- Location
- Somewhere out there
Last edited:
The Practice War [Complete]
- Thread starter Snowfire
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
To clarify, the other races have access to Secrets too, but they're the same ones as yours (Practice not included) according to the data you've recovered. Hence why the Luminary is so...interesting.
Yes. It's specifically designed as a go-to source for the IC knowledge available to you. It's definitely missing a few things, but that's just down to my not keeping much in the way of physical notes
- Location
- Somewhere out there
I assumed as much. At the very least they all have to have access to the First Secret at some level or another, or we wouldn't be hearing from them. Do we know who has access to what?
Do we know if their Directives are the same as ours?
given
Was that supposed to say "movement"?
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
You do not.
As above. These are both things you could discover with the right question from Insight, however.
Yes, it was. Thank you
- Location
- Somewhere out there
Hmmmmm. Asking about the Directives would give us a very informative snapshot of how the Shiplords treat species at different stages of the tech tree. We've got a young race, an old race, some in-between races...
I'mma write that in next turn if we don't have anything more important to ask.
I'mma write that in next turn if we don't have anything more important to ask.
The Sandman
So Zetta Slowpoke
- Location
- Wherever I am, which isn't where I'm not
I'm curious if we have any hints as to what the Third Secret is.
Shard
One and Many
- Location
- Malaysia
Well, arranging the secrets we do know in some patern..
1/5 : FTL, Gravity
2/6 : Biotech, Nanotech
So:
3/7 :
4/8 :
Hm, I hadn't thought of putting them into a grid like that. Interesting idea, and it would explain why 1,2,5,6 are apparently the most common Secrets, if they have a periodic nature like that. Still need more information for a real pattern though.
Not using it basically means we have to largely go it alone against the Regulars Fleet. I mean, we'll kind of have to anyway, since limitations on First Secret tech are going to seriously limit how many reinforcements we can count on from these other polities, but without Insight we don't really have anything that these other groups would be willing to stick their necks out for a War Fleet to possibly protect.
The Fifth Secret coup we pulled off this turn, combined with some good rolls on cyberware and Inviolate matter development make me think we might actually be able to go it alone against a Regulars Fleet, but this is all highly speculative. Regardless, I think we'll have to keep a very tight reign on how we acquired the information we have, and be very careful to put the entirety of this diplomatic fleet through every security screen we can come up with before saying anything.
The big question is how the Shiplords are getting their agents into the Nilean systems in the first place. I mean, the way FTL tech works in this universe means they either need to send a stealthed courier ship and inject the nanites/code using that as a platform, which means the Nileans don't have a counter to SL stealth coatings, or they've compromised the hardware in some sort of self-propagating way, the same way they did to us before Marcus and Vision sussed it out, and are sending probes through that way. Hmm, or maybe some combination of both. I suspect the Nileans will be very interested in our notes on countering both of these intrusion vectors.
We don't (yet) have layers of goo enhancers on our people, so right now this isn't an issue, but it will be one in the future. Hopefully our work with Practicing Sixth Secret tech will open a door to Practiced Blue Goo to protect our non-Potentials from Shiplord Khaki Goo attacks; I really don't want to have to resort to playing Whack-a-mole with the heads of our mundane population like the Nileans apparently have to.
- Location
- Germany
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Should be Shiplords' (possessive plural) I guess?
Last edited:
Mini-turn: Ministerial Matters 2 - Part 1
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
Dedicating time to your Ministers is harder this year, several sessions are made at your bedside following the Miracle of the Elder's Vault as you recover from the intensity of the event. That Miracle was one of the largest you've been part of, on a similar scale to Skylark's restoration. A little less obvious given the location of the Vault, but more than an equal in worldshaking consequences. The entire business is further complicated by the election cycle, but it also helps focus you. The three Ministers you talk with this year don't need your help in their futures, but giving them nothing after the work with Vega, Adriana and Mary last year would be wrong.
