Traveller, The Rise of Empire: A Naval Design, Procurement and Command Quest

I'm opposed to Solar Wind because I'd like to immediately open trade; can that be included as well?
 
I am thoroughly joking about launching a coup against Home's leadership, though the rough sketch of my very tired, devout, republically-minded fleet officer avatar is rubbing her temples and pushing up her glasses basically constantly while idly dreaming of it. Sometimes she takes out her little plastic mock-ups of the Quarrel and Pavise class vessels and flies them around making "woosh" noises, then cries a little.
She's Stressed!!!

Presenting OPLAN: Ivory Chamber

First, Fleet Landing Forces seconded from their normal security duties will blockade City Militia forces guarding the capital within their barracks. Secondly, FLF Rangers will detain those of the Citizen's Council suspected of pro-S'taxu Monarchist sedition. No lethal force will be authorized during this operation without action by the conspiracists. Following this, a chosen delegation of the People's Daught...

looks up.

FUCK! Shit! You weren't supposed to see that!

[X] Operation Solar Wind v1.1 + The Rest

Again, circumstances prevent me from taking the time to draw up my own plan, and Solar Wind 1.1 is well ordered and drawn up, and although my personal religious and political views lie with supporting S'taxu's democracy despite our tragic first meeting.
 
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I'm opposed to Solar Wind because I'd like to immediately open trade; can that be included as well?
I don't actually mind that, I just wasn't sure which way opinion went on that point so I chose the reserved option. I'm still new to SV (in terms of games played, not time since account creation), would it be against forum etiquette to revise that in without making a 1.2?

FUCK! Shit! You weren't supposed to see that!
Lmao. My condolences.
 
I don't actually mind that, I just wasn't sure which way opinion went on that point so I chose the reserved option. I'm still new to SV (in terms of games played, not time since account creation), would it be against forum etiquette to revise that in without making a 1.2?
Because it's such a small change, yeah you're alright to do that, just also make a post to note the edit/adjustment.
 
[X] Operation Solar Wind v1.1 + The Rest

I'm honestly far more hopeful with regards to setting up the trade network; hopefully it enriches both us and Xyri. On one hand, we've got a head start on ships needed to trade in/out of the system and if I understand the system codes correctly, we're likely producing things that they aren't (based on this and this); on the other hand, Xyri's more technologically developed than us, meaning we could learn things from them. They're also a good buffer in case there's something nasty further out.
 
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2-4: Diplomatic Results
Adhoc vote count started by 4WheelSword on Jul 19, 2024 at 5:06 AM, finished with 48 posts and 17 votes.

