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Total Members Voted: 10

[Hanzoku]

It also seems in Infinite Space that fleets are generally limited to certain mapped corridors between locations, which is why they could catch Yuri between two fleets in the first place.

[C-SH4M4N]

"fleet ahead, fleet behind. Guess we're screwed." no you moron, you still have left and right, not speaking of up and down! You're in freaking SPACE.

Do you recall that back in the Magellanic Stream, Yuri took a SECRET STARLANE ROUTE that delivered him right into that Lugovalian Flagship?

Replace SECRET STARLANE ROUTE with SECRET PATH THROUGH THE WOODS and it'll be the same.

I like the Xeos Union Belt ship designs ... the Fellowship, Junkyard and Sodality remind me of Romulan Warbirds. Streamlined and colorful, in contrast to crappy and blocky ships used everywhere. Also ... SO MANY MODULES, SO LITTLE SPACE!

Oh and the for the record, it will pay off to start reading Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Just sayin' ...

[kaian-a-coel]

"fleet ahead, fleet behind. Guess we're screwed." no you moron, you still have left and right, not speaking of up and down! You're in freaking SPACE.

Do you recall that back in the Magellanic Stream, Yuri took a SECRET STARLANE ROUTE that delivered him right into that Lugovalian Flagship?

Replace SECRET STARLANE ROUTE with SECRET PATH THROUGH THE WOODS and it'll be the same.

That was hyperspace and I can get along with that since it seems like the setting's using Starlane FTL anyway.
But in the situation I was describing they're in conventional space...

[Hanzoku]

It's a bit of a hazy subject. Traveling between sectors of a galaxy seems to use warp gate technology. Within a sector, traveling from planet to planet seems to use starlane technology, but it doesn't come with any sort of safety features (untrackable, can't be interacted with while in the lane, etc.). The constant, constant pirate attacks attest to that. I tend to take the view that the lanes are the charted and marked safe paths where you can push your engines and don't have to put as much energy to your shields because there's not a lot of space dust, asteroids or drifting hulks to ruin your day by plowing through them at a respectable fraction of the speed of light. Off those paths, you're on your own, and if you happen to get hulled by a micrometeorite, it was your own fault.

[C-SH4M4N]

That was hyperspace and I can get along with that since it seems like the setting's using Starlane FTL anyway.
But in the situation I was describing they're in conventional space...

Sorry, not quite ... actually, the game's intentionally ambiguous on this. Starlanes equal "dirt road paths" on any other game setting. That's why this game is SO MUCH equal parts Legend of Galactic Heroes and Romance of the Three Kingdoms: a lot of the tactical scenario it postulates come from traditional 2D battle scenarios, much like the one which started the conversation.

Spoiler: I don't mean to spoil anything for you (NO, I REALLY MEAN IT!) but ... (click to show/hide)

 pay attention to SPACE ELVES. We'll meet them later and they will use guerrila forest tactics to defend their SPACE FOREST from our intrusion into their territory. If you keep this little information as a mental note, you'll see the parallels and understand.

And by SPACE ELVES, I mean the real SPACE ELVES. We've got SPACE ELVES and SPACE MEXICAN INDIANS

It's a bit of a hazy subject. Traveling between sectors of a galaxy seems to use warp gate technology. Within a sector, traveling from planet to planet seems to use starlane technology, but it doesn't come with any sort of safety features (untrackable, can't be interacted with while in the lane, etc.). The constant, constant pirate attacks attest to that. I tend to take the view that the lanes are the charted and marked safe paths where you can push your engines and don't have to put as much energy to your shields because there's not a lot of space dust, asteroids or drifting hulks to ruin your day by plowing through them at a respectable fraction of the speed of light. Off those paths, you're on your own, and if you happen to get hulled by a micrometeorite, it was your own fault.

We've got Warp Drives (Nia said as much), then we've got the MAGICAL! Inflaton reactionless drives and the mysterious/magical Void Gates which form the convenient Portal Network in both galaxies. I like the idea that the starlanes are charted, but that will stop making sense once our Navigator starts talking more frequently and you'll know why.

Then again, our whole talk centers around a single concept/question: do we imagine space (and everything combat-related to it) in traditional 2D abstractions, like how Sun Tzu did when he coded the Art of War or do we imagine it as a boundary-less 3D scenario like the one created by games like Homeworld and FreeSpace (and to a lesser extent, Sword of the Stars)?

2D and 3D ... for me, that's pretty much what it boils down to. You work within the freedom or limitations of the abstraction you choose and make up the rules for it as necessary (for example, that meteor storm back in the SMC? I could've gone "UP!" or "DOWN!" and bypassed it altogether instead of being stuck in that X-axis choice of either going back for deflectors or pushing through and taking HUGE damage.)

