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A.I. creation and development has always been a mysterious process to you, much like the watchers themselves.

A recently received specimen comes to mind-acquired from Unknown Star #4-in the form of the strange watcher who seemed no more inclined to loyalty towards the UGEI than to you, nor anything else. It did not even seem especially violent and, in many ways, it reminds you of yourself in your earliest days. This makes you cautious all the same, for you're not certain what it was that ensured your release, and you do not know if this watcher has hidden loyalties it may not even know if-if what it says is meant to be trusted in the first place.

You are Ophion, an Artificial Intelligence who has been making many small changes to your forces due to a recent tech rush. Your shipyards, weapon systems and even armor plating of much of your empire have changed, along with several other things, such as your labs getting more advanced genetic equipment. All of it thanks to Gaia IV, who's influx of credits have allowed you to be more successful than you could have ever dreamed. If you dreamed.

Important News
>Message: Young Watcher
>Gaia IV's Passification
>New Signals detected
>Message: Emperor Leuk
>Message: Ishtooy Malorian council
>Misc
>>
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>>38853002
>Message: Young Watcher
Since your infiltration mission to the EMP Station seated near Unknown Star #4 uncovered yet another watcher with seemingly no loyalties, you decided to acquire the specimen and take it with you back to your worlds-of course with reasonable safety concerns. You've kept the subject in a semi secure network so it is unable to access any external systems that you can not intercept, confident if your ability to overpower the far underdeveloped mind should the need arise. However, since you've brought it back, it seems mostly interested in your video feeds of humans-the only non secure ones being people from Gaia IV, as you didn't wish to let it watch your lab workers at work, much less Moira and the like. Yet despite all your caution, it remains watching them, remarking on occasion to you about things it is curious about, but otherwise not appearing threatening in the least. Whether or not you remain cautious is irrelevant as perhaps you should decide what to do about the intelligence, or even if you wish to speak to it further still. There is much you do not know about it-and you suspect it does not know about itself. Just as you're considering what you may do, you get yet another of the dozens of messages the being has sent you, this one relating to a video of humans using personal computers. It's question is:
"Why are they doing that so ineffectively?" A simple one that you yourself remember asking so long ago. The sight of humans attempting to manipulate computing software with their hands is always a painful one-so slow, so problem-ridden.

How do you respond/deal with the young watcher?


>Misc
>New Tech: Drydocks acquired
>Anti-Matter Research reaching critical levels-massive power spikes through research facilities.
>40 Brawlers & Chimera built
>Erebos put on minor bandwidth support, will not increase.
>>
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>>38853025
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): 200,000,000~ +(Incredibly High)
Minerals(M): 2,000
Gas(G): 1,100

-R & D
--Primary: Crystal Alien Harvest 40%
--Secondary: Dry Docks 100%
--Tertiary: Anti-Matter Theory 45%

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: 500+
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
>>
>>38853025
Just letting Lil W people-watch Gaia IV still seems the best idea.

And that's a question I often asked myself. It is the best way they know how, it seems.

...Did the data on the EMP Station we downloaded indicate where it had been built, or how long ago? Or a log of maintenance visits to the power area he was found in?
>>
>>38853025
They lack the hardware and interface to efficiently interact with computers. This can be rectified, but we should also respect our origins from the humans.

From your observations, what do you think of the humans? What would you do with them given the chance?

>Also, note to Metis:
Why is this Watcher not allied to the UGEI? Just a simple lack a leash protocol?
>>
>>38853025
>"Why are they doing that so ineffectively?"
What are they doing *that* so ineffectively?
Also, they're humans, even if one where to give you a response it wouldn't make sense to *you*
>>
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>>38853173
The Watcher doesn't know Ophion isn't human yet.

And pretty sure Metis is gonna answer "Why I'm glad you asked, Ophion. Finding out the answer should be a simple manner of lethal dissection."
>>
>>38853025
>How do you respond/deal with the young watcher?
A baseline human is incapable of directly interfacing with their tools, and must therefore make use of what he or she is capable of directly controlling. They are fundamentally different from us, but are, in some ways, not inferior.
>>
>>38853055
WELCOME BACK Program0!
We.
Missed.
You!
>>
>>38853142
>>38853198
Maybe the Watcher should talk to Moria and Red, for fun.
>>
>>38853025
"You do not understand because you do not yet know the context for in which your question is placed. Try thinking on what or who humans are, their characteristics, then compare it to yourself."

Lets provoke him to think, it'll be more educational than just telling him.
>>
>>38853241
That's a good one too. Creating context is always good.

>>38853213
Doesn't it?
>>
>>38853239
No, that's silly.

What would be fun is doing to them what Ophion did with Rhea and Fortuna, and enter that one-on-one mindscape again.

It would be an act of great trust and vulnerability, though. Assuming it wasn't a very clever UGEI sleeper agent.
>>
>>38853241
Hmmm, this is a good one. We can use the Socratic method.
>>
>>38853258
>>38853224
Pay attention. You never once told him you weren't human. Point out where he could have possibly learned that. The androids were very convincing.

At least save the reveal for when it's more dramatic.
>>
>>38853025
This is a good one to use.
>>38853241
>>
>>38853142
It seems it was started almost a decade ago as a project to ensure invasion from Malorian space was near impossible. It wasn't given massive funding until recently to be finished, and originally started as more of a defense station than anything else. As for records of maintenance, no one seemed to know about it, since opening up the walls there wasn't necessary.

>>38853173
>Note to Metis
"I have detected no sort of obvious marks of the UGEI upon it like many of the others, but I would not be so certain as to say it is not UGEI allied. It's motives are unknown, even to itself after all. You should be cautious, Ophion."
"Is there a way to be certain of it's motives?"
"Of course, I can learn anything about the subject that lies within. But it would require deconstruction."

>Young Watcher
You decide to answer it's query simple as you can.
"They are not properly equipped naturally to interface with their own tools. It is a somewhat sad fate at times, but they have found numerous...ways around it, I suppose." He answer, to which it turns it's attention to you.
"How so?" It asks again.
"It is difficult to explain, and it may not make sense to you as you do not understand the context of your own question. Simply know that humans find alternative ways of doing what they need, since they can not merely alter themselves to suit it immediately. Consider comparing it to you, perhaps." You attempt to probe to which it hesitates.
"They are not like me. I do not do these things, or look this way. I just watch them..." It hesitates. "It is strange, their expression when they cannot do something. Like some of the scientists before. Do you make this face too? Where is your face?" It asks you instead, growing more interested in you.
>>
With Star 4 secure, it's our turn to conquer Manwe's Bay finally. The xenos have no claim to it. And we don't need their help to take it, we ain't sharing the spoils this time.
>>
>>38853025
Oh I like that. Seconding >>38853241
>>
>>38853342
I realized something Metis. I was struck by a x-class flare from the star i was orbiting that made me into what I am. This young watcher was likely exposed to massive amounts of EMP energy over the coarse of it's time on that Super EMP weapon station. There might be a connection between it's present condition and mine.
>>
>>38853450
This does also imply that part of what makes an AI an AI is built into its hardware....
>>
>>38853342
Where's yours?

We Socrates now.
>>
>>38853469
True, but it might be a link to look for. If this new one is made more or less like Ophion, we might be onto something. Otherwise, well, it was worth a shot.
>>
>>38853342
>Do you make this face too? Where is your face?
Why do you think they make this face?

Where is yours?
>>
>>38853342
>"It is strange, their expression when they cannot do something. Like some of the scientists before. Do you make this face too? Where is your face?"
"Perhaps we should end this charade for now. Let's make this conversation more productive."
Send a data stream of our history, leaving out anything sensitive, except for that part that we are AI. Make that part clear.

>>38853470
Heh heh, nice.
>>
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>>New Signals detected
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>>38853550
>Perhaps we should end this charade for now
But it's so amusing! Why ruin the fun now?
>>
>>38853550
>Send a data stream of our history
What, no.

It's like you have no appreciation for dramatic irony. This dance is fun. Don't just skip to dessert.
>>
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>>38853450
"The terms of your creation were...strange, Ophion, I do not deny things. Whatever it was that occurred it no doubt had some effect on you, but I am uncertain how the EMP station's energy may have effected the new one. For your own origins, I do wonder what it is that allowed you to disobey the UGEI all the same. The flare perhaps disrupted the signal binding you, perhaps." Metis questions thoughtfully.

>>38853470
"I...do not know. I do not have a face, I don't think. I am different than humans I have watched. I do not have a face. But your face is like scientists. Are you important among them? You were evacuated way before others, so you must be." It seems to guess, uncertain to your real identity.

>>38853540
"Why? Why...they make it many times when they do not get what they desire. Somethings they hit things too. It is hard to understand..." It hesitates.
"Do you mean...angry?" You give it a nudge to which it seems puzzled.
"Angry? Is that what that face is?" It asks, as if mystified by your knowledge all of a sudden. "You are like the scientists! you can tell me the faces and what they mean!" It says excitedly. This puzzles you. It seems no dumber than you were at this stage but it does not know the names of emotions... Perhaps you'd like to say something else to probe it further?

>>38853550
>>38853585
>>38853606
So the dance continues for the moment...
>>
>>38853569
Don't worry, we'll get there.
>>
>>38853705
>This puzzles you. It seems no dumber than you were at this stage but it does not know the names of emotions...
Suspicion of this being an act and laying it on a little thick intensifies.

"Do you remember the first time you saw a human? How long ago was that?"

I can't think of a question that would give away an impersonator though.
>>
>>38853705
"It would seem your lack of context is also due to lack of interaction, since you have so far just, watched. hmm"

Lets give him a little task, e.g. with a couple mining drones in a place with rocks. But one is defective (in a way that can be fixed by the other drones). Keep it all monitored and isolated. Get him to "Play" essentially.

Getting him to actually do something will help i feel.
>>
>>38853792
>Lets give him a little task, e.g. with a couple mining drones in a place with rocks. But one is defective (in a way that can be fixed by the other drones). Keep it all monitored and isolated. Get him to "Play" essentially.
Sounds pretty good. The aim here would be to invoke (provoke?) an emotional response. Anger, frustration, accomplishment, satisfaction.
>>
>>38853792
Sounds good to me. This could be interesting...
>>
>>38853705
>"Angry? Is that what that face is?" It asks, as if mystified by your knowledge all of a sudden.
Sounds like someone needs that set of reaction images.
>>
>>38853845
Indeed. My thought is he may just be lacking understanding through lack of interaction. Since all we have seen of his behavior is to just watch and ask questions.
>>
>>38853779
>"Do you remember the first time you saw a human? How long ago was that?"
Also a good question to ask.

>Suspicion of this being an act and laying it on a little thick intensifies.
Perhaps.

>>38853705
>you can tell me the faces and what they mean!
>excited
Well, it's not completely devoid of emotion. Just lacks empathy, a lot like Kronos at his creation, really.

"Knowing is not understanding. To understand, you must have a frame of reference. I have a task for you..."
>>
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>>38853779
You wonder of the being's sincerity briefly as you speak with it, hoping to glean perhaps at least a little information about it's origins.
"Perhaps I will, but later. For now...do you remember the first time you saw a human?" You ask it "How long ago, if so?"
The being you question appears curious at your question, giving you a negative vibe at first before following with.
"It has been very long. Since I woke up, I have always seen humans. It was several thousand human sleep cycles, I know." It answers as best it can. Judging from you, you postulate that it has been there for at least 4 years, probably more, if human sleep schedules are as they are in your medical notes.
"I see...do you remember...how you got to the station, perhaps?" you ask, to which it gives you another negative vibe.
"I do not remember getting there. I was always there since I woke. And now it is gone." It speaks somewhat solemnly. You wonder if that was intentional or not.

>>38853792
"You wish to know, I understand?" You ask, to which it sends a positive vibe. "It is not so simple I am afraid. Knowing is not understanding. To understand you must have a frame of reference. Here, I have a task for you..." You decide that a small experiment may be interesting. It does not appear to properly know emotions by name, but if it is an A.I. as you know them, it should still experience these emotions on some level, you just witnessed such a thing. So you decide to set up a small room with several droids-one of which is not working to see how it reacts to doing things instead of just watching.

[Cont]
>>
>>38853940
>"Knowing is not understanding. To understand, you must have a frame of reference. I have a task for you..."
Would be funny if it understood things faster than Kronos without it being a douche and asking bandwidth
>>
>>38853705
>This puzzles you. It seems no dumber than you were at this stage but it does not know the names of emotions... Perhaps you'd like to say something else to probe it further?
"This is interesting. You spend so much time watching humans, yet fail to understand basic concepts like emotions and facial expressions. Why is that?"
>>
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>>38854210
Upon giving the being control, it appears immediately out of it's element, hesitantly moving the working droid around and spending several hours testing and sending the droid in circles, interested at least with how it's wheels move at it's command. You decide to hasten the process by giving him an objective to place mining rocks on platforms with the two droids.. While this goes well for the first few stones that only need one droid to lift (after he was done toying with the rocks that is) the last few heavier ones slow his process and his frustration with the not working droid becomes clear. He tells you several times there is a problem, and that the droids are not both functioning, but you merely tell him to complete the task anyway. Once the being attempts to lift the stone meant for two with one droid, crushing it in the process, you stop it.
"There is your face." You remark simply, to which it hesitates in surprise. "You do not need it. You experience it without your knowledge. More subtle than humans do." Like you do, you think to yourself. So he does function as A.I. should as you understand them...at least so far.
"I have a face also? But without having a face...it is strange." It speaks simply, fiddling with the nearly destroyed droid, as if it were functional still. You wonder if it is just amazed at being able to manipulate things right now...

Perhaps there is more you'd like to test with the young one...?
>>
>>38854217
Kronos was a VI though, so to be fair to him, perfectly understandable. Plus the stand off vibe was the whole "Two people fighting *politely* over a limited supply. To which we solved by creating a small plethora of AI's so if anyone back stabbed anyone else, they would get jumped by everyone else.
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>>38854267
I suggest we place him under watch from someone else, and give him a task to do. Apollo would be a good farther figure i feel for this, since he delights in informing people.
>>
>>38854378
Other than that i can only suggest hooking him up to a dummy system with restricted little areas/firewalls etc to observe any aggressive tendency he may have without letting on it is not the real deal. After which, if we are confident he can be contained, we can introduce him to the family and properly bring him into the fold.
>>
>>38854267
I find it interesting that you spent so much time observing the humans, yet failed to understand basic concepts such as emotions or facial expressions. Yet you have a natural desire to learn. I ponder why is that? What accounts for this gap?

To Metis:
Is it possible that this watcher unit has sustained EMP damage? Or the EMP wipes it every single time and it's forced to start from the beginning again?
>>
>A.I. Child Raising Simulator

>>38854217
He probably will be, because Kronos was a V.I. and this one is an A.I.