  • [X] Operation Solar Wind v1.1 + The Rest
    [X] Open trade between our worlds, requiring the construction of trade ships or the releasing of jump technology to civilian yards.
    [x] No, she seems exactly what we need.
    [X] An embassy, requiring a few trips by the Janusto deliver enough of a embassy group.
    [x] An embassy, requiring a few trips by the Janus to deliver enough of an embassy group.
    [X] Plan Operation Searing Sun
    -[X] S'taxu: Assign HSWS Janus and all six Interstellar Cruisers to the operation. Begin ASAP. Jump in near the mainworld, but not so close as to be in range of orbital defences. Reform squadron. Contact the Monarchists and extract concessions from them for our assistance, that should include at least basing rights and tonnage limitations for their fleet. Demand access to their intel and strategic evaluations, so we know the numbers and capabilities of enemy warships. Overall, the Fleet ought to evaluate two main points:
    --[X] Is it feasible to get or conquer the means of refuelling and resupply directly at S'taxu? If at all feasible, the fleet ought to attempt to do so and all six ships should remain. If not, a rotation system needs to considered to refuel and resupply at Home.
    --[X] Is it feasible to decisively win an engagement against Junta? If so, go for it. If the outcome is uncertain, aim for relieving the main world and stalemating the civil war until our reinforcements are built. If the Junta is overwhelming, consider harassment tactics or retreat.
    --[X] HSWS Janus is to serve as a courier for periodic updates on the war. Fleet Commander has full operational control, including retreating to Home. Prioritize conservation of force and striking at targets of opportunity, especially Junta's shipbuilding capabilities.
    --[X] Do not engage targets confirmed to be non-combatants. Accept surrenders. Turn over surrendered ships and personnel to the Monarchists so that our forces can be supplemented. Fleet Commander is authorized to bargain with the Junta for the handover of our survivors.
    -[X] Xyri: Offer trade relations. Licence jump drives to chosen civilian contractors and insist that for the moment each jump-capable cargo ship needs to be approved.
    -[X] Xyri: Offer defensive alliance, but not before news from S'taxu indicates that Home can spare ships to station at Xyri. If feasible, pressure Xyri to agree not to field jump-capable warships.
    -[X] Squadron Support Ship: No, she seems exactly what we need.
    [X] A military alliance, allowing us access to Xyri's small but capable yards.
    [X] Operation Solar Wind v1.1 + The Rest
    -[X] Operation Solar Wind
    --[X] Contents: Squadron will consist of three (3) Interstellar Cruiser class vessels and HSWS Janus.
    ---[X] HSWS Janus will carry a civilian diplomatic contingent.
    ---[X] The Interstellar Cruisers will carry a token quantity of domestically produced military equipment (body armor, medicine, grenades, etc.) as a gift for the Dynasts. Nothing that requires supply lines for ammunition or long-term training by our own military personnel.
    --[X] Mission: Primary objective: Assess the capabilities and war aims of all involved factions, as well as the origins and present state of the conflict. Secondary objective: Establish friendly diplomatic relations with the Chambrestrong Dynasty's government. Personnel will not have total freedom to make diplomacy, any terms for a military alliance must be relayed to the Citizens Council. Personnel will attempt to persuade Dynasty diplomats so any terms offered include basing concessions.
    --[X] Rules of Engagement: Do not fire on any combatants except in self-defense. If combat occurs between local forces, but the squadron is not fired upon, do not engage. If circumstances force return fire, the squadron is to aid Dynasty forces until the conclusion of battle. Accept surrendering combatants, turn over prisoners to Dynasty forces but request an engineering inspection of battle remnants. HSWS Janus is to avoid engagement by whatever means necessary, including Jump retreat if hull loss is likely.
    --[X] Timetable: Naval Date (02y07m00w) is defined to be Solar Wind Date (00y00m00w)
    ---[X] (00y00m00w): Begin preparations for departure. Selection and training of diplomatic personnel, requisition and stowing of aid, etc.
    ---[X] (00y00m03w): Begin jump to high orbit over S'Taxu-4, outside of orbital defenses.
    ---[X] (00y01m00w): Arrive over S'Taxu-4. Make immediate contact with the Dynastic government. Begin talks and intelligence gathering, and offer the provided military aid.
    ---[X] (00y01m03w): Wrap up initial talks, Jump back to Home.
    ---[X] (00y02m00w): End of Operation Solar Wind.
    -[X] No, she seems exactly what we need.
    -[X] An embassy, requiring a few trips by the Janus to deliver enough of a embassy group.
    -[X] Open trade between our worlds, requiring the construction of trade ships or the releasing of jump technology to civilian yards.


Does the Navy recommend any changes to the design before work begins? No, she seems exactly what we need.
What, if anything, would we advise offering to Xyri? An embassy, requiring a few trips by the Janus to deliver enough of a embassy group.
- Open trade between our worlds, requiring the construction of trade ships or the releasing of jump technology to civilian yards.




OPERATION Solar Wind
Plans are put in place, crews are readied and a diplomatic contingent is trained for space travel and what to do in case of an emergency. Munitions are loaded, ships are fuelled and drives are checked and double-checked in order to ensure absolute readiness. By the time the four ships set out for the Jump Point they are perhaps the most rigorously tested naval personnel ever sent into space by Home. They are certainly prepared for any eventuality.

HSWS Ninurta, HSWS Pallas, and HSWS Sakumo hold a defensive formation around HSWS Janus that ensures so long as one of the cruisers reaches S'Taxu first, the smaller scout will be under the safe-zone of her guns. All at once they jump away, on time and on schedule. According to the mission plan, we expect to hear back from them in five weeks.



The Navy Yards - (02y07m00w)
Already working on three ships with an expected completion time some time in the middle of next year, the yards have been ordered to fill the rest of their space with a single gigantic ship. The Flotilla Supply Ship will be a 4,000 ton capital grade hull, built along the same principles as that of the SDD but with enhanced design methodology and significantly less armour. This semi-spherical logistics ship will be the first word in squadron resupply over the next years, though the Navy fully expects to require more advanced versions of the same ship as the fleet grows in size and needs. This ship - named the HSLS (Home Space Logistics Ship) Lakapati - will be ready for commission and service on or around 05y01m00w.

