The Kushana Initiative - Play By Council

Tolmekian

Join Date 08/2007

+24

The Kushana Initiative - Play By Council

Welcome to The Kushana Initiative, a play-by-council game. As I play, I'll be posting regular reports and leaving the direction of the game up to those who have chosen to join the council. The planning topic for all discussion leading up to this game and continuing out-of-character discussion can be found here: Play by committee? (Kushana Initiative Planning and Discussion)

Of particular interest is the post detailing the back story for the whole game: Back Story

A summary of gameplay:

- Regular council sessions to take place every game quarter. I'll be posting each quarterly report and any pertinent information, including the UP vote every year, at which time the council will decide the course of action. Essentially, I'll be playing in 12 turn blocks and coming back for direction.

- Between sessions councilors are free to request additional info and entertain any discussion. This includes calling votes and modifying directions.

- The council is comprised of those who took part in the planning discussion. Others may request to join the council, but please read the background material and post a request before joining in. Requests to join should be posted in the planning and discussion thread linked above.

- This topic is for quarterly reports and in-character discussion only. Off topic and out-of-character discussion should be posted in the planning and discussion thread.

The Current Council:

- qrtxian

- NikolaiOmega

- noctilucus

- Talonschild

Inactive Councilors

- LordCarlos

- TMS2224

- -__- (May be addressed as SarcFa)

- Mambaman

Rules of Voting:

1) The ballot should list the issues and have a place for councilors to sign either FOR or AGAINST a measure. (the council or balloteer can decide the exact terms)

2) Councilors should copy the ballot from the last person who voted and add their signatures. No need to rewrite the ballot and no chance for it to be changed in transcription.

3) Make your arguments in a separate space. Don't break up the ballot with comments after each item.

4) Once a vote is cast, it is cast. No changing votes or editing the ballot. Listen to arguments before voting and consider your decisions wisely.

5) To get an issue on the ballot, it should be proposed and seconded. The exact wording/nature of the issue should then be established.

6) Amendments/Addenda - I see these as separate sub-issues. Maybe list them under the main issue and vote separately?

Galaxy Conditions:

Our Competition:

A good mix of opponents. I purposely left out the Terrans and Altarians. Not only am I kinda sick of them, but they would mess up the story. I see the Tolmekians as more neutral, so theres 3 good, 3 evil, and 2 other neutrals. Also note the difficulty - the AI has a 20% economics bonus. Not only that, but I customized each opponent and made sensible ability and politics choices rather than let the computer randomize it. I expect some stiff competition.

Custom Race - The Kushana Initiative:

You'll see that I swapped the PQ bonus for 20% morale. Given the conditions, I want our people happy and making us money! I also did my best to spice up the ships, but that's pretty much it.

That should be it for the start. Now to get into it!

aars

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

Ld Cmdr Mekoides:

I would agree that we seem to have reached a broad consensus, with a few clarifications needed. Let me address some of the concerns the council has brought up. On the subject of exposing ourselves to risk, I would say that the Prince's statements were not overly bold. It is our opinion that we could easily handle any or all of the commitments that have been discussed this session. We could move against the Yor, Sakkra, and Psilonics while providing support to both the Torians and Trilarians. On the research front, you can see from Dr. Malar's report that our capabilities are impressive. We can quickly research the technologies discussed and likely start new research in the next quarter. Allow me to show you something that our analysts just put together for me.

Our long preparations have paid off. We are without a doubt the dominant power in this region. Only the inflated militaries of our rivals give them any kind of edge over us. That edge is illusory, though. Our production capacity is as impressive as our research capacity. Now, Fondor is fully developed and ready to begin shipbuilding and we have captured a new Manufacturing Capital on Jubilee. We believe that, if pressed, we could wage war on a number of fronts, holding most while advancing at least one. Now, I'm not advocating for opening up numerous fronts, but simply reassuring the council that we are more than capable of acting on the proposed plans.

Also, just because we are capable of conquering the Psilonics doesn't mean that we should. They are peaceable and their superior intellect could be an asset. We have a long history of bringing new members to the Federation without military action. We propose claiming the space surrounding the Psilonic systems and establishing them as a protectorate, establishing economic and research tribute treaties to cover our operations around their systems. I can't see why they would refure, knowing the alternatives.

