Their Light Will Be Ours [Stellaris]
- Thread starter Evenstar
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
Suspect? Hell, that's always been the plan. It's why we didn't refit it last year, or even the year before when we got the original influx of Lights Tech. Because we knew we'd be getting several very useful things this year, so we might as well look around and see a few other systems before refitting with everything in a single go.
As it turns out, thanks to discovering a precursor cruiser and then have it neutralise itself due to lack of maintenance... It was beyond worth it. Even if it might cost us one of our heroes...
[X] Warp Perturbation
[X] Subspace Equilibrium Theory
[X] Subspace Cartography
[X] Subspace Equilibrium Theory
[X] Subspace Cartography
Evenstar
Triple Jump Unlocked
- Location
- Canada
- Pronouns
- She/Her
There's an additional Joint Research allocation for Subspace Physics this Grant Cycle, representing Light support with our work. They will gain the resulting technology from that action as well as us.
Meanwhile, the Sparks are allocating the same option on their end, from their set of available technologies. They're likely to reciprocate with warp research they feel is of equal value to ours.
Note that joint research of some [Dangerous] tag technologies can result in negative impacts on your research partners as well. This is both good and bad: it means you have more resources if things go south, but can also strain your diplomatic relationship.
This round of research voting closes in 1 hour. (The Joint Research allocation will be handled later.)
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Rockeye
Plausible Engineer
- Location
- Midwestern U.S.
This is going to be dangerous. We should be watchful. But Xartaxes is THE warp expect among Klaxes, we are used to dealing with experiments suddenly becoming plasma. More of the same. We can handle it if we're careful. And just think of what we can learn if we can pull this off!!
3005 Research Grant Cycle: Computing
Evenstar
Triple Jump Unlocked
- Location
- Canada
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Klaxes Directorate: 3005 - 3010 Research Turn
RESEARCH AREA: PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS
HIGH PRIORITY RESEARCH (+1 Hand Size, all Subfields)
Computing:
Computational Director: Telthis Jagta
Trait: Innovative (Increased Chance of Rare Technologies)
COMPLETED: QUANTUM COMPUTING
Though the issues of decoherence and sufficiently large qbit reserves remain, our dedicated research into quantum computing has finally produced practical and reliable machines, capable of performing calculations purely electrical devices choke on. Though they remain a specialized piece of technology, their applications to warp navigation and scientific research are significant.
New Module Unlocked:
Mk. 1 Quantum Jump Computer
Size: 5
Qbit Reserve: 5
Qbit Reserve spent per Jump: 1
Minimum Jump Range: 3 Light Years
Multicomputer: Spend 1 Qbit Reserve to boost a Tidewatch roll by +10.
Qbit Refresh Cost: 5 Modules, 1 month. [Shipyard Required]
Polity Benefit: Quantum Computing
Each Grant Cycle, you may force-discard a single technology card. That card is guaranteed to be replaced with a never-drawn technology in the next grant cycle, if one exists for its subfield.
Innovation Cards Decked:
Quantum Keybreaking [Computing]
Adiabatic Quantum Computation [Computing]
PROSPECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
Warpslip Hardening:
When jumpships enter Warp, there is a strong electromagnetic pulse. This has so far forced us to do all our unmanned testing within range of radio contact, as the ship's navigational systems must be powered down for the jump to Warp. However, a purpose-built fibre-optic system could allow us to create truly autonomous jumpships.
When completed, unlocks the Mk. 1 Jumpdrone Computer module.
X-Ray Interferometry:
As we reach the level of logistical and technical competence to be able to maintain a permanent presence in orbit, previously infeasible projects (such as orbital x-ray interferometry) have become much more practical. Though the expense of launching multiple large telescopes into orbit would be significant, the ability to gather X-ray emission data across a wide baseline above Klaxis Prime's interfering atmosphere would allow us to resolve much smaller objects in our local area, giving us better detection of small, rocky worlds that might be habitable.
Improves the resolution of our telescope scans. Required optical advances may be applicable to the development of further X-ray technologies.
Adversarial Examples:
The machine learning algorithms that the Lights have traded us, while impressive, are not wholly bug-free. If we are to emulate their feat of artificial intelligence, we need to develop an understanding of how these algorithms 'learn' - and that means we need to understand how they break. Not to mention the practical applications of this research to cyberwarfare.
Clearly of theoretical importance, though specific applications are unknown at this time.
Hierarchical Drone Algorithms: [Dangerous]
While Light drones are individually highly capable, and able to shift form fluidly when they determine a different approach is needed, they ironically have one fatal flaw: they're mass-produced. Every Harvester runs the same algorithms as every other Harvester, and while they do coordinate, they do not self-organize. Like their creators, they're almost overly independent.