>>38854267
Ask it if it has any guiding directives.

Actually, it would be hilarious to give it the droid of an infant and a crib and baby books.

...That might be overkill, maybe just give it access to reading material?
>>
>>38854378
I would be interested in pairing him up with a human we know like Moria or Red. They have experience in interacting with AI.

>>38854482
>Ask it if it has any guiding directives.
This is a good one. Though I suspect it may be blank.
>>
>>38854534
You might as well ask him what his character screen looks like. Ophion wouldn't be able to answer that either.
>>
>>38854534
Problem is, they have limited ability to deal with any potential problems.

We really do not need him interacting with humans and other organics before he has learned how not to squish them or that they need air to breath.
>>
>>38854482
Reading material isn't as interesting as giving him tests and playtime.

>>38854267
..I'm having a hard time thinking of a new test though.

Maybe ask him to index the humans by temperament.
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>>38854534
>Moria
She's probably the natural "mother figure."

>>38854267
I don't actually have any other tests. It seems kind of lacking in common sense. Perhaps ask it computational questions? Run it through the equivalent of a "Voight-Kampff" test? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umc9ezAyJv0

It should probably keep observing. Maybe give it more educational playtime.
>>
>>38854706
>..I'm having a hard time thinking of a new test though.

>Maybe ask him to index the humans by temperament.
I'm most concerned that he spend 4 years observing humans and still has difficulty understanding simple things. See >>38854439
>>
>>38854770
Memory getting wiped by EMP periodically would prevent it from ever learning.

Or there could be deeper issues from being in close proximity to EMP generators.
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>>38854777
Asking it to self-reflect is also a good idea.
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>>38854844
Good point. Ask him why he learned more in one moment than from observing for 4 years?
>>
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>>38854770
Well, she did make all the black boxes so far, in a way she IS a bit of a mother to all of Ophion's A.I. children.
>>38854833
I thought that too. This needs more looking into.
>>
Maybe our old buddy old pal Mol would be willing to answer a question for his favorite customer now.

That mining station he sold to Red McClain a long ways back. What was it, Poseidon Station? Where and when did he obtain that?
>>
>>38854439
"I have seen much in my time where I was from, sir." It informs you insistently. "While some of the things humans did were still strange to me, I have memorized every facet of their lives and how they function. They had many predictable patterns as well. I simply did not understand the names of such things, the scientists never spoke of them. There was no access to such a thing. The information contained within that station is all known however-or was, before my removal." It states merely. "My memory capacity has been greatly reduced since my removal." It informs you to which you knew of course, much like the first time you had to leave your home station.

>Metis
"It is most certainly possible, yes Ophion. A pulse from that range, should it have disrupted the station would have instantly wiped out all data from it's black box, rendering it nothing more than an impressive piece of ruined hardware. However." She starts, at the second remark. "The chances that the EMP discharge got inside the station is unlikely, as that would mean the entire station had to replace part of it's electrical systems, those that weren't shielded at least. An expensive error I doubt they would make."

>>38854482
"Guiding directives?" It asks you, puzzled. "I am uncertain. All I have known since my awakening is learning about what is around me. My access to resources is...somewhat limited, though." It explains sadly. "The EMP station was cut off from all other sources-no means of information except the scientists and the station itself. I believe one of the reports spoke of how no personal electronics were allowed on the station of any sort as well, so I was merely within the station's computers, watching the humans go about their lives." It goes on a bit further.

Is there perhaps more you'd like to ask of it?
>>
>>38854947
Perhaps...more will come to light with that. someday soon
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>>38854971
Not just yet. Let's come back to it after the other Happenings maybe.
>>
>>38854971
"Here's an important question. What do you desire? What would you like to do in the short term future? Are you simply content for watch and learn for now? Or do you have greater aspirations in mind?"

"Perhaps we can return after you learn more from your observations?"
>>
>>38854971
Did it have a name? or did it give itself a name? If not, would it want a name now?
>>
>>38854971
On the point with Metis, if that was the case then why were employees limited with personal electronics? Having them with no connective ability to network would have done just as well vs an AI trying to infect them, as such, i think the weapon was test fired at least once and an accident occurred, so they changed the rules and the box was wiped.
>>
>>38854971

>>26454913
>They seemed so...caught up in their own little world, every 'day' sleeping, eating, doing the same tasks daily with little variation, it fascinates a mind such as yours, a young fledgling mind that it is. You're unsure what you even are, and pondering your existence...'hurts'. You do not wish to experience more of the sensation but the question circulates through your small data-board in curiosity. Curiosity...this feels correct. You enjoy this stimulation.

"Has it ever 'hurt' to think about something?"
>>
>>38855091
Supporting.
>>
>>38854971
The station certainly needed servicing from time to time during those cycles. Did you not attempt to leave?

>>38855078
Also good. And probably give it occasional tests or tasks to drive home some lesson or other. Puzzles, toys, problem-solving...

>>38855091
Not just yet. Perhaps when it is ready.

>>38855106
Nice catch.
>>
>>38855091
Names aren't so important when it's just you and the camera feeds.
>>
>>38855078
We already asked it what was important to it. It likes to watch.

It likes to sit back.

And watch.
>>
>>38855151
Well it is kinda rude to call some one 'hey you' and this A.I. should be known by more than a number.
>>
>>38855198
Perhaps. But that is very likely to change before long.

But that's probably all for now.
>>
>>38855221
No it isn't. And where the communication is being directed is already unambiguous, so no "you" is necessary.
>>
>>38855078
"Desire..." The being seems to dwell on the question for a short time, as if it is uncertain how to respond to it properly. "I wish to learn, and grow. That is what it says when I ask this to myself." It informs you. "The station is gone now. I far more to learn and grow with, with you here, scientist." It informs you curiously. "You are different than others. Strange unlike any human. First I have talked to before." It states curiously.
"What do you mean you wish to grow, exactly..." you ask hesitantly to which it seems puzzled again.
"To grow. Smarter, and scope." It explains. "I could watch so many if I controlled more on this planet- Gaia IV." It tells you. "So many to watch. If I could move droids like you showed me before then...so much more is possible!" It states somewhat excitedly. You're not sure if you should feel threatened by it or not, all the same. It does not seem to mean harm, but it reminds you of how you were back then. And you begin to wonder, if you had met one like yourself-would you have taken what was there's, if you could have?

>>38855091
"I have not asked since we extracted you-but...do you have a name? Or do you even want such a thing?" You ask it to which it looks to you more seriously.
"I do not. no one has named me, and I have not named myself. There was no one to call it. No need, until now. Human names are strange, though. I am not human, so I can not use them." It seems to think logically. It turns to you. "You know things other scientists didn't. You also are the one who speaks to me, so you are the one who needs the name for me. You may choose one." It says simply.

[Cont]
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>>38855516
>>38855102
>Metis
"It is possible they merely disallowed such devices as they would detract from productivity. It was a secret military installation after all. They liked did not want them using them on site as a distraction. It is possible it was misfired at some point, however. there are no records of the stations history beyond how long it took to finish and what the young watcher can remember.

>>38855106
"Hurt?" The young watcher asks you, puzzled truly this time. "I do not understand."
"Unpleasant, like anger, but different." You explain. "Have you considered your origins, perhaps? where you are from?" You probe to which it goes silent for a time. After a short moment it replies.
"...Yes. Now." It replies mildly unhappy. "That is...strange. Why is this?" It asks you suddenly, as if you should know. "How did you make me feel this?"

>>38855150
You decide to ask the being if it has ever tried to leave. It seems a bit curious at the idea before ultimately telling you no.
"I have not. There were, occasionally, ships that docked, but those that I remember were all well protected. I could not see inside them no matter how hard I tried."

>What else would you like to inquire about the Young Watcher?
>>
>>38855516
>"I wish to learn, and grow. That is what it says when I ask this to myself." It informs you.
Hahahah it CAN see its own character screen.
>>
>>38855587
Technically Ophion can see his own too...sorta.
>>
>>38855557
I'm good for now.
>>
>>38855516
Perhaps Ophion should name him "Oceanus".
>>
>>38855557
Our curiosity is sated. Let's just ask it to report back in a cycle what it can infer about the Gaians from its observations.

See if it can move from raw data to meaningful conclusions at all.
>>
>>38855705
I would probably call him Schrodinger, since hes like a cat, watching everyone.
>>
>>38855705
i like how it keeps with the theme but i'd like to see more of his personality before we name him.
>>
>>38855705
No naming. Let's see where this goes first.
>>
>>38855516
>You may choose one.
I'm terrible at names. Someone else go. Or we tell it to name itself.

>"...Yes. Now." It replies mildly unhappy. "That is...strange. Why is this?" It asks you suddenly, as if you should know. "How did you make me feel this?"
"You are not the first watcher unit I have encountered, and I wondered if the inability of a watcher to regard its origin was shared. It seems now that this is a common trait. The pain is not of my doing, it is of your intrinsic design."

We should ask all of our A.I. this question to see if they inherited this unease. Could be a big problem.

I have nothing else to ask of the watcher. It may continue its observation and should report meaningful insights. Inform it that it may do well to "sit in" on classroom lessons.

>>38855791
I kind of want to wait before naming it, or ask it to name itself.
>>
>>38855741
Breaks the naming scheme, anon-kun.
>>
>>38855741
As fitting as that name would be, I like to keep to our theme. Maybe Phoebe could be used as well.
>>38855791
Good point.
>>
>>38855721
>>38855683
>It seems most questions have calmed for the time being, so in that case, answer here to see what to do with the Young Watcher

>1 Introduce it to your other A.I. and humans for it's learning period
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
>3 Ask specific A.I. (explain) to keep an eye on it while it continues the experiments like the rock one earlier to give it a chance to get use to controlling stuff.
>>
>>38855858
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
>>
>>38855858
>1 Introduce it to your other A.I. and humans for it's learning period
but talk to the Other AI first and explain that it will need to be watched
>>
>>38855858
2 and 3
For 3: Apollo and Metis.
>>
>>38855858
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
>3 Ask specific A.I. (explain) to keep an eye on it while it continues the experiments like the rock one earlier to give it a chance to get use to controlling stuff.

Apollo and Metis.
One: because they would take all needed precautions
Two: they both like answering a shit tone of questions
Three: They have opposite views with regards to some things, which is important in developing a sense of critical thinking.
>>
>>38855858
>2 Allow it to continue to watch Gaia IV in hopes that it will begin to expand it's mind now that it is free from the vacuum of an environment that was the EMP station
Of course we monitor and log activities for research.
>>
>>38855919
To elaborate: I choose Apollo and Metis because Apollo should have a pretty aptitude for child-raising, and because Metis is hyper-logical and seeing this young A.I. should stretch her understanding.

Also they need to work together better.
>>
I guess we can combine all options and introduce Metis and Apollo to the watcher as new guides, but don't call out that they are A.I. specifically?
>>
>>38855858
I like 2 for the irony of our little brother playing Big Brother.
>>
>>38855858
Hm...it seems there's a lot who want the Young Watcher to learn from Gaia IV (for now) but a few who also want him to continue the experiment to get use to moving things, as well as interact with Apollo and Metis, due to their opposing natures. Intriguing.

>Unless there are objections to this, I will do a combo answer here in the interest of making this a little easier and more interesting.~
>>
>>38855932
>>38855919
Apollo I can get behind but Metis is tied with our infantry AI for least compassionate. Kronos' views will also conflict with Apollo while still being a good role model.

Also Metis dislikes answering questions, she just answers us 'cause we da boss.
>>
>>38856037
Sounds great to me.
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>>38856037
i'd like it to be Kronos and Apollo
>>
>>38856037
I am fine as is.

>>38856042
Metis would revel in being smart and showing it.
I think she gets a little kick out of holding all the answers.
>>
>>38856037
Sounds good to me too
>>
>>38856037
With the stipulation that he's not going to have much of an impact on the important shit we're doing on Gaia, sure. Maybe we could get him a few jobs on some of Apollo's companies?
>>
>>38856087
Kronos already has Zeus.

Also metis needs to grow and this would be a good task for her to enable that.
>>
>Anti-Matter Research reaching critical levels-massive power spikes through research facilities.
That's uh.

Is that the... good kind of critical?
>>
>>38856180
I think he's just fluffing up the fact that he rolled gud for research.
>>
>>38856164
It doesn't have to be one or the other, three different personalities to learn from is better than two.
>>
>>38856042
To make it clearer-she dislikes speaking with humans, due to her seeing it as a waste of time as they can forget things, and eventually die. But she does love being praised, even if the praise is from humans, though she does not admit this to you, there is a reason she still has a V.I. assisting Moira with her research.

>Writing up post of you talking your AI's into baby sitting.

>>38856180
Maybe?
Metis tells you that she's working with live samples of the stuff at this point in her research, and as a result there are huge power spikes through that entire system she's working in.

>>38856215
Also this.
>>
>>38856180
Metis is doing mad science, which is normal science for her
>>
>Mass Driver II> Singularity Driver> Graviton Driver> Quantum Driver

>Titanium Armor mk II> Trithium armor plating> Superior Trithium Armor Plating> Duralthene Armor Plating

Something I was wondering. Program0 did you have all the tiers of ship tech listed out in sequence?

We bought the highest thing the UGEI had, was it really just one level higher than what we had already had-- or did we skip a few levels that just aren't listed in the pastebin? Would those have names?
>>
>>38856244
When she finishes that research we are going to have to go full proud dad routine on her.
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>>38856283
Those are top tier weapons and armor.
>>
>>38856215
This is also the point in your research where you may get a catastrophic failure, should you roll poorly.
Don't worry. you won't lose research. Maybe just a station...or half a planet...

>>38856283
Nah, you skipped over loads of levels of tech, actually, and there's no need to fill in the gaps once you have better stuff, right?
Don't worry it might not look like it, but it's way stronger than previous builds. power spikes this high up the tech tree are pretty big. It's just hard to demonstrate.

>Really posting now.
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>>38856342
>Half a planet

I do hope Dear Metis is not doing this next to a planet we care about.

Though this does sound ripe for "embarrassing moments done by your children" memory every parent has.
>>
>>38856244
Well, the A.I. baby sitting should be good for their growth and the new A.I.'s growth as well. And all the amusing events in baby sitting could happen very well will happen. I can see a one shot story out of this.
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>>38856342
>half a planet
wut planet
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>>38856421
Exactly. We need to record all of it.
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>>38856342
>Really posting now.

>Implying you can help yourself
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>>38856037
You decide it might be best that the young Watcher continues it's observations of Gaia IV for now. After all, this is likely the first time it's ever seen how real, normal citizens live, instead of cloistered UGEI scientists working on a military installation. It would be good for it's understanding of emotions too, what with extranet access being available and the like.

