Freelancer: Terminus (Freelancer/MassEffect)
- Thread starter Erandil
- Start date
- Crossover Sci-Fi
Prologoue: Part 2
Zoners:
Considering his current local it is perhaps little surprising that the first thing Trent does is to get into contact with the Zoner leadership on Freeport 9. Trent had always had a good relationship with the Zoner movement for while he may not have shared their distrust of anything looking like an government he certainly understood their fascination and desire to explore the galaxy and to go and settle where no human had been before. In his travels he had thus often made a point of visiting the various bases the movement had in the Edge Worlds, offering his help and support where needed.
The Zoner leadership was therefore more than willing to support his new organization though the decentral structure and general philosophy of the movement meant that their contribution was a bit limited. However they promised their logistical support in building and supplying his new organization, especially in regards to foodstuffs and offered the services of the traders and transports for a very low price, a very useful thing to have in the rather lawless region of the Omicron systems. They were less forthcoming when it came to manpower and ships, unsurprising considering the nature of their organization, but Trent still managed to recruit a number of pilots experienced in exploring and mapping unexplored and potentially dangerous space. Least but no last the Zoner's also offered their services as a mediator and possible contact maker should Trent desire their help in that field.
(Summary: Logistical support, relatively safe traderoutes back into the Core Worlds, small but experienced science and exploration team, bonus to contacting independent or criminal factions as well as the ability to hire Freelancers)
Daumann Heavy Construction:
After coming to an agreement with the Zoner's Trent made his way to New Berlin and arranged a meeting with a representative of Daumann Heavy Construction. During his time as a Freelancer Trent had worked for the company in numerous cases and been responsible for the capture and or destruction of several high ranking Red Hessians, earning him the gratitude of several members of the board.
It was on this gratitude that allowed him to make his case directly to an influential member of said board. The talks were of a more mercenary nature than his talks with the Zoner's but in the end the man promised his support. In return for Trent's assistance in establishing a presence in the new sector once it was judged safe enough Daumann would support his organization with a not insignificant amount of money as well as ability to use the services of their shipyards at a at-cost level. To give this agreement some official background Trent and Daumann founded a joint-cooperation whose official goal was the exploration of the Walker Nebula (which covers most of the Omicron systems).
Besides the monetary support the company also promised to deliver construction and building materials when necessary, easily concealed by officially making those shipments getting lost to pirates.
(Summary: Significant monetary and material support, ability to relatively cheaply acquire commercial grade ships, contacts into Rheinland government)
Independent Miners Guild:
From New Berlin Trent travels to Freistadt Base in Omega 7 where he meets with the IMG. he might not be a miner himself but he assisted them in several exploration missions as well as escort and combat duty in the often highly dangerous Tau systems. Talks with IMG are a comparatively quick and easy affair, with the miners far less interested in the potential alien contacts and its repercussions and far interested about new, hopefully resource rich system being opened up. In return for a similar deal to Dauman they send Trent several of their top mining crews, with the necessary equipment, and promise to assist in establishing a more developed orbital industry later on if he desires it. They also send a squad of fighters, experienced in long range patrolling and difficult environment, to assist in security operations and would promise to send more if the conflict with the Outcasts calms down.
(Summary: Mining ships and crews as well as simple orbital industry, possible buyer for resources without getting attention of other organisations, a squad of fighters, ability to hire IMG later on)
BAF:
Trent has never viewed himself as a patriot but he has also have never been able to forget where he are came from either and had a positive opinion of the BAF ever since they helped him escape from Rheinland pursuers during the Nomad War at great sacrifice to themselves. It also helps that his foster father, Tobias, has been a member of the BAF and maintained close ties to the organisation. He was the one who later introduced Trent to George Grenville, the commander of the battleship Essex.
The Earl, like most Bretonian high officers he was a noble, was leading the military efforts against the Molly separatists in the Dublin sector at that time and needed some outside agents to help with his campaign.Together Trent and he uncovered a Molly aligned spy-ring on the battleship, prevented the terrorists from capturing the Hood, an originally abandoned battleship Hulk now in service by the IMG, and led a strike force against the Molly mainbase that nearly destroyed it. And since Trent was content to handsomely paid but otherwise stay outside of the public the good Admiral was able secure a lot positive publicity for himself and his command.
He is therefore more than happy to welcome Trent to his office and listen to his proposal when the later arrives at his offices in New London. At first he is sceptical when it comes to leaving such an important project to an independent organisation but Trent manages to convince of the advantages of operating outside normal regulations. At the end of the week, and a top secrets meeting with the Queen herself, the plan for future stands. The BAF will supply Trent with enough military hardware, ranging from small arms to heavy fighters, and pilots, many of who are veterans, to supply and maintain a medium sized taskforce as well as a Battalion of the Royal Marines.
