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The Reluctant Vassal's Guide to Living in the Frontier (with some Treason)

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Cycle 7.0
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    • You had to admit, your sister wasn't a total idiot. She was definitely aware of the potential brewing conflict between the two daughters of House Iris present and examined her situation carefully. It was worth reviewing yourself as well, especially with some new critical information you had obtained via the data taps from the riot.

    A simple wave of the hand over your desk activated a holographic map display of the system, then you had it zoomed into Andernia III. Its terrain features were still blank but you didn't mind, as you already knew she only had one city anyway. What was more important was the new information being quickly uploaded and display in the general area, leading you to stroke your chin. While your forte was undoubtedly a mastery of shadow warfare, your sire had been the Stellarch's militant hand across the United Empire, commanding a variety of house and imperial armies at times. Basic lessons in warfare were a must growing up, so you had a good grasp of what all this information roughly translated into.

    Radana wasn't so well-trained and she knew it, so she wasn't afraid to ask for your explanation. Nor was she reluctant to not mention those sacrificed for this data. "So, was it worth it?" She quietly asked. "Do you know her plan?"

    You pursued your lips and glanced at your analysis board, which was now littered with even more papers. "Not quite, but I have the gist of what she's planning. Simply put: maximum cost-efficient savings." You gestured to the displayed pulsing troop icons on the hologram. "Have a look at her two ground regiments, the 627th and 628th Frontier Guard respectively."

    "Frontier Guard? She has them inheriting the old militia heritage?" Your best friend paused, then sighed. "Though it is appropriate given that technically, we are in the Frontier. I'm sensing a 'however' though."

    "However," You continued, paying no heed to Radana's snicker, "A closer analysis shows that instead of a full operational regiment with four standard battalions, my sister has gone with a different sort of command. A rather unorthodox, but accepted one for times of severe emergency, and I do mean severe. Only the command battalion of each regiment is fully outfitted, while the remainder are basically 'volunteer militia' with a mishmash of non-standard weaponry."

    "That's quite a significant deviation then," The Camellia Knight noted with a frown. "I think even the old Frontier Guard units had regular equipment and numbers. Is she that desperate without industry?"

    "Perhaps. Or perhaps it has to do with the fact that this way, she really only has to upkeep two battalions instead of a full eight. Perhaps she could even redirect resources such as the excess officer pay into her coffers-" There was a loud beep and the holographic display suddenly popped up an incoming message. It was from Dorothea and you immediately accepted the call with a tug of your collar to freshen yourself. "Yes?"

    "The encryption team did it!" The Lycoris Knight eagerly told before pausing. "Well, more specifically, Kat did it by herself! You truly have an eye for talent, my lady!"

    "A-ah!" The panicked Prism's voice wobbled through the connection. "It...it wasn't anything special! Just som-me basic passwords…"

    "In any case, the information is coming through now. Rest assured, my lady, I have already purged the copies from our databases," Dorothea told with a proud attitude, like that of a dog eagerly wagging its tail. "So rest assured that the only intact report is coming to you...now."

    You beamed when your personal system confirmed it so. "Good work. Say, take the rest of the day off now. Leave everything to me."

    "I-" There was a long pause, then your subordinate reluctantly accepted the offer. "Contact me if there is an emergency. I will be...otherwise occupied then. Goodbye."

    "That's unlike her," Radana commented with a frown when the line closed. "She's normally always on standby if you are working. Why today of all days is she okay with taking a break? And how did you know?" She asked before catching herself with a regretful groan.

    You couldn't help it and smiled like cat filled with cream. "Today's the first showing of a new spy movie. I trust you can piece it together?"

    "Less of that please, and more of what actually matters now," She groused and nodded in direction of the waiting data package. "So?"

    Your hand reached out and opened it with a flick of the fingers, one of them jabbing out to send a copy to print physically to a machine embedded in the side of your desk. While it beeped and whirred, you skimmed the stolen files with eyebrows rising higher throughout. "Oh my. It looks like she's stolen the march on me. It might be two to one soon."

    "I beg your pardon?" You wordlessly flipped the digital report around with a swat of the hand so that Radana could read. "A fighter pilot training initiative- ah. She's looking to build an air force next."

    "Indeed, and it states here that she's specifically reaching out with hefty bonuses to retired veterans to try and entice them to join the program. Presumably to train up new pilots." You frowned and tapped your fist against your chin. "But my question now is, with what planes? She hasn't the industry to build jets."

    "We don't have them either, so it's not like she can take or steal them from us," The diplomat agreed with a furrowed brow. "Not like that would even happen if we could make them, but how odd."

    "How odd indeed." You rolled the question around in your head for a few more minutes before deciding to leave it for later. You could question your sister's acquisition methodology later- what mattered now was what you should do in response. Your planned infantry did have anti-air weaponry to counter direct close air support attacks, though they might still suffer losses from fast airstrikes that minimized the time spent in range. Was it worth suffering the losses to push through anyway?

    Or was it time to devise a proper counter and steal the march back.

    Resource Stockpile: 30/30

    Create a plan that you and your aides will execute over the duration of the cycle. Each person will have a general order that they will attempt to carry out at your command. Orders can be repeatedly taken by multiple characters for greater progression, but characters will be locked in the order until it is finished. Many actions will require a target.

    [ ] Plan ____
    -[ ] [Character] ______
    --[ ] [Task] ________
    ---[ ] [Target] _____
    -[ ] [Officer] ______
    --[ ] [Task] ________
    ---[ ] [Target] _____

    -[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess

    -[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight

    -[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism

    -[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    --[ ] [Martial] Commission Ship. Reach out to the dockyards and purchase or order a new ship to join your fleets. Cost varies.
    ---Requires Berth Location
    ----Requires Ship Class/Name

    ---[ ] Wisteria-class Destroyer. A fast moving escort destroyer that can pack a surprising punch from afar. Requires Void Drydock (Wisteria-class). Requires three (3) progress.

    There are currently no diplomacy tasks available.

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Develop City. Expand the outreaches of the urban jungle, developing infrastructure and encouraging greater urban incorporation to grow a settlement taller. Increase Industry by one (1). Requires two (2) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Found City.     Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Location
    ---[ ] Requires New City name

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain.     Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City
    ----[ ] Requires Building Choice

    ----[ ] Data Reliquary. The signature monument of the Helmsmen, a testament to their perceived duty to preserving information at all costs if the worst should ever come. The information kept below is reflected in the grandeur above, with only those ordained with the greatest duties able to access the sacred archives unfiltered. Increases Influence by ten (10). Requires two (2) progress. This building must be constructed first before all others in every system of House Iris.

    ----[ ] Chrysanthemum Scales. A regal and ornate building that serves as the system's headquarters for marketplace and trade officers. It is staffed by a mix of Brilliance Knights and Prisms suited for administrative duties, using their Solarium circuits to process incoming information quicker and come up with streamlined delivery chains to ensure a healthy marketplace for the people. Increases Wealth by eight (8). Decreases Resources by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Lycoris Sanctuary. The Lycoris Knights are those Brilliance Knights who help maintain public order, acting as both counselors and confessors for those in need. This also makes them quite keen on what the public currently feel is most pressing, and so what will best appeal to them. Increases Influence by ten (10). Decreases Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
    Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified troop kit. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[ ] Requires Named Troop Outfit
    Infantry: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Void Drydock. In order to maximize production and streamline the process, it is best if large voidships are actually built in the vacuum of space, or as close as possible to it. The orbit around a planet is an ideal spot for such a task, especially when paired with a space elevator on the ground to facilitate efficient resource from planetside. Should this link be cut off, the facility grinds to a halt. Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified ship class. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[ ] Requires Named Ship Class

    Destroyers: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    -----[ ] Star Armory. The allure of grand fortifications remains strong even when among the stars, so the technique has simply been refined and adapted to suit the needs of modern war. It is on a larger scale than any similar structure that may have once existed on ancient Terra, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the more vast nature of stellar warfare. It is not unusual for an entire community to spring up around such a base to do business with those quartered within. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for three (3) regiments. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.

    -----[ ] Fleet Port. What can be easily mistaken for construction around natural formations is actually purposefully shaped to accommodate for the planned housing of enormous ships meant to cross the void of space. Even when the star sailors onboard rest, the dock workers are awaken performing necessary maintenance and repairs in preparation for the next voyage. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for one (1) regiment. Berth for two (2) cruisers and one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City
    ----[ ] Requires Building Choice

    ----[ ] Sunrise Bank. Accounts now guaranteed under government-subsidized insurance! Open an account today, withdraw your money a galaxy away! Increases Wealth by two (2). Decreases Resources by two (2). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.

    ----[ ] Commercial Spaceport. Under the United Empire common law, no trader that does not posses hostile, hazardous, or forbidden material is to be turned away. They are to be allowed to ply their wares as they see fit, though local oversight is certainly permitted. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for two (2) destroyers or one (1) cruiser. Requires four (4) progress.

