They would be afraid that Lydians would return and would vent their anger on them.
Otherwise it's probably could go either way - maybe some planet has unpopular regime whose main line of holding on power is "only we can keep the Aliens from violently suppressing our world". These people would not be happy.
In some other cases - maybe they would be.
We'll maybe would have a tech roll/improvement soon, in the beginning of the new decade.
Yeah, which is why I'm hoping we know enough from our diplomats. If the local population is amenable, we could relatively quickly fight off the Lydians (we basically managed it around Menorb), then set up a lot of defences; we can then use that as a staging point to choke the Lydians off. If, however, we need to fight off the forces of Menorb, Inthe, Natoko,
and Lydia, then it might not be doable.
We'll maybe would have a tech roll/improvement soon, in the beginning of the new decade.
I'd rather get as much tech before a tech roll, then. I don't think the Aslan have anything above TL10, so if we're TL10 across the board and get a tech breakthrough, it's better for us.
Can our ships share sensor data? When one CFA detects and sees clearly the enemy ship, can it relay the targeting data to the other cFA, which did'nt detect that same ship?
Yes, within some limits. If a sensor drone acquires a target, it can share that with a bunch of CFAs within range (with the number limited by computer bandwidth). Those CFAs cannot then share the sensor data with each other unless they themselves acquire the spacecraft on their own sensors.
Anyhow, first draft of a plan, with a LOT of write-ins:
[] Plan: Circle Four Service Replenishment Program
-[] Attempt to peacefully retrieve the diplomatic team from Menorb. While there, try and deploy stealthed spy sensors to collect information on Menorb, and if possible, embed clandestine intelligence assets. Also attempt to determine more about Menorb's willingness to voluntarily side with the Lydians after the Lydians have been ousted.
-[] Stations should be designed of standard "cells" that can link together. Fuelling, replenishment, mining, and manufacturing cells should be fully automated. Defence and recreation cells should be semi-automated.
-[] Purchase TL10 weapons and drives from the Aslan, in a repeat of the previous deal. Ask for a discount because we're going to be using it to deal with the Lydians, who they have had negative encounters with in the past.
-[] See if anyone else is willing to give us anything because they hate the Lydians and would be happy to see us fight them.
-[] Create a new organizational unit of the FLF based around a half-platooon.
-[] Reduce the number of crew through automation and the use of a half-platoon instead of a full platoon of FLF if necessary. Scale medical bays, armouries, accomodations, assault shuttles, and common areas to the reduced crew in order to free up the necessary tonnage.
-[] If possible, integrate improvements in weapons into the CFA Flt. IIs to further free up tonnage.
-[] Impress upon the Citizen's Council that we want to begin the buildup necessary to defeat the Lydians once and for all. They've been asking for us to fight the war, and this is it. Point out that, while it will take years and much sacrifice, following the liberation of the northern polities, there will be vast new markets for Home's goods to be sold at and we will make lots of money off of our investment.
-[] Clandestinely reach out to the Daughters to gain their support in this war.
-[] In addition to the defensive and logistics/R&R/manufacturing stations, begin drafting construction of a pair of new warships. The Cruiser, Fast Escort is a CFA-D Flt II that takes advantage of new technology to improve capabilities and a buffered planetoid hull to increase durability and reduce cost. The Cruiser, Large Flagship provides command facilities for a formation and mounts LMDCs in turrets while providing extensive PD. These two hulls will serve as the basis for all other classes in this size range, including a new patrol carrier.
Edit: As for the eventual disposition of the HSWS:
- I'd establish a standardized defensive force for rear areas, consisting of a defensive monitor, a minelayer, and a pair of obsolete ICs or frigates that are refit to act more as support vessels. These would be placed in:
- Home
- Cassalon
- Xyri
- Heimdall
- Shambala
- Deeper Hope
- Hexos, if the government agrees
- Nova Refugio, if the government agrees
- Our fleet is then concentrated into a single deathstack (that can split in half if need be). This would have, at minimum:
- 2x 6,000 ton flagship cruisers
- 3x patrol carriers
- 15x CFAs or CFEs, disposed in a triangular arrangement (three ships at each point of a tetrahedron centred on the fleet, and a fifth triad in the centre with the fleet to reinforce any of the corners).
- A logistics station is built around Deeper Hope.
- An automated mining station is built around Deep Hope.
