First for Terran black ops behind you

>>2882854
For House and Dominion! Uncertain Futures!

>>2882854
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION

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Losing my mind edition.

After the conclusion of events in the capital you've returned to Dremine allowing for the first family reunion in some time. Both your younger siblings are grateful they had the chance to visit the capital, seeing the sights in the Imperial City and the Palace. Mom and Dad are glad for them and happy to see Bekka home for a change.

Leon and Eleanor are now two years old. The blond and red headed twins had already been a handful for some time now. The "Terrible twos" concept doesn't quite do their current state justice.

"Mom, was Ethan like this?" you ask your mother between bouts of dealing with the two holy terrors.
"Goodness no, he just threw things occasionally, tantrums, vases. You and your sister were sometimes much worse."

Good to know. When they're not being a nightmare to look after you're trying to have some fun with either of them. Once you head out on campaign who knows if you'll be able to conduct normal fleet rotations.

You're not the only one giving consideration to such things. Troy wants his repulsor bike units to contribute during the invasion. He's still of the opinion that a fast well armed light cavalry unit can be effective and has had time to build up the support options they should need to cover any weaknesses.

Which brings up the question of where he would serve. From a professional standpoint it might not be seen as appropriate to have one's spouse serving under their command. Following that logic it might be best if he were to deploy with one of the other J-D worlds armies.
Then again you could choose to dismiss that since Rioja's army is under the command of General Rna and you dont choose who goes where.
You may even want to hold Troy's unit in reserve since he and some of his people have experience from the Dyson Sphere expedition. That could certainly come in handy when investigating a builder facility.

Then there's the idea of not wanting to risk both of your lives on the front lines of the war, running the risk of leaving Leon and Eleanor without any parents.

What would you suggest Troy do?

[ ] Transfer to another army
[ ] Part of Rioja's Army
[ ] Reserve for builder facility
[ ] Ask him to remain behind

>>2882938

Didn't we ask him forever ago if he'd like to join our expedition to the Builder Facility?

See if he still wants to tag along for that. If not, what he wants to do. Would he prefer to be under out command working with/ under? General Rna or working with someone else?

>>2882938
Given that they’re twins, who inherits our noble title - if the unthinkable were to happen?

>>2882970
As the children of two nobles they are both Lords (more accurately lordlings until they formally inherit) and presumably would each get lands from your estate.

Last thread it was suggested that your fortune be split evenly between them in your updated will. This has not yet been finalised.

>>2882948
>Didn't we ask him forever ago if he'd like to join our expedition to the Builder Facility?
Maybe? If so it might have been right after the Dyson expedition, before getting married.

Troy is certainly still interested in the builder facility, though he would also like to command his bike units.

>>2882938
>[x] Part of Rioja's Army
Then as we approach the Builder facility, we can hold him and his units in reserve as preparation.


Is the Terran gravity well/diplomatic/Versa tour still being decided upon?

>>2883010
That's that next item once the thing with Troy is decided, unless people want to discuss the situation with the will now.

>>2882938
>[ ] Part of Rioja's Army

>>2882938
>Part of Rioja's Army
Inappropriate, but he wants to fight and we can keep him safe. Time to update our will?

>>2883032
>Time to update our will?
If no percentage is listed it means you probably own 100% of it.

Companies & Assets

RSS & Subsidiaries (Includes land on Surakeh, various stations, Terran holdings)
HTF - Harmen Terraforming Company (5%)
OCT - Gravwell Terraforming Company
Weather control (+20%?) (Control split with expedition members)
Various privately owned shipyards
Avoubic light shipyards (15%)
Medel ACRS Yard (50%)
Gunning's Heavy Manufacturing (33%) (Land on Surakeh, Frostback, Terran space)
Aegis Armoring (25.5%)

Land (Not tied to the companies)

Mountain lodge - Dremine
Nearly half the damn planet - Rioja
Residential Hab development, Island resort - Tourta

How would you like them split up? 50/50 between the kids, or would you rather some go to your parents and siblings?

I'll try to resume tomorrow night, though who knows, I might be able to make a couple posts during the day.

Fucking hell I just shattered a tooth. This is a shitty week.

>>2883060
>Terraforming companies
The kids, for sure.

>RSS
Mom/Dad/Sister/Brother

>Miscellaneous, shipyards, etc
50/50 between parents, siblings, the kids.

>>2883103
Jesus christ.

>>2883103
I would just like to remind you all that there is no magical curse against quests or their QMs.

>>2882938
> [ ] Reserve for builder facility

Noblesse Oblige

Quick question, did we ever find out what the rare element the local tribes used as currency on the Dyson Sphere was?

>>2883060
10% to Bekka and our brother. 51% of RSS to our parents with the condition that the children inherit it.

The rest 50/50 between the kids.

Sometimes I wish Sonia would die in battle so our clone could go on to become a pirate warlord and conquer all our stuff back.

>>2883061
You got Dental Insurance?

>>2882938
>[X] Transfer to another army
If something happens to him while deployed with the Rioja army it's going to be even more of a headache than if it had happened somewhere else.

>>2883060
>Land (Not tied to the companies)
We also own large amounts of the terraforming candidate in the Rioja system.

>How would you like them split up?
>or would you rather some go to your parents and siblings
I'd like to include Versa in the will, if only to make sure the lawyers in charge of Sonia's estate will have to work for their money. We also have so much money, giving some to friends or their families shouldn't be a problem.

Maybe fund a dedicated trust with something like 50-75% of Sonia's assets?

Aside from that, I think not giving too much to the twins is probably a good idea. Access to that much money they didn't have to work for, especially while they're young, seems like a guarantee for bad character traits to develop.

>>2883103
Something like that happens to me roughly every 2 years. Unless you're really unfortunate, it shouldn't take more than an hour to fix.

>>2883321
Give Versa a Ship? Controlling shares in the Holobooth industry? Land on Rioja making her a Dominion Noble?

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>>2882854
It's unrelated to the current discussion but has ber'helum considered providing black hole generator fire ships as an alternative to v-torps for the first wave of the invasion? Anything that avoids making ftl in the landing zones unusable for centuries within a few years should be able to get funding from the alliance. As these ship wouldn't need to be reusable like the standard grav well vessels, it might be possible to decrease costs to v-torp levels. Just an idea to pass up the chain of command, if people support it.

>>2883338
It could even be something as simple as guaranteeing her safe passage through DRH1 to Rovinar territory. If Versa ever needs to get out of Terran territory, having her end up with the Rovinar is probably a solution that can be made palatable to most factions. No idea if it's feasible to put something like that in a will, though.

>>2883103
hey tstg, i recently read the complete quest and it is by far my favorite quest, so good job
also am i the only person that wants sonia to have more children ? especially now when we still have time before we depart

>>2883511
I do want at least one more kid.

>>2883511
I'm totally in favor of adopting some cute shallan orphan.

>>2883511
Not until there's enough of an age gap to not cause succession problems.

6 years.

>>2883472
> still on about black holes

Terrible weapons. More suited to 40k, this quest is a little bit too hard sci-fi.

Also I fail to see how black holes would fuck up hyperspace *less* due to the gravitational effects and hawking radiation.

They're wonky yo.

Like yeah they evaporate eventually but a hole with a mass of 10 to the power of 12 made at the beginning of the universe would be reaching the end of its life today.

Black holes are bad weapons.

>>2883524
> Adopting war orphans to raise them as our children's personal staff and bodyguards

I like it.

>>2883534
That's not what I meant.

>>2883533
>Also I fail to see how black holes would fuck up hyperspace *less* due to the gravitational effects and hawking radiation.
We've jumped in pretty close to an existing one at the start of the Neeran war and subspace in the area wasn't showing any extraordinary damage. In addition to that, despite constant use grav well generators which create black holes haven't damaged subspace so far. And after the experience with v-torps, I'd expect people to be on the lookout for these problems.

>Terrible weapons.
One of them did a pretty good number on a dominion asteroid fortress during the civil war, though.

>>2883511
Yes. More children for Sonia. Our line shall rule the universe.

May have got a full time job. woo! If so I'd be able to run H&D about 3 days a week and not be destitute in the process. So that would be good.

Do any of you work for the Vellore Institute of Technology? They sent me money for some reason a week ago. I suspect it's a scam of some kind.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellore_Institute_of_Technology

>>2883629
Congrats.

>Vellore
On Patreon or somewhere else?

>>2883511
Thanks. Glad people enjoy it.

>>2883472
>black hole generator fire ships as an alternative to v-torps for the first wave of the invasion?
Questions to this effect have been asked. Gravwell generators are too valuable to risk losing them in such a manner at present. Unless you want to consign one of the 2 you own to oblivion?

>it might be possible to decrease costs
They're not at that level yet. In time perhaps but the technology is still relatively new.

>>2883533
Black holes do not damage subspace the same way Veckron weaponry does. Or there has been no evidence found to suggest that might be the case. A black hole does exert gravity into subspace effecting the properties of that realm. It doesn't damage it in the process.

Black holes are still classed as a navigation hazard, but for different reasons from those caused by weapon damage.
If you mess around with FTL in damaged subspace you might tear a hole or rift into real space. Probably getting killed in the process and making a bad day for anyone within a few lightyears.
If you mess around with FTL near a black hole you probably wont be seen again.

But yes, there are a number of logistical issues that would make employing black hole weapons difficult.

Just looked this up. A black hole the mass of Jupiter would have a schwarzschild radius of approximately 2.8 meters. (If redditors are to be believed)

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>>2883634
Right, not Patreon but my actual bank account. So definitely a scam or a mistake.

>Eleanor Reynard-Harmen
>Red head
>Wants to salvage everything like her mom
What have we unleashed?

>>2883638
>Gravwell generators are too valuable to risk losing them in such a manner at present. Unless you want to consign one of the 2 you own to oblivion?
>They're not at that level yet. In time perhaps but the technology is still relatively new.
I meant building dedicated single use setups. Using the cheapest materials and all that. But if it's not feasible yet, okay. I wouldn't want to waste one of the generators as long as we still have planets to move.

>>2883643
Yeah, I'd call my bank about that. If they aren't helpful, make sure to ask them what's the deadline for a chargeback and keep the money on your account for at least that long.

>>2883511
>>2883638
well i wouldn't have used the better part of a month to read it otherwise

>>2883643
Contact bank immediately and tell them money that is not yours has been deposited in your bank account. Do not use it under any circumstances, that's a crime and people have been charged for it. Most likely it's a simple mistake made somewhere along the line and the bank should be able to clear it up for you.

>>2883647
If they built them any cheaper at the moment they'd collapse in on themselves when powering up.

>>2883321
>We also own large amounts of the terraforming candidate in the Rioja system.
How much of that planet did we buy? Wait, found it.

>Sonia also purchased the planet's small moon, and most of the land on an uninhabitable planet in the same system.
If it hasn't already expect the moon base to be nationalized. Or at least the military portions of it. It's in the interests of the House to have the lunar defenses belong to the PDF. Rioja's two main stations should be fine in theory, so should the plasma weapon manufacturing.

"Most" of the land on the uninhabited planet. I'm going to say 75%. Any more than that and you'd have to pay HTF to do the post relocation terraforming work. They wont make a huge profit on it, but it should still be a profit. Could probably move some of the gear you bought for Rioja over to cut costs.

