
Oh god what have I done?

>>2601466
>While I know it is still in the design phase and Alex has only just started talking to the Great Houses. How is that going for him?
Well enough that he's convinced the 3 major Houses to start serious talks with each other over the issue. He's made it clear that the Ruling House is to be brought in on it in some capacity.
Helios in particular thinks this is a good idea to give the Seven some control over who will be permitted these advanced yards.

>But is there anything to help improve his chances of ensuring the Great Houses are on board?
By not saying anything to the Ruling House too early.
"I know you could sell the Emperor on this idea and find a way to make a ton of money off of it. I'm asking you not to do that. I appreciate all of your support and helpful ideas, but now that I know what I'm going to do, I want to prove I can manage the political aspects.
In the worst case scenario I make a mess of this and need to ask for your help again. Until then let me try. I know my business sense hasn't always been the best over the years but I think I can do this."

>>2602217
>gravitational pulse weapons
Time to fund another new research base?

>>2602051
>It seems Iratar isn't sharing it with anybody except the Alliance.

I imagine that is a secret on par with the SP-Torp tech and would incur a very sizeable hit on anyone outside Iratar if they were to replicate it.

Can we add this to the list of things to have researched? Not a super pressing thing, but a passing interest.

>>2602217

>Alex
If that is what he wants. Now the wait and see game.

>>2601466
>What are our chances of being called upon to lead an expeditionary fleet or any fleet for that matter from the House anytime soon?
If the Neeran get as close as the next relay over? It would become a certainty. Keeping the rest of the fleet ready to deploy at a moment's notice would be a good idea.

Keeping close watch for developments on the front you still manage to make time for your guest appearances on the "Sofa Kings" TV show. Security finds the entire things to be a nightmare to deal with but some how find a way to keep from tripping up production staff.

While getting in costume you memorize your lines then belatedly notice the name of your character.

"Baron Hardbody? Really?" you ask the shows lead stars.
They're known to do a good share of the writing and production though they're relying more on others for that these days.

"We didn't write it."
"It was their idea!"
Both of them point at two people in suits off to the side apparently checking the scripts.

"Who are they?"
"After that suggestion you sent, our producer hired those suits to check the scripts for things that might be stepping over the line."
"Some of our writers do step over that line a bit."
"Habitually."
"Yeah. They're habitual line steppers."

[ ] Let it pass
[ ] Insist on a different name (Suggestions?)

>>2603944
>[ ] Let it pass

"Eh I've been called worse. Let's get this done."

As previously described to you the first scene you film involves you playing the part of a somewhat dictatorial Baron acting at the other characters boss. It's a scene that ties together several other skits and shorts that would appear as part of the same larger episode.

Filming it is actually rather complicated. You have to say all of your lines while multitasking signing off on reports or rubber stamping papers with a fictitious royal crest. Most of it involves dressing down the two main characters for their failures in other skits and warning them not to screw up again.

As planned each time the camera cuts away and back to you the costume and wardrobe department have augmented the fake dress uniform with more medals. More reports and papers are likewise piled up around and behind you.

Next up part of the interior scene is filmed showing you once again berating the leads over video coms, and informing them you've ordered a portion of their holdings seized in recompense.

"Which portion of our holdings?"

In response you open a desk drawer and press a big red SALVAGE button.

The next day's filming will be done on location out on the edge of the west cities overlooking wide open plains covered over in terraforming grasses. As you see later on TV, the scene immediately following shows the interior of the usual set which is centered around their large ornate looking sofa. The entire set begins to shake then the walls and ceiling begin to pull up and away from the flooring.

With the cast running for cover and camera crew panning out, it's revealed that the entire set was built underneath a cargo container which is being lifted into the sky by an LST. Once it has gained enough altitude it flies away towards the horizon.

The cast watch the departing salvage ship then turn back to the camera.
"I guess that's it for this season."
"I'm Todd."
"And I'm Ed."
"And we're the Sofa Kings!"

Behind them a few people in salvage company uniforms pick up their sofa and begin to carry it off.
"Hey that's ours!"

Roll credits.

The Producers are eager to find out if you'd be willing to make another guest appearance in the future.

>>2603944

They missed a golden opportunity to go with Baron Hard Abs. Not to say they didn't think of it, but there was an opportunity and I am both glad and sad that they didn't go with it.

>>2604112

No promises, but if they find themselves needing or wanting us to come back. They can always contact us or our offices. I think that went well, I wonder how well the masses will take to it.

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Planning has begin for what will effectively be a ball where guests are to arrive wearing power armor. Obviously this will result in a very exclusive list of guests tending towards the eccentric. If eccentric people are expected then Baron Dante is among the first on the list to be invited. You don't know if he'll have a new suit or just have a walker parked outside. It doesn't matter.

A few key points need to be decided on. Location is a big one. Having it here in the capital arcology would just be asking for local nobles to "accidentally" find their way in without power armor. It shouldn't be done in the capital. You briefly consider the new mansion but it isn't ready for that many guests yet.
You'll have to think that over.

Then there is the issue of weapons. Many newer suits have integrated weapon systems which will make this entire event an enormous security issue. As you saw in the battles against the Kythera and their allies some suits now have plasma weapons hooked up to their reactors. Someone with a plasma sword could do a lot of damage even if everyone nearby were to quickly gun them down.

What are your plans?
1) Location

2) Weapons

>>2604112
The occasional guest appearance shouldn't hurt, I hope.

>>2604317
>1) Location
Outside the capital city? On the old resort we have with the vineyard if it's big enough?

>2) Weapons
I'm not opposed to weapons, everyone will hopefully be in their best armor, but for the more dangerous items maybe have the attendees disable them and be able to provide proof of such?

>>2604317

I think >>2604438 had the right idea of holding it at the vineyard. Let them show off their power armor and taste test some wine. As for weapons, have techs disable the weapon systems before hand.

>>2604317
In a few of the Arms Fairs I've been to, the venue is usually specially constructed for the event. It's that plastic/polymer fabric stuff but on a larger scale and with more layers, then the halls are filled with the requisite expo stalls. Another one is converted airfield hangars.

Mons Abyla temporarily refitted hangar?
Somewhere in the dustbowl for dramatic scenery?

>>2604438
>On the old resort we have with the vineyard if it's big enough?
Those are 2 separate locations I think?
But yes the resort could work well enough. They're used to large reservations.

>>2604466
The vineyards are in the domed agriculture regions in the north. The only dedicated resorts are in the South.

>>2604492
>the venue is usually specially constructed for the event. It's that plastic/polymer fabric stuff but on a larger scale and with more layers, then the halls are filled with the requisite expo stalls.
That could be made to work near the vineyards I think. The only issue would be the weight involved with all the power armor.

>>2604501
>That could be made to work near the vineyards I think
I'm feeling that's our best option to be honest, it's not the prettiest but for security it's perfect since nothing is fixed in place and the construction team can be tightly screened. Maybe have a geology team test the ground first though?

>but for the more dangerous items maybe have the attendees disable them and be able to provide proof of such?
As you will inevitably be bringing a plasma pistol will it be loaded? Or will you have it unloaded as a sign of solidarity with the guests and rely on your bodyguards?

>>2604609
[x] Unloaded

>>2604609

Unloaded

Invitations have started to go out for your power armor ball. Most are local, not wanting to draw high ranking officials away from systems where they may be needed in an emergency. Baron Dante is the farthest away of those you invite.
A few people you contact inform you of others in the region that may be interested in attending. As long as it's kept below one thousand people things should be fine.

Those responsible for the vineyards are not impressed with the potential disruption. Adequate signage is put up to keep nobles from trampling the grounds. You also promise to compensate them for any damages.

As responses begin to come in it's starting to look like a few hundred at least might attend. They at least see it as a welcome distraction to the increasingly fierce fighting taking place at the front. The Alliance seems to be heavily censoring news about their counteroffensive into the Crystal Sea.

You have quite the assortment of suits to choose from. As the Ball approaches it's time to choose what you'll be displaying.

Choose your loadout!

Sphere Armor (Light)
Light Recon
Medium Jump Jet
Medium Jump Jet Anti-Kythera
Nxesi Pattern Relic Armor (Medium)
*Heavy Power Armor (Not previously worn by Sonia)

Did we have other types of armor available to Sonia? I feel I've forgotten one.

