BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat
BattleTech Player Boards => Fan Fiction => Topic started by: 2ndAcr on 25 February 2023, 18:20:15
-
15 May 3046
Maripa (Former Outworld System)
The SaRI fleet materialized at the Nadir Jump Point, launched a CAP but sat silently just listening for 6 hours for any sign of life. Finally, Major General David Mitchell gave the order to commence a search of the system. "Launch the Dropships. You can commence recharge when ready. Habitable planet and closest asteroid belt. The other asteroid belt looks to be too far for an easy investigation. We have 30 days max here so let's sweep what we can really good."
21 May 3046
Major General Mitchell watched the displays as his Dropship was updated with data from the other Dropships orbiting Maripa scanning the surface carefully. What was being returned was a look at a very bleak and desolate world. There were no signs of life being detected at all. Barely any trees or vegetation was being identified. But lots of rocks and mountains. Several destroyed cities or what looked like cities had been identified. Colonel Alfred Dortman came up beside him. "Do we go down for a look around?
"No, I see no reason to go down there. The data we had indicated no industrialization at all was down there and it had no easily mined resources. We will join the asteroid belt search. Something out here was worth settling this place and if it was not down there, it has to be out there." Major General Mitchell replied
26 May 3046
SaRI Wavelength, Titan Dropship, was conducting the search of this sector of the asteroid belt. The fighters from the 202nd Aero Group sweeping the asteroid belt with active radar on a broad front. The first Tally Ho perked everyone's ears up.
"Tally Ho, Bravo Two One. Mining station. Beat all to hell."
"Copy Tally Ho. Position marked. Proceed with search pattern." Captain Tobias Halsey radioed back. Two hours later another Tally Ho was sounded, followed quickly by a third one.
"Alpha One One, Tally Ho. Another mining station or once was. Blown all to hell."
"Copy Alpha One One. Position marked. Proceed with search pattern." Captain Halsey transmitted.
"Tally Ho, Charlie Three One. Mining station, it got beat on, but looks fairly intact."
"Position marked Charlie Three One. Watch your fuel state." Captain Halsey radioed.
28 May 3046
The search had turned up a total of nine mining stations, with two being identified as possibly salvageable and the other seven probably total losses. Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga was aboard the Pentagon Tug leading the survey teams. With him was Reginald Traveline, who was fidgeting in his seat, excited by being on an actual treasure hunt. A soft bump announced the tug adaptor securing the mining station.
"We have a good capture. Let's go take a good look at her. Just like we briefed, we sweep by teams. Reginald, you sure you want the EVA action?" Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Spent most of my career doing EVA operations. It is second nature to me and my people. We got this." Reginald Traveline replied as he fastened his helmet securely and checked his suits monitors before heading for the airlock with his team right behind him.
After a four-hour survey of the exterior and interior of the mining station, Chief Engineer Zuniga recalled everyone to the Pentagon Tug for a debrief. "Reginald, what does the exterior look like up close?"
"Quite a few penetrations of the hull. I could see some frame damage thru a couple holes. Nothing we cannot patch up in a week or two of work." Reginald Traveline replied
"Interior is much the same. Some penetrating explosive damage and obvious small arms damage. They got boarded. Some remains on board also. So we mark this one as worth a collar?" Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"I agree. She is salvageable. Still has her KF-Boom attached." Reginald Traveline replied
"Then let's get her back to SaRI Express and get her docked. Then we go take a look at the other one." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
7 June 3046
Once again, a soft bump told everyone that they had docked with the second mining station. The teams once again conducted their survey of the station in orderly sweeps of the interior and exterior. Four hours later, everyone was again gathered aboard the Pentagon Tug for the debrief.
"Not as bad as the first one. Probably not even a week to patch the holes in the hull to restore pressure. KF-Boom is snapped clean off though." Reginald Traveline said
"Interior shows more small arms damage than the first. This crew fought harder. Several breaches of bulkhead doors. The command center is a shambles though." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Anything can be fixed. Unless we remove a KF-Boom from one of the identified hulks, we are not taking this one with us anyway." Reginald Traveline replied
"Then we have the fighters go take a look at the various hulks and see which one we want to go loot." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
9 June 3046
Both Chief Engineer Zuniga and Reginald Traveline studied the KF-Boom on the wreckage of the mining station. "A day to remove it and a day to remount it. How long for all the inside stuff you think?" Reginald Traveline asked over the radio.
"Couple hours for that. Only the KF-Boom was gone from the second one, the interior stuff was intact, or looked it. I will use the extra time you need to tear apart the stations command center to replace what is destroyed on the second station." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"Then we need another Dropship over here. This Pentagon is not going to handle that KF-Boom intact." Reginald Traveline said
"I will make the call. You get to work getting her off." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
13 June 3046
"The KF-Boom is attached and tests out good." Reginald Traveline said once he had his helmet off inside the Pentagon Tug.
"Captain, you may dock this station on SaRI Express." Chief Engineer Zuniga said and watched as Captain Felicia Mahoney slowly applied power to move the station for docking aboard SaRI Express.
15 June 3046
"Given a few more days, we could recover a lot more equipment off them wrecks." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"We are already behind schedule. We will return to collect the rest later. It is time to hit La Ligua." Major General Mitchell replied
-
Primary salvage you would want from the bad stations would be mining mechs, collection small-craft, electronics, KF Booms and miscellaneous items.
-
16 June 3046
La Ligua (Former Outworld System)
Once again, the SaRI Fleet sat at the Nadir Jump Point and listened for any radio signals before detaching the Dropships and proceeding on mission. The only difference was they would be landing near the location of a known cache the SLDF had recorded. The planet was 10 days from the Nadir Jump Point and the closest asteroid belt was 11 days. It would be up to SaRI Wavelength, Titan Dropship, Pentagon Tug and Leopard CV to sweep for any recoverable salvage while the rest of the Dropships landed on the planet. The Union CV would stay with the fleet as protection along with Intrusive, Intruder Dropship.
27 June 3046
The SaRI Dropships settled onto the ground near the coordinates provided by Major Zathan Davis. Ground forces deployed forming a perimeter while the 2597th Engineer Brigade got to work on the indicated site. Knowing where to look made the task much easier and within 8 hours they had the buried site uncovered, exposing the large door. It was wider than any of the other cache sites, at one hundred feet across. Major Nathan Davis removed the "security" key from his neck and inserted in into the tiny slot. A rumble was felt more than heard as the massive door began parting in both directions. From the slowly expanding crack, light began to show as the underground facility slowly returned to life.
Major Nathan Davis did not hesitate and as soon as the gap was wide enough, he entered the underground site. Walking down the long, wide tunnel he could see that it slowly opened up into a very wide and long room. The very first thing he spotted was a Aerospace fighter. Parked on either side of it and behind it were other fighters. He quickly counted them, eighteen. He turned slightly as others entered behind him. "We scored again." He said
"Damn sure did, but what did we score." Major General David Mitchell replied
"SB-27 Sabre. Light Aerospace fighter. Vehicles behind the fighters." Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell said after examining the small data tag inside one of the cockpits.
"We do not have the spare hanger space so we should start hauling them out of the way and getting them stowed in the Mammoth." Colonel Harold Croyle replied
"Going to eat up a ton of floor space." Major General Mitchell said
"No sir, I already have this figured out. We hoist them up high and suspend them. Give me a couple days of welding and we will have them sitting and securely strapped inside one the cargo bays. That is why I wanted all that extra deck plating off that Olympus we tore apart. I can fabricate our own extra cargo deck. The steel cables will still take most of the weight, not the floor itself but they won't move around any. We all worked it out with Chief Zuniga back on Thazi, how to maximize our available space." Colonel Croyle replied
"Very well, get to work." Major General Mitchell said with a smile, God it is great to work with pure professionals, he thought.
It took three hours to carefully tow the Sabre fighters from the underground storage facility. But Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell had used that time to conduct his own inventory of everything else in the underground site. This was tabulated on a notebook and handed to Major General Mitchell.
La Ligura Inventory
18x Sabre Fighter SB-27
12x TLF-LL6500 Fire Trucks
21x Sherpa Fuel Trucks
36x Sherpa Cargo Trucks
12x Sherpa Field Kitchen Trucks
4x Sherpa Mobile HQ Trucks
12x Sherpa MASH Trucks
36x J27 Ordinance w/ trailer
24x Ballista SP Artillery
36x Heavy Tracked APC (MG)
720 tons Sniper ammo (various types)
72 tons Machine Gun ammo
50 tons Rifle ammo
5 tons Pistol ammo
3800 Rifles
1000 Pistols
3800 Standard Body Armor
"As we have found before, all very carefully stored. The ammunition was stored in an airless room filled with Nitrogen. It all looks like it just came from the factory yesterday. If you ask me, this garrison was planned to have a Aerospace group, Mechanized Infantry Regiment with supporting Artillery Battalion." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said as Major General Mitchell looked at the list.
"Get it all loaded up and carefully stored. We are going to run out of room quick at this rate. Spread the stuff around the other Dropships that can handle it safely. We only have ten days total on this planet before we have to boost for the Jump Point." Major General Mitchell replied
-
Wooo!
-
They're going to need more DropShips and collars at this rate... ;D
-
tagging ...
I want to know how much more they can salvage from the remaining mining stations, also can they do anything with the scrap metal they'll have?
-
tagging ...
I want to know how much more they can salvage from the remaining mining stations, also can they do anything with the scrap metal they'll have?
Seconded
-
14 August 3046
La Ligua (Former Outworld System)
"Nothing but a big ass debris field. But nothing worth taking or even risking a EVA for a look see." Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga said
"We found some goodies on the surface. But no sense wasting anymore time here then. We will mark it down for later examination of the outer asteroid belt, same as Maripa. We got good readings, and the skippers tell me they can use them to plot a closer emergence for at least a year. Time to go have a look at Carmellita." Major General David Mitchell said
16 August 3046
Carmellita (Former Outworld System)
For the third time, they had arrived at the Nadir Jump Point and sat silently listening. Once nothing was detected they detached the Dropships for the 11 day travel to the third planet. With no asteroid field, SaRI Wavelength, Titan Dropship, escorted them to the planet while the Union CV and Leopard CV remained with the fleet.
28 August 3046
After a day making orbits while the Dropships conducted their scans, the SaRI Dropships grounded near the cache coordinates. Once again, the ground forces formed a secure perimeter, and the engineers went to work locating the long-hidden cache. This time it took 13 hours to locate and dig out the entrance. Major Nathan Davis again removed the "security" key from his neck and inserted it into the tiny slot. The ground seemed to vibrate slightly as the massive door opened. This time, Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell got in before him, but he just frowned and followed.
Instead of seeing the normally pristine rows of equipment, they stared at a long wall of shipping containers. Both of them let out a low groan, this could not be good. Soon a team armed with bolt cutters removed the shipping pins and opened the first container. Light played inside and a figure was seen, everyone shouted and dove for cover. But nothing happened. Slowly, everyone stood back up from where they had hit the ground and peeked back inside. The container held a double row of metal men, 7 on each side of the container. Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said "What the hell are these?"
There were twenty containers with the empty suits, thirty containers loaded with what looked like small Battlemech cradles, and another twenty containers full of spare parts and armor. Each container had a label that simply read "Special Forces Command". But they did find the manuals, which only told them the name.
"What the hell is a Nighthawk Mk.XXX?" Major Nathan Davis asked
"Not a damn clue. Sort of looks like what those suits that attacked us on Inner End but these are tougher looking. Get them loaded, we will figure it out more once we get back to Thazi." Major General David Mitchell said
-
The SLDF doesn't seem to have done of very good job of removing their equipment from the OA.
-
That's a LOT of Nighthawks! :o
-
That's a LOT of Nighthawks! :o
and they're the NICE ones, not the "outmoded a decade before the uprising" models either.
-
Ooooh, they get nice toys.
And they also can sell some - with the manuals - to Hanse for a nice sum.
-
I waiting for them to find those wrecked Warships, then the game will be affoot. Will they stay with FedCom or will they become their own thing? No way Hanse will let them keep those if they manage to find them.
-
Ooooh, they get nice toys.
And they also can sell some - with the manuals - to Hanse for a nice sum.
Sell for a nice sum, and use those funds to buy critical industrial metals and tooling?
I'd be looking at the Thrazi population and seeing what I could do to increase it, or increase the productivity per person. If there is less than a quarter-million people on-planet, that to me says they cannot sustain a high technology setup without aid. President (for Life) Mitchell needs to make sure that his people are learning technology, are able to raise families, and are able to steadily expand. And making sure that the colony isn't an easy target for any raiders.
All the scrap metal being found can be melted down as appropriate, and used to make the high-mass and low-value items the colony needs while importing the low-mass and high-value items.
The other fun is that if they try to import people from across the FedCom to avoid causing a drain in one location, they should also provide their paychecks for the entire transfer process. So if it takes 2 months for an engineer's family to cross the FedSuns plus another 10 jumps to Thrazi, that is roughly 3 months of pay that will be needed before the engineer arrives at Thrazi.
Maybe add a few Remote jobs in the meantime, so the people being transferred can earn income for SaRI while being transferred? Some of those simulations they have to work on are actual problems that SaRI is having to deal with.
(Confession time, I am also playing Master of Orion 2 and prefer to start with Pre-Warp. Lots of turns of 'nothing happening' while I try to save up for an Automated Factory, the lowest of the industrial upgrades available)
I waiting for them to find those wrecked Warships, then the game will be affoot. Will they stay with FedCom or will they become their own thing? No way Hanse will let them keep those if they manage to find them.
Warships should have their databases copied and useful stuff looted, then their locations provided to Vice Admiral Unger at Wokha. Let the Vice Admiral deal with moving/repairing/restoring the ships, President Mitchell will just take the wonderful information/tools/equipment and use that to make more money.
-
Presenting the Vice Admiral with a few golden eggs would go a long way toward making peace on that front... ^-^
-
With a civillian population of under a quarter of a million people, how much industrial base can they really support?
For comparison, that's less population than Barbados (282k), or half the population of Malta (519k). They've got a vast amount of space and raw materials for their population, but next to no infrastructure, at least as of yet.
-
30 August 3046
Carmellita (Former Outworld System)
After a quick sub orbital movement, the SaRI Dropships landed near the reported location of the 258th Hussar Regiment's main base. With no mountains even remotely close, it was obviously not built into a mountainside. A quick review of the orbital scans allowed them to locate the faint outlines of a fairly large square looking area. Another four hours and the engineers had located ferro crete under roughly 2 feet of soil. There were no indications that anything other than a surface compound had ever been here so Major General David Mitchell called off the brief search and ordered everyone to reload for the trip back to the Nadir Jump Point.
10 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Sensors came back to life after the jump and quickly picked up the incoming vessel escorted by two Dropships. "Launch all Dropships and CAP. Incoming vessel!!"
Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Pennell was issuing his orders when the ships communication officer said "Sir, we are being hailed."
"Loudspeaker." He ordered
"SLDF ships this is Rim World Ship Krait. We are not hostile. Who won the war?"
This confused Lieutenant Colonel Pennell for a few seconds before it hit him. The transponder codes had not been changed on the Lee Dropships nor SaRI Wavelength and they were still broadcasting their original SLDF identification codes. He floated to the communication terminal and took the radio. "RWS Krait, this is SaRI Heavy Lift. The Star League Defense Force won the war. That was many years ago and much has changed."
"We will begin braking action. Would you like to send a shuttle aboard for a meeting? I would like to hear what has changed."
Lieutenant Colonel Pennell looked at Major General Mitchell who nodded "Yes, we will launch a shuttle for a meeting."
Radar was picking up quite a few smaller but obvious Aerospace fighters at the very edge of their range. "Keep CAP in place. Cycle in for refuel as needed but no hostile actions unless fired upon." He ordered. Lieutenant Colonel Pennell was using the ships telescope to get a good look at the RWS Krait. "Intruder Dropship and Leopard CV Dropship. And visually that is a Merchant Jumpship but it clearly was under 2g of thrust judging by their braking flares. No Merchant I ever seen moves that fast. Not sure what that really is out there."
Three hours later the Ares Mark VII shuttle gently landed aboard the RWS Krait. Major General David Mitchell was the first off the shuttle in his Marine combat armor, the magnetic boots locked to the ships deck and clicked as he walked to meet the small group waiting.
"Major General David Mitchell, Search and Recovery Inc." He said
"Captain Marcus Birch. Welcome aboard RWS Krait. It has been a long time since the Star League Defense Force or anyone other than pirates has visited us. We detected the incoming wave and scrambled our defenses. Though you might be those pirate bastards the Sons of Plunder. They give us a try every few years. Then we picked up your transponder codes identifying you."
"Sons of Plunder, have not run across them yet. We have destroyed a few pirate bands though." Major General Mitchell said
"Watch out for them. They have a bunch of tech they should not have. They never get far here at Linden, but they have been a scourge out here for many years. They raid and take slaves on other worlds in the region." Captain Marcus Birch said
"I guess I will come out and say it, the Star League does not exist anymore. Neither does the Rim Worlds Republic. We are actually a mercenary unit that conducts anti-piracy operations for the Federated Commonwealth in the region. I am also the President of Thazi, our home." Major General Mitchell said and watched the reaction of Captain Marcus Pennell closely.
"Federated Commonwealth? Never heard of it. Your ships transponders?" Captain Marcus Birch asked, but he was tense as he spoke, his hand not far from his sidearm.
"Recovered SLDF ships. My primary unit is the 200th Royal Light Horse in honor of those fallen soldiers. The Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth are joined by treaty. One big nation." Major General Mitchell replied
"Thazi. You said Thazi was your home. I have seen it on our charts. Large pirate band right next to you. You do know that right?" Captain Marcus Pennell said
"Destroyed. Can I ask a question? How have you all survived out here for so long?" Major General Mitchell asked
"Shall you accompany me to the grav deck? That is a long story." Captain Marcus Birch said
After making their way to the grav deck and taking seats, Captain Marcus Birch began telling their story.
"I am descended from Captain Marc Birch. He had been activated to defend the Rim Worlds Republic and assigned this very ship, a Tracker. She is a warship in name only though. In 2769 he learned that he had been lied to so he fled with his ship and crew into the deep periphery. They made their way here to Linden in 2772. It was total chaos with pirates and former rebels all over the place. They defeated the pirates that had been here but lost the ability for the Krait to jump. They were stranded here. He tried to board one of the orbital factories here and a nuclear charge blew it all to hell. Another year and they tried another one and it too blew. They quit trying after that.
They left the other stations alone for fear of destroying them too. It took twenty or so years before the locals trusted him enough to tell him they could reactivate two of the orbital factories. One built small craft, but they worked hard to modify it and about a decade later they managed to start production of Vulcan VLC-6N Aerospace fighters, which he had brought with him. They battled the odd pirate raid in defense of Linden and her people until the catastrophe struck in 2898. I am not sure what happened, but it killed millions and polluted the soil badly. The water down there is poisonous to drink unless run thru a complex filtration system and only one of those still works producing barely enough water for those left here. The world is dying, and our numbers decrease every year. Only by trade with others, very careful trade do we survive."
"How many of you are there?" Major General Mitchell asked
"On the surface? About just under 15,000. It is all that can survive down there. They run the large greenhouses that barely keep us alive. There are roughly 60,000 out here on the various orbital stations and habitats. Very few have ever even been on the surface. Born, raised and live out here in space for their entire lives." Captain Marcus Birch said
"It would take time, but what if I offered you and the people here a new home. Move you all to Thazi? We have all the food and water you could ask for." Major General Mitchell asked
"You would have to move the habitats. Most of these people have never touched the surface of a planet. To them it is a death sentence. I have to admit that I myself prefer out here to down on a surface." Captain Marcus Birch said
"Who would make the final decision?" Major General Mitchell asked
"Your looking at him. But I am not leaving without my ship. So, unless you have a spare jump core for a Tracker laying around or can magically produce a SLDF security key, that is not happening." Captain Marcus Birch said
"What if we could produce a security key? What would that gain us?" Major General Mitchell asked
"The keys to the kingdom. It has been the bane of the Birch family for centuries, our savior that stands just out of reach, yet we can easily see it and even touch it but not access it." Captain Marcus Birch said
-
Now THAT's an interesting development... 8)
-
Saying that the repair of the Tracker is even possible means they have a Core Forge and a repair/consturction dock.
-
Oh wow ... that means probably another huge haul mission like with the transport of the Olympus parts from Boulsi to Thazi and similar stunts... Or the relocation of the orbital facility to Wokha by the FedCom. 8)
-
Why to Woka? This is going to benefit Thazy enormously.
-
10 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
[snip]
Though you might be those pirate bastards the Sons of Plunder. They give us a try every few years.
[snip]
/me checks Cannonshop's Captain Roberts thread
Hmmm... ...interesting...
The Sons of Plunder are obviously well established as something of a local power for a long time...
-
If this version of 'The Sons of Plunder" are the same as Cannonship's version. I wonder if there leadership is staffed by Word of Blake and they have "Eine's" in operation.
If so, can they save/steal her.
-
11 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"Davis, you screw this up and I swear I will shoot myself to kill you in the afterlife." Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga said as he verified the fitting of Major Nathan Davis' EVA suit.
"You guys will know before I do if something goes wrong. This key has worked on everything else so far, why should I worry now." Major Nathan Davis replied
"Because as far as we know, that lock was not attached to an armed nuke." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Fair enough answer." Major Davis replied
Chief Engineer Zuniga looked at Reginald Traveline, also suited up. "You sure you want to do this? Major Davis is expendable, you might not be."
"And miss out on being the first person to enter that glorious station over there? No way. I am going. For better or worse." Reginald Traveline replied with a smile as he sealed his helmet.
"Okay Davis, seal up and follow Mr Traveline over to the station. I will call and tell you when to give it a try." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Where are you going to be?" Major Davis asked
"About 20,000 kilometers away from here. Just in case. Off you go and don't screw this up." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
Once both men were out of the airlock and on their way to the silent station sitting 20 kilometers away, Chief Engineer Zuniga said "They are clear. Get us out to 20,000 kilometers quick as you can."
It took them two hours to cross the 20 kilometers of empty space using their thruster packs. The entire time Reginald Traveline expected a bright flash to erase him from existence. I wonder if the stations sensors knows we are coming, he thought right before he made contact with an outer service hatch. His eyes could not help glancing at the blinking red light with the small display flashing a red "Danger: Nuclear demolition charge active. SLDF access only". He raised his arm mounted mirror and made way as Major Nathan Davis hit the side of the station much harder than he had. He reached over and grabbed Major Davis to prevent him from bouncing off.
"You okay?" He asked
"Yeah. Damn, that hurt even thru the suit." Major Davis replied
"We try to avoid hard bumps like that. Good way to tear a hole in your suit." Reginald Traveline said
"I will keep that in mind the next time." Major Nathan Davis replied. Once he was securely anchored, he examined the locking mechanism. Opening a small Velcro pouch, he extracted the security key, which was attached to him with a small chain. It took him a minute to work his gloves around the small key so that he could insert it into the keypad mounted next to the sealed hatch. The flashing message also caught his attention, and he froze for a long minute.
"You okay Major?" Reginald Traveline asked
This snapped him out and he said "Yeah, sort of an ominous message blinking there. Sort of scary knowing your standing next to live and armed nuke."
"Yes, it is. How about we turn the damn thing off?" Reginald Traveline said
"Chief Zuniga, you better be clear cause I am inserting the key now." Major Davis said
"We are clear. Good luck Major Davis." Chief Engineer Zuniga said from 25,000 kilometers away.
"Here goes nothing." Major Davis said as he inserted the SLDF security key while watching the blinking red light carefully. Then the blinking stopped and the message seemed to get brighter. "Awwww shiit!!!"
-
If this were a tv series I think I would have spit my drink out with this latest episode! (right, and they did a really good job of not showing any spoilers).
-
Looking at a map of the Outworld wastes, Amanda Roberts' group is busy roughly in the northwestern corner whereas MG Mitchell's AO is very in the southeastern corner of the wastes
Also about 65 years apart ...in-story time stamp is 3046 and Amanda Roberts captures Erinyes about 30 years post-Jihad.
The name "Sons of Plunder" may be have been reused during Amanda Roberts' time.
.. or the Terrans kept the same name for their proxy pirates all this time ... hmmm
-
If this were a tv series I think I would have spit my drink out with this latest episode! (right, and they did a really good job of not showing any spoilers).
Fortunately, you´d have a week to clean that up, because this would definitely have been the cliffhanger at the end of the episode.
-
A well-executed cliffhanger, I daresay... 8)
-
:popcorn:
-
Talk about a cliff hanger
-
11 August 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga heard the "Awww Shiiit!!!" come over the channel and cursed under his breathe. The dropships sensors and cameras were on maximum zoom, fixed on the dark spot in space. The thermal imager suddenly registered a massive thermal bloom from the once ice-cold station, and he quickly glanced at the normal camera as a bright spot suddenly flared from the same spot. The entire cockpit crew shielded their eyes.
On the station, the security computer ran the SLDF codes thru its memory banks and verified that they were current. It lit off the long-idled fusion reactor setting it for max power output as it started returning the station to life after 260 years being idled. The rush of power in conjunction with the activation of every light on the station switching on at the same time caused the massive flood lamps mounted around the station to be 20% brighter than they normally would before they readjusted to their normal brightness.
Outside the airlock, Major Nathan Davis and Reginald Traveline were frozen, there was nothing they could do anyway. The sudden bright light caused Major Davis to wet himself and Reginald Traveline vomited in his helmet. Both were surprised that they were still there when they opened their eyes again. Major Davis looked at the hatch panel and it was a steady green. His gloved hand trembled as he pushed the green button and the airlock hatch cycled and opened. He looked at Reginald Traveline and realized that he could not see where to go due to the vomit across his view screen. He carefully took his arm and guided him inside the airlock saying "We are still alive, and the airlock is open. I will guide you inside."
"Sweet Jesus that was terrifying. First time I ever lost my lunch on an EVA. Most unpleasant and I do not recommend it." Reginald Traveline replied
Twenty-five thousand kilometers away, Chief Engineer Zuniga heard the chatter and opened his eyes. "Thank god. Get us back over there quickly."
-
;D ;D ;D
-
when disarming a scuttle charge, brown pants ARE recommended.
-
Not just recommended, REQUIRED! :D
-
pshaw ... I'll take 31st century adult diapers, please and thank you.
-
RWS Krait and all the people there that are used to working in space, and SaRI has been finding space-based infrastructure. I see a very profitable trade starting up between them.
If nothing else, giving the RWS Krait a bunch of freshly killed beef and a giant load of clean water would get a lot of goodwill very quickly.
But now it is time to disarm all those stations, and get them either in operations, or buy them from the RWS Krait people.
Also figure out what caused the 2898 catastrophe so it doesn't happen again. Be very interesting if that catastrophe was man-made.
Also, make sure your space suit has a windshield wiper in addition to the Depends.
-
Newgrange?
-
If the total industry could be transited over to Thazi and set up, thqat is a great force multiplier for the FedCom. If they can put ships into production, the Tracker is actually a good workbed, it is escentially a 2 collar Tramp with some good weapons and some Cap weapons. Would make a great starter ship for the FC and a good spy ship.
-
12 August 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"Core Forge, transit drive, structure, and all the other manufacturing machinery to build a ship from scratch. Heavy automation if the design information is programmed into the yard's computer. I did some digging and finally managed to find what I wanted. There is no Tracker design loaded into the system. But, there is programs from Star Lord Jumpship, Tramp Jumpship and Carrack Transport. There are also two Elephant Tug Dropships inside the construction slip. We just need trained people to operate it and the raw material to make the parts." Major Nathan Davis said
"The people here are spacer bred. Most can wear a pressure suit before they are ten. Who do you think maintains everything out here? They built the additional habitats the hard way, pure EVA. I would bet money that they could figure this system out." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"That does not help us with having no information on the Tracker jump core." Major Davis said
Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga held up his hand to silence the argument. "Lets get the Krait inside the yard. We can run full diagnostic and then we know exactly what is busted. We handle the repair problem later."
Major General David Mitchell had sat silently as everyone had been speaking but now he said "Captain Birch, we have scratched that itch for you. Now, will you and your people be willing to make the move to Thazi? I would prefer to not have to haul food way out here forever."
Captain Birch sat silently and looked around the table at the other people before speaking. "I will need to speak to the people about that. Linden is dying, we know it. How would we move eevrything from here to Thazi?"
"Fair question. Chief Zuniga, this is your area." Major General Mitchell said
"KF-Boom. Nothing they have out here exceeds the 100,000 ton mark. We have two KF-Booms on those recovered stations. We might find a few others back at Mariopa. But in the meantime, we could return the mining stations to Thazi, remove the KF-Booms and mount them onto whatever we are moving back to Thazi. Couple days to a week added to each end as we remove and remount KF-Booms. The habitats will even double as passenger quarters during the moves. Saves us from cramming them aboard Dropships like sardines and doing a command circuit back to Thazi itself." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
This time Reginald Traveline spoke up "We can do that but I have a question. The people here did not have access to the shipyard, how did they manufacture the parts and such for the habitats?"
"On the Olympus. Long ago they tore out the bottom and dropped out the LF Batteries. Then sealed it back up again. That freed up enough space to turn it into a massive manufacturing complex by bringing up equipment from the surface. They then used the repair bays to manufacture sections for the habitats before strapping on computer controlled thrusters to ease them out and move them to where they could assemble the habitats by hand the rest of the way. Must be several hundred thousand tons of manufacturing machinery on that Olympus." Captain Birch said
"Never even thought about tearing an Olympus apart like that. Too valuable." Reginald Traveline replied
"I have. We found one and I really wanted to recover it. I ran the numbers and in theory it should work. We never got to test it out though." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Even if we could rebuild the Tracker's jump core, we would still need to either grind it down or have the raw material to build a new one." Reginald Traveline said
Captain Birch actually smiled at that before answering "Down on the surface is roughly 500,000 tons of processed Germanium and Titanium, each. It is the one resource this place had and guess that why they placed this stuff here back in 2760 or so. Raw material we have."
Jaws dropped around the table. Major Nathan Davis spoke first after doing mental math. "That is like 65 Billion C-bills worth. Last I checked a ton of Germanium was trading at 130,000 C-bills per ton."
"Well, it is down there. Going to be a very unpleasant task to load all that stuff up. They shut down the last surface processor about 40 years ago. I am told they kept the mine operational and processor at a low rate to keep their skills up on how it was done. Might be one or two old timers still around, but don't count on it. Most are lucky to live past 80 out here and getting worse every year." Captain Birch said
-
Lol, if that is all transfered over, then Thazi would have two working recharge station and several shipyards & factory stations.
I mean, they still have the good parts of the one they tore down and then there are those derlict Snowdens as well.
As for what happend, probably Comstar.
Heh, that mining company will be really glad that he is about to get buyers of his Germanium.
I mean, from the near start of this story.
I think Hanse and co, will get quite a shock, from not being able to get their jumpships into shipyard and thus laying still, waiting for a ever dwindling yard time slot, to producing their own jumpships.
Some nice jumpship designs as well.
I can see the Carrack being used for the Germanium Hauling, for one.
How long does the builing of one, take?
Might maybe want to start the construction of one, for the relocating to Thazi.
And they even get planetary mining equipement out of it, plus schooling material, I bet.
O and a extra product that they could sell as well, ASF's.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Star_Lord_(JumpShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Tramp
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Carrack
-
It's interesting that the RWR only had 1 Tracker class ship in 2765. Just looked it up on Sarna. :D
-
It's interesting that the RWR only had 1 Tracker class ship in 2765. Just looked it up on Sarna. :D
it might have something to do with how many were actually produced instead of more prominent, sexier designs.
-
It surprises some people (cough)clans(cough), but the RWR did have some patriotic people and did not follow the FatMan.
-
The design dates back to before the invention of dropship collars. Piss poor weapons installed and advancing sensor technology were the downfall of the design.
-
If the decision is to move everything to THAZI, then SECURITY becomes absolute paramount for the entire solar system.
They should be planning on how to defeat in detail, a multi-regiment assault force: before it arrives in planetary orbit.
AKA "think like a Belta" or "we can energize every pirate point in the system with mega-tonnage nuclear ordnance."
They've recovered gear which puts them on Hesperus or Luthien technology level.
Alot more people than just the Robes would slaughter the system to get access to the Tech they've recovered.
-
Security will be paramount, move to Thazi or no. Linden is about to have several concentric circles drawn around it...
-
12 August 3046
Inner End (federated Commonwealth)
Briscoe Osbourne was feeling pretty good today, after months of soul searching, he had finally decided to enlarge his staff. It would allow him to focus on the mounting tasks from Search and Recovery Inc while the others handled his other clients. He had just closed the deal purchasing Inman Shipping, even though he had extended the deadline by a week. Inman Shipping and Red Star Shipping were now wholly owned by his clients free of all debts. He had hired a forensic accountant to triple check both companies' books and had been informed that both companies would be profitable without the massive debt payments being made. This at least allowed him to leave the current staff of both companies in place, minus their former owners.
He had no direction on what to actually do with the companies though. So, he drew up all the paperwork to form a new company, Outback Shipping, along with the paperwork to transfer both Inman and Red Star Shipping assets into the new company. Even though he could not actually do it without some signatures, he would be prepared if they approved. If they did disagree, it would be the first time they had. He enjoyed working for Search and Recovery Inc, they were easy clients who gave him great latitude in accomplishing his assignments. Plus, they paid very well.
It took him an hour to draw up the paperwork before he checked his messages for the day. If it was like the past few weeks, there would be several hundred messages responding to all of his other messages. So far, he had managed to fill and even exceed quite a few of the requested positions. Though he had several hundred positions still to fill. He just hoped this Derek Paulson was happy with his work. As he read the messages, he also was making careful notes on the acceptance messages.
Basantapur Fine Metals
Skilled Metallurgy - 40
Sabanillas Mining Company
Skilled Miners - 40
Palmyra Petrochemicals
Skilled Drillers - 40
Skilled Processors - 30
Towne Mining, Incorporated
Skilled Miners - 20
Federated Industries
Skilled Body Armor - 10
Skilled Laser Weapons - 15
Melcher Food Corporation
Skilled Butchers - 40
Skilled Meat Processors - 50
Skilled Veterinary - 20
Kimball's Aquaculture
Skilled Fisherman - 60
Mendham Electronics
Skilled Electronics Manufacture - 30
Acrux Agricultural Industries
Skilled Agriculture - 70
Nashan Pharmaceuticals
Skilled Virologists - 10
Skilled Pharmacists - 20
Baxter Metals
Skilled Miners - 20
Bountiful Delicacies
Skilled Fisherman - 80
Garvis Petrochem
Skilled Drillers - 20
Skilled Processors - 20
Harrow-Deerfield Heavy Industrial Works
Skilled Manufacturing - 30
Juniper Textiles
Skilled Processors - 50
Skilled manufacturers - 40
Maxell Metals Incorporated
Skilled Miners - 30
Rastaban Agricultural
Skilled Farmer - 50
Toloy Chemicals
Skilled Chemical Engineers - 20
Vickers Mining
Skilled Miners - 40
Virtue Cartographers Unlimited
Skilled Cartographers - 15
Zettle Metals Incorporated
Metal Processing - 40
Water Pure Industries
Skilled Water Purification - 15
Cerulean Waters Inc.
