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For House & Dominion: Building Better Worlds (13)

http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/House_%26_Dominion_Complete_Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dominion+quest

https://twitter.com/ThatSlowTypingG


You are Sonia Reynard, Viscount of Rioja and a member of House Jerik-Dremine!

It is mid 4042 and you are returning to the world of your birth. A planet wracked with civil unrest and upheaval. While a good deal of that unrest was engineered, even that drew upon existing problems and inflamed a volatile situation.

Count Jerik is dead, his exact killers uncertain, but those ultimately responsible are much easier to see. The group of extremists from the Reformist Coalition that have risen to power and named themselves the Jerik-Dremine Emergency Council. In recent weeks they helped direct the populations fury against the Governors of the old homeworlds during extensive riots and protests.

With them controlling the three most populous worlds in the House you decided to resolve this peacefully if possible. With most of the armies away any sort of invasion might result in serious losses of life. While Jerik-Dremine has recovered from the Dominion's civil war there's no telling what sort of losses the main force are taking while off fighting the Neeran.

As your fleet approached the Centri cluster work was already underway to find a potential successor to the late Count. Caius Jerik, the Count's eldest son, is a capable politician in his own right but is lacking in terms of military experience. Despite this you, your fellow Barons and those members of the Dremine Council to have been released decided it best to install Caius as the new Count. He has until the fleets return to prove if he's suitable for the job. If not the plan is for him to step down and replace him with Baron Archivald.

By the time the Rioja fleet rendezvoused with allied units near Edanis, Caius had managed to convince the Emergency Council to recognise his authority. With the combined force now escorting the new Count you set course for Dreminth. You hadn't even reached the half way point before encountering a roadblock.

A minefield blocks the main FTL lane connecting Edanis and Dreminth.
>>
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“This is Captain Abasi Birech. I’ve been ordered by the Emergency Council to provide you with data to circumvent the minefield. While the detonators are currently deactivated the AM mines remain dangerous because of their payload. Please divert via the following jumps to avoid the most dangerous regions.”

The captain broadcasts the necessary data. Your navigators look over what’s being sent and check if it’s legit.
“It’s a lengthy detour sir. Setting up a logistics chain back to the Erid territories is going to be a nightmare.”

“Good thing that new carrier has plenty of capacity.” you say to your staff.

Admiral Tama wonders if it might be safer to have the carrier remain behind at the border station.
“I’m worried if it takes any hits from mines it might just fly apart.”

"That’s what escorts are for." you reply. "Make sure there are battleships or medium cruisers in position to help cover it and detonate the mines prematurely."

Next you turn your attention back to Captain Birech and resume the channel.
"Why wasn't the Count informed of the minefields before our approach?"

"Not my department. Maybe someone was worried about a sneak attack on the capital?"

There are only so many routes between the Erid territories and the J-D homeworlds. It wouldn't be that hard to mine most of them.

"Be aware we might find it necessary to open fire on any mines that threaten our ships if you can't guarantee our safety." you advise them.

"Acknowledged. With their detonators disarmed the rest of the mines shouldn't react to PD fire."

That's good news at least. As the fleet gets underway you consider deploying additional countermeasures should things go more sideways than they already have. Quietly readying minesweeper units to clear a path for logistics might be a good idea. Then again if things remain quiet it might be better to force the rebels to clear out the mines later. That may not be very safe, especially dealing with the Antimatter mines.

[ ] Prep a mine sweeping operation
[ ] The Rebels will be removing them
>>
>>3133793
>The Rebels will be removing them
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION
CHRISTMAS EDITION
>>
>>3133793
>[ ] Prep a mine sweeping operation

For House and Dominion! Home Approach!
>>
>>3133790
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION
christmas hat edition

>>3133793
>[ ] Prep a mine sweeping operation
>>
>>3133793
[X] Prep a mine sweeping operation

I had an odd thought. We had a legal precedent to bill the rebel houses for things like hiring some of their surrendered engineering crew to assist with S&R operations on that mobile fort, right?

Could we possibly attempt to bankrupt members of the Emergency Council by billing them for Rioja Fleet's combat pay and/or hazard pay for minesweeping forces, once the threat of more shooting is over? (unless terms of surrender specify protections, of course)
>>
>>3133835
>right?
Yes.

>Could we possibly attempt to bankrupt members of the Emergency Council by billing them for Rioja Fleet's combat pay and/or hazard pay for minesweeping forces
Attempts will be made on the mine sweeping for sure. Fleet billing will be more complicated but could be tried.

For now you order the preparation of a mine sweeping operation which will be readied using the reserves. They'll soon be standing by and awaiting orders to begin work.

After briefly discussing the situation with Caius the fleet presses on following the new navigation data. He's certain that his deals struck with the Emergency Council will hold for the time being. Or at least reasonably so.
As a precaution ships with additional shield generators are moved up to help act as mine poppers. If they can soak off some of the mines that would cut down on the amount of point defense ammunition used to shoot them down.

A series of jumps bring the fleet closer to Dreminth. One jump takes the fleet past a small outpost station guarded by two wings of assault corvettes. The unit is dwarfed by the hundreds of ships in your and Alex's combined fleet.

"Why are they dragging things out with this long ass route?" complains Lorraine Day.

Baron Saputo responds. "Probably taking a census of our fleet strength in case either side change their minds about remaining friendly."

"For their sake there'd best not be any more surprises." says Alex.

The fleet jumps into the system a safe distance from Dreminth's orbital defenses. Baron L'ak Tenni's fleet has done much the same, approaching from the direction of Loran. A number of warships with the Emergency Council's IFF have formed up in a lower orbit. A respectable force but even with Tenni on their side it wouldn't give them anything approaching numerical parity. With the planet's orbital defenses thrown into the mix that could change.

"How are things looking?" you ask Maybourne.
"Orbital defense platforms are in low power mode. No energy readings that match weapon fast charge systems being active. They're either down for real of they've spent a lot of money shielding them against our sensors."

>Cont.
>>
As the fleets approach the planet signals intelligence gets to work. Despite their help smuggling Caius off world House intel's position remains compromised. Better to build up reports using your own people now that they're in range. From what they can gather there seems to be a good deal of division among the rebels regarding the agreement between the Council and the Count. Enough that it's even managing to make it into the media in subdued forms.

"Elements of the reformers, noble opportunists and the civilians that helped take up arms have begun to factionalize." Vanderwal summarises.

"Will they hold to the Count's agreement?" you ask.

"Those that support it still control the key areas of many major cities. Most on the Emergency Council now have the most to lose if things break down. If things deteriorate further they may end up looking for Caius to save them from their disaffected followers."

As funny as that might be you need to get the treaty signed in the capital before that happens. Without that in place it might lead to large scale desertion or even conflict with the rebel fleet. Having an entire House fleet leaving and going mercenary would be less than ideal.

Caius opens a conference call with you and the Barons.
"I need to get to the capital in one piece to sign the treaty with the Emergency Council. With that I can officially assume control of the House. Our troops and ships are cleared to land on Dreminth and I'm sure there are plenty of empty army bases at the moment you could commandeer.
Devise a plan to get me down there without getting killed."


>Your orders?
>>
>>3133879

Sweep and clear?

Get troops to those bases. Have them start securing whatever is left in them. Make sure they aren't somehow rigged to blow. Have special operatives begin looking for our family and other family members of our forces who might still be on Dreminth and in trouble. Have Mike get in touch with whoever he has on planet to work with Vanderwall and plot a secure means to get the Caius to the surface. Ensure nothing short of several LSTs are deployed as escorts.

The last thing we need is some opportunist who thinks they can take out Caius or any of the Counts.

Get people who are pissed with these rebels to start moving among the populace and get ready to have them support the removal or death of these bastards.
>>
>>3133879
Can Caius use any of the armor that we have?
>>
This should give a rough layout of the capital city.

>>3133889
>Can Caius use any of the armor that we have?
Should be able to use a number of them. He has his own suit of power cell armor. I think it's a modified Commando suit.
>>
>>3133879

The Royal House agreed to act as a neutral party and provide their embassy as neutral ground, right?

Can we get a RH shuttle/pilot/diplomat to fly up, board an LST and fly a RH Diplomatic IFF, and land at the embassy for the signing?

Make similar arrangements for transport of Emergency Council members needed for the signing.

Request that the Ruling House either deputize a J-D commander to act with top authority to deal with anyone stupid enough to fire on a RH IFF?

Assuming that Sonia was said deputy and we maintained it as a hidden play, it could be a massive SHTF backup plan to basically say "Anyone that fires upon my team is officially in rebellion against the ruling house".
>>
>>3133904
>The Royal House agreed to act as a neutral party and provide their embassy as neutral ground, right?
Yes. Their embassy would be in the capital district.

I'm falling asleep. resuming tomorrow.
>>
>>3133879
>Our troops and ships are cleared to land on Dreminth
>Devise a plan to get me down there without getting killed
1) Put count on planetary occupation platform.
2) Park said platform over the capital.
3) Let down a rope ladder or something?
>>
>>3133879
Land a Medium on the outskirts?
Rapid drop-pod descent?
Squeeze the Count into Sonia's artifact armor and drop him from orbit?
>>
>>3133884

I agree that we need to get forces down to those bases, preferably an armored force with at least a few PD frigates and HAGs/Dantes.

PD-heavy frigates to shield any necessary armor/infantry assault to break out Caius if things go bad & pop fighters, HAGs to destroy planetary shield generators (or entire city blocks) if needed for escape or additional landing forces, and whatever Dantes are available as slightly more surgical 'kill everything' options in the urban environment.

I'd think the best bet would be a RH flagged LST taking Caius to the meeting, under escort (LSTs from the sphere expedition?), and maybe deploying a shuttle under extended shields?

I'm not sure if we should deploy some of our commando teams with camo systems into the city to act as spotters/counter-snipers, since it would risk causing an incident.


Maybe we need to contact the rebel fleet commander and try to feel them out on this? See if they are hostile/nervous or maybe if they've served with/under us at some point. Hopefully they're not a crazy and we can present some level of unity at least in space.
>>
>>3133790

Seriously this is my favorite gift I've received yet, thanks for running TSTG!
>>
>Maybe we need to contact the rebel fleet commander and try to feel them out on this?

Once the fleets settle into orbit you contact the commander of the EC fleet. Hopefully you can get a read on them and work out the drop operations, ensuring they won't interfere. You've surprised when Admiral Graham appears on screen.

"Graham? The hell are you doing here? I expected you to be with the invasion forces attacking the Empire."

"I was transferred to training units a few years ago. Someone needed to teach the younger officers how to provide fire support without hitting our own ships. I was reassigned to the Torun fleet earlier this year."

"Graham you fucking traitor!" you catch Saputo exclaim over the Baron's command frequency. Well, that's the angriest you've heard him in... ever.

"Why are you on their side exactly? I know appearances can be deceiving and all but you don't strike me as a reformer." you ask him.

The Admiral frowns. "My children were either at the academy or the training bases and joined the forces of the Emergency Council. That didn't leave me many options for trying to find ways to keep them alive."

>What say?
>>
>>3134234

"We may find ourselves on opposite sides here. But I am glad someone knowledgeable and reliable is in charge and not someone who has something to prove."

A father trying to stay good to his children and ensure they live. I feel we're going to encounter a lot of people like this who were forced to side with them because their family were in a position of danger.

Speaking of family, what is the status of our house in the woods? Is our family still there?
>>
>>3134234
What a sad situation they've put the House in.
>>
>>3134234
"While I cannot claim I'm happy you ended up on their side of this revolution, I must admit I am glad to know they have somebody sensible in charge of their fleet who isn't planning to throw lives away to prove something. I can understand your reasons perfectly well, though."

>>3134246
No, they left at some point. Although Sonia doesn't know that.
>>
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"While I cannot claim I'm happy you ended up on their side of this revolution, I am glad someone knowledgeable and reliable is in charge, and not someone who has something to prove. I understand your reasons. Still, your old boss is kinda mad."

"I'm glad he was allowed off world."

"Let's get to business. We're going to be landing troops to ensure the new Count remains alive long enough to sign the treaty and end all of this. I'd rather do it in such a way that your fleet doesn't try to intercept them or cause an incident."

"My orders are not to contest your landings. I recommend you stick to the spaceports or people on the ground might panic."

Panic. Right. Maybe bringing the planetary occupation platform in over the capital is not the best idea?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm4XMF1apD4
It would certainly guarantee more protection for the Count but might spark additional upheaval among the rebel factions that are beginning to splinter. Then again maybe you want that?

Performing a conventional drop would be slower. After landing at the bases and spaceports the army units would have to advance to the city and create a secure route to the capital and the palace.

>1) Drop operations
1A) Conventional drop, bases & spaceports
1B) Conventional drop + Occupation platform outside city
1C) Show of force, Occupation platform secures airspace above capital

>2) Transporting the Count
2A) LST's with protection from Ruling House ambassador/ IFF
2B) On the ground via secure approaches
2C) LST's under heavy escort once ground is secure

>3) Where will the treaty be signed?
3A) Sign the treaty at the Ruling House Embassy (Safer)
3B) Sign in the J-D palace (Morale bonus)
>>
>>3134349
>1C) Show of force, Occupation platform secures airspace above capital
>2A) LST's with protection from Ruling House ambassador/ IFF
>3B) Sign in the J-D palace (Morale bonus)
>>
>>3134356
+1
>>
>>3134349
1C) Show of force, Occupation platform secures airspace above capital
2C) LST's under heavy escort once ground is secure
3A) Sign the treaty at the Ruling House Embassy (Safer)
>>
>>3134349

1B) Conventional drop + Occupation platform outside city
Inform the generals to treat the bases as former enemy bases and scour them of traps and what not until they are secure.

>2A) LST's with protection from Ruling House ambassador/ IFF

>3B) Sign in the J-D palace (Morale bonus)
>>
>>3134349
>1B) Conventional drop + Occupation platform outside city
>2B) On the ground via secure approaches
>3B) Sign in the J-D palace (Morale bonus)

>Then again maybe you want that?
I wish I had kept my stupid mouth shut about that thing.
The last thing we need is to have people starting shit while we're trying to get the treaty signed.
>>
>>3134349

>1C) Show of force, Occupation platform secures airspace above capital
>2A) LST's with protection from Ruling House ambassador/ IFF
>3B) Sign in the J-D palace (Morale bonus)


Are civilians currently under orders to get to their shelters, in the event that SHTF? Plan for the worst, hope for the best and all.
>>
Talking to the Count and the Barons you recommend making a show of force with the drop operations. The planetary occupation platform will enter the atmosphere along with escorting craft. They'll take up a position over the capital itself locking down the airspace. That should be distracting enough to draw attention away from the conventional forces landing at the other bases and ports.

Before the landing itself begins the Ruling House Embassy is contacted and asked to send up a shuttle with an authorized representative and IFF codes. They'll be tasked with providing protection to the Count by a neutral party.

While signing the treaty at their embassy might be the safest option you and the Count feel it would be best to do so in the palace. If that can be done it should greatly improve morale among the House and give the impression of a legitimate succession.

As the transports and their escorts begin to form up you get a secure message from the surface. The unit assigned to look for your family has already confirmed that they're not at the lodge. It was clearly searched by hostile forces that managed to trigger some of the automated defenses. The subbasement levels were not breached and there are no other signs of damage. The Reynard family and their bodyguard clearly departed before the arrival of search teams.

They are continuing their search.

Maybourne approaches you with a datapad. She lowers her voice before speaking.
"Sir we have a secure intel transmission that has been tight beamed to the fleet. It's using an intel ID reserved for house personnel from South Reach. They're requesting immediate extraction."

[ ] Send a shuttle down now
[ ] Have one split off when the landings begin
[ ] Send one of your people already on the ground
[ ] Ignore it for now
[ ] It's a trap. Hit it with a stealth mass driver round
>>
>>3134468
>[ ] Have one split off when the landings begin

It could be someone we know or someone with dirt on the rebels or it could be some ass hole. If they need cover/ excuse we could just have them say they are looking for Sonia's family or family members of the Barons.
>>
>>3134468
>[x] Send one of your people already on the ground
>[x] Send a shuttle down now
If they didn't require immediate help, they wouldn't be broadcasting until we've made planetfall.
>>
>>3134468
>Ignore it for now
I'm naturally paranoid of this but I'd rather not send a mass projectile round until we're entirely sure.
>>
>>3134501
what if it's a trap
>>
>>3134503
Then sombody will get the chance to shoot at one of our shuttles. Seems worth the risk, considering it might be somebody running from the Terrans. Or maybe it is one of the Terrans, better check.
>>
>>3134507
fair point +1 then
>>
>>3134468
[X] Send a shuttle down now

Send the commando team that we had restricted to quarters? At least one of them supposedly was affiliated with EC and can hopefully name drop if they need to bluff. They can also be a deniable asset, and we have records of their squad being confined to quarters.

And tightbeam Graham's command ship. Perhaps we can get a secure communication going and ensure that shuttle at least makes it to the planet to use the camo system?
>>
>>3134468
>[ ] Ignore it for now
If it smells like a trap it's probably a trap
>>
>>3134501
Supporting this

The risk if it’s a trap is one shuttle, low stakes in my opinion
>>
>>3134655
As long as we make sure the extraction team is aware of all the shenanigans they might encounter, it should be relatively safe. You know, Terrans, Krath, or random terrorists trying to cause trouble at the last minute. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't a random noble who bought the code off a random intel guy to get off the planet asap.
>>
"Send a shuttle down now to check it out. Minimal communications. If the Governor wants to know what they're doing fabricate a story."

"On it."

A few minutes later the main drop operation begins. The occupation platform starts its descent, point defense batteries standing by. Half a dozen of the newer assault transports flank it, along with supporting Frigates.

"Hold off on any starfighter launch." Admiral Tama directs them. "We dont have any reason to have them out, so dont give anyone a reason to shoot."

"The Rebel fleet already have starfighter squadrons deployed." points out Alex.

"Not their full force." Tama counters. "Most of those are based on the defense platforms. EBON doesn't have any fighters out yet."

"Maybe EBON doesn't have any fighters to launch?" you suggest.

Tama seems certain it does based on the ship's positioning.
"Keep an eye on it then." you suggest. "Alex look for other places they may be hiding more fighters."
"Copy that."

The descending forces enter the atmosphere, decelerating while descending towards the bay area near the capital. Once the group has reduced their speed to subsonic velocities they change course and head inland. Meanwhile the older HLV's begin to drop, aiming for the bases on the outskirts of the cities.

"Activity from the rebel fleet!" reports sensors, highlighting movement among their assault corvette squadrons.
It would seem that the occasional ship is moving into lower orbit. They're trying to delay the landings by the looks of things.

"Reynard to transports, remain on course, but otherwise dont do anything to provoke them."

Coms monitors increased traffic between the wayward ships and the command vessel. It seems Graham is trying to reign in the rookies and hotheads.

As the occupation platform settles into position a few thousand meters above the capital they begin to report increasing activity among the ground forces below. Traffic both military and civilian begins to crowd streets while others empty. It isn't long before civil defense channels are advising people to move to the emergency shelters.

"On the bright side, we shouldn't have to worry about any noncombatants still being on the surface by the time the army arrives."
Maybourne helpfully points out.

General Rna soon reports that the HLV's have landed at the nearest bases. More are setting down at facilities closer to the other cities. Commanders of the minimal base garrisons are ordered to turn over control of their facilities once enough troops have been offloaded from the ships. While the base commandants are largely cooperative they're refusing orders that they and their troops are to surrender their arms.

>Cont.
>>
Forces that have landed at the city spaceport are seeing a similar response. Until the treaty is signed they still consider themselves the lawful military of the emergency council. In the city center towards the palace there are reports of groups of irregulars and militia still being present on the surface. Despite this a few of the assault transports are able to drop vehicles and personnel to secure key intersections without incident.

Vanderwal sends a report to your station. It shows localised instances of small arms fire in the northern parts of the city. The nearest ones are still outside the capital districts but only just.
"I think a few people are having a difference of opinion when it comes to the terms our new Count has laid out."

"Do you think they'll try and disrupt the signing?"
The old spymaster isn't certain but it looks as though they won't be able to.

One of the ground controllers speaks up.
"Sir! We're getting reports of small arms fire from the capital district targeting the occupation platform."
You sigh in annoyance while Vanderwal curses, heading off to look into matters.

"HAG's are standing by to return fire sir."

Before you can properly consider the order General Rna broadcasts on the command frequency for the airborne forces to hold fire.
"It's a few idiots with hand guns. Ignore them and proceed into the city as planned."

Farther south the shuttle sent down to investigate the intel signal reports mission accomplished.
"Target acquired but we have intel on another priority asset. Do you want us to divert or return to the fleet?"

[ ] Return, send nearest ground team
[ ] Divert, there's no time to lose
[ ] Risk signals intercept and ask what it is
>>
>>3134694

[x] Divert, there's no time to lose

Get another shuttle to link up with them and extract the assets, in the event that a 3rd asset is discovered?
>>
>>3134703
>>3134694

Actually, wait. Are they asking to return to the fleet in orbit, or to one of the landing zones/occupation barge for a drop off?
>>
>>3134694
>[ ] Return, send nearest ground team
>write in
If we send another shuttle to rendezvous with them, we should be able to get them in the field sooner than they would if we have them drop off whoever they picked up first.
>>
Are we back up?
>>
>>3134707
They'd be returning to the fleet since the nearest LZ is a few hundred km away. And may be surrounded by potential hostiles.

>>3134710
Which would mean meeting halfway for the rendezvous so it'd actually be doing it more slowly than if another shuttle was sent down. Unless you were hoping to keep the classified info with just that one shuttle crew. That would make more sense.
>>
>>3134727
The idea was that they'd be able to tell the next team what to expect without risking a singlas intercept.
>>
>>3134694
>[ ] Return, send nearest ground team
>>
>>3134694
Let the soldiers decide. They have all information and they are highly trained professionals. They have a much better chance to make a good decision than Sonia who is more or less guessing what's best with the very limited infornation she has.
>>
"Recall the shuttle. Send the nearest ground team."

It doesn't take long for the shuttle to return to orbit. Not even long enough for the army units deploying from the outer bases to reach the city limits.

When Rna's supporting forces do enter the city they quickly link up with the strong points the airborne forces have established. Enough of the area outside the palace is secure enough that the Generals believe it safe enough for the Count to descend to the surface. The command ship Caius commandeered moves into a lower orbit along with his escort before the LST's launch. Several of them now have Ruling House IFF's, though most of the escort does not.

