For House and Dominion!

>>2835506
For House and Dominion!

>>2835506
For House and Dominion! Time to steal SP tech from the Neerans and carve out new Dominion Houses edition!

Let's hire an escort from Veritas for the nexus! It would allow us to assess their budget designs to see if they would be useful for future occupation fleets, and allow veritas to leave their basement to make a good impression on other factions.

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>Field too long edition.

The Count and House Talos have agreed to the trade mission, with the later loaning your House one of the carriers. Required ships and personnel are expected to depart within a week. Both will meet up at the DHI facility in Pandora Cluster before proceeding to Norune territory. A substantial amount Talos E's crew will be made up of J-D personnel who will be learning on the job. Most of those are veterans that have served aboard Majestic or smaller Talos Carriers. What they learn on this deployment could impact construction plans. Hopefully in a positive manner.

Leading the mission will be Phas Rah'ne, one of your more experienced commanders. Their rival Lyas Cinayk will in turn be called on to take on more responsibility within the Rioja fleet. Both will have plenty of opportunity to show what they're capable of.

Troy's distant relative Rian Ermacora has been working away in the southern hemisphere of Rioja for the past few weeks. With the requested weather control equipment set up the deep valley is rapidly approaching habitable norms. They're still working out ideal weather patterns to allow precipitation and still keep the warmer bubble of air within the lower altitude areas of valley. Work may need to be done around the mountain pass to the south.
Rian seems confident that it can all be worked out but only time will tell.

There wasn't that many votes on the Clone Army survey. Anyone who didn't vote you've got 20 minutes. It's still up on the wiki.
surveymonkey com/r/ NHBJF8T

>>2835506
For House and Dominion!
Send the children to pre school edition

>>2835664
>Anyone who didn't vote you've got 20 minutes. It's still up on the wiki.

Well my desires remain the same.
One Type 2 Dominion Transport
One Dominion HLV Transport
12 Assault Transports
All to ensure air superiority

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Having seen how well the current equipment fared during the liberation of Piynus efforts to upgrade the army with better gear has been stepped up. Improved vehicles for the mechanized infantry, expanded focus on medium jump jet armor, more funding for Heavy power armor and jump jet scouts. You even picked up some drop pods so the army and special forces can conduct testing.

In case that wasn't enough the Ruling House is planning to send you just over 1 million clone troops before the invasion of Neeran space is launched. Many Barons are expected to receive similar numbers.

Due to your good relations the Ruling House offered to provide some of the equipment the clone troops may need. Ultimately you turned them down. Less capable Houses are probably in more desperate need of war materiel and you feel no need to deprive them of it.

To properly equip them you've acquired a new House Transport II and 18 Assault Transports. Starfighters will act as their primary Close Air Support, while additional LSTs and HAGs will be assigned to the larger ship.
A mix of top of the line and slightly less advanced ground vehicles will be given to their mechanized troops. Many of the old IFV's will be retained for PDF and training use, but nearly half are expected to be shipped to Dremine.

Thanks to the accelerated rate at which hard plate armor is being acquired for the army it should be possible to outfit many of the clone troops with it as well. Another 60 million has been spent on small arms.

With Rioja in no shape to further expand its army the clone troops will certainly come in handy. 2.6 million will give you a powerful force. That's nothing compared to what the J-D homeworld are preparing.

Dremine, Loran and Torun are preparing enough ground troops to field armies of 20 million each. Edanis may be building up to 12 million. These won't all be used at once, but in the event of a lengthy campaign troops will need to be rotated. You and the newer Barons will be harder pressed in that regard. Partly why the more populous worlds are expanding their forces to such a degree.

Some worlds are recruited from the PDF though this is largely frowned upon. No one wants to leave planets vulnerable while the armies are away, and soldiers from the PDF are often considered substandard. Hence why they're usually given lower quality gear should they desert. Even Rioja's PDF suffered desertion during the invasion by House Nasidum.

I had a thing I was going to write and now I can't remember any of it. Guess we'll move on to this.

Your younger brother Ethan is going to be 17 soon. His schooling and officer training means it's very likely he would be recruited by the Military Geology Unit of the J-D Army Corps of Engineers. Baron Dremine is wondering if you would prefer steps were taken to ensure he is not deployed to the Neeran Empire. There's certainly no shortage of posts for someone with that skill set, though many of those jobs are contracted to civilian agencies these days.

>Your orders?

>>2836059

>Ethan's first deployment.

Thank Dremine for asking us, but instead of us deciding it for Ethan. Let Ethan decide if he wants to go to the fronts right away or another deployment opportunity. I'm fairly certain that is an option not many with his skills have, the ability to choose where they deploy to.

>>2836059
Supporting this >>2836082

You thank the Baron for asking you. Ultimately the decision is up to your bother though. If he wants the opportunity to go to the front you wont take it from him. Whatever he chooses you intend to support him. Hopefully that isn't a decision you'll come to regret.

Wait, shit, mom's going to be mad at you! You already regret this decision!

In the northern hemisphere of Rioja the planning is well underway for expansion of infrastructure necessary to support small outlying population centers. The "Knight cities" as someone described them. While intended to be build to a similar plan there is room for variation. If the locals or a Knight who is given responsibility for the territory want to change things they can.

While on the topic of planned cities, Spiral City is largely completed. It was already home to a population of more than a million construction workers and temporary residents since it broke ground. With much of the living space in the city already sold before construction even started there are 14 million people now living there or moving in. 11 million of those are among the maximum number of non-Dominion citizens you would allow as part of the agreement with the construction company. Fortunately the Governor was able to ensure those weren't all Terrans.

It's taking time for the remaining accommodations to sell but by the looks of things it should slowly top out near the intended 25 million in another year. Not the most efficient but it will get the job done. The Terran construction company responsible for building the city is of course anxious to hear if they'll be able to get similar deals. They'd hoped that this would be the pilot city for several like it on Rioja and elsewhere.
Of course when they started construction there was much more threat of being swamped by Terran refugees at any moment. Now with gravity well orbital correction and terraforming of worlds in Terran space more refugees are going to those worlds.

Did you want to allow construction of other cities similar to this on your land? Suggest the Governor look at locations elsewhere on the planet? Offer them smaller contracts like for some of the Knight Cities? Or suggest they focus their efforts back in Terran space now?

>>2836269

>>2836269

>Did you want to allow construction of other cities similar to this on your land? Suggest the Governor look at locations elsewhere on the planet? Offer them smaller contracts like for some of the Knight Cities? Or suggest they focus their efforts back in Terran space now?

I think we should sit down with them, Fadila and the governor. Because it is not anything hidden from the public that we are moving worlds in Terran space. Those worlds are going to need cities for Terran people. Since Spiral City is likely not going to be their last planned city. Ask them if their board or ceo or investors, whoever back in Terran space is making the decisions. Wants to focus more on the market in Terran space or build more cities on Rioja, keeping in mind that the levels of resettlement and people moving from the J-D core worlds will not remain at their current levels forever.

It would be nice to have a company to rely on for preplanned cities, but if they are going to focus their best in Terran space and more of their services there. It will start to eventually effect what they are doing on Rioja.

>>2836269
Ask the governor for their opinion.

Has their been any complaints or issues with the construction of the spiral city? Do we need more housing or will the Knight cities be enough?

>>2836316
>>2836330
>Ask them if their board or ceo or investors, whoever back in Terran space is making the decisions. Wants to focus more on the market in Terran space or build more cities on Rioja

Arranging a meeting you ask them about this. With plenty of Terran refugees already on planet, and their company getting lesser jobs in cities throughout Rioja, they figured they might as well make use of the resources they had here. It was easy for them to pre-sell appartments (and company jobs!) on a safe world to people living in Terran space waiting to evacuate.

Now obviously there are more options for Terran refugees with the other planets being terraformed. Their company is looking at setting up a presence on some of those worlds. For now they already have everything in place here to continue building cities if there is demand and permission.

The problem you may have with them is that if they do stay on they'd like to keep with the practice of selling a percentage of what they build to terran refugees. Demand may drop off, especially now that the Neeran are being drive back, but for now that's the business practice they want to go with.

>Do we need more housing or will the Knight cities be enough?
This early in the planet's hisotry? If you build it they will come. Most hablitable worlds like Rioja on a major trade lane would have well over a billion people living on it.

>>2836380

tl;dr: Rather not make contracts based on importing more Terrans.

>Most hablitable worlds like Rioja on a major trade lane would have well over a billion people living on it.

And last I heard we were at 250 million and it took us 10 years to get that many. Maybe another 10 to double that and in 20 it should be our first billionth citizen? I don't know I'm just guessing.

>Talks
I'm certain there are likely Dominion based companies who specialize in the same or similar industry as the Terran one we're currently working with.

They've proven that they can do a good job and finish a contract. But having more Terrans moving to Rioja in really large numbers. Is not something I'd look forward to and would cause a great headache.

I am certain Fadila or the Governor can probably say it better. But we don't discourage Terrans who want to move to Rioja, but this is a Dominion city and while Terran citizens and Dominion citizens have gotten along for now. Tipping the balance anymore could create friction.

The idea of Terran Politicians making trips to Rioja for whatever campaign purposes is not very appealing and the crazy idea of the Terran government wanting Rioja to be handed over to them sounds like a terrifying ordeal that will likely not happen.

I think the population of Rioja is over 300 million now?

>I'm certain there are likely Dominion based companies who specialize in the same or similar industry as the Terran one we're currently working with.
Yes, they're just one company of many on the planet. Unlike those companies they offered to foot the bill of the entire city provided they could get their 35% (originally 45%) of the population.

>I am certain Fadila or the Governor can probably say it better.
On one hand the Governor likes having the construction projects partially paid for by incoming refugees before they even arrive. On the other Dlam'ard doesn't like a large percentage of inbound refugees being Terrans. Temporary problem or not it takes time to even things out with immigration from Dominion worlds.

Fadila also isn't a big fan of having as much as 1/3 of a city's population being Terran citizens, but counters that this is temporary. If necessary you can use some of the money you're saving from not having to build the city yourself to help deal with that situation later. Invest that money for a rainy day.

>Terran invasion scare
They'd have to invade and occupy most of relay before they could hope to secure Rioja. To do that they'd need to fight the entire Dominion. Probably.

If things were serious enough with bad stuff happening to their citizens the Terrans could appeal to the Ruling House to intervene. Which would be bad. At that point the RH would have a number of options. Allow the Terrans to evacuate their citizens from the planet, even the ones who dont want to go. Ignore the Terrans resulting in a serious incident. Occupy the planet themselves.

The last one would be bad but it's not impossible the planet might be returned.

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With that stonewalled we're moving on to other things.

Norune Medium Carrier
The Norune have finished development of a Medium Carrier. They haven't quite got the same idea as what everyone else uses them for. Theirs is an LST carrier. That's it. No starfighter capability. The response to this has been understandably mixed or worse.


In South Reach the ongoing salvage operation at Karakum helped bring in a substantial portion of the profits made last year and so far this year. It's going so well that the House you and HTF bought the land and salvage rights from is trying to pass legislation increasing what they can tax on the operations conducted there.

House Tocit is a rather weak House with all of their worlds currently located in South Reach. Most are only a short distance from Karakum. While few take them seriously the presence of their capital and home fleet nearby means it wouldn't be terribly difficult for them to attempt a military solution if you contested the legality of the move.
South Reach remains a rough and tumble frontier. Many of the minor Houses that declared independence when their Centri Cluster homeworlds were occupied tend to see themselves as beyond the reach of all but the most powerful Houses like the Seven.

How did you want to respond to this? Attempt legal action first? Contact them personally? Have RTS bring in more mercenaries for protection? Request the House intervene to protect J-D assets if it passes?

[ ] Legal action first
[ ] Contact them personally
[ ] Bring in mercenaries
[ ] J-D military intervention

Resuming tomorrow afternoon/evening.

>>2836798
[ ] Contact them personally
[ ] Legal action first

>>2836798

In order of personal preference.
>[ ] Contact them personally
Work something out with them that benefits both their House and RSS/ HTF After all we did put in a suggestion to the Count and Council to not start putting squatters or try to gain the world from them. We can probably with a little work tell them otherwise, if we can convince them that taking Karakum is worth the resources.