Skilled Water Purification - 15
McRae Quik Construct
Skilled Civil Engineers - 30
Skilled Manufacturers - 30
Curtiss Hydroponics
Skilled Hydroponic - 30
DuraPaq Solutions
Skilled Food Processors - 30
Skilled Inspectors - 10
Tamarind Mining Corporation
Skilled Miners - 40
Amalgamated Eridani Mining Corporation
Skilled Miners - 10
Vauxhall Minerals
Skilled Miners - 10
Interstellar Harvesters
Skilled Manufacturers - 30
Skilled Designers - 10
Surinami Processing
Skilled Food Processor - 30
Pomme De Terre Foods
Skilled Food Processor - 20
Metals of the Earth
Skilled Miners - 15
Metal Processing - 15
Yoshimatsu Chemicals
Skilled Chemical Engineer - 40
Ningxia Foods
Skilled Food Processor - 35
Deep Ores Company
Skilled Miners - 20
Taurus Majoris Mining
Skilled Zero G Miners - 40
Skilled Zero G Processing - 40
Alliance Mining and Geology
Skilled Miners - 25
Skilled Metal Processor - 30
Capellan Commonality Bank
Skilled Financial - 10
-
RWS Krait. Published February 2011 on BattleCorps.
:thumbsup:
Nicely done.
-
I'd be worried about the Capellans, but ROM could insert people from anywhere really.
-
it might have something to do with how many were actually produced instead of more prominent, sexier designs.
It's more likely that, while they were produced in quantity, that was so long ago that age and attrition did for almost all of them even before they were sold to the Houses as hand-me-downs.
It would also explain why there is no record of a Tracker core in the database they just found, it was no longer in production or use by the SLDF, so they had no reason to keep details about it's core, much the same way we no longer have the ability to produce the rifling for the Iowa's 16" guns.
Krait is probably among the very last Trackers, if not THE very last one.
-
funny thing, KF jump cores are rated by MASS, which means that the Tracker and the Merchant match, (both are 120ktons) even if they can't get a core jumped out to it, they could, arguably, pull the core from one of their deadlined Merchants and slap it in the Tracker
-
funny thing, KF jump cores are rated by MASS, which means that the Tracker and the Merchant match, (both are 120ktons) even if they can't get a core jumped out to it, they could, arguably, pull the core from one of their deadlined Merchants and slap it in the Tracker
How much would they have to remove from the Tracker to do this? A Merchant's core is 114,000 tons so they can only keep 6,000 tons from the Tracker.
-
How much would they have to remove from the Tracker to do this? A Merchant's core is 114,000 tons so they can only keep 6,000 tons from the Tracker.
And doesn´t the Tracker have a compact core while the Merchant has a standard core?
At this point, the only idea I have is to dismantle the Tracker, make a plaster cast (or whatever they use in the 31st century) of its core and then use that as a mold for the replacement core.
-
Except that a "plaster cast" doesn't get any of the internal details of the core structure. It'd be like taking a plaster cast of a PC motherboard - sure you could make it look just like the real thing, but it wouldn't be able to actually do anything.
-
Jump cores are not 100% germanium, they have titanium impurities (and probably other impurities) to act as the Ion binding in the core for the power charge, the Germanium is a conductor that causes the field to be the proper wave-lenght and then the core is formed in an odd/specific shape for the forming of the field.
-
That sounds like very specific fluff... where did it come from? ???
-
Think it was either IO or SO
-
If you could find a page reference, I would be most appreciative! :)
-
If you could find a page reference, I would be most appreciative! :)
Strategic Operations: 122 & 123 talk about the titanium-germanium core. 130 talks about grinding it down to gravel and chemically treat it for travel.
-
Hmmm... the current printing of SO:AAR only has four search results for titanium, and they're on pages 110, 111, and 118. I suspect you're looking at an older version of SO, but that's OK! :thumbsup:
The fluff rhymes, but there's nothing about "ion binding" or "wavelength" there... :-\
-
It would be interesting if in their explorations they came across a complete Prometheus Database, mentioned in fics and also in cannon, a total sum of all the Star Leagues technical knowledge database.
Would they keep it hidden from Hanse, sell him a copy, or develop themselves to be fully self sufficient, this would be a pretty good plot twist.
-
It would be interesting if in their explorations they came across a complete Prometheus Database, mentioned in fics and also in cannon, a total sum of all the Star Leagues technical knowledge database.
Would they keep it hidden from Hanse, sell him a copy, or develop themselves to be fully self sufficient, this would be a pretty good plot twist.
Not telling would bring a whole world of pain down on them, when Hanse finds out I would not want to be anywhere near them…..
-
13 August 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
Professor Hiram Ingram was proud of the technical teams that had been working on the recovered Battlemechs from Onverwacht. They had spent the first six months back from Onverwacht just studying the various parts to sort out what was worth working on and then they had finally begun work trying to reassemble them. Even going so far as taking the various salvaged parts to rebuild 9 additional Battlemechs. But they had finally completed the massive task, adding 57 Battlemechs to the SaRI inventory. As the more complicated work had been completed, he had begun looking over what could be done with the Battlemechs of the 199th Light Horse.
It became rapidly apparent that any changes would be fairly simple to make. The Talon TLN-5V was a simple upgrade, just swap the standard PPC for a ERPPC and it was now a TLN-5W. The Crab CRB-27 was also a pretty simple upgrade, Double Heat Sinks and replace the standard Large Lasers for ER Large Lasers to produce the CRB-27b. They did not have any XL engines to turn the Mongoose MON-66 into a MON-66b, so he started playing with the Merlin, simply drawing up possible upgrades, consulting with the techs until they all agreed with a new variant. He took that to Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh.
"We can upgrade the Merlin Battlemechs to advanced technology. It will not impact their maintenance needs any, the techs are getting really good at maintaining the systems now. My calculations show that it will take about a month per Merlin, only because we are moving some weapons systems around and adding in others. I propose that we remove the 18 Single Heat Sinks and replace them with 15 Double Heat Sinks. The standard PPC goes away and is replaced with a ERPPC. The right arm Medium Laser is moved to the left arm with the other Medium Laser. We add a Small Pulse Laser to the right arm, remove the machine gun and ammo. Flamer moves from the left torso to the head. We drop the LRM/5 but relocate a SRM/6 in its place to the center torso and the ammo in the left torso. We then max out the armor by boosting it to 12.5 tons of standard plate with the remaining weight saved.
It should have minimal heat buildup on a jumping Alpha but I honestly doubt that will ever be a real issue in an actual combat situation or at least one that can be easily compensated for by the pilot. It increases the engagement range initially while increasing the close in firepower and staying power. The Small Pulse Laser easily replaces the machine gun and is not limited by ammunition for anti-infantry work. The techs and I agree that this upgrade is the best one possible with what we have on hand and no need for outside support." Professor Hiram Ingram said
"I am not sure I like taking a full Battalion offline to make these upgrades. But if you agree to cycle them in, say a company at a time, I will agree to the upgrades." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
"That is easy to agree to sir. I also want to upgrade the 199th Light Horse Battlemechs, the Talon and Crab's. Those are easy upgrades. Simple Double Heat Sink and weapons upgrades. We can easily complete this while working on the Merlins. We have completed the work on the recovered Battlemechs from Onverwacht and the 199th can swap their CRB-27 for the CRB-27b version. They will only be down their Talons for a couple days." Professor Ingram said
"Make it happen Professor. Leave me a list of what you plan to do and what is available now." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
Refurbished Onverwacht Battlemechs
3x Thunderbolt TDR-5S
3x Archer ARC-2R
14x Thug THG-11Eb
4x Archer ARC-2Rb
5x Thunderbolt TDR-5Sb
14x Night Hawk NTK-2Q
14x Crab CRB-27b
Proposed Upgrades to 199th Light Horse
Talon TLN-5V to TLN-5W
Crab CRB-27 to CRB-27b
Merlin upgrade
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"Why does this Shipyard look so different than any other I have seen?" Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga said more to himself than anyone else as he wandered the halls.
Work crews of locals were being ferried over to help bring the station back to life and perform some long overdue maintenance on the machinery. He was used to a more rounded hull shape on the few shipyards he had been on but this one seemed to be squarer. He stopped to study a hull joint which was covered by a thin plastic strip for some reason. He popped the plastic strip off to expose the joint itself. What the hell, he thought as he looked at what was clearly a thick rubber seal between the two hull sections, held together with a row of bolts and nuts. He knew this was not anything he had seen before, normally all hulls were welded and then pressure tested. Why the seal and why bolts, he thought.
-
portability?
-
Expandability?
-
Modular? Depends on what size ship and where the rss are.
-
Testbed?
-
The SLDF bought their shipyards from IKEA?
-
Those IKEA flatpacks I have to see ... ;D
-
Those IKEA flatpacks I have to see ... ;D
It would explain why the Star League made such leaps in computer science - they had to figure out how to store the assembly instructions in a database small enough to be carried by a single dropship.
-
13 August 3046
Inner End (Independent System)
I thought Inner End was FedSuns not independent, should this be Thazi?
-
It would explain why the Star League made such leaps in computer science - they had to figure out how to store the assembly instructions in a database small enough to be carried by a single dropship.
As long as they can find that little Allen wrench that comes with it, they should be fine.
-
As long as they can find that little Allen wrench that comes with it, they should be fine.
See, that is why the SLDF left all those caches all over the place - they wanted to always a ready supply of parts nearby to replace those missing in the IKEA packages.
-
I thought Inner End was FedSuns not independent, should this be Thazi?
Yeah fixed that. Had something else typed up and changed my mind and switched the story setting but forgot to change the planet. Thanks
-
16 August 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga had put the rubber seals on the back burner of his mind while he focused on getting the Elephant Tugs refueled and their fusion reactors back into action. Then it was time to get them both out and RWS Krait, Tracker, into the now clear construction bay. Even after all his time playing with the various data drives, Major Nathan Davis was having trouble navigating the more complex computer system of the Shipyard. A local computer whiz was brought in, and his fingers seemed to blur as they typed in commands, selected options as they came up, until he finally stopped as a message appeared on the screen.
"It says the current ship is not in its memory storage and is asking if we want to download the information stored inside the ships memory storage. Do we" The local said
Chief Engineer Zuniga and Major Davis looked at each other before Chief Zuniga said "Sure, we might need it."
The local whiz answered yes, and another message flashed on the screen, only in bright red. "Warning, Restricted Access, SLDF Override Needed, Insert Override Security Key." The local whiz half turned, "No clue what it is talking about."
Major Davis slipped the "security" key from his neck and began searching for the right slot until he found it. Shrugging he inserted the key and waited. On the screen, the message vanished and was replaced with a new message "Download initiated. SLDF Override Confirmed."
While they waited, Major Davis asked "How did you learn Star League computer language?"
"It is normal code and commands to me. Was taught it as a kid. Same as my father, and his before him and so on. This is a little more complex than what I am used to on the other stations, but the same commands get me to where I need to go, there are just way more options." The local computer whiz replied
"So you learned Star League code as a kid?" Major Davis asked
"Is there any other? It is all I have ever worked with. Same as everyone that has taken basic computer skills in school." The whiz replied
Major Davis and Chief Zuniga shared a look that seemed to say, "We are so going to hire this guy and a few more".
A new message appeared that said "Download complete."
The computer whiz once again typed in commands faster than even Major Davis could follow until the whiz selected "Run Full Diagnostic."
Chief Zuniga watched thru a large plasti steel window as the construction bay seemed to come to life on it's own. Various automated arms began unfurling from their storage areas and extended toward RWS Krait. Extremely bright lights at the very end of the arms appeared as finely controlled cutting torches began removing exterior panels on both sides of the ship to expose the jump core. This station is almost fully automated, he thought to himself. He turned and asked, "How long is this going to take?"
The whiz checked the display and said "According to this, 43 hours until the full diagnostic is complete. It has already completed some checks, it must be talking to the ships systems also."
"Amazing. I wonder what else this lovely lady can do." Chief Zuniga asked out loud
"You want to find out?" The computer whiz asked
"If you can, hell yes." Chief Zuniga said
The computer whiz moved to another computer terminal and started typing in commands. "Let's see, the onboard data storage has four ships listed. Tracker Surveillance, Star Lord Jumpship, Tramp Jumpship and Carrack Transport. If I select one, we will choose the Carrack Transport. It now asks me if I want to preview, build, repair, service. Lets select preview. Okay, now it says that we are short 4,500 tons of Endo Steel for the structure, 135,750 tons of processed Germanium and Titanium for the jump core, no material for the 54,000 ton Transit Drive, 374 Double Heat Sinks, 87.5 tons of standard armor plate, 2 Dropship Collars and a host of other things. Pretty cool, I guess it reads the onboard inventory before it will even let you start anything. I have no clue what most of that is though. Lets see what else it can do." He typed a few commands and went back to a main menu.
"Well now, from here I can see that the Jump Core Forge is idle, Transit Drive Manufacturing is idle, and several other sections that are obvious production centers are idle for lack of raw material. I guess this station is pretty self contained." The whiz said
"Go back to the Carrack Preview please." Chief Engineer Zuniga said as the computer whiz typed in the requested commands.
Chief Zuniga studied the display for a few minutes. "Pull up the Star Lord please." Again he studied the preview information before progressing to the Tramp and then the Tracker. "Thank you. Excellent work." He then left the command deck of the station.
"What was all that about?" Major Davis asked
"If we have the material, this station can build the Carrack, Star Lord, Tramp and now it seems the Tracker. Except it did not list the capital weapons for the Tracker. This station cannot build capital weapons it seems. Small problem, but it can build the normal weapons and everything else. I wonder if every Star League era ship had it's very design information locked behind that sort of security firewall to prevent anyone from being able to easily copy a ship if captured but to enable emergency repairs on any Shipyard that the ship happens to be able to reach. Just one of those fancy SLDF security keys needed to override the firewall security." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
-
I wonder if this is a copy of the setup the FedSuns are assembling in Wohka
-
Did the Major General (President) Mitchell ever tell the First Prince of the SLDF security keys in his negotiations? I don't think he did, which gives him a leg up on getting his Jumpship maintenance done.
-
Mitchell sent a key with the mobile HPG unit that was sent to New Avalon, but didn't suggest what else the key was for I don't think.
-
The question is, can it self replicate and does it have the blueprints of the other stations or not?
O well, atleast it can replicate that ASF factory station, if they bring it into the dockyard.
Yeah, Hanse is going to be irritated, I bet, especially if they offer Hanse to do a deep overhaul of his ships, for him.
Then offering the option to order new ones, when he did accept said offer.
As for that Tracker, will it get back it's original SLDF IFF transponder?
And what about the other Sari (jump)ships?
I can see them putting their other jumpships, into the yard, in order to get their blueprints, downloaded as well, if they have them, that is.
Could it give them the ability to construct SLDF Dropships, for one?
And what about those SLDF modified Snowdens?
Can they see if they can get them checked for a hidden blueprint file?
Because those wrecked ones they left behind, they might be fixable, afteral.
Fun.
.....
Wait, what about that recharge station.
Can they get a readout of it's blueprints?
-
Sooo many possibilities...
We will see next time on WCGW!
;D
-
Whoah! :o
I ran out of time to read the 'mech refit plan this morning, and come back to THIS! ::)
That's a serious boost for SaRI! :thumbsup:
-
Possibly the most valuable ship in that list was the Carrack, especially if SaRI starts making real efforts at building a logistics network in this section of the OA.
It's got the cargo space you need, carries two dropships and most importantly it's armed. Even without the Naval grade weapons, this thing is no slouch at defense.
I could easily see one or two of these being a core of the SaRI fleet in the OA, especially for things like Germanium and other items that their new production facility is going to need in mass quantities.
The only thing it really doesn't have is dedicated fighter bays, but if you deploy one of these alone, you deserve to lose it.
As for the production facility itself, if it can update it's databanks to include any ship that docks inside it, like the Invaders, Merchants, and Scout that SaRI operate, then there's a good chance that this facility is going to be even MORE important than Davion's Warship yard next door, because this is the support ships that those warships will need to operate long term.
-
The most important thing is can this shipyard copy itself?
-
Indeed! :o
-
Actually I'm ever more interested now in what the other remaining orbital stations they haven't had access to are now. Is one of them a weapons or armor factory? All sorts of possible infrastructure that can only add more and more to what they currently have.
Edit: Also, replicating it might not be the best of ideas unless they're going to sell the copies to the FedSuns to set up elsewhere and even then it's going to be dangerous. Because every major player in the Inner Sphere will go looking for where the new ships are coming from. And with where Thrazi is located, they won't be able to fend off a serious incursion from the Draconis Combine who will level it all if they can't have it, and that's assuming the ComStar Whackies don't start nuking it all.
-
You are not wrong! 8)
-
Double check where Thazi is located, it is a loooonnnngggg way from Combine space with the OA and Fed Suns between the Combine and Thazi. It is sort of like saying the Combine is being preyed on by pirates from Tortuga.
Just saying.
-
If they plug in one of the Vigilants....
-
19 August 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"Krait has a cracked core, right down the middle. The stations computer says it can manufacture a new core in 3 months plus another month to cool properly. It needs 39,500 tons of processed Germanium and 14,800 tons of Titanium. Extraction of the jump core will take a month and another month to install the new one. So, figure Krait is down for 5 months. The other repairs needed can easily be completed in that time frame. For a ship hundreds of years old, she is in pretty good shape overall. Funny thing is, we could build a new Tracker in just 4 months. It is easier than extracting the busted core and reinstalling a new core. For comparison, a Star Lord will take 7 months to build, a Tramp will take 6 months and the Carrack Transport takes 5 months to build. From nothing to complete ship.
Normally a Star Lord Jumpship takes about a year to build, the Tramp is not in production anywhere that I know of and no clue how long a Carrack would take. To me, the construction times are astounding for any sort of Jump capable ship. Taking an educated guess here, the construction times are for the cores, building one with the compact core is quicker due to less time forging the core itself. Standard Jumpships, which are mainly a massive core with a hull wrapped around it take longer to forge. If I had total control, we would build nothing but compact core ships, for speed of construction, cargo capacity and the ability to travel in system from a jump point. But that is not my decision." Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga said to the gathered officers.
"Well Captain Birch, there is your answer. I swore I would be home by December. No way will Krait be repaired by then. The offer to move to Thazi still stands. We would be glad to have you all there with us. What would you like to do?" Major General David Mitchell asked
Captain Marcus Birch was silent for a few minutes as he stared at a spot on the table in front of him before lifting his head to look around the table. "We will move to Thazi and join you. The people deserve a good life, not one where they can barely keep from being hungry and on a strict ration. By the way, I checked Krait's database and a Carrack was armed with 16 NL/35 and 6 NAC/10 and 2 NAC/20 in addition to the smaller weapons. Pretty decent firepower for a cargo transport. Just thought you would like to know that little tidbit."
"I wonder why they would strip the main weapons off the Carrack in the Shipyards database. Would the Star League actually turn Carracks over to civilians? Guess we will never know what they had planned for this design. But it is good information to have." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"I am glad you will be joining us. Now we need to figure out how to get everyone and everything to Thazi." Major General Mitchell said
"Once our own Jumpships get back, 3 Merchants, they can help moving stuff. Currently we have 2 Jumbo and 2 Mule Dropships in system to help haul stuff around. There are two Tramp Jumpships also in system but they are busted, Barracuda missiles are not overly kind to jump cores. They have been parked at the Zenith Jump Point for years. The biggest problem will be the habitats, orbital factories and this Shipyard. Taking them apart I would highly advise against. I also hate to leave the Olympus behind, that is where I actually call home." Captain Marcus Birch said
"We really need to get Paul Orlean from next door out here. The other two orbital factories are smaller than those Snowdens. Probably going to need his experience to reprogram the KF-Booms. We have the two out there we can bring back here and mount on something. There are four more next door if you can talk them out of them, maybe a promise to return them after we use them." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"Our friend will probably extract a pound of flesh in rental payments because that is going to tell him we found something he will want. Now that he has his own ships going back and forth to Thazi, it is going to be hard to hide this find from him." Major General Mitchell said
"This friend a threat suddenly?" Captain Marcus Birch asked
"First Prince Hanse Davion is not really a threat, but what you have here is going to be like waving a raw steak in front of a starving dog. No telling what he might do. Your not grasping how bad off the Inner Sphere is for technology. Any of the Great Houses and all the Periphery nations would wage a major war over what is here. It is even making me a little cautious suddenly." Major General Mitchell said
"Boulsi. We move them to Boulsi. It puts them out of jump range from next door. Out of sight from their ships entering and exiting Thazi. It's the perfect place for them." Major Nathan Davis chimed in.
"Where is Boulsi exactly?" Captain Marcus Birch asked, suddenly cautious in his tone.
"Nine light years from Thazi. We checked it out already. Almost as nice as Thazi, uninhabited except by several million bison, sheep and goats." Major Davis replied
"You would still be with us Captain Birch, ever since we found it, I have been toying with settling it. I just do not have the people to do it correctly yet." Major General Mitchell said, now warming to the idea.
"Sir, if you will excuse me, while you all work out the details, I want to do some exploring and see what I can find to maybe help us out." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
-
The most important thing is can this shipyard copy itself?
And after copying itself, send one of the shipyards to Vice Admiral Unger and keep the other for SaRI to use.
It has plans to create transit drives and Jump Cores on board, as long as it can get the necessary materials. Those will be very useful for expanding the FedCom's advanced tech and industrial capacity since there is no training time needed for the computer databases. From there, see what other sorts of facilities it can build (Endo-Steel manufacturing, Double Heat Sink manufacturing, etc?)
Plus getting a copy of the computer training program used locally. Everyone in that computer studies program learns Star League software, so I can definitely see getting a copy of that syllabus, putting it in place on Thazi, and sending a copy to the Vice Admiral.
The RWS personnel will enjoy Boulsi. Fresh meat everywhere, plenty of land for vegetables, and clean water. Compared to their current home they will be overjoyed.
-
And here we find out that the Fed Suns jerking around a bit with the merc unit and access to the service yard after they already paid blood to do the work has ended up breaking some of the trust.
Oh well, the Clan Invasion is about to kick off so everything here is going to be on the side burner for a long time instead.
-
Does the FedSuns yard have a security key to insert into their computer? I don't remember if it was stated that they did.
-
Correct me if I'm wrong, one month to extract a core, one to instal one.
That's two months.
Fabrication of a core is three months.
Why are they saying five?
Is it using the same bay or so?
Otherwise I would say it would only take four, since you could extract the old core, while casting the new one.
I say this, since it doesn't say anything about grinding up a core.
It's going to take more then five months, to move everyting, anyway.
Might as well, check if they can fix those tramps as well, gives them extra collars.
-
if this AU timeline is following the canon timeline , Mitchel is going to be facing the Snow Ravens in not to many years in the future . best to have the best offense and defense already at hand .the best WarShips , PWS , ASF and ground forces available sounds like a very good idea . al the new finds should help out with making this happen .
-
20 August 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga had found nothing of use in the Shipyards cargo bays, so today he was examining the various production sections. The first he visited was the fairly large Core Forge, with its massive conveyor belts to feed the refined Geemanium and Titanium into the giant furnace before being forged into a jump core. He examined the series of bolts and nuts that melded this section to the other section. He pulled out a portable drill and removed the screws to an access panel in the floor. Setting it aside, he peered down and it looked like a docking collar, used on every Jumpship for centuries. What the hell, he thought as he opened another access panel on the opposite side of the door, but actually inside the station itself. It looked exactly like what you would see where a Dropship was attached to a Jumpship, with both mated together to form a single entity. he replaced both access panels and walked along the wall of the Core Forge until he found an access panel about chest high. Curious he removed the access panel and smiled, it was the control center for a KF-Boom, same as on the recovered mining stations. He replaced the access panel and went to find Reginald Traveline, it was time for some EVA work on the hull.
Three hours later, both men carefully opened a sealed compartment right above where the Core Forge and station were mated together. Once they had it opened, both peered inside and shared a thumbs up before resealing the compartment back up. They would be checking the other areas also, but they knew what to look for now.
21 August 3046
"This station is modular. Think of it as a plug and play setup. The Core Forge, Transit Drive and even parts of the station itself are modular. They have docking collar and even KF Booms installed, just like what you would find on a Dropship. Built right into each section. They did not build this on site, they hauled it out here and put it together. I want to get a look at the other two orbital factories and the original habitat. They very well could have the same setup. That will at least solve some of our problems. Moving the other habitats might be harder, but we can at least move these easy enough." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"I can arrange for you to get aboard the other factories and the habitat." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"Excellent. I would love to find the other habitats built exactly like the first one, if it is equipped like the moduals here, but I am not going to count my chickens before they hatch. Not yet anyway." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
22 August 3046
Chief Engineer Zuniga and Reginald Traveline had boarded the Orbital Small Craft/Aerospace Factory. At 17,000 tons, it was not the largest either had seen, but inside, the actual manufacturing equipment was in an almost pristine state, lovingly cared for by its operators. The manager of the station was quite talkative and narrated the "tour". He explained that they could produce a dozen Vulcan VLC-6N Aerospace fighters per month at full production but had not actually done that in many years. Currently, they produced only two per month to replace the oldest Aerospace fighters operated in the Linden system to keep the workers skilled in the craft.
Finally, they reached the airlock they wanted and Chief Engineer Zuniga and Reginald Traveline put on their bulky EVA suits to inspect the outer hull for a stored KF Boom setup. Both had done a very slow flyby on the shuttle before landing on the factory but had not seen any obvious sign. Though Reginald had identified an area that would be perfect for one if they had to actually mount one. Both moved quick but carefully over the hull of the factory until they located a panel clearly marked "Docking assembly". An exchange of thumbs ups and they quickly opened the panel for an inspection. Another thumb up exchange and they sealed the panel. Time to check the other factory and original habitat.
Two hours later, they were once again given a tour of the other 17,000 ton factory, only this one was based around the manufacture of electronic systems. The manager was quick to point out that they could manufacture any computer system mounted on any of the ships operated in the Linden system along with a variety of environmental systems, controls or replacement electronic components that might be needed. They could even smelt and extrude any sized wiring that might be needed. When asked about how they actually got the raw metal to work with, he explained that it was all done aboard the Olympus Station, traders brought the raw ore back to be processed and then usually the metal produced was then carried back out and traded for other goods. Knowing where to look on the factory sped up their search, which quickly confirmed that it too was equipped with a KF Boom.
Once back inside the station, Chief Engineer Zuniga thanked the manager "Thank you for the tour. You have a spectacular operation here."
"Thank you. May I ask what you were looking for?" The manager asked
"KF Booms, your factory has one. Now we are going to inspect the original habitat." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"I can save you the trouble. They all have KF Booms. Our ancestors figured out how to duplicate them many years ago on this very station. The designs are still stored in our databank. We even build replacements when one fails on a Dropship or one is needed for trade. The hardest part is configuring the exact field, but we have some of the finest computer engineers and programmers. I should know, I help teach them." The manager said
-
Zuniga's life is just getting easier and easier...
-
Mitchell is building quite the little empire!
-
1 September 3046
New Avalon (Federated Commonwealth)
"It has been quite a while since we had word from Mitchell and his group. I wonder where they are." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"They have been active in our space though, that lawyer of theirs bought two Shipping Companies that were about to be foreclosed on. They are still operating their normal routes, so I am not sure what they are up to with that purchase. He has also sent out almost a thousand job offers all over known space. I suspect Mitchell is really planning to put serious effort into developing Thazi beyond a simple farming world. How did the prototype test go on that Mobile HPG that NAIS has been playing with?" Quintus Allard replied
"Failed miserably. I am told the code is in some Star League language that basically no one outside of Comstar can make sense of. We can build them, but we cannot tinker with the base code in any way. I was really wanting to have something Comstar could not intercept, but that looks like a dead end. Even double encoding a message makes me nervous. Not that they can break the codes, but that they will know we have our own HPG network up and running." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"But they could still use them out there, Comstar has nothing even remotely close to their location. Plus, it is the perfect testing ground." Quintus Allard pushed slightly
"NAIS is already heading that way with 4 newly built Mobile HPG's. One for Wokha, one for Thazi and the other two for further testing. But the best news is that our shipyard at Wokha should be fully reassembled and operational by May of next year. I am almost tempted to tell them to begin repairs on our ships instead of building another shipyard." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"Stick to the plan Hanse. It was already a good plan, no sense tossing a wrench into it now." Quintus Allard replied
"I said tempted, Melissa would not let me anyway. Tell me more about this lawyer Mitchell is using." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"Briscoe Osbourne. Age 34, young but very good I am told. Recently started hiring a larger staff to handle his other clients and is focusing more on just Mitchell's requests. Still uses old fashioned paper for his notes and keeps them in his briefcase, which is always with him. We got into his computer files, so we do know who all he contacted about jobs since he is directly linked to Comstars HPG compound. Most are harmless, but there are quite a few that MIIO has files on. Mainly because they are considered experts in their fields, we do keep tabs on people deemed experts because they have a habit of turning up dead suddenly. From what I have gleaned, if they were to all accept the offers, Mitchell is putting together quite a little experiment out there, packed with some very fine minds." Quintus Allard replied
"He's not poaching my experts, is he?" First Prince Hanse Davion asked
"He is hitting all of known space, every realm. If they are an expert in the field he wants to staff, they are getting an offer. So far, very limited experts on military stuff. Economics, agriculture, water purification, civil engineering, that sort of stuff. Quite a few teachers and professors got offers also. He has not touched NAIS people though, not a single job offer. You wanting to curb his efforts?" Quintus Allard replied
"At least he is not going after my NAIS people. No, he has to develop that nation of his from the ground up, so I will give him some room to work. Maybe one day, they will ask to join the Federated Commonwealth and all the really hard stuff will be done for us." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"You really think a single planet nation can exist, in this day and age?" Quintus Allard asked
"Off the radar, yes, we know it can. But once it gets on someone's radar, someone that has nefarious designs on the place, no, it cannot survive. Not alone. He has some impressive equipment, but not even two Regiments of Battlemechs, even advanced ones, his nation would fall if the enemy was serious or had good intel on what they will face." First Prince Hanse Davion said
-
Hanse is (as usual but not always) 100% correct... 8)
-
Hmmmm. Star league computer code for the HPG. Who do we know who has just found a system filled with people who live and breathe old school Star League computer coding practices.
-
And here I was thinking he'd be finding an assembly line for Black Box K-0's....
-
And here I was thinking he'd be finding an assembly line for Black Box K-0's....
they could have that information on the databases
-
Imagine what Mitchell could charge or trade with the First Prince for having some of his new citizens teach Star League code to his people.
-
The big event for Mitchell, will be when they unlock the code for capitqal weapons and start building a defense fleet, and defense satilites.
-
The big event for Mitchell, will be when they unlock the code for capitqal weapons and start building a defense fleet, and defense satilites.
Or someone unlocks the code for autonomous industry. A giant factory that makes mining stations, refining stations, assembly stations, etc. The giant space station can eventually make a copy of itself, but it needs all the smaller industries feeding it to do so. The whole network starts out small, but as the industrial capacity increases it grows and grows.
They had that Star League computer expert, how long before he pokes around and finds it?
-
6 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"With Krait out of service, it leaves our defenses a little weak and that makes me nervous." Captain Marcus Birch said
"You still have the Intruder and Leopard CV along with how many Aerospace fighters?" Major General David Mitchell asked
"Total is 56 Vulcan VLC-6N. Krait has long been the strong point in our defenses, most pirates are not keen to push the issue after the first Dropship gets blown apart. Usually before our Aerospace fighters even engage them." Captain Birch replied
"Your people are part of us now so I will leave our Titan, both Elephant Tugs. That adds eighteen top of the line Aerospace fighters in addition to yours. I can crew the Elephant Tugs with my own people if you need me too." Major General Mitchell said
"No need. We have plenty of Dropship and Jumpship crews. We rotate them every time they return, so that everyone gets experience. There are not a ton of jobs out here, even on the factories, so there are two or three people for every job. Lots of down time between actual job tasks. There are even four complete crews for Krait that rotate every month." Captain Birch replied
"We might not have ready positions for the extra Krait crews, yet anyway, but I can assure you every person here will have more than enough work to go around once we get you all moved to Boulsi." Majer General Mitchell said
"They will love hearing that news. What are you planning to take back with you this time?" Captain Birch asked
"We will take back 6 of the Habitats with us this trip. If I can arrange it, I would love to bring everything back in one more trip, but I am not hopeful for that outcome, plus I am sure Krait will not be ready by then. Three of my Seeker will also be staying on the surface where my engineers will be working to diamantle the Germanium Refineries and possibly anything else they can take apart. But I also want to recover all that refined Germanium and Titanium on the surface, transport it to Boulsi or Thazi also. That will take time, I am sure of it." Major General Mitchell said
"Very well. Then I am going to insist that at least 18 of my Aerospace fighters accompany them. I do not want those people without a defense. Not that I do not trust you but they have been under my protection for a long time. It is habit." Captain Birch replied
"Works for me. I need my Aerospace fighters that are left to escort my ships back and forth." Major General Mitchell said
-
i bet that the FedCom would love to buy more aerospace fighters. All of the Inner Sphere houses are short fighters and the old Lyran part is even shorter. then there is the mercenary market that could use them.
-
When they arrive at Boulsi, the first job should be culling a few of the herd beasts and prepping the meat to be brought back to Linden. Let the people in Linden enjoy some of the food that Boulsi will provide.
Assuming 75,000 people in Linden, then a 1 kg steak per person is only 75 tons (plus refrigeration). Removing a single ASF or 'Mech bay means 2 kg per person (not counting refrigeration). The meat and veggies won't be fresh, but fresh frozen veggies and dry-aged beef would be a wonderful way to welcome the Linden personnel.
But if there are 2-3 people per job, that is an amazing skilled workforce available. Once the new stations are online I figure all of those people will get put to work building things as fast as they can, and they will remember their time of 6-8 months per year of not working as a fading memory.