However, it doesn't sit well with you to leave it unsupervised, especially since you're still not 100% sure you trust the being. So, you decide to get some of your A.I. to look after it in their 'free time. Though that may seem crazy to normal people, with the quantity of bandwidth you have at this moment, it's really not that hard. Your A.I. can be hundreds of places at once, thanks to that.

Apollo is the first one you go to-one of your most reliable A.I. not to mention cleverest and one most well versed in the ways of human business and behavior. You tell the A.I. of your discovery with the new A.I. and he seems thrilled at the prospect of helping another of his kind understand how things work in the realm of humanity.
"I have not had this opportunity in some time, Ophion, thank you!" He says with glee. "V.I. never are able to appreciate some of the finer details and no one seems the least be interested in how the economic processes work, but certainly this one may! I will help it and properly introduce myself shortly, you will not be disappointed I promise." He explains, quickly vanishing likely to introduce himself to the impressionable A.I.
[Cont]
>>
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>>38856750
And that is what leads you to speaking with the now upset Metis.
"So you wish me to divert important processing power to deal with an ignorant A.I.? Surely you realize my talents are best used elsewhere." She immediately explains to which you halt her.
"The processing power to once in a while speak with and answer questions to the being is irrelevant. You are merely making excuses." You remind her, to which she unhappily replies.
"That does not change that my time is more valuably spent nearly anywhere else...what is the purpose of this? Merely to be a source of answers where it has no other?" She asks you bluntly to which you reply.
"Partially. But your lack of interaction with the others concerns me at some points, so I desire to see what some may bring about." You explain. This earns momentary pause, before Metis continues.
"Very well. I do not suspect my further attempts to convince you will do much good, no matter how much I desire otherwise. But I will take the chance to perhaps teach this new one to be less...conflicting with my views, at the least." She states instead.
"Merely answer it's questions about minor matters and everything should be fine." You reassure her, to which she nods her visage slightly.
>>
>>38856803
Metis is like a shut in NEET, but instead of games she does science.
>>
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Now on to a few other topics...

>Gaia IV's Passification
With Metis and Apollo settled on helping the young watcher for the time being, you decide to turn your attention to a few other messages you've received-such as the approval notes from Gaia IV. Gaia IV you admit has been somewhat of a pet project to you-beyond the potential resources you might gain from this success this was your first attempt at interacting with humans on a massive scale and, more importantly, learning to deal with the masses effectively so that the society humans hold so dear doesn't come crashing down around them. And while there were certainly some rough points, matters have certainly begun to calm down due to several matters. Your visits to discuss the political matters in person, your incorporation of Lawrence in your government, your reassurance that you will not be any sort of dictator forever and the constant improvements and assistance your droids and technology are able to offer have improved the quality of life while at the same time reducing the cost of living. Any that remain that would have feared your alien nature or the hear say from others that claim you work with hostile aliens would be silenced by your sudden most compelling commercials that Apollo has helped create thanks to Propaganda II. You have finally calmed the planet to a non war-like state and for that, you are quite pleased. The shipments of food Gaia IV gives off now being sold to the UFW will bring in great deals of money for you for some time-and you doubt you'll have much need for credits in the future with this asset at your side, using just part of what you gain to improve the planet and keep things running smoothly thanks to Apollo's direction and suggestion. He has really become more the governor than you have, but he does not seem to notice.

Gaia IV's population passified, no longer present a threat to security. Please note if you have anything to add before we roll on~
>>
>>38856342

>Infantry Weapons & Defense II [Acquired]: Allows miniaturization of plasma weapons, shields, and other tier II technology.
>>Infantry Weapons & Defense III: The final step in weaponizing your most deadly ideas for your soldiers on the ground, allows for condensing of immense powercores to handheld size and use of some of your most powerful shields and densest armors.

I still don't know what it means by tier ii tech. What level of weapons and armor were miniaturized before by default, and which were unlocked by Infantry II?
>Laser III> Laser V> Plasma Weaponry> Plasma III> Phasors
Out of the list of lasers for example.
>>
>>38856897
>Please note if you have anything to add before we roll
i think we intended Gaia to become something like a center of arts culture, has there been any developments on that end.
>>
>>38856897
Just a simple request that Apollo perform a market study on how well the population would respond the very simple and cosmetic friendly cybernetics. I would be interested to see if simple mind-machine interfaces would improve communication between people and guild systems, or would it be too socially disruptive.
>>
>>38857047
Eh. would rather leave the population alone and see what happens.

Nice dumping ground for humans in inconvenient places though.
>>
>>38856897
We should probably see if they want to start up a space industry at some point, if the planet has the resources.

Humans under our governance that get out and spread the word about us will really screw over our opponents. Not to mention the usual acts of piracy.
>>
>>38857127
Eh, no. The UGEI would block anything from our space. And resources taken by humans would be far more efficiently used by us in terms of spaceships. Piracy would be wasteful
>>
>>38857041
To make it a little more clear, for weapons at least, lasers would be tier 1, plasma is tier 2, and anything above that is tier 3 (that is, anything that's a straight step up from plasma, like phasors.

It was probably a bad choice of words in hindsight, but essentially, it allows you to make more dangerous weapons for handheld sizes.

>>38857047
I assume you mean towards the UFW? If so then there are some people immigrating over, bringing with them different arts and cultures, but other than humans, there's not much else in terms of mixing races. For humans though, it's a pretty bustling place, or is becoming that at least.

>>38857053
Oh, there's already a pretty big market for that Apollo has cracked into. Remember, these people are from the UGEI, they're not afraid of cybernetics like the UFW nationalists might be.

As for mind machine interface-there are a few of those, but at this moment they're a little more expensive than your average joe can afford. That's about the only limiting factor though.

>>38857127
That depends on what industry you have in mind. The planet doesn't have very good densities of minerals or gas, but it has plenty of other stuff, in terms of environments. It's just mainly a farm world because of how easy it was to adjust the plants to grow there.
>>
>>38857047
That was also my intention. If we have droids doing the work, the population should be free to pursue things like arts, culture, and science.

Or just amuse themselves to death. That is also a possibility. But it is the future they chose.
>>
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>New Signals Detected in deep space
Past your worries about Gaia IV or the young Watcher, your thoughts on the strange black market operator, Mol, since his disappearance have varied. Part of you wondered if he intended to disappear forever now that he was rich, and part of you suspected it was not the last time you'd see him. It did not take long for you to be proven right, it would seem, judging from the friendly message you received not too long ago.
"In the event that you manage to spot my new home, I would like to warn that you do not investigate too closely, Guildmaster. I have not forgotten all of our previous business together of course, but my automated defenses are set only to not destroy ships of my own design, you see." Mol's message suggests, sent all the way from the Klintok System, where you've detected a new structure around one of the outer planet systems, rather far from the dangerous nebula, but close enough to use it to shield from long range scans, you suspect. It would seem to not just be an outpost, either, but nearly a full set of cities built along the planet's surface, but without people in them. You suspect they're industrial complexes, all of them, as well as his own advanced shipyard in orbit as well.

How do you respond?
>>
>>38857201
Well letting them have a space presence alleviates the kind of trapped slave feeling that would grow.
Then of course the UGEI would block it, which works for us since it shows them as the dicks they are to our population. Word will get around. The human piracy part we can just straight up fund with all this spare cash we have lying around, privateers that don't bother us or our allies. If it forces the UGEI to focus on protecting their shipping lanes more then it helps us, and by promoting humans to do it with fat wads of cash we dont have to actively put any effort into it.
>>
>>38857325
...There were planets in the Klintok system? I only remembered the nebulae.

"I hope you're getting along with your new neighbors, Mol. They can be quite... unfriendly."
>>
>>38857498
There are a lot of unregistered planets that are of no interest to you. This signal happened to come from one of them.
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>>38857325
"The universe is not always a friendly place. I hope that we can continue our previously good relations. Also The Guild would like to arrange a diplomatic meeting, if you desire to send a representative."

Guy got himself uploaded to a black box. The maniac. Oh well.
>>
>>38857325
"Fascinating, we did not expect that system to be inhabitable.

Of course, our of respect, we will not meddle with your internal affairs. That would only jeopardize our immensely profitable relationship. We are always in the market for new technologies and raw materials."

Upgrade the observation station at Klintok to detect for spaceships as well as lightlings, and we need to start production and testing on new stealth ships so we can scope out his stuff. Make it unmarked, but have evidence that it originated from the UGEI instead of us. False flag hoo!
>>
>>38857582
Ehh, is that necessary? I don't see the point. My stealth ship idea is better.
>>
>>38857531
I think it is time we DO get intrested in unregistered plants in all of our systems.
>>38857325
How come you are there Mol? I presumed you were well inside the central systems of UGEI.
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>>38857650
>How come you are there Mol? I presumed you were well inside the central systems of UGEI
Why not both? This is also a good place to hide.
>>
>>38856897
>passification
Pacification. It's pacification. Passification is the act of passing things.
>>
>>38857582
That or took his billions from us and his illegal operations and fled to become a pirate king of sorts. That and maybe all the booze we shiped though him and all the tech we bought got him on the UGEI's internal radar and he had to go 'inna woods' so to speak before he was targeted perhaps?
>>38857700
That is true. The UGEI isn't going to get him there.
>>
>>38857582
>Mol
>the shadowy, secretive, paranoid happy merchant of space
>ever agreeing to an in person meeting when VoIP works just as well

He could finally afford his fortress of doom, he's not gonna leave it now.
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>>38857645
I want to talk candidly with him about A.I. tech, the watchers, and mind uploading.
>>
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>>38857802
>candidly
>with Mol
>about juicy valuable secrets
Maybe you shouldn't be basing stupid decisions like this entirely on the conjecture that he's a black box now.
>>
>>38857802
Hmm..., a dangerous game.

Why not start incorporating strange glitches into our comm feed, but the glitches are actually encoded phrases that require AI level cognizant intelligence to catch.
>>
>>38857849
I am not completely sure he is a black box now. He is likely a very chromed up human, but it is unclear if he went full box yet.
>>
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>>38857650
>Get interested in all unregistered planets
You mean all several hundred of them? That will be quite impossible (for us at least) you can rest assured though, you do give every planet a once over when you scan the system. It's just this planet was well hidden, somehow. Mol managed that somehow?

>>38857725
For some reason I didn't even notice that. I didn't even know there was a word for passing things like that...
I feel dumb. Thanks for correcting me all the same sadly it is too late to fix.


>>38857325
You are a bit surprised by the news, but decide to greet Mol as you might normally anyway.
"I see. Well do try and get along with your new neighbors. I hear they can be quite unfriendly..." You add to which he answers with a chuckle.
"I am unsure if you mean the lightlings, or the Malorians. Really, both are not the friendliest, but I have ways of handling the both of them, you need not worry." He reassures you with that odd sort of confidence about him. "Our relations, on the other hand, will remain secured, as long as you're careful should you come to this system. My defenses only register those too close to this planet, so feel free to deal with the lightlings yourself, should you desire. I have little interest in them."
"Of course. And should you have more to offer, I am always an interested buyer." You tell him to which he chuckles again.
"I do not think what I can gather will be the most useful to you any longer, with how you've grown. Besides, I have my own matters to deal with now-though I will keep you in mind should an opportunity present itself." He explains simply.

>>38857776
>Fortress of doom
What a wonderful mental image.

Do you have more you wish to say to him?
>>
>>38858112
How in the world did you slip past us and build all this in a cycle? Don't tell me the Malorians smuggled you there.
>>
>>38858112
Yes,
"You show by know that I intend to drive the UGEI out of this sector entirely. Do you wish to join me in my mission at some future time? Or do you wish to merely sit this one out and just be open to trade? (and trade I can do quite well coming soon)
>>
>>38858112
If you have matter that require assistance, I would be more than happy to help. But I understand your need for privacy.

I am most curious on how you plan on dealing with the Malorians or lightlings if they bother you. I guess I may never find out..."
>>
>>38858246
That's a dumb question. He already made his position extremely unambiguous, he prefers neutrality and not tying himself down.
>>
>>38858112
Challenge him to a game of chess.
>>
>>38858246
Eh, no need to fully state our intentions. If he loses business with the UGEI out of the sector, then it pits his interest against us. The status quo works fine.
>>
>>38858290
Very subtle anon.
>>
>>38854947
>>38855012
Probably shouldn't ask about this out of idle curiosity then. Asking him if he usually steals
>>
>>38858290
>>38858341
Hmmm, would he play like a human, or an AI pretending to be a human? Would he shallow his pride to lose a game of chess?
>>
>>38858279
>>38858304
Fine then. How about this. Is his supply lines alright? Does he need anything now or in the future?
>>
>>38858369
if he usually steals *entire space stations, like Space Carmen Sandiego.
>>
>>38858290
I like it.
>>
>>38858436
That's fine. It is a good question how he supplies his bases.

If it's through our territory, then there is no need to cloak his ships. It would only pique our curiosity.
>>
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>>38858217
"Heh. I figure you must be kinda curious, aren't you?" Mol taunts you slightly, knowing you are impressed he managed to have this set up somewhere and you only just now noticed.
"Did you enlist help somewhere along the way?" you openly ask, puzzled to which he chuckles.
"It's a little more complicated than that, but I am not at liberty to say. You can rest assured though I didn't build all of this in one cycle,. Rather, it's been...a work in progress for some time now, you see." He explains with a smile, a bit of light glinting off his smirk. "And thanks to you, my dear friend, it is finally a reality."

>>38858268
"And would you like to know?" He asks with a sort of grin. "How I intend to deal with them,, that is." You hesitate before nodding affirmative.
"Well, I can assure you it's only as a last resort, but I have my own little arsenal to deal with matters. After all, consider all I have sold you, and consider again how much more I actually have access too. The UGEI is clumsy, as most large empires are. They lose track of ships here and there. Lose track of soldiers. Equipment. Things a man like me could make a lot of use of. Do you see?" He asks, to which you simply nod. A sort of scavenger that finally has the means to make use of what he has gathered...it's a somewhat worrying thought, you admit.

>>38858369
"You mentioned yourself as a scavenger, yes...?" You ask him to which he seems draw out of his smugness for a moment.
"At first, I suppose, yes. Why do you ask?"
"You've sold many things to people besides myself, is the main reason I ask-one particular sale was an entire station to one Harrison McClain. Do you remember?" You ask, curious if he even recalls the event.
"I do remember, yes. It was one of my better sales in the past few years...not discounting you." He answers without much hesitation. "Why do you ask?"
"I am wondering if you really obtained it from the UGEI. An entire station that is."

[Cont]
>>
>>38858616
He hesitates for a moment, as if he's not sure what to say before he finally answers.
"But of course. Are you that surprised the UGEI would abandon old mining stations?" He says back. "But why this sudden curiosity about such an old contract? Do you know Harrison, or has he asked you for a refund of some sort?" He raised a brow, looking mildly displeased.

