>>2720374
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

For House and Dominion! I am going to sleep now edition!

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And a rough of the Crate since I must have deleted the better one.

>>2720402
Crate a cute.

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Unrelated, in my Stellaris: Dominion game every 20 years or so another House researches AI, builds tons of robots then has a machine rebellion. Because none of the AI's running my vassals figure out how to outlaw robots after the first time.

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>>2720415
Also House Bonrah being themselves.

>>2720415
Classic Dominion research effort.

>>2720374

For House and Dominion!

>>2720425
It actually saved my ass against the end game crisis because Vassals will only send their fleets to aid you when officially at war. Ber'helum decided to have an AI rebellion right then so I was able to steamroll the crisis faction with 350k in fleet points.

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In Terran space the gravity well generators have completed orbital corrections for two worlds and are part way through completing some for five more. The Terran civilian government have been wasting no time coordinating with the company and the Guild to plan out a schedule for optimal efficiency. Your people and the guild are frequently having to warn the Terrans about ensuring there is enough of a safety window should anything take longer than planned.

The money you've put into those worlds isn't going to waste. Sealed habitats and arcologies are already being placed on some of them and ships with more than a million refugees have arrived in orbit ofeach. This is not ideal for the terraforming surface crews to do work but they'll have to deal with it.

HTF has managed to secure a number of contracts in Terran space as well as in the Dominion thanks to your lowered costs associated with orbital correction company. At the rate things are going having a third gravity well generator couldn't hurt it any were for sale.

Weather control system demand is rapidly picking up. It's suggested you and your felow shareholders invest in expanding production. That part remains more expensive than usual due to the security safeguards to prevent data theft. They may be marketed and copy protected but that doesn't mean people have stopped trying to steal the secrets.

[ ] 15m meet current demands
[ ] 30m plan for future demands
[ ] 45m Because you can

>>2720487
>[x] 30m plan for future demands
There's more than enough other stuff to spend money on.

>At the rate things are going having a third gravity well generator couldn't hurt it any were for sale.
Let's ask Ber'helum.

>Sealed habitats and arcologies are already being placed on
Maybe we can work in another deal with the former Erid arcology construction company as well?

>>2720487
>[ ] 45m Because you can

>>2720493
>Let's ask Ber'helum.
They tell you to ask again in 2 years.

>Maybe we can work in another deal with the former Erid arcology construction company as well?
Being the primary producer in J-D space I sort of figured they'd mainly be who you buy from. Aside from the bigger arcologies you've purchased from other J-D allies.
Your own infrastructure company isn't set up for deployment to Terran space.

>>2720504
>Being the primary producer in J-D space I sort of figured they'd mainly be who you buy from. Aside from the bigger arcologies you've purchased from other J-D allies.
I meant a bundle deal for the Terrans if they use Sonia's planet moving company.

>They tell you to ask again in 2 years.
Rude.

>>2720511
I'm sure B'H has all orders being filled and taken by the Alliance. Nothing against us. Just they have no opening for the next 2 years, probably.

>>2720487
>[ ] 45m Because you can

>>2720511
>I meant a bundle deal for the Terrans if they use Sonia's planet moving company.
Not sure the Erid guys would be up for that right now as it would mean someone might have to lower their overall prices. It's a good idea that they may be more interested in working on in the future.

>>2720512
This.

>>2720487
>[ ] 45m Because you can

>>2720535
>This.
I can understand that but I still consider it rude after everything Sonia has done and continues to do for that house. Oh, well.

Can we shill the Nexus class to the Norune as their new standard heavy cruiser? They don't have one, at least not on the wiki.

>>2720549
You're right they dont. There is a kind of weird thing that has 3 of their mediums docked together but it's kind of garbage.

They do have a super that's basically a cross between an ACC and the Star Wars Quasar Fire. Armament is only a little bit stronger than the ACC. Haven't gotten to drawing that one up.

>Can we shill the Nexus class to the Norune
You can try. That will mean buying one of them and then getting it to Norune space to show off. Expect to take a hit in terms of profit on the first couple if you really want to get a sale.

>>2720487
> [ ] 45m Because you can

Games Workshop levels of IP protection.

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>>2720605
I mean, if you insist.

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>>2720598
>Expect to take a hit in terms of profit on the first couple if you really want to get a sale.
As long as we get an exclusive contract to provide the spare parts, sure.

The Alliance has released a new Battlecruiser design which they're referring to as a sector patrol craft. The production license is available for purchase by any Faction provided that at least half of the ships produced are sold back to the Alliance. This is apparently part of a longer term effort to prepare occupation forces to hold territory once the invasion into the Neeran Empire begins.

Knight Class light cruisers, specifically the customs patrol modification sold to the PCCG militia, are being looked at to help form the bulk of such an occupation fleet. There are now refit contracts available to modify older stocks of Knight Class ships for this purpose. Shipyards throughout J-D space have some experience at this and are expected to start taking on some of these immediately.

There are some Knights in the Dominion that are protesting this move. Knight Class ships have formed the backbone of the Dominion Light Cruiser forces for centuries. It's only been the last few decades that their lower mobility has started to erode their popularity.
Older Knights especially seem to be worried this will be a final blow to what prestige these ships once had. Many of them are too old to start over commanding the attack cruisers or smaller craft that have swept to prominence in the Dominion's fleets.

Your position on this issue?

>>2720664
>Your position on this issue?
It's understandable but I can't really see how to avoid it. If they have any suggestions aside from just complaining, I'd be happy to hear them. Baron Dante figured out to bring his dream mech to popularity, maybe one of these knights can do the same for their light crusiers?

>Many of them are too old to start over commanding the attack cruisers or smaller craft that have swept to prominence in the Dominion's fleets.
Promote them to battleships or battlecruisers? Practically everybody is expanding their fleets, and these older knights can still provide valuable experience to the fleets. The Knight Class cruiser seems like a pretty big liability against the current neeran lineup, unless there's some super upgrade package floating around.

>>2720664

I cant fault them for not wanting to turn their ships into patrol craft. It still has use as a combat vessel and it's understandable that some smaller houses cannot afford to upgrade or lose such valuable ships. But there will be a time when they need to replace them.

If they are so worried about the Knight class losing its prestige. We could suggest a joint research project to replace the old Knight class with a new fast attack cruiser.

Just wait for transforming battleships to take the stage.

>>2720623
Yes this is exactly the plan.

>>2720694
>>2720664
Progress is cruel.

Is it possible to upgrade their ships to usefulness?

>>2720684
>Promote them to battleships or battlecruisers?
The current Fast Battleships are closest in comparison to the role the Dominion formerly used Knight Class ships for.

Part of the problem is that for the far more traditional Houses even into this century Knight Class ships were given specifically to people once they were Knighted and not before. So part of it is prestige but cost is a factor especially if a Knight doesn't have that much wealth themselves.

>>2720694
>We could suggest a joint research project to replace the old Knight class with a new fast attack cruiser.
The Dragoon and Chevalier were both produced as an intended replacement. The Chevalier and Knight look almost identical to those who are not very familiar with either.

I suppose the Knights could also be given the older Royal Guard cruisers since the Royal Drive Yards haven't produced a new model for the current dynasty. Apparently the Emperor has told them not to bother for now and to focus on more easily produced craft.

>>2720718
>Is it possible to upgrade their ships to usefulness?
They're too heavily armored and lack the engine power to make up for it. Upgrading one to a Chevalier would take longer than it does to build a new ship from scratch.

Support promotion to Fast Battleships? Royal Guard Cruisers? A bit of both?

>>2720751

I say fast battleships. Also I take it the old Knight class suffers from the same issue as the Bittenfield? By the time you get it improved it would be easier to get a new ship right?

>>2720751
Give the modified knight class a different name and designation. The Squire patrol cruiser or something like that. Then rename whichever fast battleship is chose as a replacement to a fancier variant of knight class. I'd suggest letting people pick which one they prefer, like Sonia could when she got to pick between the devourer and that other cruiser.

>>2720751
Man. I don't know.

I guess we can fund uograding them but what do we do with the old ships?

Also I say we have a tournament for upgrading privileges. That way we don't have knights who aren't worth it getting new ships.

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>>2720763
>Also I take it the old Knight class suffers from the same issue as the Bittenfield? By the time you get it improved it would be easier to get a new ship right?
Yes.

>>2720782
>The Squire patrol cruiser or something like that.
This is also a good idea.

>Then rename whichever fast battleship is chose as a replacement to a fancier variant of knight class.
I have been considering naming it the Baron class. Occasional exceptions to the contrary I'm not that great at coming up with names for things.

>>2720783
>I guess we can fund uograding them but what do we do with the old ships?
Refit them into customs ships as planned for the Alliance?

>tournament for upgrading privileges. That way we don't have knights who aren't worth it getting new ships.
MFW

>>2720814
All of this sounds good especially the tournament.

Yes I know I'm the one who suggested it.

We could act as the hosting sponser and offer free customization with a matching Power Armor and crew Powered Armor (or whatever the lower level is called, the one with batteries) set for the winner of the tournament.

>>2720814
Make sure to have the older, more established knights who care so much about continuing that tradition contribute to the funds required for the new ships for people who can't afford them.

>>2720814
>Baron class
Exemplar class?

>>2720831
Battlecruisers and Battleships start at 50 million generally. Dominion Fast Battleships are 65m. I wouldn't recommend paying for all of this yourself.

>>2720847
>>2720864
Also good ideas.

>>2720884
I said for *customizing* it, not paying for the ship itself.

Just a way to have the competition held at Rioja, and to take some of the credit.

Since we're a low-mid tier house as well, we can use that to have Nobles compete to give ships and prizes as such themselves.

>>2720884
> The Kavos class.

You submit a formal request to be relayed up the chain of command that the downgraded Knight Class ships be renamed the Squire class. This to avoid the ignominious fate of having so many Knight class ships acting in a customs capacity. Unsurprisingly this proposal gains traction quickly and is soon adopted by the other members of the Run Alliance. It's not long before other Houses are arguing for or against doing the same.

The idea for a tournament takes a bit longer to get rolling. There will have to be competitions that emphasize more than simple piloting and reaction speeds for the older Knights to stand a chance. Kim soon sends you a list of several Knights that have fallen into the down or out categories but are reluctant to part with their ships. Knights Dayton and Sylvan each know a few people and pass along invitations.

Winifred gets word of the tournament early enough before her fleet's departure from Shallan space that she decides to attend. She has some old Knights in the Surakeh fleet that have been stuck doing little more than garrison or convoy duty for some time now. With some prodding she manages to convince a few people to give up Royal Guard Cruisers captured from pirates over the years that they have no use for. Potential prizes for those who don't quite make it to larger vessels.

Baron Saputo is rumored to be scheduling a visit with a small number of ships to put up as prizes. He'll attempt to bring with him a number of additional Knights from the Home fleet that he feels could benefit.

A classified memo is sent to you from the Count, encouraging the Tournament but warning not to make a mockery of any older Knights who don't make the bar. That would be politically bad for everyone involved.

>>2720992
We should have a tactics competitions as well with guranteed spots for the finalists.

Maybe some of those older knights would be better as Commanders and granted an honorary upgrade anyways as a political move.

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Searches by RSS salvage teams are initially slow going due to the need to avoid unnecessary jumps toward the hazard zone. Linda says that you'll probably have more luck in South Reach where sites are less likely to have been picked over. They do manage to recover debris from a few battle sites. A mix of light cruisers and attack ships, along with two Kavarian battlecruisers and a Rovinar Battleship. Not really impressive or woth sending out the Crate over.