-
In Boulsi, if the mineral survey's support it, you would want all the mining to be off planet to protect the environment. With such a low population level, you may want to see if any of your new SL computer programmers now how to program automated mining machines.
-
Don't forget to run EVERY vessel thru that station to get them into the database. The Vulcans can be a nasty fighter, especially when they get to the point on putting gauss rifles on them.
-
+1 for the STEAK for everyone plan! :D
-
+1 for the STEAK for everyone plan! :D
Even if it's not a big steak, stew, fajitas, ribs and hamburgers from the smaller scraps
A decent variety of real meat is good for morale
-
12 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Colonel Harold Croyle studied the massive Germanium refinery and shook his head at the monumental task before him. He estimated that there had to be at least 250,000 tons of machinery at this single refinery and there were supposed to be two more down here. He studied the large hunk of metal before him trying to locate how to break into manageable sections. He had his second Battalion checking out the Titanium processing facilities. He did not have much hope for good news as if they were anything like this site.
To make matters worse, the very air had a very unpleasant sulfur odor, and everyone was masked up. He turned around as a Mule Dropship lifted off carrying 8,000 tons of Germanium to the shipyard. He shook his head as he did the math and realized that its cargo was worth a Billion C-bills on the open market. There was another Mule and Jumbo Dropship also loading their cargo of Germanium and two Mules and a Jumbo Dropship loading Titanium. He turned his head slightly to look at the mountain of Germanium sitting roughly 3 kilometers away. He knew he was going to be tasked with moving all that back to Thazi and silently cursed the coming task.
Turning back to stare at the mountain of machinery he said to his waiting people "No sense in standing here wishing it was going to be easy. We know it is going to suck, so let's get to work so that we can get the hell off this smelly planet as quick as we can."
At the Nadir Jump Point, Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga and Reginald Traveline supervised getting the Orbital habitats docked with their assigned Jumpships. Once one was docked, checks were run to verify everything was as it was supposed to be. Several of the local computer techs ran diagnostics on the habitats and KF Booms to double check everything, even though the SaRI crews had already checked them twice. It was their families and friends riding the Habitats to their new home. The sudden launching of Aerospace fighters caught his attention, and he cringed as he said "What is going on?"
"Incoming emergance wave detected. Captain Birch says it is probably a returning trader but cannot promise that." Came the response.
"Oh, that is just peachy. Perfect timing, please give us a twenty minute heads up before you make an emergency jump so we can clear off and get inside. I really do not want to hull surf a jump." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Hull surf?" Reginald Traveline asked over the radio.
"Yeah, only the craziest spacers do that crap. I am not crazy. Hull surfing is where you tether to the hull of a Jumpship and ride the ship thru a jump. On the outside. Bare inches are all that stands between your head and the edge of the damned bubble the core develops." Chief Engineer Zuniga said
"Uh, yeah let's not hull surf." Reginald Traveline replied
When the Merchant Jumpship materialized carrying a Jumbo and Mule Dropship, there was a lot of breath holding until Captain Birch confirmed the identification codes being broadcast as friendly. "That is Captain Carla Hansen, one of the traders."
Three hours later Captain Carla Hansen was introduced to Major General David Mitchell aboard the Olympus Station. "Captain Carla Hansen, Major General David Mitchell. We are moving to join his people. Good to have you back safe and sound." Captain Marcus Birch introduced.
"We are joining his people? Where the hell are we moving to?" Captain Carla Hansen asked
Major General David Mitchell was silent for a few seconds as he looked at the stunningly beautiful woman standing before him. He was finally able to snap himself out of it. "We are based on Thazi, but we are moving you all to Boulsi for security."
"That is heavy pirate country. Sorsk is the closest we go in that area of space." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"Not anymore. The pirates are dead. Thazi is now a free system." Major General Mitchell said
"Under who's rule?" Captain Carla Hansen asked
"Your looking at him. Much to my annoyance, I got elected as President for life. Not a position I ever wanted." Major General Mitchell said
"How do we know your not some pirate scum? Marcus, have you lost your mind?" Captain Carla Hansen asked
"No, Linden is dying, and we have to move to where we can actually live a decent life. They got the shipyard activated and we are repairing the Krait as we speak. They have not done anything hostile, nothing at all." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"You have been stuck here for too long Marcus. That damned group Sons of Plunder are getting bolder. They hit Barahona right before we got there, killed a couple hundred people and took another thousand or so as slaves. Blood thirsty bastards. I am told they have grown in size, now several battalions strong." Captain Carla Hansen said
"All the more reason for us to link up with someone. Plus, it puts us further from those bastards." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"Sons of Plunder, you mentioned them before Marcus. Anyone know where they are based?" Major General Mitchell asked
"Not a clue, and they rolled right over the Barahona militia like they were not even there I am told." Captain Carla Hansen said, also sizing up the man in front of her. At 6 foot one and 225lbs, the 44 year old was in excellent shape and quite a looker, she thought silently.
"I am quite sure that they will not roll over us so easily. But I would prefer to find them before they find us and catch us off guard." Major General Mitchell replied
"We will worry about them later Carla, the people voted and joining the General and his people won. Now, what did you bring back on your ships?" Captain Marcus Birch asked
"Long trip. Almost a year. Water. What else. 4,500 tons on the Mule and 7600 tons on the Jumbo. Got the solar panels from those communist shits on Sorsk and then traded them at Barahona for water. Had to spend three months at Sorsk waiting on them to fill the order. Then 3 months at Barahona, they have the slowest damned pumps ever, we should build some better ones for next time, lord knows the Olympus fuel pumps are faster than theirs by orders of magnitude. Oh, and also got 3000 tons of fish." Captain Carla Hansen said
"Water. You will not have to worry about hauling water ever again where your going. Nor hauling food back to feed everyone. Boulsi has everything you will ever need and Thazi can make up for what you might lack at Boulsi." Major General Mitchell replied
"That is a plus then. Still have to haul the stuff to the stations though. But it would be nice to haul something other than water, especially trading for it at outrageous prices." Captain Carla Hansen said
-
Well, well, well. Will Amor have a successfull hunt here for our dear P4L? :D
-
@2ndAcr: Nora Roberts you are not ;D
All else is great but ....
-
Well, well, well. Will Amor have a successfull hunt here for our dear P4L? :D
Any great founder needs a great dynasty.
-
@2ndAcr: Nora Roberts you are not ;D
All else is great but ....
Romance novels are beyond me skills. LOL
-
@2ndACR
Are yours and CS stories the same or divergent timelines?
-
Working on being the same timeline. He is about 80 years ahead of me in the timeline though.
-
Collaboration at any level is totally encouraged... 8)
-
15 September 3046
Inner End (Federated Commonwealth)
Briscoe Osbourne sat at the table waiting for Sergeant Major Chester Pullman this time. He had finalized the employment of 1,490 specialists that were willing to relocate to a new system and job. While not everyone had dependents, there were still 4,470 of them. To entice them all, he had promised them free travel to their destination and a modest 3,500 C-bills per employee per month until they reached their destination, and their final salary would be determined then. While it was still 5.2 Million C-bills per month it basically also assured them a literal paid vacation for little to no work until getting to where they were going.
While waiting, he was also still working, he had his pad out and was making final notes to present to the Sergeant Major over dinner. He would even pick up the tab, since he also collected a 10% head hunting fee from the first paycheck, which meant his pay for the task was 520,000 C-bills. During slack time, he had had conversations with several lawyers who represented various merchant shippers, both independent owner operators but also a few small companies. The majority opinion had been that most failures were due to extreme downtime for maintenance. The larger the Jumpship, the further it normally had to travel for routine maintenance. This not only cost money but time and both were expensive. The best companies minimized their ship types as much as possible and only used the Monolith and Star Lord Jumpships on the most valuable routes and usually very close to yards that could handle their maintenance.
These discussions had caused him to do a search of available ships on the markets. With Inman Shipping having a Monolith and single Star Lord Jumpship, after some careful checking, he had determined that the Monolith had an average of three collars empty at all times and the Star Lord averaged two empty collars at all times. They were just too big for the routes in this area. He compared that to another small company that ran four Merchant Jumpships and found that they were almost always fully booked. He had dug a little deeper and found out that the Merchant was the ideal ship for this part of the Federated Commonwealth since it could get regular maintenance and repairs at any Olympus Recharge Station. Another check and he found that there were actually quite a few in this region.
The proposal he would make was to sell the Monolith and Star Lord Jumpships from Inman Shipping, which he figured he could get 2.3 to 2.7 Billion C-bills for both. He could then use the funds to purchase four to six Merchant Jumpships. They would lose some dropship capacity, but since the ships he would sell were usually running empty collars, it should balance out in the end. It made sense in his head, anyway, fully booked in his mind meant maximum profit on every jump made. A chair being pulled out brought his head up.
"Mr Osbourne, fancy place you selected. Not sure I can afford this place." Sergeant Major Chester Pullman said as he sat down.
"I have no problem treating you to the finer side of life Mr Pullman." Briscoe Osbourne replied as he laid his pad to the side. "I have completed hiring the requested personnel you delivered to me. I spread them out across every nation as best I could to minimize raising any red flags. I have employed 1,490 people that require transport to their new jobs. In addition, there are 4,470 dependents that will be relocating with them. I am just starting to really focus on hiring the requested people with teaching credentials. I have sent out quite a few invites but have received only a few responses. It seems that most are happy where they are. But I will expand my search to fill the requested numbers. Though this might mean offering a pay scale above what they currently might be making."
"Lot of people to move. Do I even want to know what this is costing us?" Sergeant Major Pullman asked
"A hair over 5.2 Million C-bills per month in salary. Plus travel expenses." Briscoe Osbourne replied
"Damn, we could be talking 50 to 70 million before they even get to where they are going." Sergeant Major Pullman said
"Probably more, some will not arrive for at least a year. Unless you want to pay for express routing, which in turn could cost even more than your estimate." Briscoe Osbourne replied
"Any of the dependents have skills we could use?" Sergeant Major Pullman asked
"As a matter of fact, quite a few skills. There are 52 Grade School level, 93 Middle School, 211 High School level and 17 College level teachers among the newly hired people. While this should count against the teaching credential list, I am being nice and not counting them as hired. Call it a free bonus for the repeat business." Briscoe Osbourne replied
"That is just so nice of you. How much do we owe you for the completed request?" Sergeant Major Pullman asked
"520,000 C-bills. I might have to spend a good portion of that on medical care, I think I developed carpal tunnel from all the typing I did." Briscoe Osbourne replied with a smile
"Yeah, you look so crippled sipping on that drink. I will have the funds transferred tomorrow to your account." Sergeant Major Pullman said
"It is so nice to have a client that pays in full and promptly. I have a proposal for you though." Briscoe Osbourne said and then laid out his idea of selling the large Jumpships and purchasing smaller ships.
"I will have to run that idea up the food chain. Those purchases were made by direct request from the General. So for right now, they operate as they are." Sergeant Major Pullman replied
"Then how about I use the money saved in the initial purchases to purchase additional Merchant Jumpships while they are on the market. I should be able to purchase four to six with the remaining funds easily. I can have them moved to Humansville, not even hire crews for them yet. If they say to go ahead, we are ahead of the game and the money from the sale of both ships can then be deposited back into the account since we already have the ships. If they say no, I will sell the ships again." Briscoe Osbourne said
"You just love spending our money Mr Osbourne. Your addicted to spending money, our money. I do not know what the boss has in mind exactly, but I can read between the lines. Purchase the ships, try not to spend it all, get the best deal but also the best quality. I would rather not have to answer to a certain Chief Engineer." Sergeant Major Pullman replied
"That is what I really like about you, you make a decision quickly. I always strive to deliver the best for my clients. Now, shall we order? My treat, anything you want." Briscoe Osbourne said with a huge smile
-
Filet Mignon, oysters, artichoke hearts, the finest martini they make, and creme brulee for desert... ^-^
-
The General might want those Monolith and Star Lord out at Thazi for SaRI's use, or even put them through the New ShipYard to attain their blueprints and be able to build/repair them.
-
20 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"It will be just over a month to Boulsi. Probably a week there as we get the habitats positioned plus I will need to make contact with my people on Thazi to coordinate food deliveries to Boulsi until we get food production going on Boulsi itself. So, if I had to guess, it will be at least 3 months before my ships return for the next batch. Depending on if Krait is finished being repaired, we will decide if that will be the final movement or not. I really do not want to leave anything behind, but I am also told that the stockpiled Germanium and Titanium will take quite a while to move, so we will always have that particular mission to complete." Major General David Mitchell said
"I would like to accompany you, check out our new home if you would not mind." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"Your more than welcome to accompany us." Major General Mitchell said and then looked at Captain Carla Hansen "How about you Captain, want to take a trip and check us out with your own eyes?"
"Why not. My relief has command of my ship so I am not due another trade mission for at least 8 months." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"Very well then. We depart tomorrow. Pack your bags." Major General Mitchell said and turned to leave then stopped and turned back around "About those trade missions, we should seriously think about suspending them until we get everyone moved, settled in on Boulsi and then we can reevaluate those trade missions for any threat or risks involved."
"There is always a risk out here." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"That is what I worry about. Your part of us now and that makes you my responsibility to protect from those risks or threats. We need to come up with a way that I am comfortable conducting those trade missions." Major General Mitchell said
"Outside of attaching a Leopard CV or Intruder to each Merchant, cutting our trade volume in half, I do not see an easy way." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"We have several months to talk it out. There has got to be a way to make it much safer, outside of conducting a multiyear sweep of the region to eliminate any threats." Major General Mitchell said
21 September 3046
The SaRI convoy departed Linden carrying six orbital habitats loaded with 23,622 people from Linden towards their new home at Boulsi. It was a third of the Linden population and they had even moved people off the Olympus Recharge Station and 3,500 people from Linden's surface to help establish a presence on Boulsi's surface.
Thazi (Independent System)
Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh watched the AFFC Mammoth with some anxiety as a throng of civilians from Wokha began disembarking. He turned when he heard former Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Campbell say "That is a bunch of people. How many people did they say were coming over here?"
"Just over 118,000 people are being moved to ease the supply strain on Wokha. This is only the tip of that iceberg, only 14,000 people. Every two months another batch will arrive to give us time to get them properly settled. When are you heading to Inner End?" Brigadier General Horbaugh asked
"After he gets back. He told me to wait for his return for some reason." Sarah Campbell replied
Brigadier General Horbaugh had already seen the message from Inner End about her birthday surprise but said nothing to her about it. "Very well, he has his reasons, Sarah. Still have not decided what to call you little shipping adventure?"
"I have narrowed it down some to a few names. I had to scratch Thazi Shipping for obvious reasons. We will have to register with the Federated Commonwealth of course, otherwise customs is going to examine us with a microscope at every stop. Especially if we are going to be trading goods there. That is part of why I am going back to Inner End with the convoy, to hammer out the final details and get everything nice and legal. Our ships are easy enough to explain, we have the proper paperwork showing they were awarded as prizes from pirates along with the transfer from SaRI to whatever name I decide on." Sarah Campbell replied
"Try not to take too long though, there should be a ton of those prefabricated housing units on Inner End waiting to be picked up and brought out here. We are gong to need them bad now." Brigadier General Horbaugh said
"Quick as I can get the paperwork done and loaded, we will be on our way back." Sarah Campbell replied
-
Those bigger ships should simplify things greatly... ^-^
-
20 September 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"Your more than welcome to accompany us." Major General Mitchell said and then looked at Captain Carla Hansen "How about you Captain, want to take a trip and check us out with your own eyes?"
"Why not. My relief has command of my ship so I am not due another trade mission for at least 8 months." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"Very well then. We depart tomorrow. Pack your bags." Major General Mitchell said and turned to leave then stopped and turned back around "About those trade missions, we should seriously think about suspending them until we get everyone moved, settled in on Boulsi and then we can reevaluate those trade missions for any threat or risks involved."
"There is always a risk out here." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"That is what I worry about. Your part of us now and that makes you my responsibility to protect from those risks or threats. We need to come up with a way that I am comfortable conducting those trade missions." Major General Mitchell said
"Outside of attaching a Leopard CV or Intruder to each Merchant, cutting our trade volume in half, I do not see an easy way." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"We have several months to talk it out. There has got to be a way to make it much safer, outside of conducting a multiyear sweep of the region to eliminate any threats." Major General Mitchell said
Depending on time between trade missions, that is enough time to jump to Linden a week or two early, then jump from Linden to the normal trade route. That way anyone at the destination will see the normal emergence flare for coming from Linden. Add a few satellites near the Z/N jump points to monitor for incoming signatures, to see if anyone followed the trade ship?
They may have to keep a few of the stations in Linden operational to make it look like the people in Linden are still present, so nobody goes looking further for a while.
-
Mitchell should/needs to arrange a meeting in Woaka to possibly trade some ship/station designs with the Davions. his new ship designs, habitat, and the new modular shipyard, (?Hughes?) for some ship designs from the Davions. It would be nice to get the Robinson block II, Vincentt, and Davion Block II, and if they would have the Nightwing would be a nice upgrade to the Tracker, or to get the survalence gear off a Nightwing to put onto a Tracker.
-
Those bigger ships should simplify things greatly... ^-^
Indeed, if only to improve the salvage & exploration side of things.
Can they sold a couple of passengier dropships to Hanse, do they still have those blueprints?
Why?
Becauce if they add a Princess her blueprints to them, they might be able to make a very nice Mammoth, with a extra large main cargo door, for extra big loads.
Hopefully, tney can get tnose two Tramps, fixed as well, because then they have some ships for a more local trade mission, by having defences on the jumpship.
The StarLord & Monolith, two very nice ships, how many Lee's did they have, again?
Five?
Add the Seeker and you have a filled StarLord.
They need Mammoths, can that shipyard get a copy of the blueprints?
Just think how the upkeep & spareparts production could thus be improved.
If that Monolith can have it's blueprint read out by the shipyard....
Money printer, right there.
Suggest they figure out how to copy the jumpcore casting station(s).
That way they can speed things up a bit, making refits easier.
I do think Hanse will become quite startled(?) when they start selling Monolith's to him, in block lots.
-
Unless the Davions have the Princess Blueprints, then Mitchell is out of luck.
The Boatyard the was brought to Thazi has a Mammoth modified with large cargo doors, water landing controls, and the capability to land large boats, medium-sized ships. So once they go through the Modular dock for maintenance, then they will have the designs for them and for the Scout's core.
One of the projects that Thazi needs to do an also for Boulsi is to reproduce the Modular shipyard and build added sections to add more build slips, and longer/larger slips.
-
1 October 3046
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Reginald Traveline and his small group had asked to remain behind and study the Shipyards construction to better understand how to dismantle it for transport. They had carefully logged all the connection points which was actually most of the station, even the construction bay was designed with a docking collar. They had been surveying the station for over a week and calculated they could move the station with 12 collars. The power feeds were easily accessible, if you knew where to look. They were aided in their efforts by Jimmy Bulkwater, the computer wizard who had initially helped unlock some of the station's secrets, who had located the stations damage control schematics and assembly plans after much of the survey had been completed.
Today was different, he had taken his team over to the Olympus Recharge Station, though it had long ago lost the ability to Recharge anything when the locals had removed the massive Recharge Batteries from its hull. The now vacant voids had been filled with manufacturing machinery and even metal smelting equipment. Over 400,000 tons of heavy equipment. Over 15,000 people called the Olympus home and had protested any effort to leave the Olympus behind when they moved. This had led to some very long discussions with Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga, himself and his team, along with several of the local experts on how to accomplish such a movement. While Chief Zuniga's initial plan, made long ago, had held promise, it had also called for some serious demolition work.
It would take quite a while to remove the heavy machinery to free up weight. And then they would need to remove all at least 10,000 of the standard quarters that had been constructed over the years, the small craft bays and Aerospace bays, all the lifeboats and escape pods, plus empty the fuel tanks to get the weight down to 87,000 tons. But this would leave the Olympus itself intact with the pressurized repair bays still installed. Aided by the local experts, hundreds of computer simulations had been run and there was a 93% chance to successfully move the Olympus Station back to Boulsi via KF Boom. They could then reassemble the removed items once back at Boulsi. There had even been discussions of hauling the Recharge batteries back to Boulsi also, though this was not a priority.
But that also brought on a new problem, with no fuel aboard, they would need to shut down the reactors. That meant the 15,000 plus people would need to be moved by another method. They could not ride the Olympus like they were using the Habitats, and they had only conducted two jumps, once to the Zenith Jump Point and another back to the Nadir Jump Point to make sure it was a feasible idea anyway before they had departed. Until they returned, no one knew if even the Habitat ride was safe. If they had all the Linden Dropship assets, 4 Jumbo and 5 Mule, fully loaded with the heavy machinery, that only moved 74,000 tons of equipment. Add their own Mammoth Dropship and that put them at 104,000 tons being moved per trip. Still, that was five trips to haul all the stuff away. With work crews having to stay behind to continue prepping the Olympus for the jumps. He wanted to err on the side of caution and reinforce the stations framework to handle the stress of a jump thru hyperspace. That also added in the delay as the heavy machinery was just starting work on producing the requested frames, which would then be stored on the hull of the Olympus until they had removed all the interior stuff so that they could install the bracing.
It was going to be a tremendous amount of work and there was no way around that. Then the problem of the weight of the additional frame would put them over their target weight. That would require another 3,000 quarters to be removed to shave off another 20,000 tons to account for the metal framework. The task just kept growing the more the problem was studied, and plans were made.
-
Well, looks like could need some more collars. So either would will need to repair the Tramps here in system, build some Star Lords (most efficient) or build some Carracks (which gives you two collars and ~60ktons or onboard cargo space. Though doing a quick redesign of a Carrack and put in a lot of steerage passenger quarters would be a nice idea. or wait till the monolith is in Thazi and then bring to Ludine.
-
With 100,000 tons being the limit for a drop collar, I'm sure they'll figure it out... 8)
-
One idea for the Olympus would have been putting a smaller reactor on board to keep it powered until it is hooked to the Collar, then running power from the Jumpship to the Olympus. You'd have to make sure the Olympus is on low-power mode to avoid straining the Jumpship and any onboard reactor(s), but a small reactor for power would help out a little bit.
For the repair bay getting tech schematics of the Jumpships and Dropships, you might have to spin off another corporation run by an eccentric billionaire who likes to cross off a list from his Jumpships & Dropships guide, so he can claim to have been on board all of them in his lifetime. As a result he could advertise that if someone stopped by with a Dropship or Jumpship he had never seen before, he would give it a free maintenance overhaul. This would encourage various Dropship owners to stop by the location hoping to get the overhaul, and providing the FedSuns with a nice database of vessels.
For the Monoliths and Star Lords, IIRC the primary limit was that they stayed on the main paths due to lack of maintenance/repair/overhaul locations which resulted in them jumping with 2-3 collars empty. If plans for a Repair Yard that can handle Monoliths and Star Lords can be brought back to the FedSuns and those stations built, that would allow the existing Jumpships to service more locations. By letting them do business in more areas, that would help the FedSuns nicely. Off-hand, the locations would be the various March capitals and depending on the travel distance it could also include a few of the systems in between.
-
For the repair bay getting tech schematics of the Jumpships and Dropships, you might have to spin off another corporation run by an eccentric billionaire who likes to cross off a list from his Jumpships & Dropships guide, so he can claim to have been on board all of them in his lifetime. As a result he could advertise that if someone stopped by with a Dropship or Jumpship he had never seen before, he would give it a free maintenance overhaul. This would encourage various Dropship owners to stop by the location hoping to get the overhaul, and providing the FedSuns with a nice database of vessels.
For this to work in setting, you have to buy a technician license from the manufacturer or a clearing house for certification. Otherwise you can not advertise the capability or monetize.
-
22 November 3046
Boulsi (Former Outworld System)
"Welcome to Boulsi, your new home." Major General David Mitchell said
"What the hell happened to that Olympus? It has definitely seen better days." Captain Marcus Birch asked
"We looted it to build a maintenance facility at Thazi. I am told that it could be repaired with some extensive work, though it is missing the repair bays completely. But both grav decks are still in place but we also removed virtually anything that we could remove for spare parts for our own Olympus Station." Major General Mitchell said
"Well, it at least gives us something to do in our spare time or if we get bored." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"Can I see the navigational data for the system?" Captain Carla Hansen asked and with a nod, Lieutenant Colonel Kirby Pennell waved her over. She spent a few minutes looking the data over before saying "Long ways from the planet, looks like a 12 day trip one way, figure a month round trip with a cargo unload. That is going to eat up a ton of fuel and tie up quite a few Dropships if we are running raw material from the planet to the Jump Point. I think it best if we establish ourselves closer in, maybe no more than three days from the surface. I do not see a good La Grange point to use, so we can arrive at the normal Jump Points with our Jumpships."
"What about the Shipyard? If we build any Jumpships, they will have to wait for a pirate point to make a jump." Major General Mitchell said
"We use the Tugs to push the Jumpships out to the Jump Point. Better yet, since we would be pushing any Jumpships to or from the Shipyard anyway, we could place it and the orbitals within the dust ring of the 5th planet. Nice gas giant with 18 moons orbiting it. We can easily hide among the moons itself to prevent easy identification of what we actually have. We would have done it at Linden to protect ourselves if we had access to the Tugs to do the positioning. Now we do or will have once everything is here with us. Enough time, and we might even be able to identify suitable points to allow closer jumps to and from the Shipyard." Captain Carla Hansen replied after studying the system chart closer.
"I thought it would burn too much fuel and time to move raw material from the planet to the Jump Points, if I am reading the chart right, the 5th planet is 13 days away from the Jump Points." Major General Mitchell said
"The moons, we can mine the moons for raw material. You have those two mining stations, we use them. We can anchor a station in orbit and provide our own material." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"How can you be sure those moons will have what you need on them?" Major General Mitchell asked
Captain Carla Hansen and Captain Marcus Birch shared a look and each nodded then she replied "Linden was the main DoME base out here during the Star League era. We still have the DoME databases on every system out here. What was done to them, what equipment was still in place and projections along with complete surveys of every system out here. We looked Boulsi up right after we first met, curious as to what we would have here to work with."
"Son of a bitch, you both were playing me?" Major General Mitchell exclaimed
"Not playing you, call it optimistic but cautious. We arrived safely, we have been treated very well, so now we trust you." Captain Marcus Birch chimed in
"What if we had not been what we said?" Major General Mitchell asked
"There would have been a very bloody fight. We have lived in a very dangerous region for a very long time. Every man, woman and child over the age of fifteen is trained in Zero G combat tactics. There are roughly 20,000 armed people on those habitats. We would not have gone down without a serious fight. They might be civilians at heart, but numbers can sometimes count for something, and I doubt all your troops are trained in Zero G combat. I know they aren't because they are fairly clumsy in Zero G. Our people have spent their entire lives living and working in Zero G except for their down time on the grav decks." Captain Marcus Birch replied
"Fair enough I guess. Guess I should have demanded a search of those habitats." Major General Mitchell said
"Again, that would have told us you were not to be trusted and there would have been a fight. Instead, you and your people did exactly what you said you would do, all the way." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"Well, enough talking, let's get unloaded so that I can go check in with Thazi. They need to know that you are over here and that I am back." Major General Mitchell said
-
That's going to come in handy... with Mitchell's SLDF data, and Linden's DoME data, they should be able to recover worlds at quite a rate... 8)
-
If they have access to DoME's info, they could attempt to repair or stabilize Linden. Hell, beats having to dismantle all that space infrastructure.
-
Why can't they just leave, say, a month's worth of fuel for the reactor aboard the station, then they can keep it going while it's being moved? A month's fuel shouldn't be more than a thousand tons or so, that shouldn't affect their ability to carry it.
-
because the tanks are in a section they have to disassemble
-
Well, looks like they can go out to hunt for more tech.
This time, Dome Tech.
Why do I think, some idiot tried to get into theirs or the filters are full of toxic sludge and still in place?
O well, who cares.
If they fix that other recharge station, then they could give her a double battery load, if her original ones are still in place and intact.
And with two recharge stations in a row, they basically can thus easily shuffle cargo to and from the planet, in a timely way.
Are they going to look for another recharge station or perhaps construct one from scratch?
The location that the Thazi recharge station original had, would be perfect for a more hidden yard setup.
I hope they find a Royalty, which I suspect, might be using a modified Bonaventure warcore as part of the Primitive to to Modern Q-ship, upgrade program.
Add in Invader & StarLord component compatibility as well and....
Makes me wonder if the same could have happend to the Aquilla as well.
So, which of these ships, could they potdntially come across, if only as wrecks?
It might turn out that they might want to ship their shipyard to certain wrecks, in order to get their blueprints and stripping them of still good parts, that is.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Cruiser
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Athena_(WarShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Aquilla
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Royalty
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Dart_(WarShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Lola_III
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Nightwing
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Avatar_(WarShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mako
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Bonaventure
I guess Hanse still has a few of this class, laying around, for logistical reasons.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Robinson_(WarShip_class)
A funny, if you read the links of the Samarkand I & II, then one has no SLSF entry, while the other has, plus more advanged equipement as well.
A deal deal in order to get new ships in order to get rid of Amaris?
How long was that going on and could a few of these block two's have ended up in the OWA?
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Samarkand_Block_I_(WarShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Samarkand_Block_II_(WarShip_class)
Some Dome & SLDF planetary reports, looks like they can refine their salvaging operation, quite a bit.
Would be funny if they get a hint of a hidden moonyard, like Gabriel & Columbus.
As for money, I can't see Hanse not wanting them using FedSuns money.
So what is the deal, there?
What is Hanse thinking, there?
Because keeping everything using FedSuns money, makes things easier, all around.
Yet the title of this story, having to switch from one money system, to another, because of a growing need, while you just have everything up & running, on that point...
It would be in theme, right?
Same for them having to buy their Germanium, that they used to own.
If they can get Snowden production up & running, together with those modular housing stations, then they might be able to sell them to that mining company, from the start of the story.
And if that Tramp wreck is still there, minus the jumpcore, then they might be able to sell him a new jumpcore and the spareparts needed to fix her, as well.
Maybe a few warship rated transport jumpships as well, for the Germanium transport?
Would help against pirates, to have a hull rated for warship fights and a transit drive that lets them move away to another jump location, as well.
Yeah, I can see that mining company being interested in such a hull, same as Hanse.
-
i can give you a partial answer as to why not just use Fed Suns money, the answer is a combination of inflation and expectations.
say Thazi was to just sell their gold/precious metals on the open market for FSD (FedSunsDollars) they would get X amount of money that would suddenly disappear from the FS economy. This causes questions as does Hanse just printing the same X amount of FSD and handing it to them for said physical goods. There are groups in any government and economic setup, (outside of CS) that pay attention to things like that and use the amount of money printed, above or below usage/maintenance rates to judge the economy. either of the above actions would gutter the Precious metals market alongside at the same time the economy would go into a recession. this is especially true if we are considering that what Thazi wants it for is their own internal economy.
by selling Thazi the printing equipment, Thazi sets its own internal value vs the gold standard for goods and services and goes from there, trade outside of Thazi is still arguably on a barter setup, but effectively all international trade is because you value your goods and services at so much versus what other nations value theirs.
-
Once the Factories, Stations, and Shipyards are up and running, there is not going to be much of a need for money in the system, except for salaries. Mitchell is going to own everything, so the cost of construction and maintenance will be little. Just pay the workers, the workers buy food, and the money earned from the food and resources, it all goes in a circle.
-
30 November 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
"Welcome back sir." Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh said as he shook Major General David Mitchell's hand.
"It is both good and bad to be home." Major General Mitchell replied, "Sarah, good to see you too. I have an early birthday present for you. But first, this is Captain Marcus Birch and Captain Carla Hansen, part of the Linden group we are settling over at Boulsi."
"Good to meet you both. What sort of birthday present? That usually means I am about to get screwed." Sarah Campbell replied
"Not this time. Not only do you have the Merchant fleet here at Thazi, but I had our lawyer purchase a shipping company in the Federated Commonwealth. He managed to score two small companies, paid in full, so you have no debts at all there and, which was a surprise to me as I just read the message from Sergeant Major Pullman, they purchased an additional six Merchant Jumpships, you would have to find crews for them, but they are currently being transferred to Inman to await your arrival. So, happy birthday, you have earned it." Major General Mitchell said
Sarah Campbell had tears in her eyes as she said "I do not know what to say. I honestly don't. Thank you." She hugged Major General Mitchell tightly.
"You don't have to say anything. If you decide to relocate to the Federated Commonwealth, don't forget about us out here. It is your decision to make, I will not try and stop you." Major General Mitchell said
"I don't know, this is a huge surprise to me. I would never forget about any of you if I moved away. No crews, I will have to do some serious scrambling to get people hired." Sarah Campbell replied
Captain Carla Hansen cleared her throat before saying "Not too much scrambling. We can easily supply the needed crews for those ships. We have more trained crews than we do ships. They are not familiar with current affairs in the Inner Sphere, but they know how to jump using uninhabited systems with the best of them and are used to operating out here. General Mitchell explained to us how you all depended on a long supply chain for almost everything except raw material and food. On the way in, I counted six Merchant Jumpships, we have three Merchant Jumpships ourselves. If your crews are willing to take over those in the Federated Commonwealth, we can easily take over these and handle any sort of hand off you decide on."
Sarah Campbell exchanged looks with everyone and smiled "That could possibly work out. What am I actually starting off with besides the six uncrewed Merchants?"
Major General Mitchell pulled a message slip from his pocket and handed it over. She took it and read.
To: David Mitchell
From: Briscoe Osbourne via Sergeant Major Pullman
As requested, I have finalized the purchase of Inman Shipping and Red Star Shipping. Both companies are debt free and currently active on existing routes. Total purchases were below provided funds. I have also begun paperwork to register in the Federated Commonwealth, awaiting proper signatures and agreements, for Outback Shipping, along with transfer paperwork of both companies' assets to new company. Current assets follows:
Inman Shipping (Inman, FC)
1x Monolith Jumpship
1x Star Lord Jumpship
4x Mammoth Dropships
11x Mule Dropships
1x Commercial (Company Owned) Drop Port
Red Star Shipping (Humansville, FC)
3x Merchant Jumpships
I refused to lease the Drop Port and demanded it also be transferred to company control from previous company owner or we would wait for the creditors to seize it and then purchase it at a discount. He agreed, I know this was not part of the request, but it might help to control your own Drop Port. It did not show up in the company financials and was a surprise, but previous company owner had personally co-signed the loan documents, so it was far game for the creditors anyway. Standing by for new assignment.
Briscoe Osbourne
"I even have a home base to operate from. David, this is too much." Sarah Campbell said when she looked back up.