Your primary focus are the two that you didn't see last year, but you surprise yourself in squeezing in a few meetings with Kazuki. You can't shake the feeling that you should at least try to help him, and even if he doesn't appear to need any support, the offer is appreciated. Nothing would have stopped you from talking to Lina and Marcus, however. She assembled the weapon that was set against the Tribute Fleet, and wielded it with breathtaking skill to an ultimate victory. He broke the Shiplord subnet that nearly killed you, dove into the Tribute Fleet's datanet with only Vision as an ally, and returned alive. Without either of them, the Second Battle of Sol cost would have cost you far more. Maybe even the victory itself.
A Blade in the Light
Lina Sharpe was an unknown to you when you formed your government, a middle ground between experience and youth. Brilliant in her own way, she'd spent years trying to find a way to integrate Potentials into the military command structure and her resolve in pursuit of that goal had spoken to you. As Minister for War the very existence of humanity was placed in her hands, and she refused to disappoint. Now as your Presidency comes to an end, she's the only one of your Ministers with plans to try and hold her position. Her requests are practical and cleanly cut from personal matters, as befits an officer of the FSN. But you see the grateful smile in her eyes.
[] Sword of Humanity – The Shiplord's attack broke against the courage and skill of the FSN, but victory didn't come without cost. Although First Fleet is mostly rebuilt, its readiness ratings have fallen and the vast majority of the fleet is made up of first generation models. The War Office has designs for a second generation of warships, but they need to test them. Lina doesn't seek active support here; the threat is clear to everyone. What she asks is that you give time and expertise to help her prepare the construction and rearmament programs for Congressional scrutiny. With that, she' should be able to push most of them through in the next Presidency.
[] The Cutting Edge – At the end of the day, there's only so much the FSN can do with a rusty blade. Steps have been taken to address the technological disparity between humanity and Shiplord systems, but it's still not enough. You defeated the Tribute Fleet through a combination of surprise, luck, skill and numbers. Against a Regulars Fleet, a sharper edge will be required. Regular R&D from the Ministry for Science will help, but it must split its focus across multiple sectors. Arcadia will not be so limited in its choices, and Lina sees an opportunity here. Agreeing to dedicate part of the new Institute's focus to military projects for the next five years would help her immensely, and the War Office would be willing to work very closely in the deployment and testing of any new systems.
[] Lessons from the Black: Lina's achievement of victory at the Second Battle of Sol might not be the first time that a Tribute Fleet has been completely destroyed by a 'Tributary' on their second meeting, but it can't be a common occurrence. A place in galactic history books notwithstanding, she's also the only human to have led a fleet in combat against the Shiplords and win. She'd like the opportunity to share what she learned from that experience. This is something that Lina can do without any help, but even a few words about the planned program could do wonders for its visibility. Probably success follows.
Living Gateway, Skeleton Key
Your Minister for Security, Marcus was far more hands on in his role than any of his predecessors. Leading the assault on the Shiplord subnet and personally destroying it, putting his entire existence on the line during Breaking the Lords. Those weren't the actions of a Minister, and he's knows that. His plan is to step down at the same time as you, and move into a role within the Ministry's infowarfare section. Given his personal accomplishments and well established rapport with that section, it's all but a done deal. Like Lina, his worries aren't personal, but they are somewhat closer to home.
[] Faith in Circles: Stepping down will let you return a great of your time to the Circles, but that isn't entirely a happy thing. Your actions in the Second Battle of Sol catalysed a nascent movement of faith in your person within the Circles. Addressing this is high on your list of priorities, but it could be much easier if you already knew who to talk to. Marcus has offered to assemble a dossier on this movement for you.
[] Let's Be Careful: You now know that a group of aliens are not just on their way, but will be here soon. Insight's Thoughtcast has made their general intentions very clear, a desire for dialogue and possibly wider diplomatic contact. The problem is that you have no idea how compromised they might be. Marcus has thought of a few ways to test that, and he'd appreciate your help fleshing out his plans for governmental approval.
Setting the Beat
Kazuki is gently amused by your persistence in wishing to help him somehow, but as time has moved on he's become more focused on ensuring the Ministry he leaves behind is in good order for a replacement. The offer of a place on the stage with him sometime in the next few years is still there, but Insight's discovery has turned his focus elsewhere. Last year there were two requests, this time there is only one.
