Alright, everyone, so you might have noticed during the introduction that Cyber introduced a lot more factions to choose from than just MSI and the Iconoclasts. In fact, he's done a bit of work to fill out the background history, and give a wider context of what has been going on in the wider galaxy. A history of excessive corruption, of endless corporate wars, and finally, a history and exploitation and destruction... but also one with some hope.
And while we were doing this planning, I started writing a story for the end of one of the recent corporate wars. One that showcases who the New Deal Coalition tries to be. One that shows the idealism of the Syndicalists. One that shows the perspective of the Directorate Military, and why they might mutiny in the face of the increasing corporatism of the galaxy. I want to give you a sense of the turmoil the rest of the galaxy has been going through while the Halcyon Board has been establishing itself on an isolated little system on the edge of human inhabited space. So please, read on, and I hope you enjoy my story and the wider galaxy that Cyber has built for this quest.
Anyways, I'll be posting more of this omake as this quest continues, so I hope you enjoy this prologue, and look forward to more!
(Apologies for the massive chunks of story that each of these omake chapters turned into.)
"I know the last century has brought great strife and heartache. I know that the directorate has failed to live up to its golden promise of the Earth Directorate. Even Now, there are those dangerous scoundrels who break our peace! who continue to make the Periphery a dangerous, lawless land.
It must end! Earth is the light of Civilization! It is the guide of all humanity! It must take up its role as guardian and protector for all our colonies!
This new wave of violence cannot stand!
That is why as my first act as president, is to commission the greatest expansion of our military forces in the history of the Directorate! I am going to double the number of fleets we field within the next 10 years! I am going to more than double the size of our expeditionary armies! We will have a new, modern navy, large enough to properly address any threat the Directorate could face. There will be no threat we cannot face!
Violence will no longer be the answer! Violence no longer be an option! Whether it be one planet, or half of our colonies, We will have a force that is ready! We will have a fleet that can defend all of the empire! And no one! NO ONE! Regardless of how self important they consider themselves, no one will disobey the Earth Directorate ever again! I promise you, We will secure a safe and prosperous future in this new century and we will end this ongoing violence. We will have a new GOLDEN CENTURY!"
- The Presidential Inauguration Speech, given in Earth Directorate Congress Main Auditorium by Zachary Fargus, Earth Directorate President, Jan 26th, 2289
"4 Years ago today, the President made a promise of a brighter future, filled with peace. Of a guarantee of Prosperity for Human Civilization. And Now I ask all of you, what is our reward for following such a soft-hearted fool. Tell me where you think Human civilizations will be in 10 years! Tell me what you think of our so called prosperity! Tell Me What you think of Our 'PEACE'!
Human Civilization will end if we do not act now. Already, the dregs of barbarism are attempting to isolate the majority of humanity from the light of civilization. They are keeping Worlds frome the Light of Civilization! FROM THE GUIDING HAND OF THE EARTH DIRECTORATE! THESE BARBARIANS MEAN TO DRAG US ALL INTO THE DEPTHS OF BARBARISM AND INHUMANITY!
We must destroy this petty rebellion at its core. We must tear it out at the root! EVERY! PLANET! MUST! BURN! Every world that dares support the end of civilization must be exterminated! GIVE THEM NO AIR TO BREATHE! GIVE THEM NOT EVEN AN UNBURNED INCH OF LAND TO LIVE ON! GIVE THEM NOT EVEN A DROP OF WATER TO QUENCH THEIR THIRST!
We have an enemy of civilization, and we must acknowledge that! No More Talk of Useless Mercy, while rebels hide away most human settled planets from civilization! No more Useless Traitors in our Fleet and Army, who use the 'rules of war' as a shield to hide their incompetence! LET! THEM! HANG! NO MORE HOLDING BACK!
THE Enemy comes and destroys our skip gates, The enemy comes and tries to destroy our fleet, and now the enemy will come and try to destroy civilization! AND WE MUST SAY NO! WE MUST BURN THEM TO THE GROUND! WE MUST ERADICATE BARBARISM WHEREVER WE MAY FIND IT!
20 YEARS AGO TODAY, PRESIDENT FARGUS LAID OUT PLANS TO SOLVE THIS DAMN PROBLEM! AND WE IGNORED HIM! AND WE PUT OFF HIS PLANS! BUT MAYBE ITS TIME TO START IMPLEMENTING HIS SOLUTIONS! OVERWHELMING FORCE AND UNSTOPPABLE DESTRUCTION! THAT IS ALL THESE BARBARIANS WILL EVER UNDERSTAND!
I CALL ON EVERY LEGISLATOR TODAY! PURGE YOUR WEAKNESS AND DO WHAT MUST BE DONE! EXTERMINATE OUR ENEMIES ONCE AND FOR ALL! FOR CIVILIZATION! FOR THE EARTH DIRECTORATE!"
- 'The Call against Inhumanity' Speech, given in Earth Directorate Congress Main Auditorium by Isaac Hamilton, Minority party leader, Jan 23rd, 2309
"Despite what many people used to believe, it would not be military force which would guarantee our most recent peace. It would not be a massive fleet, hovering above every rebellious world. It would not be posting of military police on every street corner. Instead, it would be the shared experience of the greatest war Humanity has ever experienced. It would be the mass death and destruction that was our last Corporate war that would finally convince all sides to sign a lasting peace deal, and prevent another war to end all wars from occurring again. It would be the knowledge that what we experienced for the last decade can never happen again.
- The Countdown to Peace, by Edwin Stone
432 days before the end of the the 6th corporate war, Freyja system:
Battle of Gersemi
New Deal Coalition: Admiral Pan Seulgi
The New Deal Coalition fleet entered the Freyja system 2 days ago, and a portion of their civilian fleet had immediately burned towards the Mining planet of Gersemi.
The Leader of what remained of the New Deal Coalition Fleet, Admiral Pan Seulgi (once again) paced uncomfortably around the room. She knew that the New Deal Coalition fleet had lost this war. Oh, things had seemed to be looking up, as the Earth directorate had overstretched themselves massively. They had even been in the process of capturing the planet of Demeter. The ground battle was a slog that was taking months, but the farming world would've been a precious asset in continuing the war, and supporting them through another decade. A better commander would've won the battle more quickly
And then the Earth Directorate had finally unveiled their rumored 5th fleet, reformed from a truly overwhelming number of new generation warships that had just been finished being built. It was no longer the defanged vestiges left after the battle of Antioch, but the largest, and most advanced fleet the Directorate had ever produced, lead by a massive brand new Mega-Dreadnought. It was not the fleet that any rebel thought they would ever have to fight. It was not something the New Deal Coalition Fleet and it allies could face. You should've known they were coming!If you were smarter you would've seen the build up of ships!
Of course, they may have been able to have hold for a little while (long enough for a proper evacuation at least) if the promised reinforcements from the Socialist & Revolutionary Alliance (SRA) had arrived. You had requested reinforcements months ago, when it became clear that any significant Earth Directorate counterattack would come through Demeter. The SRA had even said yes..... but then no help had arrived[1]. You knew they were never going to come and help! Why do you keep using them as an excuse!
She had to abandon more than 20,000 goddamn people on the surface of Demeter. Of course she had tried to save some people, and had lost the last of her true warships in the rescue of hundreds of infantrymen. You may as well have killed them
THEY HAD BEEN WINNING! And now she had had to abandon her people, and run away with everyone else. and if you had been competent you would've found a way to win.
