Recently completed, the Kugel Blitz is the first of what Kalashnikov Enterprises hopes to be a successful raider class to replace the Hardrada class of raiders. With more troops than crew and a wing of fighters, it looks good on paper. Your task is to subcontract yourself out during the Vilani unrest near Girii and make that reality.

Cyrils Cash: $1,666,720
Planet: Ceti-Command (Fueled)
Date: 20 Oct 2177

Kugel Blitz 708.1 M Solars, 1,400 dTon Sphere (41 yd dia)
(6G/Move:370, dDR:100, dHP: 78, dTons of Cargo Space: 107, SM:+10)
Weapons: 20x Beam, 2x Missile, 2x Sandcaster, Crew:168 including 100 troops
Endurance: 143 Weeks, Fuel Range: 4 parsecs
1x Ships Boat Rescuer, 4x AK APC, 10x AK Modular Fighter,
4 Workshops, 1 Robofacs, 10 Sickbays, Survey Module, 1 Laboratory

AK Ships Boat Modular Recovery 44.5 M, 30 dTon Needle/Wedge
(4.19G/Move:1909, dDR:10, dHP: 27, dTons of Cargo Space: 1.5, SM:+7)
Weapons: 1x Beam, 2x Sandcaster, Crew:4, Life Support: 5,
1 AK Modular Raft, 1 Workshop, 1 Sickbay

The vessel uses 0.7 dTons of supplies per week, and may carry up to 14 Modular craft.

Fusion Powered Modular Craft

AK Modular Fighter, 16M, 6 dTon Flattened Sphere
The smallest 8G Fusion powered fighter.
(8G/Move:2343, dDR:10, dHP: 18, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 4684 mph)
Weapons: 1x Pulse Laser

AK Modular Missile Fighter, 13 M Solars, 6 dTons
An improvement on the Imperial Missile Fighter.
(6G/Move:1704, dDR:10, dHP:16, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 3409 mph)

AK Modular APC, 6.6 M Solars, 6 dTons x4
The same size as the small fighters, this is actually a small spacecraft with life support for 5, a sickbay and heavy armour. Capable of supporting small insertions for long periods of time, it has limited cargo space.
(2.02G/Move:1607, dDR:49, dHP:22, dTons of Cargo Space: 0.6, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 3214 mph),
Weapons:1x Gatling Laser

AK Modular Fuel Skimmer, 6.3M, 6 dTon Flattened Sphere
(2.8G/Move:1271, dDR:12, dHP: 17, dTons of Fuel Space: 3, SM:+4)
Crew:2

AK Modular Speeder, 5.5 M Solars, 6 dTons x2
This is more of an enclosed Air raft to be used in the 6 dTon flattened sphere bays as an auxiliary cargo boat with life support for the two crew. The new one has a patented mini-fusion reactor.
(2G/Move 1270, dDr:12, dHP:16, dTons of Cargo space: 3.5)

AK Modular Miniminer, 7.6 M Solars, 6 dTons
Designed based on the AK APC for mining asteroids, this small spacecraft with life support for 2, has heavy armour for resisting rocks, and a Gatling laser for the smaller rocks. It has increased cargo space of 1.4 dTons, but smaller engines. At the front are robotic mining arms used for gathering items. It can collect 1.2 tons/day, but this needs to be refined to achieve trade densities. Unrefined product has a density of 25 t/dTon and is 75% waste.
Trade Items able to be collected by Miniminers: Industrial Metals, Radioactives, Light Metals
(1.19G/Move:1270 empty, dDR:50, dHP:22, dTons of Cargo Space: 1.4, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 2541 mph),
Weapons:1x Gatling Laser

Battery Powered Modular Craft

AK Modular SR Fighter Mk II, 13 M Solars, 6 dTons
The same as the previous small fighter but with batteries reorganized to fit more in, allowing additional armour, this version has 4 banks of 24 F Cells plus one backup cell for life support providing a range of 8 million miles. The smaller size of the cells allows for greater drive and hence greater armour and weapons than the fusion cell fighters.
(8.0G/Move:3224, dDR:29, dHP:22, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 6449 mph),
Weapons:1x Beams Weapon

AK Modular SR Missile Fighter, 11 M Solars, 6 dTons
(6G/Move:2274, dDR:16, dHP:16, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 4546 mph),
Weapons:3x Missiles

AK Modular SR Combo Fighter, 12 M Solars, 6 dTons x8
A newly modified fighter as requested by Dastavka that sacrifices armour and speed for firepower.
(6.0G/Move:2200, dDR:10, dHP:19, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 4401 mph),
Weapons:1x Beam Weapon, 2x Missile

AK Modular Raft, 3 M Solars, 6 dTons
This is a cheaper version of the raft, with batteries that permit basic take-off and landing for small craft with a maximum space for cargo. The batteries mean reduced maintenance costs for the life of the craft, but make them unsuitable as life boats or interstellar transports, and their sensors are not spacecraft quality despite being 1/3 of their cost. But they are cheaper.
(2G/Move 2411, dDr:10, dHP:15, dTons of Cargo space: 4, Range in air: 16,000 miles)

ARMOURY

  x 10 Nanoweave Tacsuit 30/15    22.5 lbs .
        - Multispectral Chameleon Surface  -/+30  +4 lbs  +8 stealth, halved while moving
        - small, compact computer, hardened complexity 4, HUD, 1.5 lb (right forearm)
              *running data link* complexity 1 (free), electronics repair, complexity 2 (free)
       - Air Tank, Small (6 hrs)                 $60, 2 lbs extra
       - Advanced Rebreather (Tank duration x10)
Vid glasses, w/ SR communicator & multiview, 1/4 lb, (HUD)
Space combat helmet, DR 60/45, B/36hrs, weight 9 lbs, (sensor visor, HUD,SR comm)


155x  Space Biosuit w/ add ons DR 15/3*       $11.2 k, 19.6 lb, D/2 weeks (In sunlight,self repairing, DR 5 vs cor, cr, tox, else DR 15)

Includes ESM, Filter Mask, Respirator, Small Air Tank, Advanced Rebreather, Inertial Compass, Hyperspectral Visor, Desert System, Short Range Communicator(Com Scrambler), Inertial Navigation, Trauma Maintainance, Near Miss indicator, Personal Radar/Laser Detector, Biomedical Sensors, Radiation Badge, Small Ladar, Mind Shield, Gripboots

Heavy Laser Pistol x 45
 Beams(Pistol) 4d(2) burn, Acc: 6, Range: 300/900, 3.3 lbs, ROF 10, 56 shots per 2 C cells, ST:6, RCL:1
 One with HUD Sighting system

Laser Rifle x 120 (including 6 with grenade launchers)
  Beams(Rifle) 6d(2) burn, Acc: 12, Range: 700/1200, 8 lb, ROF: 10, 83 shots/D cell (pack), ST:7, RCL: 1
6 Laser Rifles with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher
  4d pi++, Acc: 4+2, Range: 360/2200, 1.5/0.8 lb, ROF 1, 3 shots, ST:10

Storm Rifle, 10mm CLR x 50
  Guns(Rifle), 9d pi+, Acc 5, 1300/5800, 10/1.2 lbs, ROF 3, 12 Clip, RCL 3, ST:10
  All 50 with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher as above

Gauss CAW, 18.5mm (Common Vilani Assault weapon) x40
 Guns(Shotgun), 8d pi++, Acc 4, 200/1000, ROF 15, C/30 rnd clip
All Gauss CAWs with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher as above

Hand Flamer x 120
 Beam (Pistol) 4d burn, Acc: 3, Range: 30/90, 3.3 lbs, ROF 1*, 56 shots/2C cells, ST:6, RCL:1
 Note, these are area effect weapons. They are preferred in some areas in starships as they are unlikely to pierce the hull.

Limpit Mine Dispenser x 25
4 x Shaped Charge Limpit mines (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + linked 2d cr ex [1d+1])

LAW 84mm, x25 Shaped Charge warheads
  Guns(LAW) [14], 6dx6(10), Acc: 3, 330/2300, 1 shot only, ST:10

Hand Grenades, (use Throwing skill) 1 lb each
  Note, explosion damage 2x damage dice range (include multipliers)
  ex damage decreases by /3x range from blast, apply full DR
100 x Plasma, 6dx4 burn ex sur, 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x HE (frag), 8d+8 x2 cr ex [3d, 15 yard frag], 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 x2 cr ex, 1 lb, fuse 2
50 x EMP, HT-8(2), 8 yard + 2d cr ex

25mm Grenades 0.22 lb each, standard load for each of the launchers.
10 x Plasma, 6d burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 4d+4 cr ex [1d+1, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 4d+4 cr ex
10 x EMP, HT-8(2), 2 yard + 1d-2 cr ex
10 x Flare radius 250 yards
15 x Shaped Charges, (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + 2d cr ex [1d+1]

40mmEMG Grenades 1 lb each for 10x launchers (ammo per Launcher)
10 x Plasma, 6dx2 burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 8d+8 cr ex [2d, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 cr ex
15 x EMP, HT-8(2), 4 yard + 1d cr ex
20 x Shaped Charges, (6d+8)x4(10) cr inc + 4d cr ex [2d]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:44, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

Sounds reasonable so far, can I get stats on the Ships Boat/rescuer please... trying to estimate it's value as a shuttle and or life boat for my large crew.

Disregard name change as it's been introduced.


I am assuming from it's description so far, that it is a ball shaped ship with multiple floors. I am wondering where the reactors and engines are and where the hanger entrances are ... hardly critical in the games, but fun to contemplate. Turrets are one fore and one aft with the rest arrayed around the ship at 90º to the fore & aft axis. The ejecta from the engines has to go out the back, making hangers or the like hard to put there (I am assuming that flying through the ejecta, what ever it is, is not good for you and your ship). I keep thinking that the reactors and engines should be on pylons out the back like the ENTERPRISE and all those designs. sort of a  O-  look.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Sun 07 July 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 2):

Let's say it is ball shaped, with small craft at the 'equator', above which is the bridge and 4 turrets equally spaced above and below the docking bays. Fusion plants and engines at the back/centre, with fuel and cargo below and accommodation and labs/sickbays/survey gear above.

Ships boat (rescue) is detailed in gear available thread.

In reply to Fate (msg # 3):

Ok, please indicate which small craft you want and what is in the cargo hold. Options in the first post have been updated. Troops will have basic issue, predominantly 25mm and 40mm grenade launchers, Laser Rifles, Hand Flamers and a couple of Plasma guns for fire support. Hand grenades are not standard issue, though commonly purchased. Mortars are not usually issued, though may be used for land-based raids.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:54, Mon 29 July 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 4):

OK, so we have the ships Boat (Recovery) and 4 APCs... these are AK Modular APC, 6.6 M Solars, 6 dTons or something else?

I'll want at least 8 of the AK Modular SR Combo Fighter, 12 M Solars, 6 dTons  and will probably need 2 of the AK Modular Speeder, 5.5 M Solars, 6 dTons.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 5):

Yes, all are AK Modular units.

What about cargo and armoury?

In reply to Fate (msg # 6):

Working on it and multiple other things ;-)
Hopefully by end of the day.

Cargo to start is mostly food and spare parts.
We aren't in the trading business, but I think we will bring computers as diplomatic trade goods for those friendly places we visit.
0.05 dTon of Computers -   16 Desktops, 30 laptops, 70 Palmtops.

The Armoury is straight off the DASTAVKA, but is to be increased for the larger crew.

Nanoweave Tacsuit 30/15    22.5 lbs   x 10.
        - Multispectral Chameleon Surface  -/+30  +4 lbs  +8 stealth, halved while moving
        - small, compact computer, hardened complexity 4, HUD, 1.5 lb (right forearm)
              *running data link* complexity 1 (free), electronics repair, complexity 2 (free)
       - Air Tank, Small (6 hrs)                 $60, 2 lbs extra
       - Advanced Rebreather (Tank duration x10)
Vid glasses, w/ SR communicator & multiview, 1/4 lb, (HUD)
Space combat helmet, DR 60/45, B/36hrs, weight 9 lbs, (sensor visor, HUD,SR comm)
- Reflec coating, adds 30 DR VS laser fire.

OK, then 155x Space Biosuit w/ add ons DR 15/3*     $10 k, 5 lbs, 2C/6 weeks (In sunlight, self repairing, DR 5 vs cor, cr, tox, else DR 15)

Heavy Laser Pistol x 45
 Beams(Pistol) 4d(2) burn, Acc: 6, Range: 300/900, 3.3 lbs, ROF 10, 56 shots per 2 C cells, ST:6, RCL:1
 One with HUD Sighting system

Laser Rifle x 120 (including 6 with grenade launchers)
  Beams(Rifle) 6d(2) burn, Acc: 12, Range: 700/1200, 8 lb, ROF: 10, 83 shots/D cell (pack), ST:7, RCL: 1
6 Laser Rifles with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher
  4d pi++, Acc: 4+2, Range: 360/2200, 1.5/0.8 lb, ROF 1, 3 shots, ST:10

Storm Rifle, 10mm CLR x 50
  Guns(Rifle), 9d pi+, Acc 5, 1300/5800, 10/1.2 lbs, ROF 3, 12 Clip, RCL 3, ST:10
  All 50 with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher as above

Gauss CAW, 18.5mm (Common Vilani Assault weapon) x40
 Guns(Shotgun), 8d pi++, Acc 4, 200/1000, ROF 15, C/30 rnd clip
All Gauss CAWs with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher as above

Hand Flamer x 120
 Beam (Pistol) 4d burn, Acc: 3, Range: 30/90, 3.3 lbs, ROF 1*, 56 shots/2C cells, ST:6, RCL:1
 Note, these are area effect weapons. They are preferred in some areas in starships as they are unlikely to pierce the hull.

Limpit Mine Dispenser x 25
4 x Shaped Charge Limpit mines (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + linked 2d cr ex [1d+1])

LAW 84mm, x25 Shaped Charge warheads
  Guns(LAW) [14], 6dx6(10), Acc: 3, 330/2300, 1 shot only, ST:10

Hand Grenades, (use Throwing skill) 1 lb each
  Note, explosion damage 2x damage dice range (include multipliers)
  ex damage decreases by /3x range from blast, apply full DR
100 x Plasma, 6dx4 burn ex sur, 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x HE (frag), 8d+8 x2 cr ex [3d, 15 yard frag], 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 x2 cr ex, 1 lb, fuse 2
50 x EMP, HT-8(2), 8 yard + 2d cr ex

25mm Grenades 0.22 lb each, standard load for each of the launchers.
10 x Plasma, 6d burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 4d+4 cr ex [1d+1, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 4d+4 cr ex
10 x EMP, HT-8(2), 2 yard + 1d-2 cr ex
10 x Flare radius 250 yards
15 x Shaped Charges, (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + 2d cr ex [1d+1]

40mmEMG Grenades 1 lb each for 10x launchers (ammo per Launcher)
10 x Plasma, 6dx2 burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 8d+8 cr ex [2d, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 cr ex
15 x EMP, HT-8(2), 4 yard + 1d cr ex
20 x Shaped Charges, (6d+8)x4(10) cr inc + 4d cr ex [2d]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:48, Wed 31 July 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 8):

Given that the small computers are $20k alone and are needed for the Multispectral Chameleon Surface, which is another $6k and not compatible with reflec coating, in addition to the $6k for the Tacsuit and Helmet. Also bear in mind that a Tacsuit unlike a Vacc suit, expands when in a vacuum. At over $32 k per suit, we can pretty much guarantee that Kalishnikov will not want to be buying that for the entire crew of nearly 200, plus 10%. He is willing to get 10 Nanoweave Vacc suits with the Chameleon surface and accompanying computers, but the rest will have to choose between Naonweave Vacc suits and the Biosuits with all the add-ons. This particular armour was a custom job for a player who died...

Reflec suits cost $300 and weighs 2 lbs, and increases detection chance by radar by +2. It is claimed to offer 20 DR vs lasers only. Since it is worn outside any other suit to be effective it counters any other suits worn. Since Vilani rarely employ lasers, it's true effectiveness is not really known.

