- Location
- Australia
"The squids went too far in making their rubber prosthetics/costumes alien/original - really that should have been a wake-up call that their method acting goes too deep." 
From the Ashes [Alien Nation Quest] [Star Trek]
- Thread starter Sayle
- Start date
-
- Tags
- star trek alien perspective (aliens) nation game civ quest balaena dalenda est discussion makes the gm fuzzy in skippy we trust kzin delenda est mackerel nebula monch operation thraki walker is a go pentagon wars thermonuclear war void stalker heresy we will be greeted as liberators whale-magma spider axis of evil [x] admiral skippy
If you joined up in the 230s or 240s as a light cruiser or heavy cruiser crewman, or even on a frigate, then your chances of making it through would not be unreasonable. (Although I would not recommend serving on a Stingfish.) But if you were part of the "Class of 219", that first Starfleet officer corps we built up over our first couple of decades in space, who formed the heart of our officer corps during the first three Kzin wars?
Your chances of survival would be atrocious. Only three out of twenty ships in our first three classes were not destroyed in combat; assuming half the crews on each destroyed vessel survived, that's a loss rate of about 43%. If it's a third to a quarter of the crews surviving, which might be more plausible considering how many of our ships blow up, then the loss rate is somewhere between 57% and 64%. There were named captains who we know died, as well, including Captain Orca, and probably Captain Cuda.
Our present freedom and prosperity really have been paid for in blood.
In other news, I was looking back a the First Battle of Lysia, and found this:
@Lailoken called it.
Your chances of survival would be atrocious. Only three out of twenty ships in our first three classes were not destroyed in combat; assuming half the crews on each destroyed vessel survived, that's a loss rate of about 43%. If it's a third to a quarter of the crews surviving, which might be more plausible considering how many of our ships blow up, then the loss rate is somewhere between 57% and 64%. There were named captains who we know died, as well, including Captain Orca, and probably Captain Cuda.
Our present freedom and prosperity really have been paid for in blood.
In other news, I was looking back a the First Battle of Lysia, and found this:
@Lailoken called it.
- Location
- Sydney
[X] 3 PA: The Shadow Cabal Could Not Agree on Urban Planning or Telepathy
[X] Choice Vote:
-[X] {Rare} Telepathy. (1962/30944 Research)
Every single Kathalonda has their first memories consist of being trapped in a small cave with her/his siblings. Hunger drives the children to cannibalism, and they hunt and eat each other until their mother returns weeks later. A large egg clutch (23 Kathalonda) could result in a single survivor, a survival rate of less than 5%. Most are not that extreme (less eggs \ more surviving children) , but it does mean that they have already experienced causality rates as bad or worse than Starfleet.
Kathalonda can have friendships, and loving relationships between partners, parents and children, brothers and sisters. Nevertheless, each and every Kathalonda is both totally willing to murder their closest loved ones, and is deeply aware their loved ones might murder them.
For humans, accepting the high probability of death in the early days of Starfleet means really really believing in the ideals of Starfleet.
Kathalonda do not particularly care about any set of ideals, but don't actually consider the risks to be extreme.
[X] Choice Vote:
-[X] {Rare} Telepathy. (1962/30944 Research)
There have been several very good answers already. However, there is one part that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet.
Every single Kathalonda has their first memories consist of being trapped in a small cave with her/his siblings. Hunger drives the children to cannibalism, and they hunt and eat each other until their mother returns weeks later. A large egg clutch (23 Kathalonda) could result in a single survivor, a survival rate of less than 5%. Most are not that extreme (less eggs \ more surviving children) , but it does mean that they have already experienced causality rates as bad or worse than Starfleet.
Kathalonda can have friendships, and loving relationships between partners, parents and children, brothers and sisters. Nevertheless, each and every Kathalonda is both totally willing to murder their closest loved ones, and is deeply aware their loved ones might murder them.
For humans, accepting the high probability of death in the early days of Starfleet means really really believing in the ideals of Starfleet.
Kathalonda do not particularly care about any set of ideals, but don't actually consider the risks to be extreme.
Last edited:
Our heroes, ladies and gentlemen.
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Do they still do that? I figured it would no longer be necessary at the current tech level.
I think we'd have a pretty unsustainable pop growth if the cannibalisation was completely removed.