If that does not work.
>[ ] Legal action first/ [ ] Bring in mercenaries.
Start throwing lawyers at them and have mercs protecting our interests in the area from 'pirates and raiders' of the SRL.

Finally if they don't take the hint and they start making threats.
>[ ] J-D military intervention
Putting some J-D forces there as a deterrent aught to make them think twice. Or at least let them know if they go through with any overt move they are going to start something they likely can't deal with.

What's the composition of their Home Fleet anyways? I wonder if Vanderwall/ Intel has any info on their capabilities. I doubt we could take them with just the Rioja Fleet.

>>2836798
[X] Contact them personally

>>2836798
>[ ] Legal action first
>[ ] Contact them personally

>>2836798
>[x]contact them
Let's try to solve this the nice way. It's been working out well for us so far and there are probably reasonable people we can talk to about this issue. If that doesn't wotk, maybe we can get the Ruling House to remind them we're currently under their protection.

>>2836572
Lower the number of Terrans but keep the total number refugees the same for the city? We can probably get more Shallans with the way their government is behaving.

>>2836798
[ ] Legal action first
[ ] Contact them personally

Let's see if we can keep them from doing something they are going to regret.

I partly hope they do try something stupid like attempting to take the Crate from us by force. That way we get one of those rare opportunities to really flex our military muscles at them by showing up with about 14 wings worth of ships and a Super asking them if they REALLY want to do this.

>>2836798
>[ ] Contact them personally

>>2836798
>Norune medium carrier
Would that design make a good scarab carrier? Or maybe for the veritas ships?

>>2836908
>I doubt we could take them with just the Rioja Fleet.
It'd be a fairly even match up in terms of numbers. Your ships would generally be of higher quality. All that would be needed to tip the balance would be one of the heavy cruisers or carriers. Rioja's fleet was pretty big previously since you were using fleet capacity from Magdalena. It's dropped a bit now that Nel'odym has his own planet and fleet but not by much because of the Lunar fleet base.

>>2837187
>I partly hope they do try something stupid like attempting to take the Crate from us by force.
The Crate is still operating in the Run. It's far away from them.

>>2837255
>Would that design make a good scarab carrier? Or maybe for the veritas ships?
There's an idea. Scarabs on their own aren't the greatest but could be useful. It wouldn't take much to add docking racks for Willow class ships, or the internal space for their smaller vessels.

>Let's hire an escort from Veritas for the nexus! It would allow us to assess their budget designs
They've scaled back on how frequently their older makeshift Battleships are deployed. They were a stopgap measure that just happened to work. Most of those are increasingly only used for defense of their home territory.
Now that the Dominion is producing a slightly larger and more up to date cargo ship they've begun to modify these to act as the primary carrier for their sublight ships.

As for hiring them as mercenaries, they usually don't sell their ships to mercs, or send out their own much due to concerns their enemies will simply use any excuse to ensure they're killed off. Then again they do have a deal with House Helios now. This could be a good time to branch out and connect more.

Hire a couple transports with Willow class ships as escort?

>>2837425
>Hire a couple transports with Willow class ships as escort?
I'd be for it, that would allow us to get the cheaper insurance without lying to the company issuing it.

>>2837425
>Hire a couple transports with Willow class ships as escort?
Nah, pass.

>>2837425
>Hire a couple transports with Willow class ships as escort?

Pass

>>2837425
>escorts?
Aye.

>>2837425
>Hire a couple transports with Willow class ships as escort?
Sure, we emphasised it was important for them to integrate with the Dominion, might as well implement what we said.

Just enough support for hiring escorts from Veritas.

You contact London and tell him to have the lawyers to prepare for legal action, but to wait until you've had a chance to talk to them.

Vanderwal begins preparing information on the military capabilities of House Tocit. He seems confident that Rioja's fleet alone could give them a run for their money but points out this wouldn't just be your problem. If the new taxes also impact HTF and their operations it's likely to piss off them and their shareholders. At least one of those shareholders is Count Jerik. Others include established Barons and planetary governors.

With Fadila's help you contact House Tocit to discuss the tax changes. How did you want to approach this? A diplomatic approach would seem the best start and is the least likely to result in hostility but you run the risk of not being taken seriously.

Your House is powerful enough that a more antagonistic approach might get results faster if successful. It would also make you and the House look like a bully.

Finding a middle ground would be difficult but not impossible. It may risk seeming indecisive. Or did you have another approach in mind?

[ ] Diplomatic
[ ] Middle ground
[ ] Antagonistic

>>2838619
[X] Diplomatic

>>2838619
>[ ] Middle ground

Trump style, praise when they're making good steps, bully when they're not.

>>2838619
>[ ] Diplomatic

>>2838619

>[ ] Diplomatic

With veiled suggestions that this could quickly escalate out of hand. Also a friendly reminder that once the world is safe again and we've long since left. Their house will be making back more then the cost of hiring us and HTF off taxes if they can convince citizens, nobles and companies from their own house to move there.

However, if they did increase taxes on us. How would that look to their own nobles and businesses within their house if they were deciding to move or open offices on Karakum? Would the really want to move or open offices on a world where taxes were increased on businesses? The argument could be made that RSS and HTF are foreign House companies so the taxes would not affect nobles or companies from within the House Tocit. But I have a feeling not many foreign companies/ nobles will want to do business with Tocit or at least not with House Tocit in the area around Karakum. If they start taxing companies outside of Tocit. And if they single out only J-D based companies and J-D allied companies. That would look mighty suspicious.

If they want to increase taxes on RSS and HTF in the area around Karakum. They should keep in mind to keep it fair and balanced and not jump into the deep end of taxes. It’s understandable to increase taxes somewhat, but if they immediately gouge out companies they’re gonna scare of future businesses and create resentment that they most likely do not want or need.

Diplomatic it is.

Deciding that you've already settled on the less provocative approach of talking to them first you might as well be diplomatic about it.

Their diplomatic staff are surprised at how quickly you've responded to the planned tax changes.
"I take a close interest in all of my businesses. Especially those that benefit not only myself but other Houses as well. It's important to make sure that both sides of a business deal are happy with the terms when they're written."

Towards that end you inquire to why their House no longer seems to be quite as pleased with the arrangement you'd help make. They were certainly paid enough. Billions for the salvage rights and land. Neither are easy jobs and involve dangerous work.

RSS is pulling salvage out faster and more efficiently than House Tocit might have expected. That just means the planet will be cleared more quickly and their house will be able to benefit from it sooner. It will certainly more than pay for the cost of hiring RSS and HTF in taxes once they can convince citizens, nobles and companies from their own house to return there. Increasing taxes now will only make it harder to attract businesses from other worlds.

"Perhaps we'll just have to lower them later to encourage immigration then?"

"It sets a terrible precedent for companies planning to settle there for the long term. If there's one thing I've learned it's that most successful nobles plan for long term. Increasing taxes on your worlds is your right, but it will only serve to make our companies jobs harder. At the end of this you're going to be getting a habitable world out of this."

Their diplomatic staff are certain that the Baron will weigh your words carefully in considering this matter.

"I'm glad to hear that. While we're talking please let the Baron know that if they should need any assistance with fleet exercises in South Reach we would be more than willing to participate in training exercises. Our House has a vested interest in building ties to other Houses with territory in the region.

Barons Winifred, Rna and Nilium are all a short distance from your space and I'm sure any of them would be more than happy to participate."
A simple reminder that while your Rioja fleet may be two weeks travel away, 3 Jerik-Dremine Barons are well within striking distance of their homeworld. Never mind the fact that Nilium may not be prepared for a full operation.

"Thank you Viscount. That offer will be passed along as well."

Once the channel is closed you take a minute to exhale. Fadila thinks that went quite well.

>>2838947
I bet this was painful for Sonia.

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The Count and all 3 Barons in South Reach are informed of your conversation with House Tocit. Count Jerik approves of your efforts to attempt diplomacy first. Goodness knows you can't keep making enemies left and right without it coming back to haunt you.

It's 2 days before you find out that the increase in taxation has been canceled for now, though the issue may be revisited. It depends on how the leadership of the House continues to fare.

That itself is a bit questionable. There is no one within House Tocit that could challenge their current Baron but there are from outside. The House that they split away from was reconstituted after the civil war and has been rebuilding since. Currently they're not in a position to launch an unsupported campaign into South Reach. Few of their allies are interested in supporting more infighting due to the current focus against the Neeran.

If it's ever decided that Tocit needs to be done away with and you don't really want the rest of their worlds, that would be one way to go about it.


There has been a training accident at one of the assault transport pilot schools. A legitimate system failure in the middle of a partial engine failure test scenario caused a transport to crash, killing 10 people. Ordinarily this would be kept quiet and only the families would be informed. In this case the crash kicked up a dust cloud that could be seen from long distances leaving a crater nearly a kilometer across. Unsurprisingly the impact was detected on civilian seismometers.

How do you want the media situation handled?

[ ] No statement / cover it up
[ ] Impact was a result of exercises, say nothing of casualties
[ ] Admit to training accident, report casualties
[ ] Other?

>>2839134
>[ ] Impact was a result of exercises, say nothing of casualties

>>2839134
>[ ] Impact was a result of exercises, say nothing of casualties

I am reminded of that scene from Ironman, only there were casualties in this accident and it left a kilometer wide crater.

>>2839134
I doubt there's much of a blackbox left but this sounds particularly bad and I trust there's already an investigation open, so maybe when an official cause can be determined we announce the casualties.

>>2839185
>I doubt there's much of a blackbox left
Black box is fine. Wouldn't be much use if it can't survive a crash.

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An official statement is made to address growing concerns about the detected impact. Even a fool would be able to connect it to a dust cloud that was kicked up high enough to be seen by ships in orbit. Fortunately there was enough cloud cover that there was little for the civilians to have seen from direct orbital surveillance.

All the statement says is that the impact was a result of exercises. No casualties are mentioned.

Speculation among the media gets a little out of hand but within a few days the incident has largely fallen out of the public eye.
The cause of the accident is eventually traced to a manufacturing flaw. The brand new ship was built a bit too quickly. Usually these flaws are caught but this one slipped through the cracks. All of the other transports and escort carriers built off the same frame are certified as safe to operate.
The damaged transport will require little more than a few days in a repair yard.


As if you haven't bought enough stuff for the army General Rna would like to know if you've thought about the energy drain system use by the Neeran. You did put some effort into researching low tech vehicles that should be able to operate for awhile in such an environment. The problem is that they need weapons that dont draw much power which shuts out most of the best guns.

A few companies made showings of vehicles for consideration but they all pulled out over what they considered unrealistic expectations. General Rna purchased a few of the demonstrators and test vehicles for an engineering unit to keep working on them. A few were deployed with the unit that helped the Alliance during the liberation of the Dyson sphere.

They didn't see much use. Starfighters were responsible for nearly all of the ground attack missions. Of those that did the most successful were gas and fuel cell powered tankettes and assault guns. Both are armed with custom built weaponry; Modified projectile cannons some of which use splinter ammo or explosive rounds. Crude but effective against dug in enemy troops. It's better than leaving the infantry to deal with it themselves.

A weapons company is rumored to be working on a chemical cartridge powered plasma weapon that could be used in similar environments, though it's not yet complete.

Another company is seeing a bit more success in developing a modified thermoelectric generator using a 1 meter long plasma fuel cell. It's operating time is still limited but it provides much more energy than an RTG.

Did you want to acquire any more vehicles for energy drain environments? Hold off until they've made greater developments in the necessary tech? Throw some money their way, or skip it?

[ ] Purchase a bit more for training
[ ] Hold off until further R&D is done
[ ] Invest some money in R&D companies
[ ] Skip / don't bring this up again

>>2839430
>[ ] Invest some money in R&D companies

>>2839430
>[x] Invest some money in R&D companies
The technology exists out in the universe, so it's logical to expect to have to fight against energy draining systems eventually, Neeran or not.

You decide to invest some money in the R&D companies in the hopes of further advancements. It's hard to be sure how effective some of the tech they're working on will be but it's a step in the right direction.