Just occurred to me that the other planet/colony is going to need a name. Probably not Rioja Secundus.

>>2883670
>Wiki
>Earl Class Medium Cruiser
The dominion has two modern battleship designs on the wiki and they use the uglier one to make a nice medium cruiser concept. I'm not surprised.
Still, I'd like to get a few of them in the future if the price isn't unreasonable. At least for RSS/RTS

>If it hasn't already expect the moon base to be nationalized.
Rioja's moon must carry the price tag of a heavy cruiser at this point. At least. Can the House even afford that at the moment?

> Probably not Rioja Secundus.
Nuoja

>Lemme post

>>2883670
>Just occurred to me that the other planet/colony is going to need a name. Probably not Rioja Secundus.

Going with the theme of building better worlds I was thinking we call it Nova. It fits on several levels. It's a very new colony in itself. It's made using several new technologies such as the grav well technology and weather control. And then there are the obvious connections to space and stellar objects and the like.

Just imagine the slogan. "A brave new world made into a paradise. A new world, a Nova world"

Also holy shit are some people going to be super fucking jelly at us owning 75 percentage of this new world once it's made habitable.

Site no longer borked?

>>2883703
didn't we get it super cheap because almost nobody wanted land on there
their loss

>>2883706
Yes, we paid as much as you'd expect to pay for real estate on some dead rock without any useful resources. At least until somebody caught on to our plan, that's why we only have 75%.

>>2883643
But does she kill bandits, or IS SHE a bandit?

>>2883670
Call it Ajoir!

>>2883670
>Rioja Secundus.
How about Malbec or Crianza?

>>2883670
Twoja

>>2884920
Riooja?

>>2883670
Duoja

>>2883670
Youoja, the perfect planet for (you).

>>2883670

>Name a planet

For those who keep wanting to do something in remembrance of Kavos, you are missing your opportunity here.

But I'd say go with something that matches normal Dominion naming conventions.

>>2885091
I thought of that but I can't come up with any decent name. And naming the thing Kavos Lva prime, covering it made to order plant life that changes color from orange to yellow every couple of months and carving his likeness into the surface seems a tad much, even by dominion standards.

>>2885119
The name is enough...

>>2883699
>The dominion has two modern battleship designs on the wiki and they use the uglier one to make a nice medium cruiser concept.
Needed the central hull space for the big engine banks plus similar weapon mounts and arrangement to the Outer Heaven. Was meant to improve on everything found deficient in the Neeran fast medium modification.

>Moon
>Can the House even afford that at the moment?
If they bothered to go that way you would likely be encouraged to make a gift of it to the House.
Baring that they'll probably just wait until Sonia dies and claim it for the House under death taxes. Usually by making inheritance so inconvenient that it would be easier for the family to just give it to the House.

I'm sure there is a way for Sonia to sell it to the government of Rioja without screwing over the economy.

>>2884794
It's not stealing if you kill the bandits and take their stuff.*
Sonia and her squadrons frequently operated on this principle when it came to capturing starships.

>>2884801
I legitimately like this one.

>>2885091
There isn't a House Lva so either name should be available to name it.

Troy looks to be staying with Rioja's army.

>>2883163
It's the base unrefined material used in FTL drive systems. Completely harmless.

>>2883060
I think we might need a survey of some kind to determine how to split up most of the companies and holdings. Are we in rough agreement that all the terraforming related stuff goes to the kids?

*Due to prior agreement your shares in HTF are supposed to go to the kids.
>Kids
HTF - Harmen Terraforming Company (5%)*
OCT - Gravwell Terraforming Company
Weather control (+20%?) (Control split with expedition members)

With the holidays only a few weeks away and your future plans for a diplomatic mission to Terran space it may not be worth returning to Rioja immediately. Then again there's no rush, those worlds being terraformed aren't going anywhere. Relatively speaking.

When did you want to head back?

[ ] Head back to Rioja now, mission later in the new year
[ ] Stay for the holidays then go back, mission later in the new year
[ ] Stay for the holidays then conduct mission to Terran space

>>2885689
>[ ] Stay for the holidays then conduct mission to Terran space

>>2885689
>Stay for the holidays then go back, mission later in the new year

>>2885689
>[ ] Stay for the holidays then conduct mission to Terran space

SURVEY!

surveymonkey com/r/ PKJLGHY

Survey questions are related to updating the will. Please continue to vote on the holiday plans.

I'll probably post a bit later tomorrow night and resume Saturday.

How is Valeri x Bekka progressing?

>>2885689
>[ ] Stay for the holidays then conduct mission to Terran space

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>>2885689
>[x] Stay for the holidays then conduct mission to Terran space
I can't really think of any reason to delay it further. Maybe time our arrival to some time after the first so we know how much money we have available that year?

>Unrelated stuff
I was wondering why the factions are conducting exploration, at least seemingly, only by crewed vessels. I've also tried to look up FTL and navigators on the wiki and found little to nothing. We have never encountered ftl probes or something similar in the quest. Why is that?

>>2883060
You forgot Rioja II: literally the entire damn planet.
Yay for insider trading!

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>>2886323
Because nobody wanted to do navigator quest.

FTL probes would essentially be an unmanned constellation class. Which do exist. There were even suggestions to use them as FTL interceptor missiles. Those are a bit impractical to carry around all the time due to their size. Really only useful for Houses or fleets posted at a nav station or at the edge of a galaxy where a long jump is possible.

The guild has all sorts of stuff but there are limits to how far ships can be remotely controlled due to com ranges. Until recently there were fairly serious bandwidth restrictions on coms between the nav relays.

So yes the guild does use unmanned craft when scouting out routes to new nav relay locations. They need to launch a string of them in sequence to keep coms linked to the most distant one. These are followed up by manned craft that can conduct a more thorough investigation with more powerful sensors, or set up a local communications array.
Still can be dangerous. Larger ships might have more powerful drives and can survive stronger instabilities but their larger drive field bubble might encounter problems smaller ships didn't.

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>>2886027
Valeri considers hanging out with Bekka to be really weird. A number of her personality traits are almost an inversion of Sonia's, aside from being somewhat insane in similar ways.
All of that is in addition to her being physically almost an exaggeration of Sonia. It wouldn't be hard for many people that are less familiar with her to mistake Bekka for Sonia if both were similarly dressed. Which has happened.

So yes, really weird. He has no intention of pursuing that relationship.


You're staying for the holidays and then conducting the mission to Terran space. With that in mind plans are made for support personnel for the mission to travel to Dremine.

Before that can take place you get a request from the Count to help provide additional priority logistics transportation. RLS currently is busy enough with day to day business and the demand for supplies to the Pandora cluster and Shallan space. They have of course been trying to make the most of the temporary increase in prices.

Transports that had once been needed for evacuations are being refit throughout Faction space to help move cargo for the coming offensives. RSS has been offered refit contracts for several dozen ships just from their South Reach yards. Those captured Neeran cargo ships you sold are probably seeing plenty of use now too.

Despite this demands are not being met at the moment. Construction is expected to catch up, and the refits underway will eventually help fill the gap. That will still take time. For now many Houses are taking steps to reassign transport craft moving nonessential cargo. That goes for civilian companies too.

Reassigning transports is going to cost the company's logistics division money. With the standard rates the House is offering to pay, plus the costs of the delayed cargo, there wont be any way of making that money back. Also at issue is the fact that profits from RLS are used to support the operating costs of the RSS salvage ships.

How much of the RLS cargo fleet did you want to make available to the House?

[ ] 10% Probably the bare minimum
[ ] 20% Could be done without directly impacting salvage fleet field operations
[ ] 30% The company is going to hurt this year but you can cover the loss
[ ] 0% Use Rioja fleet logistics to cover the cargo gap*

*This will limit the amount of Rioja's fleet that can take part in larger training exercises for ~8 months.

>>2887935
>[ ] 20% Could be done without directly impacting salvage fleet field operations

And let London know ahead of time and if he needs us to put in funds to help make sure that RSS isn't to negatively affected.

>>2887935
>[ ] 10% Probably the bare minimum

>>2887935
Maybe we can prioritise freighter wreck salvage over the next few months to help alleviate the problem, short term.

>>2887935

>20%

Supporting giving London some extra money

>>2887935
>[x] 20% Could be done without directly impacting salvage fleet field operations

>>2887935
>15%

>>2887935
>[ ] 20% Could be done without directly impacting salvage fleet field operations

>>2887935
>10%
is there no way to quickly buy or produce transports ? i assume we will need them if we capture any planets in neeran territory anyway

>>2888388
I think there was an idea to convert the crappy standard corvettes into transports when we had these world building threads back on tg. I have no idea if that was feasible, though.

>>2888480
Speaking of crappy, doesn't that SRL freighter built out of vengence parts and structural scaffholds still exist? iirc they made the sledge class out of it so the production lines to make them should still exist(or am I confusing this with another ship?)

>>2888181
That would help eventually.

>>2888388
>is there no way to quickly buy or produce transports ?
You cant buy them, not when everyone in faction space is trying to do so at the same time. Production is currently maxed out. More transports and yards for additional transports are being built by everyone.

>>2888480
Flatboat conversions. These make up a number of the refits RSS has just been hired to carry out.
Many of the available standard corvettes were refit into Attack Corvette II's before or during the Civil War. There aren't so many left.

>>2888504
Yes their Cargo Frame Medium Transport. Building them would be relatively easy as the station construction subsidiary of RSS could quickly construct the hull. You'd then just need to buy and modify a Vengeance Type attack cruiser.

Buy a cheap production license and build a couple?

NOTE: Even with these there will still be a cargo transport gap.

>>2887981
>let London know ahead of time and if he needs us to put in funds to help make sure that RSS isn't to negatively affected.

You contact London and let him know you'd like to reassign as much 20% of the RLS transport capability to assist with House logistics. He's not really pleased with this but isn't at all surprised apparently having expected this might happen.

He estimates RSS as a whole will lose at least 500 million as a result of the diverted ships. Considering you made 6.5 billion last year that isn't a terrible hit.

"I'd like to reassign the salvage unit in Shallan space to help with the cargo runs." London tells you.
"Work there is either falling off or we're being underbid by local Shallan companies. I'm hoping that will help a bit."

Approve?
>Y/N?

>>2888706
>Approve?

Yes

>>2888706
>approve
yes

>>2888706
>>Y

As for the cargo frame medium transports? Due to RSS already having plenty of construction facilities, you could probably build them for 30 million each. (Plus 10m for a production license since you have connections.)
Though their structural strength and projected hull life leave a lot to be desired.

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The smaller salvage craft RSS has in Shallan space are reassigned to assist with transport duties. With that underway the salvage teams aboard are largely transferred to other RSS operations. Many will be temporarily serving aboard the company's second Crate.

Speaking of which, RSS has accepted delivery of the new ship and are currently conducting a shakedown cruise. It's scheduled to arrive in the Run before the new year where it will take over operations there. The first Crate will then transfer to South Reach to begin salvage operations at hidden sites there.

Name suggestions for the new ship?

>>2888978

Pallet?