>>2604705
>Nxesi Pattern Relic Armor (Medium)

>>2604705
>Nxesi Pattern Relic Armor (Medium)

The only other suit I could think of using is the Sphere Armor. But that takes a back seat to this beauty.

While Mr Nxesi made sure not to take anything apart on the new suit that doesn't mean he didn't take a good look at it before departing. Instructions he left indicate that the suit should be one size fits all for most people inside the average hight and build range. Which fortunately includes you.

Suiting up for the first time in it you take time making adjustments and walking around to get a feel for it. It feels heavier, more sluggish than you're used to. At the same time you get the impression that its larger angular slabs of armor are much tougher than other suits. Certainly more than the jump jet armor.
With it's dark exterior paneling it looks more like an aries stealth suit or power cell armor than what you'd usually wear.

Rather surprisingly it has a much less powerful reactor system than you might have expected. Only one reactor assembly compared to a Recon suit's two, or the Matryoshka's eight. Making up for it are a tremendous number of capacitor systems. Probably needed more room for them if this suit is supposed to absorb energy.

A simple test run with a few low grade lasers fired at the suit shows that it does indeed work, absorbing most of the heat from the shots. You then have the option to discharge that energy, either through boosted movement systems and repulsors, weapon artifacts, or by dumping it into nearby metalic objects via Induction.

Techs have tried to get the induction system to work over the years since you saw it used by a Neeran soldier, but they've never worked reliably. Or so the reports have said. With everything he's been involved in it's very possible Mr Nxesi has worked on classified projects where they got it to function properly.

You arrive at the site of the Ball well ahead of any guests. You'd hate to be late for your own party. Preparations are largely completed, though some of the wine tastings are still being set up. Security checks and testing have caused a few minor delays.

Troy is present wearing what to you would seen an unusual suit. It's a specially modified form of power cell armor the jet bike units now use, both for protection and to more easily make use of anti-tank weapons one handed. It looks quite a bit like commando armor.

Your bodyguards Dave and Emor have their jump jet suits shined up looking good as new. Valeri and Ruiz are present as well, though you're debating asking them to become visible. Some of the guests may have sensor systems powerful enough to detect them.

You'd half expected Vanderwal to be present with his customized Recon suit but he claims to be getting much too old for that sort of thing now. He hasn't worn it since the fighting to hold the Helios Embassy.

The first guests are some of the Knights stationed on Rioja. Those who endured boarding attempts back in the Civil War seem best equipped, though often enough with the least flashy armor. Some of the younger ones that have made enough money in Shallan space while you were away have acquired suits themselves. Those who are pilots first are clearly less experienced with them.

Only one of Rob Ecord's Knights make an appearance. His unit has largely re-equipped with a form of commando armor upgraded with an outer layer from the unpowered hard plate armor. It makes them difficult to pick out from the marines and other soldiers. Despite this they're still carrying repulsor based jump jets hidden away.

"Remind me to ask Rob if that's actual commando armor underneath or if they're upgrading them to full power armor."

Baron Dante shows up in a fairly minimalist suit of light power armor. It's clearly more for show than anything, with gold filigree patterns.

"I assure you it's not. This suit is equipped with some of the latest holographic gadgetry... supposedly. I've been wary of testing it given my usual preference for larger vehicular pursuits. But I couldn't turn down the opportunity to attend! Brilliant idea. Don't let your detractors say otherwise."

>Have Valeri and Ruiz turn visible before too many more guests arrive?

>>2604900
>Have Valeri and Ruiz turn visible before too many more guests arrive?

Yeah, don't want any of the nobles to panic about people sneaking around. Or having any noble show off the stealth capabilities of their own suits.

>>2604900
We may as well do it. We got 4 bodyguards in power armour. We are as safe as can be

With plenty of bodyguards present along with friendly officers and Knights you tell Valeri and Ruiz to step out for a few seconds and then return with their camo systems off. There are already ECM systems in the area powerful enough to reveal any hostiles ready to be activated. If the guests cant use their camo, your people shouldn't be using theirs.

Much to your surprise Lyas Cinayk makes an appearance wearing an unusual suit of power armor. The Dominion doesn't exactly mass produce suits intended for Kavarians.

"Alright you've piqued my curiosity." you admit.

Lyas explains that given the number of Kavarian pirates and malcontents nobody actually produces armor for them. Or they didn't until the war. What is made these days are reserved exclusively for the Alliance. The SRL makes power cell armor that will fit Kavarians but won't sell it to the Dominion.

The Knight had needed to buy outdated medical equipment through the black market and construct what was more or less a modern version of Bioform Armor. That didn't work as well as might have been hoped. This is currently the 4th iteration, now using movement systems stripped from House produced power cell armor.
While it's now functional it's not exactly ideal for mass production, with everything being custom fitted.

"There must be other Kavarians in the House that would pay for a good custom fit suit of armor." you point out.

"I'm sure there are sir, but with all the work and materials involved it still ends up costing as much as a small starship. Only someone who becomes a successful Knight could afford that."

As more guests arrive Vanderwal contacts you.

"A word of warning. Old House Erid nobility are on the way. They may or may not be aware that House Erid is dead and not coming back."

You roll your eyes. "Perfect. Anything else?"

"They should follow the rules, just expect them to annoy people with separatist talk."

When the Erid nobles arrive you recognise one of their number from an earlier ball held years ago. Doing your part as the host you welcome each of them. It's easy to tell who are more likely to be stuck with the old times, with two of them wearing the oldest most ornate armor with the House Erid crest designed into the larger patterns and features.

Fortunately there are plenty of other guests arriving after them, allowing you to avoid getting dragged into a debate. Some of the others present are not as fortunate.

[ ] Send Troy to intercept
[ ] Try to distract them yourself
[ ] Discourage their separatist talk

Stopping here until tomorrow night. May have time to make a couple posts earlier in the day tomorrow, we'll see.

>>2605003

>House Erid Old Guard
I thought any dissenters or nobles who refused to abide by J-D were stripped of their lands and titles? Or were there just to many of them in positions to important enough that removing them right away would prove detrimental.

Time to play politics I guess?

>[ ] Try to distract them yourself

Be kind and courteous. Make some small talk and do our best not to mention what happened to the Erid territories. Make a show of trying to play nice to older Erid nobility. If they want to be petty and hold a grudge after us trying to be courteous to them as guests. I doubt anyone would take to listening to their moaning about seceding from J-D. We don't have to be friends or friendly, but it wouldn't hurt to show that we are not the bad guys these old nobles would have our guests and other nobles believe.

Also call Troy to come with us or to at least walk in and join us if it looks like we could use his help. And have our bodyguards nearby ready and waiting, I doubt they'll try and throw down. But you never know how petty someone can be.

>>2605003
It may be better if both Troy and Sonia went over to deal with them. So to keep the separatist talk to a minimum and perhaps even win some over. But also to ensure we can act if they suggest something actually treasonous.

>>2605003
>[x] Try to distract them yourself
If it gets bad enough maybe threaten to abduct them the same way we captured their Count to force the surrender?

>>2605003
>[ ] Send Troy to intercept

>>2605281
I don't think we will need to go that far. But if they do get to confrontational, in a room filled with knights loyal to us and nobles that are allies to J-D. Then they are denser than Sonia is, in knowing when it is a right time and place to do things. This is a chance to show off our power armor and for others to escape the fighting happening on their boarders with the Neeran.

>>2602217
>Can Gravity Well focusing systems be applied to HRR weapons

> Not for repulsors, though it is plausible it could be used to produce gravitational pulse weapons.

> Oh god what have I done?

More like what HAVEN'T you done.

Namely using a grav generator focusing system to first trigger a Coronal Mass Expulsion by condensing the Corona I precise areaa to the point that it disturbs the magnetic bonds so the plasma can escape.

What does that involve you ask?

> Morton Waves The reality of Moreton waves (a.k.a. fast-mode MHD waves) has also been confirmed by the two STEREO spacecraft. They observed a 100,000-km-high wave of hot plasma and magnetism, moving at 250 km/s, in conjunction with a big coronal mass ejection in February 2009.[6][7]

> Solar Energetic Particles Solar energetic particles (SEP) are high-energy particles coming from the Sun. They were first observed in the early 1940s. They consist of protons, electrons and HZE ions with energy ranging from a few tens of keV to many GeV (the fastest particles can approach the speed of light, as in a "ground-level event").