"You deserve it, all your people do. Some of our people want a more normal, nonmilitary life. I know it and so do you. Though, I would like that Monolith and Star Lord Jumpship in exchange. SaRI still owns 40% of the company after all. Maybe a Mammoth or two. Sure, would help when we trip over stuff like we just did. We are looking at months of transfers from Linden to Boulsi. I will even let you have SaRI Express back in exchange." Major General Mitchell replied
"You can have them. This sort of changes things. Captain Hansen, how would you like a job?" Sarah Campbell asked
"Doing what exactly? I already have a job." Captain Carla Hansen replied
"How about you come with me, and we will find a place to sit down and talk about it." Sarah Campbell said as they both walked away quietly talking.
The gathered men watched them walk away until Brigadier General Horbaugh asked "So, what did we find out there?"
"Besides Captain Birch here. Just a functional shipyard, orbital factories, small SLDF cache, about 60 Billion in Germanium, two mining stations, a soon to be functional warship and over 70,000 highly skilled people. The usual stuff." Major General Mitchell said
Brigadier General Horbaugh laughed softly and then seriously said, "You are the definition of understatement. The usual. You know as well as I do that Shipyard is going to cause all sorts of problem with the First Prince when he finds out. Not to mention a damned warship."
"That is why they are being placed at Boulsi, to keep them from prying eyes. The First Prince is not going to find out if I can keep it that way. Besides, it has very limited construction ability on ship types. None are of true military value. As for the warship, Krait is not really a warship, she has a few weapons and a powerful transit drive. Looks just like a Merchant Jumpship. Nothing he will get too worked up over. It is only a threat to those that cannot counter it. We know he can counter it. The best thing, is we can now home grow our own crews and Aerospace pilots from Captain Birch's people." Major General Mitchell replied
"Not get too worked up over. Sir, you have been gone too long. Need I remind you who exactly your talking about here? First Prince Hanse Davion, the man who started the Fourth Succession War at his wedding reception. The Fox himself. He is going to blow a fuse over this the moment he finds out, whenever that might be. Mark my words." Brigadier General Horbaugh said
"I will cross that bridge when I am forced to cross it. We are our own nation, and we must look to ourselves to defend ourselves and at times, our interests will not coincide with those of the Federated Commonwealth. You know that you just saw that a year ago when we got cut off from maintenance support without a second thought. Now, we are independent of that particular string holding us back. We will also be starting our own training programs; it is time to work towards cutting the last strings he can use to pull us back in line." Major General Mitchell said
"Yes sir. If that are your orders, I will begin preparing some sort of training outline. They are going to be some uneducated recruits." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
-
And Horbaugh forgot to mention the added population transfer from Woaka.
-
It'll probably come to him about five minutes after Mitchell walks out of the room... :D
-
And the way for Mitchell to keep Hanse off of him for a while will be to reproduce the Hughes Shipyard and gift/sale cheaply it to Hanse.
-
31 November 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
"How did your little talk go?" Major General David Mitchell said to Sarah Campbell when they saw each other the next morning.
"Excellent. She really knows her stuff. Maybe even better than me. She will run the show out here using her crews. I have decided to run the Federated Commonwealth portion from Inman. I think I can better help there, moving what is essential for you guys quicker or on a priority basis to where it needs to get. I will know a lot more once I get to Inman. Once the Monolith and Star lord make it out here, or are on their way, I would like to get the other Invader back." Sarah Campbell replied
"Okay, you might even get all the Merchants back for your Inman operation if the idea bouncing around in my head works out. I cannot say more right now, best you do not know for security reasons. Your security as much as ours. I am pretty sure the First Prince and Quintus Allard already know most of what is going on since we do use their own communication network, using their own codes. Though not all of it, one reason why I left the black box we had back here with Colonel Davion. Even he does not know what is happening at Boulsi except that we are settling people over there. I plan to keep it that way for now." Major General Mitchell said
"Okay, probably best I do not know anyway. It must be really big if you think you can spare all the Merchants from out here. But I am asking too many questions so don't answer." Sarah Campbell replied
"I will say this much, I want to establish some sort of refuel and maintenance yard between here and Inner End. Maybe even move the one here to a new location. We can also use it as a staging location or cargo transfer point so that if your ships do have to make a trip out this way, they only have to go so far before heading back. The more they are missing from normal operations, the more questions might be asked by the wrong people. It might be a few years before that happens, but I learned my lesson on pushing the ships too hard and do not want a repeat of that error again." Major General Mitchell said
"At least the lesson sunk in and stuck. So, how do we communicate without Big Brother listening in. If we need that to happen." Sarah Campbell asked
"Still working on that problem. For now, communication will be via Sergeant Major Pullman on Inner End. He drops messages for me thru the local MIIO office anyway. You should probably expect some shadows when you reach Inman, I am sure Quintus of the First Prince is going to want to keep close tabs on you when you return, you know all about Wokha and here. That is a high priority for them, especially Wokha." Major General Mitchell said
"Great, I have to start checking for bugs and hidden cameras." Sarah Campbell replied
"Hopefully it will not be that bad. Just making sure you are not surprised if you get a visit or see that your being followed. Though I would advise you to head for the local MIIO office if you do see that your being followed, for safety's sake anyway. Until we work out security. Not like I can stick a squad of troops on you 24/7. I'm going to miss you Sarah." Major General Mitchell said
"It was never going to work out the way we wanted. Your happy out here playing treasure hunter, me, I want a more normal routine without the inherent danger. I have had the adventure part of my life filled. I worry too much about my crews and ships to really be happy playing military stuff. I guess I am going to lose Chief Engineer Zuniga though, I spoke to him this morning, offered him a job. He wants to continue out here, likes the adventure part, said it is just getting too interesting for him to bail out now." Sarah Campbell replied
"No hard feelings Sarah. Knowing your happy is more important to me than anything else. When are you leaving?" Major General Mitchell asked
"Mid December, I want to run SaRI Express thru a quick maintenance cycle. She will take us to our new home. I am going to be taking the Mule with me though." Sarah Campbell replied as she stood to leave.
"We will meet again before you leave. Maybe throw a big going away party." Major General Mitchell said as she left the room.
Three hours later, he sat in a conference room as he outlined his vision for the future. After listening to everything, he opened it for discussions to the small gathering of people.
"Sarah showed me the path you usually take from Inner End to here. If your serious about establishing a waypoint, Sornath is the place to do it." Captain Carla Hansen said
"Why Sornath?" Major General Mitchell asked
"It's inhabited for one thing. Though the people are not very nice to strangers. One of our rotation crews handles that particular trade route and have contacts there." Captain Carla Hansen said
"We have been thru that system several times. Never picked up a single radio signal or any sign of life." Major General Mitchell replied
"They are there. It is one of the few systems that has two habitable planets. Both are inhabited but have no contact with each other. Curtis is the first one, second position in the system, has about 200,000 people or so. We trade food and finished goods for raw material. They mine quite a few different ores there that can be easily traded. They have some dozers and dump trucks, so not totally uneducated. The other is Sornath, population probably closer to a million people, maybe more but scattered across the continent in city states. They also do quite a bit of mining, but each city state sort of hates the others. Low level warfare there all the time, we do not visit Sornath proper very often." Captain Carla Hansen said
"That is news to me. Not sure I want to get involved in that sort of thing though. They food poor?" Major General Mitchell replied
"It is only four jumps from Inner End according to the charts Sarah showed me. Then another six jumps back to where we are now. Not horribly food poor, Sornath can feed itself fairly easily, Curtis can survive. The DoME terraforming did not take or failed after it all fell apart. From what I am told anyway. There are areas that are crop friendly where it took hold and areas where nothing grows in the ground. This is going off pure memory though. We have full write ups back at Linden on every system we found that is inhabited or we trade with." Captain Carla Hansen said
"How many out here are inhabited?" Major Nathan Davis asked, wanting to see that particular database right away but knew he couldn't.
"More than you would expect. Most are under a million people, but there are several with way more than a million. The closest that falls into the latter category would be Blommestein. I have made that run a few times, probably close to 50 million there. Low level industry, good food production, decent mining operations. Nothing really high tech, no Battlemechs or even Industrial Mechs, but a fairly decent sized militia. Tanks and Infantry. Decent folks and place to visit. As long as they know you, your treated pretty good. They get hit by pirates every so often, mainly slavers, sometimes for resources. Mainly the outlying areas to avoid the militia forces which stick to the main cities and don't venture far from them." Captain Carla Hansen said
"I want that database bad to update our own intel." Major Davis replied
"Where is Blommestein from here exactly? Fifty million people, that dwarfs what we currently have." Major General Mitchell asked
"Two, maybe three jumps. Used to be the regional capital of this area. They are not going to join easily. Your going to have to do some serious negotiations to make that happen. They do not really lack for anything, so it is not like a join or die situation for them. If your thinking of that, prepare for some serious winning of hearts and minds to persuade them. Outsiders are a threat to them." Captain Carla Hansen said
-
Well, at least Sarah and Mitchell will part amicably... :-\
Carla is a HUGE asset... a solid addition to the team! :thumbsup:
-
Blommestein has some 'want' ... a decent pirate deterrent, or elimination for that matter. Something that SaRI has the fire power for.
-
Blommestein has some 'want' ... a decent pirate deterrent, or elimination for that matter. Something that SaRI has the fire power for.
If this is infact tandom universe with Strategos, then the system maybe a death trap for SaRI.
-
8 December 3046
Boulsi (Independent System)
The SaRI convoy departed for the return trip to Linden under escort. President David Mitchell had ordered Pattison One, Mammoth Dropship taken to Boulsi for this operation packed with 380 empty 100 ton shipping containers. These would be used to load roughly 38,000 tons of Germanium and haul it back to Boulsi where it would be stored on the surface to wait for further use. While the containers were being loaded at Linden, Pattison One would be loaded with whatever heavy machinery was ready to head back. He had also ordered three Merchant Jumpship from the civilian fleet to accompany the Linden operation.
Captain Carla Hansen and Captain Marcus Birch were also returning to Linden to help oversee the movement of their people back to Boulsi. Until they had completed the movement, SaRI was once again in a period of stand down. In the last week, there had been a major shuffling of Jumpship and Dropship crews sorting out those that wanted to return to the Federated Commonwealth and a slower pace from those that wished to remain out here in the periphery. Two crews wishing to stay would be heading back to Inner End to collect the Monolith and Star Lord Jumpships and return them to Thazi for use by SaRI.
Linden Movement Convoy
SaRI Heavy Lift, Star Lord Jumpship
SaRI Heavy Express, Star Lord Jumpship
SaRI Flaming Glory, Invader Jumpship
SaRI Dark Flyer, Merchant Jumpship
SaRI Star Sailor, Merchant Jumpship
SaRI Deep Raider, Merchant Jumpship
Pattison One, Mammoth Dropship (Modified)
Intrusive, Intruder Dropship
Aero One, Union CV Dropship
Aero Two, Leopard CV Dropship
Zuni Special, Pentagon Tug
SaRI Deep Pocket, Mammoth Dropship
Thazi (Independent System)
Major General (President) David Mitchell was in a meeting with the Council of Elders, and both sitting Senators. After an hour briefing them on settling Boulsi next door, which saw no opposition from any, he then made another motion.
"Now that we have two systems under our control, I think we need to change the Constitution to reflect this change and any more that might occur. I propose that we name our new state or nation the Thazi Confederacy. We can substitute System in place of States. Each system will provide two Senators to serve in our Senate here. As we are still developing, we can set the Representatives sent to Congress at one per system minimum and an additional one for every 10,000 people until the total population exceeds 1 million, then one Representative per 100,000. No system will have more than 20 Representatives. No single system should be able to have too powerful of a voting block. Those serving in the Senate are to be appointed by the Govenor of the System, they are there to serve their system not themselves and will be limited to 3 terms of 6 years per term.
Representatives will be elected by the people but will be limited to only serve two consecutive terms of two years before having to sit out two years to try to get reelected. Representatives will not be allowed to serve more than 8 terms in total. I do not think we need politicians serving 20+ years in any office. This could go lower if you so desire. It is best to get these changes to the Constitution out of the way now before it becomes too difficult to make any changes. But word it very carefully. Is that acceptable?"
"We will make the changes you request. How will the Representatives be meeting?" Gerald Ornami asked
"In my vision? Once a month here on Thazi, no more than a single week before returning to their homes. They are the peoples Representatives and should be where the people are at, not in some distant place. Unless we have some national emergency that requires more time." President Mitchell said
"It will be noted very carefully." Gerald Ornami replied
-
I would have expected more pushback on the political arrangements... I could "United Worlds" being mooted as a name instead of Confederacy (to avoid association with the Capellans). And I think Mitchell is underestimating ambitious politicians: it would be pretty easy to roll from Representative to Governor, so the magical 20-year career is easily attainable... 8)
-
13 December 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
It was a touching farewell when Sarah Campbell boarded the shuttle for the ride up to where SaRI Express, Invader Jumpship waited to return her and her crews to Federated Commonwealth space. After watching the shuttle depart, he walked with Colonel Edwin Mitchell back towards the waiting jeep.
"General, I have word that additional Black Boxes have arrived at Wokha for your use." Colonel Edwin Davion said
"About time." He snapped then said "Sorry, it has been almost two years since I requested them. Sort of a sore spot. It really hampered and slowed down everything."
"I know. So, the equipment you returned with, you plan to sell it off?" Colonel Edwin Davion asked
"Not this batch. It is low tech enough that we are going to hang on to it." President Mitchell said
"Very well. After looking it over, I am not sure the First Prince would be interested in it really. Might I inquire as to who the two strangers you returned with are?" Colonel Edwin Davion asked
"Independent merchants we came across. They know the area around here. Their ship broke down, and we are going to repair it for them in exchange for intel of the area." President Mitchell replied
Colonel Edwin Davion had known President Mitchell for a long time and could smell BS when it came out of his mouth but said nothing about it. "Will we have access to this intel also?"
"It mainly concerns areas that WE are interested in. If the intel impacts or threatens the operation on Wokha or the Fed Com itself, you will be the first to know about it. You know I do not reveal anything about areas we might be interested in, revealing that is a good way to have a claim jumped." President Mitchell said
"Worth a try. Sort of comes with the new job, pumping you for information. I know your busy so I will take a different jeep. I need to go check the daily message batch." Colonel Edwin Davion replied, tossing him a sloppy salute.
Three hours later he had prepared the message for New Avalon, having it double encoded for transmission. He made sure it was sent and then personally destroyed the message slip.
17 December 3046
New Avalon (Federated Commonwealth)
First Prince Hanse Davion sighed when Quintus Allard walked in with a message slip. "The look says it is not good news. Now what is going on?"
"Your new Ambassador, Colonel Edwin Davion has sent a message. Read it for yourself." Quintus Allard replied as he handed over the message. Taking the message, First Prince Hanse Davion quickly read the short message.
To: First Prince Hanse Davion
From: Colonel Edwin Davion
President Mitchell has returned from latest mission. Inspection of equipment revealed only low scale infantry equipment along with a wing of Sabre fighters. He also had two unknowns with him, and when I asked, he said independent merchants who broke down. That is a lie. No way he would compromise his own security showing two unknowns where they were located.
Suspect President Mitchell made a discovery that he wants to keep hidden or secret. Fleet departed week ago for return mission, but ground troops stayed behind. That is suspect, or it means the find is not on the ground needing security. A broken down Jumpship does not need his entire fleet to repair. He is also not acting like his normal self, he is more guarded than he normally would be. This also makes me suspect that he is hiding something. I do not suspect a threat, but it does raise questions. President Mitchell remained here with ground troops. Barely a two week stop over before departure. Very suspect.
Colonel Edwin Davion
Ambassador/Envoy to Thazi
"He kept his ground troops on Thazi yet dispatched his fleet back out. That is not like him at all. He moves as a unit or not at all, always has since now. Why the change?" First Prince Hanse Davion asked
"It does sound very unlike him. But let's not get all wound up without knowing. It could just make things worse than they are." Quintus Allard replied cautiously.
"I am not getting wound up. But I also do not like secrets. What is on my schedule the rest of the year?" First Prince Hanse Davion asked
"Christmas with Archon Melissa and the kids, she should be here next day or so. I leave for home tomorrow for the holidays." Quintus Allard replied
"Nice quiet holiday, I could use the break from the paperwork for a few weeks." First Prince Hanse Davion said
-
I'm suspecting a Royal visit in the new year, personally... ^-^
-
I'm suspecting a Royal visit in the new year, personally... ^-^
See I'm thinking not a royal visit as he's going to be noticed traveling and the last thing he wants is to have extra attention so close to his shipyard project. More likely is that he'll divert some intelligence assets and some survey units to explore around the area to get unfiltered reports.
-
See I'm thinking not a royal visit as he's going to be noticed traveling and the last thing he wants is to have extra attention so close to his shipyard project. More likely is that he'll divert some intelligence assets and some survey units to explore around the area to get unfiltered reports.
I could see Hanse setting up a Command Circuit so he can get to and from Thazi quickly, so nobody asks where the Prince is. Or at least letting Justin Allard pay a visit.
-
Say, the new people, how good is their health care?
Just wondering, since if it's still SL levels...
-
15 December 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
President David Mitchell sat watching the slide show put together by Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh and Major Nathan Davis. Also seated were the other officers that made up the command staff for Search and Recovery Inc that were not deployed on the mission to Linden.
"Once the operation to Linden is completed or at a level that we can spare the ships, what we want to do is send the 199th Light Horse along with a Company of Engineers to scout certain systems. If they manage to locate something, they then call home, and the main unit recovers the located items. The 199th would then proceed to the next targeted system. We would then repeat as many times as needed. They would deploy off the Overlord Dropship and a single Seeker Dropship. They will not be able to carry enough supplies for an extended operation, but we can easily replenish them as the main unit arrives on scene before they move to their next target.
The first target we have selected to scout is Puttalam. It is close by, two jumps if we pass thru Wokha and we know of two cache sites located on that planet. We hit the target, locate the caches and then the main unit moves in. The second target would be Ddraig, two jumps from Pullalam but in the other direction. Both are a single jump from Wokha. We have no firm info on Ddraig itself other than it was garrisoned by a Conventional Regimental Combat Team. But since you said you wanted to establish a Cargo Transfer point at Sornath, Ddraig puts us down that pathway. We never fully scanned the systems on our way up here, especially the asteroid belts due to the limited time. That was an omission we need to correct; we seem to locate quite a few good things from them.
Systems known to have asteroid belts along our projected convoy routes would be, Ejeda, Rondon, Kent, Vonja and even Waitur, which is only 2 jumps from Inner End. A single jump from Sornath is Ype-Jhu, which also has two asteroid belts but was also noted to have Heavy Industry on the planet. Which we could use if any is recoverable. Sornath is also on our list of intended targets as the 361st Dragoon Regiment was garrisoned there, and we do know of an established cache site there. We can kill several birds really quickly.
It is my suggestion to also await the promised Monolith and Star Lord Jumpships because we might need the extra collars they would provide. Though we are critically short on cargo Dropships. We already know that a single Mammoth is hard pressed to haul what we might find. Then there is also the matter of the cache on Valasha, we know where it is exactly, but we never returned to recover it. It got overtaken by events. This is a simple enough and straight forward operation, outside of the radiation hazards, that it could be accomplished with minimal personnel. We were going to sell it off to the Outworld Alliance anyway, they can do the heavy hauling, we just need to see what is there, collect our money and let them do the actual recovery operation." Major Nathan Davis said
"I like the last one, Valasha. I completely forgot about that one. Minimal people and risk for a decent return is an excellent idea. But, before we begin this series of operations, I want to make sure the Linden people are settled good, and the shipyard is operational. Since you managed to use a SLDF override on the Krait, I want to plug everything SLDF related into that shipyard. The Lee's, Pentagon, Titan and even that Colossus if they ever get it repaired enough to launch. Before we hand it over to the FedCom fully that is. No sense letting something slip past us without checking to see if any of them also have the same sort of information buried behind a firewall. But what worries me the most is we will be communicating using those Black Boxes, operated by the First Princes people. They will be able to easily track our finds and moves via those Black Boxes. I don't like that; they could predict, and claim jump us before we get there." President Mitchell replied
"That is a risk, any code I could come up with would probably be easy for them to break. Same for anyone else looking at our messages. I am going to have to give that some serious thought." Major Nathan Davis said
"Do that. We have months probably. But we are not moving until we get those former SLDF ships into the shipyard and see if we get lucky. Not sure what we would do if they did. Ability to streamline our own Dropship fleet, sure, but selling new builds off would be like setting off a nuke on New Avalon and Terra at the same time. That is something I would love to avoid but be damned if we are going to miss out on a find." President Mitchell said firmly
-
Don't forget those Snowdens, that could actually, turn a pretty penny, if done right.
Also check if the work mechs can be produced, somehow.
And keep atleast one SLDF sample of any unit, they find.
Just incase they csn get a SLDF factory for it all.
-
Progress AND strategic thought... who could ask for more? ???
-
Profit.
See further the Rules of Aquisition.
13. Anything worth doing is worth doing for money
45. Profit has limits. Loss has none
-
I think that the best way to appease Hanse will be with SL Tech support and a gift of a reproduction of the Hughes shipyard, suitable with added shipyard expansion to handle the tonnage needed for him. I am assuming that the tonnage limit at this time for the Hughes Modulas SY is 300ktons, maybe as high as 350 ktons based on the ship max tonnage noted earlier with the largest being the Carrack at 300ktons.
-
I'm not sure the shipyard can replicate itself. If it could, I would think there would be more of them lying around... 8)
-
Might have the next-gen brand spanking new SL ship yard tech at the time of the Amaris Coup on Christmas Day 2766 - so not many deployed perhaps or Linden was even a beta test deployment?!?
-
I'm not sure the shipyard can replicate itself. If it could, I would think there would be more of them lying around... 8)
Maybe, but some of it's modules, might, right?
It's the main module, that's the problem, there.
So when they move it, I would suggest sticking a module into the yard itself.
Should let you increase the maximum dock lenght, at the minimum.
-
Might have the next-gen brand spanking new SL ship yard tech at the time of the Amaris Coup on Christmas Day 2766 - so not many deployed perhaps or Linden was even a beta test deployment?!?
Since it is both a modular and mobile shipyard with installed KF Booms and factors sections, The best probability is a Hughes Complex Space Station-Shipyard.
-
17 December 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
President David Mitchell sat at his desk and looked at the paperwork that never seemed to stop flowing. Most of it were reports on various projects and really did not even require his reading them, but he figured if someone took the time to compile it, then it should be his duty to actually read it. He pulled the first folder and opened it up and began reading the multi-page report dealing with the various crops that had been planted and harvested over the year. All the typing was really not needed, he worked better off the summary which had totals and numbers on them.
Fiscal Year 3046 Production (V = Value if sold)
Wheat - 180,000 acres - 672,489 tons - V 18,157,203
Corn - 50,000 acres - 233,769 tons - V 2,805,228
Sorghum - 10,000 acres - 22,794 tons - V 547,056
Soybean - 10,000 acres - 14,584 tons - V 525,024
Coffee - 10,000 acres - 18,749 tons - V 25,554,887
Rice - 10,000 acres - 3047 est 40,000 tons
Potato - 20,000 acres - 411,730 tons - V 11,528,440
Strawberry - 10,000 acres - 142,000 tons - V 43,452,000
Blueberry - 5,000 acres - 3048 est 7,500 tons
Blackberry - 5,000 acres - 3047 est 50,000 tons
Black Pepper - 5,000 acres - 3047 est 5,000 tons
Bell Pepper - 10,000 acres - 62,020 tons - V 45,088,540
Onion - 10,000 acres - 247,300 tons - V 3,709,500
Tomato - 10,000 acres - 163,840 tons - V 15,564,800
Raspberry - 2,000 acres - 3047 est 30,000 tons
Okra - 10,000 acres - 73,834 tons - V 44,300,400
Sweet Potato - 10,000 acres - 162,273 tons - V 4,056,825
Carrot - 10,000 acres - 107,480 tons - V 10,748,000
Sweet Pea - 10,000 acres - 22,700 tons - V 9,080,000
Green Bean - 10,000 acres - 3047 50,000 tons
Apples - 73,891 tons - V 9,605,830
Gold - 49 tons - V 240,688,000
Emerald - 3,478 carats - V 1,189,476
Aluminum - 86,492 tons - V 29,407,280
Iron Ore - 63,427 tons - V 761,124
Copper - 22,376 tons - V 12,194,920
Nickel - 11,431 tons - V 23,662,170
Total 3046 Resource Value - 514,944,179 C-bills
3047 Estimated Production Increases
Blackberry - 5,000 acres - 50,000 tons - V 50,000,000
Black Pepper - 5,000 acres - 5,000 tons - V 1,360,000
Raspberry - 2,000 acres - 30,000 tons - V 3,540,000
Crab Meat - 6,000 tons - V 15,162,000
Albacore - 6,000 tons - V 2,706,000
Salmon - 6,000 tons - V 2,340,000
Crawfish - 500 tons - V 545,000
3047 Projections are a rough estimate due to the projected completion of fishing vessels and learning the industry. Most will be consumed locally and not commercially viable for sale. We do not project a current crop increase until such time as we can begin export to other locations than Wokha. These are projections only and should not be used for budget reasons.
He opened the next binder which was from Reinhard Gleinfeld about Solar Metals operations on Wokha.
3046 Solar Metals Production Report (Sold to AFFC)
Gold - 183 tons - 898,896,000 (Not Sold per Orders)
Silver - 325 tons - 19,500,000
Iron Ore - 265,879 tons - 3,190,548
Platinum - 22 tons - 60,654,000
Copper - 89,725 tons - 48,900,125
Nickel - 26,872 tons - 55,625,040
Tin - 39,732 tons - 11,919,600
Wokha Food Imports (Sold to AFFC)
Wheat - 318,000 tons - 8,586,000
Corn - 84,682 tons - 1,016,184
Sorghum - 8,794 tons - 211,056
Soybean - 5,248 tons - 188,928
Coffee - 3,749 tons - 5,109,887
Potato - 111,730 tons - 3,128,440
Strawberry - 42,000 tons - 12,852,000
Bell Pepper - 22,020 tons - 16,008,540
Onion - 84,300 tons - 1,264,500
Tomato - 63,840 tons - 6,064,800
Okra - 23,834 tons - 14,300,400
Sweet Potato - 62,273 tons - 1,556,825
Carrot - 27,480 tons - 2,748,000
Sweet Pea - 4,700 tons - 1,880,000
Apples - 33,891 tons - 4,405,830
Total Revenue (excluding Gold) - 305,698,603 C-bills
The increasing production of the Federated Commonwealth mining stations is cutting into our own sells to the Federated Commonwealth. They are undercutting our prices and our expenses are rising drastically as the economy here completely switched to the D-Bill as a local currency. The local purchasing agent, newly arrived is also demanding that we release our mined gold for sale but at a discounted price.
President Mitchell set aside the folders. It would seem that the Federated Commonwealth folks were trying to push them off Wokha, but he also had the ace, he provided almost all of their food. If the FC was going to play a price cutting game on the various ores, he would raise prices on the food items. They were already providing their own transport, so that cut them off from freight charges, but they could either pay what he wanted or ship the stuff in from the Inner Sphere proper, at a much hgher expense.
-
If anything, the iron ore seems overpriced... Ore requires smelting, which actually results in steel in this case (because why would you do it differently?)... :-\
-
Whoops, forgot to convert the price to C-bills like I did the others. Was calculating at 112 per ton when it should be 12 per ton. Hot rolled steel is 86 C-bills per ton and cold rolled steel is 108 C-bill per ton.
Hence the need for all that heavy machinery. To smelt and make their own steel to sell.
-
Iron is one of those things these days... ^-^
-
Why would you be selling food to the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth? Won't it be the FedCom?
-
It's mostly the military this far out... ^-^
-
18 December 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
"Where are we with all that heavy machinery we purchased?" President David Mitchell asked
Derek Paulson took a minute to find the proper pages in the large ring binder he seemed to always have with him. "The steel mill is, as of today, 66% complete. Once completed, we will have the ability to produce cold rolled and hot rolled steel. We also have a textile mill at 48% completed, but until we either start collecting wool from Boulsi or plant Cotton, it is useless to us. The Aluminum mill is completed and is currently stockpiling the raw ore so that we can begin production of Aluminum billets or Aluminum sheets. Our flour mill is at 90% complete along with another cannery to can fresh produce and fruits. We just started construction of the bread factory.
Most modern factories house just about everything, but since lack the much-needed infrastructure to easily haul what we mine, we have constructed separate factory sites near each mine itself. I was waiting to get the steel factory into production before hitting you with a request for some trains and some expert track layers. They are the most cost-efficient way of moving large loads across planets. The factories themselves need quite a large work force, and this will force us to increase the size of the nearby towns. The newly arrived people from Wokha are being relocated close to the mines and factories to provide the needed work force. This has also greatly increased the power generation needs of those sites.
As such, I highly recommend we contact Offerman Atomics Limited, they help manufacture the largest civilian fission power plants in the Outback region. While you could spend quite a lot more and purchase fusion plants, we do have ample radioactive to fuel the fission plants. They are much cheaper than the fusion power plants. They do have the downside of producing waste that we will have to deal with down the road. I am told they even make a small modular design where you can add additional reactors to increase power at a site. I know they had one operating on Bristol, I even did a report on the economics of this particular design for poorer worlds. Going from memory, each reactor can produce 60MW and you can place up to 12 in a single power plant. They are factory built and designed to operate for 30 years. I think that is what we should be looking at, we are slowly expanding, and we are in need of quite a few power stations. Right now, we are using spare Battlemech reactors to power the different towns we are establishing. I know that is causing some friction with your techs every time we request another one.
Though they also build traditional power plants that are larger but overall cheaper to build. For the capitol here, that might be the best way to go, but the modular would probably be best for the other regions. We could add new reactors as we need the additional power. The main hospital is almost complete here and several of the outlying smaller hospitals are already complete though vastly understaffed. But it still a vast improvement than what was here before you arrived. Our largest lack is in the education of our citizens, though that is improving at a respectable pace. In twenty years, we will have reached a fairly respectable level of education. That will enable us to increase the skill of our available workforce and possibly begin to think higher tech."
"That was more than I expected Derek. But you covered what I needed to know. We will start shipping our raw ores from Wokha to here to be converted to a more finished product that we can then sell back to the Feds on Wokha at a higher price. Plus, freight charges. We are not going to get fleeced by some bean counter. Inform Reinhard over on Wokha of my wishes. If I am not mistaken, we bought enough heavy machinery for two of everything, well I am not going to build the factories on Wokha, even if it would be so much easier on our logistics. Cause then, being on a Fed claimed world, have to pay additional taxes. We will keep that money for ourselves. I also think we should think about cranking up some landing fees at the Space Port. They should help bear the brunt of the upkeep over there. Use the standard rate in the Fed Com but add an additional 15% since we are way out here and anything special that breaks has to shipped out here." President Mitchell said
"Very well sir. But I have to caution you, this could start a trade war." Derek Paulson replied
"Who do we trade with but the Fed Com next door? Though I am hoping to change that in the very near future. I doubt even the First Prince wants to build the Wokha infrastructure from the ground up to support what he is doing over there or ship all the needed material out here. He will keep paying for our goods, he might not like it, but he will pay." President Mitchell said
-
If Mitchell is thinking truly long term, he'll go for fusion over fission... 8)
Also, shipping raw ore to another system is madness if you can build the smelter next to the mine... ::)
-
You have nuclear fission waste, Dropships, and a star. I vote taking the nuclear waste and tossing it in the local star.
For the industrial materials, try to feed it into the various autonomous shipyards to make civilian tech. The primary limitation seems to be population, so you need to keep the food local, ensure people have enough time/resources to raise a family, ensure medical support, and provide plenty of educational programs for the kids.
By making civilian tech President Mitchell can sell items that are high-value per ton, instead of trying to sell refined bars or metal alloys. These high value items can bring in more money per Dropship load, which will let him import more stuff.
-
I would vote for fusion power, normally more expensive but it's still basically a military unit, positively swimming in folks who can maintain fusion plants also a great retirement plan for older techs who can double as instructors as you train more for both military and civilian power systems
-
You have nuclear fission waste, Dropships, and a star. I vote taking the nuclear waste and tossing it in the local star.
Part of the problem with that is that the heat will eventually vaporize the waste and the solar wind will blow it back at you. Its not a huge amount, but why piss against the proverbial wind? Doing so is never pleasurable. There are a number of gas giants in almost every system that will work perfectly well for dumping nuclear waste, it takes a little extra time and energy to shove it out that way. You'll likely spend more money on the waste containers rated for re-entry (if something happens to the dropship, which while rare, have been known to happen).
If you want to save some time, boost towards the gas giant for a day, then shove the waste out with a tracking transmitter on it (for the local space control so they can watch it and make sure some idiot doesn't do something with it). Turn around and go home as the waste takes a longer final journey.
-
Building an economy from scratch involves putting a lot of individual pieces together. You need to be good at jigsaw puzzles.
-
22 December 3046
New Avalon (Federated Commonwealth)
"Think it over Melissa, it would be less than a week travel time." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"You have never missed a Christmas on New Avalon, you always make a big deal about the celebration. Then there is the New Year broadcast you always do. Missing either of those or both would tell everyone that you are not where they think you are. Send Quintus or Justin or even Ardan, but you are not going to Wokha or Thazi. Period. Not during the holidays, you set the tradition and have stuck to it no matter what happened for decades. You will be staying here on New Avalon and stick to your normal routine." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"You said it yourself, Mitchell is now a head of state of his own little nation. It might be seen as an insult sending someone not able to make a deal or give an answer right then." First Prince Hanse Davion said, trying a different tact. He inwardly smiled when he saw her frown slightly, steady, don't blow it, she is in deep thought about what you said, his mind was silently saying.
"Fine. Your right, he deserves to meet with someone that can make a decision on the spot and make it stick." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied, and her eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Hanse smile broadly "So I will go and meet with President Mitchell. I am due to leave to return to Tharkad on the 27th anyway. Everyone is used to me being in transit between here and Tharkad for a week or two every couple months anyway. So it will not be a big thing. We will just adjust my command circuit slightly to link up with the one I am sure you have close to being setup heading to Wokha and Thazi."
First Prince Hanse Davion felt his smile melt on his face into a frown as she spoke, he had been sandbagged by his own argument and knew that further discussion of the subject would ruin the holidays for both of them. "Yes dear. That would probably be best."
"Oh, cheer up, you should be used to losing to me. Remember the saying "Happy wife, happy life"?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied with a sparkling smile as she leaned over and kissed her husband.
-
It'd be a shame if the Sons of Plunder tried making a raid while Melissa (and some very well-trained troops) are present on-planet.