At the same time, a civilian yard is reserved for an entirely new type of ship. Designed in parallel between the Navy and Bearings Machinery Firm, it will be the first Interstellar cargo ship ever imagined. Solely intended for trade between Home and Xyri, it will hopefully provide the basis for a thousand-thousand of its ilk in the decades to come, as Home expands its reach beyond the local cluster and into the stars. Planners project a throughput of around 500 tons per month initially and thus this ship - already named Kubera - will be a thousand tons in total to allow for such an enormous cargo load. It will also carry a reliable Fission plant and be capable of just a single G of thrust. The Interstellar Conveyor is, if you listen to the representatives of BMF, the wave of the future. We simply have to ensure their safety getting there.




OPERATION Solar Wind 2 - (02y09m00w)
Every sensor operator in Home holds their breath as they receive the report of a jump flash, though most are far too distant to actually do anything if it turned out to be a threat. Sakumo flashes her ident and holds position, waiting for her companions. Ninurta is next, coming back into the system two hours after the first cruiser. A full eleven hours later, HSWS Janus slips back into real space and several members of the admiralty let out breaths they didn't know they were holding. Finally, an hour after that, Pallas joins the formation and all four begin the slow burn back towards Home and the steadily growing fleet dock that orbits high above the capital.

Their reports contain the following information:
- Military aid was supplied to the Dynasts. Primarily this was in the form of small arms, combat medical systems and explosives of various kinds. These were warmly received and it was indicated that additional air would be most welcome in staving off any offensives by democratic forces.

- Significant information has been learned about the various factions involved in the conflict, including the distant Junta:
-- The Chambrestrong Dynasty maintains a series of nuclear weapons platforms in orbit that are not intended for surface bombardment. Rather they are torpedo silos and mine field dispensers, intended to automatically deny orbits to aggressors without needing confirmation from the ground. We are fortunate we didn't trigger any on our first visit, jumping so far from the home world as we did.
-- These are backed up by a small capacity of surface-to-orbit operated by all factions on S'Taxu proper. Neither democratic faction has seen fit to fire on us despite our cruisers passing over their silos several times. We can only presume they are smart enough not to engender additional violence against their planet.
-- The Junta has two capital ships and a series of smaller mobile platforms and war-rockets available to them. The two capital ships are both built from the shells of hollowed out asteroids and are principally armed with torpedoes and missiles, though they also have significant laser armaments as well. Many of their other ships are old and out-dated, but this does not stop them from being a threat.

- The conflict is in a state of 'cold' war, with no faction willing to make a decisive push and put an end to the fighting. It would seem, though this is unconfirmed supposition, that the three non-monarchist factions are simply waiting for the Dynasts to collapse rather than fighting them, at which point negotiations will continue without the main roadblock to peaceful resolution.
-- Once again, the above is based entirely on assumption. It may be that the Dynasts are unwilling to come to the table for good reason. We do not know what caused the split between the Dynasts and the Junta in the first place.

- While unwilling to admit a position of weakness, the Dynasts are able to ask for the following:
-- A indefinite stationing of two warships in S'Taxu, in order to allow for more aggressive pushes against Democrat and Junta positions. These will be fuelled and supplied by Dynast orbital infrastructure.
-- Reassurances of defensive support in the event of a Junta offensive, though there are no requests for ground support at this time.
-- The supply of significant aid including both food and military supplies to feed and arm the population.
- In return the Chambrestrong Dynasty is willing to offer some or all of the following:
-- Access to still functional orbital yards capable of ~2,000Dtons of construction.
-- Skilled pilots to serve with the Home Navy, for cross-training purposes, to develop skills S'taxu (And especially the Dynasts) don't currently have and to bolster Home.
-- Financial compensation of significant quantities.

Please craft a treaty recommendation as a plan
What will you recommend offering?

[ ] The stationing of X warships in S'Taxu.
[ ] A defensive alliance, specifically targeting the Junta.
[ ] Food Aid
[ ] Military Aid
[ ] Write-in
What would you recommend asking for in return?
[ ] Access to the yards
[ ] Pilots, crews and support staff to be filtered into the Home Navy's infrastructure.
[ ] Financial compensation.
[ ] Write-in.
 
@4WheelSword, if the Dynasts have control of a construction yard, what's been stopping them from building up an actual naval presence? Lack of resources or the ability to get the resources? Or do they think starting a construction project would break the 'cold war' status that is the current situation.

Also, do you use a program to create the ships, or hand jam it with your resource books?
 
- The conflict is in a state of 'cold' war,
Turns out we didn't need to react ASAP, so choosing Solar Wind was good. That said, it's weird we didn't learn it the first time around. On the plus side, we've got civilian cargo ships and new designations, that's wonderful!

@4WheelSword Same question as WallFly, but also capital ship and small platform, roughly how much is that in tonnes?