Eventually they mange to locate a wrecked Mega class ship in a House Kadnil section of the Run. While normally salvage laws are quite clear about whoever finds a ship abandoned gets first dibs, you do have treaties among the Run Alliance. Alliance members have agreed to respect ownership of salvage in their zones. They get a cut, everybody gets paid. Normally that's how it works.

A Super heavy cruiser, even one that's been blown into six or seven pieces might result in parties playing things a little different. They may decide to have one of their in House companies conduct the operation. Not that they'd be able to get it done quickly compared to you.

You could make them a good offer, one that would be difficult to turn down, to ensure RSS gets the job.
With the new crew only a few people on the bridge of the Crate actually know whose territory they're in at present. They could salvage the wreck and sneak it out without informing Kadnil.

[ ] Follow the letter of the treaty, they get a cut of its value
[ ] Inform Kadnil of the find
[ ] Inform them, make a good offer for salvage services
[ ] Stealth salvage operation

>>2721023
>>2720992
Maybe give the winner of the strategic competition a command mech if ships are too rare.

>>2721061
> [ ] Inform them, make a good offer for salvage services

Set a precedent for future instances.

>>2721061
>[ ] Inform them, make a good offer for salvage services

>>2721061
>[ ] Inform Kadnil of the find

>>2721061
>[x] Inform them, make a good offer for salvage services

We have been building good relations with the Run Alliance and keeping them strong is important.

>>2721061
[X ] Inform them, make a good offer for salvage services

Contacting Baron Ull'ek Kadnil you inform them that your salvage company has recently been cleared for searches much closer to the nav hazard zone following recent scans and updates. While checking the recently permitted systems they managed to locate a Mega class super that could potential be rebuilt it hauled to the Forbearance yards. Given the importance of this find you felt it best to let them know right away.

"A find of that magnitude could certainly have a profound impact on the status of our House." the Baron replies. "We've never been in a position to salvage one before. Scraps, and debris that had been picked over for decades certainly but not a whole ship. On this side of the Run it's only ever been enough to have new Kilo class medium built at the Avoubic yards every year or two.
Thank you for informing me of this Viscount."

You're not about to let an opportunity like this go to waste. Time to strike while the Iron's hot.
"My salvage company RSS has a new heavy salvage ship that could recover the ship and relocate the remains to a nearby shipyard relatively quickly. Faster than anyone else that's nearby. I want to see what the new ship is capable of so I'm prepared to offer better than average rates."

"I'll have to discuss it with my House first. We'll want to send a team to reconnoiter the wreck first."

"Probably a good idea." you admit. "We're always finding missiles, torpedoes and unexploded ordinance aboard these things. Oh before I forget! Your people should be cleared to go in there in about 3 months unless you want to hire my company's navigators."

Kadnil pauses. "Why would we need to do that?"
"It's really close to the edge of the hazard zone and I have a really experienced navigator working for me. She's one of the reasons we're allowed so close to the edge without the Guild getting upset. Well, more upset than usual, you know what they're like about the Run and FTL travel."

"Yes. Yes of course, that would make a difference. I'll need to talk to my House. I hope to be in contact soon Viscount."

Odds are you've probably got a sale there. Regardless the teams had better make a sweep for any SP warheads that might be left in the area.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>2721261

SP Torp hidden cache?

Rolled 4 (1d12)

>>2721270
More like lots of dead Dagger class corvettes.

And let's see how many Republic plasma cannons are found.

>>2721261
Haha time for phone rolling!

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>2721322
Let's try this again. Fucking context sensitive functions..

Where destroyed Kavarian supers are present there tend to be one of three things, signs of Veckron weapon usage, Terran ships carrying SP torpedoes, or Republic Centurions. If you find all three and an intact Super wreck then something is wrong. 74 SP torpedoes are pulled from the burned out shells of several Dagger class corvettes. It looks like their allies managed to fire off enough torps to break this ship's back.

A few Centurions were also present but none were intact enough that the salvage teams consider them worth rebuilding. Their main guns however, those are worth the effort.

With the recovery of 4 republic plasma cannons the trip has largely paid for itself. SP weapons are too valuable to sell right now but the cannons are another story. Though older weapons they're still better than the equivalent Dominion built versions. With modern parts it would take little effort to tune them to higher levels of capability.

What do you want done with the plasma cannons?

[ ] Sell for max profit
[ ] Sell to Rioja fleet
[ ] Refit them, equip to the Crate

>>2721398
>[ ] Sell to Rioja fleet

>>2721398
[ ] Sell to Home Fleet
max political gains

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I should rename this file "indecipherable spiderweb" or something. Here's the first rough of the Neeran Empire. For the moment light green/grey are the upper relay network and dark green/grey the lower.
Orange are parts of the Empire's relay network that won't be directly targeted or used by the Alliance during the invasion. Largely because of uprisings among the Neeran Client states or other enemies.
Cyan are wormhole gate connections.
I'll probably change the colours to something else, like the dark blue I normally use. I needed colours that stood out more when figuring everything out.

Found out this morning that I put Shallan space too far away from the Pandora Cluster. That's screwed up the scale in relation to everything on my old maps. Not that they were terribly helpful anyways since all my maps of Neeran space predated the Nav Relay system.

Also I found old maps and will be expanding the Factions relay network appropriately.

>>2720894
Wouldn't it have to come with a built in assistant that warned when you were doing something really stupid?

Working tomorrow AM so resuming tomorrow afternoon!

>>2721398
>[ ] Refit them, equip to the Crate
Crate needs to be able to defend itself after all

>>2721398
>[ ] Refit them, equip to the Crate

>>2721398
>[ ] Refit them, equip to the Crate

>>2720992
I would like to ask the fa if they would let us buy a single fast battleship of theirs as a special prize for the tournament. I know they're usually not supposed to be sold outside alliance service but Sonia isn't exactly a usual customer. Btw. did she get promoted for the sphere expedition?

>>2721943
Isnt Alliance ranks för dominion straff dependant on fleet size? In which case i would be more intetested in higher security clearance. Right now we have ultraviolet i think.

>>2721398
>[x] Refit them, equip to the Crate

Can always be sold at a later date if need be.

>>2721398
>[ ] Sell to Rioja fleet

>>2721943
>I would like to ask the fa if they would let us buy a single fast battleship of theirs as a special prize for the tournament.
The ones that requires parts and weapons produced by each of the Factions? Might be possible depending on the version model I guess but you'd need to get some of the equipment from the other Factions themselves. Certain things they're not allowed to resell.

>Btw. did she get promoted for the sphere expedition?
Not really? Dominion rank was already a Viscount so not much a special operation is going to do there.

Alliance active rank of (2 star?) General. Non-combat/reserve rank of Wing Commander.
You were not leading large scale fleets or in command of the overall intelligence operations the Suvorov was conducting. You couldn't be as you were acting as a field operative. A promotion wouldn't really apply.

>>2721953
>In which case i would be more intetested in higher security clearance. Right now we have ultraviolet i think.
Ultraviolet security clearance projects are all compartmentalized. Ideally someone with clearance on one project shouldn't have access to others. As you frequently act as a field operative you are blocked from acquiring X-ray level clearance.

>>2722026
>Might be possible depending on the version model I guess but you'd need to get some of the equipment from the other Factions themselves.
We should definitely ask the various factions for permission. Worst case they'll just refuse.

>>2722141
It's 70 million without weapons. You could sell the recently salvaged Rovinar Battleship to the Federation for credit with their store. That should get you the guns needed for the A model.
If you want the C model you'll need to figure out how to source the medium plasma cannon yourself. Probably the black market, but they're going to be in high demand right now because of the recent fighting. Probably will go down in price in a few months as wreckage is salvaged and hits the market.

There is a newer bow section (D model) that has LD plasma cannon turrets.

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>>2722424
Buy the baseline model and let the knight who wins it pick a setup?

>If you want the C model you'll need to figure out how to source the medium plasma cannon yourself.
We could try to trade it for some of their super expensive fighters we're building?

>>2720992
>A classified memo is sent to you from the Count, encouraging the Tournament but warning not to make a mockery of any older Knights who don't make the bar.
Awww, we could have made a killing by selling it to channels across the universe as Baron's Castle.

>>2722424
[x]D model

>>2722424
Then let's go with the D model I'd say. Dominion best stuff

>>2722489
Wow. I have not seen that show in a very long time.

>We could try to trade it for some of their super expensive fighters we're building?
That would be like trying to trade F-35's to the United States for navy railguns.
You only bought a short run production license of 72 fighters so you won't have enough for such a trade to be considered. What would be more tempting would be high end stasis shields for those fighters, which is something the Republic itself are not producing in high enough numbers or quality to meet demand.

This would still be an expensive trade, but it's unlikely you'd be able to acquire top tier medium guns elsewhere.

>Buy the baseline model and let the knight who wins it pick a setup?
That could work too.

>>2722508
>>2722529
I don't know about best but if would certainly simplify things.

>>2722536
>I don't know about best but if would certainly simplify things.
That's why I voted for it.

Presumably, the LD Cannons would have come from Rioja or some other Dominion world.

>>2722536
Good thing we only bought a run of 72 in that case.

>This would still be an expensive trade, but it's unlikely you'd be able to acquire top tier medium guns elsewhere.
Did Sonia ever get the republic plasma guns she managed to organize during the civil war back from Winifred?

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Knight Commander Auan Harc'ec Nel'odym and his fleet arrive at Dreminth and are honored for their actions fighting the Neeran, as are the other two Knight Commanders. Nel'odym, Jehtot Kharbos and Fuuar Nilium have each proven themselves in the eyes of Count Jerik and are promoted to Baron. With the addition of 3 Barons to the House, Jerik-Dremine should soon approach the sort of strength that would usually be expected for a House of your standing and position.

Nel'odym will return to Rioja soon to relinquish command of the forces borrowed from you and Baron Avun. It's expected that some of the new Knights will compete in the upcoming tournament, even if only to ensure they share the wealth so to speak with the older Knights.

Salvage acquired during the fighting have ensured investments in the fleet are paid off. It should also assist in establishing the Magdalena fleet. You and Avun have each picked up 500 million from the new Baron.

One of the main guns from the Executioner that the fleet defeated was taken as salvage. Nel'odym wishes to discuss options for it with you once they get back.

You're rather surprised that Jehtot Kharbos is now a Baron. At one time the newest and most inexperienced pilot in your squadron, your people nicknamed him rookie. He's worked for years to help new members at the fleet club, better preparing them for the challenges of dealing with House nobility. Apparently that's paid off if he was able to rally enough political and financial support to lead a full fleet.
Good for him.

Nel'odym and his fleet arrive in the Relay only hours ahead of Winifred and her forces. Unable to resist the opportunity the older Baron jumps into orbit around Rioja with the Forbearance fleet. It's been awhile since the people here have seen both Forbearance and the Sam Bellamy in orbit at the same time. It certainly causes quite the stir.

>Big parade for the new Baron and the returning fleets?

>>2722604
Helll yeah, just like the ones that used to receive us on Dreminth.

>>2722604
Aww yeah. Time for some good ol fashion nationalism. Have all news channels and the like show it everywhere on Rioja. Time to welcome back the heroes who kicked the Neerans out of Faction space.

>>2722604

>Big parade for the new Baron and the returning fleets?

Yes

>>2722604
>>Big parade for the new Baron and the returning fleets?
Of course!

>>2722604
>>Big parade for the new Baron and the returning fleets?
Definitly

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Returning alive with most of the fleet intact is generally in the good enough category for you. Getting a promotion to baron? That deserves going all out. Almost as big as your return to Rioja following the wedding. Hopefully the nobles on Magdalena don't see this as an attempt to one up them. You make sure Fadila ensures that isn't the case and they're of course invited for the festivities.

