Comments: Entry was made in the system with a force of four ships. Contact was made with local inhabitants, a small enclave of workers who demonstrate a remarkably xenophobic position. They maintain an orbital fuelling depot in orbit around the inner most gas giant which we are invited to pay for the use of. No other contact is allowed, according to local doctrine.
So, unknown whether this is Hermosa's outpost or not. Notice we can refuel here, perhaps it might be useful to take them up on the offer to do some extra scouting.
Comments: Contact made with governor of a local colony. Advised not to approach any worlds or the inner system and that any approach will be considered a hostile act. A large ship, circa 3k dtons, begins transit into outer system after task forces arrival. Task force departs, but not before learning this is a colony from Hermosa.
Comments: First contact established with local government. Tidally locked main world on brink of political collapse, major disasters have caused die-off of majority of population. Aid sought for the remaining few thousand.
Comments: First contact made, tasking invited to visit the main world or to accept an escort back to origin point. Both refused. Advanced ships meet our scouts, accompany them around a tour of the system. Non-standard jump point is selected for return journey due to one captains 'gut feeling'. It must be noted that the locals did not seem hostile.
[ ] Plan Garda-Villis
-[ ] 3x Frigate, Fleet Escort (500 dtons, 189.26MCr.)
-[ ] 2x 'Deep Diver' Pressurized Shuttle (90 dtons, 31.4MCr.) - We could put those on ISs and return to exploring the previous anomalies.
-[ ] Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there
These guys are advanced, but don't seem to be interested in intervening to assist their neighbours. Untangling that might require a bit of diplomatic acumen. The alternative is Hexos, but whether we are able to assist Hexos is dependent on whether our civilian transports are still tied up in S'taxu Cassalon or not. Regardless, this is a smaller-scale population, so here we might make do with diplomats being accommodated ad-hoc on ICs. Notice:
If we just need some minor projects for our yards until we can line up 8,000 tons free at the same time, perhaps we could lay down some small defensive stations.
If we just need some minor projects for our yards until we can line up 8,000 tons free at the same time, perhaps we could lay down some small defensive stations.
Stations aren't a bad idea. We could either build some defenses in Heimdall, or start working on this trading platform with Aslan. That said, we ought to build these 'Deep Divers', it's something we've haven't got around to do earlier. (Unless we did, and I'm forgetting it?)
We might want to set up a military outpost in Nova Refugio, since it is directly across deep space to our home world. I know they want to be left alone, but surely a protectorate where we don't mess with their internal affairs wouldn't be too hard to set up. That would give us a logistics hub directly in that string of systems that leads to Hermosa.
I think any kind of buildup in Nova Refugio needs to be preceded by diplomatic talks. Agreed on the general principle of buildup in that region, though.
I don't want to build more jump-capable ships right now. I fear the possibility of hitting our pilot cap, being unable to perform further construction without mothballs, and having our budget cut again. Converting the SDDs is a really appealing idea, as is doing station construction. Gonna present two concepts:
[ ] Plan Wild Black Yonder
-[ ] Refitting an SDD into a carrier (4,000 dtons, ?MCr.)
-[ ] Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population
[ ] Plan Frontier Anchorage
-[ ] Something else - An armed fleet station for emplacement in Heimdall, so that crews can stretch their legs and ships can undergo basic repair.
-[ ] Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population
Remember, we would need to wait for the Diplomatic Cruiser to return from Aslan. Hexos is more immediate, but likely not as demanding on the diplomatic team due to low population. Perhaps we ought to do it like so:
[X] Plan Anchorage
-[X] Write-In: Modular armed fleet station for emplacement in Heimdall, so that crews can stretch their legs and ships can undergo basic repair. -[X] 2x 'Deep Diver' Pressurized Shuttle (90 dtons, 31.4MCr.)
-[X] Immediate on an IC: Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population
-[X] Wait for the Diplomatic Cruiser: Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there
EDIT: I've added a disclaimer that the station ought to be modular. Removed the Deep Divers, since there's no need to build them.
@4WheelSword, what other types of station are there besides "Modular?" If we build another type, does it have to be laid down all in one go like a ship is?
Any station can be modular or non-modular. A non-modular station is built and transported all in one go, a modular station is built and transported in pieces. If you're building a station away from your yards, it either has to be small or modular.