[C-SH4M4N]

That was hyperspace and I can get along with that since it seems like the setting's using Starlane FTL anyway.
But in the situation I was describing they're in conventional space...

Sorry, not quite ... actually, the game's intentionally ambiguous on this. Starlanes equal "dirt road paths" on any other game setting. That's why this game is SO MUCH equal parts Legend of Galactic Heroes and Romance of the Three Kingdoms: a lot of the tactical scenario it postulates come from traditional 2D battle scenarios, much like the one which started the conversation.

Spoiler: I don't mean to spoil anything for you (NO, I REALLY MEAN IT!) but ... (click to show/hide)

Pay attention to SPACE ELVES. We'll meet them later and they will use guerrila forest tactics to defend their SPACE FOREST from our intrusion into their territory. If you keep this little information as a mental note, you'll see the parallels and understand.

And by SPACE ELVES, I mean the real SPACE ELVES. We've got SPACE ELVES and SPACE MEXICAN INDIANS.

It's a bit of a hazy subject. Traveling between sectors of a galaxy seems to use warp gate technology. Within a sector, traveling from planet to planet seems to use starlane technology, but it doesn't come with any sort of safety features (untrackable, can't be interacted with while in the lane, etc.). The constant, constant pirate attacks attest to that. I tend to take the view that the lanes are the charted and marked safe paths where you can push your engines and don't have to put as much energy to your shields because there's not a lot of space dust, asteroids or drifting hulks to ruin your day by plowing through them at a respectable fraction of the speed of light. Off those paths, you're on your own, and if you happen to get hulled by a micrometeorite, it was your own fault.

We've got Warp Drives (Nia said as much), then we've got the MAGICAL! Inflaton reactionless drives and the mysterious/magical Void Gates which form the convenient Portal Network in both galaxies. I like the idea that the starlanes are charted, but that will stop making sense once our Navigator starts talking more frequently and you'll know why.

And actually, I'm pretty sure you ARE trackable and fully interactable in a starlane.

Then again, our whole talk centers around a single concept/question: do we imagine space (and everything combat-related to it) in traditional 2D abstractions, like how Sun Tzu did when he coded the Art of War or do we imagine it as a boundary-less 3D scenario like the one created by games like Homeworld and FreeSpace (and to a lesser extent, Sword of the Stars)?

2D and 3D ... for me, that's pretty much what it boils down to. You work within the freedom or limitations of the abstraction you choose and make up the rules for it as necessary (for example, that meteor storm back in the SMC? I could've gone "UP!" or "DOWN!" and bypassed it altogether instead of being stuck in that X-axis choice of either going back for deflectors or pushing through and taking HUGE damage.)

Mental note: MONSTER ENERGY DRINK. Don't drink more than 3 within the same hour. The world can't keep up the pace, and mouth and brain can't accompany either ... thoughts just race across the mental circuits. Neural network's gonna need refurbishing after crunch time. Too much thought, not enough recording.

[kaian-a-coel]

We've got Warp Drives (Nia said as much), then we've got the MAGICAL! Inflaton reactionless drives and the mysterious/magical Void Gates which form the convenient Portal Network in both galaxies. I like the idea that the starlanes are charted, but that will stop making sense once our Navigator starts talking more frequently and you'll know why.

And actually, I'm pretty sure you ARE trackable and fully interactable in a starlane.

Then again, our whole talk centers around a single concept/question: do we imagine space (and everything combat-related to it) in traditional 2D abstractions, like how Sun Tzu did when he coded the Art of War or do we imagine it as a boundary-less 3D scenario like the one created by games like Homeworld and FreeSpace (and to a lesser extent, Sword of the Stars)?

2D and 3D ... for me, that's pretty much what it boils down to. You work within the freedom or limitations of the abstraction you choose and make up the rules for it as necessary (for example, that meteor storm back in the SMC? I could've gone "UP!" or "DOWN!" and bypassed it altogether instead of being stuck in that X-axis choice of either going back for deflectors or pushing through and taking HUGE damage.)

Mental note: MONSTER ENERGY DRINK. Don't drink more than 3 within the same hour. The world can't keep up the pace, and mouth and brain can't accompany either ... thoughts just race across the mental circuits. Neural network's gonna need refurbishing after crunch time. Too much thought, not enough recording.

I never said that.

[Hanzoku]

I think we can blame the energy drinks for some accidental insertion into your quote.

Overall, it is all handled in a 2D fashion, which definitely leads to many 'why did they handle it in that fashion' moments. I think I could write a whole post on what I would like to see in a sequel or recreation on something with the hardware power to handle it.