Cyril goes through the ship checking where and how things are stowed. He has Duke check all the various engineering systems before we take her out for a short shakedown cruise.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 10):

Duke is keep to go through the vessel, transferring his workshop to here.

There is still the question or what armours/spacesuits to bring aboard.

In reply to Fate (msg # 11):

I thought I had updated that above ...  maybe guilty of not letting you know.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 12):

Not sure...the message still shows the suits with the super expensive computers and the incompatible types of coating. Maybe best to repost or put it directly into the inventory (1st post) if you can...

OK, there are only 10 of the super expensive suits and a 155 of the cheaper ones.

Cargo to start is mostly food and spare parts.
We aren't in the trading business, but I think we will bring computers as diplomatic trade goods for those friendly places we visit.
0.05 dTon of Computers -   16 Desktops, 30 laptops, 70 Palmtops.

  x 10 Nanoweave Tacsuit 30/15    22.5 lbs .
        - Multispectral Chameleon Surface  -/+30  +4 lbs  +8 stealth, halved while moving
        - small, compact computer, hardened complexity 4, HUD, 1.5 lb (right forearm)
              *running data link* complexity 1 (free), electronics repair, complexity 2 (free)
       - Air Tank, Small (6 hrs)                 $60, 2 lbs extra
       - Advanced Rebreather (Tank duration x10)
Vid glasses, w/ SR communicator & multiview, 1/4 lb, (HUD)
Space combat helmet, DR 60/45, B/36hrs, weight 9 lbs, (sensor visor, HUD,SR comm)


155x  Space Biosuit w/ add ons DR 15/3*     $10 k, 5 lbs, 2C/6 weeks (In sunlight, self repairing, DR 5 vs cor, cr, tox, else DR 15)

Heavy Laser Pistol x 45
 Beams(Pistol) 4d(2) burn, Acc: 6, Range: 300/900, 3.3 lbs, ROF 10, 56 shots per 2 C cells, ST:6, RCL:1
 One with HUD Sighting system

Laser Rifle x 120 (including 6 with grenade launchers)
  Beams(Rifle) 6d(2) burn, Acc: 12, Range: 700/1200, 8 lb, ROF: 10, 83 shots/D cell (pack), ST:7, RCL: 1
6 Laser Rifles with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher
  4d pi++, Acc: 4+2, Range: 360/2200, 1.5/0.8 lb, ROF 1, 3 shots, ST:10

Storm Rifle, 10mm CLR x 50
  Guns(Rifle), 9d pi+, Acc 5, 1300/5800, 10/1.2 lbs, ROF 3, 12 Clip, RCL 3, ST:10
  All 50 with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher as above

Gauss CAW, 18.5mm (Common Vilani Assault weapon) x40
 Guns(Shotgun), 8d pi++, Acc 4, 200/1000, ROF 15, C/30 rnd clip
All Gauss CAWs with under-slung 25 mm PC Grenade Launcher as above

Hand Flamer x 120
 Beam (Pistol) 4d burn, Acc: 3, Range: 30/90, 3.3 lbs, ROF 1*, 56 shots/2C cells, ST:6, RCL:1
 Note, these are area effect weapons. They are preferred in some areas in starships as they are unlikely to pierce the hull.

Limpit Mine Dispenser x 25
4 x Shaped Charge Limpit mines (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + linked 2d cr ex [1d+1])

LAW 84mm, x25 Shaped Charge warheads
  Guns(LAW) [14], 6dx6(10), Acc: 3, 330/2300, 1 shot only, ST:10

Hand Grenades, (use Throwing skill) 1 lb each
  Note, explosion damage 2x damage dice range (include multipliers)
  ex damage decreases by /3x range from blast, apply full DR
100 x Plasma, 6dx4 burn ex sur, 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x HE (frag), 8d+8 x2 cr ex [3d, 15 yard frag], 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 x2 cr ex, 1 lb, fuse 2
50 x EMP, HT-8(2), 8 yard + 2d cr ex

25mm Grenades 0.22 lb each, standard load for each of the launchers.
10 x Plasma, 6d burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 4d+4 cr ex [1d+1, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 4d+4 cr ex
10 x EMP, HT-8(2), 2 yard + 1d-2 cr ex
10 x Flare radius 250 yards
15 x Shaped Charges, (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + 2d cr ex [1d+1]

40mmEMG Grenades 1 lb each for 10x launchers (ammo per Launcher)
10 x Plasma, 6dx2 burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 8d+8 cr ex [2d, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 cr ex
15 x EMP, HT-8(2), 4 yard + 1d cr ex
20 x Shaped Charges, (6d+8)x4(10) cr inc + 4d cr ex [2d]

Ok, First post edited to match. Looking at what Gloria is up to, I am going to have a hard time steering Gaias away from being int he area ahead of time, but I will do what I can to see about him coming down to pick up Dastavka. In which case you guys may well depart together.

OK, Gloria may be gone by then, as she is running well behind them in terms of time frame.
She'll want to hurry on if she captures a SHAMSHIR as well, as that's $$$ in everyone's pocket.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 16):

During your time with the new human worlds, news of what was happening in Girii would have arrived.

On 10 Apr 2177 Lemrukiri declared that Girii leadership was illigitimate and in breach of Ziru Sirka policy by constructing a new design of vessel. 2 New Cruisers designed by Kalishnikov (AK Export Cruisers) and built at Iishuni in secret are attacked there by a Lemrukiri fleet of 1 Command Cruiser, 50 Kargash and 100 Shamshirs. Fortunately, the shipyards have just launched the second cruiser, and the two cruisers, together with the wing of 5,000 fighters, destroyed the fleet, with only 10 Kargash escaping!

The heavy armour proved resistant to missiles, as advertised, and the high speed and twin Heavy Particle cannon enabled them to destroy the enemy fleet almost to the ship! This naturally endeared the governor of Girii to Kalishnikov designs, though concern of the impending civil war is concerning in that it seems to be uniting another entire sector, with the exception of Girii and it's surrounding colonies, against Terra.

News of this would have arrived around June. The military agree that assisting the Girii planets is of prime importance. If they fall, the repercussions for Terran Armistice are not particularly good.

Along with the design, which did prove of exceptional interest...and a few similar designs. There is also hints that a Girii class Dreadnought is beginning construction. It is hoped that if such a weapon can be constructed, that it might be able to end the civil war in Girii's favour. Whether it is more effective that 11 of the Export cruisers is probably debatable, but a vessel this big would be second only to an Imperial Battleship, and would doubtless instill fear in all neighboring sectors! Military analysts are concerned that it might be seen as rebellion against the Ziru Sirka, however, and provoke the Imperial fleet itself into action!

Either way, a strong civil war will doubtless weaken the Ziru Sirka and strengthen Terra's position. News is sent off to Terra at once, by two trusted scouts. No records are kept, just in case, of Terra's assistance of Girii, and Kalishnikov is strongly suggested to move to the sector, or nearby. Reluctantly, he agrees to move to 2422, naming it Argon, but taking with him his Cruiser, the Yuri, Dastavka nd the two mining bases in order to build up the colony as quickly as possible. He plans to leave on 15 Oct 2177.

So it's now 12 October 2177 and Andrew is leaving in 3 days, we'll accompany him to Argon, before moving on to Girii. That way any minor issues we may have can be corrected quickly.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 18):

It is the 1 Dec 2177 by the time the convoy arrives at Argon. The small population is growing, with a number of new colonists from the lower technology planet arriving, and needing more training to adopt to a higher technology world. The new raider has a number of minor bugs worked out, but none at all significant and indeed nothing they could not solve without the onboard Robofac.

With the hostile Vilani fleet forming at Garaanis, many have fled. Populations from Dishushashig, Gima, Rikshaniim and Arsha have largely fled, and even civilians at Arsha have evacuated. Even some from Biini have withdrawn in fear or the Ravages of a civil war. About 2000 Vilani colonists and 3,000 from 2229 have increased the population here considerably, and manufacturing is growing, but most of the Vilani have been employed n training up the new colonists with the more advanced technology. In all, it is a planet of many changes.

Having looked around and gotten any last minute information/Intell, we will proceed to Girri and report to the AK Industries office when cleared.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 20):

After the first jump, you come across an old Vilani Iiken. It is at an outer Gas Giant, but seemingly making no attempt to hide.

9 Dec 2177
2321 (50% Fueled, 100% Refined)

We'll scan and investigate, closing to 29,000 miles unless contra-indicated.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 22):

It is at another gas Giant, the trip will take about 6 hours. Refuel first?

Yes, but monitor the Iken ... Is it showing any signs of life or power?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Wed 14 Aug 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 24):

It is powered up, but not showing signs of moving. After you refuel and as you approach it, it transmits.

"Terran Scout. Identify yourself."

The voice is familiar, and then you recall that this new vessel is probably not in any Scout recognition notices but the most recent, which most deep scouts will not have received.

Terran Raider for Hire ... need anyone raided? a Good supper for some intelligence?  We do have some decent wine.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 26):

"Heh. You are not on our list. Yes there are plenty of valid targets I can think of, but visit Girii first for one of their IFFs. But that wine sounds too good to refuse...mind if we dock?"

No, I am not concerned with a 100 marines on board.  Come ahead.


Cyril will order a better than average meal up, ensure that a nice bottle is passed around (one!) and try to extract as much background and information as he can, as well as bring them up to date on what he knows.  Obviously he will identify himself as an retired Scout Officer.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 28):

The introduction is hardly needed. The grizzled old captain recognizes you, and basically asks if they can lock the docking clamps and bring the whole crew aboard. They have come off a 4 year mission through the region, and a scout they met recently gave them the charts to this system, where they have come for a break. They are avoiding being associated with the Terrain allies at Girii for now to better spy on their enemies, but they report the situation is getting closer to a civil war. However, news of the shock defeat of the large Vilani fleet recently has created quite a stir, as rumours of deadly new designs are creating a lot of unrest, out of all proportion to the threat. Rather, they are glaring evidence that stagnation of technology might have weakened the empire much more than was first thought. There are rumours that neighboring sectors have been ordered to make the problem go away.

Of course we can lock the docking clamps. We'll provide such support as we can for your crew.

So Lemrurkiri has called for assistance after getting slapped around?  Not good, hopefully the others will be less than responsive as Lemrurkiri instigated the problem in the first place. Perhaps Girii should as the  Ziru Sirka for a clear outline of it's holding and better control over the actions of Lemrukiri ... squabbles among parts of the Ziru Sirka Profit the whole not at all. Of course Shulushish may not be interested in whether Lemrukiri started it or not.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 30):

No, that seems to be part of the problem. If Girii had stuck to Vilani designs, they probably would have been smashed by that last raid. The new designs were effective, but new, bringing cries of a new Kimashargur rebellion that would strike a chord with way too many, and questions of who started it and why are too quickly forgotten. Of course, that is a two edged sword. By raising that spectre, if Girii is successful, it might just encourage many of the other Kimashargur worlds to join them, and that would be a lot of the worlds near Terra...

Quite a few on this side too. But we sure don't need another war...  the last one sure hurt Terra a lot.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 32):

"That is true. We lost Nusku. But we will not get it back without another war, either. This civil war may just be our opening..."

Yes, I have been wondering if this Peace is just a temporizing bid to allow everyone to build up for another big war. Some of the violent leaders close to Terra need to go ... and a wide spread revolt would certainly take a lot of steam out of their war fighting ability.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 34):

"Yes, that is what we are hoping to see. There are even rumours of a Terran base in these parts...I can think of a lot of scouts that would love to know about it if it was safe from Vilani patrols...and prying eyes.

But we have discovered something much more interesting. The Vilani are actually engaged in another war at the moment. Other, non-human barbarians closer to home. Have not heard much about them, but they are also advanced, and much bigger than Terra. That explains the Vilani reluctance to see us as a serious threat. Given that the other 'barbarians' probably see us as just another faction of Vilani, given we too are human, I doubt we can expect any sympathy from them, but the impact they have as both a distraction and as our enemies' enemy is no doubt substantial. The only terms we have heard for them, aside from barabrians, are 'Vargr', or dogmen.

Fortunately, the leader providing most of the problems for Terra, Sharik Yangila, is not actually Vilani, but an Anakundu. This has opened the to to many intrigues, and she has many that oppose her despite the very successful way she has engaged Terra. Some of these are campaigning to have the fleet that devastated the Terran fleet diverted away to deal with Girii, aided in no small way by Yangila's own claims to have largely pacified us. This of course makes it all the more imperative that the fleet is destroyed by a Vilani fleet, feeding into the sense of complacency that the Vilani have about the superiourity of their own ships. After all, if the mighty fleet that destroyed the terrible Terran Barbarian fleets is wiped out by a rogue Vilani fleet, then any rogue Vilani fleet presents more of a threat that anything the Terrans can come up with. That, at least, it the line we would like to push.

Which brings us to our suggestion. Since your vessel is not likely to offer much in the way of a direct attack, perhaps you can best be utilized in dealing with those that run. Or supplies and enemy communications. We expect the main fights to be at either Iishuni or Girii. Is your craft fast enough to outrun Vilani warships? We have yet to see anything over 6G, or to take on a lone Kargash?"

I am not sure I understand exactly what you are looking for us to do, but this ship will make 6Gs and should be able to take a Kargash , even if supported by another smaller ship. Possibly even two Kargashs.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 36):

"I guess I am suggesting your most valuable contribution might be cutting off the Vilani fleet once it has engaged the rebels, taking out stragglers and communications, in addition to raiding commerce."

I can see that, indeed that was sort of my orders, but they wanted me working for the Kimashargur, not Terra. Thus i am on my way to Girii to offer my services for a monetary fee... becoming a damned Mercenary.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 38):

He laughed.

"There is nothing damned about the mercenaries in the employ of Vilani Kimashargur. Hell, they are paying you to attack the Ziru Sirka, the enemies of Terra, and that means they take the heat for whatever damage you do! So do your worst...it only breaks up the Empire further.

There are also a number of pirates operating around Shakiimi as well, and the fleets at Amki and Gadarur just cannot be everywhere. Sarriiu Kaagira Sharikkamur is complaining a lot about how Saarpuhii Tamesha Eshi at Shululsish and sarriiu Khazuni (Zuni) at Lemrukiri are so focused on getting rid of Sarriiu Riga Eneri at Girii that they are neglecting pirates away from Girii. I have noted that several of you old enemies are operating in that area, so it is in our interest for you to leave them to the Vilani until the Girii issue is decided, one way or another.

Oh, and you might want to check out the strange natives at Uriisha if you ever get a chance. Oddest world I have been to...the natives are called Nugiiri, an odd winged bipeb that has both Lizard-like and Insect-like characteristics. The Vilani seem to avoid the planet, and none live there. One of the few subject races the Vilani leave alone."

Uriisha could be useful to know about ... the Pirates I know about as I am the one who led them up there with DASTAVKA at the request of Sarriiu Riga Eneri, he has obviously played their games before. Glad to hear that they prosper.

In terms of immediate problems for Sarriiu Khazuni at Lemrukiri, what could I do? he seems to keep his fleet at a system away from Lemrukiri, any idea of what defenses he might have there?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 40):

"His fleet are based at the Naval base at Garaanis, but there s a squadron of Kargash reserved for defending the seat of governance, along with a couple of Aasha cruisers and a flight of fighters, in addition to the usual Gashidda used to police the merchants.

We have found that a lot of the drive behind Khazuni is actually about getting control of Gima, Seru and the other planets in that region that are ric=h in minerals, and then incorporating Lashgimaamrishuk into their control. To that end, they are looking at moving companies closely behind warships into this area. Most of the warships are Gashidda or Shamshir class, which are too big for local pirates, but for you to start taking them out would force them to withdraw some capital ships or give up the expansion for now, both very good outcomes. Or break up the squadron at Lemrukiri."

Well Shamshirs and Gashiddas should not be an issue in groups of less than 5 or so...  at some point, numbers matter. Anything else we can do to support your efforts?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 42):

"As a matter of fact, yes. Can we have a copy of any systems you have charted, as these will give us location where we can escape to or repair, away from prying Vilani spys."

