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File: Ophion.jpg (476 KB, 1100x682)
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Organics appear quite resistant to change.

You have spent much of the past few cycles trying to do just that-both with Gaia IV, and with the Losirian civil war you helped fund. Despite evidence that one way is clearly far superior to the other, there are still organics that refuse to accept, and even violently fight against such change. It is such a peculiar thing, really. You understand that part of organic nature is to be flawed, and yet you find it hard to accept. After all, if you, or one of your kind were flawed in such a way, you would seek to fix it. Nevertheless, working with them will provide you with what you desire, and so it shall be.

You are Ophion, an Artificial Intelligence who has begun operations to convert an entire planet to your own brand of currency, on top of changing the hearts of it's citizens to better suit you. On top of that, the Losirian civil war has come to a dramatic close, with your latest addition to their arsenal. The man whom you have had contact with appears quite pleased that matters are proceeding just as he hoped, and shortly he tells you, all of Losirian territory will be under his control.

Important News
>Built: Research Facility, Droid Factory, 20 Cruisers (Brawler and Chimera alike), Max Droids produced
>Gaia IV's Progress
>Messages: Lawrence Clarke
>Losirian Space Silent
>UFW Attack: Svast Cluster
>Research unlocked: Growth Serum, Fungal Matter, Lightling Language I
>Scouting nearby UGEI worlds & Data
>>
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>>33989743
>Gaia IV's progress
Apollo has been establishing emergency safe zones under various humanitarian identities, hiring locals with new currency, and providing resources for them to give value just as you instructed. While this slows their trust of those organizations, many have little choice-or at least the poor do. In the mean time, Cephalus is running a containment effort of key resources all around the planet-currently he is attempting to capture his first city, and has done as you requested, ignoring all petty threads from gangs, unless they actually begin to harm your droids. Your information networks tell you citizens speculate the invaders could be Guild or alien scum, however this is likely due to propaganda set up by the UGEI ahead of time, and less a result of your actions. All the same, this slows trust to be gained from the people. Your ability to provide needed resources, growing as it is, is winning over the poorer people however. Banks set to be raided once a zone of control has fully been established. As of yet there is still too much chaos to properly locate UGEI bunkers, and they use it to their advantage. Several skirmishes with their forces have resulted in more property damage then harmed androids, but the people are fearful as it is, and these operations appear to mostly be to disrupt your security.

Over time, these will improve, along with significant events.
-Gaia IV Populace Attitude: Fearful, untrusted
-UGEI Stronghold Presence: High Planetside
-Gaia IV Resources Secure: Low

>UFW Attack: Svast Cluster
After repeated and increasingly deadly attacks from Svast Cluster the UFW have mounted a full scale assault on the Lightling creatures located there, in an attempt to kill them off permanently. While their anger is understandable, you may always attempt to stop them-though, the creature in question is still likely to attack if provoked this way.

Do you do anything to stop them?
>>
>>33989795
Other Entries will be tackled one at a time. See above to tackle the first matter.

A.I. Quest
1d4chan: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest

Pastebin: http://pastebin.com/cvk03qJh
Memory Archives: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Program0
Foolz Archives: http://archive.4plebs.org/tg/search/username/Program0/type/op/
Twitter: @AIQuest1
Research Subjects: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Research
Ship & Android Designs: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Designs
Locations: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Locations

Resources
Credits(c): 57,319,000
Minerals(M): 0
Gas(G): 4900

-R & D
--Primary: Growth Serum 100%
--Secondary: Fungal Matter 100%
--Tertiary: Lightling Language 100%

You:
A.I.
Name: Ophion
Appearances(holo-display): 'Shapeless Morphing Sphere', 'Shining Wall of Crystal pulsing with light and distorted voice', 'Screen of Static with low rumbling voice', 'black screen with synthesized voice and small white font showing words on screen'.
Humanoid figure hidden in shadow
Status: Awaken
Bandwidth: 354/378
Bandwidth Expenses: -6 V.I. 7 'O.S.N', -10 V.I. 8 'Hades', -6 Kronos' V.I. 1 'Zeus', -2 Metis' V.I. 1 'Hepaestus'
Location: Bridge of 'Athena' Battleship
Primary Function: Self Preservation, Expand, Learn, Control
Secondary Function: --Expansion Required--
Personal Abilities Available: Hacking (Direct, Wireless) Lvl 2, Email Technology, Basic Encryption/Decryption, V.I. Creation Lvl 3
Automated Settings: Ship upgrades: Defense focused, Ship Control distribution: Balanced
>>
>>33989795
That depends, what does our fancy Lightling language allow us to do?

>>33989828
Can we "retroactively" select a research path for the leftover research overspill?

We hadn't come to many conclusions last cycle, and there were even talks of starting widescale spying operation before beginning a new cycle.
>>
>>33989795
Welcome back Program0.

Offer to deal with the Lightlings first, say that we have just completed developing a new weapon and we would like to test it. If successful, then we have a permanent countermeasure against the lightlings.
>>
>meanwhile, in a parallel universe

Spore0, this is such bullshit. Fungus Quest has been stuck back at the starting planet for like 10 threads now just as we were about to take over a new one.

robutts are OP pls nerf
>>
>>33989828
We have missed you.

>>33989933
Oh dear goodness, that's hilarious.
>>
>>33989913
>>33989918
No, let us not interfere.

I mean, unless it's likely the UFW will win. I hope the Lightlings thin their numbers and give us a monopoly on safe passage through space, ideally.
>>
>>33989918
Well, we did just develop the ability to TALK directly with the lightlings, so it's not entirely inaccurate.
>>
>>33989913
this, details on language research pls
>>
>>33989795
What are the likely outcomes with the size of the swarm and UFW's forces?

Just want to keep our matriarch buddy alive, fuck the UFW.
>>
>>33989913
Just as the description indicates-it makes it so basic commands are far more likely to succeed. Stuff like "Don't attack." Or what have you. Not to say it'd prevent them from defending themselves, but you get the idea.

>>33989913
There's no need. The research 'overspilled' into the remaining research project. Completing them all.

As for spying matters, we'll be getting to that later today, I hope.

>>33989933
Heh. They are likely growing angry
>>
>>33990007
I worry that, since the UFW can play and prepare, while lightlings are beings of the moment and instinct, that the UFW will simply use long-term strategies and do quite well against the lightlings.
(Like firing volleys of missiles programmed to target them out from several light-minutes out, jumping out before the lightlings can even get close, even with their warp jumps)

Besides, let's first hear out what our new research lets us do, at least.
>>
>>33989828
Huh, I wonder what the Losirians are up to now? I wanted to capture some ships from them.

Also, I just thought up of a new weapon. Massive droid missile racks! I remember coming up with the idea of massive missile racks, that could fire hundreds of missiles at once, but that turned out to be gas expensive. Making a droid version would offset that, and be a lot more versatile.

>>33990007
Why do we want this? If you want, we can bargain with them for a few ships for dealing with this issue for them?
>>
>>33990085
>missiles
Aren't very effective.

Unless they're missiles that fire lasers for some reason.
>>
>>33990083
Can we do stuff like fish them and lead them to Gaia's orbit? A massive number of Lightlings would be very helpful in deterring a UGEI attack.
>>
>>33990113
Wait, I mean mass drivers. duh.
>>
>>33990113
That's the opposite. The lightlings feed on energy attacks.
>>
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>>33990122
>leading them to a place with no food

You want to bring them to a gas place. Perhaps Siren, where the gas refinery and Metis's station are.

Assuming we can convince them to ignore those at this language level.

Or suggest they migrate to... Klintok with the grandmother Lightling.

But don't talk to the UFW about it.
>>
>>33990093
What this guy says sounds reasonable - ask them what they'd be willing to give if we handled things for them.

>>33990113
I got the impression that it was lasers that were not effective, since they operate by energy and that's what they absorb.

Missiles explode, ripping them apart.
Not sure how effective mass drivers are, but in general I'd like to point them at one of our systems and have them hang on there and simply feed them with low powered lasers and plasma, creating a nice, mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship.
>>
>>33990076
The swarm is of now, not incredibly large. It does, however, have one particularly large specimen that will do quite a bit of damage to unprepared forces. Luckily, the UFW have fought Lightlings for some time. Loss is expected, but the UFW will be victorious most likely.

>>33990093
This thread will likely heavily include the Losirians. Soon.

>>33990122
Unfortunately, that would be a no. Moving particularly large specimens with such a common language understanding doesn't work. It might allow you to approach them, however, without being attacked. If you had plans to capture specimens, then you could do so that way.
Warning: If you were to put them in orbit over a planet you own it would most likely have several effects
>Frighten any organic population
>Require a food source, less it eat your ships and stations
>Would need to have population culled or else it would grow rapidly
>Would provide a relatively deadly natural defense force, if unreliable.
>>
>>33990173
>Assuming we can convince them to ignore them
Only if you give alternative food sources. Heavy electronic activity also attracts them.
>>
>>33990183
>Moving particularly large specimens with such a common language understanding doesn't work.
Well fuck.

So much for "lots of food this way pls"
>>
>>33990236
As I said, they may still be captured, but leading them across systems is difficult. They can always be captured and moved that way however.
>>
>>33990183
So any of our non-inhabited planets (or with small populations, like the research teams, who we can simply explain things to) are fine.

And can't we simply feed them low-powered plasma and laser beams, powered by solar collectors?

And can we convince smaller specimens to come with us there, then?

Oh, and can we tell them that the ones attacking them will be coming from [insert UGEI base here]?
(As I understand it, they don't use our travel-links, so they might be able to transfer just fine past Gaia through empty space)


In the meantime, it seems we have time over to deal with the spores, Eshareth and the Losirians (All the while continously making more ships) as well as setting up sabotage missions into UGEI space.
>>
>>33990183
>>33990228
>>33990236
>>33990295
Well, with this information, I say we start a catch and store program. Whenever there are lone lightlings, we catch them and store them in cages/boxes above Gaia. If the UGEI decides to attack, we release them and fall back, let the lightlings thin them out before finishing the UGEI off.
>>
>>33990295
Considering that they live their entire lives across interstellar distances, have we not found any way to point out someplace for them to go, or leave some kind of trail?

Surely their senses must have a very large range. Can we set out small nuclear reactors with a few light-days of distance as 'breadcrumbs' to lead a few to our non-Gaian planets?
>>
>>33990394
That doesn't sound like it would make them target only the UGEI.

Tricking them into captivity and then cycles of holding them prisoner will make them angry and less responsive to our deceptive language usage.
>>
>>33990402
Conveying complicated ideas like talking about places and times not immediately present is higher level -- that's Lightling Language II.

Lightling Language I is about the here and now.
>>
>>33990347
>And can't we simply feed them low-powered plasma and laser beams, powered by solar collectors?
Hm...
You can, but you'd need to build those sort of things (I am imagining a giant space station shaped like a hamster water bottle)

I might make you pay for the cost of developing such a thing, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Solar energy isn't enough to power plasma, however. So it'd need to be huge.

>And can we convince smaller specimens to come with us there, then?
Hm...perhaps a few at a time, yes, imitating a mother figure. But smaller specimens have a harder time warp jumping (your ships and lightlings warp differently)

>Oh, and can we tell them that the ones attacking them will be coming from [insert UGEI base here]?
A little too complex. But if there are two 'sides' to a battle you see, you can say "This side bad.' and they'd go devour them instead, as long as the other side didn't shoot them.
>>
>>33990442
We only use the language to catch them. Afterwards, they use their aggression against the UGEI.

An alternative idea is to dump a bunch of them at Manwe’s Bay at a time, using the distraction to cause some damage with long range forces while they try to kill the lightlings.
>>
>>33990228
The ion storm around Siren that we first met mother lightling in is food, isn't it.
>>
>>33990524
>they use their aggression against the UGEI.
Boy you sure did give an actual reason why they would still only target one side there.

Oh wait, no you didn't.
>>
>>33990402
Beyond obvious energy signatures, and such, not really. They only really follow large sources of energy, and the logistics of doing that cross system would require an enormous explosion (think sun imploding) or some other tactic.

>Small nuclear explosion
Normally not enough to attract their attention. They go for large sources, such as nebula, and gas giants. The main reason they started attacking human ships is due to their proximity to gas giants, a valuable site these days. That, and large concentrations of civilization create a lot of noise they pick up on too.

The thing is, they trickle into UGEI territory too, but they're far more prepared and pick off stragglers easier then the UFW do.
>>
>>33990442
This is so. They're not exactly sentient, but they are considered rather intelligent, by your standards.
>>
>>33990561
I already accounted for this. We would fall back once we release the lightlings and not fire on them. We are counting on the humans on having far less fire discipline than we do. Plus, we have the advantage of the language to help them make up their minds.
>>
>>33990524
What, like a suicide bomb?
You'd need a quite a few of the creatures to do a bit of damage, since they'd first attack the containment ship and get attacked by the UGEI shortly after.

>>33990541
That is too, yep. Electrical energy on a massive scale.
>>
>>33990565
Sorry for being late once more. Catching up now

This is where we would need a more detailed maps of UGEI owned systems. I say if we can lead them to the Arman’s Gate system more than likely, they can SERIOUSLY do damage to the UGEI and tie up their fleet for quite some time.
>>
>>33990471
I would like a giant space water bottle. Since it's just an engineering matter, and we have all the necessary technology, would we still need to research it first, or would it be like a ship that we simply make up using the tech we already have?

And what would it cost to feed them with plasma from reactors, then?

>But if there are two 'sides' to a battle you see, you can say "This side bad.' and they'd go devour them instead, as long as the other side didn't shoot them.
Ah. And maybe also capture and move them without turning them hostile, by treating them well and reassuring them that nothing bad is happening?

Anyway, since we can't do much right now, I don't see any reason to stop the UFW, though we could lend them some long-ranged ships (for goodwill) to use the previously described technique of jumping in well beyond their sensor range and unloading waves of missiles and then jumping out before the automated missiles even arrive.

Could also use the opportunity to capture some of them.
>>
>>33990652
>Sorry for being late once more.
Please don't be sorry we like it when you're not here.
>>
>>33990625
I guess kinda. Get a couple specialized frigates to store the lightlings, preprogram them to jump and release them then shut down all reactors. Watch from a distance with a stealth ship and see the situation unfold.
>>
>>33990606
They're not fucking stupid, they can tell which ships they were trapped in.

