D101 Panther will officially enter DDS service tomorrow though actual operation will be delayed a few weeks. The ship suffered a few teething problems during final trials which was going to delay it's introduction until mid-January but Windscorpion has insisted the ship officially become a DDS ship on January 1st 2108. In reality however it will still be in test, final tests and acceptance will take place in mid-January and then training and readiness trials will take place for the next couple of months. The first combat patrol of the next generation DDS destroyer may take place in April.
R101 Missileer meanwhile has completed modifications and is now fully TPM-2 capable like it's sister ship R102 Lancer. It has taken over from it as DDS Fleet Flagship, a role it is expected to keep for the foreseeable future. Both ships however will receive final modifications early in 2108 to bring them up to "100% Missileer Specification".
Lancer will lead a small task force next month to conduct training with the Aritans. Four DDS ships (expected to be Lancer and 3 Isometrics) and 3 Aritan ships (2 Intrepids and 1 Solaris) will perform a variety of training tasks near New Arit and Artic.
L101 Intruder has been removed from the DDS fleet (though in reality was "de-DDS-ified" a couple of months ago) and returned to the HCS. This leaves the DDS without an amphibious warfare ship though the first Pangaea class LHD L111 Pangaea has just started trials and could enter service by the Spring. All in all a total of 10 Pangaea LHDs and 3 Tethys Ocean LHAs will be procured over the next few years.
The Heron SROPS local patrol lighter has now been revised again to Revision B. This includes a number of equipment and software improvements and an uprated engine. Existing Revision 0 and Revision A SROPS will be upgraded to this standard when they receive refits over the next couple of years. 16 SROPS are in service, the remaining order has been increased from 14 to 24 reflecting the usefulness of the type which has already proved it's worth in several combat scenarios.
31.12.07
23.12.07
F-10S arrives early, NDAA news
The first F-10S has arrived at DDS Central AFB at GHQ a week early though operational flying will not begin until well into January. The DDS are creating a new squadron for the first batch of F-10S and it is hoped the squadron will go operational by the summer.
Meanwhile the specification has been locked down for the light attack aircraft the DDS plan to field from 2110. The NDAA will be a Mach 1.2 capable agile and cheap bomb platform likely to be designated A-12 in DDS service.
Meanwhile the specification has been locked down for the light attack aircraft the DDS plan to field from 2110. The NDAA will be a Mach 1.2 capable agile and cheap bomb platform likely to be designated A-12 in DDS service.
21.12.07
UV124 : XXX Action
- Action Of A Hood - Its the end of the line for Delicate Flower as the Hoods 2.0 move in for the kill.
- Making A New Hero - Boliticians steal DDS secrets, its Bolitic 2 Windy 0. Has the Apogee of Man had it?
- The O-Rino Ranch Ho! - El Diablo and company confront some criminals.
- In Through The Back Door - The ban on the teaching of Oojok is lifted in the Zone camps on Colom.
20.12.07
Zone relocation slows
The epic relocation of the Zone race from their shattered homeworld to Colom is finally slowing down as radiation from the DDS nuclear strike finally sweeps to all parts of the planet. To date the HCS and their contractors have managed to move 17.6 million Zones off the planet to Colom, Zone ships have also moved a further 2.1 million survivors it is estimated. Hundreds of millions have died though or soon will on the planet. Those survivors now being bought off the planet are said to be suffering from acute radiation sickness.
Now the effort is in supplying the hundreds of vast tent cities on Colom through the winter. The entire HCS transport fleet plus a good proportion of it's combat fleet has been working non-stop since September relocating the Zones and bringing in supplies. The wear and tear on the fleet is starting to be felt, 2 of the oldest Type A transports and a Kalahati Tuul have reached their design life hours early because of the intensive operation and literally became worn out and had to be withdrawn. Its thought at least 6 other ships will have to be withdrawn at the end of the year.
However funds from the Zones have been pumped into the HCS to compensate, the Zones have given the money freely in return for a say in how it is used. 20 further Type A transports have been ordered as a result.
Now the effort is in supplying the hundreds of vast tent cities on Colom through the winter. The entire HCS transport fleet plus a good proportion of it's combat fleet has been working non-stop since September relocating the Zones and bringing in supplies. The wear and tear on the fleet is starting to be felt, 2 of the oldest Type A transports and a Kalahati Tuul have reached their design life hours early because of the intensive operation and literally became worn out and had to be withdrawn. Its thought at least 6 other ships will have to be withdrawn at the end of the year.
However funds from the Zones have been pumped into the HCS to compensate, the Zones have given the money freely in return for a say in how it is used. 20 further Type A transports have been ordered as a result.
18.12.07
HCS Round-up (18/12/07)
One of the biggest military procurement projects for the HCSAF currently is the AH-26X, the next generation of the standard HCSAF helicopter. Over 1,500 could be built of this new type... but the HCSAF are looking to reducing that in favour of more AH-50 Dragonfly anti-tank helicopters. The production run of the AH-50 ended some 7 years ago though the rigs were retained and the HCSAF think they can get production restarted reasonably easily.
The existing fleet is due to receive an update known as AH-50M which includes a number of system improvements and fuselage modifications to reduce RCS. The new build (estimated at 150) would be to this same specification. If these helicopters are built then AH-26X numbers will be reduced to about 1,300.
Work is proceeding on the first of the improved specification Soulaki battlecruisers for the HCS Space Navy. The Soulaki B has improved firepower and the engines have been tweaked to improve performance slightly. Initially 3 were to be built but the Space Navy has received extra funding to add 2 more to the order. This will then round off the Soulaki fleet at 30 examples.