Now, her fleet sped toward another world filled with rebel troops. The planet Gersemi was the home planet of the Greater Communist Coalition[2], and their leader, the infamous Red Lion, Alparslan Batur, who had broken 5 Directorate fleets already[3].... back in the days when the Communist Coalition still had a fleet. There last ships had been destroyed 3 years ago in the tragedy of the Loki System[4]. An actual competent commander! unlike you, who has only really destroyed a single fleet
She wanted to save them all. To load every last man aboard her ships, and flee to fight in the next war. She didn't like the communists, but she knew that Batur had the best fighters of any of the remaining armies. If he had been in your position, he would've figured out a way. but instead you wasted everything, and now, no one can be saved!
But any significant evacuation would take weeks and, the 5th fleet was chasing them and would probably arrive within a few days. She didn't have time to save very many people. She knew what she was here to do. To offer transport for any remaining civilians and children, and then to hear the last words of the greatest general the rebellion ever had. and so he will die and incompetents like you will survive!
As her ships touched down, she steeled herself. she could see the doubtful faces on the communist soldiers, as they examined the burned and blacked damage on her ships. After stepping out, She was quickly guided to the command center on the planet.
Admiral Seulgi began her request, "You know why I am here. The New Deal Coalition has lost. The Coalition fleet has been lost, along with any other significant warship fleet we have. We broadcast the information about our defeat about a month ago. You know the 5th fleet is coming, and we don't really have the resources to stop it. We need to start accepting facts, and begin preparing for what happens after this war ends. As you know, the New deal Coalition has always offered to take care of refugees[5], especially children. We are constrained by the fact that the 5th fleet will be following us within a week, but we believe we should be able to pick up a large portion of your civilians. We can't immediately offer them separate ships, but we will ensure housing, and fair treatment, as well as an appropriate education for all your children, as long as you provide us with education materials. I know we aren't communists, and we certainly don't agree with you, but we won't sabotage your children's education."
Batur gave a cold look before responding, "So you are here to tell us that you have lost, again, and that you will be providing minimal aid with picking up refugees"
"We are doing all we can to-"
It was then that his second in command spoke up, "You'll just pick up all our civilians and not corrupt them at all. So Convenient! Such good PR! Tell me, when are you going to make a real sacrifice? Actually, put your all into a fight?"
Pan Seulgi seemed to recoil before responding, "Are you kidding me?! We have fought in every corporate war-"
The detractor interrupted quickly, "You always emphasize evacuations or refugees. When was the last time you used all your ships, you know, even your 'non-combat' ones, in a battle. I've seen more that one battle where an enemy ship or two being rammed would've won you the battle. The loss at Medusa? The massacre of Qaynān? The defense of Zeus?"
Was he talking about using civilian ships... no, refugee Ships?! Those people weren't hers to sacrifice!
The adjutant continued, "but its not even limited to just refusing to use every ship. You just don't use every asset, period. Every time you have the opportunity, but not the men, to strike a critical blow, you balk and blame your damn code! We have weapons for this shit!"
Was he talking about war crimes[7]?! Of course the New Deal coalition would never stoop to committing crimes against humanity!
The second in Command finally began to wrap up his diatribe, "Time and time again you refuse to sacrifice! When will you bloody fucking learn that people are more important than your fucking code! and that real, decisive victories are even more important than that! but you continue to refuse, because all this is for you is marketing! PR! You have nothing of fucking substance!
At this point, I wouldn't be bloody surprised if you caused the Fremont massacre[6]. It certainly fits the pattern of PR victories instead of substance!"
The room immediately tensed as every New Deal member reached for their weapons, with several members fully pulling out and aiming their pistols and rifles. Even Admiral Seulgi couldn't contain her rage, roaring back, "Are you kidding! We're the ones that caused Children to be Tear Gassed and Die? We are the Cause?! FOR TEACHING THEM PROPER EDUCATION! WE NEVER BLOODY WANTED KIDS TO DIE!"
"Of course you bloody did! You wanted to be the bloody martyrs of the movement, the ones who never did wrong, so you bloody taught children, and made sure they died so you-"
Immediately, there was a response, as the man was sent flying by the first of the red lion. Recovering from the strike from his commander, the man suddenly realized his fellow communist compatriots weren't giving him a very positive reception. Commander Batur rebuked the officer harshly, "I do have my doubts about the New Deal Coalition, Bernardo, but even I don't bloody suggest that they engineering the Freemont massacre for some clout. The corporations are the ones responsible for the tear gassing and killing of bloody children, Not US! NEVER US! DO NOT EVER FUCKING repeat That CORPO BULLSHIT IN FRONT OF ME AGAIN. We were never the cause for their most sickening deeds. Do not spout their bullshit as truth. That is just another way of defeat."
The tension in the room left, as many members of the New Deal Coalition finally put their weapons away.
The red lion got up from his chair, and approached the window, inspecting the stars before continuing the discussion.
"I am sorry about ... all of that" he paused, before continuing, "So, we still have to deal with that damn 5th fleet"
The entire room fills with frustration, as the red lion continues, "You know, this time was supposed to be different. This war has gone on for over a decade. I know we barely have anything left, but the same is true of the directorate and the Corporations. They've put everything they have into that fleet. The directorate has burned through their willing recruits. and so have we. Both sides aren't really supposed to have anything left to fight with except... well... that isn't true, is it. There are still idealists, still dreamers, still people willing to rebel in Directorate space. They just don't see a path to victory just yet... and yet, if we just inspired everyone with a victory or two, or some great achievement, you and I both know that hope would fuel thousands of more revolutionaries to rise up everywhere.... and then, it would be the end. bang! Earth Directorate's empire dead."
Pan Seulgi immediately responded, "You know there is nothing we can do. They're all afraid of their planets being nuked or wiped out, and the fleet-"
"You could've given them a bloody nose at Demeter! One victory. I did watch the battle vids, the LSS Willard was in perfect position to jet forward and ram their flagship, that damn mega-Dreadnought! If they had sunk-"
"The Willard was full of New Mecca Refugees! Are you seriously saying we need to sacrifice religious refugees who just saw everything they consider holy burned to the ground! For Fuck's sake, there were still children on Board!"
"A tragedy, but also a necessary sacrifice! They deserve a bloody fucking victory!"
"So we make sacrifices, because we serve them best by pursuing victory, instead of protecting them. Are you sure you are not excusing how you sacrificed the entirety of the Cathayan Commune last year, and all their forces and civilian members in order to win the battle of Arawelo[8]? You left them all to die on the planet of Kandake, even after you promised to aid them! They trusted you to at least help with the evacuation! And instead, their trust was repaid with nothing, as the corporations came and wiped out their entire planet!"
"And in exchange, we defeated the 7th and 8th fleets in separate battles. We would never have gotten this far if we weren't willing to make sacrifices! As strategist... No, as leaders, we have a duty to see the bigger picture and be willing to make sacrifices and-
"And that means sacrificing soldiers, not their spouses and children! Not the bloody civilian families who never signed up for the front lines!"
"Get out of here with that naive nonsense! This is a battle for our souls! There is no place that is not a front line!"
"And that excuses all your compromises!"
"YES!"