[Hanzoku]

Getting to Know the Neighbors
New Characters: Sankt
New Ships: Agrell (BB), Kraus (CG), Scheidt (CG), Seitz (DD), Eberlin (CV), Bruch (M)
New Equipment: Navigation Bridge Lv 8, Nacio Bridge Lv 1, Nacio Bridge Lv 2, Antiship Control Room Lv 3, Engine Room Lv 5, Crew Cabin Lv 4, Thruster Control Room Lv 4, Amplifier Lv 3
New Fighters:

Spoiler: Receiving a Job Offer (click to show/hide)

The screen fades back in, and Yuri is dreaming about the last time he saw Kira, ten years ago. He’s being held in a prison cell once more, but at least ten years haven’t passed this time.

Yuri: (yawns)

Thomas: Ah, you awake, Captain?

Yuri: Sorry about that. I must’ve dozed off.

Alik: Y-You must be really tired.

Yuri: I’ll be fine, Alik. So, where are we right now?

Alik: We’re in Regeinland’s home sector.

Yuri: All right. … (Kira…)

Yuri’s ship is accompanying the Regeinlandic fleet to Rentinen after surrendering to Dietrich Schneizer.

Yuri: Is that where we’re going?

Dietrich: Yes. The Federation’s Alpha Quadrant Fleet is headquartered there. I would like you to meet with my commanding officer there.

Franny: Wait a sec. How come the Federation’s got headquarters in Regeinland?

Gen: The Galactic Federation is a military alliance between several nation states. As a Federation member state, Regeinland is tasked with defending the Alpha Quadrant, which is one-fourth of Federation territory.
Thus the name, quadrant.

Dietrich: That’s right. Commanding authority for the Alpha Quadrant Fleet ultimately lies in Regeinland’s hands. However, in federal emergencies, we act in accordance with Federation policy.

Gen: In other words, your commanding authority amounts to nothing more than a figure of speech.

Dietrich: I think that’s a rather harsh assessment. Valid, but harsh.
He’s an honest sort, Dietrich. At least he doesn’t have his eyes closed to the political realities.

We dock at the space station, alongside Dietrich’s flagship.

We’re given somewhat limited freedom – trying to leave results in this scene.

Dietrich: Are you heading off somewhere, Captain?

Yuri: Oh, uh, no. (Oh well, I guess I’ll go to Headquarters.)

And then we’re sent to the surface. Down here, we have the Tavern, a ship company, and the Alpha Quadrant Headquarters. You know the drill by now!

>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: The key elements of the Regeinlandic military are concentrated here on Rentinen. In fact, the sheer size of the Alpha Quadrant Fleet rivals that of the Galactic Federation Fleet itself.
Regeinland is a military superpower in its own right, got it.

>>Talk to your friends.
Conversation #1
Dietrich: Captain, do you regret surrendering to us?

Yuri: No, not at all.

Dietrich: Well, I’m glad to hear that. It’s just, I thought you might have something on your mind since you wanted to stop by the tavern.

Yuri: No, Lieutenant Schneizer, it’s much simpler than that. Like every other zero-G dog out there, I just really like to drink.

Dietrich: I see. Well, in that case, I hate to rush you, but I don’t want to keep the Vice Admiral waiting.

Yuri: Okay. And don’t worry, Lieutenant, I’m not planning on doing anything that’ll make you look bad.

Conversation #2
Karlo: Rumors of the Special Prisoner reached even to Belgirate! I guess that’s proof of just how hard you fought in the SMC. Everyone knew you’d rise up again to save the SMC.
That’s pretty tall expectations against the might of the Lugovalos Empire.

Yuri: Yeah, but it took me ten long years to do that.

Karlo: Don’t worry about that. Besides, all that hard labor on Belgirate made my muscles rock solid. And my skills are as sharp as ever, so don’t worry about working me to the bone.

Yuri: Well, I just might have to take you up on that. We’re going to need all the help we can get to stand up to Lugovalos.

Karlo: I know! And I’m ready!

Karlo Efimov grew stronger during his hard labor on Belgirate! Karlo Efimov’s Combat skill increased by 2!

Conversation #3
Franny: Tsk. I was just starting to like the pirate life, but then you had to go and throw it all away! I mean, why give up all that freedom? How stupid is that?

Yuri: Don’t be mad, Franny. It’s just part of the plan.

Franny: I’m all ears, Captain Surrender.

Yuri: I’ll need far more people and firepower behind me to get what I want. Of course, you’re an important part of that plan too, Franny.

Franny: I am? Really? Woo hoo! You just made my day!

She hugs Yuri tightly.

Yuri: Ack… Too tight… Can’t… breathe…

Franny: I’ll go all out for ya, Yuri! You won’t regret this!

Yuri: Ngh… Still… can’t… breathe…
She lets go before doing permanent harm.

>>Ship Company
Well, hello… I might be replacing some ships. We gain access to the Agrell-class Battleship, Kraus- and Scheidt-class Cruiser, Seitz-class Destroyer, Eberlin-class Carrier and Bruch-class Other. I’ll stop by the headquarters before replacing ships, however.