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Infiltrate Cells. Plant the seeds now for future spycraft opportunities by establishing local support and cover opportunities to slip agents hidden among the populace. Create a spy network in another power. Requires four (4) progress. Further sabotage options require this option first.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Cause Unrest.     Instruct your cells to purposefully cause chaos in another power, drawing attention away from whatever other covert operations you have orchestrated at the same time. Reduces the chance of discovery on the turn it completes. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Send Spies.     Have sharp-eyed spies pass through a rival power, using existing cells to help provide a cover for the experts to work and deduce what the enemy is doing now. Discover what primary action another power is focusing on. Requires one (1) progress. Has a low chance for discovery.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Military Espionage.     Direct agents to circumvent security systems and access classified military information to pass onto you, a highly risky but priceless operation. Reveals a power's military composition and current numbers. Requires six (6) progress. Has a moderate chance for discovery.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Learning] Outfit Troops. Consider what the gear your soldiers carry into battle, and create a new outfit for the boots on the ground to equip themselves with. Cost varies.
    ---[ ] Requires Troop Unit

    ---[ ] Infantry. The very basic, but essential, foot soldiers that both take and occupy ground when ordered so. Even with mechanized transports, they move fairly slowly around on the battlefield but when it comes to holding the line, their numbers help absorb dire hits. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Artillery. When more finesse is needed on the battlefield, it is the role of land artillery units to provide. They can bring some of the biggest guns of an army's arsenal to bear to flatten terrain and eradicate any remaining resistance from dug-in units. However, this comes at the price of being incredibly fragile and vulnerable themselves. Requires five (5) progress.
    ---[ ] Mechanized. Quick and fast fighting vehicles tear across the battlefield at lightning speeds, launching surprise attacks wherever gaps present themselves. While their weapons bark away at the enemy, the doors come slamming open to unload the infantry squads within to aid in the assault or begin already digging in. Speed is key for all in the unit. Requires five (5) progress.

    --[ ] [Learning] Design Ship. Break out pencils and call up interested naval contractors to kickstart the race to create, prototype, and sell an entirely new spaceship design for your forces. Cost varies.
    ---[ ] Requires Ship Types

    ---[ ] Destroyer. The smallest of notable navy vessels, but vital for domination of local space along and necessary for group troop transports. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Cruiser. Large voidships that traverse the stars and make up the bulk of any fleet that crosses systems. Requires six (6) progress.

    --[ ] [Learning] Design Aircraft. Defense contractors all but salivate at the call to design a new generation of fighter craft, the chance to leave their brand across the galaxy be it on planets or in space. Requires six (6) progress.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - With the presence of possibly hostile ground troops on Andernia III, it means you need to definitely have boots on the planet to take your sister's city. Unless you favor committing the orbital torching of a populated city. I don't think I need to explain why that's definitely a war crime and your own Brilliance Knights might lynch you for it.

    16 hour moratorium to make a cycle plan.​
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Apr 21, 2024 at 11:43 PM, finished with 8 posts and 4 votes.
    • [X] Plan A good gamble (City-first)
      -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
      --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
      ---[X] Pendragon
      ----[X] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.
      -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
      --[X] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
      ---[X] Andernia IV site B
      ---[X] Gawain
      -[X] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
      --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Chain. Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
      ---[X] New Helm
      ----[X] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
      -----[X] Lily Guard (Infantry)
      [X] Plan Full Send It
      -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
      --[X] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
      ---[X] Andernia IV site B
      ---[X] Gawain
      -[X] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
      --[X] [Stewardship] Found City.
      -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
      --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Chain. Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
      ---[X] New Helm
      -----[X] Star Armory. The allure of grand fortifications remains strong even when among the stars, so the technique has simply been refined and adapted to suit the needs of modern war. It is on a larger scale than any similar structure that may have once existed on ancient Terra, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the more vast nature of stellar warfare. It is not unusual for an entire community to spring up around such a base to do business with those quartered within. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for three (3) regiments. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress
    Click to expand...
     
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    • Cycle 7.1
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    • [X] Plan A good gamble (City-first)
    -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
    --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
    ---[X] Pendragon
    ----[X] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.
    -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
    --[X] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[X] Andernia IV site B
    ---[X] Gawain
    -[X] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
    --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Chain. Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
    ---[X] New Helm
    ----[X] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
    Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified troop kit. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[X] Lily Guard (Infantry)

    (Construct Post (Sunrise Bank- New Helm): 66 +17 (Kat) +9 (Wealth) = 92)

    Progress: 5/4. Completed!

    New Helm has built Sunrise Bank.

    The bank's opening event went smoothly enough, with even less issues than the last time. Any technical issues or troubles that had surfaced during the first opening in Pendragon were smoothed over by now, which was especially good when opening in New Helm. It meant that there were definitely less complaints about the system working.

    However, there still were complaints, ones that Kat brought up with a worried expression, hands trembling. She nervously sucked in a breath and entered through the officer door, knees almost knocking against one another. "M-my lady, we...the people, they are n-nervous about their old a-accounts…"

    Radana graciously took the datapad from the quivering Prism and resisted the urge to pat her head reassuringly. Truth be told, she too shared the same sentiment, that slight fear that all her saved currency was going to be unavailable. But she knew that already, measures such as emergency fund distribution were underway to mitigate the worst...hopefully. "Don't worry, everybody is. But rest assured that no matter what, House Iris will take care of us."

    Kat perked up at that and flashed a watery smile. "O-of course! Trust...trust in the Solar Princess!"

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Construct Post (Camp Barracks- Pendragon): 51 +7 (Dorothea) +9 (Wealth) = 67)

    Progress: 2/3. In Progress.

    The handcuffed young woman winced when the bruises from last night's bar fight flared up and she gingerly shifted about where she sat in the communal cell, an impromptu drunk tank for last night's mess. The officer standing in front gave her a stink eye when she looked their way and to be quite honest, she deserved it.

    They had ended up almost totaling an entire shopping block from the event so.

    She sighed and slumped back against the wall, recalling the painful jab that had helped ignited the event. How so many had fallen to the allure of endless consumption to try and fill that missing...hole in them, where home once was. Her heart ached at the reminder, that this new life wasn't quite working out so far with all the chaos and confusion as of late. Worst of all, there wasn't a way to just dial up her family back in Helm, just to hear their voice. Find the reassurance that everything was going to work out even for some regular person like herself.

    There was that painful sensation of having no purpose in life again, roaring in full force without the alcohol to numb it. She sighed and buried her head into her knees, wondering just what the hell to do next. Or if she would even be released, it wasn't like there were many here with friends or family who would post bail. Maybe that also contributed to the size of the ensuing fight itself.

    Suddenly the cell's door loudly clanged open and she raised her head to stare in shock, a mix of awe and fear suddenly taking root. A Brilliance Knight stood before the sobered youths, her face studying them all with a considering look. After a moment, she spoke gently but with an iron note to her voice that had them all paying rapt attention.

    "It seems like you are in need of direction, and have a bit of spare time on your hands. How would you like to contribute back to society a little?" The augmented individual turned about and strode off, not even glancing behind at the rising detainees. "I need some hands to help with a project. Do so, and I'll put in a good word on the record of your little incident. Follow me if you're up for it."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Found City (Gawain): 35 +10 (Violet) +9 (Wealth) = 54)

    Progress: 2/4. In Progress.

    You smiled at Dorothea's giddy report that your little intuition was correct; that the participants of a nasty bar crawl/brawl were more than willing to eagerly volunteer in helping to build some barracks in their community. She had been cool and collected in front of them, but the moment they weren't looking her way, the Lycoris Knight gushed about the spirit of duty that propelled them on, speaking well of their characters now given a chance to properly clean up their act. Perhaps they'd even go on to perhaps enlist or find something productive to do with their newly acquired construction skills.

    Truth be told though, you weren't surprised at all about the unexpected moral character of these troublemakers. In fact, you already were aware that the arrested individuals had good attitudes to them, their individual records showing high scores in community support. However, these were records of them back in Helm, a society that they helped prop and support with all their being...and now isolated from.

    Little wonder then why many of them had fallen into a depressive slump after being disconnected so long. You clicked your tongue and placed the report next to Kat's, linking your fingers together in thought. You had to admit that there was growing unease about the wider galaxy beyond Andernia, your people too used to being part of the United Empire to live so isolated like their ancestors once had. With every passing cycle where the issues with the FTL Beacon weren't sorted out, the worry just kept building.

    There was nothing to it but to keep trying to build up society here, hoping that at least a new city could help function as pressure release to encourage more to flock together and hopefully form strong ties with one another. You dug out the latest reports on the latest city construction, nodding along with a satisfied bobbed at the decent progress. Perhaps you could help speed it along with some gentle prodding at local investor firms, imply that aiding in setting up a new urban center was an opportunity for more industry, more factories, more jobs, more profits.

    Just before you did so, there was a flash of an incoming report from your desk and you hummed. It was coming from your best friend, perhaps an update to how far along her own task was going. You let the file come through and unzip, then opened it up to reveal a rather large picture attachment.

    Your eyes widened and your jaw dropped. "What the-?"!

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Construct Chain (Arms Facility- Lily Guard): 86 +7 (Radana) +9 (Wealth) = 102)

    Progress: 4/4. Completed!

    New Helm has built Arms Facility (Lily Guard).

    Radana softly giggled and quietly pocketed her device once the report was confirmed to have been sent to her friend's office. Then she turned back around with a smile on her face to join the pleased gathering of various investors and administrators milling about the office, smug expressions on all their faces. But they all had good reason for the normally insufferable expression.

    Just beyond the simple office building was a collection of factories already belching out smoke from vents from glowing vats of molten metal, the manufacturing process already underway to make batches of army equipment. Having such operations underway was miraculously ahead of projected schedules, somehow made possible thanks to the Camellia Knight's outreach efforts at including all candidate firms in the process to facilitate greater cooperation in spite of profits.

