>>3768308
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION
It's just like the Immortal Emperor said. Build a better body.

>>3768308

For House and Dominion!

This ships conversion beamers got me to thinking that this ship or this class of ship should be a Constructor class Builder vessel. Since it could turn things like rocks to Builder Material in theory. And then use said material to build the Sphere and other Builder facilities. It may not have the full database on building something like the Sphere. But it should have some builder facility blueprints saved on it somewhere.

Back aboard the builder ship you've decided to look in on Troy's team. The Light Neeran tech specialist Dave has set up shop in a different medical ward closer to the main levels. You'd sent Troy and as many of the older J-D veterans as possible to see about repairing damage resulting from age. You and Valeri had tested it out and in your case managed to reset your physical age roughly back to what it was towards the start of the war.

Dave isn't taking any chances that you haven't screwed it up and at his insistence you and Valeri step up onto two of the pads for him to take scans. A few seconds later the Neeran seems relieved.

"Good, you didn't do any serious damage. I was worried you might have unknowingly re-written your DNA or caused any number of things that might kill you over time."

"Um, has that been a problem?" you ask rather worriedly.
"No but it wouldn't be so difficult to take a person apart or cause their cells to self destruct with this technology."

Glad you hadn't decided to go for super powers in that case. You dont have the same sort of fine mental control the computers aboard seem to require and that only Neeran seem to posses.

"How have the treatments been going?" you ask.
"I'm not going grey anymore." answers Troy.
Everyone looks to Dave.
"The oldest veterans have had aging damage reversed and a number of other medical problems they may or may not have been aware of cured. I'll need another day to treat the rest of the people from your House."

"Any chance this technology can be copied?"
"Not easily but I think some of the techniques can be mimicked by the existing faction medical tech. Improved treatment procedures would make them much more effective, though it would still be much slower."

"Copy what you can. We'll end up sharing all of this with the factions eventually, though it might be a few years."
A few older people in the Dominion who could benefit from this technology spring to mind. It's questionable if it will be available for them in time.

"Dave, before we get on with the rest of our personnel I have some questions regarding this thing's capability."
"Go ahead."
"I'm wondering if this system could be used for a variety of enhancements."

The Neeran admits that's a question he would have expected from you sooner or later. The real question is what sort of enhancements you had in mind. For every level of complexity added the harder it will be to perform and to pull off properly. All eyes turn to you, and there are looks of concern among those who have served the longest.

"All the enhancements. Some that our allies from the tower are interested in as well. Life extension without the side effects, Neeran or Caretakers level abilities, super soldier enhancements that aren't rejected by parts of some peoples bodies. All of it. Any of it."

Dave doesn't say anything right away but resignedly turns back to the controls and starts looking.

>Cont.

"Let's start with life extension." He eventually responds. "There are a number of ways to do it that are in the database or are at least mentioned. Presumably you wouldn't want to rely on a medical system like this one for a reset every so many years?"

"If it's possible." you reply.

The first are unsurprisingly nanites but those aren't ideal because of the prevalence of phased energy sources in Faction space. A single stun shot and you'd clog choke points of your body with dead nanoparticle constructs.
Basic Telomere extension treatments are not terribly effective. Even with a mix of other "rejuvenation" drugs, long term it would require regular treatments, other medical assistance, and it still wouldn't be perfect.

Veckron particle infusion is still one of the easiest and most reliable methods listed. There isn't a way to safely remove the side effects, though some of them can be greatly lessened. Dave notes that once applied it's nearly impossible to administer additional enhancements afterwards as they'll most likely be rejected. This wasn't previously known to you but on checking with some of the Immortals they've confirmed that to be the case. The few that tried to get reaction speed enhancements were unable to afterwards.

"Good thing I hadn't taken one of those yet. Does that mean the immortals aren't able to be repaired fully?"
"They are but the system has trouble with it."

"There's no other way to make someone functionally immortal?" asks Ruiz.

"There was one more but with it are warnings. It calls for the development and growth of several organs that effectively act as a biological reset switch and repair system. Obviously it would have to be tailored differently to each species. It doesn't say if this has been attempted and it may have been in an experimental stage."

"Gene-seed?" questions Valeri.
"A similar idea I suppose, though the host's DNA would simply be reset to a version of their own."

"What about that special armor Tereoct made up for himself?" you question.
"Oh, Veod told me a bit about it. Never do that, ever. I'm not sure this medical system would even be able to fully heal him."

>Which next? I'm writing up both but will prioritize player choice.
[ ] Neeran type bio reactors & abilities
[ ] Muscle density, reaction time, bone strength, etc

>>3768539
>[ ] Muscle density, reaction time, bone strength, etc

Maybe we talk to Dave about the reactor in a more private area? Don't want to weird anyone out about it.

>>3768539
>[ ] Muscle density, reaction time, bone strength, etc

>>3768539

>[ ] Neeran type bio reactors & abilities

Get the most likely to not be possible one out of the way. As while I'm sure it would be great for us to have, I'm pretty sure there is something about Neeran biology that makes these exclusive to their species.

>[ ] Muscle density, reaction time, bone strength, etc

More realistic and plausible capabilities of the machine. That we can do more with and like could achieve with a few years of R&D back home. Make those Terran Black OPs teams shit their pants to come across Dominion Super Soldiers in power armor.

>>3768549
>Maybe we talk to Dave about the reactor in a more private area? Don't want to weird anyone out about it.
The only people in the medical ward at the moment are your close party and 3 older members of J-D special forces.

>>3768539
>Muscle density, reaction time, bone strength, etc
This sounds simple enough to replicate without side effects

>>3768539
>[x] Neeran type bio reactors & abilities

It sounds like ideally the best way to ensure immortality would be to make sure medical systems on par with these become commonplace. With enough planning maybe you could ensure that ones built in the Dominion contain a secret back door that would allow you free emergency treatment?

"Let's look up... I guess you could call them standard enhancements? Muscle, bone, reaction time et cetera."

Dave thinks this should be fairly straight forward. It takes a few minutes but soon enough data is beginning to appear on displays showing options. Some can be done using alteration of DNA through gene therapy, physical modification of the body or combinations. Some would require extensive work while others would be minor changes.

Speed, perception both visual and through other senses, the ability to better process the new information more quickly are basic enough. A slightly elevated resistance to going into shock is a trait that Sonia has.

More difficult entries are means to strengthen bones naturally over time, though only up to a point. They can only be strengthened so far before it becomes difficult to fix breaks. Healing and of course the muscle density you'd hoped for are also in the list. A few items that pop up aren't native to humans but seem like they would be easy to add. Impact resistant biological "sutures" and tissues to reduce concussion and internal injury.
It may also be possible to make a human immune to the toxic fumes given off by blight scales though this would require substantial changes. If it worked it could allow people to live in a much wider range of environments.

Finally there are those that humans simply can't (or shouldn't) pull off on their own even with drastic changes. Properly armored bones for one, along with subdermal plating. Even stronger muscle upgrades could be added with the armored bones.

Similar ranges of augmentation are theoretically possible for other Faction species.

"Were there any other physically geared upgrades you wanted me to look into or did you want to move on to the caretaker ones?"
Dave asks after giving you the run down.

>>3768701
>Were there any other physically geared upgrades
I'm not sure if they fall into these category but what about upgrades that increase survivability out of combat. Hibernation like Krath and Leviathans are capable of, the ability to digest a wider variety of material or even photosynthesis.

>>3768701
>"Were there any other physically geared upgrades you wanted me to look into
Survival stuff like requiring less sleep, or, in the case of humans, the ability to enter REM sleep quicker.
Faster metabolic functions in times of heightened adrenaline?
Although I doubt it's possible, maybe something to stop cellular rupturing when exposed to the vacuum of space? Survive a brief exposure with minimal recovery time instead of major hospitalization kind of thing.

Is it worth scanning a baseline human as a 'template'? That way if any of these go wrong, you can revert to an older backup.

That's all I can think of.

>>3768724
>Hibernation like Krath and Leviathans are capable of,
Would need to add a method of producing Cryoprotectants or the person would straight up die from cells being ruptured from cold. Might be better to go the other route for cold weather survival.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wim_Hof

Don't think it would be possible to survive vacuum exposure though without some space marine grade additions plus armored skin.

>the ability to digest a wider variety of material
That should be possible. It would also be necessary for some of the natural bone strengthening routes.

>or even photosynthesis.
I would never have thought of this. Huh, apparently there's a type of sea slug that can do photosynthesis? But only after it eats algae containing chlorophyll.
I'll put it as not impossible but I dont know how effective it would be.

>>3768770
>requiring less sleep, or, in the case of humans, the ability to enter REM sleep quicker.
Very useful. Some humans can already operate on much less sleep than others. Being able to enter REM sleep quickly would also help.

>Faster metabolic functions in times of heightened adrenaline?
Fairly basic.

>maybe something to stop cellular rupturing when exposed to the vacuum of space?
Again, possibly armored skin. Eyes and lungs would be harder to pull off.

>Is it worth scanning a baseline human as a 'template'? That way if any of these go wrong, you can revert to an older backup.
Probably a good idea for anyone that plans to get an upgrade. A few of the vets have already been scanned.

Finally you get to the last group of potential enhancements.
"I know the tower wants Neeran or caretakers abilities. If we could find a way to get those it would certainly improve our relations with our allies."

Dave pauses. "I'm not refusing to look but you might want to consider that the sphere caretakers have been working for a long time to give some humans there similar abilities. Did you want to call Veod or Uller?"

[ ] Call one of them
[ ] See what we can do on our own

>>3768827
>Call Uller
We know we can trust Uller after everything we went through on the sphere expedition. Veod has been very helpful but we don't know him as well yet.

>>3768827
>[ ] Call one of them

Call in the Wizards to discuss Wizard upgrades. This should give them insight or provide insight to the process. And maybe give them ideas on how to proceed for their own program back on the Sphere.

Picked up some more shifts this week so I have to run and do laundry. I'll try to post via laptop.

Please consider/discuss what you want to actually do with the potential enhancements.

>>3768827
>[ ] See what we can do on our own

>>3768827
>[ ] See what we can do on our own

>>3768895
>Please consider/discuss what you want to actually do with the potential enhancements.
Human+, essentially.
Naturalize all the enhancements that Sonia's had over the years. I don't think she would have got this far without them, but the processes often seemed imperfect or had some downsides, the reaction speed improvements weren't perfect, from what I remember. It's the opportunity to fine tweak biology and improve on Evolution.
Faster reaction time, stronger muscles, heightened metabolism, increased brain activity to keep Sonia sharp.
That would be the ideal implementation, essentially "good genetics"

When it comes to Caretaker improvements, the ones that interest me are the ability to more finely control the various builder systems and artifacts. When we asked a few times about Svidur's staff, or the Convertor artifact, I think it was said Sonia lacks the ability for any fine level of control.
Realistically, I don't think Sonia's going to be shooting lightning from her fingers and proclaiming that the Dominion will once more rule the galaxy, or chucking things around with her mind, or any other weirdness, but some kind of nervous system strengthening/reinforcement would be interesting.

"Call Uller. If the Caretakers refuse to shed any light on the situation we'll be no worse off."

A few of the veterans that had been waiting for their turn are cycled through and the rest sent to conduct patrols of the ship and check the hull breaches. You'd rather not have a line of J-D military personnel outside when Uller gets here.

The larger Neeran arrives about 20 minutes later.
"Two of the Krath technical evaluation personnel are now aboard. They'll be looking at the teleporters and gate systems. Try not to enter of obstruct any of the pads." he warns.
One of your officers promises to let the others know then steps out.

Bringing Uller up to speed doesn't take long with Dave's help. Soon enough he's aware of your renewed interest in Neeran abilities and the possibility of helping the locals.

"You're aware of just how dangerous this can be? The Caretakers felt it necessary to create a line of humans that are largely immune to such abilities as a counter if anything went wrong."

You nod. "I'm aware. It's better if we know sooner what this thing is capable of, not later."

"Very well. The first thing you should know is that we are not giving the humans on the sphere access to the same levels of raw power a Neeran can wield. It's just too much and too time consuming to reach that stage within one of your lifetimes."

Dave speaks up.
"I've read an intelligence report that the Empire has been working on technology to boost the maturation rate of their reactor organ."
"So it is possible." the older Neeran muses. "Regardless a human would never survive the amount of energy released. You'd need at redundant nervous system, no a tertiary nervous system just to route the power and the secondary to act as a control system and buffer. The result would be something considered ugly at best by your standards. Prone to organ failure and deadly power surges."

"But it could work?"
"In theory." Uller admits.
"Okay. What is being done for the humans on the sphere?"
"Means of increasing and better harnessing a human's natural electromagnetic field. Tweaking it to better operate at the needed ranges and vastly increasing its efficiency."

"You're making them advanced users?" speculates Dave.
"Effectively yes. The older caretakers in charge realised that with the correct application at lower power usage they can be very effective. They could never survive using as much power as a Neeran but they wont have to."

You look back and forth between the Neeran.
"How long until the humans there are able to do the thing. The Neeran thing but with the low power?"

Uller takes a moment to do some calculations.
"It should be twelve? No, six to eight generations from now the Caretakers will begin to introduce the series of upgrades that will give them full capabilities."

"That could be a century and a half from now!" you point out to which Uller shrugs.
"The project has been in motion for more than three thousand years. Another century or two is hardly a long wait by comparison."

"Actually it's pretty good time." says Dave.
He uses the controls to change the displays.
"If we were to field test some of the changes the Caretakers have been working on it could inform them of problems that they might not have encountered before."

>>3769179
>>3769184
"Right, so could you help us potentially get to that stage?" you ask Uller.

"In theory yes. I do question the wisdom of giving this capability to the Dominion however. The other Caretakers would certainly have similar concerns. It might be better served with someone such as the Thule's Prism Knights. Especially if some of them intend to remain on the sphere."

"They already have a bunch of high gravity mods." you point out. "Then again it's not like I wont be stacking as many mods and enhancements as possible. Does it have to be them though?"

