Gaian Luck - AAR

[Mart]

This is After Action Report (AAR) for the Gaian Luck SMAC scenario (GotM, December 2014).
Link

Gaian Luck

Parts of the posts will be hidden in spoiler tags. You should not view it before playing indicated part of the game.
The spoilers will be removed after the GotM deadline, 31st March, 2015.



This game will enter competition in consolation standings, as I have some advantage to the scenario, creating it.
Let us start!

-- -- -- = = = * * * = = = -- -- --

Approaching Alpha Centauri planetary system!


Unfortunately, a meteorite strikes the ship and damages vital spaceship systems.
In a hurry, surviving colonists rush into escape pods.


Chiron - our new home.


Shortly after planetfall, you could review reports about surrounding terrain. There is abundant plant life, fertile soil, rivers and sea coast.
Not only you grabbed with Deirdre more landing pods from U.N.S. Unity, but also will be able to establish a colony in a very good location.
Other mission officers could not be reached by radio. They have either equipment malfunction or they did not survive this emergency landing.
While regretting loss of life, you are not that worried about getting all those wrong ideas for future of this human colony out of your way.
Just last corrections on the tabview and report will be ready for Lady Deirdre Sky. Living these past days in almost constantly moving
escape pods has become unbearable to large portion of the crew. Decisions needed to be made.





Read after playing to MY 2130!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2101

Lady Deirdre decided, we settle near the river estuary.




Not everyone will remain, though, in this first settlement. XO Mart is ordered to form two groups with escape pods,
that will establish new bases in a distance for safety, in case any surprises of this alien world threaten the new colony.

U.N.S. Unity was able to scatter supply pods before its central processor malfunction.
Perimeter observers reported two of them to the west and east.
"Very well, we will send two groups in opposite directions and let them check these pods."



Earth's technology! How much we need it now! There are fully described small scale production lines
of basic tools, equipment, resources processing and more. Schematics and blueprints that will save
much time our engineers in manufacturing efforts.



"West team reporting. We've got a geological survey probe here. It got us data on mineral deposits in the area."
"Anything interesting?"
"Yes! There is a lot of stuff here. Easy access, but it will need to be some open-pit mining."

And this is where our salvaged from Unity terraforming equipment will be sent to, first.
We can expect 1-4-1 from this tile after forestation, and while food production will suffer,
minerals will aid making more terraforming equipment.
What shall we focus our production efforts on first? Terraformers! We need so much more terrain improvement:
* Connection with soon to be established new bases.
* Farming for population growth.
* Forestation for resources obtained from wood.
* Solar collectors for energy starved colonies.

On arrival, our ecologists very quickly determined basics of this planet's ecological system.


There are three directions that seem to be viable for our further efforts:
- Mobility in exploration.
- Information networks.
- Psychology of colonial society.

The foundation of scientific research, this is the way. Anything after this will benefit from information networks... And
facebook will work again! Not that the XO would aprove the unproductive part of it, but just to rise the spirit a little.

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2130!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2102



What is exactly that plant-like organism? Its tubular shoots having wide range of sizes form dense mats on the ground.
Looking to most people so unnatural, their redish color extending to the horizon makes it even more mysterious.
How large are these fields? They apparently compete with other flora on the planet.
For now, you order explorers to stay away from these life-forms.

MY 2103
Having 14 EC, rushing terraformer construction would be possible for 13 EC. This is acceptable.

MY 2104
West colonizer group encounters very abundant native plant life. They call it jungle.
Certainly, food production can benefit in that area.


adapted from:  Copyright Free Images

MY 2105



Open-pit mines are now forested. This is the only area outside of the base, that has a road to it.
We get from wood valuable chemicals and also burn it for energy and ash mineral content.
It is still small scale, but at least, we do not pollute that much.

2102-2105

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2130!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2106
Colonizer groups finally found good places for settlements. So two new bases at those locations.
And a note here, maybe someone knows why there? The surrounding terrain was not the only
factor in this decision...

And thanks to our new PRACX patch, this view is only a "click" away:


All three bases are constructing formers. It may seem like irresponsible to neglect scouting of the surrounding terrain,
but Deirdre agreed after consideration. We need resources and in large amounts.