Training and the army upgrades continue. Testing is showing the new APC's are more than adequate, and the optional stasis upgrades do work. SAM equipped versions however are having difficulties. For now some of the old IFV's will be retained to provide extra AA capability.

The Corps of Engineers are having fun seeing how quickly they can set up and knock down prefab garrison bases. A few exercises are conducted around the edges of some of the western cities, giving them real population centers nearby to worry about.

Across the planet mobile construction vehicles are continuing to expand the infrastructure network and sites of new Knight cities are established. Repulsor train networks are also going up, connecting from Spiral city out around the small sea to the east. Plans are being drawn up to complete lines to the smaller ocean in the southern hemisphere and then around the other side of the planet to the western cities. That will allow them to completely ring the planet.

The trade mission sent to Norune space has yet to reach their destination when you receive a summons from Count Jerik. It seems the Emperor wishes to work out details of the invasion of Neeran space with the Houses and is calling for a grand assembly. This should simply be a case of the heads of Houses or key players being called to the capital. Presumably you're either going along because of being on the Emperor's good side, or for a special assignment.

1) Did you want to take the family along to see the capital? Sure Eleanor and Leon will be too young to remember any of it but that's less time you have to spend away from them.

2) Transportation
[ ] Fast Luxury Liner
[ ] The Great Devourer
[ ] Outer Heaven

Stopping here for the night because I have to be up early. Resuming tomorrow evening?

>>2839658

>1) Yes

>2) The Great Devourer

>>2839658
>1) Did you want to take the family along to see the capital? Sure Eleanor and Leon will be too young to remember any of it but that's less time you have to spend away from them.
Sure, we can at least get some pictures to show them later in life.

>2) [x] Outer Heaven

>>2839658
>Yes
Got to spend what time we can with them before deployment.

>[ ] Outer Heaven

>>2839660
Nice

>>2839658
>Yes
>[ ] Outer Heaven

>>2839658
>1)
Sure. Are we allowed to bring Bekka and Ethan if they're interested?

>2)
Outer Heaven. We should also buy and customize one of those battleships with a cloaking device for personal use at some point.

>>2839658
>1) Did you want to take the family along to see the capital? Sure Eleanor and Leon will be too young to remember any of it but that's less time you have to spend away from them.
Yes
>2)
[ ] Outer Heaven

>>2839964
I do like the idea of getting to introducera Bekka to the Emperor. Would do get career good as well but mostly it is for the sake of being able to just go "Hey, wanna meet the Emperor? Lets meet the Emperor!"

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pls rember that wen u feel scare or frigten
never forget ttimes wen u feeled happy
wen day is dark alway rember happy day

Taking the Outer Heaven. Your rooms aboard ship have seen a bit more work making them a tiny bit more family oriented than before. All the better to ensure the children will be in a good environment. They're rapidly approaching the dreaded terrible twos and both are learning things quickly. Almost too quickly in some cases. It may become difficult to keep them in the connected rooms that make up the family quarters during the trip.
Extra guards have been posted to help counter the chances of an escape attempt.

>>2839964
>Are we allowed to bring Bekka and Ethan if they're interested?
You could probably get Bekka some leave and get her there on a fast ship. Ethan would probably enjoy seeing the capital. They'd be limited in where they can visit due to security restrictions around the imperial city and the Palace.

>>2840458
>I do like the idea of getting to introducera Bekka to the Emperor.
The Emperor is going to be super busy what with leaders from a few hundred Houses being on the capital. This might not be the best time.

>>2839964
>We should also buy and customize one of those battleships with a cloaking device for personal use at some point.
Reminder that the cloak won't be as good on it as the Nocturn. Then again you could probably pick up a better quality cloak for it somewhere.

What other customization were you thinking of? Faster FTL? Family stuff?

I have to step out for an hour or more unfortunately. Will resume when I get back.

>>2841372

>Battleship customization

Not really

>>2841372
>Faster FTL?
How fast can we make it?
How fast can we safely make it?
How fast can we unsafely make it for experimental purposes?

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On the flight to Dremine you plan, train, exercise and spend time with the children. They're both becoming quite a handful and acting out a bit. Half way through the trip Eleanor clearly wants to go and play outside in the grass like at the manor. That takes some explaining and showing the twins a display of space outside the ship. They don't fully get it, but the view seems to distract them.

Later in the trip Troy makes use of a more heavily crash padded room and turns gravity down to lower levels. They really seem to like this.
"Are you going to try reducing it to zero G?" you ask.

"Not a chance. I dont want them puking everywhere."

You arrive in orbit of Dremine making sure the kids have a good view. There was talk of Ethan just taking a shuttle up but that would deprive your parents of a chance to see the grandkids. Can't have that. Mom and Dad are happy that the kids are saying words now and wishing they could visit more often.

If possible Ethan is looking even more like a stick than the last time you saw him. He's clearly been exercising though. Despite being a bit lanky and slightly taller than you are he doesn't look weak by any stretch. His schooling and training are clearly preparing him for whatever it thrown his way.

Bekka's ship may be more than a week behind you but there isn't much time to wait for her. The Count isn't going to delay his departure for your sister and expects the same of you. You are both being called to the capital after all. She'll just have to meet up with you there.

"Viscount, you just had to bring your Medium Cruiser didn't you?" Count Jerik asks you on a private channel.
"Now if I show up with anything less than that it could make my position within our House appear weak."

You hadn't really considered that. Fortunately the Count is not without options or resources. He takes a newer model Shukhant equipped with afterburners. Additional ornamentation has been added including gold filigree along the edges.
The choice is a bit surprising when considering what else is available in the House inventory. There were probably political motives for not choosing a larger or different ship.

For the two and a half days in flight to the capital you give Ethan a proper tour of your command ship. He also gets a chance to look at the armory. You have more power armor aboard than what some Houses field.

"Can I try one of the suits for a few minutes?" Ethan asks.
"Have you been trained with the neural interface?" you ask, indicating where it would usually wrap around the back of the head.

"No, mom wouldn't let me."
"WHAT?"
"Not until I'm old enough. I've played lots of sims using suits at the holoplex though."

[ ] Well if he's familiar with the basic operations...
[ ] No, that's not the same as the suit interface

>>2841882
>sims using suits at the holoplex
Were they Reynard(tm) Brand HoloExperiences(tm)?

This is probably a bad idea.
[x] No, it's not the same as the suit interface.

>>2841882
>[ ] No, that's not the same as the suit interface

>>2841853
>Faster FTL?
>How fast can we make it?
Just as fast as an EC-K it just requires a lot more drive plates. Which will probably mean less of the extra phase cannon turrets that have been added as part of upgrades over the years.
Keep in mind that most cloaking systems will not hide your FTL drive flare. The faster you go the brighter it is in subspace.

>How fast can we unsafely make it for experimental purposes?
You could probably push it up into the highest FTL speeds currently possible, though that would mean losing the cloak and replacing it with a more powerful drive core.

>>2841890
>Were they Reynard(tm) Brand HoloExperiences(tm)?
Probably since the family uses your holoplex on Dremine? The franchise buys programs from a lot of different places.

Regretfully you have to tell Ethan that no, that's not the same as using the suit interface. It is possible to buy a neural interface that's compatible with a holobooth to get the proper training, but those aren't just handed out to civilians.

He is able to try one of the flight packs though. The techs figure that's safe enough. With only so much room aboard Valeri takes him down to one of the launch bays to try it out. He's largely mastered it by the time you arrive at the capital.

Orbit is packed with ships. Larger vessels are hanging in high orbit including a few super heavy cruisers and a Concordia class mobile asteroid fort. You note that the newer Ceres built engine equipped rock is using a Ruling House IFF. Its smaller cousin, an Aethra class vessel, is sitting nearby marked with the same IFF as it's builders.

The Helios, Nirium and Kharbos delegations are easily spotted by their trademark heavy cruiser designs. It seems Helios is trying to drum up sales of its still rather new Regency class. If your House is any indication Kharbos is doing a bit better in that regard with their Inexorable.

House Nasidum and House Xygen are still trying to give them impression that they're not to be considered pushovers despite losing the civil war. Each has brought a DECS upgraded Mega class Super. Perhaps they felt showing up with their remaining mobile fortress would be overkill?

Most other Houses have opted for Medium Cruisers, Long Range Battleships, or even the new model House Transports to carry their representatives. Despite the large numbers of ships it looks like the big stations in orbit should be able to handle most of them.

As the Outer Heaven and the Counts command ship are sent docking instructions you spot a brand new Sovereign class just arriving. Obviously the Ruling House is showing off. Ber'helum has always had a big military. It shouldn't be a surprise that they've built up the Dominion to such an extent over the past few years.

"Were there this many ships when you fought here in the civil war?" Ethan asks you, not taking his eyes off the displays for a moment.
"I'm pretty sure this is more. Most of the big fleets were too far away to respond quickly when the Kythera attacked."

You've had your people arrange for quarters at the company building on the surface. The Count will of course take up residence at the J-D embassy arcology for the time being.

Anything you wanted to do before the assembly?

>>2842028

>Anything you wanted to do before the assembly?

Check in with the company offices here on the capital, now that construction should hopefully be complete. See what is going on and what the people working here have to say. Then try and catch up with allies and friends if we can before the assembly.

>>2842028
Show Ethan our nice piece of land on the Capital. Especially the park!

Fading out here.
I'll try to resume for a few hours in the afternoon tomorrow.

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>>2842028
>Anything you wanted to do before the assembly?
Visit the J-D Embassy, see if there is a memorial for the people who died during the last attack on the planet. And check if there's one or a grave for the guard captain who was killed during the lat'tham disaster.

>It seems Helios is trying to drum up sales of its still rather new Regency class.
How much does the ship cost and has the design actually seen combat yet?

>>2842028
Check in at the Helios embassy and see how well it's been rebuilt? Also an update on the Veritas project?

>>2842028
Visit the allies of our house, especially those who aren't in the run alliance. It seems like a good chance to speak with them without having to travel all over dominion space.

>>2842028
Go shopping, buy toys and stuff for the kids that you can't get elsewhere.

>>2842028
>Helios Heavy
>>2714372
>Many are wary of the upcoming Helios Heavy Cruiser which would be yet another siege gun platform. Albeit with one of the more powerful main gun armament to date. It's firepower is expected to match the Ascendancy Quad Siege Cannon upgrade, though it would be far more mobile than those vessels. Overall production should be cheaper thanks to requiring less materials.

During the big battle for the Nasidum shipyards the heavy cruisers had to charge the enemy positions because all the super heavy cruisers were too fragile to risk anything other than long range engagements.

What if Helios design teams take advantage of the Regency's speed and advanced armor design, remove the heavy cannons to use the freed capacity to equip the ship with additional shields and additional smaller turrets, in order to create a new subclass? Add defensive cooling laser batteries to reduce the damage of incoming plasma and fusion siege cannon shots if it's viable and create a mid and close range assault cruiser / mobile strongpoint to provide cover for less durable ships? The only new Dominion heavy design that doesn't mount siege weapons seems to be the Archaster, and that one looks like it focuses on speed and maneuverability over raw staying power.

It might help the Regency to find a role that doesn't put it in competition with the Sovereign and all the other new heavy cruisers that are currently competing for siege platform spots in the various fleets.

>>2842046
>Show Ethan our nice piece of land on the Capital. Especially the park!
The exterior of the building is as smooth as a mirror, encased in blue glass except for the landing pads and entrances. It's taller than many buildings seen on Dremine or Rioja, though hardly setting records in that department.

Down at ground level the gardens are coming along nicely. They still have some work ahead of them but areas open to the public and employees are in good shape. Human, Dro'all and people of other species routinely visit them. It may not be a wonder of the world, but it's definitely becoming a local beauty spot.

>>2842033
>Check in with the company offices here on the capital, now that construction should hopefully be complete.
It is fully operational. Some of the office levels available for lease are still empty but it's expected that they'll eventually fill up.
RSS, and HTF have both been able to bring in an abundance of work with the opening of offices here. They're not able to take on every job. Some pay too poorly to deploy ships large enough to take them on. In other cases there just aren't enough ships available.

Some terraforming customers are getting impatient because of the long wait times due to the Terran contracts. There is deffinitely demand for orbital correction work if you could get hold of another gravity well generator or two.

