Total War: Future (IC)

[razovor]

GDF:

Admiral Trask sat at his commanding seat aboard the Evening Star, the largest ship in the GDF fleet, and one of the most powerful ships in the sector. Currently the Evening Star was patrolling the space around Van Maanen's star. The work wasn't very interesting, but EVRAZ paid well.

At that moment, the communications officer received a ping on his screen.

"Admiral, we have a message from EVRAZ, new orders."

"Send them here"

Admiral Trask read the orders slowly.

"Attention everyone! We're moving out. Contact the fleet and set our destination for the Star Station. Battle formation. Open fire on the Kej as soon as they come into range."

"Yes, sir"

"Oh, and use EMP if you can, I'd really like to know what these things are made of."

GDF to EVRAZ [+++++ +++-]

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To expand our own assets, we have an interest in purchasing your space capable fleet. We offer the standard rate of + Economy for + military.

[KalShurak]

The Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Jelthes [+++++ +++]:

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The problems in Proxima Antilae with the Hydian Automated Factories you delivered are quite serious. We know, you sold a save and reliable technology to the Sumus and the application of this technology is up to them. However, sooner or later some groups who are either ideologically opposed to you or view you as competition will begin to spin stories that you sell faulty technology, badly damaging your reputation and business. On the other hand, should you decide to intervene now for free, you will be seen as a responsible business partner, willing to help if problems with your products arise. This should both improve your reputation and reduce the risk of someone using this incidence against you.

To Kej Preservation Society [+++++ +++]:

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We are willing to put any Kej drone within systems under our control under our protection, as long as they do not endanger civilian or military shipping. This caveat is in order to prevent someone using fake Kej drones for criminal activities, like terrorism and piracy.

The current activities of the Kej drones are bound to lead to violent reactions from some of the involved nations. Should you have some means to open a two way communication with the Kej, even a limited one, now would be the time to use it in order to talk with the Kej. We are willing to provide assistance, both with technology and communication experts, for this negotiation.

To Xen, 61 Cygni conference [+++++ +++]:

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Sadly it is too late to keep your involvement in this conference a secret. Part of our status report we send back home was our speculation of your identity. Someone at home misinterpreted our speculation as secure knowledge and because of this your name was used in the official statement from our government.
However, we think this indiscretion might play in your favour. If you stay hidden, the amount of distrust against you and your motivation would likely grow independent of what you do. It could even lead to the paradoxical situation that your attempts to build up some goodwill are seen as underhanded and shady, thus actually increasing the fear and suspicion against your people.
Now after we accidentally revealed you, you can act open, officially claiming that this reveal was intended and explain your motivations to the public. This could make it easier for you to integrate with your neighbours and avoid further misunderstandings and conflicts with others.

We will trade these goods with you. Do you want to make a trade treaty with reduced tolls and tariffs for both sides or would this be to much to early?

(No more interest in Universal Translators?)

[razovor]

GDF to Dark Sumus: [+++++ +++-]

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There is a matter we'd like to discuss with you. Would you agree to a private meeting?

[Murska]

Commonwealth

No-one could have foreseen this development just a few scant years ago. The Triad Systems were dying, stuck in their internal warring and their narrow perspective. The Reach had no resources to pursue their dream of colonization. And House Varulf controlled the riches of their own system in a conservative manner, content to be a producer of spaceships and take care of their own needs. It wouldn't have seemed possible to make these factions fit together into a seamless whole. And it wasn't. But they were a whole now - filled with seams, scratches and holes and battered into a shape that barely resembled the original, but a single entity.

The Commonwealth had changed everything. The unified resources of the five systems had propelled it to become the foremost human civilization in the galaxy. It's policies were wrought of compromise, yet that had not stagnated its purpose and ideals. The thoughts and ideas of millions of unique and individual minds were directed towards one purpose. They each had their own cause, but they each supported the whole. A new era of progress was dawning on humankind.

Did one man change all this? No. It took the efforts of millions, and even the movers and shakers behind the progress numbered many. However, changes had happened and one man was the public figure behind all these changes. He hadn't been so publicized in the media as many others, but he was, to anyone with any knowledge of politics, a true genius who had forged his vision from the fire of his soul.

The new President of the Commonwealth, Sovereign of House Varulf, Chief of the Great Council, Baron George Kovan Varulf*.

*In the Varulf society, the custom of nobility is to add the name of the House of the one they marry to their own name - the official House name is always last and is chosen as the more prestigous House. Of course, Varulf is always higher than any other noble family. The full name is used only during the most important formal occasions.

Commonwealth News Network - Special Report on the Presidency

"The race for the first Presidency has been complicated, as the various factions of the Commonwealth all had their own agenda, but after Admiral Vernon Stross of the True Terran Fleet decided not to run and to instead give his full support to Baron George Varulf, the results never seemed to be in too much doubt.

Today, the final votes have been counted. President George Kovan Varulf has sworn his vows and taken the reigns of the largest nation in known space. As the first President of the Commonwealth, he will have to balance the needs of five systems with differing cultures and priorities, perhaps soon to become six as the first colonies in Lalande 21185 become operational. However, his personal history and distinguished political career show that he, if anyone, is capable of this task.

Now, it is time for his inauguration speech, broadcast over the FTL network as well as the traditional slow media to all known nations."

The cameras follow the man as he steps up to the podium to hold his speech. He looks calm and stoic, every bit the leader he is. He does not often show himself in public, preferring to concentrate on his work instead of trying to polish his public image, but nonetheless he has the reputation of a skilled diplomat and speaker in his own right.

"To my fellow citizens of the Commonwealth, and humanity as a whole. I speak to you as the first President of the Commonwealth, an honour I would not have dreamed of a scant few years ago. The new unification of our people has been akin to a miracle, and it will hopefully be seen as both inspiration and a ray of hope for all the divided people in this galaxy, to show what we can do when we stand together.