Not only would the SoP get smacked, but it would also let Hanse know that things are a bit more serious out there than originally thought.
-
It'd be a shame if the Sons of Plunder tried making a raid while Melissa (and some very well-trained troops) are present on-planet.
Not only would the SoP get smacked, but it would also let Hanse know that things are a bit more serious out there than originally thought.
I'm not allowed to say anything about that, except that there are some suggestions in the other story (without anything specific) regarding something...adjacent to your comment.
just adjacent, mind you.
-
23 December 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
Colonel Alfred Dortman took a tentative step forward and when he didn't fall over, he gained a little more confidence. He was wearing one of the strange Nighthawk suits, having volunteered himself to actually play with one before he would risk any of his people in one of the suits. It had taken a couple weeks for the assigned technicians to read all the manuals, assemble a couple of the mini mech bays the suits were kept in when not deployed and more time to learn the diagnostic equipment used to service the suits themselves. He had spent another two days in the suit just getting used to the thing and the controls themselves, making sure the jump jets were not fueled so he did not accidently send himself into the ceiling while playing with the controls.
He strode towards the open door, slowly increasing his speed until he reached 30Kph, he let out a little whoop of excitement as he zipped over the rolling plains the unit had been using as a training ground. He hit the jump jets and soared into the air, just like he would with his jump pack on. His landing was not nearly as graceful though and he almost lost his balance but regained it easy enough as he landed. He had one of the Mauser 960 pulse lasers in his armored gloves and he barely noticed the weight of the heavy weapon. After an hour of running around at 30Kph, leaping 90 meters a time all while easily engaging different targets on the firing range, he headed back to the special section of the base where th esuits were being kept. After getting the suit back into the bay, techs helped him take his helmet off.
"Lord have mercy, this thing is fantastic. Fast, agile and the Mauser 960 feels light as a feather." Colonel Dortman pronounced.
"Don't take a grenade though, we faced something like it back on Inner End. The explosion will take you off your feet, that is how we finally managed to take them down. Light weapons do next to nothing to the damn things though. So, you like it huh?" President David Mitchell said
"Damn right I do. Can we keep them all?" Colonel Dortman replied
"I have not decided yet. Damn sure we will be keeping at least half of them. The hell with it, we will keep 180 of them, we will sell the other 30 to the First Prince at a good price. Pick the people who will be using them carefully and tell them to be careful with them, they literally cannot be replaced." President Mitchell said
"Outstanding. Bet your bippy they will be careful. Hundred and eighty, I will have to come up with some sort of new TOE for the unit. Of course, as special as these suits are, I might just assign 30 to each Battalion as sort of a special assault unit or recon unit. Four squads of 7 with the Platoon leader and Platoon Sergeant acting as the command element instead of also acting as squad leaders. That might work, thank you sir, I need to give this some serious thought, maybe get the troops playing with them and then slowly work out what works best in the field." Colonel Dortman replied
"Your welcome Alfred. Figure out what these suits can really do and how we can use them to their fullest, but safely." President Mitchell said
"You got it General." Colonel Dortman replied
"It is President now, things are really starting to come together here and I am afriad my field time will be extremely limited. I might even have to name a new commander of SaRI." President Mitchell said
"Damn shame, your a good officer who is not afraid to say he does not know something and take advice from those that do. Those are rare birds and your one of them." Colonel Dortman replied
"Thanks for that Alfred. It means a lot, really does." President Mitchell said
-
I suspect Dortman is about to get a star... 8)
-
24 December 3046
Wokha (Federated Commonwealth)
"What do you mean you're not currently selling your raw material to us anymore?" Lawrence Hellman asked
"I have my orders. I am to send all our raw material to Thazi for smelting and processing. I am sure you would prefer to purchase good quality steel instead of plain old iron ore. You cannot process even half of what we sell you, that is why the price has dropped so much lately. So, unless you're about to open a new steel mill that I do not know about, we will be shipping our raw ores to Thazi." Reinhard Gleinfeld, CEO of Solar Metals replied
"You're the CEO, you make the final decision." Lawrence Hellman said
"I might be the CEO, but the Chairman of the Board runs the show. I just run the day-to-day operations and serve at his pleasure. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to make sure everything is ready to be loaded aboard the Dropships I am sure will arrive soon." Reinhard Gleinfeld replied leaving Lawrence Hellman standing there with his mouth open.
As he walked away, Reinhard Gleinfeld also thought that shipping the raw ore to Thazi instead of constructing a factory here on Wokha was not the brightest idea and would probably cost them money in the long run. But he also knew that selling his iron ore for 8 C-bills a ton, which was what Lawrence Hellman had just told him the Federated Commonwealth would pay, was also taking a loss. He also suspected that Lawrence Hellman was probably pocketing some of the extra for himself and possibly others, but he had no proof of that. I hope President Mitchell knows what he is doing, he thought to himself.
Thazi (Independent System)
"Sir, I have run the numbers so many times that it hurts me to even think about them. Shipping the ores from Wokha to here, converting it to steel and shipping it back to Wokha to sell will barely break even. It is so inefficient what it pains me to even think about doing so. If we took the other steel mill equipment to Wokha and assembled the complex there, we would make at least 75-80 C-bills per ton after expenses. Your idea we will be lucky to earn 2-3 C-bills per ton after all expenses are calculated." Derek Paulson said
"Who said we would ship it back to Wokha? They can buy the finished steel here and carry it back themselves. That should save us some expense." President David Mitchell replied
Derek Paulson did some quick mental math before responding "We might make 10-15 C-bills per ton that way. While it is more than we make selling the raw iron ore, it is still so inefficient."
"It might be, but I am not about to let those people on Wokha literally dictate the price to us. I actually read the reports everyone sends me. Reinhard was quite clear, the FedCom started off paying us 18 C-bills per ton, then it went to 14 per ton, then 10 per ton. Hell, the going rate, which is a year old now, back in the Federated Commonwealth is 12 C-bills per ton. We are a long way from there so should get a premium price for the stuff, instead we are getting hammered. Now, put that genius to work and calculate how much the FedCom is going to pay per ton to ship steel out here after everything is calculated. I can wait." President Mitchell said
Once again Derek Paulson thought it over and then pulled out his pad and pencil, he started running the numbers and making notes. After twenty minutes of calculations, he looked up from his pad "If my numbers are correct, once all the expenses are calculated, the FedCom would be paying 185 C-bills per ton of steel, average. That could be on the low side some, but not much."
"Exactly. So, we sell them our steel at a premium of 100 C-bills for hot rolled and 130 C-bills for cold rolled. We make more money, and they save money in the long run. It is a win win for both sides. Reinhard says they cannot keep up with what we are providing them, cannot convert it to steel fast enough so there is a glut of product. So, we will cause a shortage of raw material but provide them with finished steel. We are going to do the same for the other ores they buy from us too. They will either pay what we want, or they can ship it all out here themselves at a major loss. I am betting that the First Prince will choose to pay us instead, maybe not what I want, but more than the normal going price in the Federated Commonwealth. Add in the strain it puts on the AFFC shipping, which I am sure is already starting to make people squirm on New Avalon, and it is a seller's market, not a buyer's market." President Mitchell said
"I can see where you are going, but this is also First Prince Hanse Davion we are talking about. What if he just decided to use force to take what he wants?" Derek Paulson asked
"He won't. Besides, if he did, I would make sure that he would get only scrap metal in return, not functioning equipment. He would still be behind that preverbal eight ball and starting all over from scratch again. He is too smart to risk it. We are getting hosed on the current deal, that stops. The table is either going to be level or tilted in our favor as much as possible, for as long as possible. Now, when do we start charging them landing fees and how much?" President Mitchell said
"January 1. Landing fees will be the standard 5,000 C-bills per Dropship, same as what is charged in the Federated Commonwealth. The AFFC lands four Dropships per month for food. That should bring in about 240,000 C-bills per year to help cover upkeep of the port." Derek Paulson replied
"Good. If they are hauling off our steel, we can expect the number of Dropships per month to increase also. Besides, with them hauling the steel back, it saves us some wear and tear on our own Dropships. Plus, we do the loading of those Dropships, we should start charging them for that too. Any idea what those costs normally?" President Mitchell asked
"No clue, never had to really dive that deep into it. I would assume is scales up depending on the Dropship being loaded and also for any special handling cargo might require." Derek Paulson replied
"So, we will just take a wild guess at it. They land mainly Cargoking's which have a bunch of autoloading and unloading ability. But the finished goods still have to be transported to the Dropship itself before that ability comes into play. Start working out some sort of transport fee. Hell, we need some experts on the subject, maybe start a commercial space port away from where we normally land our own ships. Remind me to inquire about that." President Mitchell said
-
I do get the feeling someone was playing games trying to to increase profits for bonuses or skim some off the top. Why do I think Mel Steiner-Davion will not be amused?
-
I do get the feeling someone was playing games trying to to increase profits for bonuses or skim some off the top. Why do I think Mel Steiner-Davion will not be amused?
Were there an alternate-Ngo-verse tie in? Melissa would be asking her dear husband to hang some folks for ripping the realm off and crippling the recovery. There's a REASON she tolerated Elizabeth in the Ngo stories-the girl was doing what was too impolite for the Archon to be seen doing.
Given I don't think 2ndACR is using Ngoverse, we'll have to see what Mel's personality and character are in this 'verse. If she's similar, expect a very genteel sort of subtle brutality to be applied-perhaps with a couple of DMI's Domestic teams to, ah...'underline' for whomever is pulling shennanigans why 'you do not DO that!'
or some single-passenger auto accidents, shaving incidents, some exec who drowned in 20mm of bathwater..."Oh such a sad, sad, accident, and so prosperous!!"
-
Were there an alternate-Ngo-verse tie in? Melissa would be asking her dear husband to hang some folks for ripping the realm off and crippling the recovery. There's a REASON she tolerated Elizabeth in the Ngo stories-the girl was doing what was too impolite for the Archon to be seen doing.
Given I don't think 2ndACR is using Ngoverse, we'll have to see what Mel's personality and character are in this 'verse. If she's similar, expect a very genteel sort of subtle brutality to be applied-perhaps with a couple of DMI's Domestic teams to, ah...'underline' for whomever is pulling shennanigans why 'you do not DO that!'
or some single-passenger auto accidents, shaving incidents, some exec who drowned in 20mm of bathwater..."Oh such a sad, sad, accident, and so prosperous!!"
Don't you mean "accidentally drowned while taking a shower"?, Oh so sad :( and yet OH so funny! :D
-
I see a probblem, at most, only one Cargoking, still exist.
Now I can see the FedSuns packing up the production gear, but then it should still be in the same state as that FedSuns shipyard.
Being unpacked and put back together.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Cargoking
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Cargoking
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Argo_(DropShip_class)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Argo_(DropShip_class)
-
Read the blurb at the bottom of your Wiki page.
House Davion (The Federated Suns) notes CargoMaster and CargoKing as primary products of Boeing Interstellar, as of 3025. That makes it a viable Dropship in this particular AU. Just swap the ER Large for standard Large and add in 5 tons of ammo for the LRM/20 in place of the Artemis IV on the CargoKing then swap the double heat sinks, regular PPC take place of ERPPC with the same above changes on the CargoMaster.
-
So no packing of those particular yard lines, then?
Bit of a shame, then.
O well, guess no partial damaged Argo line, then.
On the other, are those new droppers, made with the original design hardware & software setup or not?
As in, would it be a good move, to buy one of each?
-
"I can see where you are going, but this is also First Prince Hanse Davion we are talking about. What if he just decided to use force to take what he wants?" Derek Paulson asked
That is a fairly weak argument. He would have to move front line or garrison forces all the way out there, exposing the stuff that the forces were protecting to smack down for iron ore, because a two bit smelter operation wanted him to. So they wouldn't have to pay market rates.
Now the two bit smelter operation may try to hire some mercs, but that would be the extent of it. Even then, I'm not sure it would be worth it, even if the operation was simply able to continue buying the ore at low prices.
-
And that's why Melissa is going... 8)
-
26 December 3046
Thazi (Independent System)
"Please rethink your recent decisions. This is going to cause friction that neither of us want." Colonel Edwin Davion, Federated Commonwealth Ambassador/Emissary to Thazi, said
"Sorry Edwin. This is going to happen no matter what. The only wiggle room will be on the final price that is negotiated. I am not going to operate at a loss. I am half tempted to pull Solar Metal off Wokha and bring them here to exploit our own resources better. The First Prince can bring his own people to mine Wokha, they just have to negotiate a reasonable royalty fee with my people. Remember, I own the mining rights on the surface of Wokha itself. That purchasing agent over there had been cutting the price steadily every 6 months and I have had enough of it." President David Mitchell replied, leaning back in his chair.
"This is going to get a reaction and it might not be what you want." Colonel Davion cautioned
"Then it means someone has taken notice and correct the problems before it gets worse. But either way, the current state of affairs is not going to continue. It is going to change. Go file your report and I am sure that you will be returning to tell me what the answer was in a few days. I am not going to budge on this." President Mitchell replied
"At least I can tell them that I tried to talk some sense into you." Colonel Davion said as he stood to leave.
"Yes, you did. So did half my staff, but my mind is made up and I will not be deterred." President Mitchell replied
31 December 3046
When the Invader Jumpship materialized at the Nadir Jump Point and made its initial call, the OIC of the Olympus Recharge Station did not know what to do except start waking people up on the surface. A Monarch Dropship detached and was escorted by two Leopard CV Dropships with a small local CAP flying escort as they began their journey towards Thazi just over two days away.
2 January 3047
President David Mitchell had all of Search and Recovery Inc turned out in parade as they watched the Monarch Dropship smoothly land on the long runway. The message simply said a high-level visitor, but Colonel Edwin Davion had identified the Dropship as the one that carried Archon Melissa Steiner Davion between Tharkad and New Avalon. Once the Monarch was deemed cooled down enough, the main passenger ramp lowered, and everyone could clearly tell it was Archon Melissa Steiner Davion descending the lowered stairs.
"I told you this was going to get a reaction." Colonel Edwin Davion whispered to President David Mitchell standing beside him.
"I wanted a reaction. Though I did not expect one this quickly." President Mitchell replied in a whisper
"No sense delaying the royal flogging we are both about to receive. Shall we go meet the Archon?" Colonel Davion asked
"Yes, I am not about to let Archon Melissa Steiner Davion walk to me." President Mitchell replied as he strode towards the bottom of the long stairs.
Once he reached them, he bowed slightly and said "Archon Steiner, welcome to Thazi. I am President David Mitchell."
Archon Melissa Steiner Davion flashed he well known smile as she replied "It is nice to finally meet you, Hanse told me so much about you. I just had to come out here and see everything for myself."
"Please, call me David. Shall we get somewhere more comfortable to speak?" President Mitchell said
"As one head of state to another, call me Melissa. Titles can be exhausting during discussions." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied with her famous smile still beaming.
Twenty minutes later they were seated inside President Mitchells private conference room inside the restored SLDF base. Fresh drink and snacks were waiting for them, a small sampling of produce from Thazi but also had laid out a tray of freshly cooked Bison from Boulsi in various cuts but kept bite sized with small toothpicks stuck in each one.
"Your arrival was a surprise Archon, I would have been better prepared for your arrival if I had been given a heads up." President Mitchell said
"Please, it is Melissa in here. Hanse wanted to come himself, but his absence would have been noticed. MMM, this beef is delicious. Local?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"Yes. Try the apples also, I find them addictive." President Mitchell said
"So tell me, how does it feel to be President of your new nation?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked
"Overwhelming at times. There is so much to do, so much we need. Education is fairly poor overall, finding teachers in the numbers we need is difficult. Now I have hospitals and clinics that are critically short on doctors and nurses, another need to add to the list." President Mitchell replied
"Is that why you are playing hard ball with the minerals on Wokha?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked while watching for his reaction.
"Part of it, we need the money to hire all the people we need. But it was also getting to the point where we would be operating at a loss and that just will not do." President Mitchell said
"At a loss? The going rate for iron ore in the rest of space is 13 C-bill per ton, but since the remote location sort of limits both sides of this deal, you should have been paid the authorized 25 C-bills per ton." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"We have never gotten that, the most is 18 per ton and was 8 per ton 6 months ago and at the start of the month was a no purchase at all. I have just over 300,000 tons of iron ore sitting on Wokha, yet I had no buyer. Seems the folks over there cannot process the iron ore into steel fast enough. My steel factory is about to come online so I told them to bring it over here. We can process it and sell the steel back to the Fed Com. At a fair price that is." President Mitchell said
Archon Melissa Steiner Davion rolled her eyes slightly "Corruption, I so hate when someone sticks their beak into the wrong pool. What are you considering a fair price for your steel David?"
"My advisor said it would cost the AFFC at least 180 C-bills per ton to ship it out here when all expenses were calculated. I would think 130 for cold rolled steel and 100 for hot rolled steel is a fair price. We are right next door after all, and the Fed Com is still saving money. I am told the factory should be able to produce 12-15,000 tons per day of each type of steel. Once we are fully staffed and the workers are trained. I also have a second steel mill that I have not even taken out of the shipping containers. It was meant for Wokha, but once the prices kept plummeting, I figured it was not worth the expense." President Mitchell said
"I will agree to those prices, and it will stay that way until the need is no longer there. Only because it seems you got screwed over for a few years. The Federated Commonwealth will also purchase anything else we need on Wokha for 8 C-bills over current market rates to make up for the losses you have incurred. And to keep you up to date, I will make sure that you receive a monthly fax detailing the current market prices so that you can verify the amounts. I prefer to keep our primary supplier of so much happy. Shipping the limited stuff, we do out here is already straining our transportation assets. When I leave here, I will be stopping by Wokha to handle this problem personally. Is there anything else?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"That is more than I expected, I thank you Highness." President Mitchell said
"Melissa, is that so difficult. Now I have a few questions for you." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Melissa then. Please, ask any question you like." President Mitchell replied not realizing what was to come.
"Your recent adventure, what exactly did you find? Because Hanse and I suspect it is more than what was said." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
President Mitchell tried not to be surprised but knew he was caught and thought quickly "Special armored suits. Better than even those we handed over on Inner End. I have 30 of them for the NAIS, we are keeping the others for our own use. A couple mining stations, which we will also be keeping, roughly 80,000 people and a functional Tracker Warship. Though warship is by the barest of measurement."
"A warship, functional. You thought to keep that a secret? Hanse will see that as a severe threat to Wokha and I too am alarmed by this." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"It has a single Naval Laser and two Barracuda launchers with no missiles. Not much of a threat to anyone. Much less to your fleet next door Melissa." President Mitchell replied
"I want one of my officers to look at it, he will tell only me what he thinks of it. If it is no real threat, I will handle Hanse. Is that a deal David?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"I will agree to that Melissa." President Mitchell replied
"Good. Now what are you not telling me? Your not a very good liar and are giving off every indication that your holding back." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked
President Mitchell knew he had no choice but to come clean, her eyes seemed to pierce into his very soul. "Something I refuse to sell and will destroy if it is threatened in any way. It could very well be the very thing that lifts my nation out of poverty."
"You found another Memory Core didn't you?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked as she leaned a little closer to hear every slight whisper he might make.
"A shipyard. But it has no ability to manufacture any sort of capital weapons. Very limited capability and only a 300,000 ton limit. Loaded in its databank were Star Lord, Tramp and a Carrack Transport design lacking any capital weapons ability." President Mitchell said
"Hanse is going to have a fit. Any shipyard ability and I mean any at all is very valuable. I am sure you know this. But I can see why you were hesitant to reveal it. That you did, that speaks volumes about your integrity and honesty. Your living up to everything I have read and heard about you. You tell no one, and I mean no one about this shipyard. Not until I say you can. Is that clear David?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"I had not planned to even tell you, but lying as you observed is not something I do very well. But it is very clear Melissa." President Mitchell replied
"Please tell me your not bringing back here and setting it up." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"No, we are not bringing it back here to Thazi. That would not be smart with AFFC ships constantly entering the system." President Mitchell replied
"Good, keep it that way. I will have to figure out how to smooth this over with Hanse. A way that he does not do anything rash. Not the easiest thing to do. This will take some thought. What are your exact plans for it?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Ability to build and repair our own ships, maybe even sell a few. We could use the money." President Mitchell replied
"Okay, I can work with that information. You said it held the Carrack Transport in it's data bank, think it could repair ours?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked
"Possibly, outside of the capital weapons anyway. I would be willing to work out some sort of deal to repair any you have, if we can." President Mitchell said
"I would have to get back to you on that, but it is another bullet to use against Hanse. If it could, that would pull three ships out of line waiting on work at Wokha." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"I am willing to try really hard to work together if it keeps my people safe, but I will not sell nor surrender the shipyard. Nor be taken advantage of." President Mitchell replied firmly
"I am not asking you to do any such thing. For now, this stays in this room. Until you hear from me. Now, I have a few days to tour your beautiful planet before we head back up to the Jumpship. From there, I head to Wokha to cut the beak off of someone who has been dipping into the wrong trough. Care to give me a tour David?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked
-
now see, that wasn't so hard, and he's still keeping the most important aspect of his shipyard secret, that he can copy the designs of any new ship brought to it
-
oooh the Archon has entered the building!
-
She only asked WHAT is was, not what it CAN DO.
-
Wow, did Mitchell ever catch a break with Melissa. He very luck man indeed.
-
Melissa was weaned on how to run a business. Hanse has a more martial mentality. She can help fine tune things.
-
Did I catch that right earlier ... did the new crews (crap, which system again?) know how to use HPGs? ... and build them?
Or I could be suffering from "Dude, it's Friday and I didn't kill or maim any MS or HS students ... good for me. But my brain is fried."
Maybe, it was just a solid abundance of SL era skill they had.
-
Did I catch that right earlier ... did the new crews (crap, which system again?) know how to use HPGs? ... and build them?
Or I could be suffering from "Dude, it's Friday and I didn't kill or maim any MS or HS students ... good for me. But my brain is fried."
Maybe, it was just a solid abundance of SL era skill they had.
The Ex-RimWorlders appear to maybe know. The FedCommers have their Black Boxes.
-
Reply #97:
1 Mobile HPG to Wohka
1 Mobile HPG to Thazi
2 sent for further testing
Hanse had more built from the one that Mitchel sent.
-
while she is there, he might want to bring up the outside possibility to sell a dropship and aerospace fighter. i would go with Titan carriers at 3 to 4 per year. They would be a great defense force for Wokha and then they could be flushed when something (clans) show up.
-
Reply #97:
1 Mobile HPG to Wohka
1 Mobile HPG to Thazi
2 sent for further testing
Hanse had more built from the one that Mitchel sent.
If I recall correctly, Hanse knew how to build the HPGs, but not how to make them work.
-
Melissa was weaned on how to run a business. Hanse has a more martial mentality. She can help fine tune things.
Something tells me a few idiots are gonna find out that Katrina's little girl knows how to wear the gauntlet
-
Mitchell coming clean (enough) with Melissa was really the only choice he could make.
-
Passive sensors are locked, gathering intel.
-
3 January 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
President David Mitchell, Archon Melissa Steiner Davion along with a security detail had taken a shuttle on a sub orbital flight to New Hope. There they had toured Pattison Marine facilities, where ten Crab boats were being constructed at the same time and the larger Kaleen Bay, partially completed and brought from Pattison completing its final outfitting. A tour of the cannery and then new hospital impressed Archon Melissa Steiner Davion and she said as much.
"You really are developing this planet. Commercial fishing operation, cannery facility and your own waterborne shipyard to build the ships you need. Most impressive David." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Yes I am. Not only do the people here deserve it, but if I can get it to where I am exporting enough goods, it will fund our other activities. Which are highly profitable, but developing a planet is extremely expensive and any funds from those activities are poured right back into the development here." President Mitchell replied
"Well, when you do get that shipyard up and running, I am sure the Federated Commonwealth would be interested in purchasing some Jumpships. Once I have calmed Hanse down, which I am still trying to figure out how to do." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"If anyone can calm the First Prince down about anything it is you Melissa. Can I ask a favor of you though?" President Mitchell asked
"Of course, what is it?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"When we gave the First Prince the design specs for the Titan Dropship, he promised me one of the first ones built. Can you check on that for me? It has been a couple of years now and I am curious where it stands." President Mitchell said
"That is an easy favor, I was expecting something much harder to accomplish." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied as she waved to a small group of children that had stopped playing in a small park to watch the walking group of adults.
"They do not know who you are. These are all people we brought over from Onverwacht, except for the people working at Pattison Marine." President Mitchell said
"It is refreshing to not be known and to be able to just enjoy a brief walk or tour like a normal person." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied as she looked around as the people of New Hope went about their daily routines. "Why not build your own Dropships? Because if you did, I know the AFFC would buy them."
"That is a very high tech endeavor to undertake. We are doing good to just get the people here trained up to make steel. We could be a generation or two before we can undertake something like that." President Mitchell said
"Sounds like all you really lack is educated and skilled workers out here. Your getting the basic infrastructure built to have an explosive economic development once that becomes available to you. Your on the right path." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"Derek is the one driving that area. He is a genius at the stuff. Next time you see Mr Allard, tell him thank you for me. I ordered the initial heavy machinery, but he saw the stuff I missed. Like ordering the machinery to actually manufacture our own tools and machinery out here someday. One reason he is in charge of Economic Development, and I am not. I see the big picture, but he sees both the big picture and all the little details which will get us to that big picture. I want to trade with the Federated Commonwealth and others, but I also want us to be as self-reliant as I can make us." President Mitchell said
"Hanse told me your going to print your own money and he even was sending the printing presses and such. What are you going to back your currency with?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked
"It is one of my plans. Right now, everyone around you is not really being paid, they need food, they get food, but that has to end someday. It cannot last forever. In the far northern part of the continent is a Germanium deposit, it was estimated to be about 15 million tons. I planned to back it with that. Though I have not authorized any mining for it, not until I can be assured that it will not devastate the environment. I have been given a crash course by Derek on some monetary policy, and I do not understand it all, I sort of have a grasp on it. Sort of. Between the Germanium and our precious metal deposits, I figure I can safely issue about two trillion T-bills worth that are fully backed by actual valuable metals. As for how to convert everyone else's currency to our own, that is way beyond my abilities." President Mitchell said
"T-bills, that is what your going to call them?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked
"Thazi, T-Bill, makes since in my mind. Or I could simply call it a dollar. That part is not important though, getting the economy up and running is the important part." President Mitchell said
-
I see Mitchell still hasn't grasped the concept of fiat currency... ::)
-
I see Mitchell still hasn't grasped the concept of fiat currency... ::)
Fiat currency relies on people already trusting your currency. It's an evolutionary step from fractional reserve banking, which in turn is a step up from coinage.
When you have fiat currency people don't trust, you get the Deutschmarks of 1932, when people needed a wheelbarrow load to buy a loaf of bread, or you get the Zimbabwe dollar, which fairly recently had to start printing denominations in the billions, because people view the currency as worth literally less than the paper it's printed on.
so he's on the right track here: FIRST you have a currency backed by something tangible, until people get into the habit of considering the currency itself to be worth something, THEN you go to fiat currency. In a sense, a national currency is a measure of trust in that nation, as in trust that said nation will honor its commitments and has the ability to do so. In order for your currency to be trusted (and thus, accepted by consumers and merchants and producers) you first have to establish that trust-a material backing with a set value is how you establish the trust, after the trust is established, THEN you can go to fiat money.
This is also why your crypto investments can vary so wildly even day-to-day. The 'trust' is there when people are unsure of how much they can trust the standard currencies (a measure of trust in the government) as displayed when inflation spirals out of control (people don't trust the money as much, so it is less valuable on the macro scale) and shift to 'accepted alternatives' (used to be gold and precious metals, which re still a go-to, but Crypto's whole scheme is BUILT around distrust of standard fiat currencies holding their value.)
releasing a Fiat Currency without that trust, is like Bison Dollars. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shxiy7l5b_4) Though M.Bison at least had a plan to impose the illusion of trust.
-
Hilarious example... and I don't say that JUST because of recent events... ::)
-
Might be a stupid question, but the folks with all those stations, that have joined him, what where they using?
Might be easier to expand this, you know.
Bonus fun if it is the Star Lague Dollars or so.
Double bonus if they still have some bank account data files, that are still current, that they could get too.
See Comstar ROM freaking out, that some old SLDF accounts are suddenly active again.
Heh, the Lyrans comparing shipyard prices, to Hanse his great shock.
"How??? I have the only yard still intact, how could you compare actual current prices???"
-
Alright, let me point out that his economy is going to be VERY robust and until he DOES go to a fiat currency, both very hard and very easy to break. The benefit and bane of precious metal backed currency is that it is very easy to destabilize by injecting more of that metal into the currency. It was part of the argument for going away from the gold standard back in both the 30's and 60's. That said, the benefit is that since the government controls the intake and output of the metal to the economy, and because the government will be buying up those metals in their systems that they don't already own, they can protect that currency value for a time.
for the record, my major is in history, but my minors are in economics and political science
-
With all the gold and silver they are mining, would it be better to just mint currency in those metals, then peg it to the D-bill or C-bill? Be easy to use that almost anywhere.
-
Okay, here's your pay packet ... (thump.)
Remember, the British pound used to be defined as the value of a pound of silver.
-
Alright, let me point out that his economy is going to be VERY robust and until he DOES go to a fiat currency, both very hard and very easy to break. The benefit and bane of precious metal backed currency is that it is very easy to destabilize by injecting more of that metal into the currency. It was part of the argument for going away from the gold standard back in both the 30's and 60's. That said, the benefit is that since the government controls the intake and output of the metal to the economy, and because the government will be buying up those metals in their systems that they don't already own, they can protect that currency value for a time.
for the record, my major is in history, but my minors are in economics and political science
As I said, he's following a good pattern here-you don't START with Fiat Currency, you start with stable value currency,and TRANSITION to a Fiat Currency once you actually HAVE that industrial economy.
Historical examples are out there-nations that jumped straight to fiat currency are among the worst-off in the world because not only is their money backed only by trust, but the trust hasn't been developed to back the money.
Zimbabwe, Venezuela, North Korea, Soviet Russia... The Precious Metals Reserve is a STAGE you take if you want your future fiat currency to actually have some value. It's not something you can simply 'Decree' and make so (check the value of the Ruble...oh, right, you can't...) it's something that has to be built and earned. Once there IS trust in the currency across the majority of your local economy, THEN you can shift away from solid backings without rupturing your economy entirely. NOBODY successful began their industrialization with a brand-new fiat currency, there aRE lots of examples of nations FAILING using that strategy.
For your money to be worth anything at all as a medium of exchange, you have to have money people consider worth the exchange. "Full faith and credit" isn't enough, if people don't have faith in you and your credit is shit.
Hard resource backed currency is a means to BUILD that faith, and ESTABLISH that credit. once established you can move away from it to a fiat currency without committing suicide, provided you're strict with your credit practices and honor your obligations. (Failure in that latter lowers your credit just as much as failure in the former. If you're an unknown or you're viewed as untrustworthy, your currency will be not worth the price of the ink or paper!)
This goes right to the basis of what money "IS". It's an expression of trust that replaces direct barter. That Trust, that 'Faith and Credit' must be established before your currency is worth anything.
Google the phrase "Not worth a Continental Dollar".
You don't get loans without collateral, for people to use your currency instead of barter or someone else's, they have to credit your money to be worth something, that is, they have to trust your money to have and hold value.
If it has no value, no-one will use it, and you end up with Trillion Dollar Bills being needed to buy a Snickers bar.
Mitchell's doing the right first steps here-he's estabilishing his currency notes as having a set, redeemable, value. This ESTABLISHES the trust needed to go from "Here's your pound of silver" to "You can trust my word is worth a pound of silver", and from there to "you can trust my word this piece of paper has value".
-
My only counterarguments are the Chinese use of paper currency in antiquity and the debasement of coinage in the Medieval era... Granted, those are both examples of how to do it wrong, but there are lots of ways to skin the currency cat... ^-^
-
My only counterarguments are the Chinese use of paper currency in antiquity and the debasement of coinage in the Medieval era... Granted, those are both examples of how to do it wrong, but there are lots of ways to skin the currency cat... ^-^
we don't want to do it the WRONG way, and there is a way to do it RIGHT. That's the way one should be doing it, and thus, why I think Mitchell's doing it the right way-establish credit and faith and value, THEN go to Fiat money.
-
That's at least ONE way to do it right! :thumbsup:
-
5 January 3047
Linden (Former Outworld System)
Reginald Traveline walked the corridor that ran along RWS Krait, Tracker Warship, the entire jump core inspecting the work that had been done by the small army of locals. The automated shipyard was already slowly guiding the nose of the Krait back into place so the automated welders could begin their task of making the ship whole once again. While he had no experience with warships and even very few jumpships, he knew workmanship and so far, he had found very little to even mention to anyone. He stopped to watch a team of locals reattaching electrical connections, smiling when one of them found a terminal end that might cause a problem and they swiftly replaced the connector with a new one. He walked over and picked up the "bad" terminal end and wiggled some of the pins, only a few of them moved ever so slightly. He laid the terminal back in the small toolbox and continued his inspection. Back in the Inner Sphere, I doubt any tech would have replaced that end since it was still within tolerance, he thought.
After his inspection he went back to the construction bay control room where Dennis Stinson, the local computer guru, was monitoring the automated shipyard. "How does it look Dennis?" He asked
"Everything is nominal. The computer says 29 hours to complete the actual repairs and then we have several days of pressure tests on the hull integrity. According to the downloaded manual that came from Krait, that is an 8 bar over pressure that must hold for a minimum of 24 hours with no loss in pressure. But while that is happening the computer will be running a full diagnostic on all systems aboard the Krait. If everything passes, she should be ready for a test jump by the end of the week." Dennis Stinson said
"Damn this thing is amazing. I wonder what else she can do." Reginald Traveline said more to himself than to Dennis Stinson.