The various mercenary companies you're on good terms with that have been able to sell their services on site are glad for the opportunity. Foss remains one of the highest rated SRL mercs and predictably has among the highest demand. As a result of this his superior Warlord Krussk is likewise gaining a measure of trust within the Dominion.

>See what is going on and what the people working here have to say.
Those working for RSS seem to be enjoying the opportunity to work in the capital even if they're not in the Imperial City itself. There is a great deal of competition within the various company offices in attempts to land a position here.
Cost of employee housing is becoming a concern for some. There is talk of creating housing on site to cut down costs and commute times. For now it isn't a major problem but it one the company is keeping an eye on.


>>2842429
>Visit the J-D Embassy, see if there is a memorial for the people who died during the last attack on the planet.
There is, in addition to the main Dominion memorial.
>And check if there's one or a grave for the guard captain who was killed during the lat'tham disaster.
The Royal Guard have their own memorial. It is rarely open to the public but you could arrange a visit.
There is also the memorial on Yineput itself.

>>2842429
>How much does the ship cost and has the design actually seen combat yet?
If I calculated it right 2.5 to 3.125 Billion depending on upgrades. They have now seen combat (though very little) and are considered to be good enough. Not extraordinary but it gets the job done.

>super heavy cruisers were too fragile to risk anything other than long range engagements.
A combination of that and being too valuable to risk bringing them in that close.

>only new Dominion heavy design that doesn't mount siege weapons seems to be the Archaster, and that one looks like it focuses on speed and maneuverability over raw staying power.
Correct.

>remove the heavy cannons to use the freed capacity to equip the ship with additional shields and additional smaller turrets, in order to create a new subclass?
This is a good idea.

With the big siege weapon mounts it should be fairly simple to replace the guns with other options. Medium plasma cannons, afterburners, boarding pods you name it. You're right about giving it other options so that it's not just competing with the other siege gun ships.


>>2842535
>Check in at the Helios embassy and see how well it's been rebuilt?
It has been fully restored. They had much less to deal with in terms of structural damage compared to those that were closest to the landing zone. Or the one that was hit by the orbital laser strike.

There are no readily visible traces of the fighting that took place here. Those buildings that couldn't be easily repaired were replaced entirely.

>Also an update on the Veritas project?
First stage of technology transfer is largely completed. Veritas has the basics of what they wanted as does Helios.

It seems the Helios embassy staff were intending to talk to you after the assembly regarding funding for future projects if you wanted to invest. They're quick to warn that while the Dominion would benefit from continued development of new weapons they can't promise you'd personally make much money off it it. You might get some guns out of it later, or at least rights to buy them, but they're planning to develop big ones. Not things your smaller vessels could easily fit.

This would be a private financial investment. Your House has no additional R&D capability to assist right now.

>Invest? Y/N?
If yes how much?

>>2842978
>Invest?
Y
>how much
100 million per year? We can't really throw large amounts of money right now, and it seems like a long term project anyway.

>>2842868
>but it's definitely becoming a local beauty spot.
Yey. It doesn't need to be the most beautiful spot in the world. It's our park and it is perfect just the way it is.

>There is deffinitely demand for orbital correction work if you could get hold of another gravity well generator or two.
Don't suppose we could ask nicely if there is any way we could reserve one more if we ask nicely enough?

>Foss remains one of the highest rated SRL mercs and predictably has among the highest demand.
That's nice! I like Foss. It's almost a shame we didn't marry him instead. He does appeal to Psycho Sonia after all.

>>2842868
>There is talk of creating housing on site to cut down costs and commute times.
That is a problem. Didn't think about housing in the densest planet in the Dominion when we first made the plans for our lands.

>Invest? Y/N?
>If yes how much?
I am with anon here, 100 Million a year. It's SOMETHING at the very lest and it will help the entirety of the Dominion. Perhaps we can talk with the Emperor and Helios and perhaps see if we can organize something among all the Houses. They too should be able to see the benefit of making the whole of the Dominion stronger.

>>2843027
>Don't suppose we could ask nicely if there is any way we could reserve one more if we ask nicely enough?
Possible. They're still in very high demand but there might be a short gap where some are available before the offensive.

Of course once attacks into Neeran space start people will want gravity well generators so they can salvage fleeing enemies more efficiently. Expect prices to go up.

>>2843035
More expensive grav well generators mean more money for j-d and sonia.

>Housing trobules
Park a hotel ship in orbit and ferry people for sleep and r&r each day? It might still be cheaper.

>>2842978
>Invest? Y/N?
100m a year sounds solid for a project that's just starting out. We can always increase/decrease the amount as required.

test

>>2843049
Doubt planetary security would approve of that.

We could do it with an existing station though.

TSTG, are space elevators used / a thing in the Doninion?

100 million it is.

>>2843049
Unfortunately that would only serve to overcrowd the orbital space. The capital is seeing more growth than it has in centuries. With a strong and influential Ruling House more people want to be near the center of government. The problem will find a way of sorting itself out in time. The planet isn't in danger of turning into an Ecumenopolis. Yet.

>>2843200
>TSTG, are space elevators used / a thing in the Doninion?
They do exist. Mike blew up one of them in South Reach iirc. Problem is they make planetary shielding difficult, so most planets that are worth defending wont have them.

>>2842028
Maybe see if there's somewhere we can take Ethan for a power-armor training crash-course? As long as he doesn't tell Mom.

>>2843248
>With a strong and influential Ruling House
What exactly broke Nirium's back? They must have been pretty strong at one point to become ruling house. They and the Dominion were in pretty bad shape when the quest started.

>The problem will find a way of sorting itself out in time.
If the Emperor REALLY likes Sonia, she actually owns the entirety of the land within the boundaries stated on the deed, which would mean we could add a couple of habitat levels below the existing structure because, well, we own the land all the way down to the core.

>>2842978
>Regency mod
Neat. Make sure to scribble the name "Cataphract" on the napkin Sonia sends to Helios.

Shit. When my ISP went down my ID changed.

>>2843294
>What exactly broke Nirium's back? They must have been pretty strong at one point to become ruling house.
Not really.

The whole Dominion had been weakened by a series of conflicts that included the events of the Faction Wars. Kharbos was on the verge of being deposed multiple times but recovered, though each time they did they grew weaker. There was another big Dominion civil war some time after the faction wars that was really more like the 100 years war in some ways. It spilled over into the other factions territories to the point where the Terrans and Rovinar had to mount a large scale blockade using half of their fleets.
Nirium recovered from one round of fighting more quickly than other Houses and became Ruling House when few were in a position to challenge them.

I have to head to work! Sorry for all of the interruptions today.

>Regency mods
Is there such a thing as directional shields? If you took out the siege weapons and put emplacements in that reinforced the front shielding to crazy levels, the Regency might be effective as a linebreaker/breakthrough cruiser.

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>>2843370
>Is there such a thing as directional shields?
Planetary shield generators are sort of like that. They can already be mounted on the Shukhant so it wouldn't be crazy to mount them even on a standard Regency.

>took out the siege weapons and put emplacements in that reinforced the front shielding to crazy levels
MFW

>>2844217
Would it withstand a few heavy plasma cannon shots?

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>>2844334
Well, thanks to that captured gun from the Executioner you sent off to Helios that can certainly be tested.

>>2843278
It takes some searching but you find a place for Ethan to get basic power armor training. Its going to be a bit more complicated than your training since he's not yet old enough to get memory imprinting done.

"Mom does not find out about this ever. Understand?"
"Got it."

He's sort of getting the hang of it by the time he has to stop.
"I don't suppose you could get me a heavy power armor suit that doubled as an excavator? It would be a good excuse to have one. Or I could disguise it as an industrial grade power loader."

"I think maybe you should decide what you're doing with your career before I start handing out toys more expensive than some starships." you counter.

>>2843294
>If the Emperor REALLY likes Sonia, she actually owns the entirety of the land within the boundaries stated on the deed, which would mean we could add a couple of habitat levels below the existing structure because, well, we own the land all the way down to the core.
There are limits to how deep companies are allowed to drill to prevent damage to underground infrastructure already in place. Shelters are generally located that deep. It could also weaken the rock in the area and/or cause an earthquake which would also be bad.

Looking at the site plan, there is still space on the property that could be use for a habitation block. Though being located right next to an aerocar landing pad could cause issues.

Need sleep.
No idea what's happening tomorrow.

>>2844589

Get sleep, friend. Thank you for running this incredible near decade long quest.

You rock TSTG.

>>2842868
>Some terraforming customers are getting impatient because of the long wait times due to the Terran contracts. There is deffinitely demand for orbital correction work if you could get hold of another gravity well generator or two.
Ask Ber'helum if we can rent the services of a few of their grav well ships for some time before the invasion? With the offensive in shallan space concluding, they probably have some sitting around with little to do aside from looking menacing.

Just asking here for my own curiosity but do we know who would lead the house should the Count and the Dremine Council be taken out at roughly the same time frame?

>>2844986
Baron in command of the home fleet?

>>2844810
>Ask Ber'helum if we can rent the services of a few of their grav well ships for some time before the invasion?
Good idea. You'll lose some money in the process but there are ways to counter that.

>>2844986
>do we know who would lead the house should the Count and the Dremine Council be taken out at roughly the same time
No. As long as it were just one or the other everything would be more or less fine. Fortunately it would be difficult to kill the entire Council at once short of nuking the capital.


Bekka arrives the day before the big meeting is to be held.

"BRRRROTHER!" Bekka yells when seeing that Ethan is there too, rushing in and giving him a big hug. When she finally lets him go it seems Ethan has been left looking a uncomfortable after having been squeezed against Bekka's rather ample chest.

"How was your flight?" you ask, hoping to distract her.
"Boring. I had to catch a high speed liner with a bunch of nobles and people from the House that need to meet with the Count. Which meant I had to be on my best behaviour." She rolls her eyes at this last part.
"At least the bars aboard ship were well stocked."

At least she stayed out of trouble by the sounds of it.

"So who are we terrorizing first?" Bekka asks.
"What?"
"The three of us never get together. We should do something fun! Maybe show me where you almost nuked half the city?"

>Your orders?

>>2845468
Makes sense, kinda scared, but it makes sense.
I am just scared shitless should a group decide to take them out and leave the house in a horrible state.

Show them around the J-D Embassy, also try to go into a Palace tour, then go get our little bro drunk as a skunk.

>>2845468
We obviously must raid some supplies of alcohol firstly. Time to be a bad influence on Ethan

>>2845492
>go get our little bro drunk as a skunk.
>>2845496
>We obviously must raid some supplies of alcohol firstly. Time to be a bad influence on Ethan
But he's underage!
He could probably get away with that in the army but he's not 17 yet.

>>2845468
>Maybe show me where you almost nuked half the city?
It's all paved over, it's like the Dominion never even experience a grey-goo invasion.

>something fun
Some kind of competitive sport? See what kind of high-quality movies they have in cinemas in the capital?

>>2845505
Pff, we're Sonia Bethany Reynard. We're a vicecount! I am sure we can have someone bring it to us and then just give them the death glare if they question it!

>>2845468
A tour of the sites where we fought should be interesting. We can make the phase cannon where the executions where held the last stop. And get them to help us pick gifts for the family, linda, and other friends like daska, winifred, or illya.

Also a heads up; Posting intermittently through the afternoon.

>>2845468
Does Valeri want some time off?

>>2845593
He wouldn't mind some but believes that while you're on the capital is probably the worst time.

>>2845515
>>2845512
You start things off with a tour of the city. Most of the Palace is closed off in preparation for the following day's events and security is very tight. It might be possible to visit later.

There are plenty of observation decks at different points around the city. A few are from older buildings that survived the battle for the city 6 years ago. It seems a few of the observatories have enough history tourism that they've equipped holoprojectors to that occasionally modify the view to show historical events. Eventually you locate one that has an overlay of the battle showing burning buildings nearby and Kharbos ships exchanging fire with the Palace guns.

Bekka is glad she generally stays in orbit when fighting.
"You can keep this air and ground stuff, thanks."

After the tour you head for an indoor sports field and play a few quick games of soccer with nobles from a few other Houses. One Dro'all Earl who is built like a brick wall proves to be the deciding factor in a few games acting as a nigh impassable goalkeeper.