>>Alpha Quadrant Headquarters
Yuri enters a room at Alpha Quadrant Fleet headquarters accompanied by Dietrich Schneizer. Inside, he finds a middle-aged man standing there quietly.

Sankt: Is this the one?

Dietrich: Yes, sir. This is the pirate Yuri.

Sankt: Well done, Lieutenant. So, you’re Yuri. I am Vice Admiral Luitger Sankt, commander of the Alpha Quadrant Fleet. Let me say it is an honor to meet the one they’ve been calling the “Special Prisoner.”

Yuri: … Can I ask why you called me here?

Sankt: A fair question. Let me get straight to the point. You’re the first pirate and prison escapee to ever be invited to fleet headquarters in this manner. But extraordinary times call for extraordinary actions. That’s where you come in. In short, we need your help.

Semias: Do you now?
Franny: No way!

Yuri: …

Sankt: Yuri, you don’t seem at all surprised. Did you see this coming?

Yuri: I guess I’ve been waiting.

Sankt: Waiting?

Yuri: Yeah, waiting for the day someone in the LMC would finally face the fact that their galaxy is threatened by a powerful force. The day they realize that no matter how hard they try to keep people quiet or keep their heads in the sand, there’s just no getting out of it.

Sankt: …

Yuri: That’s why you brought me here, right? Because I know what happened back in the SMC.

Sankt: Yes, well, then let me ask you: Do you know how to oppose these invaders?

Yuri: I can’t do it alone, and your disjointed, dysfunctional Federation would probably do even worse. But I think you know what needs to be done to prevent a repeat performance of what happened in the SMC here in your galaxy.

Sankt: …
Dietrich: …

Sankt: Very well, then, Captain, I’d like to formally welcome you into our military forces as a temporary commissioned officer. Will you accept?

Yuri: … I accept. And I look forward to working with you and your people, Vice Admiral Sankt.

Dietrich: Excellent!

Sankt: You have my sincere gratitude, Captain! However, there are still some details about your status that need to be ironed out. Bureaucratic matters, I’m afraid. I’d like you to stand by in this sector for the time being, if you wouldn’t mind.
Like that whole ‘shoot on sight’ thing.

Thomas: Does that mean we’re free to do what we want while we’re here.

Sankt: Absolutely. But again, I do request that you stay in this sector for now. I’ll make arrangements to allow for your freedom of travel therein. I’ll have Lieutenant Schneizer inform you as soon as all the details have been ironed out.

>>Talk to Dietrich Schneizer
Dietrich: Captain, I believe this is your first visit to our country, is it not?

Yuri: Yes, that’s right.

Dietrich: Regeinland prides itself in possessing the best military technology in the Federation. Please take this opportunity to visit the various planets in preparation for the coming battles.

Yuri: Sounds good. I wouldn’t mind getting a little sightseeing in, too.

>>Talk to Luitger Sankt.
Sankt: Captain, do you feel ill at ease, as we are watching over your every move?

Yuri: No worries here. Anyway, I don’t feel like I’m being monitored as much as I’m being evaluated.

Sankt: Evaluated might be too harsh of a term. But I suppose you could see it as a necessary step in our learning to fight together.

Yuri: I know, and I’m right in the middle of sizing up your nation and its military forces, too.

Sankt: So, we’ll be sizing each other up, then, won’t we?

Yuri: that about sums it up.

After Yuri and company have left…

Sankt: Now it’s time to start negotiating with the Federation government.

Dietrich: You mean about clearing Yuri’s designation as the Special Prisoner?

Sankt: Exactly. I expect the advisors over in Orders are going to protest. But as long as Assembly Member Weimar speaks up on our behalf, I am confident something will work itself out.

Dietrich: Yes, sir.

Sankt: Now, would you mind telling me what happened to Lord Roth? Wasn’t he supposed to attend our meeting here?

Dietrich: Oh, right. Lord Roth… He contacted me earlier and said he couldn’t make it.

Sankt: A sudden unexpected deployment perhaps?

Dietrich: Not exactly. He said he needed to attend a function with some female officers.

Sankt: A “function”?
Got to make sure the plumbing functions! Ba-dam tish!

We now have free run of this sector, and plenty to pick up. We’re also allowed to return to the Xeos Belt sector, something that will come up a few times in the coming posts.

Spoiler: Finishing the Fleet Conversion (click to show/hide)

Up top, we take a look at the new ships.

The Agrell-class Battleship appears to be better than our Fellowship-class ship, but suffers by having two of the medium slots filled with fixed single-target weapons. They’re good at what they do, but I prefer to pile on the multi-target damage. It has ten units less space than the Fellowship-class, but does possess carrier capability.