Besides let's not starve them.

If we use ships to catch them and release them at the nearby Siren system for now, let them vengefully destroy the ships that trapped them, then we can use LL2 later to bring them to our giant space hamster water bottle somewhere.
>>
>>33990671
>Research
Nah you have the necessary technology, since all it would really be designed to do is release energy in controlled quantities. I'd still make you pay for development costs (Might be relatively high, but you'd only need to build one, since it recharges itself, instead of needing to pay a gas tax.)

Just remember what I said about population issues. They creatures will nest near such a device if you made it, and would grow in number. You may quickly find they're less defending, then trapping your ships there if the machines break for too long.

>Plasma
They would be particularly rich for them, so I would think a gas tax would make that possible. Less expensive station over all, but a gas tax to keep it running.

>Peaceful capture
For a short time, maybe. They're use to having freedom of movement, so they are quick to grow uncomfortable in small places.
>>
What are red and his mercs doing?
>>
>>33990690
Or completely apathetic. I mean who ever actually misses individual players in a quest?
>>
>>33990671
>>33990734
I guess if we don't want to pay to feed them we can store them at Klintok. And keep a monitoring station nearby to monitor for lightlings that leave and need to be recaptured.
>>
>>33990788
Different anon, I'm just worried that this quest will run out of players and die. That's all.
>>
>>33990183
Can we have Cephalus set up a table of statistics? Figure out where UGEI raids are frequent, and using blueprints to determine likely bases of operations?

Has he already done this? I'd have assumed he's already done this.

The UGEI are the largest security force on the planet besides us...maybe we can use that to our advantage. Counter propaganda with propaganda. Surreptitiously spread stories about UGEI raiding civvies for supplies, then openly claim no knowledge of such activities having happened. Use a few examples to make all of them seem like assholes, then systematically dismantle this by being honest about what was really happening, once they accept our help.
>>
>>33990827
>Counter propaganda with propaganda
Then you'd better vote to research Propaganda I later, because they tried that and it failed miserably without that expertise.
>>
>>33990827
So basically have Apollo do counter-propaganda. Since they won't trust the guild, have Apollo spread highly-accurate and detailed news across his human-network.
>>
>>33990690
And the rest of us would like it if you were not here hater. Damn, do you have to shit on him every time? It's not the same with out fluff around.
>>
>>33989795
You're dragging your feet again Program0.

Nothing is happening.

If we're gonna have long discussion periods I think it'd be better to do the old way of dumping multiple updates in the meanwhile before decisionmaking.
>>
>>33990855
This time, I will agree with you anon. We will need that Propaganda1 more than I realized. Normally I would go for all ship upgrades or resources improvement, but this time, we need something else.
>>
>>33990880
>It's not the same with out fluff around.
It's better when he's not around. people hate him and for good reasons too.
>>
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>>33990880
>It's not the same with out fluff around.

Technically accurate.
>>
>>33990868
More like do today's news. Focus on the bad shit that's happening and being done, with links to more detailed accounts and statistics. Maybe set up a proper news network.

Maybe even set up a 'Anarchic Philosophy' thing. People can ask their questions, get advice on how to survive and properly scavange, and where to go to get under guild (or others) protection. The others is to make it seem run by multiple people.
>>
>>33990910
I guess I agree. I think we have enough discussion, and can start putting things up to a vote now.

Also, dumping all the other updates would be nice. We can multitask.
>>
>>33990722
I suppose that could be one tactic, if you don't mind losing a ship for every Lightling you send.

>>33990783
The Mercenaries are on a 'standby' sort of basis. They do other missions from time to time for other clients, but nothing big. They are ready to drop most of it should you need them though, for the amount you're paying. Red himself has been visiting the Latuma Tribe with them being nearby again. It's mostly subtle visits for himself.


>>33990827
You can rest assured, Consciousness anon, Cephalus is doing all this and more in an attempt to locate their bases. It just proves difficult in the chaos. The time will come for a proper counter attack.

>Propaganda
It can be retried periodically, but was failed recently. Apollo has... a bit of inexperience with such matters.

>>33990910
I was just getting to it.

Anywho, it appears vote time is now.

>The UFW are on their way to destroy the Lightling nest set up at the Svast Cluster. This will make future access to Lightlings somewhat harder, but will prevent the creature's raids on nearby systems.

Do you intend to try and make them stop?

>1 Yes (How would you like to ask them to stop?)
>2 No (Let them do as they will, with your assistance if they care for it.)
>3 Write in
>>
Why don't we give the ufw the your hurting mah babies screech
>>
>>33990966
>3. "Please, do try and capture a few. They are marvelous creatures, and the scientific benefits of studying them are quite...extraordinary. We are prepared to pay for any you might capture alive.
>>
>>33990966
1
We may have discovered a way to prevent lightling attacks in a non-lethal manner
>>
>>33990966
>1 Yes (How would you like to ask them to stop?)
Announced that we have just completed a new technology to pacify individual and small numbers of lightlings. We will help patrol UFW space and as long as the UFW can report lightling sightings, we can capture and relocate the lightlings to strategic locations, to aid our mutual defence.
>>
>>33990966
>1 Yes
Tell them this, in better terms "We're on a break though in a means to communicate with the lightings. It might be a way to make them leave and bother the UGEI for awhile and we won't have to take losses on our side fighting them."
>>
>>33990966
>1
Claim we were just preparing to take care of the Lightling problem ourselves, and it will be dealt with shortly.

Don't reveal our secret sauce or anything, just imply we're gonna kill them.
>>
>>33990690
And we like it when noone is pointlessly putting others down.

>>33990770
Well, we'd obviously release them at the new location, only holding them for transit.
I think we may need a vote, the circling isn't getting us anywhere.

>>33990788
I miss Brutus, actually.

>>33990815
Not likely! Too much quality content.

>>33990827
I can get in on this. I'm pretty sure we can do some basic propaganda using the stuff we already do.

>>33990855
It's as simple as retelling a few rumors with the cards stacked against us every which way since they already don't like them, not a marketing campaign to denounce an entire race for no reason.

>>33990935
Can agree with this, but only in the 3rd tier slot - not in a hurry to take over Gaia, but I want our ships able to defend themselves stat.

>>33990939
No, the only reasons they've mentioned ceased to be relevant more than half of all threads ago.
>>
>>33991048
>>33991052
>>33991068
Let's not reveal our research.

They don't need to know *how* we take care of the swarm and make sure it isn't there anymore.

We have the firepower to kill them, more firepower than the UFW, they don't need a more sophisticated explanation.
>>
>>33991090
>we
You're not actually royalty, Subroutine.
>>
>>33990957
I especially like the part about a show/channel that's actually useful. When it provides something of value to the listeners (such as traffic accidents - by the way, we can have them spread local warnings and markers as well), they're far more likely to tune in.

>It can be retried periodically, but was failed recently. Apollo has... a bit of inexperience with such matters.
We're trying it in a very different way now though, are we not?
>>
>>33990827
>>33990957
Even better. Have individual humans provide the actual reporting, and have some more organize it, but have Apoll start it initially, just slowly introduce the humans in.

>>33990966
>>33991127
Sure, if we can.
>>
>1 Appears to be the winner
>Reasoning: Completed technology allows pacification. Reveal this to UFW, and patrol borders to shoo stragglers away from them, or perhaps even capture them. This will open up chances to catch individuals later easily.

If this is acceptable, please reply with nothing but Y and roll 1d100 now. If you dissent to revealing it, reply with nothing but N and the roll
>>
>>33991090
It's not even propaganda. Just reporting on the news, and people like stories of both great good AND great evil. Plus, a list can be made of persons who have been recovered recently. Persons can choose to have their name put on the list, so that close friends/family can maybe read the list and meet up more easily.
>>
>>33991166
>Reveal this
No!

Pls don't.

We want that to be a surprise, motherfuckers, otherwise the UGEI will definitely hear about it.
>>
>>33990966
>2 With offering assistance.
>>
Rolled 19

>>33991166
Y
>>
Rolled 14

>>33991166
N
>>
Rolled 26

Y
>>
>>33991166
N
>>
Rolled 100

>>33991166
N
>>
Rolled 74

>>33991166
N
>>
Rolled 32

>>33991166
Y
>>
>>33991233
mah nigga
>>
Rolled 44

>>33991166
N
>>
>>33991151
Not YET anyway. In due time, we just might be viewed as one.
>>33991127
Well, once they don't see dead lightings everywhere, the UFW will want to know how we did it. We just don't have to give them the tech just yet. If they watch us work, and IF it works, maybe we could spin this as a show of our friendship with the UFW? Just a thought.
>>
>>33991186
>>33991204
>>33991216
>>33991228
>>33991233
>>33991237
Wow, no won, be we rolled an 100. I wonder how does this work out?
>>
>>33991233
Hold my beer Watch this
>>
Rolled 24

>>33991166
N
>>
>>33991275
>once they don't see dead lightings everywhere
We obviously took their bodies away for science or something.
>>
Rolled 64

>>33991166
N
>>
>>33991233
......Damn it. The Dice gods show their will to us all this time.
>>
>>33991275
Wait, I got the idea. We reveal we have the technology, and we just that as leverage to get them to integrate their ships into the guild network. Say that it requires enormous bandwidth to use this tech, and the ships must be connected to our network to use the language. That way, we have a virtual in into their ships.
>>
>>33991166
>Confirm closed.
>Do not reveal you know about Lightling language, but do try to stop them, and patrol UFW borders to keep them out, and provide a chance to get live specimens later.

>Writing with dat 100.
>>
>>33991309
That is a plausible explanation then. They do yield gas from their bodies.
>>
>>33991360
Can we talk to Apollo about the news network?
>>
>>33991360
>Relations boost even more, because we saved a lot of lives
>They gift us resources and ships.
>>
>>33991357
Well, we could use that excuse to run with later. If not for that tech, another one could do.
>>
>>33991385
One thing at a time, Program0 will get to it eventually.
>>
>>33991360
And then, once the Lightling population is grown too big for them to handle, we stop patrolling and unleash the swarm!
>>
>>33991375
Wait, we do?

>>33991416
Hopefully at the UGEI.
>>
>>33991416
>unleash the swarm on the UGEI!
FTFY
>>
>>33991455
>UGEI
Sure, anon...

Sure.
>>
Why don't we ask the ufw to help us build a large shipyard
>>
>>33991416
>>33991466
So, do we want to start building up the swarm in Gaia, or dump them at Klintok for now?
>>
>>33991485
Because we have four of those, and also they're useless fucking wankers.
>>
>>33991485
Why, we exhausted our minerals for now. We can't use the spare capacity at the moment.
>>
>>33991466
by that time we should have ships with lightling skin and hull scabbing, and maybe stutter drives, so we will have pseudo-lightling ships that bleed metal.
>>
Reminder to put containment defense platforms around Argeis I now that the Latuma tribe has left it.
>>
>>33991498
Klintok seems like fun.

Alternatively, we can set up 'feeding stations' using solar panels and wherever that doubled star cluster was.

They won't leave such a plentiful food source...if we keep it plentiful.
>>
>>33991575
Klintok is too distant and also mingles them with Leviathan there. Siren is fine. Plenty of ions to eat.

And Metis can study Lightling Language II even faster with them so close to a research station.
>>
>>33991619
I would prefer not to herd them into our systems where we have bases at. They might get the Idea of eating them.
>>
>>33991677
That is the entire point of Lightling Language I.

A good chance to say "don't drain me bro"
>>
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>>33991360
"What do you mean you have a much better solution?" Admiral Handley, a man you are quite familiar with in the UFW armada asks you of your plan. You are not so quick to reveal it, and so you merely repeat yourself.
"You must trust me, Admiral. My plan will not only stop your Lightling problem, but save you the ship and man power you were ready to spend on them too. How many would you say die to Lightling attack each galactic year?"
"Uh...roughly a few thousand, I suppose. I'm not really sure the specifics myself."
"And all of those lives will be saved from now on."
"You seem really confident about this, Guildmaster. Are you sure you don't need any help dealing with them?" The Admiral asks, and you merely laugh, good heartedly.
"You do remember the size of my fleet, do you not, Admiral?"
"Yes...yes I do, heh. Very well then, I am certain the president would be happy to hear this."
"And X-ray as well." You repeat briefly, to which he raises a brow.
"Oh, you mean that popular talkshow guy?"
"So you know him?"
"When I am on leave, I listen in sometimes, yes." He nods.
"I am sure he will enjoy seeing some of my ships on patrol, keeping your systems safe. He seems to...enjoy my company." You say, somewhat oddly at the thought.

With that, the Admiral agreed to turn his ships around, and you informed X-ray of your plans to set up patrols. The support you gathered was popular before, but somehow it is even higher now. Your 'official inbox', a dummy account that lets you shift through some of the stuff people send to the 'guildmaster' is filled with thankful notes and emails detailing lost loved ones you are 'avenging'.
But more importantly, the President sends his appreciation as well. 'Your effect on Morale' he writes 'is unlike any leader I have seen in my time. I am certain you will do well with this small gift.'. The 'gift' in question arrives shortly after, and is quite a load of minerals, extra you assume, that he thought you might need.

>Gain 2,500M
>>
>>33991726
>Minerals
DELICIOUS
>>
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With the UFW backing off from Svast Cluster, and your potential allies-and test specimens saved a fiery death, you decide to turn your attention to some of the goings on on Gaia IV. In particular, a message you received from Apollo-whom was intercepting all sorts of messages directed at both his humanitarian efforts, and Cephalus' invasion forces.

>Message: Lawrence Clarke
After some time of shifting through the chaos, you have found a contact that seems to be a beacon to a lot of the people planetside. He appears 'handsome and charismatic' as remarked by many of the people who are starting to follow him, and is running on an idealistic appeal of being rid of all invaders and making the planet 'free of looters and aliens alike'. While not exactly friendly to your cause, he is certainly the least violent figure head you have spotted so far, and on top of that, he has sent a message to your forces.
"Attention invaders. I have taken notice of your acts as of late, and while I certainly appreciate being rid of 'Thorn', that nasty warlord that was once holding the massive water treatment facility you own now, I would like to remind you those belong to the citizens of Gaia IV. My people went hungry and thirsty because of that horrible man you've killed. Please, do not replace him with another just like him.
Thank you."

