GloryorSolitude

http://imgur.com/lK5xMX2

i need a skin of this guy for something unrelated. I guess I have a couple hundred minas left on my account for a meager reward.

-OOC-
Forum Name: GloryorSolitude
Skype (Optional): We're talking right now, actually
Did you read the rules/Introduction?: I did, yes.
Secret Words: No Magic
-IC-
Race Name: The ak'Taliim
Settled or Nomadic: Settled, mountain dwellers
Brief Description:

The ak'Taliim are among the oldest sentient races on Zol'Darios. By their nature, they are proud and noble. The ak'Taliim are a humanoid, sapient species, easilly identifiable by their tall stature and four prehensile arms. Born and raised in the mountains, the ak'Taliim are blessed by their environment with improved endurance and a knowledge of many of the realm's harsher animals that have evolved alongside them, such as the wyverns and dragons, as well as other large sturdy beasts. At the same time, their isolation provides them with little exposure to the disease common in the forested and jungled regions of the world, and thus disease may prove a fatal problem for them. Their non-sentient beastly neighbors also provide good game for the hunters in the wild, and some have been tamed and domesticated for the ak'Taliim's use.

The ak'Taliim have developed a culture reminiscent of feudal Japan. One's honor is heavily dependent on one's abilities and actions on and off the field of battle. Duels between rivals are common, but it is common practice to spare your opponents life except in extreme circumstances or when such cannot feasibly be done. The ak'Taliim are diveded into noble houses, the mightiest of which will hold absolute power at a given time. Currently, there are four houses, the House of Eagles, the House of Dragons, the House of Frost, and the House of Storms. Presently, the presiding house is the House of Storms, led by Patriarch dol'Viik'mon. While his house, the strongest, is firmly united, dol'Viik'mon has accumulated a number of rivals in the Houses of Eagles and Frost that are eager to lay claim to his power. Thus, the same system of houses that provides a rigid and efficient structure of command and inspires loyalty in its members, also neatly divides the ak'Taliim into several polarized factions vying for power, which may at one point open a floodgate into civil war.

Orion Production Update

Cosmodromes Taurus, Centauri, Draco, and Castillo in Japan, Ethiopia, Porto, and Greece respectively, all near completion. All facilities are built and most are fully operational. Final preparations are made for the full opening of each cosmodrome. (1 page.)

The expansion of the Polaris cosmodrome in Britannia is finished and all additional systems are brough online and at full functioning capacity.

The Indian Pandora Cosmodrome continues progress and all is on schedule. (7 pages.)

The Ursa expansion, with the flux of new workers, as advancing slightly ahead of schedule. (7 pages.)

A Bobcat freighter is finished at Polaris Cosmodrome and handed over to the USSR command.

Polaris Cosmodrome:

T1/T2/T4 Jaguar-II (2 pages)

Bobcat Freighter (2 pages)

Ursa Cosmodrome:

Panther Flagship Carrier (7 pages)

Cougar Battleship (9 pages)

M2/M5 Jaguar (3 pages)

Andromeda Cosmodrome:

Panther Flagship Carrier: (5 pages)

M1/M2 Jaguar: (2 pages)

Online systems at all four of the four new cosmodromes are put to work producing a new and undisclosed ship for Orion. Details unavailable.

Additional undisclosed project continues. (3 pages.)

Orion Avionics

Upon the offer from Britannia, Lucas Messer appears in Britannia to accept the invitation to officially join the commonwealth as an independent state. ​Orion officially becomes a realm of the Commonwealth. 

In a deal with the SAF, Orion has acquired terraforming technology. Immediately plans go underway to turn the area around Orion's mars colony into a much more hospitable atmosphere. Along with this, a large construction project is undertake to create a large structure to facilitate a small controllable atmosphere in which to build a small metropolis. Scheduling on this project is not yet determined.

Underground on Mars, the colony continues its expansion. It digs downwards into the depths of the red planet. Perhaps it will uncover something, as the English did on Europa.

In a deal with Australia, Orion acquires the technology requires to create advanced VIs, rendering their current research into the subject obsolete. On Mars, these VIs are immediately builts and purposed for ship control, to be installed on Orion ships as soon as possible.

The two M1/M2 Jaguars over Mars are bought by the South American Federation and await orders from their new command.

Production:

Cosmodromes:

A number of major systems are online at all Cosmodrome sites.

Pandora Cosmodrome, India: 10 pages

Castillo Cosmodrome: 4 pages

Polaris Cosmodrome Expansion: 2 pages

Ursa Expansion: 12 pages

Taurus Cosmodrome, Japan: 4 pages

Draco Cosmodrome, Porto: 4 pages

Centauri Cosmodrome, Ethiopia: 4 pages

Polaris Cosmodrome:

T1/T2/T4 Jaugar: 5 pages

Bobcat Freighter: 3 pages

Bobcat Freighter: 5 pages

Ursa Cosmodrome:

Panther Flagship Carrier: 10 pages

Cougar Heavy Battleship: 12 pages

M2/M5 Jaguar: 6 turns

Andromeda Cosmodrome:

Panther Flagship Carrier: 8 pages

M1/M2 Jaguar: 5 pages

Orion Moonbase:

E1/E3 Jaguar: 5 pages

Undisclosed projects continue, 6 pages.

The Coalition Fleet: Europa, 2 hours into operation.

The NeoRussians manning the ion batteries on Europa had met a nasty surprise. So used were they to the concept that their technology was unrivaled that it would be unsurprising if they were struck in awe when they saw the baby blue light that seemed to absorb their rounds and make light of it. Nonetheless, as Jason recovered control of the defensive grid, the coalition fleet was forced to retreat, cloaking and orbiting  just outside the effective range of the grid's weapons. The shielding on the Pillar of Salvation and other ships fired upon by the Russians had saved them this time, but now they lost that element of surprise and had to wait for their shields to recover. Grand Admiral William Hensford leans over his SBI Command Console, observing the situation in space and the deadlock of infantry forces on the ground.

"Can we kick it back out?" The answer was apparently no, but he asked anyways. "One way or another now, we'll have to push through those defenses. in order to get support to our men on the ground." Hensford raises the fleet command channel. "All ships! Prepare to receive orders!"

The fleet waits until it can position itself between the defenses and the son, making it almost impossible to see the ships while cloaked. This is when the new operation is launched. The fleet intends to punch a hole in the defensive grid and get below it's range, and then find a way to deal with the ion batteries on the ground. All pilots are kept on alert and ready to scramble. A large number of their engines are even kept hot while the next phase begins.

All ships are cloaked for this operation. Two Leopard-II Assault Frigates OCS Anomoly and the OCS Arctic Winds approached the designated batter from a wide angle from its main battery while the HMS Windsor's Wrath approaches it straight on using the glare from the sun to cover its advance. Once the range is significantly closed, the Reclaimers on board the platform are none the wiser until the two frigates decloak, firing their main plasma cannons at the anti-ship cannon, quickly disabling it. As smaller batteries turn to light up the two frigates, the Windsor's Wrath deactivates its own shields, firing its four primary LIONs into the center mass of the platform, blowing it to pieces before much damage can be done. The Fleets streams through the hole in the defensive grid, slipping below its effective range of engagement. 

Fighters aboard the Pillar of Salvation, Windsor's Wrath, and Feeling Lucky? are scambled immediately after passing through the heavy AA coverage of the defensive grid. As the fleet approaches, combined forces of SF-2s, Churchills, and SG-1s fill the air above the fighting infantry as a low level strike is initiated. Most of the craft target the ion batteries to disable their anti-orbital capabilities. In theory, their previous targeting of the Reclaimer air capabilities should minimize fighter losses. As soon as all craft are clear of the zone, the three Endeavor-Class destroyers decloak and fire their main cannons into each of the sites, hoping to demolish the cannons and Reclaimers therein. SF-1s and Churchill squadrons remain available as much as possible over the colony, initiating air strikes to areas where the Russians have dug in and evacuating their respective carrier directly thereafter.

Ships resume a similar defensive formation should the Reclaimer fleet arrive.

In an attempt to remove the Jason VI's influence from the battlefield, the colony is bombarded by a VI virus designed by Britannia. The hope is this will eliminate the Jason VI, cause it to issue erratic and nonsensical commands, or at least force it to temporarily leave the battle in order to isolate and eliminate the virus' intrusions.

On the ground, Tyranid-driven MAPs and Coalition marines remain girdlocked with the Reclaimer forces. They are monitored by Hensford and his commanders, waiting for any fault in Reclaimer lines to appear in the fighting to appear to launch a renewed offensive. Currently, losses are minimal on both sides, but the Coalition air strikes may vary well be able to turn the tides quickly.

Orion begins two undisclosed research projects.