    In fact, any such complaints about aiding the competition were promptly silenced with generous bonuses from the saved budgeting distributed back to the partners for their thankless work. Radana made sure to stress this fact in particular, that she and the government by extension definitely thought far higher of those who understood the tumultuous times they currently were in. Such devotion and loyalty appealed not only to a sense of patriotism in the defense industry, but struck at the core of the Helmsmen with their beliefs in sacred oaths of duty and knowledge.

    So, in a way, perhaps this great triumph was already spoken for. But it was still an accomplishment to succeed indeed, especially when the factory's head manager cleared their throat to grab the attention of those present now. They hefted up a briefcase and knelt before Radana, in a manner not unlike that of a knight swearing fealty to their monarch. "This is our very first firearm produced straight from the lines. I hear your already have the prototype rifle, but please also accept the very first of what we hope to be many to come."

    After taking a moment to consider, Radana inclined her head a measured distance and accepted the honor for what it was. Her hands daintily reached down to unlatch the case and take out the LLA4 within, the weapon a near-identical copy of the prototype she had passed to Violet d'Iris some time ago. But there was a very glaring new addition that helped mark the moment in history.

    HA40000001 was stamped into the receiver, the unique serial code for the very first locally produced rifle in Andernia.

    "Thank you," She politely told and returned it to the case, closing it up and carrying it with her now. Radana let the gathering return to their individual discussions before letting out a soft exhale, feeling the weight of the battle rifle in its container tugging at her arm. She had to admit, there was a certain sort of irony about a refined diplomat like herself having had such uncanny success about developing and producing firearms. With that idea, the carried case seemingly felt even heavier, almost like it wanted to drown her in the blood that its successors would bring about.

    But still, the aide to the Solar Princess held her head high, willing to do whatever her friend and liege asked of her. Especially if it was something entrusted to her specifically.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - Um yeah. Radana hit it with another firearms crit. At some point, I wonder if perhaps she deserves some sort of title or reputation, something like how her words are bullets themselves haha.
     
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    • Cycle 8.0
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    • "Good day, Marquise of Guns!"

    Radana made a very unladylike groan and allowed her head to fall into her hands. "Please, we're not making that a thing," She half-begged, half-threatened to your smug expression. "It was simply a mix of background work and some luck that put me in the position to accelerate our native firearms production. I sincerely did not intend for me to become so associated with the industry on purpose."

    "You say that, but I have it on good authority that you happen to be listed as the preferred government point of contact for most of these design firms." She rolled her eyes at the casual mention of deep infiltration on your part and you shrugged unapologetically. "Just wanted to make sure they didn't have any dark secrets like selling guns to people they really shouldn't be. Like my sister. Do we want to talk about her now?"

    "Please, anything to get away from that irritating title."

    "Mmh." You flicked your hand to activate your table interface and leaned back in your chair as the relevant information surfaced. "So then, her pilot program. It's going surprisingly smoothly, with word getting round that she definitely did attract some old aces into coming out of retirement, likely to serve as instructors for new pilots before collecting another retirement package."

    "Hardly unusual, and surprisingly reasonable," Radana commented and shifted about to read the same reports. "I have to say though, what a stroke of fortune that there were some such individuals in the colonization fleet, and even more so that they happened to be part of her portion."

    You let out a disagreeing noise and wriggled your hand about. "Not really. In fact, retired veterans make up a good bit of our population numbers according to our census. Have a peek." You dug out a paper report and handed it over to your companion to read. "Given the allure of free land combined with the various service benefits, it's easy to see why so many who served House Iris with distinction in the various armed forces came along in the colonization fleet."

    "I see," Radana mused while going over the numbers with a curious tilt of the head. "Hm, I wonder if this also happens to play into how we have rebounded rather quickly in refilling our forces all around, for both you and your sister."

    "Maybe, though her numbers are lower, pitifully so. Only two full battalions?" You made a face and crossed your arms. "That's unacceptable, both now and when we finally prop her up after all the setup is complete!"

    "You're still on that?" Your friend mumbled and you carried on, not paying attention.

    "In fact, we cannot, in good conscience, even begin to negotiate with her without a means to ensure a smooth transition. That is, we need people trained to properly help deal with any discontents. She shows surprising tact in dealing and reducing riots, so she shouldn't need much more force to back her up." You chewed your lip for a moment and decided on a condition. "Let's show her that even just a single regiment, full kitted and outfitted, is better than her two quarter-strength units."

    "How fortunate then that I was able to get our industry up and running in time for that then," Radana mentioned with a sigh. She still her her doubts about her best friend's plans, but those were irrelevant to what was perhaps best for House Iris. "So then, once the regiment is ready, you intend to make contact?"

    "Indeed. By then, we should be approaching with an even deck on both sides: me with a navy, her with an airforce, and us with both regiments." You nodded, already forming an image of the standoff that would last until your dramatic reveal. "Thus, she'll have no choice but to negotiate to put an end to this farce of succession. She'll accept my terms, we fade into the shadows to keep a watchful eye, and I'll be free of all this work!"

    "I think that even if it were to work, your sister would simply dump her workload onto you and nothing will change at all." She was silent for a moment before softly sighing. "Yet if this is the way to ensure that the bullets I helped into being never are used, so be it."

    "Don't worry, so long as we hold the trump card of the Solarium Codex, there is no way my sister would resist. I mean, what else could be just as or more significant than that?"

    Resource Stockpile: 30/30

    Create a plan that you and your aides will execute over the duration of the cycle. Each person will have a general order that they will attempt to carry out at your command. Orders can be repeatedly taken by multiple characters for greater progression, but characters will be locked in the order until it is finished. Many actions will require a target.

    [ ] Plan ____
    -[ ] [Character] ______
    --[ ] [Task] ________
    ---[ ] [Target] _____
    -[ ] [Officer] ______
    --[ ] [Task] ________
    ---[ ] [Target] _____

    -[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
    Busy with Found City (2/4)

    -[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight

    -[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism

    -[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
    Busy with Construct Post (2/3)

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    --[ ] [Martial] Recruit Regiment. Induce a lifetime of war for many, their fates now tied to glory and victory in the name of House Iris. Requires seven (7) progress.
    ---Requires Base Housing
    ----Requires Regiment Name
    -----Requires Battalion Composition (Four (4) Battalions)

    -----[ ] Lily Guard Battalion. A skirmish infantry unit that can hold their ground surprisingly well, and boost anti-air capabilities in addition. Requires Arms Facility (Lily Guard).

    --[ ] [Martial] Commission Ship. Reach out to the dockyards and purchase or order a new ship to join your fleets. Cost varies.
    ---Requires Berth Location
    ----Requires Ship Class/Name

    ---[ ] Wisteria-class Destroyer. A fast moving escort destroyer that can pack a surprising punch from afar. Requires Void Drydock (Wisteria-class). Requires three (3) progress.

    There are currently no diplomacy tasks available.

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Develop City. Expand the outreaches of the urban jungle, developing infrastructure and encouraging greater urban incorporation to grow a settlement taller. Increase Industry by one (1). Requires two (2) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Found City.     Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Location
    ---[ ] Requires New City name

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain.     Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City
    ----[ ] Requires Building Choice

    ----[ ] Data Reliquary. The signature monument of the Helmsmen, a testament to their perceived duty to preserving information at all costs if the worst should ever come. The information kept below is reflected in the grandeur above, with only those ordained with the greatest duties able to access the sacred archives unfiltered. Increases Influence by ten (10). Requires two (2) progress. This building must be constructed first before all others in every system of House Iris.

    ----[ ] Chrysanthemum Scales. A regal and ornate building that serves as the system's headquarters for marketplace and trade officers. It is staffed by a mix of Brilliance Knights and Prisms suited for administrative duties, using their Solarium circuits to process incoming information quicker and come up with streamlined delivery chains to ensure a healthy marketplace for the people. Increases Wealth by eight (8). Decreases Resources by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Lycoris Sanctuary. The Lycoris Knights are those Brilliance Knights who help maintain public order, acting as both counselors and confessors for those in need. This also makes them quite keen on what the public currently feel is most pressing, and so what will best appeal to them. Increases Influence by ten (10). Decreases Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
    Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified troop kit. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[ ] Requires Named Troop Outfit
    Infantry: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Void Drydock. In order to maximize production and streamline the process, it is best if large voidships are actually built in the vacuum of space, or as close as possible to it. The orbit around a planet is an ideal spot for such a task, especially when paired with a space elevator on the ground to facilitate efficient resource from planetside. Should this link be cut off, the facility grinds to a halt. Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified ship class. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[ ] Requires Named Ship Class

    Destroyers: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    -----[ ] Star Armory. The allure of grand fortifications remains strong even when among the stars, so the technique has simply been refined and adapted to suit the needs of modern war. It is on a larger scale than any similar structure that may have once existed on ancient Terra, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the more vast nature of stellar warfare. It is not unusual for an entire community to spring up around such a base to do business with those quartered within. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for three (3) regiments. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.

    -----[ ] Fleet Port. What can be easily mistaken for construction around natural formations is actually purposefully shaped to accommodate for the planned housing of enormous ships meant to cross the void of space. Even when the star sailors onboard rest, the dock workers are awaken performing necessary maintenance and repairs in preparation for the next voyage. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for one (1) regiment. Berth for two (2) cruisers and one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City
    ----[ ] Requires Building Choice

    ----[ ] Sunrise Bank. Accounts now guaranteed under government-subsidized insurance! Open an account today, withdraw your money a galaxy away! Increases Wealth by two (2). Decreases Resources by two (2). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.