>>2888978
The Stacker

>>2888978
>Pallet

>>2888999
>>2889059
supporting
>the pallet

>>2888999
>>2889059
>>2889119
Hah! I like it. Feels like we're a dad pulling a proper dad joke on ships worth multiple billions.

Going with Pallet for now. Can always be changed later.

In the Run Construction of the Alliance mobile fleet base is proceeding. They're mostly on schedule to complete the vessel next year. Not in time for the initial invasion but it should be able to assist with the second phase.

A few low power engine tests have been conducted to make sure that the structure is solid enough to support the vessel under thrust. Parts of one super heavy repair bay have also been brought online. One DECS that had recently completed conversion and upgrade at the Forbearance yards was brought in to test approach and docking in the big bays. Some initial difficulties with the docking arms and guidance tractor beams are being corrected.

Intel has of course been keeping a close eye on construction. Based on their reports it is presently believed that the Dominion would not be able to produce a ship like this for a few decades. The special structural frames brought in from Kavarian space are a contributing factor but not the only one. Alliance technology and fabrication overall are just plain better.

For now intel isn't certain if an attempt should even be made to copy this ship. It's among the first generation of its type. The alliance may find any number of things wrong with it once they get into the field.

With the holidays approaching you again talk to a few of the neighbours around your Dremine property about scheduling for some snow. They've been given a bit more notice this time so more are up for it. Most of the snow will be up in the mountains which means there is very little to worry about for any crops down in the lowlands.

All of the family will be present this time which will be a first in ages. Did you want to invite any of the Harmen family out to the lodge? Or perhaps just a few friends?

>>2889205
>Did you want to invite any of the Harmen family out to the lodge?
yes but not the eytended family

>>2889205
Mike, Alex, any other friends if they're around.

Let Troy handle his family's invitations but I think it would be nice if at least his mother and father were there.

>>2889224
Well, no it would just be Troy's parents. He's not about to let his siblings anywhere near this place.

>>2889205

Invite friends, as for Harmen family members... if there are any on Dremine that can pass Troy's judgement sure.

>>2889236
>Well, no it would just be Troy's parents. He's not about to let his siblings anywhere near this place.

Then yeah, if it is just the parents. I wont hold my breath on them visiting though. Have a non-committal request asking if they would like to spend the holidays on our property on Dremine with the kids and our family.

>>2889205
Harmen family if Troy picks who comes, else it will probably be a bit weird. I'd prefer to keep it as small as possible. Just the immediate family.

>>2889247
>Have a non-committal request asking if they would like to spend the holidays on our property on Dremine with the kids and our family.
Probably for the best.

Mike and Alex both agree to come out to the lodge christmas day while your family members head out the day before. There is already some snow on the ground, though not enough for a snowball fight. You made sure enough rooms were prepared for everyone staying the night. The accommodations not being terribly large a shuttle outfitted with a sleeper compartment is parked in the garage. It should be enough for the few bodyguards staying on overnight.

By the time you wake the next day a great deal more snow has fallen. You're able to make sure the twins get a bit of time playing before the inevitable snowball fight begins. Once he figures out their weight Ethan quickly dominates the fight, easily landing hits you didn't think should be possible.

"How are you doing that?"
"You said to get good so I've been training against sims of enhanced people."
Huh.

While distracted Bekka dumps snow down the back of your shirt.
>Your orders?

>>2889433
Fall over, dead. This is it for the mighty Sonia Reynard, how could we ever let our guard down enough for such a tactic to work?

>>2889433

Salvage all the snow and make the biggest snow ball and roll them into it!

Also, signal to body guards to start the snow wars, take no prisoners!

>>2889454
+1

You fall to the ground screaming internally. Without much success you claw at the back of your shirt trying to get the snow out, or at least keep most of it away.

Everything is starting to fade out. Is this the end?

Bekka reappears moving towards you with another arm load of snow. A smug grin on her face.

"Bodyguards! Avenge me!"

Bekka's grin is quickly replaced by concern just before she's pelted with several snowballs.
"Ow! Ow! Shit! Stop it, this isn't fair! Aaaaaaa!"
Sprinting for the lodge she takes cover inside.

Troy soon appears having called a cease fire with your brother.
"Are you okay?"

"Help me get this snow out of my shirt!" you shout at him.
"Sure. What else was I going to do besides that? This?"
With that he presses one hand against the back of your coat where clearly some snow was still present inside. Your response is to immediately start yelling about the renewed snow assault.
"You bastard! I'm going to get a divorce!"

Despite your verbal assault he helps get you to your feet and shakes out the back of your clothing to get the remaining snow out.

An hour or two later once things have calmed down the family exchanges presents including those everyone bought while in the capital. Mom and Dad both seems to like their gifts despite them just being popular tourist items since you weren't sure what to get them.
Those of your bodyguards present are given their new plasma pistols which were not easy to acquire.
Mom gives some puzzle games to the twins. Most are too advanced for them right now but at their current rate of advancement they should be able to figure them out if given enough time.

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Alex then Mike and his family arrive later in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is mostly spent hanging out and having fun with the kids, friends and relatives. It's a bit of a blur.

Of course you still end up talking shop for a bit. Alex brings you up to date on his shipyard project. It's been officially approved and given a second round of funding now that the first few ships built with it have checked out. The second mobile yard has been finished and will soon be sent off to one of the Seven. At present the prototype is undergoing upgrades.

Mike and his family have managed to decide on relocating to Rioja. It wasn't an easy decision but works out as the better of the two options. He also picked up a new command ship, a newer model Rovinar light cruiser.
"How'd you get that?"
"Had to trade some favours."

Most of your guests leave later that night though family members wont return to the city until the next day. Troy lets you know that his parents have belatedly decided to accept the invitation and will visit on boxing day. That shouldn't complicate matters too badly.

Their shuttle arrives early the next morning and Troy's parents step off accompanied by only a small entourage. Both of them seem surprised by the presence of snow. You guess owning tons of terraforming systems on a heavily developed world they tend toward preferring steady moderate temperatures.

As you point out it makes warm drinks like hot chocolate that much more enjoyable. On that note there's time for you and Troy to show them around a bit before the drinks are ready.

"Do you actually prefer to live out here?" Troy's mother asks.

Given that you spent the better part of a year out here under House arrest they might expect you'd have bad memories of this place. Though they're not about to do anything like mention that event. It would be impolite.

"I have large apartments and offices in a number of the cities on Dremine if I want to use them. Out here there's plenty of clean air and I dont have to worry about a few million people being nearby."

Not quite the fortress of solitude but it can give you a break from the bustle of population centers.

Do you tell them you actually prefer the lodge while on Dremine or is it more out of convenience? You do happen to have that secure command center downstairs, though you're not about to share that with your in-laws.

[ ] Prefer it
[ ] Convenience
[ ] Other?

>>2890009
>[ ] Prefer it

>>2890009
>Prefer it

>>2890009
>[ ] Prefer it

>>2890009
>[x] Prefer it

>>2890009
Additionally: it's nice to be able to relax in a natural environment after being stuck on spaceships for a long time.
It's like what Kavos said when we departed on the Sphere mission, Dremine will be here for us.

"I actually prefer it out here. I like the environment, challenging terrain and that it's away from the general populace. I've spent most of my military career aboard cramped starships. Out here's there's room to stretch your legs. And how many people can afford a view like this?"

That seems to be an answer they can get their heads around. The Harmens spend time with their grandchildren, and a bit of time chatting with your own parents. Of course they didn't come empty handed, making sure there are a few gifts for their future heirs.

Things are a bit awkward during their visit but go off well enough in your opinion. Bekka and Ethan head outside with your father to make a snowman, mostly to keep your sister out of trouble. Lord Harmen complements your trophy room and mom tells you later the your mother in-law approved of the security systems at the lodge.

Rufaro prevents the Harmen's guards from conducting a more thorogh inspection of the garage. To placate them she does tell them about the basic sub level that houses one of your starfighters and a spare aerocar. While the entrance to the bunker should hold up to inspection you'd prefer to avoid testing it.

Before it gets too late in the afternoon the Harmens depart and not long after so do your parents and siblings. Once the shuttles and aerocars have departed and two two of you are finished waving good bye you turn to Troy.

"I think I want more kids."

This seems to be very far from anything Troy ever expected you to say.
"Really? I thought you hated the whole pregnancy thing last time?"

"Having twins didn't help." you admit. "But yes, eventually I'd like to have more. I dont know how many but at least one more."
You dont know how much of that is due to contingency planning or being at the age where hormones are screaming at you to settle down.

Troy wouldn't be against it, though the twins are a handful. The two of you will need to discuss it a bit.

Time after the holidays is spent making sure your will is in order. Best to have that straightened out before going anywhere.

All of the terraforming related company shares are going to the kids. Gravity well, weather control, all of it.

While tempted its probably best not to leave anything incredibly important to Versa. Who knows what sort of trouble that could cause.

A number of Knight cities will be split up and given to some of the Knights from Rioja, friends of yours so that they'll have land there, and whatever family member gets the least inheritance. They certainly wont be destitute that way.

>Companies & Assets
RSS & Subsidiaries - Split between family members, with parents getting a larger share.
Various privately owned shipyards - Split
Avoubic light shipyards (15%) - Parents
Gunning's Heavy Manufacturing (33%) - Siblings
Aegis Armoring (25.5%) - Siblings

>Land (Not tied to the companies)
Land: Dremine - Mountain lodge - Parents
Land: Tourta - Residential Hab development, Island resort - Siblings
Land: Rioja - Nearly half the damn planet - Split
Land: Rioja system second world - Kids


One item slipped through the cracks.
Did you want your 50% ownership in the House Medel ACRS Yard to go to Eshik Medel, a family member, or did you have a cunning plan in mind for it?

>>2890509
>Did you want your 50% ownership in the House Medel ACRS Yard to go to Eshik Medel, a family member, or did you have a cunning plan in mind for it?

To Medel, to make sure he stays allied to J-D.

>>2890543
+1

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Medel will be happy to hear they've been named in your will.
Shipyard is going to Medel. Possibly with a letter stating the wish for continued peaceful relations. Could come in handy in the future.


It's the new year and that means you're solvent once again. Though you're far from Rioja and preparing to head to Terran space that doesn't mean there aren't people wanting money.

You're starting out the year with nearly 18 billion S after income taxes. If the House were ever desperate for cash they'd demand all the nobles pay property taxes. That probably would hurt you more than anyone in the House.

Troy's distant relative Rian Ermacora believes they've managed to find the basics necessary to sustain the terraforming in the deep valley they've been working on. With the available funding they've constructed infrared mirrors on some of the surrounding mountains ensuring that the valley will stay warm most of the day. If construction to close off the narrow valley mouth is completed then the weather control system could be removed.

Ermacora believes the weather control system should still be kept in place for a couple of years as a backup. The atmospheric containment systems can go. All that's needed is minor funding to finish a few additional mirrors and the valley mouth and the valley will be ready for colonization.

On that note there are a number of locations for new cities that the various construction companies are looking at. They're ready to break ground soon. Several proposed sites are on are your property. Your investment in those would obviously be appreciated.