The silence stretched on for a few seconds. Everything seemed to stop, as both sides came to an impasse.
and then, Admiral Seulgi responded earnestly, "We are good people first. And then we see a world that does not make sense! A world without humanity! A WORLD THAT DOES NOT WANT HUMANITY! SO WE FIGHT!"
Alparslan immediately cut in, "AND THAT IS WHY WE MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE SACRIFICES! BECUASE THIS WORLD CANNOT CONTINUE! WE CAN'T JUST HAVE THIS INHUMANITY BE ALL OF CIVILIZATION!
Once again, silence dominated the room, before the red lion continued, "What good is your offer to take our civilians, our children, when the future you promise them is one of toothless revolution"
"We won't water down or corrupt-"
"But you'll never teach them the importance of Victory! Of doing whatever it takes! Of making the right Sacrifices"
"We will teach them what is necessary. Even, what is important to be a communist-"
"No, you won't. Not truly.
No, I don't trust you, or your new deal. I don't trust your toothlessness, and inability to see what's at stake. I have no faith in you, Admiral Pan Seulgi.
But I'll put my faith that what comes next will shed your current naivety. that even you louts will have to change once this all ends...
I put faith in WHAT I KNOW. AND WHAT I KNOW IS THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO CHANGE BEFORE ALL THIS ENDS! WHAT I KNOW IS THAT THIS WORLD WILL CRUSH YOU AND YOUR NAIVETY! THAT IS WHAT I HAVE FAITH IN! THAT THIS WORLD WILL TEACH YOU THE NECESSITY OF SACRIFICE, JUST AS IT HAS DONE FOR EVERYONE ELSE. FOR THIS WORLD IS TOO CRUEL FOR YOUR EMPTY PRINCIPLES
So come, do what you meant to. Come take our children to safer pastures, but hear me now, by the time this ends, you will be changed for the better"
No one breathes for a second before Admiral Seulgi steps forward, "We will do our duty. There is no good better than that!"
The red lion just snorted in response to the declaration of intent
1. The SRA's own fractious politics would late in the war would eventually lead to the SRA fleets being taken out separately, in the 3 battles, (The battles of Xolotl, Demeter, and Lugh)
2. The greater Communist Coalition (GCC) was the major communist coalition and revolutionary ally during the corporate wars. While this organization would be destroyed in its entirety a few times during the corporate wars, it was generally reformed fairly quickly. This organization would be responsible for some of the greatest victories and successes of the revolutionary forces during the corporate wars
3. For context, before this war, The Earth Directorate had 10 formal fleets, with 3 auxiliary fleets (which had a more eclectic collection of ships, rather than the standard formation)
4. 2312 counterattack had been the last large offensive by the Earth Directorate, before the relaunch of the 5th fleet.
5. The New Deal Coalition is famous for its prioritization of refugees, and willingness to take care of all their needs. This includes providing, to the best of their ability, doctrine appropriate education
6. The Fremont massacre was the use of chemical weapons (by corporate security forces) on (unsanctioned) New Deal Coalition schools. The events during and after this crisis would eventually lead to the mass protests and rebellions that would later be defined as the 1st Corporate War.
7. While war crimes does still encompass certain terrible weapons, like nukes and chemical warfare, it has also expanded to include certain interstellar acts, such as exploding planets, or suns, and exterminating the population within a system.
8. The battle of Arawelo was a small space skirmish before the battle of Orunmila and the battle of Khonvoum, that ended up being extremely important strategically. Because of the defense here, the 7th fleet was delayed long enough that it couldn't joining the 8th fleet before it was destroyed in the battle of Orinmula
The thing you need to understand about most moderate factions, is that they aim for that moment when they can say, "Everybody Lives! Everybody lives this time!". That is their goal. They fail to mention the second part. They fail to mention that the full statement is always "Everybody lives, but no one wins" and while they sometimes fail the first part, they always manage to make the second part true. So if you want to know why I will never rely on them, its because they have never really tried to end this conflict. They have never really done what is necessary to end all this suffering!
- Alparslan Batur
426 days before the end of the 6th corporate war, Freyja system:
Battle of Gersemi
Directorate Military: Admiral Cunningham, Commander of the Massive Directorate 5th Fleet
Admiral Cunningham eyed the system warily, "Any anomalies? gravity distortions, spectral fluctuations, Electromag-"
His Executive officer quickly responded, "Sir, the scouts ships already have mapped everything out. There is nothing here, just ground forces. Maybe he could hide a small ship or two in the asteroid belt, but there can't be anything significant left. Nothing in this system is a threat to our fleet. The red lion has no more tricks up his sleeve."
"Good, then have all forces proceed with the approach to the planet. No WMDS, no orbital strikes, just get infantry on the ground, and lets smoke out this cat. I want everyone to know that resistance against the Earth Directorate is futile"
"Sir, several captains are asking why we don't just skip this planet, or just use WMD's to negate the threat.... Surely we can use this opportunity to finally rid ourselves of-"
"NO! The galaxy is already tearing itself apart! We must not arm seditious minds with more reasons to rebel. If they believe that this undefeatable fleet, and that is the image we are selling, if they believe that this invincible fleet is scared of any man or force, then we are going to have 100 more planetary rebellions kick off, and we are simply stretched too thin as it is! No, we need to fight fair, and defeat the Red Lion. We need to show everyone that the only reason he ever was victorious was because of all his tricks. and then we snuff out each remaining planet, one by one. But I WILL. NOT. SHOW. WEAKNESS. HERE! None of us will show weakness here!
Get us to the Gersemi, and have the infantry get ready for the planetary assault. Its time to kill a lion."
67 days before the end of the 6th corporate war, Skipspace:
Directorate Peace Delegation
Directorate Military: General Zou Li, commander of the Mercenary Legions
The Command task force assembled within the bowels of the EDS Salvation, as the mega-dreadnought traveled through skipspace.
The Earth Directorate Admiral, Ajit Bhat began, "As you all know, what remains of the 4th fleet is escorting the 7th and 8th deputized Mercenary Legions[1] in order to finally confront the remaining homeworlds of the Socialist & Revolutionary Alliance (SRA). This-"
Infantry High General, Zou Li, squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. He still hated sitting around and waiting in meetings. He was far more at home in field command, where he could see his men advance across the battlefield, or see them dig in and defend themselves at impromptu trenches and forts. but a meeting table felt like it was the antithesis of his wartime skills, and he found it himself supremely uncomfortable in his luxury business chair.
Corporate Liaison (And Representative of the Interstellar Chamber of Commerce), Darya Ilina, immediately interrupted, not letting the admiral finish, "And will the 5th fleet be joining us in this attack? Or will corporate forces be required to take all the losses without any of the gains?"
The Earth Directorate Military strategist, Sergeant Lafiza Khalil, answered her, "Mrs. Ilina, please trust us when we say that the 5th fleet will be joining us. However, we are having some trouble Communicating with them and coordinating our assault. We assume that the red lion has sprung some new type of trap on Gersemi, and has isolated the 5th fleet for the time being. While it may take some time to defeat the red lion and break out, they will be joining as soon as possible.
Moreover, you have to understand that we believe the 5th fleet has taken high casualties among its infantry after fighting the red lion. We must not rely on them to bail us out."
That was concerning. General Li had to respond, "I understand that the rebellion is on its last legs, but we only have 40 million men present in our infantry forces. That is everything we brought with this fleet, and I am not sure it is sufficient for an assault on the remaining SRA holdings, 7 highly industrialized worlds, which have had a decade to entrench themselves and prepare for our assault. Furthermore, I know that the Earth Directorate does have available military forces which dwarf what we have here. Why the hell aren't they here."