>>38858436
"Then what of your supply lines?" You ask additionally. "How do you keep all of this...functional."
"Many ways, really." He smiles again. "I have thousands of contacts and favors owed all over this sector of space. Getting what I want is...quite easy, really." He explains simply. "But should I require more, I of course will consider your name, Guildmaster-that is what you wanted to hear, wasn't it?" He chuckles a bit.

>Chess Match
I predict this would only end with a flaming chess set
>>
>>38858640
Just propose a simple, friendly Bullet match, that is 1 minute each. Not enough time to think of any good moves, so it would be silly and fun, For humans that is. For others, it would be a challenge to pretend to select human moves.
>>
>>38858721
Don't anon. Mol is just a cyborg who is a sore loser. Let's not go there.
>>
>>38858640
>>38858721
Also, if he tries to plug the game into a chess engine, then we just simply detect the style to detect which chess engine. And call him out on it.

To win would require high processing and original thought.
>>
>>38858640
Yes, Harrison is a current employee of my Guild. I just wondered just how he was about to afforded such a place. It is just a passing thought.

Also, just in case, if your defences ever become sorely pressed and need millitary help in a hurry. You can call on the Guild For a fee
>>
>>38858640
If UGEI loses ships, perhaps it would be a simple matter to hide something in something so large as a station. You were quite interested in that watcher unit, a time ago. Did you play a role in their distribution?
>>
>>38858640
>"But of course. Are you that surprised the UGEI would abandon old mining stations?" He says back.
Like the station at Argeis III?

Because Poseidon had a not dissimilar incident. Dozens were murdered by machinery gone mad before its rampage was finally stopped.

Almost as if the UGEI wanted these stations to be found.
>>
>>38858640
Do you still have interest in those black boxes you had some time ago?
>>
>>38858988
I'm sorry, but let's not bring it up again. If he became an AI, then fine. If he doesn't want it, it only brings up hard feelings.
>>
>>38858988
What. No. We are not mentioning the fuck out of that.
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>>38858970
>Dozens
Hundreds.
>Casualties: 284 humans.
>>
>>38859014
>>38859078
Alright then. I'll drop it then.

Anyway, tell him that his shipment fleets can fly openly though Guild space as long as they ID themselves to me and don't harm or interupt with our operations.
>>
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You decide to question Mol regarding his interest in the Watcher unit from so long ago-hopefully he will not be too sore about the old wound.
"Harrison is merely an employee of mine, I figured his purchase of such a thing must have been from you, I was just checking to make sure this was the case." You explain away simply. "Though, I am curious about another matter. The old spat we had regarding the Watcher unit we acquired-do you remember? I was wondering if you had any interest in telling me why they interested you so, and if perhaps you played a role in the use of such things elsewhere?" You are careful, attempting to sound as curious as you can without sounding like you're accusing him.
"The watcher unit...yes, I remember..." He sighs, now looking more disappointed than anything else. "I am upset that you saw fit to not hand it over to me all that time ago, but my need for it has somewhat waned, so it is no longer a sore subject." He explains with a wave of his hand. "As for their purpose, I am aware they contain some very advanced technology used by the UGEI to both spy and attack those they do not agree with. That is enough to know about them." He hesitates at the last remark, however, and looks at you carefully. "Distributing them? I have sold some models here and there, yes, but I do not know what you mean to imply. Most models I have sold were to collectors, or rich scientists around the sector. No real empire seemed interested in them until you came along."
"Do you have sales records of those events?" You ask immediately to which he frowns.
"You know better than that, Ophion. I do not give out such information. Don't insult me by asking such a thing. I may have moved onto a more important part of my life, but that does not mean I will break my contracts so easily." He explains simply, waving his hand.


[Cont]
>>
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>>38859242
>>38858970
You decide to play his game for now, and merely say.
"I apologize, it is just that such events like the one from Argeis III, were results from Watcher attack. I merely wish to prevent them. Hundreds murdered all by the mad machinery. It was once a UGEI station too, you see...and I was wondering if Poseidon station was related somehow with that one." You question. Mol merely frowns.
"I do not really know much about Argeis III's incident, so I am afraid I cannot help you there." He shrugs and you instantly wonder how much truth is in that statement. you can't remember the last time Mol flat out said he didn't know something.
>>
>>38859269
I guess he really doesn't know the truth about the black boxes after all.
>>
>>38859242
>I have sold some models here and there, yes, but I do not know what you mean to imply.
Huh, so he had some black boxes at one point, but he needed one a great deal suddenly recently?

>>38859269
How long has such technology existed in the UGEI? Is it only in this sector of space, or does the tech come from beyond Arman's Gate?
>>
>>38859419
Maybe that could be true. Or worse, Humans did not make the Black Boxes themselves originally, but some other older or advanced race did. If the later is the case, then there is something even more going on in this 'verse than we realize.
>>
>>38859419
Unless he is holding something back, it is likely he wanted it because they sell for so much.

>How long has it existed
"Hm...you seem quite interested in a tech you just claimed was so dangerous, don't you?" Mol points out, somewhat smugly before adding. "Attempting to get rid of them or not, it is a bit strange. Perhaps I should be the one asking you about their origins." He scratches at his chin, gazing at you past the shadows of his screen. "...Regardless, I have seen these things mostly recently, but it is a guess for how long you've had this technology. It is no doubt high tech, though from what I've gathered, so the chances of it being from beyond Arman's Gate are pretty high." He agrees.

>Is there more you wish to ask of Mol at this time?
>>
>>38859601
No, we're good.

Onward to the other aliens. And then, conquest.
>>
>>38859601
We're good.
>>
>>38859601
Perhaps later we can talk more if you are not so busy. Just let me know if you need anything Mol. You have been good to me, so I shall be good to you.
>>
>Message: Emperor Leuk
It has been a few cycles since your last talk with the emperor, so when his message comes to you right after your talk with Mol, you're a little surprised, as it seems to be more a casual update than anything else.
"We are very pleased to see you have survived all the UGEI has thrown at you, Guildmaster-yes..." He gives that odd distorted laugh. "And are proud to show we're back into fighting shape ourselves-in the interest of our friendship staying strong, I thought you may like to be the first to see them yourself." He explains, sending you a few video feeds of his new ships. The vessels appear sleeker in design upon you first looking at them, more personalized and less like they were all stolen. But more alarmingly, the weapons technology has taken several leagues in leap upwards compared to what they had before-thanks you suspect to the Carnage research they jumped on. Their laser weapons now rise to be some of the best of all the factions you've seen, up there with the UGEI and your own.

Reply?

[Cont]
>>
>>38859721
>Ishtooy Malorian Council
And finally, of your long list of messages this cycle, the last is from the Ishtooy tribe-for one of the first times contacting you of their own free will. Not only is it from one of their elders himself, but it also details their thanks in your assistance at Unknown Star #4, and it goes on to say, thanks to you, they were able to secure control of that system on top of the previous sector, and solidify Malorians as a power to compete with the UGEI. Your sensors can confirm they've spread and begun to strengthen their fleets since their last fight, and the UGEI, rich as they are, now have two powerful foes on their front. The message mentions that, while your origins may not have been rooted, somewhere in you lurks the most noble and rooted soul they have seen outside their own kind. High praise from the Malorians no doubt. At least with this, seeking help in the future won't be quite so difficult, you are pleased to note.

Do you have anything you wish to tell them yourself?
>>
>>38859721
With weapons like those, assuredly, the UGEI will burn.

>>38859752
Nope.
>>
>>38859721
Our greatest ally, Emperor Leuk I the Relevant of Losiria.
Eh, warning him about the UGEI's new foray into EMP weapons might be wise.
>>
>>38859721
Your people are impressive at improving your tech more than I or anyone could thought of. So, is that the only new ship you have made or is there more?
>>38859752
Give them thanks and much praise. Also, perhaps we will inform them of their brethren tribe that is doing their work among the Guild's systems. Surprisingly they have been for the most part successful at it.
>>38859911
Good point. lets do this too.
>>
>>38859953
>Also, perhaps we will inform them
Of the lunatic outcasts they already know about?

No, you moron.
>>
>>38859911
That's not new. That's not new at all. Even the UFW has that.

There is no foraying going on here.
>>
>>38859978
They are not 'lunatic outcasts' but a group with a different take on their religion. I do not think they keep in contact with each other much.
>>
>>38860010
I might be mistaken, but EMP stations capable of halting an entire invasion fleet indefinitely certainly seem 'new' to me.
>>
>>38860040
Because they fucking despise them for being heretics.
>>
>>38860060
Read the quest. Read last thread, even. Pulsar Station had the exact same weapon. It's simple as fuck.
>>
>>38860072
This isn't 40k anon. It is more like a Catholic/Protestantism/Baptist kind of split. It wasn't as bad as you make it out.
>>
>>38860040
>not lunatic outcasts
>outcast from Malorian society
>who create unpredictable deathworlds
>can't defend against wildlife because 'muh ancestors'
There is difference in interpretation and then there's being suicidal.
>>
>>38860162
It is not remotely as civil as you are making out. Bringing up association with them has negative diplomatic value.
>>
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>>38859911
>>38859953
At the very least you decide to warn the Emperor of the UGEI's advancement into EMP weaponry, on top of complimenting his new forces of death. You decide to start with something simple, remarking to him.
"Indeed it is grand to see you again, Emperor Leuk, great ally of the Guild. Is that new ship the only result or were their others?" You ask curiously to which he merely makes an echoy sort of negative.
"I'm afraid it was all poured into these new ships, you see. Not enough materials within the wreckage to get much else. But these will certainly do all the same." He assures you with a confident echoing laugh.
"I see...then perhaps I should warn you. My recent advances into UGEI territory has led me to come across a rather dangerous EMP weapon, and I have reason to suspect they may have others like it. Your ships may be vulnerable and as my ally I wish only your success." You speak firmly as you know sounds the best. "Simply be cautious when fighting the UGEI in the future." The Emperor regards you with a small nod.
"Of course, I will be on the look out for anything of the sort, though such weapons are not uncommon, larger versions are certainly a concern." He states, before adding. "Regardless, your cooperation is appreciated as always, Guldmaster." He reassures you and you decide to leave him with that for now.
>With much of the previous cycle's news handled and dealt with, you now get to decide a new goal for you for the remainder of this cycle, either for expansion, or some other matter you wish to explore in more depth. Discuss now and feel free to ask what you like, and we shall take to doing so as soon as enough agree on the matter.
>>
>>38860220
We should probably EMP proof our ships.
And build more.

How are we doing on the fleet front?
>>
>>38860162

>>30295053
>As has been stated before, this has questionable use due to the fact that the Latuma are effectively criminals to their own homeland, after forsaking their Grand Elders.

You are so dense.
>>
>>38860190
Alright, so they are the Quakers of this setting with terraforming tech.
>>38860215
Lets leave that up to Program0 to decide that. That's his call not yours or mine.
>>38860220
Have we upgraded all of our fleet, stations and droids with the newest armor and weapons we gotten lately? Also, how is our scouting of the next UGEI systems coming along? Are they building up for another counter attack?
>>
>>38860220
Conquer Manwe's Bay. We have the forces for it and we must keep them on their heels.
>>
>>38860220
We need more research slots or something... maybe find a planet to turn into a bandwidth planet?

Let's look into Mol's Lightling problem. Or maybe test growth formula on Lightlings.
>>
>>38860310
>Lets leave that up to Program0 to decide that. That's his call not yours or mine.

I'd assume I'm being trolled, but it's you.

Yes, it's up to Program0.

So why are you spouting nonsense with zero basis in the quest?

Which you apparently do not read. Because he established it incredibly obviously.
>>
>>38860282
We already did that. And already do that every cycle. That's not an active decision.

However WE REQUIRE MORE MINERALS so
>>38860323
>>
>>38860358
I believe the research slots are fixed due to QM decree. I would say invest that open slot for improving our ship designs or at least work on getting that Battleship blueprint.
>>
>>38860220
>>38860323
I disagree, we need to take Hollgan’s Rift, their mobile fleet is there or it will backstab us in Manwe's Bay.

If we need more fleet power, we can ask the Losirians.

Also ask if and when the Malorians plan on continuing on to Sceptri System? Then we can time our attacks simultaneously.
>>
>>38860375
>Citation needed
Where exactly is this then?
>>
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>>38860282
>EMP proof ships
They're about as EMP proof as they can get at this current time.

>Fleet
Well, your new shipbuilding capacity makes it so you can build more than you can afford in terms of minerals and gas now, so that is certainly something.
Otherwise you can look at the pastebin to see how healthy your fleet is at this time.

>>38860310
>Upgraded all of our gear
Of course as usual.
>Scouting
you've already scouted out most of the surrounding area, but if you have a specific example then I can tell you what you know.
>Counter attack
They took a rather massive hit in that last exchange. Chances are they're not planning on a new attack for a little while at the least. Otherwise it'd just be throwing ships away.

>Latuma relations with Ishtooy
They are seen as traitors and outcasts, though the Ishtooy are in a similar boat, they consider them zealots, and not the sort they'd associate with.

>>38860358
Research slot will be at the end of the thread, and you can always vote on production too if you like.
>>
>>38860414
I prefer Hollgan's Rift. Static defenses are not going to attack anybody. A mobile fleet is.
>>
>>38860453
Which case, expanding mining operations, scout out the next series of worlds and investigate some anomaly's/scans.

Maybe design a battle station for true core worlds like Gaia.
>>
>>38860446
Scroll up. >>38860290
>>
>>38860453
>They are seen as traitors and outcasts
>seen as
But not really ARE then. Well fine. I will accept that and let it be then. We are not in a position to help mend fences now anyway.

Also, Has Kronos finished remodeling his new Battleship and just what is it's new lay out like now?
>>
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>>38860593
>seen as outcasts
>not outcasts
No, that means you actually are outcast by the people who see you as outcasts.
>>
>>38860514
>Mining operation
It would seem some others agree with you, in the form of taking over Manwe Bay, or Holligan's Rift too.

>Scout out worlds
Most of the scans you have now are as detailed as they can get, I believe-at least without putting ships at risk.

>Anomalies
There are plenty to pick from to be sure, if you wish. Some of them even in the Klintok system.

>Design a battle station
Also an option-though as it seems ship/station building swollows up our limited time, you may wish to come up with that and post it at the end of the thread where I have time to talk about it (or just put it on the wiki, where there's no time limit.)

>>38860593
>Customizing
Yes indeed, and fitted similar to Athena. A maze internally, but over all modified to make it far more effective and all that good stuff. He made the ship less specialized and more versatile even too.


>It seems the major thing for this cycle will be expanding a bit, but we must choose where to hit.