The system of rivers to the east of Spiral City and the sea they connect to provide more than enough water to supply 6 good sized cities. 3 other sites are under consideration to the north west of the current western cities. A group of Knights loyal to you headed by Rob Ecord have proposed a city site close to the small northern ocean. This is only a short flight from your manor house.

Construction has already started on the sites of 4 major cities by the South East Ocean. These have been funded by various other nobles and landowners on the planet.

Do you wish to invest in any of the city construction site proposals on your property?

Sorry that took so long, was doing math.

>>2891022
>A group of Knights loyal to you headed by Rob Ecord have proposed a city site close to the small northern ocean.
Definitely invest in this, I can imagine it would be handy to have a nearby loyal population.

>Others
Allocate 1b in investment funding to be spread between the sites depending on size and urgency.

>>2891022

>Ermacora believes the weather control system should still be kept in place for a couple of years as a backup. The atmospheric containment systems can go. All that's needed is minor funding to finish a few additional mirrors and the valley mouth and the valley will be ready for colonization. Ermacora believes the weather control system should still be kept in place for a couple of years as a backup. The atmospheric containment systems can go. All that's needed is minor funding to finish a few additional mirrors and the valley mouth and the valley will be ready for colonization.

I will give him some measure of trust that he is not blowing the money on other things. But yes, give him the funding to finish making the valley habitable. I feel a quiet note to passed to our spy master to have someone make sure the money is being spent on what is necessary to complete the project.

>On that note there are a number of locations for new cities that the various construction companies are looking at. They're ready to break ground soon. Several proposed sites are on are your property. Your investment in those would obviously be appreciated.

Get the governors input on which ones he would like approval on first. And then which ones should get the funding from Rioja’s income to be used for development.

>The system of rivers to the east of Spiral City and the sea they connect to provide more than enough water to supply 6 good sized cities. 3 other sites are under consideration to the north west of the current western cities. A group of Knights loyal to you headed by Rob Ecord have proposed a city site close to the small northern ocean. This is only a short flight from your manor house.

Again, talk with the governor. This time use own funds to have the city our allied knights are suggesting be built. I know making sure everyone who lives there is loyal to us is going to be impossible. But, it would be nice if we had a little background check on the nobles moving in there. Never mind the everyday citizen.

>Do you wish to invest in any of the city construction site proposals on your property?

If we put our own money in these cities. We of course get more say in how they’re built and preferred people to move in right? No need for making sure a certain percentage moves in.

Also, while we’re on the topic of planet development. When we move the second world into a habitable orbit. There is going to be a second Governor we have to work with. Shouldn’t we be looking into that now? Or working something out with the Count and Governor Dlam’ard, to make sure whatever planetary governor gets picked. They know how to work well with us and Dlam’ard and his eventual successor, if the count replaces him for whatever reason or if he retires.

>>2891099
>If we put our own money in these cities, we of course get more say in how they’re built and preferred people to move in right? No need for making sure a certain percentage moves in.
Yes, that's an option to an extent since it is your land.

A couple companies that were trying to pre-sell accommodations to specific refugee demographics have been largely scared off or forced into working for nobles on smaller projects. Overall it means newly built cities wont have as many people ready to move in immediately after completion.
Combined with the drop off in refugee traffic to the Run there are concerns growth could slow quite a bit. Then again that would allow for a more steady stream of immigration from other J-D worlds.

>There is going to be a second Governor we have to work with. Shouldn’t we be looking into that now? Or working something out with the Count and Governor Dlam’ard
This is a good question.
Dlam’ard and Balle have been discussing it. Ideally they'd like one of them to administrate the new planet before it becomes officially recognized as a full colony world. Both have learned quite a bit from each other over the years.

Once it reaches the point where a Governor actually needs to be appointed though it could get tricky. The Count will undoubtedly be under pressure from various political groups wishing one of theirs to be put in charge. Only so much can be done now to get in the way of that process. Dlam’ard was considered a good choice by the J-D council and the economic success of the planet means they cant boot them without cause.

It's going to take some work to get someone you'd like in charge of that planet. Fortunately that's years away from happening.

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I was going to keep spoiling this all but screw that.

>>2891099
>I feel a quiet note to passed to our spy master to have someone make sure the money is being spent on what is necessary to complete the project.
It doesn't take long for Vanderwal to get back to you.
"The kid wants to make Gondolin from the Silmarillion. I dont think he could bring himself to misuse the funds if he wanted to."

[ ] "The hell is that?"
[ ] "Oh, I get it." (Doesn't actually get it.)
[ ] Approval
[ ] Disdain

>>2891361
> [ ] "The hell is that?"

>>2891361

Didn't we try to make a Two Towers reference when visiting the low tech world to get a few knights?

Not read the Silmarilion, but quick google search later of this place and while it's a nice idea. I can't help but feel, with Dominion tendencies. It will be filled with nobles. Who will form their own cult. And someone will suggest taking over Rioja as a secret cult from the shadows. And suddenly everyone is drinking kool-aid or planning to take what's ours through brain washing and other cult tricks.

Ask for explanation and so long as they don't do anything stupid. It's a city that is benefiting Rioja, so approve.

>>2891393
>Didn't we try to make a Two Towers reference when visiting the low tech world to get a few knights?
Sonia probably just saw a movie of it.

And The Fall of Gondolin was just released as a standalone novel a couple weeks ago? Interesting timing.

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"The hell is that?" you ask.
"Gondolin? A city in a deep valley surrounded by a protective ring of mountains. It was used as a refuge in a time of war.
Didn't you say you'd read Lord of the Rings?"
"I might have slept through a few parts of the audio books... I watched the movies though."

"Unless the kid plans to turn the city into the base of some cult I think it should be fine. Who knows, maybe they'll be able to use it as a template for smaller terraforming projects on inhospitable worlds?"

Your spymaster doesn't seem terribly concerned. He can still keep an eye on things to make sure immigrants aren't just one political group from some part of the House.

>Get the governors input on which ones he would like approval on first.
The Governor's priority is the completion of the ground based rapid transit network. Dlam'ard sees it as essential to the cheap movement of passengers and cargo around the planet without the clutter of excessive air transport.
"There will always be some air traffic but many developed worlds suffer from having far too much. It's difficult for them to deal with it later because of a lack of planning early on. Tamoren Balle and I have worked on making this a priority for a reason.
Over land links from Garzweiler up to Rioja city and Strymon means manufacturing companies have access to cheap materials from the mines with low transport costs. The same can be true for getting agriculture products and finished goods to the spaceports for export."

Three cities closer to the equator would seem to be ideal to help with its completion in that case.

There are up to 11 potential cities that can be invested in at this time. I missed 1 earlier.

>>2891525
>Three cities closer to the equator would seem to be ideal to help with its completion in that case.

Then give money made from Rioja into helping to develop those three cities. And maybe a bit extra from our own funds. Splurging early to make sure infrastructure is in place for the future. So we don't have to deal with stuff later on that would have been easier to do now. That makes sense to me.

How much additional funding from us does he need? If he is getting the tax money from Rioja to continue to develop the world and make it better.

>>2891525
Then i would say fund those Three cities as Well as the one our lojal Knights planed closer to our manor

>>2891567
>>2891567
>If he is getting the tax money from Rioja to continue to develop the world and make it better.
The Governor is already making use of tax money for a lot of development on planet. As well as to keep the existing cities running smoothly. That's all done in the background.
You do have 1.2 billion (I think?) in Rioja's taxes that are available for use by you/the military. Admiral Tama informs you that 25-50% of that would be useful for fleet equipment upgrades. Torpedo magazine teleporters and the very necessary similarly equipped munitions ships.
Then there's the army which could use a few things here and there.

>How much additional funding from us does he need?
Provided you continue to invest in Rioja's development like previous years? They'd need an additional 150-300 million per city.

150m is enough and other investors can cover the rest.
300m will ensure things get moving and keep moving quickly.

>>2891750

>Military funding

I think we can cover the army and fleet with own funds.

>City development

Alright, continue with normal yearly funding and 1b as another anon suggested previously. To help with those three cities.

>>2890009
>Mike and his family have managed to decide on relocating to Rioja.
Mike had land on Rioja, right?

Also, these are all very heart warming scenes!

>>2891525
He said it was from the Silmarillion. Which isn't nearly as Famous as The Hobbit nor the Two Towers.

>>2891525
>>2891750
1.2 billion for the three equatorial cities and Ecord's project.
Regarding the other proposed sites, I'd say we should decide once we have an idea how much money will be left after returning from Terran space and making the last preparations for the invasion.

>>2891988
>Mike had land on Rioja, right?
Did he? I dont recall. Probably got a bit when it was super cheap before terraforming.
Hasn't seen much development yet.

>>2892290
If you haven't even read the entirety of the LOTR odds are you haven't read the Silmarillion.

>>2891091
>>2892333
>>2891808
>>2891640
Spending 1 billion on the 3 equatorial cities and Ecord's loyal knights city. 250m each means they'll progress fairly quickly.

Did you want to approve the other yearly expenditures?

Suggested
-1.5 Billion, RSS/RLS growth
-250m Rioja Industry
-175m Rioja Urban Development
-250m Rioja Agriculture
-250m Terran investments on terraformed worlds
-250m J-D New territories investments
-150m Run joint development projects
-100m Phase weapon R&D with Veritas & Helios (yearly?)
-2m Civilian & military repulsor bike leagues

>>2892564

>Did you want to approve the other yearly expenditures?

Roughly 3b there so sure and what if we throw in the military funding as well?

>>2892566
You can, though that's sort of what the taxes are there for.

1) Approve the other yearly expenditures?
>Y/N?

2) Military upgrade spending
2A) Use Sonia's Money
2B) Use taxes

>>2892574
>y
>2b
no need to use our money for it

>>2892574
1)
Y
2)
B

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Developed land is spreading out from the Capita and Rioja city at a steady rate. Its only a matter of time until it begins to encroach upon the Mons Abyla fortress. With this in mind the Governor is wondering if it might be a good idea to establish an exclusion zone. This would improve the future security of the base and potentially lessen risk to civilian lives if the plateau were to suffer an orbital bombardment.

Most of the surrounding land except for along the coastline is still owned by the House so now would be a good time to look into it. The no growth area except for the south east spur of the plateau is currently listed as a restricted area. Did you want to make any of the minimal growth region an exclusion zone? Or even extend it beyond that?

>>2892861

>exclusion zone

Exclusion zone shouldn't extend any further beyond the area with minimal growth.

>>2892574
>1Y

>2B

>>2892574
>1)
Y
2B)

>>2892861
minimal growth area as exclusion zone

>>2892861
Extend a lane of the minimal growth to the two bodies of water.

We can put a transport canal in there.

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>>2892883
Proposal A

>>2892915
Proposal B - Extends exclusion zone to edge of nearby bodies of water.
Is this correct?
Or did you want to extend out to the main ocean and break the primary repulsor train link?

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>>2892574
>Y
>2B

Minimal growth zone seems like a good border for the no go zone.

Yearly expenditure approved and using taxes to pay off military upgrade programs that are still needed.

As for Mons Abyla, while the restricted area remains the same a surrounding exclusion zone has been created made up of the region of minimal growth. The Governor seems heppy about this as it should prevent future incidents between the civilians and the military. Who knows, maybe it will act as a nature reserve some day?