The Military Strategist, Sergeant Khalil sighed, before responding to the ground general, "First, I believe according to Taube-Akdari[2] accords, all corporate mercenary outfits are to be prioritized for military engagements when possible, rather than garrison and escort duties. I also believe that very same law gives corporate mercenaries extremely beneficial battlefield salvage rights, which you will also enjoy on this military expedition."
Mrs. Ilina replied immediately, "Of course. we will have first choice of the factories, facilities and machinery which we wish to recover. Obviously, the general understands how important it is for all the participating corporations to recover manufacturing and industrial facilities, considering the damage they have received during the war"
General Li just gritted his teeth, as he considered the insane losses his men would have to take for an outdated scavenging law. Seriously, the Taube-Akdari accords were made nearly a century ago, back when the Earth directorate unfairly prevented corporations from accessing their rightly collected battlefield scavenge, or traded such rights for proper battlefield pay. It wasn't meant to coerce corporate forces into being sacrificed instead of earth directorate ones. That was not the spirit of that law!
Sergeant Khalil, however, continued with her response, "As the general mentioned, the Earth directorate does have several times more infantry. However, there are two separate problems. First, we must consider just how much other territory is in a precarious situation, ready to rebel at any given moment. On every planet still part of the main gate network, we have tried to garrison with an appropriate amount of men, whether they come from the normal army, the reserves, or the emergency draftees[3] we have recently started recruiting. Which leads to our second problem, which is the crippling of our transportation network. 80% of our gate network is effectively out of reach of the Directorate, and we currently only have 400 functioning long range Freighters in our freighter fleet. Quite honestly, our best estimates only have us reconnecting 50% of Earth Directorate planets to the skip gate network within 3 years, and it will probably take 10 years to return to the previous functionality we had for the gate network. That is 10 years where we are just replacing what we have lost, to regain our former coverage. The fact is that we just don't have the transportation capability to reach most of our armies. The reason we are using your army isn't because you are corporate. Its because you were the closest army in the area that we could use to assault the SRA homeworlds, alongside the 5th fleet.
General Li thoughtlessly replied, "And now the 5th fleet is missing, so you are expecting us to do it on our own."
The room fell to silence, before Admiral Bhat intervened, "While I have full confidence in the 5th fleet, it is a fact that the red lion has delayed it, and that we would need to start the assault ourselves. Therefore, I believe it best if we got all concerns out of the way now. You have had a few days to look over the known fortification details of the SRA homeworlds. Could you go through your analysis of how difficult any ground assault would be?
General Li just sighed, before taking out a handful of folders, filled with detailed reports crowded with sloppy notes in the margins.
"If you want my prognosis, its going to be a slog, but a necessary one. We all know these socialist scum are a blight upon the world, and we'll need to eradicate them.
I've given a detailed description in the report in front of you. Please, at least take a moment to read the top page, and the single page summary I've given with a summary and its defensive capabilities. Ultimately, the basic fact is that at least 5 out of these 7 planets will be extremely difficult to take and keep with the ground forces we have. I cannot, in good conscience, suggest that a direct assault will be cost-effective, especially for every single SRA planet."
Anubis (& Set):
economic analysis:
Anubis is an extremely valuable heavy metal mining world, with several on site production facilities. Even if all machinery is damaged, the Interstellar Chamber of Commerce estimates that the planet will have a GDP of at least $100 trillion within a year. Heavy emphasis is given on capturing the planet with as little damage as possible.
Defensive features:
The massive supermoon Set induces massive tidal shifts, that result in 97% of the surface landmass being flooded at one time or another. These tidal shifts have forced all human inhabitants to live underground, in extensive subterranean complexes. These underground bunkers are a natural barrier to assault, with their entrances only being accessible for a short period during each lunar cycle. Furthermore, the planet has unveiled secret orbital super-artillery, which should give extensive coverage for each consistently dry landing zone on the planet (these guns were first used against a failed assault in 2307 by General Palmiotto)
Operation Predictions:
Overall, infantry will suffer extremely heavy casualties both in attempting to get to the surface of the planet, as well as when breaching the underground living spaces. There is also extreme risk of any forces being overwhelmed after they are cut off from reinforcements (when entrance is inevitably flooded again)
Cerberus:
economic analysis:
Former Headquarters of Chronos inc., and probably includes several trillions dollars worth of Patent designs alone. In addition, the planet has the highest industrial capacity of any remaining SRA worlds, and all economic analysts agree that the industrial plants here are necessary to make the entire sector economically profitable within 2 months time (amount of time necessary to reorganize shipping schedules).
Defensive Features:
This planet has been repeatedly reinforced against ground and orbital assaults, due to the numerous revolts and attacks by rebel forces. After this planet was finally captured at the very beginning of this war (around a decade ago), it was further fortified. We have little solid information about the actual layout and destructive potential of the current defenses. However, every single bit of circumstantial evidence points to the fact that they have probably built up one of the strongest defensive fortifications on any single planet in the galaxy.
Operation Predictions:
Frankly, we just don't know enough to accurately model what parts of the operation will likely see the most damage. Our best estimate is that we will suffer heavy losses while trying to land on the planet, and then severe losses as we try to secure ground targets.
Anansi:
economic analysis:
Anansi is the most populous world by far, and its industrial capacity outstrips every planet in the nearby sectors. While there production is nothing rare or specialized, the scale of production possible on this planet (with a population of 4 billion) means that it will be vital in the reconstruction process in this area of space.
Defensive Features:
The jungle environment isn't strictly an impossible defensive feature to overcome, and with time can be neutralized fairly easily. Furthermore, we do not predict any overwhelming or extremely difficult defensive fortresses. However, the amount of possible soldiers (the planet has a population of 2 billion people at enrollment age), means that we could easily suffer extreme losses if this becomes a war of attrition
Operation Predictions:
We will need far more analysis for an accurate prediction of how this operation will go. Unfortunately, all that we can tell now is that we will probably suffer extreme losses at some point. Either, we will suffer extreme losses in the ground assault, as we capture all the industrial centers on the planet, or we will suffer heavy losses from a guerrilla warfare, as we try to govern an exxtremely large, extremely hostile populace
Perdition:
economic analysis:
The massive amount of industrial production makes it imperative for this planet to be captured. The specialized and concentrated industry on this planet mean that it has a huge potential for extreme profit margins for the next few years, at least.
Defensive Features:
The defensive features of this planet all center around the fact that this planet used to be a prison world until 2290. Unfortunately, none of the former prison facilities have been torn down, and instead, they have been expanded for industrial production. This means there is a high potential for the prison defenses and measures against prison breaks could be used against any ground assault, especially against any infantry operation. We are unsure how many of these former prison defenses remain, and how many of those will be repurposed against us in an invasion. However, I do not like the idea
Operation Predictions:
Any ground assault will be bloody and suffer severe losses. Worse, we already have soldiers spreading rumors about the supposed defenses on the planet. Everyone knows that prison planets have all manner of things to make each moment hell, and no one wants to go through that. While there are plenty of outright untrue rumors that we can debunk, soldiers are already reacting adversely to actual defensive measures. Closing off city sectors and gassing all inside? Electrocuting everyone inside a building? Those measures only require slight modifications to what was present when this world was a prison planet, and I don't like the fact that my soldiers are already acting scared before even landing on the planet. It is possible that if we are not successful enough, we might suffer mutinies within some of the companies.