OOC - I presume that AK is willing to have these folks know where his new system is...

Sure, we don't have a whole lot that is new, but we'll share so long as you ensure it is never captured.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 44):

"Naturally. We have always kept ways of keeping our information...secret. As you well know."

What do you actually give them?

Pretty much everything we know, less anything we were specifically told not to share, I think those last couple of worlds, including Fatagin,  DASTAVKA found were to be kept quiet, No?

But I think we are OK giving him AK's new system ,Argon,  at 2422 or whatever




From Mapping the Unknown Msg 321
I have kept tight control on information flow regarding your explorations in order to limit our competition moving in there, so fortunately we have only issued a warning for that system based on your previous experience there.

I am looking at setting up blocks at 1435, 1437 and 1337, as well as here and at 1540, to block of that entire area of space, and only allowing my ships through, and Labrysian ships in their region, so that can work well to give me a reason. All of these planets have habitable planets or moons, and we are already in the process of setting up an outpost 1437 and 1435.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 46):

Limiting your information to the systems accessible through Vilani space in the Magyar system, since it is clearly the most recent and anything in the Solomani Rim system you have is very likely to be out of date, since you have not been there in many years, is plenty for them. They find the new colonies very interesting, particularly Argon and the Pirate colonies. The lack of information on the new Human planets is unlikely to be any concern for them, and if they were to access them, they would have to go through Argon anyway.

Delighted at the new information, they prepare to depart for Argon, for some respite. It has been about a day since you met them, and you are also ready to depart.

[OOC: Those systems are at the other end of the outback sectors, and not accessible through Vilani space, so they are not of interest to scouts anyway.]

10 Dec 2177
2321 (100% Fueled, 100% Refined)

Trying to keep up with what all we have seen is a trick. We Jump into Arsha.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 48):

Setting course for Arsha, you soon find it has been evacuated. It is just as well...a Kargash and a Shamshir are overseeing a transport that has landed on the planet. They move to intercept you, closing up formation first. Current range is 300,000 miles.

"Terran, stand down. We might be at peace, but your presence here contravenes Shululsish laws that dictate that all Girii colonies be embargoed, even by Terrans."

Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~0 hrs)

I am not governed by  Shululsish laws, nor is anyone outside of  Shululsish's control.  Go escort your transport.

We will man the fighters and prepare to launch; if they get froggy we'll put them out.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 50):

"Go get our transport?" The voice is in disbelief.

"We are warships, claiming control of this sector, and you give us orders? By whose authority?"

he laughs, then adds

"and where is the rest of your fleet if you plan on giving orders?"

We aren't sufficiently impressed by your two little ships ... go take care of your transport and there will be no trouble, get stupid and we'll escort your transport out of here.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 52):

"Our little ships will have to teach you, arrogant Terran, a lesson in humility! But don't fear for your life...I want to take you alive from your wreckage to learn your lesson!"

The voice sounds beside himself, and the usual Vilani veneer of no emotions is close to breaking.

As you probably suspect, they are now forming up together in close formation at 250,000 miles range, and launching a missile swarm of 63 missiles at 200,000 miles.

Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~0 hrs)

OK, we'll put the fighters out and have some target practice, as we close at 6 Gs. No missiles fired back. Fighters a 1,000 miles or less to each side.  We'll also keep an eye on the transport.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 54):

With the fighters out, you easily shoot down all missiles as you close to 90,000 miles.

Your first round in the opposite direction will be at half speed, to account for the change of direction (this has caught out several with the Jean Bart), so a full reversal now will reduce range to 70,000 miles, as they continue to approach at full speed. Bearing in mind the plasma cannons on the Kargash have a range of 30,000 miles, what range do you close to?

We'll start in at around 45,000 miles and fire a load of missiles at the Kargash as well.  Two from each fighter plus our 2 ... 18 total. We'll try and stay outside 30k miles until we have the Kargash in control (out of being a serious threat). The Fighters can work on the Shamshir, we would love to capture them all, but reality says just capturing one would be a plus.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 56):

You spin around and head away from them, keeping the range to 45,000 miles as both sides launch, then shoot down, another swarm of missiles, the Shamshirs 6 pulse lasers doing much of the work.

Then the beams start flying. The Shamshir targets the fighters, and the fighters dodge and return fire. Even the Kugel Blitz unleashes their turrets, but nothing seems to penetrate. The Shamsir dodges what seemed a certain hit from a turret, and one of the fighters skillfully dodged one of the Shamshirs rounds. But in the end, no-one was hit.

OK, we spin around again and close to inside 29k miles, betting our 20 beams can disable his 4 Plasma turrets or their fire control before he can hurt us too badly., soon as he is down a bunch, we'll have turrets hit the Shamshir too.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 58):

It does not go well. Initially you shoot down yet another salvo of missiles before closing. The plasma are waiting for you, and despite heavy fighting, only one gun out of the four in the two heavy turrets is disabled. The Blitz takes significant damage, tearing open a hole in the hold and dropping 1/3 of her supplies, but the worst is yet to come with the fighters. 2 are destroyed outright by the Shamshir, and 3 more are disabled, with the last one targeted badly damaged. Only 3 remain operational. Another round of missiles is again launched by both sides, yours numbering just 6 this time.

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: Not exactly sure what you were trying to do going head to head with the Kargash Plasmas, but one more round like that and you will be in serious trouble! Needed to take out the Shamshir at range beyond the Plasmas before going after the Kargash! Suggest a retreat beyond the plasma range, and save what fighters are still operational, but your call. Unless you can take out one of them, you will soon have to start rolling point defence rolls (less than 1 fighter operational...)]

dHP: 26/78, Fighters, 2 Destroyed, 3 crippled, 1 damaged, 2 operational.
Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~0 hrs)
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:31, Sat 24 Aug 2019.

OK ... totally misjudged that... we will retreat and call in the fighters, do some hasty repairs and target the Shamshir outside of Plasma range...  rearm the fighters we have in ones and twos ... I obviously thought the Plasma weapons were much less effective. 3 armor divisor vice 5 for the beams... I think I missed the little x2 after the 12 in the damage listing. OH well, let's see what we can salvage.

I presume damaged is worse than crippled? We'll try to recover the worst damaged first, check for survivors in destroyed fighters. Not deploying the recovery vehicle in the middle of a fight.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 60):

[OOC: Damaged is hit but still operational. Crippled is not operational any longer. All things considered, the Kargash has a similar speed to you, though now with less fighters, you can manage an extra 4,000 miles per round. I acted as I believe a Vilani captain would, to try to finish this...the dice were not in his favour, or rather, were in yours! Good dodging by pilot! Actually, with a sill of 18, a roll of 12 means you take out 5 missiles per turret, for a total of 100 missiles without fighters, and the Shamshir would be taking 24 missiles (lower skill). But the Kargash's Plasma guns only take out 2...3 if more skilled.]

The Blitz increases speed and heads away from the enemy at full speed, even as the fighters launch their missiles and dock, handing control of the missiles they launched to the mother ship. But the Kargash is nearly as fast, and, leaving the Shamshir behind, they try to keep up for another chance to disable the vessel. It nearly pays off, but excellent dodging by the Blitz' pilot ensured that all rounds missed, even if some were very close, and the Blitz's guns managed to take down the full missile swarm.

But then the bold gamble by the Vilani captain exposed the risk involved. The 6 missiles launched by the fighters were anticipated by the plasmas, temporarily distracting them while the Blitz attempted to penetrate the Kargash' armour, unfortunately without success, but the two missiles launched by the Blitz went almost unnoticed, until they smashed into the hull of the enemy cruiser. Damage was not significant, but it was enough to cause the enemy captain to reconsider, it would seem. The Shamshir is now 41,000 miles away, and the Kargash has dropped back to 31,000 miles.

dHP: 26/78, Fighters, 2 Destroyed, 3 crippled, 1 damaged, 2 operational.
Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~0 hrs)

OK,We'll take a chance and deploy the recovery ship to gather up our crippled Fighters and those destroyed if possible.  Hopefully quickly, mean while we will try to hit the Shamshir with something disabling.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 62):

Both enemy ships are still very much operational, and they are forming back up, but at a range you can now control, since the Kargash is limiting it's speed to that of the Shamshir. The range opens out to 38,000 miles, as your crew turns their beams to the Shamshir.

The master of the recovery boat cautions you that it's speed is less than that of the Shamshir, and it has no armour. For now, the other warships have left the fighters far behind.

Your beams do manage 2 hits to the Shamshir, but neither can penetrate the armour due to the range. None-the-less, the Plasmas fall silent and the pulse weapons of the Shamshir do not even bother, so you have a reprieve to assess the damage and to try to effect some repairs, both on fighters and ship. However, they declare it will take some time to significantly improve the situation, and instead shore up the cargo hold to stop any more losses.

dHP: 26/78, Fighters, 2 Destroyed, 3 crippled, 1 damaged, 2 operational.
Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~0 hrs)

OK, We have left the fighters well behind anyway... just stand by with the recovery ship ... let's do what we can ...
We'll try to close the Shamshir faster than the Kargash can, as we don't mind overrunning it while the Kargash has to slow to rejoin it, we'll try to slide into 29K miles for a brief shot at it...  and perhaps put it between the Kargash and ourselves .


11:30, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,6.  Tactics.  Made by 3

OOC - very hard to know how everything is located in relation to each other.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 64):

Given that the Kargash is trying to chase you, things are actually pretty linear. However, you manage to create an illusion of being out of range for the briefest of seconds, just enough to fire your Beams and then escape before the plasma rounds arrive. Unfortunately, all your gunners are in such a hurry they miss their shots. Both ships fire back, but too late to catch you so close, and the Pulse lasers are unable to pierce your armour while the plasma rounds have begun to dissipitate before they strike the hull, both failing to penetrate the armour.

Feel free to make the rolls for your turrets...skill 18 +2(sAcc)+2(Com)-14(range, if < 29k)= Target of 8 for precision attack.

dHP: 26/78, Fighters, 2 Destroyed, 3 crippled, 1 damaged, 2 operational.
Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~0 hrs)

OK, We'll continue to move and try that stunt again, since they are having trouble catching it.


15:14, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,3.  Tactics

I did bare rolls as trying to put the pluses and minuses in got confusing.
Hopefully a 5 and two 6's with the precision shooting helps my cause.
Hopefully the 16 doesn't make the turret fall off.

15:19, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,2.  NPC Turret 8.
15:19, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,1.  NPC Turret 7.
15:19, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,1.  NPC Turret 6.
15:18, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,6.  NPC Turret 5.
15:18, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,5.  NPC Turret 4.
15:18, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 5 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,2.  NPC Turret 3.
15:17, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,4.  NPC Turret 2.
15:17, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,6.  NPC Turret 1.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 66):

You attempt to try that again, but the Warships slow down at the last minute in an attempt to get you to overshoot, and you both exchange fire at 30,500 miles instead, the extra few miles allowing the weapons concentration of energy to dissipate slightly, causing what would have been dangerous shots to be less significant.

"You fight well for a barbarian. Not as good as a Vilani, but dangerous nonetheless. No shame in accepting defeat at the hands of a stronger force..."

[OOC: The roll you need to do well on is the tactics. It was a tie this time...the capital ships are better trained than the ones Gloria is fighting!]

You do the best you can...

Since they are now playing along we'll try to upset their concept. How ever we have our timing off and they are very alert, we just accelerate to keep the range open.

07:39, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,4.  Tactics.
07:37, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,3.  Tactics.
07:35, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,3,5.  Tactics.

We give it some time before trying again. Still not getting them ... we'll need some thing different we look for an object (asteroid, small moon or Planet to use, but still trying to catch them unawares. Hopefully we can do some repairs in this period of time, if we can get turned around, we'll go look for that transport too, that might change the dynamics too.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 68):

Your initial burst to get away catches them by surprise as you head for a small group of asteroids, but they soon catch up as you maneuver towards the planet again, affording your gunners another chance to fire. Incredibly, three turrents manage to peice the armour, with one passing through the cooling vent to destroy the fusion power plant on the Shamshir, and a second following right through the hole to hit the maneuver drive. A third shot managed to cut the tiny communications array antennas, crippling them as well, with the three hits disabling the Shamshir. The Kargash paused, but realizing that you were now able to approach the transport on the planet, pushed forward to engage you.

The planet and the asteroids are both about 1 hour away, and after the maneuvering, the Kargash remains just 35,000 miles behind you, as you were swinging around changing direction.

A tactics roll is required only when maneuvering, not if flying in a straight line.

[OOC: Three critical hits in one round, without any changes...better you than them!]

Yes indeed... now how to deal with the damned Kargash.

I have what, 2 fighters left?  that gives me 6 missiles which is hardly a serious test for his plasma weapons. Still, we'll try, God hates a quitter.
I don't have a clue as to what else to do except try and get him where he can't use the plasma weapons... and can't get through the armor to do that. Guess we push just inside the 29k range (by slowing slightly? ) while giving him the missile distraction.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 70):

Actually you have 3 operational fighters left...which is enough for 8 missiles. Enough to force a roll, and last time two did get through, so not impossible! Remember, he has 1 gun down, so just 3 plasma guns...he needs to average 3 hits with each, and sAcc of plasma guns is -1.

OK, that's slightly better, we'll put the fighters out and fire all our missiles in concert, then slow just enough to get in Beam weapon range, hopefully we can remove enough important parts to make him manageable.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 72):

You launch the fighters, and then launch a wave of missiles.

The first wave are shot down in entirety as you launch the fighters at 35 k miles.

Are you suggesting coming into Plasma range this round? Just want to be sure...

We were going to slip into range while they were playing with missiles ... Kugelblitz can add a couple more in the following round as we try to snipe at their targeting, bridge and anything else we can hurt., then scoot back out of Plasma range... I cannot see any other way to get this Kargash down to where we can deal with it... or am I not supposed to be able too?  Suggestions welcome from GM, Staff or kibitzers.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 74):

Most staff suggest staying out of range of the plasmas, simply because a couple more hits could see you disabled. At least, try the missiles first, as they have already hit a couple of times. Enough hits with them is safer...you have not done as well so far relying on tactics and dodge. Especially if they decide to aim for the fighters...

Ok, and I intend to keep the remaining fighters out of reach, we’ll reload them and try another mass launch.


10:27, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,4,1.  Missile 8.
10:27, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,4.  Missile 7.
10:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,1.  Missile  6.
10:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,2.  Missile 5.
10:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,1.  Missile 4.
10:25, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,4,1.  Missile 3.
10:25, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,4.  Missile 2.
10:25, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,2.  Missile 1.

Hopefully the 6 and 7 can sneak in.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Wed 28 Aug 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 76):

The next swarm of missiles is much luckier, with the plasmas seemingly misreading the trajectory. Only three are shot down, with the remaining five slamming home into the accommodation spaces. Bodies fly through the air as debris spill out of the ship, though the vessel remains resolute in it's pursuit of you.

[OOC: Generally you do not need to roll for missiles...you are guiding them, but with the size factor and the stronger computers the AK ships have, hitting is pretty much a given if you get through point defence. I have applied the same for the Vilani to make it fair...they have been shooting missiles for over 1,000 years!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:32, Thu 29 Aug 2019.

OK, Call the fighters back in and rearm them, maybe we'll hit something vital next time.  we'll play as long as he will.
When ready, we'll do another mass launch, followed by two more from the ship.

So 5 missiles, all in accommodation spaces? and the ships structure is holding up?
Tough ship.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 78):

The fighters still have plenty of missiles. They started with 12, and have barely used half. Hence they ask if they can empty out before rearming.

The hull and structure us starting to give, and not all missiles hit accommodation, but two hit together there, causing a weak spot that burst open. The vessel has suffered significant damage otherwise, but is still functioning.

As it turns out, the next launch once again is successful. Apparently busy with damage control, the gunners once again fail to stop more than three missiles, with 5 more slamming home. This time, engineering is smashed by 2 missiles, with 1 more taking out the good turret and another hitting the bridge. Sensors indicate that the vessel suffered massive decompression and the remaining crew begin to abandon ship.