"Reynard triple threat, let's do this!" declares Bekka leading the charge as the three of you act as forwards in one game. You flank one one side, helping to draw attention then pass to Bekka and then Ethan at the last second to get a goal while the keeper is out of position.

Trying to find a movie all of you like proves difficult so you settle on searching for gifts for family members. Ethan even has a few ideas for gifts to members of the family guard.

"Ethan, you ever had alcohol yet?"
"No? I'm not old enough. Well except for wine one at new years but it tasted awful."
"I don't think anyone is going to object if a Viscount orders an extra drink and I happen to give it to you."

Largely ignoring Bekka's drink suggestions Ethan ends up asking for a strong Liqueur. He's clearly unprepared for the kick it must have because it sends him into a coughing fit. This gets a laugh from Bekka and a smile from you.

"Sounds like you got the good stuff." your sister comments.
"I guess?" Ethan replies sounding a bit hoarse. He's not in a hurry to try more.

"It can be a bit of an acquired taste." you tell him.

>>2845814
Is there some important dro'all temple or shrine on this world where we could either make an offering in Kavos' name or for him?

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>>2845844
I'll have to think of something.

The next day Troy, Bekka and Ethan spend time looking after the kids while you and Count Jerik is called to the Palace and the Meeting Chamber of the Royal Houses. There have been some minor renovations and upgrades but otherwise little has been changed. Aside from your House having a much closer position to the center.
Rumors going around indicate that none of the leaders of any Houses have been killed since their arrival on planet despite a few assassination attempts by rivals. The consequences of this remain unclear but you suspect it's been handled out of the public eye.

The Emperor greets the assembled leaders and thanks them for their attendance. Not that they had much choice. A number of Houses that have recovered from the Civil War are looking for opportunities to retake lost worlds or expand in other areas. It was heavily implied that the Ruling House and the Seven would withdraw support from any House unwilling to take part in the offensive into the Empire. Support and protection. Without those the other Houses would quickly fall upon anyone foolish enough not to participate.

"For more than sixteen years the Factions have been driven back, repulsed assaults and slowly ground down fleets and armies in our attempts to keep the Neeran at bay. It has cost all of us much to get to this point, but today we are in a position to strike a crippling blow to the enemy. The Factions and the Alliance have defeated the greatest threat to our territory in the entire war with our victories last year. The last pockets of enemy held worlds have been liberated. Within the next few months all but a few minor enemy fleets should be cleared out."

Holographics light up, filling the darkened space above the leaders with star and galaxy formations. navigation relays and lanes light up soon forming the familiar network. It doesn't stop there. Lanes you're less familiar with light up in bright green, spreading out from the old. As the Emperor explains, some of these lanes and relays were already in place before the Neeran war but couldn't be brought into operation because of the Warlord threat. Others have been built over the course of the war.

On the edge of the map lies the rather nebulous bulk of the Neeran Empire. Navigation hazards such at the Crystal Sea break up the space in between. At the eastern edge of the sea lies what is marked as an enemy facility apparently dubbed the "Lighthouse." This has to be how the Neeran were able to strike the colonies at DS2. Out far beyond the Lighthouse are a chain of new Alliance relay stations which seem to be located within hazard zones.

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You notice what appear to be a few Alliance intelligence officers near the Emperor. It seems they're the ones providing a good deal of the new map data.

As the new navigation lanes fade into the usual blue, new sets of lanes and space data lights up the map. They slowly fill in most of the lower half of the Neeran Empire. Brighter green for lanes in the upper reaches of their space, darker green for the lower lanes. Lastly are a set of bright blue lanes nearly all of which stretch out from a focal point at the center of the Empire.

As is explained, these are wormhole gates that the Neeran apparently employ to speed transport throughout their territory. The gate in Shallan space that was destroyed early in the war was likely sending ships straight from their capital. With the navigation issues between Shallan space and theirs perhaps that was easier and safer?

You do note that there are Relays present on the map for which lane data isn't provided. Perhaps that's classified?

"The offensive into Neeran space will be conducted in three phases. Phase one will begin next year as early as the fleets and armies can be readied and moved into position. Three main lines of advance will establish beachheads and pacify the immediate surrounding areas. Secondary lines of advance may be used if excessive resistance is faced in these regions."

You can bet there is going to be some serious resistance for whoever launches from Shallan space. They're going to be expected. Whether by design or coincidence many of the phase one targets seem to be near the wormhole gates.

"Phase two will use the established beachheads at launch points for missions to actively assist the Empire's client states in their attempts to rebel. If phase one is sufficiently successful Alliance fleets may begin to expand their areas of control into other regions as phase two is ongoing. These will largely be focused around the outer reaches of the Empire, or to secure lanes leading deeper into their space."

That could be a mess but it needs to be done. As much as you're sure a few leaders would like some of them to resist so worlds can be annexed you'd rather not end up fighting the entire Empire.

"Phase three will strike at the Empire's central government as well as attempt to capture or destroy their gate network. It is contingent upon the successful completion of the previous two operations."

That all sounds fairly straight forward. What could possibly go wrong with all of that?

After this begins the lengthy task of determining which Houses will commit resources to the various phases of the invasion plan. Some wish to take part early on so they can finish their contribution quickly. Others want to avoid taking part in the initial wave for fear they'll face excessive fighting against fresh Neeran fleets. Many would rather take part in phase two where they should have greater autonomy to deploy their forces.

>Cont

While the Rioja fleet will be needed for whatever special operation the Empire has in mind for you, the rest of the J-D fleet will be doing its own thing.

Count Jerik is leaning towards Phase one. Depending on how that goes the House should be able to scrape together a fleet or two to take part in the second phase. Potentially giving them a chance to capture some worlds or salvage. If it doesn't go well the House will have more time to recover.

Comments?

>>2846188
Considering how messy it's most likely going to be, will additional support be provided to houses directly participating in the first phase?

>>2846188

>Count thinks J-D should be first wave.

I think that sounds like a good idea. Grab ourselves some salvage while we're out there. Salvaging supers and worlds and tech we've not seen yet. Maybe even capture a wormhole! I know that is a far out impossible idea, that even if we did the Alliance would snag it from us.

I am for the first wave.

>>2846202
Fortunately you're not the only one with these sort of questions. As the Alliance reps explain most Faction forces, especially for the initial invasion, will be deploying as composite fleets. Centered on Alliance battlegroups units from other Factions will be attached to them. Because of this most House fleets will have support from Alliance Capital Ships and vessels from the other Factions.

That doesn't mean Houses can't split off fleet groups to do their own thing. Just that there is a risk the Neeran will try and pick them off if they do.

Several heavy battlegroups using slower moving ships like the mobile forts will also be fielded. The Alliance intends to attach their mobile fleet bases to units like these where possible.

>>2846209
Just keep in mind that the Shallan State has already laid claim to the slightly smaller cluster opposite the border from them. According to reports the Neeran have Shallan colonies throughout this region that have existed since before the war.

>>2846264

Well we don't have to be in the opening wave. But still be well within the first wave that we can get some goodies before anyone else in the Dominion does.

>>2846188

Sweet map.

Supporting first wave

>>2846176
Leaning towards a 60/40% commit to Phase 1/2.

One will be all the guts an glory, but two will present lots of raiding opportunities if we can fracture the Empire.

Phase one at the very least, though not necessarily in the opening wave. That should give the House plenty of options.

Much of the day is spent with Houses volunteering for specific waves. Too many are volunteering much of their forces for the first and second phases of the invasion. Not enough for the later stages. By the afternoon this has resulted in Houses bidding on force deployments for the various phases of the invasion.
The Alliance officers present are clearly unused to this sort of anarchy and are overwhelmed by information requests on the invasion corridors. Eventually the Emperor is forced to call the assembly to order. The rest of the afternoon is given for House leaders to look over the available data and submit bids for forces they intend to commit. They'll then be allowed to look over competing bids made by others and submit new ones the following day.
Due to security concerns while this is ongoing the Imperial city and the embassies will largely be locked down. Travel to and from the embassies and the Palace are just about the only traffic permitted. Leaders will still have full access to the secure communications arrays between the embassies and their Houses.

The following day the Alliance officers you can see are still looking frazzled but are otherwise holding it together. J-D submits its renewed bid which is accepted. Disagreements between others continue to take up the rest of the day.

The real difficulty in the negotiations is that many Houses want to capture and keep worlds in the Empire's territory. This may not always be possible depending on how phase 2 goes in its attempts at a liberation. Some Houses who want worlds probably wouldn't be able to take them, while others actually need them to replace what the Neeran destroyed. Count Jerik and more than a few others are far more practical. Neeran space is too far away for your House to administrate territory there effectively. Captured worlds will be traded.

A short assembly is held again on the third day to confirm that the basic framework is in place. When the Meeting Chamber is cleared and the assembly ended you and a dozen others are told to remain behind.

You know a few people here. Lord Admiral Irim Feron still looks as thin as the last time you met. You may have met the Kharbos Duke before. Wait, shouldn't he be an Archduke... now? That train of thought seemed familiar.
Another human Viscount is present. Nikomedes you think is their name.

Most of those present seem to be involved in R&D in one way or another. Were all of these people at that secret meeting you can't remember? In the distance you can hear the doors being locked down.

File: NEmpire_Map4041.gif (30 KB, 1532x754)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBLOvSb56Vc [ The Illusive man's theme ]

Once one of the Royal Guard give the all clear the Emperor touches a biometric interface. Additional information is added to the map above. Points of interest pop-up in two of the clusters inside Neeran space. Several points pop up inside one cluster and are soon amalgamated into a large (R) Icon. Another is a single point with an (A) Icon.

"Let's get to it." Announces Ber'helum. "All of the SP weapon development projects that the Neeran Empire are believed to be working on are in this area here indicated by the "R." We don't know for sure how many there are but we do know they're taking multiple approaches to come up with weapons systems that they can field. If there is another region they're working on these in it must be on the other side of the Empire where we can't reach it.

The Alliance is already taking steps to attempt destruction of these weapon development labs but so far have been unsuccessful in shuttling them down completely. Fortunately it is slowing their progress towards mass production. Capturing as many of these labs as possible for the Dominion is up to all of you. Your fleets we be part of the earliest units taking part in the second phase of operations. Each will be granted additional resources with which to augment their fleet. Don't waste them you'll need it."

Aros points to the other marker. "This is the supposed location of a facility construction by the same people who built the Dyson Sphere. We have no idea what it contains or if the Neeran Empire are even aware of its existence. Given the sensitive nature of this location, and the fact that Alliance Intelligence is aware it exists, one of you should be prepared to get to it before one of the Alliance fleets does.
All of you have the requisite experience with advanced technologies to be considered for the operation. Whoever accepts would be provided additional briefing material by an expert."

He doesn't say who that expert is. Some of the others might guess but most are probably oblivious to your very classified mission on the sphere.

"Unfortunately due to our timetable this will coincide with the SP weapon capture operation. These sites will require fleet operations to secure. Don't go thinking you can sneak in with a few cloaked ships and recon suits."

Which operation do you intend to volunteer for?
[ ] Sphere builder facility
[ ] SP Weapon R&D

And I'm out until tomorrow evening!

>>2846713
>[x] Sphere builder facility
We have to do it. I feel like Sonia has to see this through, the moment we met Svidur was leading to this.

>>2846713

>Openly talking about hitting Neeran SP Tech Facilities around FA reps.

Well then I guess we are just throwing out all pretenses that the Dominion isn't attempting to research SP tech then? Well count me for going somewhere NOT involved with SP tech, we dead dropped the information we had. That should be the end of it, unless other anons want to go further down that rabbit hole.

I think we should go for the Sphere Builder Facility. Not just because it gets us away from SP-Tech and possible Terran black ops. But also because we could most likely find tech not seen or used that we can put to use in the Dominion. Maybe it's just a shield world, where it is a world built on top of a shell with an inner world built to protect life. Or maybe it's some sort of intergalactic prison for races to dangerous to let loose, but the builders still wanted to keep a record of. Or maybe it is just a red herring. Either way heading there is bound to get us salvage.

And we get to possibly see just how the Neeran crossed the Crystal Sea and whatever wreckage's remain there.