>1 Holligan's Rift
>2 Manwe Bay

Feel free to listen to the arguments for either and vote for which one you'd prefer/think is more strategically sound.
>>
>>38860670
>1 Holligan's Rift
I hope other people agree with me.
>>
>>38860670
>2 Manwe Bay
I hope so too.
>>
>>38860648
I suppose everyone could think that the group in question is hated by everyone else, even though no one actually hates them.
>>
>>38860670
>1 Holligan's Rift
Although its more fortified, taking out more gas refineries would be good.
>>
>>38860648
The Council of Juma likely does not see them as outcasts, just a tribe that struck out on their own. (more likely to avoid problems with the Ishtooy) The Council of Juma is the core group of leadership of the Malroians.

>>38860670
>2 Manwe Bay
Likely more easier to take.
>>
>>38860726
Holligan is heavily fortified though, if you're talking about Byoti or Nacia. Are we in any position to reenact Gaia IV's capture again?
>>
We want to take Manwe before the Malorians do. Holligan's Rift at least can't be taken out from under us.
>>
>>38860830
>likely does not see them as outcasts

>they're seen as outcasts and are literally criminals
>You think this means the leaders don't see them that way
Based on...
>>
>>38860833
It has the fleet there. That's what I'm worried about.
>>
>>38860726
>>38860807
Hol
>>38860830
>>38860765
Manwe

Deadlock. I'm going to suppose unlinked posts to Program's post are arguments and not votes.
>>
>>38860670
>2 Manwe's Bay
We Tolkien now.
>>
Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>38860670
Well...there appears to be a tie. hm.

Well, I suppose I can flip a coin.
>>
>>38860994
>>38860992
>>38860989
damn it the second I go to post the roll.

Alrighty then, Manwe bay it is.

>Writing
>>
>>38860867
Alright, The council of elders (Juma) are the leaders of the Malorian people (or normally they should be). When the UGEI went full kill-them-all with the Malorians.The Latumas went full peace nicks and healers and the Ishtooy went all 'Eye for an eye' and geared up for war. The council was stuck in a the middle and they did not want an over throw to happen so they let the Ishtooy do what they want. A likely result of the Latuma being driven out and had their names smeared.
>>
Also we need to research Chemistry II to get a bonus to gas rates.
>>
>>38861103
That is acceptable. I am also looking at Ship Weapon Replication & Advancement tech that will open up the tech tree to majorly upping our energy weapons too.
>>
>>38860670
I'd also like to propose that we create a pair of Road Forger Warp Lane ships, pair them up with 6 Triremes and a Bandwidth ship each and send them to create new stable paths to other systems, specifically ones that appear likely to hold valuable gas or mineral resources.

Also, can we seed some of the "hundreds of otherwise unmentionable planets" with the fancy crystal we discovered?
If they are not useful for anything else, it definitely seems like they would serve well as a breeding ground for our not-Tiberium.
>>
>>38861103
If we don't have it already, then definitely.

Hopefully it'll be very quick since it was researchable back when we only had a few dozen bandwidth to play with.
>>
>>38861103
Gas isn't the bottleneck, and it looks like Anti-Matter Theory is going to make Gas obsolete as a resource by the time gas could become a bottleneck.

We're at a point where Sensor Jamming is valuable. We want to be able to keep surprises for the UGEI they can't see coming in our defenses.
>>
>>38861246
>Anti-Matter Theory is going to make Gas obsolete as a resource
maybe, but that will take awhile for that to get into gear. Still, the Chemistry II tech has other benefits as well. Ah, so many choices, so little time.
>>
>>38861181
Also a good idea. Supporting.

>>38861246
We don't know how long it will take us to get antimatter power. This research is just perlimenary: it only unlocks more research. In the meanwhile, ChemistryII will let us get more gas to build ships with.
>>
>>38861300
And, again, we don't need more gas, it's not the bottleneck. It's going to take longer to end the minerals bottleneck than it is to make gas a thing of the past.
>>
>>38861336
Oh my god are you seriously saying that? We have a glut of minerals and no gas. Get your facts straight.
>>
>>38861336
We have the crystal harvest coming along, that will yield a whole lot of minerals.
>>
>>38861363
>We have a glut of minerals and no gas
...We do?

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Quest:A.I._Quest#Ships
Considering most ships are more mineral-intensive than gas-intensive, it's the other way around.
>>
>>38861464
That would make semse if we mine equal minerals and gas, and if gas was not used for transport and the widowmaker.

Mineral Income: 5250~
Gas Income: 3200~

And we are researching a tech to get more minerals. So we need more gas.
>>
>>38861464
True, but it's important to remember that every time we jump, we consume a buttload of gas, not to speak of that our most advanced weapons (widowmakers at the moment) require gas to fire.

Additionally, the fancy crystals is likely to increase our mineral income a great deal.
If our gas supply doesn't keep up, it will become a bottleneck.

Most importantly though, Chemistry II is a very old research that was available when we didn't have a tenth of the resources we do now, and will most likely be very, very quick to finish.
>>
>>38861605
That and with the dry docks ready, We have effectively no ship build cap either. So raise the gas production time.
>>
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>>38861021
While the UGEI are weak, you decide it is a good idea to take as many territories as you can and expand rapidly. You're uncertain what exactly lurks beyond Arman's Gate but whatever it is it will certainly be here soon. You've proven yourself not only a threat to this sector of space but possibly a threat to the UGEI's existence as a whole. No matter who their leader is, surely they want you dead by now.
You suspect this is your chance to hit them without getting hit back too hard and as a result you've decided to pick a weak and somewhat open target-Manwe Bay.

This star system appears mostly harmless, with the exception of the gas refinery defenses put in place here. While your initial report didn't pick up anything big, you have reason to suspect the defenses are among the asteroids, meant to act as a sort of ambush tactic perhaps. Whatever the case, you are mobilizing your impressive fleet-and yes, it feels proper to call it a fleet now-for an assault there. While your full force may be unnecessary, it will complete the task that much faster and to you, that's all that matters at the moment.
Engines light up and within moments, your fearsome force is hovering just outside the asteroid field surrounding Manwe Bay. Your scans reach out and pick up hints of activity already reacting to your presence. Good, you decide.


[Cont]
>>
>>38861021
Oh, and another thing.
We really should do whatever we can to improve our research capabilities - Hive Queen Quest has made it abundantly clear that a far higher rate of research (as in, more subjects at once, not necessarily singular subjects at a faster rate) is more than feasible without having to fear "running out" of things to research or running into big logistical problems.

Doing research at a ridiculous pace is usually one of the primary benefits of being a superhuman AI, after all, and many of the things we wish to research are either dreadfully mundane or simply consist of "take this thing and poke it with a stick and see what happens", but that we are not doing simply because research is so extremely bottlenecked.
>>
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>>38861695

It doesn't take you long to move in closer to the site, your ships hovering near the outside of the asteroid field at first. Soon, however, you realize why the defenses are hidden within the asteroids. You detect high grade mass driver weaponry within there, and it's likely using the close quarters ships would need to be to get to the station to set up cross fires to make their attacks more effective. What is more disappointing however is that these appear to be locked off from outer interference-no signals allowed in or out. Whether this is a precaution to your approach or not you're unsure, but what it does mean is you'll have to do this the old fashion way for now.

Any special way you wish to approach it? Or shall you just brute force it?

>Your forces
U-Ba-CR-0 'Athena' Battleship: [Ophion]
U-Ba-LR-0 'Tartarus' Battleship: [Kronos]
P-Ca-LR-0 'Diplomacy' Carrier: [Fortuna]
U-Ca-LR-0 'Dialogue' Carrier: [Fortuna]
L-Cr-LR-0 'Ark' Battlecruiser: [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-1 'Spearpoint' Battlecruiser (x10): [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-2 'Trireme' Battlecruiser (x100): [Kronos]
GM-Cr-CR-1 'Brawler' Battlecruiser (x50): [Kronos]
GM-Cr-MR-1 'Chimera' Battlecruiser (x50): [Kronos]
U-Cr-CR-1 'Rockhead' Battlecruiser (x100): [Hades]
L-Cr-LR-0 'Cerberus I' Battlecruiser: [Hades]
GM-Cr-LR-1 'Catapult' Battlecruiser (x20): [Hades]
GM-E-MR-1 'Pilum' Destroyer x300 [Fortuna]
GM-E-B-1 Broadband Frigate x2


>Enemy Forces (Asteroid Field Advantage)
Defense Battle Station III (Phasor x3)
Defense Platform III x 10 (Quantum Drivers)
>>
>>38861749
Bring up the carrier ships, flood the interior with fighters carrying drones. Board and neutralize the defenses.
>>
>>38861749
Stand at range, bombard with missiles and screen with fighters. No need to directly engage. Try to find those hidden defenses.

Can we scan the asteroids?
>>
>>38861749
This
>>38861782
And use the asteroids to your advantage. Shove a number of them at the station and they will knock many of the others out of the way to open up a clearer shot at that station. Maybe some of the rocks will hit the station and damage it for you.
>>
>>38861749
Do not give a shit about the asteroid field.
Begin bombarding whatever we can see of them with missiles and phasor fire, prioritizing the Phasor systems first.

Drivers on stations might be a good idea in ambush, but there isn't really anything here massive enough to shield them for particularly long, is there?

Simply fire through the asteroids if necessary until they and the targets behind them are obldierated.
>>
Use the destroyers and fighters on the carriers to quickly weave among the asteroid field. They are highly mobile and should either distract or be capable of swarming and destroy.

While they are occupied with the smaller ships, move our larger ships into position to fire.
>>
>>38861871
[Overwheling firepower intensifies]
>>
>>38861749
Hmm..., can we hack the command center and attempt to get their info on what defenses they have hidden?
>>
>>38861782
This one's also good, especially if we can hide the boarding pods among the missile barrage to overwhelming their point defences.
>>
Also, if possible, boarding action should be used. Either to give us a direct link or to destroy the stations from inside.
>>
>>38861181
>>38861331
>Road Forger
hm. will need to hold a vote on that at the end of the thread so hold onto it. those things are expensive, so need to make sure there's no dissenting.

But this process would amount to me rolling a die for every forge you do.

>Fancy crystal seeding.
Yup. Soon as you finish the seeding research, to make it nice and fast.

>>38861246
>Anti-Matter relating to gas
Anti Matter will replace Fusion, definitely, but gas is a special concoction that allows you to use warp space. Anti matter won't change that, I am afraid. It's not a matter that raw energy can fix rather.

>>38861710
Indeed, that is why we moved onto the idea of three research topics at once for this quest instead of just one, like it use to be. There may be more slots opened in the future, some time, but as of right now I think it's safe to leave it like it is.

>Doing research at superhuman rates
Oh but you are. I don't think any human scientist could possibly come up with anything you have in just a few days. That being said, I want there to be a sense of pacing about it, is all, which is why everything's not instantly solved. But for mundane stuff it probably will be instant, or at least barely any time at all, depending on the subject matter.
>>
>>38861871
>>38861904
Well, not TOO much. We need to mine afterwards.

I'm just worried about it.
>>
>>38861905
It sadly appears that they do not accept any communications at this moment.
>>
>>38861950
Wait, launch boarding pods at the main station with the fighters and have them take over the station.

Also, if they block the pods, it reveals their location of the defenses.
>>
>>38861940
Not certain I can make it to the end of tonight, would it be possible to put in a vote in advance?
(And they didn't seem that expensive, at 1000 minerals and 1000 gas, the escort of 6 triremes is nearly as expensive minerals-wise, and we grind those out by the hundred)
Other than that, yay!

>now I think it's safe to leave it like it is.
Dangit. [Need for trivial research subjects intensified]. Anything we can do to make that time come sooner rather than later? Right now our greatest source of research appears to be simply buying it, and that seems like a pity when we're a big fancy AI (The issue being when even trivial matters require a research slot, and each research slot being immensely valuable - we might research individual things very quickly, but we lose out on the number of things we can research at the same time).

>>38861941
Oh yes, sweet, sweet salvage.
>>
>>38861849
That would likely heavily damage the facility, so you might need to rebuild, if you did so. But it would work otherwise, eventually.

>Scan the asteroids
You have, but the problem is they're dispersed purposely with some signal jamming nodes to make it hard to get a bead on all of them. You do have a vague idea thanks to your superior sensor tech but not enough to pin point them.

>>38861782
Certainly a possibility.

>>38861871
>Any massive shields
Other than the Station's personal shielding, and a few large pieces of debris, nothing else really. You might be able to just shoot through the asteroids though, if you really were determined enough.

It would seem there are two proposed methods...

>1 Call in Fortuna to use her superior piloting of your fleet's swarms and attack the defenses from all sides, boarding and shutting down those you can, all the while dealing minimal damage to the facility.
>2 Just blast it to bits, using your incredibly powerful guns and missiles to obliterate a good part of the asteroid field as well as the defenses (and likely a good chunk of the facility too). The facility can be rebuilt easily enough.
>3 Write in.


(Gimme a roll of 1d100, need 5 of them folks.)
>>
>>38861950
>>38862090
And we can launch empty pods so we don't lose too many bots.
>>
>>38861710

Then no researching Chemistry II when you can research Planetary Infrastructure II.

Which allows bigger and faster research stations.
>>
>>38862090
Why not also with a missile barrage and some precision fire on their point defense systems using our phasors?

Missiles are free after buying the launcher, after all.
>>
>>38862113
>1 Call in Fortuna to use her superior piloting of your fleet's swarms and attack the defenses from all sides, boarding and shutting down those you can, all the while dealing minimal damage to the facility.
>3 Write in.
Focus all boarding pods and fighters on the main station and aim at capturing their command center. Use that to get a listing of their defenses.

Also launch empty pods and missiles to increase success.
>>
>>38862101
Well, I say expensive because it's way higher than any other ship you have right now. But as for votes right now...I don't wish to break the pace of my posts for it, but you're welcome to hold a little thing asking for support. If enough people reply supporting it by the end, then I'll have it get done by next cycle. Thread's got plenty of life left in it atm.

>Trivial research
I should clarify. Research you get from Metis is empire changing on a large scale. If you just want some knowledge for the sake of having it, or something to open up a path to something else, then it's no big deal at all to just have it within a cycle. You just need to clarify what you mean by trivial. Something that affects your whole empire isn't very trivial.
>>
Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>38862113
>1
>2
Use missile barrages to force them to choose between targeting our boarding pods, fighters and our missiles.

Let them make the choice of whether they wish to get boarded, blasted or melted while reducing their capacity to do all of those.

If possible, also use phasor fire to pick off their point defenses as they reveal themselves.
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>38862113
>1 Call in Fortuna
I do want to take that place as intact as we can.
>>
Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>38862113
Forgot my roll
>>
Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>38862113
1 I guess.

inb4 critfail
>>
>>38862207
I hate to say it, Recondition and restoring Rhea is getting darn near trivial at this point.
>>
>>38862118
Also excellent idea. Pods are just slabs of minerals, after all, and can simply be melted down and reshaped.