Uller shrugs. "I know you're fighting a war against the Neeran and want as many tools as possible to help with that. I have to at least attempt to be responsible for the assistance I give you. The other Caretakers will want this to be a restricted technology until we know more about how humans handle it. It could be just as destructive to the user. "

You try not to frown too heavily. "Noted."
It might be best to keep the wider Factions from getting hold of this tech for a few years. At least until the long term effects are understood. The last thing you want are a bunch of nobles or Terran black ops running around popping heads with mind bullets.

1) Did you want to call up the Thule's Prism Knights at this time so that they're available if volunteers are needed?
>Y/N?

2) What crazy mods are you planning to test out for possible use by J-D volunteers? Potentially for a "standardized enhancement package" for select special forces. People are undoubtedly planning crazy mods for Sonia. Troy and Valeri will almost certainly try to stop you if the mods haven't been tested first.

>>3769398
>1) Did you want to call up the Thule's Prism Knights at this time so that they're available if volunteers are needed?

Not really? If wizard thinks it is a bad idea to bother with it now. Then best to not play around with it. Also maybe a tinge jealous that he would give it to one of them first.

>
2) What crazy mods are you planning to test out for possible use by J-D volunteers? Potentially for a "standardized enhancement package" for select special forces.

Everything and anything that we can get that will make us even more dangerous in close quarters combat. Make Captain America look like an average Joe. And if possible resistant to poisons and shit as well as maybe thicker skin so can resist higher heat temperatures and lower temperatures.

A secondary heart so if the primary one fails the backup can keep us going or at least keep us from dying until they get a replacement cloned into us.

>>3769398
>1) Did you want to call up the Thule's Prism Knights at this time so that they're available if volunteers are needed?
Only if they want to and only if the dangers are properly explained to them. I dun want them to get fucked up. Even if I want cool Neeran Powers.

>What crazy mods are you planning to test out for possible use by J-D volunteers?

Perhaps some sort of organ that could regularily produce stem cells? That way should a organ be lost or start to fail it could kick in and start producing a new one using the amazing properties of stem cells. Basically a enchaned regeneration that doesn't require a cloned organ. Would be good for field work where quick help like that may not always be possible.

Stronger filtration in the stomach to break down venoms, poisons and the like. Zeltrons comes to mind.

Stronger and more efficient immuno system that can more easily adapt and counter increasingly deadly and strange pathogens.

Will controlled pheromones to help with the social aspect? Laying dormant until we mentally tell it to start spreading it.

Eye zoom function? As is if we where to zoom in with a scope except it is the eye? Better night vision for the eye? Thermal vision? Ability to more easily filter out great amounts of light? Second set of eyelids that are see through for either underwater or perhaps for less then hospital atmosphere?

Longer tongue... for uh... reasons. Also pointy ears for the same reasons

Still want those Neeran mind powers, even if it is a weaker version. Cause it would be so fucking cool regardless if it is a weaker version. But yeah. Should perhaps keep that one under wraps for the forseeable future. If just Sonia and the Thule Prism Knights get it I am happy.

Increased muscle density and energy efficiency. Far stronger and more endurance. Should help is become faster as well, especially mixed with our already enchanced reflexes.

Better lungs to increase uptake of air into the blood so we can go for longer. Or perhaps we can upgrade our skin to take up a least a little air? Perhaps as with pheromones with a mental switch command so that if we where in a gas cloud from a grenade or something we do not soak all of that up? If such is possible.

Super adrenal glad that juices us up with natural combat drugs when ever we fight for our life?

More efficient metabolism and intake of energy.

Diminished need for sleep

All I can think of right now. Or at lest the ones that wont turn her into a true abomination. Will possibly suggest more as the day goes on.

>>3769398
Laser shooting eyes, jk
Minor regenerative abilities
More efficient metabolism so we can eat and sleep less
Better hormonal response, although this one is trickier and may result in unwanted side effects
More natural looks I guess? I'd prefer to be strongly built without appearing like someone overdosed on roids
Accelerated fetus growth. Stay pregnant for only half of the time!

>>3769398
>1)
Eventually? I think it's probably better to start with simpler changes.

>2)
-Improved osmoregulation seems like something that would be immensely useful in general. Water supply is a huge strain on logistics.
-A hibernation mode to lower energy consumption.
-Unihemispheric sleep, like in Dolphins or whales.
-Improved wound healing.
-The ability to regrow practically everything.
-Eidictic memory
-Something to counter the strain the mind/machine interface used with Versa puts on the human brain
-Semi-biological sphere nanites? The nanites structure consists of builder material while it draws energy from the body's electromagnetic field like their technology does? I'm not sure if it would render them entire immune to phase technology but it should limit them to getting temporarily disabled instead of being destroyed.

Does Sonia remember anything about the meeting with the immortal after the machine has rejuvenated her? Upgrading Dro'all without going through the procedure of killing off the original like the immortal suggested seems like it might be worth an attempt.

Aside from that, I've been meaning to ask if we actually keep all the high ranking dead like the Count or Dayton in stasis crypts, right? At least the knight lt. might actually be salvageable with this.

>>3769720
With all the tech available here, Troy will have to carry the next child(ren).

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>>3769398
>What crazy mods are you planning
Make Sonia super cute

>>3769928
Long, soft and naturally silky hair as well?

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>>3769003
>Naturalize all the enhancements that Sonia's had over the years.
Some stuff like the bones cant be at this time. There isn't a way to reinforce them with tritanium through any natural means. Even if there was it would have to wait until adulthood or it would wreck their bone growth.

>Caretaker improvements, [...]the ability to more finely control the various builder systems and artifacts.
That should be possible with the Caretaker human upgrades.

>>3769573
>secondary heart
Medical system in a suit of power armor is supposed to be able to do a bit of this in an emergency. Also you've got that head only stasis unit for worst case scenarios.
There are a number of interesting articles about the calf muscle aiding blood flow in humans. I also recall seeing designs for a tube shaped artificial heart. I dont see why they couldn't be combined.

>>3769707
>perhaps we can upgrade our skin to take up a least a little air? Perhaps as with pheromones with a mental switch command so that if we where in a gas cloud from a grenade or something we do not soak all of that up?
Probably not.

>Super adrenal glad that juices us up with natural combat drugs when ever we fight for our life?
That might not be the best idea for Sonia. She's already crazy enough in that department.

>>3769720
>Laser shooting eyes, jk
There are artificial eyes that are capable of this but they understandably have power and cooling issues.

>>3769720
>I'd prefer to be strongly built without appearing like someone overdosed on roids
The increased muscle density would help.

>Accelerated fetus growth.
This is actually possible but Dave cautions against it. There are already too many unknowns and the children of anyone with some of the enhancements may need more time to have their development monitored.
It may even be a better idea to prevent any of the enhancements from being passed on. At least in their early forms.

>>3769760
>The ability to regrow practically everything.
This would take a very long time for some things.

>Does Sonia remember anything about the meeting with the immortal after the machine has rejuvenated her?
No. Those memories were blocked from being stored in long term memory.

>the Count or Dayton in stasis crypts
This is rarely done but what's left of the Count is probably in one. The returning Barons would have insisted on seeing his body and having their own people look over the remains.

>>3769928
>Make Sonia super cute
That is highly subjective.

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I'm amazed nobody has asked for multiple arms.

So I'm thinking of making up a survey with a bunch of check boxes for the different options. People would be able to vote yes, no or abstain on the various options being considered.
A second separate group would potentially be there for caretaker upgrades.

Those that pass will be cleared for use by J-D personnel. Anything intended for Sonia will have to have been tested on someone else first. Unless you intend to go behind everyone's backs.

I have work today and wont be back until probably 10pm. Also work tomorrow until 6pm. I'll try to make up the survey tonight when I get back.

>>3770119
>multiple arms.
Too inhumane. Every suggestion wants to keep Sonia looking normal.
>>3770084
>That is highly subjective.
Well there are features universally regarded as cute like larger eyes and pupils. But why look cute when you can sculpt yourself into a supermodel?

>>3770084
>That is highly subjective.
Let Troy pick?

>I do question the wisdom of giving this capability to the Dominion however.
I always thought it was for Sonia only, and any capabilities for the Dominion were going to be restricted to just basic enhancement package. It's not like an artifact we'll be able to reverse engineer, and I doubt the Dominion is going to be building medical suites of this level any time soon.

We should put the rust virus into the DNA machine and give it some boosts.
As an insurance policy, of course.

>>3770179
>Let Troy pick?
"You look beautiful just the way you are."
"Aww, thank you."

Wait, hang on. He probably thought that was a loaded question you were asking. You consider asking one of the Neeran present to find out what your husband is really thinking.

A few hours are spent continuing to look over data and options with Uller while Dave focuses on treating the J-D vets. Once the latest batch are cleared Dave asks to speak with you.

"I've been thinking about the many medical enhancement options that are available. With all of the different variables it might be safer to build a clone from scratch rather than subjecting a human to such extreme changes."

"A clone is still going to need to be scanned from someone." you point out.
"Yes, and it should be from someone as young as possible. It will be easier for them to adapt that way."

>Any interest in potentially creating clones as test subjects?

>>3771090
Yes

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SURVEY!

surveymonkey com/r/ 7JGTWPY

Link up on the wiki and twitter.

I doubt I'll get a chance to use this picture in H&D depending on what upgrades are picked.

>>3771090
>Any interest in potentially creating clones as test subjects?
If it is feasible, I'd prefer to stick to limited clones for physical upgrades only. I'm not comfortable experimenting on the fully functional copies that would be needed for all the brain related improvements.

>survey
Would it be possible to stick to the easier upgrades for Sonia until we have more experience performing the advanced ones on humans? I'm not to keen on losing Sonia to a surgey dic roll because people got greedy so I'm not going to pick any of the upgrades from difficulty level 2 and 3 in the survey for now. It's not like we need to do these asap.

>>3771090

>Any interest in potentially creating clones as test subjects?

I am interested. But also I fear the creation of evilSonia who is twice as powerful as realSonia. Also I am pretty sure the Dominion in general will frown on us having made a clone of ourselves or anyone for that matter. Actually, will clones made by this ship be separable from clones made by the Dominion? Or rather, will they still fall under the 'if you are a clone you lose your status' ruling? I know Lat'tham got caught up with having clones and real living versions. But that seems like a massive headache and the only reason the R'H didn't punish them severely then were a lot of factors going on at the time. The least of which being they were held hostage by pirates.

>>3771409
>I'd prefer to stick to limited clones for physical upgrades only.
Any support for this?

>Would it be possible to stick to the easier upgrades for Sonia until we have more experience performing the advanced ones on humans?
I suppose, but the survey (especially the 1st question) are your total plans for the future. If you want to use any of them it's best to get research going on them.

>>3771530
>But also I fear the creation of evilSonia who is twice as powerful as realSonia.
Sonia isn't an ideal cloning subject because she's too old and thus has too much baggage upstairs.

>Actually, will clones made by this ship be separable from clones made by the Dominion?
Legally they'd have to be counted as clones by law since the Dominion doesn't care where they're from, just what they are.

>>3771611

>Legally they'd have to be counted as clones by law since the Dominion doesn't care where they're from, just what they are.

Then so long as the people who volunteer for this are aware of cloning laws. Again. And they volunteer to be made into younger clones.

>>3771611
If people volunteer to be cloned for medical experiments, then let them choose what level of enhancements they'll test?

Does the machine have a 'randomise' function? After everything is done, you could shift a few bits of DNA and technically make them their own person?

Can't believe nobody suggested some kind of Bullet Time reaction/speed increaser.

Once a list of options are compiled you sit down and carefully go through them. You know there could be repercussion to using some and as a result you'd rather wait until Dave, Uller or others have had more time. The Caretaker upgrades to some humans on the Sphere is probably the one you're least comfortable with yet still intend to approve. Af Ied is contacted about collaborating on this as she would have found out about it eventually.

Others you suggest the Neeran immediately begin research into are the super soldier basic and improved version. Along with them are Eidetic memory, Poison resistance, a stomach digestion upgrade, reduced sleep requirements, then cold and heat adaptation. There are a number of other minor upgrades you add after this but they're marked as lower priority. Mostly those geared towards metabolism and survival in the field.

Any upgrades you've given serious thought to getting yourself are now in the pipe. The Caretaker upgrade is the one you're most deeply conflicted about. It will probably be the only one you'll end up using a clone for.

"Do we have any candidates for the cloning option?"
"Not many." Valeri admits bringing up the list of personnel currently inside the planet.
"The Rioja army may be quite young by Dominion standards but it's largely made up of veterans from our core worlds or House Erid. Some used to be PDF or were already in other planets armies but were convinced to move thanks to reduced child restrictions on colony worlds."

"I thought those restrictions were repealed due to the war?"
"Yeah, but nobody ever knows when those might be implemented again. Especially if a wartime population explosion impacts House resources."
Rioja doesn't have to worry about population restrictions for awhile you'd bet, but it might be a good idea to encourage slightly slower growth after the war. Being positioned along a trade route immigration is going to remain high.

"Who's the youngest we've got?"
"21 year old. Joined the army when legal. Tested up into the Marines. Only problem is that they were born in Terran space. Their family were refugees."
That they've chosen to join a House army instead of the Alliance or even the Terran forces would tend to indicate their family intend on stay on Rioja. On the other hand that might have had no bearing on their decision.

"Our next best option?" you ask.
"One from Edanis that's a year and a half older. Everyone else in the armed forces that are in the lower age bracket dont have much in the way of a security clearance and are on surface garrison duty."

Shit.

[ ] Terran recruit
[ ] Edanis recruit
[ ] Ask the fleet to find someone else young but loyal
[ ] Ignore Dave's advice, clone a veteran

>>3774110
>[ ] Ask the fleet to find someone else young but loyal

Why the hell not? What we're doing is already morally questionable. Lets at least make sure the person we are doing morally questionable things with is with is loyal to us.

>>3774110
>Talk to the candidates and then decide

>>3774110
>[ ] Terran recruit

>>3774131
Questions for them?