Baron Nel'odym along with the Knights and officers from the local fleets are the first to arrive. Winifred and a few of her Knights accompany the officers from the Forbearance fleet down shortly after the other groups. The populace is certainly glad so many made it back safe and sound this time. You are, and you make sure to say as much.

"A few more fights like that and maybe we'll get the Neeran to sue for peace." you tell him once they've arrived at the capital arcology.

The new Baron thanks you, the people of Rioja and Jerik-Dremine for their support.
"I hope that I and the people of Magdalena will be able to show our gratitude by repaying your support in kind."
People seem glad to hear that too.

The throngs of well-wishers begin to disperse once the crews are granted leave. Nel'odym of course needs to spend several hours talking to the many dignitaries present along with the other nobles from his homeworld that are here. It certainly leaves him quite busy.

"I have to say I liked Forbearance's performance." Winifred informs you. "All those years helping to supply its reconstruction and only now have I had a chance to properly command it."
"It's nice right?"
"Yes. The more powerful engines saved that ship more times than I can count. Internally it's still a bit of a wreck but it certainly shows the potential of the faster ships. I honestly wasn't certain I should support the Sovereign design."

That statement leaves you speechless.
"Oh do pick up your jaw, it shouldn't be a surprise that people might be reluctant about every wild new idea you came up with."

Can't fault her there really. Now that she's been able to command Forbearance in a full fleet action she'd be more willing to support acquiring a Sovereign class ship. It doesn't seem like that will happen soon, but it might happen eventually. Especially if options to replace Forbearance itself come up again.
"What about the fuel problems?"
"There are similarities with problems faced when automatic weapons were invented. Ammunition shortages. It's no different with the Sovereign in my opinion. Commanders just need to be trained to better ration their fuel and only use their greater acceleration and maneuverability sparingly."

That is one way to go about it.

>>2722604
>One of the main guns from the Executioner that the fleet defeated was taken as salvage.
Would the Plasma Moon benefit from having another item to study?

>>2722736
>Would the Plasma Moon benefit from having another item to study?
Potentially, though Helios would probably get more out of it than your local R&D on its own.

A few days later once the partying has died down and Forbearance is back at the shipyards things start to resume to a semblance of normality. Not that it's going to last as the tournament is about to start!

As encouraged this is treated largely as a charity tournament by the more the more established and financially successful Knights. You doubt anyone is going to throw a match but they're certainly not taking it as seriously if they lose. Many are donating prizes and older ships. These may not always be ideal but some could be upgraded and others sold off to raise money to purchase battleships.

Always on the lookout for a potential sales venue, reps from various shipyards and manufacturers have turned out. Knight Kim is here promoting the South Reach Fast Battleships use by the House for most of its cloaked warship operations. More recently upgraded models have borrowed parts from the Kavarians newer battleships giving them more firepower and tougher shields. With the cloak removed they're a good match up against the newer Dominion designs.

Many of the older Knights that have been encouraged to attend are reluctant to give up their prized old Knight class ships. Fortunately enough old fogies are there for the chance to win a ship they won't have to pay for themselves. They help convince some of their less enthusiastic compatriots to at least try out the Battleships. If they can show up the yearling's that have only just been Knighted so much the better.

After the first two days some of the younger Knights have been very much surprised by just how competitive some of the older generations can be. Not everyone is faring so well of course but enough are to be encouraging. It seems that many of them could do quite well if promoted to the Battleship units.

With things now progressing well a few additional donations come in from Nobles throughout the House. Included among them are 8 Athena class battleships. Aries leading Battleship design, they remain quite powerful thanks to their upgrade options. Almost as powerful as the reminder they act as to Aries involvement in starting the Civil War.

[ ] Refuse to accept them as prizes in the tournament
[ ] Sell them to pay for other Battleships
[ ] Beggars can't be choosers

>>2722842

>[ ] Sell them to pay for other Battleships

I say sell them. This is an opportunity to possibly foster unity between old and new knights. No need to remind people of the civil war. Or let others think that the owners might turn on the house. Use that money to get other Battleships.

>>2722842
>Aries leading Battleship design, they remain quite powerful thanks to their upgrade options.
With the right module setup, these ships can outgun older medium cruisers such as the Eminence I, the Norune medium, and probably the Lance too.

>>2722842
>Almost as powerful as the reminder they act as to Aries involvement in starting the Civil War.
Eh, we're also using plenty of Kavarian designs and they did the whole Union thing.

>[ ] Beggars can't be choosers
It's the most expensive battleship on the market. If any of the winners are upset about getting one, we can generously offer to exchange it for a Deci.

>>2722842
>[ ] Sell them to pay for other Battleships

>>2722842
>[X] Beggars can't be choosers
If the option to sell them wins, I would like to suggest buying them directly for Rioja's fleet. Sonia had two of them in her command squad, and they performed very well.

>>2722885
>Sonia had two of them in her command squad, and they performed very well.
Did they get destroyed in the Civil War? I can't recall.

>>2722842
>[ ] Sell them to pay for other Battleships

What asshole did this? What a white elephant of a gift.

>>2722911
The last time the command squad was mentioned was in post 1824726, with several of the battleships escorting the quattro and devourer being destroyed while fighting around the dominion home world. One fast battleship was cut in half, and one athena had its engine section destroyed. That's what I could find while skimming the archives.

[ ] Beggars can't be choosers
No need to irritate the other nobles. We're doing this to build support, not earn enemies.

>>2722860
>and they did the whole Union thing.
400 years ago. Not quite as recent a memory despite the frequent reminders from the Faction Wars. Aside from the Alliance Sleepers most people have grown up with things like nav hazards being there their entire lives. It's normal to them.
Just as many people blame the Terrans.

Given the potential political impact of handing out Aries ships you decide it might be best to sell them to pay for other Battleships. Maybe Rioja's fleet can pick up a couple of them? Who knows. Giving out ships to J-D Knights you'd prefer them to be those the House or Dominion produces.

Into the third and fourth days of the tournament the younger knights still competing are turning a bit more serious. Some to be losing their grip on the point of this competition. This is only reinforced when you get word a few of the more connected youngsters have called in help from friends of theirs.

"What sort of help?" you ask Vanderwal.
"A few professionals that deal in ship to ship duels. I believe you may have met one of them before."
"Oh no. Don't tell, me."

Windsor. The bastard was already on his way here along with a few friends. By the sounds of it they intend to try and upset the balance of the competition. You know Windsor to be a hell of a pilot but enough elements of the tournament are balanced to favour strategy and tactics over reflexes and skill that he might not do as well as he hopes. On the other hand he's going in with the intention to be unsporting.

[ ] Ban them
[ ] Allow them in
[ ] Allow them in but rig their events
[ ] Other?

>>2722957
>[x] Allow them in
I'm almost enjoying the chaos this would cause. Let their opponents know, so they can prepare. People are treating this like a donation event, but if we held this every few years as a proper tournament and encourage healthy rivalry, it could become something really big.

>>2722957
>[ ] Other?
Set up a separate prize pool for late comers.

>>2722957
>Giving out ships to J-D Knights you'd prefer them to be those the House or Dominion produces.
I think our house still has a shipyard that produces Athenas in Erid space.

>>2722957
Can we change his matches to "protect your wingmate" competitions? Or does that just count as straight up rigging?

>>2722986
That might count as rigging yes.

>>2722957

Step 1. Leak the fact that Windsor and the other professionals are on the way (local new Rioja exclusive!).

Step 2. Announce a separate professionals only (must be ranked duelists) tournament with a much smaller, but much more lucrative prize pool. Clearly state that any pilots participating in the general duel are banned from participation in the professionals event.

Step 3. Get the pundits speculating on which of the now leaked professionals en route are most likely to be contenders for the exclusive (very prestigious) event, and which are simply not good enough to be competitive (much shade thrown at those expected to enter the general competition).

Step 4. Recruite whatever rivals Winsor has and hates to enter the professionals tournament, and announce them as he and his crew arrive.

Step 5. Retain the exclusive rights to broadcast the professionals tournament (this is a professional sporting event after all) across our house and the run alliance, sell the external rights to other allied houses.

Step 6. Contact the professionals and mention they will get a cut of the merchandizing for the event for the use of their images etc.

Step 7. Profit on presages.

Step 8. Hold event and profit on pay-per-view sales, tickets and merchandizing sales.

Step 9. Post event merchandice and event holo copy sales.

Step 10. Found legitimate professional ship dueling league, IF the event's success is sufficient and we can find interested partners to help with capital and distribution.

Step 11. Re-evaluate likelihood of the sports league's success and actually come up with a name.

.
.
.

Step 20. Send Windsor a thank you card?

>>2723002

>presage

Step 7 should be "profit on pre-sales and media coverage frenzy."

>>2722997
It would be funny though. More seriously, ban them or set up a separate prize pool for them.

>>2723038
>>2723002
>>2722965
Looks like a separate prize or event for professional duelists will be held. This being a charity tournament it will of course have an entry fee to cover the final prize.

Any changes?

>>2723058

Contact Windsor's crew and the younger pilots that contacted them, reminding them that this is a charity event meant to uplift the House. If they plan on bringing bad sportsmanship to the comptetition they will get their shit rocked for it. This is our planet - we don't have to tolerate instigators or troublemakers.

Any serious mishaps and they get the boot, no refund of their donated ships.

I kinda like Windsor but if he thinks he runs anything in this neck of the woods he's wrong.

>>2723065
Any support for this? Closing in 15 min.

>>2723058
Nah

>>2723065
>>2723067
I will support this

Also, fuck Windsor, there's a reason he is in the position he is in and not leading J-D elements against the Neeran and the Dominions enemies. Those new knights need to learn this.

>>2723067

I'd prefer a slightly more practical than belligerent/aggressive tone, but agree that they cannot think they have any leeway to skirt the rules with impunity.

On a side note, does Rioja have any local sports/sports entertainment leagues?

>>2723067
Yeah.

But like friendly mob style warning that this is for the good of the House and if he wants to start throwing his weight around we'll throw right back.

He DOES know about our recent wedding and our massive private army, yes?

>>2723067
Alternatively contact the people bringing him in and let them know that doing so will bump them to the bottom of every list out there for "deserving newer ships" later on.

>>2723078
How reasonable would it be to spite over-bid on anything he tries to purchase ever again so he can't buy nice stuff ever.

>>2723093

I think that would deplete our coffers faster then he is worth. But it's a nice thought to make all the nice things he wants, so absurdly overpriced he cannot afford shit. Until he shapes up into a proper knight and not the ass hole he has shown himself to be.

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>>2723081
>does Rioja have any local sports/sports entertainment leagues?
Probably? It has more people now than a lot of countries on earth. Not a tremendous sporting enthusiast so I haven't put in much time to developing such things. I mean soccer is okay and repulsor skating in the style of jet set radio future is most definitely a thing.

>>2723088
This could be considered rigging. If they wren't already failing out of the tournament that is.

>>2723081
>slightly more practical than belligerent/aggressive tone
>>2723084
>friendly mob style warning
Writing.

>>2723112
Remember when we were an assassin? Good times.

>>2723119

Best of times

>>2723105
I'd imagine that we've only had to arrest 3 heads of the local FIFA for blatant corruption.

>>2723119
Just think, if we hadn't married Troy, we probably would have ended up just killing our political rivals.

With professionals on the way you quickly get to work ensuring there is a separate venue for established duelists. Sure some of the already participating Knights might actually fall into that category, but they haven't been a problem. Windsor and people like him will be.