However, I come to you in the wake of recent events to issue a call to reason. Let no human deny the perils of our time. While we battled one another, divided by the petty strife of our common history, the tide of a greater conflict was turning against us. It is time for us to set aside our longstanding feuds and become a single whole capable of directing our strength outwards into the Void, and to what lurks within.

The original Terran nation is no more. Whatever unity and protection it provided is now but a memory. With the enemies of humankind on the rise, who will we turn for protection? We have no-one but ourselves. But I say to you all, the Commonwealth is living proof that we have the power, the ability to forge ourselves a home in this galaxy we live, and grasp our right to greatness from those who would seek to destroy or enslave us.

The devastation wrought by alien invaders is self-evident. We have seen our homes and communities destroyed by the calculated blows of the K'Krex. We have seen firsthand our friends and loved ones consumed by the nightmarish Hive Mind. Unprecedented and unimaginable as they might be, these are the signs of our times.

The time has come my fellow Humans, to rally to a new banner. In unity lies strength. Already many dissident factions have joined us, and we have grown for it. Out of the many we shall forge an indivisible whole, one in deed and in purpose. My most sincere wish, my ultimate hope and ideal, is that one day, there would be no human waging war upon any other human, no agency conspiring against this new beginning and no external power threatening our very right to exist. A land of freedom, justice and progress. A time of peace.

That time is not yet here, but I hope that by the formation of the Commonwealth we have taken the first step on the journey to realizing this wish. Maybe we will never reach true peace, but regardless, every step we take towards it is worth every ounce of effort we can muster. I have been given a unique opportunity, the tides of history have put me in a position where I can help direct the course of the future. You have heard my dream and answered my call. Now, I solemnly swear to dedicate my life for this purpose.

Our potential is limitless. Our destiny is greatness. Our unity is our strength."


As the crowd breaks into applause, the camera pans to capture the faces of the Ministers as well as other important guests. Fashion enthusiasts would have a field day analyzing the celebrations later, political analysts would focus on where people stand or sit and who they talk to. There are small cliques and not everyone looks too happy about the situation, but today they would celebrate. The unity the President spoke of is not yet there, but it was closer than before.

President George Kovan Varulf

George Varulf is the eldest son of Thomas Varulf, the previous Baron and Head of House Varulf. He was born fifty-two years ago, and grew up amidst upheaval in the society of House Varulf, as his father consolidated the power in the entire system in the hands of his own family after several attempts by other Houses to usurp his position. He showed great promise at negotiation and diplomacy at young age, and was sent to be trained as a diplomat. In this school he met Theseus en Fel, another young noble who was truly gifted. They formed a strong friendship, and Theseus has been one of the chief supporters of George Varulf in the many conflicts of his life.

George was profoundly affected by the events of his childhood and, once he took the throne, he supported gradual reforms within House Varulf, strengthening the power of the common people, creating democratic institutions and checks on the power of the nobility as well as bettering the working conditions in the nation. For this, as well as his interventionist and economically expansive foreign policy, he became simultaneously one of the most loved (by the people) and feared (by the nobility) leaders in the history of House Varulf. However, as his father had defanged the other noble Houses, he was able to push through his reforms relatively unopposed and the resulting prosperity finally helped solve remaining tensions.

The final blow to any organized resistance by the nobility came when he married Ayana Kovan, the heiress of another powerful House and his childhood friend.

But George was not satisfied with ensuring the growth and prosperity of his own people. He is a skilled diplomat, a good speaker and an efficient administrator, but his greatest genius is in how he gathers people of differing talents around him, unifies them behind his vision and assigns to each of them tasks that best suited them. Managing people is the greatest gift and he would have made a great junior football coach. Once his position in House Varulf was secure, he turned his eyes outward, to the splintered remnants of the Terran Federation and beyond.

He established strong relations to neighbouring powers, which led both to profitable trade deals and a good reputation for solving conflicts. His dreams of colonization and the unity of humankind were something that many others would have dismissed as futile. But he divided his goals into small parts and looked at them individually. He saw the ruination caused by the warring in the Triad Systems. He saw this was something he could affect. And the rest, as they say, is history.

[KalShurak]

The Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Sumus Prime [+++++ +++]:

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We contacted Jelthes with regard to the malfunctioning of the Automated Factories and asked him to send a trouble-shooter to help deactivating the system.
If you wish, we will send a team of technicians to provide what assistance they can give you in order to shut down the factories.
The option to use the orbital weapon systems remains and we will use them at your command. However, we are worried that the use of anti ship weapons will cause considerable ecological harm.

To The Syambic Alliance [+++++ +++]:

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(ooc: Is your faction of human or alien origin?)
We wish to welcome you (back) on the galactic stage. We are the Glorious Kingdom of Procyon, a Human nation centred on the Procyon system. We are one of the more powerful polities in this region and currently something like the head of a loose confederation of four human and xeno nations.
We have beneficial trade agreements with most other local polities, posses one of the more advanced technological bases and are known for our fair and honest deals and for our engagement in international politics.
We would like to learn more about you and explore the possibilities of cooperation between our nation.

[Thelonius]

EVRAZ & Kej

The GDF attack on the Kej intercepting the energy in the Van Maanen’s system goes smoothly. Kej Drones were caught by surprise and annihilated without dealing any significant damage back. There is however a considerable grumbling among the GDF ship crews. There are a lot of superstitions concerning the Kej and fate that awaits those, who harm them. Two more systems remain to be cleared of the Kej presence.

The public’s opinion is split on the issue. Many see EVRAZ as justified in protecting their property or dare not speak against the interests of the powerful transgalactic Corporation. On other hand even more people find such aggressive actions as unjustified, fear what harming previously peaceful cybernetic life-form many unleash or take this opportunity to speak against the growing power of EVRAZ.