"Well, you can make design modifications of any ship in her database. Which is now four total. You cannot exceed a designs weight limit, as that alters the designs jump core parameters. As far as I can tell, since I had nothing better to do than read everything I could find aboard this station, we do not have the algorithms to recalculate such a change. But changes to internal structure, increase armor, reposition weapons mounts, increase or decrease crew quarters and all other such changes are completely within its capabilities. Though I would recommend a new build over a major design change to an existing ship as that would probably require a complete tear down." Dennis Stinson said
"What about constructing ships that do not have jump cores?" Reginald Traveline asked
"Like a Dropship? Sure, it could do that if you had all the required design specifications in the proper format and computer language. By that I mean this station runs on three different computer languages, one we call Star League standard, which is what everyone here learns. It runs the stations environmental systems and day to day systems. Then you have a variation of that language which runs the stations factory equipment and the automated construction bay. There is a third language variation that is running the criteria for the Krait repairs out there. All three are running at the same time and talking to the stations central computer ban, which is fascinating and an incredibly hard feat to accomplish." Dennis Stinson said
"Why the last two being different? Why not just the one language to do both?" Reginald Traveline asked
"Educated guess here, the last computer language only comes into play when dealing with Star League Defense Force designs. The encryption is like nothing I have ever seen. Very complicated stuff. I can only read what it lets me, as in what it displays on the screens here. And without that little key your Major left plugged in, the encryption would prevent anyone from accessing even the Krait design information now in the stations database. I only know that because I removed that key and the Krait vanished from the database until I put the key back in. The Carrack was still there though. Your not copying the information from the database either, tried that one also. With or without that key. Nor can you copy any of the computer coding for the third language. Tried that and got a warning that scared the crap out of me. Said "Further attempts to extract classified information would be deemed hostile intent and self-destruct protocols would be initiated". I would advise leaving that idea off the table forever." Dennis Stinson said
"Yeah, I keep forgetting there is a nuke on this station." Reginald Traveline replied suddenly feeling a chill go up his spine.
"It does make you heed any warning you get though. Made me stop dead in my tracks and quit playing with that encrypted stuff totally." Dennis Stinson said as his eyes swept across the various screens displaying a wide variety of information. Reginald Traveline took his sudden silence as his cue to leave.
Thazi (Independent System)
"It is time for me to leave David. It has been a very pleasant and enjoyable visit. I wish you and your people the very best. They are in very good hands." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Your welcome to come back and visit anytime you find the time Melissa. I also appreciate your help in solving our financial problems. As I promised last night, I will setup the other steel factory over on Wokha to handle the manufacturing there. Does not mean I will not ship iron ore and others back here to be processed also though. It will take a year or two to even get it built and workers trained over there." President David Mitchell replied
"That would be fine David. Your word is good enough for me. When I get to Wokha, I will make sure everyone understands exactly what I expect of them and what your to be paid. Just keep our secret exactly that, a secret. I will tell you when you can make a wave." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Lips are sealed. I do not wish to create a problem, but I also have to look after my people." President Mitchell replied
"As we all must. Until we meet again David." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said as she turned to climb the ramp of the Monarch Dropship.
-
Mitchell got off LIGHT! 8)
-
You know, Mels was trained as infantry... maybe get her a check-ride in a Nighthawk suit? It's be as cool as a mech-jock getting a checkride in a new mech....
-
7 January 3047
Wokha (Federated Commonwealth)
"Your Highness. I was not informed that you would be visiting us." Vice Admiral Elliot Unger said with his head bowed.
"Because I did not actually come to see you. I came to see President Mitchell on Thazi. I am here because I have learned that someone is playing games with a vital project. Possibly even graft and theft. I plan to get to the bottom of it and put a stop to it. But first, what is the status of the Titan Dropships?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"We have built three but two have defects we cannot seem to track down. The first crashed on Wokha during atmospheric testing. The performance values on the other two are way below what the design information we were given suggests they should have. I am afraid the replication of the design is a dead end without one to literally tear apart and copy piece by piece." Vice Admiral Unger replied
"Then cease the efforts. No sense wasting precious funds chasing a dream we cannot have. Status of the shipyard here?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion ordered
"The final assembly of the shipyard is starting; we have the supporting orbitals completed. We should be ready to begin repairs on the ships by mid-year. We began stockpiling steel to support that effort, but President Mitchell is being difficult." Vice Admiral Unger replied
"He is being difficult because he is being cheated and taken advantage of. I would not expect even one of our own companies to operate at a loss, much less one that can support our efforts out here. Do you know why WE have not shipped our own heavy equipment out here? Let me answer that, because President Mitchell has been spending his nations own money purchasing almost exactly what is needed out here. That saves US the expense of doing the very same thing. Now, before I begin a serious audit, tell me, did you have any part of the crap going on out here?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said with the last question being asked in a very, almost deadly sounding low tone.
"I placed the protection of this system ahead of the request for maintenance on his ships. That is the extent of my involvement in any wrongdoings Highness." Vice Admiral Unger replied softly
"Then I will head for the surface and look there. Pray I do not find evidence that says otherwise Admiral Unger. I detest liars and crooks. From now on, if President Mitchell or one of his ship's requests maintenance support, they will have it at the first opportunity. Is that clear?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Crystal clear." Vice Admiral Unger replied
"If I have to come back out here and sort out another problem Admiral, you will be returning strapped to the hull of my Dropship. I am also requesting a full MIIO investigative team to head out here. You will give them your full support if they request it. Clear?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Very clear your Highness." Vice Admiral Unger said to the Archons back as she left the room aboard the Olympus Recharge Station.
10 January 3047
Archon Melissa Steiner Davion had spent the previous day meeting with Reinhard Gleinfeld, CEO of Solar Metals, who had been quite forth coming in opening his record books for her to examine. She was not a trained auditor, but she was Lyran by birth and business accounting was part of her DNA. Today she walked into the office of Lawrence Hellman, purchasing agent for the Wokha project, and dropped the large binder on his desk before he had even realized she was in the room.
"What the hell!!" Lawrence Hellman shouted as he jumped from his chair, and then nearly fainted as he saw who was standing in front of him.
"Those are the record books for Solar Metals. I want to know why you have been paying them so little that they are threatening to completely shut down operations here on Wokha?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion asked in a not very civil tone
"Your Highness, forgive me. I did not know it was you." Lawrence Hellman replied
"That is not what I wanted to hear. I really hate repeating myself." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"My job is to get the best price for raw material as I can for the Federated Commonwealth. We are their only customer. There is no one else to buy their output." Lawrence Hellman replied
"Your job is to purchase what the Federated Commonwealth needs, AT a fair market price. Because of your games, I have had to come all the way out here to sort the mess out. You were supposed to be paying Solar Metals 25 C-bills per ton for iron ore. Not the 8 you paid last time." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"Highness, I was authorized to pay 25 C-bills per ton. I was not ordered to pay 25 per ton. That is standard purchase practice. Supply has outpaced demand, that means I can drive a harder bargain." Lawrence Hellman replied
"So, instead of theft and corruption it was pure stupidity on your part that made me come out here to sort this all out. Which by the way has now cost the Federated Commonwealth more money than it should. You will now be paying Solar Metals 25 C-bills per ton of iron ore; in addition you will be paying President Mitchell on Thazi 8 C-bills above current market prices for everything else he ships over here. His steel will be purchased at 130 C-bills for cold rolled steel and 100 C-bills for hot rolled steel until we no longer need his services out here. Which is probably years. He is going to construct a steel factory here on Wokha, from which you will also be purchasing steel.
He has also started charging the Federated Commonwealth landing fees on Thazi which is another expense that we did not have until you started playing your games. If he had refused to make a deal the Federated Commonwealth would have had to ship EVERYTHING out here to Wokha. No more games, not out here, not on this project. Your to make sure the Federated Commonwealth is not taken advantage of, but to be fair in your dealings with those who are doing fair business with the Federated Commonwealth, not take advantage of them. Have I been clear on this matter Mr Hellman?" Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
Lawrence Hellman swallowed hard before answering "Very clear Your Highness. It will be as you command."
"It better be clear Mr Hellman. I get a report that things are getting screwed up out here again, you will be riding the hull of my Dropship on the way back to New Avalon." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
-
Alright, let me point out that his economy is going to be VERY robust and until he DOES go to a fiat currency, both very hard and very easy to break. The benefit and bane of precious metal backed currency is that it is very easy to destabilize by injecting more of that metal into the currency. It was part of the argument for going away from the gold standard back in both the 30's and 60's. That said, the benefit is that since the government controls the intake and output of the metal to the economy, and because the government will be buying up those metals in their systems that they don't already own, they can protect that currency value for a time.
for the record, my major is in history, but my minors are in economics and political science
Which is why the C-Bill's value is so enduring. Was it something like a KB worth of data across 1 light year? Of course, it's possible for the C-bill's relative value to change with respect to technology, trained manpower etc. But fundamentally I think it's a very sound currency.
Until the HPG network broke down. Oops.
The other alternative currency I can think of is backed by energy, which is used in several sci-fi settings.
-
applause for Mel. VERY well DONE!!
-
applause for Mel. VERY well DONE!!
No! Its horrible, she used the same threat twice! ;)
-
The other alternative currency I can think of is backed by energy, which is used in several sci-fi settings.
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri did that, and the energy could be in the form of batteries (rechargeable or not), consumption, or production. If you don't mind some of real-world Earth's numbers
MegaJoules per kilowatt-hour: 3.6MJ/kW-hr
Cost per kilowatt-hour in United States: $.175 (I'll convert it to $.20 to make the math easy)
kilowatt-hours per dollar: 5 kW-hr/1$
$/C-Bill: $10/1C-B
So one C-Bill = $10 = 50 kilowatt-hours = 180 MJ (or 205.7 MJ)
As a comparison, 1 kg of TNT is 4.6 MJ, so 1 C-Bill is ~39 kg of TNT (or 44.7 kg)
One idea to make shipping iron ore to Thazi more profitable/practical, have a crushing plant built on Wokha. This will make the iron ore into smaller fragments, so a 10-ton 30% chunk of iron ore will be broken into fragments that range from 5% to 50%. Load up the stuff that is 30%-50% to be sent back to Thazi, and let the low-quality stuff be smelted on Wokha into Steel. This way you are not hauling material that will eventually become slag. A Fission or Fusion reactor can be used to heat up the material to reduce the amount of slag going into the smelter. A counter-current (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countercurrent_exchange) setup can be used where the hot material going out is used to heat up the next incoming wave of material.
But that metals buyer was too focused on quarterly profits to think about the strategic situation. Imagine if something had happened to delay Melissa's arrival, or if the metals buyer had decided that the 17 C-Bill difference in price was worth hiring mercenaries.
Still, with the MIIO group heading out, that will likely spot a few things that Mitchell is trying to hide (such as what the shipyard is actually capable of). Once that little mess is cleared up, perhaps they could move the Titan Dropships to the shipyard and see if it can repair them as well as scanning their data?
That Star League encryption limitation is getting aggravating. I wonder if someone is going to try and put a video splitter on the monitor and record the output? So the Star League systems send plain data to the monitor, and the splitter lets the teams record the data without triggering the self-destruct. It will take a while to transfer all the data this way, but at least this will not feature the ka-boom special.
I wonder if Mel is going to get a modification to her Dropship in the future - a pair of handcuffs attached to the exterior of the ship. With a sign next to them saying, "just in case"
-
I suspect sabotage on the Titans, actually... 8)
Applause for Mel. VERY well DONE!!
Seconded! :thumbsup:
-
Mmm, fun fact: She's still having that MIIO investigative team sent to Wokha. :D
-
Fingers crossed they can find the ROM team... 8)
-
MORE... :flame: :ticked: :flame: :ticked: :flame: :ticked: :beatdown:
:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :crash:
TT
-
applause for Mel. VERY well DONE!!
I seconded as well . :thumbsup: You know I think this first time I have seen Mel pissed off. Now I know why Hanse keep her happy.
-
It makes it clear why she had to be assassinated in canon.
-
Fingers crossed they can find the ROM team... 8)
Why does have to be a ROM team causing the Titan failures? Seems to me that the Titan build team is causing their own failures by being "just good enough to pass the reinstallation inspection".
Wait untill Mitchell bring the Linden teams there to show them how real quality workmanship is really done. Heads will roll, the FP will be jealous, and Mel will save to day when she asks how much for lessons.
-
There's nothing about a Titan that would drive that kind of failure rate, so I can only imagine it's down to sabotage.
-
That would be a good story of how SaRI and President Mitchell somehow was able to fix the production issues of the Titan Dropship for the AFFC at the cost of a few more dropships or more trade?
-
There's nothing about a Titan that would drive that kind of failure rate, so I can only imagine it's down to sabotage.
My bet is that either somebody´s cutting corners to save on production cost, or because they "know better" than to do things by the book. If this was a Lyran operation, I´d say graft is involved, but this would more likely be some idiot with the best intentions, like the buying agent whom Melissa ripped a new one.
-
14 January 3047
Wokha (Federated Commonwealth)
Archon Melissa Steiner Davion had departed yesterday, and everyone had sighed a breath of relief. Her final words to Vice Admiral Elliot Unger were "Take the two defective Titans to Thazi and give them to President Mitchell. Make sure you explain to him FULLY exactly what is wrong with them. Maybe they can at least bolster his orbital defense."
"I do not understand why the ships are defective. We have checked everything a thousand times and everything matches the provided design specifications exactly. Yet, we have seen cracks along internal bracing after high G moves, even some warping occurs. The metals are perfect, we have tested them repeatedly. Granted we could not build the exact engines, since we have no clue what they actually were or anything about them outside of the specifications, so we substituted off the shelf transit Drives that met the criteria with a little weight variance, but that should not have been a major factor." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"It does not matter now, the Archon shut the project down. Make arrangements for those ships to be taken to Thazi and handed over to President Mitchell. You go over with them and make sure he is fully briefed on everything wrong with them, down to the chipped paint in the back corner under the fire control computer. Make sure he understands completely the limitations, I do not need nor want another visit from the Archon because he tried to land one on the surface and it broke apart or crashed because he did not know there was an issue." Vice Admiral Unger replied
"This is the first failure I have ever had in twenty-five years building Dropships of every sort. It just baffles me that we cannot figure out the problem. I was there personally when the full design specs were pulled off their original Titan and handed over to us. We followed everything to the letter and every decimal point." Ingrid Bertmaul replied
"You don't think they handed over bogus information, do you? Altered the parameters maybe?" Vice Admiral Unger asked
"No. I watched them every step of the way. Those files are read only files, locked down to prevent any alteration of them at the factory of origin. Impossible to change. The data we pulled off was original, it was even date stamped May 2761 as to when it was locked down. We do the same thing to every Dropship and Jumpship ever manufactured, always been that way." Ingrid Bertmaul relied
"Very well. Go get them ready for transfer then. Shift the workers over to the Zenith Jump Point and they can help over there, no need for them here now." Vice Admiral Unger ordered
17 January 3047
New Avalon (Federated Commonwealth)
Archon Melissa Steiner Davion had returned to New Avalon instead of direct to Tharkad to deliver the news from their special project, not trusting any other method of communication. She had arrived late at night the previous day at a non-standard point but did not land. Instead, First Prince Hanse Davion took a shuttle up to meet her. They shared a quick kiss.
"A surprise visit? You miss me that much already?" First Prince Hanse Davion asked with a smile
"I always miss you when I am away from you, but I thought I would deliver the news of what I learned in person." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"Oh dear, a personal delivery, this cannot be good." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"Not all of it is bad. They recovered a batch of those Nighthawk suits, close to the same ones the Gray Death Legion found. Different version. They gave us 30 of them to play with. They are being loaded on your shuttle now." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"If Mitchell is giving us anything for free, then he found a lot more than those." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"He did, but you need to keep an open mind and not fly off on some hissy fit. He found a lost colony, in the process, they have a Tracker Warship now." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion watched her husband go a little pale before red started to show, she laid a hand on his arm. "I warned you to keep calm. It was not there for me to look over, but I am told it has a single Naval Laser and empty Barracuda launchers. If so, it is of no threat to us. He promised me that one of my officers could examine it when it gets to Thazi."
"It is still a warship dear. That is always a threat. I conclude from the way you informed me that you told him he could keep it?" First Prince Hanse Davion said
"If it checks out that it is as he says, yes, I said he could keep it. I managed to sort out the raw material crisis, but it is going to cost us some. It was stupidity not corruption that started it all. That is now fixed for good. I also cancelled the Titan project. They cannot figure out what is wrong with the design, so no sense wasting money on it." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion replied
"Damn, I really wanted those carriers. So, we do not know what the problem is? Did we get bad information?" First Prince Hanse Davion asked
"I highly doubt it. President Mitchell is a horrible liar, but I also do not think he would hand over bad information without provocation. Even then, I doubt he would risk the lives of innocent soldiers to such a move. In my opinion, even if he was provoked, he would rather tell you a flat out no than to pass off information that could kill innocent AFFC soldiers. He was one of them not too long ago after all. The shipyard at Wokha should be ready to start work this year though, so that is some good news at least." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"He does speak his mind and does not beat around the bush. Okay, your read of him matches mine also. I am still not keen on that ship being in his hands though, none at all. What else did you learn?" First Prince Hanse Davion replied
"Couple of mining stations he plans to keep for his own use. About 80,000 refugees, for lack of a better word. He is bringing Thazi along fairly quickly, but lacks the educated work force to advance much further. He has been spending a fortune trying to kick start his economy, that is why the iron ore price problem exploded so quickly, he needs the money. But at least that is sorted out now." Archon Melissa Steiner Davion said
"As long as your satisfied with the results. Speaking of satisfied?" First Prince Hanse Davion replied
-
Wait a second... did Melissa just hold out on the shipyard? ::)
-
Yes, she did just that. Best to give him small doses of "bad" news than all at once. Controlled delivery.
-
Well, I don't think that it'll come across all that well getting to hear there's another shipyard in his special pocket right after being informed that there is a WarShip not under his control in the same area... ::)
-
She did!
And what are the odds that with the shipyard and its Star League computre code-literate staff, they are able to find the problem with the Titans and fix it?
-
From the limited information given, I am going to go with it being the off the shelf drive units not working correctly with the overall design due to either an unknown variable being not figured into the calculations or their calculations giving too much allowed variation in their assumptions.
-
Granted we could not build the exact engines, since we have no clue what they actually were or anything about them outside of the specifications, so we substituted off the shelf transit Drives that met the criteria with a little weight variance, but that should not have been a major factor.
That is relatively close to what I was guessing, I´d say. Someone decided "eh, good enough" with an extremely complex piece of spacefaring equipment.
-
That is relatively close to what I was guessing, I´d say. Someone decided "eh, good enough" with an extremely complex piece of spacefaring equipment.
difference between good engineering and bad, is often "WHERE" you're willing to say "Okay, that's good enough" .
It's called Tolerances.
-
difference between good engineering and bad, is often "WHERE" you're willing to say "Okay, that's good enough" .
It's called Tolerances.
It´s kinda hard to stay within tolerance of certain specific parameters when, by their own admission, they didn´t even know what those parameters are!
-
You also have different tolerances for work being done by person vs semi-robotic welding, vs full -robotic welding, vs VI/AI-driven welding.
-
Yes, she did just that. Best to give him small doses of "bad" news than all at once. Controlled delivery.
Ah, trying to avoid giving him a heart attack, I see... ^-^
-
Thazi already has a shipyard that handles up to Merchant class Jumpships on their Olympus SS/SY. It was stated in story that this version of Olympus has a 150k and 2 50k docks. And also they have built them selves a maintanance pier that can handle up to StarLord Class Jumpships.
So Mel's forgetting to mention that Mitchell found another SY is not much of a stretch. They are sure to be more small and medium shipyards in spacestations being abandoned and or damaged lying around.
-
28 January 3047
Linden (Former Outworld System)
"RWS Krait is once again back in perfect condition." Captain Marcus Birch said with glee
"Then we can start taking the station apart. But before we do that, I want to go ahead and dock the Titan inside followed by one of the Elephant Tugs. President Mitchell wanted to do it and we might as well do it now while we know everything works to perfection instead of at Boulsi." Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga said
"What are we hauling back this time?" Captain Marcus Birch asked
"We have 21 collars on the ships we brought. I see you have two Merchant Jumpships holding here, so that gives us 25 collars total. We brought six Dropships with us so that leaves us with 20 collars. Both orbital factories and three of the habitats takes us down to fifteen collars left. Add the eight additional Dropships you have here, and we are down to seven collars. This station will eat up a dozen collars, and I think that should be priority, so we only take five of your eight Dropships back this trip." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"Very well, I will start informing all the people and get things organized on that front. How long to break the station down?" Captain Marcus Birch asked
"Reginald tells me that his estimate is two weeks to break it down once we have run the Titan and Elephant thru here. Figure another week to get the sections all docked and tests run on the hookups." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"You know I have two collars on Krait we can use also. We can carry two additional habitats." Captain Marcus Birch said
"I forgot about those, maybe because I assumed you would want to remain here." Chief Engineer Zuniga replied
"This convoy is too important to leave undefended. Krait will escort the missions back and forth until we are done moving everything from here to Boulsi." Captain Marcus Birch said
30 January 3047
SaRI Wavefront, Titan Dropship had been carefully docked inside the station's construction bay. Dennis Stinson double checked everything before he entered the diagnostic screen. Once again, the message appeared "Warning, Restricted Access, SLDF Override Needed, Insert Override Security Key." He slipped the security key into the slot and "Download initiated. SLDF Override Confirmed."
He turned to where Chief Engineer Zuniga was standing beside him "Just like Krait, there are hidden files stored onboard."
"Looks that way. I wonder if every ship has a hidden section, not just the former SLDF ships. If so, that just made this station so much more valuable."
"Download complete." Appeared on the screen and Dennis Stinson ran a fast diagnostic on SaRI Wavefront. With no jump core to access, this only took an hour to complete. "She is due an overhaul according to the computer. But I think you will want to do that at Boulsi. Now let's see if she appears on the construction side of the system."
He typed in his commands and listed with the other four ships was now listed Titan Class Carrier Dropship, Standard.
"There must be a variant since it says Standard. I wonder what those variant changes from this ship. But, we can now build more Titans and according to this, we can build two of them at the same time. Only a two-month construction time." Dennis Stinson said
"We don't have one to know, but I bet it is an upgrade of some sort. Let's get the Elephant Tug in here. The sooner we can begin the process of breaking this station down, the sooner we can get back and start putting her back together again.
-
That's some pretty sweet progress there... I can almost see Brich's glee! 8)
-
AND now we know why the Titans build by the FC failed.
-
"O and Hanse, all Lyran Commenwealth warships up to 300.000 tons, will go to Thazi for their hull overhauls, the weapon systems, themselves will still happen at your shipyard.
That should relieve the stress on it, a bit, right?
Speed things up a bit?"
Sorry, but I can sooo hear her say that, to him.
-
1 February 3047
Inman (Federated Commonwealth)
"My name is Sarah Campbell and I am the new owner. You are all a part of Outback Shipping. There will be some changes, some not everyone will like, but they are changes that are going to happen. The first change is we will be operating six Merchant Jumpships and my Invader Jumpship. I have sold the Monolith and Star Lord Jumpships. The lack of maintenance sites this far out is an expense I do not want. At least the Merchant Jumpships can get maintenance at any Olympus station. I have also sold off two of our Mammoth Dropships to the same outfit. I made this decision after a careful examination of your records. We cannot afford to sail partially loaded, which was a common occurrence in your past. In place of the Mammoth Dropships, I have purchased 6 Mule Dropships.
Some of you might doubt these changes, but I assure you, we will make a profit. We will sail on time and fully loaded. Too many times the Jumpships had two or more collars empty. The Mammoths usually were half loaded. This is wasted space and wasted money. The two Mammoth I kept usually fly fully loaded carrying bulk ores, so they are being kept for that purpose. We are not operating in the heart of the Commonwealth but on the rim of it, we do not need the larger vessels for out here. Not for the quantities usually moved. I hope that changes and if it does, we will purchase larger ships once again but until that happens, we operate smartly.
I have also done some research on passenger travel, and I was surprised at my findings. This particular cargo is an underserved market and one I expect to exploit to the fullest. We will not be flying Monarch Dropships, those are for luxury cruises. No, we will be moving the millions of people in search of a better life, which seems to happen quite a lot out here. The average passenger travels 3 jumps, mostly packed in steerage quarters. Two of our new Mule Dropships are being converted to carry 1,000 passengers each in second class quarters. Much more comfortable for the passengers when you are spending a month in transit. I plan to charge 500 C-bills per passenger for a single jump, but multi jump passengers will be paying 1,000 C-bills per jump. I can justify this because we will be stocking foods passengers want to eat for the trip. Discounts will be available for families, so we will still be friendly on the wallet.
My research says that on any single month, there are 1 to 3,000 passengers waiting on any planet waiting transport to somewhere. We should be able to sail fully loaded at every destination. I could not find a single carrier that offered this sort of passenger service and if it goes the way I think it will go, we might transition completely to an all-passenger service. Instead of making 100,000 per jump on a fully loaded Merchant, we will be making 500-1 million per jump per Dropship. People, this is how we will prosper and grow. This is the future of Outback Shipping that I see. I hope to meet all of you at some point."
Sarah Campbell exited the small stage setup at the Inman Commercial Space Port and walked over to where the crews from SaRI were standing. "How did I do?"
"You did fine. There are a few not very happy looking, but most look like they are happy to not have to job hunt." Captain Curtis Obrien said
"Good, you set to head back to Thazi?" Sarah Campbell asked
"Yes ma'am. Don't hold it against is for changing our mind on you during the trip. Guess we still have too much military in us to give it up." Captain Curtis Obrien said
"Not at all. Plus, the bonus money was very nice. You folks get back up there and hit the road. Don't forget to swing by Inner End and pick up everything waiting to head out to Thazi. Stay safe all of you, it has been a pleasure serving with all of you. When you get tired of playing out there, you have a home here if you want one." Sarah Campbell said as she hugged each of the 83 crew heading back to Thazi.
-
Sarah nailed that speech! :thumbsup:
-
indeed. also good strategy.
-
That too! 8)
-
5 February 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
The arrival of an AFFC Invader Jumpship carrying two Titan Dropships was a surprise to everyone. It was even stranger when they did not detach but a simple radio call asked that President Mitchell meet them at the Nadir Jump Point.
"What do you think this is about? We were only promised one and why did they not just land?" President David Mitchell asked as they boarded a shuttle for the 2 day trip up to the Nadir Jump Point.
7 February 3047
"President Mitchell, my name is Ingrid Bertmaul, I was head of the Titan project at Wokha." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"I remember you; Inner End wasn't it. Wait, you said was, as in past tense." President Mitchell replied
"Yes. Was, as in past tense. The Archon shut the project down. It is a failure and I have no idea why. Vice Admiral Unger ordered both of the Titan we built to be handed over to you. But there are serious issues with both of them." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"Nice of him. What problems?" President Mitchell asked
"Neither can enter an atmosphere. We already lost one with all hands during testing. During high G maneuvers the internal structure might warp or crack. We had to make a few modifications to the interior since we used the engines off of the Achilles, it had the needed thrust levels to handle the larger Titan yet still meet the designed thrust levels. Exterior and weapons wise, they are an exact duplicate. None of our changes should have impacted the design at all. I have been doing this for twenty-five years and this is my first failure. They are still combat worthy and excellent carriers, but they are not the Titan you expected. I cannot stress enough to take some caution with them. Vice Admiral Unger was very clear that I was to make sure you understood the limitations of both ships." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"I do not understand, we turned over all the specifications, you watched us copy them over. I was told that it would be enough to recreate the ship." President Mitchell replied
"Neither do I. Normally, they should be enough to do just that, even if you substitute an engine and account for any changes needed for the substitution, which we did and rechecked so many times I cannot count that high. Something went wrong somewhere; I have no clue where or how, but it did." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"So, they are more battle taxi than frontline fighters. I guess I can live with that. Even defective I can use them to defend the system anyway. Tell the Admiral I said thank you. Is there anything else?" President Mitchell asked
"No sir. I am sorry I could not deliver what you expected." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"You did your best. Tell me, what did you work on prior to being assigned out here? Your jumpsuit says Challenge Systems, but they do not build Dropships." President Mitchell said
"I was hired by Challenge Systems a few years ago. Used to be a engineer with Federated Boeing at Galax. In the Dropship division. Been building Dropships for twenty-five years. But now, I will probably have to go back to Federated Boeing and beg for my job back." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"If Challenge Systems cuts you loose, you come see me. I am always on the lookout for people that are experts in their fields. No matter what that field is. It is not your fault and we will figure out what went wrong, it would be nice to have you here when we do figure it out." President Mitchell replied
"Thank you, sir. Always good to know you have a job offer in a situation like this. Not sure what you would need me for though." Ingrid Bertmaul said
"You never know what I might start doing, half the time neither do I and I am usually scrambling to try and find what I need after the fact is decided. Maybe I am just trying to get ahead of the game for once." President Mitchell replied
-
Tagging in now that I'm caught up here :thumbsup:
-
tagged
-
Hmmmm, would be really good to have Mrs. Bertmaul around when they get to analysing the real issues behind the Titan. :thumbsup:
-
Hmm, Titan Class Carrier Dropship, Royal?
Me thinks...
TT
-
Hmmmm, would be really good to have Mrs. Bertmaul around when they get to analysing the real issues behind the Titan. :thumbsup:
It was my impression that figuring that out was part of the reason she was sent to Thazi by the Admiral... ^-^
-
Hmmmm, would be really good to have Mrs. Bertmaul around when they get to analysing the real issues behind the Titan. :thumbsup:
Thanks to the star League computer, she would be able to better see the differences between the Titan that works, and the Titans they have been trying to repair. If nothing else, the computer might spit out the exact reason for the failures.
-
Hmm, Titan Class Carrier Dropship, Royal?
Me thinks...
TT
Makes sense, there wasn't one in canon. Likely double heat sinks and Extended Range lasers, Artemis, gauss rifles etc.
-
16 February 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
"The next group of 14,000 from Wokha will arrive tomorrow. We might need to slow them down some, two months is not enough time to get that many people settled in or even medically screened. I was too optimistic in my estimate on time frames. Sorry sir." Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh said
"Have we found that many very sick?" President David Mitchell asked
"No sir, I was also afraid the FedCom might shuttle us the weak, old and feeble but looks like they are sending us just regular decent folks." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
"Good. I am told that low level flybys indicated several of the towns on Boulsi were habitable with some elbow grease. Start getting the stuff needed to get a colony started over there. Have Major Johnson prepare an engineer company to deploy as support. Get them power, water and basic services up and running. We might as well get it started over there. We will use both the Lee Infantry Dropships to shuttle them over there. First batch will be 2,000 people. What do you think we should deploy as a garrison?" President Mitchell said
"For now, the 199th Light Horse. We are not even close to deploying anything else right now. But they should have no trouble taking care of any unwanted raiders that make a landing." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
"Make it so. The 199th Light Horse moves to Boulsi as garrison until we can shift another unit over. I know the Linden folks have about 15,000 who live on the surface there, so I expect they will also ground on Boulsi. Let's make sure we start cleaning out another town for them. Close enough to be easily supported by the 199th. If everything works out, that will give us 100,00 or so on the ground and 70,000 or so living on the orbitals at Boulsi. A decent starting point. It will start getting complicated when we start settling the other continents for their resources. Send the Union over to Boulsi along with their Overlord. I really do not want to ask the First Prince for recruits again, but we are going to need another batch really soon. You have any ideas?" President Mitchell said
"Outside of open recruiting, we could always cut the corner and have our own people do some headhunting of folks they know. Get a big list together and have someone make some calls. At least it would be folks that our own people are vouching for. Outside recruiting opens the door to infiltration by unwanted folks and we really do not want that to happen." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
"I like that idea. You just got a new job Herbert. Start making the list and pick a good recruiter. Figure out what we need personnel wise and tell him to fill the need as best he can. If we need equipment for them, make sure he sees Sergeant Major Pullman on Inner End. Top of your head, what do we need?" President Mitchell asked
"The 199th to full Regiment strength. Enough troops to fill out another Armored Cavalry Regiment for Boulsi plus a Battlemech Battalion for the garrison. Technical support for everything over there." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
"That is going to cost some money. Get Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell to come see me, it is time to do some horse trading for equipment. I will arrange for them to get back via AFFS transport and break open the vault. We have 427 tons of Gold in there, put an armed guard force together to escort it, load up a Seeker Dropship. That is roughly 2.1 Billion C-bills worth. That should cover the immediate needs. I was saving it for a rainy day, or to back our currency, but I decided we are going to back it with our Germanium reserves here on Thazi itself." President Mitchell said
"I doubt the new equipment will cost that much, not even close." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied with a whistle.
"Sarah also did some shopping, our account is under a Billion C-bills again. If I have learned anything, it is that developing a planet is a really expensive thing to do. Hopefully, by the end of the year we will be ready to start exporting crops back to the Federated Commonwealth in addition to raw material, but only the most expensive, not going to waste a Dropship hauling iron ore back. But I will haul a Mammoth load of Germanium back in a heartbeat. I have even toyed with a yearly operation to Linden to mine a couple Mammoth loads to bring back for processing and shipment to the Federated Commonwealth to sale. Right now, that is just an idea in the back of my head but adding another 8 billion C-bills to the account per year is mighty tempting. Not tempting enough to try and keep it a year-round operation but a quick couple month operation, scoop and run, literally is worth it, I just have not made up my mind yet." President Mitchell said
"I will go find Harry and send him to see you." Brigadier General Horbaugh replied
Two hours later Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell entered his office and pulled up a chair. "What gives sir?"
"Pack your bags, your taking a trip. Could be a year long one." President Mitchell said
"To do what and where?" Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell asked
"We have 14 Night Hawk Battlemechs, take 6 of them. Your heading for Alpheratz, the capitol of the Outworlds Alliance. If I remember correctly, Mountain Wolf Battlemechs built those designs in the Star league days, do some horse trading and see if they would like a leg up on getting them back into production and what we can get for them in trade. That should be enough for them to tear a few apart to see how they did it, if they do not know how already. If not, the funds will be in the account to buy us another Battalion of Merlin's. Get them shipped back to Inner End. Your going to be heading out on a Seeker, also loaded with 427 tons of Gold. Have Sarah transfer the Battlemechs to one of her Dropships and to Alpheratz when you send the message. You travel first class and quick. Then help Sergeant Major Pullman gather everything else we need out here." President Mitchell said
"I could probably trade all 14 Night Hawks for the 36 Merlins straight up, why not do that?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell asked
"Not going to put all my horses in one cart." President Mitchell said
"Won't this be breaking our word to the First Prince about first dibs on anything we are selling?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell asked
"Who said sell? I said trade. Something just occurred to me, something we never finished. Before you head to Alpheratz, have Sarah take you to Valasha. We never inventoried that cache there. Take some engineers and a security key, you know the routine. Get it inventoried and sell it to the Outworlds Alliance if it has nothing really juicy. This is only an inventory, nothing more. Company of Infantry, lance of Battlemechs and the engineers to clear the site. Inventory it, make contact, sell it and leave. The Outworlds can do all the recovery work." President Mitchell said
"I remember the Governor. He might be pissed after all this time." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"Give him a discount if you have to. Anything is better than nothing and I can scratch that off the list." President Mitchell said
-
Instead of hauling crops all the way to the FedCom, how about just hauling the food to Vice Admiral Unger's forces next door? This way instead of the FedCom needing to haul military rations ~9 jumps, Vice Admiral Unger's forces get fresh food from ~1 jump away. The morale benefits of fresh food, and 1/9 the transportation costs going away should make it worth the Vice Admiral's time. Hanse should like it because getting rid of those food shipments means less methods to track his special project from within the FedCom.