On an alliance with the Krynn, I suppose the direct, tangible benefits are few. We would simply be solidifying a long standing friendship and ensuring that our norther borders will remain unchallenged by them or any who would seek to conquer them. We have mutual economic treaties along with receiving research assistance from them. We would have no real way to prevent hostilities between the Krynn and the Trilarians or any others, besides using our considerable diplomatic clout to clear up an misunderstandings.

As for any alliances with the local races, they seem to be very reluctant to establish the close relations necessary. We do understand their hesitance given the circumstances. I'm pretty sure it's a minor race thing. We could certainly gift them up to close, but minors usually stay at neutral if left alone.

I think that covers everything. Oh, Lord Councilor qrtxian requested an update on the Trilarian situation. We've been monitoring it, but haven't made any moves. The Trilarians are quite far from Korx space and we haven't seen a great deal of movement on either side. Our position directly between the two sides gives us an excellent vantage to monitor fleet movements. At present, we see no need to directly aid the Trilarians, though a gift of a small fleet would certainly help their cause and deter future hostilities.

If you have any further comments, please feel free to add them. In the mean time, I'll have G'Norlisk start preparing the ballot.

***END TRANSMISSION***

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Excellent. Go us.

One further suggestion - let's move on the Eyes of the Universe. Our breathing space would be well used to create some valuable Wonders.

I also hadn't considered the protectorate option... Can we tear off enough Yor territory to get all the Psilonic woulds under our influence? Could we have a regional map?

Edit: I don't see sensors as a research possibility. Have we already got the Eyes?

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qrtxian

Join Date 03/2010

+30

As I noted, regardless of whether the Trilarian are in any actual danger or not, providing them with even a single ship would have the advantage of letting us test our capabilities against the Korx without causing a diplomatic incident - similar to why we are considering supporting the Torians.

A regional map of Psilonic space would indeed be useful. Otherwise, I am prepared to vote.

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

This image from our earlier transmission should be adequate. The Psilonic worlds are in the top-left corner, marked by the red flags. Three of their worlds, including their homeworld, are within Yor space. The fourth is in unclaimed space in the neutral area between Yor, Drengin, Korx, and Initiative space. If we focus on the western portion of Yor space and their home system, we can easily bring the Psilonics under our influence.

We agree with Lord Councilor qrtxian's views on aiding the Trilarian.

And yes, we do already have the Eyes of the Universe up and running. The view is quite nice. The ballot will be prepared as quickly as possible.

***END TRANSMISSION***

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

G'Norlisk:

Here is the ballot for this session, councilors. For research, you can list your preferred emphasis or general order. It is believed that the research proposed can be easily handled this quarter with no real conflicts. Notice that we've included votes on pursuing close relations with the Trilarian and Gnolams. This is an extension of the discussion and meant to gauge the council's will. No move toward an alliance would be made without further discussion in a future session.

Research

Foreign Relations

Support Trilarian with a fleet:

Support Torians with low-level support of a couple fleets:

Move against the Yor Collective:

Establish Psiolonics as a protectorate:

Move against Sakkra:

Form alliance with Krynn:

Engage in extensive trading with local races to obtain critical technologies:

Pursue close relations with Trilarian, potential future alliance to be discussed:

Pursue close relations with the Gnolams, potential future alliance to be discussed:

Councilor Signature:

***END TRANSMISSION***

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Foreign Relations

Support Trilarian with a fleet: +

Support Torians with low-level support of a couple fleets: +

Move against the Yor Collective: +

Establish Psiolonics as a protectorate: +

Move against Sakkra: +

Form alliance with Krynn: 0

Engage in extensive trading with local races to obtain critical technologies: +

Pursue close relations with Trilarian, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0

Pursue close relations with the Gnolams, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0

Councilor Signature: talonschild

If this wasn't absurdly obvious, I advocate direct control as often as possible. Alliances are a second best controlwise.

