Welcome to The Kushana Initiative, a play-by-council game. As I play, I'll be posting regular reports and leaving the direction of the game up to those who have chosen to join the council. The planning topic for all discussion leading up to this game and continuing out-of-character discussion can be found here: Play by committee? (Kushana Initiative Planning and Discussion)
Of particular interest is the post detailing the back story for the whole game: Back Story
A summary of gameplay:
- Regular council sessions to take place every game quarter. I'll be posting each quarterly report and any pertinent information, including the UP vote every year, at which time the council will decide the course of action. Essentially, I'll be playing in 12 turn blocks and coming back for direction.
- Between sessions councilors are free to request additional info and entertain any discussion. This includes calling votes and modifying directions.
- The council is comprised of those who took part in the planning discussion. Others may request to join the council, but please read the background material and post a request before joining in. Requests to join should be posted in the planning and discussion thread linked above.
- This topic is for quarterly reports and in-character discussion only. Off topic and out-of-character discussion should be posted in the planning and discussion thread.
The Current Council:
- qrtxian
- NikolaiOmega
- noctilucus
- Talonschild
Inactive Councilors
- LordCarlos
- TMS2224
- -__- (May be addressed as SarcFa)
- Mambaman
Rules of Voting:
1) The ballot should list the issues and have a place for councilors to sign either FOR or AGAINST a measure. (the council or balloteer can decide the exact terms)
2) Councilors should copy the ballot from the last person who voted and add their signatures. No need to rewrite the ballot and no chance for it to be changed in transcription.
3) Make your arguments in a separate space. Don't break up the ballot with comments after each item.
4) Once a vote is cast, it is cast. No changing votes or editing the ballot. Listen to arguments before voting and consider your decisions wisely.
5) To get an issue on the ballot, it should be proposed and seconded. The exact wording/nature of the issue should then be established.
6) Amendments/Addenda - I see these as separate sub-issues. Maybe list them under the main issue and vote separately?
Galaxy Conditions:
Our Competition:
A good mix of opponents. I purposely left out the Terrans and Altarians. Not only am I kinda sick of them, but they would mess up the story. I see the Tolmekians as more neutral, so theres 3 good, 3 evil, and 2 other neutrals. Also note the difficulty - the AI has a 20% economics bonus. Not only that, but I customized each opponent and made sensible ability and politics choices rather than let the computer randomize it. I expect some stiff competition.
Custom Race - The Kushana Initiative:
You'll see that I swapped the PQ bonus for 20% morale. Given the conditions, I want our people happy and making us money! I also did my best to spice up the ships, but that's pretty much it.
That should be it for the start. Now to get into it!
Research
Research Academies: 6, 2, 4
Sensors IV: 3, 4, 6
Alliances: 2, 3, 2
Lasers: 4, 1, 1
Expert Diplomacy: 1, 5, 5
Medium Scale Building: 5, 6, 3
Foreign Relations
Establish treaties with Krynn: +, +, +,
Naming Rights
Councilors may submit names for capital ships and starbases. Names will be issued by lottery, or as appropriate.
Starbase Names: No preference
Capital Ships: No Preference
Councilor Signature: SarcFa, qrtxian, Mambaman
Research Academies: 6, 2, 4, 3
Sensors IV: 3, 4, 6, 6
Alliances: 2, 3, 2, 4
Lasers: 4, 1, 1, 2
Expert Diplomacy: 1, 5, 5, 5
Medium Scale Building: 5, 6, 3, 1
Establish treaties with Krynn: +, +, +, +
Starbase Names: Auxilium Stathmós
Capital Ships: Nrxll L’qrt, Q’rjllxk N’x’kl, Zqxrtl’q R’xtlq
Councilor Signature: SarcFa, qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus
Research Academies: 6, 2, 4, 3, 3
Sensors IV: 3, 4, 6, 6, 5
Alliances: 2, 3, 2, 4, 2
Lasers: 4, 1, 1, 2, 6
Expert Diplomacy: 1, 5, 5, 5, 1
Medium Scale Building: 5, 6, 3, 1, 4
Establish treaties with Krynn: +, +, +, +, +
Starbase Names: Auxilium Stathmós, Kintone Station
Capital Ships: Nrxll L’qrt, Q’rjllxk N’x’kl, Zqxrtl’q R’xtlq,
Councilor Signature: SarcFa, qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega
Research Academies: 6, 2, 4, 3, 3, 6
Sensors IV: 3, 4, 6, 6, 5, 4
Alliances: 2, 3, 2, 4, 2, 3
Lasers: 4, 1, 1, 2, 6, 1
Expert Diplomacy: 1, 5, 5, 5, 1, 4
Medium Scale Building: 5, 6, 3, 1, 4, 2
Establish treaties with Krynn: +, +, +, +, +, +
Starbase Names: Auxilium Stathmós, Kintone Station, Richmond Station, Yorktown Station
Capital Ships: Nrxll L’qrt, Q’rjllxk N’x’kl, Zqxrtl’q R’xtlq, Virginia, Yorktown, Richmond, Alexandria, Defiant, Enterprise, Excel
Councilor Signature: SarcFa, qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, TMS2224
Tallybot 5202:
Input data . . .