MY 2107
Energy reserves are at 10 EC. Again, it is 13 EC to speed up construction. 9 EC will be spend, so we not only complete
terraformer, but also have 3 minerals overflow.

GNN News
Gaian News Network special (Uncensored - please review and edit before release!)
"Today we are visiting Lab section. Our scientists develop network systems. As they report, still years till completion.
Real spartan conditions of this place are the first impression one gets when entering this part of underground corridor.
It's dim, cold and too small to work efficiently. However, Gaian ingenuity at work can be seen here.
Every bit of space is used, but when you walk along the narrow passage in the corridor, none of the hanging shelves,
experimental setups, monitors or plant boxes hang in your way! Well then, here he is. Our network node project supervisor.
Tell me, how much work you think there is yet before we finally have internet again?"
"That would be four years by our best estimates..."
"That long! Why?"
"It's not an easy thing to bring it back again. Internet is not just wires. And we do have shortages."
"Oh... wow!!! what on Chiron is that???"



"Some stuff, from Earth, some electronic enthusiast packed it in a personal allowance."
"... And"
"Hmm, ...We thought about a museum."
"So why is it here?"
"Well, you know, nuclear-blast-proof electronics."
"... And who is going to drop a nuke on us?"
"... Well, you never know..."
"You are not making CPU's from this stuff, are you?"
"Oh no, no, ... not at all..."
 
MY 2110

Lily of the Valley completes a terraformer, which brings their number to four.



Six choices for further research:
- Doctrine Mobility
- Biogenetics
- Polymorphic Software
- Social Psych
- Industrial Economics
- Applied Physics

Let's B-line to Industrial Automation (crawlers), and there is only one tech in this set, that leads to it.
Industrial Economics, although we cannot use Free Market economy, Energy Bank is a very useful facility.
Will we use it early? Maybe.

This year 2110 is our first breakthrough in research, but not the first on the planet.
Who was it then? Zakharov? No, it was Morgan, and in 2106.



The new former from Lily base moves west and discovers a larger freshwater lake.


And Lily of the Valley base will soon be connected to the headquarter base.
The first former, independent from support, is busy building roads around Gaia's Landing.

2106-2110

[Buster's Uncle]

And a note here, maybe someone knows why there? The surrounding terrain was not the only
factor in this decision...

(click to show/hide)

They are spaced exactly for maximum territory for each base, and minimum land left out.

[Mart]

spoiler

(click to show/hide)

Yes, exactly! I wonder, how many players notice that, and how many are playing that way too.

[Buster's Uncle]

(click to show/hide)

It's certainly how I prefer to place bases - I'm a builder.

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2140!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2111

There is still 5 years before The Flowers Preach base completes terraformers, but we can use all energy reserves
(9 EC) to hurry it with 4 minerals out of needed 5. This will complete the unit next year.

MY 2112

We have 6 active formers. The Flowers Preach base begin construction of a new scout unit.
The first to be drafted on Chiron by Gaians.

And road between two of our bases is completed. The third base has still long time to wait.


MY 2113
A former from Gaia's Landing rehomed to Lily of the Valley.
We save a mineral from upkeep.

MY 2114

GNN News
Gaian News Network special (Uncensored - please do review and edit before release! Not like with that interview on

information networks!)
"Welcome fellow Gaians! It is so nice to see you on that beautiful morning. After exercise there is time for tasty
and plentiful breakfast. What?! You don't agree? You live in Gaia's Landing? Well, this is our main base,
that's where the action is. Appreciate your life here. Let's talk to someone on the main dome promenade
who... just eats today's specialty breakfast... Good morning."
"Good morning."
"We are making an interview for Gaian News Network. Would you tell us your impressions on food in our main base?"
"Are you recording?"
"Yes."
"You know, I'm leaving for Lily base in two days."
"Job transfer?"
"No, I quit the one here and intend to look for something over there."
"You need a permit for that. The Unity Mission is the most important."
"Yes and sure thing, sir."
"What does it have to do with the food?"
"You probably have access to food ratios from Flowers Preach?"
"..."
"Do you actually eat sometimes over here?"