The extra funding has come from the sale of some 10 Kalahati Tuul 2s to the Eritran Free State of Sear N7. 3 Type A Transports (new build) will also be sold to the Eritrans in a 2.8 billion zark deal which also includes training and the setting up of support facilities. Some in the Space navy are a little perturbed however at the sale of 10 warships considering the Space Navy is already considered light on hulls for it's duties!
The existing fleet is due to receive an update known as AH-50M which includes a number of system improvements and fuselage modifications to reduce RCS. The new build (estimated at 150) would be to this same specification. If these helicopters are built then AH-26X numbers will be reduced to about 1,300.
Work is proceeding on the first of the improved specification Soulaki battlecruisers for the HCS Space Navy. The Soulaki B has improved firepower and the engines have been tweaked to improve performance slightly. Initially 3 were to be built but the Space Navy has received extra funding to add 2 more to the order. This will then round off the Soulaki fleet at 30 examples.
The extra funding has come from the sale of some 10 Kalahati Tuul 2s to the Eritran Free State of Sear N7. 3 Type A Transports (new build) will also be sold to the Eritrans in a 2.8 billion zark deal which also includes training and the setting up of support facilities. Some in the Space navy are a little perturbed however at the sale of 10 warships considering the Space Navy is already considered light on hulls for it's duties!
Delicate Flower found dead
Lieutenant Delicate Flower, the personal ASSistant of Captain Quarz, has been found hung in his quarters. It is suspected it was not suicide but rather murder at the hands of the Hoods who tried to kill DF a few weeks before. DF had a sign around his neck saying "DEGENERATE" and CCTV footage confirms Hoods were near his quarters at the time.
Quarz is understood to be distraught. Earlier that day Hoplite received a brutal beating from the Hoods that left him in the ICU.
Quarz is understood to be distraught. Earlier that day Hoplite received a brutal beating from the Hoods that left him in the ICU.
17.12.07
Panther teething troubles to delay introduction a few weeks
The DDS were hoping to commission the first Panther destroyer D101 Panther (though as the ship is as yet still officially a test ship it is operating under the build number M21065) at the beginning of 2108 but some problems during final trials will delay that at least for a couple of weeks. The ship suffered vibrations while conducting a top speed test near Rathun's World. As M21065 reached 980c it began to lose stability and had to be taken out of hyperspace. The DDS think this is down to the hyperspace field and should be adjustable.
On the way back to Solaris M21065 suffered a failure in it's primary rectifier on one of it's engines. It was able to continue it's journey using back-ups. These kinds of teething troubles often happen on new types, the DDS said and would be solved.
M21065, when it is commissioned, will be at 90% of Panther capability a DDS source has said. Further work will have to be done to get the ship that extra 10% mostly in terms of data integration and throughput. Though the source said that even 90% of a Panther will be better than most other ships in the known galaxy. The next Panther M21066 (expected to be D102) will introduce an integrated 5036-A combat suite which will be retrofitted to M21065. Both ships will also receive an early version of the iSAS-P nuclear attack systems which should fully be ready by the Summer. Its expected the Panther will also be able to operate MRM medium range missiles after some modifications.
On the way back to Solaris M21065 suffered a failure in it's primary rectifier on one of it's engines. It was able to continue it's journey using back-ups. These kinds of teething troubles often happen on new types, the DDS said and would be solved.
M21065, when it is commissioned, will be at 90% of Panther capability a DDS source has said. Further work will have to be done to get the ship that extra 10% mostly in terms of data integration and throughput. Though the source said that even 90% of a Panther will be better than most other ships in the known galaxy. The next Panther M21066 (expected to be D102) will introduce an integrated 5036-A combat suite which will be retrofitted to M21065. Both ships will also receive an early version of the iSAS-P nuclear attack systems which should fully be ready by the Summer. Its expected the Panther will also be able to operate MRM medium range missiles after some modifications.
16.12.07
Dino Senate changes
Following the election of M-B-H to one of the two Consul posts and the resignation of Jimmy from Interior Minister there have been some substantial changes to the Dino Senate. After Senator Ouranosaur died in the Utrek War it was decided that whomever won the Consul election would select a new Senator to fill the gap, M-B-H has chosen Sleeze.
El Diablo has moved to the Interior Minister and following support from Spikeson and Ronald Jimmy has been made the new Finance Minister. M-B-H's alternative job for Jimmy, Chief Toilet Attendant, was rejected. The new Senate therefore (with party affiliation) :
Ronald - Consul, Head of the Senate (Imperial Order)
M-B-H - Consul (Veritas = Truth)
G-B-H - Minister of Foreign Affairs (Imperial Order)
El Diablo - Minister of the Interior (Imperial Order)
Jimmy - Minister of Finance (Liberal Party)
Zanus - Minister of Defence
Cruggson - Minister of Trade & Industry (Imperial Order)
Spikeson - Minister of Health & Social Services (Liberal Party)
Sleeze - Minister of Cultural Affairs (Veritas = Truth)
Lakes - Head of the SS (Veritas = Truth)
El Diablo has moved to the Interior Minister and following support from Spikeson and Ronald Jimmy has been made the new Finance Minister. M-B-H's alternative job for Jimmy, Chief Toilet Attendant, was rejected. The new Senate therefore (with party affiliation) :
Ronald - Consul, Head of the Senate (Imperial Order)
M-B-H - Consul (Veritas = Truth)
G-B-H - Minister of Foreign Affairs (Imperial Order)
El Diablo - Minister of the Interior (Imperial Order)
Jimmy - Minister of Finance (Liberal Party)
Zanus - Minister of Defence
Cruggson - Minister of Trade & Industry (Imperial Order)
Spikeson - Minister of Health & Social Services (Liberal Party)
Sleeze - Minister of Cultural Affairs (Veritas = Truth)
Lakes - Head of the SS (Veritas = Truth)
13.12.07
Second Missileer enters service
The second Missileer class carrier R102 Lancer has entered service, it is to the full Missileer operational specification including TPM-2 ready launchers and software and improved communications. Some datalink integration work is still needed before the ship is considered 100% (the DDS say its at 98% now). The ship has joined the Central Fleet and also been made the Flagship of the fleet in lieu of R101 Missileer which has returned to Solaris to been made up to the same operational level. This work is expected to take around 3 weeks.