>>3774170
evaluate loyalty, opinions on cloning, opinion on being a test subject, for the terran born recruit ask if they identify as terran or dominion

>>3774110
>[ ] Ignore Dave's advice, clone a veteran

>>3774234
And now we've run the full gamut of options.

>>3774238
Kek. Here. I'll change from >>3774168
To
[ ] Ask the fleet to find someone else young but loyal
Just to move things along.

Uncertain which to go with you have a message sent to the fleet to begin looking for a young enough recruit that is still loyal. That will take time. Meanwhile you can arrange meetings with the two candidates among your local forces.

The Terran kid being the youngest nearby with high enough clearance is the first. This requires a flight back to the interior surface and a round of decontamination. Arriving back at the field base it doesn't take long to have him called in.

A young man in hard plate armor enters the office you've commandeered and salutes.
"Nikau Wibowo reporting as ordered sir!"
"At ease. Have a seat, I dont know how long this will take."

Once he's sat down you start to go through your questions. First of all asking if he considers himself a Terran of Dominion citizen.
"I've lived on Rioja since I was 13. I like to think having dual citizenship would be handy and give me plenty of options after the war."

"Let me ask a different way. If there was a war tomorrow between the Dominion and the Terran Alliance which side would you be on?"
"I would continue to serve out my term with the House military regardless of any personal feelings sir."
"You wouldn't specifically volunteer to fight the Terrans though?"
"Probably not sir, but I can follow orders."

Well at least he's honest.
"What are your feelings on cloning?"
"If it helps us win the war I'm all for it."
"And clone rights? What about those?"
"They could probably benefit from some improvements in my opinion sir."

While a bit sketchy in places he's not out of the running yet. Better to get to the final bit.
"We're looking for volunteers for a test subject. Someone that will be cloned. I can't give much in the way of specifics but they would have to learn to adapt to a changing situation very rapidly."

"Will it help win the war sir?"
"I hope so but can't make any promises."
You're not about to mention that it will probably benefit your House and the Dominion far more than the overall Alliance war effort.

"If that's the case then I would be prepared to volunteer sir."

While duty driven the kid may have some issues when it comes to loyalty in the long term. What are your intentions?

[ ] Recruit
[ ] Wait to hear back from the fleet
[ ] Move on to the Edanis candidate?

>>3774268

We have mind scrubbing right? Blockers to prevent people from remembering certain stretches of time. Have some readied up in case neither of these candidates shape up.

Have the Terran kid wait in an office nearby. Interview the kid from Edanis and if the fleet hasn't said anything we go with what we have.

>>3774268
>[ ] Recruit
>and
>[ ] Move on to the Edanis candidate?
Having more than one baseline specimen to test the enhancements on is probably not a bad idea

>>3774268
>>3774291
I agree with this.

>>3774268
>[ ] Move on to the Edanis candidate?

>>3774268
>[ ] Move on to the Edanis candidate?

Nikau Wibowo is told that he's under consideration and to remain on base for the time being. One he departs you look into the next candidate. She has apparently been volunteering for priority assignments and operations that are likely to result in promotions if successful. Currently a sergeant she's listed as having completed half of an OCS entrance course necessary for eventual training as an officer.

"Nadya Tola reporting!"

You tell the sergent to sit down and that this shouldn't take too long if the previous interview was any indication. The first question revolves around loyalty to the House. She may be young but it wasn't so long ago that House Erid was a distinct entity.
"I have no love of House Erid sir. It wasn't in a position to survive, House Jerik-Dremine is. Rioja offered a chance to start over and climb the ladder more quickly than other worlds in the House.
You're an ambitious woman sir, so am I. I want to make something of myself so my family doesn't have to sit through the fall of another House."

"And if there was an uprising in the former Erid territories?"
"Then it would deserve to be put down just like they were last year."

"Moving on, what are your feelings on cloning?"
"I'm against it in theory, I dont like the idea of waking up and finding I cant become a noble one day. In practice it's better than being wiped off the map and has its benefits."

"And your opinion on clone rights?" you continue.
She shrugs.
"I dont want a horde of clones coming back from the war competing for land holdings and nobility. Again I wouldn't be happy to be in their situation but the laws exist for a reason."

You wonder how she'll react to the final question and press on.
"We're looking for volunteers for a test subject. Someone that will be cloned. I can't give specifics at this time. They would need to learn to adapt to a changing situation very rapidly."

She looks conflicted but only for a brief moment.
"This must be a big deal if you're asking yourself sir. I'll volunteer. Though I hope other me or myself will be able to benefit from this somehow."

Ambitious and looking out for her own advancement. Potentially dangerous but in theory easy to direct with her final goals in mind.

[ ] Recruit Nadya Tola
[ ] Recruit Nikau Wibowo
[ ] Both
[ ] Wait to hear back from the fleet

>>3774475
[ ] Recruit Nikau Wibowo
You know what. I can respect ambition. Sonia made it her milk and breed for years after all until she became Viscount. And we should probably be able to reward her decently for this so that her and her clone remains loyal.

>>3774475
>[ ] Recruit Nadya Tola

>>3774475

Both candidates seem good enough in my opinion. While they both have their ups and down. The Terran kid seems good for having someone who is willing to volunteer for the good of all. And Erid Sgt is good so long as she is given something to bite at to keep progressing. Which while good could also come into conflict later as the clone learns they can only advance so far. Especially if they are this driven to succeed.

I want to say pass for Nikau, give her memory blockers and a promotion and cover story for why we invited her. Because her clone could potentially be an issue later on if they feel cheated out. That said, House intel and even R'H intel should be good enough to keep her hidden and occupied.

Go with both.
>[ ] Both

But if we need a tie breaker.
>[ ] Recruit Nadya Tola

>>3774475
>[ ] Both
If one turns crazy, the other one can hunt them down!

>>3774475
>[ ] Both

The Sergeant is dismissed and likewise ordered to remain on base until your decision is made. It doesn't take you long. Both may have their faults but they're fairly predictable. If necessary they can be played off against one another.

"We're bringing in both of them but I dont want either of them remembering details beyond this point. We'll need to take them to the ship to perform the baseline scan needed. Their originals shouldn't be allowed to remember that part until or unless their specific units are assigned to the shipyard."

Valeri says that they can be given a memory blocker. That will give more than enough time to get them there and back.

"Let's get to it."

A few hours later you're on the way back to the ship with the necessary preparations made. Under orders both of the candidates are wearing basic armored vacuum suits since their hard plate armor has been found to be difficult to decontaminate. Whenever possible both of them are kept in compartments without view ports. They'll figure out enough on their own but it's best to reduce the amount of chances they might have to learn something in case the memory block isn't entirely successful.

On entering the ship you see that the techs have moved on to testing the various inter-ship teleporters. They're not using people yet but it looks like the system is working fine. Fortunately the medical bay Dave is using for tests is on the same level. All of the veterans have been cleared by the time you arrive. Both Tola and Wibowo are given a thorough scan.

Dave announces that they're done, though Wibowo had required some minor repairs to a lung. Apparently their escape from Terran space had some closer calls than he may have realised at the time.

Did you want to offer them the chance for some minor enhancements while here or send them on their way?

>>3774651
>Did you want to offer them the chance for some minor enhancements while here or send them on their way?

I say no, but I am not opposed to the idea if other anons are okay with it.

>>3774651
We can't really make them any younger as payment, so some basic things would be good.

>>3774651
You know what. That's fine. They need a bit of a reward for this.

>>3774651
>Did you want to offer them the chance for some minor enhancements while here or send them on their way?
It would only be fair to offer some minor enhancements.

Both of them are offered minor enhancements of the sort available to pilots and special forces. It isn't much but more than either of them could hope to pay for at this point in their careers. Obviously this is too good to pass up given their positions on the front lines.

They're still getting used to the increased reaction speeds by the time they ship out. Both have orders placing them on administrative leave until their memory block is over, and they've gotten used to the enhancements. Hopefully things turn out well for them.

The next day Dave is confident that he can naturalise most of Sonia's existing enhancements. Not the bones or the eyes obviously. It will still be a number of days before the other planned mods are ready and he thinks it might be best to get these ones out of the way first and monitor them. Your bodyguards of course will have theirs done before you to make certain it's safe.

As always the issue of your prosthetic arm comes up. Dave of course wonders if you'd like a new one once the other enhancements are ready. The natural looking limb is a skeleton made of builder material with a covering just as reactive as the real thing. You could have nearly the entire thing torched with a plasma weapon, reducing it to the frame, and it would still function. It could still be used to operate builder weapons.

"It's kind of hard to top an indestructible arm." you reply.

>Unless you had anything in mind?

>>3774757
The deal breaker here for me is if we can upgrade it to a Krath detecting sensor.

I've always thought that Sonia would get her arm regrown after the Neeran war was over. It's like a memory of a dangerous time.

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>>3774757
>"It's kind of hard to top an indestructible arm."
An indestructible suit that allows Sonia to interact with the physical world after she's brute forced her way to the next level of existence?
I don't really have a better idea.

>>3774757
Detachable indestructable arm that we can operate by wire?

Grapple-hook 3.0

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>>3774839
Now I'm thinking of a similar grapple/grabber like Long Arm from the COPS animated series.

>>3774765
>The deal breaker here for me is if we can upgrade it to a Krath detecting sensor.
You already have a sensor so an upgrade should be quite easy. It was already able to detect the blight scale creature through at least a level of builder material docks.

Roll 1d100 for firmware update

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>>3774839
>Grapple-hook 3.0
Sonia's knees when she remembers the incident

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>3774904
rolling bones

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>3774904

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>3774904

rolling for a new arm, maybe it comes with a detachable rocket fist similar Metal Gear Solid 5?

Is it possible, however complex, to arrange celestial objects to either form natural wormholes, or aid in the creation of artificial ones?

>>3774998
Good question. I'll have to give it some thought. I know there is at least 1 naturally occurring wormhole in the Centri cluster near the navigation hazard there. It can provide a bit of a shortcut traveling from the Dominion territories in the center of the cluster to the Kavarian territory in the north west. Not a huge amount, enough to cut most of a day off for slower transports these days.

>>3774911
>Rolled 83

Update completed. You're urged to be careful with it and so head outside. The range isn't much improved but it feels like the resolution is slightly better. It's also able to pick up blight scales and Krath quite easily. Joining one of their crews scouring the surrounding docks you help locate 9 blight scales surprisingly close to the ship that hadn't been picked up by the shuttles and ground team. Some are hiding between walls and have adapted themselves to better resist the cold, matching external thermal output.

The Krath are glad for your help. They're deploying heat lamps and chemical marker trails to try and draw in scales in different areas. It's somewhat effective but more than a quarter of the population are ignoring them.

"No sign of that advanced form?" you ask.
"We've had sightings but they flee the area once spotted."
"What about those supply cashes I suggested?"
"One of them was raided in the first few days and the suit cut apart. A second largely vanished and were tracking the suit but it was eventually abandoned."

You promise to get a number of the more advanced scanners built to help them clear the docks.

The Krath are making good progress so far. Their packaging operations have secured nearly 200,000 scales in stasis crates for transport. They're making plans to either construct container blocks that can be taken out of the core at the same time as the ship, or arrange for smaller skiffs to ship them through the transit chamber. The latter will take a long time.

Logistics seems to think it wont take anywhere near the years of cleanup of the planet's interior will require. The key will be cutting down on the amount of equipment and personnel that need to be headed out of the interior. Tens of thousands could be shipped out of the planet each day once things are set up for it.

"Just make sure the tower forces are helping to establish force fields to isolate the dock sections that have been cleared out. I'll ask the bridge crew to watch for signs of any scales using cutting gear to open holes in walls."

They also suggest you watch for sudden temperature spikes. They're starting to use a binary explosive foam as a sealant in places that will mix and ignite if penetrated. It doesn't do a lot off damage but will let them easily keep track of anywhere it is breached.

"That sounds dangerous." you point out.
"No more dangerous than flash paper. Much easier to clean up than the toxins these scales would leave behind."

Well they're the experts.

The next day volunteers begin trials of the various first group of enhancements. You wont be needing any clones for these. Poison resistance, heat and cold adaptations and the reduced sleep requirements go off without a hitch.
Basic and improved super soldier enhancements are a little more complicated as expected but ultimately are about equal to each other in terms of difficulty.
The stomach upgrade isn't quite as effective as planned. It has certainly improved the limits of what is possible for a human to get nutrition from but not wildly. Eidetic memory actually proves the most difficult. The volunteers report an improvement but not the great leap forward that was promised.

Everyone who took part is placed under observation for the next week regardless of how successful the test went. A handful of unlucky soldiers are acting as a control group without their knowledge. Within the first day those within either of the super soldier groups have figured out that they've been duped. The same cant be said for the temperature and sleep adaptation groups, though the latter does become a bit more irritable eventually.

A few days later a second attempt is made on the improved memory. This one has better results overall. Still not amazingly effective but a much more noticeable jump.

Checkups on all of the volunteers still show them in good health after a week. No signs of degradation or conditions that could become severe over time. With that hurdle cleared you and your bodyguards are now able to get the enhancements you had looked at for yourself.

Getting all of your existing ones normalised is the first step. Poison resistance is also added immediately because assassination attempts do happen. Despite it having been completely repaired you can still recall what it felt like when an assassin's poisoned blade sliced into your arm on one campaign. Also that one time Myrish Avun set up an assassin to fail at killing you.

"Do I really want an eidetic memory? There are so many times I've nearly died, or seen friends and colleagues killed."
"You can also use it to remember the good times." Troy points out.

[ ] Worth it
[ ] Not worth it

>>3775292
>[ ] Worth it

>>3775292
>[ ] Worth it

>>3775292
>[ ] Not worth it

>>3775292

Mega memory worth the PTSD point all day

>>3775292

[x] Think of the good times:
-The Children
-Troy
-The first flight in the House corvette
-Kavos threatening to shoot you in that corvette

Despite renewed concerns you stick with your earlier decision. Eidetic memory has too good a payoff to ignore and at the very least might stave off any worsening of memory in old age. The procedure goes well, as do the other enhancements. Like the others you're ordered to remain under observation for at least a week.

