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For House & Dominion: Crucible (6)

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!

The Alliance's invasion of the Neeran Empire is underway. With the first wave having accomplished its objectives the second wave units began their deployment weeks ago. Your fleet has departed Rioja and crossed the hazardous depths of space known as the Crystal Sea. As part of the second wave you'll be targeting critical locations that could potentially turn the tide back in the enemy's favour if left intact.

Many of your allies in the Dominion are busy attempting to capture shield piercing weapon technology. You've elected to pursue a different target. During your expedition to the Dyson sphere you recovered data providing the location of another builder facility. The Rioja fleet -with additional support from the Ruling House- will attempt to capture the facility or recover as much tech and knowledge as possible.

Besides Rioja's fleet you've brought Jerik-Dremine's super heavy cruiser Forbearance. Combined with the Ruling House's Sovereign class "Ta'jek Ber'helum" you have a fast powerful force that in theory can outrun whatever it cant out fight. Those aren't your only allies, the Knights of the Dominion, Krath mercenaries and PCCG mercs under the commander of former Shallan Admiral Mezan round out the fleet.

The Terran AI known as Versa was requested and is currently installed aboard Mezan's command ship, a new model Eclipse Medium Cruiser. You've moved your flag to the same ship to help take advantage of the improvements in command and control functions.

Once reaching the Yang dwarf galaxy you've managed to inflict damage to communications systems and sow chaos in numerous sectors. Rebels are being recruited from sympathetic worlds. They're now beginning to crew captured enemy ships. Additional rebels from the Rekesh worlds have allied with you bringing with them their own fleet and a myriad of intelligence connections.

Through special operations a number of enemy units have been convinced to defect. Trelta Gun, Viqano Dyer and a mercenary by the name of Ren are now assisting your forces in the hopes of a more positive post war outlook. That and money.
>>
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In cooperation with Rekesh intelligence your fleets have begun strikes intended to degrade their galaxy wide command an control functions. Sensors and communication have been blacked out across entire sectors. While the main colonies still have communication, anything that isn't a priority to maintain is rapidly being lost.

The Rekesh have been reluctant to outright destroy all coms around their worlds and have begun relocating transceivers they had already hijacked. This is taking a bit longer but it will ensure they'll be able to coordinate a mass uprising at a later time.

That time may be coming sooner than you'd like. An attempt at destroying a sensor array production facility was nearly preempted by tanker bombings by Ulgean forces. They've struck at several of the better defended enemy shipyards.
You know now that the Neeran fleets stationed at the big shipyards have recently returned from fighting around the Ulgean beachhead half a day's flight from here. According to Rekesh intel they've lost roughly a third of their numbers and many more have suffered damage.

At least some of your commanders and advisors believe the Ulgean fleet may be preparing for an imminent invasion. Contacting the Alliance and asking for immediate reinforcement might be in order.

>1) What do you want to tell the Alliance?
and
>2) What is the minimum size force you wish to request?
>>
>>3504096

>1) What do you want to tell the Alliance?

Let the Alliance know the Ulgeans are about to make their move on this galaxy if they have not already. If they want to liberate this galaxy. They had best send a fleet or three here now So we can free the planets in the galaxy and maybe target one of the Super yards. As it is we've done as much as we can to prep this place for an Alliance invasion. The latest Ulgean offensive has just softened up the Neeran response fleets. To the point where if they send them out now they'll either be captured or destroyed by sufficiently strong Alliance presence in the area. Also our primary target will be in danger of falling into Ulgean hands if the Alliance doesn't send units this way soon.

>2) What is the minimum size force you wish to request?

At least enough to liberate and secure any worlds in the galaxy. From the Neeran and withstand a push from Ulgean forces. So definitely going to need a few more Supers and Heavies in order to liberate and secure those planets. As well as an Alliance rep of some standing, so they can talk with the Ulgeans and either setup some agreement where either neither of us fire on the other and leave the other alone. Or where we work together to kick the Neeran from this galaxy.
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Not dead, just been working on a thing while waiting for responses.

Intelligence from the various rebel contacts is starting to give an idea of the general situation in the galaxy in terms of the different main groups and their goals. The Rekesh my be the largest and most organized group but they're not the only ones. Rebels in systems that see more trade and migration between them identify more with particular political groups.

Even within those there is dissension. At least nine sectors want independence while remaining unaligned with the various larger rebel groups. The West rebels in particular dont seem to have their shit together. At least one sector they identify as part of their core territory has a substantial fraction of the populace wanting independence.

The main fleet base is claimed by both the west and northern groups which isn't really a big surprise. If either of them could gain control of the yards there it would instantly transform them into a leading power in this galaxy.

More bothersome is that the Rekesh have claims against the core territories of the south rebels. That isn't so bad, but with a full 9 sectors being contested between the two it could create issues later.

The rekesh have also made a claim on one of the 3 major shipyards though it's weak one. Probably intended to be an option they can barter for other concessions.
>>
>>3504308

>Map
So the Ulgean's are likely working with the western and northern rebels. And will likely aim for the Fleet Base. Which means we should do our utmost best to ensure we deny them the Super yards.

As for the Rakesh and the rebels to the south. We should see about getting the two together and working things out. Maybe figure out what they have in similar and see how we can get them to work those similarities so that we can then address their differences and they find a way to overcome them and make them either strong allies. Or a unified faction that's stronger than the other two rebel groups to the north and west part of this galaxy. Of course we will likely need to convince the southern rebels that we mean well and aren't going to just stomp all over their wants once this galaxy is liberated.
>>
I will probably be leaving this for the morning then since I'd like at least 1 other posters input on this:
>>3504096
before proceeding.
>>
>>3504308
Straight up easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Rekesh surrender claims to the south planets in exchange for the south supporting the Rekesh in taking the North rebel areas.

Alliance comes in, takes the shipyard, and cuts off the West rebels while the Rekesh and South rebels collaborate to take yhe North area, leaving the Alliance "clean" from involving themselves in a "internal issue" of the region since they're only taking over Neeran facilities to ensure they aren't used by Imperialist remnants.

Afterwards we surrender the claim to the Shipyard to the Rekesh/South coalition, firmly cementing them in position as the local authority.

If they're fighting over the cake, just give them more slices.

The North is the biggest threat to stability, whereas the South has to be negotiated with anyways. The West can just be contained while it eats itself.
>>
>>3504560

Still need answers for:
>>3504096
>>
>>3504579
Tell the Alliance to get here quick, and to send an Alliance fleet capable of holding the Super Yard as well as a secondary fleet of salvaged ships that can be provided to the Rekesh with a nod and a wink kind of indirect support.

I would also prefer to contact a Dominion centric fleet so they won't pressure us about our presence on the Rekesh homeworld.

But since we're playing it "act like local sovereignty is a done deal" I'd be happy to take what we can get.

I feel too large of a fleet could backfire, since our goal is the sphere world tech.
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>>3504096

Each of the 4 Neeran Commanders is supposed to command 2 or 3 Supers, with additional ones under construction at each yard, correct?

That gives us a Neeran Super count of (with 3 each for MoE) 12 active in this galaxy, plus any they have made mobile or partially combat capable.

Are there any confirmed Super losses from the forces that went after the Ulgeans?


The sheer scale of this war is starting to hurt my brain when I think about the sheer number of SHCs that must be running around on both sides, compared to the Warlords Campaign. I wonder how long it will be until a Factions Captured Apex is seen
>>
>>3504058
FOR HOUSE AND DOMINION
>>
For house and Dominion stuck at the polling place!
>>
>>3504096
>1) What do you want to tell the Alliance?
We have the chance to take this galaxy with relatively little resistance to ground invasions for its size. The locals are unhappy with the Neeran Empire and only 11 of the more important systems hold any loyalty to their current overlords. However, we will have to act quick if we want to take advantage of the situation. Ulgean forces are already beginning to launch smaller raids and probing attacks on the local garrison and infrastructure.
With the recent return of a heavily damaged fleet, local ship repair and construction capacities are most likely already taxed to the maximum. If we attack before the Ulgean have the chance to invade this galaxy, it's possible that the Neeran will just shore up the defences of their remaining territories and prepare for an orderly retreat alongside an evacuation of their larger shipyards instead of actively contesting an FA lead liberation of the inhabited territories as long as the yards to the east of the galaxy aren't threatened.

>2) What is the minimum size force you wish to request?
It depends on what the FA wants to achieve before the Ulgean can contest this area. If they want to actually destroy the shipyards and heavy installation they'll probably need to send at least twice the number of operational Imperial supers in this galaxy. Which will likely mean a fleet with a core of around 20-25 super heavy cruisers.

If they don't intend to strike before the Neeran try to evacuate, we should be fine with one FA super per Neeran ship of equivalent size. Considering we have a production facility for Executioner guns present in the area, a higher ratio of smaller to larger ship than usual might prove prudent.

>Other
Do we know if the damaged Neeran fleet returned with ships from other commanders or fleets?

>>3504308
>The main fleet base is claimed by both the west and northern groups which isn't really a big surprise. If either of them could gain control of the yards there it would instantly transform them into a leading power in this galaxy.
Giving it to the FA, and declaring it neutral space would be a solution that wouldn't make either of the happy but at least it wouldn't allow either of them to pull dumb shenanigans on the other locals either.
>>
>>3504096
>1) What do you want to tell the Alliance?
Neeran forces in the region are severely weakened, scattered and ragged. Local populations are on the edge of revolting. The galaxy is ripe for the taking with a concentrated push. However Ulgean forces are about to do just that and most likely claim the place for themselves, using the foundation of our hard work.

>>3504158
Also no mention of our primary target, it's suppose to be a secret known only to a select few.

>2) What is the minimum size force you wish to request?
While we do not need a massive response fleet we do not a force capable of either taking out all Neeran forces currently still active, so we can secure a swift victory and claim the galaxy before the Ulgean can. Or we need a force strong enough to deter the Ulgean from wanting to invade. At lest a fleet with two to four supers will be needed. Or enough to be able to claim the enemies primary yards. We gain those we hold the largest strategic advantage in the galaxy.

>>3504308
Well that's easy. We just have to work to strength the Rekesh claim on their territory. Insert their units to the south along with whatever infiltrators we can get. Hopefully part of the southern rebellion will fold into the Rekesh if they show a consistent ability to fuck over the Neeran, arm their forces and be able to provide powerful allies, that is us.
>>
>>3504618
>Are there any confirmed Super losses from the forces that went after the Ulgeans?

>According to Rekesh intel they've lost roughly a third of their numbers and many more have suffered damage.
No concrete numbers on supers lost, though presumably if they lost a third of their fleet some would not have returned.

>>3504762
>Do we know if the damaged Neeran fleet returned with ships from other commanders or fleets?
Unknown.

You send the following to the Alliance:

-The Ulgean are about to move on this galaxy
-local neeran forces are weakened by fighting against Ulgean main fleet
-prep work has been done to aid planetary liberation efforts
-minimal ground resistance anticipated on most worlds
-swift action is needed to ensure Alliance capture of the galaxy

As for reinforcements you specify the following:
-A fleet large enough to act as a "liberation force"
-specifically one capable of taking and holding one of the Super Yards
-20 super heavy cruisers would be able to quickly overwhelm the local defenses of the main yards
-Realistically a force 1/4 of that size might be enough but it would take much longer

-Lastly an Alliance rep is requested empowered to negotiate with the Ulgean

One of the your LRBS II's will take copies of the captured com codes and IFF data back to the Alliance lines. If for whatever reason your communications dont make it through the crew will pass along the request for reinforcements themselves.

Last minute changes?
>>
>>3505103
Add data on estimated Neeran fleet strength? Estimated inflicted loses? Other than that it seems good.
>>
>>3505103

>Last minute changes?

None come to mind. Though we should now think about making contact with the other rebel groups and limited contact Ulgeans. In preparation for the Alliance to arrive.
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>>3505103
>Last minute changes?
It's more of a last minute addition - if they want to try to infiltrate the Executioner gun production either in preparation to capture it or to destroy it they should send specialists. I'm sure the Rovinar + Krath have something available that stands a better chance of completing their mission than our teams.
>>
Neeran fleet strength estimates are included along with a request for a unit that could infiltrate and secure a weapons production facility.

One of the Nocturns is retasked with looking for Ulgean units and attempting to make contact with them. It would be good to have some means of communication with them already in place when the Alliance fleets arrive.

The captured shipyards are now online and have begun production of warships for the rebels. Any of the recruited rebels with experience on similar production lines are helping to man them. Thankfully that's more than a few.

Any of the various yards are repairing other ships as quickly as possible. The second training cadre has finished and while they're as green as the first they do know their jobs. This means there is now a large enough available escort to pass for a regular heavy cruiser search unit.

Viq wants to outfit one of the captured heavy cruisers with long range sensor arrays and the latest captured coms and IFFs. The false flag unit could then approach enemy facilities and outposts and provide them with the "updated" com channels as well. With the addition of some hidden code of course.

"Get the out of contact units talking using communications channels and relays that we control. They'll feed us data and we can give them back false information. We could even allow them contact with their main units letting us listen in."

Do you approve of this plan, or did you want the false flag unit focusing on other duties?

[ ] Subvert blackout regions
[ ] Hunt enemy response units
[ ] Aid rebel recruitment and uprising prep
>>
>>3505194

Lets subvert some of those regions and units. Use the gathered intel to better plan and react to our enemies movements. As well as further watering whatever seeds of doubt are in their minds. To convince them to turn to the Alliance.
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>>3505194
>[ ] Subvert blackout regions
>>
>>3505194
[x] Subvert blackout regions

gain intel, pass along the odd false orders into a minefield/ambush.
>>
>>3505194
>[ ] Aid rebel recruitment and uprising prep
The rebels are one of our biggest advantages at the moment. We should try to strengthen them.
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>>3505194
>[ ] Subvert blackout regions
Information is king. I wonder if we could even be able to use this info to redirect enemy units to attack the Ulgean over ourselves?
>>
While the unit is certainly useful when it comes to rebel recruitment that can easily be taken over by smaller groups of ships. With their expanded force strength they can pass themselves off as a more legitimate enemy unit. Even better, if there are gaps in their formations it can be explained away as losses fighting your raiding fleets.

Viq has traded places with Gun as the entire operation has his idea. Gun will be using her ship and some of Viq's squadrons to keep up with rebel ops.

Ren finally checks in after spending the last few days in the southern regions causing trouble. The mercenary has picked up a few others that were growing disenfranchised with the neeran. In addition to capturing a partially damaged Scarecrow type medium Ren has effectively doubled the size of his fleet.
He's willing to trade the Scarecrow for any Nautilus types you happen to capture.

After being pursued into the southern areas Phas is laying waste to enemy coms there while pushing back towards Rekesh space. She's not even trying to hide her activities, probably hoping to bait enemy response forces into chasing after her again.

Hera is continuing to campaign in the area closer to the fleet base, attempting to cut it off from the other interior regions. She'd also relocating NM2 as it's been in one place for too long in her opinion.

Lyas has attacked and destroyed a base responsible for maintaining watch over the "eye" region of the galaxy. It's not the only one but it was one of the more important ones. Two of the Monitor class mediums were borrowed for the raid as additional long range firepower.
In addition to munitions, some larger station defense guns were salvaged before they withdrew.


Roll 3d100 for the subversion team to see how they're doing.
>>
Rolled 86, 32, 50 = 168 (3d100)

>>3505283

Subverting.
>>
Rolled 89, 32, 59 = 180 (3d100)

>>3505283
>Roll 3d100 for the subversion team to see how they're doing.
What do Ulgeans even look like?
>>
Rolled 61, 39, 42 = 142 (3d100)

>>3505283

Subverting the Neeran
>>
>>3505297
>What do Ulgeans even look like?
Like a bunch of no neck couch potatoes.

Actually a bit like those guys on Dr Who now that I think about it.
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>>3505311

So, Sontaran's in House and Dominion?
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>>3505311
These? Fuck, Ulgeans are adorable.
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>>3505317
>Sontaran
I guess? It's been awhile since I dont really watch Dr Who.

The Ulgean abhor close combat though, preferring to use ships and vehicles.
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>>3505323
these guys, I think
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>>3505332
You're probably right. If they looked like this the other races would be already lining up to join up their state.
>>
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The subversion team have successfully taken control of long range coms through one sector and the surrounding space. Other areas are going a bit slower but they havent given away the fact that they're on your side. A few enemy patrol units are being tracked thanks to their efforts.

Because of the need to actually visit some of the bases with the fleet it's going to be slow going. They estimate they can subvert one and a half sectors plus the regions they're in charge of per day. Because of this it might be best to focus efforts on a few that are of higher priority.

The Rekesh fleet have themselves subverted or blacked out coms in a good portion of their territory as planned. Phas is still tearing the enemy a new one and may require backup from the main fleet if the enemy send a serious unit after her.
Hera has finished base relocation and is preparing to resume raids.

Are there any sectors/systems in particular that you wanted to prioritize for subverting their coms?
>>
>>3505379
>Are there any sectors/systems in particular that you wanted to prioritize for subverting their coms?
Well Phas is quickly attracting some ire so where Phas is raiding would be good. That and the areas the Rekesh has contested with the South Rebels. I want the Rekesh to obtain as big as an advantage there as they can get so the claim is bigger for them eventually.
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>>3505379
>Are there any sectors/systems in particular that you wanted to prioritize for subverting their coms?
I think it would be useful to connect already existing areas without effective sensor coverage.
>>
>>3505393
>>3505394
This can work.

The subversion team gets to work on cutting of all remaining com lines between the main fleet base and the southern regions. Anything left intact will be under your control. Phas will get plenty of warning if the enemy sends a large force after them. At least if they bother to talk to their local commanders.

You've gotten a response from the Alliance and the LRBS II has returned. Most of the big fleets are engaged in heavy fighting or helping to cover planetary assaults. Because of this it's going to be some time before an ACS group can reach you.

"How long?" you ask.
"Worst case scenario? Sixteen days."
You and your staff are less than appreciative of this news.

"This is a worst case scenario." Versa points out. "By my estimation, if there are no additional surprises, two ACS groups should become available before this. Possibly ten days."

The briefing officer does have some more good news. A Rovinar heavy cruiser fleet is finishing repairs and will be diverting to this galaxy to assist you. They should arrive in 3 days.
"How big a fleet?"
"Two modern heavy cruisers, ten mediums and several wings of light cruisers and attack ships."

"Any support craft? Heavy Carriers?" asks Tama.
"Just repair barges. It's an up to date fleet but they weren't expecting to rotate back into combat for another week."

You sigh.
"Tell everyone to be on the lookout for another station or two we can steal. They're going to need it."

Before you can ask about potential targets to help soften up enemy resistance a new report comes in. A pair of super carriers from the main shipyards have arrived in Rekesh territory. They're conducting operations above two worlds where they have the support of the populace.

"What sort of operations? Do the Rekesh know what they're up to?"

Versa brings up the scans. It looks like they're sending HLV's to and from the surface. Their escorts are also pulling in cargo ships from nearby, preventing them from leaving the system.

Did you want to do anything about this? Or leave them alone while focusing on your own objectives?
>>
>>3505379
Push down and snag all the South rebellion areas in their unenforceable zone.

Push forward in the NW area of Rekesh and grab those systems behind the line of the nuked base and FOB1
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>>3505505
Push further south and gain more control there. I want to subvert the entire southern rebellion into the Rekesha cause. If that is done we may be able to open up a corridor for our reinforcement to travel in. Have stealthed ships scout out the Supers to see what exactly they are up to.

Do we know enemy response time to each individual super and their escort? If there are long response times and small escorts we could try to jump one of them with both of our supers and some heavys. It would be a good salvage opportunity and deal a harsh blow to the Neerans forces.
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>>3505505
I'd say it seems like they're either reinforcing their position or evacuating. Send a cloaked ship to find out what they're actually doing.
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>>3505505
What are the chances they are salting the earth? Taking everything valuable that isnt nailed down and then planting bombs designed to make the world uninhabitable or destroy it? They've shown a willingness to destroy worlds belonging to Factions races. Perhaps they've reached the point where making habitable worlds uninhabitable or destroying their own worlds to deny the FA is an important acceptable loss if the destruction of said planet kills millions of FA troops on the ground and in space.
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>>3505505

Do we have any intel on what that world produces?

If they are retaining oddball cargo ships, I'd guess that they are likely evacuating war materials and possibly the population?

cargo ship bomb mission mk 2?


Regardless of their intent, I think that our best option with pro-Neeran worlds is to just wipe out their orbital facilities until the main Neeran forces are driven out of the galaxy, and possibly let the resulting start-up nations deal with the invasions if they want the worlds.
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A cloaked ship is sent to spy on their operations. From their engine burns most of the HLV's are going down empty and heading into orbit full.

>>3505534
>Do we know enemy response time to each individual super and their escort?
Response time is hard to say. From their current position they'd still have contact with the main shipyards and surrounding sectors. It would take awhile for a large force to respond but there would be plenty of smaller reinforcement groups coming in as a continuous stream. The longer a fight goes on in one place the better for the enemy.
The second carrier group could reach the other one in half an hour if they immediately broke orbit.

Escorts include 3 older style heavy cruisers and multiple mediums each, around a dozen. Plus remaining orbital defenses of the planets they're orbiting. That includes defense platforms and starfighters.

>>3505546
>What are the chances they are salting the earth?
Too soon to say if they'll burn everything behind them but they're definitely evacuating something.

>>3505581
>cargo ship bomb mission mk 2?
Any support for this?
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>>3505626
>Any support for this?

This feels like a mission where there will be very little chance for them to escape unlike last time. With two SHC's and hundreds of ships moving back and forth. If anyone wants to volunteer for it, okay.
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>>3505505
I'd say let them pull out of planets they have support of.

Quite frankly we want them to leave those planets anyways, the more material and men they evac the better.

We could even send them a message that we won't contest withdrawals, only reinforcements, to win over the population a bit.

If they DO salt the earth, we can intervene then.

I'd rather focus on hearts and minds at this point, between us and the Ulgeans a Neeran withdrawal is a given. It's more important I feel to focus on post-consolidation to prevent the region from turning into a resource-sink of putting out rebellion and raiding.
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>>3505652
The crew that teleported out of the last one would be up for it again, but only if they get danger pay this time. Actual money from you not just the promise of pay in the future.

[ ] Tell them you wont contest withdrawal
[ ] Don't contest their withdrawal
[ ] Tanker/cargo bomb their fleets
[ ] Low level raiding of their fleets
[ ] Large scale attack
>>
>>3505715

[x] Tanker/cargo bomb their fleets

danger pay? Shit, we'll give these crazy rebel bastards a medal and danger pay.
>>
>>3505715

>[ ] Tanker/cargo bomb their fleets

Have the rebels fly in to disrupt their operations. With a recovery ship on station or nearby.
>>
>>3505715
[ ] Large scale attack
>>
What's the current location of the Sensor Scorcher? Maybe we could actually capture it with a fake-out. They think we have only one SHC, if we let it detect Forbearance and then hit it with the Sovereign maybe we could catch it off guard.
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>>3505840
It was last sighted operating near the fleet base. It hasn't been straying far from there of late.
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>>3505772
>>3505715
Welp. If this is how we're proceeding, I'm all about this.

We can play it up a lot as the rebels being heroic in facing danger and downplay our presence in the operation.
>>
A tanker bomb attack will be carried out. In addition some of the rebels will launch a diversionary raid with expendable ships.

Roll 1d100 for our intrepid bomber crew.
>>
Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>3505917
>>
Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>3505917
ma shallah tanker bomb crew
>>
Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>3505917

And just in case, make sure they identify beneficiaries.

Bring em in closer Merlin.
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>>3505927
Yeesh thank goodness, that could have been worse. Much worse.
>>
The tanker crew manages to survive once again and carry out their mission. Their freighter explodes taking out more than a dozen other cargo ships and damaging a number of nearby warships. Debris from a pair of fully loaded CX transports is scattered into orbit requiring the planetary shields to be raised. This will slow down their operations.

The neeran immediately implement more stringent security protocols. They begin boarding ships to inspect them before they're allowed to approach convoys or take up formation near their capital ships.

Of the carrier load of corvettes that attacked the enemy fleet 5 of them actually managed to survive long enough to reach their extraction. Of those lost only one of them weren't picked up by emergency teleporters.

This attack and others are beginning to slip past enemy censorship efforts. Especially now that communications are breaking down. Independent transport crews are taking to passing on Rebel messages and bulletins.

The Dominion Knights report the location of the Sensor Scorcher and another Super Carrier a few hours later. It looks like they're helping to perform similar evacuations. At present they're at an enemy stronghold near FOB1. You'd had to abort attacking it a few days ago when a previous target took a bit too long.

The Knights have called off major raids in the immediate area until they're gone due to the danger posed by that array. You pass on alerts to your allies and halt any possible flights to FOB1 as well.

Intel reports from the fleet base and nearby facilities show that the enemy is fortifying, both in space and on the ground. If they're preparing to abandon the central regions the same cant be said for the high value targets.

Did you want to continue to focus on enemy communications with the occasional bout of thievery? Or did you want to change things up at this point?
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>>3506066
I'd like to switch up to hit and run attacks on their space infrastructure. Let them fortify their gravity wells, we can focus on space superiority and keep them pinned in their forts.
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>>3506066

Lets keep a unit up for screwing with their comms. But start moving units towards salvaging and raiding. Maybe even deploying more resources for ground units. Heck, maybe we can take this opportunity present to us with Neeran evacuating planets of valueable strategic resources. We give some explosive charges to resistance forces. Who load up said bombs into crates. Crates that will be taken up to the SHC's or whatever ship they are shipped to. And detonated once they leave the planets orbit?

Complicated I know. But it could be worth trying if any rebel/ resistance units want to give a big "FU" to the Neeran who are taking their supplies. By blowing them to bits from the inside.

But really I'm more interested in raiding and keeping our units in top shape for when the Alliance arrives or in case the Ulgeans decide to move in force on this galaxy.
>>
>>3506066

Do we have enough intelligence on the local trade/travel lanes to lure a responding Super to its doom or crippling via minefield?