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Foreign Relations

Support Trilarian with a fleet: +, +

Support Torians with low-level support of a couple fleets: +, +

Move against the Yor Collective: +, +

Establish Psiolonics as a protectorate: +, +

Move against Sakkra: +, +

Form alliance with Krynn: 0, -

Engage in extensive trading with local races to obtain critical technologies: +, +

Pursue close relations with Trilarian, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +

Pursue close relations with the Gnolams, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +

Councilor Signature: talonschild, NikolaiOmega

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qrtxian

Join Date 03/2010

+30

Foreign Relations

Support Trilarian with a fleet: +, +, +

Support Torians with low-level support of a couple fleets: +, +, +

Move against the Yor Collective: +, +, +

Establish Psiolonics as a protectorate: +, +, +

Move against Sakkra: +, +, -

Form alliance with Krynn: 0, -, 0

Engage in extensive trading with local races to obtain critical technologies: +, +, +

Pursue close relations with Trilarian, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +, +

Pursue close relations with the Gnolams, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +, 0

Councilor Signature: talonschild, NikolaiOmega, qrtxian

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Foreign Relations

Support Trilarian with a fleet: +, +, +, +

Support Torians with low-level support of a couple fleets: +, +, +, 0

Move against the Yor Collective: +, +, +, +

Establish Psiolonics as a protectorate: +, +, +, +

Move against Sakkra: +, +, -, +

Form alliance with Krynn: 0, -, 0, -

Engage in extensive trading with local races to obtain critical technologies: +, +, +, +

Pursue close relations with Trilarian, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +, +, 0

Pursue close relations with the Gnolams, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +, 0, 0

Councilor Signature: talonschild, NikolaiOmega, qrtxian, Noctilucus

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Erm, G'Norlisk? I think that's all of us.

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Tallybot 5202:

Input data . . .

Analyzing . . .

Compiling results . . .

Foreign Relations

Support Trilarian with a fleet: +, +, +, + Pass

Support Torians with low-level support of a couple fleets: +, +, +, 0 Pass

Move against the Yor Collective: +, +, +, + Pass

Establish Psiolonics as a protectorate: +, +, +, + Pass

Move against Sakkra: +, +, -, + Pass

Form alliance with Krynn: 0, -, 0, - Fail

Engage in extensive trading with local races to obtain critical technologies: +, +, +, + Pass

Pursue close relations with Trilarian, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +, +, 0 Modest interest

Pursue close relations with the Gnolams, potential future alliance to be discussed: 0, +, 0, 0 Little interest

Councilor Signature: talonschild, NikolaiOmega, qrtxian, Noctilucus

Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .

Transmission complete.

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The Galactic Initiative

Your first source for news that matters

Despite roaring economy, uneasiness lingers amid rising tensions, uncertainty

JUBILEE, KI: During any other time, you'd expect a generally positive mood amongst the people, but this isn't any other time. Recent economic growth has been overshadowed by the outbreak of numerous wars, all tied in some way to Initiative interests. Not only has the Initiative been the aggressor of multiple wars over the past months, but citizens wonder about recent moves that seem to place the Initiative on the brink of hostilities with powerful neighbors. Particularly the Dominion of Korx, who declared war on the Psiolonics a mere two weeks after they were granted status as a protectorate of the Initiative.

The unease is greatest in the northwestern colonies, many of which were recently brought under Initiative control after a short lived war against the former Silicoid empire. They find themselves sandwiched between several warring parties, and have been virtually surrounded by warships of various powers, all en route to one war or another.

Shown above is a recent long-range scan revealing the numerous fleets flooding Initiative space. Note the recently captured Yor planet in the northwest corner.

Here is an older image showing just one of at least four large fleets sent into Yor space after the Collective rebuffed Initiative demands for concessions. Movement of these fleets has left the northwestern colonies sparsely defended. The newly acquired planet in the Frey system was reportedly left without a single defensive craft, being ordered to simply bring their manufacturing capabilities up to speed and see to their own defense. This has, not surprisingly, been met with no small criticism. Especially given the influx of Korx fleets passing near Frey toward the Psilonic worlds. There have even been some reports of small Yor fleets moving toward the lightly protected colonies.

The Trilarian don't seem to be waiting for the Tolmekians to intervene in their lengthening conflict with the Korx. Despite warm relations and a number of secret meetings, the Initiative has taken no substantial action has been taken to deter Korx aggression. It has been reported that the Trilarian and Psilonics both have been granted license to produce and use Xinathium Hull Plating, but it is doubtful that alone will be enough. Now, with Korx fleets moving through Initiative space, the question is being asked: is it too late?