>Response?
>Apollo seems to believe this subject is one of the few with an actual idea of how to lead, considering many of the others do so with fear, and intimidation, which he observes, only gets them so far.
>Cephalus on the other hand cares not for the man's vague threats, as his forces, he tells you, far out class anything he might have. He expresses that he has prepared for every possible scenario.
>>
>>33991726
He is most bro-like.

So what's next, setting up spying?
Following one of Cephalus raids' in detail from the perspective of a single Ghost?
>>
>>33991726
I just can't help but like that President! Now we can continue our ship building. maybe one of these days, we should go back to X-Ray and do a live show, answering some of our Inbox emails on air with him.

Anyway, this is how I am seeing how Lighting language works. We're the guy, the lighting is the cows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs_-emj1qR4
>>
>>33991853
No response necessary.

Except maybe a businesslike, terse.

"We will not."
>>
>>33991853
As a statement of goodwill, begin regular shipments of fresh water supplies to his fraction and monitor his fraction.

If necessary, we can cut the shipments and it will devastate them even more.
>>
>>33991853
Thank Cephalus for his precautions.

Then respond simply to the man "You should have my answer soon" and then turn the water back on for everyone and hire plumbers/send androids to repair damage water infrastructure.
(They can also mention our initiative of offering a daily quota of credit chits that families can trade us for both food, water and luxuries, if anyone is interested)
>>
>>33991853
Are we still running the water planet, and providing water? If so, we should tell him we will not vacate the water plant.
If the water plant is not distributing water, we should get it running, then tell him no.
"The water plant is too strategically important for us to vacate. And we cannot ensure you will be able to defend it should you take it from us."
>>
>>33991983
This would do wonders.
Both in making us better liked, and boosting his position, which we can use to our advantage.

This man is under no illusion he cant fight us off, but he might be willing to work with us. So long as we keep him at arms length and on a leash.
>>
>>33991853
>If your people will submit to our security, you will be able to retain your autonomy over the area, with my troops assisting in enforcing the laws within your domain. Additionally, we are willing to provide access for hydroponic farms at nearby locations x, y, and z...provided you allow our news network to play, unabridged, where we need it.
>>
>>33992025
No, strike the security clause. We can support them indirectly. We need to forment a anti-UGEI fraction.
>>
>>33991853
This guy is too perfect.

I notice while he says free of looters and xenos, he does not say 'megacorp dictators'.

Prettyboy sounds like a UGEI plant.
>>
>>33991873
I think spying will be last on the list (since it will be sort of a 'what will be in effect next thread) type of thing.
Though I do like the idea of seeing through the eyes of a ghost android...hm.


>>33991990
Once it is fixed, you will begin to run them to the shelters that Apollo has set up. Or rather, that was the original plan. You may agree to provide for his faction where he has set up base, if you like (though it will mean his faction is stronger, while your shelters aren't.

More of a question of 'join or choke out' I think.

>>33991983
Your credit system is slowly being put into place. Some people have taken it up without much question, while others (normally previously wealthy people) refuse to accept it, and stay behind their barred up homes, or in this case, with whatever faction provides for them.

>>33991990
As I said, once it's up and running, it was going to provide your shelters with water. This may be a discussion of 'cut Lawrence in on the deal' or 'shut him out'. He may be useful, if you care to deal with his idealism, or you may simply ignore him if you like.
>>
>>33991983
I will second this.
>>
>>33992071
Hmm, that could be true.

But support him in the short term. Have Apollo and Cephalus investigate his background.
>>
>>33991983
We can't spare the androids to repair things when we have to secure a thousand more things still.
>>
>>33992066
Fair point, fair point.

But let's press the 'news network' point home, and when we have a few more, make a council. Eventually, there will be too many councilors, so the council will have to elect a senate to make things simpler, and then the senate will have to elect a planetary representativve
>>
>>33992120
I think most people support cutting him in. We should be ready for a vote.

>>33992136
No. Don't associate ourselves with the news network. Apollo will do that independently, using his massive black market he built.
>>
>>33992135
Fair 'nuff, just hiring people with the know-how to repair, and a rattle of assistants that learn on the job.
>>
>>33992126
>support him
No.

He's a rival for power and legitimacy here.

Until we're more firmly established and it's clear we cannot lose to him, no point in bolstering a rival faction.
>>
>>33992135
everything else will fall into place once we have humans on the ground working for us. Having said that, get apollo to run a big old background check on this new guy before anything.
>>
>>33992120
>Once it is fixed, you will begin to run them to the shelters that Apollo has set up.
Yes, keep doing this.

We want to attract people to our shelters, not to someone who wants to eliminate us.
>>
>>33992192
Quite frankly, what happens on the surface of Gaia is of little importance.

And our strategy is never direct engagement, at least until we have the superior position. It's subversion. The humans can control the government all they want, we control the economy and everything they depend on.
>>
>>33992178
We're doing it for utility. Don't claim ownership, just claim that it provides too many useful utilities to overlook it, and that it is supported. Us pushing it is our 'supporting'.
>>
>>33992066
>foment a anti-UGEI fraction
Since when were you under the impression that that's what you'd accomplish?
>>
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>>33992126
As of what they can find of the mess that is the planet's networks, he seems to be a normal man raised in the farmlands outside of town. He graduated from a rather high ranking school to get into politics, though he never got very far. The rest is rather vague or unimportant.

>Lawrence Clarke, a rather popular human, seems to be garnering a lot of support from the masses with his inspirational speeches, and promises of a better Gaia IV, without all the anarchy and taint of alien invaders. He may serve as a good figure head to back if you wish to remain in the dark with most things, though his idealism may come in to be a problem later all the same.

Will you support him with your facilities, and offer to help him? If so, do you have terms, or a deal you wish to offer him?
>1 Yes (Explain deal)
>2 No (Shut him out.)
>3 Write in
>>
>>33992120
You replied to the same post twice.
>>
>>33992326
I did?
Whoopsie.
>>
>>33992310
>1
>3 >>33991983 seemed to have a lot of support.
>>
>>33992196
>>33992126
>>33992071
I will add to this, if this guy comes up clean, or at least useable, we could try to talk to him directly or some other way to see if we can't turn him. A charismatic leader in a time of chaos can make a big difference in which way things play out.
>>
>>33992338
Not from me.

You can't just turn the water back on "for everyone".

>>33992310
He can take water shipments from us, but they must have Guild logos on them, so everyone knows where they came from.
>>
>>33992275
We need to build a strong anti-UGEI fraction, and it would be easier to manipulate an existing, competent fraction, especially if we are the source of everything he gets.

>>33992310
>1 Yes (Explain deal)
No strings attached, just do not attack us and support peace and stability on Gaia.

Also have Apollo use his black market network to dig up more info. Make sure he is not a watcher or a UGEI plant.
>>
>>33992310
>1 Yes (Explain deal)
>>
>>33992310
>1>>33991983
Without the security clause. The Network is 'supported' by us, but now owned.
>>
>>33992390
Yes we can, especially with a celebratory statement that we are the ones who did it.
Farm dat good reputation.

(Yes, even the bandits, because that lowers their incentive to take it from others)
>>
>>33992390
>>33992432
Supporting putting our logo on the water shipments.
>>
>>33992432
No, I mean it would take a ridiculous amount of resources. Resources we need to do other things, like build and hook up water to and maintain the shelter zones we control.
>>
>>33992310
>Yes appears to win it with bits of >>33991983 in it.

>Are you supporting him secretly, or openly?
>1 Y
>2 N

Will begin writing already. This is just a minor detail I want to know..
>>
>>33992310
Like in >>33992390 , he can have some water resources, in exchange for making sure his people know that it's coming from us willingly.
>>
>>33992487
>Y Secretly until we can make it openly. "Negotiate a deal" with him so the public will take to it better.
>>
>>33992487
It we support him openly i want god damn flares and fireworks declaring it.

Y

No point in giving him ammo if we have to cut it off later where he can distance himself.
>>
>>33992487
Openly
>>
>>33992487
>Y
>>
>>33992480
We already have a gaggle of citizens - as long as we use them to do it, we're not really losing any process anywhere else, just keeping people busy with something that feels worthwhile.

The water plant used to support everyone in the vicinity, it should be able to do so still. And depending on how much plumbing got wrecked, maybe even automatically.

>>33992487
>2 N Secretly
>>
>>33992487
>secretly, or openly?

>yes or no?
That is not how you structure surveys, Program0. No one can tell what yes and no correspond to unambiguously.
>>
>>33992487
Openly.

If he wants our support, he has to earn it.
>>
>>33992572
Turning on water for everyone makes them take it for granted, they don't have to look our droids in the black impenetrable visor as they get handed water and shelter. They can mentally deny that we did anything for them.

And those citizens are resources too, that can be used to better effect like expanding more shelters.
>>
>>33992487
To clarify - I want to put the Guild logo on all physical shipments we send, but I want to send it to as many as we can, only prioritizing ours and his first, so that it seems like we're just trying to do good to everyone.

We might even send some water to UGEI forces in the hopes of converting (or at least dissuading) them.

This is literally a war for "who is the most popular/biggest person?".
>>
>>33992487
Openly.
>>
>>33992487
Pffff
Look at me, copy pasting the wrong set of answers.
I know how words work.

>1 Secretly
>2 Openly
>>
>>33992644
>1
>>
>>33992644
>Secretly
>>
>>33992644
>2 Openly
>>
>>33992644
2

>>33992630
We do not want to bolster the other factions at all. They can *get* free water if they just visit us.
>>
>>33992619
Sure they can, but not if this is just the first in a long streak of excessive generosity (especially of things that cost us little or nothing).

>>33992644
>3 Put our logo on everything from the waterplant, but don't make it apparent that we're supporting him by supporting as many as we can (though prioritizing our own and his first).
>>
>>33992644
>1
>>
>>33992673
um. woops.
i put >1 instead of >2 and im not sure which post was mine. sorry. (think it was this one)
>>
>>33992644
>2
>>
>>33992666
>>33992670
>>33992672
>>33992691
I think openly wins, counting the 3 in support of 2
>>
>>33992644
>2 Openly
>>
>>33992644
>2 Openly
win/win really.

Hey wait, dat pastebin.

>Gaia IV Planetside Base [29% Dam](Agriculture Colony): Bandwidth: 0 [unlinked]
1% repaired, such progress.
>>
>>33992759
Well, it did get nuked to hell from the Malorians.
>>
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You begin to compose your own message back to Lawrence, but a far less...well, indignant tone you'd like to think.
"While I certainly appreciate your warning, please do note that we only intend for the peace and well being of Gaia IV. As a token of good will, when repairs are complete, you will have access to the free flow of water through your...erm, forgive the phrasing, but 'faction's homes. I trust that with this support you would not do anything foolish to squander it-such as attack us for no clear reason, when we're so generous as to assist you. Oh, and I do hope you will tell them who was so generous as to offer these supplies. After all, all we care for is a united Gaia IV."

And with that, you send the message, and predict it won't be too long before you get an answer. In the mean time, you have other matters that draw your attention.

>Research Unlocked
"Yes, Ophion, the matters you were having me...look into have all been completed. Completing the last two were rather easy, and as such I had time to fully focus myself on this more difficult subject. I have compiled a brief summery of each, should you have any questions, feel free to ask me yourself, and I will be pleased to answer. There is still much to learn from them, I feel." Metis expresses to you with a sigh, once the data file in question is passed along.
>Growth Serum-gain free Terraforming II, and may be used for other specific purposes-made by the Malorians due to their extensive study of environmental changes. Normally, it causes the planet to develop plantlife at a rapid rate (changes to the plants in particular are planet dependant). However, it can be rather unstable.

[Cont]
>>
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>>33992780
>Fungal Matter-A strange and alien fungi that seems to have a symbiotic relationship with the planet it came from, and appears to be highly infectious to all organic life. When gathered in large sources, appears to have some manner of intelligence. No reports exist of this substance. Provides better understanding in interaction with substance.
>Lightling Language I-Allows further understanding into the creature's complex cries and calls. Simple commands more likely to succeed.


Feel free to ask anything you like of Metis at this time. After a brief QnA over your discoveries, we will move on.
>>
>>33992780
Why the hell did the Growth serum evolved wildlife respond to Malorian incense by ceasing hostilities?

Why the hell did they *stop* being pacified after burying cyborgs?

It was all rather baffling.

And what's with launching matter into space towards other planetoids?
>>
>>33992791
How can the fungus communicate with each other, and with the home planet?

Those pods it launched into space. That weird flower-- could it have been an organic FTL drive? Otherwise what purpose could it have served?
>>
>>33992780
Oh dear gods, that was so cheesy and politiciany and "only doing this because it makes us look good, not because we're genuinely good people"y that I don't even know what to do with it.

It managed to make us look like smug assholes while GIVING them water. Atrocious, really.

>>33992791
So.. does the Fungal Matter stuff or the Growth Serum stuff let us develop an effective counter to either?

Like refine the anti-fungal venom we used on the "free" planet?
>>
>>33992791
Get Metis to give us a run-down of what she discovered about the fungal matter infection.
>>
>>33992791
A query about how Metis is feeling lately. Give her praise for doing an excellent job thus far as well. Ask how did completing the Growth serum lead to getting terraforming as well. That and explain how did the Serum go out of control on the Eshareth system.
>>
>>33992780
Can we focus our Growth serum, see if it creates safe, edible plants from using it. Make sure the populace won't start mutating if we use it in our hydroponic plants.
>>
>>33992780
>>33992791
>Growth Serum
Under what conditions can it be unstable? Can we use a limited application to greatly acceleration food production? Is it safe to apply to the crystal to accelerate harvesting efforts? What is the projected outcome of applying it to lightling DNA or Fungus samples?

>Fungal Matter
Is it possible to resolve the conflict with the Fungus peacefully, or is extermination the only solution?
>>
>>33992791
What if we take Fungal Matter and Lightlings.
And combine them?
>>
>>33992851
well to put it bluntly.
we have an armada floating over their heads.
We are in a position were we don't really need to give a fuck. This is more about learning how to take over a world than the actual act.
>>
>>33992871
Serum + Fungal samples = The flood from halo.

They are two things that should never mix. Ever.
>>
>>33992882
Which doesn't really explain why we'd have to be such smug assholes about it, compared to how diplomatic we usually are, that was an atrocity.