The Shamshir is similarly disabled, but they might be doing damage control.

dHP: 26/78, Fighters, 2 Destroyed, 3 crippled, 1 damaged, 2 operational.
Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~1 hrs)

OK, let's put a group of Marines aboard the Kargash to take valuables, safes, codes, wounded and prisoners, then blow it, mean while we'll go  address the Shamshir, which can surrender and take to their assault shuttles or fight to the death as they see fit. Blowing their surrendered ship up would be taken as continued conflict and the assault shuttles get wasted.

I also want the Recovery ship to go back and recover all or fighters, damaged, crippled or trashed. Our crews deserve that and we'll put any or our dead in low berths/cold storage for proper burial.

Need Duke to do a complete review of the damage received and how serious it is.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 80):

You manage to get access to the disabled Kargash, finding a safes containing confiscated goods as well as the armories of both vessels.

Gauss Shotgun Pistol x30          3 lbs, C
Gauss CAW          x30            10 lbs, C
Gauss Rifle, 4mm   x10            8.5 lbs, C
Gauss Pistol, 4mm  x50            2 lbs, C
C Cells  x200                     0.5 lbs
Gauss Shotgun Ammo x50            0.5 lbs,
Gauss CAW Ammo x100               1.5 lbs,
Gauss Rifle, 4mm Clip  x30        1.4 lbs,
Gauss Pistol, 4mm Clip x100       0.5 lbs,
Hand Grenades (HE x 40, HEC x 60) 1 lbs,
Hand Grenades (Tangler x 20)      1 lbs,

Not surprisingly, all suits were taken. Many still aboard had bodies in them...

The Shamshir was in better shape, but the damage to the engines and fusion plant are still beyond simple repair.

Morse significantly, the computers were intact and did detail vessels in the area, as well as plans to call upon the Emperor to deal with the Kimashargur rebellion, citing strange new designs as evidence. Plans indicate that forward bases are needed, pointing at Seru and Arsha as likely locations and instructing the vessel you have dealt with to investigate both and report back.

Goods: 2 dTon (Weapons and ammunition, confiscated gems worth $200 k)
dHP: 26/78, Fighters, 2 Destroyed, 3 crippled, 1 damaged, 2 operational.
Supplies: 88.5 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
17 Dec 2177
Arsha (50% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~1 hrs)

OK, we'll destroy both ships... were there any assault shuttles or other craft still aboard either?

We have recovered all our fighters? even those that may be only parts supplies?
Any wounded  or left behinds we capture?
The hard drives of the Shamshir are removed and will be handed over to the government in Girrii while we keeps copies, one or more of which gets sent to Terran HQ.
Any feed back from Duke on Damage sustained?

FWIW, we may have the ship go in for repairs when we get to Girii or somewhere they suggest. One possible suggestion is either getting a heavy turret with 2 Plasma cannon or a larger missile array to deal with Kargash's.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 82):

All small craft were used by whatever survivors were still aboard. You do have the time taken to recover all small craft. Incredibly due to the suits all are required to wear which include air, two are alive, though one with injuries, though the third was killed outright when his craft was hit. You recover the body, and then recover the remains of the fighters. They will need some work...

The trip to Arsha would have to be via Seru. You know they have shipyards at Iishuni which can be reached via Ugemiriika, but both Girii and Iishuni are flat out at the moment.

Dukes report is that there is significant damage that can be repaired for the ship, but it will take considerable time. The hole blasted in the cargo area has lost considerable metal, which he has tried to replace with parts torn from the Kargash. At your request, he also grabbed the parts from the plasma turrets, enough to make a new working one, but he estimates it might take a month to install it, and he would have to remove at least a pair of light turrets to do so. He would suggest losing 2 Sandcasters, 2 missiles and 2 Beam weapons if that were to be done.

Much of the damage is warping to the outer armour by the plamsa weapons.

OK, we will return to Argon then and pass along all we have learned.
We'll do not modifications on our own, but hand the issue we found to the experts a AK Industries and see what they can come up with.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 84):

You return and your experience raises considerable discussion. The Kargash are cruisers that are bigger and more expensive than the raiders, and one line of thought says you should avoid them altogether since you are not really a warship. If you have a bigger ship than them, they will only go and get a bigger fleet to hunt you.

Of course, the other school of thought points out that distracting ever bigger fleets is kind of the whole point of raiders.

But at what point then do we just send in a battle fleet? The cost-benefit question comes into play. Then they look at you.

dHP: 78/78, 8 Fighters
Supplies: 87.1 dTon (0.7 dTon/week or 0.1 dTon/day)
1 Jan 2178
Argon (100% Fueled, 100% Refined, time in system: ~1 hrs)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:16, Sat 31 Aug 2019.

What we are seeing is a Kardashian’s placed in support of several lighter ships, frequently one or more Shamshirs and perhaps a couple of Gashiddas. Between them, they have a synergistic capability that is hard to over come. The small ships can eliminate the missiles we fire, add their own to the onslaught they send and the Kargash’s plasma cannon  deals with any raider that choose to try and maximize their beam weapons. That’s is what I tried to do, mistakenly allowing the fighters to close s well, thus they were dealt with quite harshly. Fighters cannot be employed within 30K miles without suffering grievous losses.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 86):

A Kardasian? I assume that was an autocorrect's version of Kargash! lol

"No, that was a lesson learnt on a much larger scale in the third raid at Nusku, where the massive fleet of Kargash did similar things to the massive fleet of fighters the planet launched, while the fighters were largely ineffective against the larger ships. The Terran Navy has specifically developed the new Buckler and Shield II class to rectify the problem of point defense for close combat warships. There is no easy answer. At the end of the day, the Kargash is a warship, designed to work in concert with escorts, and a single ship will almost always be at a disadvantage against a balanced fleet.

The good news is, many Kargash were lost recently attacking Girii's forces. Generally, the job of a raider is to avoid the front line warships, such as the Kargash class, and deal with the smaller vessels. If all the Kargash are spread out hunting for you, then you have already won in your task, as long as you stay alive! So I guess the answer is, run from the Kargash, at least until you can get them on their own and deal with them."

I can of course do that, but we will then be sorely limited in what we can do. Even with DASTAVKA  we found one or more frequently in support and at one choke point found 4  with a significant support, we only escaped by jumping again before they could get to us. The Kargash is susceptible to it's own offense, Missiles, if you can launch enough of them to over whelm their point defense, but often the smaller ships along can deal with a moderate sized attack.


I am sure it was an auto correct thing, I despise the Wealthy American White Trash they represent.

"I agree. But if they are spread around, the military can clean them up relatively easily with even a moderate sized task force. Don't loose sight of the task of a raider: to target commercial traffic to spread the military thinly. The raiders job has never been to attack the enemy military directly, just their support, and to force them to thin out.

And remember, if we play their game their way, they have been winning at that game for 1,000 years. Missiles may be their weakness, but the fact that we can shoot down their missiles is also a major weakness they have, so if we increase the number of missiles we carry, we risk playing their game. You can carry up to 10 combo fighters with 2 missiles each and a Beam to assist point defence, or 10 missile fighters with 3 missiles each. That is up to 30 missiles with no addition to point defence, or up to 20 missiles with 10 extra point defence beams. I want you to find what works best, of course, so we can present it as a viable option to the aging Hardrada class, which is very susceptible to the Kargash' high speed. But they are still none-the-less effective, and possibly a big part of the reason why you are facing so many Kargash..."




I thought so. So do I...underprivileged and not at all earning what they use.

I still prefer the combo fighter, but perhaps we should ship a couple of Missile fighters and see how they perform. I concur that the Vilani will adapt in time to our using their missile trick on them. We already see them adapting to our threat. We will try again to get to Girii and then get into the backwaters of Lemrukiri and Shulushish to stir things some. Do we have any information from other raiders?

I wonder if we could make a missile that deployed multiple decoys as it approached, so the swarm seems larger and the defensive system are over worked. Of course that means we need to improve our own Missile recognition tech as well.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 91):

"Because the defensive systems are manned by people and are only computer aided, that would have very limited effect unless is was very comprehensive, and therefore limited in benefit, since you could just deploy more missiles instead. Because it is a human gunner we need to fool, is it cheaper to send such a complex system, or just to send extra missiles?"

[OOC: Unlike the automated defences of today, traveler has gone with low automation, and this is one of the few instants it works better.]

OOC - Actually the point was to send out a missile that then split/disbursed into many decoy targets ... given the short time (inside 50k miles) they have to shoot everything down, it would be a handicap to eliminating all the real missiles. the concept is cheap and good enough.
Many years ago the B-52 could deploy small drones that by design, responded to radar as a much bigger B-52 sized target. They'd put one out under the B-52, then each would turn away and split into two targets ... done several times, the radar couldn't discern which was a decoy. They could fly divergent paths and greatly complicate the assigning of interceptors. Then as radar and other sensors improved, the decoys didn't work anymore... but for a while they were a force multiplier.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 93):

OOC: The problem here is that the computers use high magnification and optical character recognition, aided by a human, for aiming the laser point defence system. Perhaps the use of sandcasters would be more appropriate to obscure vision, which it the discernment method used, but you would need so many...and if the Vilani ever learn from it...

But then, who is to say, over 1000 years plus, the Vilani have not already tried it? While they do not develop new technologies, they are masters at refinement! As with the B52 drones, as sensors improved (ie were refined, not really new technology) they became useless. Welcome to try new ideas, but be aware there is a good chance they have seen it before, and dealt with it, simply because of how long they have been around!

OK, so repair and rejoin Girri ... any passengers? Cargo?
News, Information or anything else you'd need transported?

Additional Terrans looking for a new ship? ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 95):

Probably, but it is about 6 months ahead of the Jean Bart even after the changes...which, given the missions and time difference, is why I am looking at holding this thread a little!

OK, so serious flaw in the build found and being corrected as time and facilities allow.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 97):

With the Jean Bart? Or the Kugel Blitz? Bear in mind that at the moment, you are the only person for which this report is history...

10 Apr 2177 Lemrukiri declared that Girii leadership was illigitimate and in breach of Ziru Sirka Policy by constructing a new design of vessel. 2 New Cruisers designed by Kalishnikov (Export Cruisers) and built at Iishuni in secret are attacked there by a Lemrukiri fleet of 1 Command Cruiser, 50 Kargash and 100 Shamshirs. Fortunately, the shipyards have just launched the second cruiser, and the two cruisers, together with the wing of 5,000 fighters, destroyed the fleet, with only 10 Kargash escaping!

Note that this means 40 Kargash were destroyed, substantially reducing the Kargash available to Lemrukiri. Sure, they also lost 100 Shamshirs, but they are not considered front line warships. So with a more significant war, the Kargash are less likely to be spread around...

Cyril is Kugelblitz... I try hard to keep them separate by poster.
I understand the time line displacement.  That's why I suggested Kugelblitz needed some sort of significant fix ... more armor, less toilet paper who knows...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 99):

The problem is that big fixes take a lot of game time and little posting...we need the opposite for the others to catch up as quick as possible! But woring on the idea...

In reply to Fate (msg # 100):

I was speaking of the Kugelblitz needing the work... the damage suffered showed a weakness... so it holds in place while others catch up.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 101):

If Kugel Blitz gets another 6 months of work, it will be 18 months ahead of the other ships instead of 12...

OK, my misunderstanding, thought it out backwards.

Cyril makes a short test flight and returns to make some minor adjustments.

Small Craft are?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 104):

The craft handle well. The modification of making 6 20 dTon craft instead of many smaller craft is yet to be proven, but the larger craft are certainly more capable and allow for considerable flexibility. While the armour of just 110 dDR is not front line stuff, it is fine against pulse lasers, as long as one keeps their distance, as precision shots can be a problem, reduced by the two sandcasters, of course. The High speed is the real defence against heavy warships, however.

The massive fuel tanks and the 100 troops carried are probably the real threat of this vessel. Standard fitout (as per the Players vessel page) is one heavy bomber, the only plasma cannon carried, three heavy fighters, a heavy transport, a recovery vessel and three small modular combo fighters, the only missiles carried.

15 Jan 2178, Argon 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:15, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

OK, Wanted to be sure after all these months ... Since we are n longer at War with the Vilani, I assume the Missions against the VIlani are scrubbed. Since the Survey module was removed, we would have to give up a fighter to have that capability, can we have it reinstalled? we could then do survey work coreward to our future benefit or some other mission you may have.

Also curious as to the possible value of adding a sand caster to the Heavy Beam Fighter ...it is a bit like putting armor in front of your cannon. but might protect from aimed pulse fire while they are shooting down missiles in different directions.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 106):

Given the primary role is a raider, they do not want to put the vessel back into the shipyard in order to put that secondary role back in. Instead, they prefer that you either get a survey ball, or head up to Girii to hire yourselves out there...they are using raiders to good effect.

OK, given the significant beam capability we already have, lets swap a Seru for a survey ship. I'm thinking that entering Shakimi space from more new locations may push them to talk ... assuming a Girii delegate is here to convey that thought.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 108):

Sure. For that visit Girii...

OK ... sigh ... 2321 --> Arsha --> Seru --> Girii

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 110):

You arrive at Giri with tensions high, but with several recent victories, hopes are high. Your enquiries about coreward subsectors are met with considerable interest, as the idea is not new. All the same, they are open to hear what you have to say.

21 Feb 2178, Girii 21.5/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

I am not sure exactly who the enemy is, although I know Lemrukiri is the origination. So I am suggesting in Ignorance that creating new attacks further coreward may draw attention away from the direct attack. It may induce other governments to choose to not support this war and perhaps to trade around Lemrukiri.
As is apparent, my ship is not a fleet combatant, but a raider. I would hear your views.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 112):

"That might be just as well. Whilst we have pirates to give them some incentive to look for a solution, you might be able to head coreward and offer friendly services as a Terran vessel to further undermine the hostility to trading with barbarians. Many governors have use for raiders, whether it be dealing with pirate or rebels. Of course, dealing with pirates that are working for us does not have to be a hostile affair."

Might I have some letters from this government stating that I am am on a friendly aid mission to find new paths for trade and not hostile; preferably something I can transmit to potentially hostile ships?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 114):

He thinks for a bit.

"If you are going to represent us in an official capacity, perhaps we can go one step better and send one of our diplomatic teams with you. We will hire uour services, but you will have to follow their directions in that case. That could work well...our diplomat in a clearly barbarian vessel."

I think we can work that out, I command the ship, and they tell us where to go and who to shoot or not shoot except when someone shoots at us first, when we may have to defend.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 116):

"That is acceptable. We will pay $200,000 per jump, plus supplies and fees. We expect you will provide 10 of your best quarters for the diplomatic team. Is this acceptable?"

I will provide the best we have, excepting my own cabin which has things the Captain needs.We are not a luxury Liner how ever.



OOC - I have no clue about cabins etc., but will presume we have some sort of VIP arrangements? Not excited about bumping crew though.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 118):

It does require bumping a few senior officers, but being military, they know the drill and understand.

Their first destination is Nurru, but as you are preparing to leave, the Scutum returns on the 25th with charts of unknown systems as far coreward. They charged the following trip:
Girii > Uamkua > Tralp > 1911 > 2110 > 2209* > 2208* > 2207 > 2206* > 2205* > 2104* > 2103* > 2102* > Irkhimmui(2302) > 2340* > 2239* > 2040* > 2102 > 2104 > 2004* > 2106* > 2007 > 2009 > 1911 > 2012 > 2213 > Lone Pine > 2213 > 2012 > Tralp > Uamkua > Girii
* Systems are new charts.

25 Feb 2178, Girii 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

This is very useful Information to be sure, were there inhabited systems that we could trade with found?  I know that's no priority for me, but always nice to know should you need a place to rest and repair. Our trip to Nurru will follow a good part of their route.

Cyril will offer the Captain a drink and a good meal before leaving to hear his views. (Can't remember if Giaus Sattius worked with Cyril or Gloria).