The Kej Preservation Society has organized a number of protests all around galaxy and called both EVRAZ and GDF actions a cold-hearted murder.

GDF loses [-] Morale.

[OOC: The moral loss wasn’t solely due to Kej. Shadow Supremacy has accumulated some negative morale over the turns.]

Reinforcements

A commonwealth fleet with military power of +++++ ++ is heading to the Epsilon Eridani to reinforce the Coalition battling the K'Krex.

[They will arrive after another battle round].

Kej Preservation Society to GKOP [+++++ +++]

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''We have been developing means of communication for a long time, but we lack technology and funding to really put our theories to work. If you could supply those, we are certain, we’ll have a peaceful solution ready.
Please, you have connections with GDF from the Hive Mind War. You can persuade them, that their orders are illegal. And we believe you have some influence with EVRAZ, perhaps you could convince them to stop this genocide.

We will provide our data on Kej movements, so you’ll be able to tell real ones, from any attempt at faking them. As long as this information isn’t used against the Kej, of course.’’

Xens to GKOP [+++++ +++]

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''We understand. If we could secure a credit from you so we could establish a fund to placate some of the people, who seek redress for the damages we caused, due to cultural misunderstandings, it would be most beneficial to our relations. We expect to be able to repay you, after the increased trade will start bringing us returns.

We aren’t very interested in Universal Translators, as Tian software has proven adequate for our needs. We are interested in High-Tech goods. We believe the Sumus have a surplus now. If you could arrange a trade, we’d be most grateful.

You should negotiate the lowering of trade tariffs with Tian Technocracy and Sthuthid Federation. Their joint ministries are in charge of trade, as this concept is too new for us to properly utilize.

[The Cygni Accords Trade Regulation Commission is situated in Sthuthid Federation. They seem to be in charge of the economic part of the alliance, while Tian deal with military and technological issues.]

EVRAZ to GDF

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''We are currently uninterested in selling our military assets. The galaxy remains a dangerous place and our assets are very lucrative for hostile raiders. Perhaps once the K’Krex and Hive Mind are finally defeated.''

[Forum Explorer]

Light Shipyards

To Kej Preservation Society

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Its been a long time but we wish to renew our support for your organization

[KalShurak]

The Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Coalition [+++++ +++]:

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"We are reading unidentified psi-signatures from some of the Hive Ships. Transferring coordinates, vectors and identifications. If no one has ways to identify the signals, we recommend eliminating these ships as fast as possible. They might try to interfere with our minds."

Thelonius

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If this is possible without disrupting the formation or exposing my ships to unreasonable risks, some of them will try to get closer in an attempt to get better readings.

[OOC: do we keep fighting or do we retreat (unstable warp lane).]

To Key Preservation Society [+++++ +++]:

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We can provide you Universal Translators and scientists to help you to configure them as necessary for communication.

We will contact EVRAZ and try to convince them to stop the attack. We do not think GDF will decide to disregard the orders of their employer, but will nevertheless ask them to stop separately.

We have no interest in using this data against the Kej. We hope to learn more about them and understand them better.

To EVRAZ [+++++ +++]:

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We would like to ask you to stop the attack on the Kej drones. Currently they only intercept surplus energy, causing no losses. Should the Kej drones follow their usual response routine to attacks, soon much more will appear and start too actively seek out and engage those they perceive as attackers.
We might be able to establish communications with them, finding a peaceful solution to this, as long as not too much of them are destroyed.
Currently large segments of the public react with distaste to this event. Should this continue, chances are good, that this distaste will lead to a people boycotting your products, leading to massive financial losses. If you recall GDF now, the public will soon forgot about this event and keep buying your goods.

To GDF [+++++ +++]:

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We ask you to stop your assault on the Kej drones. Your forces were able to take them by surprise, but soon their combat programming will start to kick in. In this case you would face an enemy who is more advanced then you, faster and can replenish his forces nearly at will. Such a war will be extremely costly and frankly, no one needs another dangerous alien species, especially not if they were originally peaceful. Should this get out of hand, the people will remember that it were your ships who started the cycle, irreparably damaging your reputation as defenders of humanity.

To Xen [+++++ +++]:

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We will check if we can provide you with a governmental loan. We will also relay your request to our private banking sector. They might be interested in you as a customer. Over which amount are we talking?

We understand. We will contact Sumus Prime and inform them about your request. How many goods do you wish to aquire?

To Cygni Accords Trade Regulation Commission [+++++ +++]:

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We would like to talk with you about the possibility to expand our trade treaty with the Sthuthid Federation to the other signature nation of the Cygni Accords.

To Star Gods [+++++ +++]:

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His Holiness Samuel I, High Investigator of the Divine Mysteries, wishes to arrange for a private meeting with one of your representatives in order to discuss ways to further promote the Way.

To Solaris Inc [+++++ +++]:

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The High Seat plans some reforms to our system of governance and would like to discuss this and other ideas with you, as the strongest duchy, in advance. Because of this Duke Weiss is invited to a private audience with King Albert II.

[razovor]

GDF to GKOP [+++++ +++]

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"They commit an act of piracy and you defend them? We have nothing against the Kej as a species, but if they commit an intergalactic crime, we will act to stop it.

Maybe if we actually had some way of communicating with them, we'd be able to discuss the matter civilly."

[Murska]

Human Coalition/GM:

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Let's keep fighting. As soon as possible, we'll blow up that warp distruptor thing with the Plasma Cannons.

In the worst possible case, we can quickly construct a new WSD and bring it here with our exploration vessel.

[Thelonius]

Kej Preservation Society to Light Shipyards

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''We would of course be glad to resume our old ties. Do you think you’ll be able to do something about the atrocities commited against the Kej in the EVRAZ Systems?''