Other questions are being asked about the nature of relations between the Tolmekians and Korx. After a whirlwind trade tour immediately after the new year, the Tolmekians joined the Korx in establishing Mercenary Academies to capitalize on escalating hostilities throughout the region. Amid concerns over war profiteering are speculations that Initiative and Dominion leaders are secretly working in tandem to foment violence in the name of increased revenues. As of transmission time, no Initiative spokesperson has been made available to comment on these issues.

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Innit more of a Mercenary Academies to capitalize on war rather than war to capitalize on Mercenary Academies? It's not like wars are hard to come by in this sector.

But that would ruin a good inflammatory news item.

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***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***

***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***

***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, APRIL 01, 2231***

Ld Cmdr Mekoides:

I'm sure you've already heard that our diplomatic situation is a bit more difficult that last time we met. News has a way of getting around. It's nowhere near as dramatic as the news networks would have you believe, though. Nobody would pay attention if they didn't drum up some kind of controversy over every issue.

Moving past that, lets review the developments of the last quarter and consider our response to developing events.

Our war with the Sakkra was, unsurprisingly, short and decisive. They have been driven from our space and now control only their home planet, which the Caelestis has finally located in Drath space.

During the conflict, our agents managed to steal a potent drive technology that has already been used to introduce fast attack ships to our fleets. Now the superior warships being produced at Fondor can reach critical areas much faster.

The Black Wind battleship, Swift Hammer frigate, and Celerity warp bubble projector. Sacrificing firepower for a Mark Three Impulse Drive, these fleets can travel 11pc per week. With the Stellar Forge on Fondor, these ships are still more potent than our fully armed warships produced on other worlds.

On the Yor front, they have offered more resistance than expected, but far from enough to slow our progress. We have four invasion forces, designated IF-1 through 4, in various stages of combat. IF-3 has already captured a Yor planet and is preparing to move on. IF-2 is in preparation to move against two Yor worlds in the coming weeks. IF-1 - the largest, with a Star Destroyer and three Vigilants escorting eleven transports - is poised to invade Iconia itself within weeks. IF-4 launched later and was coming in support of IF-1, but will be directed toward the eastern edge of Yor space. A portion of IF-1 will be split off to join them, having faced only minor resistance so far. We project to capture at least a half dozen Yor worlds next quarter, perhaps more. Of the fourteen remaining Yor worlds, nine are in easy reach. Four are further from their core worlds, and one is nestled in Drengin space.

Of the Yor fleets moving against our worlds, they are merely a feint to test our resolve. We anticipate no losses as we engage them. This report from a fleet engagement between IF-1 and a Yor fleet should satisfy the council in that regard. The Yor have stronger fleets, but not so strong as to worry our defensive forces.

The Torians were quite pleased with the fleet we gave to them. You can see the fleet immediately after it was turned over and then after the Torians took command. They obviously have access to powerful military enhancements. We've had a Vigilant class frigate trailing the fleet, and the captain reports that it has fared very quite well against the Thalan fleets it has overtaken. It has not met a real threat, though. The Thalans do have fleets that could do significant damage. Also shown is a Torian battleship spotted by one of our freighters before it arrived at Toria. Given that it packs more firepower than the most potent vessels in our fleet, I'd suggest that the Torians don't require any further military support from us.

On the topic of military assistance, the situation with the Trilarian and Psilonics has reached a critical point. I'd like to have the ministers and staff present their reports then follow up with a discussion of our future actions.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

Dr. Markus Malar

Our research estimates from last quarter were slightly high, councilors. That, combined with decisions to sidetrack our research program, leaves us a bit short of our stated goals. We have still made excellent progress, and now have access to numerous new technologies through either research or trade. Our research team perfected, in order: Counter Espionage, Advanced Miniaturization, Terraforming, Advanced Logistics, Laser V, and are currently researching Particle Beams.

Here is a list of the technologies we obtained through various trades, and the important improvements made available. Those improvements are the reason we diverted our research to complete Terraforming. Rather than replace buildings on our fully developed planets, it was decided that making more space available for development was the better path. Many of our planets now host a Merchant Trade Complex, and the Mercenary Academy and Super Spy Training Center are also operational.