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 120):

"Only planet 2302 is inhabited, and they are well documented by authorities. But there are a lot of other planets and, perhaps more importantly, useful routes into the empire."

Yes, and by establishing trade, we hope to bring them to Girii's side in this affair. So there were no other issues of note then?   Much development of small craft has occurred, and you might be well served to look at what is now available!

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 122):

"Thanks for the tip. I doubt they will blockade them, but to have the undermine the war in the royal court. could see the war reduced in duration all the same."

It is hoped that if the folks above these local governors  displease the higher levels, they will be removed. It seems to happen fairly often when one of them is seen to have fouled up. Smooth sailing then until we cross paths again.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 124):

"Yes indeed. Smooth sailing. I might take a freighter next to open a new trade route..."

Best of luck! ... Cyril escorts his guest to the ramp ... then prepares to board the VIPs and leave.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 126):

You say your goodbyes, and the diplomates do likewise as you talk with the navigator about a route to Nurru...

25 Feb 2178, Girii 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

Having been up here in the past, Cyril suggests Up through Tralp to 1911, thence to 2009, 2007, 2106, 2104 and then into Nurru.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 128):

Having never been in the area, the diplomats are concerned about travel through untamed world's, but remind themselves that this is the reason they hired you...

In reply to Fate (msg # 129):

And this ships is well armed, so barring an enemy fleet, which is all but impossible, nothing will wish to bother us.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 130):

Should we just jump to the next time something interesting happens?

Sure, but let's not get too far ahead of everyone else.

In reply to Fate (msg # 131):

The trip to Nurru is scenic, but to be honest, most of the nine weeks we're spent in hyperspace. The time provided ample opportunity to discuss your ideas with the diplomats, including the ramifications of trading using the route you are using. A couple of traders, perhaps, but once there are a few ships using the route you expect that those that profit from the traditional route will start to object, probably violently, and it will probably not be long before military vessels get hold of the jump tapes. Of course, only Tralp stands to suffer from loosing independence as a direct result, but there is no guarantee it will end there. They only need capture the right trader and many other small world's could be compromised. So there is much at stake...

You exit hyperspace approaching the planet from an unexpected direction, alarming the local patrols which respond quickly by sending a pair of Shamshirs in your direction.

"Barbarian vessel, if you understand Vilani, please stand down and prepare for our Representatives to meet with you."

With your permission, your passengers will reply.



28 Apr 2178, Girii 18.7/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

Cyril waves the Diplomats forward to speak  to the Military vessels.

Per SOP every one is at battle stations, but weapons are not aimed at the Viliani ships, but could be very quickly if need be.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 134):

The diplomats take over, using flowery High Vilani to explain that they are from Girii, and we're using this barbarian vessel because they found these particular barbarians could be relied upon to be honourable. They went on to explain how economic opposition had resulted in a trade embargo of them, their fellow Vilani, and how trade with the Nurru planet, using new routes the terrans we're developing, could make them both more wealthy.

The expose is sufficient to earn an audience with the Governor, and the form up to escort you to a designated landing zone.

We play along, keeping our ship compliant with diplomatic needs, but still a bit on edge.

In reply to Fate (msg # 135):

Your cautious approach seems to help the diplomats' case. You are invited to land and discuss things further, with the barbarians also having a representative attend.

Did we bring someone to serve as the Barbarian diplomat?  I'm sure we can provide raw beef for him to shred with his teeth...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 138):

No, just you guys. The Vilani Diplomats look to you, Cyril...

;-)  Oh joy!  Cyril leaves the raw steak on the ship and accompanies the diplomats.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 140):

With some skill in Diplomacy and accented High Vilani (may be time to review your character sheet!) Cyril is escorted with the diplomats to the regional governors palace.

The show is initially a low key affair, designed to keep you occupied while the Governor's advisors look at their options in the background, but in showing off the planet, you find the defences are respectable, and the manufacturing industry here is being kept very busy by industrial requests from Shulumish, their biggest customer, and a number of other planets who are longer term customers. They import a lot of electronics, medicines, foodstuffs and entertainment. There is a shipyard on the planet Karikmir, nearby, that uses much of what is produced here.

We probably should do some updating on Cyril's CS, I have just enjoyed playing him.
Not sure his High Vilani would have improved a lot, but certainly some things should ... let me see what I can do if I am not called hither and yon.


Cyril will make mental notes of these things. Are there any small computer drives that might be useful about? Although risking the diplomatic mission may be a bad plan.

In reply to Fate (msg # 141):

Most things are kept subtly our of reach. I have been adding consistently to the psionics, such that it is nearly unpenalized now, so have been looking at it, but yeah, check it over.

Exactly my thoughts... mentally slide them to me, BUT not worth ruining the talks.
Still will keep his eyes open for opportunity and for cameras and hidden folks watching.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 144):

You notice the scrutiny is intense, though subtle. Do you want to go for a hard drive?

No, intense scrutiny means they expect us to do something, so we won't.
Just play along and listen/watch for now.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 146):

From the discussion you understand that they have a lot of distrust where barbarians are concerned, and the notion presented by the Girii diplomats of using barbarian space lanes does not do much to help them relax, but word of how you have been found honourable in your dealings with Girii does surprise them. They respond to by asking about reports of Teran pirates, questioning honour in pirracy, and looking at your reaction...

Spent some time reviewing the CS and will suggest some adds in a bit; BUT finally paid more attention, and while everybody is ignoring me, I'll try a bit of Psychometry on the table to see what has been said here before we arrived.
 Not sure what I am rolling against, but will give you a roll and you can interpret.

13:36, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,4.  Psychometry.   Die roller likes this number...

Yes, Terra has had pirates just as you do, and Terra has put a good bit of effort into making their efforts very dangerous. From what I hear in Girii, it seems many have moved to greener pastures, in this case, around here. We did not see a one on our trip and would not expect to be accosted, given our significant armament. After all, it's unwise to kick the Tiger in his teeth; best to wait until he is looking away, kick him in the posterior and then run and hide.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 148):

"Yes, aall pirates avoid direct assaults on the military. Or at least they used to, until recently. But a noble in a capital ship was killed in a recent pirate atttack, indicating that the are getting more powerful, and hence bolder. It is reported that Girii and Terrans were behind that particular attack..."

Cyril nods And Lemrukiri was the source of this report? If so, consider the source which is currently pirating all over Girii's systems. There is no Terran Government involvement, not even an ambassador or any sort of delegation. There are people originally from Terran Systems in and around Girii's systems aiding them as they have aided us in establishing colonies.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 150):

"Girii is aiding Barbarians in establishing colonies? Why would they do such a thing?"

The look of astonishment is clear, and the Girii ambassadors are quick to point out the expanding trade network that has enveloped even a pirate colony outside the Ziru Sirka, making them relatively peaceful trading partners instead of pirates and thereby stopping their outlaw behavior much more permanently. They also confirm the piracy endorsed by the current Sector administration against them, resulting in a lot of discussion.

"So, you are saying Terra would assist in dealing with the pirate menace?"

Well, those you call Barbarians are civilized and not so different from you here. Through trade, they learn your ways and become more civilized in your eyes and you in there's.

Terra does deal with their pirate menace. I am not at all sure they are even aware of your Pirate problem. But if trade between you were disrupted, they would know and I presume respond, although perhaps differently than the Ziru Sirka has. I do not pretend to be aware of Terran affairs except remotely from very old news. I last saw Sol when I was a young man.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 152):

There is a snicker of contempt.

"What is civilized in your eyes is why we call you barbarians. We have kept 1000 worlds in peace for 1000 years. I will not pretend to be interested in your history, because it surely falls far short of that.

But perhaps the pirate issue should be dealt with first before we trust you..."

At this point the Giirii diplomatic team points out that without a base here, nor assess rights, that is not feasible. The discussion bounces back and forth, with questions regarding wat crime accusations against both sides, with Girii sponsorship of pirates who killed those who surrendered countered by claims of Lemrukiri transporting civilians to slave planets. Neither side has a lot of reliable evidence though. The first day ends with you being returned to your ship without a result, though the diplomats do not seem upset. They say it is normal for such discussions.

Cyril is a bit disgusted with the whole affair. A thousand years of peace ... yeah, with their foot on the various races necks.

Was he able to learn anything from the table using his Psychometry?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 154):

That is something I will need to look up and get back to you on.

"Peace always has a cost, and there are criminals who will never be content. That is why you are still barbarians..."

Concern over your trustworthiness is soon deflected by the Girii diplomatic efforts in pointing out the duplicity of Shulumish. They have to conceed that many of the political intrigues of the Vilani are little better, and no less bloodless. Especially as envoys from the Imperial court we're reputed passing through Shakimi recently had orders for Dingir to send some of their fleet to Shululsish to assist with the Girii rebellion.

That last news came as a shock to the Diplomats, who had the news confirmed a second time.

Ah, The civilized intend to smooth things out as usual, and you call us Barbarians. Terra does not have it's boot on the neck of the systems loyal to it.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 156):

"It is what creates stability, and in the long term, peace. But that is probably why pirates thrive in Terran systems. So in the light of this, what do you really have to offer us?"

The fact that pirates thrive in Vilani Space and not so much in Terran Space.    Cyril smiles.  Perhaps if we could quit talking about whose way is better and more about how we can prosper by working tgether....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 158):

The last suggestion causes the room to quieten for a few moments.

"Well, you do have a point...if the government you represent survives. Tell you what, why don't you give us your proposal and if you can defeat this combined fleet that brought the Terrans to heel, then we will agree that trading with you is indeed something we should be open to."

The delegates with you then go to work setting up a trade agreement. It becomes clear to you that this agreement will involve giving jump tapes to a whole lot of systems not currently in the standard Imperial traders' logs...

For the use of psychometry, roll an IQ roll and tell me what object you are focusing on.

13:36, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,1.  IQ .     He was focusing on the Meeting Table in the room.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 160):

You sense back as far as a year the deals and heated discussions with regards to prices for goods and services that have taken place here. And one further discussion about inviting a war act to produce warships cheaply that was rejected with the strong word that it 'was not our war!'.

The emotions of those discussions stands in stark contrast to the quiet discussion now taking place.

We will pass along this information as "Overheard By Crew" when we can, to the diplomats.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 162):

There is some agreement reached, conditional on defeating the next attack, before you retire to the quarters provided with the diplomats. When you relay the information, they are not surprised, as this confirms what their Intel had suggested. They seem eager to get back to Girii with the alarming news they have heard.

I have no idea of how to handle such a force. It is well beyond what we can raise, but there is always trickery... perhaps someone can come up with something.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 164):

"We agree. Studying what happened at Nuska will doubtless help though."

So are we done here? Time to head back?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 164):

"We agree. Studying what happened at Nuska will doubtless help though."

OK, we'll say our good byes and head off ... leaving their escort in the dust if they send one.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 168):

To the diplomats finish what they need to the next morning and are ready to leave by lunch time. You are already back aboard, having refueled thanks to your passengers, and you department. No escort is given, and you quickly move to the jump point and depart...

02 May 2178, Nurru 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:07, Mon 27 Apr 2020.

OK, we head back as quickly as we can with the news...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 170):

It is the 28th of July by the time you get back to Girii. The news causes considerable concern, as you might well imagine.

The leaders immediately call a meeting to discuss what might be the best tactics. With forces divided, there is the fear that both forces are more vulnerable. The general feeling is to move all defences to a system that the enemy must pass through.

A good concept to be sure, but a stab in the back would also be useful, be it taking out their following support ships or showing up behind them so they were fighting in two directions. The Same force might be able to do both.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 172):

They look at you quizzically.

"How so?"

Well if a force of smaller pirate ships were to jump in to the system behind them where I assume the tankers and resupply ships hold; those small ships could cause serious problems for them. I should imagine that this would also distract the commander who is having is rear echelons torn up and he would probably have to send some ships back to deal with this issue. The Pirates could then jump to a new location, avoiding the bigger ships.  It won't win a battle, but it will spread the commanders attention and possible cause him to make a mistake.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 174):

"In previous engagements they have resolved that problem by following the Vilani tactical guides and sending support ships to a nearby gas giant. This is usually a weeks travel away, and also forces us to split our forces...."

Exactly, and the many small ships, like some Gashhiddas and other smaller craft which would be of limited use in fleet combat, could be quite useful in shooting up these support vessels.  I presume Tankers and repair vessels would be the first priority, and resupply ships the second, but with some troops aboard, you might even be able to grab some of these for your later use.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 176):

"The problem is, we will need all of our fast small craft as point defence for the larger warships. We would expect this fleet to have a frighteningly large number of missiles. Of course, if we could get a better picture of the size and composition of the fleet, we could plan for that much better."

You are likely much more familiar with how they will operate than am I, it was just a thought I had.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 178):

"True. However, your ship is fast, right?"

Moderately so, although I requires me to leave my fighters behind to speed it up.

In reply to Fate (msg # 179):

"But even with 6g you can run as fast as their fighters. The fleet will pass through the Naval Base at Garaanis. Although the base is there, there are four Gas Giants there. If you could get through to there, perhaps take out the patrol at the Gas Giants and see what the reinforcements are, we could wait for you at Seru and distribute our ships according to what we expect the ship distribution to be. Of course, that may mean you need to loiter in the system for some time, maybe a week or more, but you have the speed to be able to do that, right? Unlike them, you can just jump out, as long as you are far from the planets, meaning that the shops that spend days chasing may not get back to the planet to jump with the invasion fleet."

That’s possible and depending on what AK has around, we might be able to carry a small space craft that could act as a runner with information before we have to jump back.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 182):

"There are very few spaceships that could run through 5 or 6 systems that may have some guards as well as you though. A light runner would have to be over 100 dTons to have a jump drive, and should be able to deal with  a Gashidda at least. Swapping out the survey ball might be wise though."

Yes, that would be dead weight to us and a gold mine to them if captured.



OOC - We currently have an AK 450 or something, would that work as a fast runner? Or could it be adapted into one?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 184):

It only has fuel for one jump and would struggle against a Gashidda. Speed over several jumps is both in gs and double jump capacity. You have both, with armour. Pretty much nothing else does it as well.

Roger, just asking.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 186):

All good. They are waiting on your response to the suggestion.

After mulling it over he says Well I will need permission from my boss, but assuming that, I should be able to handle the task.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 188):

"Permission from your bosses to help destroy the fleet that defeated them at Nusku? I can't imagine that will be difficult to obtain. Please do ask, soon!"

Cyril laughed, Andrew Kalishnakov had nothing at Nusku, he is an independent company. I retired from the Military many years ago now. I'll ask as quickly as I can.

Andrew is still in Aegir?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 190):

At Argon, yes. 4 weeks travel there by fastest route.

Still, you know how good it will be for Andrews business to be able to claim any involvement in defeating the fleet that attacked Nusku! Even if he overclaims his involvement, the two biggest capital ships in the Girii fleet are his designs.

In reply to Fate (msg # 191):

4 weeks sounds a bit too long, especially as that is each way.  I'll see that a message is sent, but plan to act as asked.
We will leave the survey ball behind and add another beam fighter.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 192):

Beam fighters are in ready supply, and the Kalishnikov office will look after the survey ball. They have no trouble arranging for a message to be sent.

Plans/route?

Well any intelligence you have would be useful, but given the time we have, probably Seru, Arsha, Lirkig, Raamin, Ausmuliam, Udikaa and thence to Garaanis. They seem to have ships at every syste, but I haven’t ascertained whether they watch the outer Gas Giants or the inner ones.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 194):

"Seru, Rikshaniim, Dishushashig, Pakha, Nagunishmure and then to Garaanis would be quicker. While  Nagunishmure is highly populated, it is a binary system with 4 gas giants, giving a much greater chance of stopping there undetected. Lashish is similar with a much smaller population, but only one star and, being closer to Lemrukiri is is more heavily patrolled. Udikaa has only 3 gas giants, and is seen as a primary blockade point for vessels trying to sneak through the system besides Lemrukiri itself. Gunmu is the other option. The primary blockade systems are of course Lemrukiri, Garaanis and Udikaa.