[] Order in Harmony: The State Department is in good condition, and well prepared for the Contact Fleet that will arrive within the next three years. Your help with the final touches before Kazuki leaves office could do a great deal, however. Confirming final candidate lists would only be part of this process.
This is a ranked vote, please number low to high by preference. The top four choices will be the ones that Amanda chooses to pursue. Write-in's are welcome, tag me as usual if you have a suggestion.
There will be a six hour moratorium on this vote.
Your primary focus are the two that you didn't see last year, but you surprise yourself in squeezing in a few meetings with Kazuki. You can't shake the feeling that you should at least try to help him, and even if he doesn't appear to need any support, the offer is appreciated. Nothing would have stopped you from talking to Lina and Marcus, however. She assembled the weapon that was set against the Tribute Fleet, and wielded it with breathtaking skill to an ultimate victory. He broke the Shiplord subnet that nearly killed you, dove into the Tribute Fleet's datanet with only Vision as an ally, and returned alive. Without either of them, the Second Battle of Sol cost would have cost you far more. Maybe even the victory itself.
A Blade in the Light
Lina Sharpe was an unknown to you when you formed your government, a middle ground between experience and youth. Brilliant in her own way, she'd spent years trying to find a way to integrate Potentials into the military command structure and her resolve in pursuit of that goal had spoken to you. As Minister for War the very existence of humanity was placed in her hands, and she refused to disappoint. Now as your Presidency comes to an end, she's the only one of your Ministers with plans to try and hold her position. Her requests are practical and cleanly cut from personal matters, as befits an officer of the FSN. But you see the grateful smile in her eyes.
[] Sword of Humanity – The Shiplord's attack broke against the courage and skill of the FSN, but victory didn't come without cost. Although First Fleet is mostly rebuilt, its readiness ratings have fallen and the vast majority of the fleet is made up of first generation models. The War Office has designs for a second generation of warships, but they need to test them. Lina doesn't seek active support here; the threat is clear to everyone. What she asks is that you give time and expertise to help her prepare the construction and rearmament programs for Congressional scrutiny. With that, she' should be able to push most of them through in the next Presidency.
[] The Cutting Edge – At the end of the day, there's only so much the FSN can do with a rusty blade. Steps have been taken to address the technological disparity between humanity and Shiplord systems, but it's still not enough. You defeated the Tribute Fleet through a combination of surprise, luck, skill and numbers. Against a Regulars Fleet, a sharper edge will be required. Regular R&D from the Ministry for Science will help, but it must split its focus across multiple sectors. Arcadia will not be so limited in its choices, and Lina sees an opportunity here. Agreeing to dedicate part of the new Institute's focus to military projects for the next five years would help her immensely, and the War Office would be willing to work very closely in the deployment and testing of any new systems.
[] Lessons from the Black: Lina's achievement of victory at the Second Battle of Sol might not be the first time that a Tribute Fleet has been completely destroyed by a 'Tributary' on their second meeting, but it can't be a common occurrence. A place in galactic history books notwithstanding, she's also the only human to have led a fleet in combat against the Shiplords and win. She'd like the opportunity to share what she learned from that experience. This is something that Lina can do without any help, but even a few words about the planned program could do wonders for its visibility. Probably success follows.
Living Gateway, Skeleton Key
Your Minister for Security, Marcus was far more hands on in his role than any of his predecessors. Leading the assault on the Shiplord subnet and personally destroying it, putting his entire existence on the line during Breaking the Lords. Those weren't the actions of a Minister, and he's knows that. His plan is to step down at the same time as you, and move into a role within the Ministry's infowarfare section. Given his personal accomplishments and well established rapport with that section, it's all but a done deal. Like Lina, his worries aren't personal, but they are somewhat closer to home.
[] Faith in Circles: Stepping down will let you return a great of your time to the Circles, but that isn't entirely a happy thing. Your actions in the Second Battle of Sol catalysed a nascent movement of faith in your person within the Circles. Addressing this is high on your list of priorities, but it could be much easier if you already knew who to talk to. Marcus has offered to assemble a dossier on this movement for you.