With all of that going on you're surprised when Valeri hands you a hand written note updating you on the status of the shuttle. It reads;
Duncan and someone else are now onboard. I think he has the item with him. He's in disguise.

"Why does this have to happen right now?" you ask of no one in particular.

As if that wasn't enough the ground team soon reaches the location of the other asset. They're only on station for a minute before sending the confirmation signal that they've located your family.

>What's your priority?

[ ] See Duncan ASAP
[ ] Focus on your family's recovery
[ ] Keep your attention on the fleet and drop operation
>>
>>3134858
>[ ] See Duncan ASAP
>>
>>3134858
>[ ] Keep your attention on the fleet and drop operation
We don't need to micromanage either of the other situations immediately. Once the House is safe, we can focus on the details if needed.

>Family
Do any of Troy's friends or relatives need rescuing?

Btw. Warhammer Mechanicus is surprisingly fun for a budget xcom clone.
>>
>>3134858

First inform Rna and Tama that it's going to be up to them for a little while to keep the Count safe while we deal with an issue. It seems like the drop operation is doing fine, maybe our fighters should deploy in an obviously defensive formation.

So hard to choose between SP tech and family but I think if Duncan made it this far he can hold out a little longer. Gotta go with family on this one, not to mention the PTSD points we'd rack up if something happened due to inattention.

>[X] Focus on your family's recovery
>>
>>3134858
>[ ] See Duncan ASAP
>>
>>3134872
>Do any of Troy's friends or relatives need rescuing?
Not yet that you know of.
>>
>>3134858

>[ ] See Duncan ASAP

Hopefully if he still has it that means neither the Terrans or rebels have it.
>>
>>3134858
[X] Keep your attention on the fleet and drop operation
>>
"Admiral Tama, you and the General will be in charge of Rioja's forces for the time being. Coordinate with Alex. If anything comes up that you can't handle defer to him."

"Sir?" questions Tama.

"You have your orders." you tell him, rising from your chair.

Leaving the Outer Heaven's command center you instruct Valeri to have Rufaro and your personal guard recover your family from the surface at any cost. You'll see to the other matter personally.

Once you reach the side room near the launch bays where the two visitors have been secured you call for Ruiz. Your younger bodyguard materialises out of thin air once she deactivates her suit camo.
"Sir?"
"If my suspicions are right we cant leave any record of these two being aboard. No sensor scans of them or anything they might be carrying. That goes for your suit recordings or any ocular implants as well."

"Is there anything I should be keeping an eye out for?"
"I can't even tell you. Wipe it all. Make sure the mission recorders from the marines suits are hit as well."
"Aye sir."

Stepping into the office you find Duncan wearing an absolutely terrible disguise, but one you're certain would obscure his true identity. Also here is a woman that you're not familiar with. She's wearing civilian clothing reminiscent of the lower classes in the cities near your home town. That plus the hair dye helps give the impression of someone who should be ignored by the upper classes.

"Are you with intel?" you ask her.
"I'm one of the staff working for Baron Kharbos at the Expeditionary Fleet Social Club. I caught him looking around." she gestures to Duncan.

"Okay." you turn your attention to the actual intel officer. "What's with that getup? Are you hiding in plain sight?"
"It was the best I could do on short notice. By the way I think I figured out where your mother is hiding. I passed the info along to the Marines."

"It's being looked into." you tell him, then gesture to the woman. "Now, how much does she know?"

"Not enough to be too damaging? Probably? Just that I was running from some people from out of town that are trying to kill me."

"Hmm..."

[ ] Shoot her
[ ] Pay her to keep quiet
[ ] Memory wipe of events
[ ] She doesn't know anything, no special security precautions
[ ] Offer her a job
>>
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>>3135037
>[ ] Shoot her
>[ ] Pay her to keep quiet

Hmmm....
What does he suggest? Sonia's not exactly a specialist in that area.
>>
>>3135037
[X] Memory wipe of events

If she is memory wiped, it should prevent the possibility that she and her family are targets in the future.
>>
>>3135037

"Duncan, you've placed this woman into a precarious position."

Give her three options, memory wipe, offer her a job or of course bullet to the face.
>>
>>3135037
>Shoot her
Sorry
>>
>>3135041
>>3135037
I checked the Bery side quests and they were offered:
>"We have access to doctors that can remove your memory of the events that took place. Only a handful of your people would need to have this done.
>There are non disclosure contracts that you could sign instead, though we would need some form of collateral in case you broke the contract without our permission."
>"There is also the option we would like to avoid." Says the Rovinar.

>"We're not counting that one. Lastly is the option of a different form of contract. You would work for us. We could fake your death or concoct a likely cover story."
If Duncan hasn't any suggestions, making the same offer seems sensible.
>>
>>3134913
Aw Yiss it's back.
>>
>>3135072
>>3135037
This seems best.

Working for us will still mean being isolated from her old life entirely until she can be thoroughly vetted though. Regrettably she is still a civilian and has to be vetted.

We should also point out the regardless of her choice, we will reward her well.
>>
>>3135045
This - if it’s possible.

We also shouldn’t be discussing this in front of her...
>>
>>3135037

Even if she starts working for us, at the very least I think a full memory wipe of recent events is appropriate. This is something with the power to cause interfactional warfare, I would honestly support having them permanently taken care of if I thought other anons would agree.
>>
"Duncan, you've placed this woman in a precarious position."

"I have?! I, she- uh... okay yeah maybe. I didn't expect things to go they way they did. I haven't been shot at in a long time. It just seemed wrong to leave her back there if people came looking for me."

"What would you normally suggest for this sort of situation? Civilian that knows too much."
If she wasn't looking nervous before the other woman is looking very nervous now.

Duncan shrugs. "I'm a tech guy not human resources."

"Fine." You turn your attention to the woman, you dont even want to know her name right now.
"I'm giving you three options. A new job working for intelligence, a short term memory wipe, or the option that we're all going to regret."

You belatedly notice that she's been staring at your hand which you've subconsciously been keeping on your pistol, ready to draw. All the stress of the situation apparently gets to her because she suddenly collapses to the floor unconscious. Duncan immediately rushes over to her.
"She fainted."

"You have got to be kidding me." you mutter. "Now I just feel bad about it."
Probably shouldn’t have been discussing this in front of her.

"I think she'll be okay." the former marine pronounces.

"You sure rushed over there in a hurry." you point out.

Duncan grimaces. "Alright, alright. Maybe we don't have to kill her?"

"We can't have her knowing anything. It's too dangerous, even for her."

[ ] Job offer
[ ] Memory wipe
[ ] Memory wipe + Job offer
>>
>>3135146
Well we could make it seem like her choice.

Offer her the option regardless, but point out that the knowledge will severely limit her options in life since it's an inter-faction affair involving Terrans.

And they found a legit safe house for our best operatives. True, maybe just because of the rebellion, but they're poised to pounce on ANY slip up.

Like going back to her life is right out if she keeps the memories. No contact with family, have to take her death etc. She doesn't have any of the background set up to be able to maintain that life.
>>
>>3135182
> [ ] Memory wipe + Job offer

Also cash money reward.
>>
>>3135182
>[ ] Memory wipe + Job offer
>>
>>3135182
>"You sure rushed over there in a hurry." you point out.
D'awwwwwww

>[ ] Memory wipe + Job offer
I'm sure he'll be grateful nobody will ever know about that thing with the vacuum.
>>
>>3135182

>[X] Memory wipe + Job offer

Secure Duncan and the data and let's get an update on the Count's position and the family operation.
>>
"We'll have to wipe her memory of the last few days but I dont see why we can't make her a job offer."

Calling for a medic you have the young woman taken to a nearby med station. Once the two of you are alone you grill Duncan for information.

"Now what happened down there?"

"The Terrans came looking for the data. They busted into my lab and I barely escaped with our copy. If it wasn't for all the protesters outside I might not have made it. Then again they might have used all of the riots to mask their approach. Maybe they figured the government had fallen and now was a good time to see if we really did have some of their toys?"

If the House had collapsed into a civil war the last thing anyone would want is SP torpedo production data floating around amid that.

"So they know for sure we have it?" you ask.
Duncan shakes his head.
"No. If they do they need proof to act on it, and this is the only piece of hard evidence. It might be best to destroy it now and save us from more trouble."

With the data copied and sent to the Ruling House destroying your copy wouldn't mean a total end to all of this. It should be enough to protect your House from possible attacks in the near term though.

[ ] Destroy the data
[ ] Keep hiding it
>>
>>3135340
>[ ] Keep hiding it

Alternatively, offer to sell it back to the Terrans.
>>
>>3135357

That would give them concrete proof that we have it.

>>3135340

>[X] Keep hiding it

Move it to the most secure location we can think of whether that be the occupation platform or a super mega secret hiding spot we have on one of our ships.
>>
>>3135340

[x] Keep hiding it

Give it to Svidur to hide in a Neeran vault.
>>
>>3135340
>[ ] Keep hiding it

We've held on to it this long. Might as well hold on to it longer. In case someone incompetent in the RH somehow loses their copy of it.
>>
>>3135340
>[ ] Keep hiding it
cloaked container, with automated defences and self-destruct system - in the dark space between two of our star systems in the Run

>>3135357
Don’t think that’s a good idea.
>>
>>3135406
>>3135366

They already had enough proof to make a strike on the location we had it in.

Just saying, it doesn't have to be money we trade it for. We could develop a closer working relationship with the Terrans instead and get paid in materiel and support, as well as progressing with joint technological development.

IE we would steal as much from each other as possible, but with less volatile technology and they'd be in a place to observe for any reach towards SP torps, getting them off our backs but also we would make a lot of profitable progress research wise.

Same as how any foreign national scientific collaboration works.

We can just get the rights to produce Dominion SP torps from the RH after they get it, anyways.
>>
>>3135429
Also it might be a bit traitorish, but it would also let them know just how much info we gave to the RH as well.

Gotta time the sale right, though, right after the RH gets the SP torps from the Neerans.
>>
>>3135432

The Terrans will just knock us off as soon as we admit we have it to them. That or make life harder for us.
>>
>>3135429
>>3135432

The Terrans would probably just murder Sonia and orchestrate the destruction of J-D's expeditionary fleets and then the House itself at the confirmation that we even touched SP torp data.

And they would be fools to aid a Dominion House in technological development when they survive by being the techiest faction and everyone is looking forward to Faction War 3 after the Neeran Empire.

>a bit traitorish
The Terrans would love it, because they could leak that information to our political rivals and they wouldn't even have to murder Sonia themselves to escape all deals made with her, the Ruling House would have the entire Dominion looking to murder her as a traitor.
>>
Going with will keep hiding it.

Writing in circles here and not making much progress so I'll resume tomorrow evening after work.
>>
>>3135484
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
>>
>>3135484

Thanks for running!
>>
>>3135340
>The Terrans came looking for the data. They busted into my lab and I barely escaped with our copy. If it wasn't for all the protesters outside I might not have made it.
"Most importantly, you made it out alive. It's wonderful you managed to secure the data despite not having kept up with your physial training and kept out of harms way afterwards. Having an eyewitness for their involvement might allow us to get additional protection from the Ruling House. Aside from that, you've clearly gone above and beyond what is expected of somebody in your rank in that situation, so you better start thinking about what kind of reward you'd like."

>[x] Destroy the data
>>
You know, thinking about it, Sonia hasn't been subtle about her potential knowledge of SP weapons.

>Investing in artificial Drive Plate material production facility
>Firing molten Drive material from a plasma cannon
>SP Decoy torpedo research

Not to mention the Veckron marble salvage mission.
>>
>>3136345
>Investing in artificial Drive Plate material production facility
That one makes sense as an emergency measure because smol J-D didn't have the worlds, knowledge, or infrastructure to produce them by traditional means at that time.

>Firing molten Drive material from a plasma cannon
FTL ammo would be awesome and could have worked.

>SP Decoy torpedo research
I think that one just reproduces the sensor reading of an SP torpedo. We let the Terrans check and things didn't start exploding afterwards, so I'd think they accepted that one as an eleborate decoy that had nothing to do with actual SP torps.
>>
>>3136365
> would be awesome and could have worked.

Pretty much the most common reason for science.
>>
"We're going to keep hiding it." you decide. "Find a deep dark hole to bury this in for the time being. Right now I have work to do. We're in the middle of trying to install a new government and a new Count."

"Sounds complicated. Good luck!" Duncan gives you a thumbs up before you depart.

Returning to the ship's command center you look to Maybourne for an update on what's been happening.
"Status?"

"The Count's ship has landed and he's being escorted into the Palace Basilica. Knights from Rioja and Alaior are covering him."

Knights in various models of power armor flanked by men at arms in power cell armor are advancing steadily. Caius should be somewhere in the middle. A number of Knights are transmitting sensor feeds from their suits, letting you and the others keep an eye on things.

Inside the assembled emergency council is waiting in full dress uniform with plenty of their own guards at the ready. There is a tense standoff leading to the Council asking Caius to remove his helmet so that they can be sure it's him. Once certain he's the one facing them both sides stand down.

There is a lengthy discussion, after which the Count and one of the Knights examine treaty documents. Two of their counterparts do much the same.

Despite there being upwards of one hundred armed soldiers in the room the next hour is incredibly dull. Caius is determined to have the treaty done up correctly. Twice the existing document is edited and sent to be reprinted. The half dozen scribes permitted within the chamber are kept very busy.

At last both sides are satisfied with the document. Leaders sign on, recognizing the new decrees along with the new Count's authority. The Ruling House ambassador acts as a witness to the signing.

As the temporary council steps down from their positions flanking the empty throne Caius approaches it cautiously. A Knight sweeps it with a sensor before nodding to him. As he takes his seat an old Dro'all from the Dremine council is shown in. With him he brings a circlet bearing the markings with the House and that of its Count. Caius and the old councilor exchange words briefly before the circlet is placed upon his head.

Stepping back the old man shouts.
"The Count is dead, long live the Count!"

"Long live the Count!" Echo the others present.
You can hear a few Knights and officers over the command frequencies repeat the words as well.
>>
>>3137141
This is the part where the actual count shows up, everybody present dabs on junior and emotionally scars him for life, right?
>>
>>3137141
>Despite there being upwards of one hundred armed soldiers in the room the next hour is incredibly dull.
lmao this is what I love about the setting. Incredibly advanced weaponry, space ships, sci fi, all in a type of society and government that was already archaic thousands of years ago.
>>
>>3137141
>”Long live the Count!”
We should say it to over the comm frequencies

I wonder what we’ll get for helping the House through this time of transition. Our was our reward helping craft the treaty, thereby adding our 2 cents to the future of the House

Also, we need an update on the search for our family.
>>
>>3137192
>we should say it over the comm frequencies

Maintain communications discipline. We aren't out of the woods until the rebel fleet and the various defensive stations are secured.

And we really need to make sure that our people secure Graham before Saputo can do something stupid. Protective custody, ho!
>>
>>3137141

>"The Count is dead, long live the Count!"

Well that is taken care of. For now now Ciaus has the hard task of proving he's worthy of being the Count to the Barons. And I am betting when the new Council comes in he's going to be making deals with them to ensure he can stay as the Count for good rather then being a temporary one. Which I don't blame him, he's got a really big boots to fill. Just so long as he doesn't start throwing the Barons under the bus to secure his position. So long as he can show he has a good head on his shoulders as a military leader and make smart decisions for the military without compromising the civilian side of things and vice versa. He should do well.

I do not envy the guy his position though. Sonia would have gone full gray hair down there acting as temporary Count with her paranoia running full steam. I wish him the best.

And with that done, lets go see our family. They should be on the ship by now, right?
>>
>>3137141
We've actually ended up in an excellent position. The revolutionary forces are basically screwed: any leader that won the elections will side with Caius to protect themselves and their new power, and revolutionary who feels betrayed by this will be forced underground, probably lose the support of the masses, and waste most of their political and military power struggling against the politicians that they think sold out.

In a few years outright insurrection will be crushed, most people will be generally happy as long as they keep the minor reforms that they've won, and we'll be able to keep an extremely close eye on any former supporters of the Emergency council.

It would be worthwhile to infiltrate a few armed, underground elements and get them to assassinate elected politicians and their supporters every once in a while to make sure that the split between the radical and moderate wings never heals.
>>
>>3137179
Have you never heard of Space Opera before? Well, if you like this google the term and you're for a right treat for the grey matter. So much media to consume!
>>
"As my first official act I will uphold the terms of the treaty. The charge of treason against the members of the Reformist Coalition is hereby commuted."

Even among the small number of people present there is an uneasy murmuring.

"As agreed upon the populace of Dreminth and Torun will maintain new rights to vote and assembly. Even Loran which voted against the new system will enjoy greater rights. An appeals and impeachment system for the populace to reign in their Governor's excesses will be created. It is intended that this appeals system will be put in place on every world of the House eventually.

As an assurance that these reforms are being adhered to one member of the emergency council will be provided a seat on the new House Council. Three new Councilors will also be added for our distant territories in South Reach, the Run and the Kalino sectors. It is hoped that these new posts will help the leaders in those regions more easily voice their concerns to the rest of the House."

You look to the rest of your officers. "I don't remember there being anything about one of them keeping their job."
Pulling up a com channel you contact Fadila who seems to also be in a conference call with Daska.

"What did he do to my treaty stipulations?" you demand to know.
"He can't be serious about this." Daska adds, in a more controlled though no less unenthusiastic manner.

"Apparently he told them they could submit two names and neither Keegan Fox or Latha Dun'eth could be among them. He gets to choose which one. I believe he was hoping it would cause additional infighting among their leadership.
Now that Caius has been made Count many of the rebels wont risk fighting against him with these reforms in place. If they do they risk losing everything."

[ ] Let him play his games
[ ] Perhaps we should help him out with Terran speculation

Couldn't decide on the next bit so you get a vote for things.
>>
>>3137493
>[ ] Let him play his games
It's an evaluation period for the new count, let him handle things his way/
>>
>>3137493
>[X] Perhaps we should help him out with Terran speculation

Terran Black Ops and Democracy coup? SUSPICIOUS!
>>
>>3137493

>Letting any one of the rebellious fucks keep the position they stole.

And like that he is fucking up.

Those ass holes need to be made into pariahs and banned from all social circles within the house for what they've done. Their lives need to be made miserable and difficult until they leave J-D and go to some other house if not out right experiencing some sort of accident.

Gah, did he even get anything for us out of this mess? Or did he just waste this opportunity?

And here I was hoping he was going to get to work proving he is a good leader. And already he's fucking up. If this is what we have to look forward to with him, then Archivald cannot get back soon enough.

>[ ]Other, get plans in place to remove Caius if he continues to give the rebels more bones then they deserve.
>>
>>3137508

>did he even get anything for us out of this mess?
He got the crisis resolved with minimal further bloodshed. The House is preserved intact, for the time being.

>other, get plans in place...

We've had an attempted oldguard coup against Count Jerik, a Dominion Civil War, a separate AI/Rebel attack on the Dominion Capital, and now another Coup that saw Count Jerik murdered in the past... several years?

We're not going to plot a fresh round of treasonous coup when we need to keep the House together. Make our displeasure known? Sure. But we've lost enough Counts for the remainder of the Neeran War, at least.
>>
>>3137493
> [ ] Perhaps we should help him out with Terran speculation

Dude has to be brought up to speed on this.
>>
>>3137493
>[x] Let him play his games
>>
>>3137527
It's the same RIP 'N TEAR squad as always.

Look at the write in they made. I mean, I'm greedy and would have loved to have sold the Terrans SP info back to them, but at least I realized it was probably not worth the risk.
>>
>>3137529
Supporting

Not all the details, just enough that he knows the general scope of the field
>>
>>3137527

I was not thinking of another coup or assassination, more along the lines of ensuring we have a means to remove him should he prove to be an incapable leader by the time the fleet returns. Though those would be easiest, they are not optimal.
>>
>>3137545
We do, then? That's why he's a Provisional Count.

That was dealt with a while ago.
>>
>>3137550

We've only so far put words on paper. Nothing actually put in place. I may be over reacting, but having something in place for when the question of should we keep him comes up. Should be there, unless I've forgotten exactly what was agreed on beyond the idea that he will step down if enough Barons are displeased with him as a Provisional Count for him to remain the actual Count.

Just displeased in general with how he decided to start off his rule of being the Count.

Hey, maybe the rebels really are that fractured and will eat their own for the position. Leaving the rest who only barely managed to escape charges of treason, to be incapable of doing anything else. And prevent those knights who helped start this to no longer be eligible of promotion beyond their current ranks for the rest of their careers.
>>
>>3137508
Fuck it I'll back this. These reformists are the worst people. They took advantage of the fleets being away to kill the Count and they get rewarded for it?
>>
>>3137493
>[ ] Let him play his games

>Get our own black ops to plan an assassination or framing of the EC guy. Terrible shame but accidents happen.

If this does create a schism in their faction it has to be blown up and made public so that whatever happens can be blamed on infighting.
>>
>>3137493
>[ ] Let him play his games
>>
>>3137529

This. Please nothing drastic, it's not even that bad. He gets to choose and we can have Vanderwal and our super hacker girl search the candidates for possible Terran influence.
>>
>>3137575
Their political power is based on the fact that they militarily control two and a half planets, a non-negligible fleet, and a lot of ground soldiers.

This treaty represents the reality that our side believes that allowing these concessions to be made will be less painful to our interests than smashing their fleets, massacreing their supporters, and devastating the core of the house.
>>
>>3137834
There's also the issue that we'd have to assault two of the most densely populated planet the House has, which means civilian casualties even if we pull off a perfect attack. I don't want Sonia to be the one who has to explain why their relatives are dead to the soldiers returning from the Neeran campaign.

>>3137493
What we need to do now is lock up the people who actually attacked or even killed their fellow soldiers during the revolt. The guys responsible for destroying Knight Dayton's come to mind.
>>
>>3133835
If we bankrupt them I suggest that we graciously allow them to work of their debt as groundside grunts for our terraforming company in terran space. They should thank us with tears in their eyes, for coming so close to the people they wish to emulate.
>>
>>3137959
We should start an exchange programme with Veritas. Considering how often their civilian government collapses, it might be a valuable lesson of these people.
>>
Nuke the Count, House Reynard now
>>
>>3137834
>>3137929
>>3137959
>>3137960

This is why I asked about hitting EC members with bills for mine removal and possibly danger pay. If we can burn them financially, we may be able to force them to sell off at least portions of their assets and weaken their power base by reducing their income.