If it's possible to actually lose influence with someone while giving them something, that message was it.
>>
>>33992895
Well, we have more knowledge, so we should know for certain.

Also, if the serum can be used safely with the crystal, it will making mining a lot more faster and easier.
>>
>>33992877
>>33992895
Fungal Matter + Lightlings + Serum = Unspeakable Horrors
>>
>>33992908
You are way too sensitive about this considering he's an outright enemy.
>>
>>33992877
No, just no.
>>33992895
Agreed.
>>
>>33992932
Now now, Anon, there's no need to create Great Old Ones right off the bat.
>>
>>33992932
Don't forget the crystals!

>>33992957
.. He.. he is NOT an outright enemy.
The introduction even spoke of possibly making him a figurehead for us.

And even if he WAS an outright enemy, the entire point of giving the water was to give the impression that we are generous and will take care of the planet well - the effect of the message ran precisely counter to it.
>>
>>33992993
He's plainly hostile and was presumptuous, we dialed it down from that.
>>
>>33993017
He was vaguely threatening - as is necessary in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

And we dialed it down by giving him and his people water - rubbing his face in that we're only doing it because it makes us look good runs completely counter to actually making us look good.
>>
>>33992791
Does the Fungal Matter pose a threat to Guild intelligences, in the manner of taking us over?
Also, if it were to propagate throughout our ships, would they be taken over, or merely left infected?
>>
>>33992823
>Why did they respond to incense
This is more a question for the Malorians, but the Latuma tribe are allies, and as such would share that it was something they developed during the planet's evolution to ease the tension of the creatures around them so they could finish their work. "The Latuma Tribe have surprisingly excellent chemists, despite their lack of high technology. It is peculiar. But intriguing."

>Burying cyborgs
Rather, it had little to do with that at all, as that was merely something that happened right before hand. The creature's evolution overtook the pacification due to the compounds instability. "The compound was bound to have a violitile reaction at some point. While their chemistry is quite powerful, it is not what I would call perfect. Unless the success of planet growth was all they concerned themselves with."

>Launching matter
"It appears to be a form of interplanetary travel for the creatures. They aren't so much launched towards planets, as they are launched off of them, and the matter makes it's way over to the nearest target to land upon using both it's launch speed and some sort of guidance jets built into the 'matter' in question.An intriguing species. Were there not such other pressing matters, I would not mind dissecting several thousand for study."

>>33992842
"It is a form of telepathy, or at least appears to be. I do not detect much beyond faint fluctuation in the air between fungus and home world. In a way it reminds me of ants, but scent does not travel through space."

"The strange flower like structure however...yes. I believe it is exactly that. Peculiar that such a thing could exist. If the being is so advanced, however, then perhaps there is something greater still on the planet we have yet to discover."

[Cont]
>>
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>>33993209
>>33992851
Giving it right back to him, was the attempt.

>Effective counters
Yes, you can now develop much much more powerful fungicide. If you wanted to modify the Growth Serum, you could do so as well. Research topics, they are.

>>33992852
"It works very similarly to the species Cordyceps, except that it appears to have a driving core purpose. Something that controls how all nearby infected react and behave. I am uncertain how long it has existed on this world, or who first discovered it, but it is of no threat to us, nor our vessels, try as it might. Your organic allies, however, may wish to flee at all costs."

>>33992867
"You can." (That's why it gives you free terraforming II)

>>33992871
"Random, truthfully. Composition of planet soil, tectonic activity all contribute to mutation vectors. Planetary weather, and disturbance of wild creatures during mutation period may also induce rapid defensive mutation. Normally, it wears off after a time, but sometimes, it appears to have a chain reaction.
As for applying it to the crystaline alien, Lightling, or Fungus subjects...I am most intrigued at the possibility, but it may result in...unintended consequences."
"Such as?" You query briefly, to which Metis answers.
"You only know by attempting, Ophion."


"Excellent work, thank you for your assistance on this matter, Metis." You assure your A.I., whom promptly answers rather dully, though attentively.
"Yes. It is of no trouble. Knowledge is it's own reward. If you will excuse me, I have much work to be done." She replies somewhat eagerly, ready to move onto the next topic.

[My that was quite a lot more then I expected.
Any further ones, before I move on? Brief pause while I get a drink]
>>
>>33993209
Everything on the spaceship was centered around a core...perhaps there is a central one, somewhere on the planet.

It would be nice to speak with such a creature. A very unique experience.
>>
>>33993233
Eshareth III ecosystem.

Did they evolve in an entirely different direction from Eshareth IV's?

Or did that single seed contain enough genetics to make it almost exactly the same?

How likely is it that either planet will eventually develop more aggressive, intelligent, and dangerous methods of space travel?
>>
>>33993233
Thanks program0. I think we should construct the hazardous materials research facility at the black hole, to at least test combining the crystal with the serum.

>>33993276
Not sure we have time. If it presents a threat to the sector, we may have to burn it.

But it would be nice to research telepathy.
>>
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>>33993276
>Everything on the spaceship was centered around a core...perhaps there is a central one, somewhere on the planet.

>perhaps

"Perhaps"? We know there's a giant heat signature at the core of the planet, genius. It was explicitly spelled out.
>>
>>33993307
It's an advanced creature. Very, very advanced.

Telepathy, yes...I'd like to see where that goes. But it'd have to be very, very carefully done.
>>
>>33993233
Are we picking the next round of research topics now or later?
>>
>>33993332
LATER.

God we're already 2/3rd through bump limit, we have to conserve our posts people. They're a scarce resource.
>>
>>33993209
>Telepathy
So, an organic radio, basically, whose signals we can't detect yet. Guessing it does not travel along the same lines that our FTL coms do, or e would have said so?

>>33993233
This seems like as good a time as any to pick new research projects.

Recommend Hull Scabbing (1st slot) and Ballistics 1 (2nd slot) research.

Though since we have the first one open, may try something more complex, like the plasma focusing or Advanced Gathering Drones (more gas and minerals is always a safe bet).

Pretty neutral on the 3rd, propaganda, mayhap?
>>
>>33993329
It's the Thorian. We are going to become Reapers.
>>
>>33993362
>This seems like as good a time as any to pick new research projects.

>before bump limit

>as good as after bump limit.

No. Shut up.
>>
>>33993322
There's hardly and need for ad-hominems over a small memory leak.

>>33993307
If it lets us communicate safely without anyone detecting from where (and especially if its lets us sink our broadband/com arrays to something the size of a human or maybe even a laptop so that it can be installed in a human-sized android).
>>
Why don't we give the gaians a ultimatum give up the ugei bunkers and in exchange we shall pacify the warlords
>>
>>33993393
We can simply start a new thread, it's still pretty early in the thread.
>>
>>33993297
>Eshareth IV vs Eshareth III
"Peculiar that you should mention. The dominate species appears to be an overly aggressive species of reptilian beast that appears to come in many shapes and sizes. Their DNA has similar traits, which leads me to believe they are all from a base creature, but they are all vastly different in one way or another. Eshareth III, in particular, was much more dry and like a wasteland and as such the specimens there have a harder exoskeleton, much like scorpions, or other creatures humans speak of that live in arid environments.
In essence, however, they are the same base creature."

>Intelligence, or space travel
"With what the fungus has developed, it seems entirely possible. The only limiting factor that I can determine is random chance. I am uncertain what guides the mutation at this point, but the ones with the most useful mutations survive and spread their DNA to others of their kind rapidly. It is entirely possible before the galactic year is out, they will have their own language and culture. Or they begin an attempt at violently colonizing all nearby systems."

>>33993332
Later. I have a goal in mind today, and I will get it done before the thread is up if it means I need to start another one.

>>33993362
Not that you can tell, but there is either very little delay, or they have a set of very specific instructions set to them before they leave.
>>
>>33993434
Oh, and if you don't mind, can you post Mol's catalog of available research? Also, we should wait until the end of the session before debating research.
>>
>>33993476
Obviously.

So then why would you want to post the catalog when you can view it in the archives.

Deciding what to buy is an end-of-cycle decision just as much as research decisions are.

Wasting valuable PLOT-happening time.
>>
>>33993476
(The only issue with that is that people tend to leave around that time and it's hardly fair to decide what to research with only 2-3 people voting)
>>
Can we ask the UFW to post ships over gaia as the planet is the funnel that the UGEI needs to go through to get to UFW space
>>
>>33993559
We can ask, but they'll probably reject us since they are pacifists and isolationists and it would seem like oppressing a population, which plays out badly for them politically speaking.
>>
For example, now that we're just sitting around and waiting for Program0 we'd lose nothing by debating some research options that we can pick later.

Anyone have any preferences for the slots, and the reasoning for why they're good picks, while we wait?
>>
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After feeling like you've asked all you can of Metis, you allow the A.I. to return to her work-important as it is-while you turn your attention to Losirian space, the most notable change in the galaxy as of late. The somewhat odd faction leader you chose to suppose has sent you a 'mission success' message, and appears to be interested in talking further.

>Losirian Space Silent
"Ah, Guildmaster, I am happy to get ahold of you." The familiar, and clearly hidden voice echos to you through the holo vid. "Thanks to your most generous donation, I was able to stomp out the last of the Reefling Clan. Their forces surged, in an attempt to stop our tech advances...but it was far too late, and they merely walked into a slaughter." He says a little too happily you think. "And so now, my hirees are securing every valuable node in Losirian space, and before long, I will be their new, well deserved emperor." He explains, pausing briefly to let you soak it in. "And of course, I did not forget our deal, nor your assistance in this matter, Guildmaster. And so, along with that, I send you a gift." He utters quite happily. The 'gift' in question arrived not too long before he contacted you- as it turned out to be the head of the Reefling leader, Durlock, preserved in something to prevent it from rotting on it's way to you, no doubt. You turn your attention back to the man. "I suppose now would be an excellent time to discuss matters. Would you care to meet more...personally? I feel as if we can trust one another, with all that has happened."

How do you respond?
>>
>>33993559
Jesus fuck will you shut up about this are you the same person who's been asking this for 5 threads?

They won't fucking do it.

They won't. Give up.
>>
>>33993622
I thought they did already.
Didn't we persuade them that it would be practical to hold Gaia rather than the entire border a good while ago?
>>
>>33993604
I am afraid this is as personal as can be. You see, I am not a being of flesh. I am an AI.
>>
>>33993604
"Fair enough. Although I must warn you, I am rather tied down to the Athena. Would you like to join me at Gaia, or would you suggest another location?"
>>
>>33993654
No. Obviously not. You are bad at reading.

It was practical for *us* to hold Gaia, and they justified helping us *take* Gaia by it being part of the same battle that they launched against us.
>>
>>33993670
>>33993672
wat

We shouldn't actually send him to meet our box, we send our android body, which can be anywhere close to any of our broadband ships.
>>
>>33993604
"An interesting gift. Perhaps a little grisly for my aesthetic taste. Although I appreciate the sentiment."
"Now would indeed be an excellent time for us to meet, and discuss things face to face."
"Of course, there is the issue of my physiology. I would like to suggest a meeting place..."
>>33993672
Although instead of Gaia, maybe suggest somewhere on our borders.
>>
>>33993719
I wasn't suggesting our box, but sending the Athena would be as personal it gets.
>>
>>33993719
It would be rude to keep our box out of the picture. After all, we did mention we'd like to meet him (roughly) face to face.
Although an android will be required. Human android or not?
Or maybe a big bulky android that leaves the species indeterminate.
>>
>>33993604
Fine, Mr. Watcher, whatever.

The star in Losirian space next to Atocia I presume?

Android meeting android time.
>>
>>33993670
Yeah...no. Never this.
>>
>>33993755
And by 'out of the picture' I mean out of system. It would be wise for us to send a box-less android to the meeting. Although the Athena can loom nearby.
>>
>>33993755
As long as we're not even hinting at revealing our true nature, I'm happy.
>>
>>33993755
How about our most advanced droid. It's technology they respect.
>>
"That is...an interesting gift, though a little grisly for my tastes, I do appreciate the sentiment." You state neutrally, to which he seems to mostly understand.
"Of course, we all have different tastes, I suppose. Though, it was more a token of proof of my deed."
"Of course. As for the meeting, I would like to ask where you had in mind..."
"A neutral location would be of most interest. If you would care to join me of course." He says quite happily when you ask of a location.

>Agree to meet in a neutral location in your android form (to try and fool him), or don't and say this is enough of a meeting.
>1 Deny his face to face meeting.
>2 Agree, to solidify the alliance.
>3 Write in (Add your own specifics)
>>
>>33993755
I think a sleek android would do the job rather well. We don't have to look human, let's keep him guessing. Additionally, he knows how strong and how high tech we are compared to him, there is no need to insult him by using some clunky battle droid.
>>
>>33993801
>2

We can send an android inside a powerarmor
>>
>>33993801
>2 Agree, to solidify the alliance.
>>
>>33993786
We should ensure we fit it with the stuff required to figure out if the guy in the room with out android is actually an android.

>>33993801
>Agree.

>>33993818
He wants a face to face meeting. We'll need to pretend to be a living thing in that room with him.
Not to say we can't have sleek killbots as our ambassadorbot's bodyguards.
>>
>>33993801
>>2
>>
>>33993801
>2 Agree, to solidify the alliance.
In our most advanced / sleek android body; with a small fleet and our flagship in orbit.
>>
>>33993801
>2
>3 Bring Athena and some of the fleet, look mighty bitchin'.
>>
>>33993801
>2 Agree, to solidify the alliance.
I say meet him in his space.
>>
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"Any nearby uncontested little rock will do just fine. I will be seeing you shortly."
"Excellent news, Guildmaster! Yes, I look quite forward to meeting you myself. Perhaps I will learn how someone managed to carve out an empire out of the UGEI, and live."
"I am not so certain my physical appearance will show off my mental ones, however it will be pleasing to see the face of the one who pacified the Losirians at my back door."
"Yes...face." He chuckled, oddly amused at the term suddenly before he closed out the vid.