It's entirely possible to manage these robots better than the Lights are. Simple allocation of subtasks to workgroups is easy: the concept of "overseer" drones, disparaged by the individualistic Sparks, is not a cultural hurdle for us. The challenge will be bringing to bear our full logistical expertise in order to make a properly global chain of command for all drones.
Improves efficiency of all drone buildings, and unlocks Wonders of globally coordinated robotics.
Quantum-Secure Encryption: [Dangerous]
It's a simple fact: quantum algorithms can break most forms of asymmetric encryption. We have working quantum computers now: the only reason network security isn't already dead is that almost nobody has the budget for specialist keybreaking machines yet. A practically implementable quantum-proof encryption algorithm is going to be a necessity.
If we don't address this issue, the voxnet as we know it might cease to exist. If we do, we might spook the public and draw unwanted attention to this dangerous possibility. Perhaps it's best to let it pass for now.
Sharply improves our network security and cyber-espionage capabilities.
Computing Cards in the Innovation Deck: 7
Never-Drawn Technologies: 5
Hand Size: 5
Select a technology to receive this cycle's Computing grant:
[ ] Quantum-Secure Encryption
[ ] Hierarchical Drone Algorithms
[ ] Adversarial Examples
[ ] X-Ray Interferometry
[ ] Warpslip Hardening
RESEARCH AREA: PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS
HIGH PRIORITY RESEARCH (+1 Hand Size, all Subfields)
Computing:
Computational Director: Telthis Jagta
Trait: Innovative (Increased Chance of Rare Technologies)
COMPLETED: QUANTUM COMPUTING
Though the issues of decoherence and sufficiently large qbit reserves remain, our dedicated research into quantum computing has finally produced practical and reliable machines, capable of performing calculations purely electrical devices choke on. Though they remain a specialized piece of technology, their applications to warp navigation and scientific research are significant.
New Module Unlocked:
Mk. 1 Quantum Jump Computer
Size: 5
Qbit Reserve: 5
Qbit Reserve spent per Jump: 1
Minimum Jump Range: 3 Light Years
Multicomputer: Spend 1 Qbit Reserve to boost a Tidewatch roll by +10.
Qbit Refresh Cost: 5 Modules, 1 month. [Shipyard Required]
Polity Benefit: Quantum Computing
Each Grant Cycle, you may force-discard a single technology card. That card is guaranteed to be replaced with a never-drawn technology in the next grant cycle, if one exists for its subfield.
Innovation Cards Decked:
Quantum Keybreaking [Computing]
Adiabatic Quantum Computation [Computing]
PROSPECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES:
Warpslip Hardening:
When jumpships enter Warp, there is a strong electromagnetic pulse. This has so far forced us to do all our unmanned testing within range of radio contact, as the ship's navigational systems must be powered down for the jump to Warp. However, a purpose-built fibre-optic system could allow us to create truly autonomous jumpships.
When completed, unlocks the Mk. 1 Jumpdrone Computer module.
X-Ray Interferometry:
As we reach the level of logistical and technical competence to be able to maintain a permanent presence in orbit, previously infeasible projects (such as orbital x-ray interferometry) have become much more practical. Though the expense of launching multiple large telescopes into orbit would be significant, the ability to gather X-ray emission data across a wide baseline above Klaxis Prime's interfering atmosphere would allow us to resolve much smaller objects in our local area, giving us better detection of small, rocky worlds that might be habitable.
Improves the resolution of our telescope scans. Required optical advances may be applicable to the development of further X-ray technologies.
Adversarial Examples:
The machine learning algorithms that the Lights have traded us, while impressive, are not wholly bug-free. If we are to emulate their feat of artificial intelligence, we need to develop an understanding of how these algorithms 'learn' - and that means we need to understand how they break. Not to mention the practical applications of this research to cyberwarfare.
Clearly of theoretical importance, though specific applications are unknown at this time.
Hierarchical Drone Algorithms: [Dangerous]
While Light drones are individually highly capable, and able to shift form fluidly when they determine a different approach is needed, they ironically have one fatal flaw: they're mass-produced. Every Harvester runs the same algorithms as every other Harvester, and while they do coordinate, they do not self-organize. Like their creators, they're almost overly independent.
It's entirely possible to manage these robots better than the Lights are. Simple allocation of subtasks to workgroups is easy: the concept of "overseer" drones, disparaged by the individualistic Sparks, is not a cultural hurdle for us. The challenge will be bringing to bear our full logistical expertise in order to make a properly global chain of command for all drones.
Improves efficiency of all drone buildings, and unlocks Wonders of globally coordinated robotics.
Quantum-Secure Encryption: [Dangerous]
It's a simple fact: quantum algorithms can break most forms of asymmetric encryption. We have working quantum computers now: the only reason network security isn't already dead is that almost nobody has the budget for specialist keybreaking machines yet. A practically implementable quantum-proof encryption algorithm is going to be a necessity.