That's in addition to the up to each CME releasing up to 100 billion kg (220 billion lb) of this material, and the speed of the ejection can reach 1000 km/second (2 million mph) in some flares. Solar flares and CMEs are currently the biggest "explosions" in our solar system, roughly approaching the power in ONE BILLION hydrogen bombs!

TL;DR Once we figure out how to aim it any system with a sun will be our fucking bitch.

And in Space people to read to nor live by Suns.

>>2605487

This all sounds slightly terrifying.

Terrans with V-Torps destroying subspace, Dominion with sun bombs, sun beams destroying entire solar systems.

>>2605003
> [ ] Discourage their separatist talk

Ask them if they're still trying to secure a loan, tell them if so you're willing to consider it if they have any capital to put up as security against it.

They surely must have SOME assets left, you could probably even be generous and provide them with a Battleship for them to try not to lose in exchange for those wonderfully gaudy power armour suits.

You could use them for props in your next film, they would fit right in with the aesthetics.

>>2605496
The best part is that Stars are already having CME and associated events *all the time*.

Also those are considered to be the low end of energy estimates.

That's not even getting into the havoc exotic particles released by the CME creating a shockwave through the solar wind would cause to pretty much every organized system of 3 dimensional information like ships and life forms.

Seriously though the numbers fuck with my brain.

The best part is that the actual triggering of events doesn't require that much (relatively) energy since you're just selectively destabilizing what is already a giant fucking explosion just a little bit more.

And here I just want to use the special SP data to make Dominion brand SP torpedoes and all everyone else want to do is become a mad scientist and blow up solar system. Where is the profit in that?! Unless it is all a plan to get more terraforming contracts?

>>2605584
Fun fact! If we were to rotate the grav we generator while it was functioning, it would produce a gravitational field offset to the degree of its angular momentum, which in turn would cause any approaching mass or radiation to experience frame dragging resulting in precession along its axis relative to its frame of reference while also increasing its inertia! So any vehicles approaching from outside its frame of reference would not only have to correct course to continue advancing but they would also have to thrust against the angular momentum being created perpendicular to the grav s rotation.

It would also start deforming g the local electromagnetic field and causing.f CME

>>2606035
I remember reading some manga where they were using a small singularity to power an FTL system. The chief scientist realised mid jump that it was spinning and had to destroy half the ship in order to save the test crew and return them to real space.

>>2606146
It's fine so long as the ship rotates to stay within the same frame of reference.

Also - has anyone tried turning the gravity generator to reverse?

>>2606146
Also did you know that neutron stars produce gravity "tides" due to their rotation resulting in approaching objects being torn apart by the the shear force of the gravity field density changing drastically over only a couple of inches as the star moves?

Shut it wack.

Anyways you can move neutron stars with electromagnetic fields, but I was thinking of the Grav Wells could reduce the local gravity field instead of increasing it the we cpuldbharvest neutronium from them and then everyone else would be fucked.

Also what happens if you rapidly shove a singularity in and out of hyperspace repeatedly?

Could we use the gravity generator to manipulate the electromagnetic radiation inside and sort of create like a subspace bubble in the top level universe, sort of the reverse of ships when they enter, and then collapse it directionally toward an enemy?

>>2606171
>It's fine so long as the ship rotates to stay within the same frame of reference.
That was part of the problem. The ship's spin was going to kill everyone onboard iirc.

>Also - has anyone tried turning the gravity generator to reverse?
Considering they had trouble getting them to hold together in their preferred mode of operation? If they did it probably would have been blown apart.

>>2606205
>neutron stars produce gravity "tides"
Makes sense. There was a Known Space short story were they were investigating how the crew of a ship were killed despite being protected by an inertial compensator. They'd failed to take into account different parts of the ship experiencing far different forces because of the difference in orbital speed between the bow/bridge and the generator.

Neutron stars and black holes are scary shit.

>Harvest neutronium
I've actually been considering that for some time. The problem would be, wouldn't it rapidly expand once removed from its high gravity environment?

>>2606222
> The problem would be, wouldn't it rapidly expand once removed from its high gravity environment?

No? It would just form neutron degenerate matter. Good luck cutting it thouhj

"Troy, you spent a lot more time in the homeworlds than I did during the Civil War. Weren't any Erid dissenters or nobles who refused to abide with joining our House stripped of their lands and titles?"

"With politics it's always complicated." he responds then sighs.
"I know of groups like these. Most are just talk. They propose ideas like the advantages of splitting off again. Usually they'll do nothing themselves but keep the spirit of resistance alive. All without actually doing anything.
If someone does actually break away from the House successfully they can claim they were backing them all along. If a rebellion fails they can say it was just talk and they gave them no monetary or political support."

"So they're full of hot air." you conclude.
"Exactly."
"In that case I have a cunning plan."

Troy waits patiently for you to either explain or start putting it into action.
"Get them to bluster about their suits."

With that in mind you set your plan into motion to try and distract them from their ambitions towards a lost cause. Striking up a conversation you ask for their advice on how best to balance classic Dominion armor aesthetics with the requirements of increasingly newer technology.

Jump jet armor, nanite and turret equipped suits, even the heavier power armor were all quite a shock initially. In the time it takes to get one looking just right, the technology has continued to move on.

This seems to have had the desired effect. As other nobles are drawn into the conversation the Erid nobility become the center of attention for their little area. Thus allowing you to make an escape and see to the other guests.

Any topics you wanted to bring up with the other nobles?

>>2606222
Hey I read the same book.

>>2606294
THEY MUST SEE PICYURES OF OUR CHILDREN. THEY MUSY PRAISE THEM.

>>2606294

Mostly just get to introductions of any nobles we've not met before. Or just strike up some talk with others we've not had a chance to talk to in a while. If anyone important from another House is here lets talk with them get to know them a little. Maybe even try and find an up and coming knight and see if they have any interesting ideas that they don't have the funds to see through?

After discussing suit quirks with a few nobles from other Houses of the Run Alliance you ultimately end up being asked about the kids. What you initially thought would be a few minute distraction ends up as most of an hour showing baby pictures.

When the number of people surrounding you going, "Aww!" increases to more than a dozen you start to take notice.
"Sorry! I'm neglecting the other guests!" you eventually announce.

There are plenty of nobles you haven't been properly introduced to. Those from other Houses, or J-D worlds and outposts in the region. Two of them are even nobles that jumped ship from House Sulos to take up residence on Kaptlyn supporting Baron Avun.
At least one of those present is from House Nirium, having been a noble of House Possat before that. Quite the assortment of guests it would seem.

The later half of the evening involves wine tastings. This is fairly mundane by most standards but fully expected with location next to the vineyard. One of the locals suggests an added challenge; wine tasting without opening or removing the helmet.

"And how would one accomplish that?" another guest asks.
"Emergency Induction Port."
"That's a straw."
"Yes it is. Some suits have an intake port, usually reserved for use when operating in environments where the suit must remain sealed. Soldiers need to drink."

The challenge put forth is to attempt wine tasting without breaching suit integrity.

[ ] This is silly
[ ] I accept your challenge! Roll 1d20

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>2606521
>[x] I accept your challenge!

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2606521

This is silly, but I accept this challenge!

"I accept your challenge!" You're quick to announce.

Quite a few others step forward as well. Soon the staff get to work making sure there is enough wine ready to go.

Mr Nxesi did an amazing job on this suit. Hopefully he still remembered a few of the more practical aspects when working on it. Fortunately he did. It has a fairly standard connection port hidden beneath an armored panel in the chin.

The real struggle then is to find a way to make a normal straw fit the smaller port. Fortunately you mastered the art of connecting multiple straws together when you were little.

"What are you doing?" Troy asks.
You switch to a private channel before responding.
"Folding the straw so it will fit while not flattening or crushing it. I just need to be really careful because I'm using power armor."

Troy watches intently as you manage to get it to fit the port for your suit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5L7rE6qzfQ

"What, you never played with straws when you were little?"
"No." Troy states flatly.

You guess his parents sent him to the no fun allowed schools.

A few of the guests are offended by the sound of straw sipping noises. Despite this quite a few take part and try to see if they'd survive actual combat as they would certainly need alcohol to get through it.
One of the most hilarious sights is seeing someone in a suit of heavy power armor trying desperately to get a straw to fit to their helmet. That was good for a few laughs at least.