The Eberlin-class carrier is a monster of a fleet carrier. It’s an excellent design with plenty of space, massive fighter capacity, and a medium and small weapon mounts. If I remember correctly, I used two of these all the way to the end of my first game.

The Scheidt-class Cruiser doesn’t compare well with our Junkyard-class, giving up 30 module space and having a weaker hull and mobility. It does have better armor, but that’s about it.

The Kraus-class Cruiser is also not as special, having a fixed medium weapon and much less module space, though it does beat the Junkyard-class solidly in most other areas, and it possesses carrier capability as well.

The Seitz-class Destroyer doesn’t compare well with the Sodality-class Cruiser we’re using in that slot. It has superior stats in some areas, but only one medium and two small weapon slots, and about half the module space. None the less, we’ll be using this model as I said I’d make use of destroyers until they stopped being sold.

The Bruch-class other is… I don’t know why they included this. It’s certainly not meant to be used, at least. Poor stats, only two small weapons and 30 module space. It’s um… special.

Weapon-wise, the only thing we care about is the newly available Quantum Torpedo Lv 2, which is more powerful than any of the other small-size weapons. We replace the Quantum Torpedoes on the Zburator and Ridill, while selling off the Lanner and Caduceus.

The Lanner’s replacement is the Pearl Kite.

She’s a big ship, but internally, she’s mostly a mass of hangers. When I’m done with it, the ship will cost 55,200 G, and put us back 20,280 G after selling the Lanner in exchange. It carries a full strike wing of 60 Komandi strikers, until we can find a LMC-made design to stock the hangers with.

The Caduceus’s replacement is the Nephthys.

It’s well-designed, just not very spacious. It costs 14,140 G. When we’re done, netting us a profit (with the sale of the Caduceus) of 14,564 G.

With our fleet now fully converted to SMC models, it’s now time to do a tour of Regeinland.

Spoiler: Mercenary Work (click to show/hide)

The Void Gate in Area 1 leads back to the Xeos Belt, while the Void Gate in Area 2 isn’t active yet. The empty sector in Area 1 below the Void Gate contains a 600 G resource asteroid (yay), and then we go and visit Ischlausen.

Along the way, Lieutenant Schneizer calls us.

Franny: Yuri, I’ve got a transmission from Lieutenant Schneizer for ya.

Yuri: Patch him through.

Dietrich: Ah, there you are, Captain. I wanted to tell you we have petitioned our government for your official involvement in a military operation.

Franny: Wow, you guys don’t waste any time!

Yuri: Yeah, I didn’t expect things to move so fast.

Dietrich: Just think of it as proof of how valuable you are to us. I’ll fill you in on the details when you get back to Rentinen. Please come see me at fleet headquarters.

Yuri: Got it.

Dietrich: We’ll be eagerly awaiting your return.
You shouldn’t be, we’re not coming anywhere near you for a while.

He ends the call.

Thomas: Wow, who’d have thought we’d go from being pirates one minute to joining a legit military op the next? Plus, Regeinland’s not usually the kind of nation that likes to rely on outside help.

Yuri: You have to read between the lines, Thomas.

Thomas: Whaddya mean?

Gen: Regeinland is testing us. They want to gauge our potential as soon as possible. Then they’ll be able to figure out how to best make use of us.

Thomas: Oh. Huh.

>>Ischlausen
We check our ranking when we get there, and Yuri has just hit 30 with 27075 fame.

You’re now in the top 30 of the rankings! Congratulations! As a reward, you got blueprints for a Lykourgos-class battleship! You also got blueprints for a Deflector 10 module and a Shield Generator 6 module!

Otherwise, Ischlausen only has a tavern to its name, so we go visit it.

>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
I heard they stopped holding the trade conference in Kashtano about ten years ago. It seems like relations between Libertas and Regeinland have been kind of dicey ever since. Something must have happened in the SMC, but we’ve got no information at all about what it could be. Isn’t that strange?
Not really, with how Libertas has been stomping down information about Lugovalos.

>>Ask about a job.
Bartender: Looking for work, are you? How would you feel about hunting down some pirates? You see, there are these pirates infesting an area near the void gate that connects to the Xeos Belt. They’re really making things miserable for the Shipping Union. But the military won’t do anything because it’s such a small, minor pirate band, it’s hardly worth the trouble. I can pay you 2,000 G for this one. What do you way?
You have yourself some dead pirates, sir.

Bartender: Great, I’m counting on you! Now, listen up. You’ll find the pirates near the void gate to the Xeos Belt. You got that?

>>Talk to the merchant.
Merchant: Did you know there’s a building in town that some pirates are using as a base? The authorities haven’t cracked down on them because they’re such a small group, it’s hardly worth the trouble. But having them around is bad for business and bad for our town.
This opens up the pirate base location on this planet.

>>Talk to your friends
Conversation #1
Thomas: You really planning on hitching your cart to Regeinland, Captain?