Analyzing . . .
Compiling results . . .
Generating report . . .
Voting Results
Councilors Responding: 6
Lasers: 4, 1, 1, 2, 6, 1 - (15)
Alliances: 2, 3, 2, 4, 2, 3 - (16)
Expert Diplomacy: 1, 5, 5, 5, 1, 4 - (21)
Medium Scale Building: 5, 6, 3, 1, 4, 2 - (21)
Research Academies: 6, 2, 4, 3, 3, 6 - (24)
Sensors IV: 3, 4, 6, 6, 5, 4 - (28)
Establish treaties with Krynn: +, +, +, +, +, + - Pass 6-0
Transmitting results to Exterra Command . . .
Transmission complete.
***INCOMING TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
***FROM: COMMANDER MEKOIDES, EXTERRA COMMAND***
***TO: INITIATIVE COUNCILORS AND ROYALTY, TOLMEKIA PRIME***
***SUBJECT: QUARTERLY REPORT, OCTOBER 01, 2229***
Cmdr Mekoides:
It is with a sense of pride that I bring you this quarter's report, councilors. Pride in our accomplishments and what the Initiative has become. Over the past twelve weeks Initiative colony ships have expanded our holdings by a full fifty percent, bringing the number of planets under our control from twenty-four to thirty six. With these acquisitions, the expansion phase of the Initiative is well and truly finished. There remain only two unclaimed planets known to us. One will be ours within the week. The other is distant enough to warrant only slim hope that we may reach it in time. There are very likely to be other unclaimed worlds, but the chances of our finding and laying claim to them are rapidly fading.
In fact, it seems that the entire galaxy has shifted from expansion of borders to the assertion of might and influence. We're certainly no exception. Having rebuffed an extortion attempt by the Yor, we now find ourselves in a culture war with the Iconians over a pair of frontier planets in close proximity to each other. Our conflict with the Iconians has led to a significant departure from our research plan, aimed at countering their expansion into our territory. Dr. Malar will explain further, though I will note that the shift in research required a substantial diversion of funding from other development.
Military development continues throughout the galaxy. Most now have a defensive fleet of some sort. The military might of the Thalans has surged, far surpassing all others. Our own military standing has diminished, in part due to the funding shift. We are still well positioned, but face significant challenges going forward. Our friends the Gnolams and Trilarian, among others, find themselves in a position where they have to pay tribute to avoid hostilities; while open warfare has broken out with the Iconians moving against the Drengin. We doubt either side has the means to actually carry the war to their enemy, but tensions between the two will remain for some time.
There are other items of import, such as an economic boom and establishment of new trade routes, but I will leave those to the staff and move forward with the report.
The quarterly report and galactic map. I'll present a more detailed map at the end of the report. You can see on the report that our ranking has dropped along with our military standing. The Drengin are the lowest on the list that we believe to have any type of military capability. Notice that the Krynn have yet to establish any defensive fleet. This leaves them vulnerable right in the center of a volatile region.
To help the council better understand our position in the galaxy, here is the colony count from the beginning of the last quarter to the beginning of the present quarter. The Initiative has made a great leap, becoming a major power. Omitted are the native races, who each control from 3 to 5 planets.
Here are the various notices of extortion and war. The Iconians are obviously assuming a fairly aggressive stance at this point.
With that, I'll let the staff present their material before coming back with the summary.
***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
Dr. Markus Malar
As the commander said, councilors, the research plan was shelved in the face of emergent circumstances. We did perfect Advanced Hulls and started work on Xinathium Hull Plating on Fortuna. After that, we were drawn into confrontation with the Iconians and shifted our efforts to block their intrusion. There were two situations that required different technological developments.