[] Let's Be Careful: You now know that a group of aliens are not just on their way, but will be here soon. Insight's Thoughtcast has made their general intentions very clear, a desire for dialogue and possibly wider diplomatic contact. The problem is that you have no idea how compromised they might be. Marcus has thought of a few ways to test that, and he'd appreciate your help fleshing out his plans for governmental approval.
Setting the Beat
Kazuki is gently amused by your persistence in wishing to help him somehow, but as time has moved on he's become more focused on ensuring the Ministry he leaves behind is in good order for a replacement. The offer of a place on the stage with him sometime in the next few years is still there, but Insight's discovery has turned his focus elsewhere. Last year there were two requests, this time there is only one.
[] Order in Harmony: The State Department is in good condition, and well prepared for the Contact Fleet that will arrive within the next three years. Your help with the final touches before Kazuki leaves office could do a great deal, however. Confirming final candidate lists would only be part of this process.
This is a ranked vote, please number low to high by preference. The top four choices will be the ones that Amanda chooses to pursue. Write-in's are welcome, tag me as usual if you have a suggestion.
There will be a six hour moratorium on this vote.
Last edited:
- Location
- Earth Aleph
Right....
let's see, it seems to me that 'lessons from the black' will basically resolve itself, and 'Faith in Circles' is something that will likely wane when we're out of power and best dealt with during our time outside of government anyways.
As for the rest, as I am quite interested in the next first contact stuff, both of those options are priority to me, for one for easier negotiations and for something to trade for (depending on how easily we can help them secure their cyber assets). The military stuff is important, but will happen under the new president anyways (I rather hope so, at any rate) and the development aid basically means we can do lots of research with extra resources, so it's all good.
So
[1] Let's Be Careful
[2] Order in Harmony
[3] The Cutting Edge
[4] Sword of Humanity
[5] Lessons from the Black
[6] Faith in Circles
Edit:
Damn, didn't see about the moratorium....
let's see, it seems to me that 'lessons from the black' will basically resolve itself, and 'Faith in Circles' is something that will likely wane when we're out of power and best dealt with during our time outside of government anyways.
As for the rest, as I am quite interested in the next first contact stuff, both of those options are priority to me, for one for easier negotiations and for something to trade for (depending on how easily we can help them secure their cyber assets). The military stuff is important, but will happen under the new president anyways (I rather hope so, at any rate) and the development aid basically means we can do lots of research with extra resources, so it's all good.
So
[1] Let's Be Careful
[2] Order in Harmony
[3] The Cutting Edge
[4] Sword of Humanity
[5] Lessons from the Black
[6] Faith in Circles
Edit:
Damn, didn't see about the moratorium....
Last edited:
I'm not quite as sanguine about it. I mean, this is not the first time Marcus has hinted at a Cult of Amanda being a potential (ha!) problem. I agree that getting out of the spotlight for a time should mitigate it, but having thought about it for awhile more since we first started hearing about the issue back in Turn 11, I think the least we can do is humor him for at least this one sub-action.
And you should probably remove that vote for now, or at least take out the numbers.
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
>Six hour moratorium.
>Post was made about four and a half hours ago.
Coda pls
Malaquez
[MUFFLED EUROBEAT]
- Location
- Singapore
>Six hour moratorium.
>Post was made about four and a half hours ago.
Coda pls
- Location
- Somewhere.
We must be careful.
We saw the Nilean interlude.
It would be Very Ungood if the Shiplords snuck infiltrators aboard the diplomatic fleet, and I doubt everyone has a James Bond, or that the Nileans can check everybody.
We saw the Nilean interlude.
It would be Very Ungood if the Shiplords snuck infiltrators aboard the diplomatic fleet, and I doubt everyone has a James Bond, or that the Nileans can check everybody.
Such a tease about those events!
Ok, I will vote for 'Order in Harmony' as my #1 simply because I do not want to leave Kazuki in the rain again.
Regarding the other choices...
I guess 'Let's be careful' is a must, since we know other races are compromised.
The other two I guess would go to Lina, with 'Cutting Edge' taking priority and then a toss up between the other two.
Regarding the other choices...
I guess 'Let's be careful' is a must, since we know other races are compromised.
The other two I guess would go to Lina, with 'Cutting Edge' taking priority and then a toss up between the other two.