I'm concerned that a station in Heimdall might seem provocative to the Hermosans.
Given that there's been catastrophes in both Nova Refugio and Hexos, that might be a route to peaceful long-term expansion? Promise them safety, security, and a solution to demographic collapse in exchange for a Cassalon-type deal.
Given that there's been catastrophes in both Nova Refugio and Hexos, that might be a route to peaceful long-term expansion? Promise them safety, security, and a solution to demographic collapse in exchange for a Cassalon-type deal.
Sure. The problem is the availability of Interstellar Conveyors and FSSs to carry all that aid and passengers. Those are tied up in Cassalon and we don't have an end date for that relief mission.
I think the security provided is worthwhile! What little we have on the Hermosan government doesn't give me much reason for cheer, so I'd prefer to have the Heimdall task force well-prepared in their stations.
Given that there's been catastrophes in both Nova Refugio and Hexos, that might be a route to peaceful long-term expansion? Promise them safety, security, and a solution to demographic collapse in exchange for a Cassalon-type deal.
Eventually, I think it'd make sense to establish a 4-stop trade route of us going to Nova Refugio and then Hexos with bulk aid, stopping at Garda-Villis on the way to try and exchange our luxury goods for some high tech goodies (also helping to offset the cost of the trip), and then back through Nova Refugio to refuel on the way home. If we ever set up a stronger presence in Shambala, we could do some stuff there too.
Adhoc vote count started by 4WheelSword on Aug 23, 2024 at 1:45 AM, finished with 23 posts and 10 votes.
[X] Plan Anchorage
-[X] Write-In: Modular armed fleet station for emplacement in Heimdall, so that crews can stretch their legs and ships can undergo basic repair.
-[X] Immediate on an IC: Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population
-[X] Wait for the Diplomatic Cruiser: Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there
Please select up to 4k dtons of construction to begin 09y06m: Modular armed fleet station for emplacement in Heimdall, so that crews can stretch their legs and ships can undergo basic repair. We should send it to: Immediate on an IC: Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population. Wait for the Diplomatic Cruiser: Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there Meeting the Aslan
It is several months before the diplomatic mission that was sent into Aslan space returns, and it does so with a fanfare. The returning ship comes escorted by a 600-ton personnel transport (Khtukhao-class) and a 400-ton trade ship (Eakhau-class), unusual little ships that are as brightly painted and decorated as Home's previous visitor. They bring trade goods, a diplomatic mission to be stationed permanently on Home and the invitation for reciprocity.
The traders - a merchant family led by a heavily scarred woman with a permanent scowl etched onto her leonine features - bring with them one hundred and seventy tons of technological marvels. Wearable reflective anti-laser suits, and thick polymer carapace rated against small arms. Advanced Hostile Environment suits, far superior to anything the HSWS is currently able to procure for its service members. Full motion holographic entertainment systems and floating tables with miniaturised anti-grav systems installed on the underside. Insta-freeze emergency ice boxes, intended to flash-cool a trauma victim and store them until they can be transported to a properly appointed medical facility. As for weapons, well...
The Aslan seem particular proud to show off their advanced personal weaponry and compare it to Home standards. Their 'ACR' is a gyroscopically stabilised personal weapon with integrated electronics support, firing a 6mm rifle round faster and more accurately than anything Home can deliver. Effective and viable laser rifles that have good effect on target despite atmospheric disruption of their beam. Multi-use dialable tactical missile launchers which can fire in anti-air, anti-tank or even anti-personnel modes.
The wealthy of Home swoop down on the traders and soon there is nothing left. Examples have been procured for the HSWS, but many items show materials science currently beyond our ability to machine and maintain. We could, potentially, acquire a steady supply of equipment for small parts of our force, but it would leave us technologically reliant on the Aslan until such a time as we can develop our own capabilities.
As for a returning mission, one problem faces the HSWS - there is no personnel transport of anything like the capacity for the transport of a diplomatic mission to return to Aslan space. Normally the HSWS would simply deliver them via the Diplomatic Cruiser, but that ship is already scheduled to make a run 'South' to Garda-Villis. The only option is to rely on the Aslan mission for now, but the Citizens Council would have another avenue opened up.