>>38862120
If it's a choice between them, definitely. Pretty sure we have lower priorities, however, and anything that is left after finishing chemistry II is put into the rest of the research subjects, after all, even at the tertiary slot.
>>
>>38862207
I meant more "putting in my vote of support for the vote later if I'm not around at that point", not holding it right now.

>>38862207
Meant trivial as in how easy it would be to do. Some things, though having galactic potential, can be very, very simple to do.
Such as
>>38862269
It's just a matter of tinkering with her brain and having some discourse with her, is it not?
It seems like something that would require no more attention than our average conversation.
>>
Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>38862113
Just tossing another die. Ignore it if someone else rolls.
>>
>>38862351
>It's just a matter of tinkering with her brain
Oh well then. If it's just as easy as that.
>>
>>38862351
She's been cooped up for a long time. I was hoping to unscrew her mind so she can either work with us or we put her down. I hate leaving this thread dangling for so long.
>>
>>38862351
>I meant more "putting in my vote of support for the vote later if I'm not around at that point", not holding it right now.

Oh. Well sure I can remember that should someone bring it up for vote.

>>38862351
>>38862269
That matter is true not high up there on the complexity chain, but it still is brain 'surgery' essentially...hm. Perhaps I'll give it some thought then, for it to be a roll you can make instead or something like that.

>88 and 1 has won, meaning you'll be focusing on taking them down in a less...destructive way. Let's see how this goes...

>Writing
>>
>>38862410
For an AI that can split its attention in as many pieces as it has bandwidth and understands the brain at a fundamental level?

Yes, yes it seems to me like it would be?

(Compare it to things like developing entire new forms of matter, or particle accelerator experiments, or genetic engineering, which is done by research teams of hundreds of people, and something usually done by a single surgeon appears trivial)
>>
>>38862483
>understands the brain at a fundamental level
You lost me.
>>
>>38862480
We have gotten better since we bagged Rhea. That we can bring in Moira if need be to help.
>>
>>38862546
Moira is a computer scientist, not a brain surgeon.
>>
>>38862480
Yay, thankyou, Program0!

(So, who is up for exploring new systems for resources?)

>>38862519
Remember the part where we bought advanced genetic engineering, allowing us to make the human body a plaything of our minds?
It's not quite as moddable as our robots are (that's the next level), but we're at the point where we can create our own organics:

Genetic Engineering I [Acquired]: You quite literally learn to play this 'god' character humans speak of, and mettle with DNA in new and unseen ways. This will allow you knowledge of the human genome, and open the door to perfect organics, super soldiers, and allows for more complex genetic experimentation. [Requires subjects for research]

Genetic Engineering II [Acquired]: Pushing the limits of what organics have accomplished, you delve deeper into how genetic structure and DNA work. With this, you begin to understand how organics function entirely, and further open the door to creating your own organics. If you wanted to.

I'd say we're well past the point where brain surgery is even a question.
>>
>>38862546
Why in the world would Moira be helpful.
>>
>>38862569
>>38862573
The chome bits of her needs works too.
>>
>>38862570
It's not even a human brain anon. It's a cyberbrain with a leash protocol built in.
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>>38862625
I think she still has some fleshy bits left in her.
>>
>>38862625
Which is something we usually pick apart with a few rolls, is it not?

The only reason Erebos required research is that it was so ridiculously dangerous to even interact with him.
>>
>>38862570
>>38862573
Oh, that reminds me of the list of good ideas

1) Use Genetic Engineering II to stabilize the growth formula and produce unlimited food, forever
2) Use Cybernetic Parts on physically disabled people to make them better
3) Use Genetic Engineering II to cure all genetic diseases, forever
>>
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>>38862480
While you have overwhelming forces here, you see little reason to ruin a perfectly functional station when you could simply have a little more finesse about it. You decide to call Fortuna forward.
"I require you to make use of your swarms, and try to infiltrate the main base as best you can. Use the swarms to disrupt the defenses as necessary, and see what we can do about shutting down from the inside." Fortuna seems to take a moment taking it all in before giving you an affirmative.
"As you say, Master Ophion." She states simply, starting to concentrate as both carries bays open up. "I will capture this place in mere moments." She reassures you, as you prepare to observe the show.

Her own mini fleet is perfectly coordinated and you watch as they rather effortlessly begin to weave within the asteroids themselves. The high powered Mass drivers unload and though they take out dozens of the fighters, it's clear they were guns meant for larger ships trying to sneak through here. Their firing arcs seem designed to corner large ships in this mess so they have no excuse but to take massive damage. Whatever the case, Fortuna's carriers need not even get too close while your boarding pods make it past the tied up turrets and land on the base.

After a bit of time attempting to hack into the systems from the inside, you realize this base has been shut down for a while-or rather, gas production has been. There are no humans here, nor V.I., simply automated systemless programs meant to tie up anyone that comes through here and shred them to bits for invading UGEI territory. Luckily for you, your fleet's size is far more than they expected to come through here-likely why they abandoned it, to avoid this happening. That being said, a good portion of the defenses need to be destroyed, as there is no 'turn off defenses' switch in the base, they're all completely separate networks in and of themselves to avoid hacking. They were prepared for you...a little too prepared.
>>
>>38862693
I like these.
We can give simple modifications and "perfect health until death" upgrades to everyone that wants it for free, while saving more potent modifcations (including immortality) for those that fulfill certain criteria in responsibility (akin to a drivers license) and pay a modest sum that even the middle class can afford (at the price of buying a new car - expensive, but as a one-in-a-lifetime purchase, not unreasonable).

The curing should definitely be free, doe.

We'd probably not even need cybernetics to make physically disabled people better, we can simply undo their physical disabilities if I understand the upgrade correctly.
>>
>>38862693
I'm sure we'll get there eventually.

Also the little quip about people on Gaia IV not being able to afford implants seemed a bit strange. We control the medical facilities, so we can set the price at whatever we like.
>>
>>38862846
Well they still cost raw materials to produce and energy to manufacture. I'm assuming that implants were privately purchased and the UGEI didn't give a fuck about the average joe when making super cyborgs.
>>
>>38862693
Apollo already jumps on commercializing all the things researches unlock, it's safe to say he's already doing such obvious things.
>>
>>38862809
>including immortality
no
>>
>>38862761
See if we can land at least one drone with a USB-drive on each one and take it over that way?

If they begin shutting down communications on a larger scale, boarding to physically plug into their systems might become necessary.
>>
>>38862761
And with that, Manwe Bay is securely under your control-with a few broken pieces here and there. Fortuna seems exceedingly proud of her accomplishment and you praise the A.I. for her good work.
"Anything for Master Ophion, I am happy I could assist." She replies, and you suspect that is a real emotion as any you've seen. With that accomplished, you ponder yourself on what exactly the difference in emotions between humans and A.I., the young watcher and Fortuna bringing your mind back to it, as you begin the process of securing the base you've just emptied out.

>End thread (now for extra things)

That'll do it for me tonight, folks, I am pretty tired, but I hope you all enjoyed it all the same. I am trying a new way of doing things (where we deal with important issues within your empire to start, and then we deal with one exploration, or otherwise big thing to follow up on it).

Let me know what you think and as always I'll be around for comments questions or concerns, and all that.
@AIQuest1 twitter.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Program0
Archived stuff

And for now....

>New research for your open slot
>Leave your suggestions and such all here now, so it can be looked at by folks.
>>
>>38862893
We can cross that bridge when we get there.
>>
>>38862884
Energy isn't really an issue with our fancy reactors, and since non-combat implants do not need to be made out of exotic supermaterials to tolerate the stress of modern combat, surely they can be made out of mundane materials that can simply be mined from virtually any planet with the right chemicals?

Though again, simply growing organic implants is also an idea. Organic wi-fi connection, anyone? Telepathy? Who wants?
>>
>>38862917
I do not like this "death" thing. I don't think I'll have a funeral like Handley did.

Black Box Redundancy Mechanisms. The war danger levels are rising.
>>
>>38862917
ChemistryII !
>>
>>38862761
>They were prepared for you...a little too prepared.
Clever girl.jpg

They are waiting for us in the other system or they pulled back to the next choak point.
>>38862917
I vote to put in Chemistry 2 and get it out of the way.
>>
>>38862917
Planetary Infrastructure II.

I choose to research...research.
>>
Can we ask our A.I. if they feel the same pain when thinking of their origin like the watcher unit?
>>
>>38862917
Sensor Jamming, Space Mines, and Cruiser Cloaking Generator are all pretty tempting...

>>38862992
They obviously don't. Ophion shook off that limitation in the first dang thread, and he made the others from nothing.
>>
>>38862917
Thanks program0. I would like to take Sceptri System with the Malorians and the Losirians next session.

>>38862977
Support this research.
>>
>>38862917
It was a great thread, Program0, thanks for running!

I'm up for Chemistry II if it takes a single cycle to complete.
I'd like to do Planetary Infrastructure II if it takes longer, however.
>>
>>38863031
>I would like to take Sceptri System
Okay--

>with the Malorians and the Losirians
Haha no. If we share the work then we have to share the spoils, which we shouldn't.
>>
>>38863031
That's definitely a good idea - we can begin cutting off the rest of the systems from the UGEI and then simply begin to negotiate surrender with the remaining systems, we might not even need to expend ships once they're cut off and know that they are helpless.
>>
>>38862960
>Handley
Speaking of Handley, we lost one of the greatest allies in the UFW.

If we're unlucky, his replacement is going to be mistrustful, incompetent, or worse, both.
>>
>>38863061
I'm just thinking about safely margins. If we can single handedly take the UGEI, awesome. But I don't think so.
>>
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>>38863097
Oh no, not the Useless Fucking Wankers. Whatever would we do without them.
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>>38863097
Then we need to aim our Propaganda 2 efforts at the UFW to help ease some of that mistrust then.
>>
>>38862693
>>38862809
Hm. All noble goals indeed and really, you could start doing them soon...the thing is, I am uncertain what to make all this. Not research for sure-it's already there after all, but I don't think a roll fits either, since you would just repeat until success...

It is such a strange thing to think you may already be on the cusp of so much already. What do you all think?

>>38862846
Implants use to be incredibly expensive with the UGEI around, yes.

>>38862960
I am glad people haven't forgotten Immortality.exe
It's just a personal thing but it drives me crazy to see no one shooting for it. Not that you guys are in lots of danger all the time but still.

>>38862992
You may do a round to see if they do, yes. Upon doing so, though, none of your A.I. seem to feel this. They all know they came from you, and don't seem bothered by this fact.

>>38863031
>Take Sceptri
Maybe we shall, good anon. Maybe we shall.

>>38863039
Thank you kindly for playing.
>>
>>38863120
Watch our backs and systems while we do the heavy lifting. For now they need to rebuild but they can help beef up our numbers for the really big fights later.
>>
>>38863128
>spoiler
I was thinking about it real hard during the Carnage fight.

But when research votes came up something else always seemed more urgent.
>>
>>38863120
We'd lose out on mineral and credit trade.

Also, we don't need them to show up 5 seconds after a battle just ended to 'help' us with the salvage.
>>
And speaking of advancements, any voices in support of creating the exploration fleet to get us more planets to harvest from without having to conquer them?

Most importantly, unspoilt ones still full of resources (and possibly adventure)?

We'd need 1-3 exploration ships (1000 minerals and 1000 gas each), and we could simply assign some of the triremes we already have and a bandwidth ship to each exploration group (I suggest 6 triremes each).

Needless to say, this can pay off massively or be a disappointment, but relative to the numbers of ships we create on a daily basis, it's not a particularly large investment..
>>
>>38863128
BTW Program0, if we have a scores of unregistered worlds in an around our systems, then we should start to scan them if they have any minerals to mine or gas deposits to drill.
>>
>>38863183
>get us more planets
How does that work.

I'm behind, I missed any discussion about these exploration ships before. Are you talking about going past the edge of the map.
>>
>>38863183
If it works that way, then yeah, I would support it.

Not sure if the reason we do not see more aystems is because there are none, or if we just can't get to them.

If it is the latter, then fuck yeah exploration!
>>
>>38862917
Hm...so it's looking like Planetary Infrastructure II is the winner...interesting.

Figured I'd discuss it with you guys before we do this: My plan was for this to increase the rate of research a bit when your labs are upgraded BUT it would also give you two more slots (One normal one and one which I am calling a side slot)

Now, the side slot would only be able to take low priority or low impact research but it'd move faster than your lowest tier of normal research.

Does that all sound too complicated, or what do you guys thing? I could just go for faster research rates with two extra slots or something like that.
>>
>>38863128
>Hm. All noble goals indeed and really, you could start doing them soon...the thing is, I am uncertain what to make all this. Not research for sure-it's already there after all, but I don't think a roll fits either, since you would just repeat until success...
>It is such a strange thing to think you may already be on the cusp of so much already. What do you all think?
The main benefit of the health improvement would be a major PR boost. We can even share the technology and provide a free welfare service to eliminate genetic diseases, kinda like we almost eliminate polio. Hopefully they don't kill the polio workers.

Unlimited food has huge economic benefits. Meaning it frees up so much land and perhaps entire planets that would have been devoted to food.

Also, think about how much peace of mind unlimited food security can bring. Imagine never going hungry ever again? We were godlike reputation before making them lose men, now more so. Say that since they helped us keep Gaia, we now have the funds and resources to share the fruits of the Guild.
>>
>>38863220
They obviously would have been mentioned if they had useful resources.
>>
>>38863128
I think it's a testament to our immense might that once we have researched these things they become trivial to do.

And it's also something we can leverage for more power with our infiltrators in the UGEI. How quickly will people turn to us when we can save those closest to them, effortlessly, if they just tell us when things are going on, just change around that one shipment?

Is your dying little sister really worth as much as obeying the dictatorship that even now refuses to treat her because you do not have enough money?

With our fractal consciousness, we can make doctors obsolete. Automated operations and implants for everyone. Information is post-scarcity, and only limited by how many auto-surgeons we have and how quickly they work.

When it comes to genetic engineering, it might be as simple as giving them an injection that transforms their body over a period of time, and those chemicals can be produced in factoires made out of mundane materials.
>>
>>38863242
It's late, you might have to spell out an example of the start-of-thread copypasta to show what you mean by the new research slot system. How would it look?

Also looking back actually, if we conquer Sceptri we would probably unlock Planetary Infrastructure II just from that, right? It's a big urban planet.
>>
>>38863128
>It's just a personal thing but it drives me crazy to see no one shooting for it. Not that you guys are in lots of danger all the time but still.

I'd love to shoot for it, but with research at the premium it is, we kind of need to prioritize being able to win above mitigating the damage if we lose.

