Part 102: Episode X: 2350 - 2375

There could be more of a delay until the next update after this. I want to make sure I do enough testing to make sure all the technical issues are worked out before proceeding further.

Episode X: 2350-2375


https://youtu.be/Fn0cxClPXuc






This came in right away, and the two main choices were still Toxic Landings and +30 Terraforming; sticking with Terraforming as planned.




It seemed to time to go to 'normal' research distribution here.




Given how little territory we have and the total, 100%, complete lack of other options, it seems a good time to go for some early(for me at least) military buildup. The two red-star radiated systems, Trax and Seidon, will be guarded to prevent anyone else from snagging them. This may be a wasted effort since we might not get the Radiated tech -- but if that happens I'm not sure anything is going to matter.




The Cyclops here is generally your basic laser fighter, but with a twist; enough space to thrown on a Mark I battle computer as well will help. The initial plan is to build 50, 25 for each system.




2355, and we finally have a fourth planet. At least Phyco is rich.




Courteous and friendly as ever.




When the bears are expanding twice as fast as you are, it's not going well.




So going 'down' isn't going to work. The Recons are headed that way but they won't accomplish anything. This is a rather horrific development since there is that big dark-space gap to the right(can't get anywhere past the radiated systems even with reserve tanks) ... and well, there aren't any other directions to consider. They have seven, we have four, and I'm betting their odds for expansion are better than our almost non-existent ones.




ECM Jammer I arrives, and I take the clear choice of Robotics III here. Cyclops production continues for a few more years, and I also belatedly sign a 150BC trade deal with Smurch. Also during this time-frame some transfers to Phyco boost the growth curve there.




New deflectors are the latest first-tier project to be finished. Personal Deflectors or Class III Shields are next ... I elect the personal one for no good reason really, though they are a bit cheaper.




And slightly less crappy missiles. I have a feeling we may have to fight sooner rather than later, which informs a fairly rare choice(though I did it as Meklar also) of going for the Ion Cannon next. Fusion Bombs were probably also worth considering; Hyper-X Rockets would have been fairly redundant.




This is a particularly nasty blow, wiping out all of our robotics progress. Not a hospitable galaxy. It's 2372, and current imperial research amounts to 393 RP per year; less than a quarter of what we just lost.




Industrial Tech 8 comes the next cycle. Battle Suits is just over half the price of the waste reduction, which would only reduce current costs by a quarter. Cheaper research wins out again.

Phyco has started building bases as our point-defense system aimed at the Bulrathi; one is finished and another about to be. The computer virus was really a tough blow on top of the other unpleasantness. What little chance is left hinges on getting radiated landings, and soon.