Yuri: For now, at least. Why do you ask?

Thomas: Oh, no special reason. It’s just, I thought you kinda liked the freedom of being a pirate.

Yuri: Don’t worry, Thomas. I don’t plan on becoming their pawn or anything like that. In fact, I’m hoping they end up being more use to us then we are to them.

Thomas: Whoa, you’re a sneaky one all right, Captain!

Yuri: (sighs)
He’s a bit of an asskisser, isn’t he?

>>Pirates’ Lair

Yuri and company notice unsavory looking characters entering and leaving a building on the edge of town. It looks like it could be a pirates’ lair.

So we head right on in.

Inside, Yuri sense someone on the floor above him. We take the elevator up to the second floor, where we can go left or right.

Yuri senses someone in the corridor to the right. However, we go left first, where there’s no sign of anyone in the corridor.

At the end of the corridor, there is a clock sack laying on the floor. You found 1,300 G inside the sack!

We then are forced to leave the building and reenter. This time, at the T-junction, we go right. Pirates suddenly attack from dead ahead!

It’s somewhat… lopsided. 2,000 crew with 85 skill versus 800 enemies with 30 skill. We start with slash, they start with shoot. It’s all over before anyone can change commands. After butchering the pirates, we take the elevator up to the third floor.

There, we run into a second battle – 1,200 enemies with 55 skill.

Pirate: Who the Grus are you?! The pirates attack!

I start with slash and they start with shoot again. Since there’s more of them, I switch to shoot, while they stay on shoot.  They switch again, this time to Leader, while I ended up staying on shoot. Having the triangle advantage twice is enough, and they all die.

Afterwards, there are module blueprints on the desk. You got blueprints for the Navigation Bridge 8 module! You got blueprints for the Lookout 2 module!

And that’s the pirate’s base, wiped out. We leave the planet and travel towards the void gate. Half-way there, we find our prey.

Thomas: Captain! It’s those pirates! We found ‘em!

Yuri: Okay, it’s time to smack them down!

They’re a bit pathetic – a pair of Junkyard and Sodality-class cruisers. We swarm them with our fighters and then sail into volley range for our torpedoes. Three volleys later, both ships are breaking up.

Thomas: Looks like we wrapped this one up. Let’s head back to the tavern on Ischlausen so we can finish the job.

We do so.

Bartender: I heard the good news! You really got rid of those damn pirates! Here’s your well-earned pay. Go ahead, you deserve it!

A job well done! You got 2,000 G!

We talk to our friends again.

Conversation #1
Zografos: I was still a kid ten years ago, so it never really hit me just how big of a deal the Special Prisoner was. This is sure shaping up to be some kind of adventure, huh, Captain?

Yuri: Yeah, you can say that again. It’s like I spent ten years completely in the dark. I can’t help feeling like some sailor from the olden days who came here on some ancient ship.
We basically did.

Zografos: You mean like a time traveler? Ten years seems like an awful long time for something like that.

Yuri: (sighs) Yeah, but if you consider the fact that tens of billions of years have passed since the Big Bang, it’s just a blink of an eye.

Zografos: Whoa, that’s really deep, Captain. You some kinda poet or what?

>>Ask about a job.
Bartender: Wow, you’re a real go-getter, aren’t you? Well, I do have a job available right now, but it’s kind of a tough one. You see, I need you to find someone for me.

Yuri: Who?

Bartender: An older lady. She’s short and has a very pale face. Like she hasn’t seen the sun in years. Also, she’s kind of a perv.
Well, that nails it down.

Yuri: Sounds familiar. I think we might’ve met her somewhere before.

Bartender: You think so? You’ll do it, then? I can give you 2,300 for this one.
Sure.

Bartender: Great, now here are the details: My client ordered something from her, but the package never got there. I want you to find that old lady and make her give you what my client ordered, okay? It’s already been paid in full.
Pipra, scamming someone? Perish the thought!

We leave Ischlausen behind and travel to Mindesfelde.
>>Mindesfelde
It has a tavern and module company. We stop by the module company first.

>>Module Company.
We pick up the Nacio Bridge Lv 1, Nacio Bridge Lv 2, Fire Control Room Lv 5, Antiship Control Room Lv 3, Engine Room Lv 5, Crew Cabin Lv 4, Thruster Control Room Lv 4 and Amplifier Lv 3 designs.

>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: They say that Adis is starting to interfere with Escondido’s internal affairs. I can’t stand those intolerant idiots and their stupid doctrine, “Mankind belongs on the ground.” I mean, what’s up with that? If they manage to take over Escondido, it’ll be the beginning of the end as far as I’m concerned. And I’m concerned!
This information will be relevant soon.

Our friends have nothing new to say, so now we even have a paying reason to return to the Xeos Belt, so let’s go ahead and do so. Under Regeinland’s protection, we can now visit Federation planets that would have had us shot earlier.