The first case involves the frontier planets in the center of the galaxy. Having received Radioactive World Colonization from the Krynn, we diverted the outbound freighter discussed last session to claim one of the two radioactive worlds of Fivel and Pelagon. During the lengthy process of converting the ship and obtaining a colonization charter from the UP, the Iconians and Thalans rushed into the area. The Iconians claimed Fivel. We expected the Thalans would claim Pelagon, but they were so caught up in dispute with the Iconians that we were able to move in while they were distracted. Since the worlds are only one parsec distant, we decided to push our cultural advantage by pursuing Fertility Acceleration. By increasing our population growth we plan to sway the Iconians on Fivel to our cause through overwhelming numbers. You can also see two inbound ships on the screen. Those are colony ships bearing 500m colonists each.
Fivel and Pelagon. We have taken advantage of the economic boom to pour resources into developing Pelagon. Already we have a Cultural Exchange Center and two Fertility Clinics. With further development and the arrival of the new colonists, we should be able to turn Fivel before long.
The second case involves the detection of an Iconian colony ship inbound to a planet deep in our territory. The planet has a toxic atmosphere, so development of a Toxic Atmosphere Reductor went to the top of our priority list. Finishing all required research required the majority of our funding - some 70-80%. Now that we're done, funding can return to more balanced levels.
I imagine the council will be pleased to know that our Technological Capital is up and running. We were able to speed construction considerably with our economic surplus. DS17 now has research output equivalent to 32 research centers when adding productivity from the capital, precursor labs, nearby starbases, and our resident scientist.
The current research options. Everything from last session is still open for research. Times shown reflect a return to balanced funding levels and should give a reasonable estimate of what we can accomplish next quarter.
Viceroy Gunray:
It is my pleasure to address the council again. We are in the midst of an economic boom, which we believe is due largely to the decrease in uncertainty on a galactic scale. With most planets claimed, numerous treaties signed, and trade ships crisscrossing the galaxy, investors are rushing to get a stake in continuing development. We can't accurately predict when this upturn will slow, but we are working to prevent a bubble effect that could lead to a recession.
Our own finances have benefited greatly. We were able to significantly reduce taxes and still maintain tremendous revenue levels.
During the economic upswing, we were able to conclude our negotiations with the Krynn. You can see on the earlier screen just how much benefit we reap from our economic treaty with them. In my estimation, the Krynn have become our most valuable partners. We would do well to cultivate relations with them.
Our outbound freighter arrived at the Gnolams homeworld. We also received another freighter from the Thalans. They, too, have become a valuable partner, with 3 trade routes established and another freighter due on Exterra within the week.
With our final outbound freighter converted for colonization, I would like to request the chartering of additional trade vessels. I understand the need to bolster our fleet, but the distance we need to cover is great. The sooner we can launch new freighters the better.
***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***
Minister Sune:
Apologies for my absence from the last session, councilors. I was called away on matters of a sensitive nature. I am happy to report that our intelligence networks have expanded considerably since my return. We now have a high level of infiltration into every major power except the Drengin and Torians. We expect that it won't be long before our agents achieve similar success with those two. We have also benefited from the economic boom. Increased espionage spending has allowed us to reach a total of twelve agents in the field.
Now let's review some basic information about the state of affairs in the galaxy.
Treaties and relations. Most major treaties have been established by now. Trade also seems to be fairly well established.
Our relations are a mixed bag. We enjoy warm relations with the Torians, Thalans, and Korx, while the Drengin, Yor, and Iconians have been less receptive to us. The Krynn and Drath remain neutral.
Statistical data from the last quarter.
Important developments, including our own Technological Capital.
If I may suggest, councilors, now that we have extensive intelligence networks set up, we do have enough agents that we could deploy them against our strategic rivals. With all the concern about the Thalans, we could perhaps single out some critical pieces of infrastructure to target. It wouldn't be much, but the option is there.
Minister Andimus:
I'll get right to the details. Though we've been able to use the economic boom to speed development in some areas, the focus on research has slowed development across the board. Add to that the fact that a third of our colonies suffer weak production due to their extreme environments, and it's a wonder we accomplish anything at all. That said, we have made steady progress. A number of our smaller economic planets have reached full development and shifted focus to research. Our larger planets that have reached full development have either constructed Weather Control Zeniths or are working on them presently. With a return to normal funding levels, we'll see a corresponding spike in production levels.