Orion vaguely announces the coming release of a ground-vehicle series. Details currently unavailable.

Orion Production Update

Cosmodromes:

Pandora Cosmodrome, India: 12 pages

Castillo Cosmodrome: 6 pages

Polaris Cosmodrome Expansion: 4 pages

Ursa Expansion: 14 pages

Taurus Cosmodrome, Japan: 6 pages

Draco Cosmodrome, Porto: 6 pages

Centauri Cosmodrome, Ethiopia: 6 pages

Indian undisclosed project: 8 pages

Polaris Cosmodrome:

T1/T2/T4 Jaguar-II: 7 pages

Bobcat Freighter: 5 pages

Ursa Cosmodrome:

2 M1/M2 Jaguars: 1 page

Andromeda Cosmodrome:

Panther Class Flagship Strike Carrier: 10 pages

M1/M2 Jaguar: 7 pages

Orion Moonbase:

E1/E3 Jaguar: 7 pages

Ship AI Development: 8 pages

The Coalition Fleet Strikes

Coalition Fleet Makeup:

The Flagships:

-HMS Windsor's Wrath Carrier-Batlleship

This is the command ship and, by far, the grandest and hugest ship in the fleet, notably having taken the British almost a decade to construct and build. It has a complement of almost 500 men aboard including fighter pilots, marines, and operations crew. The Wrath is quite heavily armored, and is well-fitted with battle and anti-meteor plating. It is equipped with all the facilities necessary for long-range exploration and for battle, and is the jewel of the Royal Space Navy and of the British Space Ministry.

 

[ONBOARD ARMAMENTS:

--120 LION II point defense weapons

--45 Chaingun point defense weapons

--4 frontal LION supercharged cannons

--28 LION cannons, 14 on each side

--140 Churchill and Sabre Fighters

--20 Microwave Lasers

--6 point-precision German EMP launchers

--3 Trident Nuclear Weapons (DISARMED AND FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY)

--10 Missile Tubes (2 forwards, 4 on each side)]

-OCS Pillar of Salvation (Panther Class strike carrier)

Level 1 Authorization Required

The Panther is the result of Orion Avionic's first venture into ships that could compete with the flagships of various rising fleets. The result: A powerful framework that could be built far faster than any of its competitors while still massive enough to easily compete with the flagships of other nations such as the HMS Windsor's Wrath or the Yuki-Tennō. The Panther can be easily adapted to fit a variety of roles during its construction depending on what exactly the buyer needs. The Panther has three main variants.

 

The Flagship Variant produces a ship that can fill about any given role. The Flagship varient sports a variety of heavy armaments that allow it to strike heavily against other ships, though it lacks the forward-facing main cannon installed on many other Orion ships. However, its rotary turrets and heavy batteries on either flank of the hull allow it to pound any ship exposed to the Panthers powerful broadside. In addition to this powerful ship-to-ship armament, the Panther Flagship carries two hangars. One carries a host of 144 Orion Starfighters, the other dedicated to ground deployment capabilities. It holds a large host of military equipment including Orion MAPs.

Capital Ships:

(Mammoth)

OCS Feeling Lucky?

(Jovian Clipper Class Cruisers) 

HMS Jovian Clipper,

HMS King Charles II,

HMS Trafalgar

(Endeavor Class Destroyers) 

HMS Endeavor,

HMS William 

HMS Brotherhood

(Jaguars)

(M2/M3 Jaguar) OCS Vanguard of Freedom,

(M2/M3 Jaguar) OCS Defiant,

(M1/M3 Jaguar) OCS Aptitude

Leopard-II Assault Frigates

OCS Arctic Winds

OCS Anomaly

OCS St. John

OCS Milan

OCS Rattlesnake

OCS De'tente

Leopard-II Phalanx Frigates

OCS Still Waters

As soon as the OCS Pillar of Salvation was ready for operation, it was loaded with a full compliment. It carries now 72 SF-1s, 36 SF-2s, and 24 SG-1s in its upper spacecraft hangar. In its larger ground deployment hangar, it also carries a large compliment of ground deployment capabilities, including 550 shiny new MAPs, operated by Swarm Guard Tyranids bought from Othryian Genetics. These are split into divisions of 50. One is a field repair divisonto help damaged ships, the other ten are standard deployment divisions, armed with 45 standard assault MAPs and one heavy Breacher MAP each. In addition, the bay houses a compliment of 3,400 marines, combined British and Orion forces, a number of Lancelot and EMU mechs to support them, and the large number of cloaking interplanetary shuttles required to get them to the surface, similar to the deployment capabilities of the Windsor's Wrath. 

The OCS Pillar of Salvation, HMS William , and

HMS Brotherhood are deployed to rendezvous with the rest of the Coalition Fleet as they depart for Europa. Once the fleets converge, all ships cloak for the duration of the travel, vanishing from any instruments tracking them . . .

With their powerful new cold fusion equipment, the fleet makes Europa in record time. Reclaimers aboard the orbital defenses would be none the wiser of the coming assault until the British command remotely deactivates the systems, completely shutting down the orbital defense grid. The Reclaimers there can only look out their observation decks as the Pillar of Salvation de-cloaks before them, followed by a much larger Coalition fleet.

Grand Admiral William Hensford looks out over his command from the observation deck of the Pillar of Salvation. He strokes his graying scruff as he runs through the plan one last time in his head - not that extra-terrestrial combat usually went to plan. "Lietentant, patch me through." The Reclaimers on the ground would hear first of the coming attack as a Coalition message is broadcast on all local channels. Grand Admiral Hensford's voice would be received by anybody on Europa, British, Reclaimer, or otherwise, who would be listening. 

"I am Grand Admiral William Hensford, commander of this fleet and captain of the OCS Pillar of Salvation. I am joined by Fleet Admiral Alexander Keilitz, captain of the HMS Windor's Wrath. I'm sure all you Russians down there are familiar with that name. This will be brief. The Neorussians, these . . . Reclaimers, have committed an atrocity by occupying this fine colony and enslaving its residents. I am here to be your judge, jury, and executioner. We will destroy any military asset we find and we will retake this colony, despite any rebuke you may feel like uttering. If you are British, this is your lucky day. If you're a Reclaimer, not so much. If you lay down your arms and surrender, you will be given due process of law on Earth. If not, then we will be forced to exert military force to liberate this colony. We have been granted full authority to engage with prejudice, and as such you will be treated as hostile targets until we hear word of your surrender. This is the Pillar of Salvation, out." Once the transmission cuts out, Hensford turns to his command crew, clearing his throat. "Gentlemen . . . Execute Operation."

After a few minutes, the Coalition Fleet moves into position to begin their attack. The Pillar of Salvation turns its flank to the planet. Once in a stable orbit, the Panther's broadside batteries open up, targeting the sight of the Reclaimer Flagship's construction. Joined by the Defiant and Aptitude, the bombardment fires several salvos into the construction yard. 

Shortly thereafter, The OCS Feeling Lucky? scrambles its compliment of 72 SG-1 Executioner Gunboats, initiating a fast low-level strike on the construction sight and airfield to disable any Reclaimer air resistance. They are escorted by assorted SG-1s and Churchills from the Pillar of Salvation and Windsor's Wrath. Simultaneously, both ships launch their shuttles to surface, staying cloaked until the ships can drop the troops and mechs aboard. In all, the ships deploy 7,400 marines to surface, armed with LION-IIs and quantum suits, supported by the 10 MAP Assault Brigades as well as a number of EMUs and Lancelots. In theory, the assistance of enslaved British citizens combined with the Coalitions superior ground capabilities should make the battle one that is short with minimal casualties.

In space, the Windsor's Wrath takes position off the Pillar of Salvation's port side, covering its flank and engines from assault should Reclaimer ships show up. The three Jovian cruisers take postion of either side of the Wrath, favoring two on the side of the Salvation's engines. The Feeling Lucky?, having little defense against enemy ships, stays below the Salvation while its compliment is dispatched. The final Jaguar, the Vanguard of Freedom, all three of the Endeavor destroyers, and the fleet's frigates remain cloaked and form a picket around the central fleet, waiting to ambush any Reclaimer ship hoping to jump in and gain the upper hand with a surprise attack. At least 1/4 of the fleet's starfighters are scrambled at a given time, patrolling the area in and around the fleet's space in groups of four, and all fighter pilots remain ready to scramble should a threat emerge. 

Orion Short Post

==================

In response to the riots in the USSR, Orion operatives at Andromeda Cosmodrome keep a closer watch on the facility's walls, all Orion employee's and USSR officials working with them are advised to stay within the complex as much as possible. Given the important nature of the construction inside, the gates remain closed to most visitors and security is kept at maximum for now.