>>2846735
>Openly talking about hitting Neeran SP Tech Facilities around FA reps.

>>2846706
>Meeting Chamber is cleared
>you and a dozen others are told to remain behind.
Should I have worded this differently? More explicitly mentioned a lack of Alliance personnel? I'm not always descriptive enough with some scenes.

>>2846743

Sorry skimmed through, half asleep.

>>2846713
I'd say we volunteer for SP facility if no one goes for it. Unless that somehow happens we should check out the sphere builder facility

>>2846713
> [ ] Sphere builder facility

We can contribute Diamonds to the SP stuff.

>>2846735
> Well then I guess we are just throwing out all pretenses that the Dominion isn't attempting to research SP tech then?

More paranoid people than us have always failed to hide it when we have. This is the chance to not only openly pursue it, but to do so without starting a war. Because we're already in one.

>>2846713
>sphere builder facility
It'll keep small and neutral j-d away from sp headaches, so I'm all for it.

They are aware that we will need some alliance support regardless, right? Trying to access the facility without support from sphere or at least republic neeran seems foolish at best.

>wormhole gates
How is the faction version coming along?

>>2846857
We already have.

>>2846713
Now on one hand I want to do the SP one to ensure the Dominion actually manages to secure a lab or two. Also because we've already done one sphere expedition. On the other hand getting a hold of the fabricators and tech of the sphere, or at lest the tech that possibly is located there, seems equally delicious. Plus avoiding the attention of Terrans a bit more is always a plus. Even if I have my doubt about them trying to start shit during the single largest invasion performed by the Factions, ever. On that note the possibility of more artifacts is delicious and if anyone is going to do the mission which only one can do then that should be us.

[ ] Sphere builder facility

On a completely unrelated note. Did anyone else notice all those Relays in the Neeran Empire who have seemingly no connection to to any other Relay at all?

>>2845986
>Crystal sea
>The great rift
Anything worth looting in there? Ancient wreckage, lost technology, valuable resources or simply hard to reach planets? Are they natural hazards or did somebody cause them?

>>2846713
>[ ] Sphere builder facility

>>2846713
>[ ] SP Weapon R&D
Might as well, maybe we can salvage some tech for the house while there.

>>2847126
Sorry I meant this instead
>[ ] Sphere builder facility

>>2847057
>Ancient wreckage, lost technology, valuable resources or simply hard to reach planets?
Who knows? They've only barely been explored. It was too dangerous before gravity well focusing tech became available.
>Are they natural hazards or did somebody cause them?
Naturally occurring.

>>2847184
RSS gravity well supported salvage expedition soon?

>>2846713

>[X] Sphere builder facility

Absolutely this. SP tech is great but it sounds like the dominion is going to get it either way eventually. The sphere builder facility likely has tech and other goodies never before seen by the factions, and our experience with sphere tech/caretaker culture makes us by far the best candidate for this mission.

>Phase one will begin next year as early as the fleets and armies can be readied and moved into position
We should definitely test if it makes sense to install a weather control system on the planetary bullying platform.

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>>2847380
Operating it will compromise at least half of the platform's shields. The upper/dorsal shields would have to be offline for it to function. Other than that, yes it should be possible, though it wouldn't work well if the ship were moving very fast. Ideally keeping all shields down and moving no faster than 150kph.

>An enormous alien carrier invades the planet, hidden from sensors and counterattack by a raging storm that seems to herald its approach.

God I hope Sonia gets to board a Scorcher and capture it one day.

>>2846735
>And we get to possibly see just how the Neeran crossed the Crystal Sea
They used subspace gravity well focusing systems nearly identical to what the Terrans developed. These systems are found on many of the Executioner class ships.

>>2846857
You already sent SP weapon data to the Ruling House. Odds are it will be included in the mission briefing for those going after the multiple R&D sites.

>>2846852
>volunteer for SP facility if no one goes for it.
Given the number of people the Emperor brought in for this, that is statistically unlikely.

>>2846970
>wormhole gates
>How is the faction version coming along?
Supposedly operational, though just what they're doing with it is classified. Within the House people have heard that a few Alliance fleet groups are stationed there and seem to see action on a regular basis. No indication that fighting has taken place at the gate site itself, just wherever they're sending ships.

The Alliance does want to capture enemy gates as part of the invasion. They've promised the gates can be connected to the Alliance's one and reinforcements can then be brought in more quickly. That would certainly reduce logistics strain.

>>2847057
>>2847191
>RSS gravity well supported salvage expedition soon?
If you want to delay expeditions to South Reach sites that the Warlords are actively hunting for then I guess so?
You'd also have to pull one of the gravity well generators away from terraforming.

Keep in mind it could take a very, very long time to chart the Crystal Sea. You might be farther ahead making a deal with the Navigators Guild and leaving the bulk of the risk (and time wasting) to them.

>>2848732
You've even got jump walkers and clone troops. All you need are flying saucers that use lightning guns and RotJ speeder bike sound effects. It wouldn't be terribly difficult for you to become the bad guys.

>>2848921
>flying saucers that use lightning guns
Flying saucers are just squashed eggs, new Neeran ship inspiration?

>>2848921
So what you're saying is that we become the Scrin? Now we just need to find a mineral that can rapidly self replicate, toss some in the form of a meteor into a industrialized tech level pre-space civilization. Send a mining op there after a couple hundred years and get our shit kicked in by the defenders due to a Neeran disguised as one of them baited us into attacking so that he could steal the tech and later transcend himself and his followers.

>>2848948
I dont think the ship mounted lightning guns can be miniaturized enough at the moment.

>>2846713
You're quick to volunteer for the Sphere Builder facility. You're the best qualified and are the one who brought it to the Dominion's attention. If there's any fallout from the Dominion more actively pursuing SP weaponry hopefully your House will avoid the worst of it.

It seems that will have to come at a cost. The commanders who are among the first to secure the SP facilities will benefit the most from weapons savlage. Even though much of the tech is to be split up among the Factions to break the Terrans and Rovinar of their monopoly, they'll still benefit immensely themselves. The rest of the conspirators acting as reserve units to reinforce captured sites will get a share but much less.

That doesn't mean your contribution will be forgotten. It will just mean repayment will be a longer time coming. That's fine, you've sat on the SP data this long without getting anything from it.

The Emperor is reluctant to send your fleet into enemy territory alone. Even with the additional resources you're to be provided with. Whatever those are. A reserve unit is to be positioned to rush to your assistance if needed but will otherwise stay out of the fighting. They may be needed for other operations once the Alliance begins to secure the area.

Is there anyone you would like to request for your backup? Any particular commander? You've met people in many Houses and Factions over your career. Provided they've survived this long they may be able to bring with them unique resources. They needn't be from the Dominion. Depending on your choice arrangements can be made so the reserves wont know exactly what you're after.

No shortage of people from the Dominion. There are 3 or more people among the SRL Mercs you could request. Some PCCG Privateers and guild Mercenaries. Even a few Hune, Terrans, Rovinar and Kavarians.

Who is going to back you up?
https://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/Dramatis_Personae

>>2849037

Mike, Foss, Berwari, Versa, Chen, Mezan

I'm not holding my breath for Versa or Chen, but it would be beyond awesome to have them come back. Foss we or someone else can hire, Berwari we can convince with salvage to be waiting around most likely. Mike we need to do something with him soon, plus he would be a great choice from in house to back us up. And Mezan pretty much owes us thought I don't know how much their forces have grown or shrunken since we gave them a running start. Other names on that list don't strike me immediately.

>>2849079
>>2849037
Absolutely this list.

Add Daska to it though.

>>2849079
Chen is out of the question. He'll be in command of all Alliance forces on the right flank invasion corridor.

Versa however might just be possible. Though she'd have another Admiral along in actual command of the fleet. Or did you mean getting Versa for your fleet, not the reserve?

Mike is possible, but he's not an experienced large fleet commander. He's a small unit tactic specialist. You can ask that he be assigned to your fleet though.

Building up a list of potential candidates.
>Dominion
Mike
Daska
Knights Errant / Knights of the Dominion (Any)
Admiral Frezj'an (Former House Bonrah)
many others

>PCCG
Mezan
Firth

>SRL
Berwari
Foss
Someone else employed by Krussk

>Terran Alliance
Versa
"Mad Eye" Jones

>Republic
Rear Admiral Thebe

>Rovinar
Hyun Teclam (Intel)
(Former Rovinar SRL Merc) Trying to find their name

>Alliance
Admiral Selena Crayton

I may have to be up early so I'd better stop here for the night.

>>2849037
Myrish Avun - strengthening her position in the house will benefit us greatly.

Daska Rna - I expect her to turn us down, but I don't want her to say we never invited her for the fun stuff.

Baron Dante - Because I want to have Sphere Tech walkers. Also his experience with exotic systems and armor.

Professor Omega - Why not bring our OWN Mad Scientist?

Rear Admiral Selena Crayton - Guaranteed not a Terran spy. Experienced with carriers, which would be useful.

Bewari - Because he's super fun! Also an accomplished Mathematician.

>>2849108

If we can Versa for our fleet I'd be amazed, but if she and whatever Terran admiral who has to come along be the back up fleet that is fine.

Mike tagging along again? Sure would be almost like old times or we can get him to work with Daska and have two of our friends working nearby would be super helpful.

Also, I know we onky hired her to work as part of RSS, but what if we got Linda to be our navigator again? Going into uncharted territory near to dangerous navigstion hazards thay no one has explored or seen yet? This should be right up her alley, especially with her Navigator Guild background and connections. Hell, have Alex come with Daska and Mike too and we have the old wing again only a decade or so later!

I am only mostly joking about having all of them come back for one more deployment together. While it would be cool, tying up that many resources would wasteful and reflect badly on us.

>>2849108
Also I get the feeling that this would make a great survey question. Once we get all the suggested names out in the air.

>>2849037
We need somebody from the sphere. We could also request the carrier and crew who supported Sonia during the sphere mission.

>>2849108

If it could be arranged, some krath stealthed battlecruiser support is always nice. As far as whole supporting fleets go, I'm a big fan of Foss and Avun.

>>2849108
>Krath
-The guy from the sleeper ship who also handled the negotiation with Eldal.
-Jorek , who handled security for the not-Krath on the trip back from watcher space.

>>2849138
>Also I get the feeling that this would make a great survey question. Once we get all the suggested names out in the air.
Indeed.

>>2849308
>Captain Gaben Wilson - Alliance Intelligence
Added.

>>2849386
>The guy from the sleeper ship who also handled the negotiation with Eldal.
Captain Murilo [Krath] - (Intel) Kavarian Union / Alliance
>-Jorek , who handled security for the not-Krath on the trip back from watcher space.
Kerim Jorek [Krath] - Protectorate intel

Found the names of the various South Reach related Rovinar persons and added them to the Dramatis Personae page.

>SRL
Shur Sarkh - Bounty Hunter / SRL Intel
Shareh'th - SRL Warlord

>Rovinar
Seloni - Former Warlord

>>2849535
>Captain Murilo [Krath] - (Intel) Kavarian Union / Alliance
That should read Krath Intel.

>>2849037
It's a builder facility so I have no doubt we'll need a Neeran or two. Invite Sam/Dave/Baldr/Uller/Ran and see which one takes us up?

We have quite a few names already. Your fleet is to be provided with additional resources for the operation. What would you like added to your fleet as a special support option? Just remember some ships and forts are slow, and could reduce your fleet's mobility.

Sovereign Class Fast Super
Dominion Enhanced Capital Ship / DECS
Mobile Asteroid Fort (Small)- Aethra Class
Mobile Asteroid Fort (Large)- Concordia Class
Mobile Fortress (Large)- Avalanche Class

You can also request non Dominion support options, though the Emperor would prefer to keep things within the Faction if possible.

AEXS
Alliance Capital Ship / ACS
Alliance Capital Carrier / ACC
Light Neeran City Ship / Super Carrier

Other suggestions?

>>2849591
>Sovereign Class Fast Super
>Mobile Asteroid Fort (Small)- Aethra Class

>>2849591
You could also request a Heavy Cruiser or Carrier instead of a Super.

Talos/ Talos E, Helios Regency class, Ascendancy upgrade versions like the cooling laser, etc.