Things I think we might be able to hit them for:
- Destroyed RTS assets
- Death benefit for KIA RTS employees? (over & above company stuff, all to the families? A big stretch, but possibly one of those things that a civil court might be sympathetic to the families over)
- Mine clearance fees & hazard pay + associated damages
- their attempts to hire mercs vs Rioja?
- make the EC leadership pay all EC forces combat pay for the duration of their 'reign' (Why should the House pay rebel military forces for their time committing treason, even if sentence commuted? Possible stretch, definite New Count support needed?)
- All processing fees related to standing down EC forces? (salaries for involved clerks doing inventories, soldiers securing EC weapons, etc)
- Damages to House property during coup (damaged/destroyed ships, stations, training facilities, bases)

They got their pardon for treason, which confirms that they committed treason, but we should push to have them take responsibility for their act of treason, by footing the bill for everything we can possibly bill them for.
>>
>>3137989
I think we need to inestigate who is responsible for what exactly before we start attempts to ruin them. People like admiral Graham ended up on the revolutionaries' side for reasons I consider legitimate, so I would hate ruining decent people like him.
We also need to hand out rewards to loyalists like Windsor while the memory is still fresh. I think he seems like a person who would enjoy running a casino station, as long as you keep him from placing it in a duel.
>>
>>3138006

I'm specifically referring to the 'Emergency Council' that declared themselves as such after seizing power, which should be the core leadership of the actual coup.

Admiral Graham and others that joined them after the initial coup due to duress/kids joining from captured academies would fall under 'EC forces', in my opinion.

That said, I don't see someone like Admiral Graham just being allowed to go back to work commanding J-D soldiers after this. Despite his reasons being very good ones, plenty of others will likely never trust them after this. Forced retirement?
>>
>>3137989
>>3138022
I think the financial attacks are a good idea, but we can't be too aggressive right now. Overtly attacking the moderate wing is dangerous, because that might cause them to reunite with the insurrectionaries, or at least convince them that it's good to have an armed force around just in case the struggle becomes an armed conflict again. If we let them snipe at each other for a few decades, it's possible that the armed element will be gradually destroyed, and then the moderate element will be toothless and we can go after them.
>>
>>3138141

Wouldn't the majority of the 'armed element' be the leadership that led this coup to begin with? (And thus the people I'd like to bankrupt?)

The moderates would appear to be Knight Shanta Filippi and her yet-unnamed local allies, whom took no part in this mess. If we want to strengthen the moderates, we should strengthen the moderates like herself, not hold back on damaging the radicals that killed the Count.
>>
>>3138165
When I talk about moderates vs radicals, I'm talking about divisions within the movement that brought the Emergency Council into power. The movement, from what I've seen, seems like a pretty broad cross section of JD society - you have the Young Upstarts who represent the young nobility that are frustrated by the old guards monopoly of power, what seems like a pretty wide swathe of the middle and lower classes who have a fundamental opposition to being ruled by an aristocracy and were galvanized into action when the extent of the corruption on these planets became clear, some segments of the population that are sympathetic to a Terran type of government, and some more established members of the nobility (Alex's siblings, for example) who are willing to play along with the elections to increase their power.

During the initial days of the protests, the alliance between these different groups was based on a common enemy - the existing power structure on Dremine and Torun, and the JD military forces that enforced that power structure. The elections kept their alliance alive presumably by electing representatives from these different groups to speak for their interests and settle their differences where possible.

As soon as they succeeded in taking power, the alliance was doomed to eventually fall apart. The contradiction between those who want to improve their position within the existing hierarchy and those who want to destroy that hierarchy entirely is simply too great for the two tendencies to cooperate forever. This doesn't mean the Emergency Council movement would just fall apart if left to its own devices - one side or the other would probably crush the other and lead the revolution in their direction.

Caius becoming Count has accelerated the split. The social climbers of the movement need to cooperate with Caius as much as they can to protect their new position, and the radicals now need to oppose their previous allies because they've bought into the power structure.

A lot of this is speculation, but this is my analysis of the situation. When I talk about conflict between moderates and radicals, that's what I mean.
>>
>>3138141
They need to pay damages to everyone who was forcibly recruited under duress too. Pay for the psychological and mental issues they've caused and for unlawfully holding family members hostage. I'm sure there are many more points we could stick on them.

You know, I have to admit one thing. Every time you people cared more about managing finances and fucking around with boring corporate shit, nickel and diming every poor bastard or company that crossed our way, I was ready to quit reading the quest. When you founded RTS and spent months balancing excel sheets I wanted to strangle you all. But right now when you're using all those shenanigans to utterly destroy people that we don't like, yeah right now I'm glad you guys are here and that you created Sonia's financial empire that we can actually do these things.
>>
>>3138022
>Forced retirement?
I just wouldn't deploy him on interior duties any more. He's a skilled commander who puts his family first, if we let him do his stuff in Neeran space he should still be able to work for the good of the house without ending up in this kind of situation again.
>>
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>Count removal prep (+2 votes?)

As Fadila reminds you there is a legally binding contract signed between the Barons and the new Count. (Sonia too.) For him to arbitrarily cast it aside would be unwise at best and political suicide at worst. If a House can't maintain its treaties between its leader and its Barons, most other Houses would think it unwise to continue dealing with them.

There is one other item in your favour. As Caius was not a Baron before being made Count he does not have a standing fleet and army of his own. At least not yet. He is entirely reliant upon the forces of Barons and other leaders loyal to him. His father faced similar issues, and even at the height of his power the former Count had only a small personal force of his own.

"If you want to be prepared to remove the new Count, preventing him from building his own fleet and army would be the wisest course." Fadila suggests.

You trade glances with Daska's hologram. "What about the rebel fleet?"
"And their army!" Daska finishes.

Fadila gives the both of you a rather exasperated look then points to the ongoing transcript of the Count's decrees regarding the treaty.

While you've been talking to Fadila the Count has been continuing with the agreed upon terms. Calling up a transcript you quickly catch up. It looks like many of those in the fleet and army who took part in the uprising will be getting some extra time on the front lines fighting the Neeran. That or corporal punishment and an option of exile.

All officers and nobles to have played a role will be placed under temporary house arrest while the death of Count Gernot Sigurd Jerik is investigated. Their financial holdings and assets will be left intact -for now- though they may need to pay some reparations. Removing the minefields is one thing that comes to mind. Those cleared of direct involvement in the Count's death will be offered similar terms to the enlisted. The front lines or exile.
There may be additional penalties levied against nobles choosing exile.

While this is a step in the right direction it might still be a good idea to keep military assets out of the Count's hands for the time being. Making sure all the Rebel warships will be assigned to the front line units would be one way to prevent it.

>Does this change things?
[ ] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now
[ ] Keep war materiel out of the Counts hands
[ ] Contact PR about the "Terran connection"
>>
>>3138827
>[X] Keep war materiel out of the Counts hands
>[X] Contact PR about the "Terran connection"

Still for Terran speculation. Now paranoid that we just failed to Shadowrun hard enough to understand that Caius was the Young Upstart all along.
>>
>>3138827
>[x] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now
He has a year to prove himself. Even if he spent all captial he can on building up a fleet, he will still be unable to stand up to the combined forces of the barons once the fleets return home.
In addition to that, if we don't let him show us how he's planning to rule in the year he's been give, we won't be able to make a just judgement when the time comes to decide if we should replace him with somebody else or not.
Let him do his thing but keep an eye on him.
>>
>>3138855
supporting
>>
>>3138827
>[X] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now
Basically for the reasons >>3138855 laid out.
>>
>>3138827

I have a nagging doubt about him. If his ploy to pit the rebel’s leadership even more against each other fails. Then he is well on his way to showing himself out the door. If he does not have the murders of Count Jerik executed. He may as well be a lost cause. I want to see those bastards who killed our Count be shown the same fate he received.

Hopefully I am just jumping the gun and his plan to weaken the rebels does actually work.

But so long as we can crush/ ruin these rebellious knights and nobles, financially, politically and in their careers. For what they've done I'll be happy. But Caius is not putting himself in a good position to start from.

>[ ] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now
>>
>>3138827
>[ ] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now

>[ ] Contact PR about the "Terran connection"

Since he got the job, he's calling the shots. I don't like it but I also don't want us to be the evil vizier already plotting his downfall as if this is some kind of soap opera. Doesn't mean we can't keep fucking with the traitors
>>
>>3138827
>>Does this change things?
>[X] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now
Its just a single seat in the House Council and he might be playing the long game.
>>
>>3138827
>[ ] Keep war materiel out of the Counts hands
>>
>>3138827
> [ ] Give him the benefit of the doubt for now
>>
"We'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now, but that doesn't mean we won't be keeping an eye on him."

Daska asks you to have your people keep her in the loop on events.
"If necessary I'll bring my fleet up from South Reach once the other Barons return."

"If it gets to the point where that's necessary then we're in big trouble. Glad you have my back though."

With the Count having publicly acknowledged his intention to hold to the tenets of the treaty, next comes the difficulties of enforcing them. Those who may not have been aware of what was being signed in their name are not likely to enjoy all of its provisions. Even before the signing there were reports of fighting in sections of the capital.

It doesn't take long for those divisions among the rebels to become more pronounced. The Emergency Council, though now officially disbanded, is forced into the unenviable position of having to deal with the dissent within their own ranks. Failure to do so might be taken as them failing to uphold their side of the treaty.

Even in a best case scenario it's going to take several days to return the troops to their barracks. Only when that's accomplished will it be possible to put all the officers under house arrest. For now they're needed to help bring their former brothers in arms under control.

General Rna reports that the army is expanding their control of the city but they're reluctant to push into regions where there is active fighting taking place.

The Count wishes to know if it would be prudent to formally declare martial law to assist the army in locking down the population centers. Also if it would be wise to intervene in some of the street battles.

"It's good that this blowup is giving the revolutionaries a black eye in terms of relations with the civilians. I am growing concerned about property damage though. Especially if we could have prevented it."

Your troops have the firepower to quickly resolve most situations if they get involved. Alternatively their armor might stand more of a chance of surviving weapons fire while they try to talk down those resisting. Or you could leave the remaining trouble makers to the EC's troops.

1A) Intervention
1B) Try to disarm the situation
1C) Let them fight

>2) General Rna wants to know if he should focus occupation efforts on the capital district and surrounding area, or try to secure the whole city as soon as possible? Some of the disagreements are taking place closer to the borders of the capital district than he would like.

2A) Capital district and immediate area
2B) Secure the whole city
>>
>>3139137
>1B)
Drown them in stun grenades if they refuse to comply. We should have more than enough of them and I see little reason to let any kind of violence escalate.
>2
He's the expert. If he thinks it's best to secure the whole city, I'm willing to trust his judgement.
>>
>>3139137

>1C) Let them fight
>2A) Capital district and immediate area

Let them sort out their own mistakes, and respond with overwhelming, deadly force if they make the mistake of firing upon our forces.

That said, we could certainly reach out to the former EC leadership and see if they would like to request assistance. If they have something to offer that might be worth putting our forces at risk.

They pulled stupid shit, now they can pay the Dominion's mercenary mindset tax if they need help.
>>
>>3139150
>>3139137
>1B) Try to disarm the situation
By that I mean try to talk them down. Though yeah, stun grenades as a backup sure.

>He's the expert. If he thinks it's best to secure the whole city, I'm willing to trust his judgement.
Normally he would just go for the whole city, but some of the fighting is closer to the palace than he's comfortable with right now.

Then again, you do have that occupation platform hovering above it.
>>
>>3139137

Nah, let the EC Troops deal with the mess they’ve made. They made their bed they sleep in it. Sonia is not cleaning up the mess they’ve made after the shit they’ve pulled. Of course as I say this, if someone is in life threatening danger and in need of aid. Yes, help them. But not at the cost of our troops lives.

Unless they start begging us to help them and learn how much they have done fucked up. The EC forces should ideally get 0 help from us. They should learn that those mobs and troops they riled up to their cause aren’t going to listen to them and now that “peace” is neigh, not all those mobs/ troops are gonna be happy. This is why *BARONS* not *KNIGHTS* are allowed to build standing armies and navies. Because if every knight had their private army we may as well be fucking pirates. Or worse, Terrans.

> 1C) Let them fight, only intervene if it looks like there’s going to be high civilian casualties.

> 2A) Capital district and immediate area

Secure the capital district and move outwards towards the bases. Bringing in the occupational platform as needed. Coordinate with Alex’s generals to have them move inwards while RNA moves outwards.
>>
>>3139137
C

B
>>
>>3139137
>The Emergency Council, though now officially disbanded, is forced into the unenviable position of having to deal with the dissent within their own ranks.
This is perfect.

I'll go with 1b and 2a. If anyone says we let the violence go on without doing anything, we can tell them we didn't want to be heavy handed so soon after reunification.
>>
>>3139201
>>3139198
Gonna switch to 1c actually, this guy makes a good case
>>
>>3139137
> 1B) Try to disarm the situation

Combination of targeting areas already in open conflict and "pacifying" them with overwhelming force, and then offering "restructuring" loans to affected businesses - which will include not only rebuilding and investing in their local communities, but will come along with the security of a light security detail for the duration of reconstruction.

Set ourselves up as a de facto private police force. It's not extortion because we're simply protecting our own assets, and we aren't the ones threatening them.

But we can make it clear that due to the recent difficulties, we are held back from using our forces freely to police the area due to the risk of possible misunderstandings.

> 2B) Secure the whole city

And beyond!

TL;DR Blame Rebels for the damages. Offer investment in damaged communities, plus "protection" from further conflicts for the areas that accept our protection. Make it clear that you can't have one without the other, and that they're strictly defensive / reactive forces who won't get involved with communities or groups other than our clients.

This way we can a) calm shit down and keep riots and such from escalating, b) establish an accepted presence throughout the Homeworld raising our profile and being visibly in charge to the common person c) block the new Count from using the residual conflict as an excuse for the need to build up his own personal forces, d) make it look like the Rebels weren't prepared or capable of governing if the had "won" and taken over, e) acquire a large amount of equity currently at a below market price, f) establish connections and create relationships between the House of Reynard and the commoners directly so that we can intervene earlier in possible future insurrections as well as trying their support to us *personally* instead of "The House Jerek-Dramine" or idealistic concepts like Terran Democracy, and finally g) we'll normalize the sight of our troops acting openly, providing a certain amount of cover and support for any possible clandestine actions.
>>
>>3139198
>>3139201
>>3139137
Whoops I forgot the PR boost of having our troops be visibly productive with rebuilding (financed by us), as well as that we could probably write of a significant portion of the costs as tax-exempt charitable aid and support provided to the House.
>>
>>3139217
>>3139137
I forgot to mention, letting fighting occur and then arriving to pacify the situation would also give us an excuse for holding EVERYONE involved, since we can't be expected to know which sides are which.

Lots of opportunity to "disappear" inconvenient people, return Nobles children and heirs involved with the rebellion and keeping their names off the official records as being involved in any position responsibility as a favour to their families etc.
>>
>>3139137
Whoops! Also forgot that we have both the Clone Troops and the RH authority to use them, so that gives us an edge over letting other Barons, like Tenni, from horning in.

Since they're clones, and under special dispensation, they're "safe" politically.
>>
>>3139137

>1C) Let them fight, only intervene if it looks like there’s going to be high civilian casualties.

>2A) Capital district and immediate area

Personally I don’t realky trust the new Count.

We should ensure that we use our influence to place some of our loyal people within his new personal guard. That way we have an easy way of acting if he needs to be removed in the future...

Also, we need an update as to the whereabouts of our family ASAP
>>
>>3139257
>That way we have an easy way of acting if he needs to be removed in the future...
I don't think setting things in place to assassinate the Count is productive. If he shits the bed a little in the next year he'll be out when Archivald gets here. If he shits the bed extremely hard, it'll be obvious to the rest of the Barons and we'll be able to remove him legally. Just assassinating him would alienate us among the Barons, who have basically just become the absolute most important factor in House politics.

I say that because the Count is new to the throne, and we've basically got legal precedent to remove him if the Barons decide to. Additionally, making the Governors an electable position will probably result in the powers of the governor position being stripped away gradually by the nobility in order to keep power out of the hands of the non-noble population. On top of that, the Barons just came together and selected a new Count without a majority of the Council present, and nobody can put that genie back in the bottle. The legal/political ramifications of the past month or so are going to cause some pretty major changes in the political landscape of the House, and my guess is that the Barons will come out ahead.
>>
>>3139257
>Also, we need an update as to the whereabouts of our family ASAP
Right!

The ground team managed to extract Sonia's family members before the arrival of a group of hostiles apparently intent on finding them. It's not known if they were with the council or a group that has now gone rogue. In either event Sonia's mother and brother are now aboard a stealth LST parked in an out of the way area on the surface of Dreminth.

Predictably mom refuses to be moved off planet and threatened to shoot out the windows if anyone tries. Your personal guard is requesting permission to perform another sweep of the Lodge and then relocate them there for the time being.
>>
Not getting enough sleep on this shift. I'll resume tomorrow night.
>>
>>3139336

>Predictably mom refuses to be moved off planet and threatened to shoot out the windows if anyone tries. Your personal guard is requesting permission to perform another sweep of the Lodge and then relocate them there for the time being.

Now that we're in orbit. We can have more of our guard down to meet them and secure the mansion. Can we just have sleeping gas pumped into the manor to knock her out and put mom into stasis so we could secret her off to Rioja?
>>
>>3139342
Bad idea, i doubt she would forgive Sonia for a long time if that were to happen stasis or not, you know crippling phobia of space travel after a traumatic experience as a kid and all that.
>>
>>3139726
Better than possibly getting into danger with another coup at the capitol or kidnapping at this point.
>>
>>3139751
I mean at that point we could just stasis the whole family and bury them for a month, I bet we could make a pretty fucking stealthy bunker if it didn't need life support systems.
>>
>>3139726
We don't need to wake her from stasis until she's back on Dremine clay
>>
>>3139726

Waking her on another planet might be a bad idea, but better then having her be used against us and then us committing war crimes to get her back.

I kinda figure she's more the hook to keep us invested in the well being of Dremine.
>>
>>3139342
I' can certainly see Sonia giving her mother a hug and either injecting her with a sedative or putting a stun blast into her. Then awkward grumbling as the act is rationalized.

>>3139971
I know it is cliche since I've been one of the original 'herp derp rip and tear' folks from the start, but I've always been prepared to sacrifice Sonia's mother if it was for a greater good, though I'd first point out the stupidity of someone threatening to harm or kill our mother and losing the only card preventing us from killing them with a HAG or say murdering them slowly by hand
>>
>>3140144
You could convince me of a lot of things if you tried, but that shit would never fly. It's so out of character that I don't understand why you even believe it to be an option
>>
>>3140587

+1
>>
You recommend that the army focus first on making certain the capital district is locked down and secure. The last thing anyone wants is for a rebel group to make a run at the palace.

Caius is not entirely convinced. "We have a medium Cruiser hovering over the city. Is it really necessary to focus more troops here?"

"Yes." you reply. "They can't see or detect everything. Many of the lower yield weapons also require line of sight. People can use buildings for cover, or even underground service tunnels. Until the factional fighting is resolved your position is vulnerable."

"Speaking of which, what of those currently fighting?"

"Let the EC forces handle them for now, but keep an eye on them. If necessary we can always reposition some of our troops to prevent the fighting from spreading."

Caius nods in agreement. "I will of course call for the fighting to cease, but I'm not about to change the terms. What is the situation in orbit?"

Being somewhat distracted by the conversation with Fadila and Daska earlier you defer to Barons Alex and Saputo.

Several ships have tried to desert and flee the system. Graham has chased down many of them while Alex and Tama had Mike intercept the rest. Two have managed to escape with assault corvettes and are being pursued by one of Mike's smaller detached units. You can only guess what things are like in the other systems.

It may be best to split off sections of the fleet to set up blockades of Torun, Loran and other major bases. Graham has a few ships available with crews he trusts to accompany your fleets. With their aid there is a reduced chance the rebels will turn violent when you try to bring them in.

How large of a force did you want to split off? 1 Baron to guard each world? Or would you rather the Barons stayed at the capital

[ ] 1 Baron to each location (Sonia stays put)
[ ] Barons stay at capital, send smaller fleets
[ ] Minimal deployments (multiple small patrol groups)
Or would you prefer a different force composition?
>>
>>3141338

>[X] 1 Baron to each location (Sonia stays put)

The only thing I can think of to deviate from this would be to notify neighboring Houses that they can treat any J-D deserters fleeing into their holdings as pirates? And get a hotline going to feed intercept intel to neighbors, if possible, sort of like the anti-raider/pirate operations we did vs the Bonrah raiders?

If getting caught fleeing is worse than just accepting your punishment, it will hopefully cut down on it.
>>
>>3141338
>Or would you prefer a different force composition?
We could send the second in command of each fleet? It might help if actual fellow soldiers or knights and not barons try to bring in the various rebel groups.
>>
>>3141338
>[ ] 1 Baron to each location (Sonia stays put)
>>
>>3141338

>[ ] 1 Baron to each location (Sonia stays put)

I am with this anon >>3141387 Let our neighbors and allies know if there are any deserters. They can treat them as pirates and such. Make them learn they cannot escape retribution for their actions. If they cannot accept responsibility for their actions or the outcome of this signing then their only going to be further nuisance to the Dominion and everyone else.

Hm, actually, make it so deserters have a choice. Be labeled as pirates or surrender their ships and join the alliance as their means of banishment/ exile.
>>
>>3141338

>[X] 1 Baron to each location (Sonia stays put)
>>
>>3139839
This is rather genius really.
>>
>>3142928
It's also a great way to wake up to find yourself in an episode of Stargate
>>
You get on the command frequency to the Barons, Admirals and the Count.
"We need to redeploy the fleet to prevent, or at least intercept, anyone trying to desert with House starships. I'm keeping my fleet here at the capital. One Baron each should take care of Torun, Loran and the training bases."

Alex quickly calls dibs on Loran, not wanting to go anywhere near the minefields.

"I'll return to Torun." says Saputo. "Best to get that over and done with. I'd like a few additional units to reinforce my fleet."
You transfer a couple attack wings including a few afterburner equipped attack cruiser squadrons.

That leaves the training bases to Tenni. You're not sure how to feel about that given her loyalties but it's unlikely she'll try to do anything that will screw with the treaty now.

As the fleets begin to break orbit you make sure the Wing Commanders are aware of the situation.
"If they want to go into exile? Fine that's their choice, but the starships belong to our House. They stay here. If any of the deserters make it across the border then they have officially become pirates and starship thieves. They are to be treated as such. Their ships will be flagged and information sent to our allies anti-piracy database."