Orion Avionics

Catalog of Purchasable Ships [New Ships!]

((Build times subject to change; PM me))

Flagships

Panther Class Carrier

Level 1 Authorization Required

The Panther is the result of Orion Avionic's first venture into ships that could compete with the flagships of various rising fleets. The result: A powerful framework that could be built far faster than any of its competitors while still massive enough to easily compete with the flagships of other nations such as the HMS Windsor's Wrath or the Yuki-Tennō. The Panther can be easily adapted to fit a variety of roles during its construction depending on what exactly the buyer needs. The Panther has three main variants.

 

The Flagship Variant produces a ship that can fill about any given role. The Flagship varient sports a variety of heavy armaments that allow it to strike heavily against other ships, though it lacks the forward-facing main cannon installed on many other Orion ships. However, its rotary turrets and heavy batteries on either flank of the hull allow it to pound any ship exposed to the Panthers powerful broadside. In addition to this powerful ship-to-ship armament, the Panther Flagship carries two hangars. One carries a host of 48 Orion Starfighters, the other dedicated to ground deployment capabilities. It holds a large host of military equipment including Orion MAPs and several coming vehicles in addition to the drop ships needed to get them to surface. Of course, these hangars may be outfitted with a nation's own hardware.

 

While the Starcraft Carrier and Ground Assault Carrier variants still carry significant anti-ship capabilities, the ships sacrifice some of it to hold two additional hangars. All four hangars are dedicated to the variants respective specialization. 

Cougar Class Battlecruiser

Level 1 Authorization Required

The Cougar is the close follower of the Panther to Orion's available ships to contend among humanities flagships. As far as mass goes, the Cougar is fully capable of standing toe-to-toe to the national flagships it contends with. Unlike the Panther, the Cougar isn't build for versatility. It's made for two purposes: spearhead the formations of allies fleets and destroy the formations of the enemy's.

 

On its stern the Cougar is armed with a pair of primary plasma cannon; one standard anti-ship cannon found on most Orion ships, and a larger PASP-Mk.III, a hyrbid plasma-based weapon that acts more like a large rail-gun. This weapon allows the Cougar to open combat at longer ranges than most of humanity's ships. Along either of the Cougar's flanks is a broadside just as deadly as the primary armament. Though lacking the top-and-bottomside rotary turrets most Orion ships carry, the Cougar carries a broadside of 36 MASP Ballistic Batteries on either flank in addition to a large host of lighter turrets to mow down enemy fighters and frigates.

Capital Ships

Bobcat Light Cruiser/Freighter

The Bobcat was initially developed with the intention of it filling a heavy frigate's role, but after then project was plagued with multiple redesigns and changes, it became apparent that its size and structure would be better suited to a simple freighter or a support cruiser - so that's exactly what Orion built. The Bobcat only has two variants. Primarily, it's a freighter, able to carry significantly more than a cargo Jaguar, though it lacks much armament at all. Secondly, the Bobcat can be outfitted with a real armament to partake in combat. It mostly carries light turrets to act as a shield against small craft, though it also carries a pair of rotary turrets allowing it to capably engage hostile frigates and lighter capital ships.

Jaguar Class Multi-Role Support Cruiser

The Jaguar is Orion Avionic's most popular hull, which can be fitted with various modules to serve a roll anywhere from a support frigate to a stasis refrigerator. These ships are a reliable choice for any nation who chooses to use them, often proving to be as or more effective than government-constructed starships, if less custom. The Jaguar can be bought with any two of the following modules:

 

Transport:

-T1-Jaguar Cargo 

-T2-Jaguar Bio-Cargo w/ extended life support + improved atmosphere control

-T3-Jaguar Heavy Cargo w/ heavy tow gear

-T4-Jaguar Stasis Transport w/ advanced cryogenics 

 

Military:

All military models come with additional local defense batteries.

-M1-Jaguar Long-Range Combat System

-M2-Jaguar Close-Range Combat System

-M3-Jaguar Anti-Ship Plasma-based Cannon

-M4-Jaguar Boarding Module

-M5-Jaguar Phalanx Support (anti-fighter, bomber, landing craft)

 

Engineering:

-E1-Jaguar Science Laboratory

-E2-Jaguar Field Repair Module

-E3 Jaguar Field Fabrication Module

Jaguar-II Multi-Role Heavy Cruiser

Level 2 Authorization Required

The Jaguar-II is built on a heavier frame than its Jaguar-I predecessor. Equipped with the latest in Orion's cold-fusion propulsion systems and other aerospace tech, the Jaguar-II is able to carry more armor and heavier armaments than its younger brother, which in turn allows it to fill the role of a heavy cruiser or battlecruiser. The Jaguar-II is of course a general purpose hull, and as such can be equipped with the same modules as the Jaguar-I, save three premium modules. The Jguar-II carries three modules, save the poremium modules, which occupy the entire ship.

 

-Jaguar-II Heavy Combat System-

The Heavy Combat System prepares a Jaguar-II for almost any situation the ship could encounter. specifically built around destroying enemy capital ships. The HCS equips a Jaguar-II with an impressive array of three main cannons on its stern, giving it a notable capability to decimate an enemy formation from long range before it gets into the gritty-close combat scenarios of space combat. Either side of the hull is then lined with a row of 12 heavy plasma batteries and 24 rotary dual-barreled turrets, giving it close range capabilities against most threats. The top and bottom of the ship are armed with an array of 36 tri-barreled rotary turrets to defend against fighters and other small craft.

 

-Jaguar-II Heavy Anti-Ship Platform-

The HASP is all about delivering as much punch as possible at all ranges, and taking just as much. It sports the same three-cannon array as the Heavy Combat System, but now carries four smaller secondary plasma cannons on the top and bottom of the ship, allowing it to rip apart any ship broadside to it at close range. Either side is armed with an array of repeating batteries to pepper close enemy ships with a barrage of plasma and armor piercing shells.

 

-Jaguar-II Mining Barge-

The mining module on the Jaguar is fairly self-explanatory. The Jaguar sacrifices most of its armament to afford a large amount of cargo storage and mining equipment. While it isn't self-sustaining, it can carry on a mission and support a crew for a rather long time and take the spoils back to a base.

Mammoth Spacecraft Carrier

The role of the Mammoth Spacecraft Carrier should be one that is apparent, though it can be outfitted to carry cargo rather than craft. The three hangars may carry Lynxes from planet to planet, or carry a host of 72 Orion starfighters. In addition, the Mammoth may carry a Leopard frigate on its underside. Save this ability, it is outdone by the Panther in every way, though it is constructed faster, cheaper, and doesn't require special authorization. Though it has plenty of armor, the Mammoth's point defense capabilities aren't enough to reliably protect itself against other ships, and thus it relies on its starfighter and Leopard compliment.

Tiger Class Fast-Attack Destroyer

The Tiger Class Destroyer is little more than a floating weapons system. The Tiger is designed to move quickly about the large ships it follows into combat, using its single main cannon to quickly dispatch hostile frigates and cruisers and blow through the armor of heavier ships. Other than its main cannon, the Tiger is armed with only a few phalanx turrets to ward off enemy fighters. The Tiger is built to quickly dart about the field harassing the enemy fleet at key points. It's light frame and powerful engines give it supreme speed and maneuverability, which allows it to easily stay out of the danger posed by heavy anti-ship weaponry, though it should be kept out of combat with a ship's close-ranged point defense. 

Leopard Frigates

Level 1 Authorization Required for Leopard-IIs, Leopard-I available publicly.

The Leopard-I and Leopard-II serve a role that the Lynx cannot due to its lack of interplanetary capability. Leopards act as small maneuverable frigates to defend the bigger ships from small craft and fighters and to support capital ships during an attack. The Leopards are notable for a couple of qualities; firstly, they can dock on the underside of a Mammoth and be transported by the mothership, and likely other nations could dock them on their own ships. Secondly, they act as a hybrid between HALOs and Starships in that they can enter atmosphere and descend to a low altitude for a short period of time - they cannot stop to hover or land without special solid boosters.

 

The variations of the Leopard-II are identical to the Leopard-I. The difference comes on the Leopard-II's use of LIONs and LIONIIs, as well as cold fusion reactors and engines.

 

All Frigates are armed with an additional 16 small miniguns for combat enemy fighters and missiles.

 

Leopard Support Frigate

 

Support Frigates are armed with versatility in mind. Central on the hull on top and bottom are four dual-barreled batteries firing plasma rounds at a decent rate of fire with a velocity high enough to reliably hit small and maneuverable craft, but not fighters. They can also reliably cause damage to most capital ships, but it would be no keystone in a fight. Additionally, the frigate is armed with a pair of tri-barreled rotary turrets firing smaller metal rounds at a quicker pace. Primarily, these turrets are to target space bombers and small starships.