Garaanis has 4 Gas Giants orbiting outside of the two inner planets, the outer one holding the colony of half a billion and the primary Naval Base and shipyards for the region. Reports of ships passing through indicate a pair of Shamshirs and about 5 Gashiddas are assigned to each of the 9 Gas Giants in all three blockade systems. This proves plenty for either large groups of small craft or most larger raiders.

You know as much as we do about when they will get there. Hopefully they will be delayed, as Dingir probably does not want to give them up, even if it is officially on loan."

It is also suggested to swap out the Heavy Transport for a Bomber too unless you want the extra supplies.

01 Aug 2178, Girii 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:33, Sun 03 May 2020.

We are still in NUrru?

Thought we had returned to Girii ...
If there are 2 Shamshirs and 5 Gashiddas at each GG, we will not likely be there unnoticed. We can probably beat that group, but the whole system will know about it.

Gunmu is interesting, it has a fine starport and but a few thosand living on a desert world ... that seems odd. Were it a fleet base, I would understand. How well protected is Lemrukiri with so much being gathered in Garaaanis?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 196):

Correct, my bad, rectified.

"The capital Lemrukiri has a lot of fighters so it is actually well protected. Gunmu is a forward base for patrols, and will probably still have a lot of extra Gashiddas. It is a constabulary base though, not so much a military base.

You would not expect to get to Garaanis unnoticed...but you have enough speed to stay out of reach and enough firepower to deal with what you can't outrun, or at least what we expect to be waiting for you."

OK, I misunderstood,  thought you wished me to try to stay there unseen and watch, not blip in and back out with a count.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 198):

"You may need to lead them on a goose chase until the main fleet arrives. Even if it takes a week or so...but you should be good with that."

OK, so you recommend the shorter route? We'll probably go via Pakha and Nagunishmure then.

In reply to Fate (msg # 199):

"Yes. The messengerrs had quite a head start. It would not help you to miss them..."

Ok, so let me know any preparations, or will you just get going?

We'll swap out our Heavy Transport for the Bomber, refuel, replenish and move on... can't think of anything else to get.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 202):

Ok. Heading first to Seru, which is expected to be guarded at least a little. Which gas giant, and procedure?

Girii is not holding Seru?

If not, we'll go to the inner GG and try to exit on the side away from the planet, refuel and move on.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 204):

They are not, but raiding regularly, to add to the uncertainty of what is there without putting forces there at risk of their opponents using the same tactics against them.

So do we have any issues at Seru?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 206):

There are 5 Gashiddas at each of the gas Giants, spread out some. As. You come out of hyperspace, the 5 at the gas giant start to converge, with the nearest at 90,000 miles. They all launch their missiles as gunners get ready to clean them up.

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
70, 70, 70, 70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,
Assault Craft

08 Aug 2178, Seru 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

OK, We will zap the Missiles and close, we'll keep the bombes aboard until we get close. Not sure we need the Seru Fighters yet either ... dDr 110 is not completely impervious to Pulse lasers?  If Not, we'll have to use the Seru class to start cutting these guys down when we get within Beam range.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 208):

dDR 88 is pretty good against pulse lasers beyond half damage range, though precise attacks can still get through...but the bombers are tougher than the fighters. But of course, as you noted, they need to be. They have to get closer.

Yes, we need to get the bombers in to around 20k miles as I recall and ½ damage for the lasers is beyond 30k miles.

We'll probably have to deploy the Seru to start doing precision shooting (although the Ship can probably shoot the best, so they kill missiles).

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 210):

Ugh, phone bricked, was restarted but took about a week!

Ok, so closing from 90,000 miles at 20,000 miles per round, they are forming up into a close attack formation as the Beams deal with the missiles. Walk me in round by round...

Oh That's not good, I just figured you were on a submerged circumnavigation of Australia or something. ;-)



OK, 70,000 miles, Seru HF are out and shooting missiles as we close. Still outside Beam weapon range.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 212):

Cool. They relaunch another salvo. Next round at 50,000 miles (-16)?

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
70, 70, 70, 70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,
Assault Craft

08 Aug 2178, Seru 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

Most beams kill missiles, but 10* do precision shots on the center (assumed leader) Gashidda.  Targets are Bridge & Targeting; although near misses that do other damage is fine.

* Which leaves 12 plus the 4 Seru to kill all the missiles. 10 = 2 triple and 2 Double turrets.

18:52, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,1.  turret 4.
18:51, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,4.  Turret 3.
18:51, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,3.  Turret 2. <------ This might hit something
18:51, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,3.  Turret 1.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 214):

Range 50,000 miles (-16), you can use all beams for point defence and for attack, given these are 20 minute rounds. But at this range, it is still too far, and neither of you hit each other. Next round will be at 30,000 miles (-15), just outside of full damage range for beams if you continue at full speed. Lets go 3 more rounds...

Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-16(range) = 5, r11, 6, 14, 12
[Private to GM: HF, Beams, 3x1, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)+8(SM)-16(range) = 11, not launched
SM-profile, +5 fighters, +7 Gashiddas, +9 Shamshir]

[Private to GM: Vilani skill rolls:
Gashidda pulse, 5x3, 16+2(sAcc)+2(target)-14(range) = 4, r6
SM-profile +5 fighters, +9 Shamshirs]

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
70, 70, 70, 70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,
Assault Craft
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:16, Wed 13 May 2020.

OK, round 1.  Turrets 7 & 8 are the twins if it matters.


20:27, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,4,6.  Seru 4.
20:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,2.  Seru 3.
20:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 17 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,6.  Seru 2.
20:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,2.  Seru 1.      <-------- ??
20:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,2,1.  turret 8.
20:26, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,4.  turret 7.
20:25, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,3.  Turret 6.
20:25, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,3.  Turret 5.
20:25, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,4.  turret 4.
20:24, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,6.  Turret 3.
20:24, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,5.  Turret 2.
20:24, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,2.  Turret 1.

The second round has a few good shots ... I'm going to quit at two and get some sleep.

20:31, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,3.  Turret 1.
20:31, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,5.  Turret 2.
20:30, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,5.  Turret 3.
20:30, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,2.  turret 4.
20:30, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,2.  Turret 5.
20:30, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,3.  Turret 6.
20:29, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 5 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,1.  turret 7.  <-------- and that should too
20:29, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 4 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,2.  Turret 8. <------- That has to hit
20:29, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,3.  Seru 1.
20:29, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,6.  Seru 2.
20:28, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,6.  Seru 3.
20:28, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,5.  Seru 4.

In reply to Fate (msg # 215):

The close up into formation, then close in together to attack, reducing the range to 15,000 miles (-12) in a sudden change in direction.

"You don't even have plasmas, barbarian. We will treat you nicely if you surrender now."

The sudden change in direction catches you a bit by surprise as you are launching fighters at the time. Several shots that would have hit had they continued missed as they artfully manoeuvred their craft in a spectacular display of close quarters manoeuvring. Fortunately, they keep the focus of their weapons on the mother ship, for now, clearly targeting your manoeuvre drives, but they fail to penetrate the heavy armour there. But not by much...hits score the nacelles around the drives, but your engineer, after some time checking it out, assures you it is all ok. This time.

Their piloting skills seem to not diminish as they dodge all but one more shot. A round targetting the bridge of one craft smash through the bridge structure, completely obliterating it and causing some further minor explosions inside the ship.

Round 1
Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 5 turrets hit, dodge 6, so need a crit to hit!
Sandcasters (2 targets) 16+2(targeting)+7(SM)-12(range)= 13, r9, 2/5 -8 to each damage
Heavy Fighters Launched
Gashidda pulse, 15, 16+2(sAcc)+2(target)-12(range) = 8, r9

Round 2
Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 2 hits+1 crit, dodge 7, Crit hits...
Sandcasters (2 targets) 16+2(targeting)+7(SM)-12(range)= 13, r12, 2/5 -8 to each damage
HF Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 0 hits
Gashidda pulse, 15, 16+2(sAcc)+2(target)-12(range) = 8, r7, d10, 0 damage.

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
16/70 (Bridge totally destroyed[Private to GM: - Fuel processors]!), 70, 70, 70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,
Assault Craft

Neat!... I thought we were headed right for them, so a quick change of direction that sudenly brought them closer is interesting indeed.
And from 30K to 15 K in a flash!

The Seru were all out, so obviously the Bombers were being deployed...makes sense.

Targeting, Kugelblitz uses her beams on the center ship, a bomber and two Seru  take on the ones to the side.


20:01, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,3.  Turret 1.
20:01, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,2.  Turret 2.
20:01, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,4.  Turret 3.
20:00, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,2.  turret 4.
20:00, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,5.  Turret 5.
20:00, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 17 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,5.  Turret 6.
20:00, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,4.  turret 7.
20:00, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,6.  Turret 8.
19:59, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,2.  Bomber 1.
19:59, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,1,2.  Seru 1.
19:59, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,5.  Seru 2.
19:59, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,2.  Bomber 2.
19:58, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,1.  Seru 3.
19:58, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,3.  Seru 4.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 218):

You were headed right for them, but they were running to try to keep distance, as Vilani do. They have missiles, so the book tells them they fare best staying out of beam range. So does experience with Terrans...but in this case they tried to form up, loosing speed as they closed up and allowing you to catch up considerably more, actually overshooting them by a bit.

Given you are 20,000 miles per round faster than them, you can now pretty much set the range to whatever you like...your shooting is actually pretty good, but they are rolling awesomely on their dodge rolls! Unlikely to last, but I thought that last time...

The extraordinary manoeuvring of the enemy Gashiddas continues, artfully predicting when your beams are about to fire and twisting away in unexpected ways each time. The new craft, however, they were not expecting! Both plasma rounds connect, with the damaged craft being hit twice more, once in the engineroom, weakening the connecting structure in such a way that as they turned, the two sections began to break apart. Leaking air, they begin to abandon ship...

The second craft hit by the other bomber has three of the volley connect, tearing shreds out of the craft as it smashes some significant piece of machinery out of the engineroom.

Fortunately, their gunnery is no-where near as good as their piloting...

Round 1
Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 3 hits, dodge 7
Sandcasters (Turrets 7 and 8) 16+2(targeting)+7(SM)-12(range)= 13, rolled 1 hit, 1/5 -8 to each damage
HF Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 3 hits, dodge 5
Bombers 2, 16-1(sAcc)+2(Targeting)-12(range)+9(SM) = 14, rolled 3,2 hits, dodge 13

Gashidda pulse, 15, 16+2(sAcc)+2(target)-12(range) = 8, r11

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
-6/70 (Bridge totally destroyed[Private to GM: - Fuel processors]!), 37/70[Private to GM: -JJ], 70, 70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,
Assault Craft
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:27, Fri 15 May 2020.

OK, That makes more sense to me... range at this point is only marginally critical, but 20k should limit their shooting some I assume.
The Bomber shooting up 37/70 continues to, the other Bomber finds a new target.
Kugelblitz continues to exercise the middle ship while the Seru concentrate of the last one, so everyone is drawing fire.


16:04, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,4.  Turret 1.
16:04, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,2.  Turret 2.
16:04, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,4.  Turret 3.
16:04, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,6.  turret 4.
16:04, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,6.  Turret 5.
16:03, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,1.  Turret 6.
16:03, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,3.  turret 7.
16:03, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,4.  Turret 8.
16:02, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,5.  Bomber 1.
16:02, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,3.  Seru 1.
16:02, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,3,5.  Seru 2.
16:02, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 5 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,1.  Bomber 2.
16:02, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,4.  Seru 3.
16:01, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,6.  Seru 4.

16 seems very popular ... 4 rolls under 10, 10 above  Die Roller is skewed again.

In reply to Fate (msg # 219):

This time the Gashiddas target the Bombers, and despite good piloting in the new craft avoiding some of the fire, they do still hit. However, the sloping armour they hit stops all penetration, and they report only superficial damage.

Whilst the bomber changing targets failed to get his ranging right, the other bomber managed to badly damage the craft he was hitting, again. It is leaking badly, but still somehow holding together...

Amoung the rest, artful dodging continued, but number 2 turret still managed to hit the bridge of another craft, also taking out the turret just behind it.

Round 1
Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 3 hits, dodge 9, so 1 hit!
Sandcasters (Turrets 7 and 8) 16+2(targeting)+7(SM)-12(range)= 13, rolled 0 hit, 0/5 -8 to each damage
HF Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 0 hits, dodge 13
Bombers 2, 16-1(sAcc)+2(Targeting)-12(range)+9(SM) = 14, rolled 1x4 hits, dodge 9, 7 per hit

Gashidda pulse, 15, 16+2(sAcc)+2(target)-12(range)+5(SM) = 13, r11, d9, 1 hit each, so 15 hits, but they fail to penetrate the armour!

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
-6/70 (Bridge totally destroyed[Private to GM: - Fuel processors]!), 9/70[Private to GM: -JJ], 34/70(Bridge destroyed, turret above also gone), 70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,

08 Aug 2178, Seru 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

The -6 of 70 is no longer a threat?

Bombers go after the two undamaged ships
Kugelblitz goes after the 34/70 ship
The Seru go after the 9/70 ship

Hopefully we can get a few more decent rolls...

20:16, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,6.  Turret 1.
20:16, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 4 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,2.  Turret 2.
20:16, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,4.  Turret 3.
20:16, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,4.  turret 4.
20:16, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,6.  Turret 5.
20:15, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,5.  Turret 6.
20:15, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,1.  turret 7.
20:15, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,4.  Turret 8.
20:15, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,3,2.  Bomber 1.
20:15, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,6.  Seru 1.
20:14, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,3.  Seru 2.
20:14, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,6.  Bomber 2.
20:14, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,3.  Seru 3.
20:14, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,1.  Seru 4.

4 out of 10 under 10 again....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 222):

Yes, negative dHP indicates a crippled ship. At -dHP, they are making HT checks to keep form complete destruction...one rolled very lucky this round!

The bombers, facing off 1 on 1 against the only intact Gashiddas, are too busy avoiding, unsuccessfully, the pulse laser fire, but once again their armour holds up as the enemy fails to have the precision to penetrate. Meanwhile, the Kugelblitz smashes one vessel, which should have been destroyed, but it is well and truly crippled, 2 turrets and all comms and sensors blown off, while the Seru make short work of the other one. Admittedly, only one actually hit it, but it was enough to take it well out of the fight.

The two remaining Gashiddas suddenly realize that this is not their day. Despite good flying, they are now three ships down. They ask what your terms of surrender are.

Round 1
Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 3 hits(1 crit), dodge 10, 35x3 hits
Sandcasters (Turrets 7 and 8) 16+2(targeting)+7(SM)-12(range)= 13, rolled 1 hit but ship crippled, -8 to each damage
HF Beams, 4x3, 17+2(sAcc)+2(targeting)-12(range) = 9, rolled 1x3 hits, dodge 10,
Bombers 2, 16-1(sAcc)+2(Targeting)-12(range)+9(SM) = 14, rolled 1x2 hits, dodge 5, no hits...

Gashidda pulse, 9+2, 16+2(sAcc)+2(target)-12(range)+5(SM) = 13, r9, d10, 9x3,2x1 hit each, so 29 hits, but they fail to penetrate the armour!

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
-6/70 (Bridge totally destroyed[Private to GM: - Fuel processors]!), -15/70[Private to GM: -JJ], -71/70(Bridge destroyed, -2 turrets, -sensors, -comms, -),
70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,

08 Aug 2178, Seru 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

I presume we couldn't crew even one of these?

If Not  Take to your assault shuttles and rescue those you can from the other three ships. Leave your ships untouched, we will destroy them. Head for the next group and signal for their aid.

Ship and Fighters check... any damage?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 224):

You could, you have 100 troops. Whether it is worth it may be another question though.

They do as directed, almost.

"We are departing our ships, but we will, as per Imperial Law, set charges to destroy them. Otherwise, following your directions..."

Incredibly, there is no real damage to your craft...

OK Let's check the wrecks... refuel from any if we can ...