SS Lancer will begin a development deployment with SS Isometric and the Rome B SS Ovid to an undisclosed location next week where full trials of the latest development variant of the TPM-2 will take place.
Finally the Missileer order has been increased from 9 to 10 though DDS sources say the eventual total for this class could be 12.
SS Lancer will begin a development deployment with SS Isometric and the Rome B SS Ovid to an undisclosed location next week where full trials of the latest development variant of the TPM-2 will take place.
Finally the Missileer order has been increased from 9 to 10 though DDS sources say the eventual total for this class could be 12.
12.12.07
Pulsar to receive update in early 2108
Although the 2107 update is still being performed on the last couple of members of the fleet of Pulsar cruisers the DDS has announced another update to be carried out in early 2108. Pulsar Update 2108 A (P2108UA) will be carried out before "Easter 2108" and will include fitting new missile launchers for TPM-2 as well as the necessary updates to the combat systems.
The attack system will also be updated to SAS2C standard. The 3 wing mounted laser cannons (the secondary laser armament after the Z cannon) will receive a long needed update to increase rate of fire and improve the penetrative performance. It is also rumoured (though not confirmed at this stage) that the Pulsars will be fitted with the Dino energy drain weapon, a number of which are set to be purchased from the Dinos in a 21 million zark deal. Finally the Pulsars will receive communications updates to allow them to control and co-ordinate with the Ferret-E UCV.
The attack system will also be updated to SAS2C standard. The 3 wing mounted laser cannons (the secondary laser armament after the Z cannon) will receive a long needed update to increase rate of fire and improve the penetrative performance. It is also rumoured (though not confirmed at this stage) that the Pulsars will be fitted with the Dino energy drain weapon, a number of which are set to be purchased from the Dinos in a 21 million zark deal. Finally the Pulsars will receive communications updates to allow them to control and co-ordinate with the Ferret-E UCV.
Caspian & Barents Sea frigates to be updated
The DDS has announced a 180 million zark update for it's Caspian Sea and Barents Sea frigates (Terran Sea A & B types). The update, which is known as Terran Sea Update 2108A (TS2108UA) will take place early next 2108 and is intended to bring the frigates up closer to Arafura Sea standard. The ships will receive 360 CIWS and a number of system updates giving them full FIDO 1.0 capabilities and bringing them closer to Open Architecture 2.0.
The ships will be made ready to receive the 5036-A combat suite (though not actually to be fitted yet because of a lack of availability of the combat data management system and cost). The 4 Caspian Sea frigates may receive the suite in a further update in the Spring.
The ships will also be made ready for TPM-2 though the new missile launcher and handling systems will not be fitted at this stage. They will be able to datalink with the new missiles.
The ships will be made ready to receive the 5036-A combat suite (though not actually to be fitted yet because of a lack of availability of the combat data management system and cost). The 4 Caspian Sea frigates may receive the suite in a further update in the Spring.
The ships will also be made ready for TPM-2 though the new missile launcher and handling systems will not be fitted at this stage. They will be able to datalink with the new missiles.
10.12.07
HCS to build space UCV
With the DDS/Dino/Starbotian Ferret UCV now approaching operational use the HCS Space Navy have announced they are also working on such a type. Some years ago the HCS did experiment with a small UCV called the Swarm. It was successfully used in one of the final battles of the Third Clone War when the DDS attacked Sandworld. Several dozen Swarm UCVs tied up a Pulsar allowing it to be destroyed by conventional HCS warships. Despite that success the Swarm was not pursued any further, perhaps mainly because the Clone Wars ended soon after and the HCS cut the defence budget dramatically.
The new UCV, the Nybble, is thought to be based on the Swarm though will be a more advanced design. It will be larger than the Ferret and perhaps capable of superluminal travel. One source says it is the same size as the Coril shuttle. The HCS plan to use the Nybble for long-range scouting and pathfinder attacks. A HCS spokesclone said the first prototype Nybble could appear by the end of next year.
The new UCV, the Nybble, is thought to be based on the Swarm though will be a more advanced design. It will be larger than the Ferret and perhaps capable of superluminal travel. One source says it is the same size as the Coril shuttle. The HCS plan to use the Nybble for long-range scouting and pathfinder attacks. A HCS spokesclone said the first prototype Nybble could appear by the end of next year.
MQZ-1 enters service
The first of 5 new blimp UAVs for the HCS Navy has entered service. The Cholada Z-100, known as MQZ-1 in HCSN service, began a patrol along the Reenath reefs yesterday. The project is a joint HCSN/HCSAF one as the air force are also keen to explore blimp UAVs for surveillance and COIN purposes.
One problem found with the MQZ-1 was wind sheer made control of the blimp more difficult than hoped. As coastal area do tend to be windy Cholada have pledged to work on the problem, the second MQZ-1 will have uprated powerplant and further examples will have aerodynamic improvements.