[Summary: Military support from the BAF, connections to Bretonia government)
-----
After securing the necessary support Trent meets Orillion again to discuss the location for the new base. It is clear that it should be located in one of the two system connected by the alien Jumpgate but it is up to Trent to choose which of the two he wants to make his base of operation. Orillion favours Kappa, since it would be more defensible against attacks from whatever alien or human group are active on the other side but admits that focusing your efforts on the alien sector would protect you from attacks from the Sirius direction and could be diplomatically advantageous should the gate ever become public knowledge since parts the Walker nebula are claimed by various factions which could lead to complications.
Omicron Kappa system
Omicron Kappa is an isolated system deep in the Walker nebula and so far only barely explored. It only interesting feature is the presence of an alien Jump gate leading into the a currently unexplored part of the galaxy. It is only connection to civilised space is through wormholes to the Omicron Lambda system and then Omicron Theta where Freeport 9 is located. Non-jumphole travel directly from Freeport 9 would take around half a year.
Inner system:
The inner system of Omicron Kappa is an inhospitable area with very little of interest. The single planet orbiting the sun that closely is a barren planet with highly unstable tectonics.
Middle system:
The middle system is dominated by a massive asteroid field towards the inner system as well as the presence of a gas giant, orbited by seven moons of varying size and condition.
Outer system:
The outer system is home to several ice-based asteroid fields as well as three planets, all lifeless ice planets with no atmosphere. The alien Jump gate orbits is places it near the middle one.
Alpha-0-1 system
The system on the other side of the alien Jump gate, unimaginable named Alpha01, is even less explored than the Omicron Kappa system but preliminary scans suggest it's rich in minerals.
Inner system:
3 planets, 2 with toxic atmosphere, asteroid field
Middle system:
2 planets, one a supermassive earth orbited by a moon. The moon has a nearly breathable atmosphere and might be a candidate for terraforming
Outer system:
2 Gas giants with assorted moons and asteroids rings, alien Jump Gate located in the orbit of of the gas giants. Also big asteroid field present.
Orillion also wants to know if you came up with a name for your organization.
Considering his current local it is perhaps little surprising that the first thing Trent does is to get into contact with the Zoner leadership on Freeport 9. Trent had always had a good relationship with the Zoner movement for while he may not have shared their distrust of anything looking like an government he certainly understood their fascination and desire to explore the galaxy and to go and settle where no human had been before. In his travels he had thus often made a point of visiting the various bases the movement had in the Edge Worlds, offering his help and support where needed.
The Zoner leadership was therefore more than willing to support his new organization though the decentral structure and general philosophy of the movement meant that their contribution was a bit limited. However they promised their logistical support in building and supplying his new organization, especially in regards to foodstuffs and offered the services of the traders and transports for a very low price, a very useful thing to have in the rather lawless region of the Omicron systems. They were less forthcoming when it came to manpower and ships, unsurprising considering the nature of their organization, but Trent still managed to recruit a number of pilots experienced in exploring and mapping unexplored and potentially dangerous space. Least but no last the Zoner's also offered their services as a mediator and possible contact maker should Trent desire their help in that field.
(Summary: Logistical support, relatively safe traderoutes back into the Core Worlds, small but experienced science and exploration team, bonus to contacting independent or criminal factions as well as the ability to hire Freelancers)
Daumann Heavy Construction:
After coming to an agreement with the Zoner's Trent made his way to New Berlin and arranged a meeting with a representative of Daumann Heavy Construction. During his time as a Freelancer Trent had worked for the company in numerous cases and been responsible for the capture and or destruction of several high ranking Red Hessians, earning him the gratitude of several members of the board.
It was on this gratitude that allowed him to make his case directly to an influential member of said board. The talks were of a more mercenary nature than his talks with the Zoner's but in the end the man promised his support. In return for Trent's assistance in establishing a presence in the new sector once it was judged safe enough Daumann would support his organization with a not insignificant amount of money as well as ability to use the services of their shipyards at a at-cost level. To give this agreement some official background Trent and Daumann founded a joint-cooperation whose official goal was the exploration of the Walker Nebula (which covers most of the Omicron systems).
Besides the monetary support the company also promised to deliver construction and building materials when necessary, easily concealed by officially making those shipments getting lost to pirates.