Probably stopped that a while ago.
I dont really see why squid would not be able to reduce things to fertilizing one or two selected eggs at a time if/when they want kids.
Less random chance in the whole affair.
- Location
- Australia
Honestly, part of why I like the squids so much - that kind of blue and orange morality to more materialistically/cynical perceptive and interact with the world - including (but not limited to) the value of life, instead of leading to the stereotypical "murdering everything is the solution to everything" genocidal villains, lead them to value cooperation all the more so perhaps the more than any other policy we know of.
Or to put another way, their ruthlessly (even psychopathically to mainstream sapient thought) calculating and individualistic (some might argue mercenary) perceptive, instead of as we'd assume leading them to reject any group dynamic or cooperation and be as selfish as possible, instead has taught Kathalondians to value and pursue collaboration, cultivation, unity, allies/partners/friends and that as together they can be more than the sum of their parts - the needs of the many over the few.
I suspect why the managed to come up with such a robust legal system:
Not to mention developing utopian living conditions (packaged in their socio-economic security net) available to everyone. The squids know that individually they stand to benefit by working collectively more than any individual or minority group could earn at the expense of others. The margins add up in the end.
In a supreme irony, Kathondians are motivated by perhaps the polar opposite perceptive/justification to Star Trek humanity's unflinching idealism but come to fundamentally the same conclusion - to spearhead a multispecies, multicultural, utopian, egalitarian, society and policy.
Friendship is utilitarianism, I suppose.
Just realised the squids are Ayn Rand's worse nightmare - using her rationale as the foundation of a society anathema to her philosophy. Horseshoe theory confirmed, as well as changing my headcanon of immediate post-war Kathonda from Fallout to Bioshock.
Or to put another way, their ruthlessly (even psychopathically to mainstream sapient thought) calculating and individualistic (some might argue mercenary) perceptive, instead of as we'd assume leading them to reject any group dynamic or cooperation and be as selfish as possible, instead has taught Kathalondians to value and pursue collaboration, cultivation, unity, allies/partners/friends and that as together they can be more than the sum of their parts - the needs of the many over the few.
I suspect why the managed to come up with such a robust legal system:
Not to mention developing utopian living conditions (packaged in their socio-economic security net) available to everyone. The squids know that individually they stand to benefit by working collectively more than any individual or minority group could earn at the expense of others. The margins add up in the end.
In a supreme irony, Kathondians are motivated by perhaps the polar opposite perceptive/justification to Star Trek humanity's unflinching idealism but come to fundamentally the same conclusion - to spearhead a multispecies, multicultural, utopian, egalitarian, society and policy.
Friendship is utilitarianism, I suppose.
Just realised the squids are Ayn Rand's worse nightmare - using her rationale as the foundation of a society anathema to her philosophy. Horseshoe theory confirmed, as well as changing my headcanon of immediate post-war Kathonda from Fallout to Bioshock.
Last edited:
Probably - I imagine the alternative methods are roughly analagous to IFV/fertility treatments such as we have available (only cheaper, because even Kathalondans have single payer health care). It's not so much the cost as the time and effort - given the way being able to correct genetic defects in the egg was portrayed (Hurray, you don't have to scrap the defective one and try again) there's not too much sentimentality for children that haven't grown up a little/bonded with their parent.
TL;DR: Baby squid Thunderdome is likely still going on, if only because it's the default option and squids aren't super motivated to put time and effort into changing that.
- Location
- USA
Next set of research choices are out though we are not picking any this coming turn (PA 4)
Anti-matter will finish in time for PA5, Impulse thrusters can finish in time if we can add 100 research+penalty increase. Telepathy is PA 7 most likely
Physics
[ ] (8000 Research) Z-Particle Generation. Z-bosons are an integral part of subatomic physics, acting as both their particle and antiparticle. These can be used to moderate the actions of neutrinos and harvest energy from these otherwise elusive particles.
[ ] (8000 Research) Burst Phasers. The current beam-type phasers are highly effective, but pulsing the emitters in short bursts would improve energy dumping on-target. Designing rapid-cycle crystals to facilitate this will be a major challenge to our understanding of particle physics.