During this time volunteers from the tower brought in by Af Ied arrive. Dave and the Lady are kept busy looking at similar upgrades for her own people. Two Kavarian volunteers from your own forces are also being looked at to see about cross compatibility between the two species.

The plan is to alternate every other week between the Human or Rekesh projects. This gives your teams that are not much help to the scientists or technicians time to assist the Krath. One third of the docks on this side of the facility have been cleared and locked down. About 7% of the core in total.

Cheap modified versions of infantry support drones are being produced equipped with capture gear. Combined with the specialized packaging ships now operating in each dock the scales are being brought in much faster than before.

You, Af Ied and Veod are invited to a meeting with the on site Krath commander aboard one of the cargo ships. Holding it aboard the Builder ship would still require Krath to wear environment suits. There the possibility of returning normal atmosphere to parts of the docks is discussed. Force fields are already in place. It should be possible to shield a good portion of them and use massed drones to capture blight scales that try to reach habitable zones.

Aside from allowing everyone some room for error if a suit should fail, it would also reduce the severity of the atmospheric disturbance whenever the wormhole is opened. Goodness knows people living near the place are getting tired of the storms that are occasionally kicked up by the drop in temperature.

>Interest in sealing parts of the docks and restoring heat/atmosphere?

>>3775538
>Interest in sealing parts of the docks and restoring heat/atmosphere?
Yes. If the Rekesh see that the situation is getting better hopefully they'll be less anxious. Less chance of them uprising.

>>3775538

We made it chilly to deal with the big daddy Leviathan and its scales. Ask the Krath Commander if he and his people have plans in place in the chance there is another nest of its kin somewhere in here. If they are certain they have the means to handle the possibility of juvenile Leviathans. Then yes start restoring things to as they were, slowly.

>>3775577
>Ask the Krath Commander if he and his people have plans in place in the chance there is another nest of its kin somewhere in here. If they are certain they have the means to handle the possibility of juvenile Leviathans. Then yes start restoring things to as they were, slowly.

"The juveniles are contained on the east side of the core. We have no intention or restoring normal atmosphere there for some time. If there are others hidden or larger threats we're unaware of we can pull back the shield and drop the temperature once more. If necessary we still have the mobile turrets to combat them with liquid nitrogen or water that will be frozen when the temperature drops once more."

>>3775617

Alright, he's got my go ahead.

>>3775158
>"We've had sightings but they flee the area once spotted."
Maybe add some pictograms to the supply cashes that show we're interested in establishing peaceful contact? Or at least show how to use the suit properly.

>>3775538
>>3775617
Well let's go for it then.

>>3774757
I hope we didn't upset poor Dave by not taking his upgraded arm.

Manufacturing spools back up producing additional shields, atmospheric containment projectors and components. In a few hours most of the docks are isolated and preparations begin to conduct a decontamination sweep of the areas that have been cleared. This on its own will produce a fair amount of heat and vaporize a lot of the oxygen and nitrogen snow. Everyone evacuates to ships or shuttles, locking them down.

Powerful sterilization fields sweep the area around the gate site and back towards the docks. Those at the controls allow it to proceed a short distance past the containment fields but otherwise cut the sweep short of the entire interior. There are still many places to check for blight scales.

"How did the cargo ships and the leviathan stasis vault hold up?"
"They're in good shape. The Krath remain unharmed despite the weaker construction of the packaging ships."

Following the sweep drones are sent into the sections of the ship that are breached to perform additional checks. You're understandably paranoid that scales might have infiltrated the vessel and want to be certain. A few drones are kept stationed around the ship interior as an added safety precaution.

The techs at the dock yard controls have been able to establish an uplink with the ship to transfer some information between the two. Enough for the larger manufacturing pads to conduct repairs and seal any holes in the hull. For now one of the missing lower prongs of the wormhole projector will be left alone. It may not be needed and based on some reports on the type of damage sustained may have been ripped off by a wormhole activation.

Even a builder ship like this isn't immune to its own weapons it seems.

When it's time for human enhancement trials again the first couple days are spent working on the more difficult mods as well as preparing for the upcoming cloning attempt. Dave is especially careful with each of these enhancements and makes sure to set up an emergency revert procedure. If anything goes wrong the changes will be restored to the person's earlier save state.

You'd been pressing for something like this but didn't think it could be set up to be implemented in such a fashion. If the Neeran is right he could change most enhancements back in a couple of seconds. Hopefully it isn't needed.

Most tests go well. The only exception are the metabolic function upgrades. There are issues making certain parts compatible with other mods. Eventually Dave gives up on it entirely. He'll have to restart the project and try again at a later time. If he attempts to solve all the issues now it will delay the others.

>Cont.

Immune system, lung environment upgrade, even the heightened intelligence enhancements are performed without incident. For the natural growth bone reinforcement a number of tests are done cloning individual limbs before any test on live subjects. Eventually it's decided that the bone mod has to be paired with those for injury resistance and faster healing, otherwise they're more prone to certain types of breaks and fractures.

The volunteers who are given these enhancements give largely positive reports overall. Predictably they're excited about getting the chance to test them out helping the Krath.
"Just dont overdo it and report in for medical scans daily or if anything odd happens."

At the beginning of the last day of this week's human trials Veod is present to help Dave keep an eye on the situation. You haven't done full scale cloning with the medical facility here, just limbs so far. This is going beyond that and trying to add whatever changes the caretakers have made to their select humans.

"Nikau and Nadya, what are the odds we'd end up with two people with names starting with the letter N." you comment.
"Who are we cloning first?" asks Dave.
"I dont know, flip for it or something?"

Nadya is eventually selected and the process started, ensuring that the necessary modifications have been made before hand. There are lots of little tweaks overall. Many of them boost the overall output of of the person's bioelectric field. The interaction between the increased field output and the electromagnetic effects on the human brain are closely monitored.

You'd assumed Uller and others may have been overstating the danger posed by a Neeran bio reactor to a human. As you watch it occurs to you the true danger might not have been simple electrocution but the powerful magnetic fields that would be generated close to the brain. Transcranial magnetic stimulation may have its positive medical uses but it could seriously fuck someone up if done wrong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw0BMJ7zvfY

The cloning process is quick once it gets rolling, with most of the time spent on setup. Initial growth or assembly (you're not sure what to call it) is done on the brain and nervous system. The rest of the body is done in just a couple of seconds. You barely have time to watch the formation of bones before all of it is covered over in flesh and skin.

The next moments are fairly busy ones, making sure the clones bodily functions fire up properly. Heart, lungs, proper blood flow to ensure the fancy new upgraded brain doesn't asphyxiate once the pad stops providing everything. Because of this you dont immediately point out that they have a naked woman suspended in mid air by whatever tractor beam or gravity fields the pad uses.

>cont.

Once her vitals show green a medical bed begins to assemble itself beneath her and the Nadya sphere upgrade clone is slowly lowered onto it. You give it a five count to make sure the clone is settled first before insisting on clothes. Dave is clearly beside himself that he forgot this but it's easily forgiven. Soon a form fitting jumpsuit materializes on her.

"How is she?" you ask.
"In good health I would say." answers Veod.

The two, along with a J-D medic and a specialist from the tower, continue to do checks over the next 30 minutes. Once satisfied that everything is fine and that she wont fall apart they allow her to wake up.

"No wakeup stims just coffee please." you catch her mutter as she begins to come to.

You clear your throat and use your "officer" voice, asking loudly; "How are you doing Sergeant?"

This causes Nadya to take a deep breath and sit up, taking stock of the situation. She seems confused about where she is but only for a moment.
"Oh hell I volunteered and now I'm the clone."

The House medic steps up and asks to take her readings despite the obviously superior options offered by the builder tech.

"Do you feel any different?" you ask.

Nadya looks down at her hands then around the room at everyone else present.
"Now that you mention it, yes."
Getting up from the bed she approaches Veod.
"You're different. So is he." she gestures to Dave. "But you're more different. Why is that?"

Veod turns to you. "I would say we have had some success."

>What do you intend to tell Sergeant Tola?

>>3777570

>What do you intend to tell Sergeant Tola?

That she is part of a very experimental procedure. To improve and upgrade personnel of the Dominion. And confirm that she is the clone in this instance. But while it closes some doors, her being the first in a new program will open a lot more for her. Dave and or Veod and the scientists/ doctors will be working with her closely in the coming days to make sure everything has gone correctly. And that we will be checking in on her regularly to ensure everything is alright with her. Both to reassure her that we didn’t just clone her to toss her away once we got what we wanted. And to see the results. Still don’t have any data on whether or not she will age so rapidly she’ll die in a quicker time period to a normal person or not.

Though now that I think about it. We should have thought to add something like that in. As a safety precaution, where if they imbibed a special chemical or whatever. That their upgrades could not filter out. It would start to rapidly age and degrade the person’s body within a matter of days if not hours. Super highly morally questionable. But also a really good idea to make sure that we don’t end up with a team of these new super duper soldiers as assassins out to kill us one day.

But really, get her up to date and reassure her she isn’t going to be used and abused and tossed to the wayside once this is done.

We could maybe employ her as a member of our bodyguard if everything is all good and the scientists have gotten everything they need.

Side thought, the Dominion being the Dominion and people of course wanting to push natural bounds of what is possible. And with us having cloned her. And with Dominion laws being what they are. It is very highly possible that once we return to the Dominion she is very likely going to be snatched up by either the R’H or one of the Seven. And us slapped with a penalty for illegal cloning. We should probably start thinking of something now and how we want to bring up our cloning and enhancing of these two soldiers to the R’H rep. I’m sure they’ll just be overjoyed to know we can clone people inside that ship. And for our first time cloning we made super awesome soldiers.

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>>3777649
>And us slapped with a penalty for illegal cloning.
You didn't press the button, one of your allies from another Faction did.

>>3777570
>What do you intend to tell Sergeant Tola?
"You're aware of how certain Neeran exhibit various abilities? And how some of their technology requires a degree of mental control?"

"What we're attempting to do is increase the capabilities of regular people in a similar fashion by enhancing your nervous system."

"This is part of a very experimental procedure. You're aware of how certain Neeran exhibit various abilities?"
"Hard to forget sir. I was thrown across most of a hangar deck by one during a boarding action."

"Well you may have also heard that certain technology, both Neeran and builder tech, requires a degree of mental control. We're attempting to improve and upgrade personnel from the Dominion to better make use of it. The fastest and safest way to do that was to clone you to allow for greater enhancement of your nervous system. Yes you are a clone, but you may have access to abilities far beyond what you thought possible before. You're also the first, so provided this isn't all redacted to hell for eternity it's bound to earn you same fame, eventually."

You introduce Dave and Veod, explaining that they'll be making sure her health isn't deteriorating and eventually seeing what crazy shit can be pulled off with their new abilities. Provided they work as planned.

Veod speaks up.
"That you can sense a difference between myself and the others is a good indication. If you encounter a Neeran that gives off a different sense I believe you will be able to tell they are with the Empire. Though they are not all alike. Many did not want this war, but many more are still prepared to fight and win."

"I'm a soldier, I get it."

"You're not just a soldier." you point out. "We didn’t just clone you to toss you away once we get what we wanted. Or to throw you back into the meat grinder for that matter. You can be of serious help, both to the Dominion and our allies. Understood?"
"Yes sir!" Tola straightens up.
"Good. I'll leave you all to take care of the hours of medical bullshit I'm sure will be required to make sure your body is working right. Call me if anything comes up."

Later in the day the sergeant has passed enough of the basic physical and mental exams that the team is considering cloning Nikau Wibowo. While not strictly necessary given the success with Tola they want to be sure it will work equally on both sexes given the differences in chemistry and hormones.

[ ] Wait for Tola to finish more testing first
[ ] Approve
[ ] Make plans for Wibowo to test additional enhancements

>>3777913
>[ ] Approve

>>3777913
>[ ] Approve

>>3777913
>[ ] Approve
Doesn't hurt to make sure.

.... I wonder if any child they had together would inherit their new traits?

>>3777913
>[x] Approve
They are the experts here.

I'm know this is a bit late but how complicated would it be to modify Sonia's ears so they don't explode around Neeran children? I'd like to head pat some before the quest is over.

Approving the next cloning process the team gets to work on Nikau Wibowo. Things go much the same as before. Dave still seems nervous but it works out just as well as the first one. When Nikau wakes up it takes him a bit longer to begin noticing differences but eventually he does notice them. Six hours later he's able to leave the medical bay, being given similar orders to stay aboard the ship.

Despite the need to test their abilities Uller insists that neither of them be allowed onto the bridge at this time. Who knows what sort of ideas they might get at this early stage if they knew what they could accomplish.

Two days later another party from the tower arrives with a stasis capsule. As you find out it contains one of their failed experiments, one of Af Ied's cousins. Anyone not considered essential is barred from entering the room while Dave and the Caretaker do what they can to help the Rekesh. Even the Lady is eventually ushered out.

Into the second day they declare a margin of success. Though the subject has nowhere near the potential of the two human clones, they've been able to restore a healthy body and some sanity. Both Neerna take the next day and a half off to rest. Dave especially is shaken by the experience.

"It was a monster when they took it out of stasis. I didnt think we would be able to help at first."
"But it worked?" you question.
"Yes. We had to block and then almost entirely remove its ability to connect with caretaker systems in the process. They sort of succeeded in what they had wanted. It was powerful, unfortunately it wasn't anywhere near lucid in that state."

Later in the week while it's still the Rekesh's turn they attempt a similar cloning procedure to the human one. This one is successful, producing a Rekesh with abilities comparable to the human clones.

Veod insists that no more cloning should be done until more tests have been carried out. They'll be checking for continued stability and monitoring their ability to interact with others that aren't similarly enhanced.