    ----[ ] Commercial Spaceport. Under the United Empire common law, no trader that does not posses hostile, hazardous, or forbidden material is to be turned away. They are to be allowed to ply their wares as they see fit, though local oversight is certainly permitted. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for two (2) destroyers or one (1) cruiser. Requires four (4) progress.

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Infiltrate Cells. Plant the seeds now for future spycraft opportunities by establishing local support and cover opportunities to slip agents hidden among the populace. Create a spy network in another power. Requires four (4) progress. Further sabotage options require this option first.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Cause Unrest.     Instruct your cells to purposefully cause chaos in another power, drawing attention away from whatever other covert operations you have orchestrated at the same time. Reduces the chance of discovery on the turn it completes. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Send Spies.     Have sharp-eyed spies pass through a rival power, using existing cells to help provide a cover for the experts to work and deduce what the enemy is doing now. Discover what primary action another power is focusing on. Requires one (1) progress. Has a low chance for discovery.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Military Espionage.     Direct agents to circumvent security systems and access classified military information to pass onto you, a highly risky but priceless operation. Reveals a power's military composition and current numbers. Requires six (6) progress. Has a moderate chance for discovery.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Learning] Outfit Troops. Consider what the gear your soldiers carry into battle, and create a new outfit for the boots on the ground to equip themselves with. Cost varies.
    ---[ ] Requires Troop Unit

    ---[ ] Infantry. The very basic, but essential, foot soldiers that both take and occupy ground when ordered so. Even with mechanized transports, they move fairly slowly around on the battlefield but when it comes to holding the line, their numbers help absorb dire hits. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Artillery. When more finesse is needed on the battlefield, it is the role of land artillery units to provide. They can bring some of the biggest guns of an army's arsenal to bear to flatten terrain and eradicate any remaining resistance from dug-in units. However, this comes at the price of being incredibly fragile and vulnerable themselves. Requires five (5) progress.
    ---[ ] Mechanized. Quick and fast fighting vehicles tear across the battlefield at lightning speeds, launching surprise attacks wherever gaps present themselves. While their weapons bark away at the enemy, the doors come slamming open to unload the infantry squads within to aid in the assault or begin already digging in. Speed is key for all in the unit. Requires five (5) progress.

    --[ ] [Learning] Design Ship. Break out pencils and call up interested naval contractors to kickstart the race to create, prototype, and sell an entirely new spaceship design for your forces. Cost varies.
    ---[ ] Requires Ship Types

    ---[ ] Destroyer. The smallest of notable navy vessels, but vital for domination of local space along and necessary for group troop transports. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Cruiser. Large voidships that traverse the stars and make up the bulk of any fleet that crosses systems. Requires six (6) progress.

    --[ ] [Learning] Design Aircraft. Defense contractors all but salivate at the call to design a new generation of fighter craft, the chance to leave their brand across the galaxy be it on planets or in space. Requires six (6) progress.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - So then, a reveal of your showdown condition: have a regiment ready, for whatever happens next. After you get that ready, it'll likely be a Diplomacy to finally open a channel to round out the entire action set. I would encourage making sure you are ready then, though perhaps it is better initiated on your terms than hers.
    - Recruiting a new regiment has two parts to it. The first is deciding what the battalion composition of a regiment is, with four battalions that you can choose different kits for. You can either go pure all Lily Guard as an example, or mix and match Lily Guard with other types if you make those available. But once you decide on the composition, then comes the hard part: naming the regiment! You can even give it a nickname on creation, or save that for later once it's seen combat. Likewise, you can also name each Battalion, or just keep it to simply 1st/2nd/3rd/4th for now.

    14 hour moratorium to make a cycle plan.​
     
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on Apr 27, 2024 at 12:40 AM, finished with 12 posts and 7 votes.
    • [X] Plan Making Momentum pt. 1
      -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
      --[X] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
      ---[X] Andernia I Location B
      ---[X] The Marquisate
      -[X] [Officer] Radana, Camellia Knight
      ---[X] Andernia IV Location A
      ---[X] Dinadan
    Click to expand...
     
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    The Dutiful Captain
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    • The Dutiful Captain​


    They called him Captain, even though he was a formally a commander by rank and a lieutenant commander for far longer prior to the crossing to this system. An old lieutenant commander, long in grade and with few prospects of advancement, as even for the extent of the Helm Fleet as the martial arm of the Stellarch there were always far more knights and highborn than command postings. Always a harsh competition for every slot and tasking, every chance there was to gain glory and recognition. A competition he failed, not out of personal failings but of lack of exceptionalism, and for that his record was stamped "retained and refitted for rank" time and time again in the limbo of military service. But he served nonetheless, in the littoral patrol craft and reserve-rate destroyers on customs and patrol duties, the silent patrols spent protecting the commerce and transit lanes. Even at a distant star, that didn't change for good or ill, even if it brought him the rank pips he once hounded after for so long, yet found himself having little of that old flame of ambition left in him.

    With practiced calm, he donned his uniform and uttered his regular quick prayer to the ancestors in the mirror, and stepped out of his quarters a different man than the one who woke up looking in the mirror questioning the course of his life that led him to this point. Not that the self-doubts and reflection left him, but the impassive face of the captaincy was no different than the clothes he wore as a statement of his duty. And duty was all he had left to him now.

    "Good morning captain." Lieutenant Carson greeted him as he stepped onto the bridge with a salute. "No incidents on ship during dogwatch. We are currently at waypoint four of our orbital patrol over New Helm. Our prior contact with the cargo hauler from Andernia II is on schedule, Picket three is preparing to do standard customs sweep with them. Picket four reports incoming cargo shuttle, stated inbound from Andernia I but had not previously relayed a flight plan. I was about to contact you about the unknown, we just picked it up after our sensor diagnostics were completed."

    "Contact time between intercepts?" The Captain asked, already ambling towards the holodisplay depicting the points of light representing the motion of the interplanetary traffic. It was not to scale, for such would render all points impossibly tiny to register, but his practiced mind could intuit well enough the differences between reported numbers and the positioning on the display in the time it took for the lieutenant to glance at a sensor watchstander and repeat the question.

    "Estimated contact for both is in one hour, twenty-minute offset depending on braking variances." The captain nodded, that was within his estimation. That Lieutenant Carson didn't immediately have that knowledge on hand was also mentally noted, sorted, and filed in the list of mental points about this junior officer. A moment's delay now, but it put a note on the conduct and manner of his command, possibly for later adjustment. But as it had only been a moment and with an hour to go before contacts, it was a trifling matter.

    "Very good. Status on other pickets?" He didn't expect much, just being dots of light hovering in equal spacing around the planet to maintain an active sensor perimeter. That there were only five was problematic, as with two already on specific tasking there was a gap in the net, thin as it was, and the other three pickets were spread far apart. Some part of him hoped the princess would recognize the problems this presented, yet just as quickly he squashed such speculation. It was a minor miracle that this destroyer was built so quickly after settlement as it was, sister ships and a proper orbital watch would arrive when they could. For now his duty was to work with the ships he had, and simply wrangling all the raw cadets and spacers he had onboard was work enough to bring them to the standards he expected of them.

    "No other contacts to report sir. No operational shakedown or endurance issues among them besides picket one running low on coffee early."

    The captain nodded, also factoring that in. Carson may have meant it as a degree of levity on an otherwise dry report of the first night-shift of the Wisteria in a training shakedown, but it fit in with other small commentary across the patrols on the limits of escort frigate endurance in practice. The hundred and one little ways that even a small ship had limits and consumption of limited supplies, which for now could only be offset by the periodic shuttle run to orbit and that was subject to hard limits of payload and cargo transfer equipment. A ship would not flounder for lack of coffee, but it's captain and crew would be that bit more sluggish, be less able to retain their edge for the monotonous duration of a orbital patrol, and deprived of the social benefits of conversation among the coffee machines in the messhall. A small detail that fed into many details that fed into larger potential problems that warranted some level of response now that Carson brought it up. As much as it was made in jest, he decided seriousness would be an apt punchline.

    "Thank you mister Carson, better pass on to Picket One that we will hand off some of our surplus instant as we reach them on our loop, then you are relieved by able-watch. I have the deck and the conn."

    "Captain has the deck and the conn." Carson crisply replied and ducked over to the comms officer to relay.

    The energy of the act even at the end of his duty watch made the Captain acutely aware of how young he was. How young all of the bridge crew were as the watch change played out. He was a visibly old man among boys and girls, even accounting for the trend of life extension and aesthetic biosculpt becoming so commonplace. Some of whom were officers during the passage that were slated to have their own ships under the original system defense plan, bright sparks with high hopes and eagerness to serve, especially for a ruler who clearly had her thumb on the wishes and well-being of her people. Why oh why did the princess decide he was the most fit for her first warship instead? Simple seniority was not everything, he knew full well the games of patronage and favor trading that happened on the assignment boards and he had no tools nor will to play at that table. And under such desperate circumstances as present, of the imminent possibility of infighting within the House, the selection would come to the Solar Princess herself as a critical linchpin of her operations. A woman he never met face to face besides public gatherings and ceremonies, his own appointment delivered with impartial mail instead of a courier or personal audience as if it were another bureaucratic shuffle. As it was, he counted himself fortunate that his unglamorous assignment was so readily accepted by the other potential officers for command, patiently waiting for ships of their own instead of contesting command of what was his now. Or for him to lapse in his own duty.