Say if Forbearance were detected by one of those loading Supers, and it jumped in pursuit? Or a decoy of Forbearance, with the sphere thing?
>>
>>3506066
Can we have Versa run scenarios on if we could tackle the enemy super and scorcher?
>>
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>>3506107
Potentially. It would need more setup time, preparing communications in an area where you could cut off an enemy fleet that would be forth responding to. Or alternatively give them a fake target to chase like Forbearance.

Unfortunately coms are mostly being subverted in the south. If a fake call went out from there you might get enemy units responding from either the fleet base, or one of the big yards if they sent a unit out and around.

If a fake message was sent from any of the current enemy evacuation efforts it's either too wide of an area to cover, or they'd quickly realise it wasn't genuine. Unless a few days were spent doing prep first.

>>3506133
With both Supers yes, though the amount of your SP torpedo stockpile you're willing to commit will play a big part of that.
>>
>>3506139
Let's say we're willing to burn 80% of our SP torps taking the Shipyard.
>>
>>3506139
>though the amount of your SP torpedo stockpile you're willing to commit will play a big part of that.
Percentage wise how much to destroy the super and disable the scorcher enough to board?
>>
>>3506165
That might be overkill.

>>3506167
Around 30%? Though it might be a good idea to plan for what to do after such a boarding action. The ship wouldn't exactly be mobile and there is a very real chance of them calling for help.
>>
>>3506175

Lets say we make 40% of our SPs availible to capture one? We allow the use of 30% but keep the extra 10% to help us blow our way out once we cripple and secure the thing. Once a response fleet is sent.

As for what to do once we subdue it. Can we dock mediums and Heavies to its outside and move an SHC?
>>
>>3506177
>Can we dock mediums and Heavies to its outside and move an SHC?
Not at combat speeds, though it might be possible. Ideally you'd need an asteroid tug just to get it moving. 4 if you wanted to stand a chance. Also it wouldn't be able to raise shields while being towed.

If you want to actually capture one and then escape with it after breaking its engines you'd need to bring in an SRL unit. They're the best equipped for that sort of thing. It's been a bit more than a month since you rescued that SRL fleet. They're probably back at something approaching full strength again if you wanted to call them in.
It would take them 3 days to get here.
>>
>>3506066

actually, if we have friendly forces incoming.

When do we need to hit the Neeran sensor arrays to give them an opening into the Galaxy?
>>
>>3506216
>>3506177
I guess Operation Capture Scorcher is a lot more possible than I originally thought.

In any case, maybe it's time we start making moves against the Sphere world? We don't have to hit it directly, but when we start invading we're going to need as much time as possible, so hitting the closest bases, logistics facilities, and even staging points could give us some needed breathing room.
>>
So what's going to be the priority? (Also stopping here for the night.)

[ ] Keep targeting Infrastructure
[ ] Increased raiding while still hitting coms
[ ] Begin setup to lure a response force into an ambush
[ ] Plan cripple/capture of enemy super
>>
>>3506216
What about neutralizing a SHC and immediately blasting it into the yard at ramming speed?

Like. Could we make a giant single-shot engine to grab on and move a SHC?

They would never expect it.
>>
>>3506253

> [ ] Keep targeting Infrastructure (space)
>>
>>3506254
>Could we make a giant single-shot engine to grab on and move a SHC?
If given enough time, maybe. The SRL guys absolutely could because they haul a lot of ship building gear with them.
>>
>>3506253
>[ ] Keep targeting Infrastructure
Around the target planet if possible.
>>
>>3506253

As much as I'd like to make plans to cripple/ capture an enemy super. We'll have time for that when we work with the Alliance to take the yards. So for now lets,

>[ ] Increased raiding while still hitting coms

And as other anons have suggested, start targeting the region around our target planet.
>>
Oh, I forgot there was another thing I wanted to ask.

A Scarecrow medium has completed its refit and is ready for assignment. Did you want it assigned to the Rebels with the false flag unit, Gun and her people, one of your commanders or the Rekesh?

>1)
>>3506253

>2)
2A) Rebels / false flag
2B) Gun & her people
2C) J-D Commanders
2D) Rekesh Fleet
>>
>>3506268
2A
>>
>>3506268

>2C) J-D Commanders
>>
>>3506253
>[x] Keep targeting Infrastructure

>>3506268
>2A) Rebels / false flag
>>
>>3506268
>[ ] Begin setup to lure a response force into an ambush
>2D) Rekesh Fleet
>>
>>3506268

[x] Increased raiding while still hitting coms

Secure a station to loan the Rovinar, if possible.

>>3506268

2B) Gun & her people

I think the best way to prove that we're not going to marginalize our rebel allies at this time is to up-gun Gun with a combat medium that the Neeran would never allow her to command alone.


>>3506216
SRL folks we saved

I'd like to extend them an invite to join us when they've completed repairs, so long as they're willing to recognize rebel worlds as invalid plunder targets.

They may even be able to secure some defecting mercs like Ren is doing.
>>
>>3506276
>>3506268
I'll change to 2B
>>
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"I dont think we're ready to target enemy super heavies yet. It would use a lot of our SP stores. That can wait until our reinforcements arrive. For now we keep targeting orbital infrastructure to help make it easier to liberate more worlds when they pull out.
That doesn't mean we cant harass them. Have a few mine layers drop fields along their projected routes when the supers begin to move."

Gun is given the Scarecrow medium, along with some more rebels that are finishing up training. Viq requests the squadrons that he'd loaned to Gun but the latter argues that she needs help getting the trainees up to speed. The other shallan reluctantly agrees to let Gun keep them on for a few days but then he wants them back.

Hera has captured a Nautilus type medium while searching for a potential station to grab. Its engines are intact and just needs repairs to the forward sections.
Ren is willing to trade his captured Scarecrow for it once the engines on his are fully operational. The Merc has largely been keeping quiet, filing little in the way of reports. He has sent a transport full of FTL drive components as your cut of his salvage.

"That guy isn't a mercenary, he's a pirate." States Mezan.

You shrug. "There is a bit of a grey area there I'll admit but he is doing what I paid him for. If he starts slaving though I'm going to kick his ass."

The two carrier groups in Rekesh space that were conducting evacuations have moved. They've linked up and relocated to another system in the southern region. It's a system you haven't attacked in force due to the presence of heavier orbital defenses. Neeran loyalists from nearby systems are flocking there, probably worried they'll be left behind.

You expected Ren to be picking off ships there but instead he's moving even farther South towards the rim. Instead Phas has sent some smaller units from her fleet to cause trouble for them.

Lyas salvaged a station using one of the spare Neeran heavy transports but it turned out to be a mixed fuel refinery/production platform. It can construct Neeran corvettes with the latest upgrade options. This is actually quite handy as you also have the designs and materials to produce FTL modules for them. It should help bolster the numbers of the rebel fleet since the attack cruisers salvaged so far take time to repair. Or more often than not to rebuild.

Where did you want to set up this new platform?
>>
>>3506816
In that system cluster SW of TMB2. Keep it nice and central, and use it to push Rekesh claim to the area.
>>
>>3506816

Subvert some communications in the dense star region NE of the Target and hide it away there?

Can it construct phased plasma corvettes to upgrade our fleet with?
>>
>>3506841
>Can it construct phased plasma corvettes to upgrade our fleet with?
Yes.
>>
>>3506845

>Yes

Are Phased Plasma Cannons still 'on par with' LD cannons but slightly longer ranged?

The potential to replace LD weapons with PPCs if our supplies begin to run low is interesting, as well.
>>
>>3506917
>Are Phased Plasma Cannons still 'on par with' LD cannons but slightly longer ranged?
Yes more or less. I should note that corvettes you've been salvaging are all the uprated ones, with the older lower damage ones being left alone by the salvage crews.
>>
>>3506834
>>3506841
Going to put it roughly half way between these two places unless there is a better idea or someone breaks the tie.
>>
>>3506816
>Where did you want to set up this new platform?
I'd put it in some cozy spot somewhere around "FM" so it can produce and stash away fuel in preparation of the arrival of our main fleets.
>>
>>3506816
Put it in the N trade lane between 3 systems in the Rekesh claims.
>>
>>3506981
>>3506962
>>3506834
>>3506841
4 very different ideas.

For now it will be parked in one of the subverted regions of rekesh space mid way between the various suggested locations. If it becomes necessary to relocate the platform it will be sent to each of the different locations in turn?
>>
>>3506989
>>3506981
This is me.

Seems like a goos compromise. I'd prefer to have it closer to the front but so ling as it's in the Rekesh sphere of influence it should be good.
>>
You and Mezan oversee the relocation of the new platform. From there you can swing past the primary objective and good a good look at its defenses. It's supposed to have a station with heavy cruiser construction capacity. A second station remains under construction, though that has probably been stopped by this point.

"We'd better perform a few light raids against the nearby systems along the way. Don't want the enemy to think we're leaving them alone on purpose."

Before you have an opportunity to get on with the raids Maybourne gets your attention.

"Emergency communication from the Rekesh."
"Send it to my station."

Ni Ahni appears on screen. "Viscount we have a possible intelligence leak."
That's not good.
"Do you need assistance from my forces? We can redeploy our jamming craft."
"Our own forces are attempting to track down the... source? Due to the seriousness of the situation I felt it was necessary to inform you."

"Thank you for at least letting me know. Can you provide any details?"
"One of our scientists was asked to look into old records from Threochts planet. Try to determine if there might have been anything of value located in the ruins or museums there. Or find clues to the disappearance of Threocht himself.
We have recently discovered our researcher left the fleet on a transport delivering rebel cell leaders to Threochts planet. They would already have reached the surface by now."

"Do you think this scientist would go to the Neeran with the data? In return for a reward of some kind?"
"Unlikely but we are not prepared to disregard that possibility."

You turn to Maybourne. "How long until our reinforcements arrive?"
"28 hours give or take?"


>Your orders?
>>
>>3507134
>>Your orders?

Extreme reaction:

Perform an emergency raid on the station in orbit. Sending units to the surface below in the chaos so that we can deploy our spec troops, whatever we've got on board to deploy to the planet below. To shadow and intercept this "scientist" should he approach the Neeran.

Moderate reaction

Wait and hope that the salvage gods are kind and the guy learned something and wants to find out about those ruins himself. Also if we haven't already, have the Rekesh give us the same info so we can have Versa look over it all to see if there's something in the data this scientist found. That would make him either go rouge and go to the Neeran or go rouge and want to head out for himself.
>>
>>3507134
Isn't this what we have Spec-ops for?

Anyways, was the scientist working with the rebel cell leaders or just hopping on a convenient ship to threochts?

I think for now we should offer to replace Rekesh forces that could in turn be sent to Threochts to lock down the situation.
>>
>>3507134
Well, what kind of scientist is the guy? Are we in danger of him running off an triggering whatever defenses the installation has, or is he just trying to get early start on the research to help his people?
>>
>>3507134
spec ops team to locate and question the scientist
>>
>>3507196
>have the Rekesh give us the same info so we can have Versa look over it all to see if there's something in the data this scientist found.
They'll deliver a data core to your unit immediately, though they request that none of the data be allowed off of your command ship.

>>3507199
>Isn't this what we have Spec-ops for?
You do have SP stealth drop pods available.

>was the scientist working with the rebel cell leaders or just hopping on a convenient ship to threochts?
Hopping a ride it would seem. The rebels are trying to build up existing cells and start new ones any way they can in preparation for the upcoming liberation. They haven't been too picky about people that claim they can bring in more recruits quickly.

>>3507206
>Well, what kind of scientist is the guy?
Crypto linguist primarily. One of only a dozen in their fleet that can read the older Rekesh language no longer used in modern times.

>Are we in danger of him running off an triggering whatever defenses the installation has, or is he just trying to get early start on the research to help his people?
Hard to be sure. The scientist's name is Ten Zohn. A few that know him think he is probably trying to uncover the secret before anyone else. That could be either to claim it for themselves or to take credit of its discovery.

Discoverers and keepers of secrets are held in high regard in Rekesh society. What isn't a secret is that many rebel leaders have been killed by the Neeran. If he finds anything of value it could easily propel them into becoming a key power holder in their nation.

Ni Ahni is less worried about Ten Zohn opening up any ruins or triggering defenses than the threat of the Neeran capturing him.
"He is a researcher, not a field operative. Worse I can't simply ask all rebel cells to apprehend him. If I divert too many resources to finding him enemy intelligence may take notice."
>>
>>3507278
>the threat of the Neeran capturing him.
That definitely is something to worry about. Do we have any Kavarians in our spec ops teams? And how hard is it to get them to pass as Rekesh by gluing stuff to their heads?
>>
>>3507286
>Do we have any Kavarians in our spec ops teams?
A few.
>And how hard is it to get them to pass as Rekesh by gluing stuff to their heads?
It's doubtful they'd pass as Rekesh. Their dermal denticles follow a different pattern. They would be farther ahead to use holographic camouflage.
>>
Unless there are any other ideas?

[ ] Covert Spec ops team insertion (Disguised transport)
[ ] Stealth/cloaked Spec ops team insertion (Nocturn/Drop pods)
[ ] Attack planet to cover Spec ops team insertion
[ ] Raid orbital platform as cover for Rekesh rebels to search
[ ] Monitor subverted coms, wait for Neeran to catch Ten Zohn
>>
>>3507371
>[ ] Stealth/cloaked Spec ops team insertion (Nocturn/Drop pods)
>>
>>3507371
>[ ] Stealth/cloaked Spec ops team insertion (Nocturn/Drop pods)
This seems like the most realistic chance to get into contact with that scientist before the Neeran catch him.
>>
>>3507371
>[ ] Stealth/cloaked Spec ops team insertion (Nocturn/Drop pods)
>>
>>3507371
>[ ] Stealth/cloaked Spec ops team insertion (Nocturn/Drop pods)
>[ ] Attack planet to cover Spec ops team insertion
>>
>>3507376
>>3507381
>>3507432
Did you want to include one of Ni Ahni's commandos on the team? Or just ask the Rekesh to provide a few safe houses and drop points?
>>
>>3507469

If they have units on the ground close to the target. Then sure, having their units coordinate with ours to find this guy could help.
>>
>>3507469
>Did you want to include one of Ni Ahni's commandos on the team?
Having a local with the team sounds like a good idea as this seems like a mission that's very heavy on infiltration and very light on all the other stuff these people usually have to do. Thinking about it, better bring two Rekesh if we can.
>>
>>3507469

Include one of Ni Ahni's commandos. Our people can't really act as the face here.
>>
Calling in Arron you set up a rendezvous to pick up the Rekesh commando. A Battleship shuttles them over to your command ship and from there one of the stealth LST's link up with the Nocturn. The plan is to deploy the drop pod team from low orbit. If the planetary shields are already up then they'll ready a few decoys to look like micrometeorites striking the shield.

You meanwhile continue the plan to perform minimalist raids against the surrounding systems as well as Threochts planet. That should allay suspicions and allow you to check to see if the ground team made it down okay.

How badly did you want to damage the orbital defenses of Threochts planet when you get around to it? As much damage as possible so you dont have to deal with it when you eventually invade? Or would you prefer to only do damage you know you can fix? It might be necessary to defend this place after you take it.

[ ] As much damage as possible
[ ] Shoot to disable
>>
>>3507556
>[ ] As much damage as possible
>>
>>3507556
>[ ] Shoot to disable

Trying to claim this world. Would be nice to keep its orbital facilities in tact. Especially if we're allowed to take them back home.
>>
>>3507556

[x] As much damage as possible

Blast the hell out of the smaller defenses, including those AM launchers.

Don't try to destroy the stations, but put them out of action for repairs.


allied units should conduct a few similar 'knock out repair yards' raids, as well to conceal our interest in this world.
>>
>>3507556
>[x] Shoot to disable
Don't want the Ugleans to scoop in and grab stuff or worse bombard the planet.
>>
>>3507556
>[ ] As much damage as possible
>>
>>3507556
> [ ] Shoot to disable
>>
>>3507578

Politically speaking, Ulgeans bombarding -any- world in this galaxy would probably benefit our efforts to contain their influence by driving most rebel groups into the FA's arms.
>>
>>3507556

If we do as >>3507570 anon suggests and destroy the defensive items. And disable the things like stations and yards. I'd be down for destroying as much as possible. So long as we watch those AM launchers.
>>
"As much damage as possible" is first to 3.

>>3507637
>So long as we watch those AM launchers.
Actually did you want to focus more on those and the medium platforms over the bigger station?
>>
Since making contact with the Rekesh rebels you've largely stayed away from larger strikes on their worlds. Carrying out anything more than minor raids has been left to them. With their preference for longer range weaponry you're starting to see why that's been a good thing.

"Looks like they were one of the client races building medium defense platforms for the Neeran."

"Probably not the only ones." says Maybourne. "We've seen Quattro gun setups like this on a few of the larger bases we've hit. They just happened to be attached to larger platforms, that's all."

"We've only seen these newer platforms around the bigger bases and the rekesh core worlds."
Though you'll admit at least the rebels provided you with accurate weapon range data and shield strength.

The larger ships in your fleet have to engage platforms from longer range than you'd like, doing less damage. Despite this your covering fire helps the attack wings engage the platforms from closer range. The AM missile platforms are a pain in the ass to engage, not really because of their damage output but because they have a tendency to shoot down an entire volley of torpedoes at once.

"Set the targeting computers to stagger the warheads and decoys so they cant hit all of them at once."

You're not sure if this is a better or worse way of warding off SP torpedo attacks than the Neeran fluidic shielding. If they found a way to combine the two it might seriously fuck with Alliance logistics. That or you'll be forced to use starfighters.

Despite the difficulties of adapting to the newer platforms you manage to cripple or destroy platforms around two other worlds before the attack on Threochts planet. A few attack cruisers that have taken a beating were forced to pull back for repairs. A couple corvettes were lost or crippled but the crews were recovered. Some will be needing radiation treatment for awhile.

At Threochts planet Mezan is confident enough about the range and damage that she brings in the mediums a bit closer for a quick run. Interceptor missile systems are kept busy shooting down AM warheads that get past the skirmishing line. Fortunately one of the other fleets salvaged some Neeran KKV's from a few Kraken class ships they downed. Those are certainly helping.

>Cont
>>
By the time you depart 6 of the medium platforms have been destroyed and close to half of the AM platforms are down. Two assault corvette squadrons wanting to prove how badass they were performed a high speed strafing run of the main platform, crippling most of the big guns. Both of the heavy cruisers under construction wont be going anywhere soon either.

With its shields collapsing a few of your battleships bombard the platform with heavy torpedoes. A good portion of the station a cratered mess by the time you jump out of the system.

You ask Tama how he thinks the starfighters would fare against the AM platforms.
"I think they would perform adequately, but I'm worried about the radiation levels they'd face from warhead detonations."

You were in a medbay for a couple days after your close encounter with a ground based planetary defense missile back in the day. Those used normal nukes, or maybe slightly more modern fusion warheads. Antimatter warheads by comparison are no joke.

"Communications? Did we get anything from the surface?"
"The team landed successfully sir. They're still procuring mission specific equipment, but they have made contact with local resistance cells."

They've been on the ground for 10 hours and they're still procuring equipment? Then again to be fair they are searching an entire planet without giving themselves away or alerting the Neeran to their target.

1) How long are you willing to give them?

2) Do you want to take out coms in the surrounding area just in case or just leave the subverted coms active?
2A) Take down long range coms
2B) Leave them subverted coms
>>
>>3507824
>1) How long are you willing to give them?
Give them until the reinforcements from the Alliance shows up. Or if it looks like a large Super task force comes baring in on this region.

2A) Take down long range coms
Want to delay any Neeran Super task force coming to this world. Also maybe start thinking about intercepting any courier services heading out.
>>
>>3507824

1) A week. Our special forces are dealing with a whole planet and they are professionals. If they need extraction I'm sure they know how to get word to us.

2A)

Pop the majority of the long range coms, but let a few subverted ones survive, preferably round-about ones that we control. Limit their bandwidth and possibly garble anything we can't crack?

This should look like our denial area expanding after a major, crippling raid, but we either missed a few or pulled out before we hunted them all down.
>>
>>3507824
supporting: >>3507838
>>
>>3507838
>>3507824
Supporting
>>
The surface team has a week to do what they can, no more. If anything their time limit will get shorter.

"Cut off that system's communication except for one or two routes that we can monitor. I want even those limited in terms of bandwidth if possible. Make it look like we missed a few com relays on our pass. The same goes for the previous colony we hit."

The Rekesh do what they can to accommodate, shutting down communications except for another colony that itself has limited connection to the rest. Everything remaining online around the nearest 5 colonies are being filtered by you or your allies.

As the clock counts down to the arrival of allies you send one of the cloaked battleships with a more powerful communications arrays outside the galaxy to make contact. A request is sent to Ren to see about disabling the sensor arrays along the southern approach or above the plane of the galaxy. Whichever is more convenient. The Merc chooses the upper arrays.

After they make contact and are given approach data they send a request for a rendezvous location. Apparently they want to top off their fuel supplies as soon as they arrive. Their admiral also wants to discuss mission objectives.

You return to the main fleet and work a good location to meet up with them. Gun managed to track down another Trayan mobile base to be loaned to the Rovinar. It was in bad shape but they grabbed it anyways. Repair crews will need a few days to bring it online.

>Cont.
>>
Taking Lyas and a heavy tanker you head for the Rendezvous. After making contact with a silent hunter the Rovinar fleet begins to jump in. One of the heavies has been upgraded with a pair of external equipment upgrade "roll bars" above and below the main hull, similar to those on the Terran Antares class. It looks like these have been fitted with repair facilities in addition to more weapons and shield generators.

The main guns on either ship have also seen some work. Secondary or perhaps supporting emitters have been placed around them.
"I hope those guns pack a punch because we're going to need it." comments Mezan.

The larger vessel contacts you, their commanding officer introducing themselves as Admiral Elerain. You're not sure if they're just old or recently injured because there are quite a few spots where their skin or scale tone doesn't match or appears more like vat grown tissue.

"General Reynard I'm sorry my fleet were the only ones who could respond. My unit is still under strength following recent fighting. I couldn't even bring my command ship as it's under repair for another week. I was able to secure additional stockpiles of SP torpedoes that your force can make use of. Intel didn't bother to inform me of your supply levels so I erred on the side of caution.

What's the current status of operations here?"

Do you inform the Admiral of your primary objective? Or will you keep quiet about it, focusing on the liberation mission? Perhaps something in between, simply mentioning that you have an additional target to secure you cant otherwise discuss?

[ ] Inform the Admiral, but the Admiral only
[ ] Keep the Admiral in the dark
[ ] You have an intel side mission but cant give details
>>
>>3508073

>[ ] You have an intel side mission but cant give details

Bring him up to speed on the situation here in this galaxy. On what we've been doing and what the Ulgean's and Neeran have been doing. While I appreciate having more units to back us up. We have compartmentalization for a reason, so if possible we talk to him face to face. And let him know we've an intel target inside this galaxy beyond the one heavily defended factory his unit is likely here to hit. And that we can't give more information than that, until the Alliance begins liberating the galaxy properly.

Or if another anon has a better way of saying "There is another priority target that is in the galaxy that we're trying to prevent the Neeran from getting wind of. And him and his fleets arrival are greatly appreciated."

Of course, if he's got the proper security clearance that we can somehow verify. Which I don't know how we would right now, then we let him know.
>>
>>3508073

Did we get a deal with the Rekesh for exclusive Dominion rights to the sphere signed?

Or was it just talk?


[x] Intel side mission but can't give details

Due to teams actively being in the field and the presence of rebels within our larger fleet, we are under extreme compartmentalization. Once all teams are recovered we can discuss it with the Admiral and the Admiral only.

For now, we bring the Admiral up to speed on the galaxy's situation. And thank them for coming.
>>
>>3508089
You guys wanted to prevent the Alliance from making any claim against any builder tech you found. Keeping the Admiral in the dark would be one way to help do it.

>>3508092
>Did we get a deal with the Rekesh for exclusive Dominion rights to the sphere signed?
Not yet. The Rekesh also wanted certain assurances of sovereignty. (They're also running short on leaders to ratify such a treaty.) So you requested a higher level diplomat from the Alliance. Fortunately they've now arrived with the Rovinar.
The Tech thing can be worked out as a quiet side deal which would include support from the Dominion when striking the final deal.
>>
>>3508073
> [ ] You have an intel side mission but cant give details

Goddamn Rovinar are almost as bad as the Terrans for spying. Can we imply that it's part of our deal with the Rekesh and that we won't take kindly to invasive intervention by the Rovinar, and that it could disrupt our plans to deal with the Ulgeans if it threatens our relationship with the rebels?

That way they think it's some sort of dirty political black op they'll want to stay out of instead of a sphere tech planet.

Or would it just be best to keep a look out for their spy drones?
>>
>>3508120
> The Tech thing can be worked out as a quiet side deal which would include support from the Dominion when striking the final deal.

Oh. We haven't done this yet.


Okay. Is the Alliance cool with this?

Can we bribe the Admiral with anything to make this look just like the Dominion is trying to just get Rekesh rebuilding contracts to profit from the sector?
>>
>>3508120

Wait, isn't the Alliance aware of our target in this region? I thought they were.

If they aren't then yeah do our best to keep him in the dark on it. And then do as suggested and strike a deal with the Rekesh that if they can keep quiet about any discovery on planet. We will give them additional support from the Dominion.

The less loot we can hand over to the Alliance the better.
>>
>>3508125
>Is the Alliance cool with this?
Would you like to tell them and find out?
>>
>>3508131

Oh hell no.

We're basically trying to screw the other Factions out of this new sphere builder world's tech access via underhanded diplomacy.
>>
>>3508130
>Wait, isn't the Alliance aware of our target in this region? I thought they were.
Ehh... parts of the Alliance are more than others.

Gaben Wilson with Alliance intel (who actually knows what's potentially at stake) would probably be more cool with this than others but he's not here yet. Even he would want the Alliance to have some oversight and a share of the find.
>>
>>3508134

Well until people who know what's at stake arrive. I firmly change my vote to keeping the good admiral in the dark on our target. And do our best to strike a deal with the Rekesh now that the Alliance are arriving. And as anon suggested make it look like we're scalping future business and loyalty to the Dominion with the Rekesh. So that only those in the know know what's really going on.
>>
Since we're in orbit of the target, can we take some scans? Locate any oddities?

