The finalised Ship Building Plan for 2117/8 was published a couple of days ago and immediately raised some eyebrows. While changes from the drafts published earlier in the year are expected the final plan was short an Olympus Balista 023M, a Kinetic 035C and a Mulberry 036A. It is understood that NS Commander Knobhead himself ordered these changes just days before the plan was published.
The reason is said, by insiders, to be due to be greater uncertainly in the astral-political situation around the UNP that has developed over the last few months. The downfall of the Utrek, the rise of a possible new threat in the shape of the Mantae and MBH becoming the new Dino Emperor has prompted Knobhead to want greater cash reserves in NS coffers. The cut in the plan will save 1.6 billion zarks which will be put (along with some other money) into a new NS contingency reserve.
If the astral-political situation turns sour quickly Knobhead wants NS to have the money and resources to immediately be able to step up munition production and fleet preparedness.