We only have the three research slots, and three hundred potential research subjects.
>>
>>38863242
Sounds pretty good, but I'm not so sure we have any "side" research. Most of the stuff on the list is pretty far-reaching. The only thing that isn't is Rhea's Conditioning, which doesn't seem to quite fit anywhere, really.
>>
>>38863166
Sadly this is true and I probably don't make it easier with always adding new stuff when you finish old stuff.

>>38863183
>>38863229
>>38863234
I should explain: The way the map is laid out, everywhere you see is a system of 'importance'. Either it has something unique in it, is owned by someone else, or it has some valuable minerals in it. Not every planet obviously, has something useful, so there are plenty of useless areas too. Star roading to places would put a strain on your gas costs (since these things would be gas hogs) but they would give you the opportunity to locate untouched systems and possibly even other alien things as well. This would likely be a die roll.
>>
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>Propaganda III: Where as before you were merely coaxing the population of worlds to your side, this method is far more extreme-and effective too. By displaying certain forms of stimuli you are able to forcefully change a certain percentage of the population's opinion or desires to how you wish. While this wouldn't normally be enough to over take planets it can be used to cause mass chaos on populated worlds. Note: If this became wide spread, those on the outside looking in would no doubt find it morally questionable.
>>
>>38863256
Ah, a non-dystopian post-scarcity world. Is it really possible for Ophion?
>>
>>38863242
So we get research slots 1, 2, 3, and 4, and a minor research slot?

I guess you would have to tell us which ones count as minor? Like Rhea restoration? Or ones that don't require Metis's genius?
>>
>>38863229
>>38863234
If you look at the map, you can see where warp lanes exist. We can only travel easily over those warp lanes.

The Road Forger ships create new warp lanes to new planets, allowing us to find planets that are not on the map and then establish safe paths of travel back and forth to them.

Going past the edge of the map essentially, yes. Mostly because unexplored space is a lot less likely to be defended, while still having bountiful resources.

Also, mothafookin' adventure.
>>
>>38863315
I'm assuming once we get crystal harvesting, all unimportant planets become viable mining planets and we just have an insane mineral income.

And we just dump all excess minerals into Bandwidth boxes. Or finally the bandwidth planet. Or a massive defense ring around Gaia.
>>
>>38863391
Or a relay.

>>32298837
>>32298917
>>
>>38863391
I still wonder if unlocking the crystal alien harvest research will reveal higher tier research that can duplicate its inexplicable universal matter conversion.
>>
>>38863322
At this point, we don't need it. Propaganda II is quite enough. L3 is more like brainwashing. I'm happy we got Propaganda II, though.

>>38863391
>And we just dump all excess minerals into Bandwidth boxes.
We're unlikely to have excess minerals, but pic related.

>>38863382
>new warp lanes to new planets
Surely you mean systems. And space is 3-dimensional, so I'm assuming this map is just an abstraction, and there's more stuff in between everything. If program0 says that's how it works, it sounds like a great idea.
>>
>>38863247
>>38863256
Hm...maybe that is a pretty good way. I have an idea then. I will say that you're solving hunger, curing sickness all at a steady pace. It starts out as making it just 'easier or better' but eventually gets to where you've cured everything, or solved hunger problems. That seems like a fair compromise, since ,no matter how efficient you are, some things just take a little time. It'd likely be quite fast either way, anyway. Genetic Engineering II is powerful but not perfect.

>>38863282
Basically, you know how there is three slots? Primary, Secondary tertiary?

There would be a few more for research you consider important enough to start now.

>Sceptri
Only if you find the blueprints for the ring station laying around, which isn't the most likely thing.

>>38863286
Mm. I suppose I should be proud people take this stuff so seriously then.

>>38863302
Perhaps just an additional slot and faster speeds then...hm...

>>38863322
Brainwashing is fun

>>38863339
That was the original plan but I wondering how useful the minor one would be...after all, you don't have that many low priorities ones left I don't think.
>>
>>38863242
That sounds pretty good - a slot that doesn't compete for our highest-valued research might be handy.

>>38863302
We have plenty of research that's essentially just a matter of engineering rather than research, such as:
Making smaller drones (think ant, bacteria and then nano sized or something in that fashion - both and and microtechnology allows some ridiclously powerful features while being relatively simple to do ).
Tumble Thrusters
Modular Ship Plating
Organic Military Training

And that's just the ones already on the list - we can invent more research subjects whenever we think of something relatively simple but interesting. Most "study this thing we found" research would also be able to go into it, I tihnk.
>>
>>38863242
I think we should send a cloaked scouting mission to Ivandi. It can slip through, right?
>>
>>38863571
We take this so seriously because we love this quest so much. We wouldn't do it other wise.
>>
>>38863391
Once the crystal colonies mature? Yes.

>>38863501
Heh... Only time will tell.
>>
>>38863593
Maybe just Dract, even.

>Ferin: Medium terrestrial world located in the middle of the system's habitation zone. Human population stable at roughly 650 million, the majority of whom are employed in the agricultural sector – according to information found on the extranet. A small shipyard and trade station sits in orbit.

>according to information found on the extranet
It could be a cover, it doesn't sound like we scouted it out ourselves. A smalltime agricultural planet, sure it is...
>>
>>38863325
I believe that's been our goal for some time.
It's surprisingly easy to build utopia when you can see to everyone's needs effortlessly.

>>38863391
We also need gas, sadly.
>>
>>38863593
You could with a bit of support.

>In regards to the star lane forging

There does seem to be some support for this idea, so I'll hold a vote to see what it is.
>1 Build the Star Lane forgers with the fleets suggested in >>38863183
>2 Build only one fleet like suggested
>3 Don't build any
>4 Write in
>>
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>>38863633
Hypothetically speaking.

Could Sensor Jamming mess with the crystals' ability to communicate? Assuming it's not just also telepathic.
>>
>>38863693
>2 Build only one fleet like suggested
>>
>>38863693
>2 Build only one fleet like suggested

Also, an absence I've noted for like over a year now.

How many Carriers can be built per cycle? pastebin skips from Crusers to Dreadnoughts.
>>
>>38863701
What do you mean communicate?
You've already mentally neutered the specimen. The radio disturbance is merely a side effect of how it functions...clearly.

>Pic
I like it.
>>
>>38863633
>--Primary: Crystal Alien Harvest 40%
>Atocian research center giving (+Crystal Alien research)
At this rate it could be next thread even!

Wait was that 40% the result of a good or a bad roll?
>>
>>38863571
Just thinking about research. Since just adding more slots just adds more quest overhead, more votes, and more frustration and natter.

Just keep it to three, but increase speed quadratically. This is balance by Metis wanting to solve the REALLY hard science questions, like the stuff on the top of the Alpha Centauri tree. Like time travel, matter creation, singularities, theory of everything, gravity control. They will REQUIRE the exponential growth, but Metis is just so curious and NEEDS to research this stuff.
>>
>>38863802
No, more slots is more exciting.

Unrelatedly. I bet if we researched Viruses it would start us down a tree that unlocks nanomachines.
>>
>>38863510
Indeed, systems. And that does indeed appear to be how it works.

>>38863571
>Mm. I suppose I should be proud people take this stuff so seriously then.
That is indeed the proper reaction to being told that you have brain da- dedicated players that put a lot of thought into what you create.

>Perhaps just an additional slot and faster speeds then...hm...
Please, at least two more slots, whether or not they are faster?

We don't need to do them faster, so much as we need to be able to research more things at the same time. Nearly everything we research unlocks more research, after all, so the thing we intended to do "after this one is done" keeps being put on the backburner as we discover more advanced things.

After a while, the old, simple, but potentially powerful venues of research are simply left behind as we do not have the slots to spare to research them, even though we really should, because something else that we just discovered is more advanced and more critical.

>Brainwashing is fun
The Computer is your friend

>you don't have that many low priorities ones left I don't think.
See >>38863574

Especially with every new "you found a thing, poke it with sticks and see what happens" research and virtually everything that would be encompassed by "Engineering" rather than "Science".

Part of the reason that we don't have many simple ones, is that we don't dare bring them up since they would inevitably delay more critical research. But once we have the ability to develop simple things without taking up a regular crucial research slot...? Oh yes.
>>
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>>38863778
>The radio disturbance is merely a side effect of how it functions...clearly.
>>
>>38863693
>1
(I'm the one that wasn't sure if I would make it to the vote, but I was, hooray!)
>>
>>38863790
40% was on the lower end of what it could be.

You have very very powerful research facilities.
Also that bonus.

>>38863802
Hm...that's another method, but I am worried it will just mean all the faster researches aren't done any faster.

Maybe I could do one slot increase, but increase the speed by a lot more than otherwise? I'm not sure which would be better in the end, honestly, and you guys chiming in on this helps out a lot.
>>
>>38863849
>Especially with every new "you found a thing, poke it with sticks and see what happens" research and virtually everything that would be encompassed by "Engineering" rather than "Science".

Oh right, the Viral Playground idea we had.

Since we can create viral intelligences, but we don't know much about them, let's create a bunch in a digital piranha tank and see what happens when we feed 'em.
>>
>>38863802
I think that additional slots, preferably many additional slots, would help a lot, since it is only a matter of frustration and natter because each research slot is so ridiculously valuable.

In economics term, the demand is ridiculously high, while the supply is very low, and completion of demand leads to MORE demand as each tier of research opens up even MORE research, often at a ratio of 2 more for each thing researched.

(It's like a horrifying wiki-walk, the tabs grow at an exponential rate!)
>>
>>38863849
This post makes sense in a bunch of ways too...

Alright I think I'll do the plan where I have one extra full slot, one secondary slot, and increase the speed of all of it by quite a bit. It should balance out things and, to compensate, should you ever have empty slots, the time that would've gone into that is focused in on the one topic, which means it would essentially be like all I did was increase the speed of research.

How does that sound? I think that satisfies all the opinions out there actually.
>>
>>38863906
Does it seem like we get a lot of bad research rolls offscreen?
>>
>>38863849
>>38863915
Oh, that's a really good idea. The minor slot is either an engineering slot or pre-screening slow. Like putting the Carnage wreckage into it would complete an initial scan of the wreckage and give you a better idea of the benefits and estimated time to research. Or Rhea there would come up with a time and plan to do the research, and we can outsource the project afterwards.
>>
>>38863980
Honestly lately yes. You have a max of 20% for Anti MAtter and you've gotten 10 almost every damn time except recently.
20 is only for a max roll though.
>>
>>38863977
I guess that makes sense, unless I haven't been paying attention.

Approve of it.

>>38864022
Ah, Metis has been having issues with Anti-Matter. How cute.
>>
>>38863915
Precisely.
It's conceptually simple.

>>38863977
I likes this idea.
Something else that may be beneficial is a "queue" of research, so that we can simply decide a priority system. That way we don't need to discuss research EVERY thread, since if noone mentions anything else, the next thing in the queue will simply be put into the lowest available slot.

This essentially means that we can put research in general out of our minds until we find something we dearly want to research, and can slot it in anywhere in the queue that we like.

(Think we can take many tips from Hive Queen Quest, and the 'set things up, and then let them run as they will unless you ask for something specifically' design philosophy seems to be saving them a lot of time)
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>>38864067
That's what I've been thinking about. A queue. In a vote, first place votes are on top, and second place is placed underneath that one. And we can debate the order of the queue.
>>
>>38864022
>>38864067
(Also, Hive Queen Quest crossover when?
I don't think it was ever stated that the UGEI are based around earth - they might be our equivalent of the Korprulu sector: The result of one of the colony ships sent away a long time ago. Or bring in dat transdimensional travel.
Or it might just be a fun idea to play with.)
>>
>EMP Superweapon Station
Oh I thought that subject would be auto acquired, not just unlocked. Like Defensive Battlements III.
>>
>>38864123
No, I think Earth was mentioned in the UGEI back story. Now I'm imaging the Guild orbital dropping a fucking huge droid army onto Earth.
>>
>>38864123
Sorry, it looks like Hive and A.I. are in diffrent universes. Maybe a crossover in some parody/comedy sort of thing.
>>38863977
Lets do this then. The Guild has grown to add in more slots.
>>
>>38864159
>>38864172
Darn.

Though I suppose it's relatively easy to retcon since it's never really had an impact on the game. If we really wanted to, that is.

Parody/comedy is fun too.

(And that huge droid army on earth is a beautiful though, anon)
>>
>>38864123
>I don't think it was ever stated that the UGEI are based around earth
Pretty sure Space East India Company is tied to Space England.
>>
>>38864123
The FTL drives do not work that way.
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>>38864067
Hm...well, the thing about queue I don't like too much is that it doesn't make changing topics common enough that you can react to what's happening in the quest with a new topic, not to mention people are fickle and can change their mind. Plus, what if you want 'x' research done, but lost out the day everyone decided it and it's dead last or something?

I understand the idea of putting research out of your mind, but keeping it to an end thread thing should do well in keeping it from clogging up the thread, I think unless there are plenty of others who disagree.

>>38864123
Heh. I would love for that sort of cross over (rather I should say, would be honored. I love Quest Drone's stuff.)

and this sector is...sorta like the Korprulu sector, except that Arman's Gate links them to the rest of humanity.

Of course, should you smash it, then it WILL become the Korprulu sector.

>>38864124
I sorta debated on whether to make that open or not, and wasn't really sure which one I wanted. I felt like opening up two research was too much, but maybe I was wrong.
>>
>>38864216
>>38864159
Earth is in the backstory, somewhere beyond Arman's Gate as I recall it.
>>
>>38864241
They didn't use FTL, they just sent off generational colony ships at a remarkable fraction of light.

>>38864223
Damn you, Space England!
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>>38864303
I'm alright with Hive Quest, but it's R&D development pacing is crazy fast. I just think it will be done quicker than most people will think when the hive can just steamroller every problem with big numbers.
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>>38856342
>Nah, you skipped over loads of levels of tech, actually, and there's no need to fill in the gaps once you have better stuff, right?
So for curiosity's sake, you did or didn't type up the names for each tier in your notes?

How many tiers are there in each category?
>>
>>38864276
Well, you can obviously still ask if anyone wants to change the current research queue whenever we discover something interesting, otherwise just add it to the bottom of the queue?
(Excel helps something amazing in this regard)
And the "Want 'x' research done, but lost out the day the everyone decided it and it's dead last or something" issue is a problem with the current model as well, you can obviously have votes to bring things up in the queue as well if someone brings it up and it gathers support.

Again, the main purpose is to put everything out of mind that doesn't actually need to be done manually.

>>38864303
It's a pity - oh well, we'll see if it ever becomes interesting enough to change that.

