Greets all! I am posting here (on what I think is the correct place) to request to join this play-by-committee game. Thanks,

Atra

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

Dr. Markus Malar

  Ah, councilors, good to see you again.  I see we have some new appointments to the council.  I hope you've done your research, because our best minds are pushing our program forward at an ever increasing rate.  Fall behind now and there won't be time to catch up.

Anyway, thank you Commander, for your comments.  We have had great success this quarter.  Careful management of our research funding has allowed us to complete our work ahead of schedule and get a head start on further research not yet discussed.  To review our scheduled research, we finished work on Xeno Medicine (+10% pop growth), Universal Translator (we can talk!), and Sensors I (+1 sensors and survey module).  Additionally, we had some stunning breakthroughs, as the commander called them. 

Our work on the Universal Translator was as much about establishing reliable communications in our local environment as it was about deciphering language.  With reliable communications, we were able to establish a foundation for Interstellar Governments (Instant Creativity after UT completion, saving ~11 weeks. +5% diplo).  With some additional work, we could establish an Interstellar Republic here.

We had similar fortune with our sensors research.  After developing Sensors MkI, we were immediately able to design improved Sensors MkII (Instant Creativity, saved maybe 8 weeks).

Having finished our research plan a couple weeks early, we began research on Xeno Industrial Theory to upgrade our manufacturing.  We also acquired a good deal of technology through trade.  I'll let the Viceroy present the details of our trades, but I'll take any questions regarding these new capabilities.

  Our technological outlook.  There are only a few technologies left that can be researched in a short time.  However, we have found additional precursor sites.  With our improving economy, we can afford to begin expanding our research facilities to take advantage of them.

We have a number of options after work on XIT is complete.  Xeno Engineering could further accelerate our social projects, while Sub-space Drive would increase our ship speed and help in our race to expand.  The time is also nearing to further our research on Space Weapons.  We have a strong emerging empire on our border, and a head start could benefit us greatly.

  Xeno Industrial Theory boosts our social production and allow us to upgrade our factories.  It also allows us to establish our Manufacturing Capital.

  The Visionary class survey ship.  Designed using the latest technologies, it boasts twin Ion Drives and three Survey Modules.  The Survey Modules drive up the cost of production, but its nine parsec sensor radius is a superb achievement.  Deploying even just one or two of these vessels will greatly further our exploration efforts.  In a pinch, we could sacrifice some sensor range to reduce costs by substituting MkII sensors.

  DS17, in the Dark Sol system, is shown here under its old classification as Nestor I.  We found two precursor sites here, as well as a brilliant scientist who had already made significant progress studying so close to the dark energy source - DS17 is adjacent to Research Base Altius.  The decision to detain the scientist was mine.  Though he expressed a desire to be left to his own devices, we simply could not allow his research to fall into the wrong hands.  He is well treated and given the respect an intellect of his caliber deserves.  I have left a team to assist him and recommend that DS17 be used primarily for research, to the point of listing it as a potential site for our Technological Capital.

Thank you, councilors.

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

Dr. Markus Malar

   I'll keep things brief and just cycle through a series of displays of our new technologies.  I would like to emphasize the importance of acquiring advanced drive technologies.  It's something we're just not ready to research on our own.  Getting Ion drive puts us ahead, and bartering for further improvements will put our ships amongst the fastest in the region.

Here are the new technologies.

Minister Andimus:

  Development of our colonies is proceeding well.  I'll show you an overview of our holdings then go into some detail on our new acquisitions.

  Our nine planets.  We are pushing ahead with economic development to meet our costs.  You can see the long build times for our major projects - a disadvantage of having our shipyards on those planets.  Upgraded factories and a decreasing urgency to build colony ships will allow us to focus more on our social projects in the near future.

  Gimble, near Fortuna.  We stood to gain from commandeering the vessel, but given the low quality of the planet we decided that the payoff didn't justify it.

  Holmes, north of Fortuna near Korx space.  Just an average planet in an average system.  A pair of low quality planets are nearby (PQ4 and 5).

  Sauron, that we barely beat out the Thalans for.  Nothing of value was discovered amongst the ruins, so they were cleared out to allow for faster expansion.  Some may object, but there are more than enough archeological sites of significance in this region to justify our actions.

That is all, councilors.