>>2849608
Did anybody repair the crippled Hephaestus?

>>2849591
Could we make this point based? We should be able to take a squad of archasters or bc carriers instwad of one super, for example. Or at least going by purchase price or crew requirements.

>>2849636
Used to make the first Sovereign iirc

>>2849636
>Hephaestus
There wasn't much left of it by the end of the fighting. It's frame was recycled for use in the Sovereign prototype.

>>2849639
Possible.

Verse I would like to bring if possible. It's been a while and a AI to support us would be a definite boon to our operations overall.

Crayton would be cool as well to help counter the Terran representative that would come. There is one person that wont be siding with the Terrans after all.

I would very much like a Ber'Helum representative as well who can speak for the Emperor to some degree as well. That way if it should come to shouting words between us and another faction or another House we can just activate the active diplomatic shield that would be the representative. Perhaps one or two Royal Guards to go along with that.

Possible Neeran support who aren't to unhappy with helping us steal a bunch of shit for the House and the Dominion

A battalion of Krath mercenaries would be invaluable for ground side operations.

Likewise one or two squadrons of Krath Battlecruisers would also be something incredibly valuable.

What heavy support I would like depends on what ship we will take. We got plenty of small ships like Corvettes, Frigates and Light Cruisers. But are we going to take a Heavy or the Forbearance with us? If we can take the Talos extended with us, if it is done by then, then I would like two Sovereign class ships to come with us. If we take the Forbearance I would like one Sovereign and one Carrier of some sort. Escort included. That way we have some real firepower and our ship based forced are mostly Dominion base so no one else can really lay claim to our spoils.

Even if a ACS is REALLY tempting. I mean 8 Heavy Plasma Cannons is really fucking dangerous amount of cannons. That kind of firepower should be able to face a Executioner. But it does have me worried for Alliance claims on any Neeran tech we manages to salvage from the build site. But again.... 8 Heavy Plasma Cannons.

>>2849675
A representative who can speak on behalf of the Emperor is a good idea.

>Krath mercenaries
Will be in high demand. You haven't established relations with any of them over the years or you might be able to call on them now.

>Alliance
>But it does have me worried for Alliance claims on any Neeran tech we manages to salvage from the build site.
This is why the Emperor would prefer Dominion forces.

>8 Heavy Plasma Cannons.
If you were using Dominion weapons yes. With Republic or Iratar guns it would be 12-16 for the Early or Standard ACS.

>>2849591
>Keep things within the faction, if possible
They know about the site, so they'll send spies and cloaked ships regardless. Just bring decent lawyers and we should be fine with fa support.

>>2849702
Could we go for say two Sovereign class Supers and then have a Avalanche attached to the support fleet? Then we are not as slowed down but have some SERIOUS firepower backing us if we need it. Plus we get a base of operation to work from in the area that can be moved up to the area once we've secured it. Then no one will be able to contest it in a hurry.

>>2849708
Only law we really need is the rule of salvage and conquest. We have the lawful right to claim territory and claim salvage. With only Dominion forces participating we can deny any claims by outside actors by the fact that they do not hold current ownership of the area in question, they are not located anywhere to contest the area nor did they even participate in the taking of the area.

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Calculating support units

>>2849709
We'll need Neeran, though. And those don't come in Dominion flavor. At least not yet.

>>2849747
You can recruit some agents and mercs for your personal fleet. Getting Sam and Dave again shouldn't be terribly difficult.

I think this should be mostly correct.

18] BC Carrier
20] Archaster
20] Condor

25] Nexus
25] Cage Carrier
25] Ascendancy Cooling Laser
27] Ascendancy modular rail type
27] Inexorable

28] Regency class (Helios)
28] Cardinal
28] Boli
29] Ascendancy Siege Type
29] Viscount

30] Chinning
30] Zeus
30] Senate Carrier
30] Talos Carrier
35-40] Talos Expanded Carrier

48] Forbearance (Example)
50-60] Sovereign Class Fast Super

80] Dominion Enhanced Capital Ship / DECS [Slow]
80] Mobile Asteroid Fort (Small)- Aethra Class [Very Slow]
110] Mobile Asteroid Fort (Large)- Concordia Class [Very Slow]
125] Mobile Fortress (Large)- Avalanche Class [Very Slow]
80] +) AEXS [Slow]
100] +) ACS Early
115] +) ACS Standard
125] +) ACS Epsilon Type [Slow]
70] +) Alliance Capital Carrier / ACC
120] +) Light Neeran City Ship / Super Carrier

+) = Alliance

>>2849784
Do we have a total number of points for the operation or are we going hog wild on this?

>>2849761
They're not sphere Neeran. Although I think those guys recovering new tech won't really impact faction politics.

>>2849794
In addition to Rioja's fleet plus whatever you can beg, borrow or hire from J-D or mercenaries, the Emperor will provide 130 support units.

15] Gravity Well Generator (Max =1)

Any other suggestions?

>>2849850
What's the name of that class of Heavy cruisers Alex designed again?

Fucking hell is /btg/ in a mess right now with that merc argument happening there.

>>2849853
The heavy mobile construction ship thing? I don't think I've come up with an actual proper name for it. While potentially useful for field refit operations its combat capability is nonexistent.

>SURVEY!!

www surveymonkey com/r/ 3328MBJ

I've added the mobile shipyard even though it would probably be dangerous to take it with you.

>>2849940
Get a Sovereign, Regency and Talos Extended. Then we bring Forbearance and we got some really impressive firepower with the impressive Carrier capacities of the Talos Extended.

Also no option for Ber'Helum representative?

>>2850000
>Also no option for Ber'Helum representative?
No, because you're getting it automatically.

>>2849940
I have no idea what a boli or chinning is good at.

>>2850011
Oh... Great!

>>2850015
To be fair no one really does. Far as I remember they are prototypes and have only ever seen very limited production across the Dominion. I remember Plasma being their buzzword but that can be said for a a lot of ships these days.

>>2850015
>I have no idea what a boli or chinning is good at.
>>2850031
>To be fair no one really does.
It is a problem.

Boli has a lot of republic light plasma cannons, both spinal mount and turreted. They have a higher rate of fire than the mediums on Archaster and more of them. Not quite as high a range. Well armored but a bit bulky.
12x Spinal mount Light plasma cannon,
2x Twin Light plasma cannon turrets,
4x Light plasma cannon turrets
Didn't realise it had quite so many. Odds are a lot of those guns would be Dominion knockoffs and thus require replacement.

Chining has 12x twin LD plasma cannon turrets and 4x twin Medium plasma cannon turrets. Similar firepower to Nexus if you took away its big spinal mount guns. Because of lacking those big guns it would probably be more maneuverable.

>>2850090
So the Boli is basically a flying shotung. Probably a great ship if we ever manage to get sp plasma ammo working for larger guns.

>>2850167
>sp plasma ammo working for larger guns.
the limiting factor factor is the amount of sp torpedo casings needed and based on the meeting Sonia doesn't remember, knowing how to make sp torpedoes probably wouldn't change that

>>2850167
>sp plasma ammo
As Anon said, the problem there is not if we can make the ammo, it's how much we can make. It would take many thousand torpedo casings to make enough to shoot even a light/medium.

You inform the Emperor that you intend to take time to work out the best fleet composition and see who you can recruit for your mission. At the very least you expect to request a Sovereign class as additional support.

"It may be more than a year until your fleet is sent but it will take time to put resources in place. You have three months to make your final request."

As for your request for a representative of the Emperor, Aros Ber'helum is more than happy to provide someone.
"Do not treat them as a license to do whatever you want. If the situation out there becomes tenuous it is better that advanced technology falls into the hands of the Alliance rather than the Neeran."

With that you need to depart as details of the SP tech capture operations can't be shared with you. There should be an opportunity to talk to the Emperor later. Was there anything you wished to discuss?

>>2850500

>Questions

Nothing really, just the usual asking how he is and how he is handling the stress of leading the Dominion in the invasion of Neeran space.

Then while we're still here see about putting a deposit down towards a third Grav-well Generator. That aught to make other houses wishing to get their worlds realigned satisfied.

>>2850709
>asking how he is and how he is handling the stress of leading the Dominion in the invasion of Neeran space.
"Leading the Dominion is a far more difficult task than directing it against the Neeran Empire.
This is a duty and responsibility I have trained myself for my entire life. Without that preparation I would not have been anywhere near ready for this. Even with it every day can seem a struggle, but I would not give this up for anything.
I am certain there are others who could rule more ably and justly than I. If I were to ever encounter them I would ask for their help, but they are not here. I make do with my own skill and determination, and those of my allies.
Thank you for being one of them."

>Then while we're still here see about putting a deposit down towards a third Grav-well Generator.
An arrangement is made to place a down payment on a gravity well generator and to temporarily lease one before the invasion. With the lease approved you contact the company and let them know they'll need to begin planning correction maneuvers in the Dominion. Fortunately they'd been planning ahead on this and already have a science ship they picked up from RSS on the cheap. By the time the gravity well gets back from the front lines they should have a team ready to go.

>>2850500
Kythera involvement.

We should discuss our relationship with the Terran AI Vera and possible plans to host it / give it asylum through the Kythera.

Something we could do to strengthen Dominion relations with them vs. Terran influence. Because they like to fuck with AI.

>>2850500
>Was there anything you wished to discuss?
From what I remember, the Neeran we're fighting now escape during the faction wars because they weren't hunted down to completion.

What is our endgame plan? Are we going to basically kill all the Empire Neeran?

>>2850913
>From what I remember, the Neeran we're fighting now escape during the faction wars because they weren't hunted down to completion.
What you remember was a cover story so that people didn't panic.

The "rogue Neeran" fleet(s) that supposedly split off from the isolationists were actually a reconnaissance in force from the Empire coming to investigate. They were beaten back, though only barely as the Factions were still recovering from the wars. Their two incursions drove most Faction colonists out of what is now Shallan space. Without this the Shallans probably wouldn't have become anywhere near as powerful. Even if it did cost them a lot.

>What is our endgame plan? Are we going to basically kill all the Empire Neeran?
Remove the Neeran from their position of control and fragment the Empire into its client states so that it can no longer function.

>>2850836
>Kythera involvement.
"We're staying away from them for now and they're staying away from us. The Alliance has made an arrangement with them to ensure they stay out of our invasion corridors. We'll return the favour. If anything needs to change they'll negotiate through the Alliance. Better we face them as a unified force if it becomes necessary.

When the war with the Neeran is over we'll attempt to negotiate normalisation of relations. It could have a profound impact on technology used by the Factions. That alone is reason to not take it lightly."

>We should discuss our relationship with the Terran AI Vera and possible plans to host it / give it asylum through the Kythera.
If you hadn't already you inform the Emperor of your ongoing correspondence with a Terran AI you met during the Warlords campaign. Versa helped design a new fleet command interface now used by the Alliance. If possible you'd like to include them in the mission.

"If you feel that wise to include the Terrans so closely. I certainly wouldn't have permitted it for the other missions."

Some of the AI you've encountered and worked with over the years certainly seem deserving of a measure of freedom from the restraints the Terrans have placed on them. At least a few certainly fit the criteria for responsible sapient life forms.

"Viscount it would be best for your career if you not speak these thoughts aloud within hearing of the general public. Especially after the conflict with the Kythera. If relations with them are normalised the future you envision for other AI may be possible, but for now it is not.

The Terrans take greater risks than other Factions will even consider when it comes to such technology. They are often prepared to deal with the consequences of their actions and still nearly destroy themselves. Aries thought that they could do the same and proved they could not."

It's advice you promise to take to heart when considering endeavours in that particular field. You suppose it might also be a good idea to ask Versa if she would want asylum through the Kythera first.

>>2851012
Realpolitik now though. We can't allow the Terrans to get ahead with an entire AI civilization. The Genie is out of the bottle, hard, now.

>>2851012
Also I certainly didn't mean having AI within the Dominion! Just that, well, we could stir the pot so that the Terrans couldn't get ahead with AI by setting a precedent of them getting asylum with the Kythera.

Essentially make the Kythera an AI Australia, with them pressuring the Terrans to not mess with AI.