    "Captain, odd activity on bogey seven. Thats the one Picket-four is dealing with." Called out the sensor watchstander, who was sticking to his station despite his relief being on his shoulder, face furiously focused on the console and his elevated voice snapping the captain out of the unwanted self-reflection. "Sir, it just started pivoting hard and burning."

    "Ground control reports large databurst transmission from unlicensed transmitters." Communications reported, the able-watch girl already at station despite the dogwatch ensign hastily stepping back in case. "Police units are investigating the origin point but signals intercept failed due to encryption. They're asking us to intercept if possible."

    "Helm, bring us up to full thrust, general heading 122-plus-72. Then workup intercept vector and immediate execute." The captain ordered. Not precise, but building up initial acceleration now mattered more than precise steering. "Comm, can Picket Four intercept?"

    "They're trying sir, but they were braking hard to do their customs inspection stop. That shuttle's putting on more thrust….not a sure thing if they don't put a hole in the engines. They are requesting permission to fire?"

    Six words that held a multitude of meanings and consequences. At face approximation, he was dealing with a data-smuggler, something that couldn't be trusted over open long-range interplanetary comms, yet deemed urgent enough to risk a ground-to-orbit encrypted transmission. That meant the shuttle had to be taken intact to secure its computers. But a frigate didn't have precision gunnery, it was meant to dogfight with others of its class and perform basic patrols. An overtaking intercept might have been possible if they reacted quickly, but as he saw on the screen they had yet to cancel their turnover, still waiting on reply for his authorization to fire and were rotating to bring their turret to bear optimally instead of their engines. If a shot were to be taken, it had to be now, and yet if it went astray than the data would be lost and chance of getting answers similarly diminished. Then another factor: the shuttle having the capacity to rival a frigate's acceleration in the first place, even for a limited time, that was unusual and not standard for colony shuttles. Likewise the capacity to receive a high-density encrypted transmission to begin with. If it could do that, then what were its other capabilities? A frigate could barely muster a four-man inspection crew, what if there were even a single armored knight onboard that shuttle? Coupled with the wider political picture, this was becoming a very tangled web to thread a course through.

    He made his decision within thirty seconds as the holodisplay depicted helmsman's intercept query to the ship's nav-computer yielding a line that intercept was possible at all with the destroyer's position and state of acceleration.

    "Helm. Intercept, bring us up to maximum power. Comm, tell picket four to return to station at best speed, we have the hunt." The Captain intoned, striding over to his captain's chair and strapping in. "DC, tell engineering we're going to need a reactor yellow-line flank burn on standby. Bosun, sound Condition Two."

    "Reactor warming up and ready in five minutes sir." Called out the damage control watchstander, relaying the likely excitement of the engineering crew below. For once their over-enthusiasm for their work was in his favor, for all the disciplinary issues he had to wrangle and the constant hunt for their latest attempt to make an alcohol still onboard, they knew their work and were perhaps the most experienced personnel onboard besides himself. When they said five minutes, they meant it and kept to it when the time for overtaking burn was in play.

    "Skipper? Whats going on?" Said a new voice on the deck, lieutenant commander Grayson as she rushed across the deck to her XO station. Late, behind the rest of the Able-watch as they were all in their stations now. The captain mentally noted that and the absence of her helmet going into combat. With acceleration underway, he elevated his voice instead of turning to speak, keeping his eyes on the display and his target.

    "Commander Grayson, we have probable smuggler contact and are moving to intercept. See to it that the ship's company is all at Condition Two, then prepare a boarding party for a assault entry. I have deck and the conn."

    "A-aye sir!" The Captain noted the stomp of deckplates as his only register the orders were being given, Grayson didn't shout or call out, lest she override some command of his in the moment. Which gave him another period of indeterminate time of hurry-up-and-wait endemic to spaceflight to be trapped with his thoughts once again.

    If he had a missile launcher, he could have threatened the shuttle with a launch and loitering munition. A properly calculated proximity blast could even disable without destroying. As it is, an overtaking burn to bring PDC's to bear will have to do, but will require a parallel course. Why oh why did the princess decide he was the most fit for her first warship? This situation could be avoided if a proper traffic control was established on the other planets. Advise establishment of longer-ranged patrols? There is also factor of unknowns of this supposed shuttle, its engines were high performance. But could there be other oddities?

    The jumble of internal thoughts was summarily shelved when he spotted the sensor station making another sweep of the target, replacing the dot of light on the holotank with a more detailed image. In particular the atypical pods on the wings of the spaceplane-type shuttle, both of them now falling off. "Sensors, analysis of those pods?"

    "Drop tanks sir. Typical setup for extended-range shuttles, likely expended in the hard burn. Wait, a third pod dropped off the top, that's not standard- Chaff! Chaff! Chaff!"

    The holodisplay fuzzed as the shuttle's signature abruptly cut off with its drives right as a chaff cloud erupted from behind it. The Captain wasn't surprised, it was a standard smuggler's trick. If it were a larger ship he'd have been concerned with a deadfall missile from the rear to disrupt his engines and distract sensors occurring in the same period as well, but that was both not the case and his ship had after-aspect PDC's even if it were so, as had been drilled into the gunnery crews during the workup drills. So instead his mind was now consumed with the question of what the smuggler would do next. Engines off, the shuttle would coast on momentum, but that left it in a very disadvantageous position to an active destroyer. Chemical RCS would not emit visible drive emissions, but would be good for one burst at most unless the shuttle was counting on its safe port having some rescue service (unlikely), So it would have to make up its mind on how to spend that burst of course correction. But where?

    To other planets? Perhaps. Its official identity was from the first planet. But they couldn't have made these modifications.

    To third? He didn't care for the idea, but cold calculation of captaincy made him consider it. This shuttle was clearly non-standard, it required non-standard maintenance to achieve it, it needed to source that chaff pod from somewhere. For all his heart trembled at the idea of two highborn kin having a feud, the captaincy told him this was the logical course. And so it was. He only needed 45 seconds to come to that conclusion, but translating that into action was…non-intuitive.

    "Helm, angle burn thirty degrees port, appear as if we are assuming the target will burn to the first planet." The captain ordered coolly after coming to a decision. Slow, but necessary. And served well to present the image of a hesitant commander to the fleeing smuggler.

    "Aye sir. Setting course…..assuming sir?"

    "Assuming. Stand by for rapid turn and burn maneuvers on main drive. XO, alert all decks to be ready for a sudden lateral acceleration shift. Have engineering have a hand over the button on first-level safety interlocks for a hard flip and burn." Calculations, calculations, he pondered, he waited, he heard the respective stations chiming in with anticipation of orders, he waited…he waited.

    "Sir, possible low-energy drive emission bearing-"

    "Helm, flip and burn for intercept on that signature, full flank speed! Engineering, initiate yellowline protocol. All hands, prepare for flip and burn!" It had been a trivial maneuver, faking going after a wrong hunting path to flush out the hunted then committing to a hard overtake when they locked in their course, which had been done so far too soon. If they had waited even ten minutes more the distance and change in burn would have made intercept much harder. These smugglers couldn't be experienced in their trade, antsy and skittish to think actively running was the best way to evade a destroyer on the hunt. He had met far better smugglers and pirates than them, this was simple routine.

    Once again, the moment of pursuit was an anticlimax, a moment of waiting while distances were closed and time was permitted to pass as the smugglers neither surrendered or attempted anything besides continuous thrust. A moment of excitement when the gunners elected for a manual/optic aim to avoid spooking the shuttle into a jinking maneuver, scoring hits on a wing-mounted engine of the shuttle to send it into a tailspin until the other engine was shut down. Another burn to counter momentum and bring the shuttle into grappling range. Then the boarding shuttle was dispatched from the bow hangar, with armored knights with their blood up only meeting surrendering spacers without any fight. All the same, the entire shuttle was shutdown and taken onboard without attempt to analyze information on-site, lest the data be tampered with by inexperienced hands.

    Excitement and heroics were indicative of immense failures of command in the captain's eyes. To be able to treat this chase and capture as a matter of routine was indicative of the readiness and ability of his command even if he were not present to direct it himself. All the same, there were cheers in the bridge crew he did not quell even if he didn't partake, as the Wisteria scored its first successful boarding action. With any luck, the data-smugglers would provide answers as to their operation, or at minimum serve as symbols of the Solar Princess' Justice. Regardless, he now felt a measure better about his crew and their capacity to perform in action, ready enough to undertake more of the drills and plans he knew would be needed for the days to come for peer-level combat or worse.

    A more charismatic captain would have had something inspiring to say. A more self-centered individual might use it as a chance to make some bold declaration about victory to the Solar Princess directly. But for him, he simply stepped over to the comm officer and said "Signal Command, inform them we have taken the smugglers into custody and captured their shuttle, have security units ready to receive them once we return to orbit and can offload. Helm, return us to the original station for our orbit. Sensors, resume general sweeps, lets make sure this wasn't a stunt for us to let some other smuggler make planetfall while we weren't looking. Commander Grayson, you have deck and the conn while I make a report back to command."

    There was only duty.

    = = = = = = =

    REPORT TO COMMAND

    Spotted smuggler shuttle receiving unauthorized high-encryption transmission from Andernia IV. Intercepted same.

    Six (6) smugglers and a modified aerospace shuttle turned over to civil security. Resuming orbital patrol and training shakedown.

    Fīat iūstitia ruat cælum

    Captain Adrian Hunt, HMS Wisteria- commanding, Primrose Knight of Helm
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...