(Summary: Significant monetary and material support, ability to relatively cheaply acquire commercial grade ships, contacts into Rheinland government)
Independent Miners Guild:
From New Berlin Trent travels to Freistadt Base in Omega 7 where he meets with the IMG. he might not be a miner himself but he assisted them in several exploration missions as well as escort and combat duty in the often highly dangerous Tau systems. Talks with IMG are a comparatively quick and easy affair, with the miners far less interested in the potential alien contacts and its repercussions and far interested about new, hopefully resource rich system being opened up. In return for a similar deal to Dauman they send Trent several of their top mining crews, with the necessary equipment, and promise to assist in establishing a more developed orbital industry later on if he desires it. They also send a squad of fighters, experienced in long range patrolling and difficult environment, to assist in security operations and would promise to send more if the conflict with the Outcasts calms down.
(Summary: Mining ships and crews as well as simple orbital industry, possible buyer for resources without getting attention of other organisations, a squad of fighters, ability to hire IMG later on)
BAF:
Trent has never viewed himself as a patriot but he has also have never been able to forget where he are came from either and had a positive opinion of the BAF ever since they helped him escape from Rheinland pursuers during the Nomad War at great sacrifice to themselves. It also helps that his foster father, Tobias, has been a member of the BAF and maintained close ties to the organisation. He was the one who later introduced Trent to George Grenville, the commander of the battleship Essex.
The Earl, like most Bretonian high officers he was a noble, was leading the military efforts against the Molly separatists in the Dublin sector at that time and needed some outside agents to help with his campaign.Together Trent and he uncovered a Molly aligned spy-ring on the battleship, prevented the terrorists from capturing the Hood, an originally abandoned battleship Hulk now in service by the IMG, and led a strike force against the Molly mainbase that nearly destroyed it. And since Trent was content to handsomely paid but otherwise stay outside of the public the good Admiral was able secure a lot positive publicity for himself and his command.
He is therefore more than happy to welcome Trent to his office and listen to his proposal when the later arrives at his offices in New London. At first he is sceptical when it comes to leaving such an important project to an independent organisation but Trent manages to convince of the advantages of operating outside normal regulations. At the end of the week, and a top secrets meeting with the Queen herself, the plan for future stands. The BAF will supply Trent with enough military hardware, ranging from small arms to heavy fighters, and pilots, many of who are veterans, to supply and maintain a medium sized taskforce as well as a Battalion of the Royal Marines.
[Summary: Military support from the BAF, connections to Bretonia government)
Organization:
Name:
Reputation: Unknown
Your organization has so far managed to stay secret
Ethos: Lawful
The large presence of highly trained military and industrial personnel means that your people tend to follow the rules and avoid ethically questionable actions.
Supply: Well supplied
The support of Daumann and Zoner's mean that your organisation is well supplied with basic resources and construction materials.
Manpower: 2.500
You are reasonably well staffed with many experienced people in non-combat roles, especially space exploration and mining
Military:
Level of equipment: Standard
Your military department is well equipped and can maintain several ongoing operations
Military forces:
Your military currently consists of a handful of BAF squads, a single squad from the IMG and two squads of Order heavy fighters.
"Ground" Forces:
A battalion of Royal Marines (BAF)
Name:
Reputation: Unknown
Your organization has so far managed to stay secret
Ethos: Lawful
The large presence of highly trained military and industrial personnel means that your people tend to follow the rules and avoid ethically questionable actions.
Supply: Well supplied
The support of Daumann and Zoner's mean that your organisation is well supplied with basic resources and construction materials.
Manpower: 2.500
You are reasonably well staffed with many experienced people in non-combat roles, especially space exploration and mining
Military:
Level of equipment: Standard
Your military department is well equipped and can maintain several ongoing operations
Military forces:
Your military currently consists of a handful of BAF squads, a single squad from the IMG and two squads of Order heavy fighters.
"Ground" Forces:
A battalion of Royal Marines (BAF)
-----
After securing the necessary support Trent meets Orillion again to discuss the location for the new base. It is clear that it should be located in one of the two system connected by the alien Jumpgate but it is up to Trent to choose which of the two he wants to make his base of operation. Orillion favours Kappa, since it would be more defensible against attacks from whatever alien or human group are active on the other side but admits that focusing your efforts on the alien sector would protect you from attacks from the Sirius direction and could be diplomatically advantageous should the gate ever become public knowledge since parts the Walker nebula are claimed by various factions which could lead to complications.
Omicron Kappa system
Omicron Kappa is an isolated system deep in the Walker nebula and so far only barely explored. It only interesting feature is the presence of an alien Jump gate leading into the a currently unexplored part of the galaxy. It is only connection to civilised space is through wormholes to the Omicron Lambda system and then Omicron Theta where Freeport 9 is located. Non-jumphole travel directly from Freeport 9 would take around half a year.
