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09:59, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

History: Back out to the unknown.

Posted by FateFor group 0
Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund
Chief Engineer, 329 posts
Chief Engineer
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 11:12
  • msg #947

Back out to the unknown.

The break was welcome after so long spending time repairing their own ship, gave Duke some quality time to make sure he wasn't being a terrible dad. But even despite their ostensible down swing in requirement due to the ending of the war, it seemed that there were plans to keep the machine turning and pumping out new ships. He didn't mind though, they were quite beautiful if you looked at them in the right way.


"Not a bad ship, this, eh? I wonder where the Yuri got made all pretty like he said to Cyril and Kat as they walked to meet Andrew. He didn't know which battles had caused the damage to the hull but it did seem to impress him that it had been around the block a few times.
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2138 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 18:14
  • msg #948

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Fate (msg # 946):

   Cyril will provide the observation that the Pirate almost assuredly went out through 1739 and 1738, implying that there is a viable route and perhaps other pirate bases on it. It would require them to jump through Tunguska to leave this sector (using the term loosely). A records check could probably tell us if that's what they did.
   With sufficient fuel, they could make the risky double jump to  Remulak (1933) or Sarpenden (1533). As I recall, the area around Sirius is a hot bed of Pirate activity ... I realize that this is highly speculative, but this Pirate base was extensive and  not likely supporting some back woods operation.
Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 70 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 22:22
  • msg #949

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 948):

"The description of the pirate ship will be sent out to all traders and law enforcement we know of. But you are right, they probably are not the only ones. There have been raids other than the ones we can now attribute to them due to survivors and other evidence you gathered. But Terran merchant routes have been escorted due to pirate activity now for at least the last six months, possibly more, and some of the survivors are Vilani, so it seems likely that records of merchants on Chrysolite will show that they have been passing through that system.

Which brings us to what I need you to do. Since you have already found one pirate base, we need someone to scout for more. Don't feel you must attack them...we have a number of warships capable of doing that much better. But you are one of the fastest ships, with double jump capacity and enough firepower to deal with a Lightning. As such, we can rearm you, since missiles are not particularly useful against a Lightning with beams, which seems to be what pirates are using. Of course, if their main prey are Vilani because they lack escorts, that makes perfect sense,  but it also means you should be prepared. We need you to map all the systems in the Gemeni sector that you can reach, and the rest of the systems in the Capella sector. Whilst this will not guarantee no more pirates, it will mark any systems suitable for their bases, and we can establish bases of our on there until we drive them out.
"

He sighs.

"Try to use surveillance from a distance to avoid surprise attacks. It seems you will be needing two new 6 dTon craft as well, so choose them carefully. Questions so far?"
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2139 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 03:19
  • msg #950

Back out to the unknown.

No, I was going to suggest the same effort, We were somewhat surprised by the Pirate CROCKETT Class we encountered and destroyed, not expecting an attack without some investigation. That will still be a concern, as we could create serious diplomatic problems by shooting first and it not being a pirate. Can we up armor or provide some other means of defense while we ascertain what we are facing?
Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 71 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 04:43
  • msg #951

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 950):

"Unfortunately increasing armour adds considerably to weight, which makes you much slower. If engines are then increased to maintain speed, you are basically become a much larger ship, essentially a warship. To send a warship for a first meeting with Aliens, if there are more, is generally not a good idea if one seeks peace. I would prefer you ran away from a fight, and used light scout craft to investigate dangers rather than risking the ship.

Already your cargo hold is too small. I have been experimenting with a small 20 dTon crawler dubbed the L Miner, but at 40 ft long and 15 ft, it is too big to fit in your hold. It would contain a small robofac, capable of mining goods, refining them and then processing them into finished products, such as parts for the Fusion reactor that nearly had you stranded, given enough time and raw materials. Obviously designed for remote colonies so they would not be dependent on critical supplies as much, though its capacity is too low to replace supply convoys, and at 25 million each, they are not the cheap option.

But after the last mission, I feel you need the capacity to manufacture sensitive equipment yourself. I am therefore installing and Industrial Robofac in the Dastavka to make sure you can come back this time. You simply will not be able to operate it during combat, since the power requirements will be too great. Of course, you would have to provide the right raw materials, so we have also produced a new modular miner based on the AK APC to this end, and it might be advisable to take one of them. But that is up to you.