The HCSN are also looking at an armed version for anti-piracy operations.
One problem found with the MQZ-1 was wind sheer made control of the blimp more difficult than hoped. As coastal area do tend to be windy Cholada have pledged to work on the problem, the second MQZ-1 will have uprated powerplant and further examples will have aerodynamic improvements.
The HCSN are also looking at an armed version for anti-piracy operations.
M-B-H wins Consul election!
Although Jimmy's support had rallied slightly news that his Liberal Party has accepted "unusual" donations from a businessmen who later got plum orders from the Interior Ministry finished off his chances and M-B-H romped home in the Consul elections held yesterday with a 58% share of the vote.
M-B-H is now Consul Elect and will replace his father G-B-H at the start of the new year, ironically as Dino democracy was bought in to replace hereditary rule! Jimmy promised his supporters he would fight on next year and would reorganise his Liberal Party. Meanwhile M-B-H bought in Sleeze as his permitted appointment to the Senate to replace him as Culture Minister. Defence Minister Zanus is thought likely to move to the Interior Ministry, Spikeson has nominated Jimmy to take over the Defence Ministry.
As for Sleeze, he and Pircasa (then thought to be a Liberal Party loyalist) had been chosen to join Ronald on his mission to investigate Dino prisoners still held by the Utrek but following the shenanigans with the election Ronald has told them not to bother coming.
M-B-H is now Consul Elect and will replace his father G-B-H at the start of the new year, ironically as Dino democracy was bought in to replace hereditary rule! Jimmy promised his supporters he would fight on next year and would reorganise his Liberal Party. Meanwhile M-B-H bought in Sleeze as his permitted appointment to the Senate to replace him as Culture Minister. Defence Minister Zanus is thought likely to move to the Interior Ministry, Spikeson has nominated Jimmy to take over the Defence Ministry.
As for Sleeze, he and Pircasa (then thought to be a Liberal Party loyalist) had been chosen to join Ronald on his mission to investigate Dino prisoners still held by the Utrek but following the shenanigans with the election Ronald has told them not to bother coming.
UV123 : Pleasuring Oneself
In Impending Doom Trojan Warlord finally has enough of the DDS abuse and leaves... to become a stripper. Gibson's Sorrow shows the pain, torment and humiliation of Gibson in Utrek hands as they destroy everything he holds dear.Encounter With Bolitic shows Windy's first encounter with the Bolitic and it doesn't go to plan. Finally in Run-Off Jimmy's campaign to become Consul lies in tatters after Pircasa's betrayal.
Stay tuned for the last book of the year, UV124 : XXX Action, in 2 weeks!
8.12.07
DDS to build up their air force / Achiever EAP
The DDS have said they are going to greatly increase their air power. Currently their entire combat aviation component is the 56 surviving F-10As though production of the F-10S has now begun. The DDS have confirmed eventual orders for 120 F-10S in 2 batches of 60, the second batch (from 2110) having improvements. The F-10A fleet will retained for around 10 years leaving a total F-10 force of over 170 by 2113. Its possible the DDS will keep building F-10S though to maintain a fleet of 200 fighters.
The NDAA A-12 will also be produced in numbers, the DDS are to build 120 of the light attack aircraft from 2109 with a possible further order of 100 later on. An attack UCAV is said to be in development called LLAD (Long Loiter Attack Drone) MQ-14 and could be entering service by 2110. The DDS are looking to have a 1:1 ratio of A-12 and MQ-14.
So in the mid part of the next decade the DDS could have 170-200 F-10s, 220 A-12s and 220 MQ-14s. Deputy Commander Firefly told reporters it was essential the DDS develop their non-space forces. "As the Utrek war showed us, the future wars may be fought in space but land warfare will be a key area and thus we need to rebuild our army and airforces and maybe also look at our naval assets."
Firefly was speaking at the unveiling of the new version of the Achiever MBT. The Achiever EAP (Enhanced Armour Pack) has, as you can guess, improved protection and reliability.
The NDAA A-12 will also be produced in numbers, the DDS are to build 120 of the light attack aircraft from 2109 with a possible further order of 100 later on. An attack UCAV is said to be in development called LLAD (Long Loiter Attack Drone) MQ-14 and could be entering service by 2110. The DDS are looking to have a 1:1 ratio of A-12 and MQ-14.
So in the mid part of the next decade the DDS could have 170-200 F-10s, 220 A-12s and 220 MQ-14s. Deputy Commander Firefly told reporters it was essential the DDS develop their non-space forces. "As the Utrek war showed us, the future wars may be fought in space but land warfare will be a key area and thus we need to rebuild our army and airforces and maybe also look at our naval assets."
Firefly was speaking at the unveiling of the new version of the Achiever MBT. The Achiever EAP (Enhanced Armour Pack) has, as you can guess, improved protection and reliability.
7.12.07
Understanding the Bolitic Confederacy (3) : Military
The Bolitic themselves are not that large in number, the entire race is estimated to only number about 500 million. However the Bolitic make heavy use of subject races, especially in warfare. One area where Bolitic technology is second-to-none is in mind control drugs. The Bolitic are able to control armies of thousands of aliens and use them in suicidal ultraviolent battles against other Houses or enemy powers. The Bolitic do not hold back with any weapons, to them their slave armies are worthless and their ideal situation is to win the battle but have their slave army wiped out in winning it! Typically heavy use of NBC weapons is made. In one recent battle between 2 Houses it is estimated over a million aliens on both sides died in a single day with chemical and radiological weapons used freely. NBC weapons are not allowed on the home world however, in any event most warfare takes place on other planets or in space.