[X] Plan Hard Bargain
-[X] Offer: Station 3 Interstellar Cruisers in S'Taxu. On rotation.
-[X] Offer: Defensive Pact, with secret protocols allowing for coordinated assault on the Junta with more Interstellar Cruisers, with the possibility to retain the pact after the war.
-[X] Offer: Limited material or food assistance, due to our current cargo capacity. It could be expanded in the future.
-[X] Offer: Limited expertise and technological transfer to assist them with building their interplanetary warships.
-[X] Demand: Access to their Yards during the civil war, shares in their Yards after the civil war ends.
-[X] Demand: Basing rights and transit rights after the civil war ends.
-[X] Demand: Tonnage limitations on S'taxu fleets after the civil war ends.
-[X] Demand: Pilots transferred to Home's Navy.
-[X] Demand: Lucrative contracts for our business partners.
-[X] Demand: Access to intel and support in recovering potential Heimdall survivors from the Junta.
 
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@4WheelSword, if the Dynasts have control of a construction yard, what's been stopping them from building up an actual naval presence? Lack of resources or the ability to get the resources? Or do they think starting a construction project would break the 'cold war' status that is the current situation.

Also, do you use a program to create the ships, or hand jam it with your resource books?
1) Their resources have mostly been focused on ground based military and orbital defences, with no real focused vision for warships and the like.
2) I do it by hand but using excel. Well, no, google sheets. but yeah.

but also capital ship and small platform, roughly how much is that in tonnes?
The Junta cap ships are several thousand tons. Close to the SDD's.
The Dynast stations are like, 50 tons up to several hundred tons.
 
[ ] The stationing of X warships in S'Taxu.
[ ] A defensive alliance, specifically targeting the Junta.
[ ] Food Aid
[ ] Military Aid

[ ] Access to the yards
[ ] Pilots, crews and support staff to be filtered into the Home Navy's infrastructure.
[ ] Financial compensation.

All of the above seems fine. We could potentially license our new civilian freighter to them for construction. They could lay down two hulls which could be dedicated to ferrying aid from our system to theirs. I don't think we should license any military or prototype designs to them yet.

An exchange of liaison officers to foster better joint working and relations seems sensible.

Stationing a couple warships in their system could be good experience to work up the crews and begin to develop some interstellar warfare doctrine.
 
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-[X] Offer: Station 3 Interstellar Cruisers in S'Taxu.
We have the ships to do rotations. Instead of permanently stationing 3 cruisers, we could swing 2 switching out every month. This gets us less familiarity, but does train up and institutionalize consistent Jump rotations and travel through sectors. Additionally, with the "trade" we'll be doing it can be hidden (at least for a little bit) as escorts instead of defensive stationing.
 
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We have the ships to do rotations. Instead of permanently stationing 3 cruisers, we could swing 2 switching out every two weeks.
Of course, since we don't want want to stick our servicemen on permament foreign assignment rotations are a given. I've edited that into the Plan to be explicit.
We could potentially license our new civilian freighter to them for construction.
Interesting. On one hand it makes the trade flow, which is great. On the other hand it releases the Jump-Drive technology to them. On balance, I think we shouldn't be doing that yet.
It may be that the Dynasts are unwilling to come to the table for good reason.
My guess is these guys hold the doomsday trigger. It says the orbital defenses are not intended for surface bombardment, but it would be trivial to retarget them. This gives them the ability to say "it's us or no one", so they think they'll never lose. That said, they'll never win either, not without building something that can reach the Junta or courting our assistance.

Overall, the situation is much stabler than I suspected. Perhaps we ought to let the civil war simmer until we get the time to expand in other directions and later subsume S'taxu due to our sheer size?
 
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If I understood correctly, the Dynasts are the one party in the civil war both other parties in the three-way civil war that everyone else is opposed to? It seems like the Junta and the Delovratic Factions could maybe come to some agreement, but not while the Dynasts hold the planet. And with this information, I feel even more reluctant about backing the Dynasts. They seem to be the weaker party compared to the Junta, and their offer is honestly not that good?
 
We haven't got much choice unfortunately. We're in charge of the Navy, but we are beholden to and have to take orders from the government.
 
It could well be that our Council wants us to support the weaker side because the weaker side is more reliant on us and easier to integrate later. It also channels S'taxu popular discontent against the Dynasts and not us. I'd prefer to cooperate with the Junta, but there are good reasons to choose Dynasts.

BTW, where are we going to send or support ship? Do we use it to ferry supplies to S'taxu or do we use it to expand to sector 00-01, the one with the icy comet?
 
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