The party is winding down now. It won't be long until some of the guests begin to depart.
Did you have anything to say to everyone or just thank them for having attended this little experiment?

>>2606668
Thank them for attending, and hope they continue to place their utmost faith in their houses and the Dominion. Without either, I doubt most people in the room would have any Power Armor, and Sonia would probably be dead without it.

>>2606668

Thank them for their time in coming here. And as always unity and working together to a common goal will see us through any hardship. Be it drinking through a straw in power armor, to kicking Empire Neeran ass out of the Dominion and Faction space.

"I wish to thank you all for attending. The Dominion and it's Houses are made up of many different peoples, but enough of them share common goals and interests to see us through hardships others might not survive.

Power armor might be a hobby for some or a life long passion. Others owe their lives to it. Myself included. The Dominion and its armies would certainly be different without it. Probably not for the better.

The ties between those of us and the Houses can help see the Dominion through any hardship. Be it drinking through a straw in power armor, to kicking the Neeran Empire's ass out of Faction space. Because who else is going to do it if we dont?
Thank you for attending."

After light applause more of the guests begin to gravitate towards the wine and liquor. Thanking up before their departure it would seem.

Others that are less inebriated are discussing heading to a weapons range to try out some of the equipment they weren't allowed to bring to the ball. From the sounds of it a few have various plasma weapons, possibly even Dominion knockoffs of the Mark 7 plasma pistol. Baron Dante seems eager to demonstrate his suit capabilities in front of an audience.

Do you want to go with them or head back to the capital?

>>2606874

>Do you want to go with them or head back to the capital?

We've been gone to long. Time to see how the war effort has been going. Excuse ourselves and say we need to check on something back at the capital that needs our presence. Or hell that we need to go back and check on the kids. If anyone questions or asks why we don't come with them. Also, inebriated nobles and plasma is a bad combo, lets avoid that incoming law suit/ violation of whatever law or ever.

>>2606874
Go along, if only for whatever Dante has prepared.

>>2606888
>>2606891
Don't go but ask Dante to send you a video if nobody dies?

>>2606985
I still want to go just to see the state of PA after our 3 year absence, but that's fine.

>>2606985
yes

Returning to the capital you get changed out of the power armor and have it stored once again. Your guards are glad that nothing unfortunate happened at the party. If another is held next you you might insist on a power armor ballet show as part of the nights entertainment.

So far there is little new news from the front. Nearly everything is being blocked other than showing that all of the major colonies in the relays nearest the front are holding. The J-D fleets from the homeworlds and Rioja have reached the area and are engaged in local defense efforts. So far no serious losses.
The fleet from the J-D South Reach territories hasn't reached the front as they were farther away. They're expected to arrive in another four days.

Vanderwal is working on acquiring better information through side channels though it will take time.

In the morning you receive video from Baron Dante of the various nobles showing off their weapons at a firing range. A heavily reinforced one that thankfully is rated to deal with modern weapons. It seems that whoever made the new suit for the Baron has gone all out. Much like the plasma swords you've seen, it's holographic systems are capable of super heating columns of air. These can be used to direct beams of plasma at targets, though their range and penetration are both quite poor. Still it's a step in the right direction.

The Baron also demonstrates another way to use it. Focusing the outward streams of plasma from points on the back he can use it as a rudimentary jump jet. It's not as effective as conventional or even the repulsor based jump jets used by your House, but it would certainly give a recon suit more options if upgraded.

Most of the other nobles simply had modified Shallan weapons or blasters, though one had a genuine Mk 7 hooked up to their armor for a steady fuel supply. Actually now that you look at it one of the Shallan weapons seemed a good deal more compact than others you've seen fielded by State forces. It may be a weapon that was produced by those militant Shallan groups Tamoren Balle took care of.

[ ] Ask the noble about it
[ ] Have intel investigate

>>2607227

>[ ] Ask the noble about it

Show some curiosity as to what model it is and how they got a hold of it. Maybe if it were possible for us to get one as well.

>>2607227
>[ ] Ask the noble about it
>Rudimentary jump jet.
>Recon armor
>Plasma beams

Dante always knows the best things to invest in.

You send a message to the noble in question apologizing for not attending the weapons range demonstrations. As something of a plasma weapon aficionado you're hoping they could tell you where to get a gun like that.

They're of course glad you appreciate such fine weapons but can't provide you with a supplier unfortunately. They acquired it off the black market some time ago and they've since become unavailable.

That would make sense if it were from one of the weapons smuggling rings Balle cracked down on. Those guns borrowed parts from the now common Plasma Blaster and older Shallan Fusion Guns to make a cheaper hybrid weapon. They've since been nicknamed the Obrez.

You've asked the noble to let you know if they find more of those guns.

In the morning you check in on the kids and for your trouble are thrown up on. That seems to set the mood for the day.
Arriving at the morning briefing late wearing an older duty uniform that's slightly too small, your advisers make a point of not asking.

Vanderwal isn't present, apparently still looking into into acquiring more information. A request has been sent to the Dominion requesting more gravity well generators for the Alliance. The current offensive has strained available numbers.
The older well used by the terraforming company for orbital correction is currently between jobs. It could be sent without endangering any corrections, but you'll be losing money on it while its gone. Worse there is a non-zero chance it could be lost in the fighting.

[ ] Make the gravwell available to the Alliance
[ ] Loan on condition of replacement
[ ] Do not make available at this time

>>2607390
>[ ] Do not make available at this time

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't we expected to have some defensive engagements against the Neeran coming up.\?

If they think they REALLY need it, they'll have to offer us more than just to bring it back.

It doesn't have to be money, maybe they have some non-military tech or suchlike that they could let us have as collateral slash payment.

What's their holo-suite industry look like?

>>2607390

Is the Alliance asking us for the use of it? And there is a high chance of it being lost? Oh sure lets go ahead and loan them our grav well generator!

Sorry, but I'll have to pass. Unless there is some written guarantee that they'll replace it should it be lost. And its own escort fleet to make sure it doesn't get destroyed the moment it enters the field.

The more I think about. The less I want to send it to the front lines. We built up a business around it and risking it now would be stupid loss without something to cover for it.

>>2607390
Not to be that person but over my dead body that we send it. It's worth to much as a terraforming tool. Maybe if we can get a few more after the next deployment.

>>2607404
>What's their holo-suite industry look like?
Roughly comparable to your own. Commercial grade are about the same everywhere.

>>2607407
>Is the Alliance asking us for the use of it?
Not you specifically but anyone that may have spare gravity well generators available.

>Unless there is some written guarantee that they'll replace it should it be lost.
Hence the option of "Loan on condition of replacement"

Resuming tomorrow. I have been asked to work a shift tomorrow night so I'll only be running until 4:30 PM.

>>2607455
What about opportunity lost while it's away.

We just came up with some fun gravity ideas

>>2607455

I'm going to have to pass on the opportunity. Maybe if we were out there, I'd be more for it. But seeing as we're back here I say no. And if there worst should happen that they make it to the Run we can use it then since it'll be shit going down hill at that point.

>>2607390
>[ ] Loan on condition of replacement

>>2607390
>[ ] Do not make available at this time
It's an old Mk1 variant, so if I remember correctly it's slower, the singularity takes more time to charge/discharge, and the armor isn't as good either. I'm really not keen on loaning it out at all, if there's a shortage of them who knows when we'll get a replacement? They could lose it and not replace it for several years.

>>2607498
>What about opportunity lost while it's away.
The same as opportunity lost by having salvage ships up near the front instead of operating in the Run or South Reach.

At this time you've decided not to make the gravity well generator available to the Alliance. If things get desperate they have an Alliance representitive on planet that should be contacting you personally.

>>2607390
> Fuck you pay me>>2607843

The Run continues to see increases in civilian traffic as traders wanting to shave time off the flight to South Reach pass through. Some stop for fuel, others don't, but in the end it's a net positive in terms of improving the local economy. The other members of the Run Alliance are reaping the benefits as well.

House Nirium still controls a great deal of territory outside the Run and have been stepping up efforts to ensure there are similar options available for transports there. According to reports it looks like they're trying to undercut your fuel prices. It may go farther than that. Nirium still officially controls an uninhabited system with a realignment point in the Run. It now looks like they're preparing to construct a logistics station in that system. This could even further cut into the Run Alliance's profits.