[ ] (12000 Research) Subspace Differential Calculations. New mathematics theorems will allow an unprecedented amount of data to be extracted from our sensors, but will need an equally unprecedented amount of equipment to decipher. Better find a way to make room.
[ ] (12000 Research) Hardened Shields. By introducing multiple configurations to our forcefields we can allow them to more easily adapt to incoming damage and support the ship's hull.
Society
[ ] (4500 Research) Advanced Automation Systems. Brizeen is by virtue of its chemical makeup difficult to extract without efficiency losses. New automated programs are able to dynamically adjust extraction parameters in-situ.
[ ] (8000 Research) Interstellar Records. As our population becomes increasingly diffuse the demands on our administration to keep track of all these far-flung settlements and resource flows becomes equally challenging. New advances must be made and the administrative sector expanded.
[ ] (12000 Research) System Capital. Managing not just the operations of a planet but an entire star system and its surroundings is a massive administrative footprint, but as that capability grows so do the possibilities for stunning advancement.
[ ] (18000 Research) (Rare) Empathic Unity. The strengthening of our empathic and telepathic abilities now means we have the ability to unify our people in the pursuit of common philosophies and goals like never before. Finding the best way to apply pushes to this empathic field for political advantage is only a matter of time and effort.
Engineering
[ ] (5500 Research) Next Generation Light Cruiser. By creating a specific light cruiser layout we can design it from the very start to utilize a specialist weapon system that unifies a medium phaser system with rapid-fire point defenses for the best of both worlds. (Octochraine)
[ ] (5500 Research) Advanced Simulations. Improvements in power generation allow us to run micro-simulations that were previously inaccessible, and implementing this as a standard feature in new laboratory systems will be gratefully recieved by our researchers.
[ ] (8000 Research) Structural Integrity Fields. Our ships have always used forcefields to improve their durability, but new and sophisticated projection algorithms will allow the ships to shore up the most vulnerable parts of the hull as needs require, increasing overall strength.
[ ] (8000 Research) Advanced Architecture. Our urban areas are becoming increasingly compact and increasingly large, but the services and civic frameworks which support them need to evolve with the times to keep efficient.
Engineering is the easiest one for me, Advanced Simulations is some sort of research boost so grab that (plus is fairly cheap at 5.5k base tech) it does seem that it was unlocked by Industrial Anti-Matter.
Physics- Z Particle is likely the next tier of energy production. Burst phasers is an upgrade for Octochraine so can probably wait until we start Octochraine research. Hardened is the shield component upgrade. Subspace Differential, I am unsure as it can head towards various areas. That might end up being the pick depending on what it does, if not burst phasers as one of the two cheapest options so letting us roll for a fresh set sooner, and the one we are going to use sooner between the 8k tech.
Society- Advanced auto is an increase to production of one of our district upkeep resources (agri) and while something we want to grab at some point not an issue right now. System Capital is likely the upgrade to admin building (given they go colony-admin center-regional capital-major capital) so System Capital is the next progression. That makes Interstellar Records different, it could be an Admin Capacity boost which would increase our research speed. Empathic Unity is a follow up on Telepathic.
My preference here is interstellar records (if it is admin capacity since that will increase our research speed in all three categories) or System Capital (this likely locks tier 4 buildings and Kath could use the upgrade). Having said that society is going to be locked for a while.
Anti-matter will finish in time for PA5, Impulse thrusters can finish in time if we can add 100 research+penalty increase. Telepathy is PA 7 most likely
Physics
[ ] (8000 Research) Z-Particle Generation. Z-bosons are an integral part of subatomic physics, acting as both their particle and antiparticle. These can be used to moderate the actions of neutrinos and harvest energy from these otherwise elusive particles.
[ ] (8000 Research) Burst Phasers. The current beam-type phasers are highly effective, but pulsing the emitters in short bursts would improve energy dumping on-target. Designing rapid-cycle crystals to facilitate this will be a major challenge to our understanding of particle physics.
[ ] (12000 Research) Subspace Differential Calculations. New mathematics theorems will allow an unprecedented amount of data to be extracted from our sensors, but will need an equally unprecedented amount of equipment to decipher. Better find a way to make room.
[ ] (12000 Research) Hardened Shields. By introducing multiple configurations to our forcefields we can allow them to more easily adapt to incoming damage and support the ship's hull.