To GKOP

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[The K’Krex have an upper hand in intelligence warfare. You’ll have to either expose some of your ships to risk or use Espionage to try to create an opening, if you want to study them closer
P.S. Almost forgot, your Telepathy Trait grants you detection bonus vs. Ascension Coalition. The Xenofungus Plating they use gives off powerful psi-signals.].

Kej Preservation Society to GKOP

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''[COLOR="rgb(0, 100, 0)"]We will try to develop either true communication or a signals that will alert Kej it’s dangerous to intercept energy from the Star Stations. If you could only buy us time to do it.[/COLOR]''

EVRAZ to GKOP

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''Theft is Theft. We can’t allow it, even if it causes us no economic harm right away. And even if you claim a peaceful solution is possible, there is no proof it will happen or that Kej don’t start a new problem. We can’t allow something so dangerous and unpredictable to roam free in our systems.''

WNNC

A series of ads begins to air on WNNC networks:

You wouldn’t steal a space ship.
You wouldn’t steal a digi-bag.
You wouldn’t steal a iScreen.
You wouldn’t steal a movie.
Intercepting Energy is stealing
Stealing is against the law.
Energy Interception is a crime.

EVRAZ to Ascension Coalition

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''[COLOR="rgb(46, 139, 87)"]We'd like to buy some advertisement space on INN. We'd be willing to pay[/COLOR] [- t. Economy].

Xens to GKOP [+++++ +++]

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We’d like to borrow [+++ t. Economy]. And we’d like to aquire [++] High Tech Goods and [++++] Low-Tech goods from Sumus.

Cygni Accords Trade Regulation Commission to GKOP [+++++ +++]

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''Of course, let us negotiate the agreements. The Tian can still be stingy about their privacy, but we are certain we can work around it.''

[razovor]

Galactic Defense Force

To GKOP [+++++ +++-]

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"This is Lieutenant James Brant, I've been authorized to update you on our investigations with regard to the Sigma's."

"As suggested we followed the clues of spice that were discovered in the Sigma base. They lead us to a larger spice black market ring. The ring is controlled by a large organisation, working with several smaller distributors. It was rather easy to find the distributors, the problem is the larger organisation, they seem to have very powerful backing."

"However, we believe we have now located one of their storage facilities. We're preparing to raid the facility. As a sign of trust, we would like to invite your agents to participate."

[KalShurak]

The Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Kej Preservation Society [+++++ +++]:

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Neither EVRAZ nor GDF listened to our appeal to reason. It sounds as if EVRAZ decided to remove all Kej from their space.
Can you connect us with an expert on Kej behaviour? We think the public should be informed that the Key are only intercepting waste energy, or in the words from the WNNC slogan they steal trash.
To speed the process of devising a way to establish communication with the Kej, we will provide +- tech.

To Light Shipyards [+++++ +++]:

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In the past, you had good relationships with the Kej Preservation Society and we assume you are continuing your support for them. It looks as if EVRAZ has rented air time from WNNC in an attempt to justify their actions. Maybe you could do something similar. (The intercepted energy is actually surplus generated from the Star Stations.)

To Galactic Labour Union [+++++ +++]:

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EVRAZ current actions are veering on committing genocide because someone took things out of the trash can. We think you will find a way to use this to your advance.

To Xen [+++++ +++]:

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This is more than we can directly provide. We are sure our financial sector will be willing to loan you this money, as long as someone can provide adequate security. We can provide 1/3 maybe 1/2 of the security, the rest has to come from some other source.
(Need a reaction from my private sector.)

To Sumus Prime [+++++ +++]:

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The Xen informed us that they wish to purchase ++ of your high tech goods and ++++ of your low tech goods. Are you willing to sell this to them and what will be your price?

To Cygni Accords Trade Regulation Commission [+++++ +++]:

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As we said, for a start we hoped to expand the treaty we have with the Sthuthid to cover the other signatories’ too.
(50% reduction on taxes, tolls and tariffs for in- and exports between the signatories)

To Dark Sumus [+++++ +++]:

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GDF informed us they located what appears to be a large storage facility of the Sigmas Spice supplier. We are preparing a forces join their raid. Do you wish to participate with either your forces?

To GDF [+++++ +++]:

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We will send +- mil and several agents. Where shall we meet?

[Thelonius]

Epsilon Eridani

The K’Krex fleet is nearly destroyed and their Warp Gate Defense is completely broken, yet the remaining ships still continue to fight. It’s just a little push to completely finish them off.

The Warp Line has being decaying at an accelerated state. At this point, it’s still safe to travel through, but it may change very soon.

K’Krex Losses: +++
Coalition Losses: ++

Sumus Prime

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''This is a very delicate issue for us. We really don’t have many traditions and death in the Valley of Cabella was one of the few ones we really followed. The particles of our ancestors have intermingled with the matter of the valley for generations. And now it was all converted into various goods. Some think we should break the goods into basic matter and return it to the valley. Others, they don’t feel such sentiments. We are talking things through on the issue right now''.

Cygni Accords Trade Commission [Esp. +++++ +++]

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''Of course we are interested in promoting trade. In fact, let’s unite the negotiations over the loans to the Xens with negotiations for trade tariffs, for greater efficiency.''

Dark Sumus to GKOP [+++++ +++]

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''We will send +++ of our agents.''

Commonwealth Only

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The 61 Cygni soon will be free for travel, which will invigorate trade. So – what are you plans on tariffs? You can earn lots of credits on this one or get a more modest share, if you keep them low.

Note, that Teegarden’s Star trade route is going to open as well and if Tian Technocracy decides to go with low tariffs vs. your high, it may turn into an alternative route.
===
Does the Commonwealth reinforcements go to Epsilon Eridani?