What did you want to do about these problems?

>>2607937

Bring this to the attention of the other Alliance members.

tl;dr: Talk to members of the Run Alliance, Nirium may be trying to subtly force its allies to be more reliant upon them.

Especially if they are allied with Nirium, I thought Nirium wanted to help its allies. Make them stronger, not more reliant upon them for everything. We certainly cannot force Nirium to not build a logistics base. But I'm certain pressure from their allies in the region could be used to force them to either reconsider building a logistics base in a different area or to keep their prices equal to that of the logistics base in the Run. Unless of course the other houses that are part of the Run Alliance are okay with relying upon House Nirium for everything? Because if profits for the Run Alliance go into the negative, I am pretty sure that most houses allied to them will turn back to Nirium to help support them and then the slow death of the Run Alliance itself.

A thought, the system is uninhabitaed, yes? Well what will happen if they build a logistics base there? A whole bunch of ships will enter that system. Some of them mostly though traffic. But we've had trouble with refugees trying to settle on our world. Before and after the logistics base was built. And we have a military pressence on the world and in the system.

What do they think is going to happen if refugees see a habitable world/ system and no one has any colonies or active military present there? And we've seen with the latest race that refugees can be crafty. Having corvettes with camo netting and other goodies to hide their pressence on a world.

Do the members of the Run Alliance want a world full of squatters next door to them? It may technically be claimed by Nirium. But Nirium certainly doesn't seem to be putting any interest in it other than building a logistics base. Which will almost certainly cut into the Run Alliances profits and make its allies in the region more reliant upon them.

>>2607988
>habitable world/ system
The system in question does not support any planets suitable for terraforming. The only gas giant in system has barely any Helium 3 present. It is primarily useful as an FTL realignment point.

>>2607996

Then why build a logistics station if there are no habitable worlds and the the station will be relying upon fuel being shipped in from elsewhere after a short while?

That seems counter intuitive and more like an under handed attempt to under cut the Run Alliance. Unless they are well aware of it and are hoping to gain some short term returns and force those present in the Run to be reliant upon them once freighter traffic sees a 'cheaper' route for gas.

>Bring this to the attention of the other Alliance members.
>Which will almost certainly cut into the Run Alliances profits

Do this?

>>2608024
>Do this?
yes

>>2608024

Yes

>>2607937
What's the price of a Kavarian Stellar Harvester?

>>2608051
It currently costs [not for sale at any price] S.
Iratar is rightly worried it could be used as a weapon and want to prevent that from happening. The Dominion's intelligence assets have been working diligently in attempts to acquire data on it. So far more than a dozen spies just from the Dominion have been caught or killed attempting to escape.

Requesting a meeting of the Run Alliance you're informed that Baron Khyor Binil is offering to host talks. You suppose that's fair given the number of times things have been held on Rioja. The other members of the Run Alliance have always wanted their fair share of inclusion.

Binil does not have many colonies in the Run, and you're momentarily worried the meeting might be held on Kaartinen. Fortunately its on their other colony closer to Rioja. The world seems to be building up nicely with only a few atmospheric processors located here and there to maintain things.

After everyone has arrived you thank the Baron for hosting the meeting. Once things get underway you make available the information on House Nirium's fuel price fixing along with their plans for a station in the Run.

Most of the Barrons are less than happy about this.
"They're trying to drive us out of business."
"Or make us hurt enough to make a deal with them." suggests Ull'ek Kadnil. "We can't afford to drop our rates and still make a profit. A big House like Nirium can weather local losses without much difficulty, and scoop up most of our customers in the process."

Binil is the only one not terribly bothered by all of this. "And why should this concern us?"

"It should concern all of us." Replies Kelly.

"I mean why should it concern House Binil. We don't have any territory directly on the trade lane."

Kelly frowns.
"Neither does House Trin'qua, that doesn't mean we're going to let them treat us like chumps."

>What say?

>>2608165
SO many things to say.
> We don't have any territory directly on the trade lane."
So? This will subvert or destroy the economy of several members of the Run Alliance. Even one being negatively affected will make it's mark on all others. And if someone perchance is forced to do something drastic? Even one member being forced away from the Run or out of the Alliance could risk destroying all of it. We are all in this together. United. If we do not work together like this just because we do not feel the direct results of outside interference then why even bother with the Alliance to begin with?

Now. Call it what ever you want but to be blunt. This is economic warfare Nirium is now waging on us. I do not know what caused this. We are suppose to be in good standing with them and all but apparently they now no longer consider us this. None the less I would like to have a chat with their leadership and simply ask "What the fuck". Their response could tell us A LOT of how they now see us and how we should respond locally and to our respective leaders.

>>2608165

Not sure how other anons are viewing this, but this is my view.

The way I see this. Nirium wants to force its Allies in the Run to remain dependent upon them and cause the Run Alliance to break/ fracture. So that they can consolidate control of the Run under their house. While other houses like Binil or Trin'qua might not be immediatly affected by this implementation of a Nirium logistics station. It will adversely affect its allies. And when its allies start to feel the pressure, they'll either fold and fall in line to Nirium's designs or have to suffer for not being part of Nirium's plan.

I don't want to suggest that Nirium is that petty. That they would actively harm their allies in the Run, by usurping their own source of income. Just to ensure that they remain loyal to Nirium. But I do really feel that way.

A thought, is the Run Alliance solely being financed by the logistics station on our side? Or by other means? What are the primary means of income that supports this alliance of houses in the Run?

Jumbled up thoughts:

*Nirium wants to build a logistics station

*Logistics station to be built in a system that is a realginment point

*Nirium is undercutting the Run Alliance Logistics Base, therefore undercutting the Run Alliance

*Nirium can afford to lose money on an unprofitable logistics base

*Not all houses in the Run Alliance will be affected by this (Binil and Trin'qua)

*When the Run Alliance loses a reliable source of income it will adversely affect the majority of the houses in the Run Alliance

*Nirium is possibly doing this to force the Run Alliance to the bargining table, to what end we do not know

File: NAV_DRH_01_RELAY4035.gif (33 KB, 1246x695)

33 KB GIF

>>2608246
>What are the primary means of income that supports this alliance of houses in the Run?
Trade, salvage and shipyards.

The Faction Wars era battlefields provided a huge amount of salvage potential, though by now they're largely being exhausted. Scrap and salvage has helped to provide materials and useful components for the shipyards in the region. Not just those that your House operates.

As the easily reached graveyards have neared depletion the locals have augmented the yards with more local industrial output and mining to keep them in operation. Salvage income helped give those a kick start thanks to their funding.

Leading into the Civil War and since then, trade has steadily increased. Due to more worlds being located closer to the other slower trade lane through the Relay trade used to follow it. As the Dominion continues to exert its renewed influence on South Reach there is increasing traffic that only wants to get there as quickly as possible. All of this new traffic passes through the Run.

>>2608292
>Due to more worlds being located closer to the other slower trade lane through the Relay trade used to follow it.
Also because the Run was full of pirates.

>Nirium is undercutting the Run Alliance
>When the Run Alliance loses a reliable source of income it will adversely affect the majority of the houses in the Run Alliance
>This will subvert or destroy the economy of several members of the Run Alliance. Even one being negatively affected will make it's mark on all others.
>If we do not work together like this just because we do not feel the direct results of outside interference then why even bother with the Alliance to begin with?
>This is economic warfare Nirium is now waging on us.

Stress these points and suggest that the Alliance ask Nirium for an explanation?

>>2608333

Unless other anons want to add other points to bring up, yes.

>>2608333
Yes.
This seems about it.

You've bided your time as the others argue. Once there is an opportunity you ask to speak.

"Nirium is undercutting the Run Alliance. When the Run Alliance loses a reliable source of income it will adversely affect the majority of the Houses in the Run Alliance. Houses Binil and Trin'qua have both benefited economically from the increased trade thanks to being able to move their goods or supplies to allied systems on the main trade route for sale.

If Nirium is threatening to subvert or destroy the economy of several members of the Run Alliance. Even one being negatively affected will make it's mark on all others. If we do not work together like this just because we do not feel the direct results of outside interference then why even bother with the Alliance to begin with?
If one of the outlying worlds nearer to the nav hazards were under attack we would come to your aid wouldn't we?"