Society
[ ] (4500 Research) Advanced Automation Systems. Brizeen is by virtue of its chemical makeup difficult to extract without efficiency losses. New automated programs are able to dynamically adjust extraction parameters in-situ.
[ ] (8000 Research) Interstellar Records. As our population becomes increasingly diffuse the demands on our administration to keep track of all these far-flung settlements and resource flows becomes equally challenging. New advances must be made and the administrative sector expanded.
[ ] (12000 Research) System Capital. Managing not just the operations of a planet but an entire star system and its surroundings is a massive administrative footprint, but as that capability grows so do the possibilities for stunning advancement.
[ ] (18000 Research) (Rare) Empathic Unity. The strengthening of our empathic and telepathic abilities now means we have the ability to unify our people in the pursuit of common philosophies and goals like never before. Finding the best way to apply pushes to this empathic field for political advantage is only a matter of time and effort.
Engineering
[ ] (5500 Research) Next Generation Light Cruiser. By creating a specific light cruiser layout we can design it from the very start to utilize a specialist weapon system that unifies a medium phaser system with rapid-fire point defenses for the best of both worlds. (Octochraine)
[ ] (5500 Research) Advanced Simulations. Improvements in power generation allow us to run micro-simulations that were previously inaccessible, and implementing this as a standard feature in new laboratory systems will be gratefully recieved by our researchers.
[ ] (8000 Research) Structural Integrity Fields. Our ships have always used forcefields to improve their durability, but new and sophisticated projection algorithms will allow the ships to shore up the most vulnerable parts of the hull as needs require, increasing overall strength.
[ ] (8000 Research) Advanced Architecture. Our urban areas are becoming increasingly compact and increasingly large, but the services and civic frameworks which support them need to evolve with the times to keep efficient.
Engineering is the easiest one for me, Advanced Simulations is some sort of research boost so grab that (plus is fairly cheap at 5.5k base tech) it does seem that it was unlocked by Industrial Anti-Matter.
Physics- Z Particle is likely the next tier of energy production. Burst phasers is an upgrade for Octochraine so can probably wait until we start Octochraine research. Hardened is the shield component upgrade. Subspace Differential, I am unsure as it can head towards various areas. That might end up being the pick depending on what it does, if not burst phasers as one of the two cheapest options so letting us roll for a fresh set sooner, and the one we are going to use sooner between the 8k tech.
Society- Advanced auto is an increase to production of one of our district upkeep resources (agri) and while something we want to grab at some point not an issue right now. System Capital is likely the upgrade to admin building (given they go colony-admin center-regional capital-major capital) so System Capital is the next progression. That makes Interstellar Records different, it could be an Admin Capacity boost which would increase our research speed. Empathic Unity is a follow up on Telepathic.
My preference here is interstellar records (if it is admin capacity since that will increase our research speed in all three categories) or System Capital (this likely locks tier 4 buildings and Kath could use the upgrade). Having said that society is going to be locked for a while.
- Location
- Australia
Btw, I was wondering @Admiral Skippy, could we add to the Imnali Defence Summit an offer that if they wish to continue to focus on fortifications or if they wish to switch to a more balanced defence doctrine but want to keep a similar level of investment in fortifications they and the Alliance could in the near future (next turn to next few turns) collaborate research (pool together points) into Improved Starbases and/or similar technologies (maybe if they unlocked a branch of the tech tree we haven't yet)? Just to keep our options open regardless of what conclusion the Imnali draw from the summit.
I disagree - we've been meaning to get the Octochraine for a while, the only reason we didn't get it 2 choices ago was that we could finish the cheaper tech in 1 turn, and it wasn't available this last turn due to poor draws. Neither is true this go around. As such, Burst-Phasers and the Octochraine is the best combo of available choices.
With regards to some other stuff - Subspace Calcs is likely the next tier of computers, and while Records could potentially boost admin capacity (if it was reworked on the back end) it was around before research inefficiencies were implemented so is more likely to be the building improvement to Commercial Zones(more squid clerks doing squid clerk things) or do for Admin districts what Hypersonics did for Industrial districts.
This is pretty awkward - As you can tell from the above, parts of the update have already been implemented. There's a decent chance that the project has already been rolled for and/or written up, so it might be a little late to make changes.