"Ok, everyone has some opinion. And what is wrong with this stuff?"
"Majority of food here is made out of these forest berries and grass, that you get near mines to the west.
You think nitrate removal works miracles on them? I'm leaving this place."
"They do the same food processing over there, you know that."
"Variety is the thing. They have better raw plants over there. And after 14 years here? We do not have a single farm
outside of the base. Or any base! These small indoor agridomes? For how many people are they sufficient?
Only forestation and forestation. Who gives such orders?!"



 - - - * * * - - -

Lily base and Flowers Preach base grow to size 2, but not Gaia's Landing.

MY 2115
Hurried a former in Gaia's Landing, for 6 EC - 3 minerals.
We start Network Node next year.

MY 2116
7 active formers. And the 8th one is rushed in Lily base.
The Flowers Preach celebrates its connection to Gaia's Landing.
Food in the main base improves, as the seafood from Flowers Bay can be much faster delivered to Gaia's Landing.

MY 2117
Lily base starts a colony pod. Time has come for yet another base somewhere in the monsoon jungle. This is abundant
nutrients area. The first solar colector array has been completed, just north of Gaia's Landing.
Will it go online next year? Not likely, the main base constantly is troubled with workforce shortages.
The XO Mart probably will go for mineral production and will place a new team on forests to the west in the river valley.

MY 2118


_

_


Forest expands in the monsoon area and Gaia's Landing. This is the first time. Out of 4 tiles so far we get two more,
however, the first one is outside of any base radius! ... For now.
We do need a scout patrol in the monsoon area. Gaia's Landing has now 4 tiles,
that could be worked with decent yield, but there are only 2 workers available.
Meanwhile, we've got a scout patrol that does not need to guard a base.
It will explore to the east. And the base can start the second colony pod.


For long time we had only +3 EC/year. Now it is +6. And research +7/turn gives us rate of 8 years per technology
breakthrough. Full hurry of Network Node in Gaia's Landing would be 134 EC, reserves at 9 EC. ... Early years.

2111-2118

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2150!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2119
Since planetfall we had opportunity to recover only two U.N.S. Unity supply pods.
Now there is a third one, east of The Flowers Preach. It is trapped in the dense mat of xenofungus.


50 EC. Not bad, as for 2119. But could be better, either more energy or sufficient minerals for the network node.
And here comes another trick. Small thing, but during early years, you can afford such micromanaging.
In research we have 49 per 51 towards Industrial Economics. Our first on the list base, Gaia's Landing,
makes 3 lab points. One will be wasted, as the game does not place such base excess towards new technology
(all points from the next bases yes though). So from 50/0/50, let us switch to 70/0/30 (economy/psych/labs).
Having -16% labs and -8% economy, we loose no energy!
And Gaia's Landing has +2 lab points, while the faction gets +8 EC/turn.

MY 2120


And choices for research:
- Doctrine Mobility
- Biogenetics
- Planetary Networks
- Applied Physics

Not an easy choice. Planetary Networks are on Industrial Automation B-line,
while Biogenetics allows to construct Recycling Centers.
Maybe our B-line first, there are additional benefits with that tech and we could also apply planned economy.

Scout patrol enters Sunny Mesa, east from The Flowers Preach

And time for a short report on Gaian faction:
3 bases
6 population
4 technologies, 7 lab points/turn, tech every 10 turns.
+6 EC/turn, 73 EC in reserves
units:
4 scouts
8 formers

MY 2122
The Lily of the Valley should hurry the colony pod it constructs. There is 24 nutrients collected,
but 20 would be enough to keep population at 2. 4 nutrients will be wasted. 28 EC for full hurry out of 85.

MY 2123
Colony pod completed, the next is scout patrol. And where to go for the next base?
Northern direction appears to be more promissing. At least this is what can be said from exploration
made by working terraformers! So far, so good. Gaian Luck in decent amount accompanies Lady Deirdre.
But as insufficient scout patrols are almost all needed to guard bases, the new colony pod will have to
scout for a suitable settlement place by itself.