Bolitic warships are large and powerful, but also slum and lumbering. The Bolitic do not possess advanced engine technology so compensate with heavily protected and armed ships. Their current battlecruiser, the Snarl, can only reach around 300c but is powerful enough to hold it's own against types like the Quasar and Dinomark RS. The Bolitic can muster around 50 battlecruisers of the Snarl and older Helwin types plus a large number of smaller types.
In land warfare the Bolitic often show strange innovation with their weapons, they are very keen on their war zeppelins, though it may be these are preferred by barons and knights as it is a good way to get rid of ambitious (and therefore dangerous) underlings by putting them aboard a slow giant bag of gas over enemy lines. The Bolitic, if possible, like to fight with their swords.
Most warfare is between the various Houses, around 12 are powerful enough to possess fleets. The Bolitic can very easily put these differences aside to reunite to face a common foe (indeed it is said that inter-House warfare is the Bolitic equivalent of sport). There was a documented case of 2 Houses being engaged in bloody warfare, then they had to fight side by side to combat an attack by the Dinos, once this conflict ended the 2 Houses resumed their war as if nothing had happened.
Inter-House warfare keeps the Bolitic sharp and assists their weapon development however it does also weaken the Bolitic strength overall. The Central Authority harmonises various aspects of the weapon systems such as communication protocols so the Bolitic can fight as one easily. This does mean that some individual innovation is discouraged however.
Bolitic warships are large and powerful, but also slum and lumbering. The Bolitic do not possess advanced engine technology so compensate with heavily protected and armed ships. Their current battlecruiser, the Snarl, can only reach around 300c but is powerful enough to hold it's own against types like the Quasar and Dinomark RS. The Bolitic can muster around 50 battlecruisers of the Snarl and older Helwin types plus a large number of smaller types.
In land warfare the Bolitic often show strange innovation with their weapons, they are very keen on their war zeppelins, though it may be these are preferred by barons and knights as it is a good way to get rid of ambitious (and therefore dangerous) underlings by putting them aboard a slow giant bag of gas over enemy lines. The Bolitic, if possible, like to fight with their swords.
Most warfare is between the various Houses, around 12 are powerful enough to possess fleets. The Bolitic can very easily put these differences aside to reunite to face a common foe (indeed it is said that inter-House warfare is the Bolitic equivalent of sport). There was a documented case of 2 Houses being engaged in bloody warfare, then they had to fight side by side to combat an attack by the Dinos, once this conflict ended the 2 Houses resumed their war as if nothing had happened.
Inter-House warfare keeps the Bolitic sharp and assists their weapon development however it does also weaken the Bolitic strength overall. The Central Authority harmonises various aspects of the weapon systems such as communication protocols so the Bolitic can fight as one easily. This does mean that some individual innovation is discouraged however.
6.12.07
Jimmy tries to save his career
Following the chaos of the televised debate where Jimmy was tricked by a rogue adviser into humiliating himself, his support collapsed to just 26.3% with M-B-H rising to 45.2%. Jimmy knew he had to do something quick to save his political career as the final vote is only in a few days. He appeared on TV this morning and announced that he had been tricked by Pircasa and was sorry to his supporters.
Then he said he took corruption very seriously and was resigning as Interior Minister with immediate effect. He said, if he was elected Consul, he would dedicate himself to pursuing and halting corruption in all spheres of public life. He would set up a dedicated anti-corruption agency to clean up Dino government.
The slide in his support has stopped and his support rallied slightly to 27.1% but M-B-H is still well ahead but on 45.7% is still short of a majority. The Senate Executive Officer Razorback has taken over temporary control of the Interior Ministry.
Then he said he took corruption very seriously and was resigning as Interior Minister with immediate effect. He said, if he was elected Consul, he would dedicate himself to pursuing and halting corruption in all spheres of public life. He would set up a dedicated anti-corruption agency to clean up Dino government.
The slide in his support has stopped and his support rallied slightly to 27.1% but M-B-H is still well ahead but on 45.7% is still short of a majority. The Senate Executive Officer Razorback has taken over temporary control of the Interior Ministry.
5.12.07
Understanding the Bolitic Confederacy (2) : Culture
Some may say Bolitic culture can be defined by one word : "war" or "violence" but in reality it is a little bit more complicated than that, however it is true that Bolitic culture is geared around warfare and combat. It is thought that the early Boliticians, when they were cut off from their homeland, had to struggle to survive on the rather bleak planet of Castarian and this struggle has influenced the society that came out of the colonist's survivors.
Bolitic society is based on the barony system, everyone has to be aligned to a baron (those living in non-baronial areas by default are aligned to the Emperor). The centre of life in each barony is the Baronial Residence which has 2 sides to it : civilian and military. All soldiers must approach the residence from the Fighting Gate side. Even in warfare enemy forces will not approach a residence from the civilian side even though this would give them a great advantage. Nowadays discreet security sensors are placed on the civilian side as aliens cannot be expected to follow the Boliticians' quirks.
Respect for authority is a key part of Bolitican culture, however also Bolitican knights and barons are expected be ambitious and seek to defeat their peers. Barons plot to defeat other barons and ultimately overthrow the Emperor so although the other barons respect the Emperor they all want to kill him. The Boliticians are a rather contradictory lot.
Slavery is a large part of Bolitican life, prisoners of war are automatically made slaves though can purchase their freedom, aliens are not so fortunate and countless alien slaves are hurled into Bolitican wars. There is no respect for the lower levels in society, knights care not if they send their squires into a suicidal battle and don't even bat an eyelid if thousands of alien slaves die.