The other reason not to do so is that research sharing of some form is an entirely different topic than a defensive agreement, so adding it in risks diluting the success or lack thereof across multiple things.
Research sharing and closer economic ties would both be good subjects for future projects.
I actually liked your idea a lot, @Negentropy, on cooperating with the Imnali over a LV III Starbase Project. It makes a lot of sense, would suit their strategic position, and it would also suit us to complete the research quicker - we couldn't afford to outfit the whole border with them, yet, but we could use it for key strategic points like Lysia.
My thought process was basically that, right now, we know the Imnali are in a bit of a "bunker mentality", so to speak. So I wanted to try to engage with that directly and get them out of that mindset, before we then went further on fortifications. Otherwise, although obviously it's far from certain, I worried we might risk reinforcing their isolationism. Does that kind of make sense?
Would agree with this wholeheartedly.
If we grab Burst Phasers and the Octochraine, we should be set up to start rolling them out in Year 2 of the next government - really useful when the Akkali have those murderous dicobalt torpedoes.
I actually liked your idea a lot, @Negentropy, on cooperating with the Imnali over a LV III Starbase Project. It makes a lot of sense, would suit their strategic position, and it would also suit us to complete the research quicker - we couldn't afford to outfit the whole border with them, yet, but we could use it for key strategic points like Lysia.
My thought process was basically that, right now, we know the Imnali are in a bit of a "bunker mentality", so to speak. So I wanted to try to engage with that directly and get them out of that mindset, before we then went further on fortifications. Otherwise, although obviously it's far from certain, I worried we might risk reinforcing their isolationism. Does that kind of make sense?
Would agree with this wholeheartedly.
If we grab Burst Phasers and the Octochraine, we should be set up to start rolling them out in Year 2 of the next government - really useful when the Akkali have those murderous dicobalt torpedoes.
- Location
- USA
I can go for burst phasers if subspace is a computer system upgrade but the engineering one sounds very much like a research booster of some sort and that can help cut down time for all of our other research as well. How bad do we want the Octochraine ready to produce in a few turns is what I think it comes down to, as going for the research tech first would push it back 2ish turns
Grabbing the Octochraine next turns means we should be able to start production by 6 P.A., the second year of the new government. The first year, 5 P.A., could function as something of a "rest year" where we can take care of other things. This schedule would mean that by the end of the second government, we might have a few in service or entering service as fleet escorts for the Expeditionary Fleet. Hopefully, this will be before our first war with the Akkali, so our shiny new Marlins don't get a dicobalt torpedo bukakke straight in the face.
Otherwise, our first Octochraines are not likely to enter service before about 10 P.A. give or take, and that's a long time. It seems like quite a gamble to assume we won't have to face another war before then. Perhaps it's a gamble that will pay off, but personally I'm not sure it's worth it for a modest research booster which we will definitely grab later.
Otherwise, our first Octochraines are not likely to enter service before about 10 P.A. give or take, and that's a long time. It seems like quite a gamble to assume we won't have to face another war before then. Perhaps it's a gamble that will pay off, but personally I'm not sure it's worth it for a modest research booster which we will definitely grab later.
- Location
- USA
Not exactly, the physics is open on turn PA 5, engineering if we boost research this upcoming turn will also finish on PA 5 so 2 turns from now is when we can start the research. But if we are anticipating Akkali aggression (and since we now know about the bubble this is an increased possibility) then starting both in PA 5 makes sense. The research booster though the sooner we grab the quicker we chew through techs so the more we put it off the more we fall behind. As long as we grab it right after the ochtarine design than I am fine with delaying if we are actually building ochtarines once the design and burst finish. Pushing it further than that is going to cost us turns as it boosts research which improves the speed we finish projects in three categories.
Unfortunately, we have already been though the experience of "we'll just grab this thing first and then the Octo will be grabbed next in X turns" being followed by "Well crud we didn't roll the Octo, so we'll have to get something else". I'm not very eager to go through that sort of thing again.
There's also the fact that the research booster is a long term benefit - it's not going to pay for itself inside the 4-7 turns that it would delay the Octo.
Last edited:
- Location
- Sydney
Why would they change?