GNN News
Gaian News Network special (Checked once - please still review and edit if feel suitable.)
"Welcome fellow Gaians! Today's special from The Flowers Preach base. Yes, you know what it is all about.
There are new forests around this base. Happy? Yes, we all should be! And what does it mean to an average Gaian?
No seafood. No sushi. No chirosushi to most of us. You wonder why, and before we find it out from official sources
of faction command, let us ask those, who are the most affected by the recent change.
We are at the entrance to base command. Few people gathered in a peaceful demonstration supporting
continuation of fishing and seaweed farming... Good morning!"
"Good morning."
"I can see on your banner 'Do not let us starve,' isn't that an exageration?"
"Well, not completely. You know, that some people cannot eat that forest food."
"Yes, that happens. So what actually is going on, as you see it?"
"After recent forestation, all fishermen are sent to work in the forest. That's ridiculous."
"Is that decision actually made?"
"Yes, clear order from Gaia'a Landing, signed XO Mart."
"Some people are going to work in the bay though?"
"No, we have serious workforce shortages all the time since the landing. This base was the best food.
Now, it will be the worst. The other bases have at least rivers in vicinity. And Lily base is breeding fish
from Earth. And there is that large freshwater lake."
"Yes, with time, we will get excellent food."
"For over 20 years now we made no real farming effort! Is that ... ok? Normal?"
"What do you think?"
"I don't understand that rush for minerals."
...


adapted from: Copyright Free Images

The fourth Unity resupply pod. And not in xenofungus. A survey probe, that located resources!
Nutrients!!!
Something to rise spirits in The Flowers Preach. It is though quite away from the base, east slopes of
Sunny Mesa. Will Lady Deirdre aprove that location for the next base?
Switching to 30/0/70 (economy/psych/labs). In hope for faster Planetary Networks and getting cheaper
Network Node in Gaia's Landing. Still, NN in GL would be ready in 5 turns, same as the research.
So we need faster research.

2119-2123

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2150!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2124
Yet again forest expands, this year near Flowers Preach base. We have frequent forest growths.
Good, as this is free terraforming. The only disadvantage is, that road building
takes a turn more on a forested tile.

MY 2125

So how is it, that we can travel on rivers so fast?
Two ways:
1) Pebble or hardened sand river beaches.
It may be difficult to walk or ride a rover on larger rocks or dry sand,
but if there are finer pebbles or sand is moist just the right amount or simply hardened,
one can travel on a beach like on a road.
2) Rafts - an old way of traveling.
There is weed on the ground on this planet, and with not excessive effort,
a scout unit is capable of assembling a decent raft. What is more,
the Chiron weed has excellent floatability and combined bunches resemble a bamboo raft.







The river flows into another sea or ocean. And to the west, there is xenofungus field.
Easy cake...

And another Unity resupply pod.


The Flowers Preach can complete colony pod next year for 28 EC. Let's do it.
And this base is exactly 20 nutrients accumulated. It will not loose a population effectively,
but its food storage will be zeroed. This is the most effective "colony pod pump" in the early game.

2124-2125

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2170!

(click to show/hide)

2126

The Unity pod south from Sunny Mesa turns out to contain abundant resources.
Enough to complete a Network Node in The Flowers Preach.
Double treasure! Real Gaian luck, as the pod also contained a survey probe,
that located abundant nutrient resources.

There is yet another Unity Pod, that landed on a mountain peak in Monsoon Jungle.
... Terraformers crew is dispatched to investigate, secured by a patrol.

_


A commlink to Colonel Santiago! Let's talk to her.


As for someone in quarrelsome mood, she is surprisingly talkative.
As she says, a 'woman of reason.' It is good to take this opportunity to
advance Gaian research, despite increased research cost afterwards.







And other matters...


We could really use Pact Agreement in these early years. And sometimes in cases
like this, what works, is to connect with the faction leader right away again
and ask for pact. He/she may agree then.
... But it did not work, Colonel Santiago has no need for it.

We exchanged maps with Santiago. Let's take a look... So she's right to the north.
It doesn't look like excellent terrain, but there are uranium flats for increased energy
yield and two monoliths, ... of some kind.



Now, that we met Spartans, and especially them with their militaristic worldview,
we need to prepare to show defensive capabilities.
Time for long delayed visit to the Unit Workshop.









And finally, something useful both in direct military applications and domestic econmy.
A tracked transportation pod. Track-pod for short.



And the last thing, rearranging workers in Gaia's Landing, so we complete research next year!

2126

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2170!