Maybe it's worth dropping our own separate commando teams with a recon and information gathering mandate. Give them enough materials to set up hidden/underground FOBs and get the lay of the land.

The faster we can get control of whatever this facility is the better. I'm hoping it's a massive manufacturing sphere personally, they had to make the Dyson Sphere somehow, right?
>>
>>3508122
>>3508073
Changing to

> [ ] Keep the Admiral in the dark

Until we can get an exclusive deal with the Rekesh.

Point out that if the Rekesh join the Alliance, they'll have to share their sphere tech for whatever the Alliance is willing to give them.

But the Dominion is willing to give them a ton of support in exchange for exclusivity.

Even if worst comes to worst for them and the Dominion decides the sphere tech isn't worth it, we still want their shipbuilding tech anyways. Sonia alone could drive industry in their likely sized nation post-revooution if she wanted to.
>>
>>3508159
>Since we're in orbit of the target
You were in orbit. You left after trashing a good chunk of the orbital defenses. Versa did take scans, but the planetary shields went up when the attack started so they're not as useful as the ones the Nocturn took.

>Locate any oddities?
Mostly just the previously reported ones regarding a spherical sensor shadow within the planet. There were a few odd returns from the ruin sites the Rekesh provided the locations of.

You'd need powerful active scans while the planetary shields are down for more accurate readings.
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>>3508073
>[x] You have an intel side mission but cant give details
They're an ally, so they deserve some honesty.
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>>3508073
>[ ] Inform the Admiral, but the Admiral only
>>
>>3508073
>[ ] Inform the Admiral, but the Admiral only
>>
>>3508073
>[ ] You have an intel side mission but cant give details
Keep this under wraps. This is a Dominion secret we have kept just so we can maximize any gain the Dominion gets from it. If we dont we risk the FA stealing it from out under us. Which they totalt would. No, we should take this with the Rekesh instead and work out a deal with them for post liberation.
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You explain that officially your fleets are here to assist with the liberation of this galaxy. However your unit does have an intelligence side mission that you can't go into details over.

"That makes sense." Elerain admits. "I did as much research as I could on this galaxy before departure. Some data was outside my clearance but what I did see was that your Emperor pulled strings to delay a certain intelligence unit from deploying here. Whatever the reason it's sparked the Krath's curiosity. They'll be sending a unit of their own here to investigate before long."
The Admiral holds up a hand to forestall comment.
"Before you ask I dont know when or how large."

More attention being brought to your "secret" mission. Great, that's just what you needed

"Tell me about your fleet." you ask.
"I have 470 warships plus support craft under my command. We are a fighting unit, not one that skulks around. I do have cloaked ships but the majority of my attack forces are newer Balaur class Attack Frigates. Their systems are geared towards all out fighting capability, not stealth."

Frigate might be a bot of a stretch for the newer Balaurs given that the Silent Hunters were already pushing it. They're more on par with an attack cruiser in terms of firepower. If these numbers are right they have the mobility profile of an assault corvette.
As with most high end Rovinar designs they're probably not cheap to produce. Hence why their larger Alliance fleet contributions are using license built assault corvettes.

As refueling gets underway the Admiral wishes to know your plan of attack. Were you planning to tackle some of the enemy Supers in the region now that you have a bit more firepower on your side? Take on some larger bases? Or would you prefer to keep undermining enemy control until the Ulgean arrive or the enemy withdraw?

Speaking of which the two super carrier groups in the south have moved to another enemy strong point closer to the edge of the galaxy. It wouldnt be difficult for them to leave the galaxy entirely from there.
In the north the Scan Scorcher and team are beginning to move back in the direction of the NM2. Hera is deploying a few small minefields to slow their progress. More an annoyance than an actual threat.

>What targets did you want to go after with the help of your Rovinar allies?
>>
Not going to be on very long today.
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>>3509072
Phew, at lest we didn't completely blow everything. But we do REALLY need to get into negotiations with the Rekesh for the post liberation. Before the FA can start talking with them about how THEY want things to go.

None the less.

>What targets did you want to go after with the help of your Rovinar allies?
I would like for them focus on the southern LR sensor coverage, where I assume the ACS groups will enter from. We help thin that out the enemy will either be forced to redirect forces down there to guard them better against them. Meaning they open up even more holes in the lines than they have before for us to exploit. Or they abandon that part entirely. Giving the ACR groups a clear line of approach once they get and can help us with the heavy lifting.

Secondly they should further work on subverting out taking out the coms in the southern parts and generally being a menace down there. We've already done massive good work there and and we will probably soon be able to take over planets themselves.

On the other hand I really want to take out a Super at this point but I also want the Neerans to use those against the Ulgean. Time to starts blitzing them in any case.
>>
>>3509072

Does the Admiral feel comfortable launching an attack to cripple/destroy the enemy Scorcher while it is unsupported by another Super?

Potentially with just Forbearance to keep our second Super as an ace in sleeve?

That will hopefully force them to pull another SHC to assist/cover repairs, which would hopefully give us a chance to ambush a second lone SHC for crippling.

Or weaken important garrisons that we can blow up.
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>>3509072
First take out the sensors super
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>>3509072

>Plans

Lets get something together to intercept that sensor Scorcher, to either cripple or destroy.

And afterwards, to raid those two SHC's and do as much damage to them and their escort as possible. Depending on how our fleets look after we hit the Sensor Scorcher.
>>
>>3509072
I have to agree with the other anons, the scorcher with the sensor array seems like a good target to take out before the main fleets arrive.
How many more days until the minimum and maximum eta for the FA supers?
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>>3509072

Did we have enough support to invite or call in those SRL supers we saved?
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>>3509072
>In the north the Scan Scorcher and team are beginning to move back in the direction of the NM2.

Do we have enough troops to attack the Scorcher, pull in their reinforcements, and then hit their reinforcements with the Rovinar?

Because if we can give a big one-two like that, then we can work on undermining enemy control again.

And we can just wait for someone to make a move on the Fleet Base and then snap it up after the fighters have exhausted themselves and one side is about to lose.
>>
>>3509098
>we do REALLY need to get into negotiations with the Rekesh for the post liberation
Yes that is next on the agenda. I made sure to mark it down.

>southern LR sensor coverage, where I assume the ACS groups will enter from.
Most likely approach, yes.

>Take out a super vs leaving them for the Ulgean to fight.
It is a dilemma. The faster the Ulgean roll the primary Neeran defenses the less time you're going to have to liberate planets.

>>3509106
>Does the Admiral feel comfortable launching an attack to cripple/destroy the enemy Scorcher while it is unsupported by another Super?
Absolutely, though they'd prefer to have some backup, both to minimize losses and so that the Rovinar can split off some of their units. They'd like to not have everything in one group.

Currently it looks like all of the enemy Supers have started to double up. The two carrier groups that started off solo in Rekesh space are together in the south. The scan scorcher is itself continuing to operate as escort for a Super Carrier. As they've been assisting evacuation efforts that carrier probably wont want to hang around in a fight.

>>3509139
>How many more days until the minimum and maximum eta for the FA supers?
It is currently day 34.
(Special forces deadline day 40)
Alliance best case arrival time: day 41
Worst case arrival time: day 47

>>3509161
>Did we have enough support to invite or call in those SRL supers we saved?
That fleet would almost certainly be up for returning the favour. (They might not even charge you much!)
If you mean player support for it I haven't seen much.

>>3509172
As long as they dont send an actual proper battle fleet at you it could be done. The second they start showing up with Executioners and organized support not too many will be willing to hang around.

Looks like everyone is set on taking out that scan scorcher. Aside from the Rovinar who will be contributing? Presumably Sonia and Mezan will be there.

>Select all that apply:
[ ] Forbearance
[ ] Sovereign
[ ] Hera
[ ] Phas
[ ] Lyas
[ ] Dominion Knights
[ ] Gun & Rebels
[ ] Rekesh
[ ] False flag rebels (Active participant)
[ ] False flag rebels (Intelligence support)
>>
>>3509261

>SRL Backup?
I'd rather not invite more units into our galaxy and be forced to compete with more units for our prize. But if the Ulgeans will be moving in soon. Having the SRL bringing their guns to bear will help out a ton.

I'd be on board for asking them to come pay us back for getting their asses out of the fire. If other anons are as well.

Scorcher Mission Units
>[ ] Forbearance
>[ ] Hera
>[ ] Gun & Rebels
>[ ] Rekesh

A good chance to give the Admiral and his crews a chance to work with our allies. And so we can also use this as an opportunity to observe their units tactics and the full capabilities of his units in combat.
>>
>>3509261

[x] Forbearance
[x] Hera
[x] Phas
[x] Dominion Knights
[x] Gun & Rebels
[x] Rekesh
[x] False flag rebels (intelligence support)

The purpose of this strike is to disable/destroy the enemy ASAP and withdraw while preserving our fleet strength.

If we can have a low TTK on the enemy force without deploying the full strength of all the forces, all the better as the remainder can conduct distraction raids to draw away response units.
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>>3509261
>[ ] Forbearance
>[ ] Phas
>[ ] Lyas
>[ ] Dominion Knights
>[ ] False flag rebels (Intelligence support)
I don't think we should have the Rekesh show up alongside our main fleet.
>>
>>3509261
>[ ] Sovereign
>[ ] Dominion Knights
>[ ] Rekesh
>[ ] False flag rebels (Intelligence support)
>>
>>3509261
>[ ] Forbearance
>[ ] Sovereign
>[ ] Gun & Rebels
>[ ] Rekesh
>[ ] Hera
>>
>>3509261
>As they've been assisting evacuation efforts that carrier probably wont want to hang around in a fight.
Do we have to offer them a chance to surrender or something similar under FA laws because they're most likely transporting large amounts of civvies?
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>>3509367
>>3509261
Actually change Rekesh to Dominion Knights.

Heavily Dominion representing.
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>>3509371
No you dont have to ask. The Neeran haven't exactly been forgiving with civilian population centers on your side. You will have to respect any ships that surrender though.
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>>3509371

A military ship (SHC) should be a valid war target regardless of what it carries, unless it is unarmed and bears protected markings (red cross for medical ships). If it was a civilian ship, it could be a valid war target if it was armed or carried war material to a belligerent power.

>>3509312
I can support not using the Rekesh. Both in the hope that their worlds don't get bombarded in retaliation and for maximum Factions/Dominion show of power.
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>>3509380
Aren't we trying to win over the locals, though?

Could be a good show to be willing to let civvies go.
>>
>>3509398
These are Neeran loyalists, if they even bothered to evac the population vs taking all the war material they could.
>>
Forbearance, Hera, the Dominion Knights, the Rekesh will be asked to assist and the false flag unit will provide intelligence support.

Baron Xedols, Phas and Gun will begin preparations should they need to be called in to bail out the fleet. Lyas will cover raiding work elsewhere so that the enemy doesn't get the idea you've pulled back Hera and the Knights.

Hera is requesting the Outer Heaven, the AM Helios and the minelayers. She has a good idea where the fleet will go when they've finished their next evac op. At present they've stopped at another stronghold colony and will be the better part of a day finishing up there. That gives you plenty of time to get into position.

Did you want to make use of the gravity well generator, or give them an opening to escape through so they dont turn and fight?
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>>3509483
>Did you want to make use of the gravity well generator, or give them an opening to escape through so they dont turn and fight?
Don't use the generator. As long as we destroy the scorcher every damaged ship that escapes will strain enemy logistics and block their repair capacities. Especially that super heavy carrier will be a huge drain if we manage to let it escape barely functional.
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>>3509489

Seconding this.


>>3509483

And give Hera the requested ships.
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>>3509483
I am with >>3509489 anon on their idea. And loaning ships.
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Estimated enemy force strength. Lead group will most likely be the Super Carrier so that the Scorcher can cover a retreat. It's unknown how many corvette the Supers and the two heavy carriers have aboard due to the presence of HLV's used to evacuate ground side cargo.

Enemy Medium cruisers are mostly Shoal types. Outer groups have fast mediums and mixed attack wings.
Note: Medium Cruiser markers have been changed to 1x medium instead of 2x.

The Rekesh are unwilling to use both of their heavy cruisers in the same battle. They've brought about half their forces.

Make your plans. I will post briefly probably around midnight.
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>>3509652

So first plan, we either put the minefield in spot A and give the Foreberance and Ni Ahni cover from oncoming enemies. Or we put it in position B and let it soften up the Neeran forces that have to go through it. Personally I would put it in spot A, so to give both the Foreberance and Ni Ahni cover. As the rest of us pretty much go forward. Our primary target is the Sensor Scorcher. DK and Hera pretty much are to burn hard and fast to get in and grab the Sensor Scorcher groups attention and slow if not stop them in place. Creating holes in their formation for Ni Ahni and Forbearance to take shots at the Sensor Scorcher. While we head towards them from the front. Getting their attention and forcing them to split between either us or Dk and Hera. The Admiral will deploy closest to the SHC’s group. Engaging their right flank and convincing them to bugger off rather then stay and fight. With the Admiral letting those who choose to flee, to leave. And those that stay and fight are crippled or destroyed. As his primary goal is to damage the SHC and encourage it and its escort to flee the area quickly rather than linger and try to take on the Forbearance or Ni Ahni.

I’m relying on the SHC having orders that its survivability takes precedence over the Scorchers. And if we can spook its commander to leave, by it either taking to much damage or its escort taking to much damage. We can take the Scorcher apart.
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>>3509791
flip as necessary to focus on hitting the super scorcher, but we should use the minefield to split their forces if possible and then use the bulk of our forces to drive them into a pincer attack focused on the scorcher unit.
>>
>>3509911
>>3509652
Forgot to mention that the Forbearance is placed there so the mediums and carrier can screen from the second group striking around the minefield and trying to reverse pincer our forces.
>>
>>3509914
>>3509911

Overall the goal is to prevent them using their usual tactic of screening heavier ship losses with their corvette/mediums.
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>>3509652

So my plan is to drop the minefield roughly where we expect the gap between their fleet groups to be, but angle it slightly to match the angle of their fleet (paint only does 90 degree turns)

Primary goal of the minefield is to arrest forward movement of the trailing group, preventing them from quickly jumping and putting full rear shields. If they jump forward/back, part of the fleet hopefully reverts in the minefield and is instagibbed or crippled.

Our fleet attacks from the rear in a rough crescent, denying the enemy their forward fire arcs until they are able to turn and hopefully allowing our initial volleys to inflict crippling damage on the engines to cripple the enemy's ability to come about and face us effectively. Out-of-control ships may cause additional damage to their allies or disrupt formations as bonus points.

The Eclipse with Versa/Sonia shelters within the Forbearance fleet, and our general envelopment hopefully means the trailing group and super are torn to shreds in a crossfire.

Ni Ahni's force positions to support the DK flank from long range, acting as a skirmishing force.

If we overwhelm the trailing group quickly, we can make to pursue the SHC for a short while, but I consider this an assassination mission against the Scorcher.
>>
Apologies for not properly indicating the direction of the enemy convoy's movement.

As most player made plans call for attacking from the flank I put the fleets there as a starting point. Also I turned the enemy super heavy cruisers to point towards the side of the image so I figured that plus their formation would be enough of a giveaway.

Working up diagrams for the suggested plans.

>>3510011
>drop the minefield roughly where we expect the gap between their fleet groups to be
That will be difficult to pull off with certainty, but not impossible.
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>>3509791
Plans A and B

>>3509911
Plan C

>>3510011
Plan D

I hope I've done C and D right.
Admiral Elerain refuses to split up her heavy cruisers where they cant support each other so Sonia and one of the Rovinar units have traded places in C. Some interesting ideas for the minefields if I've read them right.
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>>3510365
>C

I like how it splits them into two groups and forced them to break formation or risk the mines
>>
>>3510365
I'm sticking with C

That's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Bonus, we have all the fastest of ships so with Sonia's fleet on the "edge" as it were they can still whip a shitty around the end of the mine field to hit targets of opportunity that are trying to withdraw.
>>
>>3510365
I think C should work nicely although I'd prefer if we could shift the mines a bit up or down on the map so these three civilian ships don't jump directly into them.
I'm personally not a big fan of the plans that put Forbearance in front of the Scorcher unless the scan array prevents it from firing the main gun.
>>
>>3510365
>D but rotate the minefield ~100° clockwise
>>
Going to be busy today and tomorrow morning. Probably resume tomorrow afternoon.
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>>3510603
I mean, the Forebearance has a lot of mediums around it too.

The big reason I put it there was it's a nice blob of firepower to prevent the two groups from regrouping at the edge of the minefield.

Besides, why bring it if we aren't willing to use it.

As for the Civvie ships, they ARE still mediums. Unlikely that a minefield alone will destroy them.

If they're really worried about the mines, they can always surrender too.
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>>3510940
>Besides, why bring it if we aren't willing to use it.
I meant the actual positioning for that ship in plans A and B where Forbearance is placed directly in front of the Scorcher's giant death beam. C and D at least force that ship to turn if it wants to bring its main gun to bear on any of our larger targets.
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>>3511137
Convoy movement is headed away from the Forbearance group though?
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>>3511137
>>3511141
Wait I thought you were originally talking about plan C.

Plan C is best plan I feel.
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>>3511156
>Wait I thought you were originally talking about plan C.
I was. Should have probably added another blank line between the two sentences because the second sentence refers to plans A and B.

>>3510365
Are all our Monitor class ships equipped with plasma cannons or did we bring one with a planetary shield generator setup like the SRL fleet used?
Also, would the scorcher be considered an adequate target for a veckron torpedo strike if we can't gun it down with regular weapons quickly enough?
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>>3513666
Honestly if we could pull it off, I'd say it would be worth a V-torp to take out the scorcher right away and then then take down the Heavy Carrier and whatnot.

There's no such thing as a weapon of last resort, they should always be used to maximum effect.

Personally I don't think it's worth the V-torp here. They're all sorts of expensive to use, directly and even moreso indirectly.

Not worth the risk of it only saving us some time.

We could charge it up to spook them when the Heavy Cruiser starts to pull away to toss them into a disorderly retreat as the current effective defense against a V-torp is to sacrifice ships to block it though, and then just power it down.

Should make them think twice about our capabilities, especially since the size of our forces and the timing of revealing them should be an unpleasant confirmation of their more negative projections for the stability of the sector.
>>
I'm back btw, I'm just having trouble getting rolling is all.
>>
test post
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>>3510940
>As for the Civvie ships, they ARE still mediums.
I've previously stated (though not recently) that the civilian ship marker indicated groups of civilian ships. It's easier than putting a few hundred dots on the map.

>>3513666
>Are all our Monitor class ships equipped with plasma cannons or did we bring one with a planetary shield generator setup like the SRL fleet used?
2 of them had some of their torpedo batteries swapped out for additional shield generators awhile ago. All the monitors have been upgraded from the base design to include additional armor, weapons and shielding to improve their survivability. They all still have their main guns.

The SRL guys went a step further with theirs, replacing the main guns with shield platforms. Yours may not have as much additional shielding but they're still much better than they used to be.

>Also, would the scorcher be considered an adequate target for a veckron torpedo strike if we can't gun it down with regular weapons quickly enough?
It might be if not for the fact that you're going to be using antimatter mines. It would be good to coordinate your forces to not be carrying AM afterburner fuel pods or AM warheads into a fight if you expect V-Torps to be lobbed about.

>>3510482
>>3510496
>>3510603
>>3510659
>>3511156
It looks like there have been no additional plan suggestions, merely minor tweaks to the existing ones.
Plan C selected.

>Cont.
>>
Your allies and related units are called in and given their assignments. Hera will use scouts to watch for enemy fleet movements and then set up the minefield at an appropriate location. When they do begin to move you'll have very little time to get into position.

Also of importance is making sure you're not detected. If they enemy see a fleet lead by a super heavy on the way they'll call for reinforcements, delay their departure or both. Elerain requests any data your fleet has on enemy positions and patrol routes, offering to let their cloaked ships clear the way for the fleet. You're not about to turn them down.

While the Rovinar fleet may be a "fighting unit" their battleships are always equipped with cloaking shields. This gives them a much larger number of cloaked vessels to draw on for use as a picket force. Combined with the squadron sized force of silent hunters acting as scouts the Rovinar do a good job of clearing a path for the fleet's advance.

By the end of the day Forbearance and its escort have arrived about half way between the enemy fleet base and the outer colonies being evacuated. By now Hera has her minelayers and reinforcements while Lyas has taken over raiding duties.

Now it's just a matter of waiting for the right time and place to intercept. When word comes in that the Scan Scorcher and their fleet are on the move once again it's quickly relayed to Hera.
"They're not moving the direction I expected them to. I'm sending intercept coordinates."

"Do you have enough time to deploy the minefield?" you ask.

"Yes, they're moving slow because of the civilian ships but it could still be close. You should move the main fleet immediately."

You quickly scramble to head for the new intercept point.

https://youtu.be/VoEc2vY4_ks?t=39

Roll 3d100 for mine placement
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Rolled 72, 48, 33 = 153 (3d100)

>>3517487
>Roll 3d100 for mine placement
Rolling to do our best.
>>
Rolled 50, 92, 2 = 144 (3d100)

>>3517487

Come on presumably Space Combat Engineers.
>>
Rolled 29, 10, 73 = 112 (3d100)

>>3517487
Oh boy
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Hera manages to get the mines placed before you or the enemy fleet arrives. You dont have a chance to see the deployment just yet as Versa warns you to halt all movement due to the presence of enemy ships entering sensor range. They'll be able to detect Forbearance and the heavy cruisers if you jump to the ambush point now.
Fortunately you're able to get set up for another jump that should bring everyone to the minefield in a matter of seconds. Hera sends coordinate data to make sure everyone arrives a safe distance away.

"Have jamming craft come in behind them so it looks like they're being pursued, or that we're attacking the colony they just left. We dont want them thinking we're in front of them yet."

Long range sensors track what may be an enemy scouting force jumping ahead of the convoy but it doesn't look like they're able to get a signal off. Hera must have either taken care of them or they jumped into the minefield.

Watching sensors you have the fleet throttle up and prepare to jump. If Hera isn't able to get a signal off because of jamming you'll have to make your own judgement on timing. This turns out to have been a prudent decision as you lose coms with her group just before the enemy main fleet makes their jump.

You have Versa check the approach angles then give the word.
"Signal the other units, we're jumping in ten seconds."

A short jump later you snap back into real space right where you're supposed to be. Ahead you can see mines and ships detonating. The minefield isn't quite deployed how you'd planned. In their rush they must have accidentally dropped it in a more concave shape. Fortunately that hasn't stopped it from doing its job. 3 Medium cruisers are down and hundreds of transport craft and warships are scattering in every direction.

>Cont.
>>
All friendly ships open fire, throwing out cannon fire towards their nearest enemies. Forbearance and the heavies begin targeting the enemy super with their main guns. Watching the Rovinar ships you see them fire four power e-beam weapons mounted around the main gun before the siege cannon itself fires. Striking the Scorchers shield you catch a flash of light between the main beam strike and the four surrounding ones. That entire section of the shield erupts outwards leaving a great crater behind.

Though the shield immediately begins to fill in it will take some time for the defenses to fully recover. Especially with the sustained barrage from Forbearance and the other Rovinar Heavy. Even light siege cannon fire from the Rekesh unit manages to score some hits on the big ship.

Despite the risks you're making use of Versa's command system, and its a good thing too. There are plenty of minor problems that together could add up into a larger one. On the other side of the minefield the super carrier is accelerating, probably getting ready to jump out. Despite this it has begun launching corvette units with IFF's tagged by intel as elites. Fortunately their fleet is too busy dealing with internal panic for those corvettes to quickly enter the fray.

Hera is bogged down fighting a similar sized attack force to the rear. They're quickly cutting through the enemy but it's keeping them from assisting Forbearance with their assault corvettes. The starfighters have begun a charge to take up the slack.

There are also other small attack units each with a fast medium scattered about. Some are trying to get around the minefield or may be planning to get in the way of your run at the Scorcher.

Did you want to divert units to assist with any of these problems?
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>>3517779
>Despite this it has begun launching corvette units with IFF's tagged by intel as elites.
Have he Helios jump back in once the SH carrier has left the area and start throwing AM torps at these corvette groups.

>Hera is bogged down fighting a similar sized attack force to the rear.
Have half of Forbearance's medium escort open fire at the medium and other large ships currently engaging Hera's unit and see if the Rovinar admiral is willing to send one of his BB groups to support them.

>There are also other small attack units each with a fast medium scattered about.
Split off the two Sledges and a strike wing to deal with the fast units on the left flank. Sonia's ship engage the one in front of them, same goes for the Dominion Knights.

>Other
Have Ni Ahni form up with the Rovinar fleet and coordinate their long range fire.
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>>3517779
Okay, this is chaos. I love it

Have part of Sonias force move up to the closest enemy fast unit and take it out quickly before moving to the one that seems to be heading towards the AM Medium. The other part of Sonias force should look at setting up fire support for Drake, Ni Ahni and Elerain. But with a focus of guarding the left flank

The AM Medium should micro away to Drake for added security where we could have it lob a few AM torpedoes into the enemy formation to completely break their formation. The lost salvage will be worth it if the enemy routs and we take out that Super.

Drake, Ni Ahni and Elerain should advance on the enemy force and lay down heavy fire on them from their side while the Forbearance hammers the shit out of that Super.

As we got plenty of long range units with the Forbearance we can direct some Medium fire to help Hera out. Not that she needs it but it will speed up her own task and she can then join the real fight and help support the Forbearance advance.

I assume we are able to collapse the minefield into the upper enemy unit at will?
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>>3517893
>Drake
I'm assuming the Dominion Knights since Drake is a Baron off doing her own thing and doesn't take orders from you anymore.

>I assume we are able to collapse the minefield into the upper enemy unit at will?
The mines dont move very fast over longer distances. They're better at a short range sprint. You can send them drifting as a group in one direction or another.

Kraken anti torpedo ships with the Carrier group are expending a lot of their munitions killing mines. The Scorcher group is just trying to keep away, hoping to save their interceptor missiles for your incoming torpedo volley.

Both of the suggested plans are close enough in my opinion.

Roll 3d20 for your starfighter groups since we rarely seem to use them.
>>
Rolled 18, 5, 12 = 35 (3d20)

>>3517935

TOPGUN time.