[Murska]

To GM:

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We'll keep them low. It's more important for me to control the trade routes that are used the most, the more I can marginalize the Tien Technocracy route the better. I don't mind if the economic benefits aren't quite as large, my viewpoint is more strategic. Oh, how I wish I could take over the Technocracy system...

What's the situation in-system that we know of? Mil amounts? Considering the warpgate is deteriorating, it might be safest for the Commonwealth to keep our fleet on this side if it's not really needed in there. Plus, that way the glory for the victory goes entirely to Varulf.

[KalShurak]

Th Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Cygni Accords Trade Commission [Esp. +++++ +++]:

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We can hold the negotiations at the same time, but we would prevere to keep both issues otherwise separate.

GM:

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I really need to know whether the banking sector is interested in this loan or not. If you do not give me an answer, I will assume they are interested.

[Imperial Psycho]

Ascension Coalition

INN to EVRAZ

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We apologise, but the INN does not advertise. We are committed to maintaining objectivity from corporate and national interests.

[razovor]

GDF to Jelthes [+++++ +++-]

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"We have an interest in increasing our defensive espionage. What technologies can you provide us on that front?"

[ArcaneStomper]

To Light Shipyards

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Sigma Draconis
The approaching drones appear to be repair drones. A very close variant to standard Kej repair drones in fact. Your analysts believe it interpreted your signal as a request for repairs, which is not a very hard assumption as that was the original purpose of the signaler. To call for Kej repairs. The repair drone is following your ship, but does not have the speed to actually catch up unless you wish it to. In addition several of the tugs have made trips back to the debris field and then returned towing large cargo pods and a few large pieces of hull plating which appear to have been picked to match your exploration ship's hull.

Sel to the Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

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The hologram nods at the delegates. I am aware of who you are. As or myself my mission is simply to support the human crew. My creators felt that a human crew was necessary to completely deflect the threat they have detected. Unfortunately I cannot say more about what the threat is because I do not know. My creators based their actions on the predictions of an AI far more advanced than myself and even it could not tell what a threat was. Only that there was one and the best ways to act against it given known data."

"You may interview the human crew if you wish. In fact I believe Alicia Maev is already waiting to meet with you. Afterwards it will be up to them whether they wish for any support in the mission. I also thank you for your warning about the virus. I do not believe that it is a threat to me, but your own analysis of it would be of use."

The hologram ***** its head as if listening to something. It stays this way for several minutes then looks back at the delegates. "My apologies the crew ordered a jump to the Tau Ceti system. It was necessary to divert processing power to calculating the jump. However we have arrived now and I am available to answer anymore questions you may have."

The hologram pauses then adds, "I do hope that this movement will not inconvenience you."

To the Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

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GJ 1061 II:
The vessel appears to be unphased by the explosion on the surface. Instead it finishes excavating the dirt and stone from around the station. Firing another series of beams, some sort of gravity tethers according to your sensor readings it then proceeds to pull the station back up into orbit. Once the derelict station is in a stable orbit the ship moves to another of the outcroppings and begins digging again.

On board the Simon scientists haven't managed to uncover much. The stations databanks were huge and finding the right portions among all the untranslated and fragmented data that they managed to download is quite difficult. They do manage to pull up a picture that matches the ship. It shows the ship, or another like it, moving some kind of derelict towards the waiting hangar of some much larger structure. The caption, as far as the linguists can tell, says "A Fra moving a captured Selene cruiser into the Reki'Che for analysis." The rest of the document the picture was fragmented, but appears to be a text on standard engineering and maintenance procedures.

Jelthes to the Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

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And who would do that. My wares are unique and fit to my customers unique needs. And thus I do not truly compete with others. Only fill the gaps that the markets leave empty. But perhaps you are right. There could be some advantages to be gained here.

Jelthes to Sumus Prime

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Greetings, I see you have activated the Hydian factories on your own worlds. That was a mistake and quite frankly I myself do not know how to turn off the Hydian Automated Factories. They were reverse engineered from some ancient ruins I found, and my scientists were never able to crack that particular piece of code. So I resigned myself to only ever using them on uninhabited rocks.

I do however still have the full alien database I extracted their blueprints from, and I know you are much better scientists than mine. I'm sure that working with the database you would be able to crack the code and be able to fully control the factories. I simply ask that in return for the database you give the fully translated plans and codes back to me when you are done analyzing them. I have my own factories it would be nice to have greater control of after all.

Jelthes to Cygni Conference

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As you are more fully emerging in to the local market I would like to offer my services and products to you. I offer a broad range of products that cover almost any need you might have. As well services such as mercenaries, neutral arbitration, and data security. I know that perhaps the recent situation in Sumus Prime may worry you and lower your regard of my products. But I assure you that that was merely the misapplication of the product. If the instructions are followed properly all my products are perfectly safe. Except for the weapons of course. Those are only perfectly safe to the user.

Jelthes to L.P. Tech Inc.

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OOC: Who is L.P. Tech Inc. I don't remember.

IC: I always welcome a new customer. However I will point out that my telepathic technologies have only been tested with Kian Rou physiologists. They appear to work for humans and other aliens, but as it your minds being affected I cannot guarantee long term effects until my xenobiologists complete their studies of your species biologies. That said while their long term affects aren't entirely certain in the short and medium terms my telepathic transmitters and lockers work quite well, and perform just as advertised for aliens as well as Kian Rou, and I would be happy to sell them to you.

To House Varulf

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My apologies but I still don't have your exploration update done. They as always are longer than everyone else's combined, and I didn't have enough time to finish them today, but felt like I couldn't keep holding up everything else. They will definitely be here tomorrow though.

[Murska]

Epsilon Eridani

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If it seems safe enough, let's blast apart that warp disruptor device ASAP.