(click to show/hide)

2127
Forest expansion near Gaia's Landing, two tiles, but from the animation - one of them is to the north on unexplored terrain.



The Flowers Preach builds Network Node

I don't know but I've been told
Deirdre's got a Network Node
Likes to press the on-off switch
Dig that crazy Gaian witch

Link





Next choices:
- Biogenetics
- Polymorphic Software
- Social Psych
- Industrial Automation
- Nonlinear Mathematics
- High Energy Chemistry

And choosing the objective of our B-line: Industrial Automation
Ready in 20 turns. Cost of technology, after exchange with Santiago is now 200, compared to 68 last time.
That's ok, we will increase research speed soon, and Industrial Automation will be available before 2147.



New base:
Song of Planet
and it immediately starts a former. Scouts from Lily base will take care of defenses until the new base completes its own unit.


And the last thing in this turn, Gaia's Landing hurried Network Node for 6 EC (3 minerals). This way, all yearly mineral production goes for the next building item.

2128
Significant forest growth events every year now! This time near Lily base. That's on jungle, so we get 2-2-1 tile.
Gaian luck!

And there is some strange report from Spartans on some worms attack.



And we have a Network Node in the main base.
Now, this new planet version of facebook is created, with network efficiently working in two bases.
Chirobook!


Contacting Santiago...



Santiago: So, what do you want to discuss yet? I have little time.
Deirdre: Pact Agreement. What is your price for it?
Santiago:  I see no advantage for Spartan Federation, Lady. My answer is no.
Deirdre: Ok. Gaian Stepdaughters could use some more energy credits. Would you agree for a loan?
Santiago: I have no energy to spare at this time. My apologies, Lady, but I have no time for long discussions. Santiago out.



And with Biotechnology, we can construct Recycling Centers. Started in Gaia's Landing and The Flowers Preach.
We have research breakthrough every 17 years.

2129


2130

Deirdre: Greetings Colonel!
Santiago: Greetings Lady, it's a pleasure to talk with you. I am very busy, but I will find some time for you.
Deirdre: Have you considered signing Pact Agreement with Gaians?
Santiago: Nothing changed, Lady. I see no benefits in signing this.
You would have too much access into Spartan Federation affairs.
So my answer is simply: no. I have no more time today. Santiago out.

New base on Sunny Mesa.
Greenhouse Gate
And almost ready is road connection to it, just one tile.
There is also a Unity pod. Investigated in base vicinity, will probably have positive outcome.


A survey probe, which has located nutrient resources.
Gaian luck... Could be better, could be worse. It is on rocky and moist tile, so terraformers will need to flatten the terrain before farming.

Time for a longer report

Tech cost: 200
Tech accumulated: 37
Tech per turn: 13

Energy reserves: 27
Income: +6/turn (8-2)










Plans
1) Bases just started to construct Recycling Centers. This will greatly enhance development.
2) Exploration is next. With just 5 scout patrols and 5 bases, this is only enough to have a defender in a base.

2127-2130

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2170!

(click to show/hide)

2131
New forests on 4 tiles!
It was noticed some years ago already, that near bases of Gaians forests grow more often than near bases of other factions.
Is this only Gaian effect? Or maybe +1 planet effect?

Switching to 40/0/60 (economy/psych/labs). This way we get 14 labs/turn. Because we run PLANNED,
assigning more to research would cause losses. So Industrial Automation in 11 years.
Santiago still refuses to talk.
And hurried the tanks in GL, for 30 EC.
For exploration a rover would be better than an infantry scout. Armoured, it will also prototype synthmetal for us, the design:



2132
New forest near GL.


2133
New forests on 2 tiles.
Santiago after 2 years still does not want to talk.

2134


New forests on 2 tiles.

Santiago opens commlink in ambivalent mood.

Santiago: Greetings to you, Mart. State you case quickly, for I am very busy.
Mart: Very well then. Would you sign a Pact of Sisterhood with Lady Deirdre?
Santiago: In return for what?
Mart: Name your price, Colonel.
Santiago: No, my military preparations don't need any pact at this time. My apologies, but there're very important matters I must attend. Santiago out.

2135
Prototype
Morgan was so much faster.




Santiago refuses to talk.
And paying only 3 EC we can have a new defensive a year earlier.