I agree they could, but they could have stopped anytime in the past few thousand years. It doesn't require advanced technology to smash the eggs until you have the number of children you want, and then return with food when the eggs hatch. They start eating each other two weeks after hatching, so even if the parents forget for a week they can still manage to return in time.
There is also the effects of removing that experience from them to consider.
Starting their childhood with starvation plays a role in their development of a transactional mentality. What would the result be of avoiding that? Perhaps it would be an entitlement mentality, a Kathondia fundamentally incapable of comprehending refusal.
Unable to function in Kathondian society, the children raised that way would lash out and be terminated as threats in response.
"Selected eggs", then the question becomes which eggs to keep and which ones to dispose of.
You could run a projection based on DNA from the fertilised eggs, but that would not be perfectly accurate. (nature vs nurture)
Stepping away from discussion of squid breeding habits and/or research discussions - unless something very weird happens, we are likely to achieve a societal breakthrough of some sort the year after next (we get 400 influence from the 10 Marlins, which combined with monuments and such to get us a new policy as the interlude choice between 5 PA and 6 PA).
What kind of options/fluff would people like to see in this next 'A New Era' threadmark? Personally, I'd like to see something vaguely militaristic - not only is the bulk of the political support going into this coming from Swift-Hunter's success at military buildup, but previous selections have heavily prioritized governance, internal affairs, and cooperation and I'd like it if our polity had some alternate flavors/notes to go along with that theme.
Plus, recent discussion has brought up the enormous contribution and sacrifice our military has made for us to be able to achieve the things we've done - it'd be a very nice touch to acknowledge that in-universe.
What kind of options/fluff would people like to see in this next 'A New Era' threadmark? Personally, I'd like to see something vaguely militaristic - not only is the bulk of the political support going into this coming from Swift-Hunter's success at military buildup, but previous selections have heavily prioritized governance, internal affairs, and cooperation and I'd like it if our polity had some alternate flavors/notes to go along with that theme.
Plus, recent discussion has brought up the enormous contribution and sacrifice our military has made for us to be able to achieve the things we've done - it'd be a very nice touch to acknowledge that in-universe.
Now that the Lysians are part of a pan-national government, and we know they are very big on remembering those who sacrificed for the pack, something like that might definitely make sense, yeah.
If we do a ship museum/commemoration Project in 5PA as we've discussed, building a replica Ceratarges and turning our last heavy cruiser into a museum ship, then this would also synergise really well.
If we do a ship museum/commemoration Project in 5PA as we've discussed, building a replica Ceratarges and turning our last heavy cruiser into a museum ship, then this would also synergise really well.
SolipsistSerpent
Endlessly Devouring
Yeah, it's definitely a cultural artifact rather than a technological one at this point which means it's not going to just change because of scientific advances but only if cultural values change.
Jensaarai
Sing Victory Everlasting
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Given how instinctively predatory kathalondans are—enough so that the kzin actually considered them to be one of the more comparable species in their measurement of sapience—the baby squid thunderdome might have physiological or psychological roots for why they still do it.
Last edited:
- Location
- Australia
While my opinion could change due to evolving circumstances by the time we make the decision, seeing as we just founded a multi-species union I think some level of automatisation or improved efficiency in diplomacy - in the context of developing closer ties with other policies and particularly integrating them into the Alliance. Now I don't want diplomacy to become completely automatic or purely rule system based - our ability to engage in more free-form/narrative-based diplomacy with creativity and strategy is one of my favourite aspects of this quest - but I can understand the frustration of feeling like we have no choice but to dedicate our projects to diplomacy the majority of the time if we want to meaningfully achieve anything diplomatically.
If we could trust relationships (at least with neutral or friendly policies) to more often than not gradually improve (likely not at the same speed as when back by a project), or at least do so after we perform some prerequisite projects - we'd have more freedom to try other kinds of projects. Even if that opportunity would only be worth the risk once every couple turns, I think it would help.
Maybe we could start a dedicated diplomatic service that we directly fund and direct, like Starfleet (although probably not on the same scale or extend, both in investment and management)?
Of course, I haven't been active in this quest for very long and haven't finished going through the archive, so I could just have a biased perception of other's complainants or how projects have generally been used in the quest. But even if so, a bonus to diplomatic actions (at least towards receptive powers) could make sense.