 

Leopard Assault Frigate

 

For a pretty penny, the Leopard-I Support Frigate can be upgraded to the Assault Frigate. The difference here lies in the primary armament. The two topside turrets are moved farther back on the hull and a main cannon takes their original spot. This fires large plasma rounds that give it an edge against capital ships and in long-range combat. It lacks the same stopping power as the guns on a true destroyer, but it's a suitable replacement for those who cannot afford a destroyer. Additionally, four extra tri-barreled turrets are added to the ship's stern to protect its vulnerable engines.

 

Leopard Phalanx Frigate

 

Alternatively, one could order a Leopard-I Phalanx. This variant trades in all turrets and batteries for sixteen fast firing tetra-barreled turrets firing plasma slugs. Though lacking the muzzle velocity of other guns, this turret can still pack a punch in projectile quantity, especially when it comes into combat with other frigates, fighters, bombers, gunboats, or other small enemy craft in close range. When up close, it can do considerable harm to capital ships by targeting vulnerable areas, but shouldn't be depended on in a prolonged fight with capital ships.

 

 

The cloaking tech from Brightsword is installed on all Coalition Fleet ships, and all repairs are completed. The fleet remains in orbit above Mars until final preparations for the offensive are finished.

Shortly after the raid on the Red Skies Project in the USSR, a number files are received at Polaris Cosmodrome. Somebody has sent Orion the schematics for a module to produce an energy shield encompassing large ships. Somebody has made Dr. Messer a very happy man. Installation of these modules begins on the under-construction Panther and standing Coalition Fleet ships. (USSR Approved)

At the offer of work from Orion, workers from all regions flock in an attempt to join up at Orion dockyards, hoping for a chance to start over and earn a decent living on Mars. Orion is forced to stem the flow of immigrants aboard Orion and British shuttles, but the Mars Colony Alpha continues to expand to accomodate the extra workers, including a pair of new cold-fusion reactors to add energy to the system. The wealth of additional labor significantly speeds up the Ursa Cosmodrome expansion. (12 pages)

Two Endeavor-Class Destroyers are finished for Britain and handed over to their command, though they are requested to stay on station on earth until the Panther is finished. The resources dedicated to their construction is immediately changed to contribute to the Panther under construction, reducing the construction time to just a few months. (1 page.)

The MAP Project nears completion as suit designs are finalized. (1 page)

The SIP Project continues, still a long way from completion. (9 pages)

All other construction continues normally.

Orion Quick Post

As part of an undisclosed projects, Orion Avionics sends Agoge's genetics division a large amount of data, including schematics for most of their ships and several large computer simulation programs. Details unavaiable.

Orion Avionics, Engineering, and Mechanical Manufacturing

The owner of Orion Avionics himself, Lucas Messer, appears publicly to apologize to India for their use of ships due for turnover, stating the the need to combat the Reclaimers is dire to Orion's security. Orion now turns the control of the two carriers promised to them over to the Indian government, the OCS Troy and the OCS Stoic Revenge, once the latter is finished with repairs (1 page). The ships are stationed over Mars awaiting orders from Indian command.

Over Mars, the coalition fleet has been refitted with shiny new cold fusion engines and reactors.

A ceremony is held at Polaris Cosmodrome to commemorate the crew on board the OCS Gallipoli, destroyed in action while combatting the Reclaimer Corps.

To do its fair share to relieve the world recession, Orion begins large construction projects in several nations and on Mars with the money accumulated through its sale of recent ships. In India, construction begins on the Pandora Cosmodrome, a 400 square kilometer project provided the local labor force with a huge amount of jobs (16 pages). In Greece Orion begins construction on the standard 200 km Castillo Cosmodrome (10 pages). Expansion of the Polaris Cosmodrome begins in Brittania, building an external construction facility covering the Clackmannanshire county with a small-town of construction centers. (8 turns.) On Mars, jobs are promised to any legal persons who emigrate from Earth to Mars Colony Alpha seeking to find sustainable income. People who would wish to leave Earth for Mars who need financial support would be offered low-interest loans from Orion to afford transport. They would be put to work alongside the current citizenry in expanding the Ursa Cosmodrome to triple its construction capacity, as well as to expand the colony's population capacity. (18 pages on construction, Mod for attracted citizens, please)

EDIT: Now receiving government subsidies from Britain, Ehtiopia, Japan, and Porto, Orion also begins the construction of standard cosmodromes in Porto, Japan, and Ethiopia. (10 pages)

As the Pandora Cosmodrome develops, construction of an undisclosed project begins for India. (12 turns.)

New Marketed Ships

Orion now offers a new version of the Jaguar, the Jaguar-II, to level 2 authorized buyers. The Jaguar-II is a bigger, faster, heavier, an much meaner version of its younger brother.

The Jaguar-II is equipped with far more armor and armament than its smaller predecessor, allowing it to step into the heavy cruiser role that Orion had left empty until now. In addition, the Jaguar-II is equipped with the latest in capital propulsion systems, now powered by cold fusion reactors and engines, allowing it to reach speeds previously not feasible with ships half its size. The Jaguar-II can be fitted with the same modules as its younger brother, though it carries a third rather than the two, and has access to premium modules that take up all three slots.

-Jaguar-II Heavy Combat System-

The Heavy Combat System prepares a Jaguar-II for almost any situation the ship could encounter. specifically built around destroying enemy capital ships. The HCS equips a Jaguar-II with an impressive array of three main cannons on its stern, giving it a notable capability to decimate an enemy formation from long range before it gets into the gritty-close combat scenarios of space combat. Either side of the hull is then lined with a row of 12 heavy plasma batteries and 24 rotary dual-barreled turrets, giving it close range capabilities against most threats. The top and bottom of the ship are armed with an array of 36 tri-barreled rotary turrets to defend against fighters and other small craft.

-Jaguar-II Heavy Anti-Ship Platform-

The HASP is all about delivering as much punch as possible at all ranges, and taking just as much. It sports the same three-cannon array as the Heavy Combat System, but now carries four smaller secondary plasma cannons on the top and bottom of the ship, allowing it to rip apart any ship broadside to it at close range. Either side is armed with an array of repeating batteries to pepper close enemy ships with a barrage of plasma and armor piercing shells.

-Jaguar-II Mining Barge-

The mining module on the Jaguar is fairly self-explanatory. The Jaguar sacrifices most of its armament to afford a large amount of cargo storage and mining equipment. While it isn't self-sustaining, it can carry on a mission and support a crew for a rather long time and take the spoils back to a base.

Furthermore, Orion has announced the Panther Class Multirole Carrier available for purchase to level 1 authorized buyers. While it doesn't quite dwarf the smaller Mammoth carrier, it's certainly significantly larger.

The nature of the Panther has led Orion to offer it only to closely trusted buyers. The Panther is a ship designed for lead roles, whether it be the actual flagship or a linchpin part of a strategy, the Panther is a contender with the other large ships of humanity, though it won't be the biggest by any measure. The Panther can be built, as with all Orion products, in a number of variants (short on time, so tl;dr on variants for now). The Panther can be built specifically to be a flagship, balancing between inter-ship combat capability, ground deployment capability, and spacecraft transport and deployment capability. In addition, the carrier can be designed to specialize in an actual carrier role to either deploy to ground, space, or a balance between both, as the buyer needs.

Other Construction Projects

Polaris Cosmodrome:

2 Endeavor-Class Destroyers (2 pages)

(Partial, supplementing Andromeda) Panther Class Flagship Carrier

Ursa Cosmodrome:

2 M1/M2 Jaguars (5 pages)

Andromeda Cosmodrome:

Panther Class Flagship Carrier (5 pages)

Orion Moonbase:

T2/T4 Jaguar (4 pages)

MAP Project: (4 pages)

Development of a local automation AI for Orion ships begins (mod)

Orion Starfleet

OCS Gallipoli

(Mammoth) OCS Feeling Lucky? Over Mars, fit

(M2/M3 Jaguar) OCS Vanguard of Freedom, Over Mars, fit

(M2/M3 Jaguar) OCS Defiant, Over Mars, fit

(M1/M3 Jaguar) OCS Aptitude, Over Mars, repairing damage(1)

(E1/E3 Jaguar) OCS Stonewall, Over Mars, fit

Leopard-II Assault Frigates

OCS Arctic Winds, en route: Mars (2 all)

OCS Anomoly, en route: Mars

OCS St. John, en route: Mars

OCS Milan, en route: Mars

OCS Rattlesnake, en route: Mars

OCS De'tente, en route: Mars

Leopard-II Phalanx Frigates

OCS Still Waters, en route, Mars

Orion Quick Post

==================

Orion does, in fact, respond to the Caliphate's request for them to declare independence from Britannia. They do. However, this is of little importance as Orion had always been treated this way by the UK. Specifically, Orion had been treated as an ally.