Bolitic society is based on the barony system, everyone has to be aligned to a baron (those living in non-baronial areas by default are aligned to the Emperor). The centre of life in each barony is the Baronial Residence which has 2 sides to it : civilian and military. All soldiers must approach the residence from the Fighting Gate side. Even in warfare enemy forces will not approach a residence from the civilian side even though this would give them a great advantage. Nowadays discreet security sensors are placed on the civilian side as aliens cannot be expected to follow the Boliticians' quirks.
Respect for authority is a key part of Bolitican culture, however also Bolitican knights and barons are expected be ambitious and seek to defeat their peers. Barons plot to defeat other barons and ultimately overthrow the Emperor so although the other barons respect the Emperor they all want to kill him. The Boliticians are a rather contradictory lot.
Slavery is a large part of Bolitican life, prisoners of war are automatically made slaves though can purchase their freedom, aliens are not so fortunate and countless alien slaves are hurled into Bolitican wars. There is no respect for the lower levels in society, knights care not if they send their squires into a suicidal battle and don't even bat an eyelid if thousands of alien slaves die.
Understanding the Bolitic Confederacy (1) : Structure
In a new series, drawing on DDS, Sirikwanese and Dino intelligence resources we will examine the mysterious Bolitic Confederacy and attempt to draw light on this aggressive faction.
The Bolitic Confederacy are a warlike people descended from Dino settlers in the now little known original technical civilisation on Dino-Land millennia ago. The Bolitic are very different to the Dinos and hate them very much. The Bolitic Confederacy is a collection of hundreds of baronys all competing with each other for influence and resources though in reality only around 12 baronys are strong enough to have any real influence and maintain a space fleet, other baronys subcontract their resources and manpower to these elite.
Each barony is headed by a Baron who has an official residence and territory somewhere usually on the capital planet Castarian (though some recent baronys have set up on other worlds in the Confederacy). Bolitic society is rigidly hierarchical though money can provide a shortcut (see below). Baron titles are hereditary though the Baron's heir can (and increasingly is) passed over in favour of someone else. Murder is considered an acceptable way to replace the Baron but only by a legitimate heir, which is why most Barons send their sons away to seek service with other Barons as soon as they can hold a blaster.
The Bolitic Confederacy itself is headed by the Baron with the most powerful army and fleet, informally he is known as the Emperor though this title is unofficial. Currently Baron Aliowati has this position. He has survived at least 42 assassination attempts over the last few years, in fact it is over 200 years since the last "Emperor" died peacefully.
Other barons are often in combat against each other though the Emperor can order them to cease hostilities if he wishes, for example if the Bolitic have to pool forces against a common foe or the battlezone is close to where the Emperor wishes to play golf as happened recently.
Below the baron are the knights, who are the commanders of his army. These are freemen who are knighted by the Baron or are the sons of other knights. A knight cannot serve the same Baron as his father though and young knights when they come of age must leave the barony of their birth and seek employment elsewhere. Many, especially those not so good at fighting, do not succeed and instead are employed by the Central Facility. Knights who do find a new baron however then tend to remain with the barony for the rest of their lives, no matter how many times the baron himself is replaced. Trusted knights can hope to be chosen to succeed the baron though of course many just live out a life of service and then retire. A few knights do assemble the money they need to set up their own barony though as the amount needed is huge (5 million zarks alone for the various fees, probably 3 or 4 times that to actually set up a barony).
Knights (and barons for that matter) cannot be stripped of their titles though sons of knights in disgrace can be stripped of the right to inherit their father's status. Knights in disgrace are kicked out of their barony and often end up as outlaws, or enter civilian life. Selling insurance is a common occupation for them for some reason.
Below the knights are the freemen, civilian and military. The military are the footsoldiers of the Confederacy. Each owes allegiance to the knight first and then his baron second. Civilians tend to have allegiance to the baron in whose territory they live. For inhabitants of the major cities which fall outside of any barony allegiance tends to be to the Emperor. Freemen who excel in service can be knighted by the baron though there is no money shortcut to become a knight. Soldiers who cannot find the service of a knight are in a kind of limbo and many join the Central Facility.
The Bolitic Confederacy are a warlike people descended from Dino settlers in the now little known original technical civilisation on Dino-Land millennia ago. The Bolitic are very different to the Dinos and hate them very much. The Bolitic Confederacy is a collection of hundreds of baronys all competing with each other for influence and resources though in reality only around 12 baronys are strong enough to have any real influence and maintain a space fleet, other baronys subcontract their resources and manpower to these elite.
Each barony is headed by a Baron who has an official residence and territory somewhere usually on the capital planet Castarian (though some recent baronys have set up on other worlds in the Confederacy). Bolitic society is rigidly hierarchical though money can provide a shortcut (see below). Baron titles are hereditary though the Baron's heir can (and increasingly is) passed over in favour of someone else. Murder is considered an acceptable way to replace the Baron but only by a legitimate heir, which is why most Barons send their sons away to seek service with other Barons as soon as they can hold a blaster.
The Bolitic Confederacy itself is headed by the Baron with the most powerful army and fleet, informally he is known as the Emperor though this title is unofficial. Currently Baron Aliowati has this position. He has survived at least 42 assassination attempts over the last few years, in fact it is over 200 years since the last "Emperor" died peacefully.
Other barons are often in combat against each other though the Emperor can order them to cease hostilities if he wishes, for example if the Bolitic have to pool forces against a common foe or the battlezone is close to where the Emperor wishes to play golf as happened recently.