Our colonies have been doing well. Taxes have been lowered to such a point that approval ratings have soared. Birth rates have increased and people flock to join the republic.
A few of our planets have reached peak population, with others soon to follow. Pursuing advances in Xeno Farming would allow us to support more citizens on our colonies, increasing our tax base and galactic influence.
A cataclysmic explosion was witnessed by a converted colony ship of ours just before claiming an aquatic world in the Kwilas system. Kwilas is one of two aquatic planets that we managed to claim between Korx and Yor space. They will develop slowly, but will provide a foothold for us to project our power into that region.
And that projection of power is already taking effect, as an asteroid mining base broke away from the Korx to supply one of our colonies. Two others are set to follow.
Minister Sulimon:
Greetings councilors. I just wanted to provide a quick update on our starbase operations. The suggested names have been taken down and already two of them have been applied.
While on the way to Drengin space, the Farscape discovered yet another source of morale boosting compounds, along with a heavy gravity planet. It was decided that the resource would benefit the republic more than a single planet, so the Farscape was converted to establish a mining operation. The new base has been named Auxilium Stathmos. The existing base seen right of center on the second screen has been named Yorktown Station. Also visible are Kwilas, the other aquatic colony, a Korx reserach base, and the Yor Military mine.
That pretty well wraps up the report for this session. As promised, I have an annotated galactic map showing the extent of our territories.
The borders here represent, for the most part, the final extent of the various galactic powers. Our best estimate is that there may be up to a dozen or so unclaimed planets remaining. After those are settled, anyone wishing to expand their reach must do so at the expense of another. I think we're already seeing the first stages of future conflict unfold.
Our mining starbases are labeled by name in the color corresponding to their resource. Our lone military and three economic starbases are also shown. The green dots represent our recently colonized planets with extreme environments, sixteen in all. We've managed to establish a foothold in the galactic center, along with everyone except the Drath and Drengin. Strengthening our position there is essential to projecting any power and influence beyond our core systems.
In light of increasing tensions across the region, we believe it is in our best interests to take an active role in countering the influence and aggression of our competitors. We have already moved to counter Iconian expansion and will continue to defend our territory. We recommend making utmost use of our extensive influence. You saw on Minister Sune's chart that we've emerged as the cultural leader in the galaxy. Our way of life resonates with the people. It may not take much to sway entire planets to our side, given the right circumstances.
We can also provide a more tangible, yet still indirect, counter by supporting our friends against aggression. In particular the Krynn, Gnolams, and Trilarian. We have lucrative arrangements with all of them and it is only good for us that they prosper. The Trilarian and Gnolams control few planets and are already under pressure from larger neighbors. The Krynn are a major power, but have fallen behind in military technology and have no fleet. We recommend providing all possible support to all three, up to and including weapons, equipment, trade, and proprietary technologies such as the Nano Recorders. In essence, we propose treating them as valued partners and potential allies.
This can work to the benefit of all parties. The economic boom has left many with vast surplus. We can sell weapons technology to the Krynn for a good profit that we can then put into our own development. We suggest providing them the Toxic Atmosphere Reductor as a gift to improve relations. We can work toward similar deals with the Gnolams and Trilarian.
OOC note - the AI puts zero value on colonization techs. As you can see, they wouldn't pay even a single bc for the TAR.
I'd also like to discuss some potential trades with other powers not so close to us. The Viceroy usually presents trade proposals, but the delicate nature of these exchanges warrants special consideration.
The Thalans have a couple very appealing technologies. Impulse Drive would allow for faster travel (+1 bonus and better engines), and their Xeno Anthroplogy studies would provide great benefits. We realize that any exchange with the Thalans is something of a deal with the devil at this point, but they are the only real choice for these technologies. The Drath are the only others with Impulse Drive, but they trade very aggressively. We could present their terms, if the council likes, but they are steep.
Other potential trades. Please note that these are not necessarily the final proposals, but they show the technologies we would most like to obtain and the prices we would have to pay for them.
Also note that we are past the point of being able to offer only trivial technologies in exchange. If we want to bargain, we have to provide something of substance.