    "On one hand, damnit can my sister even run a competent spy network? On the other, hooray for a commander who doesn't need micromanaging to remember he's just a orbital watchdog. He's a keeper."

    "Indeed. I'm told he's already training the crew up to a acceptable standard of someone who participated in the Kasador anti-piracy fleet action, as seen in the readiness of his engineering section for such maneuvers barely days into their training cruise."

    "Yeah thats normal drill for ship crews, right? Right?"

    = = = = ==

    OOC: Who would our spotlight-averse schemer of a princess pick for her first command? The oldest, slowest, and least-enthusiastic captain she's got on the roster so she doesn't threaten her sister with her early warship deployment.

    Forgetting the old lesson "beware the old man in a profession where most die young" when it comes to destroyers and a methodical manner to all aspects of his duty.
     
  • View discussion
    • Cycle 8.1
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    • [X] Plan Making Momentum pt. 1
    -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
    --[X] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[X] Andernia I Location B
    ---[X] The Marquisate
    -[X] [Officer] Radana, Camellia Knight
    --[X] [Stewardship] Found City. Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress
    ---[X] Andernia IV Location A
    ---[X] Dinadan

    (Construct Post (Camp Barracks- Pendragon): 75 +7 (Dorothea) +6 (Wealth) = 88)

    Progress: 5/3. Completed!

    Pendragon has built Camp Barracks. Wealth -2,Influence -2, Military +2

    The woman scowled and grumpily pulled again at the cord, yanking with all her might. Finally her efforts were rewarded with a low rumble and she whooped when the generator finally came online. Moments later, the building lights finally flickered on and she looked on in pride at the empty building she was now the proud owner of.

    Then she shivered and rubbed at her shoulders, reminded of the planet's bitter chill. The heater was going to take a little while to fully kick on but once there, she intended to keep it that way. Gods above know that a heated room was the quickest way to hopefully get people storming in to just warm in, perhaps becoming patrons of her new venture in the process. Perhaps they'd even be recruits from the nearby finished camp.

    Hm, perhaps she'd stock up on some alcohol then for them.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Found City (Gawain): 24 +10 (Violet) +6 (Wealth) = 40)

    Progress: 4/4. Completed!

    Gawain has been founded. Industry +5, Resources -5

    Andernia IV, you reflected, was a planet that definitely fell on the more extreme scale of habitability. It was almost unbearably hot to the point few needed the encouragement to limit prolonged exposure to the outside if they could, sticking to cooled spaces if they could. It worked out in New Helm, where buildings were connected to the former colony generators to help regulate internal temperatures.

    But this new city of yours had no such advantage, being built far away from your initial landing spot. It meant that you couldn't just yank out a generator from your former ships. So it definitely posed a slight challenge to you, yet not an insurmountable one.

    In fact, it was almost insultingly easy to fix. A few tugs of your web, then the local Void Dockyard happened to build one too many batches of ship generators that then mysteriously vanished overnight. From there, it was child's play to send those under a variety of wealthy anonymous donors to facilitate the construction of Gawain, the serial codes naturally filed off to completely leave their origin as a mystery. You wanted to laugh when your cameras captured the awe-struck looks of the architects and designers realizing that their energy problems were abruptly resolved.

    In the end, they simply attributed it to generosity inspired by the selfless actions of House Iris and continued on without troubles. The offer of a central power system with temperature cooling to boot was the final straw to convince a variety of communities to formally incorporate as the new city of Gawain, an occasion that was certainly worth celebrating with a speech from the Solar Princess. After all, it was her actions of incredible leadership that had inspired these wealthy donors that made this all possible, so she should be the guest of honor so!

    Well, you morosely reflected, at least you were kept cool all the while now. Then you plastered on the widest smile you could, stifled the internal agonized screaming, then took to the podium.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Found City (Dinadan): 14 +7 (Radana) +6 (Wealth) = 27)

    Progress: 2/4. In Progress.

    Radana grimaced when yet another argument broke out amid the gathered community leaders and held back a sigh. It seemed that with the success of the other two cities on the planet, suddenly everybody in the area of the latest possible project was not only interested, but eager to take part. Which naturally meant that they should get a preferred or higher seat on whatever city government would next be formed.

    This story was repeated until today, where these so-chosen individuals were now arguing over who deserved it the most. The Camellia Knight was so tempted to tell them all that they just by taking issue with it so meant that they were unqualified, but she held her tongue to offend smearing pride in public. Better to resolve this behind closed doors with individual meetings with similarly exasperated secondary leaders to try and talk sense into those puffing their chests about.

    Just when she was about to call to order, the screen of her datapad flickered to life with an incoming message. It was slightly impolite for her to pick up and read through, especially in the midst of a debate, but the title caught her attention. Moments later, there was a loud exhale that seemingly echoed through the room with the heated discussions petering out at the noise.

    A second passed, then Radana flatly flipped the screen about to share the message. "Behold. While you sling insults and rocks at one another, your glory has been stolen by those far more eager to work together. So too has my dignity been taken by a mockery of a name."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Found City (The Marquisate): 77 +17 (Kat) +6 (Wealth) = 100)

    Progress: 4/4 Completed!

    The Marquisate has been founded. Industry +5, Resources -5

    Andernia I was surprisingly not as cold as her sister Andernia II, but it was still a chill that raised goosebumps on the skin. But that wasn't only reason for why, especially for the gathered Prisms. The first city on the planet was being completed before them, but yet their gazes were locked to beyond, to the nearby stars that the system was anchored to.

    All of them were entranced by the sight of the twin suns and their fingers twitched, an echo of the wonderful smithies they had once labored in but were left behind in Helm and beyond. Kat was chief among them, her normally fidgety and nervous self staring at still hands. Hands that had not been granted the privilege and duty of forging solarium in a long while.

    And now they were so close to a source of it.

    There was a long moment of silence, then the Hyacinth Prism swallowed and clenched her fists. "One...one day," She longingly proposed, "We...we will forge again."

    The simple declaration broke the trance and the gathered specialists murmured quiet assessment. One day, when House Iris was one banner once more, shall their workshops, laboratories, and forges of solarium churn again. Never again did they wish to split their people as was so once foolishly done by their ancestors on Helm, a decision that led to division and strife for an age.

    Only united together could they advance once more.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - Got inspired by the latest contribution to push this out quicker than expected. Neat.
     
    Last edited:
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    • Cycle 9.0
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    • "Couldn't you have honestly come up with a better name?" Radana complained while putting a cup of tea in front of you. "I feel that anything would be better than that silly title."

    "Hm?" You sipped at the hot beverage and pretended to act innocent. "But I thought you wanted nothing to do with said title? So why does it bother you so?" You threw out with a sly grin and your best friend rolled her eyes before shoving a scone in your mouth to silence further trolling.

    "Hush you. Names aside, that's all the planets that we've now properly developed in the system," She considered while you chomped through the fresh-baked snack. "It's almost hard to imagine that we've come already so far since we first arrived. The way we've established ourselves as fairly self-sufficient already would surely have been cause for recognition back in Helm."

    "If my eldest sister would dare permit others glory, and my older sister here would also be so generous to recognize all this work I'm doing for her." You swallowed the pastry and smacked your lips. "No, that's not quite true. I don't want recognition, I just want to get back to my scheming."

    "Such as?"

    You shrugged, admittedly having already settled and wrapped up the vast majority of them before leaving on the colony expedition. Helm had not much appeal to you as a result, so perhaps that was why you weren't so bothered like others about not having news from your old home in a very long while. "Finding a way to control the entire food and beverage industry? That could be a neat little project."

    Radana snorted dismissively. "How ambitious, noble scion of House Iris."

    "If you help me, I'll give you a discount to all tea purchases from my takeover." It said volumes about how your best friend stilled and seemed to consider the proposition with a troubled face, definitely tempted to take said deal. You smirked, then gave a reminder. "Relax, I'm already pretty much in control of all that here. With how limited land is slowly becoming, I've already put into motion a number of conservation programs that would lobby hard publicly to receive popular support. From there, they'll be appointed custodians of the remaining federal land, with a whole song and dance about how they'll be 'considerate' about development from now on."

    "But in reality, they're all dancing to your tune," She summarized with an interested tilt of the head. "Clever. Even when you appear be conceding something for popular support, you come out on top without losing anything."

    "Of course. Though hopefully by then, it's not me having to put up with all of that headache but my sister instead. Speaking of whom regarding developments, I'm getting quite concerned now." You picked up a reported and handed it to Radana to skim. "My dearest sister's aerial program is apparently already almost complete."

    "What!" Radana muttered with a heavy frown. "But surely, there hasn't been enough time? It took us only until recently to establish our infantry kits. You surely cannot believe that she has somehow managed to finish constructing such a specialized factory already?"

    "Not just that, but training up new pilots already," You murmured, rising up from your chair and going over to your little board of webs. A finger came up and trailed along to the mention of your sister investing in some minor manufacturing companies in Helm, what you were sure was the closest she ever got to actually working with military industry. "She definitely has to be skipping steps...again. It's a pattern, a methodology to this."

    The Camellia Knight frowned and stepped to study your work, not making any snide comments this time. "I always thought she was just corrupt, taking money for herself and her friends with nothing else to it but amassing it so," She quietly admitted. "Do you think there's more to it?"

    "Maybe, but don't hold your breath. She still lives quite lavishly compared to those who work for her, and seems to put a disproportionate amount of rewards at the top," You noted and rubbed at her chin. "But assume then that perhaps this is done on purpose. If so, then would her primary goal would be to foster intense loyalty at the top?"