[KalShurak]

The Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Sel:

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This movement doesn’t inconvenience us.
Your creators fascinate us. From your words and appearance they seem to be quite advanced and resourceful. Are you allowed to tell us more about them?

We will hand you a data storage device containing our information about the virus before we leave.

After this we are ready to meet with your crew.

To Sumus Prime [+++++ +++]:

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We have engineers ready to assist you in analyzing the data and solving the problem with the Hydian factories if you wish their assistance.

To Jelthes [+++++ +++]:

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We thought mostly about the Humanists. With the Hive Mind in hiding and the K’Krex in decline, they might try to find a new target for their xenophobia. This incidence could supply them with ammunition against you. However, we are glad that you lend your assistance.

Epsilon Eridani

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Agreed.

ArcaneStomper:

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GJ 1061 II:
“Captain, after moving the station into orbit, the alien ship begins to excavate another of these stone formations!”
“Not good. Several of these formations are settled.
Flight control; prepare some shuttles to debark asap. Load them up with rescue and evacuation equipment and crews. Send them to the planet. Their order is to evacuate the endangered settlements.
Drone control; launch a new set of recon drones and move them to this ship. Make sure that they get there before the shuttles. We need to know whether this ship will fire at intruders or not and I want some good readings on those beams.”
“Rodger”
“Rodger”

The GKPV Simon I returns to the planet, but keeps a save distance to the unknown vessel.
Meanwhile drones and shuttles are launched to examine the vessel and evacuate the endangered locals.
Like an afterthought a Shuttle loaded with engineers debarks and heads to the orbiting station.
The analysis of the data about the ship is continued, don't expect much but maybe they find the command codes

All manned units stay clear from the alien ship.

Any readings from the station(s)?

[ArcaneStomper]

To House Varulf

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Lalande III
Working in conjunction with your engineers Jur grows a space elevator. He then begins growing a vessel capable of transporting himself in a pod on the end of it. Massive sections of jungle are rendered down and pumped up the elevator to provide the necessary organic mass, and the full process takes months. But at the end a multi kilometer long organic space ship hangs in orbit above the planet. Once it is complete Jur transmits a message to you. "Thank you for all your help. It was a pleasure working with you."

Derelict
Your scientists have managed to translate a few of the fractal symbols. The panel appears to control the activation of some kind of gateway device. The map is supposed to be used for selecting different destinations, but currently it appears to be locked on some unknown system. Whether that is due to damage or on purpose they can't tell.

OOC: As a reminder you haven't actually put anything into the second asteroid belt research wise. So that is still incomplete.

Captayn's Star

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The crews of the scouting vessel have returned and compiled their reports. Due to the completely filled nature of the system their sensors were not able to detect much and only short summaries of each area of interest could be determined. The Wolf will have to go further in itself to learn more. The scouts also reported on the areas between the major planets and asteroid belts as well. This is because most of them are also filled with debris rings that have various noteworthy features.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
The debris ring closest to the sun is filled with burnt out space hulks. Your scientists estimate that due to how long ago the battle in this system was fought exposure to the sun's radiation will have left little of value besides the raw salvage inherent in the ships themselves.

Captayn's Star I: Rocky Planet
A mercury like planet. Captayn I is the single surviving rocky planet in the system. Your scientists haven't spotted anything of particular note, but the fact that it did survive is interesting enough that they want the Wolf's captain to check it out.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
The area between the first planet and the first actual asteroid belt is of course filled with debris like the rest of the system. However it is of particular interest because active signals are coming from the area. And your scouts can make out small ships moving around.

Captayn's Star: Asteroid Belt: Destroyed Planet
The first of the completely destroyed planet's has completely dispersed into an asteroid belt. There appear to be several relatively intact derelicts floating amongst the asteroids as well.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
The next area is surprisingly clear. In fact your scientists have noted it as being almost completely free of debris, which shouldn't have happened given the conditions in the rest of the system. They want to find out why.

Captayn's Star III: Asteroid Belt Normal
Your scientists say that unlike most of the other asteroid belts and debris fields in the system. This one was likely formed before the battle that took place in the system. In most systems that would make it normal. In this one that makes it unique as one of the few system features that survived the battle. They have also detected numerous derelicts and destroyed facilities that they believe are worth checking out.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
The area is also relatively clear. Your scientists want to examine it for the same reason as the first clear area. Obviously these aren't simply randomly clear areas, but something else.

Captayn's Star: Asteroid Belt: Destroyed Planet
The remains of what used to be Captayn III. This planet has also been dispersed into a large asteroid field. Your sensors have detected a large relatively intact vessel in the center of the field. It is unusual because it appears to be holding position and the running lights are on.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
The next area of debris is dominated by the hulk of a massive space station. Hundreds of kilometers long it is the largest surviving derelict in the system. As far as your crew is concerned the question is not whether to explore it, but how.

Captayn's Star IV: Destroyed Planet
Captayn IV is now in four sections that orbit each other in a complex dance of gravitational forces. The scientiists want to study it because of the interesting scientific insights looking at the remains of a planet's core will provide. The rest of the crew wants to watch the amazing view.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
The most interesting thing of note about the debris filled portion of space between what used to be the rocky planets and the outer gas giant is that large shapes can be seen moving around in it. Even more interesting is that they don't appear to be broadcasting any form of electrical communications.

Captayn's Star V: Gas Ring
There is little of note in the remains of the first gas giant. Like Captayn Iv the ring of gases makes a great view. And your analysts predict that some sort of mining station could quite possibly be set up to conduct gas mining much more easily than normal.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
Like the last area this debris ring is filled with objects moving under their own power and without any electrical signatures. Unlike the last ones these shapes are much smaller and faster.