Best way to honour those that fought and died in war is to perverse the peace as best we can, to prevent as many as we can from being forced to make that same sacrifice. Even if that means gathering as many smaller policies together as possible to better withstand our encroaching enemies (or stalling a fight until we are better prepared).
Shore Leave
Shore leave is an integral part of Starfleet, a necessary prerequisite to prolonged psychological health and effectiveness. Somewhere out there in the deep black is a species that evolved in close quarters and cramped spaces, a group that has no compunction against spending decades on a starship. But so far they remain undiscovered, and so after long months of patrolling the trade lanes on her shakedown the Kildatha puts into port and allows her crew time to roam. The Lysians spend their time socialising in family groups, visit recreational centers, and spend their wages where they will. Then after a week of revelry and much needed catharsis they trickle back to the ship. Except for one. They don't return at all.
The meeting table aboard Starbase One is as much a virtual construct as a real one, the faintly translucent projections of the attendees arrayed around it without regards to environmental conditions. Lysians sit and Kathalondans hover in the air, all of their communications linked to this single and highly secure nexus in orbit. The First Minister is present, as is Commander-in-Chief Starfleet in the form of Admiral Cold-Thinker. Other groups are included, from Admiral Pike and his colleague Quick-Smile. The one most wishing they were that there is without a doubt the governor of Lisara, who is trying to appear as small as possible.
"We found our crewman's body two days later," the captain of the Kildatha reported with a total lack of emotion. "He had been progressively tortured. We believe the 'Red Sun' cartel is responsible. The lieutenant's command codes were used to access the ship's database and extract our patrol route - the perpetrator had been compelled to cooperate by threats against their family. It has been dealt with."
"So change the patrol route," Pike replied. "This seems easily solved."
"Our patrol route was necessarily coordinated with the Koi for maximal effect," the captain responded. "There have been two pirate strikes in the area she is not since, and more are likely."
"Have efforts been made to bring the perpetrators to justice?" the First-Minister enquired mildly, apparently unconcerned. Pike's mantle flicked a surge of color across his skin. He'd been around Swift-Hunter enough to recognise the politician's tone. It wasn't a question so much as a setup for something else. Fortunately the hologram did not have the color sensitivity to transmit his realisation to the other attendees.
CnC Starfleet shifted in her seat. "Red Sun began as a pirate group, but when we clamped down on them it mostly transitioned to more conventional crime on Lisara itself. They still operate starships and try to make off with cargo every now and then, but it's very much in service of supplying their illicit operations planetside. Attacking Starfleet is inevitable. Abducting crewmen demands a response. Torturing a lieutenant in uniform to death for information is unacceptable." Cold-Thinker's eyes shift across to the governor. "I want a task force in the area. Heavy cruisers, at least one of the new Marlins. And I want martial law on Lisara."
The governor finally straightened up. "This is an absurd overreaction!" he snapped. "The judicial forces will happily accept assistance from Starfleet, but declaring martial law will create massive economic and political chaos. There will be protests all over the planet! Work will be disrupted and the economy will suffer."
Cold-Thinker's eyes are as cold as her name. "Acceptable."
Swift-Hunter cleared his throat. "I am interested in the opinions of your colleagues, since such a task force would no doubt involve their areas of jurisdiction."
There is a pause, and Pike's mind whirls as he wonders at the First Minister's motives. In the meantime Quick-Smile considers the question and responds. "Martial law may be excessive," the admiral allows. "The task force will be sufficient to root out Red Sun's staging point along the trade lanes and provide support to a crackdown on their operations on Lisara itself."
Swift-Hunter makes an acknowledging hum and turns his eyes to Pike. "And you, Admiral? You do represent the Kathalondan perspective on this matter, one we lack. Your insights would be valuable."
Pike pondered this for a moment, but in truth his thoughts had been mostly set before the First Minister had begun to solicit input. Voicing it just solidified it in his mind.
[ ] Moving enough ships for a task force over one crewman is grossly disproportionate and will cause substantial disruption. Much more than any raids on a trade route.
[ ] You agree with Quick-Smile's perspective. Martial law is gratuitous, and the task force alone will strike fear into the hearts of criminals with similar thoughts.