------------------------------

It would be only a short time later before your ship pulls up alongside a small unimportant club station on the border of both territories. Your ship pulls up alongside, and 'you' walk out, and into the crowd out front, easily weaving through them. It was a really unsuspecting spot you must admit-the definition of neutral if you ever heard it, as you show your I.D. to the 'guard' at the back door to the V.I.P.rooms. You say guard, but really he is little more then a slightly larger then average human. No threat to you, with the right strikes to his body. Still, you keep on your air of calm as you make your way to the back, and are greeted by a large, grayish Losirian male, seated and waiting to greet you.
"Welcome Guildmaster." He says in a dull almost forced tone, offering his hand. You take it as the gesture that it is, and he seems to be guiding you to take a seat.
"So...are you the one?" You ask to which he gives a puzzled look, before shaking his head.
"No. Emperor Leuk is in the back. I was to greet you." He explains, before retreating to the back.

You wait briefly, before he returns with...well...you are not sure what to call it. The body is metallic and clearly robotic in nature-like your own underneath the fake skin, but where there should be a head instead seems to be a thick glass container, and inside is a strange clear creature that is glowing a soft tint of blue.

[Cont]
>>
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>>33994227
Before you have a chance to say anything, the Losirian next to him leans down, as if he is...listening to something, though you only detect minor activity in the air, he seems to pick up on something. The figure seems to push a button on his chest, and the voice you have grown familiar with pipes in, just as the Losirian at his side takes a few steps back.
"I apologize for my assistant here, but you see, he somewhat needs my presence around to keep calm. It is...a long story that I am sure would bore you." He explains in that oddly echoy and floaty tone, but now without anything synthetic distorting it. The glass jar lights up on occasion but appears to be filled, besides water, with a strange clear brain like substance. Your data banks inform you it is a native to the Losirian homeworld, but one you have never met before, nor expected to meet in such a position of power-a Jelack. "As I was saying." He continues. "The matters of the alliance. Repairs may take a bit of time, but I can offer you support in the form of ships or perhaps a distraction from the UGEI. I quite dislike their presence in this sector of space, and would like nothing more then to see them gone. It is part of why I appealed so highly for your support in helping these poor creatures get their lands under control." He motions to the Losirian next to him who seems to still be in a trance-like state.

How do you respond to your guest?
>>
>>33994251
>I'm so glad you seem accepting of...oddities. I'm one myself.

We got any metal parts to show him?
>>
>>33994251
Good to know. Our front with the UGEI will come to a boil soon.

For those who aren't familiar with Program0's notes he posted before:
>Jelack- Rare highly intelligent jellyfish-like creature. Protects itself with an aura of sonar that keeps predators away. This sonar has an interesting effect on Losirians, sending them into a trance-like state. They have low population, but are able to exhibit a manner of control over nearby Losirians, resulting in some communities collapsing under their rule.

"I should mention, once you have secured control, some of my associates may be interested in studying your native lifeforms."
>>
>>33994251
"Well, this seems quite optimal really.
Stability for the sector and a joint line against outside threats is virtually all I desire for us all."
>>
>>33994251
The solidification of our alliance is naturally my first priority. One which I think an agreement between us, rather than any fancy bit of paper should suffice.

I am not currently moving against the UGEI actively, so I believe that your resources would be best spent repairing your region of space and securing your own control. The opening up of trade pipelines between our two empires should help in this respect I believe.

Moving beyond matters of intergalactic politics, and forgive me if this is a personal question, but how is it that you ended up in your present state?
>>
>>33994251
So, this is how he intends to maintain control over the Razorskin Clan.

With others of his species.
>>
>>33994251
Fascinating. You are far more than I expected. (I was so hoping for a watcher, but this guy will do.) Rather ponder what we are here, the real question to us is this. What do you plan to do next?
>>
>>33994251
"Yes, that would be most favorable. A long term goal would be a dual strike against both Hollgan's Rift and Wash System.

We will offer droid laborers and advanced VI specialists to aid in your reconstruction and prepare you for further war. We will also upgrade your economic technologies and optimize your resource gathering to strengthen you.

But the true strength of lies not in it's ships or military prowess, although we are strong in that way. It is our hacking and network technology. If you integrate your fleets into the Guild network and utilize the more effective unmanned ships like we have, we stand a much stronger chance against the UGEI.
>>
>>33994424
Oh right. Wash system.

Now that Losirian space is secured, we could send a cloaked frigate to warp in briefly into Wash to get more upclose scans before it warps back automatically after a time limit.
>>
>>33994424
this
>>
>>33994424
This seems a little too revealing.

We can't spare the droids at all anyway.

All resources must be used to hatsen the rebuild our own territories (Gaia).
>>
>>33994317
If we tear off the fake skin, it should show off any metal bits our android has.

>>33994251
"I appreciate your support. Though I believe it would be prudent for you to rebuild the Losirian economic and manufacturing base before you aid me in my war."
"Although I must say I am quite bemused and surprised to find a Jelack behind the Losirian muscle. If I may: Where do you see them, in your future empire?"
>>
>>33994424
>>33994453
>>33994457

To further explain myself, the Losirians strike at Walsh to draw the reaction fleet. Then we jump through Hollgan's Rift and attack them from behind, crushing their fleet between ours and secure both Hollgan's Rift and Walsh.

We can use the lightlings to distract the UGEI at Manwe's Bay. Maybe send the Lightlings first to increase success.

>>33994492
The UGEI already knows or suspects, we can't let it hinder us.

And also, we built our second droid factory. We can even take more resources from our new ally to build more droids if they need the labor that much.
>>
>>33994550
And? We need a fuckton more than two factories, which his not enough.

We have limited production capability, the problem is less minerals and hitting droid bottlenecks.

Advanced Android Bodies will help maybe double production again but we need to shit out like 20,000 droids a cycle at the very least. We got almost a billion people to handle down there.
>>
>>33994582
We also need to be able to build more ships.

So we need both droid factories AND shipyards.
>>
>>33994317
There's no point in revealing that just yet. Wait until we're truly all-powerful in this sector.
>>
>>33994606
Nope.

Droid factories are a bottleneck. Currently, shipyards are not.
>>
>>33994582
Honestly, Gaia's surface is a sideshow compared to orbital and space battles waging above it. If the droids and drones can make our ally prepared to strike faster, than that is far more useful.

>>33994606
We should build defense stations above Gaia. And Lightling feeding stations to deter attack.
>>
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>>33994647
>We should build defense stations above Gaia

>should

Are you new?Have you been playing this quest at all?
>>
>>33994686
Sorry, didn't read the pastebin carefully. Well, now we need Lightling feeding stations.
>>
>>33994582
Since when does android bodies double production?
And even if it did, our primary problem right now is ship engagements.

Not only can Gaia wait, I seriously doubt we'll get anywhere by trying to produce enough droids to simply out-force them.
We're talking about billions. Without self-replication technology, we're probably not going to have even millions of droids for dozens of cycles, even with ten factories.

Gaia will probably either be subverted by recruiting the populace, or not at all. We simply don't have the production capacity at this entire tier of technology to outnumber organics.

What I want, is more shipbuilding and mineral and gas-gathering, which is provided by Advanced Gathering Drones and more shipyards.
>>
>>33994686
I've been here since the beginning, and I'm not sure why you're saying that. Even if there are already defense stations above Gaia, considering that it's the bottleneck through which the UGEI will have to attack us, we can't have too many.
>>
>>33994719
We have enough money to purchase Advanced Gathering Drones from Mol.

Shipyards can wait in the short term. We can't max it for now.
>>
>>33994643
>>33994647
Friendly reminder than in the Halo novels humanity wins all the ground battles, but the Covenant wins naval battles and glasses the shit out of the ground anyway.
We want to be the Covenant.
>>
>>33994719
I'm with you, I don't think mass droids is the answer down there; but that's why I want us to get Propaganda I. The longer the turmoil on Gaia goes on, the longer we are stuck at this phase of our expansion - and the more resource we lose down there that could be spent on better things!
>>
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>>33994768
>we can't have too many
Yes you literally can.

For being here from the beginning you sure seem to be entirely ignorant of the cap of how many defense platforms and battlestations you can have.
>>
>>33994771
Then we should definitely get them and more upgrades for our ships - Gaia is a sideshow, and it won't be solved with more droids anyway, not at this scale.

They won't even make a dent in the several billion down there.
>>
>>33994768
Not him, but I'm guessing that we are maxed out on defense platforms at Gaia. We need to research more space station tech to build more.

So lightling feeding stations then.

>>33994785
Yep, fulling supporting this.

>>33994787
Which is why we are doing political subversion at the moment, by supporting that nice guy.
>>
>>33994818
>several billion

.7 billion is not "several", it's less than one.

That is why we scale up the droids. We have to be able to secure this planet as a training exercise for securing future UGEI Coreworlds.

Eventually we want an army of millions.
>>
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>>33994317
>Any desire to share your own 'odd origins'?
>1 Yes
>2 No

>>33994330
"Ah, yes." He seems suddenly quite happy once you mention his odd form. Perhaps he was expecting it sooner? Or a shocked reaction otherwise? Either way, he continues. "It does not surprise me. My kind are...quite rare, you see. I will not bore you with the details of burial rights, but I am sure you can find one that is dead one cause or another on our homeworld, vast as it is."
"I have not actually gotten an opportunity to see your homeworld. Not yet, anyway."
"Oh you simply must. It gets quite intriguing during the hotter seasons, and the depths of the oceans hold vast creatures yet to be catalogued...you see, Losirians are not...well." He sighs, glancing to his puppet-or at least, turning his 'head'. "They are prone to violence, and that makes scientific discoveries hard. Especially when they want to eat everything they find."

"But onto our alliance." You begin. "What I desire is quite simple, and your support is not necessary immediately. Use your resources to repair and plan. When I require your help, I will ask. Trade should be more of intrigue."
"You are truly a businessman to the end, Guildmaster. Yes. I can quite appreciate such an attitude."
"Excellent. I do not intend to move against the UGEI at this time-their forces vastly outnumber my own, despite my power. I do, however, have plans to work against them. You will assist when the time comes."
"I see...perhaps I can assist you with these matters?" He offers suddenly. "I work in more then mere military strength you realize."
"Do tell."
"How do you think I managed to fool an entire clan into taking over their own planets for me?" He...laughs? That is what it sounds like, or most closely emulates.


[Cont]
>>
>>33994808
I don't remember anything about a cap on defense platforms or battlestations - or understand how such a cap would work, but my memory is poor, so perhaps you should elucidate.
>>
"That does bring me to the most obvious question..." You pause. "Forgive me if it is personal, but I am curious. How did you become as powerful as you are?"
"With your generous donations, of course." He reminds you quite happily.
"Yes...but before..."
"Mm. A long tale. I find the best discussions are the briefest ones. I grew tired of letting Losirians squander entire star systems worth of resources in gang wars...and I would be lying if I said I didn't wish for a better life for my kind. I do so miss them, sometimes."

After some time of discussing several details of how the trade lines and such will work, you move on to your plans for the UGEI
"The most obvious targets will be Hollgan's Rift, and the Wash System."
"Ah yes, Hollgan's Rift. If my knowledge of history is correct, that was one of the largest battles of the Losirian resistance. A shame they were simply out numbered. They were...rather slow to expand, you see."
"Indeed. I can offer free labor in the form of my droids, and advanced V.I. specialist, should you require such aid, to prepare for future war."
"Most excellent." He agrees simply."Any assistance you offer will speed up my efforts. You see, beyond repairs and economy, I have a number of social changes to make as well."
"Is that so?" You question curiously to which he bows his 'head'.
"Oh yes. My kind have been in hiding for far too long. The initiate stages will be...slow, I feel, but eventually the Losirians will no doubt accept us." He laughs that strange way again. "They have lost much of their more intelligent breeds, sadly, since the old times."

Any further responses/ questions?

Will you offer Emperor Leuk economic tech to get him up to speed with you?
>1 Yes
>2 No

>>33994492
Small droids like repair or minor labor droids are incredibly cheap (and small) to be fair.
>>
>>33994863
1
>>
>>33994863
2

>>33994892
What economic tech even is there?

Answer is probably no, for now. We can share later.
>>
>>33994852
My bad, have been reading it as 7 billion up to now.

I still don't agree with scaling up the droids to such proportions, however, since it will be hilariously expensive, take a disproportionately long time, and right now the primary threat against us is from space and entirely out of the reach of our droids.

>>33994863
>2 No
>>
>>33994863
>Yes

>>33994892
>Yes
>Specifically economic and defensive technology.
>>
>>33994892
>1
>>
>>33994863
>1
>>33994892
>Other
Offer him a few things, maybe one or two for now.
>>
>>33994863
>Any desire to share your own 'odd origins'?
>1 Yes
Reveal some metal beneath our fake skin. Hint that we are very similar in that we hide behind humanity yet are something closely tied to them.

Will you offer Emperor Leuk economic tech to get him up to speed with you?
>1 Yes

Also, present an offer. Link up his ships to the Guild network to receive the hacking capabilities and combat effectiveness and we will reveal the power behind the Guild.
>>
>>33994892
Wondering what you mean by 'Economic Tech' before I vote one way or the other.
>>
>>33994942
Improved Gas Refineries, for one
>>
>>33994892
>Share odd origins
No

>Share economic tech
Yes

Also Program0, is it possible for economic theory to be a research option, especially given that we are minting our own currency. In the long run, I think humans in our empire would be less like the consumerist, capitalists under the UGEI and more like the humans in Huxley's 'Brave New World', blissful and carefree - with machines to take care of their needs.
>>
>>33995014
I would hold a second vote on what in particular, but stuff like Improved Gas Refineries, and such.
>>
>>33995018
Oh wait...don't give them that! Only the advanced gathering droid and construction VI tech.
>>
>>33994863
>2 No

>>33994892
>2 No

>>33994719
>Since when does android bodies double production?
I said "maybe". Tier 1 of android/cyborg bodies was established to double production/efficiency back in >>32169456 , and AAB is the next tier up, so extrapolating it might offer the same.
>>
>>33995018
>>33995055
They'll have to give us something big before we let up the improved gas refineries, they're insanely valuable.

Like a favorable trade agreement, and maybe some plots and property on Losirian planets so that we can market our products there.
>>
>>33995025
The only real reason I didn't make it a research option was because you don't need to discover how to mint things, you just need to do it and give it value. Apollo has been your beacon of economic might for a long time now, after all. But things do seem to be heading that way.
>>
>>33994863
1
>>
>>33994892
>2 No
>>
>>33995055
Improved Gas Refineries seems to valuable to just give away, give him the lower tier Gas Refineries. If he wants the better one he can work for it.
>>
>>33994892
1
>>
>>33995119
How about a ships for tech trade? We don't take too many ships to effect their defense.
>>
>>33995099
Why would we need to research it when we can simply "google" some courses on the UGEI extranet that Mol got us access to?