We do strongly support the trade with the Torians, though we could perhaps offer some different technology. We haven't yet offered any of our unique techs, but we could possibly arrange a better deal if we take into account the kind of abilities all the techs confer. The techs we could obtain from the Torians are very beneficial and would take a combined 37 weeks for us to research. We also recommend obtaining Advanced Barren Colonization from the Yor. The ability to speed development on Fondor is a very strong argument, not even considering our other barren worlds. For the Iconians, it's take it or leave it. Habitat Improvement is a good choice, and Enhanced Miniaturization not only would allow improved ships, but also allows for construction of Micro Repair Bots.
OOC - I mean, I haven't offered the unique techs because they're pretty good; but since we're starting to offer some pretty good normal techs, we could consider what uniques we'd be willing to trade.
With that, we'll turn it over to the council for discussion. There's a lot to consider before we move forward.
***END TRANSMISSION***
Esteemed assembly,
It was a very pleasant surprise to see our colony count compared to the other powers, from the galaxy map I would have thought us to be rather somewhere in the middle. However some of our colonies are isolated and we should remain vigilant for any signs of foreign cultural influence by our neighbours.In addition our radioactive and toxic worlds are not working on full efficiency yet due to the harsh environmental conditions so we should not count ourselves rich just yet.The news that our Technological Capital is up and running is truly excellent.Speaking about research, I believe our main priorities remain unchanged with Medium Scale Building, Lasers and Research Academies being the first that come to mind.Through trading we can improve our cultural influence (xeno anthropology)I definitely agree that the Krynn look like our most favourable ally, even if their stance towards us is neutral at the moment (surprising in light of our various treaties): not only do we benefit strongly from their economic and research treaty towards us, location-wise they don't border on us so there is virtually no risk of a border war erupting between us.I do hope they will build a military force soon so that they will remain a strong ally. I would agree to the Commander's idea to sell some of the more basic weapon technologies to the Krynn, as well as the Gnolams and Trilarian as these two will never pose a serious military threat to us.Regarding the suggestion to deploy agents against the Thalans, I would be inclined to agree though even disabling critical buildings such as a technological or manufacturing capital may not be sufficient to bring them down from their position as strongest military and economic force at this point.Targeting economical buildings wouldn't be a valuable use of our assets since all races are experiencing an economic boom.While xeno anthropology is a crucial technology in assuring our foothold on our more distant colonies, I would rather not give xeno industrial theory to the Thalans as it would further strengthen their military potential. Would it be possible to replace it with more cash and still get our hands on xeno anthropology and impulse drive?From the other trading possibilities, the ones with the Iconians look promising. I would consider trading away advanced computing and research centers too steep a price in return for advanced colonization technologies that will only benefit a limited number of our colonies. Planetary invasion in itself is valuable knowledge yet not of immediate use to us and for me personally, therefore not worth giving the Torians such a big boost in research.I'd rather offer some of our unique technologies, instead of those that further increase their research capabilities.
Yours sincerely,Councilor Noctilucus
***SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALPHA***
We have refined our trading proposals based on your excellent input, Councilor Noctilucus. I would consider these proposals more or less final.
First, let's review the technologies known only to us. They are very beneficial. We would be reluctant to trade away Int. Navigation, SubSpace Drive, or Xeno Entertainment, but for the right price everything should be considered.
With the Thalans, we took your suggestion to offer money instead of technologies. 2902bc is a modest sum given the current economic conditions, and a small price to pay compared to the technologies previously considered.
With the Torians, we altered our proposal significantly. We agree that Advanced Toxic Colonization was a poor choice. Not only will we only have 1 toxic world, but it also commands an unusually high price. We do, however, have 3 high quality, heavy gravity worlds that would benefit greatly from the advanced technology. Again we offered a modest sum instead of critical technologies.
Altering our proposal to the Torians allows us to consider other exchanges, particularly for some technology known only to them. Their Scientific Method Implementation and Nano Materials would provide a slight boost to research and military production (5%) and improve the hulls of our ships (2%).
We would still like to pursue an exchange for Planetary Invasion, but our friends the Krynn report that they will complete research later in the quarter and would be willing to consider an exchange.
With five barren worlds, including our proposed manufacturing capital, acquiring Advanced Barren World Colonization is a priority. Fortunately, the Yor are willing to share their technology at a fair price.
We scaled back our exchange with the Iconians to avoid giving them too much critical technology. Enhanced Logistics is a low priority at the time, but the other technologies have immediate applications for us.
Thank you for your input, councilors.
Councilors, commander.