Our current research outlook. Particle Beams will take longer to complete than anticipated, but will still be finished next quarter. My only concrete recommendation would be to establish Neutrality Research Centers. During the last session, I was sympathetic to Councilor Noctilucus's concerns about their cost. They are expencisve, but are actually quite efficient in terms of cost to output. Now, with the economic boom and our greatly increased base economy, I whole heartedly recommend them. I'm sure the council will agree after the economic part of the discussion.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

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Guys, I just want to throw in that I love Tolmekians AAR's and I just started reading this and it's looking amazing. I'm still on page 1, but awesome job!

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Minister Sune:

There have been several interesting developments in the recent weeks, councilors. Our agents have finally established a low level of infiltration into each of the local races, and are working to establish advanced networks in the Yor and Krynn governments. Otherwise, we know just about everything about everyone in this region.

Our reach continues to expand north. By the end of the next quarter, what you see as Yor space should be under our control. Our analysts seem to agree with that assessment. We do have a certain risk due to our central position and long borders, but feel secure in our defensive abilities.

While looking for the Sakkra homeworld, the Caelestis got a good look at Dratha. They seem to have unearthed an extremely potent precursor research facility and are making full use of it.

Other developments you may not have heard of on the news. The Torians have definitely come into their own. We will continue to monitor their activities, though we expect continued warm relations.

Other happenings of note, and an Iconian fleets we spotted. They are making extensive use of armor, presumably in defense against the Drengin. Their efforts are not a loss, though, as their armor will work equally well against Drath guns.

The Gnolams, on the other hand, must tread carefully. They find themselves sandwiched between superpowers and will end up crushed if they misstep. Offering protection to them is a much more challenging proposition than to either the Trilarian or Psilonics. Their best chance is to avoid provocation and retain a healthy supply of credits for when visitors come calling.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

Viceroy Gunray:

I will be brief, councilors. The establishment of a Mercenary Academy and the subsequent economic boom have brought amazing wealth to our cause. Continued economic development and the establishment of Xeno Farms on our worlds has allowed for sustained growth, magnified by construction of Merchant Trade Complexes.

Our freighter has finally arrived at Toria, and we in turn have received a Torian freighter. The trade routes are lucrative and will continued to buoy relations between our peoples.

Our economic outlook immediately after construction of the Mercenary Academy, and our most recent projections. Our incredible surplus has been used to speed development on newly captured worlds and to get farms and Merchant Trade Complexes running on our established worlds. Our hope is to retain a considerable surplus even after the economic boom has died down. Considering that our income was about 7500bc when the boom started, I'd say we're meeting our goals for economic development.

Thank you for your time.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

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***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***

Ld Cmdr Mekoides:

There you have it, councilors. Our plan for to counter the Korx is quite simple, actually. By next week, we will have two powerful fleets to contribute to the cause - one for the Trilarian and one for the Psilonics. We also have a developed military starbase that we propose giving to the Psilonics as a shield.

One of the fleets and the starbase. We wanted to develop the starbase further before turning it over. In particular, adding defensive measures would considerably improve its durability. We would, however, need to research starbase fortification technology to do so, and fear we may not have the time. The other fleet is identical to the first and is slightly south of the others. We believe that these forces should provide a strong check to Korx aggression, giving us plenty of time to consider further actions.

We await your response, councilors.

***END TRANSMISSION***

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The Korx are being less than neighbourly, indeed. Would the council entertain outright war against them should our aid fail to deter them?

As for research, I'll back the learned Dr. Malar's recommendation on Neutrality Learning Centres - but only after Starbase Fortification, or whatever the blasted thing is called. I also would like to pursue the Ethics branch with intent to establish a Temple of Neutrality, and while I don't know what Advanced Fire Control does, it sounds like fun.

Now, that starbase. What sort of modules hath it that aid friendly ships? If none, we may as well develop it further, but if there are some, the Psilonics would benefit already greatly from it.

Questions? Comments? Silly jokes?

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I am overjoyed to learn of the magnitude of the surplus we are running. Our economic might is beyond question.

We should obtain Neutrality Learning Centres, it will bolster our research capacity to astronomical proportions and we can afford the cost of their construction and maintenance.

As for research, we should complete the following soon: Duranthium III, Alliances, Good and Evil, Balanced Vision, Advanced Toxic, Advanced Radioactive, Advanced Starbase Construction, Starbase Fortification I-III, Neutrality Learning Centres (obviously), Stinger IV, Extreme Entertainment, Mass Drivers, Tidal Disruption, Advanced Troop Module. These do not need to be completed this quarter, but should be finished soon in my opinion.