Hera Boosalis contacts you on a private channel.
"Sir, some Knights have private warships. Does it still count if they fleet the House in those?"

You believe the Count wanted to levy fines against those choosing exile. What are your orders regarding privately owned warships?
>>
>>3143443

>"Sir, some Knights have private warships. Does it still count if they fleet the House in those?"

If they own private ships. Then the ships are their property. But any troops or crew members who do not want to be labeled pirates and thieves. They best drop them off at the nearest boarder station unless they also want to be hit with charges of kidnapping.

As for the Count wanting to hit them with charges for exile. Their bank accounts are here in J-D and I am pretty sure a bank would be more than willing to cooperate with a new Count then to take a standing hit with the house for siding with possible rouge elements of the Dominion.

Sound good enough to other anons?
>>
>>3143443

If Knights choose exile and they take their own property with them, I don't see where we can justify slapping them with fines.

If I'm remembering correctly, the late Count Jerik (RIP) once discouraged us from Knighting too many subordinates due to an excess at the time. If that remains the case then maybe it's even a good thing to purge the Knight's ranks of the least loyal - they are the least valuable Knights anyway. I'm not sure how much that policy may have changed over time, but I am confident that with the Neeran War in full swing we will have plenty of candidates for Knighthood to replace those we lose now. I say let em go to make make room for capable and ambitious replacements.
>>
>>3143485
>>3143443

I agree with this anon's point about the crews for those ships. JD crews remain JD. Those Knights can find civilian or mercenary crews if they want to leave.
>>
>>3143443
What >>3143485 said.
>>
>>3143485
That sounds fair.
>>
>>3143443

>privately owned starships

Flag them all as pirates until it can be verified that a crew isn't holding the owner and/or their family hostage in order to escape. (Which of course will require detention and an investigation)

They may also be stealing House military munitions, equipment, or harboring murder suspects.
>>
>>3143560
Oh, of course. You're right. They need to be impounded and all cargo, crew and munitions need to be checked and confirmed to be their personal property.

Or maybe we want to wait and stick them with arrest warrants by next week and accuse them of theft of military property? Put bounties on them.

If they turn out to be innocent, well that's just great for everybody involved
>>
>>3143443

Wait a second. What about if J-D revokes the private starship's registry, making it an unflagged vessel?

Wouldn't that legally prevent the vessel from 'sailing', and give neighboring Houses carte blanche to impound/seize the unflagged vessel?

iirc, this is basically what Italy pressured Panama into doing with one of those migrant rescue vessels, forcing it to sit in some port to avoid violating laws
>>
>>3143638
>Wouldn't that legally prevent the vessel from 'sailing', and give neighboring Houses carte blanche to impound/seize the unflagged vessel?
It would certainly make things difficult for them, but far from impossible.
>>
>>3143638
While funny, that kind of stunt is terrible PR and will not reflect well on us if we do it.
>>
You give Hera's question some thought. Ultimately privately owned ships do belong to the person in question. If you left the House that'd probably be how you would operate. There's no way to be certain about the crew aboard such ships though. They may unwittingly be finding themselves brought along against their will.

With that in mind you send out a priority update to the fleet. Privately owned ships will be permitted to leave House space but they'll need to stop at border outposts to check if the crew isn't being kidnapped. Any ship that refuses will have to have their entire crew disembarked. Inspection teams should also check for stolen House property and munitions.

You'll have to send a few battleships with extra marines to help out with boarding actions of course. Fortunately there are plenty of those to spare right now.

Baron Xisoth is alerted and sends ships to the border regions of the outer colonies to help keep watch for anyone headed his way. Rebels thinking your main fleets won't dare pursue through the minefields are in for a surprise.

It isn't long before the fleets sent to take up blockade and border patrol duties begin to capture ships. Saputo has his hands full with Torun. More than a few people seem to think he'll take revenge on them and as a result try to get off world. Alex has a comparatively easy time with Loran thanks to the truce between the orbital workers unions and the Governor. Those trying to escape with House owned ships had difficulties getting their docking clamps disengaged.

Tenni reports having a bit more difficulty due to some ships being out on patrol but has largely locked down the main training bases. She also reports that work was being done on Majestic to refit her missing engines but was still far from completion.

With everything going on down on the surface it's a few hours before the Count contacts you about your solution.
"I applaud your quick thinking Viscount, though I might have preferred they were further delayed leaving House space. I had hoped to talk to nobles choosing exile to ensure any land they left behind was legally turned over to the House. That way they couldn't launch some damn fool crusade to reclaim their lands at a later time. Leaving them with any sort of legal claim could come back to bite us later."

Right. Wouldn't want a House Medel situation happening with some of these people later.

"We do control their banks now right? That should give you a few options."
"In most cases yes, that can work. I just hope you'll consider talking to me about such political decisions that affect the House."

You consider the Count's words. "Do you want me to modify the orders?"
"No, don't change it now or it will look like we're backpedaling. I'll make it work."
>>
With the capital district largely secured General Rna reports a potential problem brewing. The civilian militias that have formed are not causing any problems for the army, but they are making it clear that they are not controlled by the council. Many are already (or perhaps still) encamped in the city park and surrounding buildings. Barricades and improvised fortifications prevent easy access by ground cars and even some repulsor vehicles.

Maybourne looks through some of the sensor data on the park.
"Looks like they even got hold of some anti-repulsor mines. They even have a few odd launchers. A bit like oversized mortars."

Kaz identifies them as a cheap mine launcher meant to help deploy minefields more quickly.
"All they have are anti-repulsor mines though, so they're probably using them as an improvised AA weapon."

"I wouldn't risk sending shuttles or fighters over that park."

You sigh and resume the channel with the General. "They had their election and the Count agreed to honor it. What more do they want?"

"Many of them want to stay until they're certain Dreminth's democratic reforms are going to stay in place. With Martial law and factional fighting in the streets they're worried the reforms will disappear once the Emergency Council's fleet and army does."

[ ] Make plans to expel them from the park
[ ] Wait until the situation in the city improves
[ ] Find their leader, get them to the Count
>>
>>3143805

Would it be to far a stretch to have a special ops mission, deploy a bomb in that park and wipe it out. And make it look like the militia was getting sloppy and improperly storing munitions. Thus endangering peoples lives needlessly?

More sensible route. Wait them out, or rather. Starve them out. They don't want to disband? No food/ water/ electricity and such to their area. Redirect aid to places that have complied. Anyone wants to leave these militia's behind can, those that don't want to leave can stay. They just don't get any aid or basic living from the city or J-D.
>>
>>3143805
Just wait. Camping for weeks isn't particularly fun.
>>
>>3143805

I'm assuming that this violates at least several laws, correct?

Have police forces quarantine the parks due to the mine hazard.

Bill the EC leadership for police overtime and the resulting cleanup & repair costs for the munitions/parks.

Send in the Mobile Oppression Kilo & military forces if they fire upon police forces.
>>
>>3143833
>Would it be to far a stretch to have a special ops mission, deploy a bomb in that park and wipe it out. And make it look like the militia was getting sloppy and improperly storing munitions. Thus endangering peoples lives needlessly?
I guess it would be possible to pull off? It'd then be a question of how many civilians you wanted to die in the explosion.
>>
>>3143805
Cut them off, blockade and starve them. Let's see how long they want to stay with no water and shitting in the bushes.

Advise them of the laws they are breaking, trespassing, unlawful assembly, occupation of a public space etc etc and that they WILL be charged for these crimes if they do not disperse.

The fuck do they even intend to do if they don't get their way? Shoot up their own city?
>>
>>3143805
>Wait until the situation in the city improves
>>
>>3143850
>I'm assuming that this violates at least several laws, correct?
They were sort of expected to stand down with everybody else, so kinda yes. Then again the whole uprising against the Governor and overthrow of the government violated a few laws too.

>Have police forces quarantine the parks due to the mine hazard.
Anti-repulsor mines are fairly harmless to pedestrians under most circumstances. (Not to be confused with repulsor triggered mines.) There is little risking of setting them off accidentally until armed. Even then they'll only react to repulsor fields and act to nullify them in a sudden bust. Usually powerful enough to crash the vehicle, though the mine will often be destroyed as a result of the energy released to do so.

It's possible to convert the mine's pulse generator into a more conventional explosive, or use it in the core of a fragmentation mine. If disassembled or stored improperly it's certainly possible for a stockpile of them to be set off by one of them detonating. Almost never happens among professional militaries but with civilians involved its plausible.

>Bill the EC leadership for police overtime and the resulting cleanup & repair costs for the munitions/parks.
Could be done.
>>
>>3143381
You keep making it sound better.
>>
>>3143967
>Bill the EC leadership for police overtime and the resulting cleanup & repair costs for the munitions/parks.

100% support

>Have police forces quarantine the parks due to the mine hazard.

Instead just put up warning signs detailing how the mines could be dangerous to civilians. Then set up checkpoints exiting the park to make sure no dangerous materials get out. Make it super inconvenient.
>>
>>3143911
>The fuck do they even intend to do if they don't get their way? Shoot up their own city?
The park is technically within the boundaries of the capital district which means they could disrupt some governmental functions. If any of them were working right now.


[ ] Wait them out
[ ] Blockade or checkpoints
[ ] Bombing / False flag
[ ] Remove them by force
>>
Resuming tomorrow afternoon. Or earlier if possible, but that rarely works out.
>>
>>3144024
[ ] Blockade or checkpoints

I am not worried. We just make them the ECs problem to fix for all this to work out while we make this uncomfortable for the militia. And cost them money and time at that. Got to drain those cash accounts.
>>
>>3144024
Honestly not sure about this one, I'd like to go heavy but that might cause a greater reaction. I'd say don't go in unless there's evidence of them doing actively violent shit, maybe send in some infiltrators/provocateurs to get some violent shit going to give us the pretext.

I know thats not really a helpful vote, but I'm of two minds.
>>
>>3144024
>[ ] Wait them out
>[ ] Blockade or checkpoints
>Other
Be as annoying as we can possibly do to them without pushing them to go all out and start shooting everything nearby down. Also play the most annoying thing we can think of at high powered speakers pointing into the the park.

Also have a good New Year everyone! Unlike Sonia and co here right now of course.
>>
>>3144024
>[ ] Wait them out
>[ ] Blockade or checkpoints
>>
>>3143805
Hey, you know how hand-held Phase Weapons have a stun setting, do the big phase guns on the Planetary Occupation Platform have a stun setting too? That would be great if we could fry whole streets from above.
>>
>>3144024
>[X] Blockade or checkpoints

If I understand the treaty correctly, inform them that if they are rejecting the EC as their leadership, the EC's treaty doesn't protect them from their acts of armed rebellion and treason. If anyone in that park wishes to reconsider their stance, they have a limited window (24 hours?) to comply with the treaty.

Good faith and all that. I fully admit I could be off on the treaty not protecting them, but I doubt their increased freedoms include armed occupation and threats of insurrection, and the treaty at the very least shouldn't protect post-enforcement acts
>>
>>3144024
> [ ] Blockade or checkpoints

Plus fines. We could inform the EC after that of they disavow them they won't be responsible for said fines.

The best part about civil charges is we can fine them for not complying with previous fines. I bet they didn't get any permits or anything. After all, they're preventing use of the park.

We can publicly state the fines will be used for reconstruction work.

And since we're billing the EC, there shouldn't be any problems with going making sure we take every precaution. Does it count as bribery if we hire neutral forces to man the blockades? Say those RH guys who came to help out with the negotiations? Too bad they won't come cheap being RH forces and all, but it's not like we could put mercenaries into the situation as it is, not ask other Houses.
>>
>>3144045
Actually if the EC is on the hook for the costs, we should draw this out. Make sure they get food and water, and basic shelter.

After all, they're still citizens and just because they refuse to do their duty doesn't mean we'll shirk ours.

Make them the EC's headache.
>>
>>3144126
The more we can establish them as being part of the EC, the more it discredits the EC.

Meanwhile if we publicly ask the EC to renounce them, it'll weaken their role as an authority since they'll be doing what we ask. Alternatively it'll alienate the moderate majority of they don't.

We can refuse to take direct action to avoid "further testing this peaceful resolution negotiated the Barons" and refusing to allow the EC to use their forces to contain it "ddue to the risk of individual sympathizers removing the weapons to elsewhere".
>>
>>3144024
>[x] Wait them out
>>
You decide to implement a blockade of the park to prevent the squatters from gaining entrance to the capital district via the park. General Rna establishes an exit corridor on the south side of the park. Anyone may leave at any time via this corridor but they won't be able to get back in.
The General's reasoning being that if all avenues of escape are cut off the crowds might panic and assault the blockade. This way if they do riot they'll have a clear means of exit and it will be easier to funnel them.

Announcements are made via the local public address system asking for everyone to return to their homes. Reminders of exit being to the south and recordings of the Count stating that the planet will keep it's new elected system are added after a few hours.

It isn't long before a slow trickle of civilians begin to leave the park. At the current rate it will take longer than a week for it to empty. Most leave any weapons behind with those that are staying, though a few attempt to leave while still armed with phase rifles and older projectile weapons. These people are told to surrender their arms or turn back. So far there haven't been any fire incidents but there have been close calls with ones that refuse before being forced back.

The General wants to know if ground troops should continue this policy, allow through those with older small arms, or get them beyond the blockade before arresting anyone still armed.

[ ] Keep turning back anyone armed
[ ] Allow some through
[ ] Arrest them once out of sight
>>
>>3145148
>[ ] Keep turning back anyone armed

If they cannot produce a valid license for owning said fire arms. Turn them back. No armed populace, less threats of idiots threatening the peace.
>>
>>3145161
+1
>>
>>3145148
>[x] Keep turning back anyone armed
If they can actually prove they own the weapons but don't have a license, they're welcome to reclaim them from the nearest police station once they've got their permit. But yeah, nobody is leaving with a working gun they don't have permission to own.
>>
"If they can prove they have a valid license for the weapons they can keep them otherwise turn them back or confiscate."

Ground forces acknowledge your order and respond appropriately. Somewhat predictably few if any have licenses or permits for the weapons. Those that do are among the exceedingly small number of mercenaries, nobles or retainers that decided to join the protests. Within a few hours protests near the exit points have started, denouncing continued preferential treatment of the nobility.

By nightfall some of the better equipped militia members have arrived on the south side of the park. Everyone is ready for them to launch an attack on the army units stationed there but instead they convince the protesters to stop making a scene. Within an hour the more gradual flow of those leaving has resumed.

Reports of activity begin to come in from the army's jump jet snipers overlooking the park. It seems that members of the militia are organising, or gathering leadership. A few are positively ID'd as lawyers or middle class civil rights advocates. Many are middle class workers that had retired from the military. After a lengthy meeting three of them depart the center of the park and make their way towards the blockade in the direction of the Palace. They're lead by a positively ancient looking Dro'all that's wearing the remains of a Knights duty uniform.

Soldiers from the blockade forces soon report in that they're been approached by representatives requesting an audience with the Count.
"Their leader has identified themselves as retired Knight Devante Cu'paher."

You get the impression you've heard that name before long ago. Maybe not since you were a kid.
"Who is he?" you ask Maybourne."

"He commanded the 1st Dreminth Highlanders about 40 years ago. Fought a number of ground campaigns with minimal armor or air support."

"That was my father's unit." you realise.

"He resigned in protest over House policies and mismanagement of the armed forces. Several of the Earl's more prominent political allies at the time withdrew their support as a result."

You'd never heard about that before. As Maybourne continues to search classified files it seems most of that was kept out of the media and public record. Whether a result of related problems the House continued a downward spiral until Earl Jerik came to power with the aid of several Barons and Governors.

"Sounds like he's been out of the loop for awhile." you tell Maybourne.
Things in the House have changed quite a bit since he was last in the field. Armor, weapons. With luck any combat experience he has is badly out of date.

[ ] Ignore their request
[ ] Inform them nobles are bound by the EC's treaty
[ ] Talk to them yourself
[ ] Pass request on to the Count
[ ] Agree to get them an audience
>>
>>3145332
>[X] Talk to them yourself

We owe Cu'paher at least that much respect.

That said, I'm for maintaining "Inform them nobles are bound by the EC's treaty" as our stance.
>>
>>3145332
>[x] Talk to them yourself
If he presents a decent case to Sonia, she'll petition the Count for an audience on Cu'paher's behalf. Does that sound fair? He kept Sonia'sdad from getting killed despite the shape the House was in back them, I feel we owe him some respect.
>>
>>3145332
>Within a few hours protests near the exit points have started, denouncing continued preferential treatment of the nobility.

They got a problem with how we are doing things? We're ensuring the continued peace of J-D, it's not our fault they decided to throw in with the rebels and the EC who neglected to tell them they cant keep those guns they have no legal right to nor gave them any licenses to own those weapons. They want to complain to someone? They can complain to those who decided to give them guns and not tell them they cant keep them.

We've had one coup and assassination. Not going to let a bunch of militia's/ civilians who finally got a chance to hold a gun finally keep them.

But if our guard and general can ensure our safety. Give the old knight his due and hear him out before deciding whether or not to let him speak to the Caius.
>>
>>3145332

Definitely

>[X] Talk to them yourself

Recon PA with holographics set to Duty Uniform.
>>
Oh hey Outsider managed another update before the end of the year.
>>
>>3145355
Supporting
>>
>>3145332
>[ ] Talk to them yourself
>[ ] Pass request on to the Count

But the request is for us to talk to them ourselves due to Cu'paher being in our fathers regiment.

Gotta remember the Count is our Boss now, if we keep usurping his authority he'll have to smack us down to maintain his position.
>>
>>3145385
Technically we're just acting as the Count's secretary and screening his calls unless we negotiate on his behalf.
>>
>>3145365
I want an RE: Monster EX Quest update ;_;
>>
Checking on the rest of your family's status again you find that they're still good. Currently in the command bunker of a base the Rioja army has locked down.

"Reynard to Rufaro."
"Go ahead sir."
"How much of my personal guard is available for deployment off the Outer Heaven?"
"About one hundred fifty. Why?"

Surveying the scans of the surface you decide on your course of action.
"I'm going down the surface to talk to someone. Prep LST's, shuttles and gunships for support. I want at least fifty people suited up ready to provide backup."
"On it."

With command delegated once more you suit up and board one of the waiting landing ships heading planet side. Setting down nearby isn't easy. The capital district isn't meant to handle incoming aircraft except those cleared to land behind the palace itself. Fortunately nearly all of the LST's have been upgraded with drop chutes.

Slowing to a hover above an intersection you and your bodyguards drop from the underside, hurtling towards the surface. At a safe distance from the ground the repulsors begin to increasingly arrest your momentum. You're pulling a couple G's when you hit pavement but that's nothing in power armor.

The back hatch of a nearby heavy tank opens allowing your squad to board. Others hitch a ride on other vehicles and head towards the blockade. By the time you disembark you've switched the camo on your Recon suit to that of your duty uniform.

Your soldiers make an opening and allow through the old Knight and his two associates.
"Knight Devante Cu'paher."

"Retired." The old man rumbles out. "That makes me just another Lord now."

As you approach he seems surprisingly fit for someone who looks like they may turn to dust and blow away from a light breeze. Not overweight like most older Dro'all, or emaciated like those near death.

"I'm Viscount Sonia Reynard. I understand you commanded the 1st Dreminth Highlanders. My father was in that unit."

"Command is a bit of a stretch. I merely passed on a series of bullshit orders and asked people to reinterpret them. A division fully trained with mountain warfare experience and they sent us to fight in a plains region. Against Heavy Walkers no less! Bunch of idiots."

Yeah this guy was definitely there.

"But reminiscing will have to wait for another time. I'm hoping to be granted an audience with the new Count. The Emergency Council made or promised many reforms, all supposedly in the name of the people. What they didn't do was bother to ask anyone what they wanted before pressing ahead. The elections were a good start but that's as far as they were prepared to go and hoped it would convince everyone else to just go along with them.
None of them bothered to consult the populace about their negotiations with the rest of the House either."
>>
"Admittedly there was a timetable. We needed to install a new Count immediately." you point out.

"And it's a good thing you did. New governor or not, a lot of people on this planet feel like they weren't heard. A few of us have offered to help represent the more vocal of their number."

Considering his words you point out one of the hazards he might personally be facing.
"You are aware that all nobles to have taken part in the uprising are bound by the EC's treaty aren't you?"

"I wasn't part of the uprising. Some former soldiers and friends from my old command asked for my help rallying the militia a few days ago. They wanted to be ready if necessary to face off against either the Emergency Council or your forces. Whatever was needed."

You gesture to either side where there are plenty of modern tanks, armored vehicles and no shortage of troops.
"Do you really think they're ready to take on my army?"

"If any fighting happens here both sides lose. I just made sure they wouldn't lose quite as quickly. Now, are you going to pass on my message to the Count or are we going to wait around until some idiot accidentally shoots someone and all hell breaks lose?"

>Your orders?
>>
>>3145701
>Your orders?
Well, it is a chance for the count to step on the EC's toes, I guess. If they didn't actually take part in the murder of the count, I'm more than willing to get them a chance to be heard. If he's willing to share more stories after this is over I think we should
>Petition the count for an audience on Devante Cu'paher's behalf

Can we take a photo with him? I'm sure we could surprise Sonia's father with that.
>>
>>3145701

"So long as you and the other two leaders of your militia are willing to leave behind your weapons. And submit to a quick scan and check. I'll see what I can do to get you in touch with the Count."

Ah, how the people have been played by the EC. We should have this passed to Fadila and the PR team and have it spread among the news groups that the EC in their haste to rebellion. Didn't take into account the people and just riled the populace up without taking everything into consideration. And generally further discrediting any noble/ knight who was a part of that idiot group.
>>
>>3145701
"Then let us speak of these demands, and see if they might find other supporters."
>>
And I have to step out for the new years thing.

Happy New Years!
>>
>>3145792
Supporting this

We need to know what his demands are before we advocate for an audience with the Count
>>
>>3145701
>"The EC didn't think anything through. Take one step back and anyone can see that they are charlatans, pulling the same stunts they they pretend to denounce. They've only gotten people killed."