Chrysalis:
economic analysis:
While this planet has extensive mining facilities, and a modest amount of industrial production, the economic potential of this planet is limited. Furthermore, its industrial output is far too similar to the industrial output of nearby planets and systems, and as such, its output is fairly easy to replace. The Interstellar Chamber of Commerce estimates there should only be a moderate impact to any loss in industrial production
Defensive Features:
There are two main features which will make conquering and keeping this planet difficult. First, due to the many mining operations, there are several underground complexes and bunkers that have probably been fortified and hidden. Secondly, the surface of Chrysalis is covered in several steep mountains and hills, with few terraforming efforts being done to make the land more navigable. This means it is much easier to hide guerrilla and irregular forces in the nearby countryside, and it will be much harder to hunt down any revolutionaries in this environment.
Operation Predictions:
We believe that our infantry will suffer severe losses when attempting to assault the underground bunkers. In addition, we estimate several difficulties in garrisoning the planet, due to the favorable geological features for guerrilla warfare. Any plan for continued occupation will probably require a heavy garrison and an expectation of continued guerrilla warfare.
Kurdalægon:
economic analysis:
The extensive naval production capability of the super-massive Wærgon orbital facility (with multiple orbital drydocks and ports built into it) will noticeably boost naval ship production in the near future. It is imperative to take these facilities undamaged, in order to ensure that near future naval production targets can be hit.
Defensive Features:
Ultimately, this planet has very few permanent facilities on the surface, with almost all of the population and industry being located in orbital facilities. While these orbital facilities will still have defensive weaponry, we expect nothing they have will really be a match for the 4th fleet.
Operation Predictions:
Ultimately the orbital stations are just too exposed for the population to mount a strong defense. As long as we keep the 4th fleet in good order, we should only suffer light losses in taking over this orbital facilities. Similarly, garrisoning this station should be fairly easy and we probably shouldn't have to worry about any revolutionary violence here.
Eve:
economic analysis:
While all industry and production on this planet is primarily specialized in less profitable food and drink products, we estimate that in the immediate post-war period, these products will be in great demand, and will have the greatest profit margin of any product being produced by a former SRA world
Defensive Features:
Fortunately, this planet is largely flat and unfortified. While defenses may have been erected, analysis of the geological features on the planet suggests extreme difficulty in erecting very strong defenses. Moreover, the lack of history of rebellions suggests that the planet could be pacified easily.
Operation Predictions:
This planet should be easy to conquer and garrison. We estimate extremely light casualties in almost all operations, with possible light-medium casualties when assaulting the capital city
In fact, I recommend immediately authorizing the use of WMD's. We cannot win this war without them. We can use Gauss nuclear ordinance to open up the underground bunkers in Anubis, as well as the impossible fortresses of Cerberus. Those weapons can crack the secure facilities they have there. In addition, we can use the militarized bioweapons that the 4th fleet carries on the worlds of Anansi and Chrysalis, in order to reduce the defenders without having to risk our troops. Finally, we can just use normal orbital bombardment on Perdition to scour the surface of the planet. While the prison planet was built to deal with people, and even vehicles, it is extremely vulnerable to orbital strikes."
The room immediately went silent, as every member looked aghast at general Li.
Sergeant Khalil was the first to stutter, "Surely, you aren't considering using WMD's without even seeing the planets? Without getting more up to date and accurate information? I mean, half your report is based on hearsay and rumors. Surely we don't need to commit to such drastic measures just yet?"
The general let a sly smirk grace his face before responding, "Actually, I am insisting on this. According to my authority as the highest Ranking Corporate general, I am activating article 3 of the Rodriguez protocols[4], which not only allows for me to demand the use of WMD's, but also-"
The Corporate Liaison, Darya Ilina cut in first, exclaiming, "You can't seriously be suggesting the destruction of 5 of the 7 remaining planets. Do you understand just how many trillions of dollars of industrial production and salvage you are destroying? Are you even following the Suzuki protocols[5] for the conservation of battlefield salvage and industrial production!"
The general quickly responded to the shrill remarks, "Please don't patronize me. We both know the Rodriguez protocols take precedence in all scenarios. After all, they were just passed 4 years ago for this very purpose."
While the Mrs. Ilina silently steamed and plotted, Sergeant Khalil simply noted, "You understand that the Rodriguez protocol is only supposed to be enacted when we have examined all other methods intensely, and have determined that there is no possibility of victory without WMD's correct?"
General Li narrowed his eyes, looking at the strategist and the admiral, who had both regained their cool, and seemed like they were finally prepared to follow his suggestion.
Instead, Admiral Bhat upended his plans, Motioning in a suited woman while responding, "I believe Sergeant Khalil has a valid point. While you have provided a good summary of why any assault would be difficult, we do not necessarily need to engage in any fighting at all.
You see, right before we entered skipspace, we picked up Senator Kanika Aguda who has been given the authority, by presidential decree, to negotiate a peace treaty with the Socialist & Revolutionary Alliance. I believe diplomacy is an entirely valid avenue for success that you have not analyzed properly, General Li and therefore, I cannot help but determine that the Rodriguez Protocol would not apply in this situation."
General Li's temper flared, as he realized what was happening. He couldn't believe they were trying to get everything to stop by reducing the punishment to a slap on the wrist. At least it would never work. They really believed they could solve this with Bloody Talking! THIS WAS A FUCKING WAR!
1. The Earth Directorate had a habit of deputizing Mercenary companies, and combining them into 'mercenary legions' during extreme periods of strife. While not initially a common occurrence, the use of deputized legions has become more and more frequent after each corporate war.
2. Taube-Akdari accords were passed in 2212 and ....
3. While the Earth Directorate has the capability to call up drafts, its ability to employ most of its population as soldiers is severaly curtailed by the fact that most corporations have broad draft exemptions for all their employees
4. Rodriguez Protocols were passed in 2311 and gave extensive leeway for corporate generals to take 'all measures necessary' in war. While largely ineffectual in actual combat effectiveness, it marked an increased willingness to commit war crimes on both sides of the conflict
5. Suzuki protocols are the old standard by which mercenary contracts were governed. These rules helped prevent 'needless exploitation' of mercenary companies and corporations. It ensured that mercenary companies would be afforded a 'fair chance' to retrieve battlefield salvage, as well as guaranteeing that corporations wouldn't be left holding the bill to repair 'needlessly' damaged and destroyed facilities.
47 days before the end of the 6th corporate war, Surface of Anubis:
Perdition Peace Conference
Syndicalist Revolutionaries: Faraji Balewa, Planetary Representative of Anubis
Faraji Balewa, The Technocrat Republican Representative of Anubis, could already tell where his friend, Wu Huiliang, the Syndicalist Democrat Representative, was sitting. Despite this being the largest and most popular bar on Anubis, it was obvious that his friend was sitting in the corner, having put together 3 tables, and then having covered with surface with papers, plans and reports of all sorts. As he got closer, he could even tell that his friend had already gone through 6 beers, despite it still being the afternoon.
"Wu, this isn't a bloody office! You can't bring your bloody paperwork in here! Now what the hell are you working on?"
"Ah Faraji! You finally showed up! You decided to work today?"