Come on barrel roll luck...
>>
Rolled 15, 12, 9 = 36 (3d20)

>>3517935
>>
Rolled 8, 5, 1 = 14 (3d20)

>>3517935
>'m assuming the Dominion Knights
... Yes, I had a brain fart and read DK as Drake.

>The mines dont move very fast over longer distances
Just figured that we could do what we did during the first major battle of DRH 2 when we collapsed the minefield into the enemy force.

Also go go Starfighters!
>>
Rolled 14, 14, 19 = 47 (3d20)

>>3517935
>Roll 3d20
Dice!

>your starfighter groups since we rarely seem to use them
It's hard to keep track of them. I think even the Eclipse medium cruiser can have a hundred or so but we never use them. I think Sonia has just given up and handed command of them over to somebody who knows their way around these things.
>>
>>3517960
>It's hard to keep track of them.
And I always forget about them because we never use them.
It's a vicious cycle.
>>
OH BOY IS IT TIME TO FINALLY DEPLOY THE FIRE DRAKES?
>>
>>3518152
>>3517935
I support releasing our Fire Drakes.

We can use them to counter the enemy elite since they won't be prepared to handle them. Their experience will ne less relevant.
>>
>>3518152
Oh god yes. Let's see how the Neeran enjoy our latest addition!
>>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3l4sifNTr8

"Someone tell the Rekesh to get into the fight please." you have Versa relay to Maybourne.

Next you order the Sledge mediums in your group to break off and engage enemies on the flank. Most of an assault corvette wing are sent to assist. Mezan has her Eclipse unit kill the nearest enemy medium then turn towards the Scorcher fleet, burning hard.

On the right flank you direct some of the medium cruisers guarding Forbearance to give supporting fire to Hera. This helps to put down the medium and battleships that were tangling with her heavier assets finally giving them a chance to focus on the attack cruisers. In short order they've put down most resistance and the corvette carriers jump out.

On both sides of the minefield the enemy formations are in chaos. Civilian ships are scattering in panic and getting in the way. The Super Carrier's attempt to launch corvettes to join the battle appear to have only made the situation there worse. There are too many ships in too small of an area.

A similar situation is unfolding around the Scorcher as both it and the escorting heavies launch corvettes. In this case it isn't as severe and has the added benefit of blocking fire that would have hit the Super. Never the less a group of transports and civilian ships caught between the Scorchers and Forbearance are cut to pieces by fire from both fleets.

Your Starfighters have closed to torpedo range with the enemy fleet and add their own warheads to the mix. Most of them launch a combined volley to saturate anti-missile systems, but others hold off firing some of their warheads until they get closer. A sizeable chuck of the enemy fleet goes up in flames including one of the heavy cruisers.

>Cont.
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That actually seems to have helped the enemy in some cases, clearing the way for the elite units to break out and engage the oncoming corvette and attack wings. In an even fight they might have stood a chance against your veterans but by this point it's becoming anything but even. Backed up by the closing medium cruisers and the remaining starfighters they're finding themselves in local engagements with a nearly 3:2 advantage in your favour.

Forbearance and her escort are still tearing into enemies at the rear of the formation. Hera is closing as quickly as possible, expending any remaining afterburner fuel stores to reach the fight.

Rovinar attack ships tear through their opposition with startling ease, intentionally targeting elites despite the damage they take in return. They soon get a helping hand when Hera's starfighters arrive and all but cripple a heavy cruiser that was moving to engage the Rovinar Mediums.

Versa highlights a number of enemies towards the right side of the minefield that are showing signs of a potential rout. Some units that had been rushing in to assist have turned back and are fleeing. Some of your starfighters are hanging around that end of the minefield and harassing anything that might be headed for the battle.

Despite still being disorganized most of the fleet around the carrier are running up for a jump to FTL.

"Alert. Scorcher is deploying array." Versa warns.

That you fully expected that to happen eventually. Despite performing a roll to bring new shields to bear they're still taking a beating from Forbearance and the Heavies. The bow of the Scorcher splits open, but stops and locks in place after only creating a gap the size of a medium cruiser. They're also maneuvering to bring her bow to bear on your Eclipses.

>Orders to your heavy assets?
[ ] Keep shooting its engines, we can dodge
[ ] Priority target her siege array
>>
>>3518359

[x] Keep shooting its engines, we can dodge

between Versa and ye olde TAP system, we should be able to stay out of the scorcher's direct line of fire, and not have to pound down the forward shield sections as well.

And once the engines are disabled it will have an even harder time using the main weapon.
That said, this is why you don't attack a scorcher from the front.
>>
>>3518359
>[ ] Priority target her siege array
A scorcher without a functional main gun array is just a huge upgunned tanker.

Also, make sure the unit with the two Sledges on the left flank disengages or at least conducts a fighting retread towards the rest of our fleet. If the enemies on that flank are too fast to do that, send some reinforcements before they get overwhelmed.
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>>3518359
>[ ] Keep shooting its engines, we can dodge

Shoot the engines and make sure our units start getting out of its line of fire.
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>>3518359
[ ] Keep shooting its engines, we can dodge
Just focus what we've already damaged.

Maybe that Mixed unit that is close by could make a SP run on the Array?
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>>3518359
>[ ] Keep shooting its engines, we can dodge

I'm greedy.
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>>3518359
How is that left flank holding up? The seem to be pressured and taking damage, do they think the can stall them or should we send our Fire Drakes over to help them and take out those elite squadrons?
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>>3518359
Seems like we're going for the engines. Make sure people are aware of the scorcher's gun right now, so they can take early steps to prevent a hit. If they can't avoid the front of the super for some reason, have them micro jump out. We're not in 2d space like the maps tends to make you think.
>>
"Reynard to all heavy fleet assets, keep shooting that Scorchers engines. The rest of us can dodge."

Next you order Mezan to break the formation and maneuver hard to stay out of line of fire. The same is sent to the Sledge mediums. With more enemy ships bearing down on them they report that they're conducting a fighting retreat.

Apparently noting that many of the enemies on that side of the field are jumping or preparing to do so Maybourne suggests scattering that end of the field to damage enemies there.
"Might as well do the same for the mines on the opposite side. See if we can catch a few more ships before they run."

Drifting mines from the end catch a Shoal medium by surprise and a few battleships guarding the carrier. By now most enemies are accelerating away from the field more quickly than they can catch.

With only a few seconds having passed you turn your attention back to the Scorcher. Attack wings are closing on it quickly, but being careful to stay out of the firing line of the big guns. Cannon hits continue to crater the shield and are followed up by SP torpedo attacks. Two shots from Forbearances aft guns punch through a hole and gouge out two fissures in the drive section. Its only one eighth of the engines but it's a start.

A plasma shot emerges from the bow of the Scorcher, twisted slightly by the emitters in the partially open arrays.
"Emergency disconnect." announces Versa.
Then you snap awake in your command chair just before a heavy hit impacts the aft shields. The aft sections light up with damage reports but they look minor. All the aft shields are completely overloaded though and need to be shut down.
Mezan has the helmsman maneuver hard, turning towards the Scorcher to bring the forward shields to bear. A barrage of phased plasma cannon fire hammers the defenses, collapsing the main shield. The secondaries kick in before anything gets through.

"The enemy have traced our command broadcasts." Versa informs you.

"No, really?!" is Mezan's sarcastic remark from forward.

It's a case of too little too late. Some starfighters and a mixed wing swing up from below. It's enough to keep the turrets on the Scorcher too occupied to continue targeting your command ship. The next volley from Forbearance lands 3 good shots. By now Hera and her people are beginning to pummel the ship as well.

>Cont.
>>
The next time the heavies shoot the blast unleashes a cascade of secondary explosions. As with some other Neeran Supers you've seen this one detaches its drive section to prevent the inferno from spreading to the mid ship.

"Partial shield failure on the Scorcher." reports sensors.

A few of Hera's assault corvettes dive in past the erupting drive section and into the gap. They disappear off sensors and IFF as they enter the structure of the vessel. Less than a minute later they emerge, additional explosions venting plasma from either end of the remaining Scorcher hull.

Versa reports that the corvettes have destroyed the Scorcher's wormhole generator and control systems for the array weapon. The command and control center may have also been destroyed provided it didn't teleport out.

"All remaining enemy units are in full retreat." says Maybourne.

The Super Carrier has jumped and any remaining transports and Mediums are only staying long enough to pick up corvettes.

"Do you want us to pursue?" asks Tama.

Most of the fleet will need repairs or at least a reload, but there are probably some ships that are still good to continue fighting. In addition not all enemies fled with their carrier. Some transports scattered, jumping out as quickly as they could in any direction.

Did you want to task some of your undamaged forces to keep the pressure on? Or would you rather focus everything on protecting recovery and salvage operations?
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>>3518894
>Did you want to task some of your undamaged forces to keep the pressure on?
Form undamaged units into a raiding party to harass enemy remnants.
>>
>>3518894

>Orders?

If we've got some undamaged units. That can group up quick enough. I say, have them go out and harass the retreating Neeran. Causing damage and such. No destroy, no risking their lives, just harass until the retreating forces reach a point that puts them within reach of Neeran reinforcements. Preferably they go after units that did not jump with the Super Carrier.

Rest of the units here will conduct salvage operations as well as rescue and recovery operations. I'd like to salvage the Scorcher. But I am pretty sure that is a no go. So lets stick some super powerful bombs on the thing and blow it to hell and back. Maybe see what happens when you overcharge its array while damaged? See if that makes a pretty explosion.
>>
>>3518894
>Did you want to task some of your undamaged forces to keep the pressure on?
I would prefer to have some of the lighter assets keep going after targets of opportunity before the enemy can group up. The Rovinar Belaur units and battleships are probably most suited for this. Have our three BB units back them up, they seem undamaged.

If we could also get one of our more experienced unit to babysit the three Rekesh frigate squadrons and have them go after a couple transports or an easy target I'd appreciate it. These guys obviously lack the experience to be of much use in an engagement like this and we have to start with them somewhere if we intend to fix that.

Everybody else focuses on recovery and salvage.
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>>3518894
> Or would you rather focus everything on protecting recovery and salvage operations?

Broadcast that the Rekesh are first going to provide emergency aid to any stranded civilian ships. Time for some Hearts & Minds operations.

We can then make it clear that any refugees traveling with military forces will be treated as soft targets, but that we won't target them intentionally.

While the Rekesh do that, we can salvage.
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>>3518963
>the Rekesh are first going to provide emergency aid to any stranded civilian ships.
This fine with everyone else?
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>>3519029

If they're going to be providing a lasting presence here. While propped up by the Alliance. Might be best to let them take the charge and building a good rep.
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>>3519029

These ships evacuated NEERAN LOYALIST worlds, right?

If so, I say salvage the valuable/least damaged ships and kick the civis out into rescue pods. The last thing we need is the hassle of Neeran loyalist civilians being held as POWs.
>>
"We should keep hitting them while they're down. Send out a request for volunteer units that haven't suffered any serious battle damage and still have plenty of ammo. Send out about half of those to pursue the scattered transports. Battleships too. I'm better most of those didn't take any damage."

Your escort squadron got a bit beat up but as you'd guessed most of the battleships are fine. A squadron of them splits off along with two wings of attack ships. The Rekesh offer to assist in pursuit as well but you want most of their assets to help with civilian recovery operations. Its important that they be seen as rescuers and the most visible part of the rebellion. Especially here, beyond their home territory.

"The Rebellion needs to be seen working as allies towards the same goal. Helping civilians from the other worlds, even ones that are supposedly Neeran loyalists, can help with that."

Ni Ahni doubts very much that the loyalists can be swayed in such a manner but agrees to its usefulness for propaganda purposes.

While patrols of the damaged vessels begin, salvage ships are called in and boarding teams begin combing the wreckage. There isn't exactly a shortage but anything that could potentially be repaired needs to be thoroughly searched. Nothing new, but it's been awhile since you've been able to hit a group this large.

A few cargo ships are brought in to help in taking down the remainder of the minefield. Your stores of conventional munitions are getting low. All of these will need to be reused.

According to damage reports 50 assault corvettes are either destroyed or will need to be tore apart and rebuilt. A number of mixed and attack cruiser units also took losses and will need time to take stock. 2 Mediums will need to be rotated out for heavier repairs as well.

The Rovinar lost a few ships but the majority of the damaged will just need light repairs. Their Balaur attack ships seem to be quite tough.

Salvage teams haul in remains from 5 fast mediums and 9 Shoal types. There's no way you'll be able to repair them all. The engineers hope to strip some of them to provide parts to rebuild others. They think they might have enough to get 4 Shoals operational if given time. A crippled heavy carrier is also recovered. It's not in bad shape all things considered.

"There are two heavy cruisers that we might be able to fix but either one would take up a lot of space we could use for other vessels."
Maybourne sends you the data. An older heavy cruiser which is missing half its engines. With their larger hull they can be upgraded with many more weapons, but it will take longer to fix.

Then there's a compact heavy. It's also pretty beat up. Worst case it could be scrapped for spare parts to repair the other two your fleet is operating.

[ ] Older heavy
[ ] Compact heavy
[ ] Leave them, make room for smaller craft
>>
>>3519215
Loyalists have friends and families, and I'm sure not all of them were evacuated.

It'll help pacify the planets the Rekesh claim.
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>>3519233

>Plan for Heavies

I want to take both. Can we take both? We don't have enough space for both, do we? Can we marry Older Heavy to Compact Heavy? To make a nightmare of a ship that would make the SRL proud.

Since we cant do that, not realistically and in the time we have. Lets take the Compact Heavy and cannibalize it to speed up repairs on the other heavies in our fleet.
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>>3519257
>Can we take both?
Not in a reasonable period of time.
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>>3519233
[x] Compact Heavy

When in doubt, go for uniformity.


>>3519245
Unless we just captured the equivalent of local Dominion Nobles, I doubt it will amount to anything. I can't actually recall an instance of 'hearts and minds' working, though. You generally still have to enforce your will by blowing them back the stone age or submission.
>>
So outsider updated. Again. A week after the last one.

That's 8 pages in less than 2 months.
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>>3519257
>make a nightmare of a ship that would make the SRL proud.
I just tried this and it was indeed a nightmare. I have deleted it.

Keeping the compact heavy for spare parts then.

Next is the issue of prisoners of war. Officers of course could be of value. Some have been captured in your raids but the majority have been left for the enemy to spend time rescuing.

This is the first time in this galaxy you have the option of deciding the fate of an enemy super heavy crew. Even with the damage sustained there were quite a few survivors on the Scorcher, even if some have used emergency teleporters to escape by now. Versa estimates that if rescued there may be enough Neeran personnel still aboard to skeleton crew another Super.

More than a few of your commanders want to prevent that from happening, especially given the enemy's staggering production output.

Will you leave them or take them prisoner? Or violate Alliance protocols and stage an accident with some of the AM mines?

[ ] Leave them
[ ] Take them prisoner
[ ] Accidents happen
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>>3519382
>[x] Take them prisoner
We can't start killing off POWs out of laziness, it'll just cause other crews to fight to the death instead of surrendering.
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>>3519382
>[ ] Take them prisoner

I know this plan will likely use up all our stasis pods. But if there are concerns of POW levels being a strain on resources. Then lets put the Empire Neeran into stasis units. Followed by whatever POW's we don't have the means or supplies for. Until they're all on ice, figuratively. Likewise, we could just dump them on a nearby habitable world with a few supplies to stay alive until the Alliance arrives, right?
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>>3519382
>[ ] Accidents happen
I do love a good AM accident.
Did we ever get confirmation the AM teleport capsule bomb we deployed actually worked? Way back during the first invasion of the Shallan galaxy. Probably like five irl years ago.
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>>3519382

[x] Accidents happen

Scoop up any in escape pods or HLVs and intentionally scuttle the Scorcher via AM strikes to ensure the enemy can not return it to service.

Lingering to capture the crew of a SHC does not by any means seem practical for a raiding force that needs to vanish before enemy pursuit forces can prevent our escape by positioning to track our movement.

Don't accept the Scorcher's surrender, it is clearly a trap by the crew so that they can delay and pin our force down.
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>>3519382
>[x] Take them prisoner
Might as well give the enemy Neerans an out so that we can actually gain a little bit of leverage to be used later. May also be able to get some turncoats from the bunch as well. Besides worst thing that we could do to them is just place them on a asteroid and ignore them till the time has come that we would need them.
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>>3519382
>[ ] Take them prisoner

They can be possible bargaining chips later.

Besides, accidents can happen at any time so it's not like we can change our minds later.
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>>3519411
>>3519401
I would have voted differently if the Rekesh weren't here.

Especially since we're angling to cut a side deal with them. Don't want to come off as too untrustworthy. A side deal is just politics, murdering POWs is . . .well, just murder.
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>>3519411
>intentionally scuttle the Scorcher via AM strikes to ensure the enemy can not return it to service.
Do this? Added incentive to convince the remaining crew to get off the ship.
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>>3519439
Is it truly un-salvageable?

Can we at least salvage just the array?

But yeah let's do this.
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>>3519439
I'd prefer to keep the ship in a state where the enemy is still tempted to drag it back to one of their yards. If it blocks local repair capacities and drains resources all the better.
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>>3519441
>Is it truly un-salvageable?
With another drive section it could be made operational again easily enough. Just some time in a super heavy yard.

>Can we at least salvage just the array?
You could probably cut off the top and bottom ones and haul them with one of your supers. You'd need to call in the Sovereign since Forbearance is at capacity.

>>3519448
If they brought in another drive section they could be gone with it in an hour. Unless you destroyed all of its docking hard points.
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>>3519460
Might as well do both and steal as much of the array as possible while wrecking the docking points and the remainder of the array.
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>>3519460
>Unless you destroyed all of its docking hard points.
Destroy 75% of them. Enough to make salvaging the ship much more complicated but not enough to give up on the idea.

>You could probably cut off the top and bottom ones and haul them with one of your supers. You'd need to call in the Sovereign since Forbearance is at capacity.
I don't want to risk having the other super detected after going to such lengths to keep it hidden. There are bound to be reinforcements inbound.
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>>3519460

I'm against bringing our second Super into this site. You don't reveal a second SHC to the enemy to get some extra salvage after going through the trouble of keeping its existence in theater concealed.
>>
"Get transports and all of our available stasis units ready to help move prisoners. Tell the remaining survivors we're going to scuttle the Scorcher and they can either be POW's or die in matter-antimatter annihilation.
Once they're all off I want the majority of the docking connectors destroyed but leave enough intact that the enemy might consider salvaging it. If our own salvage teams think they can get anything of value from that array do so. Let's get to work people, we have very little time until the enemy sends a response force."

The attack wings sent out to chase down and harass scattered forces capture a number of transports that are too panicked to put up any resistance. A number of them are captured with up to date databases intel or the rebels will be able to make use of.

The Carrier group has managed to reach the next colony and partially reconstitute itself. They're clearly not planning to stick around and were already leaving the system within the hour of their arrival. Orbital defenses around the colony are on full alert. It looks like they're expecting you to launch an attack on them at any minute. Hopefully they keep thinking that.

Forbearance looks like an over loaded SRL salvage ship than a warship when she jumps. The Rovinar reluctantly use their heavies to help salvage some of the crippled Neeran ships. Transports are still being loaded with prisoners and escape pods when the Scorcher is torpedoed. Besides the docking connectors a few warheads are used to smash the plasma arrays. Not entirely, but enough to make it a pain to repair.

While you're fairly close to the NM2 base it's too much of a risk to head there right now. Especially with so many prisoners. Plans are made to send the heavy carrier to NM1 once some basic propulsion has been fitted. Everything else will have to be scattered among the various bases, but that will take time. For now a few deep space depots are set up. Really just some scrap starships that have been lashed together until they can be dealt with.

>cont.
>>
Once safely away serious discussion begins on what to do with the prisoners. Spare stasis units not being used by the army and even the starfighter corps were allocated to help with keeping the POWs secure. They're going to need those back before you begin planetary assaults.

You could convert damaged transports into prison ships and remove their FTL and long range com arrays for good measure.
An abandoned base might be another option. There are a few the fleet has raided that have doubtlessly been abandoned now that communications are cut off in entire regions.

Another side effect of coms being down or subverted is that rebels are probably able to move a bit more openly on certain worlds. Then there are the Rekesh worlds that were in essence always under their own control. There are probably a few quiet regions where POW camps could be set up without the knowledge of the general populace.
The equivalents of planetary governors probably wont openly rise up while there is still a risk of a Neeran counterattack. That doesn't mean they cant use their influence to ensure certain transports bypass inspection.

[ ] Prison barges
[ ] Abandoned base
[ ] Hide on rebel worlds
[ ] Hide on Rekesh worlds
[ ] Other?
>>
>>3519699
>[ ] Hide on rebel worlds
>>
>>3519699
>[ ] Abandoned base

Drop them on an abandoned base. Make sure anything usable that hasn't already been pilfered is taken. And that comms and such are also disabled and passwords changed. So that we can have full remote control of those bases filled with prisoners. Bonus points if said base is on a planet or planetoid.

Failing that, I'd support making one large bastardized Prison Ship from damaged transports stripped of parts save for life support.
>>
>>3519699
Supporting >>3519727
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>>3519699
> [ ] Hide on Rekesh worlds

Continue with having the Rekesh being the ones to deal with "internal matters" and promoting them as de facto independent and therefore not one of the "liberated territories" the Ulgeans want to claim.
>>
>>3519699

Have we salvaged any Neeran transports with industrial stasis units?

Any space-based facility likely has the raw materials for the prisoners to make a transmitter of some sort.

And hiding them on Neeran controlled worlds seems laughably foolish.

The only viable solution seems to be either spacing them for maximum warcrimes or shoving them into industrial stasis units en-mass and dumping the ship carrying it in deep space with measures taken to prevent escape/rescue.
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>>3519775
>Have we salvaged any Neeran transports with industrial stasis units?
Some being used for higher end perishable goods and for medical use but not a lot.

They generally dont use stasis reinforced fuel tankers if they can help it. The raiders that are still active can see if they can find anything similar.

>Any space-based facility likely has the raw materials for the prisoners to make a transmitter of some sort.
Your forces have blocked out or hijacked the long range com buoys and transmitters in a large portion of this galaxy. It still wouldn't be great if they got a signal off but its less likely to be immediately fatal.
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>>3519775
Crazy idea I considered but didn't think I should bother including in the options above:

You could always move ahead with liberating some worlds that have communications blacked out. Then they wouldn't be Neeran controlled.
>>
Resuming tomorrow but only for the afternoon I think.
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>>3519727
>Abandoned base

Cant escape from a base Into nothing at all. And even if they do manage a prison escape and cobble together a communication array strong enough to send a signal for help it wont be soon enough. Soon FA forces will arrive and we will have won.

Speaking of. Talk and negotiate with the Rekesh next for the Main mission?
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>>3519699
>[x] Abandoned base
Even if they find the prisoners at some point, they'll have to send a very significant fleet to pick them up or risk being stuck in a loop where they send smaller fleets that get wiped out, thereby providing us with even more prisoners. So even in that scenario they might chose not to pick them up or they'll have to send a large fleet that will weaken their defences elsewhere enough to allow us to strike some important target that's now under defended.
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>>3519843
>You could always move ahead with liberating some worlds that have communications blacked out. Then they wouldn't be Neeran controlled.
we should start that soon
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>>3520305
First talks with the Rekesh. Then we can see about what needs liberating
>>
"Scout out some of the bases we've blown up. Maybe the enemy has abandoned some of them that we can refit to keep our prisoners."

Phas provides the locations of a number of smaller facilities that she hit. The Knights know of a few as well. Within the day an ideal candidate in the south has been selected. A secondary facility currently near NM1 is also chosen in case things dont work out.
The engineers estimate it's going to take 2 days until they're ready to begin moving in prisoners.

With multiple attack wings under repair that's 2 days you can spend in negotiation with the Rekesh. Thanks to operations putting agents in place or making contact with rebel cells you have a good idea of the various groups claims to territory in this galaxy. Not everyone is going to get along on those points but for now, while the Neeran and Ulgean remain a threat, they're more inclined to consider bargaining.

>>3504308
Ni Ahni has been in contact with a few others in the Rekesh resistance that are very likely to be counted among their people's leadership after liberation. Some believe they have more claims to the north or south than others, but all agree on claims to what makes up their core territories.

Next out from those are the systems where they have control in all but name. 3 linked by FTL trade lanes to the south of their core territory and 1 other to the north. Claims to the southern systems are contested by the south resistance groups, though it is a weak claim.

Lastly is the region of what is essentially unenforceable claims. Rekesh do make up a sizeable percentage of the populace on the worlds in those regions but that is as far as it goes. They dont have any special control of the government there.
At least 3 systems are considered to belong to the core territory to the southern rebels, and another 3 where they have stronger control of the planets themselves. At least one of these wants independence from both parties.

In the north of the weaker Rekesh claim are a cluster of systems with 2 industrialised worlds and surrounding support infrastructure. The majority of the populace are unaligned and wish for the independence of their star cluster. This could become a problem later if the Rekesh are granted control of those systems and they later rise up against them.

Lastly is the claim to one of the super heavy yards, though nobody is taking that seriously.

Mixed into all of this mess are your plans for Threochts planet and any technology that might be found there. I presume you'll want to work out a deal of some kind for this planet first?
>>
>>3520996
Clearly what we need to do is establish a mini-Dominion here.

Place the Rekesh as the Head House, with the support of recognizing one of their weak claims to worlds of the South. Since they have a trade lane, it'll be more valuable to co-develop anyways.

Offer the pair of 3 systems in the South and the cluster to the North independence as "medium houses".

Seize control of the Super Yard for the Alliance. Offer the North and West regions to become "Houses" and the opportunity to purchase the first run of the production from the Shipyard to use the ships outside the system to fight against the Neeran with us, as well as retaining their claims to territory.

Essentially we build up the Rekesh as a strong "internal force" with the support of the South, and the North and West get a little bullied because that's where the Shipyard is, but we can appease them by giving them ships.

That way while they won't be able to oppress the Rekesh, they also won't have to worry about the Rekesh attacking them and having to face their returning force.