Though I dunno if I want him to speak with the count, nor do I know if it's our right to deny him? The count is bad at warfare and need advisors, so what's this guy going to do? Call people who bossed him around 40 years ago idiots? That's not going to help anything, they're probably dead or retired. If he's going to go on about civil rights and stuff is that not going against what we are trying to do? Our aim has been to prevent changes to avoid a stability hit and to not rock the boat until everyone gets back. If he actually convinces the Duke with his talking points haven't we failed?
>>
>>3145701
> are we going to wait around until some idiot accidentally shoots someone and all hell breaks lose?"

Maybe? Is he willing to take the gains they've made, or does he want to risk them in a blaze of glory? Does he want to put those men's blood into the history books just so he can have one last Sally Forth? Quick or slow, they WILL lose.

Maybe he really ie more a Lord and less a soldier if he's willing to spill as much blood as needed, on both sides, just to prove his point.

How fucking dare he talk about this and the orders that sent those men to die on the plains in the same goddamn breath.

We've tried so hard to minimize casualties, and here he is throwing that in our face . Goddamned old men lying to younger generations just so they can die with their pride.
>>
>>3145701
So, this dude has guaranteed that MORE JD soldiers will die fighting each other? Are we sure he's a soldier and not a politician?

We can pass his message along to the Count, but he has to be a leader to guarantee that he can keep control here while we negotiate.

Otherwise . . . Well, we didn't start this tragic situation, but one way or another we will end it.

And he said it himself, he didn't make sure they would win, only that losing would take longer.

But he should keep in mind that at this point, it might be best to keep what gains they have made and work on the rest later. Slower. Without destroying the House in the process.

> Grant him an audience with the Count.

Also we should recommend that he think on what he can offer the Count in exchange other than threatening violence. The Count can't be extorted, not with the situation now. In a sense it would even benefit him if isolated pockets keep resisting violently since that would give him an excuse to drop the hammer down and blame the collateral damage on the EC not being truly representative of the revolt.
>>
>>3145737
>>3146088
>>3145701
TL;DR supporting both these with a little bit of "I'm not just angry, but also disappointed" from >>3146337
>>
"So long as you and the other two leaders of your militia are willing to leave behind your weapons. And submit to a quick scan and check. I'll see what I can do to get you in touch with the Count."
You fold your arms.
"But before that lets speak of these demands."

"People want assurances mostly. Nobody knows if they can trust this new Count yet. These people only trusted the Emergency Council as far as their weapons they gave the militia would shoot. They want to be sure that this Count isn't going to turn around and disregard the reforms in another six or eight months."


"Well why dont I ask about some assurances of my own before you see anyone. I'm not impressed by you talking about orders that sent those men to die on the plains in the same breath as guaranteeing more J-D soldiers will die here."

The old Lord jerks a thumb over his shoulder.
"Those people, which would have included your father if he were still on planet, asked for my help. They don't want a fight, but if there is going to be one they at least deserved a chance to make a good showing of it. I owed them that much for what happened those years ago, even if I'm not fully onboard with their cause.
That's why I'm here talking to you. Because odds are the Barons are more likely to listen to me than a bunch of middle class retired soldiers. WAY more likely than they are to listen to PDF that deserted."

[ ] Pass the message on to the Count
[ ] Pass along if they pull their weapons back to the park center

Or did you want to ask anything else?
>>
I'm picturing Cu'paher's voice as somewhere between Wrex and John Wayne.
>>
>>3146876
>[ ] Pass along if they pull their weapons back to the park center
>>
>>3146876
"You speak of trust but there is precious little of that to go around right now considering you are following murderers and traitors who threaten to undo the entire House because they where impatient."

[ ] Pass along if they pull their weapons back to the park center

"You are the ones that can not be trusted at this point in time. You are the ones that need to show good faith."
>>
>>3146876
>[x] Pass the message on to the Count
Have both sides pull backed most armed people from the checkpoint. That should minimize the chance of something stupid escalating to a full scale confrontation.

>>3146896
>"You speak of trust but there is precious little of that to go around right now considering you are following murderers and traitors who threaten to undo the entire House because they where impatient."
They are not part of the EC.
>>
>>3146876
>[X] Sponsor and Support if they pull their weapons back to the park center

I know it is a stretch, but could we possibly get more of a 'stand down' while they still occupy the park, while our people hold barriace/siege positions? A concession to show that murdering the Count isn't necessary to request changes and get them.


While I dislike the idea of someone telling Sonia that her father would possibly be in this park, I can't bring myself to disagree with them.

Best course of action I can see here is to try and support this group, and hopefully gain some of their support in return. We might be able to later work it into damaging the former EC, but for now we need to avoid further deaths and possibly prove to the Moderate Young Upstarts that we are good for our words earlier - these changes can be discussed and implemented for the better, rather than forced at gunpoint.
>>
>>3146899
>They are not part of the EC.
Well they have supported them and I see that as basically the same thing.
>>
>>3146971
>Well they have supported them
They haven't done that either.
>my old command asked for my help rallying the militia a few days ago. They wanted to be ready if necessary to face off against either the Emergency Council or your forces. Whatever was needed
>>
I'm feeling like we should be wearing the Artifact armour when we're out in public. It's good optics being in a perfectly shiny piece like that. Sonia here to save the day.
>>
>>3146876

"I'll pass along the message to the Count. But I'll ask that you have your militia step away from the checkpoint. For the same reasons neither of us wants someone to think they aren't being listened to. Remove some tension from the checkpoint and show that your militia is willing to listen."
>>
"I'll make sure the Count get's your request. In return I want your people to pull their weapons back to the park center. As long as both sides keep facing off a gun point the greater the risk of an accident like you said."

"Fine, we'll be back."

With the three representitives heaving back to the barricades you place the call to the Count and tell him about the milita situation.
"As if we didn't have enough going on." Caius sighs in annoyance. "Make it clear to them that while I will talk to them that's all it's going to be, talk. I will not make any promises. We've given enough already."

You second that.

"We'll see them first thing in the morning. Let them spend another night behind their barricades. I want you or one of the other Barons present."

"Aye sir."

After signing off you pass along the message to Cu'paher. He doesn't seem thrilled with the delay but otherwise doesn't say anything.

"Are you in a hurry?" you ask him.

Considering his words he eventually answers.
"I'm dying, I need to get back to my medical suite. I wasn't born from a Dro'all noble family. With it I might last a year. Two at most. Without it I'll be dead inside a week."

1A) "Good thing the meeting is tomorrow."
1B) Offer medical assistance
1C) Inform Count, suggest delay

2) Is Sonia attending the meeting or will she ask one of the other Barons?
>>
>>3147132
>1B) Offer medical assistance
Maybe the palace has one of these suites available for visitors? Would the system we bought from the Ruling House help him?

>2) Is Sonia attending the meeting or will she ask one of the other Barons?
Which of the Barons are currently present in the system?
>>
>>3147132

>1B) Offer medical assistance

It wont look good if we let one of them die if we could have prevented it. Of course if he turns it down and then dies. It's not our fault.

>2) Is Sonia attending the meeting or will she ask one of the other Barons?
I thought that all the other Barons had left to other parts of the house. Sonia should go, just to see how Caius works.
>>
>>3147139
>Maybe the palace has one of these suites available for visitors?
It probably has very good medical.
>Would the system we bought from the Ruling House help him?
Yes.


>Which of the Barons are currently present in the system?
>>3147144
>I thought that all the other Barons had left to other parts of the house.

None due to the fleets being deployed to intercept anyone deserting with starships. Though by morning that situation is likely to have improved to the point where they could leave the rest up to their subordinates.
>>
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Sorry for the slower rate of posts so far today.
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>>3147145
In that case, suggest he gets treated at the palace tonight and then offer him a stay at the spa once the whole situation has calmed down a bit?

>None due to the fleets being deployed to intercept anyone deserting with starships.
Unless sombody really wants to, let's have Sonia attend. She's at least sympathetic to Dro'all himself.
>>
>>3147132
1A) "Good thing the meeting is tomorrow."
2) Yes, may as well see this through
>>
>>3147132

1B) Offer Medical Assistance

2) Sonia Attends

We're not letting Sonia's father's commander die over this.
>>
>>3147163
Supporting
>>
>>3147132
1B) Offer medical assistance

2) Sonia attends.
>>
>>3147132

>1B) Offer medical assistance

I'd rather be dealing with this guy than the upstart who could take his place. Also good PR if other anons agree that we could use this to our advantage in that way.

>2)

Sonia attends! We have been leading the reunion of the House so far, might as well stay in the loop as directly as possible.
>>
"As you'll be needed in the Palace in the morning I'm sure it would be possible to arrange for use of the medical suites there."

Agreeing to this Cu'paher and his associates are checked for weapons and then catch a lift to the Palace in the back of an APC. With them away you check in on the status of the fleet and the situation throughout House space. The other fleets have continued to intercept the majority of stolen warships and only a few incidents have happened with privately owned craft.

The Army has secured most of the capital aside from areas where fighting is taking place between factions. Your people have only had to return fire in a few instances. Troops have entered nearly every city on this side of the planet, and half of those on the other side. It's a good thing Alex didn't need to take much of his army to Loran with him.

The situation on Torun remains chaotic. Army units loyal to Saputo are rearming at bases that have surrendered as part of the treaty. Some are taking a bit longer to put down arms but that's less of an immediate issue. More pressing is that nearly half of Torun's best equipment was shipped off world to Dreminth and Loran. That plus lack of transport is slowing the Army from gathering their strength. They'll need 48 hours minimum before they're anywhere near operational.

You manage to catch a few hours sleep before arriving at the palace at daybreak. There's still the occasional pop and crack of weapons fire in the distance but its much farther away. The occupation platform has begun to operate in a patrol pattern with the newer assault transports covering anywhere it isn't.

After being welcomed inside it's suggested you keep your armor on, minus the helmet. Most of those in the Palace are still similarly equipped including the Count. He's thrown a dress overcoat with epaulets and a cape over his suit to try and keep things semi-formal.

Lord Cu'paher is shown in and given a chance to explain that much of the middle class remain wary of the new government. Especially in light of the Emergency Council's tendency to act in the name of people they never bothered to talk to or consult.

"All of us admit that you've offered a lot. More than anyone before has. We want to be sure it's going to stay that way and not change back when it becomes more politically convenient."

"My word and the treaty aren't enough?"
"I'd like to take you at your word, but you don't have much history, good or bad. As for the treaty, the moment the fleets return from the war you and the Barons can overturn it with impunity. That's why elements of the middle class are suggesting the militia disperse, but some of them will keep their weapons."

"We're already allowing those who legally own their weapons to leave. That should be enough." you point out.

"I'm inclined to agree." says Caius. "I'm going to respect your right to vote for Governor. However any illegal weapons or those handed out by the Emergency Council have to go."

>Cont.
>>
Cu'paher nods in acknowledgement but doesn't seem ready to give up just yet.
"An idea a few of the old vets came up with was a militia made up of retired forces personnel that have been cleared to keep personal weapons.
Nobles are permitted to own weapons, but few in the middle class are allowed to unless part of their job."

"Nobles also are frequently targeted for kidnappings or assassinations and need to defend themselves and their property." argues the Count.

"The civilians see their new rights in a similar vein. Something that could be targeted."

Caius does not seep impressed by this line of reasoning. "Are we really going to turn this House into the Terran Texarkana Colony? We still have fighting taking place out there in the streets and you want to keep more weapons in circulation?"

Cu'paher shakes his head. "I'm just looking for a solution that people will listen to." He turns to one of the others that had come along with him. The Lawyer if you remember right.
"You had an idea. Spit it out before we're thrown out."

Glancing around nervously the civilian speaks up.
"Count Jerik, what of the old Sector Knight system? They're obliged to keep some men at arms specifically for the security of their assigned lands and territory."

Caius thinks about it for a few seconds. "Not a terrible idea."

"Obviously it would have to wait until more Knights return home from the war to strike an agreement with them."

You get a private signal from Rufaro. "Why not create a National Guard?"
Looking away from the others you whisper back to her that this isn't the best time.

"One way or another we need to get these militias off the streets. Lord Cu'paher, I'll discuss this with my advisors."

Once the party has been shown out Caius asks for options. He doesn't want the militia, any of them, to keep their weapons if possible.
"It's a complication we don't need. I'm tempted to go with the sector knight system if only to put things off until the fleets return. That may not be a luxury we have. If it becomes necessary to play hardball I'll bring in replacement workers and deprive their middle class members of employment and income.
Viscount, what do you and the Barons feel would be an acceptable approach that will maintain House security? Heva you spoken to them of this?"

You admit this hasn't been a priority topic to bring up with them with everything else going on.

>Is there a solution you would like to suggest?
>Asks the Barons their opinion or for clarification of some options?
>>
>>3147582

On Dremine, people are not allowed to bear arms right? Unless they got the proper licenses and what not.
>>
>>3147582
>Is there a solution you would like to suggest?
If I remember correctly, on Rioja people who served in the military are allowed to keep phase weapons that have been hardwired to their stun setting. They can obviously be modified to back to their lethal setting but people who are willing to do that would probably manage to get an illegal weapon too.
It seems to work well enough so far.

>clarification of some options?
Would a national guard be much different from the pdf that already exists?
>>
>>3147624
>On Dremine, people are not allowed to bear arms right? Unless they got the proper licenses and what not.
Yes.
And you can only get those licenses if deemed appropriate for your job. Security work, mercenary, grounds keepers and game wardens. While civilian starships will generally have weapons onboard, their crews are rarely allowed to bring them planet side. There's a ton of paperwork to fill out to do so.

>>3147626
>Would a national guard be much different from the pdf that already exists?
That's one thing against it. It'd be competing with standing defense forces of the planet.
In it's favour it could act as an additional reserve.
>>
>>3147582

The Sector Knight system seems like something that would just feed into the EC's next coup attempt by giving them a private army on top of the traitors they used this time.

If Cu'paher is willing, and at least some of the retired forces personnel will follow him, what about forming a 'Highlander Guard', making these guys Reynard Men-At-Arms in exchange for Sonia & Harman family pledging to protect the gained rights?

Of course, they would have to surrender their ill-gotten weapons and those that were willing to join our little organization (and Sonia's orders) would be issued some new weapons.

It neutralizes the threat of a bad-PR massacre, gives reassurances to the middle class (whom Sonia should be well positioned to represent, being a daughter of the middle class), and backs up the Count's position via political support and neutralizing a militant threat.

It should also allow us to support the moderates of the group, while removing extremists.
>>
>>3147582

I don't want them keeping their guns either. And before this stupid coup none of their rights were threatened before. But now that they have guns they feel their rights are threatened? What bullshit is that?

"We don't want to lose our right to vote because the royaltiy might find it inconvenient down the line."

Before this coup none of them had a right to vote for anything and things were doing just fine. Hardly any of them had guns either for good reasons.

Not to forget that Caius is in the position where he needs to appease both the nobility, the Barons and also make sure the population remains happy. Otherwise he is out the door.

They want assurance that Caius is not going to turn his back on his promises. And no one wants the general populace to keep their weapons, for good reasons.

While I am sure Caius suggesting bringing in replacement workers to replace the current workforce is a last resort. That sounds like a last choice option since it alienates the people and will make them more against him.

We could probably float the idea up that >>3147626 anon suggested. Of giving them stun weapons hard locked into stun mode. But that may not be a good solution, but better than letting the general population keep actual leathal weapons. We could follow California's method and heavily regulate said stun setting firearms make the processes of buying, owning and maintaining said weapons to costly and time consuming to be worth it for the masses.

Also I'd like to get the other Barons input. Since they are still in system, might as well get their suggestions.
>>
>>3147660
>That's one thing against it. It'd be competing with standing defense forces of the planet.
>In it's favour it could act as an additional reserve.
What if we limit the national guard to equipment that isn't much use in cities or general occupation duties? Like using them as crew for APCs, fighters and interceptors, or tanks? These things are still useful for planetary defense but of relatively little use when it comes to occupying cities and other assorted stuff necessary to topple the government.
>>
>>3147582
While I'd like to get the opinions of both the rest of the Barons and the other anons still here I do have an idea.

So if we do take the sector knight idea, how about a small amount of personnel from each sector knight to form a larger personal guard for the count in the future? Mind you he should still keep a loyal core that should keep him safe at all times but this should give the count more people to personally protect him and should help prevent what happened to Count Sigurd ever occurring again. Mind they should be vetted by trusted third party groups to prevent spies and assassins getting close to him.
>>
>>3147582
I don't want them to have weapons. If it comes down to it we can mass-stun the demonstrators, confiscate their weapons, and bill their legal fees to the EC without violating the terms of the new ceasefire.

If we concede the right to private gun ownership, it will be impossible to disarm them fully in the future.

And frankly, I'm not certain we won't want to roll these rights back over the next few decades. Once JD is done with being overextended, taking a few years to centralize power in the house will keep this sort of shit from happening again. If the fleets are around when that happens, we won't need to worry about a repeat of this rebellion, but having an unarmed populace will make things easier.
>>
>>3147670
>The Sector Knight system seems like something that would just feed into the EC's next coup attempt by giving them a private army on top of the traitors they used this time.
I can't remember if the sector Knight system came up in the regular threads or one of the world building ones. Idea being to assign Knights to sectors of larger cities. Especially those that are a bit more troubled, like Mike's hometown, that the actual landowners may not be able to handle themselves.
They're given the responsibility of helping to police and maintain the sector. In return they get a share of its profits and a chance at inheritance if the local lord lacks an heir. They can also build up a force of men at arms to take with them on campaign with the local Baron.

Usually Sector Knights are those with the army, but not always.

>>3147671
>Before this coup none of them had a right to vote for anything and things were doing just fine.
The leaked data on politically inconvenient civilians disappeared by the Governor over the years would tend to indicate otherwise.

>Hardly any of them had guns either for good reasons.
To prevent this exact situation for one.

>>3147705
>What if we limit the national guard to equipment that isn't much use in cities or general occupation duties? Like using them as crew for APCs, fighters and interceptors, or tanks?
I dont know too many +60 year old fighter pilot reservists.

>66-year-old Squadron Leader Phillip Frawley is finally hanging up his g-suit and retiring from RAAF service.
Though I guess it's not out of the realm of possibility.

>Barons
Contacting the other Barons you and the Count ask their opinions. You quickly get the impression this is not a situation they enjoy finding themselves in.

"I was really hoping this was all going to be over." says Alex.

"Reality sucks. Nothing new. Suggestions?"

Saputo shrugs. "The Sector Knight idea isn't bad. Ties the Knights to their homeworlds and the populace."

Alex feels that they should be disarmed no matter what.
"Hold to the agreement and prove that we'll keep up out end. We put the impetus on the Governor to maintain the current system on Dreminth. If the system is repealed for whatever reason that's put entirely on the Governor's shoulders, not the Count. We use that as an option to kick the remaining EC members out of the planetary government if necessary."

"You realise that's your own sister right?" asks Tenni.

"Yes, and I dont trust her. I would not be surprised in the slightest if it turns out she was involved in the Count's death."

Tenni proposes that the militia's be screened and those who pass could form a security and intelligence service with House intel.
"They get to keep watch for signs that their rights are't being stepped on and at the same time allow us to watch the Governors."

"National Guard by another name, just with someone else holding the strings." you observe.
>>
>>3147834
Where do security forces like the one Mike's mother is running stand? They're armed, if I remember correctly.

>I dont know too many +60 year old fighter pilot reservists.
With the medical tech available in H&D, I wouldn't be surprised if people could be kept in decent physical condition way past what we consider possible at the moment. If people are okay with swapping out everthing except the brain, and treating that with less invasive medicine, decent performance should be maintainable past current life expectancy.
>>
>>3147670
>what about forming a 'Highlander Guard', making these guys Reynard Men-At-Arms in exchange for Sonia & Harman family pledging to protect the gained rights?
Could be an issue with them being on Dreminth, as opposed to worlds either of your families control.

It also potentially puts Sonia and her family personally at odds with the rest of the House if the Count (or a future Count) breaks that agreement.
>>
>>3147852
>Where do security forces like the one Mike's mother is running stand?
They applied for and gained legal status as mercenary units. Thanks in large part to the backing of several Knights like Mike and Vaughn. That city sector provides private military contractors for a number of facilities and operations in House space, as well as policing parts of their own neighbourhoods.
There are still gang divisions evident, but few are stupid enough to get into a firefight with one another with how much money they're bringing in from House contracts.

>medical tech
True.
>>
>>3147626
>If I remember correctly, on Rioja people who served in the military are allowed to keep phase weapons that have been hardwired to their stun setting.
I could agree to this.

Members of the military should have their service honoured. But I do agree with the Count in that the number of weapons allowed to permeate society should be kept to a minimum
>>
>>3147834
>Tenni proposes that the militia's be screened and those who pass could form a security and intelligence service with House intel.
>"They get to keep watch for signs that their rights are't being stepped on and at the same time allow us to watch the Governors."
I think this could actually be a decent idea, considering intel lacked the assets to protect even high priority locations like the lab Duncan was working in once the military and police broke down. Keeping these forces limited to part-time civilians would also most likely keep intel from getting the usual silly ideas of death squads and other similar shenanigans that tend to crop up once you give them their own armed forces.
>>
[ ] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm
[ ] Sector Knight agreement (Ex-army keep their weapons for now)
[ ] Sector Knight agreement (Hand in all weapons now)
[ ] Rioja firearms code - Stun weapons
[ ] National Guard (Reserve)
[ ] Public Security (House Intel) / National Guard
[ ] Personally guarantee rights if they ally with Reynard-Harmen family
>>
>>3147908
>[ ] Sector Knight agreement (Ex-army keep their weapons for now)
>[ ] Rioja firearms code - Stun weapons
>[ ] Public Security (House Intel) / National Guard
I'm fine with either of these options.
>>
>>3147908

>[ ] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm

Put it on the planetary governor to maintain it. If Alex doesn't trust his sister, I won't trust her either. Plus if the planetary governor tries to get rid of it, then the people who voted for them will see that they've been used by the idiots from the EC.
>>
>>3147908
>[X] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm
>[X] Sector Knight agreement (Hand in all weapons now)
>[X] Rioja firearms code - Stun weapons

If it comes down to it, force the presumably EC Governor to send EC forces to deal with the clearing. Their mess, their responsibility.
>>
>>3147908
> [X] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm

The opposition is divided. The percentage of citizens willing to jeopardize their new democratic rights over this is small and unlikely to expand. We can simply return to blockading the parks that they hold and infiltrate them, then if we ever want to destroy them in a hurry we can have the I infiltration start some shit to give the army units a pretext to drop the hammer.
>>
>>3147908
>[ ] Sector Knight agreement (Hand in all weapons now)
>[ ] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm
>[ ] Rioja firearms code - Stun weapons

I just hope this wouldn't come back to haunt us later.
>>
>>3147937

And since I'm an idiot, that should read:

>[X] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm
Voting for this

>[X] Sector Knight agreement (Hand in all weapons now)
Willing to differ to this if there is a tie.