Most of those present immediately agree that they would. Even Binil reluctantly, so though he points out this is now the same.

"This is economic warfare Nirium is now waging on us." you reply. "I would suggest we treat it as much."

Baron Ull'ek Kadnil has a suggestion.
"If this is economic warfare there are other ways to escalate. Ones Nirium will not be so willing to tolerate.
We have many connections with the Navigators Guild and with other Houses specialising in FTL drive components. It may be possible to locally cut off House Nirium from access to new systems being produced in this relay. They produce some themselves but much of their business is done through the guild. That could be disrupted."

That would be a major blow to Nirium. Even if they figured out who was responsible within the day it would take them more than a week before they could bring in more equipment from other colonies.

Binil being the defacto Nirium supporter at this meeting is reluctant to make such a bold move. Really they'd rather not even be associated with it, though Khyor admits something should be done.

"We should simply contact Nirium and ask them for an explanation first."

Before attempting that Kelly has another idea.
"Blockade of their construction site. The Run Alliance can conduct inspections of all ships that are headed just to that system to help with construction. That would slow them down, and give us more options as leverage."

You ask your host if they would care to establish contact with the former Ruling House. When asked what is going on they reply that they're responding to the shift in trade lanes by constructing a new station that they can better take advantage of it. As for the drop in fuel prices they claim it's merely to promote trade between the Centri Cluster and South Reach. Making it cheaper for traders to make the trip should help that a great deal.

Few of you are satisfied with this answer. Most feel that actions in the Run should consider the position of the Run Alliance as a whole.
>cont.

1)
1a) We don't want your logistics station there
1b) We'll allow it under conditions
1c) Any station there will belong to the Run Alliance

2) Refusal will be met by...
[ ] Economic escalation
[ ] Blockade station site
[ ] Offer to buy the system (Make it an offer they can't refuse)

>>2608495
>1a) We don't want your logistics station there
For the simple reason that it is damaging to our economy.

>[ ] Blockade station site
This is relatively simple to perform while not being full on escalation. We want continued trade and good relations with Nirium. By doing this we show solidarity and that we will not accept them trying to bully us without us resisting. Should they fail to respond to that we can escalate matters.

>>2608503
You could also reserve the threat of economic escalation for dealing with their fuel prices.

>>2608495

>Baron Ull'ek Kadnil has a suggestion.

I like his idea.

>1)
1c) Any station there will belong to the Run Alliance

>2) Refusal will be met by...
[ ] Economic escalation
and they can avoid this by either selling to the Run Alliance, maybe even to House Binil so that their ally has some skin in the game that is the Run.

If they do sell the system to the Run Alliance/ Binil. We could move the current logistic station there. And just import gas from local gas giants in the Run. It might up the price a little bit on fuel, but it will still be profitable and keep trade income into the Run Alliance.

>>2608503#
>[x] Any station there will belong to the Run Alliance
>[x] Economic escalation

>>2608503
>1c) Any station there will belong to the Run Alliance
>[ ] Blockade station site

>1c) Any station there will belong to the Run Alliance
So this combined with Economic escalation and blockade.

Blockade initially and if they don't respond favorably increase to Economic escalation?

Will write up a full post when I get back from work!

>>2608768
>Blockade initially and if they don't respond favorably increase to Economic escalation?
By lack of responses while I was gone I'm guessing everyone was ok with this compromise?

>>2608768
yes

>>2609974
Yes. I'm surprised Nirium went on the offensive to be honest, I guess they don't have to play Neutral now that they're not the RH?

Well, it has taken the better part of a month bit I have finally managed to get all the way through the archives. It really is amazing seeing just how far we have come.

Baron Kadnil, being recognized as the more politically neutral member of the party speaks on behalf of the Run.
"The area known as the Smuggler's Run is a region under the mutual protection of the members of the Run Alliance. All members. If you take action within that region that would negatively impact the members of our Alliance then we will have to ask that you cease and desist. Immediately."

The Nirium representative, a new face you're not familiar with, seems rather surprised with this.
"You haven't chosen to exercise this right in any way when it comes to our territory within the Run before."

"We are now." Kelly points out.

"Actions in the Run should consider the position of the Run Alliance as a whole. Any logistics and fuel station you wish to place along the trade lane in our area of control will blong to the Run Alliance. Through cooperation we have built up a chain of powerful fleet bases in the Run.
You can either cooperate with us or we will blockade the construction site."

The representative of the former Ruling House gives the assembled Barons an "Are these guys serious?" look. After a few seconds they turn to their local nominal supporter.
"Baron Binil, I would care to hear your opinion on this."

Binil, who until that moment was trying to stay out of sight, is quick to realise that tactic is futile and instead performs an about-face.
"My peers do seem to have a legitimate grievance. Their suggestions are not entirely unreasonable."

"I see... Give me a week to discuss this matter with the right parties and I will be happy to negotiate a possible solution."

[ ] Give him time, but watch their House
[ ] "You have a day."
[ ] "You have one hour."

>>2610137
>[ ] Give him time, but watch their House

>>2610137
>[ ] "You have a day."

Resuming tomorrow, hopefully around noon.

>>2610137

change it to
>[ ] "You have a day."

>>2610137
>[ ] Give him time, but watch their House
Let's give them the benefit of the doubt

>>2610137
>[ ] "You have a day."

>>2608076
> Iratar is rightly worried it could be used as a weapon and want to prevent that from happening.

Bringing us to my plans for using the Sun as a solar lasing weapon.

>>2610137
>[ ] Give him time, but inform them that you won't wait to take action

We aren't clerks or service workers, but Nobles with our own responsibilities as well. If it takes Nirium so long to organize their household that's their problem. The Run had always required fest decisions and decisive action and if they can't cope with that then they shouldn't be here in the first place.

"You have a day." you reply.

"That will hardly be enough time."

"It will have to be enough. I'm sure everyone here would like this resolved before the holidays."

That gets several nods of assent from the others.

Once the channel has been closed the group discusses possible responses and how to deal with them. The main concern is that you still haven't dealt with the issue of the price fixing.

Baron Kelly shrugs.
"Not much we can do. If they sell fuel cheaper farther inside their space or closer to the guild stations there isn't much we can do about it."

"We still have the economic options we discussed."

You suggest saving those until the outcome of the station situation is resolved.
"If they don't want to compromise on the station then we'll drag the fuel issue into it and combine it with our demands for the station."

Binil surprisingly has another idea.
"Regional Economic Development tax."

"How will increasing the tax on our customers help us?" asks the House Pantaq Baron.

"Not on us, on anyone passing through the Run who has purchased fuel from House Nirium at the reduced rates. Anyone refueling from our stations or those of our allies outside the Run at normal prices are exempt."

If Nirium does agree to bargain on the station but not on the fuel prices that should provide a long term response.

Early the next morning, before the Run Alliance Barons have resumed to see Nirium's response, you're contacted by Avun. She's been remaining on stand by should there be an emergency while you're at the meeting. While you've been busy some of her people have acquired the station construction plans.

"They're going to bury a gravity well generator inside part of the station structure. Once the station is finished it should be completely concealed. They're planning long term and getting ready for the next big war between the Houses."

>What say?

>>2610905
Let's let that issue sleep for now and save it to be brought up during negotiations so we can put them on the spot and accuse them of trying to start the next war.

>>2610939
I am liking this plan

>>2610939
This sounds good

>>2610939
I can live with this.

>>2610905
Is there any hard evidence of the construction yet' or just the plans?

>>2610905
Oh.... Oooohh.... OOOOOHHHHH....

>>2610939
You. I like you anon. Distract them with the angry noble and then slide in the knife between their ribs when they are distracted. So devious. Full support.

>>2610978
Just the plans, which don't say in big bold letters GRAVITY WELL GOES HERE. It just happens to have a planned empty section the exact same size as one, with structural reinforcement and power supplies necessary to support it.

Construction wise they only have the basics started. It looks like the station would be partially completed before installing the gravity well.

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

135 KB JPG

You thank Avun and promise to save that info for the negotiations.

Later that day you're called in to resume the previous day's meeting and prepare for Nirium to make contact. Amazingly they're on time. The previous Baron that you'd talked to has apparently passed this issue off to their superior because none other than Count Al'mari Nirium is on the other end of the com channel.