As an ally, Orion could not let this attack go unmatched. The two Orion military ships on station, the Mammoth Carrier "OCR Feeling Lucky?," carrying a compliment of 72 SG-1 Executioner space-bombers, and the M1/M3 Jaguar "OCS Aptitude" are deployed in response.

As the Cairo is well within operable distance of Orion's air forces on Mars Colony Alpha, most of the colonies fighters are scrambled for intercept, consisting primarily of SF-1 and SF-2s.

The Orion tactic is to approach the Cairo I itially on its flank. The "Aptitude" would immediately open up with a shot from its main plasma cannon and all bombers are scrambled from the "Feeling Lucky?" which begins maneuvers to close the distance while its bombers go straight for the Cario's engines and major weapons systems. The SF-1s and SF-2s, as well as a small number of bombers launched from Mars Colony Alpha target the Caliphate bombers as soon as the air corridor as secured.

EDIT: Althoigh initially out of range, local ground defenses are brought online at Mars Colony Alpha in case the battle goes south.

=======================

Upon orders from the British Command, the coalition fleet retreats with its damaged ships to Mars and the American station to make repairs. Should the battle between Orion and Caliphate forces still be progressing when the fleet gets word, all non-damaged ships would be diverted to assist in the combat.

Once safe and docked, damaged ships will undergo repairs and the entire fleet will be refitted with the new cold fusion reactors and engines. (Three pages total)

Orion Avionics, Engineering, and Mechanical Manufacturing

On Britain's request, Orion turns over the majority of their existing fleet - including a pair of carriers bound for India's command - to the command of the British command. Upon their departure, they are crewed with the best staff Orion can hire, hoping to make a significant impression on the international stage.

Cold Fusion research has progressed loudly due to the open nature of the project. Students and researchers have managed to repeatedly produce situations in which fission occurs in low temperatures. Orion PR officials promise that this discovery is revolutionary on the scale of the steam engine or electricity. Potentially, it will solve world energy problems and likely be the keystone component to extend man's reach out into the grasp of other stars. (1 page)

All three of Orion's cosmodromes have been completed and are fully operational. Provided nobody starts throwing stones at them, they promise far quicker construction capacity for Orion and the nations that harbor them, as well as the capacity to facilitate construction of four or five capital ships a piece. At this, Orion begins large construction projects to produce a number of ships (below) for combat and civilian purposes alike. Furthermore, their training of marines locally on Mars, as well as their hiring of Agoge mercenaries would likely make Orion appear a significant power on its own beyond Earth, perhaps to the concern of humanity's leaders. ((Cosmodromes subtract 2 turns for construction, expanded capacity approved))

On the note of militarism, Orion has released another ship to the market. Orion announces the release of the Leopard and Leopard-II Frigate Class Starcruisers. 

The Leopard-I and Leopard-II serve a role that the Lynx cannot due to its lack of interplanetary capability. Notably, the Leopard-II is only available privately as part of a contract between Orion and its parent, Britannia.  Leopards act as small maneuverable frigates to defend the bigger ships from small craft and fighters and to support capital ships during an attack. The Leopards are notable for a couple of qualities; firstly, they can dock on the underside of a Mammoth the be transported by the mothership, and likely other nations could dock them on their own ships. Secondly, they act as a hybrid between HALOs and Starships in that they can enter atmosphere and descend to a low altitude for a short period of time - they cannot stop to hover or land without special solid boosters. ((Two pages each))

Leopard-I Variants and Armament

All Frigates are armed with an additional 16 small chainguns for combat enemy fighters and missiles.

 

Leopard-I Support Frigate

 

Support Frigates are armed with versatility in mind. Central on the hull on top and bottom are four dual-barreled batteries firing plasma rounds at a decent rate of fire with a velocity high enough to reliably hit small and maneuverable craft, but not fighters. They can also reliably cause damage to most capital ships, but it would be no keystone in a fight. Additionally, the frigate is armed with a pair of tri-barreled rotary turrets firing smaller metal rounds at a quicker pace. Primarily, these turrets are to target space bombers and small starships.

 

Leopard-I Assault Frigate

 

For a pretty penny, the Leopard-I Support Frigate can be upgraded to the Assault Frigate. The difference here lies in the primary armament. The two topside turrets are moved farther back on the hull and a main cannon takes their original spot. This fires large plasma rounds that give it an edge against capital ships and in long-range combat. It lacks the same stopping power as the guns on a true destroyer, but it's a suitable replacement for those who cannot afford a destroyer. Additionally, four extra tri-barreled turrets are added to the ship's stern to protect its vulnerable engines.

 

Leopard-I Phalanx Frigate

 

Alternatively, one could order a Leopard-I Phalanx. This variant trades in all turrets and batteries for sixteen fast firing tetra-barreled turrets firing plasma slugs. Though lacking the muzzle velocity of other guns, this turret can still pack a punch in projectile quantity, especially when it comes into combat with other frigates, fighters, bombers, gunboats, or other small enemy craft in close range. When up close, it can do considerable harm to capital ships by targeting vulnerable areas, but shouldn't be depended on in a prolonged fight with capital ships.

The Leopard-II is armed in a similar - almost identical way. However, the duel-barreled batteries are replaced with the longer-ranged LIONs in a similar format. In addition, the 12 phalanx chainguns are replaced with the new LION IIs. All other turrets are powered by Orion's plasma technology.

Construction and Development

On Mars, Ursa Cosmodrome, three construction projects begin.

-2 M1/M2 Jaguars (8 pages)

-One Leopard-II Phalanx Frigate

In Polaris Cosmodrome, Ireland, three projects begin.

-2 Endeavor Class Destroyers (5 turns)

-1 Leopard-II Assault Frigate (2 turns)

In Andromeda Cosmodrome, USSR, construction of five Leopard-II Support Frigates begins. (2 turns)

On Orion Moonbase, construction of a T2/T4 Jaguar begins. (7 turns)

The MAP Project progresses well. Several early prototypes have been constructed and are under testing by the local Marines on Mars. (7 pages) In a press release, Orion has revealed some basic details about the MAP Project. The Multirole Auxilary Platform is a basic skeletal frame on which a light mech-suit can be built. In this instance, three such EVA variants are planned for the suit's initial launch. Firstly is a simple assault suit for boarding ships, second is a suit specialized for mechanical work in the field, supposed to carry a variety of tools for construction and repair. Finally, Orion suggests they will release a heavy suit - the heaviest the MAP can support - carrying a variety of gear and weapons to breech enemy hulls and facilities. Specifics are not yet available, according the the release.

Orion Assets

Orion Mars Colony Alpha

​Personnel:

55,000 Civilians, Engineers, Officers, etc.

700 Agoge Mercenaries

1200 Orion Marines

100 Orion Turret Defense Operators

250 Orion Fighter Pilots

 

Military Equipment:

12 M2

12 Prototype MAP Marine Assault Suits

3 Prototype Breacher Heavy Assault Suit

40 Anti-Aircraft HV Turrets

8 Heavy Plasma Defense Turrets (Anti-large craft)

220 SF-1 Arbiter Air-Superiority Fighters

105 SF-2 Justiciar Multi-Role Fighter

65 SG-1 Executioner Space-Bombers

20 Prototype SD-1 Warden Strike Drones

 

Orion Moonbase

Personnel:

900 Orion Construction & Research Personnel

300 Agoge Mercenaries

48 Orion Fighter Pilots

30 Turret Defense Personnel

 

Military Equipment:

12 M3 Lynx Bombers

8 Anti-Aircraft Defense Turrets

2 Heavy Plasma Turrets

36 SF-1 Arbiter Air-Superiority Fighters

12 SF-2 Justiciar Multi-Role Fighters

 

Orion Starfleet

 

(Mammoth) OCS Gallipoli British Command

(Mammoth) OCS Troy British Command

(Mammoth) OCS Stoic Revenge British Command

(Mammoth) OCS Feeling Lucky? Over Mars

 

(M2/M5 Jaguar) OCS Defiant British Command

(M2/M5 Jaguar) OCS Vanguard of Freedom British Command

(M1/M3 Jaguar) OCS Aptitude Over Mars

(T3/E2 Jaguar) OCS Stonewall Over Mars

Orion Avionics

Full Catalog of Purchasable Ships

Jaguar Support Cruiser

The Jaguar is Orion Avionic's main hull, which can be fitted with various modules to serve a roll anywhere from a support frigate to a stasis refrigerator. Fitted with the latest in aerospace technology, these ships are a reliable choice for any nation who chooses to use them, often proving to be as or more effective than government-constructed star-ships, if less custom.