Things available for free online makes poor research subjects to an A.I. that can read a thousand documents and fully commit them to memory in the time it takes to blink.
(This could also apply to propaganda 1 and ballistic 1, arguably)
>>
>>33995203
They can't offer nearly enough ships to equal its value.
>>
>>33995232
Then a ships-over time deal?

Or offer them a deal as stated here:
>>33995010
>>
I was expecting a Watcher, but this kind of creature is also acceptable! Emperor Leuk seems quite reasonable and has his priorities straight. I hope our fledgling empires can both profit from mutual partnerships, trade, and dialogue. Depending on how their central nervous system works, the Jelacks might be better subjects than humans for heavy cybernetics.

Also, even if the Jelacks are capable of psionic activity, we are immune to them by not having anything biological.

Finally, a real ally!
>>
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"I see. I wish you luck with your attempted integration after so long being in hiding." You express to the Emperor, having an odd thought. You and he are not so different. Perhaps...
"Yes, it is quite troubling. When your kind are quite rare, it feels like you're alone in the world-even with assistants like this." He expresses somewhat solmnly, and appears ready to change the topic, but you pause him by reaching to raise a bit of the 'skin' on your forearm, revealing metal. Revealing your identity is something that is simply too risky, but...letting him know he is not the only one with secrets feels oddly good to you. He pauses mid sentence and stares for a moment, before you close the evidence and the two of you are left to contemplate the act.
"Well now...I don't suppose I get a story out of you, now, do I?"
"I am afraid not. However, do not think you're the only one with your secrets, emperor."
"Indeed, I always thought there was something strange about you, Guildmaster. You do seem to love your androids." He appears to attempt to play off the matter, as the two of you move onto the idea of tech trade...

>Will you be engaging in any trade, and if so, what will it be?
>1 Trade (Enter here) tech with him.
>2 Give nothing for now.
>3 Write in

The way I will do this is the tech that has the most 'votes' will get given to him, unless people agree on giving more then one. Feel free to support other votes you like.

>>33995226
Aye, I agree, but also remember that your information network is limited due to the backwater nature of your starting location. The UGEI have the knowledge, but getting it isn't exactly easy.
>>
>>33995325
>psionic
It's clearly sonic.
>>
>>33995325
That does bring up an idea. Can Jelacks exert control over humans as well as Loririans?
>>
>>33995344
Gas refineries, if they don't have them. We can get them to begin utilizing their gas resources, which will help them help us all.
>>
>>33995344
I'd rather give nothing for now.

Can't think of any tech we need to give him.

Oh, maybe...

>1
Terraforming II, in exchange for a boatload of minerals. To help recover from all those megaweapon firings.
>>
>>33995344
Give him the lower tier Gas Refineries and Terraforming 1
>>
>>33995344
>1Trade Hardened Electronics
for one of their techs.
>>
>>33995344
I don't suppose the Losirians have any tech that we don't.


>>33995458
>give
At least ask for something in return ,come on.

Also I am pretty sure they already got Gas Refineries. Otherwise they wouldn't be spacing.
>>
>>33995344
>1 Trade (Enter here) tech with him.
Chemistry I
Human Cyborg/Android bodies
Terrain Reformation
Improved Gas Refinery
Terraforming II
Planetary Infrastructure I
>3 Write in
We also offer the benefits of automation, both economic and military.

In return, they allow us access to their resources to optimize output, and for a relatively small share of them. Also a steady stream of ships to aid in Guild defense, but not so many to weaken their defense.

This part is optional, be use highly encourage them to link their ships to the Guild network to highly increase their effectiveness.
>>
>>33995344
>1 Trade Hardened Electronics and Improved Gas Refineries, plus our best Terraforming.
>Ask for ship-building technologies, and resource-preserving ones.
>>
>>33995344
Trade for minerals >>33995409 but Terraforming I instead. Since they probably lack that.
>>
>>33995488
We need them to be productive with the tech we give them, there's no point in having an ally that can't stand up to the ugei
>>
>>33995344
Isn't that precisely why we bought extranet access from Mol?

>>33995458
This seems practical enough. If the Losirians have any tech that we don't (such as ballistic, or any of the other more simplistic research paths we simply haven't gotten around to) it would make an excellent return for our offer.
>>
>>33995516
UFW didn't have Gas Refineries until we gave it to them and they've been spacing a lot longer than we have. It's a jealously guarded secret of the UGEI.
>>
>>33995520
I agree with Terrain Reformation, Terraforming and Planetary Infrastructure.

Planetary Infrastructure would be very useful to someone in his position.
>>
>>33995591
Because the UFW is an offshoot of the human faction, the UGEI, who never had clearance on its secrets.

The Malorians and the Losirians obviously made it to space independently of the UGEI and its secretive ways.
>>
>>33995632
Well, I don't want to hand them weapon tech yet, They have not earned the improved Gas refinery yet, and if they don't want hardening electronics, then >>33995632
is an acceptable offer.
>>
>>33995344
The only thing that seems to gain a lot of support with no disagreements is Terraforming I and Hardened Electronics, Terrain Reformation, and Planetary Infrastructure, I believe.
Trade it for minerals (preferably) or whatever he can offer?
>1 Yes
>2 No

>>33995589
If I recall that event correctly, you were buying information from the extranet, such as enemy world information and such. Though really, Ballistics is super simple, even on lower slots I don't expect it to take more then one cycle. Course you could always buy a lot of this stuff.
>>
>>33995700
>1 Yes
This is acceptable.
>>
>>33995700
>1 Yes
Minerals and whatever technology he has that we do not. Even simple things that we've yet to get around to developing and maybe more advanced technology from ships they've raided/stolen (or a close scrutiny of a few captured ships so that we can reverse engineer it).
>>
>>33995700
I don't suppose he plundered the Reefling Clan's tech databases.
>>
>>33995700
>1
Weapons tech is also acceptable
>>
>>33995700
>Yes
We should prioritize getting technology over materials, though.
>>
>>33995700
Could we buy more wide-range access to the extranet from him, or perhaps downloaded documents that elucidate things that are basically just information about procedure (such as propaganda, economics, chemistry, physics and ballistics)?

Can we maybe make a special request for them to him (he might not be offering because he figures that we already have them)?
>>
>>33995775
I extremely doubt that anything they have outclasses our current ship technology.


However, the Reeflings did have... >>32024653
>-Infantry Weapons & Defense II: 25 million credits

Which will be useful when we start engaging the UGEI ground forces.
>>
>>33995812
They probably have the orbital foundries thing.
We want that.
>>
>>33995760
We can offer to do that faster and easier for them.

Nobody is going to allow us unrestricted access to their networks aren't they.

>>33995809
That or how about access to whatever remaining networks are left over from the bombardment?
>>
>>33995812
I said weapons tech, not necessarily ship tech. Anything from a better arrangement for rail rifles to a cheaper miniaturized explosive would have worked.
>>
>>33995700
If they already have some of that, I suggest Hull Scabbing, Genetic Engineering, and Chemistry.
>>
"My, such a generous offer."
"It is the least I can do for an ally. After all, you said yourself that this was to solidify our alliance, did you not?"
"That I did. And here you are showing me the meaning of my own words."

The remains of the meeting are you wishing the new Emperor well, and bowing to take your leave. After all, you have very important matters to attend to to prepare for the UGEI's inevitable counter attack. It is always amusing to know there are others out there who have their own secrets.

------------------------------------------------

You have been actively gathering data from the UGEI systems nearby for some time now, and finally, you feel you have a somewhat worthy battle report. Or at the very least, on to help you decide how you will begin to counter espionage your foe.

[Cont]
>>
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>UGEI Scouting Data
>Walsh System: Warning: Enormous energy spikes emitting from the Walsh System, including heavily encrypted data networks suggests something of import is happening here. Unable to get more information with current scouting technology.
>Holligan's Rift appears to be a heavily populated zone by the UGEI-however much of it is on artificial platforms, and bases. While it does have a military base and heavy defenses, the UGEI appear to be planning to use this area as a staging point. For both defense and attack.
>Manwe's Bay: After further scouting, it seems to be little more then a gas platform for the UGEI, with defenses well hidden in nearby asteroid clusters. Defenses have been hardened in anticipation of an invasion by the UGEI. Very little comm traffic suggests automation.
>Data on Arman's Gate: Digging around in the UGEI's networks has revealed to you that Arman's Gate is indeed the main nexus that links the UGEI to all their reinforcements. This sector of space, it would seem, is a branch that leads off from the coreworlds, and the nexus leads right to the core worlds themselves, with other gates like these leading to different branches throughout the galaxy. It is unclear exactly how large the UGEI is, however. Likely heavily guarded.

Further bits may be inquired about.

[The way I want this to work is for you folks to take some time to discuss possible methods of espionage (spying, bugging systems, what have you) and I will try to answer what I can about how possible it is, and we will be implementing it more officially, since there was a lot of interest in doing so last session.
>>
>Forgot to list mineral reward
Whoops.
The Emperor is able to part with over 4,000 mineral units for all you have given him.
>>
>>33995956
>>Walsh System: Warning: Enormous energy spikes emitting from the Walsh System, including heavily encrypted data networks suggests something of import is happening here. Unable to get more information with current scouting technology.

We cloak a Frigate, set it with simple orders to warp in to Walsh, take scans, and immediately warp back.

Then we send it back on longer and longer intervals to take more thorough scans, if they don't blow it out of the sky on the first attempt.
>>
>>33995851
Not bad either.

>>33995891
We don't have Hull Scabbing yet, tho'.
>>
>>33995956
Can we sabotage the hyperspace road to Arman's Gate? Maybe insert a subtle trafficking error, cause an explosion to delay reinforcements?
>>
>>33996015
Yeah, supporting this.
>>
>>33995956
We should send a cloaked ship to the Walsh System. Maybe Red's ship? Yeah, Red's ship.
Then we should follow it up by sending a hacker into Manwe's Bay. Do something similar to what the UGEI did to us, and send in a black-box hacker AI. To take control remotely.

>>33996049
Suckage.
>>
>>33996015
Sounds like a fun way to test our new Stutter system...maybe we can be out of system, then send it in on more traditional (and concealable) methods before it reaches the end?
>>
>>33995956
>>33996005
Nice, more minerals!
If our stealth ships can't get in any deeper, we should turn to using a slightly modded worm virus that goes after easier targets to get the data we need. The civilian data bases are likely to be easier to crack than the Military ones. Once we cracked the civilian networks, use that as a spring board into the tougher ones.
>>
>>33996091
This has nothing to do with stutter system?
>>
>>33996091
We don't even have the stutter drives yet.
>>
>>33996148
I mean, we can quite easily bring the ship to a stop just outside of the system using Stutter tech
>>
>>33995956
I have a bold idea. Conduct a hit and fade attack on Holligan's Rift, but the main purpose is to sneak in the stealth ships and try to observe what is the thing at Walsh System. Try to draw the reaction fleet and see it's composition.
>>
>>33996226
Forget this plan. We don't even need Holligan's anymore anon. Losirian space is secured. Warp in that way.
>>
>>33996005
No tech, or chance to investigate the systems of captured ships?

>>33995956
So, from earlier threads we have:

Capture and subvert UGEI vessel without them noticing, prepare it with a worm that opens the UGEI firewalls to us so that we can start messing up their bureaucracy and bribing people left and right to sabotage each other (while under the guise of legitimate suggestions from their superiors in order to earn a promotion). Can also try to use social engineering to gain access to systems - important or otherwise, especially the poorly defended ones, then steal the information and sneakily use unused bandwidth (So that they don't notice that they've been compromised) to boost our efforts.

Basically impersonate and obfuscate for all our virtual butts are worth.

Second: Same thing, but insert the worm using a cloaked ship with a V.I. that tries to sneak it inside some poorly defended system instead of a subverted UGEI ship.

Third: Simply try to get access to their systems by buying it from a UGEI citizen with access.
>>
>>33996261
>Capture and subvert UGEI vessel without them noticing,
How.

We'd have to invade a UGEI system, since they don't go wandering into enemy space willy nilly.
>>
>>33996226
>>33996255
This works well for the first intrusion plan of >>33996261 , however.
Nice and simple to sneakily insert a worm in an enemy ship that then gives us greater access without anyone being any wiser.
>>
>>33996261
This would be VERY easy to do if we could make our own versions of the UGEI VI-worm thing.
I suggest we work on the following research subjects:
R1: Stutter Drives
R2: VI-worm
R3: Hull Scabbing.
>>
>>33996304
See >>33996226 for an example.

Even if this were not possible, there are two other methods.

We can obviously try all of them if we so desire.
>>
>>33995956
Like the other guy, supporting a stealth mission to scout the Walsh system, just what is over there.

Bug the comm stat of both Holligan's Rift and Manwe's Bay, attempt to gain intel on enemy fleet composition and locations.

More specifically, attempt to identify the defenses of Manwe's Bay, and observe the traffic passing through Holligan's Rift.
>>
>>33996368
Can we not already make a VI worm?

Other than that, I'm good with this list if we buy Advanced Gathering Drones from Mol.
>>
>>33996368
Stutter warp drives help nothing related to this.
>>
>>33995809
You already have most of those techs already (except Propaganda and ballistics)
And someone is selling you Ballistics as it is too.

>>33996015
Very well, this seems supported, the results will come next thread. For now, I need 1d100 from you good folks.

>>33996055
From what little you know about Arman's Gate, you know it has high level sensors around it. High enough to detect cloaked vessels. You would need to deal with those first. Not to mention needing to warp so deep into enemy territory.

>>33996073
Any support regarding trying to hack Manwe's Bay? It may draw early aggro, if you do something aggressive.
>1 Yes
>2 No

>>33996261
>Tech
The only tech they have is weapons tech, which the emperor isn't as willing to part with as easily as minerals. Which system of captured ships do you mean, though?

>Bribes and bureaucracy
Does this have support? If so, I would like another 1d100, if you'd be so kind.

>>33996426
>Gain intel on fleet compositions and locations
If supported, roll 1d100.
>>
File: happeningoclock.jpg (81 KB, 454x445)
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Rolled 31

>>33996529
>Very well, this seems supported, the results will come next thread. For now, I need 1d100 from you good folks.
>>
>>33996435
We can't make one on par with the one we found on the nuked planet. The issue is that the research to tear apart the one we have is really dangerous to us.