An Intelligence update arrives before you can decide what will be done with your team's week of access to the medical bay. Intercepted communications indicate the nearby Ulgean fleets have gone to a heightened alert status. They believe a Neeran Empire Wraith class super has entered this galaxy or will soon do so. These vessel have advanced cloaking shields and rarely run without them in operation. They may be investigating why the Suvorov was deployed to this galaxy.

>Does this change your plans at this stage?

>>3778421
>Neeran Empire Wraith class super
>These vessel have advanced cloaking shields
Nigga wat. They got stealthed fucking super heavies! I want it. But I don't really see the need for any change in our plans. As long as our supers continues to work in pairs they should be good. Worst case the might attempt infiltration of the planet and the oh so slime chance of them finding out about our operations here.

Just make sure the Alliance fleet detachment is aware of the problem that is a potential stealth Super.

Other than that we just need more intelligence on it. It's real purpose here. Staging ground for a counter attack, sabotaging the super yards or because of rumors of ancient tech.

inb4 it was a Ulgean falseflag the entire time

>>3778450
>They got stealthed fucking super heavies!
Technically many are capable of it with their long range cloaking fields, but those tend to be deployed only as part of larger operations. Also Alliance sensor probe nets are rendering those less and less effective to the point where many Neeran Commanders aren't even bothering with them.

>>3778421
>>Does this change your plans at this stage?
I'm not exactly sure what Sonia's plan actually are at the moment beyond testing more enhancements. Anyway, I think we should probably check in with our commanders in person. We're not really needed to babysit the sphere ops at the moment, just make sure we have somebody sensible handle the situation with the advanced scale oganism.

>they've been able to restore a healthy body and some sanity
That's really good news.

>Neeran Empire Wraith class super
>Empire Wraith class super
>Wraith class super
>salvage
Yes

>>3778421

>>Does this change your plans at this stage?
>Super with Cloaking device.

You know we need to capture it. If for no other reason than for salvage. This we give as a present to the R'H of a super with a functional cloak. Tell Dave and Veod to work with Afled and if they need to have Uller and the Wizard come in and work on the Rekesh cloning process and give their wizard a damn good earful. And then work together on making sure it doesn't happen again as they progress their own research.

Plans for the sphere, have those troops stationed near to the worm hole start to be moved back outside. Also, if the Neeran have means of detecting Wormholes, we might want to start limiting the portal opening to once a day or longer periods between openings. Until we can deal with stealthed BS.

Tell our fleet we plan to rejoin them in hunting down this super. Our thirst for salvage knows no end.

Oh! And before ANY of the Rekesh government get ANY ideas about blabbing to the Neeran Empire about our doings. Make sure we have that communications under strict watch and that there is at least something of a sweep to make sure no one is a Neeran infiltrator or sleeper agent. Last thing we need is to learn someone has been leaking out information to the Neeran that we found something big.

>>3778493
>if the Neeran have means of detecting Wormholes, we might want to start limiting the portal opening to once a day or longer periods between openings.
Dave seems sure that the wormholes cant be detected due to being inside the planet, as sensors cant penetrate it.

"It's not another Ulgean false flag is it? How do they know about the Suvorov's movements?"
"Political interference makes the most sense." answers Troy. "The Ruling House had them reassigned to delay their arrival here. That would have given away their existence if they weren't known about already."

It would seem prudent to ready the troops on the surface and check in with the fleet. Maybe you can find out more about this ship and try to limit possible leaks from the Rekesh government.

"I'm headed back to the fleet." you announce. "While I'm gone you might want to get Tereoct in here and yell at him about his experiments."

Veod brings up another idea.
"I would like to make attempts at improving the Rovinar's condition on some of the days previously scheduled for Human enhancement trials. Most humans are under observation at this stage and we have yet to decide on more advanced enhancements."

>Allow work on the Rovinar on some of your reserved days?
>Y/N?

>>3778545
>>Y/N?
Sure. They're our partners in this endeavour and seem like people who honor their debts. Maybe try to fit in some Dro'all as well.

I'd also like to contact Ferigold and see if we can get him shipped here in a stasis container before he dies from whatever illness he has.

>>3778545

>Allow work on the Rovinar on some of your reserved days?
>Y/N?

The Rovinar are going to owe us a HUGE favor. That we could say they can return to the R'H for having Veod work on fixing their DNA. If they are skittish about owing us a favor. So yes, at least until we can deal with this Neeran Super with cloak.

>>3778421
What is known about the Wraith?

Is it a Cloaked Super Carrier? Intended for direct combat? Fleet support?
Maybe we can use the builder facility to acquire some kind of advanced scanners that will let us pinpoint its incoming route. If we know that we can potentially set a trap.

Maybe also focus our enhancement experiments on one race? That way we could have a full crew active on the Builder ship if needed.

>>3778567
>What is known about the Wraith?

The Wraith class are among the smallest super heavies used by the Neeran Empire. In the past they have been used for scouting missions or reconnaissance in force. They are shorter than Neeran City ships, being closer in size to your own Fast Supers. Their vertical profile is also smaller being more oblong shaped.

Unlike larger vessels they have no docking bays geared toward battleships or carriers. They have some external connectors for corvettes, HLV's or damaged vessels but that's about it. This makes them reliant on support craft for carrying the larger numbers of attack corvettes modern Neeran fleets rely upon.

It's unknown if their weapon system or cloaks are specialised but they are able to fire a majority of their plasma cannons while under cloak. Just one of these ships were able to drive off the Republic Mega class cruiser Stormhawk despite that ship being armed with the most up to date weapon systems of the period.

Most of these ships were encountered during the Empire's early forays into what is now Shallan space in the 3600's. A number of them were destroyed when their staging base was wiped out by a massive Terran Veckron device in 3603. There was little wreckage left to analyze. A few conducted raids in the second Neeran conflict of 3615 to 3616 but they were largely overshadowed by the appearance of Neerran Super Carriers.

Since the Neeran invasion of 4024 reports of Wraith class ships have been incredibly rare. Alliance intel believe they are only deployed as needed and then only briefly. It has been noted that the few reports of these vessels show them using fairly conventional shields rather than those common to the newer Neeran capital ships.

>>3778545
>>Y/N?
Sure. Just another thing to pull the Rovinar to our side and gain more favor.

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Aboard the Outer Heaven you check on the status of the fleet. Hera has the J-D forces a bit spread out to watch for raiders and cover the border. Forbearance is in the south helping to guard that approach if the Ulgean do anything. The Ruling House has their Sovereign class super in Rekesh space a few minutes away from Threochts planet. Rovinar forces are stil positioned in the north while the Alliance main fleet is slit between the fleet base in the north west and the shipyard in the south east.

The damage Dominion super is nearly finished repairs at your mobile base and will probably move to help guard the southern sections of the galaxy. This will free up Forbearance to relocate to Rekesh space.
A Concordia Class mobile asteroid fort is currently limping its way to the captured shipyard. Most of its port side was blown off in a battle and Ceres engineers are hoping that a Neeran built yard will give them the best chance of a proper repair. More raw materials are available there to produce the lunarcrete armor layers needed for their hull.

A dedicated Royal Logistics Corps unit has arrived and is in planning for the construction of a fleet base in the region. They're interested in the design of various Neeran reserve bases you raided. These could be copied for construction of secondary positions.

Communications have largely been restored in many areas for forces disabled or subverted them. Even some civilian communications are back online. Food situations remain precarious in places but thanks to convincing the Rekesh to open more of their reserves it isn't a crisis.

The Rekesh government is still waiting for the southern rebels to get their shit together enough to begin hammering out a treaty. Your troops are largely in charge of occupation of the contested territories.

West and North rebel groups remain annoyed that the Alliance has control of the Neeran fleet base. Neither side would be able to realistically man the facility but even in a reduced state it would be a huge boon to the economy of whoever holds it. For now the north are more preoccupied with the Ulgeans holding one of the 5 systems claimed as their core territories. It's now being heavily fortified and there are no signs that the Ulgean intend to give it up.

>>3778803

If I'm reading this right the Ulgean's have 19 supers sitting in their part of the galaxy. And we only have three friendly Dominion supers on the field and a crippled asteroid fort, plus whatever the FA has brought with them. Seems we're a bit out gunned in the super category here to me. Hopefully we can get the Forbearance out of its current role down in the southern territories and get it and a fleet sorted up to hunt down that super sized piece of Neeran salvage.

>>3778840
Fortunately, ulgean supers are trash and even their captured Neeran models lack the Empier's SP torpedo resistant shields.

>>3778840
>the Ulgean's have 19 supers sitting in their part of the galaxy
Yes, but its questionable how well Ulgean Supers would hold up to SP Torpedo hits. Their home built super designs use conventional shields and have been built out of modified defense platforms with engines strapped on.

The Neeran Super Carrier, Cinquida and Executioner classes in their fleets are the real threat. Because of this, and the difficulty they would have replacing them, the Ulgean prefer to hold them in reserve whenever possible. That doesn't mean they wont drop a pair of Executioners on a target if they think it will kill it fast.

You talk to Ni Ahni about monitoring communications to watch for signs of anyone communicating with the Neeran. If one of their ships really is operating in this galaxy then they may attempt to make contact with sleeper agents or bribe officials for information.

Ni Ahni admits that the amount of information and control the government is attempting to exert over the operations on Threochts planet is worrying. As he had anticipated they are attempting to isolate him from any control over matters of state. This includes the agreements with the Dominion. They wont dare break them at this stage, the Ruling House offers too much, but they clearly hope for more.

"What is the situation of your people's military?"
"It is expanding rapidly. Our crews are being instructed by your personnel and are learning much. Even with one of our heavy cruisers being crippled early last month it is a powerful force. We could defeat an Ulgean super carrier on our own now."
"I hope you're not boasting."
"If necessary I believe we could drive off a super carrier and escort with the help of a planets orbital defenses, but we would be left in a poor state afterward."

That sounds fairly realistic. Some ships produced by the Rekesh are being traded or sold to the other rebel groups or new governments in the galaxy. Not many, just whatever excess they build that they lack crews for at this stage. As with the food it's helping relations.

The biggest problem with the expansion of the Rekesh fleet seems to be attempts at political appointment of officers. Ni Ahni has been able to block many of these citing lack of combat experience. Soon that wont be an option.

"If you need any assistance countering this new threat please ask. My recruits need experience."

You promise to remember.

Looking over the options available to your fleet there are only a few ways to detect a cloaked ship. Attack cruisers fitted with detection gear can work together to form a powerful sensor net that even your best cloaked vessels find nearly impossible to get through. Some high powered probes have been developed that can perform the same function but they're really more like a light transport. Because of this not many are available.

The problem with both of these systems is that you have to know roughly where to look to begin with. That requires setting up high power long range sensor arrays to watch for any sign of a faint FTL drive flare. Only then can a detection group jump into the suspected area and begin their sweeps. This was fairly easy to do back in DRH 1, you'd set up tons of sensor arrays to catch pirates.

You and your allies have done a number on the sensors throughout this galaxy. Even with the small outposts and sentries the Alliance has brought in there are gaps across wide areas where stealthy enough ship could slip through. That is especially the case through the denser regions of the galaxy as you've seen first hand.

>>3778803
>pic
1) You have a limited number of sensor arrays that you can move around. Where did you want to place them?

2) Did you want to launch a counterintelligence op in the hopes of drawing attention away from Threochts planet? Or would you rather focus efforts on stopping leaks?
2A) Counter op
2B) Prevent leaks

>>3777695
Another war crime technically not occuring! It's been a while.

>>3778803
>1) You have a limited number of sensor arrays that you can move around. Where did you want to place them?
The problem I see with our current situation is how any competent Neeran commander will just keep moving between Ulgean and FA territory to hinder dection attempts and pursuits.

I'd say use them to protect valuable targets. The alliance fleet base, the super heavy ship yard, the capital worlds of the various nascent states. If anything's left after that, we can fortify Rekesh territory.

>2) Did you want to launch a counterintelligence op in the hopes of drawing attention away from Threochts planet? Or would you rather focus efforts on stopping leaks?
Did we manage to dig up any information about the drive scattering engine the Rekesh invented? That could help with drawing the Neeran's attention elsewhere.

>>3778935
>>3778976

You know, for people who were just released from Neeran influence and who were until very recently kowtowing to the Neeran Empire. They sure are ungrateful bastards, political officers almost always make piss poor military officers. And will only ever think about their further advancement and the advancement of their benefactors before the wellbeing of their subordinates.

If Ni Ahni needs more officers trained up to fight off these political officers. Then by all means, give us his officers so we can prove them in battle and keep his forces strong. Rather then weakening them in a crucial stage with stand in officers who wont do shit but piss their pants and run.

And by the sounds of things the Rekesh Government wants full control of our digging operations. In order to get a better deal, likely from the FA. Perhaps we could ask a favor of the Krath/ Rovinar to put in a word to the Rekesh government to not be so pushy? The Krath already owe us for keeping quiet about things and the Rovinar will owe us for letting them in on this project and also for helping repair their DNA. Also I am certain that Rovinar rep would much prefer doing something related to politics and diplomacy then sitting around all day reading super-secret reports.

Actually, here’s an idea, why don’t we have the Krath go out and hunt down that cloaked super, tail it and find out where it is and possibly heading. While we have the Rovinar work with keeping the Rekesh Government in check. Meanwhile we wait for the Krath to find the Neeran Super so we can bring down the hammer.

>1) Sensor Deployment

Shit I am bad at this. But I would say place them near to the south region. The North and Western Regions are fairly stable and there is the Fleet Base there that the FA has control over. The Ulgean’s have the whole North Eastern region covered, hopefully they aren’t so in competent they miss a Neeran Super sneaking through their territory. Not that I wont hold my breath on that. The sound seems more likely entry point.

>2B) Prevent leaks

They have to know something is up at Threochts. Thanks to the heavy military presence in space and on the surface. And I doubt they would buy us preparing a for a counter attack from the Ulgeans when we already blew off one of their raiding fleets with less of a military presence. So best we can do is make sure no one says anything that they shouldn’t. I trust our forces and the Rekesh Military under Ni Ahni, I don’t trust the Rekesh Government.