"Fuck you, I come in and work everyday. You're the one that wastes times with hangover's and second rate beers.
Now what the hell are you doing here? Everyone is still bloody panicking, and you are nowhere to be seen! They need a reassuring voice. and we need to be making plans for the evacuation before the 5th fleet gets here!"
"...Faraji, you can't seriously think we can evacuate, and all our problems will be solved? That being cowards is the best choice here?"
"Listen, don't talk to me about cowardice! I am going to that same trap of a peace conference they are offering on Perdition as you are. We both know they won't actually offer us anything, They never have offered a real peace in any previous war! But I am damn well going on the off chance we can get something. We have a duty to do all we can!"
"Faraji.... It isn't a trap. The Earth Directorate really is desperate for a peace deal. I've been working my ass off these past few days to figure out just what we could get away when negotiating on Perdition and-"
"WHAT?!"
Faraji couldn't believe his friend, not really. While the SRA had had its victories, and had eliminated or most of the fleets in a position to endanger it, leaving only the 4th fleet
"What exactly do you mean that the peace deal isn't a trap? Need I remind you that the 5th fleet is on its way here? The fleet probably built entirely of new generation ships, and its supposed to be the size of the entire Earth Directorate Fleet before this war! There is no way we will bloody survive that, and there is no way that the Directorate will start pleading for peace in such a situation either."
"Faraji! Faraji... Listen to me. Calm down. I've got some logic behind all of this, trust me.
First, you need to understand that while this fleet is supposed to be all 4th gen warships, and part of the Fargus fleet expansions, its been something in the works for about 25 years now. And they've barely made more than a couple ships before this war. Now if you looked closely at those intelligence reports, you would've notice they have nowhere near the number of ships they claim. I'd put their real numbers at about a 1/3 of the total ship numbers before the war, maybe about 1000 ships. I wouldn't be surprised if it was more like an 1/8 or less than that though.
Now, the important part to note is that this program was in production hell. I know you remember all the horror stories about the production of these ships, and just how they weren't able to accomplish a damn thing. And now, they just happen to finish building a bunch of them, just in time to end this war? I would bet money they took some shortcuts, and I would bet money that they were absolutely desperate. After all, they've only got the 4th fleet left to threaten us with, and even that barely has any warships. They are desperate."
"Wu, that still is too many ships for us. I know you heard about the Loss at Demeter. They were desperate. They rushed a fleet. and then they beat us to Demeter and destroyed our fleet. Hell, they probably have already beaten us at Gersemi, and now we don't even have the Red Lion! Now it doesn't matter how rushed those ships were, We are still screwed, because we have nothing to fight back with. "
"Faraji. calm down.
This gets to my other point. The Earth Directorate economically can't afford a war. You remember our first strike. We crippled them. We targeted the gate system[1], and over 75% of planets had no way of contacting earth within a period of 6 months. We had sabotaged or outright destroyed over 20% of the gate system. That isn't even getting into the fact that we also have eliminated most of their long range freighters[2] by this point, and I think there are only 2000 of those ships left in Directorate control. And even then, 1500 are with either the 5th fleet or the 4th fleet, so that's only 500 left for everything else. And trust me, they are using those ships for trade, not for exploration and communication. For the majority of worlds, the Directorate can't even communicate with them, by gate or ship.
And the Directorate has, instead of reconnecting, wasted ships and manpower on a rebellion. On us.
At the end of the day, The directorate has lost their empire, lost their golden eggs. Are there colonies still loyal, or are they rebelling, or are they dead? No one knows, because its been a decade of quiet. And while no one talks about it, you can bet your ass the Directorate is worried about it! Sure, they had enough militia and troops in those regions before our attack to probably maintain a loyalist government on those worlds, even without wider interstellar support, but nobody is sure of that. Nobody knows the fight is really over. Nobody knows just how many systems may have fallen to rebellion. They just have to hope and pray that they can go and start rebuilding skip gates again, and that everything will go back to normal immediately. That their empire was just quietly waiting for them all along.
but if not? If not, then they will need their fleet, and more importantly, they will need their armies. They do not have the time nor the men to waste on a conquest over us. They only have, what, 200 million soldiers they are sending at us in the 4th and 5th fleets? That's all they can afford to send out. Now, are those men better spent garrisoning our worlds, or is it better to keep them in reserve for any unseen situations they encounter as they reestablish contact?
You tell me they hold every advantage... and they do, but they can't afford to fight us. They are feeling the pressure. So that Peace conference on Perdition is not a trap. They are coming to us, and they absolutely will want to leave with a peace treaty."
"So is that the speech you will be giving the rest of the us to calm us down?"
"Don't act like you are unaffected. Or like I'm wrong! We have a real chance to write an advantageous peace treaty, and I've been doing productive work on that and what peace terms would be best to argue for. I'm not like you bozos who have spent days panicking"
Faraji could see it in Rep. Huiliang's eyes. He really did believe that he had a winning formula. He was once again believing his own exaggerations. And Faraji knew that he would be able to convince everyone else to go with it. Wu had always been charismatic like that.
And yet, Faraji knew that as optimistic as Huiliang was being that this couldn't be true. He could see that the outlines of the logic were true, that the Earth Directorate probably did want peace. And yet he knew from experience that they would never beg for it. They would never abide with what Faraji was attempting. The 5th fleet, with all its might, was headed towards the SRA, and they brought with them the certainty of defeat. Faraji knew this peace summit would be their only chance to grab a somewhat acceptable peace, and he hoped We would see reason and not formulate some insane and insulting peace proposal. And yet, he knew that he alone was not enough to convince Wu of this fact.
"Wu, if you've got this brilliant idea, perhaps instead of hiding away in the bar to do work, you could come into the parliament building and actually explain the 'real situation'. If you've actually got something, won't you be able to convince everyone else"
"Sure sure, Give me 10 minutes to get another drink in me, and you'll see me in that madhouse"
Faraji could only sigh. At least Wu wasn't panicking. Worse, he had crazy ideas, and unlikely conspiracies running through his head. Faraji could only hope that in the process of trying to work out a peace treaty proposal, he and the others would start seeing the holes in his logic.
None of them could afford to play this dangerous game. Faraji could only hope things would change before the peace summit.
1. The Blackout offensive was a Targeted and coordinated attack by Revolutionaries in 2306. It targeted the gate network in such a way that key junctions of the network, and split the entire gate network into much smaller separated sub-networks. Around 15 systems (with a massively disproportionate number of skip gates) would be successfully targeted and have all their local skip gates sabotaged or destroyed. It would take the Earth Directorate 20 years to restore the gate network to its pre-war state by repairing, or more often, replacing damaged skip gates. Other facilities were targeted in this attack, including military and civilian shipyards, Mining and Other Resource Extraction Facilities, and Military Industrial Production Centers, with varying degrees of success
2. Long range freighters are freighters capable of skip travel on their own, without the use of a gate system. While having a significantly worse capacity than normal freighter ships, this ships do not need to use a gate network, and a frequently used for trade in distant rim systems which don't have their own skip gates. While skip gates are universally faster that ship skip drives, they are also extremely expensive, and have only been affordable with the massive subsidies provided by the Earth Directorate Government
and then, Admiral Seulgi responded earnestly, "We are good people first. And then we see a world that does not make sense! A world without humanity! A WORLD THAT DOES NOT WANT HUMANITY! SO WE FIGHT!"