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

My thanks to the Ministers and Dr Markus.  I have one question for you Minister Andimus: what ails the citizens of Exterra?

Commander, councilors:

Regarding our research priorities, I strongly favor development of the Sub-Space Drive as well. Combined with the engine technologies we've traded for, the Sub-Space Drive will give us an advantage in speed that will be significantly in advance of other species. I also support establishing an Interstellar Republic, although not without some reservations. Developing a more liberal government system will both improve our relations with other species and help our interplanetary economy grow. However, this also means that morale issues will become more significant, meaning that dealing with the anti-government feeling on ExTerra will become a priority.

In regards to weapons research, we have three main possibilities. I suggest we study what other species are researching in terms of weapons before settling on our decision. If one weapons class seems favored, we should choose differently, so as to avoid countermeasures to that type, which will be prevalent. However, a type of weapons favored by a friendly species may be worth our consideration, as we can acquire more advanced weapons from that species if necessary.

Meanwhile, I question the decision of Dr. Malar to detain the scientist we found on DS17. From the report, it appears we gained little more advantage by - in effect - imprisoning him then we would have with a less rigorous interrogation. As Councilor SarcFa mentioned elsewhere, while unethical decisions may occasionally be necessary, the Expedition should only consider them if the benefits are much higher then pursuing a more moderate course of action.

As far as other decisions of this nature, I have no objections thus far. However, I find our attempts to alternate between ethical extremes alarming. Despite some human sayings to the contrary, one good deed does not outweigh an evil one. We should attempt to balance possibilities in each situation, rather then alternating our course between different incidents.

On the proposal to develop Sauron as a ship-building center, I concur. I would like to recommend, however, that explorations to the galactic north should be pursued carefully. Our immediate neighbors are generally among the more peaceful civilizations; the Drath prefer to have others do their fighting for them and the Korx, while "evil", are primarily a race of traders. However, the civilizations reported across the gap include several considerably more dangerous species. In a particularly worrisome note, the xenocidal Korath appear to have laid claim to an area roughly equal to that of the Thalans. I recommend that we attempt to avoid coming to the attention of these species for now.

For my choice of colony name, I pick "New Qrtx" (pronounced kwur-tex).

Finally, I would like to make a few remarks on our diplomatic possibilities, and in particular, our current decision on where to send any freighters we build. In general, there are two main paths we can take in our relations.

One, we can attempt to develop close relations with species of equal or greater power then us. This strategy allows for powerful alliances, but runs the risk that these civilizations will reject our overtures and become potential threats - wasting any effort we made in taking a peaceful path.

Two, we can focus on more minor species, such as those believed to be native to this quadrant. The benefits and drawbacks of this approach are the opposite of the others: while weak species make easy trading partners and pose little threat, we would gain less of a reward on our part. Additionally, if we establish formal alliances we run the risk of being drawn into wars from aggressive major powers.

Commander, fellow councilors,

I will be brief. Regarding research my suggestion would be the following:
0. Complete Xeno industrial theory
1. Xeno engineering
2. Sub-space drive
3. Advanced computing
4. Space weapons

Viceroy: congratulations on the successful conclusion of 2 of our foreign transactions! Excellent news as well on the economic front, glad to see we've managed to significantly reduce our deficits to a more manageable amount.

I would agree with Minister Andimus' suggestion to build a Thalan Recuperation Center on Exterra when our building schedule allows it. Research has shown that a morale below 46% seriously hampers population growth which would be unacceptable since it is mainly Exterra's population that drives our tax income. What would be the economic impact of lowering taxes with 1-3%?

Shipbuilding at Sauron: makes perfect sense to me.
How about the planet cluster in the south-east, do we plan on colonizing any planets there? I think it would provide an additional buffer against the Thalan influence.

On councilors Qrtxian and Sarcfa's point: our current decision on where to send any freighters we build and linked to that relations we develop with other races: there I would suggest sending half our freighters to the Thalan capital, the other half to the Drath capital. Not only will this improve our relations with both races, it will also reduce the economic risk should anything unfortunate happen to 1 of the 2 trade routes.

Lastly, for planet naming I would find Ignis to be an inspiring name to the people.