>>Cino
Not a lot here except the tavern, which we visit to pick up the local news.

>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: I heard a Federation fleet has entered this sector in hot pursuit of that Special Prisoner. But Libertas and Regeinland can go to Grus for all I care. I mean, they’re completely ignoring the Special Prisoner and fighting among themselves. There’s always been bad blood between those countries, but they could at least have the decency to take their squabbles somewhere else!

>>Talk to the archaeologist.
Archaeologist: Ever heard of the nation of Escondido? Well, I’m deeply interested in their ancient culture. If you should ever happen to find anything related to Escondido, I’d be grateful if you’d come bring it here to me.
This becomes a mini-quest later.

>>Daiano
This planet is also fairly uninspiring, though it has a tavern and a forest area to visit.

>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: Did you hear the big news? That Special Prisoner broke out with some of his people in tow. I hear he’s the worst of the worst when it comes to political prisoners. Or so they say.

>>Forest
Franny: This is awesome! Woo hoo!

Thomas: Yeah, this fresh air is something else!

Semias: The planet is covered in towering trees, thanks to its low gravity.

Yuri: Ropesk was like that, too.

Semias: Hm?

Semias Alastar, who had been walking ahead of the rest, abruptly stops and crouches low to peer at something on the forest floor. As the rest of the party gathers round, he points to some flowering plants on the ground.

Semias: Do you see these plants? They’re Fioros. They’re very rare, especially in large patches like this.

Semias is pointing to a large cluster of plants covered in small red flowers.

Semias: I heard the flowers of the Fioros plant are effective against Roseola Type U when properly processed.

Thomas: Oh yeah? Then we oughta grab ourselves a bunch of it and—

Semias: No, we shouldn’t disturb it, considering how rare it is. Besides, it wouldn’t do us much good. Roseola Type U only infects infants and small children.

Thomas: Oh.

Yuri: We should be getting back now. Semias?

Semias: All right.

Semias seems reluctant to leave, but at Yuri’s urging, the party turns and leaves the forests of Daiano behind.

>>Labico
There’s nothing new or different here, so we move on.

>>Acerenza
>>Tavern
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: Do you happen to know Mariana? She used to sell clothing over at the bazaar. I heard she closed up shop recently and just disappeared. I wonder what could’ve made her do that. Whatever it was, it must’ve been a big deal for her to just drop everything and abandon her home like that.
I hope it wasn’t anything we did. She only made us an outfit, after all.

>>Bazaar
A sign reading “Closed” flutters in the breeze in front of Mariana Errigo’s shop.

Yuri: Pipra, are you there? It’s Yuri.

After several knocks on the door, there’s a rustling sound like someone is fumbling around inside. This is quickly followed by the door opening and Pipra’s pale face peering out.

Pipra: Oh, hello boy. What can I do for you? You want to, I don’t know… come in?

Yuri: No, uh… It’s just, I was a little worried about Mariana after I heard that she’d disappeared.

Pipra: Oh. Yeah.

For some reason Pipra averts her eyes and seems at a loss for words at the mention of her granddaughter’s name. Yuri, taking this as a sign that something might be wrong, presses her in a stern tone of voice.

Yuri: What happened, Pipra? Come on, out with it.

Pipra: Well, you see, um…

Yuri: …

Pipra: I, well, how shall I say… made use of the shop’s funds without consulting her.

Yuri: On what?

Pipra: Well, it’s like this: Kompaso Corporation’s stock was a great price, so, uh… It’s not like I lost it all. After all, I’ve still got the shares. And if the price starts going back up, well, then—

Yuri: Yeah, I get it. So what you’re trying to say is she left because you put all her money in a bad investment?

Pipra: I suppose that about sums it up.

Yuri: Do you know where she went?

Pipra: I’ve been wondering that myself. But knowing my granddaughter, wherever she is, I’m sure she’s doing just fine. She doesn’t need any help from me.
Not the sort of help you give, at any rate.

Yuri: Some grandmother you are! No wonder she left. I would’ve too.

Yuri leaves the shop with Pipra still inside, her head bowed in shame.

I’m not going to feel bad about turning her in, but I should talk to her again to make sure it sticks.

Yuri: hey! Pipra! Are you there? Open up!

Yuri knocks loudly on the shop door. After a brief moment, Pipra opens the door. She looks like she just woke up. Her bleary eyes struggle to focus on Yuri.

Pipra: What do you want, boy? This better be good. I was having myself some beauty sleep there.

Yuri: I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Pipra. The word on the streets is that you’re a greedier miser than I thought. Don’t you take any pride in being a merchant?

Pipra: Huh? What’s got your feathers all in a ruffle? Maybe you should come inside and we can… talk about it. In bed.
…. …. ….