My first remarks will be on the subject of our proposed trades. Firstly, I entirely support the trade with the Yor - the ability to fully develop our barren worlds is easily worth the price they request, which would be fair in any case. In addition, I consider at least some trade with the Torians well-advised, especially our proposed trade for Advanced Heavy Gravity Colonization. And of course, I agree wholeheartedly to supporting our possible allies, and attempting to build ties with the Krynn. Indeed, should we form alliances with any of these races, making sure they are able to defend themselves is a high priority. I suggest, though, that we hold back on trading with the Krynn until they have completed research on Planetary Invasion, a technology that would be best obtained through trade.
I remain skeptical, however, about the proposed trades with the Thalans and, especially, the Iconians. While the Thalan technologies offer significant advantages, as the commander notes dealing with the Thalans would be a deal with the "devil". The proposal to buy the technologies is acceptable, but I would firmly oppose any offer of our technologies - especially our unique technologies - to the Thalans.
The Iconians are an even more severe concern. They appear to be emerging as one of the galaxy's most aggressive species, and even under the proposed trade, we are offering them a significant amount of our technologies. I would also note that at this moment, Extended Life Support is not an urgent priority, as most if not all available worlds have been claimed. What are their necessary conditions for trading the other two technologies?
In regards to research, I highly recommend that we focus on development technologies such as Manufacturing Centers and/or Research Labs, and weapons and defense technologies. I would also like to ask our current ability to equip our starbases with defenses - in light of the growing political turmoil, it seems a necessary precaution.
On the subject of that political turmoil, I would like to make a few remarks. Firstly, the Iconian declaration of war against the Drengin suggests that they were manipulated by a third party - almost certainly the Drath. This only further emphasizes our need to keep good relations with the Drath. As for the war itself, I recommend we remain neutral, but if the Drengin request aid, we should at least consider offering some. It would potentially improve our poor relations with the Drengin, and the Iconians are clearly the more significant threat overall to our civilization. No significant help should be necessary under any circumstances - neither side appears able to pursue a long-range conflict.
I'd also like to inquire as to the staff's opinion of our future relationship to the Torians. While currently they appear underdeveloped, the commander's list of colonies indicates that they are on a level equal to us and the Thalans, and have the potential to become one of the great powers along with us. We have been pursuing a cautiously friendly policy towards the Thalans - I suggest we do the same with the Torians.
As far as the proposal to conduct espionage against the Thalans, I am somewhat dubious. While I trust there is little risk that any action we take can be traced back to us, in all probability our agents will be nullified in a short amount of time. Except for any Thalan targets that would be seriously affected by a short period of sabotage, I recommend against sending in our agents.
Finally, a request. While I hope that this remains hypothetical, there is now a distinct possibility that war may break out against one of the races we are closely involved with. Should this happen in between our meetings, I would propose that the council hold a special session to determine our response to the attack. While I do not advocate immediate declaration of war against the aggressor in such a situation, it would be best if the council was able to immediately react to such a situation, rather than remaining unable to intervene until up to several months later.
Thank you for your consideration, Councilor qrtxian. I'll do my best to address your concerns, taking them point by point.
Thalans
Trade with the Thalans is tricky, but the Sensor technologies we offer them aren't particularly beneficial. Soil Enhancement is certainly a valuable technology, but it is still the least dangerous technology we can offer after Sensors. Buying the technologies is beyond our current means. They ask 8500bc for both technologies. Even with both Sensor technologies, they still ask over 5500bc. We would much like the benefits of their Xeno Anthropology, but could be convinced to leave it. Impulse Drive, on the other hand, we consider essential to our long-term strategic goals. Of course, the Thalans realize this and ask 7779 for Impulse Drive alone, with Xeno Anthropology almost as an afterthought. All things considered, we fully support the proposed trade as it stands and will put it before the council.
As for any covert operations against the Thalans, we understand how difficult it would be to have any serious effect. Any targets would be carefully chosen for maximum effect.
Iconians
On the Iconians, we share your concerns about their aggression, but consider them a minor threat. Our analysts have suggested that a conflict with them could be turned to our advantage. Not that we advocate such conflict. In fact, the Iconians are so surrounded by competitors and enemies that we would expect minimal danger from them.
We can make a case for each of the technologies we hope to obtain from them. Habitat Improvement has immediate, obvious benefits, and the technology would also allow development of an Aphrodisiac that would boost population growth considerably. Enhanced Miniaturization would allow production of more potent warships and faster trade and survey vessels, and would also unlock the technique to produce Micro Repair Bots. Finally,Extended Life Support would help us further our reach. Even with our distant planets and starbases, we are unable to reach the core worlds of the Krynn or continue our search for the Trilarian. It is possible, however, that we could overcome our limitations by adding more support modules to our ships.