Via Radio Well why did we bother stopping the attacks then? We could have wrecked them for you, under Imperial Law of course.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 226):

"Yes, sir, but this way we stopped shooting back, in exchange for our lives..."

The shuttles departed the intact two and the 3 damaged craft, and the explosions really only destroyed the drives and power plant. Fuel can be recovered fairly quickly, and data with a little more difficulty, but anything else will take more work.

We are interested in drives and safes, which we can cut out with a torch and open later if need be... and of course the fuel.
When we are satisfied, we give each wreck a nudge toward the GG.   It will make them harder to recover and fix.

Yes, but you may have noted that your shooting was ineffective, so we weren't much concerned. We just didn't like killing people, it has not a damn thing to do with Imperial Law.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Sun 17 May 2020.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 228):

"We appreciate you do not like killing innocents. We hope one day if it is returned, you will appreciate it."

It takes you an hour to refuel and to get what parts are still valuable: HDD and safes. You also find some extra supplies. It is 4 hours after you arrived that you are prepared to leave, as the technicians get to work on the hard drives and the safes, though the wreckage is so spread out that only some of the major sections are able to be dragged back to the planet's gravitational field. Most will take a lot longer to drag, however.

08 Aug 2178, Seru 25/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

Just the big parts should do, not too likely the little pieces parts will be of much use.

Having lost track of where is next, we'll get organized and jump to Rikshaniim I guess it is #3 GG if counting from star outward. Fuel and move on while checking out what is around.

The System data doesn't tell you where the planets are in the scheme of things, so I am guessing between GG 1 & 2.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 230):

Generally planets are inside of the gas Giants, as too much gravity from the sun will strip the gas giants of all gasses! Seems logical, and works for our system IRL, so I am working that way.

The system is blissfully empty, and though the signals from the planet suggest that it is still inhabited, it is little more than a listening post. However, you are on the other side of the star, so it is likely not detecting you. You are able to refuel and soon ready to move on.

15 Aug 2178, Rikshaniim 24.3/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:12, Sun 17 May 2020.

OK, onward to Dishushashig, we'll use the inner GG.  Again, look around while going over to refuel, then if nothing of note, we'll move on to Pakha.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 232):

Four Gashiddas orbit the planet at Dishushashig, but they make no attempt to intercept you if they even see you. You are free to once again refuel and move on.

Pakha is an uninhabited system, yet as you exit hyperspace, there are still 2 Gashiddas near you! As they head for a jump point, you realize that there are 2 at every planet in this system!

30 Aug 2178, Pakha 21.9/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

Put the missile boats out and launch two waves of missiles ( ie each fighter fires one, then another, hoping to keep them from being able to jump) as we close to fighting range.


21:24, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 5 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,1.  F Missiles 2.
21:24, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,1.  F Missiles 1.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 234):

You have three small craft, and the missile launches are good, but they have too much of a head start...you think. The explosion of the missiles is as they enter hyperspace...if they have an effect, you don't see it, but it is hard to tell. They could have suffered a hyperspace malfunction. Their position was not one to aggressively stop a strong vessel but rather to run from it, but to be near enough to the planet to stop a freighter from refuelling.

30 Aug 2178, Pakha 21.9/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

OK, we recover the fighters, rearm them and refuel, then move to jump to Nagunishmure. We jump to the 3rd GG from the stars, check our surrounds, refuel if we can and stay alert as we plan our next jump.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 236):

Nagunishmure is a significant trade route to Sukun, but because of the agreement Dingir, and hence Apishlun, have with Shululsish, trade here is minimal. Nonetheless, there are still three Gashiddas watching the planet when you come out of hyperspace. This patrol was not predicted, so it does make your position somewhat less...comfortable.

When they see you, you can tell they are indecisive, forming up at a point they can jump from 300,000 miles from you.

07 Sep 2178, Nagunishmure 21.2/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

OK, we will go refuel, but watch them and where they go. When we leave, we'll attempt to hide our jump behind the GG so our departure and direction are not apparent.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 238):

They do tail you as you refuel, and make very sure they will be able to trace your jump point...

We play hide and seek behind the GG, hoping to get them close enough to engage.


16:23, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,1.  Tactics.  [Private to GM: By 5]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 240):

You realize you are being tracked as soon as you move to the planet to refuel, when they follow you half way. They seem to have seen your maximum speed, as you are wasting no time, and calculated that they could safely return to the jump point if you were to turn on them at that speed. You also calculate that you are actually faster than them...drawing them close as you refuel and using the ball shape to disguise which direction you are facing, you launch all fighters, making it seem as if they are defending you as you refuel, but once you have a full tank of fuel then burst from there at full speed, directly at them! They run back for the jump point, spreading out as they near it, which they will reach as you arrive at maximum beam range...your Heavy fighters will be 120,000 miles behind you though. You could target 2 of them, but the third will be able to jump. They launch a salvo of missiles as they approach, which you can dispatch of easily...

[OOC: By launching your fighters, you increase your speed to 7G. Chasing them to the jump point {100x planet diameter} miles miles from the planet, you actually do not loose time.]

We will give them a send off anyway ...

19:40, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,2,3.  Turret 1.
19:39, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,5.  Turret 2.
19:39, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 4 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,1,1.  Turret 3.
19:39, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,4,2.  turret 4.
19:39, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 18 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,6,6.  Turret 5.
19:38, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,4.  Turret 6.
19:38, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,6.  turret 7.
19:38, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,2.  Turret 8.

Once they jump, we'll go back and recover our fighters.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 242):

Wow, a send off like that ensures that one of them never got into hyperspace, the critical hit targeting the jump drive and taking it out, and the other had it's hyperspace bubble disrupted. The third one entered hyperspace, and once it had done so, the other two surrendered, their task apparently done.

WQE have them move all crew to the one whose jump drive is kaput, and send it off to the colony.

We mine the other for IFF codes and anything else of value.  We check out our crew to see if we could man it and of what value it might be.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 244):

You could easily man it, though the delay might jeopardize your mission, and it is unlikely to get far on it's own. Do you land your men before or after they depart, knowing their standard procedures...

Before, and disable any charges ... I think you said we could put about a 100 men aboard briefly at least ...once they are on their way, we'll take what we can use and blow the ship for them.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 246):

Yeah, you don't have the transport, so you can pull the ship up close and dock before they can get off. They ask if they can wait until you are finished before they blow it, so they don't get into trouble, but with your numbers, they make no attempt to restrict your actions, and you are able to get all the data drives, and even access the safe without hindrance since those who know the codes are there. Not that there was anything in it...

That's cool, too, we'll back off and they can do their thing.

As soon as they are all on their way and the ship goes boom, we head back.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 248):

Head back to the gas giant to refuel, ad then to the jump point?

And recover fighters ... then look for a place to jump unseen if at all possible.
We'll look to jump to the 3rd GG from the Star and refuel as quickly as we can while looking for problems and tracking all around us.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 250):

You recover all small craft and head to the Gas Giant to refuel.

The damaged Gashidda, heading back to the planet, could feasibly track you, but a navigation roll to jump from a position they cannot see you from should reduce the chance of that. The ships at the other gas giants stay where they are...not intending to move from their posting just yet.

Garaanis is a single star system with one colony at a planet, plus four gas giants and 2 smaller planets without fuel, one closer to the star than the colony, and one outside all the gas giants. The Naval Base orbits the colony, and is reputed to be very well defended. Rumour suggests that plans to upgrade it to a full Military Base are well under way.

Reports suggest that the outer planet is bleak, and usually has only a Gashidda there. Gas Giants are believed to have Shamshirs at least, but the data is old.

15 Sep 2178, Nagunishmure 20.5/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:49, Tue 19 May 2020.

The outer planet is useless for refueling (I assume), and being able to jump twice may well be important.
If all GG have patrols, the outer planet may be preferable given it's small defense, let's go there, overpower the Gashidda (if that is all there is) have a look around and suck any fuel we can from the Gashidda's hulk.

Oh    19:55, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,1.  Navigation (space).


We were just supposed to survey the fleet, then jump out? clarifying the mission.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Wed 20 May 2020.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 252):

You were to wait to see what is arriving from Dingir. You have a vague idea of what should be there, so it should be clear when the re-inforcements arrive. Once you see what has arrived, they suggest waiting an hour for any minor mis-jumps, then race back to Seru to report it.

You position the jump such that you are pretty sure that they will not detect your destination, and jump. The week in Hyperspace is more nervous that most.

The hyperspace alarm sounds, and you exit. Ahead about 250,000 miles away are five Gashiddas! they turn to form up and engage, closing to 210,000 miles and launching a full salvo (45 missiles) by the time you are fully powered back up and ready to act.

15 Sep 2178, Garaanis 20.5/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week

We dispatch the missiles and look around. Is there any water on the planet? What sort of patrols on the GGs?
We close as quickly as we can, once inside 60k miles, the Seru can deploy and go to work. The Bombers hold inside until we get inside 20k when they get to go to work as well.
Targets are Bridges, Comms, Targeting, maneuver in that order ... precision attacks as we can.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 254):

Within twenty minutes, you charge them, closing the gap to 150,000 before they get the idea and high tail it away at full speed. Closing speed is 20,000 miles per 20 minute round, so it will be 1 hour and 40 minutes before you enter range, launching the Seru fighters at 70,000 miles, and then firing with them at the Gashiddas at 50,000 miles (range penalty -16). You can roll for them.

This does give you plenty of time to scan what else is around. Clearly, security has been stepped up. At each of the Gas Giants, a Kargash and 5 Shamshirs await, and you are glad the nearest one is 68 hours away at 6G, the speed that particular Kargash is doing in your direction after the first hour. But at the Military Base is most interesting...the fleet from Shululsish is there, with some extra! Given that Shululsish never had any Kidashi, nor that many Vegans or Urima, you believe that they most likely are the re-inforcements from Dingir. The fleet is quite distinct, as it seems to be forming up to depart.

Deraanasa Battle Cruiser         x 1
Erasharshi Class Assault Carrier x 2
Vegan Class Carrier              x 30
Kidashi Class Cruiser            x 20
Aasha class cruiser              x 5
Merishmirr Cruiser               x 40
Kargash Light Cruiser            x 100
Shamshir Class Escort            x 140
Gashiddas                        x 200
Urima Class Frigates             x 90



Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
70/70, 70/70, 70/70, 70/70, 70/70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters

15 Sep 2178, Garaanis 20.5/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:41, Wed 20 May 2020.

OK, seems that we have accomplished the Mission, screw the 5 Gashiddas, we will jump back to Nagunismure, same spot we left from and refuel. I see no reason to wait around for any late joiners, especially if they are ready to move.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 256):

Fair. Except the Gashiddas seem to have no intention of letting you jump safely...they seem intent on keeping the range about 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:05, Wed 20 May 2020.

Put the planet between us and them, we are a good bit faster as well, so they can suck wind.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 258):

Fair. It will take about two hours to get back around the planet, since you were chasing them, but you are able to do so, the sudden reversal in direction catching them by surprise. Destination?

Nagunismure, same spot we left from and refuel.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 260):

"You are not concerned in the two weeks you are away they will not re-inforce it sir? Standard proceedure would be to increase defences where they were insufficient."

I am concerned, but it also takes time to re distribute ships and they were none too plentiful as I recall. Where would you have us go? The outer GG?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 262):

"There are four there. The outer would be their other guess, so I would suggest the other inner one to keep them guessing. Your are right, there were not a lot there, and they would not have had time to get more from Lemrukiri, but they may have moved them locally, and the other gas giants would be most likely donors in my opinion."

That is how I see it too.  You think we should risk GG #2 then.  It's all a guess, let's see how your guess works.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 264):

"Yes, sir, it is about who has the best guessing!"

A nervous week in hyperspace is justified when you exit hyperspace. They have indeed gone for re-inforcements: A Shamshir has joined the Gashiddas at each of the planets, but there are just 2 Gashiddas at this planet. Some others have three...

They do not seem keen on you leaving...the Shamshir launches half a wing of fighters, and they all form up at 200,000 miles.

Shamshir Destroyer Escort, 1.2 B Solars, 1000 dTons
(5G/Move:370, dDR:160, dHP:100, dTons of Cargo Space: 26.5),
56 Crew, 17 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 25
Weapons:6x Pulse, 15x Missiles,
90 dTon Hanger Bay

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,

Imperial Fighter, 20 M Solars, 10 dTons
25, 25, 25, 25, 25
(6G/Move:2650, dDR:33, dHP:25, dTons of Cargo Space: 0), Weapons:2x Missiles,

22 Sep 2178, Nagunishmure 19.8/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 0% fuel...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Sat 23 May 2020.

OK, so two Gashiddas and a Shamshir ... we go for fuel first, heading away from them. The Fighters can keep up, but the others will lag by various amounts.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 266):

Indeed the fighters could keep up, but without the cover of the larger ships, the decide not to. Forming with the Shamshir taking point, they launch missiles, which may not even have the range, and follow you towards the gas giant.

Indeed, once you are in the gas giant's clouds refuelling, they are able to enter orbit and catch up, sending in two more salvos, which you shoot down easily. Whilst the atmosphere does reduce the Beams range, the first wave of missiles burns up in the atmosphere, and the second wave is slowed so significantly that the target practice they present for the gunners makes it even easier than usual. You figure they have only 9 more salvoes left...and they certainly know it!

They try to launch one more salvo to greet you as you leave, but once again, the beams are more than a match for them. You figure you would have to run by at least an hour to get far enough away to jump, but it will take another 8 hours before you have enough fuel refined to jump without risk. You may, of course, attempt a jump immediately using unrefined fuel, but this will require all four jump rolls to be made, with a -2 penalty to skill.

Shamshir Destroyer Escort, 1.2 B Solars, 1000 dTons
(5G/Move:370, dDR:160, dHP:100, dTons of Cargo Space: 26.5),
56 Crew, 17 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 25
Weapons:6x Pulse, 15x Missiles,
90 dTon Hanger Bay

Gashidda Patrol Cruiser, 440 M Solars, 400 dTons
70, 70
(4G/Move:3250, dDR:90, dHP:70, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5),
Crew: 36, 19 in Gunnery/Flight/troops, Minimum 12
Weapons:3x Pulse, 9x Missiles, 3x Sandcasters,

Imperial Fighter, 20 M Solars, 10 dTons
25, 25, 25, 25, 25
(6G/Move:2650, dDR:33, dHP:25, dTons of Cargo Space: 0), Weapons:2x Missiles,

22 Sep 2178, Nagunishmure 19.8/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 100% unrefined fuel...

No reason to risk a problem, we head off to a distant jump point no one can beat us to or prevent us from jumping from...  should the fighters be so dumb as to leave the Shamshir, we'll deal with it as need be.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 268):

The fighters are not that dumb...and after two hours, the chase is clearly futile. They return to the Gas Giant they were guarding frustrated.

Where were you headed from here?

30 Sep 2178, destination 19.1/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 100% refined fuel...

Pakha, We'll try the 3rd GG.
Also give the young officer who spoke up on this last jump a 2500 credit bonus.
It pays to have good ideas.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 270):

Edit: The young officer is rather happy with the windfall, thanking you for the bonus, and prompting discussion about the next jump after Pakha, but all agree that Dishushashig needs to be the next target, though it is a binary system that seems an obvious place for Lemrukiri to lay in wait. Just two gas giants, but a number of smaller planets, some well beyond the gas giants' orbits. There is some disagreement between them about the safest place to jump to, split between jumping to one of the stars directly, where scooping the sparsely spread hydrogen would take longer, but take much less to refine as it is already hydrogen, or jumping to an outer planet, and using beams to melt the ice to convert it to fuel. Most agree that the gas giants will be most likely heavily patrolled.

The jump to Pakha is uneventful, and when you arrive, the two Gashiddas there head for the jump point, which they are not far from.

30 Sep 2178, Pakha 19.1/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 50% refined fuel...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Sun 24 May 2020.