Below the baron are the knights, who are the commanders of his army. These are freemen who are knighted by the Baron or are the sons of other knights. A knight cannot serve the same Baron as his father though and young knights when they come of age must leave the barony of their birth and seek employment elsewhere. Many, especially those not so good at fighting, do not succeed and instead are employed by the Central Facility. Knights who do find a new baron however then tend to remain with the barony for the rest of their lives, no matter how many times the baron himself is replaced. Trusted knights can hope to be chosen to succeed the baron though of course many just live out a life of service and then retire. A few knights do assemble the money they need to set up their own barony though as the amount needed is huge (5 million zarks alone for the various fees, probably 3 or 4 times that to actually set up a barony).
Knights (and barons for that matter) cannot be stripped of their titles though sons of knights in disgrace can be stripped of the right to inherit their father's status. Knights in disgrace are kicked out of their barony and often end up as outlaws, or enter civilian life. Selling insurance is a common occupation for them for some reason.
Below the knights are the freemen, civilian and military. The military are the footsoldiers of the Confederacy. Each owes allegiance to the knight first and then his baron second. Civilians tend to have allegiance to the baron in whose territory they live. For inhabitants of the major cities which fall outside of any barony allegiance tends to be to the Emperor. Freemen who excel in service can be knighted by the baron though there is no money shortcut to become a knight. Soldiers who cannot find the service of a knight are in a kind of limbo and many join the Central Facility.
Raegris fleet developments
The first Raegris built Isometric frigate, the DF-1, has been launched at a ceremony on the Raegris homeland. The DF-1 is based on the Isometric-E platform but of the highest optional specification and is also similar to the future DDS Battle class frigate.
The Raegris are also building Pentekonter-Es for export customers and have ordered 3 for themselves for the training and local patrol roles. The type will be the lower end of the specification options and will be known as the PC-1. Deliveries are expected in 2110.
Meanwhile the unaligned planet of Helinox has said it is interested in procuring Pentekonter-Es.
The Raegris are also building Pentekonter-Es for export customers and have ordered 3 for themselves for the training and local patrol roles. The type will be the lower end of the specification options and will be known as the PC-1. Deliveries are expected in 2110.
Meanwhile the unaligned planet of Helinox has said it is interested in procuring Pentekonter-Es.
Jimmy campaign in chaos as M-B-H roars ahead
Jimmy's support has collapsed mere days before the final vote for the 2108-2110 Consul after a catastrophic error in a debate between the 2 men live on TV. It is thought a key member in Jimmy's Liberal Party was really working for Veritas = Truth. In the debate Jimmy produced a document which he said proved financial misdealings in M-B-H's Culture Ministry but when the document was actually read it was an Audit Office document proving corruption at Jimmy's Interior Ministry!
Jimmy did not read the document which had been given to him by his assistant Centurion Pircasa. Following the debate Pircasa could not be contacted but one source said he was seen in the company of Sleeze and M-B-H.
Jimmy's support has collapsed to just 27% with M-B-H rising to 45%. Quite a lot of voters are still undecided but surely M-B-H's jibes at Jimmy that he was incompetant must be heavy on their minds.
Jimmy did not read the document which had been given to him by his assistant Centurion Pircasa. Following the debate Pircasa could not be contacted but one source said he was seen in the company of Sleeze and M-B-H.
Jimmy's support has collapsed to just 27% with M-B-H rising to 45%. Quite a lot of voters are still undecided but surely M-B-H's jibes at Jimmy that he was incompetant must be heavy on their minds.
3.12.07
HCS Navy unveil latest ships
Two more Triona class OPVs have successfully completed their trials and have been accepted into service by the HCS Navy. P09 Temple North will be deployed to Cloneland and AP10 Senrilla will be transferred to Aquaworld early next year. The two boats are to a updated specification with SA-N-6A self-defence SAMs and some modifications to the hull to improve sea keeping.
Meanwhile the new destroyer lead ship CNS Olana has begun sea trials following it's launch a few months ago. The ship still requires armament and some support equipment being fitted which will take place next year following these proving trials. The HCSN are still keeping to a "Summer 08" entry in service though this may be ambitious.
The sole frigate CNS Ailier has returned to base following the recent operation against pirates and will receive a refit and update. It should return to service next spring with SA-N-6A and other system updates.
Meanwhile the new destroyer lead ship CNS Olana has begun sea trials following it's launch a few months ago. The ship still requires armament and some support equipment being fitted which will take place next year following these proving trials. The HCSN are still keeping to a "Summer 08" entry in service though this may be ambitious.
The sole frigate CNS Ailier has returned to base following the recent operation against pirates and will receive a refit and update. It should return to service next spring with SA-N-6A and other system updates.
Windy admits : "Boliticians kicked our ass!"
Windscorpion has admitted that his first encounter with the Bolitic Confederacy has not gone as well as originally implied. A few days ago a Bolitic ship attacked and disabled the communications array on SS Carboniferous and then 2 Bolitic soldiers boarded the transport SS Globemaster. Laser spot communications were used to alert Windy who beamed over to the transport with Salamander.
Unfortunately the DDS troops were defeated in battle, Windy had his suit badly scorched by a heat ray and Salamander's favourite chainsaw was destroyed. The Bolitic made off, presumably not finding anything worth stealing. Windy has said that the DDS has been complacent after decades of fighting "losers like the Clones and Utrek". "The Bolitic are a much tougher race, and i look forward to the rematch... the result will be different!"