    "It wouldn't be the farthest or wildest concept, I think." Then Radana frowned. "But why only the elites? Why not those masses as well?"

    "I don't know. All I know is that from these records, she wasn't actually a bad investor this time in these design firms. Though said firms happened to also have their own controversy when they purportedly poached special engineers to manufacture proprietary components. A massive salary with huge benefits that helped soothed the sting of betrayal." You plucked back the parchment from Radana and studied it intently. "But you can't steal from us here, especially when we don't even have the industry ourselves for said jets. So what are you thinking?

    "And is it something worth actually worrying about?"

    Resource Stockpile: 30/30

    Create a plan that you and your aides will execute over the duration of the cycle. Each person will have a general order that they will attempt to carry out at your command. Orders can be repeatedly taken by multiple characters for greater progression, but characters will be locked in the order until it is finished. Many actions will require a target.

    [ ] Plan ____
    -[ ] [Character] ______
    --[ ] [Task] ________
    ---[ ] [Target] _____
    -[ ] [Officer] ______
    --[ ] [Task] ________
    ---[ ] [Target] _____

    -[ ] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess

    -[ ] [Character] Radana, Camellia Knight
    Busy with Found City (2/4)

    -[ ] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism

    -[ ] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    --[ ] [Martial] Recruit Regiment. Induce a lifetime of war for many, their fates now tied to glory and victory in the name of House Iris. Requires seven (7) progress.
    ---Requires Base Housing
    ----Requires Regiment Name
    -----Requires Battalion Composition (Four (4) Battalions)

    -----[ ] Lily Guard Battalion. A skirmish infantry unit that can hold their ground surprisingly well, and boost anti-air capabilities in addition. Requires Arms Facility (Lily Guard).

    --[ ] [Martial] Commission Ship. Reach out to the dockyards and purchase or order a new ship to join your fleets. Cost varies.
    ---Requires Berth Location
    ----Requires Ship Class/Name

    ---[ ] Wisteria-class Destroyer. A fast moving escort destroyer that can pack a surprising punch from afar. Requires Void Drydock (Wisteria-class). Requires three (3) progress.

    There are currently no diplomacy tasks available.

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Develop City. Expand the outreaches of the urban jungle, developing infrastructure and encouraging greater urban incorporation to grow a settlement taller. Increase Industry by one (1). Requires two (2) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Found City.     Put forward a concentrated effort to unite previously distant rural communities into a new joint union capable of supporting a concentrated industrial effort. Found a new city that increases Industry by five (5). Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Location
    ---[ ] Requires New City name

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Chain.     Meet with contractors and build a new specific industry in the system. Cost varies. Each building chain may only be built once per system.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City
    ----[ ] Requires Building Choice

    ----[ ] Data Reliquary. The signature monument of the Helmsmen, a testament to their perceived duty to preserving information at all costs if the worst should ever come. The information kept below is reflected in the grandeur above, with only those ordained with the greatest duties able to access the sacred archives unfiltered. Increases Influence by ten (10). Requires two (2) progress. This building must be constructed first before all others in every system of House Iris.

    ----[ ] Chrysanthemum Scales. A regal and ornate building that serves as the system's headquarters for marketplace and trade officers. It is staffed by a mix of Brilliance Knights and Prisms suited for administrative duties, using their Solarium circuits to process incoming information quicker and come up with streamlined delivery chains to ensure a healthy marketplace for the people. Increases Wealth by eight (8). Decreases Resources by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Lycoris Sanctuary. The Lycoris Knights are those Brilliance Knights who help maintain public order, acting as both counselors and confessors for those in need. This also makes them quite keen on what the public currently feel is most pressing, and so what will best appeal to them. Increases Influence by ten (10). Decreases Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Arms Facility. Glowing sparks of industry fly between these interconnected factories, an ever hungering machine that consumes raw material to process and refine into tools of war. Already while the metals cool, the air is filled with the cries of soldiers being put through proficiency training to use these weapons fresh from the forge. It is a well-oiled union that fuels the fires of the defense industry.
    Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified troop kit. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[ ] Requires Named Troop Outfit
    Infantry: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Void Drydock. In order to maximize production and streamline the process, it is best if large voidships are actually built in the vacuum of space, or as close as possible to it. The orbit around a planet is an ideal spot for such a task, especially when paired with a space elevator on the ground to facilitate efficient resource from planetside. Should this link be cut off, the facility grinds to a halt. Benefits and costs varies. Enables recruitment for specified ship class. This may be taken multiple times with different specializations.
    -----[ ] Requires Named Ship Class

    Destroyers: Increases Military by four (4). Decrease Resources and Wealth by four (4). Requires four (4) progress.

    -----[ ] Star Armory. The allure of grand fortifications remains strong even when among the stars, so the technique has simply been refined and adapted to suit the needs of modern war. It is on a larger scale than any similar structure that may have once existed on ancient Terra, a necessary adjustment to accommodate the more vast nature of stellar warfare. It is not unusual for an entire community to spring up around such a base to do business with those quartered within. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for three (3) regiments. Berth for one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.

    -----[ ] Fleet Port. What can be easily mistaken for construction around natural formations is actually purposefully shaped to accommodate for the planned housing of enormous ships meant to cross the void of space. Even when the star sailors onboard rest, the dock workers are awaken performing necessary maintenance and repairs in preparation for the next voyage. Increases Military by six (6). Decreases Wealth and Influence by six (6). Housing for one (1) regiment. Berth for two (2) cruisers and one (1) destroyer. Basing for one (1) wing. Requires six (6) progress.

    --[ ] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
    ---[ ] Requires Target City
    ----[ ] Requires Building Choice

    ----[ ] Sunrise Bank. Accounts now guaranteed under government-subsidized insurance! Open an account today, withdraw your money a galaxy away! Increases Wealth by two (2). Decreases Resources by two (2). Requires four (4) progress.

    ----[ ] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.

    ----[ ] Commercial Spaceport. Under the United Empire common law, no trader that does not posses hostile, hazardous, or forbidden material is to be turned away. They are to be allowed to ply their wares as they see fit, though local oversight is certainly permitted. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for two (2) destroyers or one (1) cruiser. Requires four (4) progress.

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Infiltrate Cells. Plant the seeds now for future spycraft opportunities by establishing local support and cover opportunities to slip agents hidden among the populace. Create a spy network in another power. Requires four (4) progress. Further sabotage options require this option first.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Cause Unrest.     Instruct your cells to purposefully cause chaos in another power, drawing attention away from whatever other covert operations you have orchestrated at the same time. Reduces the chance of discovery on the turn it completes. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Send Spies.     Have sharp-eyed spies pass through a rival power, using existing cells to help provide a cover for the experts to work and deduce what the enemy is doing now. Discover what primary action another power is focusing on. Requires one (1) progress. Has a low chance for discovery.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Intrigue] Military Espionage.     Direct agents to circumvent security systems and access classified military information to pass onto you, a highly risky but priceless operation. Reveals a power's military composition and current numbers. Requires six (6) progress. Has a moderate chance for discovery.
    ---[ ] Requires Target Faction (Must have Infiltrate Cells)

    --[ ] [Learning] Outfit Troops. Consider what the gear your soldiers carry into battle, and create a new outfit for the boots on the ground to equip themselves with. Cost varies.
    ---[ ] Requires Troop Unit

    ---[ ] Infantry. The very basic, but essential, foot soldiers that both take and occupy ground when ordered so. Even with mechanized transports, they move fairly slowly around on the battlefield but when it comes to holding the line, their numbers help absorb dire hits. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Artillery. When more finesse is needed on the battlefield, it is the role of land artillery units to provide. They can bring some of the biggest guns of an army's arsenal to bear to flatten terrain and eradicate any remaining resistance from dug-in units. However, this comes at the price of being incredibly fragile and vulnerable themselves. Requires five (5) progress.
    ---[ ] Mechanized. Quick and fast fighting vehicles tear across the battlefield at lightning speeds, launching surprise attacks wherever gaps present themselves. While their weapons bark away at the enemy, the doors come slamming open to unload the infantry squads within to aid in the assault or begin already digging in. Speed is key for all in the unit. Requires five (5) progress.

    --[ ] [Learning] Design Ship. Break out pencils and call up interested naval contractors to kickstart the race to create, prototype, and sell an entirely new spaceship design for your forces. Cost varies.
    ---[ ] Requires Ship Types

    ---[ ] Destroyer. The smallest of notable navy vessels, but vital for domination of local space along and necessary for group troop transports. Requires four (4) progress.
    ---[ ] Cruiser. Large voidships that traverse the stars and make up the bulk of any fleet that crosses systems. Requires six (6) progress.

    --[ ] [Learning] Design Aircraft. Defense contractors all but salivate at the call to design a new generation of fighter craft, the chance to leave their brand across the galaxy be it on planets or in space. Requires six (6) progress.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - You have plenty of building slots in your new cities, especially if you want more chains. But mind your resource and wealth expenditure.
    - It is currently estimated by Violet's best guess that whatever air force your sister wants to put up will be ready by Cycle 10. Hence her confusion at what is clearly a violation of developing jets here.