>>2851066
>>2851072
Certainly one way to go about it. Though the Terrans wouldn't take that sort of external meddling sitting down. They do know a thing or two about PR in the media.

>>2850500
>Was there anything you wished to discuss?
If we encounter a database like the Sphere had, and we have a limited amount of data we can retrieve, is there anything the Emperor wants us to prioritize?

>>2851105
>If we encounter a database like the Sphere had, and we have a limited amount of data we can retrieve, is there anything the Emperor wants us to prioritize?
With a seemingly limitless number of possibilities the Emperor asks for time to get back to you on that. There are a number of experts who should be consulted first. The Ruling House representative for the expedition will be sent with a list of priority technologies to acquire.

While many leaders are still in the capital more than a few private meetings are being held between various groups. The Emperor hosts more than a few of these beyond the group you've been involved with.

Hundreds of Houses are drawing up plans based on their anticipated deployments into the Neeran Empire. It isn't long before the markets are affected but demands for ships or supplies.

Did you want any of your shipyards or logistics companies to engage in some short term price gouging?

>>2851136
>Did you want any of your shipyards or logistics companies to engage in some short term price gouging?

If we we ran a publicly owned company with stocks being handled by nobles. I'd say it would be the smart decision. But for things like our orbital corrections, the weather control and heavy cruiser yards shouldn't be affected. Stuff that we can resupply quickly and in short order. Yeah, we raise the prices up to match local prices in the Run. So we don't end up in a price war with our allies there.

Speaking of the Run Alliance. We should hold an impromptu meeting with our allies with any of them if they are here and have a moment. So we can work with them and plan things out both in price gounging people outside the Run Alliance and so we don't start fighting each other over these short term demand of equipment. Maybe even figure out who is best suited to supply what faster and how we can all work to bring in money more efficiently for the Run Alliance during this period before the invasion.

Stopping here, resuming Sunday.

Please continue to make suggestions for things you'd like to take care of while on the capital. Or things you'd like to get up to while preparations are made for the invasion and your mission.

>>2851089
Just an option.

Something to toss out to Vera / Kythera.

Just kind of see where it goes from there, if anywhere.

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>>2851089
Could lead to nothing. Could be better than expected.

>>2851136
Profiteering is what the Dominion is based on, no?

We should match local prices, but see what kind of supplies swaps we can do with allies instead.

Better yet, we should make loans to people buying at these higher prices, and charge long term interests.

>>2850500
I'd like to get their permission to buy one of these super medical system for dro'all.

>>2851168

Let's do some serious training in our recon/sphere/Nxesi suits with our newish bodyguard. I imagine Sonia will at some point personally lead an expedition on the facility or at least have to repel boarding attempts.

I would support a move to acquire additional bodyguards or somehow buff the ones we have.

Is there a new model plasma pistol available to us? I forget which variant we even have now.

>>2851573
>>2851681
what these guys said.

just a personal question, is the vengeance class still getting new variants even now? I remember hearing that it's still being used by low end armies/mercs despite being incompatible for high maneuver drives.

oh shit right speaking of, what are some requirements for a ship design to mount high maneuver drives? I assume it can't be just size since some corvettes were unable to fit it, so is it based on structure shape?

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>>2849940
>Have to look up tons of ships on the wiki
Just like old times!

>>2851168
>Please continue to make suggestions for things you'd like to take care of while on the capital.
Tes'us' House wanted to have one of the planets in their system relocated. We could offer them a good deal on the orbital correction as a way of saying thanks for the excellent service of the crew they sent us on The Great Devourer.

Check in on the House Medel representative. Do they have any trouble with the neighbors or other problems?

How is the House that survived a couple of centuries below ground doing?

Can we get an official permission to permanently host a Neeran capital ship in the run?

J-D still has the guy who took control of Erid sitting in a luxury prison somewhere, I think. So he's just costing us tax money. Going by the deployment alongside Sonia, he was a capable enough commander before he stumbled over his deal with Aries. Maybe Ber'helum has a position for him somewhere if the Count is willing to let him go? The chance to get House Erid restituted in newly acquired Dominion territory could be a good carrot to dangle in front of him to assure his cooperation. Emplying Vanderwal has definitely worked out to Sonia's advantage. Or at least so far.

A royal guard soldier as a personal bodyguard.

If somebody from House Myra is present, try to discretely find out what's their problem.

>>2852224

>Can we get an official permission to permanently host a Neeran capital ship in the run?

I believe the answer is going to be a resounding no by our allies in the Run and by every other house nearby. We might be able to make the distinction between the three types. But I dont think many others will or will want to risk that.

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>>2852279
But imagine how awesome it would be if we became the main exporter of fitlit Neeran?

>>2851168
Happy first of the month! Tell me what you spent it on!

I'm fine if it's all booze to fuel QMing.

>>2852224
>A royal guard soldier as a personal bodyguard.

I’d prefer to have our bodyguards loyal only to us - we have the Empeeor’s favour now, but we might not have it forever.

>>2851168
Get the planet in the Rioja system moved first thing so we can get working on the double colony system.

Heavy training with special forces and our admirals and generals to ensure we are in tip top shape for the campaign.

Make sure the Emperor spends some time chilling. Can't stress all the time, it's bad for his health.

Probably a good idea to update our Will again, not that Sonia plans on dying.

I want Five legions of the Emperor's Sardaukar terror troops/

>>2852836
Split it evenly between the children imo

Is anyone else a little disappointed nobody tried to assassinate us at this meeting? I've been wanting to block a sword with Sonia's sphere arm for the sheer surprise factor.

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>>2851740
>is the vengeance class still getting new variants even now?
Have people in the Dominion or FA spent some thought on which designs newly established governments in Empire space will be using? Something like the Vengeance - easily built but not really a threat to modern ships would seem like a natural choice but I remember reading something about the Vengeance just being too old to keep up with modern drives and such.

We'd need something that can be built with a relatively low tech level, and crewed by inexperienced crews while still remaining effective.

Maybe a monkey model of the nirium ac that can equip neeran weapons? That modernize Deci we've had sitting in our drawer for years at this point? A scaled down variant of it that could be used like the Polaris?

>>2851740
>is the vengeance class still getting new variants even now?
Vengeance C continues to get new upgrades. They are built with high maneuver drives but there are limits to how far a pilot can push the engines without causing structural damage. Last time Sonia few one (in a simulation?) she was hard enough on it that it would have needed a lot of internal repairs.
Protip: Don't use afterburners and high maneuver drives at the same time. It will break your ship.

>what are some requirements for a ship design to mount high maneuver drives?
It can require serious changes to the hull of a ship. In some cases its not possible to remove enough of the hull to clear a path for the drives without compromising structural integrity.

>>2855259
>which designs newly established governments in Empire space will be using?
Those that are rebelling are already making use of designs they've been producing for the Empire. The Corsair, Platypus and (Neeran) Bulk Cruiser for instance.

>nirium ac
>Deci
Interesting ideas. Certainly might be worth offering.

Have to shut down for awhile due to thunderstorms

>>2854111
I mean, I think assassinating us has been escalated to "Colony Drop" levels, given how previous attempts have gone.

Also our consistent low grade paranoia. Personally I'm still concerned that we haven't designed our office furniture to be able to convert into a miniature tank that could fit through hallways.

At least we always have our plasma pistol.

Having bad nosebleeds since just after my last post for some reason. Still feeling really wiped out so I'm not resuming just yet. Hoping I'll be doing better in a couple of hours.

>>2855564
Take some time off if you need it. hope the Patreon went through!

>>2851168
>Please continue to make suggestions for things you'd like to take care of while on the capital.
I'd like to ask the ruling house what their plans are for the clones who survive this war.

>>2855564
Make sure to take a break if stress is getting to you.

>>2855737
Patreon usually takes a couple of day to pay out the donations. Some time around Wednesday, probably.

Oh hey Outsider updated.

>>2855737
>>2855934
Looks like it went through fine. My bank is stuck in the stone age though so it wont process it probably until later this week.

In the event my finances stabilize I'm wondering if I should use the Patreon money to commission some art for H&D? Would there be any preferences?

>>2856222
I want you to buy yourself a nice meal or some groceries.

>>2856222

So long as you're not wasting it on hookers and blow. Or if you are you share with the rest of us.

But really, prefer if you used it for necessary items first.

>>2856222
Blond Sonia sitting in her command chair, yelling at someone in her excitement. Smashing a big button with one fist whole cradling a shark plushy in the crock of her other arm. Meanwhile Linda is sitting at her navigation table to the side. Crying to herself as we once more head into mortal danger. Kavos standing to the side with that looks that says he is dead inside but will remain calm.

Winnifred drinking herself to death.

Uhh.. Just Sonia I guess.

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>>2856222
After all the necessary stuff I'd say get yourself a nice chinkbook or tablet+keyboard combo with good battery life and 3G support so you can keep typing slowly during thunderstorms.

>>2851160
>Stuff that we can resupply quickly and in short order. Yeah, we raise the prices up to match local prices in the Run. So we don't end up in a price war with our allies there.
>>2851311
>We should match local prices, but see what kind of supplies swaps we can do with allies instead.

With the leadership of many Houses within close reach this seems like the best time to organise some coordinated price gouging. Count Jerik is more than happy to make deals with other members of the Run Alliance to ensure prices are roughly equal through their territories. That and ensuring alliance members will be able to broker trades of war materiel between each other at the old prices. That part is a bit complicated to work out but it should prevent any short term damage to the less economically secure members.

Not everyone at RSS and RLS are entirely happy about the prices going up, but since the long term production items aren't being affected London thinks it will be okay.

>Better yet, we should make loans to people buying at these higher prices, and charge long term interests.
This part worries London as he'd rather not potentially annoy the banks.
"If you want to play loan shark okay, but please consider keeping that separate from the company. I'd rather not give the bank the wrong idea."

[ ] Offer loans through the company anyways
[ ] Offer personal loans
[ ] Why haven't you started your own bank?

>>2856503
>[x] Why haven't you started your own bank?

>>2856503
>[ ] Offer personal loans

>>2856503
>[ ] Why haven't you started your own bank?

don't like the loan idea

>>2856539
There's always "none of the above"?

>>2856562
I am there. None of the above for me.

>>2856562

None of the above.

>>2856562
I'm fine with asking him what I voted for and our allies deciding to be loan sharks on their own, but not doing it ourselves or encouraging it

>>2856562
Let's go with none.

"London, why haven't you started your own bank? Or asked me for the money to do so?"

He thinks that over. "You certainly have enough money that you could, though it would mean a large investment every year. We would be competing with many well established banks that have existed a very long time. They already have customers and deals with Houses where we dont. Some, really most of them, have ties to long standing noble families. They've built up trust with their customers.

We on the other hand would have to start from scratch. I could do it, but personally? I dont have the time for it while keeping RSS running smoothly."

>>2856631
What about all the places we're gonna be liberating? We should offer specialized banking services to them to start, and to RSS and such employees, at a special rate that's focused more on stability than making profit.

Soft power, no?

That being said I don't actually want to RP owning a bank so maybe not do this.

I don't care if you spend the money on small luxuries or on necessities. It's just a thanks for doing this quest for so long. You fucking earned it, so you do you.

>>2856631
That makes sense. Seems like we'd have to buy an existing one if we ever want to get involved in that business.

>>2856631

That sounds like a lot of hassle. Would rather not dig into the mountain of tightly locked coffers.

For now you dont intend to go offering any loans except to friends or Barons within your own House.

Even a week after the initial assembly in the meeting hall many leaders are still present on the capital. A few have left but most are determined to make use of their time here before returning home. For some of those that have traveled from South Reach it may be their first time here in an official capacity. They want to get alliances and treaties squared away in a fairly neutral environment.

With all of the price changes the economy is in flux. Another reason for leaders remaining on planet is allowing them to work out trade deals to get the supplies they'll need for the invasion. It isn't long before the Emperor makes it clear that he'll only tolerate the price gouging efforts by some for so long. If markets haven't started to return to normal by the end of the year it will be considered a danger to invasion preparations and steps will be taken.

Guess you'll just have to enjoy it while it lasts?

Roll 2d10 for profit bonus

Rolled 3, 7 = 10 (2d10)

>>2856806