Alparslan immediately cut in, "AND THAT IS WHY WE MUST BE WILLING TO MAKE SACRIFICES! BECUASE THIS WORLD CANNOT CONTINUE! WE CAN'T JUST HAVE THIS INHUMANITY BE ALL OF CIVILIZATION!
The thing you need to understand about most moderate factions, is that they aim for that moment when they can say, "Everybody Lives! Everybody lives this time!". That is their goal. They fail to mention the second part. They fail to mention that the full statement is always "Everybody lives, but no one wins" and while they sometimes fail the first part, they always manage to make the second part true. So if you want to know why I will never rely on them, its because they have never really tried to end this conflict. They have never really done what is necessary to end all this suffering!
- Alparslan Batur
There be a very fine line between what is necessary, and going too far. What would you sacrifice, WHO would you sacrifice for victory?
Only made worse by the fact it's much easier to sacrifice outsiders than yourselves.
[X]To Protect the nest (-1 CP): While your fleet is gone, you were able to save some of your Planetary Fighter Wing. Not everything has been lost, and while the brave pilots that remain aren't enough to break the blockade on their own, they are willing to fight. (Start with a small amount of MSI's Planitary Defence Fighters and their pilots, and crews.)
[X]Directorate Veterans (-3 CP): The Earth Directorates Veterans have made Monarch their home, and will do much to keep it intact, even if they are not perticuallly happy with the arrangement of being branded outlaws with everyone else. (You have the veterans of the many Corporate Wars at your disposal, Every unit trained is one Rank Higher due to the veterans giving them actual basic training.)
[X]Training never fails you (-1 CP): Graham may have betrayed you, but the training he gave the infantry and Security forces of MSI was reliable, and you now have the chance to use his own weapons against him. (Graham Bryant's Security Officer training has left you with a fine selection of Military officers that know what they are doing and can fight on Monarch effectively. Gain a Bonus to certain rolls and in Battle Gain a Bonus to your dice roll)
[X]Experimental surface fleet (-2 CP): One of the boards cockamamie schemes was to use a surface fleet to wear down and destroy the dangerous wildlife from a safe distance. This plan ended up being too expensive, due to the expensive missiles the board decided to use for the project. Yet, Sanjar found out about this experimental fleet and revived it, refitting it with more sensible modern armaments. ( You start with a Military Surface Fleet to guard your fishing fleets, and opens many tactical and strategic options)
[X]Enduring Logistics (-3 CP): Sanjar has always focused on making sure everyone is prepared and knows what needs to be done for a job.... and it is this moment of crisis that that tendency for overpreparation pays off, as the common worker still knows how to do their job, and deal with any complications and problems that may arise from these necessary tasks. Many executives and technical experts lay dead... bu t your people know enough about how to handle the common tasks and problems that they can continue on without much delay or problem. (Logistical issues when deploying forces outside and on Monarch itself are very small, in terms economics your solid)
[X]MSI's Special (-1 CP): While your Weapons building and development aren't entirely up to the standards of say UDL, you have a rather small but robust Military manufacturing sector, now these things were made to survive MONARCH, Not a War zone. (MSI's logistics are rated for Planetary use only, your going to need to encourage your logistical development, but its a start. Your equipment is stored efficiently.) *Can be taken more then once as it represents your stockpile of military Ordinance*
[X]United Language(-1 CP) : Your entire faction knows a single language that they can use to communicate to each other. More importantly, you all understand the various cultural differences within your faction. While your members may be a mixing pot of so many different heritages, your people are always able to understand each other, and work together for a better tomorrow. (Start with something of a Unified Linguistic Background and with it a sense of common community even if most of the colony is either from Earth, the Colonies or somewhere in the Deep Periphery)
[X]Dishonest Dealer (+3 CP): Sanjar will say it himself that he is not a People Person, that was Graham's Expertise, always being the people person as he filled out the paperwork and made sure the language was clear enough to get what he wants…unfortunately, in a world of trust being shown face to face Sanjar has shown that he needs room for improvement, a lot of of improvement. (Small Malus to all Diplomacy actions with all factions.)
[X]Sacrifices Recognized (-3 CP): Sanjar has seen the disaster that the Blockade has brought to Monarch. Sanjar has seen the worst possible results that could occur now that Monarch is on its own. Sanjar knows what is at stake... so he has sacrificed, personally, in order to save what people he can... And people, not just his people, but representatives of the downtrodden from all political stripes and backgrounds have seen this sacrifice, and recognize the charitable spirit behind Sanjar's actions. (decrease in starting AP, but start with a Bonus to those who share similarities to your Ideology or at least some of your policies and those who are at least somewhat more "Lawful", it makes it harder for the Board to sell Monarch as "A Haven of Outlaws" )
[X]The Union of Monach and its Union Man (-3 CP): Sanjar has always spent personal resources to help grow and develop the MSI union. Not only that, but he has truly listened to the union workers, and attempted to fight for their rights at great personal and economic costs at time. These fights have helped convinced even the most stubborn, radical socialists to at least hear him out. However, his willingness to speak out for the union has only led the board to believe the union is Sanjar's pet army in waiting, and they had curtailed much of the investment into the planetary security forces before Sanjar came into power. But with all the sacrifices made for their benefit time and time again in the years before the now rebranded MSI UNION of Steller Bay and Starbrook gladly considers Sanjar a "Union Man." (Bonus to diplomacy with socialist powers, and an Ally/Vassel: The Commune of Starbrook Quarry, however, start with less available Security Forces Manpower as you need to hold the City and the Commune.)
[X]Mighty Medics (-3 CP): Seeing the chaotic times ahead, one of the first deals Sanjar made was to get some medics to come to Monarch, and help build a proper healthcare infrastructure.... and this decision has continued to hurt your wallet ever since you made it. And all for a third rate healthcare system.... which is still connected planet-wide, and is ensuring far fewer people are lost in this chaos. Yes somehow one of your greatest achievements as things fall apart is the fact that a Corporate Run Planet that doesn't even have total control has one thing the Board can never claim to have fully implemented, a poorly run social healthcare department. (Medical emergencies across the planet are mitigated somewhat, troops heal faster. Doctors are overworked.)
[X]Out of position(+2 CP): Sanjar did have a plan.... And then the Amber heights massacre happened, the board intensified their blockade, and the wildlife collectively seemed to go mad with rage at the same time.... And Bryant went rogue.
[X]The Unity of a Union (+1 CP): You have few options in this time of struggle and war. You need some help in order to make sure that Monarch doesn't immediately fall. You have cultivated a relationship with the union, and now that things are in this dire state, it is time to call in some favors. Hopefully, they will be able to help in small but important ways, relaxing certain rules, like working hours and safety regulations.