Now you're getting somewhere. The Count was in command of the Nirium forces deployed to this relay during the Civil War.

"I understand that the Run Alliance is unhappy with not being consulted on issues taking place within our territory."
"All territory within the confines of the Smuggler's Run." Kadnil confirms.

"I wasn't aware the Run Alliance were still such a harmonious group."

"We are when it comes to making money and people endangering our bottom line."

"I see. Your proposal is that the Run Alliance would control this refueling station?"

"Correct." Kadnil confirms. "We would be prepared to partially invest in the station's construction as we have done on other projects such as the establishment of fleet bases. Our Houses would expect to receive a commensurate share of the station's profits. We would also have the right to garrison customs patrol forces there."

"Are your own stations inadequate for your customs forces?"

"No, but your station would be well placed as a deployment location. It is at a key realignment point. It would also allow each of us to keep an eye on our joint investment."

The Count is clearly not pleased with this proposal.
"House Nirium is not accustomed to allowing permanent garrisons from multiple minor Houses to hold what could be key installations without our own territory. We legally acquired the rights to that system from House Posat much as each of you scooped up territory for yourselves."

The Count's hologram locks eyes with each of you in turn. Your own world was picked up partially as a result of House Posat beginning to collapse.

"However-" Al'mari resumes. "As these are new times with a new Dynasty a compromise may be possible. We would be willing to permit permanent customs forces from each of your Houses not exceeding 500 active duty personnel, and up to 6 ships.
As we are the majority investor and it is our territory the Houses of the Run Alliance would have half the station profits split between them."

[ ] "How would it make any profits with the fuel at these current prices?"
[ ] Express concern at what must be a giant fuel tank, totally not a gravity well hardpoint
[ ] Haggle over % and garrison
[ ] Other

>>2611024
>[ ] "How would it make any profits with the fuel at these current prices?"

>>2611024
[ ] "How would it make any profits with the fuel at these current prices?"
Play it cool. Wait for the right moment to slid that knife.

>>2611024
>[x] Express concern at what must be a giant fuel tank, totally not a gravity well hardpoint
"The Run Alliance has been developing a distributed, balanced infrastructure plan. During the previous conflict, we all saw how the invading forces made a concerted effort to capturing vital infrastructure such as weapons and fuel facilities. Such a large volume of fuel that the station looks to carry would be an incredible strategic target in any conflict, have you considered reducing its size?"

"How would it make any profits with the fuel at these current prices?" you ask.

"It's merely a temporary measure to promote trade between the Centri Cluster and South Reach. Making it cheaper for traders to make the trip should help that a great deal."
The Count repeats the party line almost word for word.

"Just how temporary would these measures be? Some of us have privately owned and operated fuel refineries that might be endangered should this continue for too long. Unless of course you would be willing to compensate them appropriately and purchase their fuel at their normal rates."

"No doubt refineries in House Nirium space are offered similar deals are they not?" asks Binil, continuing your line of questioning.

This is one thing the Count isn't going to go for.
"They are temporary and you would earn more profits thanks to the increased trade. We have provided assistance to a number of local producers in our own House. Likewise your Houses can afford to support the few very minor producers during the short period of time they may have difficulty. This is being done to help the Dominion's Houses in South Reach in addition to ensuring stable relations with the South Reach League.
The new Dynasty most likely prefers the current state of affairs with the SRL, allowing them to purchase more super heavy hulls."

Oh so they're trying to make this seem like the fault of the new Ruling House are they?

[ ] Counter offer (What?)
[ ] "Maybe we should ask the Ruling House?"
[ ] Express concern at what must be a giant fuel tank, totally not a gravity well hardpoint
[ ] "Would the new Dynasty prefer to establish a gravwell generator in the Run?
[ ] Roll out Binil's tax idea
[ ] Other, combination?

>>2611091
At some point

> Make the offer for a higher buy-in on the statio if it could be used to provide military security for the region. Say if a Grav Well generator were to be designed into it. That would guarantee the investment in it by the other members of the Run Alliance.

What's better than exposing their plan? Stealing it.

>>2611091

For now

> [ ] Roll out Binil's tax idea

>>2611107
>Make the offer for a higher buy-in on the station
As in the Run Alliance completely buys it out?

>>2611107
>>2611091
There isn't necessarily a reason we have to create an enemy here by being too harsh on this topic remember.

This both gives them an out if they need it while forcing them to I close us if they want to build the grav well generator.

It would be different if we had something already built we could confiscate.

>>2611110
Either that or that it's managed properly by a significant portion of RA employees as befits a strategic military asset.

In exchange for that support they could provide incentives to ease the fuel price issues.

>>2611110
I mean hey, if they want to pay for the construction that's fine so long as they aren't the only ones in control of the grav well generator.

It's another thing entirely for them to build their castle on our doorstep.

I have an idea on how we can directly compete with the Ruling House in addition to providing infrastructure for the local area.

If we were to use Gelsan accelerator systems to provide a fuel-less transport lane, we'd be creating traffic flows to the exact locations we want, and incentivize trade ships to pass through the exact systems wanted.

>>2611121
Oh I like this.

>>2611121
Using them to accelerate a ship up to jump speeds will only help locally. Ships need a lot of power for the long jumps to other relays, which means their reactors use a lot of fuel over the course of the entire trip. If you can stop for fuel in one of the relays without diverting far from the main lane it saves a lot of time. Rioja has been a good spot for that, so has the Forbearance yards for military ships.

It would take a rather long time and a lot of resources to build up accelerators at every jump lane and realignment point just along the Run. For 8 course correction points you'd need at least 2 accelerators each in order to quickly assist traffic going in both directions.
The resources required could be used to build 48 super heavy cruisers.

>>2611136
Oh, that sucks. I thought the Gelsan were using them to move around the entire relay nav hazard zones.

>>2611167
They are, at sublight speeds. Its accelerating them to greater than 60% light speed. They generally only place them in systems they intend to colonize. And since they dont have hundreds of ships coming through a system per day they really only need 1 per system and can take the time to aim it where needed.

There is one mobile accelerator that can jump around in the areas of undamaged space where using FTL isn't a terrible idea. It's being used to send ships at high sublight into other nav hazards in the region.

>>2611112
Just to be clear here you're asking for more control of the station and to have them pay you when they'd prefer to do neither of those things.

[ ] Counter offer, Run Alliance has full control of the station
[ ] Counter offer, even split for control of the station, all parties
[ ] "Maybe we should ask the Ruling House?"
[ ] Express concern at what must be a giant fuel tank, totally not a gravity well hardpoint
[ ] Roll out Binil's tax idea
[ ] Other

>>2611173
> Just to be clear here you're asking for more control of the station and to have them pay you when they'd prefer to do neither of those things.

That's fine so long as they refuse to accept a Grav Well being built there then.

> ] Counter offer, even split for control of the station, all parties

>>2611178
>[ ] Express concern at what must be a giant fuel tank, totally not a gravity well hardpoint

>>2611178
[ ] Counter offer, even split for control of the station, all parties
>[ ] Express concern at what must be a giant fuel tank, totally not a gravity well hardpoint

>>2606035
>>2606146
Found it.
http://mangareader.info/manga/2001-nights/4

>Comment too long

"I have a suggestion for a counter offer."

All eyes turn to you. A few of your allies seem a little worried you might say something disastrous.

"I would suggest an even split of control of the station between all parties involved. Equal garrison forces, profits, all of it."

"This is still system. That would demand a larger share at the very least." points out Al'mari.

"I'm not done yet." you reply, then pick up your data pand and skim through it.
"I think the others would agree that safety at a refueling station is one of the most important aspects of operations. Because of this some design changes may be necessary. This section here for instance, the very large stasis reinforced fuel tank more than a kilometer in diameter. I think we've all seen those explode enough times just fighting the Warlords to realise that installing it almost in the heart off the station is a mistake."

The others trade odd looks not entirely understanding so you hand off the pad to Kelly to look over.

"I'm assuming it's supposed to be a stasis fuel tank. The only other thing that could possibly require that much power would be a gravity well generator. Surely that can't be the case, because if it was that could be seen as a provocation that would start the next war between the Houses."

"Son of a bitch." Kelly curses before showing Binil.
The other Baron flips through the plans then zooms out to check the scales involved.
"You said this was a refueling station! These plans would see it become a fortress!"