In order to fit the robofac and the twin power supplies, which combine to be slightly larger than before, I have had to further reduce your cargo capacity, such that you can now only carry 6.5 dTons of supplies or ammunition, plus 9.5 dTons of supplies in the ships boat. Even if you carry 60 missiles and 60 sandcasters, which will not be needed so much with extra beam weapons, that will be enough to last 120 days, unless you increase your crew.
"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:18, Sun 22 Apr 2018.
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2140 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 17:22
  • msg #952

Back out to the unknown.

The small miner and robo-factory will be a big plus, not only for repairs but for exploration. We can return samples manufactured into small rectangles which can be analyzed on our return. 60 Missiles should be plenty. I think that means we can carry two fighters... Likely beam weapon equipped, but would like a small alteration to allow them to launch missiles, which the main ship can direct as needed.


OOC -  Can we update DASTAVKA's stat sheet to reflect it's current capability.
Fate
GM, 1780 posts
Roll for dodge!
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 20:24
  • msg #953

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 952):

"Are you talking about a modification to allow them to carry and launch a single external missile? They certainly don't have room for launchers."

Sheet updated in gear available... Miniminers also added.
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2142 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 21:04
  • msg #954

Back out to the unknown.

Yup, externally carried and fired ... one or two ... then guided by Dastavka.
Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 72 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 09:45
  • msg #955

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 954):

"You should talk to the engineers about that but I suspect it would get in the way of the landing gear, so the missiles would have to be fired before they could land. One might work, with the landing gear, but two would probably interfere, and three I think may interfere with their ability to dock with Dastavka, since the landing bays are close fits."
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2143 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 12:52
  • msg #956

Back out to the unknown.

will do
Fate
GM, 1781 posts
Roll for dodge!
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 20:11
  • msg #957

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Andrew Kalishnakov (msg # 955):

"If there are no further questions, we will complete the repairs within a week, and you are to depart immediately once they are done. Please file a flight plan before you go, and stick to it, so we know where to send ships if you don't return on time."
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2144 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 20:37
  • msg #958

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Fate (msg # 957):

I was considering going to 1337 or 1437 first and then back tracking toward 1740. It might take several re-supplies, but it is also a better chance of finding this Pirate. Further more, a base there would cut off there free access to the more remote worlds.
Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 73 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 20:41
  • msg #959

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 958):

"Good as any place to start. Hang back from planets until you have done a full scan of them this time though! Good luck."
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2145 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 20:47
  • msg #960

Back out to the unknown.

Aye Aye Sir.
Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund
Chief Engineer, 330 posts
Chief Engineer
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 21:59
  • msg #961

Back out to the unknown.

Duke listened in through clouds of blue white spoke and then his ears pricked up at the suggestion by the boss that they'd be getting a robofac. That would help so much, even more if they'd had it a couple of months ago. But it was good news nevertheless.

In response to the talk about missiles Duke chiruped up. Aye, the boss is right. Missiles mounted on the hull would be fine for firing, 'specially if guided by the Dastavka but would create problems in landing. Even if we mounted 'em up top, i reckon they'd get in the way.

Havin' said that, they could be jettisoned rather than fired before landing back in the hangor. Then it's a case of picking them up - which wouldn't necessarily be easy. At least it'd be possible if we were eager to keep 'em missiles.


He took another puff of smoke. Anyone with a propulsion system and a suit could easily guide em back in. then he grinned at the thought of his own suit being able to handle everything well.

"Anyway, just a question before we head out. I know we're supposed to turn tail and run at signs'o' trouble, but maybe we could leave them a little present? Something tha tmight give us a bit of intel on them? If we jettison cargo before we head of, something enticin' enough to gain their interest we could plant something on it that could perhaps give us access to their ship's data. I could build and code something that could do that... but I'd have to work with our tech monkeys to make sure it would work out fully, without problems.

Jus' somethin to think about, eh?
he offered.

They only had a couple of weeks before heading out again. He would definitely have to make the most of it.

ok

I guess Duke will want to make a shopping run, and do a few things before they head off. Otherwise, he'll be on the ship spending time with the family and making sure that the ship's repairs go perfectly.

Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 74 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 22:50
  • msg #962

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 961):

"Hmmm, perhaps you are thinking about intel 'missiles'. They can be shot down like any other missiles. Well, at least the warheads disguised as junk. I think we can get you and the techs talking in that regard. But remember, if they are using lots of beams to deal with Vilani missile swarms, missiles themselves are not likely to be effective, as missiles at least. But I can have some rigged as reusable remote survey units to avoid nasty surprises."
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2146 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 22:55
  • msg #963

Back out to the unknown.

That would certainly be useful... and hopefully recoverable.
Katherine 'Kat' Steele
Pilot, 672 posts
Ships Pilot
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 01:56
  • msg #964

Back out to the unknown.

Kat will just listen. She figures she will complain if she needs too to her husband of course. Pirate hunting sound fun of course.
Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 75 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 13:34
  • msg #965

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 963):

"Normal missiles cost 30 grand, these cost well over a million and are much slower, but they have much longer range and rechargeable batteries, so you better recover them!"
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2147 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 16:22
  • msg #966

Back out to the unknown.

Understood, I'd recover them just for their utility, but the cost is another good reason.
Andrew Kalishnakov
GM, 76 posts
Eccentric Entrepreneur
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 23:56
  • msg #967

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 966):

"That will be all if there are no further questions. The technicians can work out the details."
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2148 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 02:56
  • msg #968

Back out to the unknown.

Thank You sir ...
Fate
GM, 1782 posts
Roll for dodge!
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 12:45
  • msg #969

Back out to the unknown.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 968):

It is December 26th 2171 by the time you are ready to depart. You have been at Aegis just a few days more than a month refitting and purchasing supplies. The first ship after yourselves to return from the Talz arrived 2 nights ago, reporting that all was well, and that the Talz welcomed a small base there to support the small carrier. All you needed now was the base...so once again Andrew takes advantage of the situation and claims what is now his fourth planet, after Aegir, Aquitaine and the very small colony on 1540 which has yet to be named. Of course, Aquitaine is contested by the Israeli Colonization Organization, but they currently lack the resources to supply the colony nor the political clout to seriously challenge him.

Labrysia seems to be becoming increasingly insular, whist the rebel Labrysians, by contrast, are embracing all kinds of technology as fast as they can. Large domed or sealed buildings are springing up as far away as Chrysolite as they attempt to spread themselves far, and they even attempt to establish a diplomatic station with the Vilani, but are rebuffed rudely enough, only further cementing their friendly ties with Terrans.

You all have a chance to do shopping, having been paid three months salary (3x$23,520 = $70,560) for command crew, including Sterran, Meir and Kat, whilst Cyril get a little bonus as well , but of course how much you get to keep depends on your financial management (ie wealth level). You can and should put your shopping lists us, though, including any requests for the ships armoury. I anticipate opening the new thread on Saturday GMT +10:00, and what you have not purchased by then will have to wait until you return!
Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund
Chief Engineer, 332 posts
Chief Engineer
Sat 5 May 2018
at 12:49
  • msg #970

Back out to the unknown.

Duke had returned to the ship with a spring in his step. He'd been out and about, replenishing supplies and generally working on interesting things.

"Well, well. Looks like we have a few pirates to deal with, eh?

I picked up a few things that might help us with that Cap'n....
as he paused and walked into the main cargo bay, he glanced around at looked for Alexei .

"Got you something nice, while I was out and about, he said pullin out a (cowboy) style hat from behind his back, whose head cavity space was filled with two wrapped presents. The wrapping was more brown industrial paper than anything colourful, but he spilled the contents out into one hand and then passedher the hat.

<red>"you'd look good in it"
he said cocking a grin, before passing the things along.



"Don't you lot worry, there are things for you too" he said, grinning and gesturing the shooting of a rifle.
Cyril Zotmund
Captain, 2153 posts
Commander UNN (Ret)
ex Scout and Exploratory
Sat 5 May 2018
at 20:46
  • msg #971

Back out to the unknown.

Umm, interesting Duke, but not really me...  he unwraps the two smaller packages.
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