-
I think that's what Mitchell means actually. To him the FedCom is basically the garrison and shipyard stationed at Wokha, not the area starting at Inner End from his perspective. ^-^
-
Shifting priorities... interesting! :thumbsup:
-
Instead of hauling crops all the way to the FedCom, how about just hauling the food to Vice Admiral Unger's forces next door? This way instead of the FedCom needing to haul military rations ~9 jumps, Vice Admiral Unger's forces get fresh food from ~1 jump away. The morale benefits of fresh food, and 1/9 the transportation costs going away should make it worth the Vice Admiral's time. Hanse should like it because getting rid of those food shipments means less methods to track his special project from within the FedCom.
They have been hauling food to or selling food to Wokha for a couple years. 3046 was a hair over 74 million sold to Wokha (food crops). For the AFFC and Wokha citizens.
-
3 April 3047
Boulsi (Independent System)
No sooner had the ships from Linden arrived than operations began unloading them. Those Dropships carrying heavy machinery headed for the planets surface to store them on the ground until a decision was made on what to do with them. The Pentagon Tug and single Elephant Tug brought back began moving the orbital habitats from the Jumpships to a temporary parking spot at the Nadir Jump Point. They had finally located a fairly stable La Grange point near the 5th planet, a gas Giant they dubbed Ragnarok. The Jumpships that had hauled the shipyard sections and two orbital factories started their recharge operations and would jump to the La Grange point once they had recharged their drives.
Even the orbital habitats would have to unloaded, their cargo bays packed with an average of 25,000 tons of equipment and machinery each. It was going to be a monumental task getting everything moved to permanent locations, but time was the one thing that they had. Even though plans had already been discussed during the long process of taking the shipyard apart at Linden and getting them loaded aboard the Jumpships. The biggest plan that had been discussed was the forward maintenance and cargo transfer idea at Sornath. Even though President Mitchell had not been present, Chief Engineer Vincent Zuniga and Reginald Traveline had already been talking about how to actually accomplish the feat, they had then started talking with Captain Marcus Birch and Captain Carla Hansen. Which in turn had brought in several more people from among the Linden people. This had also been discussed at length on the trip back to Boulsi. There were still some kinks to the plan, but they still had time to work them out. They would know more when they made the biggest and possibly the most dangerous move from Linden, the Olympus Recharge Station, which was currently having it's interior literally stripped of any weight they could remove by the Linden locals.
Thazi (Independent System)
"It was a ton of work, but she is finally sitting upright." Brian Tassler said looking at the Colossus Dropship.
"We still have a bunch of work to get her into orbit." Haley Grenn replied
"Yes, there is still a bunch of work to do, but the hardest part is over. Luckily, this was not a crash landing, and she is basically structurally sound. That busted landing strut is what caused her to lay over on her side. We have a bunch of armor plating to repair, but she did not have any damaged structural frames that we found. She did not even hit that hard when she went over. See those scrape marks, her armor plate is even gouged. She leaned into something and then went over." Brian Tassler said
"One of her engine nozzles is bent all to hell. She was not under thrust when it happened. Tomorrow, we will try and get the reactors restarted. Wonder when Reginald will get back?" Haley Green replied
"Not sure. He was like a kid in a candy store when they said he could go play treasure hunter." Brian Tassler said
OW190348 (Uninhabited System)
Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell doubled checked the guards posted in the cargo bay to make sure they stayed alert. Even docked with a AFFC Jumpship, he did not feel secure, not carrying 427 tons of Gold worth billions. They had another 37 days until they reached Delos IV, and then they would be picked up by one of Sarah Campbell's ships for the trip to Inner End. He knew the planned route back to Inner End, once they established it, and it would still be a 74 day trip. He was not sold on setting up a cargo transfer site, but he would not argue against it. He just thought they were spreading themselves too thin.
-
Caldwell is feeling duly nervous, I see... 8)
-
Caldwell is feeling duly nervous, I see... 8)
Anyone would with that much cash around, more even to guard that much cash!
-
Mitchell really ain't acting very smart by dumping an amount of gold equal to appromiarely 1/10 of the gold stored at Ft. Knox on the open market. Many people will not be happy what that is gonna do the monetary worth of gold, and bring some unwanted attention to his band of merry malcontents.
He is definitely living up to the title of this story.
-
Mitchell really ain't acting very smart by dumping an amount of gold equal to appromiarely 1/10 of the gold stored at Ft. Knox on the open market. Many people will not be happy what that is gonna do the monetary worth of gold, and bring some unwanted attention to his band of merry malcontents.
He is definitely living up to the title of this story.
Sell the gold at 3/4 its value to Hanse, and let Hanse slowly let the gold into circulation? This gives Hanse a nice profit, avoids flooding the market, and SaRI does not need to set up a long-term guard on the gold at the destination.
-
blah! totally muffed what I wanted to say but am to stubborn not to post!
Yeah, drop it off with the big boss and let his economic advisors deal with it.
-
Or sell 2/3 to FS and 1/3 to your other neighbors to smooth things over some
-
He could use it to buy stuff and let that do the job, like Germanium for ship construction.
Heh, could he supply that mining operation, with food?
If so, can he get another recharge station, for relocation to that system?
Would give that guy, a way to streamline his mining operation, a bit.
Plus a way to several sellers markets, so bonus, there.
See, a easy way to earn some money, so even if the Feds solve their food needs, they would still have a buyer for the food.
-
He could use it to buy stuff and let that do the job, like Germanium for ship construction.
Heh, could he supply that mining operation, with food?
If so, can he get another recharge station, for relocation to that system?
Would give that guy, a way to streamline his mining operation, a bit.
Plus a way to several sellers markets, so bonus, there.
See, a easy way to earn some money, so even if the Feds solve their food needs, they would still have a buyer for the food.
He has more germanium than gold in his stockpile.
And when he dumps a commodity in those quantities on the open market, people notice. The wrong type of people.
And I'm pretty sure he was told to keep his head down, and not draw attention.
-
For precious metals of that amount, you would be better secured to take it to the Capitol Worlds, ie New Avalon and deposit it there and set up accounts with factors to sell the amounts as needed to finance the purchases needed through the Inner Sphere.
-
If the factors on Inner End are worth anything, they'll advise exactly that... 8)
-
I assume his lawyer will
-
Is easier to hide and launder trillions in the worth of metals where the transactions of the mighty are measured in that worthy amounts every day.
-
12 July 3047
Inner End (Federated Commonwealth)
Sergeant Major Chester Pullman shook hands with Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell and everyone else he knew after their arrival. After being brought up to speed on everything happening out in the Wastes plus his own missions, Sergeant Major Pullman sent for a few of the new arrivals. The SaRI compound had enlarged quite a bit since Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell had last been here and commented on it while they waited.
"Place sure has grown a bunch." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said looking around
"Had to. Every time I thought I had enough of anything you folks seemed to double the amount flowing thru here. We now own just over a square kilometer of ground. I can house 10,000 people at any one time and store roughly three hundred thousand tons of equipment if I have to. Permanent guard force is now a full Battalion of Infantry and I have another 800 staff to support the base itself. We currently have 3,422 people waiting to head out and about 60,000 tons of equipment." Sergeant Major Pullman replied
"Who exactly did you send for?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell asked
"Xiang Chu and Feng Wu, both used to be big shot bankers before coming to work for us. I think they would be the best to advise you on selling that much Gold all at once." Sergeant Major Pullman replied as he caught sight of them heading their way. "Here they are. Xiang Chu, Feng Wu this is Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell. He just arrived from where your going to be going with roughly 420 tons of Gold. We need advice on how to handle selling it off.
"Good to meet you sir. You could just sell it on the open market. Four hundred tons sounds like a lot, and it is, but it is not much in the interstellar scheme of things. There are mining companies that place thousands of tons of Gold on the open market each year, actually most of them do. Thousands of years ago that much Gold being sold off would have destabilized a global economy and caused the price to bottom out. But today, it would barely register at all and do little to the actual price. What do you think Feng?" Xiang Chu said
"Many major manufacturing concerns purchase Gold by the thousand ton per year. It is used in so many applications, while rarely does a single application even use a gram, the quantity of goods being produced chews up the thousand ton lots quickly. The bigger problem would be answering where it came from and who was selling it." Feng Wu replied
"Solar Metals. Our mining company. They are registered here in the Federated Commonwealth, but we operate out there, not here in the Federated Commonwealth." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
"Then it is a simple matter of selling the Gold off. We have been told by Mr Pullman that we are operating on a more clandestine sort of venture. That will be a difficult problem to overcome. Many questions will be asked among other mining operations, people will begin looking for answers to those questions. Possibly people we really would not like looking for answers or asking questions." Feng Wu replied
"That will be a problem then. We do not want people looking too deeply into this matter then. Any idea's on how to handle it?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell asked
"In small enough batches, if it is raw ore, it would be virtually unnoticed. Is it unrefined?" Xiang Chu asked
"No, I am told it is pure. We have 35,000 bars of the stuff. At standard 12.4 Kilograms per bar." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
"That is a problem then. I am sure that getting a mining lease inside the Federated Commonwealth on any inhabited planet will not be easy. I am sure it would be up for an open bid and unless Solar Metals has very deep pockets, they would not win the bids. This will take much thought and effort to overcome." Feng Wu replied
"Time is critical. We need the funding." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
"If you have contacts in the Federated Commonwealth government, you could possibly sell it to them. They would probably demand a discount on the purchase price. The best option and explanation would be for Solar Metals to actually begin operations inside the borders of the Federated Commonwealth in some fashion, then you could easily explain the amount of Gold you have for sale. Trading in commodities is not my specialty, but I do have knowledge in the matter. You could, while not the best option, deposit the Gold with a bank and have them issue a letter of credit in the agreed upon amount. They are going to ask questions, serious questions. Which in turn is going to generate more questions from others." Feng Wu said
"I agree, the only sure way to protect the true source of this Gold is for Solar Metals to actually mine here in the Federated Commonwealth." Xiang Chu replied
"Well, that is a problem we did not see coming. Sergeant Major, we are going to need to get a message back home and tell the boss." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
Boulsi (Independent System)
Gently, the Elephant Tug nudged the section of the Shipyard into place and the small army of workers in EVA suits began locking it into place after carefully inspecting the large seals. They still had four sections to go before the station was completely reassembled. Reginald Traveline floated a fair distance from the station watching the workers scramble over the ever-growing station. He was good at EVA but all these workers from Linden put his skills to shame, he had always heard that there were small cultures and a few large ones that spent their entire lives from birth to death, living in space but he had never met any until now. Behind the station itself was the enormous gas giant Ragnarok, which was beautiful in deadly sort of way.
-
Melissa to the rescue by simply pointing out they are out of their depth and if they keep fumbling around the wrong people will take notice. She offers fair market value plus a percentage of profits from his various industries. They get to have proper help for their planets and all the mercs make bank and have a secure home. The scream when Hanse sees the price for a few baubles she bought for Christmas takes down all the hpg systems and is considered the first clarion call.
-
Well played 2ndACR! :thumbsup:
-
The scream when Hanse sees the price for a few baubles she bought for Christmas takes down all the hpg systems and is considered the first clarion call.
Nah, while funny, that can be marked as a rounding error to the actual budget.
-
I believe the technical term for that is "decimal dust"... ^-^
-
12 July 3047
Inner End (Federated Commonwealth)
Sergeant Major Chester Pullman shook hands with Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell and everyone else he knew after their arrival. After being brought up to speed on everything happening out in the Wastes plus his own missions, Sergeant Major Pullman sent for a few of the new arrivals. The SaRI compound had enlarged quite a bit since Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell had last been here and commented on it while they waited.
"Place sure has grown a bunch." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said looking around
"Had to. Every time I thought I had enough of anything you folks seemed to double the amount flowing thru here. We now own just over a square kilometer of ground. I can house 10,000 people at any one time and store roughly three hundred thousand tons of equipment if I have to. Permanent guard force is now a full Battalion of Infantry and I have another 800 staff to support the base itself. We currently have 3,422 people waiting to head out and about 60,000 tons of equipment." Sergeant Major Pullman replied
Someone is going to be watching over that base from nearby, will notice the quantities flowing through, and make money selling that information. Even just watching the vehicles moving in and out will be useful information.
From there you could have Comstar putting a deep space ship in system, and just watching ship arrivals, timing their arrival signatures. This gives Comstar a sphere to work with, and steadily identifying which stars would be appropriate.
-
20 July 3047
Boulsi (Independent System)
The fleet had departed for Linden escorted by RWS Krait, Tracker Warship. They had been at Boulsi long enough and even though the Shipyard was not fully reassembled, the new people were quite capable of completing what was left. On the surface of Boulsi, a small city capable of holding roughly 30,000 people had been cleaned up by new arrivals from Wokha along with a company of engineers. Outside of the ruined planetary capitol, it was one of the few that had both a meat packing factory, cloth factory and a small lumber mill. In a rare instance, a group of Linden arrivals had landed to help restore the factories and if parts needed to be manufactured, what they would need.
Several Battlmechs from the 199th Light Horse had been sent out to harvest a few of the massive Bison to provide fresh meat for everyone. One of the Merchant Jumpships had remained behind along with two Mule Dropships to shuttle food over from Thazi. It would be months before they could begin to actually plant their own fresh crops.
Thazi (Independent System)
"I guess it is better late than never." President David Mitchell said as he looked at the six Black Boxes that had just arrived along with a dozen operators, courtesy of First Prince Hanse Davion.
"Sorry, we had to manufacture this set to send out here. All the others are already accounted for by various units. But we also brought several Mobile HPG's for testing. One is already setup on Wokha and we want to set the other one up here on Thazi. We are far enough out that Comstar should not be able to detect our use of them." Jeremy Frazier replied as he walked up.
"And you are?" President Mitchell asked
"Jeremy Frazier, NAIS. My specialty is HPG communications. Spent the last ten years learning how to build and maintain them." He said shaking the offered hand.
"Then what was the huge delay?" President Mitchell asked
"These Mobile HPG are not your average HPG system. Those weigh several thousand tons and are massive. Never even seen one this small, much less to have an actual working one to play with. The bad thing is our understanding of the Star League computer code is limited. That prevents us from changing anything at all and also gives Comstar access to our communications if they are not encoded heavily. I doubt Comstar is going to let us attend their next code class. Fully understanding Star league computer code is the elusive Holy Grail." Jeremy Frazier replied
"That bad?" President Mitchell asked
"It is not quite on par with a dead language, but pretty damn close. Only relics from the Star League still use the language. That is what has hampered recovery of information from the Helm Core. We sometimes only retrieve 60-70% of any particular item and we have to use trial and error to figure out the rest. It is a painfully slow process." Jeremy Frazier replied
"A person or skill like that must be pretty valuable." President Mitchell said
"You have no idea. The First Prince and Archon would probably gift that person a planet and the titles to go with it if they could actually fully understand and teach that damned language. But outside of Comstar, and they are not about to give lessons on that subject to outsiders, we are stuck with what we can figure out." Jeremy Frazier replied
President Mitchell nodded but said nothing as his mind went into overdrive thinking of ways to use this information to his benefit.
-
Pardon me while i sit here and cackle maniacally
-
Mitchell should probably just send a message via black box. k.i.s.s. ... "I think we can overcome C* oversight on your new HPG network, we should talk again."
-
Given that most system have a layer of Star League computer code to them, I'm kinda shocked it is considered a "dead language". I can see limited understanding as the TH would have buried "logic bombs" in things they wanted a kill code for.
I always figured what slowed the recovery of Helms Core was finding machine that could "read" the data. I just found a way to read my old Appleworks/Clariswork files kinda, so I can understand the issue.
-
I can feel the crosshairs materializing over EVERY SINGLE former Linden resident... ::)
-
I think this is more complicate layering for the story. That the Star League created firewalls to prevent certain layers of technology getting to Star Lords or the Periphery allies.
I'm curious if the Clans have these keys that Davis has to unlock information vs just having it.
-
23 July 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
After several days of diagnostic testing, the first HPG message was sent and answered by the NAIS constructed Mobile HPG. The gathered NAIS personnel cheered at their success, but Jeremy Frazier, while happy, also knew that the programming itself was only a direct copy of the originally provided one, which was still on New Avalon. Also, Wokha was only 30.9LY and they needed a location to test the maximum range of the Mobile HPG. He brought this to President David Mitchell.
"We need a target that is close to the 50LY range gate. Have any idea where we could find one?" Jeremy Frazier asked
President Mitchell had spent months studying the immediate region around Thazi, mainly as part of his need for a fairly secure supply route to the Federated Commonwealth. He had memorized the distances along his proposed routes only because he had spent so many hours in front of a Star Chart of the region. "Leave the one on Wokha. Rondon is 49.4LY from Wokha. It will be a few months at least before we get there though. Unless you want to go over to Wokha and try to convince Vice Admiral Unger to haul you out there."
"Already dealt with him on the issue and it is dead on arrival. We will just have to wait. May I ask why you would be going to this Rondon?" Jeremy Frazier asked
"Salvage operations and scouting a secure route back to the Federated Commonwealth border." President Mitchell said
"Think you might find anything of value after all these years?" Jeremy Frazier asked
"That Mobile HPG you have been playing with back on New Avalon? Where do you think it came from?" President Mitchell replied with a smile
"Makes you wonder how much more is out here." Jeremy Frazier said
"It is what we have been doing for years now. Personally, I think there is way more out here than anyone thinks and I plan on finding it all." President Mitchell replied
Inner End (Federated Commonwealth)
"Sarah, I did not expect you to come personally." Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell said after sharing a brief hug
"When I got word, I figured what the hell, one more treasure hunt will not kill me. It will be a few more months before my new Dropships arrive and I can begin my great experiment." Sarah Campbell replied
"What experiment?" Chief Harry Caldwell asked
"Passenger transport. But not the pleasure cruise type. Bulk passenger between systems. I have two Mules being setup to carry 1,000 passengers in quarters." Sarah Campbell said
"You really think that will pay the bills?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell asked
"Today, here on Inner End there are 4,294 people waiting for transport out of system to other systems. A single Monarch passes thru here every three months. Everyone else bids on spare spots on anything else that passes thru the system. That single Monarch charges 2,200 C-bills per jump made. Not everyone can afford that. I plan to make it affordable for the masses. If I can get 1,000 per passenger per jump, an average of a Million C-bills per jump, per Dropship, that is more revenue per jump than my cargo ships make. The experiment will be direct travel at first, then if that works out, I will build a passenger facility on Inman. Work a spoke system from there to better get people where they want to go." Sarah Campbell said
"Never heard of anything like that." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"Try reading some of David's books on the United States from centuries ago. Even most planets have airlines to move people between cities. I am just copying their methods and adapting them to Jumpship travel. Hub and spoke. Instead of hour layovers, it could be a month layover. But I also plan to make the layover very affordable for those people. Make money on that end also instead of letting the local hotels get it all. If that works out, I will expand the network further." Sarah Campbell said
"Hope it all works out. We are ready to go when you are." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
"It will. You in a major hurry?" Sarah Campbell replied
"Hell yes. Sergeant Major Pullman is pissed that I am dumping a cargo on him, and he has to keep it safe. My bag are already loaded on the Seeker." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
-
Never thought about how setting up a passenger space-line would be interesting, but I'm sucked in!
-
30 July 3047
Valasha (Outworld Alliance)
"Open her up." Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell ordered
Captain Oscar Ortiz inserted the security key and stepped back. The long dormant door slowly opened. Once it was open, the survey party wasted no time in entering the underground storage bunker. Lights were slowly coming on illuminating the large facility.
"Jackpot. Let's get an inventory done as quick as possible but an accurate one. Damn shame we have to give up a 10% discount due to the long wait. But it cannot be helped." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
2 August 3047
Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell held the final tally of the contents of the cache site. It was impressive and was close to what was found on Joshua. Not quite, but it was a decent amount of equipment. Mainly vehicles, but some Battlemechs.
Valasha Cache Inventory
36 Stinger STG-3G - 59,840,000
144 Light APC, Wheel - 9,853,200
144 Light APC, Track - 13,780,800
108 Gallant Urban Assault - 139,846,500
144 Flatbed Truck - 3,931,000
Total - 227,231,500
10% Disc - 22,723,150
Sell Total - 204,508,350 C-bills
"Leave the door open, but make sure we destroy the computer system like Major Davis showed us. We only leave what we sell, nothing else. We sure we have it all accounted for?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
"Counted three times and every nook and cranny inspected." Captain Ortiz replied
"Then lets go get paid and get out of here." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell said
-
Good garrison equipment there.
-
Garrison equipment for one big world, or several smaller ones even... ^-^
-
And that's just what they're selling. Nothing said about what they're keeping. :)
-
CWO Harry Caldwell is on Inner End on July 23rd, 3047, and on Valasha on July 30th, 3047.
Shouldn't it be that CSM <whose name does not come to my mind ATM> on Inner End?
Re. passenger mass transport in spaaaaace: Sarah Campbell should have some security force with teeth on those passenger mules in case some those self loading transportation cases are dangerous (i.e. pirated) and mutate into incidents in-flight?
-
CWO Harry Caldwell is on Inner End on July 23rd, 3047, and on Valasha on July 30th, 3047.
Shouldn't it be that CSM <whose name does not come to my mind ATM> on Inner End?
Re. passenger mass transport in spaaaaace: Sarah Campbell should have some security force with teeth on those passenger mules in case some those self loading transportation cases are dangerous (i.e. pirated) and mutate into incidents in-flight?
CSM Puller errr, CSM Pullman, my bad, I keep reading him as "Chesty"
-
Valasha is only a single Jump from Inner End. 2 days to Inner End jump point, jump and a 2 days ride to Valasha. Easy trip to arrive and be on site by the 30th.
-
6 August 3047
Valasha (Outworld System)
"My people have verified your find. The agreed to funds have been transferred to your account. President Avellar is even aware of what you have found here." Governor Ulman said
"Is he now." Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell replied
"He is. I had to get a special authorization for this amount. It has created quite a stir and he wishes for a meeting." Governor Ulman said
"I am not sure I am authorized to make that kind of contact." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"I understand and will relay that to Alpheratz. Talk to your commander, his name escapes me, maybe he will be receptive to the idea." Governor Ulman said
"I will do that Governor. We have completed our business and I must be going now." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
Alpheratz (Outworld Alliance)
"This find on Valasha is just too interesting. How many more such sites might be within our borders do you think?" President Neil Avellar asked
"There is no telling sir. It seem this is not the first find that this SaRI outfit has made. They also located the Toten find. I checked and they are listed as in the employ of the Federated Commonwealth on anti piracy operations and retainer currently. Have been since the were first registered on Outreach. They are obviously very good, we have seen a 75% decrease in piracy along out borders in that region over the last few years." Senior Chairman Bart Crowns replied
"Interesting. I really want to meet this commander. Maybe we can hire them. I would even be open to "sharing" the cost of their employ with the Federated Commonwealth. Piracy is a scourge on all civilized people and should be crushed at every opportunity. But I am more curious as to how they find these lost treasures." President Avellar said
-
would love to see honest to goodness cooperation between FC and OA. OA surely realizes FC is the bigger dog and FC would do well to foster an ally or even respectful neighbor.
-
Avellar has a three-way balancing act he has to do for his survival.
He has open borders to both the DC and FC which allows settlers and spies across easily.
Then there are The Omniss and his Executive Board. The Omniss is anti-tech that is not necessary for survival, and some don't even want the necessary tech.
His Executive Board is a Five personal advisory board that requires unanimous votes to pass any legislation. So funding anything new is a nightmare
-
Avellar isn't stupid, but surely realizes the one he REALLY needs to talk to is Hanse... 8)
-
Takashi had had the population along the OA border doing a drawdown and moving inward away from the border due to low population and low garrison forces in Galedon District. But ISF has personnel seeded in all worlds as spies and agitators over the border and then people in the government watching and causing trouble if given a chance or orders. Lack of HPG's in many of the OA worlds will so down any type of spring and reactions since orders to and reactions/reports from spies will be hampered.
DCMS/DC also has a grudge against the Avellars going back to the Reunification Wars due to the Pitnam and the meddling of Davion to slow down the SL invasion. Then in mid-2900's Takashi's Father came to power and the OA ambassador was killed by him, and then the OA president at the time tricked the DC Coordinator to back away from the border, He promised to invade to regain honor, but that has not happened yet.
-
Talk about wrenches! :o
-
6 August 3047
Boulsi (Independent System)
Major Nathan Davis was in hog heaven as he got his hands on the DoME database that the Linden people had maintained. It gave him a huge insight into what was done to the region out here in terms of terraforming, resources of the systems, reasons why a system was deemed worth settling but the biggest was it also contained the logs detailing the last months of both the Deep Spin operation but also various missions, pre-mission reports, post mission reports. He had already been reading for over 18 hours but every time he felt he could go no more, he found something else that shot life back into his exhausted mind.
He had writer's cramp from all the note taking he had been doing. He really wanted to haul this database or a copy of it back to Thazi where his entire staff could work on it but Marsha Winston, the caretaker, had been quite firm in her NO to either of those ideas. But he had tripped over several after action reports that really had him ready to hightail it back to Thazi.
4 July 2765 - Mission to Rest Stop completed. Olympus Recharge Station in service. Convoy jumped by rebels at OR187290, three jumps from Linden. SLDS Farbuild was severely damaged and incapable of continuing to Linden. Rebel fleet of three Pinto Corvettes were defeated with two destroyed and one heavily crippled. SLS Louder was destroyed. Single Star Lord Jumpship was sole survivor having taken on all survivors from SLDS Farbuild and SLS Louder. Recovery mission advised.
19 July 2765 - No word from Zalt. 199th Striker was on station providing protection to water purification and ground based mineral refineries.
21 August 2765 - Convoy from Shira attacked at Alktral, single Lola II Destroyer under rebel control severly crippled during fighting. Placed in orbit of W-9 Gas Giant until recovery and SLIC can be provided.
13 October 2765 - Emergency evacuation of Deep Spin operation ordered as situation is untenable. Not enough collars to transport everything, leaving Orbital Electronics Factory, Orbital Small Craft factory and Support Shipyard. Self-destruct set on Shipyard to prevent capture and utilization by rebel forces.
But the biggest discovery had been buried deeper in the system report on Ype-Jhu. He did not even write this one down for fear of it being discovered by someone else. It was a complete game changer, and, in his mind, it was bigger than possibly finding wrecked ships. It was only referred to by a code name EXPLOIT but he had dug around until he found another reference to EXPLOIT in the DoME records of Maripa. Delivery of six Orbital Mining Stations from EXPLOIT deployed was all it had said. But if it was what he suspected, it could be as big a find as Linden.
-
Is Rest Stop a planet? I don't find it on my map. I found all the rest of them.
-
Wrong thread!!
-
Confrontation
"What's going on…
…Erinyes?" Star-Captain(Naval) David Foster demanded.
"Tune up," the AI's response was brief.
Wrong thread? :)
-
Apologies to 2ndACR and everyone else, my excuse is I was still waking up...
-
No need to apologize for a simple mistake that an edit can fix right up. Happens to everyone.
-
Apologies to 2ndACR and everyone else, my excuse is I was still waking up...
Requests Linky, please!
TT
-
Requests Linky, please!
TT
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/fan-fiction/strategos-a-great-captain-roberts-story/msg1920235/#new
-
Nathan is definitely on to something! :)
-
He is indeed on to something.
-
Nathan is definitely on to something! :)
He is indeed on to something.
Farbuild sounds like a Newgrange.
But Louder..... only thing we know, is that it can handel three Pinto's, so unless it's a Potemkin.....
Then a Pinto and a Lola II.
Exploit sounds like somekinda factory system or so.
Not as grand as Columbus, Gabriel, Camelot and so on, but still...
-
9 August 3047
Boulsi (Independent System)
"Did you find everything you wanted in the archive?" Marsha Winston asked
"Not everything, but I learned quite a lot Marsha. There is actually too much to make note of for a single person. I have a dozen people on Thazi to help me sort all the data collected." Major Nathan Davis replied
"Cannot be done. The files cannot be copied. There used to be two exact copies of that storage drive, over a century ago, the other copies computer was corrupted, and they tried to copy the drive. It erased itself to prevent being copied. There is information on that drive that is possibly irreplaceable, and we will not risk it. The only way you get the information out of this room is by writing it down." Marsha Winston said firmly
"I guess I am going to be racking up some serious frequent flyer miles then. This room can only seat a single person." Major Nathan Davis replied
"If you want all the information, you will be here for a long time. It contains 100 Terabytes of information." Marsha Winston said with a sly grin
No way can I hand copy that much information in my lifetime, Major Nathan Davis thought. "I guess I will be picking and choosing what I hunt for then."
"The closest thing you can take with you is a copy of our own records. Diaries from the original people here, from before the war, and then our own documented records from the day they left us here to today. We have been collecting such things since they left us and storing them. Keeping a diary is something everyone here does, it is our history. We upload it all and carefully store it." Marsha Winston said
"That seems like an invasion of someone's privacy." Major Nathan Davis replied
"We upload the information when someone dies. Only in a special situation is it even viewable until fifty years has passed. In case there is something embarrassing to a surviving family member." Marsha Winston said
"I will have to think about that. It just seems wrong." Major Nathan Davis replied
14 August 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
President David Mitchell handed the fax from Inner End to Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh who then read it.
To: Mitchell
From: Caldwell
Extreme high rank in OA wishes talks and meeting with you. I mean very high. Recovery complete, moving to secondary mission. Decent find. Major deposit is here under Pullman. Possible problem with extracting requested funds. Pretty sure this is going to be sent to our other friend for his eyes. Ball is in your court, over my pay grade.
"Well, other friend is obviously the First Prince. Very high rank, possibly President Avellar himself. Guess the Valasha find caught his attention. Major deposit, could only mean the Gold. Not sure what problem they could be having." Brigadier General Horbaugh said
"That is how I read it too. Back in the late thirties the Fed Suns was operating and funding quite a few industrial operations and mining operations in the Outworlds Alliance but those were slapped hard by some serious pirate raids and then the War of 39 happened. So at least I know the First Prince and Avellar have spoken on friendly terms before, should I request a three way meet?" President Mitchell asked
"Probably the best course of action. Best case, we get access to those worlds inside the Alliance that we know have caches on them, with Presidential approval. We can then turn them over to the Alliance for some cash. Possibly get access to their markets for food shipments. Worst case, the First Prince has a melt down and flat out says no." Brigadier General Horbaugh said
"Then I guess I send a message to the First Prince and see what he says." President Mitchell replied
-
Takashi had had the population along the OA border doing a drawdown and moving inward away from the border due to low population and low garrison forces in Galedon District. But ISF has personnel seeded in all worlds as spies and agitators over the border and then people in the government watching and causing trouble if given a chance or orders. Lack of HPG's in many of the OA worlds will so down any type of spring and reactions since orders to and reactions/reports from spies will be hampered.
DCMS/DC also has a grudge against the Avellars going back to the Reunification Wars due to the Pitnam and the meddling of Davion to slow down the SL invasion. Then in mid-2900's Takashi's Father came to power and the OA ambassador was killed by him, and then the OA president at the time tricked the DC Coordinator to back away from the border, He promised to invade to regain honor, but that has not happened yet.
DC was also pissed that Neil Avellar married a Fed Suns Baroness with close ties to the Davions. Also pissed off quite a few OA folks.
-
Is Rest Stop a planet? I don't find it on my map. I found all the rest of them.
Not really a planet, but a system.
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Rest_Stop
Technically 90LY from Linden but that is straight path, I am saying that DoME did not do a direct path to it. It is deep periphery
-
DC was also pissed that Neil Avellar married a Fed Suns Baroness with close ties to the Davions. Also pissed off quite a few OA folks.
Okay , thanks. My eyes were going in circles looking for it.
-
"Cannot be done. The files cannot be copied. There used to be two exact copies of that storage drive, over a century ago, the other copies computer was corrupted, and they tried to copy the drive. It erased itself to prevent being copied. There is information on that drive that is possibly irreplaceable, and we will not risk it. The only way you get the information out of this room is by writing it down." Marsha Winston said firmly
Any chance the security key could allow a copy?
-
I doubt that they would even allow the attempt
-
Find more workstations ....
Or find a printer output and capture of that - you lose structure but that one can get an initial copy done ... after two or three generations including reindexing.
Needs people who are available ...
What is the data: seems to be mostly alphanumeric, yes?
-
Anyone thought to film the display and then farm it out to multiple people to transcribe?
-
Anyone thought to film the display and then farm it out to multiple people to transcribe?
Or use the security key and see what happens?
Because it almost sounds like SLDF security, to me, left open in reading mode.
Can they get a Helm copy?
-
Anyone thought to film the display and then farm it out to multiple people to transcribe?
Or display the hexadecimal code of the file, use a screen-scrape to transfer that to a text file, and transfer the resulting file elsewhere. This is assuming that the hexadecimal code is readable by 3025-era systems (i.e. try putting a 64-bit Unix-based spreadsheet file onto a 16-bit Windows computer and expecting the 16-bit Windows computer to be able to read it)
You may wind up just outputting text explanations of various tech items and transferring that instead.
Unless Star League computer security personnel thought of a lot of these ideas and designed their system to prevent such actions.
-
Or display the hexadecimal code of the file, use a screen-scrape to transfer that to a text file, and transfer the resulting file elsewhere. This is assuming that the hexadecimal code is readable by 3025-era systems (i.e. try putting a 64-bit Unix-based spreadsheet file onto a 16-bit Windows computer and expecting the 16-bit Windows computer to be able to read it)
You may wind up just outputting text explanations of various tech items and transferring that instead.
Unless Star League computer security personnel thought of a lot of these ideas and designed their system to prevent such actions.
Future of the 80s....keeps on rolling. ;)
-
I wouldn´t put it past the right SLDF security key to unscramble the corrupted files, FWIW.
-
Just find someone with a eidetic memory, can't spoof that.
-
I wouldn´t put it past the right SLDF security key to unscramble the corrupted files, FWIW.
Its not only the key you need, you need an SL era computer with the key reader and the installed hardware/programs to access and approve that key.
-
20 August 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
"Penny for your thoughts." Brigadier General Herbert Horbaugh said as he walked up behind President David Mitchell who was sitting on a stool looking out over the vast fields.