Meanwhile we make a deal privately to "develop and market proprietary technology" with the Rekesh and other willing groups and Marshall Plan the region

The Alliance can't develop the area because that would weaken their stance that the region is independent, but it would be silly to claim a single Viscount from a single member state is controlling them instead of just reaping personal benefits.

The upside for everyone is that the alternative is to be used in a proxy war between the Ulgeans and the Alliance, at the very least.

Nobody sane wants to fight in their own house.

The Rekesh get to lead by being the most organized and working with us first. But for those who want to make gains elsewhere, why not fight with us instead against the Neeran instead of tearing each other apart?
>>
>>3504308
Does the Alliance have a handbook for this kind of situation? We're probably not the first person in this kind of situation.

> I presume you'll want to work out a deal of some kind for this planet first?
Sure, I don't see much reason not to.
>>
>>3520996
>some kind of deal for this planet first?

Exclusive access for the Royal House (and J-D via Sonia) as part of a joint research effort on the sphere/Threochts planet.

In exchange the Dominion guarantees the independence of the Rekesh [government identifier]'s core territorial claims in this galaxy for the duration of the above agreement, with a clause for practicality on their initial liberation.
>>
As the North and West rebels do not have claims overlapping with the Rekesh they will not be discussed at this time. The current priority remains securing your objective before someone else does.

>>3521091
>Clearly what we need to do is establish a mini-Dominion here.
The PR people suggest this be approached as the Rekesh acting as the lead state of a local federation to avoid the Alliance seeing it as an annexation attempt by the Dominion.

>build up the Rekesh as a strong "internal force" with the support of the South
Could work.

>Meanwhile we make a deal privately to "develop and market proprietary technology" with the Rekesh and other willing groups and Marshall Plan the region
If you're willing to include the Rekesh with a share of the tech. I believe a few players have been against this.

>The Alliance can't develop the area
If you deprive the Rekesh of Alliance support they're going to want a lot in return.

>>3521097
>Does the Alliance have a handbook for this kind of situation? We're probably not the first person in this kind of situation.
Encourage the establishment of stable self governing states that are willing to cooperate with the Alliance in their campaign to bring down the Neeran Empire. Long term they want to establish peaceful relations and trade agreements between these new states and the Factions. The individual Factions can discuss funding of larger scale reconstruction efforts post war.

The Alliance is going to want a small number of facilities in each galaxy that they can maintain control of in the long term, and others to act as temporary support for the fleets. For the moment the Alliance is securing all major shipyards capable of super heavy construction and repurposing them to help maintain Faction Supers.

They're prepared to offer temporary protectorate status to new states willing to play nice.
>>
>>3521147
>If you're willing to include the Rekesh with a share of the tech. I believe a few players have been against this.

And we're going to deny the Rekesh access to said tech without invading the world and seizing it for ourselves?
>>
>>3520996
>>3521147

We need to convince them that we will be working with them in producing new technologies and whatever we find, of Neeran origin on our destination planet. Reasoning that with Dominion research capabilities and infrastructure. We would be better able to research and develop such technologies and share them with the Rekesh, while they rebuild their worlds and government while also receiving Alliance aid. All an all a win win for them in my books.

Making sure that we leave out any such hints of Sphere Builder tech. To give us as much of a head start/ monopoly on collecting such tech. Speaking of Sphere Builder tech, we should work with the other Baron for a secret ship to carry 'spoils of war' to keep hidden from the Alliance. We don't have to tell him what those spoils are. Just that they are something the Emperor would want to make sure the Dominion got its hands on before the other Alliance does nevermind the other Factions. Having both our spies and his spies working together could probably make a ship disappear and no Alliance or Faction ship would be able to discover it on our way back. So that the Alliance cant penalize our loot.
>>
>>3521163
I'm not saying either was good or bad, just pointing out a few anons have been consistently against sharing the tech with the Rekesh.

>>3521169
>Making sure that we leave out any such hints of Sphere Builder tech.

>http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3418057/#p3448198
Ni Ahni: "They brought some of this technology here for reverse engineering?"
Sonia: "No. Some of it may already be here. I have reason to believe a sphere builder facility is in this galaxy."

There are at least 3 Rekesh who know Sphere builder tech may be involved, plus that researcher.
Or did you mean just keep mention of it out of any treaty?

>secret ship to carry 'spoils of war' to keep hidden from the Alliance
That is pretty much what Baron Xedols is here to do.
>>
>>3521147
>Encourage the establishment of stable self governing states that are willing to cooperate with the Alliance in their campaign to bring down the Neeran Empire.
The Rekesh seem pretty well set up for that kind of development. Can the other rebel groups actually produce a working government?
I'm sure the FA is expecting certain minimum standards so we don't end up with a second Shallan state.

>The Alliance is going to want a small number of facilities in each galaxy that they can maintain control of in the long term, and others to act as temporary support for the fleets.
What about the fleet base? Instead of giving it to one rebel group, handing it over to the alliance seems like a better idea.

>For the moment the Alliance is securing all major shipyards capable of super heavy construction and repurposing them to help maintain Faction Supers.
I want part of that stuff for the Forbearance yards once the alliance doesn't need it any more.

>If you're willing to include the Rekesh with a share of the tech. I believe a few players have been against this.
We also have to make sure we're not liable if the facility ends up accidentally their galaxy.
>>
>>3521183

>Or did you mean just keep mention of it out of any treaty?

I forgot that part. But yes, keep mention of the facility out of the treaty. Unless we want to sign a back door deal with them. That promises that the Dominion gets first come first serve on the Sphere Builder tech. Because as soon as the Alliance main fleet comes in and those in the Alliance who know about this facility arrive. You can bet they're gonna want to make their own treaty with the Rekesh about that facility. We just need to get our foot in first. So that we can legally pilfer as much as we can without the Alliance telling us no.
>>
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>>3521187
>Can the other rebel groups actually produce a working government?
That's a matter of some debate. Each of the main groups with multi-system claims have enough to create a Provisional Government of one sort or another. Really most worlds would probably end up under the temporary control of whichever rebel factions managed get hold of the most weapons and secure government buildings first. Not a great situation but the various groups do not have many ships just yet.

You have some control over that. By folding the different rebel recruits into combined units you've actually been keeping them from splitting off and supporting their own sub groups. Whichever group gets access to shipyards and warships when the Neeran withdraw are going to fast be in positions of power.

>What about the fleet base?
That would be an ideal solution, provided you or the incoming ACS group secures it first.

>We also have to make sure we're not liable if the facility ends up accidentally their galaxy.
Yes, that would be bad. Might want to put that in there.
>>
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Threochts planet has been colonised for several hundred years. The Rekesh certainly wouldn't be happy with another power outright annexing it, though there may be ways around that. So let's get down to it; what do you want?

[ ] Control of the system
[ ] Control of the planet
[ ] Control of areas on the planet (Museums, ruins, or sites on the surface)
[ ] Rights to any tech you find

How much of whichever you chose can be negotiated, but what do you want to aim for? By aiming high you can attempt to lock down the options below by simply keeping things quiet or not allowing oversight. Of course the more you try to grab the more the Rekesh might not care for the terms.
>>
>>3521243
[ ] Control of areas on the planet (Museums, ruins, or sites on the surface)
[ ] Rights to any tech you find

My way of prettying up these requirements are like this. Give us (the Dominion), unfiltered access to all museums, ruins or sites on the surface of the planet. We paint it as a PR thing where we want to help restore the Rekesh history on this world. But while we are “helping to rebuild their history”, we also start pilfering any and all tech we find. Under the premise that anything we find, we will take back to the Dominion and research into something useful. And share with the Rekesh at premium rates that none of the other Factions/ Races will get. Thus freeing up their resources and people, to rebuild their worlds and forces into something potent. And we can claim we’ve given them a better deal. As we (the Dominion) are doing all the work of researching the technology into something useful. Thus allowing our friends the Rekesh to focus on rebuilding. And also making back a little bit of cost for the research and development and giving them a legitimate cover for getting the technology when it goes to market.

Basically, we hide our greed as a PR maneuver to help rebuild the Rekesh culture and historical sites. While also researching any technology found, freeing their resources to focus on their people.
>>
>>3521243
> [ ] Control of the planet

A 100 year lease to repay us for our intervention and personal support rebuilding the rest pf the Rekesh area.


Negotiable down to a ban on any other foreign powers and the rights for Dominion nobles to purchase up to 49% of the land.

> [ ] Control of areas on the planet (Museums, ruins, or sites on the surface)

Shared access and control with Rekesh researchers and developers with a 20 year NDA on the specifics of individual discoveries.

> [ ] Rights to any tech you find

Both proprietary IP in system and the rights to produce and sell the results of any discoveries.

Make sure to emphasise that primary credit for discoveries will be given primarily to Rekesh organizations and individual working on the projects, since discovering secrets is a point of prestige in their society we can give that up without a real loss.
>>
>>3521255
>>3521243
Also I really like this "restoring history" angle.
>>
>>3521243
>Threochts planet has been colonised for several hundred years. The Rekesh certainly wouldn't be happy with another power outright annexing it, though there may be ways around that. So let's get down to it; what do you want?
>[ ] Control of areas on the planet (Museums, ruins, or sites on the surface)
At the moment we have to worry about infiltrators and saboteurs left behind by the Neeran and our troops are the better choice at the moment. I'd be fine with allowing the Rekesh some kind of presence because it's their planet after all.
>[ ] Rights to any tech you find
They get royalties but the interesting and /or dangerous stuff is managed by the Dominion.
>>
Please select the highest option you'd like to aim for.
>>
>>3521243
>[X] Control of areas on the planet (Museums, ruins, or sites on the surface)
>>
>>3521290
> [ ] Control of areas on the planet (Museums, ruins, or sites on the surface)

To simplify.
>>
>>3521305

And as a bit of 'conceal to casual observer', play up Sonia's antique shark ship collection.

She is a patron of historical holdings, after all!
>>
You intend to negotiate for control of areas on the planet. Any number of cover stories could be used. Anything from security threats to helping to restore their history. That should play will with the old ruins. Museums might be a harder sell.

Some areas might be easier to shut off from a Rekesh presence than others. Especially public places like the museums. Ruins and any new dig sites should be easier though.

>1) Public Sites
1A) Rekesh Intel
1B) Joint security
1C) Dominion Security only

>2) Secure Sites (digs & ruins)
2A) Rekesh Intel
2B) Joint security
2C) Dominion Security only

>3) Tech / artifacts
3A) Everything for House and Dominion
3B) Dominion ownership, but catalogued by Rekesh
3C) Rekesh get a share
3D) Joint ownership
>>
Have to step out for an hour or so!
>>
>>3521369

>1B) Joint security
Give a public pressence that we are working with the Rekesh government to help rebuild and keep their public sites (museums and such) safe. After all the Dominion is all about that preservation of history.

>2C) Dominion Security only
The Rekesh need to focus on protecting their people and rebuilding their worlds. We can handle this.

As for 3 I would prefer A but B would work for me. And anon >>3521263 brought up the point that their civilization makes such discoveries a point of prestige. So we can use the disclosure of discovered tech to ensure those we want in power are put in power with the discovery of tech. But we get the rights to R&D such tech.

>3A) Everything for House and Dominion
>3B) Dominion ownership, but catalogued by Rekesh
>>
Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>
>>3521524

This is either a good thing or we're fucked.
>>
>>3521369
>1B)

>2B)

>3C)

Keep them in the loop.
>>
Should I put this one to survey?

Also I need a 1d100. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.
>>
Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>3521586

Survey it
>>
Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>3521369
> 1B) Joint security

> 2C) Dominion Security only

> 3C) Rekesh get a share

>>3521586
>>
Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>3521586
Ok
>>
>>3521394

I want to be really nice to the Rekesh. Let them lean on us. Lean on us so much their economy becomes inseparably intertwined with us while they become the dominant force in the region.

After all, peace never lasts forever and it would be good to have a strong ally in the region.
>>
SURVEY!

surveymonkey com/r/ FHTXMD7

Link is up on the wiki and twitter.
Tried looking into alternate options for survey sites the other day. Many of the others were actually worse in some ways. The shit UI and bugs are still a pain in the ass though.
>>
>>3521728
Really want to know about those rolls.

I'm actually kind of excited for some trouble.

It's the Ulgeans isn't it.
>>
Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>3521846
>It's the Ulgeans isn't it.
It could also be for the Rekesh scientist.

>>3521586
>Also I need a 1d100
I'm late but I'll try anyway.
>>
Just want to point out here that the important thing is not conquest or the Rekesh even joining the Dominion. What is important is this

-Tech from Threochts is contained to only the Dominion or both the Dominion and the Rekesh.

-The Rekesh maintains independence from other actors and Factions.

If we ensure those two then everything else is not overly relevant. But obviously the best case would be if they joined the Dominion as a Tech House with the protection from all the Large Houses that would bring them. Sort of like House Aries except they are not forced into it as a punishment but rather as a place of honor and prestige.

>>3521846
I bet it's their invasion coming to fuck things up. Which is okay since we haven't conquered any territory as of yet and the FA will soon come and fight them for us!
>>
Getting set up for a job interview today so probably wont resume until this evening.
>>
>>3522152
Good luck TSTG!
>>
>>3522152

Good luck out there.
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>>3522152
Rock those cocks in corporate!
>>
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>>3504308
>At least nine sectors want independence while remaining unaligned with the various larger rebel groups
Let them form their own power block out of necessity. Like the PCCG did. Although not really sure how to handle the two planets to the south in rebel territory.
>>
Math testing and 2nd stage interviews were yesterday and then 3rd stage interview were today.

Let me just check the survey and get rolling.
>>
The offer you'll make to the Rekesh is a fairly basic one. Public sites that will see a lot of civilians nearby like the museums will get joint security. You'll need some people that have experience with occupation garrison work and handling civilians. This is going to be a hearts and minds operation so someone with PR should be on hand to answers questions.

Secure sites like active digs or ruins that may still have clues to other facilities will be under Dominion control. The Rekesh can have some observers if they want but those are your sites. With luck you'll be able to get some assistance in keeping those operations quiet. No civilians that haven't been cleared first and no Alliance until or unless they show up with Wilson's taskforce.

You really hope that doesn't happen at an inopportune moment. If it does the teams will have orders to get what they can to specially designated vehicles and secure them aboard the Ta'jek Ber'helum. The Alliance wont be able to touch them there.

When it comes to recovered tech or artifacts it is your intention to go for full Dominion ownership. You're taking everything you find, though as a concession a Rekesh team will be permitted to catalogue everything removed. That should give them some options in quietly negotiating with the Dominion for tech, funding or political support outside of the Alliance's knowledge.
If they want all of it returned some day then so be it. Let the politicians of another generation figure that out.

Ni Ahni is fully aware of just what you're asking. He wants a number of things for his people in return, though he admits some of them may hinge on the success of your mission. He'll agree to your terms if the Dominion supports the claim on the 3 linked southern systems as a Rekesh core territory. Their claim against the cluster on the northern edge of their space will be given an elevated status.

If possible the Dominion will support eventual Rekesh acquisition of one of the Neeran super heavy yards, though Ni Ahni believes this may not happen. Barring that they would like access to Dominion weapons technology, or at the very least the option to purchase arms and equipment. Their list includes Medium and LD plasma cannons and a variety of small arms and body armor.

(They would be willing to negotiate a separate trade of production licenses for their improved light siege array weapons for Helios siege weapons.)

The negotiation team is uncertain if it would be wise to sell Dominion technology to a power you barely know. Then again, it would certainly endear them to you.

1) Will you support their territorial claims?

2) What tech transfer would you support?
[ ] Technology transfer + tech advances over next 5 years
[ ] Technology transfer (Current tech level)
[ ] Rights to purchase Dominion Weapon production licenses
[ ] Rights to purchase Dominion Weapons
[ ] Non-military tech transfer
[ ] Other form of compensation/support?
>>
>>3524899
>other form of compensation or support
This galaxy seems to lack habitable planets. We could review their data on the area they're plannig to claim and offer to relocate and terraform a number of planets if there are any candidates. It seems like something that has much less possibility of blowing up in our face in the future than weapon deals while still providing something nobody outside the dominion can offer.
>>
>>3524899

>1) Will you support their territorial claims?

Are these worlds that have historically held and currently hold a significant Rekesh population? Or are they being like the Gorn from Star Trek and just claiming those worlds belong to them. Without any substantiated claim to back them up?

If those worlds have a large Rekesh population. That has been there for a long period of recorded time. They may have a leg to stand on. But that feels like a political quagmire that's going to burn a lot bridges and make things difficult.

Is there no way to convince the southern rebels to just join the ranks of the Rekesh? To make one large unified faction. One that if it works together could form a powerful face against either of the other two to the north and west. Or even act as a model for which the other rebel groups in this galaxy can see that working together means they are a stronger whole rather then being separate entities. Would be nice to avoid a potential conflict between the two groups and lower the chances of us being blamed for making peace in this region a difficult proposition.

Also, do the Rekesh even have enough people in leadership positions who would be able to govern those worlds? And prevent civilian uprisings once we leave this area.

I really just want to avoid coming into conflict with the rebels we just helped train and arm. And having the Alliance penalize us for making their job harder in pacifying the region. If an anon has any idea on how to keep us from having to fight them. I want to hear it.

>2) What tech transfer would you support?

I would be fine with giving/ selling non-military tech to them. They’re going to need some things to get their colonies up and running without us nannying them.
And give them rights to purchase Dominion Weapons. Sure people back home will be upset with us. But can they really be upset when we’re making sure they and the Dominion is making money from our actions?

Oh and anon >>3524914 brought up a good idea. Which can bring us money. World moving and terraforming! We even have a gravwell with us to give a demonstration, once we’ve secured enough space to show them it is possible.
>>
>>3524914
>This galaxy seems to lack habitable planets.
That is in large part because it is small.

But yes I have little doubt there are systems that could benefit from terraforming, greatly expanding the number of worlds they have access to.

>>3524933
>Are these worlds that have historically held and currently hold a significant Rekesh population?
Updated the pic a bit. Some info can be found here:
>>3520996

We could call this an ethno-annexation claim. There hasn't exactly been a shortage of this thing happening in history.

>convince the southern rebels to just join the ranks of the Rekesh?
That would be like asking the baltic states if they wanted to join another one of the larger countries again. It's not going to be their first choice. They'll be running to the Alliance as soon as they can.

Convincing that northern region to ally with them as a independent or semi-autonomous region is far more likely.

You could ask the Rekesh to drop their claim against the Southern core territories as a condition.

>do the Rekesh even have enough people in leadership positions who would be able to govern those worlds?
That is a matter of some debate, but they are better off than most of their neighbours since their worlds havent suffered orbital bombardments by the Neeran. Their civilian governments continue to cooperate with them to avoid casualties. Because of this they'll have a larger population to draw from.
At the same time, certain other rebel groups tend to resent the Rekesh for their half hearted rebellion. The Rekesh would say that they're simply fighting smart.

>Gravwell test
While the crew is familiar with the operations necessary for orbital correction, the Navigators Guild and your dedicated science ship are actually responsible for the calculations. They are not here, though they could be convinced to send a team once the area is safe.
>>
>>3524899
>[ ] Rights to purchase Dominion Weapons
Get them hooked on Dominion juice, just like the Soviets used to do. Sell 'em your guns then rope them into other things.
>>
>>3524982

Okay, I thought they wanted us to help with their claim of those worlds in the very center of the southern rebels boarders. I'm pretty sure they do, but that would be to much.

Those three worlds look to be worlds that are on trade routes, so that would make this a more economical acquisition for them, I think?

I'd still prefer to avoid a conflict with the southern rebels. But if the Rekesh want those worlds, then they should be willing to drop or lower their claims on the other worlds in the southern rebels claimed space. There's greedy and then there's being an ass hole.

Would the Rekesh dropping their claims on the other worlds not in the solid blue areas be something the Rekesh would be for? If it means the Dominon will help them with their claims of those worlds? It would also help them focus their resources to rebuilding fewer worlds. But also give them a better chance to claiming one of the Super Yards.

Also if the Rekesh dropped their claims on the other worlds in the not solid blue regions, would that make the southern rebels more amicable to the idea? A long shot I know, but would it be a slightly less hit against standing with the southern rebels if we convince the Rekesh to drop their claims on the other worlds in southern rebel territory and just stick with those three.
>>
>>3525037
>Also if the Rekesh dropped their claims on the other worlds in the not solid blue regions, would that make the southern rebels more amicable to the idea?
Likely. Its kind of a problem when your potential future capital world is being claimed by a supposed ally.
>>
>>3525049

Then let’s urge the Rekesh to stop trying to claim the capital of the southern rebels. If they want our support to back them for those three worlds. Informing them that while it's good to know that they want to expand. Expanding into their neighbors’ regions is not a good idea. Especially while they are also under powered and will be reliant upon either us (the Dominion) or the Alliance.

As the Dominion we can help boost their claim for the three worlds and likely give them a bit of a stronger claim towards the Super yards, though this part probably won’t fly with the Alliance.

But if the Alliance gets involved. They're going to see the Rekesh already have three worlds with a trade route. And that the Rekesh are trying to claim the capital of another future member of the Alliance. So, the Alliance will likely side with the Southern Rebels and tell the Rekesh no they can’t have those core worlds nor the trade route worlds.

As I said previously, there’s greedy and then there’s being an ass hole. The Alliance wants to ensure stability in the region so that they can move on to other regions. And if the Alliance thinks that stability would be faster/ easier gained by denying the Rekesh their claims. Then they’ll tell them their claims don’t hold up and lose out on those worlds in the southern rebel territory.
>>
Proposal by your diplomatic team.

The Rekesh will withdraw their claims to 4 systems claimed by the Southern rebels, though 2 will remain in dispute and need to be negotiated over seperately. That will be a matter for a provisional government to deal with if or when it forms.

In the north the cluster there would become an Autonomous Region or a Special Administrative Region. Whichever causes the least issues. That cluster is another powerful if very localised economic center and the Rekesh would very much like it to be added to their nation. Even if they have to give it some measure of autonomy to do it.

In terms of Dominion-Rekesh economic exchange you will offer them access to orbital correction terraforming. This may supersede some contracts with Dominion Houses awaiting terraforming.

Transfer or sale of non-military Dominion technology would be approved.

Baron Xedols points out that it would be a good idea to sell or even gift at least surplus equipment to help establish a local market. Marine grade armor and even some marks of power cell armor are now considered out of date and the Dominion will soon have massive stockpiles of them. He does have a supply of marine grade armor intended to be used for trade or barter with rebels or black market.

1) Did you want to throw in some of these?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
[ ] Only if providing them to rebels as well

2) Any other suggested changes?
>>
>>3525081

Then it sounds like we need to put a priority order in to buy another Gravwell or two. Maybe use some of the tech we find as a favor to buy one or move ourselves up in line to get one or two.

>1) Did you want to throw in some of these?
[ ] Yes

>2) Any other suggested changes?
Rekesh will need to start building bridges with the other rebel groups. At the very least they need to build or repair the bridges with their neighbors to the south. So that boarder tensions between them don't lead to a conflict within the near future.
>>
>>3525081
> [ ] Yes

Also we can give them Holo-booths to train their forces in?
>>
>>3525278
>can give them Holo-booths to train their forces in?
Yes they can be added.
>>
>>3525081
>[ ] Yes
>>
Ni Ahni agrees to the territorial concessions readily enough. It's clear he doesn't want to have to deal with a protracted struggle with the other rebel groups for control of territory. He's less happy about the lack of weapons technology.

"Your people already have array weapons and Neeran plasma cannons. They can be just as good as Dominion LD plasma weapons if used effectively." you point out.

"I had hoped to acquire weapons and equipment that would be closer to what the Factions use as a step towards working more closely with the Alliance. I'm aware that many of the Factions have their own agendas but it is better to be closer to at least one of them to act as a stepping stone."

"That's fair. Once the fighting in this region has calmed down and trade can resume I wouldn't be surprised if the Ruling House decides to sell you weapons. Right now though things are too chaotic to risk agreeing to it. I've been in trouble before for selling arms to the wrong people."

"I hope to hear of that some day, but not today. With this agreement in place we need to continue the work of freeing these worlds. Our mobile base can conduct field repairs of 2 medium cruisers without its ability to relocate being hindered."

Engineers have started to piece together the Shoal class ships from parts of others. They'll need a lengthy refit cycle to get them operational but from parts of the 9 recovered it looks like it should be possible to rebuild 5. The 2 most likely to survive relocation attempts are sent over. That should free up some repair capacity.

After much searching the Rovinar have been given another of the neeran modular stations. One of the crudely built tug modules assembled by the Knights are attached to it. That should give them some more field repair options. Admiral Elerain is quite grateful, though they make sure to do their own sweep of the station for bugs and tracking devices. Can't blame them really.

Ren makes a report that enemy morale in the south is in decline after he passed on word of the convoy ambush. Despite losses he has continued to recruit. While he considers many of them trustworthy enough to hire on, the majority will not be allowed to rendezvous with your main fleet. The risk some might switch sides again in return for selling out a Faction fleet is too great.

At this time he doesn't want to put the new units through a round of your screening process as it would take them away from the fight and could impact morale. Better to wait until the Neeran are gone from this galaxy and see if anyone tries to desert then.

>Cont.
>>
Ren has dropped off some salvage for the fleet at a dead drop. A few battleships he lacks the capacity, manpower or desire to repair. A pair of CX transports loaded with a mix of war materiel. Via Phas he also traded a repaired Scarecrow medium for a near fully repaired Nautilus type as he had indicated he wanted to a few days ago. His engineers have already begun modifying like his command ship.

Engineering also reports 2 fast mediums and a Cordate are nearing completion. That will help to make even more room for all the others. One of the heavy carriers could be done soon too, if some engines can be recovered. With captured shipyards and hulls you're reaching the point where you're being constrained not by ships but available crews. It may be necessary to devote one of the rebel training groups to getting crews ready for larger warships instead of just the smaller craft.

Currently you are operating 2 training cadres for rebel forces. They can graduate a basic crew after 9 days of intensive training using memory imprinting. They're still green but in theory they've got the basic down. Much like you when you graduated to the training squadrons. Only you'd had 30 days of such training which also included things like survival and firearms.

The 2 groups are staggered so they dont finish all at once. Each completed group can man either a mixed attack wing, skeleton crew 2 mediums, or a medium and a few escorts. The next group is finished tomorrow which means you can begin altering the training schedule. What do you want the trainers to focus on?