The Count acts as though this doesn't change anything.
"We do intend to make sure the station would be able to defend itself should it become a target. It could be upgraded to either a fortress or a more substantial trading station over a period of several decades."

Ull'ek is next to speak gesturing for everyone else to quiet down.
"And the gravity well generator? Are you denying that you intended to place one there?"

"Clearly no point in denying it now. We intended to use it as a defensive measure should relations with the SRL break down again. This is the shortest route to the Centri cluster, a raiding fleet must pass through here. Which is even more likely to happen since you have a pirate base inside the the Run."

Foss and his mercenaries have been careful to play by the rules since establishing that base. Any actual pirates not on their payroll who have tried to trade goods stolen from the Run have been killed and their ships captured.

>Cont.

[ ] Bullshit, this is to fight other Houses / remove your station
[ ] The offer stands, even split of control
[ ] Help House Binil to buy the system
[ ] Help House Trin'qua buy the system

You can tell that some of your options might have more -or less- of a political impact on relations with Nirium than others. Binil is still Nirium's strongest supporter in the Run Alliance. They may be more amenable to selling the system to them in the hopes of making use of it later.

Like Binil, House Trin'qua lacks any systems directly on the Run and would be eager to acquire it. They increasingly don't have the best relations with Nirium and would be all the more grateful to get hold of the system themselves. This would be certain to anger the former Ruling House a great deal.

>>2611326
I honestly have no idea what to do here. On one hand we can now allow this to stand. It's just not possible to allow them to build this fortress right on our border.

On the other hand we really can't afford to get on shit terms with Nirium. But really they are acting like complete douchbags here and seems to almost WANT to provoke a reaction that would sour relations with all of us. Something is strange here.

>>2611324
> [ ] The offer stands, even split of control

Otherwise if they fear that the run is such a danger to the Dominion, maybe it would be more appropriate to get the Ruling House involved in it's defense.

We would much rather have the Run deal with the issue on its own, but if the House Nasidium insists the threat is too great who are we to deny that it requires the intervention of the *Ruling* House.

Honestly if they still can't see that we're going beyond what we are obligated in order to be reasonable with them, we might as well accept that they don't intend to deal honestly with us at any point and chalk diplomatic resolutions up to a total wash.

>>2611326
>[ ] Help House Binil to buy the system

>>2611347
They just aren't really used to not being the ruling house anymore I feel.

They're trying to build up backdoor power, but they are trying to use their position to smother opposition.

So if necessary we will just kick it up to the Ruling House to act in defense of the Dominion as a whole by buying the system out at a reasonable price I'm totally sure and then building an outright fortress in that location.

>>2611217
That's pretty dope.

Space is terrifying.

>>2611324
>pirate base inside the the Run."
What a bigot. They're clearly law-abiding privateers and he should respect their pronouns.

>>2611326
>[ ] Help House Trin'qua buy the system

>>2611324

Actually instead of >>2611359

Quite frankly I wonder if the Count should even be in charge of these negotiations if he's so unaware of the implications. Even if he was honest in his desire only for defending the Run, to refuse to work with us is unacceptable.

We already caught him trying to do this in secret and he's just brushing us off?

Nirium would owe us for the insult alone, much less us being willing to still work with them.

Shared control AND a defined and set term on the fuel price cutting or else we go to the Ruling House with the issue for arbitration asking for complete control of the system to be handed to the Run Alliance as a whole to build a fortress and fueling station in.

There are goddamn limits to shamelessness,and ir should say something when it's someone with our reputation calling them out on this.

>>2611377
>>2611361
Why not have it be officially part of the entire Run Alliance owning it? Make the Alliance a bit more if an official institution [/spoiler]future House of its own while acting in line with Nasidiums own reasoning that it's a matter of more than just local security so they can't argue against it.

>>2611393
I thought about having Binil and Trin'qua share control, but I didn't think that they would agree.
Having the Run Alliance as a whole buy it out might work

>>2611326

>"Clearly no point in denying it now. We intended to use it as a defensive measure should relations with the SRL break down again. This is the shortest route to the Centri cluster, a raiding fleet must pass through here. Which is even more likely to happen since you have a pirate base inside the the Run."

That's a low blow. And a poor excuse. Foss and his group have been doing their best to work within the rules since that base was established. Lets not forget those so called *pirates* have been working with the Dominion in protecting the interests of the Dominion from the Neeran threat. Those so called pirates who are right now out there on the front lines fighting to protect the Dominon. Rather then using this amazing oportunity to raid the Run and all our holdings, while most of our forces are currently deployed elsewhere.

I don't see them building a fortress to apply a strangle hold on the Run. The only ones I see doing that right now is Nirrium. But if they are so concerned about the future safety of the Run. Then they should hand over the system to their currently strongest supporter in our number, Binil.

But I still think it is bullshit that they want to build a fortress there. Right in our front yards.

I am upset with Al'mari Nirrium. I wonder how many more of these stations they have built elsewhere in strategic locations so as to have a strangle hold on key locations against minor houses? Once we're done with this. I want to make sure B'H is aware Nirrium is likely building up fortresses like this in key areas and to be on the look out.

>[ ]Other, either remove the station or sell the system to Binil. Putting the system and station in control of the Run Alliance.

>>2611393
>>2611398
A jointly administered system? There are precedents, but in the Dominion those cases rarely end well. If there is a disagreement it quickly becomes a target. Though split between so many might actually mitigate that somewhat.

Another option would be to buy the system and give the title to a neutral group like the Dominion Knights on the condition that only the Run Alliance together has the rights to a jointly operated base there. Though that's likely to be just as messy.
Ensuring that one House has rights to the system should be the least complicated method.

>>2611437
In that case I say we should get Binil it. They are the closest to Nirium should they should face the lest opposition. Nirium get's their fortress to help protect all of the Dominion from the spooky pirates, just like they wanted. Only they wont command it and use it as a potential staging ground into the Run. Which ofcourse they never would because it is only there in case of pirate raids.

>>2611493
If we're going to offend Nirium then let's go all in.

>[ ] Help House Trin'qua buy the system

If the Run Alliance idea seems too complicated.

Maybe have Trin'qua be the majority owner and the rest of the RA be minority shareholders to divide the costs - and profit.

>>2611527
>>2611326
See here now.

>>2611326
> [ ] Help House Trin'qua buy the system

>>2611527
>>2611563
Re-writing

I was writing it having them make the choice of who to sell it to Trin'qua or Binil.

>>2611571
Sorry to come in late and wreck everything :(

You could go on a lengthy tirade about the abuses of the major Houses but if you did it would probably take all day and ultimately wouldn't change anything.

"I intend to provide monetary aid to House Trin'qua to buy the system. They can choose to remove your station, take ownership of what you've already built or split it's operation among the Run Alliance."

"And if we do not agree to your terms and hand over control of that system?"

You look to your left towards Baron Kadnil who quickly takes over.
"We will blockade the construction site and begin economic escalation against your House in the region. We can begin in as little as 18 hours."

"You are all minor Houses, even yours Viscount. We could break your economy."

"Not without endangering war factories and shipyards vital to the war against the Neeran." You point out.
"The Ruling House has guaranteed the protection of Jerik-Dremine and the Emperor is aware I would not test that protection lightly. Either sell the system or allow things to fall into a trade war. If the Ruling House needs to mediate this problem you won't get any money for that system. They might take it for themselves but at least they would abide by the treaties we have with them."

The Count remains silent for a long while considering options.
"Ownership of the system will be sold at the standard calculated price for for a high value trade lane. No less. We will remove our stations, outposts, sensor and communications relays from the area in question.
Do you intend to chase us off the remaining colony in the Run now that you've ensured it will remain habitable?"

[ ] We're just protecting the Run
[ ] Might as well

>>2611672
>[x] We're just protecting the Run
If you had approached us with this plan, like the Alliance had with their project in the region, we could have worked out terms early and not lead to this escalation.

>>2611672

>[ ] We're just protecting the Run

And what >>2611699 said.

>>2611672
> [ ] We're just protecting the Run

It's a shame that it needs to be protected from another House within the Dominion, but they're the ones who put us in this position.

>>2611672
Can we send recordings of this to make a formal complaint against them as well? Or keep the recordings at least.

>>2611672
>[ ] We're just protecting the Run