The new zone is nearly 1700km across at its widest, north to south. Given the lands minimal value few developers are at all concerned by the move. According to Fadila there are the usual complains from Terran groups and environmentalists about government overreach but they're very minor.

With that taken care of you look to last minute preparations for the trip to Terran Space. Two main points remain to be looked after; what ship you'll be taking, and if the twins will be brought along.

The Outer Heaven would easily provide the most options and security. Fadila has concerns that given the populations of these worlds have fled the front lines of the war they might react badly to it. Even though it's been heavily upgraded and modified it was still a Neeran ship. The Great Devourer plus an escort would be adequate, though not as good should your group be threatened. Then again if the Terrans wanted you dead would a medium cruiser make a difference?
A newer model Long Range Battleship is also an option. There's bound to be someone who can loan you one that's properly outfitted.

Then there are the twins. Taking them along on the trip could be a PR windfall. They could also be a distraction and there is always a chance they could be at risk.


>1) What ship for the mission?
1A) Outer Heaven
1B) The Great Devourer
1C) LRBS II
1D) Other / write in


>2) The kids
2A) Take them with you
2B) Leave with parents
2C) Leave with Tory's parents
2D) Send to Rioja (possibly with Troy?)

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>>2893137
>According to Fadila there are the usual complains from Terran groups and environmentalists about government overreach
Oh no! How ever will Sonia survive this devastating blow of Terrans complaining!

>1A) Outer Heaven
Yeah. I do not believe in taking unnecessary risks when dealing with the Terrans and a Medium sure as well will survive longer should it attack and be able to carry a larger contingency of loyal guards.

2D) Send to Rioja with Troy
Likewise I do not want to put the children in unnecessary danger. Better they remain here on Rioja for this. We are going to be busy as it is without needing to take care of them and ensuring they are safe.

>>2893180
>Better they remain here on Rioja for this
You're currently on Dremine, having stayed there for the holidays.

>>2893137

>1B) The Great Devourer

>2D) Send to Rioja (possibly with Troy?)

>>2893180
>1B) The Great Devourer
>2C) Leave with Tory's parents

How do the FTL speed of of the Outer Heaven, The Great Devourer, an LRBS II and an Excalibur compare?

>>2893137
>The Great Devourer

>Leave with Troy's parents

>>2893196
Outer Heaven and Devourer are both average. J18-20 Cruising. Can go faster for shorter durations, or if diverting more of the energy reserves.

LRBS II and Excalibur are meant to push J28 and hold it for a week.

Tie breaker needed.
Sending the kids to Rioja or leaving them with Troy's parents.

>>2893137
>1B) The Great Devourer
I know it's an 'older' ship, but I still love it. I feel like we need to hold onto it for as long as possible, even if it becomes outdated an obsolete.

>2B/C) Leave with parents/Troy's parents

Looks like you're taking the Great Devourer. The kids meanwhile will remain here in the J-D homeworlds. Troy asks his parents to look after them as the dangers of a diplomatic mission are too great to risk their safety. Your own parents have had their share of time with the grandkids, only fair the Harmens do too.

A small but capable escort unit is readied by the time you're ready to leave orbit. A couple Excalibur Battlecruisers and Fast Battleships of different types painted up in Dominion and House markings. No chance of the Terrans mistaking you for one of theirs. Rufaro has arranged for one of the Battlecruisers to have an backup alternate IFF and an LST that can quickly burn off the outer paint layer on the hull. It's not perfect but should buy you time in an emergency.

Before departing you notice there have been reports of a number of demonstrations on Dremine. These have come in through intel, not anything covered by the media. It looks like the Governor must be censoring the news. They seem to be protesting the economic impact of diverting cargo transport for the war effort. RSS is hardly the only company affected and it looks to be causing an economic downturn.
Talking to Fadila about it she informs you that many other Houses and Factions are having similar problems due to the cargo shortage.
"I doubt we'll see a proper recession. Once transport production catches up in a few months it's predicted the economy will quickly rebound."

Anything else you wanted to do before departure?

>>2893408
Nope, let’s jet.

>>2893408

Nah, lets get on our way.

>>2893408
It's go-time.

Your small fleet jumps out on schedule, linking up with a convoy heading outside the galaxy. The jump across the Centri cluster is a mere 2.4 million light years in distance. Long before the group approaches one of the larger galaxies in Terran space you're hailed by traffic control to confirm the flight plan. Once the diplomatic authorization checks out the group is vectored to a navigator station on the outer edges of the galaxy.

While smaller than the guild stations needed for the Nav Relays this port is no less busy, being one of several trade hubs linking to Dominion space. A squadron with newer model Delta Trainers are assigned to act as an escort during the time in Terran space. The small craft have seen a few minor updates from when you were commanding Alliance training units. A cursory scan shows that they are carrying SP torpedoes. Even these small ships could potentially rip your unit to shreds if not for your anti-missile systems.

It takes a few days to reach the first stop on your trip. A frozen world, this was one of the first planets in Terran space to receive an orbital correction mission and work is well underway to make it habitable within the decade. Six major cities have gone up, mostly based around sealed arcologies. The larger spaceports have underground communities and production linked to them much like on Rioja in the early days.

Several places on the surface, especially around the equator, are looking far more habitable than others thanks to newer weather control systems. These are definitely ones your company produces. They aren't everywhere though. Much of the surface is still looking frozen and engineering projects seem to be underway to build sites safe from receding glaciers where the weather systems might be able to influence a larger area.

In orbit a few mirror stations are being built to help increase the overall temperature of the planet. It seems they're not going to be totally reliant on your systems to get things done fast.

Plan your expedition to the surface cities and PD appearances!
I have to leave for work.

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>>2893540

>>2892941
I was thinking of a private link to the station, and a marina in the body of water to the east.

>>2893408
Were the demonstrators associated with any consistent group, or receiving funding?

>>2893540
Can our ship make holographic displays visible from space?

>>2893662
>>2893550
I mean orbit.

If so, we should descend to the view of a warm planet, grasslands, forests, etc. The future of the planet.

>>2893540

Can we visit the major cities? Or ask whoever passes as the local planetary governor if they would be willing to meet and talk. So we can see how their form of governing differs from that of Dominion governing. Also get an idea what they are facing here, since their world is still newly colonized and how they managed to work with the influx of refugees from the front lines. Also, if there are any Dominion refugee's here, to thank them for taking them in.

I'm certain Fadila can plan out an encounter with us and the local governor so we don't make anyone look to terrible. While also making it clear to any Dominion citizens, they are welcome to return to the Dominion any time.

>>2893540
I kind of want to play a joke on the Terrans and show up stereotypical Dominion style, with a massive entourage, lots of standard bearers, gold and purple livery.

Would definitely like to visit the larger cities, meet with the locals in charge of terraforming, and our weather control facilities.

>>2894286
>>2893666
>>2893540
Can we tie the terraforming machines and the GD's holograms together to go for a ridiculously over the top entrance a la >>2894286?

>>2894286

I also support a serious escort, fuck the terrans why not show off some strength.

>>2893614
>I was thinking of a private link to the station, and a marina in the body of water to the east.
Had typed a post in response to this but it was full of stupid stuff because of me misinterpreting the question. Attempt number 2!

It sounds like you want private personal access points for key members of the military to come and go from the Mons Abyla base at their leisure. That really should be discussed as its own thing, not tacked on to a discussion about how far you want to keep civilians away when the base is being nuked from orbit.

I can't even remember if there is a connection to the repulsor train network from the plateau. If there is it would be heavily defended. The less ways the security of the base can be breached the better. They've already had plenty of problems in the past. From starship theft to the jump walker assault.

>>2895281
Not if it's a fake passage designed to funnel infiltrators into killzone!

>>2893540
>PR appearances
This is what I get for rushing a post.

>>2893656
It seemed to mostly be merchants involved, but there were others as well. The bulk of them are younger people who dont personally remember how bad the economic situation was before 4023. "Spoiled rich kids" seems to be the general impression the upper nobility has of them.

>>2893662
>>2893666
Its unlikely the people on the ground would be able to see anything the GD's holographics could project unless they were already looking, or it were very bright. Like simulated weapons fire.
Did you have anything in particular in mind that you wanted to project? Just patterns or a light show of some kind? Preferably not anything the planetary defenses could confuse for an attack.

>>2894801
>tie the terraforming machines and the GD's holograms together
This has never even been simulated before. You can get the team on Rioja working on that but for now it seems like a terribly dangerous idea that could disrupt current weather patterns.

>>2894240
>visit the major cities? Or ask whoever passes as the local planetary governor if they would be willing to meet and talk.
How about both?

>>2894948
>>2894286
Luckily your personal guard is a good size with nearly 300 people along on this trip. About that many with Troys people included.

Large bodyguard force. Only a small number will deploy with actual power armor. Dave and Emor's old ornamented power armor you salvaged has been fixed up with newer systems. A few guards will be using hardplate armor modified too look more ceremonial. The majority will use nanoweave dress uniforms with reinforced under layer.

There will be standard bearers carrying flags of Jerik-Dremine, Rioja, the Reynard and Harmen families, and the collection of various military awards and medals that are too unwieldy for you to wear all the time. You and Troy will wear your top ten medals so your uniforms dont look cluttered in the pictures.

Any changes?

>>2895456
Only wear 1 or 2 of our highest decorations. I don't want to look like a North Korean general.

>>2895456
>Any changes?
I'd like to limit all that pomp and circumstance to the first appearance and scale things down to a more reasonable level afterwards. That way the media will still have something to show and talk about but we'll be able to focus on the necessary stuff afterwards.

>>2895281
>I can't even remember if there is a connection to the repulsor train network from the plateau. If there is it would be heavily defended.
We could make it an underground connection. A military loading dock moves goods from the civilian tracks to a strictly military set of rails underneath ground. It would take a while to build and probably cost a lot but it could double as an extended shelter if built properly.

>>2895507
Right. I was thinking minimalist by Dominion standards.

>>2895517
>I'd like to limit all that pomp and circumstance to the first appearance and scale things down to a more reasonable level afterwards.
Easy enough.

>We could make it an underground connection.
It would need to be underground by necessity of the base being inside an atmosphere breaching plateau. But yeah a cargo transfer point like that could be done and is a good idea.

I'll see about hopefully resuming tomorrow.

>>2895507
>I don't want to look like a North Korean general.
That's the best thing about being part of the Dominion though.

>>2895899
seconding this, we need to show these terrans how a real military does things

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>>2895899
Completely agree!

10 medals should be a minimum.

We should tour around on horseback as well.

>>2895580

If our holoplex company hasn't been expanded to Terran space yet, this would be a good time to do that. Make some pre orders for planets being terraformed and wherever else we can.

>>2893540
>Plan your expedition to the surface cities and PD appearances!
I think it's important to come bearing gifts on this kind of occasion. 10-15 million invested in the local economy of each planet we visit?

>>2896134
>We should tour around on horseback as well.
That might be excessive.

>>2896246
>If our holoplex company hasn't been expanded to Terran space yet, this would be a good time to do that.
The holoplex chain is seeing expansion at a rate of nearly 17% per year. There are locations on every J-D world and a few on worlds in allied Houses. Where there has been high demand there are more then one location on the same planet. Mostly Dremine.