Group 1
[ ] (72) Mixed attack Wing
[ ] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
[ ] 2 Mediums (skeleton crew)

Group 2
[ ] (72) Mixed attack Wing
[ ] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
[ ] 2 Mediums (skeleton crew)
>>
>>3525506
>>3525506
>Group 1
>[x] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
>Group 2
>[x] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
More mediums should be helpful, might as well man the ships we aren't able to due to lack of crew.
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>>3525506
>[ ] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
>[ ] (72) Mixed attack Wing
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>>3525506
1
[ ] (72) Mixed attack Wing
2
[ ] (72) Mixed attack Wing

As it stands now we got a shitload of Mediums running around but not enough small ships to help support them. Should we get involved in a brawl with a Neeran Corvette spam they will be in for a though time. Besides if they where to run away with the ships or suck so bad we lose them then losing these ships wont be so bad. Then when they've gained some more experience with the smaller ships we can move them up to bigger ones.
>>
That makes sense
>>3525506
Changing >>3525662 to support >>3525676
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>>3525506
>What do you want the trainers to focus on?
>Group 1
>[x] (72) Mixed attack Wing
>Group 2
>[x] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
The reason for this is simple. Speedy attack ships require different skill sets than slower mediums and battleships. If we train one group for each of these ships, we can shift people between the groups if they are more talented in the things required for one class of ships but not very useful for the other.

>>3525081
What's up with that single inhabited system to the south west of the map? It is close to the unenforceable southern rebel territory but not claimed by them.
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>>3525697
>What's up with that single inhabited system to the south west of the map?
Looking at the other map the populace there are strong supporters the Empire. For whatever reason they dont want to push their claims that far.

>>3525676
>>3525680
Attack wings

>>3525672
>>3525697
Half and half

We'll wait for a tie breaker. I have to run and do a side job and I'll be back around noon.
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>>3525506

>[ ] 1 Medium & Escort Battleships
>[ ] (72) Mixed attack Wing
>>
>>3525502
>I had hoped to acquire weapons and equipment that would be closer to what the Factions use as a step towards working more closely with the Alliance.
We could sell them Sector Patrol Craft. These are modern ships while still being so vanilla in their loadout and setup that we're not transferring advanced technology they're not likely to acquire from other sellers the second they buy anything. In addition to that, these ships are also very useful in roles aside from combat as maintaining safety in their space will be the first test any new government in this galaxy will have to face.
If the SPC is still considered too advanced, sell them Squire class cruisers.
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>>3525847
>We could sell them Sector Patrol Craft.
This is a good idea.
>>
One of the groups will continue training crews for the attack wings, while the other group will focus on producing enough crew for a Medium and escorts. This should let the rebellion continue building up numbers while also providing for future command ships. It's going to be at least 10 days before any of the repaired mediums can be manned by them.

Your fleet still has some prize crews but not many after getting the two Compact Heavies operational. Plus you still have to worry about keeping enough in reserve for replacing losses.

Speaking of reserves, there is a full wings worth of attack corvettes now on the heavy carrier for longer repairs. The reserve wing of operational A2's has been depleted replenishing the mixed wings. The attack cruisers aren't quite in the same position but many will still be under repair for a few days.
There are still nearly 70 replacement assault corvettes.

A number of the fleet commanders are starting to wonder if or when you'll begin to release some of the Fire Drake plasma corvettes. You briefly considered their use in the attack on the Scorcher but by that time it was too late to re-equip. Hera and Phas have discussed this among themselves and would like a small number issued to pilots that have both high kill scores and a history of bringing back ships with little damage. They hope this would alleviate concerns about putting such expensive craft into the line of fire.

Begin to assign Fire Drakes?
>Y/N?
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>>3526137
>Begin to assign Fire Drakes?

>Yes
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>>3526137
Sure. Just remind people that the local Neeran commander might be trying to capture or salvage one the save at least a bit of his standing in the empire.
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>>3526137
Y

As a stipend for keeping them alive, maybe when their pilots bring home enough salvage equivalent to their cost, any salvage gained after 'paying' for their ship, they receive a small bonus?
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>>3526137
>fire drakes?
Y E S
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>>3526137
>Y
>>
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Here's the production version if anyone wants to make some custom paint schemes for the aces that they'd be assigned to.
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Oh, regarding Fire Drake equipment the wing commanders already did heavy simulation testing back on Rioja before deployment. They determined that the best default loadout for the new corvettes would take the pulse cannons rather than the additional torpedo launchers. This gives them the best balance of firepower and battle longevity. With the pulse cannons they can continue fighting even if the plasma cannons run out of fuel.

As the torpedo modules get in the way of the pulse weapons, as well as consuming limited supplies of warheads, most have decided not to make use of them. They may still be equipped for special missions or assignments but they'll probably end up being jettisoned not long into a real fight.
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>>3525847
Good thing we just so happen to have two whole yards producing them then! With one being a tier 4 yard.

>Begin to assign Fire Drakes?
God yes.
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>>3526137
>>3526193

Yes, but deploy them in small numbers at first in case we run into any 1st generation production issues. We may also be able to disguise them as 'ace customs' if the deployed groups mirror their ace schemes.

I'd like to assign a few of the PCCG Aces to Fire Drakes so that we've got at least a squadron of them to mix it up on our main fleet's defensive screen.

Have them sign typical NDAs for tech specs and such, but a few of them with first hand experiences may allow the design to catch on with the FA. And it will give us a chance to befriend some of these guys politically, as they will likely end up as the most experienced Non-Dominion pilots for these ships, which means that their standing and value to the FA will increase, along with any positive 'get these ships' comments from them.
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The first group of Fire Drakes have been assigned. 6 of them to each of the fleets your assault corvette wings are attached to. It's not a lot but it might encourage others and you'd like to see how this initial batch fares in real combat.

Intel has relayed a message from the special forces team on Threochts planet. They believe the researcher Ten Zohn has found clues or at least something he was looking for. Apparently he gained access to a museum and got out without anyone noticing he'd switched two items for fakes. Someone at the museum eventually figured out what had happened but that could have been days later. A security force known to work for the Neeran arrived at the museum not long before your team did.

A small team has been assigned to keep an eye on the security unit and monitor their coms if possible. They're requesting instructions. Attacking and wiping out the security force will attract a lot of attention but it might be better than the alternative.

"How much do they know?"
"Only what was stolen. We dont think they know the significance of what they were but it's only a matter of time until they figure out the stolen relics were sphere artifacts."

It looks like the items in question were an Immutable Staff and a lightning artifact. If a Neeran who is at all knowledgeable sees the catalogue data on the missing items it will become a problem.

[ ] Watch, follow, they'll lead us to the researcher
[ ] Monitor them but keep searching for other leads
[ ] Kill or capture them when out of view of the public
[ ] Kill the security team before it's too late
[ ] Keep watch and stand by / Begin liberation of planet ASAP
[ ] Other
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>>3526272
>[ ] Kill or capture them when out of view of the public
>>
>>3526272

>[ ] Other

Conduct a raid and "remove" the last comms for Threochts putting them in the dark for good. Have this be the debut of the Fire Drakes. Make whatever Neeran Commander there more concerned with the arrival of new Factions ships than missing items from a museum. Also that their last comms with the Neeran Empire are cut. The last thing they'll care about is some missing artifacts if they're preparing for an invasion.
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>>3526272

[x] Kill or capture them when out of view of the public

[x] Other: Bomb/Burn the museum & records of what was switched


If the Neeran realize that an immutable staff and lightning artifact were sitting in a museum, they may decide to load that world with defenses and fight tooth and nail for it. An accident that destroys some priceless, but as far as the Neeran know, useless local relics may be preferable. I hate typing this.


>>3526281
This, as well.
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>>3526272
Would it be possible to produce convincing fakes we could have the unit find? While a replica of a sphere artifact is still unusual it's probably not alarming enough to warrant a high priority investigation.
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>>3526272
[ ] Kill or capture them when out of view of the public

[ ] Delete museum records, data and surveillance
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>>3526272
>[ ] Other: Cut off their last comms to the neeran empire
>[ ] Kill or capture them when out of view of the public
>>
>>3526292
>>3526331
>>3526281
>Conduct a raid and "remove" the last comms for Threochts putting them in the dark for good. Have this be the debut of the Fire Drakes
You can simply flip a switch and turn off their coms since they've already been subverted. In fact you could cut off all of the Rekesh core territories this way.

Or would you rather go for shock and awe?
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>>3526351
How many days until alliance ETA?
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>>3526272
> [ ] Kill or capture them when out of view of the public.

> [ ] There was a tragic fire, and if there are any questions the answer is just more fire.
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>>3526351

I just want to shock and awe. And because being under attack seems like a bigger threat than missing artifacts. Which can act as a cover for our units on the ground. To carry out other orders.
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>>3526354
>How many days until alliance ETA?
Best case is 5 days. Worst is still 10 to 11 days.
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>>3526381
Thanks.

>>3526272
>[x] Monitor them but keep searching for other leads
>Other: [x] Delete museum records, data and surveillance
Aside from that, if we go directly after the team I'd be in favor of capturing them.
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>>3526180
I call it The Golden Lancers. Best (Allegedly) Fire Drake Squadron in the entire fleet.
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>>3526180
meme contribution
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>>3526180
The shape kinda lends itself to something like this.
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With this latest information you decide it's time Threochts planet were cut off from enemy communications. They had only been left one minor connection leading to a few other worlds. All of those have been subverted by the false flag unit.

"Shut it down. Cut all enemy coms from that planet and those close enough to potentially receive a signal from them."
"It's going to look like the Rekesh are rebelling." Maybourne points out. "The Neeran might decide to throw a going away party before leaving. One with Scorchers and Executioners."
"We'll risk it. Besides we still have units out damaging coms elsewhere. They'll just think our groups that attacked the Scorcher have resumed attacks elsewhere.
Now with any luck the rebels wont get trigger happy and decide to kick things off early."

Next are the orders for the special forces. They're told to delete or cover up the records of what was stolen any way they can. Burn it to the ground if necessary. Subsequent searches can't be allowed to turn up anything that might indicate sphere builder artifacts. Maybe they can put more convincing duplicates in their place?
As for the investigators they're to be captured or killed out of view of the public.

All of that still leaves the question of just where the researcher has disappeared to. The team doesn't know yet but hopefully they'll recover some information while purging files.

The Rovinar units that did not take part in the Scorcher ambush are pushing towards the tail area of the galaxy. They'll soon have taken down enemy coms between NM4 and FOB2. They'll continue to harass enemy positions in the nearby colonies and clear out sensor array positions for the arrival of the Alliance fleet.

>cont
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Enemy forces are massing at the fleet base in the west, with many warships from the outlying regions having fled to a position of safety. Civilian ships are either doing the same or seeking refuge in stronger docks and planetary spaceports.

Phas, Lyas and Ren are reporting much the same. Enemy positions are evacuating with any craft they have and many units are now fleeing. Intercepted coms on the highest level command frequencies you've unlocked are ordering units to get to major shipyards immediately, or withdraw to positions in the north of the galaxy cluster.

"They've leaving." concludes Mezan.
"They picked a good time." says General Rna. "The POW holding facility will be operational in a few hours. Once we get those stasis units back our medics the army will be ready for planetary assault duties."

Baron Xedols reports much the same for his fleet and ground units.

The Rovinar didn't bring much in the way of ground forces but they do have special forces and enough marines for boarding actions. They intend to focus on naval assets and orbital platforms.

Another mixed wing has been added to the Rebel forces. On paper at least the Rebels have very little in the way of fighting strength, but given warning time and weapon shipments they'll be able to stage insurrections on a number of worlds to help the fleets.
The same more or less goes for the Rekesh. They expect to be able to sway planetary governors to simply stand down the bulk of their forces. If that doesn't happen rebel cells will help disable shields to make way for the landing.

Have things reached the stage where you are prepared to begin liberating planets?
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>>3526552
>Have things reached the stage where you are prepared to begin liberating planets?
Yes
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>>3526552
>Have things reached the stage where you are prepared to begin liberating planets?
We could try the one to the lower left of the galaxy and see how the enemy reacts. Eventually the system could be placed under control of the Dominion Knights, they're supposed to protect the Dominion from external threats, right? And the locals wanted to be independent anyway, this is probably as close as you can get.

>withdraw to positions in the north of the galaxy cluster.
That's pretty useful to know. I guess they're not expecting an immediate invasion by the Ulgeans, or their forces would retreat to the east of the galaxy.

>ordering units to get to major shipyards immediately
What's the situation at the executioner gun production facility?
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>>3526567
>or their forces would retreat to the east of the galaxy.
The larger galaxy in the east is under attack by the Alliance and the Rovinar and will soon fall. The situation here is likely being repeated in other galaxies. The north of this galaxy cluster is the only area that isn't under attack right now, and where there is still a way to retreat deeper into the Empire.
Those in the south of the cluster will soon be cut off and have to run a gauntlet of high speed intercepts once the Alliance establishes itself in the region.
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>>3526552
>Have things reached the stage where you are prepared to begin liberating planets?

Yes
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>>3526180
Not as flashy or ornate, but at least you're going to know it's Dominion.
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>>3526567
>What's the situation at the executioner gun production facility?
Sorry meant to respond to this. The guns are still there and the facility remains well defended. It looks like they're waiting for something.

>>3526488
Amazed this didn't happen sooner.

>>3526690
>>3526409
You dont have to keep the shark mouth if it gets in the way. I just threw it on there as it's a classic.

>>3526560
>>3526567
>>3526684
Okay, looks like we're beginning the liberation. Where to first?

The tail of the galaxy is where Alliance reinforcements will arrive first. Anything not near the fleet base is a bit lacking in terms of remaining facilities. Either you've been blowing them up or the Neeran were bombarding population centers on the ground. It's unlikely the Neeran will try to perform a scorched earth op on these systems if you take them before they depart. They're not worth it.

The Southern regions are being worked over by Ren and he has a good idea of what planets would be easier to liberate. Or would be worth the effort. The rebels here are determined if a little disorganized at the moment. He is worried that Neeran fleets withdrawing from the yards may stop here on the way out to pick up anything that was missed. Its unlikely given the intercepted orders but he recommends staying away from the rim.

Rekesh space is a known quantity, you have intelligence and rebel support ready to go and your objective is there. It would seem like the go to answer. It could also annoy the rest of the rebels who now man a majority of the recruited attack wings. Some are concerned the Rekesh are going to be set up with authority over this entire galaxy, even if that's false.

The North isn't ready to be liberated yet which is what all the rebels recruited from there attest to. A majority of their supposed core colonies are strongholds of Neeran loyalists. They need more time or a substantial show of force just for the rebellion to gain a foothold. A few however warn that the north might be the first to be attacked if the Ulgean invade. This minority push for their worlds liberation now to prevent that.

[ ] Tail, where Alliance reinforcements will arrive first
[ ] South, good intelligence and determined rebels
[ ] Rekesh space to quickly establish a foothold
[ ] North to stave off the Ulgean
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>>3526805
>[ ] Tail, where Alliance reinforcements will arrive first

Either the Alliance will notice we're beginning invasion and will send more units to help us. Or they'll come in to find we've secured them a beach head in the galaxy beyond the bases we've established.
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>>3526805
>they're waiting for something
If one of the damaged super got modified in6o a huge asteroid tug instead of just upgunning it, would that be enough to move the entire facility?

>[X]tail
The alliance will probably appreciate a planet they can use as a base when they arrive. Once they're here we can move on to rekesh territory or contesy the northern side of the galaxy, dependig on what a makes more sense.

Do we have any news about the Ulgran fleets?
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>>3526834
>If one of the damaged super got modified in6o a huge asteroid tug instead of just upgunning it, would that be enough to move the entire facility?
No, but they could certainly empty out the facility quickly if they did.

>Do we have any news about the Ulgran fleets?
No. High level com traffic to the shipyards is growing sparse and when they do communicate it's even more heavily encrypted.
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>>3526805

[x] Tail, where the Alliance reinforcements will arrive first

In addition, there are at least 2 loyalist worlds in subverted communications regions, and more in blackouts.

Can we fake "we have been invaded!" messages from them to see if we can lure out a Neeran response?

Or send some forces to subvert/destroy communications relays between the Neeran fleet bases?
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>>3526922
Fake distress signal yes.

It would be very difficult to cut off communications between the yards and the fleet base that are being routed outside the galaxy.
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>>3526805
>You dont have to keep the shark mouth if it gets in the way. I just threw it on there as it's a classic.
It works too well on the Fire Drake to be honest. They probably paint them on by default.


>[ ] North to stave off the Ulgean
>>
Targeting the tail of the galaxy for liberation first it would seem.

Contacting the Rovinar you let them know you'll be conducting landing operations in the tail region. Gun and her unit are redeployed to act as a screening force of sorts, watching for enemy movements from the fleet base in response to your invasion attempts. Viq and the rest of the false flag fleet are continuing to subvert coms but could be redeployed if you wanted them.

Performing an assault operation would be best carried out with the support of one of the Supers. Though not specifically needed it certainly helps to act as an anchor for a larger force, and has an impact on the populace below. The added firepower doesn't hurt when it comes to poking holes in planetary shields.
Ordinarily you'd take Forbearance but it's still loaded down with repair work. The Sovereign would logically be the next choice but you've been trying to keep it hidden.

1) Which Super are you deploying for the liberation mission?
1A) Forbearance (transfer repair work to a station)
1B) Sovereign
1C) None
1D) BOTH

2) Do you want the rebels to make a show of force?
2A) Yes, bring most of the false flag unit
2B) Yes, a couple rebel attack wings
2C) Not at this time
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>>3526993
>1B) Sovereign

>2B) Yes, a couple rebel attack wings
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>>3526993

>1B) Sovereign
Inform the Baron he has the chance to take the Sovereign out on a combat mission at last. That aught to make him happy.

>2B) Yes, a couple rebel attack wings
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>>3527004
Supporting
>>
Have another, more opulent version. You think they'd throw in free gold trimming from the cost of these things?
>>
"Baron Xedols, I'd like you and your Super to provide escort for our first planetary landings. If the enemy discover it maybe they'll think Alliance reinforcements have already arrived."

"And if they decide to contest I'll show them what a Dominion built Fast Super can do." Xedols replies.
"My ground forces will likewise be ready to do their part. I dont have as large of an army as you do, nor as many support craft. I hope you'll be able to provide some assistance."

General Rna speaks up. "Our HAGs and Planetary Occupation Platforms will be around to help out, don't worry Baron. We just ask that you not leave our slower ships in the dust."

One of Rioja's assault groups along with an occupation platform and an escort will be attached to the Baron's fleet. If necessary the 400,000 strong J-D contingent will be called in otherwise they'll simply act as a reserve. To think just one of your six army groups probably outnumber the total J-D expeditionary fleet's army when Winifred was Knight Commander.

The rebels chosen to take part in the operation are excited. Some are rookies from the latest training group. Most have had a week or two in the field with the false flag unit or conducting operations with Gun. Their Commanding officer has everyone read off a prepared speech until they find someone to act as the "voice of the rebellion." Only then do they report ready.

Maybourne shrugs.
"Well, it is their planet. One of them anyways."

Was Sonia going to go with the Baron's fleet, help Gun with keeping watch for an enemy response, or hang back with the main fleet?
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>>3527466
Sonia can keep command of the Main fleet and act as a response force in case the Neerans try anything. Perhaps we can get lucky and trap their executioner in a hammer and anvil.
>>
>>3527634
Supporting
>>
>>3527466
>keeping watch for an enemy response
>>
>>3527466
>>3527634

Supporting
>>
>>3527466
Keep watch for an enemy response
>>3526180

The obvious choice for Ace schemes seems to be making the ship itself into various Dragon/Drake heads, with vanity plasma matching the general dragon scheme.

Alternatively, a squadron of 'Drake' Fire Drakes, which simply have some of those old 1st Attack Wing pictures of Drake's face painted across the ship. Preferably smirking.
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>>3528085
At least we won't have problems finding a gift for her next birthday. We can just buy her a squad of fire drakes.
:^)
>>
>>3528319
Literally the only new ship she's ever gotten from Sonia.
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>>3528085
Drake's Drakes?
>>
While the Baron oversees the assault operation you'll take the rest of your forces and stand by to assist or draw attention away from them.

At the moment when the assault fleet is scheduled to attack the system the false flag unit cuts the subverted communications to a loyalist world. Once those are down they send of a false distress signal to the fleet base, informing them that a Faction fleet is trying to land troops. If the Neeran intend to respond to any of their colonies this should give you a good indicator.

It's a long wait without much sign of activity. The few pilots given the opportunity to fly the new Fire Drakes request leave to perform exercises and familiarization flights while standing by. A few even had time to go out and start adding custom paint schemes. Though you have to wonder about their choices in a few instances.

"What the hell is that even?" you ask, pointing to one.
"Pop culture reference." Maybourne replies, barely glancing up from her work.
"...I dont get it."
"It means you're getting old sir."

Oh.

Despite watching and waiting no enemy response comes.

The liberation of the first world in this galaxy goes well. The rebels and strong fleet presence manage to convince close to 70 percent of the orbital defenses to surrender. Slightly less of the PDF are as quick to put down arms. A few of the remaining cities resist though they're quickly captured. Within 6 hours the Baron reports that major combat operations have ended with fewer than 350 fatalities among the Alliance forces.

Preparations are being made to establish a new PDF using local rebels and for the eventual withdrawal of forces and invasion of the next system. Requests are sent for interrogation teams to help with sorting through rebel recruits and members of the old PDF who want to change sides.

Baron Xedols intends to leave a garrison of 100,000 on planet which will remain in place until the Alliance main fleets arrive. With the need to leave garrison forces behind that's going to quickly eat into your available army strength. The question is going to become one of; do you leave more of the army behind, or do you trust the rebels to govern their liberated worlds?

>Which solution do you intend to pursue?
>>
As soon as I manage to get rolling I get called away. Back in an hour I hope.
>>
>>3529576

>Which solution do you intend to pursue?

I suppose we leave our troops behind. Let them work with the rebels and train them. Give the rebels and the pdf time to work together and become familiar with not being under neeran empire command. Then start rotating troops out. Of course this is a long term idea, but it should at least tide us over until the Alliance comes in and takes over for the beach head and to provide the training and assistance of the world itself.

Yet another world claimed in the name of the Dominion!
>>
>>3529576

Leave behind garrisons on strategic worlds, such as those with planet-side industry valuable to resupplying our fleets or equipping rebel forces. Special considerations will likely be needed for 'independent' minded worlds, as a garrison of our forces may be a way for them to press that independence claim. Or a way for us to guide them toward 'special economic zone' status with one of the rebel powers.

Less important, or worlds more vulnerable to Neeran scorched worlds policy, should be turned over to rebels ASAP.
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>>3529576
50000 in a support role acting to assist the rebels?
>>
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>>3528085
>Alternatively, a squadron of 'Drake' Fire Drakes


>>3529724
>Leave behind garrisons on strategic worlds
As the only liberated world this first one would seem to be rather strategic simply because there's aren't any others yet.
But yeah troops can be moved around.
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>>3529724
>>3529644
>>3529753
>50000 in a support role acting to assist the rebels?

These could be drawn from the Rioja unit currently acting as a reserve force for the Ruling House forces. It would allow the Baron to more quickly move on to other worlds. With that 400,000 you'd be able to garrison 8 worlds.
As that's unlikely to happen all at once the bulk of them could remain at the currently liberated planet to help quickly train and assemble new rebel army groups.

Would this be acceptable?
>>
>>3529818

Sounds good to me. Lets try not to expand to quickly. Or else we might actually get a Neeran Empire response.
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>>3529818
I like it.
>>
Business/research idea.
If you wanted to quickly paint ships, could you apply a layer of electrically active material and have it modify colour like e-reader ink does? But metal? Could have it be another product from the company that makes coloured plasma rounds.
>>
>>3529875
I suppose it's possible. That seems like something that would be found more on civilian ships though since it might get wrecked by radiation in a fire fight. Or I presume that wouldn't be healthy for it.
>>
With the agreement that your reserve forces will take over garrison duties the Baron is eager to press onwards. He takes his fleet to the next colony in line, waiting until the Rovinar have finished strikes and caught up. This time he waits at the edge of the system instead of jump in close and surprising them.

"What's the hold up?" you ask when the report comes in.

"There's a delay because the Baron wanted to get the fleet base under observation and have a false signal sent from a closer system."

You're kept in the loop of course receiving the intel updates when your scouts or those the Rovinar deploy get word. The Neeran largely seem to ignore the report. Either they dont consider it worth responding to or they know that it's a fake.

"Tell him to go ahead and take the system. It's in a blackout region now, they're not going to be calling for help."

As predicted the planet is a bit of a pushover. It was one you rescued a few transports full of rebels from not long after arriving in this galaxy. They had already suffered a Neeran bombardment earlier in the year and that didn't leave many of population centers intact. What are left are densely packed.

Despite minimal resistance overall the few places where fights take place are choke points with little room to maneuver or to send in support. Some of the pdf blame your last raid for causing the Neeran to evacuate remaining manufacturing equipment from the planet over the past few weeks.

Once PDF hardliners are put down, the rebels that are from this planet are quick to begin winning over the majority of the civilians. They will have more recruits to provide you but little else. Industry here is now almost nonexistent and even food is becoming scarce. The local government was attempting to put food rationing programs into effect.

While that news is not good the situation elsewhere is quickly becoming worse. Signals intercepts around the fleet base indicate that one of the major shipyards on the east side of the galaxy is under attack by a capital ship fleet.

Maybourne looks to you.
"How many guesses do you need for who it is?"
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>>3529924
>"How many guesses do you need for who it is?"

Welp, if the Alliance wants to take its sweet time. I'm sure the other races of this galaxy don't mind working under the Ulgeans.
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>>3529924
Fuck it, let's put plans in motion and hit the Target planet. It's perfect cover for it too.
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>>3529967
Supporting
Should we alert the alliance as well?
>>
>>3529967

I'm down for telling the Baron that he has command of half the troops and the units with him. We're hitting our target now before the Ulgeans decide to get any ideas. Also, tell him to send a message to the Alliance that if they don't send a liberation fleet here NOW all our prep work will be reaped by the Ulgeans.
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"Tell Xedols to warn the Alliance the Ulgean are already here. We need those reinforcements ASAP in order to liberate the worlds here before they do."