Greetings Commander, Councillors-

          I must be brief: I am firmly of the opinion that a robust economy (which includes both economic and research infrastructure as appropriate) is an indispensible prerequisite to any military build-up. With the economy comes the well-being and acquiesence of the population. During the economic and infrastructure building period should be adequate intelligence gathering on the neighboring powers. Ethically, the Initiative should make choices that are in our  best long-term interest as determined at the time. If all is proceeding 'well'- and only then- should choices be made that reflect an ethically 'good' character. I am of the opinion that under no circumstances should we tend towards an 'Evil' ethical makeup.

I only wish to speak on two topics; the detaining of the scientist and planetary names.

The detainment of the scientist is a controversial topic at this point. It will be looked upon negatively by other civilizations, but the benefits and the fact that it was not cruel make it acceptable to me. If DS17 is to become our Research Capital, I think this was a good decision. However, unless the benefits are too good to pass up, we should try to make good or neutral decisions in the future.

As for a name for a planet, I would like the name Xia (Zee-Ah) to be given to a colony in the future. Also, if we manage to colonize a high-quality planet that we decide shall become our Manufacturing Capital, I suggest we call it Fondor.

Before detailing this meeting's ballot, I would like to make a few remarks in response to Councilor LordCarlos.

Although they are considered an "evil" race, I feel it is incorrect to associate the Korx with the likes of the Drengin or Yor. The Korx are a greedy, plutocratic society with many unpleasant traits. However, this does not mean they are bent on galactic conquest in a similiar fashion as many other "evil" races. This more mercantile, less imperialistic tendency means that long-term association with the Korx is possible in a way it isn't with, say, the Drengin.

No one is proposing that we seek to ally with the Korx; in fact, no one is proposing long-term policy at all. I merely note that we could establish trade routes to their worlds as a practical measure.

Now the ballot. I have decided to leave off any issues related to trade, as we currently have no freighters at all and all members of the council agree they should be first sent to the Drath and Thalans. Likewise for most other issues, we have a general consensus. Therefore, the only items up for voting are research proposals. I have decided to follow G'Norlisk's suggestions regarding research on the ballot (see here for the details).

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1

Xeno Engineering: 6

Space Weapons: 5

Interstellar Republic: 2

Soil Enhancement: 8

Diplomatic Relations: 7

Advanced Computing: 4

Trade Centers: 3

Councilor Signature: qrtxian

Fellow councilors, in the ballot below I've added my votes next to those of councilors qrtxian and mambaman, to facilitate determination of the voting outcome.

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6

Councilor Signature: Noctilucus

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2, 2, 8

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1, 1, 1

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4, 3, 7

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5, 5, 2

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8, 8, 6

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7, 4, 4

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3, 6, 5

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6, 7, 3

Councilor Signature: qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, LordCarlos

I want to answer the comments made by councillor qrtxian. i understand the korx are less agressive, and it might be true that we could keep them close enough to avoid any wars. 

Establishing a trade route IS a long term policy. We establish trade routes not cause of thier initial return on investment, we establish them because we know that return will grow over time. At least, under that criteria, is that i'm assessing the value of this trade routes.

I understand the korx are not as aggressive as the Drengin or the Yor, but they are still a source of conflit. The problem is not that they will wage war on us after we spend time and money establishing the trade routes. The problem comes from what i bilieve will be our future allies. We are talking about 2 "good" races, one of which loves to bribe others into war.

Can you see the problem now?. We could be able to maintain the Korx happy, and have a healthy economic relationship. But as soon as the Korx attack the Drath, or the Drath pay the Thalans to attack the Korx, or vice versa,  we will have a conflict of interests.

Some of you might say i'm looking too far ahead. Maybe i am, but you can still see the possiblities.

Others might say it is more plausible for the Drath to pay the Korx to attack any northen race, to weaken them and then attack them. That might be so, but consider this:

1. The closest race to the north of the Korx, are still pretty far away, which will probably mean they will have good relations .
2. Also those 2 races lean towards the same ethical standing as the Korx, which will further improve their relations.
3. And lastly we have 2 races sharing borders, with completely opposite ethical standings, that is recipe for early war.

So it's not that i am a xenophobe (i understand you never said that Councillor qrtxian, i'm just stating it), my problem is that i see too many possible scenarios where the trade routes will have to be severed early on, and thus will not make for prudent long term investment.