Inner system:
The inner system of Omicron Kappa is an inhospitable area with very little of interest. The single planet orbiting the sun that closely is a barren planet with highly unstable tectonics.
Middle system:
The middle system is dominated by a massive asteroid field towards the inner system as well as the presence of a gas giant, orbited by seven moons of varying size and condition.
Outer system:
The outer system is home to several ice-based asteroid fields as well as three planets, all lifeless ice planets with no atmosphere. The alien Jump gate orbits is places it near the middle one.
Alpha-0-1 system
The system on the other side of the alien Jump gate, unimaginable named Alpha01, is even less explored than the Omicron Kappa system but preliminary scans suggest it's rich in minerals.
Inner system:
3 planets, 2 with toxic atmosphere, asteroid field
Middle system:
2 planets, one a supermassive earth orbited by a moon. The moon has a nearly breathable atmosphere and might be a candidate for terraforming
Outer system:
2 Gas giants with assorted moons and asteroids rings, alien Jump Gate located in the orbit of of the gas giants. Also big asteroid field present.
Asteroid Base: Using a hollowed out asteroid as a base is a cheap and quick way to get a reasonable sized base in space that has the advantage of already being hidden and masked from most cursory searches. However asteroid bases have limited room to expand which can become a problem later on and can only be created someplace where asteroids actually exist.
Starbase: A more traditional approach would be a simple starbase which can be placed anywhere in space and expanded as needed. However due to the difficulty of transporting large and heavy parts through Jumpholes going that route would likely mean that Trent would have to start with a intially smaller starbase than he would with a asteroid based one though the support from Daumann and the IMG goes a long way to negate that issue.
Planetary Base (specify which planet):
Establishing a planetary base is more difficult than staying in space and most organizations don`t think it worthwhile, especially considering the added complications it posses to landing and starting larger spacecraft. However a planetary base can be heavily fortified while still remaining relatively hidden.
Starbase: A more traditional approach would be a simple starbase which can be placed anywhere in space and expanded as needed. However due to the difficulty of transporting large and heavy parts through Jumpholes going that route would likely mean that Trent would have to start with a intially smaller starbase than he would with a asteroid based one though the support from Daumann and the IMG goes a long way to negate that issue.
Planetary Base (specify which planet):
Establishing a planetary base is more difficult than staying in space and most organizations don`t think it worthwhile, especially considering the added complications it posses to landing and starting larger spacecraft. However a planetary base can be heavily fortified while still remaining relatively hidden.
Orillion also wants to know if you came up with a name for your organization.
[] Basetype + location
[] Name for organization
[] Name for organization
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It looks to me like our biggest issue here is going to be manpower, military and civilian. The choices for allied groups were well-done, I think, the only looming issue looks to me like it would be the number of people we can apply to a given task.
I'd normally be strongly inclined to favor the Omicron Kappa system, as I tend to be biased towards defense, but in this case I think Alpha-0-1 might be the better choice. It is rich in minerals, which will make the IMG and Daumann happy, and there are no political complications involved with it just yet. It also means that human pirates will have a bit of difficulty finding and attacking us, especially if we're smart in how we protect the gate. If we are attacked by aliens, we also have a bottleneck we can retreat through that can be easily defended from the other side. Longer term, I'd like to fortify both ends of the alien gate, the Sirius side more heavily, in order to solidify our control from both ends. In the much longer term, terraforming that moon would give ourselves and humanity a strong foothold in the Terminus systems. Plus, I think this is just an initial choice; regardless of what we choose, we'll be able to set up shop on both sides of the gate.
This is a bit trickier. I'll say right out that I think making a planetary base is a bad idea. Even if it is better hidden and has lots of room, it's still at the bottom of a gravity well, and will make transportation and mining more difficult. For now, I think an Asteroid Base in the outer system, reasonably close to the gate, is the better play. It is well hidden (useful, since we have no idea what we'll be facing in this unexplored sector), and it has plenty of initial room. I think the system is rich enough that we can eventually build/purchase a regular starbase later on, once we have the infrastructure and military to protect it.
[X] Alpha-0-1 system
[X] Asteroid Base in the Outer System, moderately close to the gate
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Possible base locations and types:
Omicron Kappa system:
Inner system:
Starbase in the shadow of planet, out of the way and should be hidden by solar emission going around planet. Unfortunately away from everything with possible risks to traffic from proximity to star.
Middle system:
Good place for asteroid base, close to resources. Other options are starbase orbiting one of moons or gas giants putting us relatively close to resources and gate. We can also try to settle on one of moons.