Good to hear the Trilarian and Psilonics will be protected. We will not need to babysit them if they have ships as mighty as ours.

We should begin to heavily arm all our starbases once Starbase Fortification is researched, as they will be target practice for fleets if a war were to break out while they had nothing or simply Battle Stations.

That is all.

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qrtxian

Join Date 03/2010

+30

Firstly, I'd like to congratulation Viceroy Gunray on his efforts that have led to our gargantuan surplus. Our economy now appears to be safe from virtually any disaster. As such, I feel that the costs of the Neutrality Learning Center are now a moot point - we should indeed research it once Particle Beam development is complete. Should that also be completed before the end of the quarter, I feel our next priorities are Expert Miniaturization, Alliances, and Starbase Fortification I, in that order. Currently no power poses a danger to our starbases, so arming them is not an immediate requirement.

On the diplomatic front, I have several recommendations and a few questions. First, I'd like to confirm that we have no intentions of attempting to conquer the Sakkra Homeworld. As noted during the Silicoid conflict, attempting to entirely subjugate a civilization is likely to hurt our diplomatic status, and furthermore penetrating that deeply into Drath space would almost certainly cause an incident.

Our situation in the Yor War seems quite bright, and I have no serious concerns in that area. I am curious, however, whether any other civilizations have made any inroads against the Yor as well. It could be important to see who our new neighbors are. On a somewhat related note, do we have any idea of the general state of the other major wars going on there? Are there any other civilizations that seem close to defeat?

Regarding the Trilarian and Psilonics, I have no objections to the proposed aid we plan to supply to them. I do believe Councilor talonschild raises a good point, however. Should this aid prove insufficient, are we willing to risk all-out war with the Korx? And what if a more major power, such as the Drath or (gods forbid) the Thalans was to move against our clients? While these issues need not be faced until (as the humans say) we come to that bridge, they are worth considering now.

I'd also like to raise the question of whether we are building or have built the Eyes of the Universe.

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If I remember correctly (I may be wrong, though), we are engaged in trade with the Korx (they have sent freighters to us). If we were to directly engage the Korx, we would need to make them declare war, probably best done by parking fleets with transports near their planets and waiting for them to get enraged. However, we should only make war with the Korx if they begin to pose a real threat to the Trilarian or Psilonics, because I think the fleets should protect them well enough. Make sure that the Korx have no allies or close friends who might come to their aid if a war broke out, because we don't want to fight a war on two fronts, despite our military and economic power.

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And yes, we have the Eyes. I keep forgetting, too.

I'll second the call for a look at the current treaties and wars in the sector.

I heartily approve of the way the tempo has picked up.

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Ld Cmdr Mekoides:

Have no worries, Councilor qrtxian, we intend to leave the Sakkra as they are. We'll dispatch an emissary after passions have cooled a bit and they have resigned themselves to defeat. I'm certain we can come to terms with them.

The Korx are another matter. We expect to be able to check their war effort through indirect means. Open war hasn't been part of our plan for them, and would be a loss for both sides given the four trade routes they have with us. The proposed military aid should blunt their invasion forces enough for us to put put together a long-term solution. Starbase Fortification technology offers an option. In two weeks, we could research Starbase Fortification Mk I, two more weeks and we'd have Mk II. We could use that technology to build powerful starbases to act as sentinels to protect the Trilarian and Psilonics. Those starbases combined with a few more fleets should provide adequate defense for their planets.

Moving on, the Yor haven't suffered losses to any other power yet, though the Thalans have a huge fleet en route. They may capture one or more of the fringe planets, but shouldn't get as far as the western portion of Yor space. No other empires appear to be on the decline. The Drengin and Iconians ended their long war in a stalemate, with no planets gained or lost. Yor warp disruptor technology has slowed the progress of the war between the Krynn and Drath, as well as the recent Drath-Iconian conflict. Those wars may move swiftly after we capture the Yor worlds and shut down the network. The Torian and Thalan conflict doesn't seem to be moving quickly, either. With so much Thalan might moving against the Yor, it seems the Torians have had time to ramp up war production. We have spotted Thalan fleets and transports heading to some unprotected, southern Torian worlds, though, so there may be development on that front. Should the Thalans end their war against the Yor, we suspect the intensity of the Thalan-Torian war to explode.

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