2131-2135

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2170!

(click to show/hide)

2136







Gaia's Landing Headquarters - Meeting Room.
May 33, 2136



"What is the report, then. I'd like to know all the details."
"Yes, Lady. Let us start from the beginning then. Do you remember that Spartan report eight years ago,
that we not quite understood at the time?"
"About some worms?"
"Yes. That one. It appears it pertained to the same organisms we encountered here near Gaia's Landing."
"You are not sure though?"
"I'm not. You see, what Spartans were saying, they were extremely aggressive, they seemed to have
significant influence on their unit morale."
"Like, Spartans turned out to be ... not courageous enough? Seems unlikely..."
"I agree. That leads us to a conclusion."
"Some kind of chemical? Sprayed in the atmosphere?"
"This, or possibly even more intrusive."
"...?"
"Telepathy."
"Interesting. You base this guess on... what?"
"Our unit encounter. They may seem to be just some bugs, that you use as fishing bait. And this was
in fact described that way in the first report by our rover crew.



"But later, as we were going into details and we compared this with Spartan report, a whole new
view apears. Our great succses, both times, may have originated from the crew mental attitude."
"It is a military unit, our first rover, in fact."
"Well... you see... our military is not ... Spartan, let's put it that way."



"And by telepathy these organisms can detect state of mind? Is this what you suggest?"
"Yes. They allowed themselves to be easily captured."
"An intelligence? Should we appoint ... the Ambassador."
"Hahaha"
"Hehehe"
"No, I don't think so. They are unlikely to be our progenitor race."
"We actually don't know. Santiago withheld a lot of information from us. For example, these monoliths."
"You don't think these worms made them?"
"Why not? It's an alien world. We cannot use Earth as an analogy."
"True."
"Anyway, if these creatures are really telepathic, I wonder, if this can be of any use.
Something, that Spartan encounter report suggests."
"Spartan report?"



"Yes. Imagine, if such small creatures can affect high morale Spartan soldiers..."
"You think of military applications?"
"Yes! We could even think in more broad aspect"



- - - = = = * * * = = = - - -

Autumn Grove established.
Santiago refuses pact.

2138

This year Gaians make solid commitment to explore planet's oceans.
GTS "Flower" is started to be built in The Flowers Preach base.



2139





There is a pod, and although it is so far away from the closest base, with higher chances for trouble, let us check it.
In Autumn Grove, though, Network Node is set for possible mineral supply.



...Well, nice gifts of UNS Unity are always welcomed! Scout patrol will need to wait.
And there are abundant energy resources.
Gaian luck!!!

Tile is coastal, moist and flat. What kind of natural, easily accesible enrgy that can be?
Clear sky, that would work on solar collectors, but that particular place is extremely windy.
And if windmills are placed, the region would be very profitable

Hurrying 2 recycling tanks, for a minimal needed amount, 10 and 12 EC. Having 37 to start with,
but we need to save for other uses.

MY 2140

Completed 3 recycling tanks this turn! And a new network node from Unity supply pod.
This is a good year for the faction.
And we need to scout more of the planet... on sea. Lily base starts another GTS Flower ship. On the other side
of the land strip we are at.

Santiago...
She would not trade any technology without us giving some another new to her.
However, she agrees to lend us some energy! The loan of 31 EC for 46 EC in payments 1 EC/year.
Not that bad, but will she now want to talk next year, when we have a technology to trade?

2136-2140

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2180!

(click to show/hide)

MY 2141



Switch to wealth? not now, after meeting with Santiago. Also, we would be hit on morale, and a lot.
-3 morale would make our units loose native life battles more often.

Only 2 choices offered:
- Doctrine Initiative
- Nonlinear Mathematics

Santiago refuses to talk. So the plan would be talk to her as soon as possible, and then switch to wealth

Gaia's Landing Headquarters - Meeting Room.
Secret meeting


Present are Lady Deirdre, XO Mart, Security Officer, Intelligence Officer (...future).
"We need to address the Spartan problem and this is why we meet. Officer, please" - Deirdre nods to the security officer.
"Thank you, Lady. As we all know, Spartans are located to the north. On this map we can see their three bases,
that they informed us about. What is interesting, they have at least two monoliths on their territory,
while we have only discovered recently north east from Greenhouse Gate a single such structure..."
"Excuse me, officer. For the record. Recall properties of this monolith."