Once the separate event is established you do make a point of informing Saputo and Winifred. They'll look for a few people to act as legitimate competition for the incoming Knights and nobles. At least this way they can't say you're just restricting them to fight among themselves.


That now taken care of you contact Windsor yourself to let them know that they've been accepted into the duelist division of the tournament.

"Duelist division? This is the first we've heard of that."

"This is a charity event meant to uplift the House mister Windsor. We can't have professionals of your standing battling among the rank and file can we? That could result in negative publicity for the entire event. I trust you'll have your entry fee ready?"

"What entry fee?"
"The tournament entry fee? To contribute to some of the prizes to be awarded? There are conditions that allow the fee to be waved but I'm not sure they would apply to you."
"Alright Reynard, what are they?"
"That's Viscount Reynard to you mister Windsor. Unless you've suddenly been elevated in rank without my knowledge. I'm contacting you as a matter of official business of the House, not because of any familiarity in the past. Is that understood?"

To his credit Windsor doesn't respond with sarcasm, apparently having been drilled long enough not to outright disrespect the high nobility to their face.
"Very well Viscount Reynard. How do I get the fee waived?"
"It's made available to those with twenty five years service in House Jerik-Dremine."

"What kind of a rule is that?"
"As I said, this is a charity event. It's being held to benefit the House. I hope you'll show good sportsmanship out there. Now if you'll excuse me there are other Knights and nobles on the way that need to be informed."

The Count warned that making a mockery of the older Knights would be a bad idea, he didn't say anything about the nobles and pilots of the slightly newer generations. Media coverage of the main tournament is taking place but is very controlled to ensure the media doesn't turn it into a circus or treat any of those who fail out badly. It's also delayed coverage allowing plenty of time to edit things out if they do come up.

Allow live broadcasts of the duelists division?

>>2723210

Continue with delayed, in case there is some how sabotage happening in the middle of the duels. We have time to stop the duel and prevent the populace from seeing any political infighting among the knights and nobles. Such as someone "accidentally" firing live ammunition and actually damaging their opponent.

>>2723210
The same delay as in the main tournament.

>>2723210

Same delay, but ask due lists if they would like to participate in a documentary series on the tournament. Try to get interviews and pull together background info on the participants, and maybe embed documentary teams to cover 3 or 4 willing crews.

Deciding to play it safe you keep the general broadcast rules the same for the duelist tournament, though you discuss changing it it paid viewing only. For now the whole tournament thing hasn't picked up enough for the networks to consider it, but they might do so if there are future events.

"What do you mean it hasn't picked up? There are tons of Knights involved."
"That doesn't mean it's automatically going to bring in viewership. A substantial amount of the population don't want to see anything that could be construed as part of the war effort. They see it enough every day."

Oh. That you hadn't considered.

"Also many of the Terran community see it as reckless spending."

Mutinous no good seditionist bastards all of them!

"I'll have to give that proper consideration for future events. Perhaps they could be marketed to the ultra high paying viewership?"
"Wouldn't that be a really exclusive group?"
"Yes and they'll pay for it because of that."
You can see the light realisation turn on in their head as they catch on.
"Right! We'll have our people take a look at appropriate advertising campaigns."
"Good."

Predictably the duelist division tournament is a far more competitive event than the regular division. It's a good thing they're being kept separate because this is much harder fought. Initial engagements would seem to favour the younger commanders, going all out to finish things quickly. The older more experienced duelists, having spent days learning the ships and been given warning of their competition are far too cagey.

That doesn't mean Windsor and the others have their asses handed to them, far from it. They're too good and have encountered too much piloting corvettes and attack cruisers to simply be push overs. These aren't corvettes they're piloting. The opponents they're facing are hardly as one sided as they might have come in expecting but the best of them quickly begin to adapt. Half of the newly arrived professionals are forced to drop out within a day or two.

A further hit against Windsor and his kind are that most of them have never commanded units larger than a squadron. Even the most inexperienced of the old guard Knights have done at least that over the years. All of them are struggling to handle the larger problems they're faced with that they can usually avoid or punch through with more engine power or mobility. It must be terrible for them.

"What are you laughing about?" Troy asks.

[ ] Oh nothing
[ ] Teaching people to fight battles they can win
[ ] Deriving pleasure from someone else's misfortune

>>2723355

"A bit of schadenfreude, but also the lesson being given."

>>2723366
>>2723355
This.

>>2723366
>>2723268
This. Also the local head of the young knights club should take the people who invited Windsor aside to explain to them how they fucked up. Stopping young knights from stepping in political minefields like that is why we founded the club after all.

"You know what Schadenfreude is? A bit of that, but also a lesson being given."

"Wait, what word was that?"

"Schadenfreude? Deriving pleasure from someone else's misfortune?"
"Oh that. My family must use a slightly different word."
"What word is that?"

Troy seems to get very distant for a second before snapping out of it.
"You don't want to know. Have fun with the tournament. I need to finish a few things for the final additions to the manor before it's officially done."
"You're still not done?"
"No, your ideas just took a little bit longer to complete that's all."

Getting that escape tunnel and landing bay drilled without alerting everyone on the planet probably couldn't have been easy. You wish him well.

The next day you have to see to awarding prizes to the various Knights, though the other visiting Barons take turns as well with those from their fleets. A few of the younger Knights progressed farther in the tournament then you might have expected or really wanted. Some of them are genuinely stuck for cash so it's just as well they had this opportunity really.

Many of the older Knights manage to pick up battleships or the few Guard Cruisers that were made available. Not everyone among the intended recipients fared so well but overall the tournament is treated as a success.

Quite a few of the Knights who now have a Battleship are more willing to part with their old ships which are purchased for conversion. Some still hang onto theirs, intending to preserve them. It seems that the House will part with enough of the old Knight class ships to meet recently suggested guidelines.

The duelist division tournament remains on for another day or two before winding down. Windsor and most of the others that came with him have lost money on this venture. One of his people came in the top three however earning rights to a battleship and the genuine admiration of the older Knights. Although a member of the exclusive test pilots team, they're not a Knight. In recognition of their skill and dedication a Knight Lieutenant offers to take them on and ensure that they stand a chance at being Knighted themselves one day.

It seem the test pilots have lost one of their more promising members.

Resuming tomorrow.

>>2723473
We should make a show of honouring that one dude as exemplary of the meritocratic values of the Dominion, pointing out our own rise from the middle class, and offer them an honorary membership in our lodge with the up and coming knights.

>>2723473
>The duelist division tournament remains on for another day or two before winding down. Windsor and most of the others that came with him have lost money on this venture. One of his people came in the top three however earning rights to a battleship and the genuine admiration of the older Knights. Although a member of the exclusive test pilots team, they're not a Knight. In recognition of their skill and dedication a Knight Lieutenant offers to take them on and ensure that they stand a chance at being Knighted themselves one day.

This sounds like a win for us and for House J-D. I will be impressed if this pilot ends up surpassing even Windsor. Actually, there is a very likely chance they WILL surpass Windsor, so long as they can prove they are a better leader than him. I wish them the best of luck, in proving himself worthy of knight hood. With hopes that he surpasses Windsor, proving that being a hot headed pilot can only get you so far.

Can we get their name please? As well as their sponsor. Just so we can have a name to the face of Windsor's possible future successor. At least, that is what I am hoping will become of them. Get the so called "professionals" an actual capable leader who can do what Windsor does, but is also capable of leading a wing of hot heads. Maybe there might be some hope of putting Windsor and his lot to use beyond training units and showing pilots what can potentially be done. I'm probably getting my hopes up to high, but I can dream.

>>2723492
>>2723473
Yes, let's do this.

First of all it will alleviate concerns that we weren't impartial about Windsors group and make us look like we're impartial.

Second it will really twist the Terrans tits that someone is being rewarded for performance and not "inclusion".

Maybe we can even make a shout out to the Terrans and state that we'd love to see some immigrants try their hand participating because the Dominion always recognizes and rewards talent and hard work, two qualities that have come to be expected of our citizens to aspire to.

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>>2723058
>Vote for low key solution that should handle the problem without upsetting anybody too much
>Receive this

>>2723817
This was the best part and you know it.

>>2723817
The problems of trying to stitch together the widely disparate wants of multiple anons.

Most Knights with lots of spare cash came to the tournament with the intention of losing some money knowing it would go to support less fortunate Knights. Windsor attended with the intention of winning money. He did not. His problem for having unrealistic expectations about the tournament.

Some of his companions are far more gracious in defeat, making statements to the media about it being for a good cause.

>>2723515
>Can we get their name please? As well as their sponsor.
Lieutenant A'raim Dynel [Dro'all Male] was taken on by the test team at Gesaur a few years ago and has steadily improved since then.

Knight Lt Gadisa Idowu [Human Male] is a 60 year old House Veteran who has long served with the Home fleet. While far from destitute he has stuck with his Knight Class ship until now out of familiarity and preference. Because of this he was frequently stuck on convoy escort during the civil war, or assigned to supporting the heavy cruisers and carriers.
Just because he preferred the Knight class doesn't mean he hasn't commanded other ships. He has war gamed in command of fast battleships in the past. At some point he took up ship duelling.

He was invited to the tournament by Baron Saputo.

A'raim is sent a card inviting them to the fleet club encouraging them to become a member should they make it to the rank of Knight. They're free to stop by and talk to a few people for pointers.

>>2723492
>>2723638
You make sure that all of the winners from the tournament get their moment to shine, often with replays of some of their accomplishments. (Though in a few cases they require time lapse because they were not quick matches.) A'raim does get some praise for being one of the youngest and least experienced present. Certainly the youngest that hadn't previously been Knighted. Hopefully their career will take off from here.

RSS has picked up a few refit jobs converting Knight class ships into Squire class customs vessels. While you were busy with the tournament the Crate also received a visit from a House Kadnil representative. They paid the Guild to transport an inspector to the site verify the state of the wreck since they were unable to get clearance for one of their own navigators to fly there. You did warn them.

While the inspector was by all reports a bit of an asshole they did verify all of the RSS claims. House Kadnil agrees to RSS beginning immediate salvage operations and apologizes if their inspector may have been a bit... overzealous?

RSS has used the down time while waiting to good effect. Their engineers have already scoured the worst of the wreckage for anything dangerous, clearing out warheads, starfighters and shuttles. A few stasis pods with Kavarians still in them are set to be transferred to the Kavarian Imperium. Hopefully that goes well.

Depsite reluctance among the crews a number of the structural frames that survived intact have to be cut in order to allow salvage of larger hull sections. A few people have see repair operations at the Forbearance yards and are worried it might impact long term repairs. Fortunately the technicians at the yards have learned a great deal since they initially rebuilt Forbearance. They can easily fix or replace the necessary parts now.

Thanks to the Crates greater capacity they're able to load and transport cut down sections much more easily than the old Anchorage. Ultimately they only need 3 trips to move all of the hull sections to the Yards, though the captain thinks it could have been done in 2. Three trips is more than sufficient and allows them time to salvage smaller craft that are on site without straining capacity.

There are still ship fragments left over but mostly minor things. A salvage tractor unit is dropped that should draw in small debris over time keeping them in a stable orbit. With so many of the old graveyards having been cleared out RSS has managed to pick up a few for their own use.

After completing their haul the Crate spends a week and a half undergoing a short refit at Rioja. This adds 4 plasma cannons they recovered in turrets and upgrades the guns as much as possible. In combination with her 8 built in torpedo batteries this should certainly make anyone think twice before menacing the ship.

Did you want to further upgrade their weapons or defensive systems?


Those bastards in eve online stole my idea for the mobile tractor unit! Didn't realise it until just now. I created those and featured them in the Smuggler's Run campaign predating the MTU by 2 years.