Until now, the only jump ships allowed to be built in civilian yards are the Interstellar Conveyors, the fat little trade ships that run to Deep Hope, Xyri, Cassalon and even all the way to Heimdall. This pseudo-merchant service has proved vitally useful in recent months, delivering great quantities of aid to Cassalon, and it would behoove the HSWS to allow for the construction of a larger civilian ship with deeper holds and, vitally, a passenger capability.
Should we allow the procurement of militarily vital materials from the Aslan?
[ ] Yes, trade is the life blood of peace!
[ ] No, we cannot rely on a foreign power for any capabilities.
[ ] Other - write in.
What of the Citizen's Councils suggestion?
[ ] We should free the civilians to build whatever they like.
[ ] We should commission a design for a larger ship.
[ ] We should establish a true semi-civilian merchant service to operate alongside the HSWS.
[ ] Other - write in.
Modular Defence Station
Taking the 2,000 ton mining and fuelling modular station as its basis, a defensive anchorage of 2,000 tons would have some 1,800 tons to devote to vital military capacity especially because a modular station will inherently be unarmoured. The following have been recommended for integration:
- The commander of the small but burgeoning fighter force argues that this would be a perfect long-term base for a 12-ship flight of bombers, where they can conduct patrols and interdict ships moving through the sector without requiring one of the guard ships to head out and take a look. 1,200 tons would turn this station into a true fighter base, while still retaining space for weapon systems or other plans.
- The Gunnery School suggests that point defence on an un-armoured station would be (relatively) pointless, and that this would be an opportunity to demonstrate the superiority of its longest range weapons. Massive particle cannons and multi-tube torpedo launchers would suit the station very well, though some consideration will have to be given to not crowding out any other plans.
- Representatives from a group of junior officers (junior here meaning Lieutenant-Colonel and below) propose a dedicated R&R space that would allow crews on long rotations out in the deep black to spend some time in slightly more comfortable quarters. It's fully expected that ships will spend significant time docked with the station, after all.
- Bunkerage for ships on station. Fuel can be supplied by the mining station, but the additional tankage in the system would allow for more expansive missions to be deployed through the region faster.
What would the HSWS consider most vital? (select two)
[ ] Capacity for a squadron of XF-40 bombers.
[ ] A large gunnery armament, with particle beams and torpedoes.
[ ] Plenty of space for R&R.
[ ] Fuel bunkerage for any single deployment of ships.
Operation FAST RUN
With a potential crisis on the hands of the HSWS, a group of diplomats and negotiators are loaded onto an under-crewed Interstellar Cruiser and they depart in company with the HSLS Lakapati. The pair make the two week trip to Staging Point, where fuel is supplied, before continuing their journey. Another two weeks sees them arrive in Hexos. Five weeks later, the two ships return with news of the terrible conditions.
Hexos was once a thriving planet with hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. While a tidally locked planet is not ideal for settlement, a great belt of towns ran around the charred equator, where warmth could be gathered on one side and ice on the other. However, what could have been a grand world was struck by disaster - a destabilising series of cometary impactors followed by a solar storm. Electronic infrastructure was devastated when it was needed most, and thousands died. Now the last remnants of the planets population live in the ruins of several equatorial settlements, divided politically, economically and by unassailable distance.
They do not, however, wish to abandon their home world. They would like aid, support and industrial machinery to allow them to rebuild and re-establish their world and perhaps, in time, grow it back into something that can be considered a thriving world once more.
If the HSWS and Home are to offer this aid, what would be wanted in return?
[ ] Mathematically inclined members of the populace, to train as pilots.
[ ] Development rights to the systems orbitals, allowing for basing.
[ ] Exploration and excavation rights in the uninhabited sectors of the equatorial ring.
[ ] Something else - write in.
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
We could, potentially, acquire a steady supply of equipment for small parts of our force, but it would leave us technologically reliant on the Aslan until such a time as we can develop our own capabilities.
Unclear. We don't know the payment terms, we don't know the usage terms. I lean towards voting no and letting the Militia have their go at Aslan small arms instead.
Taking the 2,000 ton mining and fuelling modular station as its basis, a defensive anchorage of 2,000 tons would have some 1,800 tons to devote to vital military capacity especially because a modular station will inherently be unarmoured.