You punch up a channel to your Nocturns and thankfully manage to get hold of Arron.
"Arron I have a priority assignment for you, get me some data on the Ulgean fleet. They're attacking the Neeran shipyards. We need that info as soon as you can."
"On it."

While that's being taken care of you warn the rebels and Rekesh leadership. They'll need to have their people standing by ready for the moment your fleets arrive in a system to speed up the liberation efforts.

General Rna and Tama get to work preparing their forces for their long awaited duties.

When Arron returns he reports that an Ulgean fleet is laying siege to one of the shipyards. It's made up of 2 Executioners, 2 Cinquedea, 3 Super Carriers and quite a few odd supers he's not familiar with. They're backed up by compact heavies, Shoal class mediums, battleships and the usual corvettes.
The occasional Quattro is thrown in but they're a bit more rare. Probably because the Cinquedea types have been upgraded similar to others you've seen lately. Larger gun turret emplacements have been added to them.

Two of the super carriers are new models meaning they're packing even more corvettes than before. Nothing you haven't seen there.

Versa identifies the new Ulgean supers as a Neeran Industrial dock & shipyard that has been equipped with engines and additional armor. A number of docking arms are still present on the hull, perhaps allowing them to unpack into a base facility. While of dubious construction quality they do have quite a respectable amount of firepower. They also seem to be equipped with conventional shielding rather than the type usually favoured by Neeran Supers.

Arron points out that they have very few attack cruisers or frigates and no fast mediums to speak of. Or none that are with their main fleet at least.

As for the Neeran they've clearly been making preparations to abandon the shipyard. A number of super heavy hulls have been rushed to near completion so that they'll be able to jump. One or more are being towed into a new position, probably to make ready to evacuate when the time is right.
For now one Executioner and a few Quattros are aiding the yard defenses in exchanging fire with the siege fleet.
>>
>>3529967
>>3529984
>>3529991
Plan of attack time. Did you want to go straight for the primary target or liberate the Rekesh capital and push on from there?
>>
>>3530040
Rek capital then push. Gives us another decoy.
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>>3530040

>Secure Primary Target first.

I am conflicted. On the one hand, if we attack the target now and secure it. The Ulgeans will either attack us for it or leave it alone. Where as if we secure the capital they'll likely head to the colony after they secure the Super Yards. There really aren't a lot of worlds to choose from once the Ulgeans secure those yards.

So it's a luck of the dice at that point. Do we risk letting the Ulgeans take our target world? Or do we risk letting them take control of the Rekesh homeworld?

I think our first priority should be securing our target world. Even if it means just keeping a force in orbit or on the surface. Having an Alliance pressence there could mean the difference between an open conflict with the Ulgeans for our world. Or dealing with a combine Alliance/ Ulgean expedition to the Sphere Builder facility. Where as if the Ulgeans take the capital, that is then up to the Alliance diplomats to tell the Ulgeans off. As the Alliance wants there to be free member species in the region. Not protectorates of the Ulgeans. So that will be a legal diplomatic shit storm.
>>
>>3530040
Primary target first and foremost. From there we can work our way outwards and take out the rest of the planets
>>
I wonder if trying to capture both at the same time wwill spread us too thin?

>>3530069
Supporting.
>>
>>3530040
Forbearance goes after the main Target, have a fleet based around the two Rovinar and one of the Rekesh heavies split off and take care of the capital.
We're not expecting serious resistance anyway and if the Neeran decide to attack we're close enough that it should be possible to regroup before they arrive.
>>
Have to check out a job fair so not sure what time I'll be resuming today.
>>
>>3530543
I hope you find something good!
>>
You're taking the Forbearance and capturing the primary target. The latest report from special forces there is that they were able to handle the investigation unit, though things got a bit messy. Because of this only a few of them could be taken alive. Three civilians from the museum have been captured as part of the operation to secure and wipe evidence. It's been made to look like a kidnapping for ransom.

Ten Zohn continues to elude capture and so far they've yet to determine where he's headed. An invasion of the planet might be a good thing at this point. If he's forced to seek shelter during the assault it might keep him from his objective.

As far as the orbital defenses around Threochts planet go you previously did quite a bit of damage to the smaller platforms. The big platform suffered damage as well, crippling its shields at the time. That has probably been repaired by now, though there's no way the structural damage will be completely patched.

How did you want to handle the assault? Try to capture as much of the orbital infrastructure as possible, or blitz it to put it down hard?

Or better yet, will you let Ni Ahni have overall (or at least symbolic) command of the operation?

[ ] Give Ni Ahni command of the operation
[ ] Let Ni Ahni ask them to yield but Sonia maintains command
[ ] Surprise attack to catch some orbital defenses off guard
>>
>>3531936

>[ ] Surprise attack to catch some orbital defenses off guard

We're on a timer here. We can let Ni Ahni lead the charge for another invasion of a Rekesh world.
>>
>>3531936
>[ ] Let Ni Ahni ask them to yield but Sonia maintains command
>>
>>3531936

[X] Let Ni Ahni ask them to yield but Sonia maintains command

Dominion forces will be acting as an allied command, backing up Ni Ahni's liberation of his people.

Anything we can take intact bolsters this world's defenses against a possible Ulgean invasion.
>>
>>3531978
Supporting
>>
>>3531936
> [ ] Let Ni Ahni ask them to yield but Sonia maintains command
> [ ] Surprise attack to catch some orbital defenses off guard

Start with a blitz then have Ni Ahni step in to "stop" us and have the rest yield to him.
>>
As the fleet approaches the system containing your primary target you contact Ni Ahni.
"This planet belongs to your people, it's only right that you should be the first one they see asking for their surrender. Save some lives if you can. Once the fighting starts I'll move my fleet in to support you."

The Rekesh leader agrees and asks that you jump your fleet in approximately a minute after his. They'll be reverting at range rather than using the gravity well to drag the fleet into real space. While you agree a full wing of assault corvettes are told to hang back at the edge of the system to micro jump in closer if needed.

Ni Ahni takes his heavy cruiser, a dozen battleships and 3 squadrons of frigates in. Probably too small a force to take down the orbitals themselves but as he begins broadcasting he makes mention to having sought out allies. Rebels are called on to rise up and the defenders to make way for the long awaited liberation.

When your fleet jumps in the main defense platform has begin to engage the Rekesh fleet at extreme range. The Rekesh aren't doing much damage but neither is the station. Most of their weapons just aren't terribly effective that far out. None of the AM missile platforms have opened fire and about half of the medium platforms dont seem to be active either.

"Are they waiting until we get closer or did the rebels neutralize them?" you ask.

Versa searches communications logs relayed by the Rekesh. "It looks like most of the spherical platforms were sent a shut down command from facilities on the ground. I suspect they'll be inactive for several minutes at the very least."

"Bring in the assault corvettes to target the remaining medium platforms. Reynard to Forbearance, disable the main platform."

Forbearance maneuvers slightly and brings all four of her siege cannons to bear. The opening barrage lands solid hits nearly collapsing the shield. An incomplete and damaged heavy cruiser still in dock extends its shields while the station gets secondaries online. Together they manage to shrug off the next four hits.

If the station only needed to worry about your Supers main guns they might last awhile. Tings aren't going that well for them. Damage from the Rekesh fleet is starting to add up and is further compounded when the Monitors enter weapons range. Soon the defenses are struggling.

Heavy torpedo batteries on Forbearance have also been launching shield breakers. Point defense manage to take out some of them but once a few have hit the remaining shield collapses completely. The Rekesh quickly request that Forbearance cease fire, at least with her main guns. Accurate fire from light siege guns quickly disable weapon emplacements on the station rendering it defenseless.

>1/3
>>
Assault corvette crews dont show any mercy to the operational medium platforms. They get in close and cripple them with a few well placed torpedoes. On the other side of the planet squadrons report that the incomplete platform there has half of its shields down and have even opened the doors to their landing bays.

"The Rekesh are moving in to land troops on the main station. We're picking up transmissions from the other station saying that there are Rebels trying to take control of it."

"Get some marines in there ASAP." you order.

Serth's Dragoons light off their afterburners and streak off, headed for the other side of the planet. A Shukhant and some battleships follow, ready to provide assistance. Meanwhile you bring the main fleet in closer to the edge fo the gravity well to support eventual landing operations.

Around the station a few of the Rekesh frigates engage corvette turrets that have detached and tried to hide in the platforms shadow. Your allies quickly back away, clearing the blast range just before a fuel tank jettisoned by the defenders is detonated.
Despite resistance the battleships get in close enough to land troops and begin to secure the station. There are rebel supporters but they're few in number. Clearing the main station will take time.

Mike's marine unit encounters brief resistance to their initial boarding action. This turns out to simply be the result of rebels mistaking them for Neeran troops. Apparently the Neeran propaganda vids haven't included much on the newer Hard Plate Armor that has become the standard for your forces. They look like a scarry Neeran client species black ops team.
With the rebels help they move to secure the other station. When it becomes clear to them that superior forces are aboard and moving against them it doesn't take long to subdue the remainder.

As the fleet settles into orbit sensors monitor the situation ground side as best they can through the planetary shields. The rebels are clearly aware of the fighting in orbit now and are moving to secure government buildings and some bases.

"Should we start pounding the shields?" asks Maybourne.
"Not yet. Wait until the stations are confirmed as secured."

>2/3
>>
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On the surface Rebels cells bring down one of the planetary shields in the southern hemisphere. There are reports of fighting around two other shields in the north but so far they've been unable to breach the ground defenses.

When Ni Ahni reports that his marines are still heavily engaged you tell him that you're waiting any longer.
"I'm taking advantage of the hole in the shield while we still have one. I'd rather not have to bombard the shield and risk surface damage."

"Yes. I'll broadcast to the populace that Alliance allies from the Dominion are on their way to assist in their liberation."

Signalling Tama the Admiral orders starfighter wings, LST's and gunships aboard the mediums carriers to deploy. They're followed by the planetary occupation platform and a wave of assault transports. Other waves stand by should other holes open in the shield.

By the time the main station is fully secure you have 400,000 troops on the ground in the southern hemisphere but the shields are still in place above the remainder. Starfighters and forward units are spreading out across the planet but it could be some time before the reach the planetary capital let alone the north.
It may be time to start dropping SP kinetic penetrators, or have additional landing groups make a push below the main shield. However, it might be a good idea to keep the capital's shields intact to make it easier to defend the planet in the future. Then again, time might be of the essence to aid the rebels.

[ ] SP shields above all major population centers
[ ] SP the shields protecting the capital
[ ] SP the shields where there are rebels to aid
[ ] Send landing groups below the shield from the south
>>
>>3532383

[x] SP the shields where there are rebels to aid

Get reinforcements to allied forces to preserve their numbers, and then mobile liberation fortress the remainder.
>>
>>3532383

Was the radiation fallout of these rounds solved? Or are these still the kinds that leave behind radiation after use? Either way,

>[ ] SP the shields where there are rebels to aid

Alert the medical crews if they aren't already. To be ready to receive civilians, once we've got the planet on lock down. Just in case there's some radiation left over from these rounds.
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>>3532392
>Was the radiation fallout of these rounds solved? Or are these still the kinds that leave behind radiation after use? Either way,
You're thinking of the shield breaker rounds that leave hazardous chemical residue that is harmful to most life forms. Those weapons are unofficially banned from atmospheric use. Though nobody is going to do anything about it if your ground forces decide to use them against Neeran super heavy tanks.
Using them in a heavily populated area is considered to be kind of a dick move.

If you wanted to depopulate a planet detonating the heavy torpedo grade shield breakers in the upper atmosphere of a planet would completely fuck it over for years.

SP/Shield Piercing kinetic penetrators however are inert and as they lack a warhead are not banned by the Factions treaty. Just dont fire them at relativistic speeds.
>>
>>3532383
>[ ] SP the shields where there are rebels to aid
>>
>>3532383
>[x] SP the shields where there are rebels to aid
Any chance Versa can take control of the local computer infrastructure?
>>
>>3532383
>[ ] SP the shields where there are rebels to aid
>>
"Ready SP impactors. Target shield generators near confirmed rebel positions."
"We have two in the north sir."
"Then fire when ready. Stand by to begin landings in those sectors once the shields are down."

Tama moves up one of the carrier groups and deploys more fighters to aid the landings. HAGs that had been held back go with this wave. So far the doesn't seem to be any serious anti-orbital weaponry on the surface aside from SAMs and point defense around military facilities.

"Versa, any luck with planetary network infiltration?"
"I have been able to gain limited control of some local systems, but much of their system architecture is based off of Neeran technology. Its design is resistant to AI attack. For now I've placed routines to provide ground troops with data from civilian security monitoring devices."
That should help them avoid a few ambushes here and there.

As the assault forces secure their landing zones and continue to push outward, Ni Ahni begins broadcasts on public channels and those used by the PDF. He urges them to join forces with the rebellion, telling them that the Neeran have abandoned them and this galaxy.

The Planetary Governor does not seem convinced, and accusing the rebels of having cut communications, preventing them of knowing with certainty that the Neeran are gone.
"If they do return those of us who resisted at this time will be restored to power."

So that's how it's going to be is it?
"Send a message to the Rekesh flagship. Ask if it would be helpful if I posted a bounty for the Governor to be taken alive."
They're quick to respond, asking that you hold of on such actions for the rest of the day. You've not terribly happy with this. You hope to conclude major operations here before the day is out if possible.

Rebels in the north are extremely grateful for the timely arrival of your ground forces. They were evenly matched against loyalist PDF forces there at best before the shields fell. Once they realised that an entire army group was dropping right on top of them more than half of the defenders either fled, surrendered or switched sides. Within a few hours most of the major population centers in the north are secure or soon will be.

The southern continent is largely secure aside from a few ocean ports that have their own defenses. Army group commanders there assign a few divisions to work with the rebels to isolate and capture each one. Most of the ground forces there are already withdrawing to their transports with plans to relocate to the land mass along the equator. The occupation platform is already headed north west towards the capital with a contingent.

"Sir, some of the units in the north are wondering if they could help relocate some of the rebel ground units closer to the capital? They'd need either shuttles, LSTs or assault transports."

[ ] Allow it, less fighting for our people
[ ] Dont risk it, there could be collaborators
[ ] Only let them on older ships
>>
>>3532383
What happens if you generate a shield within a shield, and then expand it past the perimeter of the first shield?

Could you use smaller shield generators to punch a hole in a specific part of a shield?
>>
>>3534383
>[ ] Only let them on older ships

Neeran brainjacking in a thing.
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>>3534383

>[ ] Dont risk it, there could be collaborators

While I want this to be an over and done with deal. Rather not be hasty and cause some false defectors a means to make it to the capital. Or somehow sending Empire Neeran to the capital with out own troops.
>>
>>3534410
Yes a shield can be generated inside the perimeter of another shield, though overlapping them can cause problems. It is generally not a good idea to expand it past the outer one.

It used to be possible to perform a shield pulse in this manner that would knockout other planetary shield generators. This was later fixed, at least in Faction space. This method was used to escape the planet in the wake of the Lat'tham ball in 4024.

>"Our best armed troops escort the techs inside and set up the equipment."
>"I'll have you know I'm a Viscount not a lowly technician, with doctorates in five differe-"

While this exploit was patched it's still not good for the shields and does cause some disruption.
>>
>>3534431
>It is generally not a good idea to expand it past the outer one.

That sounds like a wonderful problem to give our enemies.

How much would it cost to make a SP lander that would make a hole for heavy torpedoes?

Because if it would overall result in saving SP torps that would be great.
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>>3534542
As a sufficiently powerful shield generator and power source would be needed for such a device, you would have to scrap several thousand SP torpedoes. Even then it's not guaranteed to work. Obviously this is less efficient than simply removing the warhead from a stock SP torpedo and replacing it with something heavy.
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>>3534566
Well nuts.
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>>3534383
>[ ] Only let them on older ships
>>
>>3534383
>[x] Only let them on older ships
We could request pilots from Ni Ahni forces for these.

>much of their system architecture is based off of Neeran technology. Its design is resistant to AI attack.
There better be somebody in the Dominion already working on implementing this with our technology. We should ask the Ruling House once we're back and start our own project if nobody is working on it.
>>
"Only let them on older ships for now. Once there's time we'll have to see about bringing in Neeran HLV's for them to use or converting some captured cargo ships as assault transports."

With the help of a few ships the rebels transport roughly 50,000 of their people to positions nearer to the capital. Some are using older wheeled ground vehicles while others have taken control of Neeran repulsor tanks and artillery. Due to their reduced speed and general inexperience the army assigns them to sectors closer to the edges of cities.

As the tank columns advance into the more populated regions General Rna is taking notes. It may be necessary to defend these same approaches if another party assaults the planet before the shields are replaced.

Despite public safety alerts being displayed in most areas warning people to head to the shelters civilians are still present. In the capital itself crowds are beginning to line the streets, waving to the passing tank columns. This is making the crews nervous as they're not used to this sort of thing. Even though most of the local rebels cells in the region were defeated hours ago, or driven back by the PDF, the populace seems to be in support of the liberation.

The Generals are asking that rebels be brought to the front to make sure the civilians see fellow Rekesh with them. Of course that might delay the advance by an hour.

[ ] Wait for rebels to be brought to the front
[ ] Slow approach, see if they can get some flags from the civilians
[ ] No delay
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>>3535230
[ ] Wait for rebels to be brought to the front
Anything to keep the locals happy and cooperative.
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>>3535230
>[x] Wait for rebels to be brought to the front
Let's so this properly. We'll just have to use the time to progress in other areas or ways. Do we have control over the orbital defences that surrendered yet?
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>>3535230

[x] Wait for rebels to be brought to the front

Get some flags where possible.

Position some armed LSTs & ground attack fighters to act as QRF forces to deal with any attacks. Air support & air insertion of infantry.

Dante flights would also work.
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>>3535230
>[ ] Wait for rebels to be brought to the front
>>
>>3535230
>[ ] Slow approach, see if they can get some flags from the civilians
>>
>>3535248
>Do we have control over the orbital defences that surrendered yet?
Shuttles have boarded the AM missile platforms and locked out their weapon systems. Technicians are now looking them over. It seems that they're largely controlled from the ground, so until the planet is secure they'll remain offline.

The main platform is secure and anyone that was still resisting have surrendered.

Word is sent for shuttles to pick up rebels and bring them to the front of the armored columns. As predicted this takes time. Starfighters and LSTs continue to advance, clearing air defenses and engaging the occasional PDF interceptor unit.

When the rebels arrive, some with their own vehicles, they're met with a new round of cheers from the crowds. Soon the tanks are moving again with rebel tanks staggered every other vehicle. Black and yellow Rekesh flags hang from them, and a few have been attached to the J-D tanks towards the front of the formation.

Versa intercepts civilian broadcasts of the procession and hands them off to the PR people to rebroadcast to areas still held by the PDF. Once videos of civilians welcoming the liberation forces start to circulate the dialogue with the Governor begins to shift. Inside of an hour they offer terms for their conditional surrender which Ni Ahni accepts.

Remaining planetary shields are lowered and a few additional transports are sent down. Special forces and Rekesh marines sent down from the station secure the government buildings without further incident.
There are attempts by loyalist forces to send a signal indicating the planet has fallen but these are jammed. The few ships that attempt to escape are intercepted by attack cruisers or assault corvettes. Those that refuse to turn back are quickly boarded and captured.

Half an hour after the surrender of the Governor rebels begin broadcasting that the planet has been successfully liberated. PDF that fought and continue to fight will be treated as prisoners of war, not traitors like some of the local cells would like.

Ni Ahni asks that every step should be taken to prevent a civil war within the nation as their worlds are liberated. It is his intention to gather as many volunteers from the ground forces as possible and take a fleet to the capital world next.

With the importance of Threochts planet to your ultimate objectives General Rna wants to know how many troops will be remaining here. There are already 800,000 troops on the surface plus special forces which will be withdrawn. You have another 1.2 million still in orbit with the fleet.

>J-D Garrison force for Threochts planet
[ ] 400k
[ ] 800k
[ ] 1.2 million
[ ] Other?
>>
>>3535655
>[x] 800k
Seems like a sensible number while leaving enough for decent garrisons on other planets.
>>
>>3535655

>Garrison Force

How many does Rna feel need to be kept on planet to keep it pacified and prevent an uprising by those dissatisfied with the uprising?

I feel like we could leave 400k behind and be fine. But if it would be best to keep those troops on the ground and present to either prevent an uprising by those not pleased by this. Or to hold off an Ulgean invasion. Then lets keep the 800k there and move on to the capital, and be prepared to deploy the majority of the forces to retake the capital if it is as densely populated as I think it is.
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>>3535655
>PDF that fought and continue to fight will be treated as prisoners of war, not traitors like some of the local cells would like.

Good. We don't want a repeat of that whole Shallan incident where they wanted to execute everyone who fought for the Neerans.

[ ] 800k
Leave the forces we have landed here for the moment. Once they've fully pacified the world and we are sure the Rekesh can hold the world we can withdraw another 400 000 troops from the planet and deploy elsewhere if we so need to or want to.
>>
>>3535655

[x] Other: 600k + Combat Engineers to prepare defenses

Swap out forces as needed, and if possible leave behind a cloaked assault transport or LST to support the search for the Rekesh historian.

Prepare to defend this planet.
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>>3535687
>How many does Rna feel need to be kept on planet to keep it pacified and prevent an uprising by those dissatisfied with the uprising?
It could probably be done with 250k if necessary, provided enough engineers were left behind that is. That would be fine for the average planet with this level of population and industry.
This isn't an average planet though. It is certainly of higher value, at least to you. That would mean a larger force should be stationed here.
>>
800,000 troops will remain on planet and engineers will see about installing additional defenses. You did bring planetary defense guns but the ground teams want to hold off on installing them until it's certain they wont be planting them on top of anything that needs to be dug up.

Fighting was heavy in a few places but losses were light among your people. Their equipment and training was enough to make sure of that. The same cant be said for the local rebels. The north and south fared quite well, but those around the capital took serious losses. There are already complaints from some that you didn't do enough, but those are quickly silenced by their peers.

As preparations begin for the assault on the capital you ask Maybourne about the state of the orbital platforms.

"The big stations are a mess but I think the engineers can work with them. The base frame is nearly finished on the second station and structural damage to the main can be fixed quickly enough. It might be worth rushing the heavy docks on both platforms to repair or completion."

Your ops officer points to the two vessels currently tethered to the main station.
"One of the heavies is missing its entire starboard side, the other is a skeleton and neither have engines installed. We could move them to the second platform and bring in two of the other salvaged heavies we have under repair. That would free two of the Neeran mobile bases for other work."

Currently there are 2 Qlippoth and 1 Compact Heavy under repair along with quite a few medium cruisers. Did you want any of them moved to Threochts planet at this time?
>>
>>3535949
>Currently there are 2 Qlippoth and 1 Compact Heavy under repair along with quite a few medium cruisers. Did you want any of them moved to Threochts planet at this time?

Sure, get them moved over here and get them to either be repaired and up and running. Or use them to bolster the secondary station.
>>
>>3535949
While I don't see any problem with moving what ever ships we find from now on to Threochts I would prefer to keep our current salvage where it is. Hidden along our secret bases. Moving them would certainly attract at lest some attention, despite the coms being a mess here, and I want to see the Ulgean and Neeran Response to this take over.
>>
>>3535949
> Keep them at their secret bases until repairs are complete.
>>
>>3535949
Can we just bring the other work here instead?

Like >>3535995 pointed out, the main advantage to the other bases is that they're secret and can keep our other ships secret as well.
>>
>>3535949
>Did you want any of them moved to Threochts planet at this time?
2 Qlippoth
>>
The majority will stay at their hidden bases for now, with any future heavy cruiser salvage being brought here.

Lyas has managed to take out a heavy tanker withouth wrecking its drives so it will be brought here to have the engines ripped out. When the construction docks are back online one of the Qlippoths can be brought here for final fitting of the new engines.

Would this be an acceptable middle ground? Using the station here for final fitting?
>>
>>3536117
I am fine with that. At that point we should know if it's safe to bring them there or not in any case. In which case we can redirect them elsewhere.
>>
>>3536117

I would be fine with it.
>>
>>3536117
Sure.
>>
>>3536117
yes
>>
>>3536117
I really like it.
>>
>>3536117
yeppers.
>>
Plans are made to bring future heavy cruiser salvage here or at least bring them here for final repairs.

On the surface rebels gather transport craft from those that have been grounded since this region became unsafe. You have a few Neeran HLV's brought here from the salvage stockpile as well. Only a few super heavy tanks have been captured that are operational. While 3 are made available to the rebels you strongly advise them not to make much use of them.

"Those tanks are good at causing destruction and collateral damage. You dont want them entering population centers."

Barely a day after the previous assault the fleet jumps to the Rekesh capital. This is one of the better defended systems that you haven't done much to in the past. Some of the outer bases, fuel refineries and the like were harassed but none of you got close to the colony. Its larger defense platforms are much better armed, including with what seem to be Neeran versions of the gatling light siege turret.

Ni Ahni intends to attempt the same thing as before, trying to talk down the defenders and governor first. Once they get word that other planets have been liberated he hopes that will help matters along. Urging the rebels on planet to rise up will be a fall back plan. With luck this one can be negotiated.

Forbearance and the fleet will still be jumping in at long range to help press home the point that they have allies, and powerful ones.

A little over a minute after the Rekesh units jump in your fleet begins their microjump. In mid jump you're receive a priority transmission from the Rekesh. Of course the jump is over by the time you actually have a chance to hit the button to respond. By which point a large phase weapon beam flashes past most of the fleet, destrying one of your corvettes.

"Pull back to the edge of the system!" Ni Ahni directs.

You have assault corvettes ready to jump in close. Do you jump back out as requested, or have the corvettes jump in allowing your fleet to engage despite an apparent range disadvantage?