Yuri: There’s no need. What it comes down to is, you’ve got an unhappy customer out there. That happens when orders aren’t delivered.

Pipra: An unhappy customer, you say?

The screen fades and returns while we explain the situation.

Pipra: Oh, right, that guy. So he thinks I’m scamming him or something, huh?

Yuri: You aren’t?
I’m also surprised.

Pipra: Don’t be daft! The idiot forgot to write down his address. Now, how am I supposed to deliver his order with no address? Hm?
And with the order going to another sector, it’s not like you can call him.

Yuri: Oh. Uh, whoops…

Pipra: That’s right. Now what do you have to say about that tongue lashing you just dished out? I think I know how you can repay me…

Yuri: Um, yeah. I’m sorry? My mistake, Pipra.

Pipra: Heh. Well, I suppose that’ll do… for now. Look, here’s his order. Go ahead, you can take it right to him.

Yuri: There’s no hard feelings then? I was worried you’d want to get back at me by imposing some kind of unreasonable demand.

Pipra: Just deliver that package. No delivery charge either. You deliver it for free.
We’re getting paid to retrieve it already.

Yuri: I should’ve known there’d be a catch. But I guess it could’ve been worse.

With that, we return to Ischlausen.
>>Tavern
The bartender greets Yuri and company as they enter the tavern with the package from Pipra in hand.

Bartender: Nice job finding that old lady! When I first heard about the job, I thought it sounded like finding a needle in a haystack! Anyway, here’s your pay as promised.

A job well done! You got 2,300 G!

And that’s it for this week. Next week – more errand quests! New crew, and updated fighters!

I was putting off the vote, but the time is coming up when we’ll reach another branch in the game’s storyline, but they haven’t been offering out too much in the way of information, so I’ll do my best to explain things.

We’ll be interfering in a civil war, and will have to choose to support the government or the rebels. The current government is headed by an idealist, who wants to transform his nation into one independent of the others. The rebels are headed by an idealist… who wants to free their nation from the influence and interference of other nations. Why are they fighting, you ask? They belong to two different clans, and they can’t abide each other.

Government:
Recruitment: One character, strong in Control and Medicine, but without any special skills. Another character is a combat monster, with the Commander Lv 5 combat skill and Space Warrior Lv 2 security position skill.

Blueprints: A battleship, cruiser, destroyer and other. None of which I would consider using, as all of them possess a complete array of fixed weapons.

Rebels:
Recruitment: One character, strong in Leadership and Management, with the special ability Iron Wall Lv 2 if he’s first officer. The other character is strong in Control, Medicine or Management, but has no special abilities.

Blueprints: Three battleships and a destroyer. None of which I would consider using, for the above reasons – all weapons are fixed.

So, with limited information to go on, I’ll leave it to this question: Do you prefer maintaining order, or pulling down the government?

[Neonivek]

Ok creators of Infinite Space...

White hair is cool and all, but you really shouldn't give half the characters in the game white hair. I am REALLY tempted to create a tally of hair colors... but I have a feeling it is only recently that they have been looking similar.

Are people with White hair supposed to be from the same region?

To admit it is only really noticeable now because this chapter has three white haired characters (who look related) talking right next to eachother.

[kaian-a-coel]

Seeing as they're apparently near-identical in term of ideology, and that the conflict stems from stupid clanic shenanigans, I say we side with the government and save the people the trouble of post-coup rebuilding.

[Neonivek]

Seeing as they're apparently near-identical in term of ideology, and that the conflict stems from stupid clanic shenanigans, I say we side with the government and save the people the trouble of post-coup rebuilding.

Oddly enough the only game I ever played where "The ends justifies the means" is Tactics Ogre... where it is a big theme.

Given this isn't tactics ogre, I wonder if this will bite us. Then again these people sound like morons, Is there a way we can just chose neither of them?

This is like a clone election in Futurama...

[Hanzoku]

Sadly, we're forced to choose sides. Wiping out both groups and installing ourselves as Feudal lords of the nation in question, while it would have been an awesome choice, isn't offered.

[Sirus]

Seeing as they're apparently near-identical in term of ideology, and that the conflict stems from stupid clanic shenanigans, I say we side with the government and save the people the trouble of post-coup rebuilding.

Go with this. And also (though I doubt it would affect anything in-game) keeping the current government intact would mean that the country would be more capable of helping to fight Lugovalos.

[Itnetlolor]

Seeing as they're apparently near-identical in term of ideology, and that the conflict stems from stupid clanic shenanigans, I say we side with the government and save the people the trouble of post-coup rebuilding.

Go with this. And also (though I doubt it would affect anything in-game) keeping the current government intact would mean that the country would be more capable of helping to fight Lugovalos.

I was thinking this too. We need as much help as possible. A coup would only give us fewer resources to work with against the main threat.