 

 

The Jaguar can be outfitted with any two of the following modules:

 

Transport:

-T1-Jaguar Cargo (6P/ship)

-T2-Jaguar Bio-Cargo w/ extended life support + improved atmosphere control (7P/ship)

-T3-Jaguar Heavy Cargo w/ additional cargo space + heavy tow equipment (7P/ship)

-T4-Jaguar Stasis Transport w/ advanced cryogenics (9P/ship)

 

Military:

All military models come with additional local defense batteries.

-M1-Jaguar Long-Range Support w/ 12x Bobcat Missile Tubes (10P/ship)

-M2-Jaguar Close-Range Support w/ 6x SA12 Metal Projectile Batteries + supplemental shielding (9P/ship)

-M3-Jaguar Anti-Ship Cannon w/ 1x SA14 Heavy Projectile Cannon (10P/ship)

-M4-Jaguar Boarding Module w/ 60 marine capacity (9P/ship)

-M5-Jaguar Phalanx Support w/ Microwave + Phalanx anti-missle/anti-fighter capabilities (10P/ship)

 

Engineering:

-E1-Jaguar Science Laboratory (10T/ship)

-E2-Jaguar Field Repair Module (8T/ship)

-E3 Jaguar Field Fabrication Module (9T/ship)

Mammoth Spacecraft Carrier

The role served by the Mammoth should be one that is quite apparent. The ship is one of the largest star-ships in existence, capable of safely carrying up to 72 of Orion's fighters in three hangar bays, though it would be an easy refit to have it carry Lynxes, cargo, or a nation's own star-fighters. The Mammoth has plenty of armor and considerable local defense against enemy attacks, but it shouldn't be expected to stand up on its own in a prolonged fight without support or without its starfighter compliment.

 

 

Lynx High Altitude Low Orbit Support Gunship

The Lynx is Orion's in-atmosphere equivalent of the Jaguar. Also available in several variants, Lynxes come heavily armored with large cargo or military capabilities, making them a valuable asset to civilian and government alike. Though they aren't capable on interplanetary travel on their own, Lynxes are capable of doing most tasks that a Jaguar cannot, and can be stored on board a Mammoth for transport between planets.

 

The Lynx is available in the following variants:

Military:

-M1-Lynx Heavy Fighter w/ air supremacy capabilities

-M2-Lynx Gunship Support w/ supplemental armor and armament

-M3-Lynx Bomber w/ 88,000kG payload

 

Transport:

-T1-Lynx Cargo

-T2-Lynx Heavy Cargo

-T3-Lynx Stasis Transport

-T4-Lynx Personnel Carrier

-T5-Lynx Mobile Medical Facility

Starfighters

The SF-1 Arbiter and the SF-2 Justiciar are Orion's two fighters built for in-atmosphere engagements, though both are fully capable of extra-atmospheric combat aboard a carrier. Both fighters are conventionally armed, but will be refitted with plasma technology as soon as it is fully developed and tested. Though lacking in the lasted forms of weaponry, the ships are both elegant and deadly, sporting some of the most advanced designs in every other aspect, from nose to engine.

 

The SF-1 Arbiter

 

The SF-2 Justiciar

 

The third starfighter produced by Orion is not suitable for atmosphere, mostly due to its armament. The SG-1 Executioner is a gunboat produced to be carried aboard Mammoth carriers. It is armed primarily with a variety of short-ranged heavy missiles to take the place of conventional missiles in space combat. The SG-1 is certainly capable of flying in atmosphere, but it simply isn't practical in atmosphere when better alternatives are available.

 

The engines fired full blast for the first time as the ship​ pulled away from the station to the cheers and delight of the on-board staff and technicians. Armed with an array of three large LION cannons and sophisticated propulsion systems, the Endeavor-class destroyer is an agile heavy hitter to serve a find compliment to the British Space Ministry. Baring an immodestly sized Orion logo and large white letters spelling out HMS Endeavor I on its side, the engineering masterpiece - or so its called by Orion - will pose a menacing threat to any ship that gets within its effective range. So impressed was the British government that they commisioned the construction of two more. Orion Avionics and Engineering accepts the contract, though they have little room for construction at the moment, and the ships must be postponed.

Most facilities of the British Polaris Cosmodrome and Ursa Cosmodrome are built and online, vastly improving construction speed and capacity. All that's left of the two sites are the twin space-launch bridges, due to be complete in 8 months. ((2 pages.))

Andromeda Cosmodrome near the USSR is sightly farther from completion. Major production facilities are online, but it has significantly longer to go. ((4 pages))

The three Mammoths in construction on Mars are going well and on schedule, as expected. ((6 pages.))

The Mammoth in construction on Odysseus station will be complete in a bit under three years. ((9 pages.))

M1/M5 Jaguar finished in ((5 pages.))

Cold fusion research progressing well. Studies so far have been able to get viable though inconsistent and unreliable instances of fission without the high temperatures needed in conventional reactors. ((7 pages.))

Orion begins developing a new undertaking dubbed the M.A.P. Project. Minimal details have thus far been released. The only public knowledge availble is its relevance to mechs and the acronym Multirole Auxiliary Platform. ((Mod Please))

Signing a contract with Greece, Orion provides the nation with a contingent of SF-1 Justiciars and prototypes of the upcoming SF-3 Constables, a bomber class starfighter. Greece, or Hera rather, is to field test these fighters in their war.

Orion Avionics

Quick Update

Plasma research finished, fully implemented.

M2/M5 Jaguar on Mars complete. The first military Jaguard, clad with shining armor and armed with a deadly Plasma Mobile Anti-Ship Platform - P-MASP. The construction of a second, M1/M5 begins, due to be finished in a bit over two years. ((9 pages))

4 Cargo Lynxes are finished on Orion Moonbase and are handed over to the Greeks. 

Basic fighter construction facilities online at Polaris Cosmodrome.

Research Facilities online at Andromeda Cosmodrome.

Electromagnetic Jaguar launch system online at Ursa Cosmodrome

Orion Completes GHANDI Local Defense Systems, outfitting the station with plasma based defenses.

After preliminary studies, cold fusion shows promise, and Orion gives joint research with Britain a full go-ahead. ((11 pages))

Orion Avionics

Full Catalog of Purchasable Ships

Jaguar Support Cruiser

 

The Jaguar is Orion Avionic's main hull, which can be fitted with various modules to serve a roll anywhere from a support frigate to a stasis refrigerator. Fitted with the latest in aerospace technology, these ships are a reliable choice for any nation who chooses to use them, often proving to be as or more effective than government-constructed star-ships, if less custom.

 

 

The Jaguar can be outfitted with any two of the following modules:

 

Transport:

-T1-Jaguar Cargo (6P/ship)

-T2-Jaguar Bio-Cargo w/ extended life support + improved atmosphere control (7P/ship)

-T3-Jaguar Heavy Cargo w/ additional cargo space + heavy tow equipment (7P/ship)

-T4-Jaguar Stasis Transport w/ advanced cryogenics (9P/ship)

 

Military:

All military models come with additional local defense batteries.

-M1-Jaguar Long-Range Support w/ 12x Bobcat Missile Tubes (10P/ship)

-M2-Jaguar Close-Range Support w/ 6x SA12 Metal Projectile Batteries + supplemental shielding (9P/ship)

-M3-Jaguar Anti-Ship Cannon w/ 1x SA14 Heavy Projectile Cannon (10P/ship)

-M4-Jaguar Boarding Module w/ 60 marine capacity (9P/ship)

-M5-Jaguar Phalanx Support w/ Microwave + Phalanx anti-missle/anti-fighter capabilities (10P/ship)

 

Engineering:

-E1-Jaguar Science Laboratory (10T/ship)

-E2-Jaguar Field Repair Module (8T/ship)

-E3 Jaguar Field Fabrication Module (9T/ship)

Mammoth Spacecraft Carrier

The role served by the Mammoth should be one that is quite apparent. The ship is one of the largest star-ships in existence, capable of safely carrying up to 72 of Orion's fighters in three hangar bays, though it would be an easy refit to have it carry Lynxes, cargo, or a nation's own star-fighters. The Mammoth has plenty of armor and considerable local defense against enemy attacks, but it shouldn't be expected to stand up on its own in a prolonged fight without support or without its starfighter compliment.

 

 

Lynx High Altitude Low Orbit Support Gunship

The Lynx is Orion's in-atmosphere equivalent of the Jaguar. Also available in several variants, Lynxes come heavily armored with large cargo or military capabilities, making them a valuable asset to civilian and government alike. Though they aren't capable on interplanetary travel on their own, Lynxes are capable of doing most tasks that a Jaguar cannot, and can be stored on board a Mammoth for transport between planets.