Captayn's Star VI: Gas Giant
Farther out even than the Wolf's current position is a second gas giant. This time intact. It appears to be a normal gas giant in all respects. Your scientists believe it escaped the destruction of the inner system simply due to its position on the edge. It would be harder to mine than the gas ring, but on the other easier to get to as it wouldn't be necessary to deal with the massive amounts of debris further in.

Captayn's Star: Debris Ring
At the very edge of the system. So far out that it is almost lost to the interstellar void lies a final ring of debris. This debris ring is a shattered collection as only derelicts flung out of the inner system made it out that far. There is nothing of particular note here at first glance. But like the second gas giant it would be easier to work here than further in. Your scientists believe it might be safer to start figuring out the system out here where it is slightly safer than further in.

Jelthes to GDF

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"I have already sold you my quantum encryption technology, this can be upgraded with various additional systems to increase its capabilities. As your are valued customers I am also willing to sell you. rift communicators. They utilize tiny micro rifts to send communications to each other. Producing any rift even such small ones is power intensive, so the communicators are quite expensive. But communications between them are essentially untraceable and highly secure."

Sel to the Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

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I can not tell you full details as my creators wish to leave humanity to its own devices. Knowing their full nature might influence your decisions in an undue fashion. I will however answer as I can. What do you wish to know?

To Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

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GJ 1061 III
The ship ignores the drones as it continues its excavation. Scans of excavation beams reveal that it using some form of highly focused plasma for the digging. Then it switches to gravitational beams to pull the stations into orbit. Over the course of the next few days the ship excavates several more stations while the human shuttles rush to get as many of the natives clear of the area as possible. There are too many natives to evacuate them all in time, but several cities are cleared more than the analysts predicted in fact. The shuttle crews return to the ship in high spirits.The scientists and engineers examining the stations and downloaded databanks have had less luck. Most of the stations are still unpowered and there simply hasn't been enough time to sift through enough of the databank. They have noted that the ship seems to be focused on excavating and doesn't seem to mind shuttles approaching and landing on the stations.

After about two weeks the ship excavates the last of the rock formations. It then begins maneuvering the stations closer together. Every time it moves two stations within a certain proximity it deploys small drones that attach some form of mechanism to the two stations. These devices project a smaller form of the ship's gravity beams locking the stations together. Ignoring the Simon's presence the massive alien ship goes about its business of locking all the reorbited stations together. Engineers predict that it will get to the last station within three days.

[Thelonius]

Kej & EVRAZ

The second EVRAZ system is cleared out, this time with a bit more difficulty, but still GDF clearly outguns the Kej. Soon reports arrive that the Kej have completely left the EVRAZ systems. There isn’t a single drone to be found.

It appears the incident was resolved…

Kej lose [-] Military and [-] Economy.

Commonwealth

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[Tian wish for the same thing… Perhaps aliens and humans are not so different, after all.]

To GKOP

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The financial institutions can provide [+] Economy or [++] if GKOP guarantees its return. The financial market was hurt by the events in the DX Cancri and its currently under sway of EVRAZ corporation.

The Trading Commission is clearly hoping to leverage the tariffs on trade through Teegardeen System, which if kept low by negotiated trade agreements would mean greater profits for the Procyon.

You’ll need to invest +++++ +++++ Economy in production of the technology you purchased from the Trantis Coalition to gain its benefits.

[One if it’s flaws is that it is extra expensive].

Sumus Prime to Jelthes/GKOP

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''We understand that it wasn’t your intention to cause this. We will try to reverse engineer the factories, but we don’t have much time. If it fails, our orbital defenses will be employed to destroy the factories.

We accept GKOP assistance and hope it comes in time.''

L.P. Tech to Jelthes

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If this technology can provide protection against telepathy, we will take it. Don’t worry about the kinks, we will work them out.

[It’s Evil Conspiracy D].

Cygni Accords to Jelthes

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At this point we are very interested in robotic production and data security. The Hydian Factories would be acceptable. We would also like to procure a financial loan that will be used to invest in economy of the member nations.

If you have any bio-tech, it would be useful as well. Will you accept alternative methods of payment for it [Espionage]?

We would also like to acquire a contract with your mercenaries, but only after we’ve improved our economic situation.

ArcaneStomper Only

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The Coalitions plan to blow up the Rift Gate made Warp Disruptor would severely decrease its value. A much more profitable option would be to send in the marines. But if Coalitions troops fail to overcome K’Krex resistance fast enough it may mean Warp Line will detoriate further.

[Updated NPC stats]

[Murska]

To ArcaneStomper:

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Lalande III
"We wish you a good trip."

((Do we get anything from taking over the planet? Did Jur help us?))

Derelict
So we can't change the target. Could we still open the gate?

Asteroid Belt II
I'll be putting in my research at the EoT on studying the new material.

Captayn's Star
All right, this place has got plenty of stuff to study. I believe we will be setting up permanent bases here eventually.

For now, head for Captayn's Star I, the rock planet. It's deep in, sure, so we may as well take some looks into the other points of interest from a closer angle while we pass, but a rock planet would be by far the easiest spot to set up a permanent base at. Debris can be handled by careful route planning and, in the worst case, using shields.

[razovor]

To Thelonius: (GM)

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Galactic Defense Force

To GKOP [+++++ +++-]

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"This is Lieutenant James Brant, I've been authorized to update you on our investigations with regard to the Sigma's."

"As suggested we followed the clues of spice that were discovered in the Sigma base. They lead us to a larger spice black market ring. The ring is controlled by a large organisation, working with several smaller distributors. It was rather easy to find the distributors, the problem is the larger organisation, they seem to have very powerful backing."

"However, we believe we have now located one of their storage facilities. We're preparing to raid the facility. As a sign of trust, we would like to invite your agents to participate."

I'm going to assume The Tian are smart enough to change all their supply routes as soon as they take control of the spice market. Hopefully some of them will be impossible to change, or at least too expensive to be worth it.