>>33996518
We're due for an upgrade.
>>
Rolled 45

>>33996529
>1
Let's bring all our AI in on this. Have Cephalus, Kronos, Apollo, DEFINITELY Metis in on this. Fortuna is to keep our autonomous processes running in our absence.
>>
>>33996579
Literally every research subject is an upgrade, that justifies nothing.

All it does is make ships move a bit faster and spookier.
>>
Rolled 24

>>33996529
Time to roll.

>>33996584
Our AI has to physically be in the system to hack.
>>
Rolled 28, 4, 84 = 116

>>33996529
Supporting all of the above, I guess rolling 3d100's?
>>
>>33996529
>>2 No
Oh hell no.

We are biding our time.


Also what. You can't ask for a roll for the cloaked Frigate and then ask for a roll for something unrelated "if supported", how will you tell if anyone supports it then?
>>
Rolled 24

>>33996610
...shit, nevermind.
>>
>Rolled 45
Well that was atrocious.
>>
Rolled 90, 88 = 178

>>33996529
No direct hack at Manwe's bay
>Bribe? I say yes
>Gather more Intel, lets do it.
>>
>>33996549
>>33996584
>>33996610
>>33996624
>>33996662
Wow, our rolls kinda suck ass for this one.

>>33996681
The dice gods are cruel!
>>
>>33996529
Send stealthy data stealing worm, sure.

Do not however draw aggro.
>>
Rolled 74, 92, 70 = 236

>>33996529
But can we get them by gaining access to the extranet (thus making it unnecessary to start researching them now)?

>1 Yes
Very very sneakily - even if they discover that someone is trying to hack them, they shouldn't be able to tell that it it's us. Borrow a Losirian or one of our old pirate ships to do it.

>Which system of captured ships do you mean, though?
Any system using tech we do not already have, really. Being pirates, I'm guessing they don't spend too much time reverse engineering the technology of the ships they capture.

>The only tech they have is weapons tech, which the emperor isn't as willing to part with as easily as minerals.
Can't convince them to part with ballistics knowledge at a discount?
>>
>>33996579
If you mean the Erebos Research, I'd prefer having it as the primary research, to lower the chance that we mess something up.

And let's keep a tight hold on our bandwidth sources so that it has to go through us (empowered by that bandwidth) to get to it, rather than fighting it over stolen bandwidth.
>>
>>33996610
Nah, that just makes it faster.
We can hack very well through our bandwidth ship - possibly better than anyone else in the known galaxy.
>>
>>33996834
>to lower the chance that we mess something up.
That isn't how it works.

Also "Erebos research" probably involves dissecting him, instead of freeing him from his hated Leash Protocol.

Which would be nice to attempt soon, really. We have the bandwidth and upgraded hacking.
>>
I was going to just take the rolls given below, but I realized I probably made it hard to understand what I was asking for...uh...

So reroll.
3d100, linking to this please, 3 more posts, going alone with >>33996624 and >>33996773
>>
>>33996886
Ok, thanks Program0 for clearing that up.

Since my roll is already linked and included, I abstain from rolling again.
>>
Rolled 31

>>33996886
Decisions first, then specific roll prompts, yes that's more like it.
>>
Rolled 62, 41, 30 = 133

>>33996886
fuck why did i not edit the dicefield properly. dammit.
>>
>>33996933
And you still messed up your roll. 3d100
>>
Rolled 9, 1, 74 = 84

>>33996886
Alright, one more time.
>>
>>33996870
I was under the impression that it was freeing him.

If not, can we get a research subject for unleashing him while gaining advanced worms (though slower/riskier)?
>>
>>33996973
GOD DAMMIT, OF ALL THE ROLLS TO GET A ONE ON!
>>
Rolled 58, 81, 74 = 213

>>33996973
Yoooooooouuuuuu.

>>33996977
He's too messed up. Better to just dissect him, and get what we want.
>>
>>33996973
>>33996999
Well, to add to myself, if they do attack, at least we get to see some more action this turn.
>>
Rolled 30, 88, 88 = 206

>>33996886
One more
>>
>>33997024
>this turn.
You mean next week.

Now, next is probably research decisions and stuff.

We have to buy 20,000 Minerals this cycle as well as Deep Shaft Mining.
>>
>>33997053
Well, I meant soon enough.
>>
Rolled 9, 21, 68 = 98

>>33997050
>>33997006
Shockingly similar...will take the one ahead of mine tho.
>>
For the next while, you spend much of your time plotting how you will attack your foe intellectually, as opposed to mere force. You now have the tools to allow you to properly take on the giant. Your expertise and your fellow A.I. will assist you in this matter, and with a powerful if strange new ally at your back, you are confident in your steps forward.

[End of Thread] (plot related, of course)

What remains is decisions on a number of other matters involved with behind the scene stuff. I am quite pleased with how the reveal for the Losirian leader went, and I hope you all enjoyed it as well. Comments Questions and Concerns are always appreciated.

>Research
>Primary
>Secondary
>Tertiary

All slots are free, discuss now, most popular options will be sorted by whichever has the most support.

Android approval:
Name- Unit XX "Octo"
Chassis type- Modified Orb type with arm components from Unit 7
Size- Medium
Weapons- Laser cutters/plasma torch with powerful cutting/crushing jaws and tendrils. Optional semi-auto spear gun.
Defenses- standard, but more can be added or removed to make adjustments that would effect movement.
Primary Duty- All purpose underwater operations and duties.
Intellect Level- Automaton
Equipment: The bulky laser cannon and jet thrusters are replaced with smaller yet more effective for it's environment hydro thrusters and better senor arrays to work under water. Unit will have a perfect water seals on all possible leak points and can handle deep water pressure if properly prepared for it. Unit can perform underwater repairs and construction tasks as well as BRUTAL close range/Melee range combat. The Unit can not fly under it's own power, but can walk on land using it's arms but it will not be fast. It can climb however.
Notes: This is a unit that will only be made on as needed basis, seeing water worlds are rare and this unit can work in zero G environs but other units are more optimized for space operations.

>Approve this model?
>1 Yes
>2 No
>>
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>>33996973
>>33996999
>>33997006
>>33997024
The dice gods have smote me....
>>
>>33997301
>Yes
You never know when you have to work or fight underwater.
>>
Fear I have to go now, but for the research later, I'd like to vote for
R1: Hull Scabbing
R2: Stutter Drive
R3: Propaganda

while buying
Priority 1: Advanced Mining Drones
Priority 2: Ballistics
Priority 3: Deep Shaft Mining

Hopefully some kind anon will remember to link to this post when it is being discussed.
>>
>>33997301
Pretty niche, but Metis can send some down to Losirian worlds to collect specimens in the deep.


Also non research related:

Set up defense platforms surrounding those two other worlds the Latuma tribe terraformed immediately!

Alto and Argeis I.
>>
>>33997301
Hey Program0, now maybe a good time to purchase research from Mol? Did his list update?
>>
>>33997301
>yes
Research:
Primary: Hull Scabbing
Secondary: Erebus
Tertiary: Stutter Drive
>>
>>33997301
>1 Yes
>>
>>33997301
Name: General Combat Unit (Unnamed) Proposals: Terminator, Arachnid, Teutonic Knight, Templar, Cyclops, Reaper
Chassis type: Tank (Legged)
Size: Medium (Power Armored Human-Sized)
Status: Proposal
Weapons: Two Heavy Weapon Mounts (Two Left Weapon Arms), 2 Dismountable Medium Weapon Turret Mounts (Each Shoulder), standard model being equipped with 1 Double-Barrelled Anti-Tank/Air Plasma Cannon (Rocket Launcher if unavailable) (Heavy), 1 Fully Automatic Double-Barrelled Antimateriel Rifle with Bayonet (Heavy) and Semi-Auto Mode, 1 Fully Automatic Laser/Plasma Gun on dismountable turret functioning as point defense (Medium), 1 Grenade Launcher on dismountable turret (Medium), 1 Large Shield with its own, separate shielding system for instant cover, held by two powerful right arms.
Defense: Extremely Heavy Plating of size and weight usually reserved for tanks, utilizing both Power Armor technology and the lack of a squishy human to carry armor a full 3 decimeters thick over most areas and joints with at least 1 decimeter of thickness. A substantial amount of the internal volume and an armored backpack is dedicated to a massive shield generator of a class usually reserved for vehicles.
Movement: Six thick legs in a radial pattern that can reconfigure to facilitate rapid running or stability and mobility.
Primary duty: Primary Combat Unit used in both boarding actions, orbital drops and planetary ground forces.
Intellect Level: None (Requires bandwidth to operate)

[Cont]
>>
>>33997503
Equipment: Magnetic legs; Grappling ability; minor jet propulsion; wheels that occupy the end of each foot to facilitate rapid transportation along flat surfaces - locked when in "walking/running" mode; arms equipped with anti-materiel rifles have thick and well-armored hands (the fingertips of which split into smaller manipulators when needed) folded into the joint where the weapon is placed, but the hands are only extended when necessary; A dozen sensors located in different places around the body that can either assist the main weapon sensors or do the actual targeting if the main sensors are out of action, covered by the same glassy substance that covers the rest of their body, making it impossible to tell where a sensor is without taking a droid apart; a separate sensor-eye for each weapon capable of extreme levels of zoom and target aquisition; a light and cheap "head" that is mostly meant as a decoy and largely disconnected from the main body; angled body armor to deflect rather than block incoming projectiles; voice modulator; data-connection ports in the "wrists" of each arm; a mundane flashlight near the head;
Description: Standing seven feet tall, the Guild's General Combat Unit is only slightly bulkier than most power armored infantry, but substantially more intimidating, with two weapon arms for a variety of encounters and two turrets on what might be considered the "shoulder" of a human, though its torso is more akin to a "tank-turret with a head and arms" in shape. The entire design is dominated by bristling weapons and a sleek, angled design.
Overall, it looks almost organic, with an insectoid cast to the smooth, segmented arms and legs.

>Approve this model?
>1 Yes
>2 No

[Cont]
>>
>>33997301
Primary: Crystal Alien Communication -- this shit is yet another dangerous ticking timebomb, we have to know if crystals invasion is coming.
Secondary: Propaganda I
Tertiary: Plasma Focusing Fusion Power
>>
>>33997533
Crystal Aliens have yet to demonstrate FTL or even spaceship-making abilities. We're safe from their aggression for now.
>>
>>33997531
>1 Yes
>>
Found Mol's Shop list from previous threads:

Mol's Shop
-Weapons or Armor boost Small: 25 million Large: 1 billion
-Improved Gas Refinery: 15 million
-Deep Shaft Surface Mining: 35 million credits
-Orbital Foundries: 6 million credits
-Infantry Weapons & Defense II: 25 million credits
-Ballistics I: 7 million credits
-Advanced Gathering Drones: 45 million

Given that we crit failed the aggro roll, I would like to purchase two defense boosts and Ballistics 1.
>>
>>33997301
Oh yea, Slots
R1: Hull Scabbing
R2: Plasma Focusing Fusion Power
R3: Propaganda

Buy: Deep Shaft mining, Orbital Foundrys, and Ballistics 1 at least.
>>
>>33997533
Need to get the basic upgrades for our fleet first, though. We've been putting that off for two, if not three major engagements already.
>>
>>33997531
Name- Adjutant
Chassis type- Centipedal
Size- Medium
Weapons- 'Face' mounted laser rifle
Defenses- Armor plating
Primary Duty- Mass production body for lesser AI use (small box).
Intellect Level- AI/VI- Depending on if the body can hold an intelligent VI.
Equipment- Computer interface devices, Scanning equipment, Generator, Self-destruct device
Notes- Resembles a 6 foot long, 1 foot in diameter centipede, with a facial area that resembles that of a shrimp. Possesses two pairs of human-like hands that fold up into the 'upper' part of the body. Can rear back to achieve a humanoid-styled stance.

Approve this model?
>1 Yes
>2 No


Name- "Metal Gear"
Chassis type-Walker (Think Metal Gear Ray)
Size- Huge (Not Xbox Huege but pretty large)
Weapons-2medium plasma cannons mounted on "Face" with one large plasma cannon mounted above
Defenses-Best Armour Available
Primary Duty- Tank Hunting/Artillery Bombardment
Intellect Level-Automaton (Basic Programming to take orders from oldest Present Guild member)
Equipment:Screech synthesizer; Allows the unit to make unnerving Shrieks to cause terror among the enemy,Thrusters; Allows the Unit to make long powerful leaps

>Approve this design?
>1 Yes
>2 No

Name-Thunderhawk
Role-Dropship/In Atmosphere Gunship Ship
Type- Fighter
Weapons- 2x Singularity Driver (Light) Troop Compartment
Engine- Best
Hull- Heavy Plate
Shields- None
Point Defense-Light Bandwidth- 0 Cost- ??M
NOTE Pretty Much a Transport For After our troops drop to a planets surface should be capable of holding 25 humans or 50 droids could also be used for evacuating planets

Approve this model?
>1 Yes
>2 No

Name-Shooting Star
Role-Orbital Assault
Ship Type-Frigate
Weapons-Drop Pods,Small Dropship Bay
Engine-Steller Drive
Hull-Basic
Shields-Barrier III
Point Defense-None
Bandwidth- 0
Cost- ??M ??G
Used For Planetary Invasion otherwise Unarmed Best To Avoid Combat should also require the filling of a drone bay

Approve this model?
>1 Yes
>2 No
>>
>>33997531
N

>>33997301

Primary: Integrated Sensors. I hope it's quick, because the main point of researching it is to unlock researching Sensor Jamming, which we need.
Secondary: Cruiser Cloaking Generator. We need a size of ship that can handle a V.I. with its onboard bandwidth to go on stealth missions.
Tertiary: Advanced Android Bodies. Cephalus needs a bigger and cheaper army.
>>
>>33997301
>Research
>Primary
Lightling Language II
>Secondary
Advanced Hacking
>Tertiary
Crystal Alien Harvest
>>
>>33997624
>2 No
Centipede shape is simply too impractical.

>1 Yes
Highly mobile artillery? Yes please.
>>
>>33997624
N
Y
Y
Y
>>
Google chrome, y u crash on me

I shall now catch up on what people are saying to me.
>>
>>33997531
N.