 

The Lynx is available in the following variants:

Military:

-M1-Lynx Heavy Fighter w/ air supremacy capabilities

-M2-Lynx Gunship Support w/ supplemental armor and armament

-M3-Lynx Bomber w/ 88,000kG payload

 

Transport:

-T1-Lynx Cargo

-T2-Lynx Heavy Cargo

-T3-Lynx Stasis Transport

-T4-Lynx Personnel Carrier

-T5-Lynx Mobile Medical Facility

Starfighters

The SF-1 Arbiter and the SF-2 Justiciar are Orion's two fighters built for in-atmosphere engagements, though both are fully capable of extra-atmospheric combat aboard a carrier. Both fighters are conventionally armed, but will be refitted with plasma technology as soon as it is fully developed and tested. Though lacking in the lasted forms of weaponry, the ships are both elegant and deadly, sporting some of the most advanced designs in every other aspect, from nose to engine.

 

The SF-1 Arbiter

 

The SF-2 Justiciar

 

The third starfighter produced by Orion is not suitable for atmosphere, mostly due to its armament. The SG-1 Executioner is a gunboat produced to be carried aboard Mammoth carriers. It is armed primarily with a variety of short-ranged heavy missiles to take the place of conventional missiles in space combat. The SG-1 is certainly capable of flying in atmosphere, but it simply isn't practical in atmosphere when better alternatives are available.

Quick Post

Construction of Orion's cosmodromes continue on schedule.

The Polaris Cosmodrome in Ireland will be finished in two years. ((8 pages))

The Andromeda Cosmodrome north of the USSR will be finished in three years. ((12 pages))

The Ursa Cosmodrome above the Orion Mars Colony Alpha will be finished about the same time as the Polaris Cosmodrome ((8 pages)). The first construction facilities have been brought online.

On Mars, Orion is producing the following ships.

M2/M5 Jaguar, nearing completion ((1 page)).

T3/E2 Jaguar completed, assisting in construction.

3 Mammoth Carriers ((12 pages))

On the Orion Moon Base

12 M3 Lynx Bombers ((6 pages))

2 M1, 2 M2, and 2 M3 Lynxes ((6 pages))

​Orion continues scheduled construction of the destroyer on Victoria Station ((6 pages)).

On Odysseus Station, Orion begins work on another Mammoth Carrier ((14 turns)) and four cargo Lynxes ((2 turns.))

Orion begins refitting Ghandi local defenses for India to replace them with coming plasma tech. These will be temporarily offline. ((3 turns.))

Plasma tech reaching final implementation stages ((1 turn.))

Orion Avionics

Full Catalog of Purchasable Ships

Jaguar Support Cruiser

 

The Jaguar is Orion Avionic's main hull, which can be fitted with various modules to serve a roll anywhere from a support frigate to a stasis refrigerator. Fitted with the latest in aerospace technology, these ships are a reliable choice for any nation who chooses to use them, often proving to be as or more effective than government-constructed star-ships, if less custom.

 

 

The Jaguar can be outfitted with any two of the following modules:

 

Transport:

-T1-Jaguar Cargo (6P/ship)

-T2-Jaguar Bio-Cargo w/ extended life support + improved atmosphere control (7P/ship)

-T3-Jaguar Heavy Cargo w/ additional cargo space + heavy tow equipment (7P/ship)

-T4-Jaguar Stasis Transport w/ advanced cryogenics (9P/ship)

 

Military:

All military models come with additional local defense batteries.

-M1-Jaguar Long-Range Support w/ 12x Bobcat Missile Tubes (10P/ship)

-M2-Jaguar Close-Range Support w/ 6x SA12 Metal Projectile Batteries + supplemental shielding (9P/ship)

-M3-Jaguar Anti-Ship Cannon w/ 1x SA14 Heavy Projectile Cannon (10P/ship)

-M4-Jaguar Boarding Module w/ 60 marine capacity (9P/ship)

-M5-Jaguar Phalanx Support w/ Microwave + Phalanx anti-missle/anti-fighter capabilities (10P/ship)

 

Engineering:

-E1-Jaguar Science Laboratory (10T/ship)

-E2-Jaguar Field Repair Module (8T/ship)

-E3 Jaguar Field Fabrication Module (9T/ship)

Mammoth Spacecraft Carrier

The role served by the Mammoth should be one that is quite apparent. The ship is one of the largest star-ships in existence, capable of safely carrying up to 72 of Orion's fighters in three hangar bays, though it would be an easy refit to have it carry Lynxes, cargo, or a nation's own star-fighters. The Mammoth has plenty of armor and considerable local defense against enemy attacks, but it shouldn't be expected to stand up on its own in a prolonged fight without support or without its starfighter compliment.

Lynx High Altitude Low Orbit Support Gunship

The Lynx is Orion's in-atmosphere equivalent of the Jaguar. Also available in several variants, Lynxes come heavily armored with large cargo or military capabilities, making them a valuable asset to civilian and government alike. Though they aren't capable on interplanetary travel on their own, Lynxes are capable of doing most tasks that a Jaguar cannot, and can be stored on board a Mammoth for transport between planets.

 

The Lynx is available in the following variants:

Military:

-M1-Lynx Heavy Fighter w/ air supremacy capabilities

-M2-Lynx Gunship Support w/ supplemental armor and armament

-M3-Lynx Bomber w/ 88,000kG payload

 

Transport:

-T1-Lynx Cargo

-T2-Lynx Heavy Cargo

-T3-Lynx Stasis Transport

-T4-Lynx Personnel Carrier

-T5-Lynx Mobile Medical Facility

Starfighters

The SF-1 Arbiter and the SF-2 Justiciar are Orion's two fighters built for in-atmosphere engagements, though both are fully capable of extra-atmospheric combat aboard a carrier. Both fighters are conventionally armed, but will be refitted with plasma technology as soon as it is fully developed and tested. Though lacking in the lasted forms of weaponry, the ships are both elegant and deadly, sporting some of the most advanced designs in every other aspect, from nose to engine.

 

The SF-1 Arbiter

 

The SF-2 Justiciar

 

The third starfighter produced by Orion is not suitable for atmosphere, mostly due to its armament. The SG-1 Executioner is a gunboat produced to be carried aboard Mammoth carriers. It is armed primarily with a variety of short-ranged heavy missiles to take the place of conventional missiles in space combat. The SG-1 is certainly capable of flying in atmosphere, but it simply isn't practical in atmosphere when better alternatives are available.

Current Construction

-12 Heavy Cargo Lynxes are constructed and ready on Mars, opening up a zone for construction.

-The M2/M5 Jaguars will be complete in 3 pages.

-The T3/E2 Jaguar will be complete in 1 page

-Plasma weaponry available in 3 pages

-Polaris Cosmodrome in the UK finished in 10 pages

Orion has found itself busy as of late. With several new projects and contracts, Orion has found itself near or at its construction capacity, though projects are underway to remedy this situation. In addition to the Polaris Project to create a massive cosmodrome in Britain, Orion has recently been allowed to construct a cosmodrome, to be named Andromeda near the USSR. In addition, they are building another identical cosmodrome, called Ursa on Mars to expand construction capacity further (14 turns in Russia, 10 turns on Mars).

On a new contract, Orion has been requested to construct a pair of Mammoth carriers by India. With what little resources are left available, Orion goes ahead with their construction. (14 pages.)

The British government was apparently pleased by the design offered by Orion, and have given them the OK to begin construction. Having nowhere left to build, Orion is allowed to construct the destroyer aboard their part of the Argentine space station. (8 turns)

Though the Polaris Cosmodrome is far from finished, one of the first facilities to open is the research lab. British University research programs and government scientists are permitted to work alongside Orion researchers. The first project embarked upon is an exploratory investigation into the possibility of cold fusion. (Mod Please)

Orion Avionics

Orion has added to its commercially available repertoire with a myriad of new ships. 

The first of these ships perhaps shines the brightest, and is perhaps one of the more ambitious space-faring projects imagined by humanity. The Mammoth Carrier is a monstrous capital the purpose of which one should find quite apparent.

The Mammoth is equipped with three bays in which to store spacecraft - though with a small amount of refitting it could easily be used as a massive cargo shuttle. Each of the bays is outfitted for, but by no means restrained to, Orion spacecraft. The hangars can each house 24 of Orion's starfighters or gunboats. In addition, the carrier also moves a handful of mid-range batteries, allowing it non-fighter defense against other ships. (14 pages to build)

Accompanying the release of the carrier are a pair of starfighters, the SF-1 Arbiter and the SF-2 Justiciar.

The Arbiter is a lightweight air and space fighter purposed for air superiority. It is a conventionally armed fighter, though Orion openly claims it will be equipped with their advanced plasma-based weaponry once it is finished.