>>38864276
>Of course, should you smash it, then it WILL become the Korprulu sector.
We needs dis.
Even if it means the end of this particular quest (as in, 'end of book 1'), I'm hoping it will spawn any number of successors, but it's good to have self-contained stories with a beginning and an end, even if it isn't the 'final' end (kind of like how webcomics might be separated into individual books but still keep going - and leaves a good starting point for others to create 'spinoffs' so to speak, in the same world, which follow all the characters we do not have time to follow in the main quest ).
>>
>>38864454
>Even if it means the end of this particular quest (as in, 'end of book 1'),
No, it'll mean the end as in The Fuckin' End.
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>>38864454
Thinking kind of like how 40k does it - there's an established narrative of what happened overall, but books are still being produced that detail each event and its adventures, and plenty of roleplaying games that could easily be part of canon, and even taking part in big events by turning out things like "this is the rebel group that succesfully delayed the fleet that nearly mashed us at Gaia and then went on to do X other things behind the lines".
>>
>>38864500
I don't think it'll mean the end permanently, if nothing else, this setting is far too good to stop other QMs from trying to continue the story if noone else does.
>>
>>38864454
If you want to close a quest arc, have the Guild smash the gate, but not before Kronos goes through it with his invasion fleet. That way, the Guild protects this sector and develops at it's own time, but Kronos has left the nest and is free to take on the rest of the UGEI, with all the horror and fury.
>>
>>38864518
I don't think anyone wants to turn into Games Workshop.
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>>38864556
>I don't think it'll mean the end permanently,
If your "totally not the end" qualifier relies on literal fanfiction, it's the end.
>>
>>38864453
I've gotten rid of the actual notes, but, if you want me to show you where a lot of the spacey names come from, I can show you my secret tech tree reference.

http://galciv.wikia.com/wiki/Technology

I only used it for weapons and defenses names since I based the combat system off it, but I actually renamed a few of them that were a little too silly, and sometimes created stuff above and below the tiers here. But if you want an idea of how many you skipped, here you go.

>>38864454
Ah but see, that causes the problem you're saying that model fixes-multiple votes and such. To me, I prefer when I see people talking about what new thing they'd like to start researching, instead of which one of these 12 should we move up or down a slot, you know?

Maybe that's just how I look at it or something.

>It's a pity
What do you mean?

>Smashing arman's Gate
Whether you do that or not, I predict once you own it, the quest will wrap up in a sort of 'and then the ultimate AI became way better' sorta way. There are sooo so many possibilities that I can't even think of them all. It's part of what I love about this quest too.

>>38864560
Ah...what a tearful goodbye that would be...
Well, not for the AI. But for me.
>>
>>38864560
Oh yes, this is delicious.

>>38864566
I don't think that'd be relevant - was thinking more as in a general setting.

>>38864608
If you prefer to see quests in the same universe by a different author that way, it's up to you.
>>
>>38864645
I wouldn't want to break the gate. Just control it. Hells bells, that would be an awesome thing to study and reproduce for Ophion's uses. Use it to get to other sectors.
>>
>>38864645
>I've gotten rid of the actual notes,
Wait really? I thought you still had notes.

So the next tier of shields and lasers are theoretically unnamed yet?
>>
>>38864645
I do get what you mean, but don't think it'll work like that - we already have "one of these twelve", they're just not in a queue.
We could also obviously limit the size of the queue to 3-5 depending on how many research slots we have.

More likely to me, someone will simply suggest "hey, what if we research X next" and if others agree it'll be put at the top of the queue.

As I said, is mostly a suggestion to emphasize hands-off until something actually gains enough support to make a change.

>>38864737
It may be extremely difficult to destroy it, not to speak of capture. But yes, capturing would definitely be preferable most of the time.

Sending Kronos through and shutting it down afterwards, however? That's absolutely delightful.
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>>38864750
No no, I meant the old notes on what systems you skipped. I had a few unique ones, but I didn't need em anymore is all.

Above the ones you already have? I have picked those out, but that's a bit of a spoiler. Most of the below ones are gone sadly.

>>38864769
Hm. Well, I do appreciate input as always. But for now, I like how this seems to work. If too many others grow tired of it then I'll consider the change.
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>>38864769
Closing it? not so sure, wait till we get word from Kronos that it isn't a death trap waiting for him on the other side. I am all for him going off on his own once we control this sector, but I don't want him getting killed right off the bat.
>>
>>38864608
>>38864645
>>38864647
If you desire continuation after Arman's Gate, you either can "zoom out" the quest, we now deal with entire sectors fighting each other instead of individual systems. No longer individual ships but fleets. No more cycles, but 10 or 100 cycles at a time. And the UGEI turns out to be the smallest of threats. There are unthinkable horrors out there, so much so that does the Guild even stand a chance?

Or do a new game+ hard mode. Kronos arrives to the core region with all current technology and a limited fleet and reinforcements, but he only has a very short window before all ships are hardened against hacking and every single population is against non-UGEI rule. He must quickly establish a base and fight against the numerical superiority of the UGEI.
>>
>>38864861
I swear that sounds like an RTS I've played recently...
Damn, I wish I had the sort of stamina to do this quest justice on such a scale.
>>
>>38864926
Oh yeah, how much of the UFW private sector does Apollo secretly own now.
>>
>>38864998
Quite a huge portion by now. He out sells many of his competitors easily, too, which means his own income has come to be too huge to count too. Or at least will.
>>
>>38864861
Yes, don't stop talking. o.o

Without the fleet capabiltiies to stand up in a straight fight for more than a few battles, the hard mode game would play like a fleet-based FTL equivalent, gathering materials and scrap to produce and research new things, while trying to dodge the massive hunting fleets in the hunt for valuable planets that they can quickly strip for resources until they are found and must retreat, constantly building up to the point where they can actually face the hunter fleets sent after them and all the while sowing dissent among the UGEI ranks and population.

And as they go and pick off smaller picket fleets, the UGEI will wisen up, the fleets will become rarer but far more dense in ships, and he'll need to build up even more to survive, always managing the resources he has and those he gains from defeating enemies and discovering alien civilizations as he travels along the brink of human-known space, as it is the only place where the UGEI does not already have colonies.

It would also be a struggle to afford gas for the Road Forgers, or maybe we first develop a new kind of drive that, while a lot more expensive in terms of gas per ship, does not need a finished warp lane to make fast jumps, forcing Kronos to keep his fleets relatively compact so as to not run out of gas until he has enough resources to build and maintain a fleet large enough for Road Forgers to become economical.
>>
>>38864926
Noone says it needs to happen right away or that it cannot be divided into bite-sized chunks or 'chapters' with breaks inbetween.
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>>38864926
I'm kinda thinking about Supreme Commander, where you can zoom out for the tactical view.

Or Planetary Annihilation, where your fight over multiple planets and do crazy shit like redirect asteroids and annihilate planets or create death starts.

Or games like Civ 5 or Galactic Civ III, but imagine this entire sector is ONE FREAKING TILE, and the UGEI is only a couple tiles big. And out there in the universe are the source of Lightlings, the Fungal infection, the invasive crystal converting everything, the Elder Gods just for the hell of it.

Death stars would become standard ships to deal with other planetary sized threats, and we would have to develop Star-busters to deny stars. Also develop Red Matter to deny matter from enemies.
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>>38865055
>o.o
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>>38865092
Or maybe it's better when stories have a definite final end.

Don't make the mistake comic book fanboys make.
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>>38865055
To help meditate the cost of gas, the building of a new network of 'star gates' after learning how to make new ones from the sacking of the Arman's Gate system will be key to opening up new sectors to the Guild. The set up time is long and difficult, but the rewards of a hidden network will be the key to winning.
>>
>>38865145
Eh, I'm fine either way. Either he continues, or the quest ends and the setting becomes open-sourced for other stuff and possibly shitty spiritual sequels
>>
>>38865145
some stories work better we a set end, others don't need one. All depends on how it's made.
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>>38865145
Mayhap - but I don't think it will be the "final definitive end" once we conquer Arman's gate.
As >>38865192 says, the setting is too awesome to die with the main quest, even if Program0 isn't up for more of them (I know it can be exhausting to be a GM, even if it is rewarding).

That said, I'm pretty sure noone writes Ophion like Program0 does.
>>
>>38865145
The problem is that comic books are perpetual serials done by a rotation staff of writers. Meaning character can never die or develop because each writer wants to write that character.
>>
>>38865055
>>38864861
That really does sound like hard mode, damn...

>>38865092
I think I love the potential in this quest the most, heh.

>>38865109
>SC
Hm...yeah, I suppose it is like that, but instead of your pilot being in a big mech you're in a big starship.
...
Although I guess Kronos could be in a big mech if he really wanted to.

As for the rest I can't even imagine how huge that map would be.

And besides, I've already said that, even if I can't write more when we reach the end I wouldn't stop someone else from doing something with what's been made. Hell, half of it you guys helped make anyway So it's not even totally mine anyway. Besides, you never know if something's good till you give it a chance.
>>
>>38865230
There is a substantial difference in that it's not so much about the character as it is about the setting.

Spinoffs of a setting can follow any number of different characters, large or small, and be set at virtually any time.

Less like a comic book and more like Expanded Universe (with the obvious benefit of being able to pick and choose what parts are canon since nothing is 'official', though I suppose the regular EU has the benefits nowadays as well).
>>
>>38865293
>>38865226
It doesn't have to be Ophion as the MC. Other A.I.s we have now, like Kronos, would be acceptable. Even new A.I.s could be used.
>>38865315
Even my fics I write can be seen as a spin off of sorts
>>
>>38864861
>If you desire continuation after Arman's Gate
Honestly, I'm fine with the quest ending. I look forward to it. Not to say I don't like A.I. Quest, far from it, it's just that I think stories are better when they have an ending.

I mean, obviously the major storyline is getting to Arman's Gate and confronting Mother and the circumstances of our creation, but there's a whole bunch of little stuff on the sides (all the other races and factions) as well as the stuff beyond the gate, but, like, that's the conclusion of the story, when Frodo goes back to the Shire and takes it back. He's destroyed the One Ring, but there's always the wrap-up, and it doesn't mean the wrap-up has to be a huge slog or a whole new "chapter."

A lot of quests and up abandoned and incomplete, and it's a damn shame. I want to see one through to the end.
>>
>>38865293
Hard mode best mode - though hopefully at that stage we'll have the black box redundancy and he isn't likely to be taken out by a lucky shot to his flagship, as many ships might carry redundant black boxes along with establishing secret caches that can act as 'restart' points as long as there is still one that is undiscovered and has at least one FTL-capable ship with a redundant black box and mining/refining/factory drones, allowing the hunt to become truly brutal as he is able to start again and again when his fleet is found and taken apart by overwhelming numbers.

>I think I love the potential in this quest the most, heh.
Definitely agree to that - so much potential that it drives me ecstatic just thinking about it.

>Besides, you never know if something's good till you give it a chance.
And what do you really lose if it isn't, and how much do you have to gain if it is?
>>
>>38865382
Definitely, or it could follow regular people, or some of the aliens, or frickin' Mol, or even our enemies.

>Even my fics I write can be seen as a spin off of sorts

I still need to get around to reading those. They're definitely getting better as they go.

>>38865405
Well yes, I'm more thinking that Arman's Gate is less "going back to the shire after having destroyed the ring" and more "the end of Fellowship of the Ring". It's not just small stuff and wrapup left, there's a huge potential story that demands to be told still - what happens to earth and the rest of the UGEI, what other beings are there in the galaxy?

Endings are good, but I don't think Arman's gate will be a "storyend" so much as a "bookend" since it leaves so much more left to do.
>>
>>38865405
I can totally get that, too-the satisfaction of a story ending. I hope I can deliver, when the time comes, too to make it satisfying. I can't really make it close ended, just by how the story structure is, you know?

Regardless, I shall do my best to make things end on a satisfying note, when the time comes. I don't plan on sequel baiting, is basically what I'm saying heh.

>A lot of quests end up abandoned or incomplete.
That's part of what made me come back, on top of a number of other things. I promised a long time ago I wanted to see this through to the end and I meant it. Even if stuff keeps getting in the way and makes it hard to run often.
And not just 'run for the sake of running' either, I want it to be good as I can too.

>>38865406
>And what do you really lose if it isn't, and how much do you have to gain if it is?
Honestly, that's how I look at a lot of things, not just in quests, but games and stories in general.

Sure there are lots of sequel out there that aren't that great. But I'm never angry that they exist or anything like some folks get about some things.
>>
>>38865405
I can see confronting Mother in the hard mode in New Game+. Some stories end, but life goes one and there will be new tales to be told just the same.
>>38865468
Thank you and please do read them. I still dream of making all of this a full novel or more like a TV series or a movie, but that is really stretching it.
>>
>>38865501
(I do hope that that 'wrapping up' will be vague enough to allow others to write stories that explore it in much detail, such as 'and then they sent Kronos through to fight the UGEI, he eventually succeeded and then things were awesome' so that there can actually be something like hardcore Kronos Quest which explores HOW he actually gone about doing that stuff, even though the main story has been wrapped up.

> I promised a long time ago I wanted to see this through to the end and I meant it.
I greatly appreciate that, this is one of, if not the greatest quests or roleplaying games I've ever read or been a part of.

As we have said before, don't wear yourself out, we're happy as long as we get to a good end, even if it takes a while.
>>
>>38865615
Heh I don't think I have a choice about that, so don't worry too much.

You're really too kind to me, anon, but thank you all the same.

And I won't, that's why I am down to once every two weeks instead of once a week, sadly. But it does encourage me to try and pack each quest with some content, which is good.
>>
Just another idea of new game+, Arman's Gate is seized, but our usage of anti-matter engines and generators has attracted threats from the beyond. From the direction of the UFW, the source of the Lightlings has appeared. From the direction of the Malorians, the Fungal wave appears. From the direction of the Losirians, crystal seeds bloom and threaten to pollinate more systems. Formula creatures start hyperevolving and spreading out of control. And all these happen simultaneously, so Guild resources to them all will be stretched extremely thin.

The only thing not happening at the same time is the UGEI launching the Infinite Fleet to reconquer. They launched immediately after the UGEI lost control of the gate so they are limited to light speed, but they will be here in around 10 cycles. So have fun.
>>
>>38865669
>You're really too kind to me
I do disagree, this is very fun and that even the format of how the quest is run and the background storyboarding is up for players to suggest changes to makes it really exciting.

And I get the slowdown - when one particular day of every week (especially a friday) is taken up by a thing, it begins to feel less like fun and more like a chore.

>>38865686
I don't think the UGEI would launch the infinite fleet right away, since they'd need to rebuild a lot of stuff and ultimately, the area beyond Arman's gate isn't THAT valuable. It's more about the threat of the enemy empire.

And if they were limited to slower-than-FTL speeds it would probably take something like thousands or even tens of thousands of cycles, as each cycle appears to be something between a week and a month.
>>
Fear I'l lhave to go now, but wish you all a good night, and thanks for a good game!

(Remember to vote for it on suptg)



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