Without even turning around President Mitchell said "Pay you a C-bill if you can help me get them all into some sort of order." He reached down and picked up another folding camp stool.
After taking a seat, Brigadier General Horbaugh rubbed his aching leg. "Long walk for an old, crippled man sir."
"Anything important or just wandering around Herbert?" President Mitchell asked
"Nothing stirring. Mainly wandering around and spotted you up here. That usually means your working on something." General Horbaugh replied
"Well, then I will use you as a sounding board on all the junk running around my head." President Mitchell said
"Fire away." General Horbaugh replied
"Okay then. Seems the NAIS is having problems reading Star League code and it just so happens that we have just recruited a bunch of folks that only know Star League code. I have been trying to figure out what we can do with that particular knowledge. So, what do you think?" President Mitchell asked
"Well, I know the folks that maintain the Corean factory on New Avalon pray really hard that nothing ever happens to their main computer system because no one really understands the damned thing anymore. Seeing as that is a problem with building our own, via the NAIS, HPG network without Comstar having a field day reading the message traffic or something more sinister, I would advocate we setup a school to actually teach the damned computer code to the NAIS. Or offer our own experts to help them out." General Horbaugh replied
"Not sure about setting up a school, someone is liable to talk about where they suddenly learned it. If there is one actor in the known universe I do not trust, it is Comstar. We would be painting a bullseye on our people. But I am open to letting our people help them out. Think we should ask for something in return?" President Mitchell asked
"Not yet. Maybe bring a couple over from Boulsi, figure out how to get those NAIS folks to let them tinker with the HPG we have here. If they manage to actually make something happen with the HPG, and with the NAIS folks standing right there watching, it provides proof that we can do what we say we can do. Then we keep that particular ace up our sleeve until we need to play it." General Horbaugh replied
"Holding back from the First Prince, that is what your saying Herbert. What gives?" President Mitchell asked
"Seems like the smart play. We or should I say you, have a tendency to find a way to irritate him every so often. We might need that particular get out of jail free card." General Horbaugh replied
"We might need to play that card sooner than you think Herbert. I want to build at least four more Tracker's. We are going to need a few Naval Lasers and missile launchers to make that happen, not to mention the actual missiles. He is not going to like that idea." President Mitchell said
"You know of a threat I don't know about?" General Horbaugh asked
"No, but we do have quite a secret to keep. Five Trackers lets us use three on deployments while two remain here at home. They are not true warships, but if anyone without an actual warship comes calling, they can put the hurt on them. That they are identical to a Merchant when not under thrust is an added bonus. I am not real keen on our soon to be convoy's running around out here without an escort. I figure a single Tracker carrying an Intruder and Titan will be more than enough to handle any pirate force that might trip over the convoys." President Mitchell said
"Okay, I can see the value of that. But we only have one combat worthy Titan. Those other two are more like system defense boats." General Horbaugh replied
"Not for long. Once the shipyard is functional, I plan to haul both over to Boulsi and figure out what is wrong with them or what went wrong. Then we are going to fix them up. Chief Zuniga says that shipyard can build two Titans every two months. In my brain, I want to fix these two Titans, build a Tracker, then two more Titans and then another Tracker. But until we get those particular weapons, we will be doing straight Titans. I figure old Hanse will just have to buy them from us." President Mitchell said
"Instead of playing our ace, how about just taking our own Titan over to Wokha and download it's data into his computer the same way we did. We go for just selling them to him, he is going to suspect we gave him bad info somehow to put the squeeze on him down the road." General Horbaugh replied
"But he got that information years ago. Long before we stumbled on our shipyard." President Mitchell said
"You really expect him to believe that? Even if it is the truth, that very thought is going to be rattling around in his brain. Best to explain what and how it happened and provide him with the ability to build them like was agreed to originally. Of course, he will then have to either fix his warships or build his Titans. I figure he will opt to fix his broken ships, so he can buy from us in the meantime." General Horbaugh replied
"Not really, part of me hopes he trusts me enough by now to know we are on the straight and level with him. On most things anyway. Next issue is we need to solve the problem of not being able to sell our raw mineral resources on the open market. That means getting Solar Metals in operation in the Federated Commonwealth. I checked with Derek, and he says getting a mining permit on virtually any FedCom world is going to be almost impossible and put up for open bids to other companies. But he also told me that there was very little orbital mining going on and that was only in selected systems. So that is where we are going to focus our operations. But that then leads us to the next problem, how do we explain our orbital mining stations?" President Mitchell said
"That is going to be a problem. Possibly a very big one. Of course, we do not have any extra stations to deploy anyway." General Horbaugh replied
"Yet. There are four asteroid belts located in three systems along our planned route to Inner End and they are all before we reach Sornath where we will establish our maintenance yard and cargo station. If we are lucky, we will continue finding a few stations along the way to recover. Davis is over on Boulsi digging around in that DoME database for any goodies right now but should be back in a few days to report in on what he found. Hopefully, it is good news. In a perfect world, we would be able to build our own, but that is probably many years down the road. You have any thoughts on the matter?" President Mitchell asked
"Easiest way to explain them would be for someone to actually be building them for sell. So, unless we make those kinds of arrangements, we better come up with some sort of cover story." General Horbaugh replied
"Who could we trust but a more important question is who has the extra yard space to even make it believable?" President Mitchell asked
"Good question and one I do not have the answer for right now. I cannot even come up with a cover story that would not open a flood gate on explorers out here trying to find the same thing as we hunt down." General Horbaugh replied
Standing up, President Mitchell offered his hand in support to aid Brigadier General Horbaugh to his feet. "Then let's go get some dinner and try to figure this problem out."
-
Time to make a deal with the OA, “to make Mining Stations”?
-
22 August 3047
New Avalon (Federated Commonwealth)
First Prince Hanse Davion held the message slip he had been given after reading it several times. He had already sent for Quintus Allard and Prince's Champion Ardan Sortek. With nothing else to do, he read the message again.
To: First Prince Hanse Davion
From: President Neil Avellar
Greetings First Prince Davion,
It has been many years since we last communicated and for that I am sorry. It has recently come to my attention that you have been employing a certain mercenary command for anti-piracy operations along our mutual border region. Since pirate attacks are down along my border by over 70% in recent years, I can only assume that they are most effective. I would like to meet with you or your designated representative along with the commander of this unit to discuss a joint contract. As my nation is receiving a benefit at your expense currently, I think it is only right that we share in the expense with you.
On another note, if you are not aware, this same unit recently turned over a lost cache found on Valasha to us. While not the best equipment, it was still impressive. I thought you should know this in case they are violating a part of their contract with you. If they are, I will need to reevaluate my desire to place them under contract with you. The drop in pirate attacks might even enable us to resume our previous resource mining arrangement at a quicker pace. It is still something that I would like to discuss in more detail.
I am told that this unit has a base on Inner End, that is quite close to Valasha, so I propose that we meet there if you agree to a meeting. I await your response.
Neil Avellar
While he was not against a meeting, he was still had his doubts on the matter. The pirate raids of 3037 and 3038 had hammered the joint ventures in the Outworlds Alliance right as they had started to pay off the investments, and now with more industry coming online due to the Helm Core recoveries, they needed all the raw material they could get. That was one area that he would be willing to discuss. He was pulled from his thoughts as his door opened.
"Have a seat. Read this and tell me what you both think." He said as he waved Quintus Allard and Ardan Sotek to seats. He waited until both had read the message. Quintus spoke up first.
"It might be worthwhile to at least discuss things with him. If anything, it helps offset their contract, which is quite hefty for a reason." Quintus Allard replied
"I agree with Quintus. For what we pay SaRI, we could hire half the Dragoons or all of the Kell Hounds. The terms of their contract are beyond generous, which I understand why, but still, anything that could offset the expense is worth looking into." Ardan Sortek said
"Since he knows about their treasure hunting, he is probably going to want to get in on that also." First Prince Hanse Davion said
"Possibly, but we do not have to tell him everything. I am sure Mitchell has details about other sites inside the Alliance borders that he has not figured out how to get at yet. This could open the door for those recoveries. I think it is worth exploring." Quintus Allard replied
"How about you Ardan?" First Prince Hanse Davion asked
"It has merit. We could basically offer him a share of whatever is recovered if he wants to purchase it. If anything, it gets us some goodwill and helps keep that region of our border secure. It also opens the door for Mitchell and his merry band of treasure hunters to expand their operations closer to the Alliance borders openly. Plus, if he is pulling supplies from the Alliance and Inner End, it complicates things for Comstar. Justin just briefed me on how Comstar has beefed up their people on Inner End recently. That will be in your briefing tomorrow by the way." Ardan Sortek replied
"Okay, so you both agree that a meeting is worth doing. That at least eases my mind on the matter. I cannot go, that is obvious. Ardan, this is all yours then." First Prince Hanse Davion said
-
Ooohhhh Ardan Sortek getting his turn to meet SaRI? Nice 8)
Let's see how he'll get wind of the SDLF code programmers and the Titan shuttle stuff and how he explains it to Hanse. 8)
-
While I'm still enjoying the story, I'm starting to get the feeling that nothing ever goes wrong for this group.
I mean, when was the last time that ComStar tried to investigate this unit or infiltrate it?
If they get word that there is a determined attempt to rebuild the economy out here, its going to attract attention, if for no other reason than to see what they do and don't know.
-
Actually things "go wrong" for Mitchell and his people at Thazi a lot, They just recover well and try not to repeat their mistakes.
Is this maybe a split in the timeline, Avellars finding about the Son-of-Plunder before the Escapades of the Great Privateer Roberts.
-
While I'm still enjoying the story, I'm starting to get the feeling that nothing ever goes wrong for this group.
I mean, when was the last time that ComStar tried to investigate this unit or infiltrate it?
If they get word that there is a determined attempt to rebuild the economy out here, its going to attract attention, if for no other reason than to see what they do and don't know.
I always read the title as in they constantly are worrying/preparing for what could go wrong ... when it does/will they will have some serious backup and redundancy plans kicking in.
-
Actually things "go wrong" for Mitchell and his people at Thazi a lot, They just recover well and try not to repeat their mistakes.
Is this maybe a split in the timeline, Avellars finding about the Son-of-Plunder before the Escapades of the Great Privateer Roberts.
It's possible. Two close parallels. The 'zig instead of zag' would likely happen in this current year of 2ndACR's story, and may have, in fact, already occurred...or there may be an event in THIS timeframe that directly leads to that one.
For example, that 'missing' Comstar attention mentioned by While I'm still enjoying the story, I'm starting to get the feeling that nothing ever goes wrong for this group.
I mean, when was the last time that ComStar tried to investigate this unit or infiltrate it?
If they get word that there is a determined attempt to rebuild the economy out here, its going to attract attention, if for no other reason than to see what they do and don't know.
...might not be as missing as you'd think. The reason for the kidnapped kids was never outright stated in either "Ridiculously Overboard" or "The Great and the Good".
It might be worth wondering what's happening in the off-stage.
-
A lot of time passes between this tale and the "Amanda Roberts" stories - eighty years or some such or four generations in other coinage...
... and Avellars are not known for their eidetic memories.
Or maybe simply lost in filing ..
-
25 August 3047
Thazi (Indpendent System)
"Welcome back, learn anything interesting?" President David Mitchell after shaking the hand of Major Nathan Davis.
"Damn sure did. Not all of it is good news either. Which would you prefer first?" Major Davis replied
"Guess we should get the bad news out of the way." President Mitchell said
"The DoME database cannot be copied. Nor are they going to let us move it. I could not find a single slot for a security key either and I looked everywhere. Any data mining has to be done the hard way, hand copying everything you find. At that pace, all of us will be long dead before it is completed. The database itself is located on the original orbital habitat, which I am told housed the DoME personnel themselves. There is a data cable that runs to both Dropship collars, but damned if I have ever seen a cable jack like that before. Funny shaped too. There are no other terminal connection ports off the main computer either, so it is all done from a single computer screen. It has me stumped how to speed up any sort of information recovery." Major Nathan Davis replied
"If that is the bad news, I think I can live with that. Just makes the task harder. So, what good news have you found?" President Mitchell asked
"Now that is quite a list. I found something called EXPLOIT in the database. Only found a single other reference to that name. Seems Maripa got six mining stations from EXPLOIT. The system Ype-Jhu also had a reference to EXPLOIT, I did not even risk writing that down anywhere. A simple entry dated 3 February 2754, EXPLOIT is completed and is ready for production. My guess, EXPLOIT refers to all these mining stations out here, the production center for them." Major Davis replied
"Oh, if only that were true. It is damned sure worth checking out. The name sounds familiar, but I cannot place it." President Mitchell said
"Single jump from Sornath sir. Right next door." Major Davis replied
"Got it now. What else did you learn?" President Mitchell asked
"How do you feel about doing some warship hunting and recovery? I have several locations which could have some derelicts we could recover. Whether they are still there, that is anyone's guess, but I know where they were left." Major Davis replied
"I am not against it, but I damned sure can see the problems it is going to create. Really big ones." President Mitchell said
"Then sell the locations to the First Prince. I bet he would pay a really good price for that information." Major Davis replied
"Only if that information was confirmed and the warships were actually there to be recovered." President Mitchell said
"So we go find them and then sell the information to the First Prince. Then it is his problem." Major Davis replied
"How many locations?" President Mitchell asked
"Two holding warships. Or had derelict warships there in 2765. Another one that had the location of the 199th Striker Regiment." Major Davis replied
"I am going to have to think this one over Colonel Davis, this could cause all sorts of problems on all fronts." President Mitchell said
"Col...." Major Nathan Davis started to say
"You heard me. You have more than earned the promotion, Nathan. You're also going to be head of our Intelligence Service. So you might need to start figuring out what that is going to take to start up." President Mitchell said
-
Instead of hand copying, take pictures of data on the screen. You can take a lot of pictures a lot faster than reading and writing the contents by hand. Once on film the data can be duplicated easy.
-
I would say, recover them, if only for their blueprints.
That alone, could be a goldmine.
Same for the mining station factory, it might also produce other things, like your current stations?
-
If they do recover the ship enough to get too the hopefully the assembled shipyard at Thazi, they could make copies of the ships while handing over the original ones.
-
"Recovery" is right there in their name... I'm sure they'll do exactly that... 8)
-
Hey aren't Wolf's Dragoon's Warships stash out that way?
-
Possible derelict warships.... possible usuable weapons for the Trackers?
-
Hey aren't Wolf's Dragoon's Warships stash out that way?
They are in the Bristol system. No not that Bristol system, the other one. However, it's never specified where exactly it's located except "the periphery".
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Bristol_(Periphery)
The periphery is a pretty big place. The Dragoons appeared in the Delos system which is pretty close to Inner End. However, they could have stashed the Warships anywhere between Hanseatic League and Tortuga.
-
Good point, and welcome to the forum! :thumbsup:
-
Interesting that there are "ship graveyards" out there. If I didn't know about the Son-of-Plunder operations and they kept their ships functional
-
Question is do they get the Shipyard's automation system working again is the question. I hope so.
-
1 September 3047
Ciotat (Federated Commonwealth)
The continent of Martin had been off limits to everyone not in the LCAF or AFFC since 2843 when the Lyran Commonwealth had established a massive Space Port and supply depot by the LCAF Quartermaster Corps. Only two jumps from Hesperus II and a single jump from Furillo made it just too convenient not to establish it there. The landing or taking off of multiple Dropships was a regular occurrence and attracted very little attention. For the Lyran side of the Federated Commonwealth, it was the main distribution point for equipment bound for the units assigned to the Lyran State Command. Defiance performed much the same for those assigned to the Federated Suns State Command.
Field Marshal Nondi Steiner stood inside a massive warehouse, one of many, that stored equipment for the AFFC. For a year and a half these warehouses had stored half the production of the most advanced designs being built across the Federated Commonwealth, the other half being stored on Defiance. Strict orders had come down that they were not to be distributed to any unit until January 3048, which was fast approaching, and preparations were being made for these machines to finally reach the troops of the AFFC. To give the various manufacturers time to not only build them but for the advanced spare parts to be built in the quantity needed to support the machines.
The clipboard she held told her what was actually stored in every warehouse here on Ciotat. This particular warehouse housed one of the most imposing new designs being built, 68 Atlas II AS7-D-H. She had to agree, they were imposing to look at. She glanced down at the clipboard and glanced at the various lists. It was enough equipment to fully outfit 17 Battlemech Regiments.
68 Atlas II AS7-D-H
144 Marauder MAD-2R
144 Thunderbolt TDR-5Sb
144 Warhammer WHM-7A
24 Nightstar NSR-9J
36 Cestus CTS-6Y
144 Archer ARC-2Rb
230 Locust LCT-1Vb
144 Dervish DV-6Md
200 Phoenix Hawk PHX-1b
72 Crusader CRD-2R
72 Battlemaster BLR-1Gb
230 Stinger STG-3b
72 Lynx LNX-9Q
144 Griffin GRF-2N
24 Stalker STK-3Kb
24 Battlemaster BLM-3Gc
12 Rifleman RFL-3N-2
144 Samurai SL-26
144 Rapier RPR-101
Since so many companies had already begun the process of retooling their factories to take advantage of the recovered technology, along with the recovered design and maintenance plans for the advanced designs, quite a few of the designs had achieved impressive production rates. Several of the newest designs were just now ramping up to more usable production rate. Many of the now upgraded production lines could match the Corean production rate on New Avalon of 130 Valkyrie per year for light Battlemechs. Those with multiple production lines could even exceed that number as they retooled to manufacture the new designs instead of existing designs. The manufacture of the advanced weapons, engines, armor, double heat sinks and Endo Steel were finally reaching a level that could support the deployment of the advanced designs in the numbers about to be fielded along with the heavily trained technical support troops.
While she did not really like sending half of the Lyran production of the advanced designs to the Federated Suns State Command, she had kept her mouth shut and did as ordered. Every ounce of her being had wanted to deploy the new designs the second they left the factory floor, but she had seen the wisdom in holding back until everything was in place to fully support their deployment. She turned and walked back outside and looked around, in the distance, even more warehouses were being constructed to handle the projected increase of equipment passing thru Ciotat. The decision had been made to upgrade full regiments at once instead of in stages so equipment would be gathered, stored and then a massive upgrade would occur at once. She had questioned the extremely strict and exclusive way certain company's had been awarded access to the new designs where she had been told that any company that had production sites outside the borders of the Federated Commonwealth would not be allowed access to the designs to prevent any other nation from gaining access to them.
This massive upgrade was sure to send shockwaves in the Free World League, Draconis Combine and Capellan Confederation. She could only imagine how they were going to react but she smiled as she thought about the panic and dread they would be feeling when the AFFC fully upgraded 34 Battlemech Regiments at the same time. Even if it would take another 7 years to fully upgrade just the AFFC's line commands and primary Militia commands.
-
Whoa, that is a lot on Star League level equipment being stored to upgrade 17 regiments at a time! Nice to see what brought the other side of the innersphere the new production.
-
Atlas II AS7-D-H was Used by Devlin Stone, this Atlas variant used a combination of Clan and Inner Sphere technology. I think you meant AS7-D-H2.
-
One can only hope Nondi's staff has good OPSEC... ::)
-
The biggest slowdown for the exchange of advanced technology will be the transportation of said tech units to their destinations. Someone needs to increase their production of dropship and jumpships to facilitate the production of the transportation units.
-
Lol, Garracks with Lee's & Titans, que complete freakout.
And that's before the Lola I's appear as extra escorts.
Nondi will suddenly be very happy with gifting part of those mechs, to the FS part of the FC.
-
Atlas II AS7-D-H was Used by Devlin Stone, this Atlas variant used a combination of Clan and Inner Sphere technology. I think you meant AS7-D-H2.
Atlas II is a Royal Command upgrade of Atlas AS7D introduced in 2765 just before the New Vandenburg Revolt in two variants. The AS7-D-H and the AS7-D-H2. The main difference between the two is the "H" is equipped with two Blankenburg 25 ER LL and a Blankenburg LB 10-X AC, while the "H2" drops one DH to equip a Kinslaughter ER PPC and a Guass Rifle instead of the AC and LL combo.
Refer to the "Age of War" section of TR:3075 for the full details. The cover art of FM:SLDF depicts an Atlas II piloted by Aleksandr Kerensky during his escape from New Vandenburg.
-
Actually, Lyrans definitely need more shipyards to pump out more dropships at minimum.
-
I'm surprised they haven't come across an active (passive) M-9 Pavise with M-3 and Voidseeker Drone reinforcements yet. Maybe in the process of refurbishing a damaged M-5 Caspar, that lacks resources to fully repair it?
TT
-
I am curious how they have avoided anger in the ranks when they are spending multiple billions on planet building which is money that should be shared out to the members of the organization as per what they were recruited on. I guess if all the businesses established have all SARI members as stockholders it can be sold to them as building longterm generational wealth but it seems like there should be some mention of how this is handled.
-
pretty sure they are still getting solid paychecks too.
-
The bonus structure was rationalized some time ago and is still quite generous.
-
I am curious how they have avoided anger in the ranks when they are spending multiple billions on planet building which is money that should be shared out to the members of the organization as per what they were recruited on. I guess if all the businesses established have all SARI members as stockholders it can be sold to them as building longterm generational wealth but it seems like there should be some mention of how this is handled.
think about it this way: the 'members' are likely sitting on a bonus structure, and those investments?
yah, that's how we grow a retirement fund, since nobody's going to be doing this for eternity. Every smallholder and small business Mitchell helps to their feet, pays in, and it's the SARI members who pick up a percentage to their retirement.
That, and it's nicer to retire to somewhere with running water, electricity, flush toilets and nice things in the store you can afford, rather than somewhere where you're going to be eating catfood under a corner drain with a sign saying "veteran: please Help".
-
2 September 3047
Thazi (Independent System)
"Sir, it all the investments we have been making using funds we might need to explain exactly how that benefits the troops." Derek Paulson said
"I have been thinking about that. Mainly because we are getting to the point where those investments are going to start paying off. With our growth, the bonus plan has gotten smaller over the years plus out here, there is not much yet for the troops to actually spend money on, yet. I have been thinking about some sort of pension plan. But high finance is not my strongest skill. The AFFC provides for a pension of 1/2 your salary on date of retirement once you reach 20 years of service. Unless they changed it, there are also added percentages for wounds suffered, I think it was an extra 5 percent for every 5 years after 20 years of service. Plus, they covered 75% of your medical expenses for you, spouse and children under 21 after 20 years of service. Thirty years of service and you reached the magic 100% covered medical.
I want to model something along those lines for the troops, only better. We can toss in land or a house on any planet we control to sweeten the retirement plan. We have our own in house medical so we can provide 100% medical care for families, which we already do anyway. Start coming up with a viable long term strategy plan." President David Mitchell replied
"Very well. Your the sole owner of Solar Metals, so your set for life there." Derek Paulson said
"I do not count. Neither does my owning Solar Metals, it was purchased with unit funds and everything they have was at one time unit property." President Mitchell replied
"In that case, it would not be that hard to have Solar Metal profits placed in some sort of account to pay for future retirement. As for sustainable, that means forever when talking about retirement plans. Doing some quick mental math, if you plowed those funds into an annuity paying 5% a year, even paying a 100% pension at 20 years would easily cover the expenses. For example, 75 Billion C-bills worth in a 5% annuity would bring in roughly 3.7 Billion C-bills per year, if everyone were to retire right now, we would be looking at an average of 2,500 per person per month or 30,000 per year. There are currently, only the people in SaRI itself, 11,590 on the payroll of the unit. That is 347 Million and change per year, not even close to spending what the interest would draw. You could easily afford to throw out a 20 to 30,000 C-bill per year bonus on top of their normal pension payments and not even get close to spending the interest amount per year." Derek Paulson explained
"How did you come up with the 75 Billion number?" President Mitchell asked
"Pulled it from thin air. You could pay double the payroll on retirement and still not get close to spending the interest. Even quadruple the payroll is still less than half the interest the annuity would gain each year. Who would not want to retire at four times their salary for the rest of their life? Toss in a yearly bonus or call it profit sharing on top and it becomes the sweetest deal ever seen. We could afford to pay four times their salary and expand to 30,000 troops just to spend the yearly interest without bonus payments if we never deposited another cent into the annuity itself. There are funds back in the Federated Commonwealth that dwarf what we would be starting with." Derek Paulson said
"Okay, so your saying that 75 Billion is the magic number to start off with?" President Mitchell asked
"No sir. We could start much lower than that. For example, you just sent 2 Billion worth of gold to the Federated Commonwealth. If we deposited that as a start, it would draw 100 Million a year in interest. If we did nothing with those funds at all, in twenty years time that annuity would have grown to over 4 Billion which would draw 200 Million in interest per year. If we are aiming for 75 Billion in the annuity at twenty years, the magic number would be around the 30 Billion mark, possibly 20 Billion since I am not increasing the additional increase of interest each year to the total gained. Ten Billion drawing a 5% rate would allow you to pay your current SaRI payroll forever and then some." Derek Paulson explained further
"Your telling me that I could have simply invested much of our money in a simple annuity to cover our unit payroll forever instead of spending that money on all these improvements and different adventures?" President Mitchell asked
"Pretty much. You did not ask me for my opinion back then on the matter. You asked me to help you develop a long term economic plan for Thazi and then added Boulsi to the mix. If you had really asked me for my opinion back then, I would have advised you to sell everything, invest the funds and everyone live the good life for the rest of their lives. But you didn't." Derek Paulson replied
-
Of course, if he DID, they wouldn't have all that land to offer... ^-^
-
Of course, if he DID, they wouldn't have all that land to offer... ^-^
Or much of a story I'd suspect either....
-
The off/on base life would be quite a bit poorer and the food situation would be far blander. While a lot of it won't earn back a lot, given everything they have made ($$$). Getting only half of the potential amount they could have earned back, in exchange for a much better quality of life is likely worth it. Since that half is going to easily pay all their retirement funds.
-
But there's all the adventure they're missing. Getting rich is important, but these guys are military for a reason.
-
5 September 3047
Boulsi (Independent System)
"Everything checks out. The computer system has noted no faults on any of the diagnostics I have run, and I have run every single one I can find three times." Dennis Stinson announced to no one in particular. His usual companions had left to travel back to Linden. Here he sat aboard the reassembled shipyard, and he did not know what to do now. The stations cargo bays were fully loaded with raw material ready to be processed and used in constructing something, but he did not have any orders to build anything. He looked at the main screen, 84,673 tons of ready material. He selected each ship type, and the computer announced the same thing each time, not enough material. The cargo bay only held 10,000 tons of refined Germanium, not enough to even get a good start on construction of anything and he did not have the authority to order more up from the surface.
He gave up on the Jumpships and selected the Dropships. He was surprised when the computer allowed him to actually proceed to the construction screen itself. He studied this screen in closer detail, only because he had not seen it yet. He selected the Titan Dropship and noticed that the computer announced a lack of weapon systems for the design to be completely constructed, but it gave an option to install the weapons at a later date. His finger lightly stroked the key that would make the selection, not enough to actually make the selection though. He was alone in the command center, but he still looked over both shoulders as his finger pressed the key.
He was looking at a new screen now, it gave a quick rundown on the time for construction and was asking if he wanted to begin construction of the unarmed Titan Dropship. He once again looked around as he pressed the key. In seconds, he was sure that he could actually feel the station come to life. If anyone gripes, I will claim it was a test of the stations systems, he thought to himself, I just hope Chief Zuniga does not throw me out an airlock on his return.
-
I can't wait to see Zuniga's reaction! ;D
-
lots of yelling and shaking in giddiness ... then a Gibbs level slap upside the head. ... maybe in reverse order.
-
;D Well I like what we got so far in the story. Now they building a Titan Dropship that good . They can compare Titan with one that were built by the FC. See what happen with those and what went wrong.
-
was kind of hoping they get those titans into the yard to get deep scanned.
-
I think that's still going to happen, but not before the new yard turns out a new one... ^-^
-
Besides, if you are going to do a test run, have one to compare it too. 😀
-
'We just found these...
They are unarmed and appear to have been mothballed... immaculately preserved too!'
~President Mitchell
TT
-
Does anyone really think Quintus doesn't have spies in every group of recruits he sends. That is why I think they are playing with fire if they try to hide to much.
-
He most certainly does, but Mitchell has been sending old hands on the most sensitive missions.
-
18 October 3047
Alpheratz (Outworld Alliance)
It had taken over a week to arrange a meeting with Brandon O'Leary, CEO of Mountain Wolf Battlemechs, and that had only happened because Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell had threatened to quit purchasing any more Merlin Battlemechs after having bought a full Battalion worth and looking to buy more. Losing that amount of money could cost lower level managers their jobs and no one wanted to lose their job. He had still been forced to wait over an hour before being shown into the fairly large office.
"Please, have a seat Mr Caldwell." Brandon O'Leary said with a broad smile
"Thank you. It has been quite difficult to get to speak with you." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied as he sat down in the plush chair.
"Sorry about that. Most purchases and such are handled at a lower level than myself. The fact that we could find no record of you purchasing those Merlins raised some doubts. Which I still have myself." Brandon O'Leary said
"Purchased thru some middle men. We try to keep a low profile, and the purchases were in small quantities." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
Brandon O'Leary frowned slightly as he said "That sounds nefarious. I do not sell to those that break the law sir."
"I assure you, we are legit. Search and Recovery Inc, under contract with the Federated Commonwealth. The main reason I am here is that I have in my possession a full company of Night Hawk Battlemechs that your company used to manufacture. I would love to work out a fair trade for them. Maybe you can put them back into production." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"It was a good Battlemech. I piloted one quite a lot during demonstrations. I still have the last two known to exist." Brandon O'Leary said
"You actually have two and your not trying to put them into production?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell asked
"Everyone is wanting the newest tech and weapons. It takes money, a lot of money to even add an additional production line. The NTK-2P is a good Battlemech, but I doubt it would sell real good right now." Brandon O'Leary said
"You said 2P? The ones I have are NTK-2Q models. Fully decked out with Star League tech." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"None of those exist. They have not been built since 2853 when the 2P started being built." Brandon O'Leary said
"Well, I have twelve of them, fully operational. Plus another dozen GM 210 XL engines, and enough spare weapons and double heat sinks that you could easily build another twelve with them." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"I have never even seen an operational NTK-2Q. What exactly do you want for everything?" Brandon O'Leary asked
"I was hoping to get another 40 Merlin Battlemechs." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"No way. Not even close. I want them, but I am not about to give away the farm to get them." Brandon O'Leary said
"Let me sweeten the pot then. What I have with me plus ten tons of gold ingots. Surely you always have need of gold ingots." Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
"I told you, I do not do business with those that break the law. No one just has ten tons of gold ingots just sitting around. Not legally anyway." Brandon O'Leary said firmly
"We do have that much. Not with me of course. Legally mined and refined into ingots. Now, would that be agreeable to you?" Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell replied
Before Brandon O'Leary could answer, a knock on his door caused them both to turn towards the door as it opened. "Penelope, I said to not disturb us." But it was not Penelope at the door, two large men entered the office and looked around before stepping aside to allow a third man into the room. This man caused Brandon O'Leary to leap to his feet, startling Chief Warrant Officer Caldwell.
"I am sorry for the sudden interruption, but I was just informed that Mr Caldwell was actually on Alpheratz and I wanted to meet him myself." Neil Avellar, President of the Outworlds Alliance said as he held out his hand.
Chief Warrant Officer Harry Caldwell slowly stood and took the offered hand. "Mr President."
"Please, both of you sit back down. I am curious as to what Mr Caldwell has brought to you anyway. Relax Mr Caldwell, your General Mitchell will be here in January along with a representative from the Federated Commonwealth. Well, actually on Valasha. Since you came to see Mr O'Leary directly, I am going to assume it is a Battlemech or parts to a Battlemech. Mr O'Leary, this man or should I include his unit, recently delivered to us a lost cache of equipment for a fair price. How they found it I would love to know, but the bigger question is how many more such sites might be inside our borders and could they also be located?" President Neil Avellar said
-
Author Note
I never heard of the NTK-2P nor found stats for it. I saw it listed on Sarna suddenly, so I created one
Downgraded version
12 Single Heat Sinks
Standard Fusion Engine
Large Laser
2x Medium Laser
Extra half ton of Standard Armor
Still moves 6/9
-
Not a bad design, and QUITE the entrance there... 8)
-
Author Note
I never heard of the NTK-2P nor found stats for it. I saw it listed on Sarna suddenly, so I created one
Downgraded version
12 Single Heat Sinks
Standard Fusion Engine
Large Laser
2x Medium Laser
Extra half ton of Standard Armor
Still moves 6/9
Looks like she a fluff design, but canon. I take it you found it listed in the MasterUnitList (http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7924/night-hawk-ntk-2p) with the source as House Steiner Handbook?
-
Good to see this back, can't wait for more
-
Hope everything is going alright in your life. But missing your story!!! Hoping for a more, please. LOL
-
I spoke with 2ndAcr, this appears to be his job's busy time. So he may not be doing updates as regularly as he would like.
-
Real life always has to come first.
-
Yep.
I have yet to find a boss that my gaming hobby (or writing pursuits) should take priority over their bottom line.
... and I won't even mention the House Boss.
:)
-
Bosses.. even when you are in charge there is limited freedom. :thumbsup:
-
Those limits are nowhere more evident than the Pentagon. I feel sorry for the SESs and 1/2 stars there... they were promised so much and given the very definition of "middle management" for actual jobs. Those of us in the trenches at least still retain the fingertip sense for the workforce. There's no substitute for being able to feel the successes of those that work for you. Those in middle management that can pull it off are rapidly rotated out to bigger and better things so they can continue the climb. I've been privileged to work for one that is about to depart. I can only hope she returns in one of the three/four-star jobs later.
-
I've really enjoyed this story so far but I've been surprised that they haven't reached out to Wynns Roost as a trade partner at the very least.
-
Things are delayed due to author's schedule.
-
*Bump*
Such a good story, thought it should get bumped for a few more readers until the author's schedule lets up.
One of the most interesting stories I have enjoyed on this site. :grin:
-
Author is tied up with work, it maybe bit till he able to return if he able to resume.
-
Just burned through this whole thing (part one and two) from beginning to end. Admit that I am a neophyte in this fandom but very much enjoying the story. As an attorney and strategy type (ex-DoD) I’m a big fan of world building that starts with logistics and this fandom seems to love logistics tables :-) hope the author finds some time to grace us with more goodies in between real life.
-
I suspect you may like the rest of 2ndACR's back catalog, good sir! Hope to see more of you around... :)
-
My gut feeling he ain't coming back to this. :embarrassed:
-
Real life does take precedence over posting here... :/