>>2724199
Sue! Sue! Sue!

>Did you want to further upgrade their weapons or defensive systems?
Not at this time. The Crate is not going to the front any time soon so there is no real need to make it extra killy or anything. The armament it has right now should ensure that only those who are able to field Heavies of their own would try to take that. And if such is the case then the House would be at war.

>>2724199
>Did you want to further upgrade their weapons or defensive systems?

Not unless we intend to send them to the front. Maybe if we send them to where the most recent fighting was during the last Neeran incursion. They might need it, but I don't think we're sending them out there just yet, are we?

>>2724199
>Did you want to further upgrade their weapons or defensive systems?
Maybe when we're going to start using it in less than friendly territory? I'd still like to upgrade it's shields to the latest models if it doesn't already have them.

>>2724320
It has good ships. As always there is room for improvement.

Following the refit the Crate returns to duty searching the Run for new salvage sites. You don't expect them to haul back a Super every time they go out, but it would be nice.

With refit programs underway for the Squire you go back to looking at the sector patrol craft. They're fine customs ships. Fast enough to overtake all by the quickest blockade runners, also allowing them to quickly retreat if an actual battleship shows up. While no match for dedicated warships it still has enough firepower to give a Marauder pause.

Did you want to get a production license and set up a shipyard to sell them to the Alliance? Possibly partner up with one of the Barons on such a project? Or not bother at this time?

>>2724327
I could consider getting a dedicated shipyard if we could get a Alliance contract to ensure we can profit from it. Could also help to pad out the local JD fleets garrison and customs fleet in the Relay.

>>2724327
Sure, see if any of the Barons want to go in with us on the project. Get paid and have another joint venture with any ally to ensure their continued support.

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>>2724348
The Alliance has asked that they be allowed to purchase half of what is produced with the PL. So definitely some sales there. The question is, will you be able to sell enough of the rest? It's fine if you plan to make use of some yourself for customs duties.

>>2724327
Partner with Nel'odym? Just like all the recent Baron appointments I bet he needs some investment and source of cash.

Additionally I think it might be time to consider the post-war state. I can't see there being a massive demand for ships like what exists now, so we should probably be careful not to bankrupt ourself by trying to keep too many expensive shipyards running.

>>2724363
Check in with our contacts and associates with in the House and with in the Relay. See what the mood is for potential sales of the craft among them.

That aside, we should probably avoid many more shipyards. Market is saturated enough as it is and we are more than enough covering our needs. Especially considering the Neeran war and it's potential ending.

>>2724361
>>2724365
>Partner with Nel'odym?
The new Baron does want to establish more production at Magdalena. Constructing patrol craft there means it wouldn't be as great a loss if the planet were temporarily captured by an enemy House. Something he has to consider since the Run's defenses would be better expected to hold off most enemies. Mind you the big invasion by House Nasidum and its allies largely ignored Magdalena to focus on capturing the Run's more established yards.

>>2724392
There are some in the House that might want to purchase a few. They've only seen their capability on paper so most are reluctant.

>>2724392

I figured we would sell the excess yards to larger allied houses like Ceres or B'H after the war. Maybe sell the heavy yard to Ceres and keep a few of the medium yards and the rest to be sold to allies in the run.

>>2724406
>There are some in the House that might want to purchase a few
If we can only guarantee the sales of 50% of the produced goods I do not see it as being in our interested to make these ships. At lest not at this point in time. Perhaps if it should pick up in popularity should we consider investing in it.

>>2724409
I figured we could switch over to civilian production instead. Transports, mining ships, construction and station modules should be booming after the war is over Especially if we can get some more worlds up and running.

>>2724409
>Maybe sell the heavy yard to Ceres
Or produce ships like the Crate yourself.

Two for it and one against. Would prefer if there were additional votes one way or another to make things a bit less close.

At any rate Baron Nel'odym is moving ahead with plans to expand Magdalena's orbital industries. He hasn't specifically decided on producing Alliance patrol ships at this time.

The other Barons have returned to their respective worlds along with their fleets and Knights in tow. Count Jerik is glad that the tournament was a success and that the older generation of Knights have proven, to themselves at the very least, that they can still contribute.

Refits for the Squire turn out to be less of a downgrade than you thought they would be. The Alliance has taken production data from Assault Corvettes and the Terran Polaris class to allow the ships to operate with far less crew. Some Houses are looking at this data as part of a life extension upgrade for the Knight class ships that wont be sold to the Alliance.

The Helios-Veritas phase weapon research program is now officially in operation. The smaller House has the advanced weapon and system data they wanted while their cannon tech is now in the hands of House Helios and others included in the program. This should lead to an overall increase in phase weapon damage available in upgrades early next year. Phase weapon based siege cannons should also be brought closer into line with their competitors.

It seems a few of your bribes may have made it through to some of the Veritas politicians. At least one has suggested development of a superweapon to counter the latest Neeran designs. The Helios ambassador has quietly informed you that they're now looking for financial backers that might contribute to the project.

>Contribute money? Y/N?
You should have more than a billion left.

>>2724406
If we make a version with Nel'odym can we include some of the HAG guns on it for orbital support/a place for HAG to dock?

>>2724568
>Superweapon?
Yes, 250m.

>>2724568
>>2724580
Supporting 250 millions

>>2724574
HAGs can dock to most battlecruisers or battleships without problem. If you were to actually change the ship to mount their guns you'd have to make sure that particular adjustment was for models being kept in the Dominion. Otherwise the Alliance would refuse to buy them for no longer being a standardized design that would be very cheap for them to maintain.

>>2724568
>>2724580

Agree and 250m sounds good.

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You make sure that 250 million is sent to the appropriate parties. You'd hoped to save quite a bit of money for whatever project the Emperor called you to the capital for but it looks like they didn't need money. Or not right away.

Helios and Veritas are not the only ones involved in the new project. Apparently Nasidum and Xygen have been approached about some of the weapons they developed in the civil war. You'll have to keep a close eye on developments.

Ceres has apparently signed a contract with Esh Prom'lia, a dro'all inventor from South Reach whose company you hired to produce ablative lunarcrete armor for asteroid and moon bases. After completing numerous contracts for your House and then members of the Run Alliance they've been seeing increasing popularity. Numerous Houses have bought production licenses to help up armor fixed fortifications on a low price tag.

The new contract with Ceres is to produce an improved variation of lunarcrete armor. This will be used to mass produce new asteroid forts to a common design. It should provide the Dominion with several additional forts, bulking up available Dominion super heavy assets. By the sounds of it Ceres may have already produced several such forts though their protection systems might be questionable.

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The first of the new Helios heavy cruisers has been accepted into service. They've officially been named the Regency class. Due to continuing concerns about the structural strength of the ship the four siege weapons it is intended to carry are restricted to phase weapon based guns. No plasma weapon based main guns will be permitted at this time. They hope to be able to allow them in the future.

Houses who purchase the ship may of course equip what weapons they choose but Helios will not be held responsible. Probably just as well. Most of the plasma based siege weapons are wanted for aboard the big supers anyways.

Predictably many are describing it as an overpriced disaster waiting to happen. Or wasteful spending when the Ascendancy Quad Siege Cannon upgrade exists. Where it proves the doubters wrong is it's mobility. It can easily outpace even the fastest Ascendancy upgrade and is one of the few Dominion heavies that can hope to keep pace with the Sovereign at full burn. That alone earns it some prestige.

You're a little nervous when people begin comparing its main armament. Despite the fact that these are spinal mount guns, and they may not be able to match its rate of fire, many have started asking why the Sovereign only has 4 siege cannon turrets. If the Dominion can produce fast moving heavies that mount as many big guns what use is there for an even more expensive Super?

Being one of if not the leading supporter of the Sovereign the Media is going to have questions for you sooner or later.

[ ] Both are capable ships that compliment each other
[ ] Support the Sovereign at the expense of the Regency class
[ ] People should wait and see how they perform in the field
[ ] No comment at this time
[ ] Other?

>>2724905
[ ] People should wait and see how they perform in the field
[ ] Both are capable ships that compliment each other
They look nice on paper but we really have to wait and see how they will appear in a real fight. I am also sure we can probably upgrade the Sovereign with more cannons given time.

>>2724905
There's a difference between a siege turret and a spinal mount siege weapon. Is that so hard to see? The turrets are huge and armored. In a battle the Regency will have to face down an enemy whereas the Sovereign can use its full mobility throughout the battle.

>>2724905
>[ ] Both are capable ships that compliment each other
SHCs are better than heavy cruisers at supporting fleets in the field (supplies, repairs, etc.) if I'm ot mistaken

>>2724074
Well, I guess the impact with the new knights isn't as bad as I feared.

>>2724327
What kind of shipyard does it need?

>>2724905
>[ ] People should wait and see how they perform in the field
>[ ] Both are capable ships that compliment each other
You can still theoretically mount one or even two huge guns on the Sovereign if you're willing to mess around with the hull, while it won't be possible on the heavy. Also, aren't heavies generally almost as expensive as supers because they're almost the same mass but better quality?

>>2724954
>Is that so hard to see?
For some people? Yes.

>>2724975
The Regency also can't support HLV's like many Heavies and Supers can.

>>2725012
>What kind of shipyard does it need?
It's a heavy so a Heavy Cruiser shipyard.

>Also, aren't heavies generally almost as expensive as supers because they're almost the same mass but better quality?
It varies from ship to ship. Some versions of the Ascendancy mass about the same at the base Champion. That isn't the case of all Heavies and Supers have continued to increase in size and mass from what the Kavarians originally fielded.

Many heavies are built at a higher quality than old Supers and even some up upgraded ones. Mostly they tend to be better armored.

>>2725078
>It's a heavy so a Heavy Cruiser shipyard.
Sorry, I quoted the wrong post. I meant for the patrol ships.

>Mostly they tend to be better armored
The design of ships like the Regency or Ascendancy should also be way more structurally resilient than faction supers by shape alone.

>>2724905
>[ ] Both are capable ships that compliment each other
>[ ] People should wait and see how they perform in the field

Plus the Sovereign is the first Dominion born Super design in how many years/ centuries? That doesn't make use of asteroids? What are we Orks? Should we start painting our ships in red to make them go faster while shouting WAAAAGH!!! The entire time?

Also in a fight war with the Neeran where they use space fuckery and super weapons and blow up planets without a care. The Regency has only a forward facing kill zone, while the Sovereign can use all its turrets no matter its facing, right? Maneuverability and capability to support a fleet matter a lot as well. Once the war with the Neeran is over with, I would not be surprised if the Sovereign design is retired and the Super yards churn out something different. But right now until the Regency and the Sovereign have both been tested in a major battle against the Neeran. Counting the Sovereign out before it can prove itself with or against the Regency. Is jumping the shark to soon.

>>2725089
>Sorry, I quoted the wrong post. I meant for the patrol ships.
They're battlecruisers. Any Battlecruiser/Battleship grade yard could produce them.

>The design of ships like the Regency or Ascendancy should also be way more structurally resilient than faction supers by shape alone.
They should yes.

>>2725104
>Plus the Sovereign is the first Dominion born Super design in how many years/ centuries?
8-9 years? The Nasidum Mobile fortress, despite many people mistakenly calling it such, is not an asteroid fortress. It's an actual warship, albeit as very slow moving one.

>Mocking the proud and noble tradition of asteroid forts
I lack a suitable reaction image.

>while the Sovereign can use all its turrets no matter its facing, right?
Well at least half. It wouldn't take much to maneuver to bring all of them to bear.

Some things have come up and I need to head out for most of the night. I'll be running through the day tomorrow until about 4:30PM EST, and later in the day on Sunday.