[ ] Jump out now
[ ] Call in the reinforcements
>>
>>3536294
[ ] Jump out now
Let's play this out. I am sure he has a plan of some sort. Otherwise we crush the systems defenses.
>>
>>3536294
>[x] Jump out now
He's the expert for all things Rekesh, better follow his advice.
>>
Despite being rather annoyed with the loss of a ship you have the fleet power up engines and jump to the other side of the system. As it turns out the defense platforms were firing warning shots at the Rekesh fleet and they were trying to hail you to abort the jump.

As is soon explained the Rekesh government was forced to develop new long range turrets for the Neeran. These were seen as both a countermeasure to the rekesh rebels and reparations to pay for the forces used to hunt most of them down. The neeran now have the completed designs but chose not to build any locally. Government forces were able to complete a few of the guns for the local platforms over the past few weeks.

Much like Threochts Governor, the main government is reluctant to openly declare that they are turning their back on the Empire. However Rekesh Keepers have certain legal powers in their assembly. As Ni Ahni explains, if he could gain entrance to the main assembly he could push through emergency legislation granting the Keepers additional extra-legal powers for a set period of time.

“Like being named dictator. What’s the catch?”
“I have diplomatic immunity inside the assembly building, however the Neeran placed warrants for my arrest. There will be public bounties in place because of it. I need a legally plausible method of reaching the surface.”

You could bring in the false flag unit. They have Neeran codes and could get into orbit. Maybe even dock with one of the defense platforms. Of course once that happens it would be a good opportunity for your troops to board the station and capture it. Or you could go with what the Rebel leader probably has in mind and arrange for a Neeran shuttle, HLV or other craft to get him to the assembly building. Backed up by some of your special forces of course.

Of course this will take time. Maybe most of a day just to set up. A conventional assault now might allow you to secure the center of government in a matter of hours.

[ ] Conventional assault
[ ] False Flag secure stations, go from there
[ ] False Flag infiltrate Ni Ahni to surface
[ ] Other ideas?
>>
>>3536479

So this idea is going to take a lot of luck.

But lets transfer over marines and special ops to the False Flag. Have them go in with Ni Ahni and take control of the station, quietly. It would probably help to have a stealth ship in system to jam communications from the station to the planet below.

The Special Ops will infiltrate the station and disable communications or subvert them. And then start disabling defenses and open the doors for the marines to come in and secure it. Once it's secure Ni Ahni is taken to the surface in one of the shuttles likely docked on the station. And taken directly to the assembly building, with an escort of marines. To either make sure he gets in or out, alive.

Or we could just assault the damn world and cripple the station and then land troops on the planet below.
>>
>>3536512
>But lets transfer over marines and special ops to the False Flag. Have them go in with Ni Ahni and take control of the station, quietly. It would probably help to have a stealth ship in system to jam communications from the station to the planet below.
>The Special Ops will infiltrate the station and disable communications or subvert them. And then start disabling defenses and open the doors for the marines to come in and secure it. Once it's secure Ni Ahni is taken to the surface in one of the shuttles likely docked on the station. And taken directly to the assembly building, with an escort of marines. To either make sure he gets in or out, alive.
>[ ] False Flag secure stations, go from there

>Or we could just assault the damn world and cripple the station and then land troops on the planet below.
>[ ] Conventional assault

>So this idea is going to take a lot of luck.
It would certainly help.

You could also ask Ren to "collect" the bounty.
>>
>>3536530
Isn't one of the Neeran with us formerly of Empire Space?

Would that be a better choice for the false flag/bounty claim than Ren?
>>
>>3536479
>[ ] Conventional assault
>>
>>3536546
>Isn't one of the Neeran with us formerly of Empire Space?
Uller. Yes. He's usually helping out with the false flag unit because of this.

>Would that be a better choice for the false flag/bounty claim than Ren?
Hmm... actually. At first I was going to say no but if they're deserting that's another story.
A Neeran officer would probably just take what information they needed then kill him because letting any of the Rekesh rebel leadership remain alive is too dangerous. A deserter however might want to barter for access to shipyards and repair facilities for their fleet. Potentially even going mercenary in return for their government's protection from the Alliance.
>>
>>3536530
>>3536546
>>3536479
I'll support this combo
>>
>>3536626
So Ren, or Uller?
>>
>>3536479
We have one confirmed vote and some others I'm not entirely sure which option they want.

[ ] Conventional assault >>3536548
[ ] False Flag secure stations, go from there
[ ] False Flag (Special forces) infiltrate Ni Ahni to surface
[ ] Uller turns in Ni Ahni for bounty
[ ] Ren turns in Ni Ahni for bounty
[ ] Other ideas?
>>
>>3536660
>[ ] False Flag secure stations, go from there
>>
>>3536660

[X] False Flag secure stations, go from there

We have krath, recon power armor teams, commando not-powered armor teams, and Uller to potentially act as the face.

Plus, we need those new weapons intact to potentially defend this place and study.
>>
>>3536660
>[ ] False Flag secure stations, go from there

Just to keep things rolling.
>>
After discussing options the fleets pulls out of sensor range of the system to regroup.

“Call Viq and Uller. We’ll need the false flag unit here. Contact the Krath mercenaries as well.”

Mezan points out that the false fleet might benefit from another medium cruiser to balance it out. Some of the crew from the Outer Heaven and the Quattro could be temporarily transferred over to the spare Scarecrow type to get it operational. That should ensure neither of them are at dangerous levels.

Once everyone has arrived the heavy cruisers are loaded with troops and special forces. They’ll use any excuse they can come up with to dock at one of the main platforms. If they’re really lucky maybe they can find a way to get both.

Though it takes some convincing the Krath mercs agree to assisting with the operation if more people able to impersonate Neeran are needed. Their ships will largely sit this one out aside from acting as forward scouts. One of the Nocturns will stay with the fleet formation. If everything goes to hell they have a few ways to help out.

Some more trainees that have graduated are assigned to the Rekesh fleet in case things dont go well. You’ll be waiting with them and Forbearance a few light years away during the operation.

Viq and Uller discuss the operation in detail and while they have some concerns enough contingencies are created that they have options.
“Like running away if they point their guns at us. I consider that an option.” says Viq.

“Once you’re inside their shield perimeter you’ll be fine.” you stress.

“I know that, it’s getting close enough that worries me. They have really big guns.”

That is true, which is why their cover story and any lingering loyalty to the Neeran are the only things that will give them a chance. Standard refueling and resupply request should let them get their foot in the door. As well as their commanders intention to ask for a status update to provide the Neeran fleet.

"If they bother to tell us about the fleet having been here odds are good they think we're legit. Of course that would also be bad because it means they're still that loyal."

"As long as you get through and complete your objectives it doesn't matter much to me." you reply.

Roll 2d20
>>
Rolled 20, 2 = 22 (2d20)

>>3536815

Rolling for sneaky boys.

>Roll 2d20
>>
Rolled 14, 2 = 16 (2d20)

>>3536815

Rolling bones.
>>
Rolled 19, 7 = 26 (2d20)

>>3536815
Rolling bones
>>
>>3536819
>>3536821
>>3536849

Hoo boy the extraction doesn't look so well for us.
>>
>>3536873
Fortunately you weren't rolling for that. It does mean your people are only going to be able to board 1 station though.
>>
And I'll have to finish of the next post tomorrow.
>>
>>3535949
>but those around the capital took serious losses. There are already complaints from some that you didn't do enough, but those are quickly silenced by their peers.
We should have liberated at least some Rekesh combat armor on this planet. Maybe bring some of it along to the next planets so we can support the locals with better equipment?

>>3529924
>Industry here is now almost nonexistent and even food is becoming scarce. The local government was attempting to put food rationing programs into effect.
If the Rekesh were willing to donate food it would probably help to earn them a significant amount of goodwill with the population of that planet and the rebels in the area. Just in case they're interested in good relations with their future neighbours.
>>
Uller and his fleet approach the system from the galactic north west. From the edges of the system they contact the Rekesh capital and request an approach lane and docking clearance. They also request a status update on defensive preparations and any enemy movements they’ve detected.

After a short delay they’re given the necessary nav data and clearance to dock. Taking a bit longer is a brief report that rebel and Alliance fleets have both attempted a raids of late but were driven off. It doesn’t go into much detail.

Uller attempts to see about splitting up his units between two stations but is informed that only one is available at the moment. They cite damage from recent raids as an excuse.

Regardless they manage to jump in system and approach for refueling without incident. Given how skitish Viq was about this plan you imagine the Shallan crew is on a hair trigger waiting to activate jamming. That part of the plan goes off without a hitch. It’s the boarding attempt doesn’t get off to the greatest start.

Part of the initial problem turns out to be the Rekesh attempting to board the heavy cruisers themselves. It isn’t clear if it was because they suspected the crew was faking or if they just decided this was the best opportunity to take the ships from the Neeran. Regardless they walked into a wall of power cell armor equipped marines who were already prepared to stun everyone on the station if necessary. They just didn't have to walk as far to get to the fight.

Due to the delay of having to deal with a counter-boarding action only half of the teams reach their objectives. Even then a quarter of those just barely make it on time. With station systems failing to go down in a timely manner Viq has everyone put their ships on the station hull where they’ll at least be in the blind spots of any big guns. When they realise the siege turrets still have a partial line on the heavy cruisers, the Mediums and battleships perform a low speed ram to keep them from rotating.

Most of the resistance on the station stops when two officers wearing suits of heavy power armor storm the bridge and order everyone to surrender. They then proceed to save the bridge crew from a dumbass crewman that tries to charge them with a frag grenade. A weapon that wouldn't have done much to the suits but might have seriously wounded anyone in the room.
When you have power armor designed to tank plasma pistol shots they dont tend to move much when you step on a grenade.

>cont.
>>
Things haven’t gone according to plan but the station is secured. With that in mind Uller, Viq and Ni Ahni attempt phase 2 with the help of a few officers on the station that are a bit more cooperative. The station commander reports to the surface via laser com that they’ve taken one of the Heavy Cruiser captains hostage. A representative wishes to discuss the situation with the government to prevent further bloodshed.

Ostensibly this is to negotiate the release of the Neeran Captain. It is implied however that some of the client species members want to use this opportunity to desert or defect. This is too good to pass up as it could leave some ships in the hands of the government without further damage or harm. By a narrow margin they vote to allow a flight of station shuttles to the surface.

Viq assigns one of the few Shallan marines in his unit to act as the diplomat while Ni Ahni will play the part of an advisor, both wearing client state uniforms. Rekesh rebels take equipment and body armor from the station defenders to look the part of an assigned escort.

Once on the ground the “station troops” are rather predictably prevented from passing the security checkpoint into the government buildings. At least one security officer there recognized Ni Ahni but pointedly did nothing to stop him.

After that things went remarkably easy. Following the big reveal and mass astonishment, attempts to first arrest then assassinate the Rekesh military and cultural leader were blocked and otherwise prevented.

“The ships in orbit do not belong to the Neeran, they belong to the Factions Alliance and the larger forces of the rebellion. So does the defense platform they’re docked to. We were forced to capture it to make our way here. There is a hole in your sky. If you continue to serve the Neeran it will get bigger. Now is the time for our nation to be under our own control, not whatever system the Neeran feel is easiest to make us dance to.

I have signed a treaty with representatives of the Factions Alliance. They will recognise and support our claims to worlds that have been ours for centuries. If we do not act now we will soon find ourselves slaves to the Ulgean. I do not wish to spend the next sixty years fighting another despotic state for our freedom. The Alliance will leave us in peace as long as we are willing to talk. If we wish to be allies they are open to that as well.”

Some of the assembly members preferred not to have this turn into a lengthy speech spoke up.
“You can grant yourself emergency powers, you know this. Do it and be done with it!”

“Anything done by one person can be discounted as the work of the power mad. Things done by many hands are harder to ignore. Break with the Neeran Empire now and it will save many lives.”

>cont.
>>
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This draws much discussion among the assembly until one asked for more information.
“You are certain the Ulgean are on their way? We have had no communication aside from an occasional ship in days.”

“They already are attacking the shipyards.”

“It may be better to join them if they’ve already arrived in force.”
“They are brutes, no better than the Neeran, and we have no treaty with them.”

After hours of debate the assembly gives Ni Ahni what he wants. Their government will recognise the treaty with you and the Alliance. Their ties to the Empire will be broken and all Rekesh colonies willing to recognise their authority will do the same. It will not be that easy on every world. Some may be reluctant to change sides.

The Rebel fleet is granted authority to act officially and bring reluctant worlds into line. They are also given the authority to ask allies for aid in such endeavours. It doesn’t specifically refer to any group like the Alliance, Dominion or other rebel factions, but all of them would be included.

Communications between the capital and the rest of Rekesh space are restored. Soon enough 8 worlds have switched sides for a total of 9 in the central region. 5 others refuse to recognise the legitimacy of the order. Some were known to be Neeran loyalist strongholds.

In the tail region of the galaxy 4 worlds are now liberated but the fleet has been reluctant to go for a 5th yet. There is activity near the fleet base and enemy patrols are increasing. It doesn’t seem like a counterattack but they may be prepared to delay capture of additional worlds there.

Back on Threochts planet garrison forces have finally completed a high power deep scan without the interference of the planetary shields. There are some unusual readings as anticipated. When troops arrive at one of the more promising exploratory dig sites to cordon off the area they find none other than Ten Zohn. The missing researcher has made quite a bit of progress in tunneling down towards a sub surface ruins site.

Did you want him kept on site for debriefing by science teams, or were you thinking more along the lines of taking him into custody?
>>
And I have to head out for a several hours.
>>
>>3539861

>Did you want him kept on site for debriefing by science teams, or were you thinking more along the lines of taking him into custody?

If he isn't being hostile, keep him on site so we can do a debriefing with the science teams. And have a team keep an eye on him so he doesn't just decide to up and run away, again. He may have been a pain in the ass. But so long as he hasn't hurt anyone, we can keep him working until the Rekesh decide on whether to punish him or not.
>>
>>3539861

Debrief him, ensure that he is credited with any findings he has made.

If he was making use of the staff he stole, temporary custody until we can get him screened for mind screwery. iirc, the Neeran have to assist with at least your initial artifact usage training, and that is a red flag in my book.

Also, we should probably make contact with the Ulgeans.

And maybe the Neeran shipyard to the South, that is most likely to come Scorcher a few rebel worlds. I wonder what they would trade for a Super skeleton crew. If the Ulgeans haven't sieged them already that is.
>>
>>3539861
>Did you want him kept on site for debriefing by science teams
Keep him at the site and see if we can recruit him for the sphere society. He seems to be an enthusiastic archeologist and researcher, and I think we brought one of the sphere guys along despite the rather draconic NDA.

>Galactic west
Don't go after additional planets for now. Rather see that the rebels get their shit together and if possible prepare the local infrastructure for the arrivale of the FA fleet.

>Rekesh state
What's the state of their fleet, crews, and support infrastructure? We have more ships than we can use and if they could at least discourage raids on their territory it would already help a lot. Also see if we can get the local sensors back online.

>Ulgeans
Have cloaked ships record how they deal with the minor stronghold systems. If they turn out to act just like the Empire Neeran, we might be able to convince some of the remaining loyalist planets to try their luck with our side.

>Enemy fleet to the south.
What's up with that?
>>
>>3539861
>Did you want him kept on site for debriefing by science teams, or were you thinking more along the lines of taking him into custody?

Well he knows more than I am comfortable about. On the other hand he is resourceful and knowledgeable. Debrief him and give him a choice. Working with the science team and the resources that come with it, or be detained until the Rekesh government can decide what to do with him. I see no real problem letting him work, if he wants to, as long as he is contained and unable to spread this knowledge further for the moment.

>Pic
That's uh... That's a lot of supers hitting the Neerans. Crazy idea coming through. Make common cause with the Neeran. We help each other fight off the Ulgean and we let them retreat from this galaxy in peace?
>>
>>3540102

>we help each other fight off the Ulgean

We are not declaring a unilateral war against the Ulgean. If they attack our forces first, they attack the whole Dominion and the Factions due to the current alliance status.

If we attack them, we lose and no one with a brain is coming to help us.
>>
>>3539861
I'll support
>>3539884
with a side of crediting Ten Zohn with his discoveries.
>>
>>3540102
Nah, the crazy idea is "are we willing to let the Ulgeans take the Super Shipyard in exchange for not sticking around to mess with the planets here."

Because the Alliance would not be happy about that, but the Dominion would if it kept Threochts in our hands.
>>
>>3539861
>debriefing
>>
>>3539861

So the Super fleet the Ulgeans are bringing seems excessive. At least for a galaxy of this size. I hope the Alliance is taking the possibility of conflict with the Ulgeans seriously. Or else there's going to be trouble.
>>
>>3540379
>So the Super fleet the Ulgeans are bringing seems excessive.
We recommended roughly the same numbers or more to the FA. I think.

>>3540187
I have the feeling very few parties would be happy about that.
>>
>>3540379

>seems excessive

Even if the Ulgean supers stack up 1:1 vs a Neeran super, they look to lack even a 2:1 advantage over the Neeran when you consider the whole theater.

Unless the other shipyards are also under attack and we don't know.
>>
>>3540389


>>3505103
>As for reinforcements you specify the following:
>-A fleet large enough to act as a "liberation force"
>-specifically one capable of taking and holding one of the Super Yards
>-20 super heavy cruisers would be able to quickly overwhelm the local defenses of the main yards
>-Realistically a force 1/4 of that size might be enough but it would take much longer


Was about the size of the liberating force we requested as well as supers to take one of the yards. Which would probably be about five. And I'm sure some smart person in Alliance command figured we have two Supers here so they'll just send three more with their attendant fleets and call it good. Leaving us under powered if the Ulgeans want to push us.
>>
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Ten Zohn is held on site for debriefing by the few specialists brought along. He’s told that if he cooperates he may yet be permitted to take part in continued exploration of sites on the planet. Even being given credit for discoveries.
Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your point of view) he hadn’t been able to figure out how to use the artifact weapon. Regardless of its use as a weapon the researcher believes it to be a key to gain access to other areas.

“Did he find any clues as to what Threocht himself may have found?”
“It’s implied that he used an underground facility not of his construction for some of his research but accidentally destroyed the entrance to it with an artificially generated earthquake.” Rob Ecord replies.
Before you can begin cursing he continues.
“He survived somehow and encrypted much of his research after that. Ten Zohn was able to brake some of the encryption when the data and notes were rearranged into a sphere. The old facility was near the north pole but Threocht buried it. Put a mausoleum on top of it so it wouldn't be disturbed and a weather control grid so that historians could study the other ruins in the area.
There’s actually a good sized city there now.”

Probably not much of value left there aside from what’s in the museums.

“Zohn figured that if the destroyed lab was one entrance to a larger facility there might be others. Especially if the whole planet is giving us weird readings. He started digging at a point he calculated on the equatorial bulge. Our orbital scans show there may be something down there, we dont know what yet. It looks like there may be others elsewhere too. The surface salvage teams are just getting set up because we still had security concerns.”

Did you want them to go ahead and commence excavation at the equatorial site, hold off for now, or perhaps begin work on uncovering multiple sites as a contingency?

[ ] Hold off until situation is more certain
[ ] Begin at Ten Zohn's site
[ ] Excavate multiple sites
>>
>>3540835

[x] Begin at Ten Zohn's site

It is easier to defend and conceal a single site. And if need be, collapse it upon any invaders.
>>
>>3540835

>[ ] Begin at Ten Zohn's site

Lets start here since he's already started. But once the situation on Threocht has been determined to be secure. We start spreading out to other locations.
>>
>>3540835
>[ ] Begin at Ten Zohn's site
>[ ] Excavate multiple sites

Zohn's site will be the camouflaged, stealthy one.
>>
>>3540895
>Zohn's site will be the camouflaged, stealthy one.
It may be a little late to make that one the stealthy one what with all the aircraft that landed there.

If you wanted to make a new one a bit more stealthy that could be done, though it would mean camouflaging it as a mining operation or some other civilian industry. Digging down tens of kilometers is going to produce some waste material.
>>
>>3539861
(This pic is still current)

The Baron’s fleet is advised to hold off on taking systems closer to the Neeran fleet base. You’d rather not get into a tangle with them when the Neeran fleet could be of use delaying the Ulgean advance. You’re not about to help either side and potentially drag the Dominion into another war.

“Alert from Ren. He’s reporting a large neeran fleet in the south. Mostly incomplete super heavies that appear to be picking up supplies and equipment.“
Looking over the data, the fleet is a big one but in its current state they’re not going to be looking for a fight. Your combined fleet would probably be able to drive them of without firing a shot.

Intel confirms that two of the partially completed super carriers were ones that had been seen preparing to depart the northern most shipyard. If that’s the case the Ulgean fleet may have taken it already. This is not good.

Admiral Elerain and the Baron have been in a better position to establish communications with the Alliance.
“The Ulgean have taken a major shipyard. Do you have any idea where our reinforcements are?”
“Two days out. They’ll be bringing the rest of my fleet with them.”

That would put them 4 days ahead of the worst case scenario. Not what you’d consider ideal but whatever it cant be helped.
Where did you want to focus the efforts of your fleet(s) until then? Liberating the remaining Rekesh worlds, helping the north rebels, helping the south rebels, preparing to hold off the neeran fleet, or maybe planning the capture of a shipyard?
You can split your forces to do 2 things at once, but I wouldn't recommend attacking the yard without your full fleet.

[ ] Rekesh worlds
[ ] North Rebels
[ ] South Rebels
[ ] Distracting south Neeran fleet
[ ] Planning/Prep for shipyard capture
[ ] Other?
>>
>>3540984
>[ ] South Rebels
>[ ] Distracting south Neeran fleet

As much as I’d like to plan on hitting a yard. Anything we do on that front would just be helping the Ulgeans. So just going to forget that plan for now. Instead lets go to the south and either fend off or capture/ cripple those neeran supers so we can hand off to the Alliance as loot to lessen what they take from us later. Also we take the Rekesh with us, and have them do a PR campaign with the south rebels. And grow some bonds between the two groups here. Show that the Rekesh do have the well being of their neighbors in mind. So that when we leave and it is just them and the Alliance here. They have some experience working together rather then thinking they’re gonna invade each other.

Neighbors helping neighbors pretty much.

I’d ask if we could get the Baron and his super over here and leave a defensive fleet on the other flank of the galaxy. So we can have his super and the Foreberance doing work on the Neeran supers. But that might not be possible and would likely leave that front open to counter attack from the Neeran fleet base there.
>>
>>3540984
>[ ] South Rebels
Is there any way we can 'push' the Neeran fleet towards the Ullgean?
>>
>>3540984
>[ ] South Rebels
>>
>>3541140
Highly unlikely. They would have needed to loop out around the galaxy to get to their current position so quickly.
>>
More job interviews in the morning. woo.
>>
Not sure if the thread is going to be here tomorrow when I get back from running errands and everything else. Also partly depending on the weather. Every day this week it's been raining of and on.
>>
>>3541217
Good luck
>>
>>3540984
>[ ] North Rebels
>[ ] South Rebels

Also, we must have at least a dozen stealth ships right now. Check how things are at the other shipyards.
>>
>>3540984

[x] Rekesh worlds
[x] South Rebels

Crazy idea beyond this point:
[x] Other - Make contact with the large Neeran Fleet in the South

I for one would be willing to offer them an honorable, uncontested withdrawal if they are willing to agree to some terms such as:

Not contesting Factions Alliance invasion/liberation efforts or bombarding/destroying populated worlds.

Possibly trading one of those barely functional Supers for the captured Super Crew or other supplies?

I'm sure we can safely conduct a short conversation via probes and possibly an out-of-system minefield around a relay probe or two.
>>
>>3540984

[ ] Rekesh worlds
Secure our ally first and foremost so they are firmly entrenched behind the Dominion.

] Distracting south Neeran fleet
Securing that enemy fleet as loot should help us be able to rearm a shitload of locals and the Supers will help pay for deployment costs. Which will be VERY high. It will also prevent them from stealing industry from the south. Meaning we can grab it instead!
>>
And I've been called in to one of my old jobs because they're desperate enough today that they decided to actually acknowledge my paperwork that's been sitting with them for a month.

Will not be resuming today.
>>
>>3541725
Remember to take extra money from them!
>>
Holy shit the thread is still here.
>>
>>3542804
Boo
>>
>>3541609
>Neeran Fleet in the South
>offer them an honorable, uncontested withdrawal if they are willing to [...] (abstain from bombardments / scorched earth tactics)
Would there be any interest in this?
>>
>>3542992
Sure, they have to fight the Ulgean anyways.

They can get shot at now, or get shot at later. I would always choose "later" myself.
>>
>>3542992
This seems like something that might annoy the FA if their carrier group arrives and that fleet is still loitering around.
Talking to them might turn out productive, though. I'm in favor of trying that at least.

>>3541725
How awkward did that turn out to be?
>>
>>3539884
>Rekesh state
>What's the state of their fleet, crews, and support infrastructure? We have more ships than we can use and if they could at least discourage raids on their territory it would already help a lot.
Their fleet is minimal. After the outbreak of rebellion they were stripped of FTL capable military vessels. They do still have armed transports that they started holding back when you began your reign of terror on the space lanes.

To get around Neeran restrictions and still building up their military the Rekesh have made use of sublight training vessels and light attack craft. Because of this they have managed to raise enough trained personnel to man attack wings, battleships and some larger vessels. They are still limited in numbers but are better off than the rebels elsewhere.

It should be possible for them to immediately crew 2 attack wings per planet they control (=18 wings.) Plus 4 mediums and 1-2 heavy cruisers. Using all of them would temporarily strip the Rekesh of customs patrol personnel.
You dont have that many salvaged attack ships available right now unfortunately. Engineers have already been struggling to rebuild mixed wings at the rate you've been recruiting rookie crews. The best solution might be to focus on getting Carriers operational and producing Neeran corvettes as a stop gap.
>>
>>3542992
Just to be clear, the Neeran would be leaving orbital infrastructure and industry there yes?

Sort of a "If you can move it you can keep it, but no trashing stuff you can't use" with a time limit?
>>
>>3545631
>Just to be clear, the Neeran would be leaving orbital infrastructure and industry there yes?
Presumably if they only had 48 hours to pack up what they could.

I was going to say they may still conduct sabotage like wiping the shipyard systems, but most areas that they're probably performing last minute evac have already been hit by your raiders. You and yours have done that job for them.



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