>>3778976
1) Rekesh space and the big captured Neeran bases like the Super yard?

2A) Counter op
Preventing the leaks is trying to cure a symptom and not the cause in my opinion.

>>3778976
>Sensors
Place them in the 'center' of the galaxy, attempting to cover the Rekesh planets and approach to the Yard we control.

I'm hoping they'll try to stealthily knock out the yard first and we can catch them.
>2A) Counter op

>>3778995
>Did we manage to dig up any information about the drive scattering engine the Rekesh invented? That could help with drawing the Neeran's attention elsewhere.
The Krath that were sent looking for it found that the Neeran had thoroughly cleaned house when they evacuated that project. They're gone, and any involved scientists along with them.

>>3778998
>Thanks to the heavy military presence in space
Not visibly that heavy. The Rovinar command ship only made a brief stopover. The Krath fleet is cloaked as was the Suvorov.

>>3779023
Thanks, that's unfortunate.

>>3778976
>2A) Counter op
We'll never manage to get a civilian government to keep things secret, especially when they were still occupied by the Neeran Empire a couple of weeks ago. Let's come up with something to distract the enemy task force instead.

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Regardless of the threat that the Neeran objective might be Threochts planet the shipyards and major bases are far too valuable to leave them at risk. The available sensors will ensure that they can detect a cloaked vessel at FTL, letting them get an alert out. With luck your scanner unit or one of the other Alliance forces will be able to rush to its target in time.

Once Forbearance is free to relocate to Rekesh space maybe its sensors will be able to help fill in any remaining gaps in the coverage.

As for protecting your most valuble secret in the region that's going to require an effort from counterintelligence. Who better to ask for help in that department than Ni Ahni, the Rovinar and the Krath? Ambassador Schiroth seems like they would rather deal with politicians than military operations. With the Rovinar now being more fully involved in the study of the Bruilder ship it would make sensor for them to want to discuss matters with the Rekesh government. A Ruling House representative will also go with them. They're used to political maneuvering for hidden goals.

At a meeting in person Ni Ahni provides a list of names. People that shouldn't be trusted and would be convenient if the wrong data were leaked to. Towards that end he will ensure certain information sent to the Rovinar ambassador has been tampered with. With enough insight and reconstruction it should point to the operation on Threochts planet being a cover for the "real" builder facility in another system.

You would need to provide engineering crews, two cloaked vessels and teleport receiver stations. One would be buried underground on a stand in target planet, the other aboard the cloaked ship. Encrypted communications traffic would need to be set up along with flights to and from the surface of Threochts planet to another cloaked ship.

"You want to draw them to another system and lay a trap for them?"
"It would certainly help to keep Threochts planet safe for a time. If we are lucky it might draw in some of their own cloaked assets, even if it doesn't expose the super heavy itself."

>Support? Or does anyone have a better idea than a classic bait and switch?

>>3779152
It's such a classic ruse, I have to support it. They know who Sonia is and that she's operating in this galaxy, they'll be expecting some crazy plan.

Side note, maybe we should beef up defenses on the entrance to the interior. Wouldn't want a Neeran Commando unit slipping through.

No other suggestions looks like.

Let's get a quick roll for your engineers, increasing site security, and the rest of the J-D personnel working on the ruse cruise.

Roll 3d100

Rolled 90, 5, 7 = 102 (3d100)

>>3779284
Here we go, Sonia using her new big brain power.

Rolled 47, 83, 31 = 161 (3d100)

>>3779284
Big Dice tonight.

Rolled 58, 28, 13 = 99 (3d100)

>>3779284

The engineers responsible for getting the teleporters in place for the plan do their job well and keep quiet. Soon enough the planet Ni Ahni has selected is home to a small underground base. Minuscule really, but that's all it needs to be. A holographic projector helps to hide a surface outpost. Other than the teleporter activation there are no signs of traffic to and from the surface. The engineers make sure to sync up the activations to match those of the transit chamber on Threochts planet.

Site security around the real base is increased along with sensors and equipment necessary to deploy a citadel shield. Rob has already done a lot to ensure that part so there is little to do on that end.

A set of flights with stealth LST's with camouflage are organised. They're the ones headed up to orbit to meet up with the cloaked ship there. This isn't pulled off as stealthily as you'd hoped and causes a number of issues with the new security measures.

Not everyone is copied on the flight scheduling to keep the Stealth LST launches quiet. This was supposed to have been taken care of by ensuring all other flight paths to the west were cleared out. A lower ranking officer without the clearance to know about what was going on closed a hole in the defenses they had noticed on that side. This knocked out an engine on a departing LST, causing enough damage to force an emergency landing 50km away.

While there were no casualties a lot of civilians saw the crash and have begun to talk. The planetary networks and media have been kept in the dark about it for now but it's only a matter of time. Most flights haven't been conducted with stealth LSTs before which of course is only causing people to ask more questions.

>How do you plan to deal with this incident?

>>3779409
A training exercise gone wrong. Whilst preparing for covert supply missions in the event of a cut-off Rekesh planet, an LST on a routine supply drop simulating the resupply of covert forces behind enemy lines was accidentally struck by a system that was meant to be in simulation mode.

>>3779409
>>3779474

Sounds good to me.

>>3779474
This is a press release, by the way.

Maybe seed info networks with conspiracy garbage about it carrying Neeran political dissidents or something.

The crash site and surrounding area is evacuated and soon a cargo lifter is brought in to clear the downed craft. It's returned to orbit for repairs. The Governor is contacted and given a story that the light transport crashed as a result of a training exercise. This cover story is allowed to be publicized in order to calm the populace and assure them there is no danger.

It's all standard bullshit. Regardless of what happened that's probably what would have been reported. Hopefully it doesn't impact the overall operation. As an added step you ask Rekesh fleet intel to drop appropriate theories about the real reasons for the crash, or the flight for that matter.

Meanwhile the Krath commanders in orbit decide that the stealth flights might as well work double duty. Since they're supposed to be taking cargo into orbit they might as well help move stasis crates full of blight scales that are being removed from the planet interior.

The crates are about person sized. With those being brought through it could match up with the people and equipment that are supposed to be ending up on the other planet. With the need to keep Krath flights both quiet and to a minimal there's little other choice but to accept.

At the end of the week you visit the surface to check in on progress in the core. Packaging ships have navigated through the damaged areas to reach the east side of the Core docks. They're now beginning cleanup efforts there. Nearly all of the docks in the west side area clear and have gone through decontamination.

The sphere upgraded clones are learning about their new capabilities rapidly, though they had trouble picking up artifact use. The Humans and Rekesh are being kept busy checking control systems throughout the clean zones of the docks. Work is being done to repair any damage the blight scales have done to the docking cell the ship is in. They've been able to help Uller and Veod call up design information for small vehicles and vessels that would have taken many hours longer for each one.

Having more hands on deck is proving to be incredibly useful. Enough that several of the tower guards have volunteered for similar enhancements. Dave is reluctant to do so. There's a reason they used clones as some of the changes are complex. For now they've agreed to delay to give him more time to study.

>cont.

Tereoct is eventually coaxed from the tower, teleporting to the western gate facility and being shuttled through. Fist first act after entering the ship is to access the teleporter network aboard the ship. Within the hour it is able to access his drone network throughout the interior of the planet. Someone with the correct authorization could teleport from the ship to the tower or back again. Though he warns it would be best to only do so while the main wormhole is open.

Though obviously impressed the the medical facilities and what they're capable of he doesn't stay long. Instead he searched several of the medical bays aboard the ship and then the docks. Eventually he finds what he's looking for; the medical data of one of the previous species here. A species related to the Rekesh and Kavarains but more advanced. Equipped with similar caretaker modifications to use builder tech. You found signs of them previously but not a complete medical scan.

With this data the old man hopes to revive one of the crew or dock workers that had once lived here.

>Input on this?
Do you plan to support such an action?

>>3779573
This seems like a terrible plan. What's to stop them from suddenly locking us out of everything? Presumably they'd know how many of the systems work, much better than any of our crews or Neeran have yet to decipher.

It's not someone like Tereoct or Af Led, where we can brief them on the situation and come to mutually agreeable terms. They might just activate a defense system to keep the interior safe if a Scorcher or something shows up. They might just decide to invoke hereditary rights and kick everyone out.

This isn't even a clone from 100, or even 1000 years ago. It's a bit cruel to whichever person gets woken up too, isn't it? Completely isolated from everything and everyone you knew.

>>3779573
>Do you plan to support such an action?

No, in fact I think >>3779587 anon has a good opinion on it.

>>3779587
>>3779573
Haha no. Noooope. Nope.

>>3779573
Tereoct plz. Sthap. Dont be silly. Like all the no.

>>3779573
I know we joke about Sonia being retarded and dangerous, but this is the kind of shit that unleashed the Leviathans. This time it'll be instant cloned Advanced Rekavarians with builder technology.

The more I think about it, are we sure Tereoct isn't Threoct under a different name?

>>3779573
>Do you plan to support such an action?
I would at least recommend to consult one of the builders about it. I don't think many people would be happy or even able to cope with being revived this long.

It would be interesting to learn more about these people but maybe we should try to look for addition scans? A small group that has the chance to reestablish their species on the sphere might be less upset about being revived.

Wanting to make sure the old man doesn't do anything rash you send a message requesting that Dave and Veod block any other cloning attempts until a meeting has been held. The on site representatives aboard should have a say after all. Rushing to get to the ship in time you make sure that the J-D personnel will vote no or otherwise delay until your arrival.

You come skidding through the door of the conference room to the words of; "...aaand there she is now."

"Don't clone the precursor whatever, it's a terrible plan!" you blurt out, causing everyone to fall silent.
Catching your breath you continue.
"We can not be waking up someone who could potentially decide to lock us out of the entire facility. We have no idea what they will do once they wake up. Let alone how they'll respond to finding out everyone they know has been dead for tens of thousands of years. It's a disaster waiting to happen."

"Finally, someone else with a measure of sanity." mutters the Ruling House representative.

The Rovinar who had been considering supporting Tereoct's plan, albeit only if certain controls were in place, backs out of the endeavor.
Af Ied turns to Tereoct. "Grandfather it might be best to wait until a later time. There is still much we can learn from these scans. We should be able to compare the DNA to archeological records to learn more about the local Rekesh population's history."

"We do still have a lot of questions in regards to that." points out Tu Quedis. "The population here has branched off from that of the homeworld much too recently."

Tereoct isn't entirely pleased with this but agrees for the moment.
"You should all consider that bringing back this person at a time of our choosing would be a better option than opening the core control room. It remains sealed behind blast doors and bulkheads reinforced with stasis fields. When it is opened, and I'm sure it will be, we would be better served knowing who is in there. What they will do when the doors open. Will they aid us or drive us out?"

"Well we're not opening the control room any time soon. It's still surrounded by frozen sections all filled with scales." you point out.
"It's going to remain sealed until the entire core is clear, cleaned up and then we can decide as a group if anything should be done."

Tereoct glances around the room at those present the majority of whom seem to be in agreement.
"Hmmpf, indeed. Yes we'll wait. If you'll excuse me I have a grandson to see I haven't spoken to in many years."
With that the old man hobbles out of the room.

Soon enough Af Ied stands and moves to follow.
"I should go with him. He has not been the same since the encounter with the ancient Caretaker."

With that out of the way Dave brings up concerns about future plans for enhancement experiments. How far they should be allowed to go. The Rekesh or at least those from the tower of course want to advance things as much as possible. However the current level of system interface capability should be enough to tide them over for now.

Human trials have already reached the limits of what you were previously prepared to support. It's now more a question of how possible it is to combine various upgrades. Ideally the Sphere Human Caretaker upgrade with the improved super soldier upgrades. Both of your clone personnel have indicated they're prepared to see how far they can go.

With a bit more testing either of the upgrades could be made available to your special forces on their own. Or if you're prepared to take the risk combining them should be possible.

1) Approve Combined enhancement test?
>Y/N?

2) Make which ones available to your special forces?
2a) Sphere Human Caretaker upgrade
2b) Super soldier improved
2c) Either separately
2d) Combination (Requires "Yes" vote for #1)
2e) C & D

None of the above also I suppose.

>>3781271
>1) Approve Combined enhancement test?
>Y

>>3781271
>2b) Super soldier improved
For trusted, hand picked squad leaders who have the clearance for Builder level technology, potentially combination.

>>3781271
>1)
>Y/N?
No. I would prefer to keep these abilities separate, if possible.

>2)
>2c) Either separately

>>3781271
>1) Approve Combined enhancement test?
Oh Yes. Let's do it.

2) Make which ones available to your special forces?
2D, Psionic squad get.

>>3781271
1) Y
2) a

>>3781271
>N
>B

>>3781271

1) Approve Combined enhancement test?

>Y

2) Make which ones available to your special forces?

>2e) C & D

>>3781271

>1) Approve Combined enhancement test?
Yes

Until the combined enhancement test proves it is possible to do safely, I want to stick with either of them being separate. Once testing has shown it's safe then we progress to making it available to the special forces.
>2) Make which ones available to your special forces?
>2e) C & D

>>3781271
>1) Approve Combined enhancement test?
No. This seems like something that will bring marginal benefits while the war is on and has huge potential to cause trouble down the line. I'm not in favor of creating all-round super beings.

>2) Make which ones available to your special forces?
>2b) Super soldier improved
The second the empire or even the factions not involved in this operation learn of soldiers upgraded to neeran levels we're in for a nightmare that will make the unrest that killed the count look like a joke. "Regular" super soldiers are much less threatening. Limit the caretaker upgrades to people actually working on the sphere or with the caretakers and away from regular special forces.

What is people's opinion on giving Sonia the combination, if it proves possible?

I thought it would probably be a good idea, especially while we're fighting for the installation and Rekesh galaxy. If we learn where the Wraith is, we could even attempt to capture it.
Besides, who knows what's gonna happen after the war? We might have to face some cosmic horror, another bout of Nanite infiltration, or even revenge obsessed Neeran commandos.