New year, new mistakes to make! Don't need to discover I can't tell shades of colors again
>>
>>3147908
>[x] Public Security (House Intel) / National Guard

Intel definitely needs a way to keep their stuff safe in times of crisis.
>>
>>3147908
>[ ] Hold to the agreement and demand they disarm

They can refuse, start shit and prove that we made the correct decision or they give up their guns and we solved the problem.
>>
>>3147908
>[x] Public Security (House Intel) / National Guard
>>
You push for holding to the agreement and demanding they disarm.
"They want to see if you'll keep your word." you tell Caius. "They can wait and find out."

Alex's hologram trades glances with you.
"Here I was expecting you to go with Rioja's system and preparing myself for an argument against it."

Saputo and Tenni ultimately prefer a Sector Knight system, but readily admit it can't be implemented right now. The militia will need to surrender their arms either way.

"Very well. Continue the blockade currently in place until all of them surrender their weapons and return home. I suspect they'll be more inclined to do so once the street fighting has stopped. Viscount, you may want to prepare your troops for possible backlash from our decision."

"I'll have a few shuttles and LST's ready to carpet bomb the park with stun pulse grenades." you reply.

"Good. Martial law will remain in place for now. I want intelligence to begin screening police forces and PDF to be returned to duty as early as possible. Before we conclude I've been informed of the location where my father... where his remains are being held. I hope to be able to arrange a state funeral as soon as the situation has calmed down. I hope it will be possible for some of you to attend, though I'll understand if security issues prevent that.

Thank you all for your time."

The holograms of the Barons wink out one by one. As you prepare to leave a thought springs to mind. An item that could help conclude all of the Emergency Council business once it's all over.

Do you want to discuss the possible censure of Baron Tenni for support she showed for the EC over the course of the uprising? You're certain that ships in their fleet were transferred through her territory. She also clearly supported the reforms. Enough so that you were planning for the very real possibility of going up against her fleet.

[ ] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Bring it up later
>>
>>3148155
>[x] Bring it up later
I think we should speak to Tenni about this in person first.
>>
>>3148155
[x] Yes

Unfortunately, Tenni's actions suggest a very real connection to the EC.

At the very least, this needs to be investigated heavily and if evidence or witnesses come forward, dro'all-he needs to be dealt with.

Actually, we should probably discuss Tenni with some of the moderates that were in the Rioja fleet.

And request that the Count give a classified, blanket pardon to the moderates that are in our fleet, in order to hopefully get anti-EC information.

Like how they got/were going to get the classified Rna/Jerik communications from Surekah.
>>
>>3148155

>[ ] Bring it up later

Confront Tenni in person, outside of the public eye. No need to throw her under the bus for wanting to better her own worlds position. Though her willingness to back the EC put all of us in a position where we feared we would have to fight a fellow Baron. Thus dragging out any fight that could have occured had the EC been confrontational. And showing to the rebels that the Barons are not in fact united at all, thus giving them an in in pulling apart our front of power against their weak holdings. If not for her support for the reforms of the EC, we could have bullied the EC into a position where they would be forced to show their true colors as traitors. We could have made the changes that she needed to help her world. But because she would side with rebels, who over threw our government and killed the Count. Rather then trusting in us and fellow Barons.

I am very disapointed in her judgement.

But she is an ally and while we are disapointed in her judgement. We're willing to look over it this time, because she was put in a position where there were changes she needed in order to better her world. But if something, anything like this happens again. Where she compromises the integrity of all the Barons. Giving any rebel force or outside force, a means to play against the Barons and show that we are not united.

May whoever replaces her learn to NEVER side with people who are responsible for overthrowing J-D government and killing our Count.

Because she will not live to see another day if she supports any force that is for rebellion.
>>
>>3148155
Before I forget, make sure Cu'paher gets the medical attention he needs, even if he decides to stay with the group occupying the park.
>>
>>3148155
>[ ] Yes

She was readily opportunistic and thought that all this bullshit would have been worth fighting for if it came to blows. She also showed that she didn't trust us, so we have no reason to trust her in the future.
>>
>>3148155
>[ ] Yes
>>
>>3148184
She was doing it to strengthen her hold over her world, her motive was not nearly as noble as you think it is. She was afraid of losing control, of losing her position and income. It was not out of the goodness of her heart, or she'd be working a soup kitchen.

This was an opportunity for her and she calculated that a possible civil war, fighting other barons was a shortcut with a price she'd be willing to pay. Our House could be ripped apart by vultures right this moment if we'd made a wrong step but this was still acceptable to her.

That, or she lacked the foresight to realize this. In both cases I find her unfit for her position.
>>
>>3148232
You're interpreting a lot into the few interactions we've actually had with her during this quagmire.
>>
>>3148232

Tenni got a world that was already somewhat developed and had presence of nobles and a population. Not all of which were agreeable to her being the Baron and were resisting her and they gave her this option where they would comply if she backed the EC. So she took this opportunity to get her nobility in line and to go after the nobility on her world who she had not been able to do anything about until now. She was looking at a chance to get her nobles and world in line. How could she pass that up?

And she isn't the only one in the house facing a similar situation. Drake, our protege is also the baron of a world that barely complies with her. If she wasn't deployed I'd fear she might seriously consider backing the EC. Up until she remember or heard from us we were willing to help her and make changes to help her in her world.

Tenni, is not a bad person. Nor is she a good person. She made a saw a chance to improve her world and she took it. And weakened the position of all Barons by showing we are not united. She should have trusted in us, instead she decided to trust the EC.

I can understand and sympathize with her plight, but that she didn't trust us, that she didn't trust her fellow Barons. That she would rather trust and throw her lot in with traitors/ rebels and killers. THAT is where I have issue with her choices.

Still, I think we should be more professional about calling her out on her choices. Making it clear behind closed doors or just out of public eye. We make it clear to her, that what she did jeopardized the whole house. Rather than making it a public display.
>>
>>3148240
I am. She's either one of them or a colossal moron from what we've seen. She could've asked for help or advise at any point but she didn't, and I'm sure Jerik did what he could for her and the end result was that she decided to assume that we returned to the capital for exterminatus, showed sympathy for the traitors and used a show of force to make us 'play nice' that made us prepare to destroy her.

If she was on the ball and capable of solving her world's problems or had things in motion she would not have become a fence sitter with traitor sympathies written on her sleeve. She was ready to take advantage of the situation for her own gain, she sure ass shit wasn't doing it to make a loss.
>>
>>3148273

I kind of suspect that some of Tenni's forces may have participated in the coup, and her mobilization was partially cover for that.

That said, confronting someone in private about potentially being an accomplice to a coup or an outright traitor is a terrible, terrible idea unless you've already murdered their bodyguards and secured/disabled their limbs.
>>
>>3148273
I wonder about Drake. Would Winifred approve? She's not the kind of mother you want to disappoint, nor the kind you want to fight with space ships
>>
>>3148283

I don't think she would be dumb enough to attack us in a private setting.

If Tenni were going to show her true colors and try to kill us. She is beyond saving and all her holdings should be turned into scrap. We're also physically stronger/ faster than her and our army/ body guards and fleet will wreck her shit. And the whole house will be for her blood if she attacks us.

Of course if she really is that dumb. Then she deserves all she has coming to her. In the way of a vekron bomb delivered right to her door step.

>>3148290
If Winifred approves I've not seen her make mention of display of such. But I feel Drake is a smart enough person to realize she can trust us to handle things appropriately.
>>
>>3148292

Sure, if she is innocent she'll just hate us.

But if she were to be a traitor, a private accusation could very well cause an attempted murder and flight. Less a case of 'is she smart' and more a case of possibly accusing a guilty person of a crime.

Without actually having hard evidence either way, we'd be accusing her blindly.
>>
>>3148296

She already made it clear she was willing to side with the EC. Plus if Fadila and Vanderwall were able to pull up info on her having issues with her nobility, we were able to piece together a fairly solid estimate that she would join the EC. And then her admitting that some of the changes provided by the EC were enough for her to join them. And than her claiming she was coming to ensure we were taking this exchange serious. I fail to see how her actions cant possibly show that she was willing to turn traitor for them.

But since she is a fellow Baron and someone we need to work with. She is at least owed enough to keeping her being scolded for her actions something kept in private. Unless we want to make it further clear to the rebels/ EC and whoever comes after them. That the Barons are divided and able to be played on as easily as any noble.

For appearance sake, do it privately. Have the other barons/ Caius present as needed. But this should be a matter no one else should be made aware of.
>>
You move to stand front and center in front of the Count.
"Before I head back out there was a matter that needs to be discussed."

"Which is?"

"Baron Tenni. We were very nearly on the brink of fighting her fleet and army along with the Emergency Council. Many of their battleships were transferred through her space. She implemented many of their reforms herself in her territory.
Tenni should be censured at the very least."

"It was a bit concerning I'll admit, and you want to do this now?"

"No, later. As soon as the homeworlds are under control and things have calmed down enough that it wont cause more problems."

"We should probably move assets into place among her fleet and worlds to keep a closer eye on her shouldn't we? I'd prefer we were prepared in case getting slapped on the wrist causes an adverse reaction."

[ ] Shouldn't be necessary with the treaty in place
[ ] Probably a good idea
[ ] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count
>>
Will post tomorrow night after work.
>>
I'm beginning to wonder if you or I am misunderstanding the vote here. The vote is to tell the count that tenni was sympathic to the traitors cause. He'll have to decide how to act.

Then you want to confront her in private... And do what exactly? Call her an idiot? Accuse her of being a traitor? Give her a warning or ultimatum ending with "or else"?

Whatever you want to say in private is counterproductive at best and will ruin our relationship with her
>>
>>3148312

>Units in place to watch Tenni

Yes, some units should be put into place to watch her. Ask Vanderwall if we have units available to assist in keeping an eye on Tenni.

[ ] Probably a good idea
[ ] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count
>>
>>3148312
>[X] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count

At least need to get the proper intel.
>>
>>3148312
>[ ] Probably a good idea
>>
>>3148316

I am for telling Caius that her actions jeopardized the houses stability/ future.

I just did not want the confrontation and display of disapproval to be made known to everyone beyond us, the barons and Caius.
>>
>>3148312
>[ ] Probably a good idea
>[ ] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count
>>
>>3148155
>You push for holding to the agreement and demanding they disarm.
>"They want to see if you'll keep your word." you tell Caius. "They can wait and find out."

Personally, I'm offended that OUR word wasn't good enough for Cu'Paher. After all, the Baron is a temporary Baron for a reason, and if he doesn't keep his word we're honestly leading a strong enough of a faction on our own to depose him.
>>
>>3148312
>[ ] Probably a good idea
>[ ] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count
>>
>>3148312
>[ ] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count

Let's just make damn sure that she is or is not an EC supporter first and foremost before we start making a move on her and her forces. I would rather not push away from supporting the house if she feels threatened enough to brake away all because we got to zealous and she wasn't fully supporting them.
>>
>>3148341
>Personally, I'm offended that OUR word wasn't good enough for Cu'Paher.
Are you in a position to offer it, and take responsibility, if your boss or Archivald changes their mind?
There's no way of knowing that will happen, but it would leave Sonia in a bit of a situation if it did.

Is Sonia giving her word?
>>
>>3148653
We as good as did when we placed the new Count as temporary leader.

We could give our word to oppose him if he tries to roll it back, then.

Ultimately, they should trust us to have not sided with the EC for a reason, and for picking the Count instead of say trying to take the role ourselves or something.

But that is the best we could do.
>>
>>3148653
If we aren't willing to give our word for the Count, we shouldn't have picked him.

Maybe we could set the date for disarmament to be when the Count gets confirmed. That gives them a year to make an assessment.
>>
>>3148312
>[ ] Make a few of your intel assets available to the Count
This should be enough until we find out more about her end of the situation.
>>
>>3148653
I wouldn't give Sonia's word.
>>
>>3148653
No
>>
So guys, how do we leverage those new South Reach, Run & Kalino seats on the House Council to screw over the former EC? Also where the hell is this Kalino place?

Coordinate a protest by those elected/appointed to the seats and have them denounce the idea of someone that committed treason on the council? Initiate a vote to remove said person and/or add a removal mechanism? Publicly come out and accuse the EC of being hypocrites that intentionally murdered the Count in order to seize power by using civilians as human shields for their coup?
>>
I'm surprised we've let all these silly Democratic reforms even get this far to be honest.
>>
>>3148862
Don't look at me, I tried to stop it
>>
>>3148858
I want to go back to Rioja instead of wasting even more time on this dumpster fire.
>>
>>3148862
I've always had a good laugh over the persistent support for House Veritas relations (beyond not bleeding the expeditionary fleets on them) and the 'no democracy in J-D' stance there seems to collectively be.
I also get a laugh out of my personal anti-Veritas stance, but pro limited (starship troopers) democracy stance for J-D, which is effectively the opposite.

Interestingly enough, I reread the 'Sonia Arrested for Treason' thread as a refresher, and we sort of caused all of this by our pro-democratic actions on Surekah. The Earl's Guard guy and Daska point that out, and that was why we had to keep silent about our arrest.
I'm still 100% salty we paid off the House when we were innocent.

Looks like Sonia's inaction when the Upstarts first approached us may, ultimately, have caused this whole situation to worsen?
>>
>>3148945
This was a long way coming. I wasn't around for Veritas and I can't say for certain that I was around for the arrest. It was obvious that they were all short term solutions to long term problems that were going to bite us in the ass. It will be fun to see if the EC or media will point us out
>>
>>3148945
Well to be fair our inaction was mostly due to our previous chat with them when we asked them to wait until after the war to start reforms. Then it escalated from 5% to 200% in just a few weeks at most. Mostly because they are being lead by stupid traitorous idiots who have no real concern for the House to begin with.
>>
I said it before, but Sonia needs to take to politics like she does war. Just kill political enemies.
>>
>>3148945
>Looks like Sonia's inaction when the Upstarts first approached us may, ultimately, have caused this whole situation to worsen?
Unless you're planning to start killing off everybody who approaches Sonia with an idea she doesn't approve of, I don't really see how you can realistically blame Sonia for any of this.
>>
>>3149021

Sonia did give the Dremine PDF weapons when asked for some, unless I am forgetting who from Dremine asked for those guns. Sonia asked the Count for time to find the true culprits out before he went to action, delaying him from acting and responding to rebels in force and resulting in him being attacked and killed.
>>
>>3149025
>Sonia did give the Dremine PDF weapons when asked for some, unless I am forgetting who from Dremine asked for those guns.
Yes, you are. Those guns were supposed to go to the armies invading Neeran space for occupation duty.

>Sonia asked the Count for time to find the true culprits out before he went to action
>resulting in him being attacked and killed
I guess it's also Sonia's fault for not going back in time and preventing the Neeran invasion from happening if we're forming causal chain with those standards.
>>
>>3149021

I wasn't aware things had restarted, so this is all 20/20. Not trying to point fingers, just hopefully encourage people to be more proactive in the future.

Sonia was approached by a group that wanted political changes, and offered decrypted, classified documents that possessing/accessing was treason. Sonia was quite literally framed for treason using said files.

Sonia told them to wait until later. Politics sucks, but in a way we do need to treat it with a more military mindset. We need to force people to react to Sonia, not have Sonia reacting to other people.
>>
>>3149039
I was honestly expecting the other leaders in the House to have their territories under control. Well, except for Drake and the other Baron who got one of the problematic worlds.

I also have no idea why the Count thought it was a good idea to put on power armor and seek a confrontation instead of simply hiding until help arrived. This is the right time for him to show up again, btw. If he just wanted a quiet retirement and used this as a change to make a getaway, Sonia should know.
>>
>>3149064
Mind it may have been possible that the Count may have actually faked his death via a clone. I believe he may have been called in by the Emperor to effectively take over the SP torp program so that they'd have someone to oversee keeping it safe and the assassination was just a convenient cover for him to disappear.
>>
>>3149064
Sometime shit happens but yeah, really. What was the palace guard doing? Intel? Spec ops? His personal guard? The body guards? Automated defenses?

And there's no secret teleporter in his office, no getaway tunnel or secret hideouts?

Fingers crossed, but OTOH if he shows up again it would just reek of plot armour.
>>
>>3149146
>but OTOH if he shows up again it would just reek of plot armour
It's not like he was on a planet that got exploded by a scorcher. Sure, safety measures can fail but it's not like this was the first coup against him.
>>
>>3148862
>>3148885
>Don't look at me, I tried to stop it
>>3148945
>Looks like Sonia's inaction when the Upstarts first approached us may, ultimately, have caused this whole situation to worsen?
I half expected people to try and get involved in the organisation if only to infiltrate and sabotage it, or to try and take control of it entirely.
>>
>>3149923
I remember thinking that it was too useful too ignore, but too potentially toxic to get too involved in. I guess half measures sort of worker, hopefully nobody in the aftermath asks too many questions about where all those guns came from.

Tenni is an opportunity, I think. None of the Barons are going to trust her after all this shit, so trying to find (or create) dirt on her should be a high priority. If we can get some evidence for something big enough to remove her as Baron, it'll be a good opportunity to try to get one of Sonia's friends in place.
>>
>>3150031
>"Where did those guns come from?"
>"Rioja."
>"Why did the Viscount support the rebels?"
>"The guns were supposed to go to the invasion fleets but people in the logistics corps used smugglers and corrupt merchant to reroute them to the rebels instead."
>"Oh."
Imagine the fallout if people were to find out about that.
>>
>>3150055
Hopefully Vanderwhal or whoever handled the transfer did it stealthily enough that even if they find out the guns came from Rioja we can claim we didn't know about it.
>>
>>3150065
We should probably flag our concerns to him now - so precautionary measures can be taken.

Also, we’ve resorted to trusting him with many serious things. I’m not saying that I don’t trust him or that we need to spy on our spymaster - we should just ensure that he’s happy with his current lot.
>>
>>3150065
It was an official army request. There's most likely a paper trail that's so large we could use it to supply all of Rioja with free toilet paper for a year. Or has civilization in H&D switched to the three seashells?
>>
>>3150109
Uh oh. Might need to fire a few scapegoats if it looks like people are asking difficult questions.

>>3150100
Asking him about how exposed we are is a good idea now that we're not facing down a JD civil war. Finding out how content he is is also a good idea, I think he's probably the single individual who could fuck us the most if he really wanted to.

Now I'm getting paranoid. Hopefully at most he does background checks for our personal guard and he hasn't put any of his people in there.
>>
>>3150159
>Uh oh. Might need to fire a few scapegoats if it looks like people are asking difficult questions.
Anon, it's getting pretty late so I might be missing the point you're trying to make. Regardless, this was a normal military procedure. One part of the armed forces has older stuff they don't need, and another part could make good use of it. With the size J-D's military must be, things like this happen probably hundreds of times per year.
The paperwork was in order, the request sensible. If you want to stir up paranoia you need to argue a much better case.
>>
>>3150183
Did we transfer the arms to a legitimate JD military unit? I didn't remember the details of the deal, if that's what happened you're right we probably don't have anything to worry about.

I wasn't sure if it was a 'shipment of guns mysteriously disappears' type situation or what.
>>
>>3150065
It was a standard in House army to army transfer logged through official channels.
>>3150109
This.

You agree that getting assets into place is a good idea and offer to make your own resources available if the Count wants them.

"That would be appreciated. I don't expect your less... conventional allies will be necessary but if I do need to call on them I'll try to keep it brief."

Before departing you bring up the issue of arms transfers. You sent a lof of phase rifles to Dreminth before the coup thinking they were to supply occupation forces deploying to Neeran space.
"Viscount you've been a strong enough supporter for trying to minimise any changes in government that I think we can let it slide. If I give you shit about it what will I have to do with Baron Saputo being ambushed and taken hostage by his world's planetary defense forces? Don't worry, those responsible will be charged with misallocation of wartime resources since those guns were supposed to be bound for the front. Your staff is off the hook for that one."

"Thank you sir."

After leaving the Palace you contact Rufaro.
"What was with that national guard idea earlier?"
"My family is Terran remember? I think my parents still have dual citizenship."
"Right. So why that?"
"I don't know. It seemed like another option worth throwing in?"

The blockade forces around the park are readied and more stun pulse grenades brought in should people react negatively to Cu'paher's request being turned down. There are clearly signs some people are unhappy. A few more fights break out compared to the going average but for now things remain largely professional.

With signs the calm might last you decide to look in on your family.

"It took you long enough to get here."

You sigh in response to your mother's opening barrage.
"Mom, I was busy trying to take over the world. Ethan how are you doing?"
"Half the people I know at the academy aren't dead so that's good. Sounds like a lot of them are in trouble though."

"If this had gone on much longer your brother was going to try and join one of the resistance groups still loyal to the House."

"Mom I wasn't even sure where to start looking yet."
"But you were considering it."

"Well I'm glad you didn't." you tell him. "Both of you were prime kidnapping targets."

"Our bodyguard detail certainly didn't want us to leave the lodge. Luckily they listened to me about that lodge being known by quite a few people. Even is the exact location wasn't well known."

"Someone tried to search it after you left. Where did you go?"
"Linda's place. She had invited us over once when she was on planet."
"You hid out in her castle?"
"Yes."
"And that worked?"
"Not forever. One of the locals had figured out just before your people came to get us out. We were trying to decide on an exit strategy when they showed up."

Anything you wanted to talk about with them?
>>
>>3150216
>Anything you wanted to talk about with them?
"So, Mom, if you were to go to bed one night and when you wake up again you're on Rioja... How upset would you be?"

What do they think about the reasons the EC claimed for the rebellion?
>>
>>3150216

Do they know if Dad kept a contact list of his former unit members?

Does Ethan think any of his friends might have connections or been positioned to collect intel after joining the EC? We might be able to quietly wrangle some leeway for them.
>>
>>3150216
Make a bet with Ethan on wether or not bekka will be jealous of us or not.

Then hide behind him when mother tries to hit us.

Well anyway ask if they know people who need help or if they have anything useful to add to let us get this shit over and done with
>>
>>3150216

oh.

"And mom, you are going to therapy to deal with your phobia of space flight after this mess settles."