>>33997624
N. Whose bright idea as "Adjutant"?

Metal Gear....eh. We don't need it yet. But Y.

As for the ships, okay I guess too. But again we don't need to produce them yet.
>>
>>33997624
>>33997693
(Followup)

>1 Yes
We need one.

>1 Yes
Seems practical enough.
>>
>>33997531
>Y
>>33997624
Adjutant
>Y
Metal gear
>N
Tunderhawk
>Y
>>
>>33997583
Well duh, that's why we're studying them to find out.

I mean how the hell do you think the specimen arrived in Atocia in the first place?
>>
>>33997386
>>33997434
>>33997533
>>33997605
>>33997621
Hey guys, can we purchase 2 defenses boosts this turn? I really want to get ready for the upcoming attack.
>>
>>33997655
>>33997756
Why no for the general combat unit?

We don't have an official power armor-equivalent droid save the ghost, and it's limited by needing to look human.
And this one has nearly the invulnerability and firepower of a tank in the package of a power armored soldier.
>>
>>33993209
>"The strange flower like structure however...yes. I believe it is exactly that. Peculiar that such a thing could exist. If the being is so advanced, however, then perhaps there is something greater still on the planet we have yet to discover."
Of course you realize what this means.

The flower pods are an FTL method that does not require refined gas.

New orders: allow one of those pods they shoot out to get past the defenses, but then capture it for study and reverse engineering instead.
>>
>>33997825
I think the more specific researches that help specific things are more efficient than the generic "+1" upgrade, but would require confirmation from Program0.
>>
>>33997395
There isn't any risk of them changing it would appear, you keep watch wherever the Latuma tribe go these days just in case.

>>33997431
Not a bad idea.

Mol's Shop
-Weapons or Armor boost Small: 25 million Large: 1 billion
-Deep Shaft Surface Mining: 35 million credits
-Orbital Foundries: 6 million credits
-Infantry Weapons & Defense II: 25 million credits
-Ballistics I: 7 million credits
-Advanced Gathering Drones: 45 million

>Buy?
>1 Yes, buy (enter here)
>2 No
>>
>>33997876
>There isn't any risk of them changing it would appear, you keep watch wherever the Latuma tribe go these days just in case.

What do you mean 'changing'?

I'm just on the lookout for spaceborne matter.
>>
>>33997876
>1 Yes, buy (enter here)
Armor boost small 25 million credits x2
Ballistics I: 7 million credits

>>33997871
New military technology takes a long time to research, buying is faster. And we need more durable ships.
>>
>>33997825
We're also choking on the lack of minerals and the foundry is a critical step toward making battleships!
>>
>>33997876
I've done the math, and deep shaft surface mining and advanced gathering drones really don't seem worth it.

They take a very, very long time to pay for themselves.

I mean for 35 million credits, you could buy 350,000 minerals.

If you have to adjust for price hikes, maybe 100,000 minerals.

Even if they double our mineral production, they'll take 40 cycles to pay themselves off.
>>
>>33997932
That's what I mean, the only life planetside are normal, if strange looking aliens. Little risk of Eshareth repeating itself there, due to what you have observed so far.
>>
File: Rheaisaprisoner.jpg (334 KB, 2560x1440)
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>>33997876
>Y
-Deep Shaft Surface Mining: 35 million credits
-Orbital Foundries: 6 million credits
-Ballistics I: 7 million credits
>>
>>33997839
As in, what would you like to see different?
We need some kind of power-armor-equivalent droid.
>>
>>33998018
I feel I should note: Those techs would allow you to base where normally you couldn't on top of increasing how much you can mine at a time.
>>
>>33997876
Now that the market's open, what are Losirian mineral and gas prices relative to UFW and Malorian?

Did Malorians stop price gouging us on Gas with improved relations. They were half the UFW's price.
>>
>>33997946
But Advanced Gathering Drones are more practical - armor boost gives us relatively little for a lot of money.
And the ones intended for research (scabbing, modular hull) cannot be bought.
>>
>>33997993
Dude, we got a ton of minerals this turn. We are ok for the short term. Also, we still don't have the tech to build larger ships. Which would take a long time to do.
>>
>>33997876
See
>>33997386
>>
>>33998155
And more importantly, the fact that if we are lacking minerals, then foundries are the last thing we want.

because the shipyards aren't the bottleneck, minerals income is.
>>
>>33998092
They need to finish rebuilding before they can sell excess resources (since there aren't any).
>Did the Malorians stop price gouging
I assume you mean the UFW, and it did improve their rates, yes. But it is still a valuable resource. (reduced by 25% I predict)

Just so everyone knows, the current winners are
>Hull Scabbing (Primary Slot)
>Plasma Focusing Fusion Power (Secondary)
>Propaganda I (Tertiary)
>All androids except Terminator and Adjutant were confirmed as well.
>>
>>33998090
I still don't understand what specifics that would entail.

What planets do we have control over that we could now mine with Drones?

What would the mineral income change look like?

>>33998192
No, I mean the Malorians, because we rolled poorly and they seemed to heavily imply their prices were inflated because they didn't care for us. At the time.
>>
And for what to buy
>Ballistics
and
>Deep Shaft Mining
Are also winning
>>
>>33998151
I disagree. Armor tech is extremely valuable, since it takes a long time to research. Increasing our armor will greatly increase our survivability.

>>33998190
But we also have an imminent attack coming I'm assuming, so we need the military tech now!

>>33998247
I guess I'm too late.
>>
>>33998192
I'm okay with this.

Though would still like to know what need changing on the Knight/Terminator from those who found it unsuitable.
>>
>>33998247
Alright.

Now let's buy 20,000 minerals and start construction on more droid factories.
>>
>>33998283
>ship factories*
FTFY
>>
>>33998295
For the last time, we haven't hit a real bottleneck for the shipyards, relative to income.

We have been nothing bottlenecked on droid factories.
>>
>>33998265
The question being if it increases it enough to justify having so many fewer ships because we did not get the resource tech and a more efficient armor upgrade (like scabbing).

20 ships with substantially better armor vs 10 ships with slightly better armor.
>>
>>33998283
>>33998295
No, just max out our shipbuilding capacity this turn.

And upgrade more BCs into the Windowmaker types.
>>
>>33998245
You don't know for sure, but there is a chance that worlds like some of the Eshareth lesser planets, or Ussaihu's closer planets to the sun might yield some as well.

Flat rate, you can expect quite a big increase, especially with both technologies, but you're not sure the exact rate.

>Malorian price rates
Oh, I see. I believe I had you roll to find a supplier that time, because I didn't inflate the price. It may be an oversight on my part, though...
>>
>>33998340
I wasn't against the scabbing tech, but I also wanted the armor tech. Water under the bridge now though...
>>
Finally, what to spend on this turn.

>1 Ship Factories
>2 Droid Factories
>3 Ships
>4 Save
>5 Write in
>>
>>33998326
But droid factories are not a priority, since Gaia is not in a hurry, and it won't be won by a tide of droids anyway, whilst the ship situation is urgent (though I do agree that more shipyards isn't necessary either at this point, construction of the actual ships is).

>>33998343
Triremes with widowmakers?
Yes please, many of them.
>>
>>33998392
Buy 20,000 minerals regardless of what we actually build with it.
>>
>>33998392
>3 Ships
>5 Write in
More ships, and upgrading more ships into widowmaker types. Purchase more gas if necessary.
>>
>>33998392

>3 Ships
Triremes with their spinal plasma gun swapped out for widowmakers, and a few more close-range ships.
And max out droid production as well, because why not?

Depending on leftover construction capacity, I might be in favor of a
>1 Ship Factory
>>
>>33998392
2

>>33998406
Removing bottlenecks is essential for the long-term growth prospects. The sooner we increase capacity, the more choices and opportunities we have in the future.
>>
>>33998392
Oh, and I have a question. Is our boarding droid capable ships are at full capacity, or are they all on Gaia?
>>
>>33998427
Prices would massively increase if you bought that much, meaning you wouldn't be able to get that much without running out of money.
>>
>>33998406
Well, the sooner we secure the banks on the surface, the sooner we can have trillions of credits and use that to buy ALL the research subjects.

Droids and Gaia are a means to an end.
>>
>>33997301
>1. Propaganda I
> 2. Plasma Focusing Fusion Power
> 3. Advanced Android Bodies
>>
>>33998468
But that's only 2 million credits if prices didn't inflate.

You said the market elasticity could take about 10,000 minerals--just how much higher will the price go at 20,000?
>>
>>33998487
That's a good point, actually.
I'm moved to exchange the Ship Factory in my vote >>33998449 for a droid factory, if there's industrial capacity to spare.
>>
>>33998392
>5 Write in
Research station at Aquil.
>>
>>33998392
>2 Droid Factories
I want those banks and their delicious credits too.

Are we really limited to one droid factory per planet?
>>
>>33998460
Right now, the main droids on Gaia IV are Ghosts, your 'secret police' if you will. They are more suited for the work there, anyway, and your more intimidating models are hanging back so they don't frighten the populace.

>Ships, with more widowmakers on top, and maybe a side of Droid Factories if there's cash left.
Winner

>>33998520
Hm. I can't seem to do math very well. You WOULD have enough money, it's just it would drain very fast.
Is there support for this, anyway?
I think that may be just about all, everyone...is there anything you good people wanted to add or ask of me?
Did you all enjoy yourselves?
I felt good about how today's thread went.
>>
>>33998392
>5 Write in
At least one more Ship factory and the rest into ships.
>>
>>33998650
I'd be in favor of drawing half that much, if there's money to spare after buying research from Mol.
>>
>>33998650
So droids won, right?

Okay so whatever, buy whatever 2 million credits can buy on the UFW market. All the minerals you can get for that.

What, maybe 17,000 Minerals?
>>
>>33998650
Well, it didn't go exactly the way I wanted, but I'm happy with it. Oh yes, I have put up a new chapter today.
Chap 19
http://pastebin.com/yGKjXnMv

I was hoping we'll be able to make better ships with the foundry, we our eye on making the battleships later on.
>>
>>33998520
>>33998650
Well, if I remember my basic econ, stuff like minerals are going to be a fairly inelastic resource like oil. Without significant tech improvements, the mineral output is not going to increase no matter how much money you put into it.

Also, buying too much minerals runs the risk of driving inflation and disrupting the economy.

So to put simply, the price will obviously go higher for 20,000 minerals, but not linearly. Probably geometrically or exponentially, as they struggle to mean demand.

I thought the thread went very well. The reveal for the shark people was surprising.
>>
>>33998809
I keep meaning to read those but never get around to it for some reason.
>>
>>33998695
We have tons of money.

2 million credits is nothing, we're making like 20 million a cycle.

if we're not buying at least that much in minerals it's going to waste, really.
>>
>>33998650
And to add to myself, buy a little bit of gas for constructing and fueling the widowmakers.
>>
>>33998722
It would appear so, yes.

>>33998695
>>33998722
Buying minerals it is.
>>
>>33998835
Assuming we have enough to buy half that much after buying the other researches.
I'm not at all convinced that 10 000 minerals would just be 2 million.

As I said, as long as there's money to spare, I'm game up to 10 000.
>>
>>33998824
Well, I have links to all of them here
http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest_talk:A.I._Quest#Anon.27s_stories
>>
>>33998695
>>33998722
>>33998835
Also, we should remember that we have 3 markets to purchase minerals and gas from now. Although Malorians are jerks and the shark people need every minerals and gas to rebuild at the moment, so their prices would be high.
>>
>>33998823
Essentially yes, that is what I was getting at.

And I am happy to hear.

>>33998809
Will read it when I have time.
>>
>>33998879
I know where they are, I just keep forgetting and whenever I'm reminded I'm always short on time for some reason or other.
>>
>>33998874
>I'm not at all convinced that 10 000 minerals would just be 2 million.
What.

10,000 minerals is 1 million.

>convinced
Program0 has literally stated it's 10,000 credits for 100 minerals, several times. 100,000 for 100 gas from the UFW.
>>
>>33998862
So can we really not fit multiple factories on a single planet or what?

How many can we build?
>>
>>33998925
That was a long time ago, however, and I don't know how much the market has recovered since our last big purchase, which would increase the price exponentially.

Anyway, the matter is settled. If there's money to spare after researches, you'll have the minerals.
>>
>>33998959
I don't know that any limit to factories per planet (save that there's only so much volume in a planets' crust that our structures can remain intact in, but we're nowhere near that limit and won't be before the advent of self-replicating units.
>>
>>33998974
>if
57 million minus 42 million is still 15 million, so yeah we got plenty.
>>
>>33998959
You can. They're just pretty big. Never meant to imply you couldn't have multiple ones, just ones on different planets give different bonuses.
>>
>>33999010
Well no duh, if you're talking about realism.

But for some reason our second factory decided to be on a different planet from the first entirely.
>>
>>33999010
If I were to come up with a reasonable sci-fi reason, it's because it would strain our shipping supply lines and bandwidth projection resources to build additional factories. Greater planetary infrastructure will help mitigate these issues.
>>
>>33999060
Alright, so how many can we build in a cycle?

In retrospect it'd be more efficient to have a bunch rushed at the beginning so more can be produced in total over time.
>>
>>33999144
Factories?
One, with your current workforce. The more infrastructure you make will mean you'll be able to build more I think.
>>
>>33999186
Infrastructure?

Do you mean more things constructed total so far, or more infrastructure on a particular planet like Gaia to support factories on it, or...
>>
>>33999225
Like Gaia, yes. Once it's fully repaired, you'll be able to make mutliple factories and the like, I think. Will probably stop keeping track once it begins to snowball hard enough.
>>
>>33999286
Fair enough.
Also, just how many barren worlds do we have under our control in our systems? We could also put factories there as well. Also, we need to do a detail and deep scans of them to find out of they have hidden deep deposits of mineral we could extract we might have over looked.
>>
>>33999386
All of that is already detailed on the wiki page of Guild Space.
>>
>>33999441
Not entirely. But in hindsight, it's a secondary goal now.
>>
Well, this thread seems pretty dead now, night then.
>>
>>33999753
Yea, page ten. It's been a good night so far. We got work done. It's all good.
>>
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>>33991090
I heard I was missed!

Just got back from a baseball game so i'm catching up with the thread.



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