[X]Barebone Necessities (+3 CP): The Board never really invested in the local education system beyond the bare necessities, and Sanjar always had overlooked the institution. However, after the Amber Heights massacre, and Board's blockade, the remaining students and professors have offered their services to MSI, as long as Sanjar continues to fund the college. The college barely functions to provide Halcyon certification courses in its current state, but it does have the facilities for basic research, and more importantly, the computers and manpower necessary for extensive analysis. While the university is far from competitive, it does provide a valuable opportunity for Sanjar. It should be possible to use the extra manpower to help accelerate research, even if Sanjar will need to spend resources in order to ensure that the lights stay on. (Small decrease in research time, Low per turn resource cost for university)
[X]'Apolitical' professors (+2 CP) : Sanjar had been depending on the fact that the scientists and researchers at the monarch field research campus would help support MSI after it's separation from the board. After all, he had helped establish this university, and had spent resources and energy to set up this university system, and had continuously ensured material and political support for the university. However, the professors there now demand a change to the deal, demanding freedom from the non-compete clauses, as well as more freedom to choose, or at least veto, research topics they are not interested in. It is rapidly becoming more and more clear that your only source of research is preparing to declare itself independent, and will be willing to sell any research they accomplish to all parties. They may even be selling certain research to other factions exclusively, charging higher prices to ensure you can't get your hands on certain advancements. You can't be sure why this is happening; whether or is over some lingering attachments and influence from Graham, or if it's the board, but it seems that one of your enemies has neutralized one of your greatest tools without you discovering anything (less research options available, all research has a moderate chance of immediately spreading to enemy or rival factions within range of monarch, research finishes much more quickly, exclusive research is possible but research cost is doubled)
[X]A Better Ecosystem(-1 CP): Research has been conducted into the monarch ecosystem and how it works. Not only has this led to improvements in fishing and other resource gathering, but it has also lead to bonuses when handling the dangerous animal and fauna of Monarch. While the board has often considered this research focus to be a waste of money, it is now paying dividends for Sanjar, as the research has provided at least some temporary measures that he can use to tame the wildlife of Monarch. While the planet is still dangerous, this research has kindled the hope that Monarch can still be colonized properly, and turned into the paradise it was always promised to be. (Lower chance of negative events occurring during turns, increase food and resource production, can be sold on the Black Market for Favors and Resorces.)
[X]Profitability Policy (+1 CP): The board had a policy of pursuing research that strictly was supposed to contribute to the bottom line of the company, and many rules were created to focus research. Unfortunately, this lead to a culture of overlooking new possibilities and avenues of research, even those that might be profitable, but would require investment before such gains could become obvious. (Bonus to research speed, but a reduction in new research options, can be overcome with reform actions.)
[X]An Inspiration calls for aid (-2 CP): You've heard many times that you are an inspiration to others in Monarch. Yet, now, at your darkest hour, after most of your friends have perished at Amber heights, and you face impossible odds.... Now, those that call you an inspiration answer the call for help unheeded. You're hearing dozens of reports across monarch of groups organizing under their own initiative, and trying to resolve local problems, while also asking how they can help you and MSI in general weather the storm (Start with some degree of Aid to help you reestablish contact with the rest of the Planet,with a bonus to Diplomatic Actions, however, this has caught the attention of the Board's Blockade forces and they have sent forces to investigate, causing a Bonus to Disaster Rolls for 2 Turns, ???)
[X]Blockade Runners(-2 CP): If there is one thing that motivates the downtrodden and desperate tramp freighters that dot Halcyon its profit, and their own bottom line. It means a lot and you have some degree of communication and trade, for the right price of course (Have contacts within the Independent Tramp Freighters and smuggling actions, can expand into something far greater if cultivated.)
[X]A Better Ecosystem(-1 CP): Research has been conducted into the monarch ecosystem and how it works. Not only has this led to improvements in fishing and other resource gathering, but it has also lead to bonuses when handling the dangerous animal and fauna of Monarch. While the board has often considered this research focus to be a waste of money, it is now paying dividends for Sanjar, as the research has provided at least some temporary measures that he can use to tame the wildlife of Monarch. While the planet is still dangerous, this research has kindled the hope that Monarch can still be colonized properly, and turned into the paradise it was always promised to be. (Lower chance of negative events occurring during turns, increase food and resource production, can be sold on the Black Market for Favors and Resources.)
The Conversation is between a Recently made Outlaw Scientist who hasn't been out much and a Tramp Freighter.
"Yeah, that will get us star side, and able to do short distances to an open port...witch is the Groundbreaker." Adam said.
"I get that, and I've been there a few times, you got anywhere else? I mean besides Monarch." You said.
"You don't get out do you? The Big Ports aren't the only ones running around." He said.
He was insulting your intelligence, and saying you weren't well-traveled. Well, you weren't...boohoo.
"Enlighten me...considering I don't go out much." You said.
"Well let me tell you a bit about the rest of the world." He said.
"What rest of the World? The Settlements are all corporate-backed and assholes to each other, what else could there be?" You said not even caring about what he was saying but still somewhat curious.
Adam seemed to smile at that. "The rest of the World the Corps can't even see."
"Pardon?" You said.
"It's a Solar System Cain, its got a Belt, Moons on Gas Giants they don't or refuse to Notice. There are a lot of places to hide and prosper." He said.
"Such as?" You said.
"Well, off the top of my head. We have Monarch the largest moon on Olympus, but they are under Blockade."He said as he then sighed.
"We have the Small moon of Tesla also under Olympus, got very little on it, its an industrial Hub of sorts...makes black market ship parts for most tramp freighters. Very hard to get to, legally they are under UDL in theory." He said.
"But in Practice have gone a little rogue." You guessed.
"Nah...become essentially a Ruler in all but name of his little fiefdom paying lip service to the board, yes." He said. "As long as he keeps sending parts to the UDL, Rockwell keeps a light hand on certain loyal subordinates...like what's her name?"
"Akande." You said.
"Yeah like her...but he pays a tithe of ship parts and makes everyone happy." He said.
"Just a UDL Vassel State that's just great."You said.
"I'm not done yet, We've got the Twin Moons of Eredonos Hestia and Helana. Hestia is One of those...what do you call them, middle-income housing and Workplaces. You know where they shove all the Middle Managers and whatnot that are too rich to be working class but too poor to live in Byzantium." He said.
"Sounds nice." You said.
"It is a reasonable place...even if they are all cutthroat assholes to each other." He said.
"What about Helana?" You asked.
"Oh Helana's a Pirate and Gambling Den...at least the Big City on its know for gambling, Mercenaries, and being a violent place to live." He said.
"Why would Eridanos let a pirate den operate so close to them?" You asked.
"Most of those Pirates want money, so they muscle up with the Corps and live off-the-table scaps they're given...I can't wait to go back there and piss away some bits at the Casino and pay off my ship." He said.
"Hold up… you're in debt?" You said.
"Not the Bits kind, the blood kind, I finally paid it off and only need to confirm the other side's part in the bargain." He said waxing Nastolgic.
" You seem to know alot about it?" You said.
"I was born there to a prostitute and ship captain, I inherited a blood debt that needed paying...now I'm free, just need to confirm it." He said.
"Anyone else in the Runnings for a least shitty place in Halcyon?" You said.
"Well, beyond those there is Cent Station?" He said taking off his hat and sighing.
"Eh...what kind of place is that?" You asked.
"A Very quiet one and we like it that way...its a Tramp Station, built into one of the Old Mining outposts, we turned it into a makeshift shipyard and well if it ain't the Groundbreaker crews or Helana its the next best thing." He said.
"Wow...I didn't expect Halcyon to be so damned big?" You said.
"It is...now passes that coil...we are going to fix this thing." He said.
Yeah getting assets passed the blockade is hard, and getting big enough resources to pull it off will be hard. But it will be necessary for bigger stuff...
Yeah getting assets passed the blockade is hard, and getting big enough resources to pull it off will be hard. But it will be necessary for bigger stuff...