In Terran space the cost of getting new locations started up will be 4 million each.

>>2896589
4 mil isn't bad, let's put in at least 5 more sites wherever in terran space. Preferably on the planet we're correcting.

>>2896589
>4 million each.
400 mill investment?

Looking into the political situation before heading planet side seems like a good idea. The colony is under temporary administration by a Terran government emergency disaster relief organisation. Individual cities have elected their own mayors and the like. Really it's not too different from Rioja at present, with the local head of the relief agency acting as a governor.

Firstly a meeting is scheduled with their temporary governor with follow up plans to tour the various cities. Your LST detaches and heads for the surface flanked by four others. Holographics on the Great Devourer light up seeming to give the descending craft speed lines. You'll have to work on a better one for next time.

Your guard and their vehicles have been permitted the use of small arms, but no heavy weapons. Really nobody should be carrying plasma pistols but Rufaro intends to have your people just feign ignorance if pressed on the matter. You, Troy and a couple of your diplomatic attaches are also the only ones permitted diplomatic immunity. Apparently the Terrans want to press home the point that J-D soldiers, even those protecting you, will be subject to their laws if they open fire on civilians.

The planetary capital and main spaceport are covered by several atmospheric containment fields to better hold in the heat of the city. Landing goes without incident and your personal guard sets up for you to disembark. A few people from your PR company have been on the ground for several hours preparing for your arrival. They've made sure that the media is ready and in position, both at the spaceport and the government buildings.

Once on the ground the guard scrambles to unload vehicles and get into position. By the time your LST rolls to a stop the honor guard has formed ranks and stand to attention as you disembark. You and Troy make sure to wave to the distant media on the way to your vehicle. With both of you aboard the armored repulsor limo the guards break ranks and board the rest of the motorcade.

A few local police cruisers clear the way into the city as well as taking up the rear of the convoy. Passing through the city you can see that it has been laid out far too quickly for its own good. The Terrans have done a poor job of urban planning for the capital of their new planet. Much of the city is centered around two larger arcologies but the surrounding mix of skyscrapers and roadways have been positioned haphazardly. The vehicle convoy has to follow numerous twists and turns before reaching what passes for the governmental district.

"What a mess." you mutter.
"Haste makes waste." Troy says in agreement.

The government building seems to be a complex of several structures connected together as hastily as the rest of the city. A mess or not you still intend to make a good show of it. Fortunately when you step out in front of the main entrance you see that they've at least attempted to make the place look governmental. Wide approaches with stone staircases make it look official and coincidentally provide plenty of space for your bodyguard to form up and look extravagant as you climb the steps.

The Administrator and a small delegation waiting at the entrance to the building were obviously not expecting such a turnout or as much media scrutiny. They're well dressed enough for a professional meeting, though you suspect they might have put in far more effort if they'd known you intended to show up like this.

Your entourage stops a few meters short of the local officers allowing you and Troy step forward. The Terran leader does the same, extending an open hand towards you.

"Viscount Reynard, welcome to Lenased. I'm colony administrator Jame Idir. We were not expecting a show."

After a glance to your standard bearers you turn you attention to Idir.
"I wouldn't want a case of mistaken identity."
Idir doesn't seem to think that would be likely with even a fraction of the guard force you'd brought along.

You introduce Troy while the administrator in turn presents a few others. Diplomats, liaisons and elected mayors of two cities. Before being welcomed into the building Idir asks if it might be possible to limit the size of your personal bodyguard.

You turn to Troy. "I think that is a reasonable request?"
"Twenty Cuirassiers could wait just inside the entrance, while only our close guard comes with us? I'm sure the remainder could wait on standby."

>Sound good?

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>>2897805
"Very well, in this instance I suppose we can limit it to the essentials."

When we leave, I want to do pic related.

You manage to suppress a smirk.
"Very well, in this instance I suppose we can limit it to the essentials."

Troy nods to the rest of the guard causing Dave and Emor to begin barking orders. They're certainly imposing in their older style suits of power armor. Both have been updated with their heraldry and yours in gold plating, while the rest of the armor is either silver or a shine of jet black.

With that done you head inside and proceed to official conference rooms to discuss your plans while on planet.

"We're grateful for the help of the orbital correction terraforming company. Without it I doubt this planet would ever have been colonized. Life is hard for many refugees but it's better than being dead which is what might have happened if they had remained on their former colonies."

"What's the population of Lenased?"

"60 million documented civilians. Perhaps half that many are registered voters. The number of undocumented persons could be anywhere from twenty to forty million."

"That many?" You knew Rioja's population exploded once you started expanding and accepting refugees but this is beyond that even.

"We dont have the ships or personnel to properly police the orbital space. Unregistered settlements pop-up frequently and there is little we can do about them. The cities are overcrowded so we can't just send squatters somewhere else. Besides, this is a designated refugee resettlement world. People are supposed to come here."

>What say?

>>2898010
"Are you lacking the construction capacity to expand the cities to a larger size? Can't you just send in local militia troops to take care of the squatters?"

"How many people were you seeing arrive at the peak of the invasion?"

>>2898153
This

>>2898010
Even if they're got nowhere to go, they can't just leave them squatting. I bet they're experiencing a massive black-market and underground crime wave.

"How many people were you seeing arrive at peak?"
"Your company barely finished moving this planet into a better orbit a year and a half ago. The main threat may have been ended by then but billions are still displaced even now. There are entire fleets of civilian ships out there who do nothing but move from place to place, trying to find supplies for the people they carry, hoping to find worlds that will let them offload.
Our peak would have been 6 months ago when such a fleet jumped into orbit carrying ten million people. Ten million Viscount. Anywhere would be overwhelmed by such numbers."

"You couldn't turn any of them away?"
"And where would we send them to? The Terran government sent them here to help expand the colony. They're doing the same thing with other worlds your people are helping to terraform. Or that's what I've heard."

"Are you lacking the construction capacity to expand the cities to a larger size? And can't you just send in local militia troops to take care of the squatters?"

"We're building up the cities on this world as fast as we can. The focus has been on larger settlements and cities in the hopes that they can benefit from centralised power grids. It also means the limited number of available weather control systems can be concentrated near them."

"But we need time." says one of the industrialists. "We need time to conduct more thorough planning, but there isn't any. All the big governments are shifting their attention to preparing for this damned counterattack."

Idir resumes. "For the squatters and smugglers landing away from the cities? Most of them bring their own sealed habitats. Security checks up on them occasionally but they're often safer where they are."

You did notice that happening on Rioja as well. While there weren't as many of them, some groups that set down on Rioja were fairly well equipped to survive. Small sealed habs with power and atmosphere scrubbers. Enough to last a few years.

Sighing you shake your head. "Even if they've got nowhere to go, you can't just leave them squatting. I bet you're experiencing a massive black-market and underground crime wave?"

Idir admits they are. "My job is normally temporary administration to help during disaster relief. Get the local mayors and populace working together with relief workers. Usually we'll have military support, but because of the war that hasn't happened."

Sounds like they have all sorts of problems to deal with.

>>2898397

To me it sounds like the Terran's current elected officials are going to deal with a metric shit ton of bad press once the war is over. And they have to present ways to better these worlds full of refugees. That could become hot beds of crime if not taken care of properly. The Dominion may not have to worry about the Terrans for a while, since they'll be to busy dealing with getting everyone on their good side. Or at least that's what I'm seeing.

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>>2898438
The Terrans have/had colonies in 6 relays that have seen attacks by the Neeran. They're going to be doing quite a bit of post war reconstruction.

>>2898514
So, they're going to be weak, huh.

>>2898520

I wouldn't say weak. Just to distracted to do anything or interfere in any other factions internal affairs for a while. So now would be the time for the Dominion to make gains it had been lagging behind in. Without interference from the Terrans.

>>2898397
"In that case Lord, uh, Mr. Idir, it seems you've done a commendable job with what you've been given. If I may ask, does your position allow you to dictate any levels of foreign investment in planetary affairs? For instance, when I've experienced housing shortages it's often been quick and effective to have a shipyard fabricate housing blocks that can be lowered from orbit wherever needed."

"I'm sure the Dominion has many services you'd find helpful, too. Perhaps private police forces to deal with the larger crime problems? Refugee processing personnel? Drastic times call for drastic measures."

>>2898541
>>2898397
This, but no private police forces. Instead maybe we can offer them drones to augment their current forces?

"In that case Lord, uh... Mr. Idir, it seems you've done a commendable job with what you've been given. If I may ask, does your position allow you to dictate any levels of foreign investment in planetary affairs?"
"I'm allowed a bit of leeway in that department but my budget is limited. We don't exactly have people lining up to throw money at problems that wont pay them back either."

You mention orbital production of hab blocks.

"We've looked at it, but most orbital yards we have are concentrating on the larger buildings. Actual arcologies that are fully sealed. A few construction yards on the surface are building entire blocks to be sent to places. Then a heavy lifter like a Lancaster moves them into position. I think they're from a Dominion company."

Pretty much how most of Strymon aside from the larger arcologies were built but in this case it seems to be the minority. Most smaller building are going up either by older more traditional methods, though big mobile construction vehicles are now in operation in one city.

"Can someone get me old recordings from the Building Rioja TV series?" you ask your aids before turning back to the others.
"If you can get enough planning together to establish a proper underground network, then it's just a matter of slotting the completed buildings into the appropriate points. It does take time but I think it could be worth it."

"And you think it will solve our problems just like that?" asks one of the builders.

"No? I mean you've got tons of problems here, but it will be a step in the right direction. I'm sure the Dominion has many services you'd find helpful, too. Experienced refugee processing personnel is just one of them that springs to mind. Drastic times call for drastic measures."

You do have connections with mercenaries, not just those working for RTS. They could provide the security forces needed in the absense of the Terran military. Mind you that could be a politically messy business. Best RTS itself not get involved.

You're currently investing 250 million S per year into Terran worlds that OTC has helped to relocate. Once spread out between between multiple planets that means not too much is being invested in any given one.

What did you want to offer to invest in for this colony?

>>2898626
Offer to build temporary housing services in exchange for the right to settle your more troubleso-, er, denocratically minded civics enthusiasts in to help with the organization of local governments for future integration of the squatters with proper representation in the planetary government!

IE space Australia for those goddamn Terran refugees. Put the Marxists by the Anrachists with the Capitalists o the other side of them.

Alternatively offer to pay for the initial infrastructure with the option for the planetary government to buy you out later once things stabilize, with interest accruing accordingly with how long it takes them to pay you.

Do both, things never stabilize, live off the interest.

>>2898626
Infrastructure development, refugee handling facilities and personnel, 'peacekeeping' forces.

Will post tomorrow morning before work then probably later in the evening.