>>3781835

>What is people's opinion on giving Sonia the combination, if it proves possible?

I think it would be worth a shot. We may not need either of them. But then again we just might if we chase down any of the other leads we've found on this trip and discover more builder facilities. Or as you suggest, we come across another super sized horror. I am only worried about long term effects and whether or not prolonged use of this stuff will make us brain dead. We might have brain scan back ups ready for cloning so we can go pirate. But would really suck to find out we boned ourselves with these upgrades if they end up frying our brains if we push ourselves to hard.

That makes me think, we should have Dave and Uller put both clones into stressful situations and test them out, if they have not already. I am only half certain that they are, but it would be good to make sure that they are getting in stress testing along with normal testing.

>>3781835
>What is people's opinion on giving Sonia the combination, if it proves possible?

Well yeah. Giving her wizard powers have always been a dream of mine. Making her a supersoldier as well? Unf, I love it.

"We'll focus on the improved super soldier enhancement for most people that want it. Let's keep as many in the dark as possible regarding the existence and capabilities of the ship. If possible maybe we can send an upgrade module down to the western gate facility that will let it perform those enhancements without having people enter the core.
As for combining them? I'm willing to give it conditional approval, but only after some stress testing is done. If it works out then I'd be prepared to see the combined package used for some of our people that are involved in working on and protecting the ship. I dont want it available to the bulk of our special forces or word will begin to leak and we'll have to answer a lot of questions."

"What were you thinking of for stress testing?" asks Dave.

You pull out one of your sphere artifacts and hold it up.
"I think Uller and I can come up with a suitably stressful training course."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK4gv11PTI8 [Montage]

Roll 2d20

Rolled 2, 12 = 14 (2d20)

>>3781993
Sparring against Sonia and Uller?

Rolled 16, 10 = 26 (2d20)

>>3781993

Who is better, the Neeran/ Sonia combo or the Super Soldier+ Clones?! Lets find out!

Rolled 19, 18 = 37 (2d20)

>>3781993
Ho boy

Okay, got roped into looking after my nephew for a couple hours. Back now.

>>3781835
>What is people's opinion on giving Sonia the combination, if it proves possible?
Caretaker abilities for sonia was a perfectly split vote on the survey.

With atmospheric pressure restored to the docks it's simple to use one of the ship grade production pads to assemble a training area and obstacle course the size of a large field.

"Advanced combat training should be nothing new to either of you. This will be a little different however. Emphasis will be placed on using your new abilities and pushing them to the limit. Included with be drills with the various sphere artifact weapons."

The first round is entirely defensive focused. They get their choice of shields and weapons, but only artifacts that aren't offensively focused.

"How will these drills work exactly sir?" asks Nikau.

"I'm glad you asked." you pick up a heavily modded phase rifle set to rapidly fire stun pulses.
"DODGE!"

With that you open fire into the training area, forcing the two to dive into cover or duck behind their retractable shields. You keep up the fire, forcing them to relocate as you change location around the outside of the training zone. Nikau eventually catches a stun shot to the leg, taking him out of action for awhile.

Once back on their feet you proceed to terrorize both of them for the next two hours until you're confident they're starting to get the hang of using the convertor, shields, sword or other equipment. Then Uller begins to participate. Overall he uses very light attacks with artifact weapons, but also throws in those used by Neeran too.

Everyone takes a short rest break while you re-organise the training field. This time they have to use offensively focused artifacts to take down drones or target markers throughout the area. There isn't a shortage of them. You urge them on, encouraging them to try for area of effect attacks. Every so often you'll use your lightning gauntlet to take out a group of targets, both as demonstration and to keep in practice yourself. They're getting better but still need work.

For the last stage they have to fend off wave after wave of opponents. Some are drones, others holograms of Faction and Neeran Empire soldiers. Both are exhausted, but keep hanging on in the hopes that the next group of enemies will be the last one. When it reaches the point that neither of them can stand up you call a halt to the sim.

"Get them to the medbay! If that hasn't put stress on them I dont know what will. "

>Cont.

Dave isn't pleased with their state when you arrive, Tola and Wibowo each being all but carried by a pair of marines.
"Were you trying to kill them?"
"No. I wanted to make sure they could survive similar levels of combat I've been through. None of the kids these days have fought the Kythera. That's the only time I've had cause to use my lightning gauntlet for an extended period."

So far it doesn't look like they're falling apart at the seams, though they have racked up a substantial number of minor injuries. Their modified nervous system has also been stressed heavily. Rather than healing them you ask Dave to monitor how well they recover from the injuries on their own. People are going to be in the field away from advanced medical assistance. It's best to know now how well they heal without it.

Enhancements or not you still need sleep occasionally. While the test subjects heal and rest up you do much the same. You're woken only a few hours later by an alert over the ship's equivalent to an intercom.

"This is the Bridge, we have an unscheduled wormhole activation."

Cursing you get up and begin arming up. Predictably it isn't long until you're contacted directly by someone at the base.

"Sir, priority message from Sam. Infiltrators are on the ground."

>Your orders?

>>3782453
>Infiltrators are on the ground
What ground? We have something like 4 different layers of ground between actual space and this ship.

>>3782464
I immediately worried if I should have been more specific about that just after I hit Post.

The exterior surface of Threochts planet. Sam is stationed there helping with security. Rob Ecord had the message passed on immediately and told the interior base to contact you as soon as possible.

>>3782453
Search and Destroy teams operating from Stealthed, Holocamo'd LSTs.

Beef up internal security.

>>3782483
Thanks.

-Move one of the high power sensor arrays to the planet.
-I think the only time Sonia had to deal with Neeran infiltrators was when she was commanding an FA training base and that ended with a lot of dead people and an infiltrator who managed to get away. See if there's somebody among our allies who's successfully dealt with Neeran infiltration attempts before.

>>3782483

Have the base on lock down if it isn't already. Alert Krath in the area to go into search and kill mode. Make sure any terminal in the area is either wiped or destroyed. If they think there are infiltrators in the base, blow the tunnel, they can dig back down to get us.

Also alert the Alliance Intel fleet that there are Neeran infiltrators near this position. And that the Wraith or likely its vanguard are in the galaxy already and nearby to a strategic position.

Have someone inside that knows about Builder facilities to check to make sure that the facility isn't somehow transmitting a signal of some sort that could be detected or intercepted to tip them off.

>>3782508
>Have someone inside that knows about Builder facilities to check to make sure that the facility isn't somehow transmitting a signal of some sort that could be detected or intercepted to tip them off.
Nothing has changed on that front. No signals are getting in or out through the planet's crust and geothermal spikes.

>Have the base on lock down if it isn't already.
Stop all flights in and out?

>>3782498
>See if there's somebody among our allies who's successfully dealt with Neeran infiltration attempts before.
Sam and Dave both have. The Krath have a few people with experience.

In theory anyone with a convertor artifact (and trained with it) should be able to see them.

Maybe we should cut power to the transit gate, and only power it up when we have a scheduled time?

>>3782555
>Sam and Dave both have. The Krath have a few people with experience.
In that case I'd say give each of them a team, equipment and allow them to make themselves useful in whichever way the see fit.

>>3782564
Current schedule is every 20 minutes. Cut this back to hourly or less?


1) Stop all flights in and out of the exterior surface base for now?
Y/N?

2) New Transit chamber schedule
2A) Keep it the same, just higher security
2B) Hourly
2C) Every 3-6 hours
2D) 12 Hours
2E) Once daily or emergency use

3) Flight schedule
3A) Reduce flights
3B) Halt flights until infiltrators are dealt with
3C) Normal flight, just increased security checks

>>3782610
>2C) Every 3-6 hours

>3C) Normal flight, just increased security checks

>>3782610
Yeah I dont know why I did flights for both question 1 and 3.

>>3782610
N
2D
3A

>>3782610
One of these was supposed to be: Do you want to pull Dave away from his work with the medical system on the ship to help guard the entrance?

>>3782610

>1) Stop all flights in and out of the exterior surface base for now?
>N

>2) New Transit chamber schedule
>2D) 12 Hours

>3) Flight schedule
>3A) Reduce flights

>>3782658
>Dave
If Veod or Uller can work the medical room. Then have Dave outside to check people until we're certain the infiltrators have been dealt with.

Also how can they open up wormholes for infiltrators on to this planet and not have a ship in orbit being detected by one of our forces? That doesn't seem possible to me unless they got some long range on their wormhole generators.

>>3782673
>Also how can they open up wormholes for infiltrators on to this planet and not have a ship in orbit being detected by one of our forces? That doesn't seem possible to me unless they got some long range on their wormhole generators.
Why would they have used wormholes?

>>3782658
As long as there's medical staff looking after our two medical projects, then yes. Sam and Dave are both specialised in detection so I think it's probably a good idea to have them keeping the entrances secure.

>>3782677

I miss read the post I thought we detected wormholes opening on the ground topside.

First you contact Dave and tell him to hand off medical duties to one of the Caretakers, he's needed guarding the transit chamber. Other J-D personnel that have experience with artifact weapons are to equip for detecting infiltrators.

With them getting ready you compose a return message for the exterior surface. Rob Ecord is ordered to reduce flights in and out of the base for the time being to allow for more security checks. Transit chamber use is to be dropped to 12 hours barring an emergency.

With the reduced flights a few stealth LST's should be available. They'll be reassigned to overwatch and patrol around the perimeter. If there hasn't been a break in within a certain number of hours Dave or Sam will mount up in an LST and help trying to locate the infiltrators.

Once the message is sent you arm up and head to the medbay to check on both of the patients. Veod has arrived and seems surprised to see you there.
"I believed you might have gone with those protecting the entrance."
"If I have to go it will mean we're in serious shit and I'll need to bring backup. What's their status?"
Checking the life sign displays it looks like they aren't in any serious danger.

"Resting. Dave enabled sound dampening so that the medics could talk without disturbing them. There are no signs of long term damage, though such heavy combat has had an impact. Swelling in places related to their nervous system enhancements being over stressed. It's not uncommon among new trainees and will go down in time. In essence they'll need endurance training to better adapt to extended use of the artifacts."
"How long will that take?"
"Several months?"

You suppress a curse as Veod continues.
"I suggest they simply avoid that level of training in one sitting until their bodies are more... broken in. I still see no signs that they will fall apart or of critical issues that might kill them from using artifact weapons. The trials you devised may be a bit extreme but they seem effective in determining that the breaking point off the enhancements will not be easily reached."

Some good news at least. Though it does mean they wont be testing out the combined enhancement until they're fully recovered.

>Cont.

With that confirmed you head down to the western gate to see about upgrading one of the manufacturing pads there with the improved super soldier enhancement and med systems. When the Rekesh army personnel start asking questions they're informed that the tower should be working on similar upgrades for them. They'll have to talk to the people in charge on their side. Similar questions have to be fielded from the Dro'all personnel in the J-D forces. You give your word that similar super soldier enhancements will be made available, though it may take longer.

Your House ended up having to buy or trade for the basic version intended for Dro'all personnel. It was the only way to get hold of it in a reasonable time scale since the early version you recovered on Gesaur was intended for human use. They're understandably relieved to hear that the delay should be significantly less than what they'd had to suffer with that affair.

The next time the transit gate opens there's an update from Ecord. Sam with the help of Arif Sayadov managed to prevent an infiltrator from reaching the bore hole, killing it in a fire fight. As the fighting had eventually resulted in more than a dozen site personnel pouring fire into the the enemy combatant there wasn't much left for the Krath to work with.

Sam believes the majority of the infiltrators have now withdrawn from the immediate area surrounding the entrance. Possibly even from the planet. While civilian traffic is still limited there are ships going to and from the Rekesh homeworld. They may have gotten on or off world by hitching a ride on them. The Krath have assigned two ships to conduct detailed scans of these vessels but haven't been able to find any signs of infiltrator units.

Do you want to remain at the heightened alert status, call in Forbearance as reinforcement, or increase security at the decoy site?

>>3782953
Increase security at the Decoy site, and have Forbearance operating in a local area that they can be called in within 10 - 30 minutes time.

>>3782953
>Do you want to remain at the heightened alert status, call in Forbearance as reinforcement, or increase security at the decoy site?

Lets stay at heightened alert for a little longer. Make them think we are spooked by their attempt to infiltrate the base. But at the same time increase security around the decoy, to help with this, if the Forbearance has been released from its duties in the south by the repaired R’H Super. Then send it to the decoy to make it look like that’s the more important site.

Also give word to both the Forbearance commander and the R’H Baron with us to be on stand by should the Neeran Wraith be discovered.

Once the security around the decoy site is suitably believable, start lowering security here. Though we keep one of the Light-Neeran topside to make sure the base is safe and not being infiltrated.

>>3782953
Does Sam know of any other methods for detecting infiltrators? And any concrete numbers on how many he thinks may have been present? If there were a group of them trying to get in and the others have escaped, then surely they'll report back they were detected. If Artifacts are the only way of reliably detecting them, then they'll know something's up at this site.

Do we have the manpower to track down Civilian ships? If we deploy a squadron of ACRV on patrol, maybe we can catch one heading in a direction, the middle of deep space for instance, that suggests it's rendezvousing with larger Empire ships.

>>3782979
>Does Sam know of any other methods for detecting infiltrators?
Artifacts for the Faction species, and then Neeran such as himself. Though the Alliance have been testing various phased sensor arrays, these have proven harmful to crews and thus are not deployed often. Sam can confirm their presence if they get within a range of several hundred kilometers, and will generally get a very faint impression if they're on the same planet. Which is what he's getting now. Inside of a dozen kilometers he can start to make out individuals if they're not close together.

Other than that to his knowledge they can only be detected at close range. Which goes for the artifact and sensor. Krath can hide themselves from an Infiltrator's presence and as a result have better luck keeping watch for them. Again this is only at short range though.

>And any concrete numbers on how many he thinks may have been present?
No more than 6 of them got within a kilometer of the outer shield perimeter. The remaining 5 left the area after the one who got inside was killed.