[ ] This opportunistic strike is a provocation, and the response being disproportionate is the point. Declare martial law and destroy Red Sun root and branch.
Any votes made before four hours from this post will not be counted.
The meeting table aboard Starbase One is as much a virtual construct as a real one, the faintly translucent projections of the attendees arrayed around it without regards to environmental conditions. Lysians sit and Kathalondans hover in the air, all of their communications linked to this single and highly secure nexus in orbit. The First Minister is present, as is Commander-in-Chief Starfleet in the form of Admiral Cold-Thinker. Other groups are included, from Admiral Pike and his colleague Quick-Smile. The one most wishing they were that there is without a doubt the governor of Lisara, who is trying to appear as small as possible.
"We found our crewman's body two days later," the captain of the Kildatha reported with a total lack of emotion. "He had been progressively tortured. We believe the 'Red Sun' cartel is responsible. The lieutenant's command codes were used to access the ship's database and extract our patrol route - the perpetrator had been compelled to cooperate by threats against their family. It has been dealt with."
"So change the patrol route," Pike replied. "This seems easily solved."
"Our patrol route was necessarily coordinated with the Koi for maximal effect," the captain responded. "There have been two pirate strikes in the area she is not since, and more are likely."
"Have efforts been made to bring the perpetrators to justice?" the First-Minister enquired mildly, apparently unconcerned. Pike's mantle flicked a surge of color across his skin. He'd been around Swift-Hunter enough to recognise the politician's tone. It wasn't a question so much as a setup for something else. Fortunately the hologram did not have the color sensitivity to transmit his realisation to the other attendees.
CnC Starfleet shifted in her seat. "Red Sun began as a pirate group, but when we clamped down on them it mostly transitioned to more conventional crime on Lisara itself. They still operate starships and try to make off with cargo every now and then, but it's very much in service of supplying their illicit operations planetside. Attacking Starfleet is inevitable. Abducting crewmen demands a response. Torturing a lieutenant in uniform to death for information is unacceptable." Cold-Thinker's eyes shift across to the governor. "I want a task force in the area. Heavy cruisers, at least one of the new Marlins. And I want martial law on Lisara."
The governor finally straightened up. "This is an absurd overreaction!" he snapped. "The judicial forces will happily accept assistance from Starfleet, but declaring martial law will create massive economic and political chaos. There will be protests all over the planet! Work will be disrupted and the economy will suffer."
Cold-Thinker's eyes are as cold as her name. "Acceptable."
Swift-Hunter cleared his throat. "I am interested in the opinions of your colleagues, since such a task force would no doubt involve their areas of jurisdiction."
There is a pause, and Pike's mind whirls as he wonders at the First Minister's motives. In the meantime Quick-Smile considers the question and responds. "Martial law may be excessive," the admiral allows. "The task force will be sufficient to root out Red Sun's staging point along the trade lanes and provide support to a crackdown on their operations on Lisara itself."
Swift-Hunter makes an acknowledging hum and turns his eyes to Pike. "And you, Admiral? You do represent the Kathalondan perspective on this matter, one we lack. Your insights would be valuable."
Pike pondered this for a moment, but in truth his thoughts had been mostly set before the First Minister had begun to solicit input. Voicing it just solidified it in his mind.
[ ] Moving enough ships for a task force over one crewman is grossly disproportionate and will cause substantial disruption. Much more than any raids on a trade route.
[ ] You agree with Quick-Smile's perspective. Martial law is gratuitous, and the task force alone will strike fear into the hearts of criminals with similar thoughts.
[ ] This opportunistic strike is a provocation, and the response being disproportionate is the point. Declare martial law and destroy Red Sun root and branch.
Any votes made before four hours from this post will not be counted.
Thors_Alumni
Proud member of Thors Class VII from Liberl
- Location
- Liberl Zemuria.
We need to go all in. If we are soft in any areas, Anyone and everyone who recognizes it will take advantage of it. going maximum reaction sends a clear and definitive response to the torture of our crewmen that this is unacceptable and Starfleet will bring the hammer down. The Orions in TBG did the same thing and look at what happened to them afterwards. now as of the current date in that thread. The Orions are steady honest members of the Federation with an Orion Starfleet captain among its numbers.