>>2898626
Depending on how long the terraforming process will take, we could offer to give the ranching industry an early start by importing a couple of mammoth herds from Frostback.
Infrastructure construction and mining operations in difficult environments are another area where experts from Rioja should be of use.
We could also offer to sponsor a unit of undercover police officers from the Krath government, if both sides are willing. Eldal keeping an eye on criminals helped a lot during the earlier, more chaotic, times on Rioma.
Despite not being covered by the factions treaty, this could be one of the few times where temporary habitats in space could be of use. There's little chance they'll be attacked by any party which would adhere to the treaty for the next few years, and if they're designed well, they could either be used as regular space stations or simply be moved to another colony once they're not needed any more. As shipyards are most likely going to be busy building ships for the war effort over the forseeable future, we could look into moving and converting local asteroids. Asteroid related construction seems to be an area where the dominion is more advanced, or at least more experienced, than the other factions and Sonia is liked by House Ceres and we have the Avoubic natives as well. So getting experts shouldn't be too much of a problem either.

>>2898928
>Depending on how long the terraforming process will take
They're hoping that with the assistance of weather control systems the planet might be habitable within 10 years. That seems unlikely as they've yet to acquire enough weather systems and are generally running behind schedule.


>temporary housing services
>infrastructure development
>refugee handling facilities
>temporary habitats in space / asteroid habitats
>Possible merc connections / private security

>Experienced Terran volunteers from Rioja
vs
>Options to deport troublesome Terran Riojans

For simplicity's sake did you want to see if it might be possible to temporarily purchase land or permits to build a new city from scratch?
Or would you prefer to see about establishing a satellite city to one of the larger population centers?

>>2899219
>new city from scratch
>establishing a satellite city
I guess one option would be cheaper? The bigger population centers sound like kind of a mess, to be honest.

>>2898626
>Mind you that could be a politically messy business. Best RTS itself not get involved.
Hand it over to Firth from the PCCG? They seem like people who would get along pretty well with the Terrans.

>>2899252
>PCCG
They're generally the people to go to for mercenaries. You could float the administrator a loan to help afford private security.

>I guess one option would be cheaper?
A new city would probably need its own spaceport.

Basic Spaceport = 30m
Full size spaceport = 100m

>>2899288
The basic spaceport can be expanded later on?

Going by the prices on the wiki would this make a decent foundation for a city?
30m spaceport
20m industry
25m living space + infrastructure?
__
75m total.

>>2899341
>The basic spaceport can be expanded later on?
As long as it's planned for.

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>temporary habitats in space / asteroid habitats
Contacting your connections in Ceres space you ask what it might cost for them to build asteroid habitats in Terran space. It's a task they're not entusiastic about, preferring contracts in Dominion or neutral space. They are willing to provide a list of companies in Terran space who can do the same work.

At the moment the prices offered by the Terran companies are overinflated. They want 150 million for an asteroid habitat that might house a million people. You'd be farther ahead just having RSS build a habitat.

Ultimately building a new city from scratch isn't that different in cost from what it in on Rioja. 150 to 300 million if you decided to fund a majority of it yourself. You could spend that much money on a larger arcology or two instead, but that wouldn't help to showcase urban planning.

>1) Connection
50k - Land link near established city
30m - Basic Spaceport / starting up new city
100m - Full size spaceport

>2) Refugee handling facilities
300k - Surface
10m - Docking module for station in orbit
50m - Dedicated station

>3) Urban Development & Infrastructure
15m - Base infrastructure & planning. Locals will put in the structures
25m - Base infrastructure, planning & the start of a city
50m - They had better catch on with this much invested
150m - This might as well be your city
300m - This IS your city

4) Industry
10m - Minimal. Probably a construction yard for more habs
20m - ConYard & some industry
40m - Healthy industry start up
60m

5) Security
0m - Offer connections (Possible consultancy fee later?)
1m - Security for city you're funding
5m - Loan money so they can hire mercs
10m - Loan money so they can hire mercs

And I have to leave for work!

>>2899386
>1
100M we'll make it back either by monopolizing traffic or reselling

>2
50m - Dedicated station same reasoning

>3
300m - This IS your city vertical (literally) integration

> 4
20m - ConYard & some industry

>5
1m - Security for city you're funding. Best to be the most secure site to promote Terran investment.

Diversify Terran investment to prevent concerns about it being a Dominion enclave and head off potential seizure by the government, while controlling access to it and being able to hold said terran industry hostage to non-violent seizure since we could scuttle/move our infrastructure if it was attempted to be seized, favouring forcing them to purchase it if they wish to control it.

>>2899386
>30m - Basic Spaceport / starting up new city
As long as we account for later expansion, this should be fine for now.
>10m - Docking module for station in orbit
Unless there are other planets currently undergoing terraforming nearby I think a full station would be wasted. The one we built in the run covered more than a dozen planets.
>50m - They had better catch on with this much invested
I like the idea of having some real estate in terran space but more than this is probably not worth the trouble. With their strange laws and notions about property.
>40m - Healthy industry start up
More assets out of the reach of our House and the larger Dominion seem like a worthwhile investment.
>10m - Loan money so they can hire mercs
The sooner they get their security back on track, the sooner they can continue getting this world in shape.

>140 million total

>>2899386
>1)
30m - Basic Spaceport / starting up new city

>2)
10m - Docking module for station in orbit

>3)
150m - This might as well be your city

>4) Industry
20m

>5) Security
5m

Would it make sense to start a subsidiary of Edanis' arcology company in Terran space? There's of course the chance that some local regulations or House politics make this unfeasible but it might be an idea thinking through.

This is probably the best chance to get some decent concessions for a business like this from the Terran government we'll get any time soon.

>>2899386

This is interesting and all but I don't really see the point of all this. I feel like we could've invested money like this anywhere, and we chose to invest it in Terran refugee processing? Why are we even helping them? Why isn't all of this money going toward making sure we have a successful campaign against the Neeran?

Idk a lot of this just seems unnecessary right now. If someone wants to prove me wrong and explain why this is so important to be doing, I'd be very glad.

>>2900170
>Why isn't all of this money going toward making sure we have a successful campaign against the Neeran?
We're helping stabilize the industrial base and economy of an ally who's in charge of supplying some of the most important weapons the alliance has. Everybody would be in deep shit if the Terrans had to withdraw some of their forces for peacekeeping duties in their territory or scale down SP or V torp production because of internal unrest. Which I'm sure any remaining Neeran infiltrators will be more than happy to encourage.

In addition to that, J-D is already scraping the limit of spaceships they can field, and I'd assume the same is true for most of the Dominion as they already mobilized for near-total war during the warlord attacks, followed by the losses of the civil war.

Simply speaking, a dollar we spend to keep the Terrans in the fight is worth more than ten dollars spent on finding some way of pumping 16 billion into J-D's fleets or armies. If I remember correctly, the House can barely muster a decent crew for an additional heavy cruiser sized ship at this point.

While not investing in more ships or bigger guns directly, this will help conduct a successful campaign against the Neeran even more.

>>2900170
Ultimately this is a long-term investment that could pay big in future, plus with the upcoming Dominion attempt at acquiring SP torpedo technology, it could dampen any ramifications from the Terrans if it meant directly damaging their own colonies.

>>2900170
This trip was intended as a diplomatic and public relations mission. By visiting worlds where your company has helped make terraforming possible it is an opportunity to make you look good by showing you (supposedly) care about the many war refugees.
That you're not just lining your pocket book by moving planets and taking their money at inflated prices. You can do that AND look like it's all for a good cause.

If you have other ideas that could assist the refugees on planets like these while also improving Sonia's overall PR please feel free to post. I'm sure there would be few objections to cheaper alternatives.

>>2900151
>Would it make sense to start a subsidiary of Edanis' arcology company in Terran space?
Possible. Though they seem more focused on expanding their influence within the Dominion in general along with ties to HTF. Few of the Terran colonies have bought into the terraforming deal with HTF, though Dominion ones are more interested.


Uncertain how much you should offer to invest in the Urban Development & Infrastructure you ask your advisors. They suggest sticking to the lower end of the price bracket you'd been considering. 50 million should be enough for the locals to learn if Rioja style urban planning works for them or not.

With that decided you put the proposal to Administrator Idir. You'll invest 115 million into the planet in the form of a new basic spaceport along with industry, housing development and other things you consider essential.
10 million of that will go to an additional module for one of their stations in orbit. This will act as a refugee processing facility. You've requested experienced personnel from the processing station in the Run who will act as trainers for local hires. The purpose of the processing facility is to provide not just shelter to the arriving refugees, but employment at the newly constructed spaceport and industrial zone.
Finally you'll provide a loan of 5 million for the hiring of private security from the PCCG mercenary guild. These are intended to help supplement police forces wherever needed on planet, not just in the new city and station module. Though they'll start out at those locations.

Your presentation includes footage you'd requested from Rioja and how construction was quickly planned out. Spreading from the spaceport in interconnected segments built at construction yards and linked underground. With local transportation networks already in place and access to power grids it should be relatively easy to perform upgrades. Excess room above ground allows for the addition of elevated repulsor tramways and highways if absolutely necessary.

The bureaucrats are interested in the idea though they have to wonder how they'll keep the numerous smaller contractors in line.
"By making them, their crews and company ownership accountable. It's not like people can just escape fines by letting their company fold and starting another one, right?"
The uncomfortable silence as those present trade glances speaks volumes.

"And people accuse the Dominion of corruption problems?" Troy says incredulously.

Sighing you agree to talk to your construction company to see if they have any connections from back in the Republic that can get reliable people here. Plenty of Hune companies fled to Terran space during their civil war. There's bound to be a few around to work out deals with.

30m - Basic Spaceport / starting up new city
10m - Docking module for station in orbit
50m - They had better catch on with this much invested
20m - ConYard & some industry
5m - Loan money so they can hire mercs

"115 million. Take it or leave it."

One of the construction company owners seems rather surprised you're investing so little given your reputation for throwing money around.
"I could build a new arcology able to house millions for the same cost."

"And what would you learn from it?" you ask. "You've proven that you can build lots of structures, even big ones. That's commendable but it's not helping your planetary government plan for the future. I'm hoping my little project does that.
What's the expression? Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day? I could help you by providing money, or show how you can help yourselves. The refugees need that. I'm certain there are plenty of skilled individuals among them that can't apply themselves in the current state of things."

You look to Idir. "Tell me there aren't already slums building up in the big cities."

Idir frowns then looks to the others. "I went on an aid mission to New Rocinha. It isn't that bad yet but if we don't take steps and actually do something about it, it wont be long until things get that bad. I'll approve your plan Viscount. Have your people figure out where they want a city and I'll and see to it the land can be set aside."

The issue of private security draws criticism. Some construction companies have their own security forces to protect equipment and personnel but they haven't been permitted to go beyond that. The administrator has probably been worried the companies would try to strong-arm the competition. By the sounds of it that might not be a bad thing.
With a budget of 5 million this colony might actually be able to get somewhere with it.

>Do you have a statement for the press?

>>2900679
>Do you have a statement for the press?
"The deployment of Reynard Orbital Correction techniques and Reynard Weather Control systems was just the beginning of the work we're doing here. I'm proud to announce a sweeping investment that will hopefully help this planet gain the much needed stability and security to house those fleeing war and terror."

>>2900679

Nothing comes readily to mind. Unless Fadila or Troy has any suggestions they think would make us and by extension the Dominion look better.

With the agreement made it doesn't take long to call for a short press conference. Idir and the others seem a tiny bit annoyed by your political maneuvering but quickly begin making calls to their staff to ensure official statements are made ready.