Or we'll get Ethan a plasma pistol
>>
>>3150216
General discussion of options for the family when Dreminthe becomes a dangerous place to be, gratitude that they're all alive, light drinking and unwinding a bit
>>
>>3150393
This - Mum legit has to move to Rjoa, it’s just not safe enough in the homeworlds.
>>
>>3150216
>Anything you wanted to talk about with them?
She might not like space travel, but if we built a ground-based wormhole connection from Dremine to Rioja, would she take that instead?
>>
>>3150216

We should talk to Ethan and/or hire someone to help with the trauma and stress of losing that many compatriots at his age. I wouldn't know how to phrase it but I'm sure Sonia might have something to say in a situation like that.

The infamous castle that saved our family, who woulda known. Thank Linda personally when possible.
>>
>>3150270
>>3150393

adding to my list-o-things:

Record a message that everyone is safe at get it heading to dad & Bekka.

Personally thank the bodyguards that were with our family. Issue bonuses, and see if they have any special requests (better gear, relatives that are missing/joined EC?)

Non-Sonia Family Items:

Make a point to personally check on families of our friends/allies/former wingmates that may currently be on the front lines. Help them get high priority messages to people on the front, if needed.

Status of Knight Dayton. Visit his family, if they're on-world.

Visit families of any KIA RTS crew from those ships that bought time for the heavy vessel to escape.

Visit Kavos and laugh about that time he was authorized to shoot us if we committed treason.
Probably cry once no one is looking, but try not to cry. Make sure Kavos' grandkids didn't get into any trouble in all of this.

See how Mike & other Knights from the lower class have taken this whole thing.
>>
>>3151707
A drink by kavos grave sounds nice
>>
"Mom, I want you to seriously consider going to therapy to deal with your phobia of space flight after this mess settles."
"I'm not going into space Sonia, that isn't going to change."
"Please mom! I could have evacuated both of you from the planet before things got bad here."
"Sonia, the Neeran could scorch this world to a cinder and I wouldn't leave."

"So what if I didn't give you a choice? If you woke up one day on Rioja."

She gives you one of the coldest glares you've seen in your entire life.
"Daughter you have no idea of what I'm capable of."

[ ] Drop it
[ ] Try me
>>
>>3152081

>[ ] Drop it
No use arguing it with her on this it seems. While I doubt she is a Neeran Commando/ Deep Infiltrator. I don't think she could do much to us physically, but emotionally? That's another story.
Edge post
"So what am I supposed to do if someone does kidnap you and threatens to kill you? Just do as they say? Or would you rather I commit war crimes and burn the world they are on to cinders. Because that's what it will come down to if one of those loons had managed to capture you."
>>
>>3152081

>[X] Drop it
>>
>>3152081

[x] Drop it

"I know what you are not capable of, Mom. And that puts myself and Bekka in danger, just like it will eventually put Ethan in danger."
>>
>>3152171

Sonia's mother is ex House Intel, isn't she?
>>
>>3152171
I'm with you here

The fuck does it matter if you aren't conscious for the trip?
>>
>>3152171
>>3151707
This.
>>
>>3152081
>[ ] Drop it
Not fucking with that
>>
"Fine I'm dropping it here. Just know that what you're not capable of puts the rest of our family in danger."

You and mom take a few minutes to cool down before changing the subject.

"What did you two think about the reasons claimed for the rebellion? I media was backing them pretty hard."
"I didn't believe a word of it." Mom is quick to reply. "Too convenient for them."

Ethan is a bit more willing to consider they might not have been lying about everything. Being on the run from them though made sure he developed a healthy bias against them.

That discussion eventually leads to the situation with the militia.
"Does dad have a contact list of his old army friends?"

"If he does it's probably at the appartment. Send him a message asking where he might keep it. I'd rather not go looking through our entire collection of old trinkets and keepsakes this year."

"It could take days to get a message to him and back with the Alliance censoring connections to the fleets." you point out.

"If it's important to the House you'd be farther ahead to just send him an official message as Viscount of your planet." Ethan suggests. "Or ask to use the Count's private line. He must have one."

That could work. "Thanks Ethan!"

Given the likely delay even with a high priority signal there isn't any time to lose. You head back to the capital immediately and prepare a message to your father. Hopefully he can get a response back within the day or sooner.
>>
And I'm too tired to properly finish the next post and not make a mess of it. Visiting graveyards once we have time.
>>
It's sunset by the time you arrive at Kavos' grave marker. There's not much to it, he insisted more was a waste of money. Still this military cemetery is a nice one. Well kept with plenty of shade trees. You wait until no one is nearby before saying anything.

"Hey. Sorry it's been awhile. Things have been a bit of a mess lately. Making me kinda wish you were still here. More than usual anyways.

I remember that time you said you were there to shoot me if I betrayed the House. I know we had a few laughs about that later. I wish a few more people like you had been around. Maybe would have stopped this nonsense from getting out of hand.

Your family's doing okay, I made sure to look them up. I'm not doing them any special favours like pulling strings to get them jobs someone else might be better at. Just keeping an eye on things and giving a hand if they need it. Maybe a little bit of money but nothing crazy. I think one of your older grand kids got arrested during the protests but they're fine now."

Running out of things to babble about you stop and stare at the grave marker, trying not to cry.

"We had a lot of fun and I haven't forgotten that. Or you."
>>
The day after the talk with Lord Cu'paher most of the street fighting has quieted down. Army troops are now helping to tighten the noose around the few remaining holdouts. The pockets in the capital and one of the eastern cities are the only parts of major population centers where resistance remains. Outlying suburbs in a few regions have had sporadic reports of civil unrest and looting. Mostly attempts to break into estates to steal weapons that might have been left unguarded.

Troy and what forces he took to Loran have helped his father reestablish control of the Governor's residence. You're not sure which world people are fleeing from in greater numbers, Loran or Torun. Border security still has their hands full making sure vessels are properly inspected.

After delivering his message it looks like Lord Cu'paher has been trying to convince those in the capital park there isn't much they can do from there. More of the militia are disarming and leaving the barricades.
Members of the PDF who deserted, and even those who didn't are wondering if they'll be facing charges considering the old Governor is still under arrest. Clearly a matter Alex's sister will have to decide on with the Count.

By the end of the day automated messages are starting to be played from public announcement systems in most cities.

"Return to your homes. Order is being restored. Martial law will remain in effect until further notice. Anyone without a valid license for their weapons will be asked to disarm.
Medical assistance is available at designated areas and all major checkpoints.
Temporary distribution points will be opened to provide food aid beginning tomorrow. Check your local network and public terminals for details."

The recording momentarily switches to a message from the Count before continuing its loop.
"This is Count Caius Jerik. The Emergency Council has stepped down. Election rights for the worlds of Dreminth and Torun will be upheld.
>>
Things are falling into place. Maybourne's hologram reads off a status report to you and General Rna's staff while at the Army's surface command post.

"Most of the EC fleet has been disembarked. Some crews are being sent planet side. Others remain quartered aboard the stations. Officers with property on Dreminth are being sent to the surface to be placed under house arrest. We're readying a few transports to send others to their respective worlds."

"People still fleeing the other worlds?"
"It's starting to taper off."
"Good. Hopefully we can get our industrial output back to normal before the end of the month."

You get some rest only to be woken by Rufaro in the early morning hours.
"There's been an incident with one of our army units."

"What kind of incident? Rebels?"
"Soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians."

[ ] Try to block media coverage
[ ] Tell PR to begin preparing a statement
>>
>>3154167

Whose soldiers? Ours or someone else's? What's the damage? Are there any injuries or casualties? Were stun rounds used? Were live rounds used? Why did those soldiers fire? Did the civilians provoke them into opening fire?
>>
>>3154167
>[X] Tell PR to begin preparing a statement

Was this one of Sonia's units, or a loyalist one?

If one of Sonia's units, contact Surekah and some of the local nobles we [tried] to save. See if they'll release a statement supporting Sonia to ensure the incident is properly investigated.
>>
>>3154178
Supporting this - we need more information before we decide on our next steps.
>>
>>3154167
>You're not giving me a lot to work with here, Rufaro.

False flag... Were they provoked?

Trying to block or PR spin this is no good. Maybe if people see us going there to deal with it personally it might alleviate some but let's not get a Streisand effect going
>>
>>3154270

Perhaps we need to get Caius to unfetter Sonia of the secrecy surrounding her treason charge and provide her access to certain files and the full investigation information surrounding it?

We might be able to weaponize our handling of Rna/Surekah Crisis, and be able to compare Fox Jr to both Rna and Fox Senior unfavorably, while fortifying Sonia's position by laying out the false treason charges and our silence regarding that as a move to protect civilian lives just as we did on Surekah despite hostile actors.

Basically, throw down our chips to get the civilians to see us as someone that is looking to get everyone through this alive, rather than as an EC noble looking to personally gain from this mess.

We're the middle-class daughter of a low-class Dreminth Highlander (iirc?) that now holds the rank of Viscount, and our strength has generally been caring for and valuing people regardless of their social rank. We should embrace that as our strength.
>>
You fire off a barrage of questions while getting ready.

"Whose soldiers? Ours or someone else's? What's the damage? Are there any injuries or casualties? Were stun rounds used? Were live rounds used? Why did those soldiers fire?!"

"Soldiers from our army. There was at least twenty dead civies when the brigade commander found out his troops were firing. Our people reported they were engaging hostiles in a shopping plaza, but it doesn't look like our side even took any return fire until building security tried to stop them."

"Why would a security force be stupid enough to trade fire with our army?"
"According to their coms traffic they were trying to protect the civilians. We're still trying to get all the details."

Logistics records show that the unit would have been armed mostly with the Reynard Rifle L due to a shortage of phase rifles. Though most would have still been equipped with a phase/pulse pistol as a backup sidearm.

By the time you make it into the command center army signals intelligence is already reporting they're intercepting media broadcast attempts from the site. They can block it locally for now but it's only going to be a matter of minutes until the data gets passed to the planetary network one way or another.

You can order it censored under House and military law, though the media is still something of a loose cannon. They may still consider themselves above that sort of thing after the uprising.

[ ] Invoke censorship laws
[ ] Request 12 hour media blackout
[ ] Incident is under investigation, no other comment
[ ] Invoke censorship laws. Land shuttle teams at media branches to ensure compliance
>>
>>3154513
>[ ] Request 12 hour media blackout
This shoild allow us to have some results ready by the time this incidsent becomes public. We can't really afford to have some distorted version of whatever happened naking rounds unofficially.
>>
>>3154513

>[ ] Request 12 hour media blackout

"There has been an incident. Give us time to find out WTF has happened."

Why did our troops open fire? Are we sure they were our troops and not some rebels or some party trying to get dirt thrown on us? I thought all our soldiers were under orders to hold fire unless they were under threat? And even then they were supposed to use stun rounds, not live rounds. Unless they were under fire from live fire as well. And if the civilians were getting physical they should have been well trained enough to put them down on the ground.

This smells of a smear attack by people trying to smear our name.
>>
>>3154513

[x] Incident is under investigation

"We may be dealing with parties attempting to sabotage the treaty. Please allow us to collect evidence and detain involved parties to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

This reeks of the Governor Rna playbook from Surekah, and the EC seems awfully familiar with it. They probably decrypted it from Rna's files
>>
>>3154513
>Incident is under investigation
>>
>>3154521
Supporting this

If they don’t agree to suppress the news temporarily, then:
>Invoke censorship laws

The media really need to be brought to heel, their role in contributing to the recent uprising can’t be overstated
>>
>>3154513
>[ ] Request 12 hour media blackout

>>3154710
Oh we'll get them too, soon

>>3154329
I'm not opposed. I can't think of any particular negative consequences except that others may use our lack of pedigree as ammunition. Not sure if it's because in bad at thinking right now or because I'm right.

We could at least talk with our advisors and the count and bring it up as a possible action, see what they say. He needs to review those reports anyway.
>>
>>3154329
I'm not in favor of stirring that hornets' nets.
>>
Will probably be too tired by the time I get back from doing laundry. Resuming Sunday.
>>
"Tell the media that we're requesting a 12 hour media blackout on this. Anyone who doesn't like our request will have their broadcast license revoked. Get shuttles with jamming gear in place on standby just in case."

Everyone gets to work. SIGINT sends you their recording of the attempted civilian broadcast. They're from one of the major media outlets so they'll probably obey the blackout request. An officer on the scene approaches the media team once they've finished to bring them up to date. Fortunately the officer is good at placating them, not coming off as hostile so it seems like they'll play along with the restrictions for now.

You checkout what the broadcast would have said before moving on.
"This morning occupation forces opened fire in a crowded shopping mall. Initial reports were conflicted, some suggesting they were responding to linger rebel holdouts. Others say that they attacked without provocation, and indiscriminately fired upon local security forces and civilians alike.
Whatever the reason all that we know for certain is that more than 30 people are confirmed dead."

More a sound bite than proper in depth journalism.
"What the hell were they thinking?" you mutter to yourself.
An officer hands you a report showing that 34 are now dead. Everyone else that was badly wounded is now in stasis and should survive with medical treatment.

Rna looks up from their command station.
"The brigade commander has confined the entire platoon to their barracks. Nearly all of them are holding to the same story; that there was a pro-democracy fanatic brandishing their weapon and acting in a belligerent manner. The two who shot first claim the hostile was about to fire on them."

"They're all holding to the same story." says Rufaro. "Did the rest of the platoon have eyes on those two?"
"No. They called for backup as soon as shots were fired."

If they're all wiling to back each other up it sounds like they have strong unit loyalties, even if some of them number might have screwed up.
"What's the history on this unit?"

Rufaro scrolls through available data.
"They've had problems with discipline before. Most of the platoon are made up of former Erid personnel that immigrated to Rioja."

"What trouble have they had in the past?"
"Mostly with Terran refugees. They've been known to get a bit rough with the more vocal democracy supporters."

That's just great, especially given the current environment.

Did you want to talk to them yourself, let the military investigators do their job? With 12 hours to spare it might be possible to bury most of this, or twist evidence to support a particular outcome. Maybe even crack down on certain Emergency Council subgroups.

[ ] Talk
[ ] Let investigators do their job
[ ] Bury it
[ ] Spin the story: Your troops fired on real terrorists
[ ] Spin the story: EC agitators tried to infiltrate your army
[ ] Other?
>>
>>3158702
>[ ] Spin the story: Your troops fired on real terrorists
>>
>>3158702

[x] Talk
[x] Let the investigators do their job

34 civilians are dead, and according to the troopers a single person was allegedly brandishing a weapon.

Let the evidence hopefully show the truth, and charge the appropriate people according to the law.

Helmet/Body/Gun cams, or at least proper security footage, should reveal the truth.
>>
>>3158702
>[ ] Talk
>[ ] Let investigators do their job
If it's a shopping plaza, there are bound to be lots of security cameras. Make sure the footage doesn't disappear.

We can already blame part of this on the EC no matter what the investigation results in because they effectively stole stun weapons from our troops.
>>
>>3158702
>[ ] Talk
>[ ] Let investigators do their job

We've nothing to gain by protecting the soldiers if they are guilty
>>
>>3158702
>[ ] Spin the story: EC agitators tried to infiltrate your army
>>
>>3158702
>Spin the story: EC agitators tried to infiltrate your army
>>
>>3158825
>>3158863
>Governors keep lying to the public and when it becomes public they're fucked
>This garbage even gets the count killed as collateral damage
>Suddenly people think it's a brilliant idea for Sonia to start doing the same shit after an incident where dozens of civilians were killed after countless threads where protecting the civilians was her number one priority
>>
>>3158722
Changing to
>[ ] Spin the story: EC agitators tried to infiltrate your army
>>
>>3158751
Supporting this.

But prepare this as a backup option:
>Spin the story - your troops fired on real terrorists who were cowardly hiding in a crowd of civilians
>>
>>3158702

>[ ] Talk
>[ ] Let investigators do their job

The two that opened fire first are going to get the most of the punishment. And it would be over kill to punish all of them, but they will all receive the appropriate punishment according to military and civilian laws.

They could have stunned the idiot and all we would have had to do was slap them on the wrist. But live fire rounds? Into civilians? that's over kill.
>>
>>3158825
>>3158863
>>3158901

I'd just like to point out that we may still have unknown EC sympathizers within our ranks that could leak the records of these guys having anti-Democracy incidents in the past.

If we get busted trying to spin a false story, we could lose a number of options for handling future incidents.
>>
>>3158925
What they did was overkill but it was probably justified.
>>
>>3158702
[x] Talk
[x] Let the investigators do their job
>>
"We're going to allow for a proper military investigation to be carried out. We're doing this by the book people."

Rufaro turns to you.
"Sir you should be aware that it could take a few days for a proper finding."
"Which is why I want to talk to them as soon as they've finished their debriefing. I'll get their side of it and then we'll see how much the investigators have ready when our 12 hours are up."

"You heard the Viscount, snap to it!" orders one of the intel officers.

A number of the platoon are finishing up medical treatment and it's nearly two hours before the pair who started this all begin their debriefing. Their story seems to be consistent. A civilian brandishing a weapon was told repeatedly to stand down and would not comply. He claimed he was licensed but when asked to produce said license went for his weapon and they shot him.
A number of people tried to rush them and things went downhill from there. They seemed convinced more of the civilians were out to get them, and the arrival of building security only escalated matters.

Medical reports show that the unit had been on patrol for an extended period with minimal sleep and were due to stand down. Nearly all of them had stims in their system. Not that unusual as Rufaro informs you.

Several units had been out longer than intended due to increased demand in particular areas. Reports of rebels elsewhere had called away a number of units that were slated to replace them. All of them were on the lookout following a supposed attack by EC deserters elsewhere in the city. That had turned out to be a simple robbery but that information hadn't been passed along to the front line forces.

The debriefing officers inform you when they're done. They'll work with the data analysts to build up a full picture of what transpired from multiple viewpoints, comparing hard data with witness testimony. The older officer talks to you before you head in to ask your own questions.

"The thing about memory is you can have ten people at the same event and they'll all tend to remember it just a little differently. Those differences can be subtle, or the mind can distort it further. Convince themselves of what they think really happened. That may not be what the facts support at all.
My personal opinion? I think they just plain got jumpy. Odds are that's what started it. After that I dont know."

>What questions did you want to ask them?
>>
>>3159107
Why didn't they respond by using their stun grenades? Few weapons available to civilians, even with a license, should be able to threaten a squad of soldiers with modern equipment in a direct confrontation.
>>
>>3159107

"First off, I want you all to know that I am not here to point fingers, or to throw anyone to the mob. This whole scenario is [space FUBAR], and the Emergency Council has thrown us all into it together. We are not police forces.

I am here because there are thirty-four dead civilian members of our House, and we owe their families the truth of the matter, even if it means admitting mistakes were made at every level, including my own."

Is the armed civilian that started this confirmed KIA, and their weapon still on their corpse?
>>
Before entering the debriefing room you ask about the armed civilian that started this.
"Are they confirmed dead or did they manage to survive? And was their weapon still on them?"

Rufaro sends a file to your com after checking her pad. "Confirmed. They still had a weapon attached to a carrying sling. It could have been fired from that position."
"Thank you."

Stepping into the debriefing room you meet with Corporal Kasih Ler and Specialist Sujay Margie.

"First off, I want you both to know that I am not here to point fingers, or to throw anyone to the mob. This whole scenario on planet is TARFU, and the Emergency Council has thrown us all into it together. We are not police forces."
Even if the troops are supposed to be trained for occupation duties their primary role is to put enemies in the ground.

"I'm here because there are thirty-four dead civilian members of our House, and we owe their families the truth of the matter, even if it means admitting mistakes were made at every level, including my own. Alright?"

Both respond with a; "Sir yes sir!"
It's clear that both of them are only staying awake thanks to whatever meds they've been given.

"Now, why didn't either of you respond to the situation by using stun grenades?"

"The platoon only had about a dozen stun pulse grenades between us. Those were all that was available." replies the specialist.

The corporal explains. "We were split up into two man teams to cover a wider area and keep an eye out for hostiles. There wasn't enough to go around if we still wanted people in place. A few teams had to do without. That's normal. They're always in short supply."

"You still had your sidearms though correct?"

Sujay nods. "Yes sir, I still had mine."
"Few weapons available to civilians, even with a license, should be able to threaten a squad of soldiers with modern equipment in a direct confrontation. Did you feel lethal force was necessary?"

"We responded with the weapons at hand. You dont give an enemy extra time to finish lining you up in their sights. Whoever shoots first wins."

Kasih backs up his squad mate's reasoning.
"From what we heard the east parts of Dreminth are rough. Even some civies have access to splinter ammo. That stuff will go through marine armor and we didn't want to field test the new hardplate ourselves. There's always a few weak points in any armor system for people to poke holes in."

You recall both of them required medical attention. Probably not just to keep them awake.
"How were you wounded?"

"Security guy lunged at me from behind a pillar with an HF blade. Got my arm a bit." Kasih holds up his left arm which remains bandaged near the elbow.

"I was a bit too close to a grenade that went off." answers Sujay.
"That uh, that might have been friendly fire, we- well things were happening so fast we told the rest of the team to come in hot."
>>
>>3159501
Well, this is shit. We should ask them if they feel a 34 person kill count was worth it for one possible criminal keeping their firearm. Why they engaged if they couldn't control the situation.

Worst, we're trying to avoid a civil war.

I think we should proceed with a court marshaling of the troops involved, but honestly this is a systematic issue of them being deployed for too long to do a job they aren't really trained for, and we have to take some responsibility.

> Financial compensation for the families of the victims.

> Official apology

> Reassignment of squad involved, ideally to the FA or the Neeran front, along with demotions etc as determined by a Court. Remind the squad that although they won that fight, the way they escalated it and the death toll are in danger of making us lose control. They should have disengaged instead of trying to "win".

I personally would like to order the squad to attend the funerals, but maybe just forcing them to face the victims publicly would be okay.

Regardless we better make sure they all see some counselors one on one for psyche evaluation and support.

Actually if we only had one massacre that's pretty good.
>>
>>3159501
Is it normal for mall security to have HF blades?

That and the escallation raise flags imo.

Did any security forces survive?
>>
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>>3159715
>Is it normal for mall security to have HF blades?
It was really more of a HF combat knife. Fairly common, though the quality would probably be much lower than any of the weapons Sonia might use.

>Did any security forces survive?
About half. They're currently in debriefing.
>>
"Do you feel a 34 person kill count was worth it for one possible criminal keeping their firearm? Why engage when you couldn't control the situation?"