If we don't address this issue, the voxnet as we know it might cease to exist. If we do, we might spook the public and draw unwanted attention to this dangerous possibility. Perhaps it's best to let it pass for now.
Sharply improves our network security and cyber-espionage capabilities.
Computing Cards in the Innovation Deck: 7
Never-Drawn Technologies: 5
Hand Size: 5
Select a technology to receive this cycle's Computing grant:
[ ] Quantum-Secure Encryption
[ ] Hierarchical Drone Algorithms
[ ] Adversarial Examples
[ ] X-Ray Interferometry
[ ] Warpslip Hardening
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- Location
- Anchorage, Alaska
[X] Quantum-Secure Encryption
better to have the security now and not need it than it is to need it and not have it.
better to have the security now and not need it than it is to need it and not have it.
[X] Quantum-Secure Encryption
- Location
- Queensland, Australia
[X] Quantum-Secure Encryption
Ironically, if the Lights haven't discovered Quantum Computers yet, then the fact we developed Quantum Computers as/after we encountered them might just be one of the more dangerous technologies we could have been going for.
After all, their network security would be just as vulnerable as ours is. And they have AI which just lost their ability to defend against intrusions... It's probably not quite that bad, but yeah. We do want to look into QSE very soon to both defend ourselves, and possibly give us something to trade to the Sparks to help protect their AI from hacking using quantum computers.
Ironically, if the Lights haven't discovered Quantum Computers yet, then the fact we developed Quantum Computers as/after we encountered them might just be one of the more dangerous technologies we could have been going for.
After all, their network security would be just as vulnerable as ours is. And they have AI which just lost their ability to defend against intrusions... It's probably not quite that bad, but yeah. We do want to look into QSE very soon to both defend ourselves, and possibly give us something to trade to the Sparks to help protect their AI from hacking using quantum computers.
- Location
- Sydney
[X] Quantum-Secure Encryption
10ebbor10
DON'T PANIC
- Location
- Present
Anyway, we're going to have to do some serious remodelling on our spaceship. Here's what it looks like now
Component Modules:
Mk 1. Warp Drive (50 Size)
Minimal Crew Quarters x4 (20 Size)
Reaction Mass x20 (20 Size)
Drive Shielding (10 Size)
Mk 1. Jumpship Computer (10 Size)
Basic Life Support (10 Size)
Miniaturized Fusion Generator (10 Size)
Cosmic Radiation Shielding (10 Size)
Maneuvering Thrusters & Fuel (5 Size)
Basic Communication & Sensor Suite (5 Size)
150/150 Available Hull Size Used
And here's all the stuff we could add to it. I think.
Component Modules:
Brilliant Drive Mk. II (25 size)
Size: 25 Minimal Crew Quarters x4 (20 Size)
Reaction Mass x20 (20 Size)
Mk. 1 Quantum Jump Computer (5 size)
Basic Life Support (10 Size)
Miniaturized Fusion Generator (10 Size)
Lightweight Cosmic Radiation Shielding (5 Size)
Maneuvering Thrusters & Fuel (5 Size)
Second Guesser ???
Basic Communication & Sensor Suite (5 Size)
Basic Subspace Sensor Package (5 Size)
115/150 Available Hull Size Used
Component Modules:
Mk 1. Warp Drive (50 Size)
Minimal Crew Quarters x4 (20 Size)
Reaction Mass x20 (20 Size)
Drive Shielding (10 Size)
Mk 1. Jumpship Computer (10 Size)
Basic Life Support (10 Size)
Miniaturized Fusion Generator (10 Size)
Cosmic Radiation Shielding (10 Size)
Maneuvering Thrusters & Fuel (5 Size)
Basic Communication & Sensor Suite (5 Size)
150/150 Available Hull Size Used
And here's all the stuff we could add to it. I think.
Component Modules:
Brilliant Drive Mk. II (25 size)
Size: 25 Minimal Crew Quarters x4 (20 Size)
Reaction Mass x20 (20 Size)
Mk. 1 Quantum Jump Computer (5 size)
Basic Life Support (10 Size)
Miniaturized Fusion Generator (10 Size)
Lightweight Cosmic Radiation Shielding (5 Size)
Maneuvering Thrusters & Fuel (5 Size)
Second Guesser ???
Basic Communication & Sensor Suite (5 Size)
Basic Subspace Sensor Package (5 Size)
115/150 Available Hull Size Used
- Location
- United States
[X] Hierarchical Drone Algorithms
- Location
- Actually pretty lost
Is there a list of technologies we already have anywhere?
[X] Quantum-Secure Encryption
Evenstar
Triple Jump Unlocked
- Location
- Canada
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Not currently, though I see your point about knowing where our weak and strong areas are. Do you have any more specific questions I could maybe answer more quickly?
Given the near-unanimous vote for quantum cryptography, this vote will close in ~3 hours assuming no major competition emerges.