Most of the press are humans though you see a few Kavarians and one Dro'all among them when you step up to a podium that has been readied in one of the halls. After a short introduction you get right to it.

"As I'm sure many of you are aware the Lenased colony owes it existence to the deployment of Orbital Correction Terraforming techniques and new Weather Control systems produced by my company. These have helped give desperate survivors of the war another chance at life. All of this was just the beginning of the work we're doing here. I'm proud to announce a sweeping investment that will hopefully help this planet gain the much needed stability and security to house and help those fleeing war and terror."

Short and to the point. Of course the media wants details, always with the details and the out of place questions. Some of which would be considered inappropriate at best.

"How much money are you investing?" "Are you suppressing free speech on your planet?" "Why aren't your kids here? Are they fake?" "How did you feel when your sister was kidnapped?" "Are you concerned for victims of the war?" "Did it hurt when you lost your arm?" "Has Rioja stopped taking in refugees?" "Do you think we should destroy Neeran planets?" "Did you died?" "What will the money be used for?" "Are you in collusion with the Neeran?"

It doesn't seem to stop.

[ ] Answer select questions
[ ] No questions / hand things over to the administrator
[ ] "You do know I have diplomatic immunity and a gun right?"

>>2900844
Ignore them

>>2900844

If they got questions, they can talk to the administrator here. I'm sure he wont hide anything from them.

>[ ] No questions / hand things over to the administrator

>>2900844
> Invite the ones asking appropriate questions to a private tour and press release

Reward people for taking us seriously.

> Invite the ones asking inappropriate personal questions to visit us in the Dominion if they want to learn more about us.

Satisfied that your work here is done for now you hand thing off to Idir. The disaster relief organiser rather diplomatically asks for questions more related to the state of the colony.

Departing the podium and shielded from pursuing reporters by your guard, you head for the exit and waiting vehicles. On the way out you let one of your diplomatic party know to contact the reporters asking serious questions. Perhaps there will be time to answer questions from them before leaving the planet. For now you still need to look around.

From the outset you intended to tour around the cities of this planet. The sooner the better. Less time for news to circulate. With the police escort informed and the convoy crew having worked out routes while you were inside the motorcade gets underway.

Much of the capital is similar to what you saw on the way in. Hastily erected skyscrapers with roadworks crammed between. If anything the weather control systems might be making things worse for these cities. With them active life on the surface is bearable, if not entirely pleasant. Without them you doubt anyone would risk going above ground without a vehicle or a pressure suit. It just wouldn't be possible to survive. But because they can here people are staying above ground. That's letting slums form.

That wasn't a consequence you had even remotely considered.

"Lowest common denominator." you mutter.
"What?" asks Troy
"Nothing... just I think we may have been lucky with Rioja."

Troy laughs. "I hope you're not just figuring that out. You do know how much money Count Jerik poured into that planet right?"
"Not entirely? How much?"
"From what I've heard? A lot."

Continuing the tour there are plenty of areas around the city where more work has been done to fix up things on the surface. Certain areas show a good deal more evidence of urban planning than others. A number of districts were clearly built to a well laid out plan, the problem is that those bordering them were not, making the divide between them fairly obvious.

"If this is what the capital is like I cant imagine the other cities will be much better."

You're not far off. Some cities are better off but frequently the above ground is in rough shape. Entire sections of one city are made up of prefab surface structures or repurposed starship cargo containers. Cast-off cargo blocks from Y-Type transports with subdivided levels are used as parking garages or storage for ground vehicles and smaller truck grade containers. Frequently near the spaceports which seems like a good idea.

When the motorcade passes through a more heavily run down area of a city one of the forward vehicles report a robbery in progress just off to the left.

[ ] Return to the spaceport
[ ] Ask half of police escort to help the civilians
[ ] Halt the convoy. "Stop right there criminal scum!"

May post in the morning tomorrow then resuming Thursday.

>>2901033
> [ ] Halt the convoy. "Stop right there criminal scum!"

The Dominion brings order! Nobeless oblige and all that.

And if it's an assassination attempt, we have a plasma pistol and a shocking disregard for soft backstops.

>>2901033

>[X] Halt the convoy. "Stop right there criminal scum!"

Less lethal than imperial city guardsmen though.

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>>2901100
Not if we use our plasma pistol. I refer you to outcome USAF.

>>2901033
>[ ] Ask half of police escort to help the civilians

>>2901033
>Ask half of police escort to help the civilians

>>2901033
>[ ] Ask half of police escort to help the civilians

While the desire to leap into action and shout "Stop right there criminal scum!" is tempting it might be a bit inappropriate. Instead you ask half of police escort to help the civilians. You're well protected enough that even a small number of them leaving shouldn't make much difference. Police split off and soon have the store surrounded. Hopefully that works out.

It doesn't take much longer to complete your tour of this city and head back to the spaceport to visit one of the others. On approach to the next one it looks as though it's been built within a crater. Not quite an accurate assessment as you find out. The crater wall turns out to be artificial, made up of rock being dumped there to create an embankment. Apparently the people who originally began a settlement here hadn't been very thorough with their geological assessment.

Stopping in at city hall you ask the mayor what's the problem is.

"The initial site developers believed that the region would undergo significant post-glacial rebound that would slowly increase the elevation of the local landmass. It turns out they were... well, wrong. As the glaciers melt this city will be surrounded by water."

"So... shouldn't you evacuate?"

"It's an option that we've looked at but one that's too expensive in the short term. It will be far cheaper to build up seawalls for the time being and then expand upward creating an open pocket. Some engineers we've brought in have experience with Cape Town type ocean walled cities."

The mayor activates a holoprojection of what they hope the city will look like in a few years time. A sloped ocean wall encircles the city with skyscrapers rising from the interior walls. In some ways it's like the big capital arcologies in the Dominion but inverted. Apparently a few cities of this type were built on old Earth when the ocean levels rose.

>Any questions or suggestions for the mayor?

>>2901616
>Any questions or suggestions for the mayor?
-Has a decent geological assessment been performed since the city has been founded?
-Aren't they worried about terrorists or some random nut job trying to flood the city.
-Will they at least be in a nice climate to make use of the surrounding ocean?
-If they're going to be surrounded by water in the forseeable future, would it make sense to prepare the surrounding area for underwater farming before the ice melts? If underwater farming is an economically viable thing in H&D.

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>>2901626
>Has a decent geological assessment been performed since the city has been founded?
Now it has yes.
>-Aren't they worried about terrorists or some random nut job trying to flood the city.
It would be difficult to pull off, and if they could get hold of the nukes needed to destroy the planned walls then there are bigger problems.

>-Will they at least be in a nice climate to make use of the surrounding ocean?
Absolutely. They're at the equator.

>-If they're going to be surrounded by water in the forseeable future, would it make sense to prepare the surrounding area for underwater farming before the ice melts? If underwater farming is an economically viable thing in H&D.
It does. There is some ocean farming on Rioja, though it tends to be more towards the surface level.

>>2901616
Thats pretty cool actually. Should see about making artificial beaches on the slopes för tourism and overall focus on seaside tourism. Cause i see potential in this. Just got to ensure the city is safe from flooding and that are polution does not ruin the sea around it

>>2901655
We should connect them with people from Tortuga (?) To help them set up a tourism and smuggling industry.

>>2901655
That looks pretty neat, this city could shape up to become a decent tourist attraction.

-Do they have a mix of refugees like many cities on Rioja or is it mostly Terrans?
-Would construction of an underground railway connection to the nearest landmass make sense before the ice melts?

>>2901616
>City rising up out of the sea
It sounds like a pain to handle all the potential water inflow and various flood related problems but damn, it looks aesthetic as hell, I love it.

How are they going to deal with expansion? There'll be a limit to how much they can build upwards, how are they planning to build outwards?

>>2901655
What about doing like that one city in Deus ex. Build a layered city with broad open paths and rails with in it over half a dozen laters. Then use holographic projectors on the open public areas to give the apoearance of a tall sky that changes with the nightcycle

>>2901668
>artificial beaches on the slopes för tourism
>>2901675
> tourism and smuggling industry.
Could work.

>>2901678
Mostly terrans, though some other faction species are present like elsewhere on the planet. Not much in the way of Shallans.

They're hesitant to build underground repulsor train connections to other cities yet because surrounding regions will undergo post-glacial rebound which may cause earthquakes.

>>2901684
There is a hard limit on how much they can expand in this one city. By the time it reaches capacity they're hoping other new cities will have been established.

>>2901687
Only played Deus ex human revolution and about 10 minutes of the original.

Have to go! Will be back on tomorrow.

>>2901692
Something like this.

Each layer, marked by red, holds it own layer of buildings and rail systems. Some of the Taylor ones going up into the next floor and beyond. With the extensive use of holographic systems helping to removing that feeling of being closed in and below a lot of shit. That way you can fill out the maximum amount of the man made crater and ensure the city has a lot of room for growth while leaving the large top of it more free for tourism things. It would be like a legitimate Hive

>>2901692
Are traditional water ships still used in this kind of situation or is everything handled by air transportation?

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>>2901742
Forgot pic

>>2901787
Very dominion, an upper class that sees the sun and a literal underclass toiling in the shade.

>>2900844
>"Are you in collusion with the Neeran?"

Did someone invite Terran Alex Jones to the press conference?

>>2901764
Water craft are generally not used for cargo transport, but as there would be ocean farms nearby there would definitely be boats of some kind operating out of the city. Ships and aircraft outfitted as flying boats are commonly seen on water worlds like Tourta, or in places like this.

>>2901687
>>2901742
>>2901787
Got it, Hengsha just with additional holo projectors to mimic day/night.

That could make it difficult for aircraft traffic to avoid buildings but civilian craft are supposed to be on city autopilot in certain areas.

>pic
I dont think they'd allow so many lower levels filling the interior, especially with some of the towers already built. There is an existing city already there just surrounded by temporary dikes and embankments.

Continuing the conversation with the Mayor you suggest the addition of elevated platforms and layers. This would allow the city to continue expanding upwards, it would just require pre-planning extra structural anchors.

"That would cut off a lot of the city from clear views of the sky. I'm already worried about the mental health of some citizens with just the sea wall."

"That's why you add holographic projectors. Give them sunlight, or a nights sky view of above the city. Once the war is over I'm sure there will be more than enough production available to meet civilian demands."

Your holographics industry on Rioja is too distant to supply these people. Did you want to have that particular company expand to this world?

[ ] Expand production here (10m)
[ ] Fund development study for city vertical expansion (2m)
[ ] Neither
[ ] Both (12m)

>>2904476
>[ ] Both (12m)
It's pocketchange so I see no reason not to.

>>2904476
>[x] Expand production here (10m)
Holograhpics are always in demand but I'm not a fan of the city project. By the time the arcology will be completed, the refugee problem will most likely have already been solved in Terran space. The walled city is kinda comfy, the arcology isn't.

>there would definitely be boats of some kind operating out of the city
How about a small traditional shipyard (The wiki puts a small factory at 1-1.25 million)? We can use the time until the ice melts to train people and build up an inventory of different designs.

>>2904476
>[ ] Expand production here (10m)