Torians
We agree with your assessment of the Torians. While maintaining cautiously friendly relations with them, we also share Councilor Noctilucus's concerns about strengthening their position. It may actually be to our benefit to see a strong Torian Confederation, though. Since they share a border with the Thalans, they could provide a counter to their influence and expansion.
Special Sessions
We have always felt that any matter such as you mentioned would warrant a special session to address our response. We will do our best to bring the council in on any critical and time-sensitive matter.
I guess i'm a little late to the conversation. I agree with councilor qrtxian in almost all points.
Every trade option seems alright. The trade options with the Iconians seem resonable.
Other than this i do not see what more can i add.
(Wow , an underwhelming return )
I am good with everything.
I'm in agreement with Councilor qrtxian, especially on the issue of starbase defenses. The trades look reasonable as well.
Commander Merkeiles speaks true: I support his proposals
G'Norlisk:
With no further ado, I present the ballot for this session.
There seems to be broad consensus on the direction of the research program - weapons, hulls, and production. Thus, it is proposed that Dr. Malar be allowed to pursue these aims as he sees fit. Should this proposal not pass, a supplemental research ballot will be presented. Councilors should feel free to suggest technologies that they would like Dr. Malar to consider.
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council:
Espionage
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise:
Technology Exchange
Sell weapons and other technologies to our fiends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian):
Proposed trade with Thalans:
Proposed trade with Iconians:
Proposed trade with Torians:
Proposed trade with Yor:
Foreign Aid
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request:
Councilor Signature:
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +
Sell weapons and other technologies to our fiends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +
Proposed trade with Thalans: -
Proposed trade with Iconians: +
Proposed trade with Torians: +
Proposed trade with Yor: +
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +
Note: I support providing aid in the form of technologies or money to the Drengin, but I would oppose giving them any of our ships.
Councilor Signature: qrtxian
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +, +
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +, +
Sell weapons and other technologies to our friends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +, +
Proposed trade with Thalans: -, -
Proposed trade with Iconians: +, +
Proposed trade with Torians: +, +
Proposed trade with Yor: +, +
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +, +
Councilor Signature: qrtxian, NikolaiOmega
I apologize for my absence in the discussion for this quarter councilors, but i had other matters to attend to. Carrying on, my votes.
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +, +, +
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +, +, 0
Sell weapons and other technologies to our friends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +, +, 0
Proposed trade with Thalans: -, -, 0
Proposed trade with Iconians: +, +, 0
Proposed trade with Torians: +, +, +
Proposed trade with Yor: +, +, 0
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +, +, 0
Councilor Signature: qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, SarcFa
With some delay due to other matters at hand, I have added my vote below to that of my fellow councilors:
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +, +, +, +
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +, +, 0, +
Sell weapons and other technologies to our friends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +, +, 0, +
Proposed trade with Thalans: -, -, 0, +
Proposed trade with Iconians: +, +, 0, -
Proposed trade with Torians: +, +, +, +
Proposed trade with Yor: +, +, 0, +
Note: I am surprised to see that little support for the trade with the Thalans, seeing that we can only get Xeno Anthropology from them and improving our propulsion technologies seems like a good idea when we might get entangled in a war soon
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +, +, 0, 0
Note: I would consider giving them technologies but at least explore the possibility of getting technologies and/or monetary compensation in return.
Councilor Signature:qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, SarcFa, Noctilucus
Allow Dr. Malar to direct research under advisement from the council: +, +, +, +, +
Conduct targeted espionage against Thalan interests should a prime opportunity arise: +, +, 0, +, +
Sell weapons and other technologies to our friends (Krynn, Gnolams, Trilarian): +, +, 0, +, +
Proposed trade with Thalans: -, -, 0, +, 0
Proposed trade with Iconians: +, +, 0, -, +
Proposed trade with Torians: +, +, +, +, +
Proposed trade with Yor: +, +, 0, +, +
Provide material aid to Drengin upon request: +, +, 0, 0, 0
Note: I do not think any sort of trade with the rapacious Drengi is advisable-for the record.....
Councilor Signature:qrtxian, NikolaiOmega, SarcFa, Noctilucus, Mambaman
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