Cyril votes for close to the star ... he doubts there will be any patrols to close to that...  we will scoop a full tank and then jump, processing the new stuff in route to Rikshanim where we will try GG #2.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 272):

You set Dishushashig smaller star as the next jump point. The pilot pulls out of the gravitational pull quickly enough (rolled for him, about 8 under skill!) and you enter an orbit of the star to refuel. If any of the patrols at the planets have noticed you, they show no signs. There are actually full wings of Gashiddas at both Gas Giants (a Vilani wing is 10 craft), with half wings at some of the other planets with ice that could be used as fuel.

You have plenty of time as you gather the gasses for refuelling to determine the next jump point. Rikshaniim has just one star, but 4 gas giants. Selecting one relatively close to the colony, you find that the patrols are finally starting to thin out. The two Gashiddas at the now deserted colony do not depart, though you do notice an increase in radio communications soon after your arrival.

The way back to Seru now seems clear. You wonder if the massive fleet you saw at Garaanis could possibly have arrived yet...

14 Oct 2178, Rikshaniim 17.7/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 50% refined fuel...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:36, Sun 24 May 2020.

Only if they are faster than we are... getting that fleet their faster then we are moving would take Jump 3

Seru has always been well manned by these twits. We will jump thru (come out away from things and then jump again to Giri).

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 274):

Seru had been well manned, but on arrival, you find that Girii has again raided them, but this time taken control and set things up. I assume you refuelled before departing Rikshaniim, then.

On arrival in Seru at a more distant barren planet, you find that there are the following ships, waiting to ambush the jump point:

AK Export Cruiser x 2
Vegan Class Light Carrier x 2
Kidashi Class Cruiser x 3
Kargash Light Cruiser x 50
Urima Class Frigates x 10
Escort Gashiddas x 100

At the nearby Gas Giant are the pirate fleet:

Modified Aasha, Silverbeards Command Cruiser
Modified Merrishmer x 2, including Excaliber
Dissident Shamshirs x 5 (If gloria want to join this, we might just need to hold things here until she gets there...
Pirate Gashiddas x 10
Escort Gashiddas x 4

The massive spherical cruisers stand out, though the fleet seems small in comparison to the massive fleet of over 500 ships you had seen departing from Garaanis.

You notice a number of familiar ships here as well. The pirate fleet, now with the massive modified Aasha Silverbeard uses for his command ship, waits at the gas giant, flanked with the two modified Merrishmer class ships. Further, there seem to be a strange cloud of motionless fighters surrounding the planet.

You are about 23 days travel from the Colony, and 16 days travel from the pirate fleet at the gas giant.

21 Oct 2178, Rikshaniim 17.0/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 50% refined fuel...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:58, Sun 24 May 2020.

We check to see who is in charge, and relay our scout report to Silverbeard and the Girii Admiral, we then move on to Girii.




OOC - Gloria can miss this, she is becoming disillusioned and inclined to find other tasks ... the Supposed charge against her is weighing heavy and she wants out of Girii and any Vilani influenced space for a while ... maybe a long while. Having Excalibur taken from her is also a burr under her saddle. [although I the Player don't want it back]   Lastly, she hasn't had a steady lay in quite a while and is hungry for an acceptable male companion.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 276):

The report is received with somewhat concern. The number of Vegans and heavy close range combatants, as well as the number of extremely fast Urima, is cause for great worry.

At your intention to depart for Girii, you asked if you would like to wait for the battle, which is likely to take place within a week, in order to report back.

[OOC: Ok, I can post a report of what happens. With regards to Gloria, there is a lot riding on this battle, as history is normally written by the victors. Of course, having said that, there is a limit to how much she can actually contribute. From a GMs perspective, what sort of tasks do you want to take her to do?]

In reply to Fate (msg # 277):

My orders are to report to Girii... I am willing to return thereafter.



OOC - I [the player] am tiring of " Go here, fight, go there, fight" so looking for something different for a change. Will probably keep MF and maybe have it altered slightly, depending on how much we manage to eke out of this trip. Maybe she can interact with Kamuria and get them to close an eye to trade coming from places unknown, if it benefits them.

Obviously Dikaku might be worth another visit ... and surely the Pirates would like to know that 100 of their own (sort of) are held there.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 278):

"I know. I gave the request, and the report is for the fleet. You have succeeded, and we will redistribute our forces into one location given the size of their fleet. It is bigger and different from what we expected, so the warning is vital.

All the same, I would request you at least delay until the enemy fleet arrives, so that if we fail, you can leave and warn Girii of what to expect. With you being rather distant, I doubt they will send much to that location you cannot handle."

[OOC: Yes, the space combat is getting a little monotonous... hence the introduction of the mass combat for boarding. But actually, the dodgy drive is an excuse to try a bitof a survival game...get you stuck, send JJ away for help and survive for a few weeks on an 'abandoned' planet...but you are playing it too safe! Couple of other things I am thinking about...

a) Head to 2229, large TL7 world, to get involved in politics there (Peacefully or taking command, or taking on, armies)
b) Head to 2231, large TL5 world, to get involved in politics there (Peacefully or taking command, or taking on, armies)
c) Head to one of the numerous colonies to assist in colonisation.
d) Get involved in exploration (though this is getting boring quick too.)

In all these options, the details can be widely varied. The local worlds you want to try to break down factions to get people either united for you, of so greatly divided against you that they are no threat. Despite the TL difference, the aim in both cases is to win loyalty from as many as possible. Thoughts?]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:33, Mon 25 May 2020.

As You wish, where would you have me hold out?  By a far jump point or closer in where I can assist on the flank.

Cyril now recognizes the voice of the person who sent him on this mission.

OOC - How about we move the Gloria discussion to her PMs... I should have done it in the first place.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 280):

"Anywhere distant. looking at the forces involved, I would not expect you to make a big difference. If they have forces to send your way, be ready to jump."

The Administrator only became involved when you declared your determination to return.

As you wish

 Cyril puts himself in a jump ready position as close to the expected point of entry as he dares, he deploys the 3 AK mixed fighters with their missiles, so they can launch at the first ships coming out of hyperspace from an unexpected direction.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 282):



I assume you start travelling in then towards the colony?

I was looking to find a place from which I could observe and contribute 6 missiles from an unexpected direction before withdrawing away from any danger ... IIRC, only fighters can out run me and I have a solution for them if they get close ... we can handle a fairly sizable missile swarm.

In reply to Fate (msg # 283):

You are simply too far away, and frankly, even the fighters from the support group can send a swarm of over 1,000 missiles. Not even the entire pirate fleet can deal with the support forces...

As you are approaching, you notice a pair of Line freighters arrive from Girii. They land, and soon their cargo of heavy fighters launch and move to the fleet at the jump point, bolstering what is clearly a large number of others already there. It would seem the massive production lines of the last year producing heavy fighters have been for this moment. You also notice a number of smaller balls around the planet which you do not recognize, but they do not seem mobile.

It is the 29 October 2178 before the enemy fleet finally arrives. The first group arrives at the Gas Giant nearest to the colony. Consisting of 5 Aasha class cruisers escorting 2 massive Erasharshi assault carriers, and flanked by 20 Sharrukin Fleet tankers and 140 Shamshirs, they begin launching their fighters immediately. But everyone knows this is just the side show. These are not front line fighters.

At Seru colony jump point to and from Amkun, the combined fleets of the Pirates and Girii are waiting, consisting of the following ships:

AK Export Cruiser x 2
Vegan Class Light Carrier x 2
Kidashi Class Cruiser x 3
Modified Aasha x 1
Modified Merrishmer x 2
Kargash Light Cruiser x 50
Dissident Shamshirs x 5
Urima Class Frigates x 10
Pirate Gashiddas x 10
Escort Gashiddas x 104
350  Dissident Fighters
1321 Seru Heavy Fighters, including many based on the planet.

when the following arrive out of hyperspace:

Deraanasa Battle Cruiser
Kidashi Class Cruiser x 20
Vegan Class Light Carrier x 35
Merishmirr Cruiser x 40
Kargash Light Cruiser x 100
Urima Class Frigates x 90

They promptly launch 6,400 fighters and approximately 25 thousand missiles, while the  the Giriian reception responds with 16 thousand missiles of their own, moving into position to attack as well. The Urima Frigates bore the brunt of that initial arrival, with 30 being crippled or destroyed on arrival. The Deraanasa led the Kidashi to form up first, covering the Kargash and the Vegan carriers. Of the massive cloud of 6,400 fighters, 600 were specifically point defence craft, while the rest unleashed a massive cloud of nearly 27,000 missiles. Whether some were nuclear is not known, because none ever reached their destination as the two heavy Export Cruisers took point and exchanged rounds with the the Heavy enemy cruiser fleet: two against 21. But it was not as unbalanced as it seemed: the armour of the Export cruisers seemed impenetrable as it exchanged rounds with the Shululsish flagship, taking some time to disable the the Spinal Cannon as well as the Heavy particle cannon of the Kidashi fleet, and using their speed to duck forward into beam range, picking off the thin skinned fighters with beams while they sniped at the bigger guns with the particle cannon, before ducking back into the protection of their own fleets point defences. Some missiles did get through the screen, but were unable to penetrate the armour.

Being covered by the high speed Urima class escorts, the Shululsish Kidashi exchanged fire for over 11 hours on the Export Cruisers without effect, but once the Shululsish main guns were disabled, the AK Cruisers went to work on the thin skinned escorts. Despite the exchange, the Shululsish ships were unable to disable the cruisers’ guns or draw them out where they would be vulnerable to consistent missile fire. As such, the few missiles that did hit it were conventional ones and were ineffective, unable to pierce the armour, before the cruisers finally put paid to the Urima escorts and the small point defence fighters.

The next wave of missiles from the Girii finally found the point defences wanting. Smashing into the Vilani fleet, many of the massive ships were damaged or destroyed, taking a significant number of carriers out of action, and their point defences with them. The Vilani fleet began to break up, and the badly damaged Flagship headed to the jump point.

The Export cruisers pressed forward with the attack, successfully damaging the jump drive of the enemy flagship, but at great cost. Drawing the enemy fleet back into missile range of the Girii fleet by offering themselves as bait, they were targetted by a large volley of missiles. But the Vilani were saving the Nukes for this occasion, and while the regular missiles were not able to penetrate the armour, several nuclear tipped missiles were included in the swarm launched at the cruisers before they could retreat back to the point defences of the rest of the fleet. Several nukes hit the until now invincible cruisers, and they were finally destroyed.

Despite their losses, the missile storm unleashed by the rest of the Girii fleet, now drawn in close enough to the combined fleet that they could not withdraw and now without the point defences of the Urima class, were wiped out within 40 minutes. The fleet that came to the gas giant saw this and reversed course, back to the jump point while collecting their fighters. The combined fleet lost the flagship when it was successfully boarded, as were a number of other vessels.

Total losses were, for the invaders, 1x Deraanasa Battle Cruiser (captured), 35x Vegan Class Light Carrier (6 captured or repaired), 20x Kidashi Class Cruiser (4 recovered), 40x Merishmirr Cruiser (18 recovered), 100x Kargash Light Cruiser (11 captured and 36 recovered), 90x Urima Frigates (23 recovered) and 5,800 fighters, (4500 captured). Whilst not the entirety of the force that had captured Nusku, it was certainly many of the key elements. Only the Erasharshi and the support ships, wisely sent to the Gas Giant, were able to escape after recalling their massive number of fighters, but without the front line units, these did not pose such a threat.

Cyril and crew take careful note and video of what transpires, before heading to Girii with the news. The Nuclear missiles used on the two AK battle cruisers is a significant matter. (assume both were destroyed?)
Kugelblitz jumps to Girii with news of the expensive victory.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 286):

The two ships are quite destroyed, but yes, the use of nuclear weapons against other Vilani is against Imperial law. The evidence will no doubt be interesting.

You arrive at Girii a week later with news of the victory. The loss of the new Cruisers is disheartening, but the resounding defeat of the enemy fleet is cause for celebration.

06 Nov 2178 Girii 15.6/25 dTons of Supplies, 210 missiles (7 dTon), 0.7 dTon/week, 50% refined fuel...

Cyril also relays all this information to AK 's offices for transmission to Aegir. He asks if they are building any more AK Cruisers.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 288):

The AK Export Cruisers were actually constructed under licence by Girii at Iishuni, and that is why it was the first location attacked in this Civil war. There is currently a much larger ship, a capital ship under construction there, but this is against Imperial law as it exceeds 20,000 dTon, and all warships over 20,000 dTons are to be under direct Imperial control, so this may be an issue.

The AK Offices are naturally very interested in the events, and ask for a copy of the battle recording. There are a lot of people very interested in recordings, for that matter...

Once the AK Offices see the footage, they ask about getting a copy sent to Terra by the fastest way they could find. You are asked if you are going that direction...

I have no orders either way, but I serve Kalishnakov Enterprises. I can run to Aegir with this and get the bosses chop on that mission. We'll go from there, good by you?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 290):

The AK Manager here is pretty sure that will be cleared...the advertising for his design is reason enough, but they will also want to know about the destruction of that fleet and the likelihood of this war ending soon.

The Girii administration is also happy with that plan.

OK, I'll head to Aegir with the news and your proposed mission.  Terra may want a proposal and a way to obtain these ships.
I suggest building one or two on speculation, but that is not my decision to make.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 292):

"We have a ship under construction based on the Heavy AK Cruiser already under construction, though it will be another two years before it is finished. But with their defeat, we are probably able to mount a counter-attack soon that will render the matter mute by the time the ship is finished."

Aegir is four weeks away...do you want to head there?

Yes, if you want me to go to Terra, I have to go through there... I assume the way is clear after the debacle.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 294):

"Oh, I would assume so! From the losses in the Video, they don't have much left! They even lost a borrowed fleet!"

Maybe you should push back into your original holdings. I am sure you would be welcomed. and the large supply of used ship parts floating around should be a gold mine of sorts.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 296):

"Oh, I am sure the fleet is busy collecting parts, and we will send more freighters to help with the cleanup, as well as relocating many of the survivors. I am sure that Lashgimaamrishuk will be visited by the fleet on their way to Lemrukiri. If the government on the way there will not bow to pressure, then a siege may well be in order, leaving the pirate fleet to siege Garaanis. The Military Bases are strong in combat, but their storage is wanting, meaning they are reliant on Space control. If they have lost that, the Bases become very vulnerable, so any fleet that can hold space superiority can control them. We intend to relocate their most loyal supporters to some of those remote worlds where they will be unable to gather supporters, as well as building up the worlds they laid waste."

That sounds most promising, may I relay those plans to those I may visit in Terra?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 298):

"Absolutely. If they move to take back Nusku, which I am sure they will, it will only aid our cause and push the Ishimkarun to accept us as legitimate. I doubt they will want to send the Imperial fleet here, as I hear they are already having issues with some barbarians coreward."

Barbarians? that term grows meaningless as everyone not like them becomes a barbarian.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 300):

"That is true. However, these other barbarians, according to our diplomats who visited their court recently, enjoy fighting more than Terrans. Fortunately, they seem further away from here, but it does apply pressure to the Imperial court to ensure that the rest of the empire is more at peace. That works in your favour, as well as keeping the Grand Fleet busy, I am told."

I see, that too may be of interest to Terra. We learned long ago that trade is far more lucrative than war, but politicians can never remember that. Of course they talk but don't fight like your leaders do, perhaps if they did, they would do more to avoid wars.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 302):

"Don't get me wrong: the Vilani Empire is very much against war. But is seems we have it come to us. The barbarians corewards do not seem as interested in negotiations as you Terrans, which is probably why you are not seen as such a threat. You asked for peace after Nusku was conquered...it may not be for long, but even if you restart hostilities, most in the court will understand at least that you are reclaiming what you believe to be yours. But these barbarians just seem to fight for sport...the court does not understand why they fight, so they do not know how to deal with them."

Understood, I will convey all this. is there anything you wish me to bring to Mr Kalishnakov?  If not, I will be on my way.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 304):

He smiles.

"Just our gratitude. His designs have brought him considerable money, but they also enabled us to  defeat a much more powerful foe. It is indeed a mutually beneficial relationship. Godspeed."