"That guy wasn't putting his weapon down, he was getting ready to shoot us, we both saw it."
"And he had backup that tried to rush us." the specialist adds.
"Right. We had incoming, we had to act!" Kasih slams his hand down on the table.

You dont react outwardly, though you ready yourself if either of the agitated soldiers try anything. Valeri or Ruiz are probably ready to put them both down if either make the wrong move towards you.

"Apologies for my outburst sir." the corporal says at length.

Standing, you remind both of them of the most important matter right now.
"We're trying to avoid a civil war. I suggest both of you get some rest. I'll make sure that you get proper legal counsel for the court martial."

Despite being clearly exhausted both soldiers stand and salute your departure from the room.

You head to see what the techs have dug up. Their suit mission recorders are a bit fuzzy but combined with the security footage and audio from civilians they're able to get an accurate account.

There's a lot of accusations, yelling, people panicking.

An analyst points to a civilian running, seemingly towards the two soldiers.
"One. It was one person heading their way. From the angle I think they may have been a civilian medic heading for the person they'd shot, not directly at them."

"From their position it might be hard to tell." Rufaro admits with a shrug.

"Bunch of syndi's all of em!" Shouts the corporal after downing the incoming. That seems to be where things completely go to hell. Before that it might have been confined to the single shooting.

"What's a syndi?" you ask.

It takes a minute for a tech to look it up. "Apparently there was a rather violent syndicalism movement in Erid space in the years before it was annexed. Baron Ukalah put them down hard as part of his bid to secure leadership of House Erid."

"If they had prior experience fighting them before moving to Rioja that would explain this groups general history of incidents with the Terrans. Probably see them as the same."

>Financial compensation for the families of the victims.
>Official apology
Any support for these before the court martial?
>>
>>3159951
>Financial compensation for the families of the victims.
>Official apology

Support for
>>
>>3159951

I back financial compensation.

An official apology needs to be carefully worded if it is given prior to the conclusion of the court martial, though. Don't want to be seen by our soldiers as having drawn our own conclusion before the trial.
>>
>>3159951
>Financial compensation for the families of the victims.
This one. Apology would imply bad things.
>>
Clearly whatever happened wasn't the fault of those who died. Or at least not the civilians. You arrange for financial compensation for the families of the victims. While you'll foot the bill for now out of convenience the payments will go through the military.

If there is to be an official apology you're reluctant to give it before a court martial can be convened. PR get's to work on a number of possible responses that can be provided to the media in the meantime. That blackout window isn't going to last forever and it will be over long before military legal experts can kick their preparations into high gear.

PR suggests going with the fasts and asking the populace to allow time for the investigation and Court Martial to conclude. If successfully carried out it should reinforce the populace's faith in the new government.

General Rna points out that with martial law in place he has the authority to order the execution of the soldiers in question.
"I feel it would be premature to do so now while we're still collecting details, but it is an option. Swift justice might be what the people will desire to keep unrest to a minimum."

How did you want this handled?
>>
>>3160321
>Ask the Count to make a statement, outlining the facts and asking the populace to allow time for the investigation and Court Martial to conclude.
He’s the head of our government, it needs to be him
>>
>>3160321

Keep the soldiers contained to the barracks move them to the brig if necessary. But they must live to see trial, and whatever punishment the courts decide for them.

These people wanted Democratic reforms? Time to take those Democratic reforms and show they actually believe in them. Rather then just what the rebels and EC told them they would get. If it were not because of the rebels and EC wanting to push their "Democratic" reforms. The house and military would very well likely execute them for the death of the civilians. But since the people want "Democratic" reforms. We have to wait for all the evidence, all the proper parties to put forth their legal claims and the whole "Democratic" process.

But hey, at least the people have their "Democratic" reforms that the rebels and EC promised them. That the people rose up in the streets and sided with rebels who fought and killed loyal J-D soldiers and killed the head of the House only to receive a slap on the wrist.

Good job citizens of Dremine.
>>
>>3160321

Despite my best efforts at times, Sonia having the soldiers executed would be out of character.

We've spared Neeran that deserved plasma pistol shots to the head, and Governor Rna. I don't see how executing soldiers put into a bad position would be acceptable after sparing the Neeran, let alone Gov Rna.

Go with the facts, ask the populace to allow time and a proper court martial.

And publicly state that all complaints may be registered in writing with the nobles ultimately responsible as the root cause of this tragic event. Then give them Emergency Council contact information.
>>
>>3160370
>>3160372
>>3160321

These. We should get Cu'pher to get involved since he should understand the impossible position of the soldiers once someone draws a gun.

Them being here even is because of the rebellion. They're run ragged and out of their role, which is normally to won firefights not take shots from civilians.

They don't have a uniform, so how can the soldiers be expected to know who isn't backing up the nut with the gun.
>>
>>3160321
We should have the count make a statement as head of the House, have Sonia make one as commander of the occupation forces, and have General Rna make one as commander of the ground forces.

Explain what happened and how things escalated, the footage we were able to collect should help. Be sure to mention why phase rifles were unavailable.

Keeping in spirit with planetary sentiment, we'll refrain from using martial law to deal with the soldiers and instead allow for a proper trial once the authorities have finished collecting the evidence.
>>
>>3160731
>We should get Cu'pher to get involved
You mean the guy whose demands we just outright rejected and is bitter against the leadership of the House and who is liable to say anything...

No, I don’t think we should involve him.

They may be our troops, but the Count is the head of the government - he will be the public face, while the military police will be the technical face of the story
>>
>>3160321
As our troops seem to be streched to the limt, perhaps recruiting retired soldiers to form support battalions might be a good idea? If we have access to the gear at the existing bases on the planet, equipping them with phase rifles or pistola and body armor should be manageable.

Performing better than soldiers who are only kept awake by stims shouldn't be too hard, and it's not like they're expected to fight in axtual engagements.

Maybe sell the whole thing as a chance to prove to the count and barons that forming one kind of militia or another would actually be worth the hassle.
>>
>>3160960
I strongly disagree - we are not sure about the loyalties of these former soldiers.

Additionally, their training is out of date and we’d have to provide them with gear.

If our soldiers are over-stretched, then we should just slightly reduce the mission tempo, temporarily
>>
Back around noon
>>
"No." you answer at length.
"No?"
"We're not executing them. At least not before the proper proceedings are carried out. We're going to give people the facts. If they dont like it then they can get used to the idea of proper trials all the time. They voted for reforms, this is the result."

While this is a case of military justice the involvement of civilians make this as much of a political field issue as anything. Because of this you request to speak to the Count. It would be more appropriate for him to make the first official statement. Better to give the impression that he's continuing to hold to the agreements and his duties.

After some deliberation Caius agrees. At five minutes before the end of the scheduled blackout he begins the broadcast. In it he explains that an incident involving military forces has taken place and that a full investigation is currently underway. Those found responsible will be prosecuted under the laws that he and the government have sworn to uphold.

"The government will do everything it can to help the families of the victims of this unfortunate tragedy. I am officially declaring tomorrow a day of mourning."

Convenient since a state funeral is scheduled for later tomorrow for Gernot Sigurd Jerik.
>>
While it's stated that the government will help the families you're still the one paying for it. Not getting out of that with your army being involved. You could force General Rna to handle some of that bill himself. He's not without resources. Not worth it at this point though.

Minefields are now being cleared from the outer colonies by largely EC crewed ships guarded by loyalists. The conventional munitions are quite easy to haul in and will be completed at most sites within a few hours. The House torpedo stockpile and reserves for the home fleets will be back to full in a few days.

There remains an issue of what to do with the antimatter mines. In previous instances where there were some left over they were remotely detonated or thrown into the local star. Normally there wasn't many. This time none of them have been used and the warhead cases plus energy put into them would be a waste to lose.

A waste or not leaving thousands of kilograms of antimatter lying around isn't an option. Especially not on a shipping lane.

Ideas for what you'd like done with it?
>>
>>3161592

Out them all in a box with hammer space storage. And send it to the Neeran front labeled "Do not open until Christmas."

I take it there isn't a stasis field generator big enough to contain the things? Or at least not readily available? If there was we could just put them in such stasis field and ship them to the front.

Or we could just reprogram them and have them be attached to an asteroid. Ship the asteroid up to the front and let them use it as a massive FU to any Neeran heavy it is thrown at.

Of course none of these plans would actually work I'm sure. Can't we just bill the idiot EC and have an expensive Fireworks party and fling them at a neutron star or any star really.
>>
>>3161592
Destroy it. Having thousand of kilos of antimatter laying around when things are a wee bit unstable seems like a recipe for antimatter terrorism.

Bill the EC for wasted resources and blow it up I say!
>>
>>3161613
Planeposting a +1 for this.

Lives are more valuable than the eC's $$
>>
>>3161608
The AM torpedoes/ mines have a stasis field integrated into its containment system. That doesn't mean people fully trust them, especially not with whatever crazy shit the Terrans might be carrying around.

It should be possible to load them up in a transport and ship them to the front. Extra power could be supplied to each warhead to keep the containment systems in better shape. Would be a good idea to keep them readied to eject though.

With some work the antimatter could be given to the major Houses (or the SRL) to resupply the afterburners aboard their super heavies. It'll be a bit complicated to transfer to standard storage tanks, but definitely doable.

I suppose you could also sell them to Iratar. They still have small numbers of matter/antimatter reactors.
>>
>>3161681
Just dump them into subspace.

What could go wrong.
>>
>>3161592
Set up an Antimatter disposal company that turns gets paid to clean them up, and makes money on the side by fueling anti-matter reactors.
>>
Probably disposing of but let's be sure.

[ ] Dispose of
[ ] Sell
[ ] Transport to the front
>>
>>3161731

>[ ] Sell
>[ ] Dispose of

Make sure there isn't anyone looking to buy up some AM mines, only slightly used, so discounted price. If no one wants them dispose of them.
>>
>>3161731
>] Sell
>[ ] Transport to the front
>>
>>3161731
[ ] Dispose of
>>
>>3161731
>[ ] Sell
Genuinely think we should start an AM Handling company of some kind. We've seen Antimatter gone from verboten to actual combat use - AM afterburners, torpedoes, and mines. I'll bet there will eventually be AM booster reactors that carry small amounts that won't be catastrophic in the event of Veckron strikes.
>>
Looks like we're selling them.

>>3161745
That will take a bit to set up. Longer than I suspect people are willing to wait to clear the shipping lane.

Who are we selling to? Iratar, the major Houses? South Reach? Or the Alliance?
>>
>>3161788
The Major Houses.
>>
>>3161788

I figure selling them to whoever is enough. Selling them to South Reach means transporting it through the Run and risking them detonating early in our backyard. And it sounds like Iratar doesn't have much demand for AM fuel. So yeah, Major Houses it is.

Second hand fuel for our AM guzzling Supers.
>>
>>3161788
>major Houses
>>
File: mausoleum.jpg (144 KB, 800x585)
144 KB
144 KB JPG
Best to keep sales within the Dominion you figure. Maybe this can help cut down the operations costs of a Sovereign Class headed for the front?

The next day there is a public viewing of the late Count's remains. From reports he was cut in two by fusion pistol fire so the only thing visible is the upper chest and head. You pass through briefly to get a look yourself. It does look to be his body from what you can tell.

So far the investigation into his death isn't making a great deal of progress. Many of those involved disappeared or have since been killed in the factional fighting. Caius' step mother survived fighting that took place in the Palace when the Count was killed but was badly wounded by stray fire. While now largely recovered she doesn't clearly remember much of what happened. The investigation team have not discounted her as a suspect.

Later in the day the vewing draws to a close and preparations are made to depart the Palace. The funerary procession passes through the streets of the capital.
There was talk of burying the Count on the palace grounds. He wouldn't have been the first. Instead he is to be laid to rest in the Jerik family mausoleum. It's well outside the city away from prying eyes.

Baron Saputo sees off the procession from the Palace as it departs. You and Tenni along with some of your troops salute their passing from different points along the route. Alex and his guard are waiting at the cemetery and provide a 21 gun salute at the time of the burial.

The media of course are everywhere, making sure to broadcast the entire event. You're sure they would have even if they hadn't been told to do so. Shortly after the end of the funeral a reporter approaches you to ask if you have any comments about the late Count.

>What say?
>>
>>3161973
>comments about the late Count.
A good man who wanted the best for the House, cut down by those who didn't.
>>
>>3161973
Make no comments
>>
>>3161973

"A great leader who held our house together in its darkest times. Who lead our house out of ignominy and to become a well known and respected house of the Dominion. And those responsible for his death, should feel the utmost shame and dishonor for what they have done."
>>
>>3161979
>>3162054
Combination of these.
>>
"Count Jerik was a good man who wanted the best for the House and was cut down by those who didn't. He held our House together in its darkest times and led us out of ignominy to become a well known and respected member of the Dominion. Those responsible for his death, should feel the utmost shame and dishonor for what they have done."

That seems to be more than enough for the reporter who respectfully thanks you for your time and moves on.

Later that night a meeting is called with the Barons and Caius.
"Apparently my father and certain arrested nobles were setting aside several fortunes worth of funds for one reason of another. Blackmail or political balancing to help make sure the playing field remained level are the most likely. The involved nobles will need to rebuild their agreements and I have no intention of swamping them in money for the time being."

Saputo looks over some of the numbers. "This would have made for a substantial war chest for the Emergency Council."

"Quite. It's also helped narrow down the field of potential suspects. Few of those involved would risk a move against my father or they would stand to lose their primary income source. Don't worry, I have people looking for ways to make use of such people that will be devastated by the loss of income.

For now these funds can be diverted to more pressing matters. Are there any hidden issues of black ops projects that I need to know of which will need money?"

>Any projects you feel need funding within the House?
>>
>>3162103
Not sure...

Could you update the House / Sonia section on the R&D page on the wiki with where we’re at with tech development?

http://houseanddominion.wikia.com/wiki/Research_%26_Development

If there are no big projects, then I’d probably advocate for the money to be used rebuilding House Intel and for targeted assasination and factional disruption missions against the former EC
>>
>>3162135
I never updated that page because it was a clusterfuck.

Any politically motivated projects or things to benefit the House, its worlds, relations? Assassination? If not I have a post to discuss more R&D related projects.
>>
>>3162103
SP Torpedo funding set aside? For when things truly kick off. Keep funding Cloaking shield/Nocturn development?

Politically maybe secret clone troops? Set up a Secret Police on all worlds like we did Rioja and encouraged Daska to with her world?
>>
>>3162153

I would like to have Fadila give London a list of every member of the EC and everyone who supported the EC. And have them placed on a black list for any of our companies or projects. If they want to buy something of ours or do business with us. They'll do so at increased cost to everyone else. More so than even Terrans.

I'd also like it to be made that none of the knights that took part of the rebels get any further promotions from their current positions. Our expedition fleet will likely return with enough replacement knights that will be loyal to the house to replace whatever rolls they had been in.

Put a bounty on the heads of every noble in the EC/ Rebel army.

Get instant communications setup between the Dremine and all J-D worlds. So the Count and Barons can talk to each other without having to worry about someone hacking or listening in to communications.

Chase down any knight/ noble who fled and held land without turning it over to the house. Have them agree to forfeit their land and titles.

Other than that nothing springs to mind for me.
>>
>>3162237
>>3162239
And here I was just about to post. Editing.
>>
>>3162239
>Chase down any knight/ noble who fled and held land without turning it over to the house. Have them agree to forfeit their land and titles.
The Count is dealing with that. He's offering deals for them to legally transfer or sell their territory to the House, though at a substantial reduction in payout. Until they agree they'll be branded as pirates or rebels and hunted as such.
They'll also have to sign agreements that they or their descendants cant make a claim on those lands.
>>
"We need stability right now more than anything." says Caius. "It is my belief that in the short term research and development will have to take a back seat until things have stabilized. Our science council believes that the majority of our techs are so far ahead that we'll see diminishing returns if we continue to pour resources into them.

There are exceptions to this of course but I'm aware my father was trying to reduce excess expenditures to better support the expanded military. Existing projects will get the basic funding necessary to keep them in operation."

It's no surprise to anyone when you ask about seeing a list of projects that could potentially do with more cash than that.

>1) R&D
1A) Nocturn upgrades (current model)
1B) Nocturn continued development (unlocks 3rd gen Nocturn)
1C) Assault Corvette Plasma cannons (unlocks Fire Drake)
1D) Attack Corvette improved mobility upgrade
1E) Power Armor advanced tech upgrades
1F) Rovinar Needle Beamer (infantry heavy weapon)
1G) Write in

>2) Politics
2A) Strengthen House Intel
2B) Funding to RH for SP weapon development
2C) Special Response & Investigative Units for each world
2D) Secure entanglement coms between Dremine and all J-D worlds
2E) Write in

Let me know if you need more info on any of these options.
>>
>>3162279
>[x] 1C) Assault Corvette Plasma cannons (unlocks Fire Drake)
It's happening.

>[x] 2ABCD
Being able to access the SP production game early could net the house a shitload of money, not to mention the power it gives versus other fleets.
>>
>>3162279

>R&D, Questions
Nocturne upgrade, what needs to be upgraded?
Nocturne 3rd gen, what does it bring to the table?
Plasma Assault Corvette (Fire Drake), you'll have to refresh my memory on this one. Aren't our Assault Corvette's already top of the line expensive as all hell already?
Attack Corvette mobility, I can only think of the scene from the Star Trek movie The Final Frontier "If we go any faster we'll fly her apart! Fly her apart then!". Is this improvement gonna address the stress caused to the corvettes frame at such high speeds? Or are we just strapping stronger engines on a frame that needs reinforcement?
Power armor, are they going to get cheaper/ more affordable? Or more durable or longer lasting?
Heavy Infantry weapons, nothing wrong with improving the troops equipment.

>Politics
I'm all for A through D, especially D we could have been in touch with Alex and Saputo and everyone before this rebellion got as bad as it did. And B is also a good idea for obvious reasons, once the Dominion has the ability to produce its own SP Tech.

So really B and D are my stand out choices but if possible A-D would be great.
>>
>>3162279
I mean all of these would be great, but how many can we realistically support?

e.g, do we only have available funding for 1 R&D and 1 political project? Or is it 4 political projects and no R&D?

>2E) Write in
I’m still supportive of establishing a black ops unit to infiltrate the EC, while also conducting sporadic assasinations against disloyal nobles.
>>
>>3162339
>Nocturne upgrade, what needs to be upgraded?
Various things. Engine tweaks, launch racks for stealth drop pods, emergency teleporter upgrades to the torpedo magazines. The list goes on. Many are minor but useful additions.

>Nocturne 3rd gen, what does it bring to the table?
It will integrate many of the upgrades planned for the current version along with across the board improvements to the base systems, structural strength and operational range. The outer hull will have further stealth improvements based on Aries tech. Finishing it out isn't going to be cheap though. The tech is getting so far beyond cutting edge that costs will be much higher than if you just wait a few years.

>Plasma Assault Corvette (Fire Drake), you'll have to refresh my memory on this one. Aren't our Assault Corvette's already top of the line expensive as all hell already?
Yes. This one will be able to mount plasma cannons as their main guns. Either tweaked LD's or phased plasma cannons. They will be even more expensive than regular assault corvettes so dont expect to suddenly switch over entire wings. It's expected that they'll be used as an ace unit.

>Attack Corvette mobility
That should read maneuverability not mobility.
Conventional high maneuver drives don't work with the older attack corvettes. Specially modified drives have been under development for some time to give the older ships better performance without making cost and maintenance prohibitive. It's anticipated to change their flight profile quite a bit though which may require some retraining. That plus the cost are some of the reasons why it hasn't finished development.

>Power armor, are they going to get cheaper/ more affordable? Or more durable or longer lasting?
Some upgrades will make them tougher and possibly more resistant to energy train. Hopefully.

>Heavy Infantry weapons
This is an outgrowth of e-beam technology, though not quite the same. There are a lot of unknowns about this weapon so some consider it a risky investment. If it works though it should give most armor systems a hard time.

>>3162384
>how many can we realistically support?
4 or 5 at most total. Less would be better to ensure the R&D ones are completed in a timely manner.
>>
>>3162279
>>3162436

R&D
>1A
>1F (maybe enough to get it started and see if it is a viable field to research into and then decide from there)

Politics
>2B
>2D

Anything that the other Barons want to suggest? Not even going to listen to Tenni's suggestion, unless she's got some astoundingly awesome suggestion. But I assume that's a given.
>>
>>3162279

>1) R&D

1C
1E

OP ships and better chance of success on Sphere mission yes.

>2) Politics

2A
2D

Safe mode
>>
File: Fire Drake Prototype.gif (15 KB, 1404x682)
15 KB
15 KB GIF
Okay first attempt at the Fire Drake. Can be equipped with additional torpedo launchers. Looks a lot more streamlined than other corvettes I've done. Will probably have to bulk up the connections to the main hull with more plasma stores. Could always sell this version as a post war racing ship minus the weapons.
>>
>>3162279
>1) R&D

1C
1E

OP ships and better chance of success on Sphere mission yes.

>2) Politics

2A
2C
2D
>>
>>3162594
>>3162486
Not this guy, just copied his post and forgot to delete
>>
>>3162604
You can still delete post for 10 minutes I think?
>>
>Anything that the other Barons want to suggest?
Daska supports the Attack Corvette engine upgrade and Nocturn upgrades to keep them competitive with anything else on the market.
Alex supports the Nocturn and House intel.
Saputo is interested in the Special Investigation Units and House intel.
Tenni would like more funding for power armor and the plasma corvette.
Xisoth is also in favour of House intel, though more support for whatever superweapon project Helios is working on would also be good.

Unless there are major changes in the vote before the thread dies, looks like plasma corvettes, strengthened Intel and secure coms for sure.
>>
>>3162688
Actually, wasn’t it an issue during the uprising that all comms and data networks are routed through Dremine, which acts as central hub...?

We should probably build some redundancy into our secure comms network. We should graciously put Rioja forward as this backup hub
>>
>>3162279
>1CDE
>2ABCD
Hopefully this isn't too much but all those options in politics look necessary
>>
Knight Dayton is still listed as MIA presumed killed. The crew of his Squire got out with emergency teleporters when it was destroyed but he wasn't onboard. It looks like he commandeered an older training ship and kept fighting, pulling more than a dozen rebel ships away from other targets. His armor lost suit integrity while abandoning ship. He died of vacuum exposure.

Intelligence has produced a report on medical inconsistencies with Count Jerik's death. They believe he was not wearing power armor at the time he was struck by fusion pistol fire. It was certainly the cause of his death but the angle is off slightly compared to the "viral video."



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