"It seems to have effect on both people and equipment. People recover from wounds very quickly, have increased
mental abilities. Equipment surprisingly works better."
"Telepathy?"
"No, it does not appear that way. If yes, it is deeper than we can detect. And equipment? How?"
"Yes, the effect on devices makes that hardly a telepathic effect. We exclude... hallucinations"
"Some kind of radiation?"
"It is beyond our capabilities to tell. Spartans said nothing."
"Ok, let's continue. Spartan territory."
"Their land is less fertile than in monsoon jungle. Eastern region is marked as having rich uranium deposits."
"Military purpose?"
"They can also use it in their power plant equipment."
"They recently refused technology exchange."

Lady Deirdre kept silence for a moment.
"So we now come to the conclusion, that we no longer can afford question marks in our knowledge about Sparta."
"Yes, and today we create a new branch of our government. Gaian Intelligence!"
"So far it was discussed only with the XO. We will create a team of highly specialized, trained and equiped
professionals. Their first assignment will be to infiltrate Spartan computer systems. Not an easy task.
No Gaian ever was in any Spartan base. So, do you have your proposed team members? XO?
"Yes. The person who will be responsible for logistics, getting team to objective locations, return and recovery
is one of our mountaineers. He has excellent physical conditions. Health adequate for Chiron. etc.

(click to show/hide)

"Ok... and who else?"
"Our computer systems specialist is our best faction hacker. He should be in jail, actually, but you know..."

(click to show/hide)

"Hmmm... ok. So which of them is the team leader?"
"Neither. There is the third team member and he leads. Superb leadership, that was proven in many rover exploration
expeditions. He is excellent in organising team work, easily followed by our people. I could go on and on..."

(click to show/hide)

"... Well"
"So what do you think?"
"... Are you sure, that these people are the right ones?
"Yes, Lady, trust me. They will do the job. The training starts tomorrow. Top secret."

- - - = = = * * * = = = - - -

Another mineral supply pod.
Yes, keep them for us, Unity long gone main computer. You dropped them so far not that bad.
Gaian luck!!!

2141

[Mart]

Read after playing to MY 2180!

(click to show/hide)

Gaian Transport Ship "Flower" (GTS "Flower") will not be the first to explore Chiron oceans.
Near the first monolith on Gaian soil there was found a foil dropped by Unity.
It is small and slow, but very useful at this time.


In this early years, is there a way to prepare a place for a base?
Something to consider, if someone has enough formers to devote them to do these two terrain upgrades:
- a sensor, under a base cannot be destroyed providing that 25% defense bonus
- forest, unlike in civ, it stays on a base tile after it has been established. And, although,
it does not provide forest bonus, it can spread from that tile, what I recently observed.
That particular place maybe does not provide such a strong need to have forest, because
tiles around are forested, but establishing a base close to many empty tiles, or fungus tiles
may provide many free former-turns.



MY 2142

A former attempting to enter a fungal field encounters mindworms.
Luckily, scout patrol from nearby base wins the fight even with 1/3 strength.


Interesting... Santiago claims, that she has noting in technologies, that would be
new to Gaians.

MY 2143

Changing to Wealth...
A bit overlooked, since we could do it earlier.
Having Frontier, Planned, Wealth, None; that gives in total:

+1 Economy
-3 Morale
-1 Police
+2 Growth
+1 Planet
+2 Industry

MY 2144

Gaians have now two more GTS Flower class ships.

MY 2146

Santiago is belligerent. She has contact with Morgan, but wants 50 (!!!) EC for his commlink.
No way, Colonel.
And she refuses to trade Secrets of the Human Brain for our Industrial Automation.
Wealth is not popular among Spartans...

MY 2147

Somewhere North-East a scouting rover encounters progenitor buildings, ruins,
that for long time have been detoriorating.



Some of the Unity supply pods made an excellent job.



MY 2148

Santiago finally trades a technology - Social Psych for our Industrial Automation.
And we have 6 supply crawlers, and another 6 in construction.

2142-2148