Grasp the Stars (Stellaris: Overlord)

Scans forwarded by Captain Schwarz confirm that the Murphrid system indeed contains what appears to be a wormhole. The physicists have moved from writing papers to rewriting textbooks.

Scans of an entirely different kind from Captain Reid have sent researchers of all kinds into a tizzy. The Alien carvings on Phonok II appear to contain what is essentially a low-tech library of technical specifications, which has lasted for millions of years on the planet's airless surface. Captain Reid has urged strongly to send out a permanent team to study the monument.

The proposal will have to be reviewed by the new Exoplanetary Secretary, Katya Zhivenkova, alongside her consideration of who should take her place as head physicist for the UN.

[X] Recall Captain Reid (Age 49, Skill 5, Expertise: Field Manipulation) from her quest for the Fungal Trail, and replace her as Captain with Subham Pannikar (Age 42, Skill 1, Meticulous)
[] Hire on a new head physicist, Ludwig Dreyer (Age 39, Skill 1, Expertise: Particle Physics)

Doctor Chamberlain's efforts at expanding access to specialized food in each colony has advanced to the next stage - namely, scaling up to an industrial scale. [Technology: Food Processing started - unlocks Edict: Farming Subsidies & a food-boosting planetary building.

Envoy Nakajima fidgets visibly in the video call. "We've managed to capture snippets of music and conversation, but there's been a drop in unencrypted traffic over the last several months. We think... We think the Beta Aliens may be deliberately trying to obscure their communications."

Of course it's me dealing with the less friendly aliens. Dammit Sophie, Katya thinks to herself. "Well, keep working on it. Hopefully they're just cautious rather than hostile."

The Murphrid system appears to have been inhabited, or at least used by a former civilization. The molen world of Murphrid CI hosts a number of enormous geothermal extractors. The synchronized flows of superheated fluid make the crust shudder, which the ISS Einstein's scanners picked up from orbit. Siphoning the energy from the ancient capacitors provides a substantial windfall. (+2000 credits)

The small fleet of combat ships from the Brynnis shipyard has arrived and docked with Sol Station. Engineers are scampering over every inch of their hulls and hallways. And Captain Wang has taken the opportunity to advocate for humanity building more of its own.

"We don't yet know what threat these Beta Aliens pose, and if even an ancient shipyard was able to outdo us in quality, they may as well! If they're friendly, then great, we will be prepared for the next time. Because there will be a next time, Katya. We can't be lucky forever."

"That's Madam Secretary to you, Captain." She shuts the connection and pulls up some of the scans of the ancient ships.

Should humanity at last construct a space navy? Current alloy reserves amount to about 3750.
[] (Navy) No, these neighbors have made no aggressive moves.
[] (Navy) Yes, make a modest investment. (Spend 1/4th of current alloy reserves)
[X] (Navy) Yes, make a substantial investment. (Spend half of current alloy reserves)
[] (Navy) Yes, make a major investment. (Build as many ships as possible)

Who should lead this space navy? (Will be disregarded with a 'No' from above.)
[X] (Admiral) Joseph Bosquet, Age 30, Gale-Speed (ships under command get +20% speed, +5% evasiveness from attacks)
[] (Admiral) Roberto Romeo, Age 49, Aggressive (ships under command get +10% speed, +5% fire rate)
[] (Admiral) Lydia Fry, Age 43, Adaptable (level up 25% faster)

How should any such ships be built?
[] (Corv) Interceptor: Place as many weapons as possible
[X] (Corv) Missile Boat: Incorporate both guns and missile armaments

Galactic Situation said:

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