Outer system:
We can put starbase or asteroid base in ice field for resources and relative closeness to gate, field will also offer protection and concealment. We can also put starbase close to gate or around one of ice planets for varying degree of control over gate.
Alpha-0-1 system
Inner system:
Possible place for asteroid base or planetary one, possibly starbase in asteroid field or over platnet (last one if we plan to build infrastructure on surface in future).
Middle system:
Moon is good candidate for planetary base or starbase with option to expand planet side.
Outer system:
Possible place to set starbase for controlling jump point. Other options include star/asteroid bases to take advantage of asteroid field in this part of system or asteroid rings.
Omicron Kappa system:
Inner system:
Starbase in the shadow of planet, out of the way and should be hidden by solar emission going around planet. Unfortunately away from everything with possible risks to traffic from proximity to star.
Middle system:
Good place for asteroid base, close to resources. Other options are starbase orbiting one of moons or gas giants putting us relatively close to resources and gate. We can also try to settle on one of moons.
Outer system:
We can put starbase or asteroid base in ice field for resources and relative closeness to gate, field will also offer protection and concealment. We can also put starbase close to gate or around one of ice planets for varying degree of control over gate.
Alpha-0-1 system
Inner system:
Possible place for asteroid base or planetary one, possibly starbase in asteroid field or over platnet (last one if we plan to build infrastructure on surface in future).
Middle system:
Moon is good candidate for planetary base or starbase with option to expand planet side.
Outer system:
Possible place to set starbase for controlling jump point. Other options include star/asteroid bases to take advantage of asteroid field in this part of system or asteroid rings.
I'd recommend against setting our base in open space and as we have no map of system 30 degrees may be outside of any concentration of asteroids. Gate also orbit a gas giant.
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. . . Right, yes. I for some reason thought that the gate was in the asteroid field. Thank you.
Asteroid base seems like the best starting option; if we need more space, there's nothing really stopping us from simply building another station/base, or breaching the asteroid exterior an expanding outwards. And the added starting stealth is definitely worth it, IMO.
Still need a name, though. Explorator Corps, or something like that?
Still need a name, though. Explorator Corps, or something like that?
You will able to expand into the other system as well as to build new stations/expand existing ones though considering your current supplylines that will not be am easy process.
In regards to manpower - you will get more as you expand but yeah you haven't exactly chosen the factions with large manpowerpools besides the BAF which is limited by wanting to keep the thing secret for now.
Any other questions?
In regards to manpower - you will get more as you expand but yeah you haven't exactly chosen the factions with large manpowerpools besides the BAF which is limited by wanting to keep the thing secret for now.
Any other questions?
How can we gain access or get 'closer' to the other factions for more manpower or other resources? Will it be more of a 'progression' style thing where as we gain more influence / resources / tech and stuff in the alien / unknown sectors, we get to 'bring in' another faction to help deal with the increased uh, business?
There will be Sirius oriented actions that will allow you to develop new relationships and strengthen existing ones but you are correct that the state of your operation will also play a role in looking for new allies - it makes little sense to create a massive organisation if you haven't found a reason to do so.
Name for the station : Base number 8 'Acheron'. The number is intentionally non-1 to get people confused.
Name for the organisuation: Gatewatch. Pretty fitting, considering we should work with jumpgates
As for station location: I'd say, that we should either put the station in faaaar outer rims of the systems so it wasn't visible for brief visitors (but the problems with flight time are inevitable in this case), or hide it in plain sight by embedding it into completely innocently looking station, say, mineral mining and refinement outpost that may and should be rather large.
Name for the organisuation: Gatewatch. Pretty fitting, considering we should work with jumpgates
As for station location: I'd say, that we should either put the station in faaaar outer rims of the systems so it wasn't visible for brief visitors (but the problems with flight time are inevitable in this case), or hide it in plain sight by embedding it into completely innocently looking station, say, mineral mining and refinement outpost that may and should be rather large.
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Vote closed, you first base will be on/in an asteroid in Alpa-0-1.
But while I add the last touches to the next update you will still have to choose a name for your organisation. Write-in are still allowed but I have prepared a few options.
[] Cerberus
[] Overwatch
[] GateWatch
[] Alpha Protocol
[] First Encounter Assault Reconnaissance (F.E.A.R)
[] Deep Space Exploration
[] The Guardians
[] ...
But while I add the last touches to the next update you will still have to choose a name for your organisation. Write-in are still allowed but I have prepared a few options.
[] Cerberus
[] Overwatch
[] GateWatch
[] Alpha Protocol
[] First Encounter Assault Reconnaissance (F.E.A.R)
[] Deep Space Exploration
[] The Guardians
[] ...