    14 hour moratorium to make a cycle plan.​
     
    Last edited:
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    • Vote closed
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    • Scheduled vote count started by Celeshiro on May 1, 2024 at 12:38 AM, finished with 9 posts and 5 votes.
    • [X] Plan Making (the most of) momentum - swapped
      -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
      --[X] [Martial] Commission Ship. Reach out to the dockyards and purchase or order a new ship to join your fleets. Cost varies.
      ---[X] New Helm (Commercial Spaceport)
      ----[X] HMS Callerya (Wisteria-class)
      -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
      --[X] [Martial] Recruit Regiment. Induce a lifetime of war for many, their fates now tied to glory and victory in the name of House Iris. Requires seven (7) progress.
      ---[X] Pendragon (Camp Barracks)
      ----[X] 1st Andernian Guards
      -----[X] (Royals) Lily Guard Battalion. A skirmish infantry unit that can hold their ground surprisingly well, and boost anti-air capabilities in addition. Requires Arms Facility (Lily Guard).
      -----[X] (Tigers) Lily Guard Battalion.
      -----[X] (Easters) Lily Guard Battalion.
      -----[X] (Panthers) Lily Guard Battalion.
      -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
      --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
      ---[X] Gawain
      ----[X] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.
      [X] Plan: Plays and Counter Plays
      -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
      --[X] [Intrigue] Military Espionage. Direct agents to circumvent security systems and access classified military information to pass onto you, a highly risky but priceless operation. Reveals a power's military composition and current numbers. Requires six (6) progress. Has a moderate chance for discovery.
      ---[X] Your sister
      -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
      --[X] [Learning] Design Aircraft. Defense contractors all but salivate at the call to design a new generation of fighter craft, the chance to leave their brand across the galaxy be it on planets or in space. Requires six (6) progress.
      -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
      --[X] [Stewardship] Develop City. Expand the outreaches of the urban jungle, developing infrastructure and encouraging greater urban incorporation to grow a settlement taller. Increase Industry by one (1). Requires two (2) progress.
      ---[X] New Helm
    Click to expand...
     
  • View discussion
    • Cycle 9.1
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    • [X] Plan Making (the most of) momentum - swapped
    -[X] [Character] Dorothea, Lycoris Knight
    --[X] [Martial] Commission Ship. Reach out to the dockyards and purchase or order a new ship to join your fleets. Cost varies.
    ---[X] New Helm (Commercial Spaceport)
    ----[X] HMS Callerya (Wisteria-class)
    -[X] [Character] Violet d'Iris, Solar Princess
    --[X] [Martial] Recruit Regiment. Induce a lifetime of war for many, their fates now tied to glory and victory in the name of House Iris. Requires seven (7) progress.
    ---[X] Pendragon (Camp Barracks)
    ----[X] 1st Andernian Guards
    -----[X] (Royals) Lily Guard Battalion. A skirmish infantry unit that can hold their ground surprisingly well, and boost anti-air capabilities in addition. Requires Arms Facility (Lily Guard).
    -----[X] (Tigers) Lily Guard Battalion.
    -----[X] (Easters) Lily Guard Battalion.
    -----[X] (Panthers) Lily Guard Battalion.
    -[X] [Character] Kat, Hyacinth Prism
    --[X] [Stewardship] Construct Post. Utilize some empty space in a city to build an independent facility. Cost varies. Each building post may only be built once per city.
    ---[X] Gawain
    ----[X] Camp Barracks. It is one thing to be willing to kill for a cause, but it is here where the willingness to die for a cause is born and tempered. Today's sacrifices are the heroes of tomorrow. Increases Military by two (2). Decreases Wealth and Influence by two (2). Berth for one (1) regiment. Requires three (3) progress.

    (Found City (Dinadan): 23 +7 (Radana) +3 (Wealth) = 33)

    Progress: 4/4. Completed!

    Dinadan has been founded. Industry +5, Resources -5

    "Are you tired of non-stop scorching heat? But you don't want to put up with cramped cooled rooms? Then there's a new option for you!" The camera panned slightly to show an open city center filled with relaxing people, many of them notably looking quite smug and comfortable with water sprinklers gently dusting them. "A new city center has just opened close to the northern pole! Cooling water, all day, all the time! Come to Dinadan, and find a luxurious life like no other on Andernia IV!"

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Commission Ship (HMS Callerya): 92 +14 (Dorothea) +3 (Wealth) = 109)

    Progress: 5/3. Completed!

    HMS Callerya has been built.

    The star sailor on duty straightened up slightly at the sight of the Lycoris Knight approaching them and tried their best to not stare. "What can I do for you, ma'am!"

    "Hm." Dorothea leaned over and examined the offered wares, rubbing her chin. "I'll have...those. If you would please."

    "Aye, aye!" They took her offered tray and went through the motions like a machine, trying their very best to not spill anything. "Is there anything else I can help with you!"

    Dorothea's eyes slid side to side, as if checking to make sure nobody was listening in. Then her voice dropped to a conspiratorially low tone, one that the cook strained to desperately catch. "Would you happen to have a cup of coffee?"

    "Certainly, I have some black here-"

    "No, um…" She bit her lip. "Please, load it up with milk and sugar, as much as you can. I...like it a little sweet. Don't you dare tell anybody else."

    The enlisted sailor stared, then swallowed at the slight twitch to her side. "U-understood."

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Construct Post (Camp Barracks): 33 +17 (Kat) +3 (Wealth) = 53)

    Progress: 2/3. In Progress.

    "That's her? That shivering little thing?"

    "Oi, quiet. She could hear you."

    "I don't get it though," The Prism Initiate muttered at the sight of Kat nervously approaching the foundation stake, clutching a hammer like a pillow in her arms. "She's our top talent? It looks like she's about to curl up and cry herself to sleep!"

    "That's because you haven't seen her-"

    Whatever words they were about to say was drowned out by a loud slam when the hammer came down on the stake. Eyes widened through the assembled watchers, many of them seeing a young woman who was on the verge of a breakdown mere moments before suddenly driving a steel stake into the ground with barely much effort. Again and again she struck, her confidence and strength growing with every single bit further entrenched.

    Then when it was deep enough, she grunted and let the hammer's head loudly impact against the ground while she rested. Now there was a scowl on her face, one that she turned to face the pale-faced juniors with. "Stop yapping your mouths, and fucking get over here! Show me you can at least get a few inches in, or are you really that incapable both here and in bed?!"

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    (Recruit Regiment (1st Andernian Guards): 33 +14 (Violet) +3 (Wealth) = 50)

    Progress: 2/7. In Progress.

    You had to admit, you were fairly surprised by how quickly the recruit pool almost immediately filled up barely days after you gave the green light for the advertisement campaign to start. It made you scratch your head confusedly, though your weren't going to ultimately complain. After all, you definitely needed those willing and able-bodied individuals to help protect your sister going forwards. There was honestly nothing to it but to shrug and give the official stamp of approval to put them through basic first, then advanced specialization later.

    Once the digital signature was away, you leaned back in your office chair and sighed, feeling slightly exhausted. From doing all this annoying paperwork to even apparently providing a few sound bites to the recruitment ads, it definitely meant you have had little time to relax over the last few days. But with the approval sent, your desk was finally cleared of work for a little while. You could probably afford to take a small break.

    So you decided to see what the local broadcasting stations were playing. A wave of your hand, and your desk's interface swapped from work-related programs over to entertainment channels, a variety of small screen previews popping up to inform you of what was available. There was also a portion dedicated to home-created content, for those amateur or professional projects without the backing of a big studio. Though for now, you were more interested in just whatever could help take your mind off things.

    Oh, there, a little nature documentary on local flame blossoms was debuting. You did already know it was more focused on entertainment than science thanks to having casually peeked at the script during production, so it was perfect to just waste some time on. You selected it so and settled into your chair, preparing to just turn your brain off from all this work soon.

    Then came the pre-roll ad that you weren't quick enough to skip past. Not that you had the mind to do so, especially when it was your own damn voice that came through. Your eyes widened and your jaw dropped when you beheld the recruitment ad your subordinates had apparently come up with.

    A despondent looking young man is trudging through a busy looking street, a sort of depressed and helpless aura about him from his disheveled attire and bowed head. He comes to a stop in front of a sidewalk crossing and seems to be deep in thought about his future. It is then that a gust of wind blows a discarded newspaper into his face and he flails about before managing to grab the rubbish to hold before him. There is then a focus on his widening eyes, reflecting a featured saluting soldier in the paper.

    Then an abrupt zoom to show the same man now suddenly clad in a combat kit, looking slightly out of his depth but with a determined expression on his face. He is surrounded by several others also in the same gear, all of them shaking slightly from what appears to be a bumpy ride. Then a loud alarm sounds and the gathered soldiers shout bravely before storming out the back of a Pelican, onto dry land to take battle positions.

    A series of different scenes rapidly flick then, featuring the soldiers doing a variety of activities from helping distraught citizens to traveling across large expanses of land. Swelling music builds with every new scene, until it hits a crescendo featuring a soldier smiling confidently and proudly...before flashing back to reveal the very same individual, back to standing at the crossing.

    He shakes his head, then his eyes rise up to see a recruiting station right across the street before him. A wide smile breaks on his face and he steps forward in time for a familiar voice to deliver a message. "It's time to take charge of your life. Find the direction to take the next step forward. Find the courage to do good. Find your local recruitment office and enlist in the armed forces today."

    There is a parting jingle when he pulls open the doors and steps in, then it ends.

    "Ah, I'm finally back," Radana tiredly greeted while entering your office using her special code. "I don't know about you, but I'm quite tired of all this development work- ah?! Violet?! What's wrong? Why are you rolling around covering your face!"

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​
    - Violet is super effective against herself.
     
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