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>>2725162
>They're battlecruisers. Any Battlecruiser/Battleship grade yard could produce them.
Home territories
-24 million tier 1 BB shipyard for Jor'ron's dumpster fire
New Territories
-24 million tier 1 BB shipyard for Drake's dumpster fire
-24 million tier 1 BB shipyard for Tenni's dumpster fire
DRH1
-85 million tier 2 BB shipyard for Magdalena
South Reach
-85 million tier 2 BB shipyard for whichever world needs the economic boost the most in that area
--------
-242 million total with an output of 31.2 patrol ships per year, which could be changed to any of the battleship designs or the dominion's take on the cx transport if people aren't interested in the patrol ship.

The idea would be to provide a boost to structurally weak planets while keeping the investment limited for now. We can always expand these yards if demand takes off.
I would also like to check if we can get low interest loans from the FA for these yards if we agree to keep producing the design for a contractually set amount of time.

>>2725422
Backing this idea. Maybe reserve the last tier 2 BB shipyard for Jehtot Kharbos? He's an old friend, and I don't think we know anything about his finances, but I'm sure some investment wouldn't hurt.

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TSTG, would this work as a fast siege medium? Cut off most non-vital bits the Eclipse has, remove internal magazines, weapons, and hangars, and replace the front of the ship with one of the various siege cannons.

I would look up why exactly the Monitor modification a few threads back didn't work but unfortunately archived.moe has problems with their search function again.

The kitbash picture should have the phase cannon assembley and hull in scale, I hope.

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>>2725162

>Mocking the proud and noble tradition of asteroid forts
Don't get me wrong. Asteroid forts are a great stop gap and can in some cases depending on the make up of the rock itself. Prove to be even sturdier then a Super of equal or greater size. I just have a love for man made ships and vessels on the large side. If we could find a Sphere Builder facility that could build a mega sized ship that is pilot-able by one person. I'd be happiest person ever.

>>2725693
That would be the dream. Get some living space so the people we're cool with can chill on the ship, then just cruise around the galaxies escorting our salvage fleet around and smashing anyone who fucks with us.

>>2725590
Using that particular gun turret on any medium will generally render it not a fast medium. There are more efficient ways of building a faster medium with equal firepower. If you're insistent on using that particular gun just go with the newer model Helios mediums.

I will have to design a new ship for better use of the light siege cannons which would be distributed across its hull. What works for a Super's gun turret doesn't necessarily work for a medium cruiser.

Day out with Troy and the children when?

>>2726268

Support, see if we can get a somewhat normal day with our immediate family?

>>2726310
imagine Sonia cooking a meal and demanding the amplifier crystal because the oven isn't working fast or hot enough.

>>2724568
>re: patrol ship production license

Not sure if this is still an open question, but it occurs to me that the newly habitable worlds resulting from our orbital corrections will need home fleets, including some form of patrol craft. I believe we already have deals in place to sell a package containing the planetary orbital correction, terraforming services and initial arcologies (including installation). Would our customers be interested in purchasing and out of the box planetary guard class wing/fleet of patrol craft (at some appropriate discount) so they don't need to strain their existing fleet resources?

Just a thought as to how to cover the perceived lack of demand until the Dominion starts conquering more worlds.

>>2725422
Well you do make a fair point and helping out the other Barons by establishing shipyards among their own orbital infrastructure would be good. I also do not remember Battleship yards being this cheap.

In any case, worst comes to worst we can always switch over to producing Fast Battleships or cloaked Battleships should the Patrol ships prove unreliable or unwanted. Perhaps we could even upgrade them in such a case during the next fiscal year. Mass Producing three Battleship squadrons a year makes me drool.

Gosh feels like I am swinging back and forth on this subject like a pendulum

>>2726998
>I also do not remember Battleship yards being this cheap.
The basic ones, if I remember correctly, are little more than large scaffolds with some infrastructure to keep work crews comfortable and parts stored on-site, parked in space. They also require relatively large amounts of non-automated labor. This makes construction slower and more expensive but considering the new worlds will need jobs and time to either establish the various supplying industries for shipyard or transport parts from elsewhere it should be worth the loss in monetary profit.

When questions from the media do finally reach you about the Sovereign class verses the Regency you're already prepared.

"In my opinion both are capable ships that compliment each other with their different engagement profiles. There are things one cant do that the other can which balance out. Ultimately people should wait and see how these ships perform in the field. That will be the biggest test of both designs."

That's about all you're willing to say on that matter, disappointing the media who obviously expected you to back one or the other. Or to place you in an awkward position. Too bad for them.


Looks like there is renewed interest in the Sector Patrol Craft.

As the Alliance wants these ships built they've put the cost of production licenses fairly low for a Battlecruiser. 40 million which is good for 1 yard for 20 years.

>>2725422
>I would also like to check if we can get low interest loans from the FA for these yards if we agree to keep producing the design for a contractually set amount of time.
Not really. Their design teams are sort of hoping to make a bit of money off of PL sales to fund other projects.

How many yards and production licenses do you want? Nel'odym would be willing to split the cost of a level 3 yard and PL for Magdanena.

>>2727034
>Nel'odym would be willing to split the cost of a level 3 yard and PL for Magdanena.
Would Avun be interested in splitting Sonia's half? So basically 50% Nel'odym, 25% Avun, 25% Sonia.

>40 million which is good for 1 yard for 20 years
Could we get a license that's good for a certain number of ships for the smaller yards instead? A 20 year license just doesn't seem to be that cost effective for them compared to a tech level 3 yard.

Say, with all those improvements taken from assault corvettes, would it be possible to build them at tech level 4?

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>>2726998
>I also do not remember Battleship yards being this cheap.
Because they are not. A basic slipway might cost 24 million but requires far more manpower and secondary industrial support to function. 20-30 million worth of secondary production.

If going with slipways it's far cheaper to build a central industrial production center to build parts then have multiple slipways attached directly to it. This is how traditional Dominion corvette yards work, with 12 slipways built into a single module.
The downside of this is that with larger ships like battlecruisers that quickly takes up a lot of space at the station that you might want for other things like docking space. The manpower requirements also add up. Good if you're trying to find jobs for the masses but otherwise not.

>>2727043
>Say, with all those improvements taken from assault corvettes, would it be possible to build them at tech level 4?
The Alliance is selling them to be optimized for level 3 yards since the newer tech going into them means they dont want a shoddy build. If you wanted to invest in a level 4 yard it should now be possible.

>Could we get a license that's good for a certain number of ships for the smaller yards instead?
You'll have to negotiate and sign a contract to that effect.
Obviously they don't want people making such a deal for multiple slipways then turning around and upgrading the yards after to produce more ships.

>>2727080
I am down for a single level 4 Battleship yard around Magdalena, if Nel'odym is still willing. Mostly since see the potential for lots of Battleships once we switch away from Patrol Crafts.

Should help keep the price low for Production Licenses as well.

>>2727080
>You'll have to negotiate and sign a contract to that effect.

>>2727082
>I am down for a single level 4 Battleship yard around Magdalena
That's an awful location for the most advanced battleship yard in the house.

>>2727082
>>2727083
>That's an awful location for the most advanced battleship yard in the house.
From a long term security standpoint it is.

>>2727083
>That's an awful location for the most advanced battleship yard in the house.

I was more thinking along the lines of economy and support our freshly minted Baron of Magdalena. I want Nel'odym to grow as strong as possible so we have someone else to rely upon in DRH1.

I also do not want to centralize to much around Rioja. But what did you have in mind? Surakhe? Or the Homeworlds?

>>2727096
>But what did you have in mind?
Saputo's world. The SRL BB stealth mod. is one of the most unique ships our house has, and being able to mass produce that type would be incredible. Sonia would finance the shipyard, and Saputo would take care of the necessary industry to produce the required mid tier cloaking devices.

>>2727080
>You'll have to negotiate and sign a contract to that effect.
I would like to negotiate the following, if possible:
2 years of ships worth for each tier 1 shipyards.

>>2727060
>A basic slipway might cost 24 million but requires far more manpower and secondary industrial support to function. 20-30 million worth of secondary production.
We could offer to pay for the slipway, license, and one year of wages for the crews. The local barons take care of the support industyr.

>>2727140
>Saputo's world
Fair enough I suppose. I can support a level 4 BB yard there.l

>>2727140
I was typing up a conversation with an Alliance representative but now it looks like you want a level 4 yard and multiple lower level yards? Is that right?

>>2727337
A good first step would probably be to see what a tier 4 shipyard would cost. I still think the original plan here >>2725422 seems solid, regardless of building a tier 4 yard or not. I wouldn't want to mass produce the patrol cruiser there anyway.

>>2727337
We want all the yards. But mostly yards that benefit us and help us build up allied Barons within our house. Or at least that is what I am reading.

>>2727034
>>2727140

Supporting the lv 4 stealth BB yard idea at Saputo's world.

Also supporting slitting the cost of a lv 3 yard and PT boat production license with Nel'odym.

If the proposal to invest in slipways on Drake's world and the other underdeveloped baronies is serious, I say we run a legit study to identify prime targets for investment and then try to get Winifred and the other big members of our power block involved.

You decide to call in an Alliance rep to talk over the possibility of getting a distributed short run license for the sector patrol craft rather than a PL for a single yard. You'll probably split on the price of one with Saputo for a level 4 yard but you can deal with that separately.

"I'm thinking a Production license good for 25 battlecruisers. 5 ships each from 5 slipways in different systems over 2 years."

The diplomat does some work.
"You want to build 25 ships from lower tech yards over 2 years which would cost your House roughly 382 million total..."
You nod for them to keep going.
"Rather than getting a normal license with a single level 3 shipyard. Which would cost 380 million and produce 50 ships in the same time span. Is that correct?"

[ ] Yes
[ ] No

>>2727391
The original idea was 3 tier 1 yards, and 2 tier 2 yards.
I think at this point it's three tier 1 yards, one tier 2 yard, and one tier 3 yard.
And possibly one tier 4 yard elsewhere but not for the patrol boats.

This got way more confusing than it should be.

>>2727391

Can you please explain to me, an uneducated man, how teirs of shipyards work? Or is there a page in the H&D wiki about how various yards and their teirs works?

Because right now we would spend 2 million more apparently with our idea. When the Alliance rep is trying to make sure we know we're spending money when better options are available.

>>2727477
Tier one, Slipway. A frame in which the ship is built with in and remains in from start to finish. Build it, move it, repeat. Requires extensive outside factory assistance but is cheap. Slow build time

Tier two, Assembly line. A long shipyard where the ship moves further along the line as it is built, ensuring you can get out a steady stream of ships and multiples ones are being worked at.

Tier three, Rapid Assembly line. Same as above, ship moves along the shipyard as it's being built. Except much faster.

Tier four, Experimental Assembly Line. No proper name for them yet but they are basically tier three yards except on steroids. Very fast build times and very resource expensive. Both in building the yard and in it's production run.

Each is progressively more expensive to build.

>>2727391
>>2727435
I just want the one level 4 yard. That thing is going to be expensive enough as it is but cover any and all production needs. Perhaps it will be able to produce as many as 100 ships a year.

>>2727435
So you want to spend 539 million to produce 25 ships over 2 years?

>>2727477
Type__ Completion rate /Cost / +additional cost of support industry needed
Battlecruiser-L1___150 days /24m / +20m-30
Battlecruiser-L2___35 days* / 85m / +20 (<Needs adjustment)
Battlecruiser-L3___14 days* /340m
Battlecruiser-L4___?? days* /700m-750m?

+40 million production license

>>2727521
>>2727531

Thank you, both of you.