Unfortunately the DDS troops were defeated in battle, Windy had his suit badly scorched by a heat ray and Salamander's favourite chainsaw was destroyed. The Bolitic made off, presumably not finding anything worth stealing. Windy has said that the DDS has been complacent after decades of fighting "losers like the Clones and Utrek". "The Bolitic are a much tougher race, and i look forward to the rematch... the result will be different!"
1.12.07
TPM developments
A revised version of Milestone 3 of the next generation TPM-2 trans-phasic missile has been developed for testing. TPM-2 M3B has various updates of key sub-systems and has been readied for limited deployment to test the missile in near-combat conditions. Two Isometric frigates have received modifications to be able to use the missile (though not from the internal launcher - they will have them fitted to external pylons) and the Rome Bs (which are already TPM-2 ready) will also be given some to deploy in real-life scenarios. The missiles are unlikely to be used in an actual combat situation however.
The aerial version of the TPM-1, the TPM-A, has received an update. TPM-A2 has a better rocket motor for improved speed and endurance, software has also been improved to enhance terminal guidance and stowage safety. TPM-A2 will be used as the basis of a ground-based version, TPM-G. This will have a booster rocket first stage. The DDS hope to deploy TPM-G as part of the enhanced protection of key DDS sites in 2108.
The aerial version of the TPM-1, the TPM-A, has received an update. TPM-A2 has a better rocket motor for improved speed and endurance, software has also been improved to enhance terminal guidance and stowage safety. TPM-A2 will be used as the basis of a ground-based version, TPM-G. This will have a booster rocket first stage. The DDS hope to deploy TPM-G as part of the enhanced protection of key DDS sites in 2108.
DDS and HCS both announce future fighters
In an unusual co-incidence both the DDS Aviation Service and the HCSAF announced at media briefings they are working on new fighter projects to replace their current front line fighters in the 2120s (the DDS were first, it is thought the HCSAF bought their announcement forward a few days).
The DDS project has been named as ADF (Advanced DDS Fighter) and will replace the F-10S as front-line fighter (and replace the F-10A in totality) in the mid-2120s. It will be a highly agile, stealthy fighter of course. Some design studies published show a hybrid of F-10S and the HCS F-45 which would make for an interesting type! This project replaces the previously announced (but scant detailed) F-10X. Also at the briefing the DDS announced that the light attack aircraft currently in development, the NDAA, will be known as the A-12 in service.
The HCS project is called NGCA (Next Generation Combat Aircraft) and is expected to enter service in the early 2120s (so before the ADF). This will replace remaining F-40s in HCSAF service. Details of NGCA are being kept under wraps for now, one rumour is that it will be an advanced development of the F-45, a design said to have a lot of life left in it.
The DDS project has been named as ADF (Advanced DDS Fighter) and will replace the F-10S as front-line fighter (and replace the F-10A in totality) in the mid-2120s. It will be a highly agile, stealthy fighter of course. Some design studies published show a hybrid of F-10S and the HCS F-45 which would make for an interesting type! This project replaces the previously announced (but scant detailed) F-10X. Also at the briefing the DDS announced that the light attack aircraft currently in development, the NDAA, will be known as the A-12 in service.
The HCS project is called NGCA (Next Generation Combat Aircraft) and is expected to enter service in the early 2120s (so before the ADF). This will replace remaining F-40s in HCSAF service. Details of NGCA are being kept under wraps for now, one rumour is that it will be an advanced development of the F-45, a design said to have a lot of life left in it.
Jimmy and M-B-H go into Consul election run-off
As expected Jimmy and M-B-H easily were the 2 highest polling candidates in the first round of the Consul election. Jimmy took 59.2% of the vote and M-B-H 21.9%. Jimmy did slightly worse than expected and M-B-H a bit better but Jimmy is expected to easily win the second round, voting of which is late next week. In an opinion poll of voters for the other 2 candidates he was named by 73% of them as the candidate they would vote for out of him and M-B-H.
DDS gain Bolitic intelligence / Windy attacked
Thanks to the new DDS/Sirikwan military treaty signed by Windscorpion while he was there the DDS now have access to the Sirikwanese database on the Bolitic Confederacy, it is said the DDS now might even know more about the Bolitic than the Dinos! The Sirikwanese have discovered that the Bolitic are currently rebuilding some of their older BS4004 Helwin battlecruisers as BS4005 Helwin B. These include technology from the current BS4040 Snarl class. It is thought the Bolitic are also working on a replacement for the Snarl.
The Sirikwanese have discovered recent evidence of contact between the Utrek and the Bolitic. In the last few months Utrek military envoys have visited Castarian (the Bolitic capital world) twice and may help the Bolitic with engine technology. The Bolitic are lagging behind quite badly, literally! Their fastest ships, the Snarls, can only reach about 300c.
Meanwhile Task Force Windscorpion has run into some trouble in unclaimed space near the edge of the Bolitic Confederacy. A Helwin class ship of an unidentified House transmitted a virus into SS Carboniferous knocking out it's communications array and then attempted to board and raid SS Globemaster however the Bolitic were forced to retreat after Windy intervened.
The Sirikwanese have discovered recent evidence of contact between the Utrek and the Bolitic. In the last few months Utrek military envoys have visited Castarian (the Bolitic capital world) twice and may help the Bolitic with engine technology. The Bolitic are lagging behind quite badly, literally! Their fastest ships, the Snarls, can only reach about 300c.
Meanwhile Task Force Windscorpion has run into some trouble in unclaimed space near the edge of the Bolitic Confederacy. A Helwin class ship of an unidentified House transmitted a virus into SS Carboniferous knocking out it's communications array and then attempted to board and raid SS Globemaster however the Bolitic were forced to retreat after Windy intervened.
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