>If there were a group of them trying to get in and the others have escaped, then surely they'll report back they were detected. If Artifacts are the only way of reliably detecting them, then they'll know something's up at this site.
They'll know that there is at least one Neeran at this site. While he's actively searching for infiltrators he cant hide his presence.

>Do we have the manpower to track down Civilian ships?
Yes, it wouldn't require many. There's not that much traffic due to your raiding taking out a lot of transports.

>maybe we can catch one heading in a direction, the middle of deep space for instance, that suggests it's rendezvousing with larger Empire ships.
Worth a shot.

Calling in corvettes to track ships and watch for suspicious activity.
Roll 3d20

Rolled 14, 16, 11 = 41 (3d20)

>>3783049
>Roll 3d20
Maybe coordinate with data from the sensor arrays we set up and analysis from Versa?

Rolled 13, 19, 15 = 47 (3d20)

>>3783049

Corvettes to the rescue!

Rolled 6, 18, 19 = 43 (3d20)

>>3783049

>Bones

Corvettes are sent out to keep tabs on departing transports, watching for signs of a diverted course or escaping craft. Anything.

One reports back that they've captured a beacon or communications emitter that detached from a transport during a course correction. It's a small stealthy device. Hard to detect. While not impossible they're willing to bet the transport crew didn't even know it was there.

Another had as a slightly more eventful encounter. What looked to be a covert insertion vehicle detached from a ship in deep space between jumps. When attempting to capture it the marine squad came under attack and an infiltrator attempted to board the corvette. The pilot used emergency thrusters to shake off the infiltrator before it could gain entrance to the ship.

Marines armed with older fusion guns managed to injure two enemy infiltrators badly enough that they became visible, allowing the survivors to target them. Though it cost the lives of ten marines they've captured the pod relatively intact.

Who did you want to give the first chance to study the captured vehicle?

[ ] House Intel
[ ] Krath
[ ] Rekesh Intel
[ ] All of the above
[ ] Alliance Intel

>>3783075
>[ ] House Intel
>[ ] Krath

Give our guys a chance to figure out what these things look like and how they operate. Then also give the Krath something to look at so they are aware of what to look for.

>>3783075
>[ ] House Intel
>[ ] Krath

>>3782453
>None of the kids these days have fought the Kythera.
I'm surprised Sonia hasn't implemented some form of holobooth training sim that simulates the brutality of the Kythera attack on the capital.

>>3782953
>Arif Sayadov
I'm surprised he's still with us. Couldn't resist another expedition?

>>3783075
>[ ] House Intel
>[ ] Krath
>[ ] Alliance Intel
I'm not too keen on involving the Rekesh at the moment, with the questionable stance of their government and all that.

>Though it cost the lives of ten marines
This seems like a good chance to see how well the ship's medical facility works when it comes to reviving people.

>injure two enemy infiltrators badly enough that they became visible
Were they killed or captured alive?

>>3783049
>Sam can confirm their presence if they get within a range of several hundred kilometers, and will generally get a very faint impression if they're on the same planet.
Could we request two Neeran per planet to counter infiltrators from the FA?

>>3783171
>I'm surprised he's still with us. Couldn't resist another expedition?
I think he simply has nothing else to do. Most people he knew in House Kharbos are dead.

>>3783075
>[ ] House Intel
>[ ] Krath
So I am VERY curious as to who these Krath are working for. Alliance? Terrans? Empire? Ulgeans?

>>3783703
>So I am VERY curious as to who these Krath are working for.
?????

>>3783716
>Krath
No, nevermind. I missread it as the bodies being Krath as opposed to there not being much left for the Krath to work with.

>>3783075
>The pilot used emergency thrusters to shake off the infiltrator before it could gain entrance to the ship.
Have our forces been able to pick that one up afterwards?

>>3783852
test

File: Brain Scan.jpg (35 KB, 786x558)

35 KB JPG

>>3784720
>>3784722
>>3784725
>>3784727
You order intel to secure the site and begin sweeps of the region for any free floating Neeran that might have survived. The Krath are also informed and asked if they could send a ship or specialists to help out. They'll obviously want to have a look at the high end Neeran craft.

"Send Sayadov as well. I want someone who can actually spot the bastards present in case the Krath take awhile."
It's too early to pull any of your Neeran personnel off the planet and this is the best option in the short term.

Lastly you order that the remains of the slain marines be recovered and placed in stasis. With the brain scans of those who bothered to consider cloning it might be possible to rebuild what's left of their bodies. Using the advanced medical systems on the Builder ship to carry out repairs using the scans as a guide, they wouldn't technically be clones. No more than someone who had a couple of limbs replaced.

It's probable you can do this for some of them. A more pertinent question is if you should do this?

>Make the attempt?
>Y/N?

>>3784731

I mean sure? If need be we can always fudge documents to say they had the head in a jar system. This is as good a time as any to see if it's good with reviving people as anon pointed out earlier.

Technically we don't approve of it if they were dead and didn't have the head in a jar system.

If we didn't try it out now. Someone else was going to do so anyways later on, also it would also help the Dominion decide whether to allow for such procedure to happen within the Dominion or if they would still be considered clones. We're not lawyers or judges here.

>>3784727
>Make the attempt?
We should only do this if people are capable of what i like to call "moral flexibility" as the not-clone person will have to be killed after interogation/info extraction. Seeing as just knowledge of his revival is to much info to risk in a prisoner. Not to mention the risks with reviving a enemy Neeran infiltrator inside of the ship. I'd say let the Krath try first. Then we might try it with the "Genesis Chamber" or whatever we call it.

>>3784731
Maybe we should ask our advisors about this?

>>3784736
Dude, anon. Text comprehension.

>>3784731
>>Make the attempt?
>>Y

Make the attempt if only to test the head in a jar theory can work

>>3784735
>Technically we don't approve of it if they were dead and didn't have the head in a jar system.
They did not have that system. They were dead in space for more than a minute, several minutes easily for most, before being placed in stasis.

File: Screams EXTERNALLY.gif (929 KB, 264x320)

929 KB GIF

>>3784736
>as the not-clone person will have to be killed after interogation/info extraction.

>REVIVING THEN KILLING YOUR OWN MARINES
>MFW

>>3784847

Sure they did, it's not like anyone would forge supply and distribution documents.

While tempted to ask your advisors first you decide to push on with this and have the marines remains shipped into the facility. When they arrive Veod is not pleased with the idea.
"There is a time and place when a burial is more appropriate. This is it."

"With this level of technology if I dont try it someone else will. It's just a question of who, and I dont think I need to remind you about Tereoct's moral ambiguity."

Crews are instructed to put the stasis crates the bodies are in directly on top of the pad. Sensors are able to get a read on the stasis field contents and Veod has several removed.
"There are only 4 that I believe might actually be revived by this process. The others are too far gone in my opinion to even attempt."

Roll 4d100

Rolled 65, 84, 89, 59 = 297 (4d100)

>>3784897

Rolled 39, 64, 43, 98 = 244 (4d100)

>>3784897

>Roll 4d100

Rolled 70, 70, 1, 28 = 169 (4d100)

>>3784897
Just make sure safeties are in place that prevent half-way reconstructed soldiers.

Veod does what he can for the 4 marines in the best shape. Two humans and oddly enough two kavarians. The Kavarian population on most J-D worlds is traditionally quite low, though it increased with the acquisition of the South Reach territories. More have been joining the Rioja military since Lyas Cinayk was knighted and not just given a do nothing assignment.

One of the kavarians is the first to be fully healed. They suffered minimal damaged compared to the others. If you consider being cut open from shoulder to hip and exposed to space minimal. Tissue damage from vacuum exposure and oxygen deprivation are able to be fully restored. Neural damage was surprisingly light. Light enough that when he wakes up the marine distinctly remembers being cut in half.

The next two had similar levels of trauma though they'd suffered more damage to the brain from the hypoxia. It took longer to get them into stasis. Using the scans as a template it was possible to correct the damage, though they've lot a bit of memory. Not much fortunately, just some of the days before the incident.

There are some issues with the fouth one Veod thinks can still be revived. There was more brain damage. Scans help to repair it of course but some things dont seem to be meshing entirely correctly. Mechanically speaking everything is correct but when woken up they seem to be suffering for substantial amnesia. Memory, even large parts of their personality are not what they once were.

"It should be working but it's not." is Veod's assessment.

"Is it possible it's a mental block? Dissociative amnesia?" asks one of the medics.

Veod thinks it's possible. There is also something of a mismatch between some of the repaired areas and those that were reconstructed entirely from the old brain scan. A brute force attempt to reset the majority back to the conditions of the scan should restore them to normal. It could cause damage though resulting in the need for a complete re-write.

A longer term solution would be performing memory imprinting sessions on a regular basis. This has been used to good effect in Faction space, though it could take weeks or months.

[ ] Brute force. We have the technology
[ ] Send them for conventional treatment

>>3785657
>[x] Send them for conventional treatment
They're alive, and that's what counts.

>>3785657
>[ ] Send them for conventional treatment

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J675BQaIuQs

File: 1351214715774.png (79 KB, 563x400)

79 KB PNG

>>3785729
I do not have a suitable reaction image.

Not wanting to make things worse you make arrangements for the soldier to be sent for conventional treatment. They're alive, which is more than can be said for a good portion of the unit. The other three are reassigned to the J-D units currently aboard. They'll have to fill out NDA's of course but you suspect they'll be interested in finding ways to detect Neeran Infiltrators.

"Make sure they're allowed to send a message to the rest of their squad so they know they're alive. Delay it a few days or classify it if you have to but it's best those marines know they're not dead. Better for morale that way."

Decryption of the captured Neeran beacon shows that it was intended to transmit a message once there were no other ships in the immediate area. Its contents were fairly short. Essentially it boiled down to requesting some sort of confirmation of two sites. Attached location data seem to indicate sites in 2 different systems. You hope that one of those locations are supposed to be the decoy site.

"Any idea what kind of confirmation they're talking about?" you ask those on the bridge.

Uller shakes his head. "No. This is different from normal operations."

With the next scheduled gate activation comes an update from intel. They've intercepted a signal they believe is a response to one of the infiltrator teams messages. It works out to a signal meaning 4 days. But four days to what?

"Get Forbearance into position. I want them to be ready to jump to either this system or the decoy one with 15 minutes notice."
Other preparations will need to be made as well of course.

While you've been busy Tola and Wibowo were able to get their next level upgrades. It required some slight modification in places to make sure the increased reflexes didn't interfere with the reinforced nervous system. Some of the higher end immune system boosts are not compatible due to a chance they might trigger an autoimmune response. Both are now training to see if the latest round of enhancements will hold up long term.

1) Provided they work out how many people do you hope to get hold of with the sphere caretaker upgrade? They'll all be volunteers of course but you'll need to plan ahead depending on how many you accept. Especially if you hope to be prepared for potential enemy action in only 4 days.
1A) Under 10
1B) 20
1C) 30+

2) Any further upgrades for Sonia at this time?
2A) Yes
2B) No

3) What other preparations do you want to make among your forces within this supposed time limit?

>>3785812

1) Provided they work out how many people do you hope to get hold of with the sphere caretaker upgrade? They'll all be volunteers of course but you'll need to plan ahead depending on how many you accept. Especially if you hope to be prepared for potential enemy action in only 4 days.
>10

2) Any further upgrades for Sonia at this time?
>2B) No

3) What other preparations do you want to make among your forces within this supposed time limit?

Have our fleet conducting anti-stealth operations around the Rekesh systems if they're not busy doing other things. I can't really think of anything else really.

>>3785812
>1B) 20

>2A) Yes
If we're going to capture a Wraith, I'd like to see Sonia get caretaker boosted.

>3) What other preparations do you want to make among your forces within this supposed time limit?

Can the Builder ship open wormholes for other ships to use? We could use it like surprise Veckron artillery. Forbearance could initiate a target paint on something, the Builder ship would open up a wormhole on itself, then one remotely on the target, then the fleet could fire Veckron weapons through.

Could we hide the Sovereign inside the Interior and call it in as an ambush weapon if we needed the backup.

>>3785895
>Can the Builder ship open wormholes for other ships to use?
Theoretically. The system hasn't been tested yet since the ship was brought back online.
For safety sake only ships the size of a Battlecruiser or smaller would be able to use them.

>fire Veckron weapons through.
Again theoretically feasible. It would require the ship leave the core though.

>>3785936
>Could we hide the Sovereign inside the Interior and call it in as an ambush weapon if we needed the backup.
You haven't even conducted an "out" test of the wormhole gates yet.

The western gate would require come reconfiguration but it's known that it can connect to other facilities. The ship likewise should still be able to gate out, even within the core, using its own emitter.

Would there be any support for testing the ship's wormhole generator / emitter at this time?

>>3785941
The ship and/or the western gate?

>>3785941
>Would there be any support for testing the ship's wormhole generator / emitter at this time?
Low power test and bring all the systems online? If we need to move it in a worst-case scenario, then it would probably be good if it didn't fail.

>>3785945
Supporting testing both.

>>3785941
>Would there be any support for testing the ship's wormhole generator / emitter at this time?

No

>>3785812

>>3785941 >>3785945

We'll await a tie breaker for both of these.

Working again tomorrow. If there is time I'll see about getting a post up before I go. Or if my phone is ringing of the hook constantly in the AM like it was this morning maybe I'll even put one up as early as this again. >>3784731

>>3785812
1B) 20

2A) Yes
All of them that have been cleared by the clones.

>>3785941
Would there be any support for testing the ship's wormhole generator / emitter at this time?

I will support a small scale test of both. Just in case we need to gtfo

>>3785812
>1B
>2B
>>3785941
No tests for now

>>3785812
>1A) Under 10
>2B) No
>3) What other preparations do you want to make among your forces within this supposed time limit?
Try to train people with what we can learn from the encounter with these infiltrators? For example, if the older fusion guns helped to break their camouflage, issue more fusion guns.

>>3785941
No tests at the moment.