So then, if I am understanding this right, we want the multiple teir 2's for multiple planets. So we can support our allied barons, if they want a yard over their world. But a single teir 3 will do the job of those multiple teir 2's, but in a single location at double the output. Am I right so far?

If that is the case. Then I'd honestly have to say lets go with the single teir 3. Yes, we'd be favoring one ally over another. But then we don't have to deal with an excess of yards producing similar ships. Unless we want to later on sell those yards to our allies and let them decide what they want to do with them.

With the teir 3 yard we can plant it above a world, does not have to be Rioja. Could be anybody's so long as they are cool with it. Start churning out ships with that yard and later on if we don't have need of the yard sell it to the owner of that world.

>>2727531
It would be 539 million for
15 ships in tier 1 yards
21 ships in the tier 2 yard
52 ships in the tier 3 yard
----------
88 ships total in 2 years. Unless I'm making some dumb mistake. Don't blame me, I'm phone posting.

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>>2727140
>I would like to negotiate the following, if possible:
>2 years of ships worth for each tier 1 shipyards.
That works out to roughly 25 ships (technically less than that.)

>>2727614
Yes you would be able to build more ships than those 25, but in negotiations with the Alliance representative Sonia has asked them about building 25. His face when.

>>2727610
If anything we could support the other Barons next year since expected fiscal income should be about 8-9 Billions. If previous income is anything to go by. I'd say build one now and more next year.

>>2727628
2.4 ships per year for 3 newly built tier 1 yards yards. I have no idea where 25 ships or the 5 tier 1 yards you're calculating with come from. As I said, I'm on mobile, so I'm probably just missed a post.

1) Do you want to help fund a level 3 or 4 yard at Torun with Baron Saputo? Cost would be split.
1A) Level 4
1B) Level 3
1C) No Yard

2) What production license for #1 should be bought?
2A) SRL Fast battleship (80m PL)
2B) Dominion Fast Battleship (80m PL)
2C) LRBS II (80m PL)
2D) Alliance SPC (40m PL)

3) Help fund a yard at Magdalena with Baron Nel'odym? Cost would be split.
3A) Level 4
3B) Level 3
3C) Level 2
3D) Multiple level 1 slipways
3E) No Yard

4) What production license for #3 should be bought?
4A) SRL Fast battleship (80m PL)
4B) Dominion Fast Battleship (80m PL)
4C) LRBS II (80m PL)
4D) Alliance SPC (40m PL)

5) Help fund a yard at Diroath with Baron Stanni Jor'ron
5A) Level 4
5B) Level 3
5C) Level 2
5D) Multiple level 1 slipways
5E) Level 1
5F) No Yard

6) What production license for #5 should be bought?
6A) SRL Fast battleship (80m PL)
6B) Dominion Fast Battleship (80m PL)
6C) LRBS II (80m PL)
6D) Alliance SPC (40m PL)

>>2727651
1) [x] No yard
3) [x] No yard
5) [x] No yard

SHIPYARD MADNESS SURVEY

surveymonkey com/r/ S8CW8BZ

Response editing is on in case anyone wants to change their mind 5 or 6 more times.

>>2727651
1A) Level 4
2D) Alliance SPC (40m PL) (At lest for the moment)
3E) No Yard
5F) No Yard

Give it one year and we get the other two Barons some yards that are high quality.

>>2727651
1 a
2 a
3 b
4 d
5 e
6 d

>>2727651

>1 b
>2 d
>3 e
>5 f

I cannot recall us doing any joint ventures with Saputo in a while. The tournament was probably the most recent thing we've done in a while. Lets get in touch with him and get a yard started there. Nel'odym is just newly promoted to Baron and likely wants to prove he can run his own show without our help. So give him a year or so and then maybe approach him about building yards over his world. As for Stanni Jor'ron, I can't recall us doing anything for them, so lets wait until we have more money to possibly work with them on something next year.

>>2727391
[ ] No

>>2727651
1A
2B
3B
4D
5 - I'd like a legitimate study done as to whether the planet would benefit more from a low level ship yard or investment in building its supporting manufacturing infrastructure (parts workshops, planet based heavy industries etc.) first. Assuming I'm thinking of the right world here...
6 - Abstain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWrL2KSQl-U

As you're contantly reminded by your staff in between working on projects or the fleet, it's important to take some down time. Doing just that you spend a couple days out at the manor house. The tough hardy terraforming grasses have been largely replaced by more natural growth within sight of the main building.

With no hostile wildlife to speak of it's more than safe enough to bring the kids outside and see them interact with things. They're not quite to crawling yet but both are getting there. Leon and Eleanor both try to copy the general sound of your voice when you say things to them. Still some time from forming words but they're certainly trying to mimic noises from people around them.

That can be a problem given the tendency you and Troy have to curse at problems. More so when suffering injuries. A string of expletives heralds Troy's return from the stables.

"The babies are outside, no swearing please!"
"Sorry! Horse stepped on my foot. I'll be back out after getting it mended."

With orders from the medical staff to stay away from the stables of a day or two Troy uses the opportunity to spend time with both you and the kids. They're certainly rambunctious. You're a bit worried what things will be like when they reach the supposed terrible twos.

"You really wanted to send one of the kids away to be raised in secret?" Troy asks.
"I did yes, but once they were actually born I couldn't really stand the thought of losing them."

Troy nods, thinking things over. "Rioja is safe. If we were living on Loran or Dreminth I would not have hesitated to send one of them away somewhere."
"If you did that without asking me I'd have killed you." is your emphatic response.

Inside the mansion both the babies continue to make plenty of noise. It's preferable to another bout of crying so you're not about to complain. Troy helps Leon investigate a mirror and the boy is quick to start making faces and waving to see the response. Predictably it isn't long before Eleanor notices how entertained her brother seems to be and starts reaching in his direction.

"Okay fine, you get to see what's in the mirror too."

The twins spend a few minutes making faces at their reflections then at each other, not really grasping all of the differences. Getting an idea you duck behind the mirror then stuck your head out.
"Peek-a-boo!"
That certainly seems to leave them amazed, maybe more so than the mirror itself. Especially when you duck behind it again and they try to look at you through the mirror. That's one way to keep them occupied.

Within a few hours both the kids are tired out and need a nap giving the two of you a break.
"When they sleep they really sleep." you whisper seeing that both of them are soon out like a light.

"It would probably be a good idea for them to see and play with a few other kids their own age." Troy points out.
"You may be right. I'm sure security will have fun dealing with the nightmare involved in finding a safe place to do that."

Still considering what would be necessary to do that you're caught off guard when Troy suddenly kisses you.

"Woah, hey, what's that about?" you ask
"What I'm not allowed to kiss you?" Troy wonders.

"Well I- um." you sputter.

[ ] "Just uh don't surprise me like that, give me some warning."
[ ] "I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit."
[ ] "I've just never been into the lovey dovey stuff."

>>2728170
>[ ] "I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit."

>>2727987

I would hope our world is safe. We invested a lot of resources into making sure it is safe. Despite the hodgepodge of people inhabiting it, from Shallan's to Terrans and Dominion. Of course once Rioja's Baron-ship passes to the next person that may change. We can only hope that they don't take advantage of its people or the hard work we put into it.

>>2728170

>Surprise kiss, what do?

>[ ] "I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit."

If other anons are okay with a short detour to strengthen the relationship. I'd be down for a short detour, we don't have any issues that I know of. But I'd like to make sure Troy knows we care.

>>2728170
>[ ] "I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit."

We never went for a honeymoon don't we?

>>2728170
[X] [Confused shark noises]
I do not know how to respond to this. On one hand I am sure Sonia does not mind Troy but on the other she is not exactly in love with him or anything like that.

"I am confused. I do not like being confused"

>>2728170
> Dunnn Dun

> Dunnn Dun

> Dun Dunn Dun Dunn Dunnn Dun

Agressive shark stalk circles around Troy before pouncing on him and banging him.

Don't start what you can't finish Troy.

>>2728170
>[ ] "I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit."

>>2728227
>>2728222
>>2728189
>>2728184

Respond competitively.

>>2728227
When you had children with someone and are going to spend the rest of your life with him, might as well make it as loving as possible.

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>>2728227
>it's not like i like you or anything
Right.

>>2728222
>We never went for a honeymoon don't we?
Well there was some time spent out on your property on Dremine and then the lengthy flight to Rioja followed by several days of partying on Rioja. Does that count?

>"I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit."
This was intended more as increasing familiarity with Troy over time.

Not specifically intended as that:
>>2728276

Just in case people were thinking more along the lines of, get on with more sex.

>>2728446
Yeah but in the moment now. Sonia has shall we say trouble with "middle gears", I feel her switching between no sex and "this pelvis has been salvaged, is mine now" is in character.

> We will never have a legion of sharkbots to infiltrate and terrorize ships.

>>2728454
Hesitant as I am about this I am inclined to agree with this sentiment.

>>2728446

That's what I thought, taking our time to improve relationship over time.

Not done the next post yet but I need to head out for work. Will try to resume tomorrow at 3PM EST.

>>2728624
No worries. Take your time.

>>2728454

I don't know, given relatively recent events I think Sonia has a little voice in the back of her mind chanting "Don't be Bekka, don't be Bekka..." in situations like this. Whether she listens to that voice is probably debatable I admit.

>>2729231
It's our Husband yo, and he initiated with kissing. You've never had playfulness escalate to sex before?

Sonia is rather repressed sexually, but everything she does is carried through to the extreme. I don't see her getting worked up and NOT boning.

>>2729254
I dont think she's repressed, so much as uninterested in sex. But she could certainly be a little more approachable/ open to it when private time with her partner.

Not championing for lewds every new thread. And I don't think anyone else is either. Just occasional kiss or holding of hands when Troy and Sonia are together and not playing 'Nobles of the Dominion'. Stuff to signal they are happily in a relationship together. Or just doing random little shit like this every so often when they are with the kids. Which we were already doing I think and was hinted at with previois threads. But now they are almost able to crawl and repeat sounds.

How long before they start parroting everything we say and have to make sure we don't say stuff around them that might be sensitive information.

>>2731003
TSTG ain't writing lewds.

But while Sonia isn't motivated by sex, dk you think she would back down from it?

> Alm those powered armor ballet classes to learn dueling

>>2731074
No, I don't think she would back down from it.

Back and trying to figure out how I was going to finish writing this next bit.

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"I suppose we should work on our relationship a bit." you have to admit.

"Wait, does that mean...?"
"Mean what?"
"Well, you know." he waggles his eyebrows suggestively causing you to scoff.

"Men. It doesn't have to mean just that."
"Oh, so you're admitting that it can though?" he jokingly points out.
"It can, but one thing at a time here."

You lead the way, heading downstairs and away from the kids rooms where you're less likely to disturb them. In the lounge you grab a weaker bottle of wine, something without much kick to it, and the two of you sit down to talk things over.
"I was serious about what I said upstairs. We've grown a little bit more familiar with each other since we got married, and we get along well enough."
"But?"
"But what happened up there just sort of points out to me that we could be a bit closer. Do you know what I mean? I didn't want to get married out of love or anything like that but maybe we could work on it? Try doing some more things? As a couple?"

Troy, who has turned more serious and has been listening intently, smiles faintly and nods. "I think that would be alright."

You're glad that's out of the way.
"Since you're not allowed near the horses for a few days perhaps we could go on a date?"

"Oh? Did you have anywhere in mind?"

"Why don't you surprise me." you answer.

Knowing a challenge when he hears it Troy makes arrangements for later that night. The two of you arrive at a high class restaurant that looks out from the top of one of the tallest spires in Strymon. Nearly the entire place looks like it's made of glass with nothing to obstruct the view. Twinkling city lights stretch out in every direction.