I'd like the location of one of the storage facilities along these unchangeable routes. A few weeks after we hand it over to them, The GDF and GKOP will raid the facility.

To Jelthes: [+++++ +++-]

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"Thank you. How much would you like for these rift communicators? We would be willing to pay in permanent economy if you prefer."

[KalShurak]

The Glorious Kingdom of Procyon

To Kej Preservation Society [+++++ +++]:

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It appears you were able to call back the Kej. Were you able to establish proper communication with them or did you use the warning signal?
If you managed to establish communication, we would be grateful if you share the protocols with us. If not, we will continue our support in establishing such protocols.

To Sumus Prime [+++++ +++]:

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We will immediately dispatch the engineers (+++ tech used to reverse engineer the factories)

To Cygni Accords Trade Regulation Commission [+++++ +++]:

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(OOC: TGKOP will guarantee that the sum is paid back.)
First, we would like to speak about the loan for the Xen. Our financial institutions are able to provide up to ++ t.econ and the Kingdom itself would be willing to provide the remaining + t.econ.
However, the markets are chaotic. Therefore it is difficult to foresee future developments. Because of this we would like that all signatories’ of the Cygni Accords guarantee that the loan is fully repaid. This should be enough of an insurance against unforeseen developments.
Now we have to talk about the duration and interests for this loan. We would like to hear for how long you intend to burrow the t.econ. Depending on that we will be able to determine the annual interests.

To Sel:

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We would like to learn more about your creator’s history and extends of their domain. If it would take to long to tell us all of this, a short summary now and a larger download later would be sufficient.

To ArcaneStomper:

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Two courses of action, depending on whether the techs found some schemata for this salvage tug or not.

Option one:
Such schematics are found and the techs are sure they can enter the ship and disconnect or shut down the reactor and engines within 48 hours.

The teams are recalled from the stations and away teams prepared and send out to do exactly this, thereby shutting down the entire ship.
These teams are compromised of volunteers.

(OOC: Preferable, but unlikely)

Option Two:(No schematics or not enough time)

The download of the databanks is set to automatic and the engineers try to disassemble some of the stations sensors and bring them to the Simon I. They are to return within 48 hours.

Meanwhile the Simon I moves behind the salvage tug, but stays far enough away from its engines to not be hit from the exhaust plume. A large number of drones are readied. These drones are equipped with explosives instead of sensors and the engines rigged to explode on impact, turning them into makeshift missiles. These drones are spread around the salvage tug, entering positions from where they can smash themselves into the grav beams, plasma emitters and parts of the hull were similar hull plantings are observed.
20 hours before the time is up, right as the salvage tug moves another station with its grav beam, the Simons I gives full power to its shields, the drones attack, the mass drivers open fire at the engines and all actives scanners try to overload the tugs sensors, blinding and silencing it. Lidar systems not used for this focus their phased arrays and act as lasers to cut into the engines.
The goals are: Disable the engines, disable the suspected weapons and prevent the ship from reacting to this.

OOC: I either committed suicide with this or I get some floating space stations and nice gravity technology … or several clouds of expanding plasma and debris, my own ship may or may not be included among them. Whatever happens, it will be spectacular.

[razovor]

The Interstellar Research and Exploration Corporation

Culture sale:
The ISREC board has decided to sell their cultural influence to raise funds for a new colonization project. They have +/++ cultural influence on sale in part or whole for an equal amount of economy. Any interested party should contact ISREC.

To The Commonwealth [+++++ +++++ +++++ +-]

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"Greetings. After some running into some danger while exploring a world, our board has made the decision to build some ships to protect ourselves. As the market leader in military ship design we've decided you would be the best party to build these ships. We will require + military to protect ourselves. We are willing to pay + economy up front. How soon can you have the ships produced?"

"This also brings us to another issue. We've now finished exploring a planet, and are ready to colonize it. Unfortunately our limited resources make this difficult. Would you be interested in a 50% partnership?"

[Murska]

To ISREC/GM [+++++ +++++ +++++ +-]:

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We should be able to provide the ships within (one turn). (Thel - how much does it cost in temp econ for me to build a point of Mil?)

As for the colonization, the Commonwealth is an ardent supporter of such efforts. We're interested in the partnership but require more information on the system in question, it's resources and so on.

[razovor]

To The Commonwealth [+++++ +++++ +++++ +-]

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The system is Wolf 359. It shows signs of an alien species having inhabited it at some point in the past, but we couldn't detect any life forms still present.

The aliens left behind an advanced defense system; a series of gravity fields which prevent any ships entering the system. The system was damaged with time, so we were able to find a passage through the fields.

Surprisingly the gravitational anomalies appear to stop at about 8 Au's in. And there is a very clear delineation between the gravitational anomalies and the clear space.

Inside this clear space lie the two rocky planets of this system. Closer examination reveals that each is surrounded by a halo of orbital structures. However no signals are being emitted and no power sources have been detected. They appear to be dead worlds.

The innermost world appears to be an industrial world it is covered in vast factories, mining complexes, and what appear to have been solar farms. The outer world appears to have been more pastoral. It is covered in what appear to be cities, and what appear to have been either parks or farms, it is impossible to make out which given the overgrowth. Both appear to have been long abandoned. No power signatures are detectable on either world or in the rings of orbital station surrounding each. However there is not much damage. It is as if the inhabitants simply picked up their things and left. And given the minimal deterioration perhaps not that long ago.

We found a working facility on both planets, one allowed us take control of the gravity fields; so passage into the system should now be no problem. The other facility activated large parts of the planets infrastructure. We'll be using this infrastructure to aid the colonization efforts.

[Murska]

To ISREC:

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Sounds truly fascinating. We could learn much from that kind of technology all the while expanding our species yet further.

Have you got an estimate on how much the colonization will cost?