The Justiciar is a heavier all-purpose air and space fighter. It is armed similarly, but for a far broader range of combat purposes.

Beyond these two starfighters, Orion also announces the availability of its SG-1 Executioner, a bomber-class gunboat not suitable for atmosphere. As typical bombs are rather unconventional in space, the Executioner is equipped with a host of large, shortrange missiles to take their place.

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After several months of design, Orion Avionics reveal its destroyer design for the British government. The design details a fast moving and nimble attack craft able to out-maneuver and flank most current vessels, though only time can tell if that attribute will last. The ship's most notable quality, however, is the main weapon system - a primary LION and two smaller cannons, giving it a powerful edge to pose a threat to about any ship.

Current construction continues on schedule. The two Jaguars under construction will be completed in (7 pages, 5 pages). The Lynx cargo vessels under construction will be finished in (3 pages). 

Research goes well, and Orion's plasma tech is expected to be finished in (7 turns).

Granted the land to do so by the British government, Orion begins construction of its Cosmodrome. It will be a huge complex, stretching about 200 sq kilometers that will facilitate massive construction projects both for Orion and the UKSA. (14 turns)

Using the extra funds from British contracts, Orion plans expansion for their Mars colony and trains additional security contracts and crews for their ships in production. Furthermore, Orion begins constructing fighters on Mars to facilitate all necessary defense.

Orion Avionics

Orion has begun several projects recently. At the offer of a contract from the British, Orion Avionics graciously accepts their offer and begins work on the contract immediately, as well as a number of other projects. 

Most notable to all nations looking to expand their fleet or need a way into space, Orion Avionics has revealed their two new ship hulls, each sporting a line of modules to make it fill any one of a variety a roles, with a few variants therein as well. The standard production procedure allows them to - though certainly not massed produced - to be crafted at significantly faster speeds and cheaper than most government production.

The Jaguar Hull allows interplanetary travel on a reasonably fast and maneuverable platform. It's smaller than most capital space-faring vessels, but makes up for what it may lack in mass in versatility. With the wide variety of modules, just a couple of these ships can patch most unfilled roles in any space-fleet. Were one to order a ship, they may pick any two Jaguar modules with which to outfit the ship. (Production = longer P)

The Jaguar Hull comes with the following variants:

Transport:

-T1-Jaguar Cargo (6P/ship)

-T2-Jaguar Bio-Cargo w/ extended life support + improved atmosphere control (7P/ship)

-T3-Jaguar Heavy Cargo w/ additional cargo space + heavy tow equipment (7P/ship)

-T4-Jaguar Stasis Transport w/ advanced cryogenics (9P/ship)

 

Military:

-M1-Jaguar Long-Range Support w/ 12x Bobcat Missile Tubes (10P/ship)

-M2-Jaguar Close-Range Support w/ 6x SA12 Metal Projectile Batteries + supplemental shielding (9P/ship)

-M3-Jaguar Anti-Ship Cannon w/ 1x SA14 Heavy Projectile Cannon (10P/ship)

-M4-Jaguar Boarding Module w/ 60 marine capacity (9P/ship)

-M5-Jaguar Phalanx Support w/ Microwave + Phalanx anti-missle/anti-fighter capabilities (10P/ship)

 

Engineering:

-E1-Jaguar Science Laboratory (10T/ship)

-E2-Jaguar Field Repair Module (8T/ship)

-E3 Jaguar Field Fabrication Module (9T/ship)

For something closer to home, a nation may consider the Lynx Hull series instead. These ships fly in High Altitude Low Orbit environments and serve a large variety of support roles. Produced with only one module, these ships can be crafted in large quantities for anyone willing to pay the price. (All 6 pages for 12 ships)

Military:

-M1-Lynx Heavy Fighter w/ air supremacy capabilities

-M2-Lynx Gunship Support w/ supplemental armor and armament

-M3-Lynx Bomber w/ 88,000kG payload

 

Transport:

-T1-Lynx Cargo

-T2-Lynx Heavy Cargo

-T3-Lynx Stasis Transport

-T4-Lynx Personnel Carrier

-T5-Lynx Mobile Medical Facility

Orion announces its plans to build the medical, weapons, science, and cryogenic modules as well as the computer mainframe for the British motherships currently under construction. Barring any unexpected problems, the modules will be finished and delivered on time with the rest of the ship's construction. (11 pages)

Orion begins designing the requested destroyer for the British government. This is entirely preliminary and no construction has thus far begun. The destroyer is being designed to use no tech not yet developed. (2 pages)

To demonstrate the speed and efficiency of the Jaguar and Lynx's construction, Orion begins construction of two Jaguars, an M2/M5 model and a T3/E2 model. (10 pages, 8 pages)

Inaddition, they construct 12 heavy cargo Lynxes. (6 pages)

As they lack much of the anti-ship weaponry of actual nations, Orion tasks its research and development wing with developing a heavy, plasma based anti-ship weapon to be dubbed the Mobile Anti-Ship Platform, MASP. (Mod Please)

In an act of either humanitarian pursuit or corporate boot-licking, depending on your viewpoint, Orion Avionics dispatches crews to the USSR and Russia to set up facilities to assist in the scrubbing of radiation and medical establishments to treat the sick, irradiated, or injured. It is no secret that Orion wants land in this area on which to establish a large cosmodrome. Provided Orion Avionic's aid is accepted, the facilities will be up shortly. (1 page)

OOC:

MC Name: GloryorSolitude

Skype Name: codykeilitz
Do you have or are willing to get TS?: Have it.

IC:

Name: Evander Löwenherz
Race: Human

Are you of a noble birthline?: Nae
Why do you wish to serve the Knights Lorraine?: There is never a cause more righteous than to serve God and man with honor.

Orion Avionics

Orion Avionics and Engineering was never given much attention after their Mars mission got underway. Among the various upstart companies attempting to exploit the public excitement about possible interplanetary travel, most failed. A few however did manage to make an impact -be it good or bad- upon the market. British-based Orion Avionics and Engineering Inc. was one of these companies. History was made in 2021 when Orion launched an audacious expedition to Mars over the course of twelve missions to set up a permanent colony. The colony was purely for profit, mining the abundant aluminum, iron, and silicon available there. In addition, the lower gravity conditions allowed them to construct better parts to make better ships.

A few years thereafter, Orion mostly faded from public light, though jobs from the U.K. Space Agency, SpaceEx, NASA, and similar contractors kept them busy and earned profits. Later, a second base was established on Earth's moon for even lower gravity conditions, though this was no grand achievement. 

Mars Colony Alpha, the mining and construction base established by Orion, is technically under jurisdiction of British law, though over the past decades the underground facility has expanded and grown far less dependent on resources from Earth to the point that it might resemble and act to some more a sovereign state rather than privately-owned land. The Colony operates like a small city with all citizens - being employees of the company - having appointed jobs to keep everything running. Given the nature of living off of Earth, the Board appointed a governing council in the colony to settle disputes and ensure everything proceeds on task. The nature of this gives the colony a rigidly organized and frugal lifestyle.

Orion Avionics, being a private company, has had to worry little about the Earthly affairs of other squabbling nations, and thus employs no space-faring combat vessels and only a small number of private security contractors. However, as major nations advance farther out into the solar system, eyes may rest on them as an easy target or threat to ambitions. Having their headquarters in the U.K., they can probably appeal to the British government for protection should they need it, but the issue of security lies heavily on the minds of the corporate hierarchy.

Both bases, on Mars and the Moon, are powered by multiple nuclear reactors and solar farms. Thus, energy is of little concern to Orion, as they need only make occasional missions to transport special parts or personnel.

The Orion "fleet" consists only of a handful of interplanetary freighters, moving cargo to and from their bases. At the moment, Orion Avionics and Engineering is in a down-spot where they have received no major contracts, and are thus ready to serve the highest bidder. Currently, they sell surplus mined material on whatever market takes them and survive on small, almost irrelevant production jobs.

you accepted, but change away from Ceres plz. Maybe the moon or Titan, plz no Ceres.

Can-do.

"Nation" Selected: British Corporation Orion Avionics, a large private corporation wielding as much power as some nations do. Owns land on Mars and a small research base on Ceres to facilitate low-gravity research and development.

Did you read the State of Nations? (secret word): PokPLz don't hurt me.
Do you understand that resources are limited in this scenario?: Very much so.
Do you understand the rule regarding technology?: Indeed.

(Can provide details prior to acceptance if need be.)

(ex. Mars One Colony that's happening IRL, they grow independently of Earth for 40ish years, now have their own population etc., that's the type of thing you could do)

Well, Mars One has no chance of working out, but I see what you're getting at. I'll see what I can come up with.