While the two of you draw plenty of attention on the way in from snap happy members of the media, the staff are clearly used to seeing to their well off patrons. There's plenty of privacy, with the media blocked from getting inside, and sound dampeners preventing noise and conversation from being overheard at the other tables. You have to admit Troy did a good job finding a place like this on short notice.

With the odd combination of public privacy it gives the two of you a chance to take time and relax. To talk things over. Quite differently than you would elsewhere. After dinner the two of you watch the spaceport launches from a relaxation level.

"We should do stuff like this more often. Once a week?" you suggest.

"Don't forget to make room for occasional spontaneity." Troy points out.
Right. For you doing things spontaneously normally is just deciding to go on a salvage run or chase down pirates.

You admit if it may not be easy for you but you're willing to give it a try. When the two of you leave the restaurant you belatedly notice you're holding hands.

>>2733169
I don't have a horse in this race, but if things with Troy don't end up great we could have a talk about, not an open marriage necessarily, but one where a few mistresses and mistersses (dunno the male form of the word) are permitted if either spouse ever wants. There's already an heir and a backup, and birth control is good enough that we wouldn't need to worry about bastards or anything, and I can't imagine Dominion nobility culture really condemns fucking around outside of a marriage. Obviously both Sonia and Harmen would need to keep it a secret to avoid a scandal.

Again, I've never had strong feelings about who Sonia should end up with. My read of her is that she never had strong feelings about it either. If she ends up feeling attached to Troy, I don't think it would be uncharacteristic, but my sense of her up until now is that she's close to a very small group of people, friends with a few more, and mostly psychotically fixated on work (whether her business, her fleets, or her planet) to the point where love or leisure time is something that doesn't really interest her.

>>2733169
>holding hands.
My god this is a blue board man.

>>2733211
>and I can't imagine Dominion nobility culture really condemns fucking around outside of a marriage.
Can vary by House. That doesn't mean the family won't be pissed off. (Troy's mom is still angry with her brother.)

>to the point where love or leisure time is something that doesn't really interest her.
Or it's become so alien that she needs to become more accustomed to the idea.

But yes, I had previously considered a sort of "Not quite open marriage" like your idea if you guys wanted depending on how things went.

>>2733169
>Don't forget to make room for occasional spontaneity.
"That usually involves a lot more explosions than you are used to"

>holding hands
Jesus Christ mate what the hell. This is a family friendly quest!

>>2733211
I was going to bring up getting Troy a mistress yesterday but the whole subjects has me kind of uncomfortable because it gets a wee bit to close to the matter of lewds.

I agree on the sentiment of Sonia and how she feels about certain matters. Love is not really a part of her goals or personality. She is a workaholic if anything. More married to her work than and her achievements than anything else. Not to say that she does not care the people in her life but her plans for her own life is focused on business.

>>2733247
>That doesn't mean the family won't be pissed off.
Fair point, and the Harmen family is definitely one group of people we don't want to piss off.

>>2733252
And it would definitely be awkward to bring it up with Troy. "I'm off to the front for twelve months, honey. Try to keep the lawn mowed and the kids safe and if you ever want to get a mistress run them by Vanderwal first to make sure they're not a Terran spy. Or a Krath spy. Or a Neeran spy. Or a Nirium spy. See you in a year!"

>>2733169
Let's just see how this is going to go. If Sonia can build a caring or even romantic relationship then all the better.

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You've decided to help out Barons Saputo and Nel'odym with funding construction of new shipyards for their respective worlds. Torun being a major House industrial center in the well protected homeworlds will get a level 4 Battlecruiser shipyard. Magdalena will gel a level 3 BC yard.

Half the cost will be split with either Baron which is an offer neither of them can afford to refuse right now. The same is true for the production licenses, though Saputo refuses to hear of you paying even more after spending so much on the shipyard. Both will start out producing Sector Patrol Craft, though either Baron expects to shift production to other designs in a few years.

The new yards are just large enough to produce newer Dominion utility and transport craft. In peace time they'll be able to switch to transports or even mining barges.
Due to time needed to construct the new yards you won't be making any money off them this year.

All of the crews from Forbearance, along with the reserves that served aboard Alliance Capital Ships, have completed their round of memory backups. The Ruling House is requesting that as many as possible approve their use for clone crews in order to help bulk up the Alliance fleets with Dominion crews. These sort of requests are being sent out across the Dominion to units that have survived the most recent battles against the Neeran.

Legally speaking Houses have to get permission from the person that would be cloned, or their family if they've been killed. The Emperor has pushed the boundaries of Dominion law with cloning in recent years but the only time it's ever been broken was as a result of the Kythera. Fully trained crews will be badly needed and soon but there are some laws even the Dominion wont break to get them.

Was there anything you wanted to do to help encourage crews from your fleet to allow clones of themselves to be made? You could also choose to leave it up to them or even discourage it if you wanted.

>>2733470
Just go with an announcement that the Dominion needs them. All the factions need them. But ultimately it is their choice and if they do not want to we will not force this issue. Especially considering how paranoid we ourselves once where with brainscans and the like.

>>2733470

>Dominion needs clone crews

tl;dr: Don't encourage it but don't discourage it. Just make it a known option available to all personnel that if they wish to help the Dominion and the Alliance more then they already do.
I fear a repeat of Lat'tham. With all these clones running around and I'm pretty sure there are other nobles in the Dominion who feel the same.

While I don't think we should push for it. We should leave it up to the people themselves if they want themselves cloned. At most, give a bonus for cloning? But that itself would end up being a big issue after the Neeran war. What are our advisors opinions or our admirals/ generals? Do they feel it would be wise to encourage troops to approve having clones of themselves serving in the Alliance?

I just don't want a repeat of Lat'tham, after this war with the Neeran is over. Where you got an entire house made up of clones. With their actual selves being held captive somewhere else. Or worse having the clones feel like their lives are worth nothing because they have no family of their own to come back to.

>>2733539
I'm with this anon. Stay neutral on this one. I mean, what's going to happen to all the clones once the war is over? Shit's gonna get weird with desperate clones trying to get in touch with loved ones when their original is still alive.

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>>2733485
>>2733539

You make sure that an announcement is broadcast to all Fleet personnel that clones are needed by the Dominion. This isn't being demanded of them, just asked and it remains entirely voluntary.

A substantial number have volunteered. Never as many as would be liked but it's enough for a start. Other Houses have been sending some of their super heavy crews for training aboard Alliance ships, seeing what the differences are. Overall it looks like the Factions should be able to support the fleet that will be needed for the invasion when it happens but more would never hurt.

Leadership and representatives from the various Houses are called to the capital to discuss Alliance plans and the Dominion's contribution. It sounds like the Emperor wants enough control to assign certain House fleets to theaters of operation of his choosing at the last minute. That must be politics at work.

High level planning is also underway for the liberation of the remaining Shallan territories. Those were already planned to take place in the first half of next year. While many operations have been accelerated there's only so much that can be done without causing disruption to fleet staging.

Staging of fleets right now is primarily based around newly formed and training units that still require additional combat experience. It looks like most of the Faction fleets should be well set in that regard provided they don't suffer any serious losses clearing out the remaining enemy units. What's needed right now are for ground troops to get as much experience as possible.

Count Jerik wants each of the Barons to make arrangements for short deployments to Shallan space so that their ground forces can participate in at least one planetary assault operation against Neeran forces. This will be the last chance to carry out assault operations before the invasion. It's hoped that fleet superiority during this period will guarantee troops get experience without taking too many losses from interception.

By the time your House is scheduled to conduct operations the Alliance hopes that the situation in the remaining occupied regions will look like the following. Where do you want to deploy Rioja's Army and whatever fleet elements you choose to bring with you?

Of course I fully expect you guys to send a portion of your fleet when the Alliance liberates the Dyson Sphere around approximately the same time.

>>2733834

>Where do you want to deploy Rioja's Army and whatever fleet elements you choose to bring with you?

Get with Tama and RNA, see how much of the fleet and army they want to deploy. While keeping in mind that we want to deploy fleet and troop assets to help the Alliance liberate the sphere. Also see how many troops/ fleet elements other nobles from the house are deploying. If they feel like divulging that. Contact Avun, Drake and Alex, see if they're willing to divulge numbers or percentages to us. So we have an idea how many troops our advisors want to send and how many our allies are willing to send.

We can either match or exceed suggested numbers/ percentages, provided by our advisors and friends.

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>see how much of the fleet and army they want to deploy.
Tama wants to deploy as much of the starfighter forces as possible so they get experience covering a planetary assault. Fortunately quite a few now have ship to ship combat experience against the Neeran fleets thanks to deploying with Baron Nel'odym.

General Rna thinks that 60% of the army would be a good number. Enough to cover most eventualities and give the majority experience they can pass on to the others. It's still nearly a million troops though, and there are lingering concerns about the older ground vehicles used by the mechanized infantry.

"The next generation vehicles still haven't been cleared for mass production. I'm not sure they will be by the time we deploy, though they'll certainly be ready for the invasion of the Empire."

[ ] Our people will have to make do
[ ] Upgrade to current gen vehicles
[ ] Upgrade breakthrough forces to current gen
[ ] Other?

Rioja's army currently numbers 1.6 million.

>Contact Avun, Drake and Alex, see if they're willing to divulge numbers or percentages to us. So we have an idea how many troops our advisors want to send and how many our allies are willing to send.

Avun: Kaptlyn
Army strength 2.6 million
Deploying with: 1.2 million

Drake: Kalino
Army strength *900k + *750k (2 planets)
Deploying with 250k (Max expeditionary force due to insurgency)

Alex: Alaior
Army strength 4.9 million
Deploying with 2 million

Drake and L'ak Tenni may not be able to deploy due to current threats. Both will still attempt to do so.

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And lastly give some thought to the sort of operation you'd like to take on.

Available operation types

>Paired operation
An assault in cooperation with units from another Faction your House is less familiar in operating with. Probably the Republic. Each of your respective forces would be responsible for their zones but could call on each other for assistance.

>House J-D multi-assault operation
Several Barons are planning to cooperate to stage assaults on different continents of the same planet. This should reduce complications as they won't be operating with many other Alliance units aside from observers.

>Large Scale Alliance operation
Some worlds are more heavily populated than others. The Alliance intends to hit some of them with with armies from multiple worlds and Factions. There will be heavy contact and cooperation with Alliance forces. There might not be as much territory to liberate and it might not take as long but the fighting could be heavy.

>Solo operation
Worlds with minimal population or that the Neeran settled during the lengthy occupation will have more territory to secure than battles to fight. Someone needs to do it and certain worlds in this state have strategic value. Minimal occupancy doesn't mean undefended. Your forces would operate with little outside support.

>Going Deep
There are systems considered to be at the very edges of the intended invasion zone for your deployment time. Neeran forces may not have had time to evacuate or secure valuable equipment on these worlds. It could be a chance to gain fame among the Shallans and valuable salvage. If you run into trouble it may take time for allied fleets to reach you.

>>2733834
We need some sort of fast-track career for clones to regain their noble status.

After all, they SHOULD have the skills already.

>>2734113
>>2734000
While I do intend to put these to survey overnight, if people had any other ideas it would be good to add them before that.

>>2734000
>[ ] Upgrade to current gen vehicles
>>2734055
> Deploy 1 million. Send 250k to help with Kalino so that they can send 250k more.
>>2734113
>Going Deep

We have the most experience with this, and we can use some better relations with Shallans due to our position and involvement with the Exiles and refugees - especially getting their support to counter-balance the goddamn Terrans.

Also Salvage.