Stage 1 phase objectives:
Press the case for the construction of a flagship for use by Kusari Naval Intelligence
Determine the allowable budget for its construction (if the case is successfully made for the flagship to be authorized in the first place)
Determine the scope statement (under the same provision)
The Kusari Republic has taken a few beatings, the people trapped in multiple conflicts over the last years. Urgently looking to recover its previous glory, the Republic had overhauled it's military, following the mass overthrow of the old monarchy. Among it's newest institutions was the Kusari Naval Intelligence service, or, KNI for short.
This department, tasked with the safeguarding of Kusari's interests through covert operations and bold actions, both inside of Kusari and beyond, were woefully understaffed and funded, during the initial days of their movement. Now with logistics being set firmly in place, the planning of a proper Naval defense force could begin, as well as the submissions for such organisations as the KNI to state their proposals as to the future of the Kusari fleet, and their requirements to safeguard the newly developing house, going into the future.
Tankira Yukihara had been elected to bring her proposals on behalf of the KNI, being the most experienced member readily available, when it came to capital ship warfare, and large fleet engagements.
Tanakira was to meet with the agents of the Naval Forces Comitte. She was justifiably anxious, if she did not present herself properly, she may simply be waved from the room, a strike to the KNI's martial power. Yet, as one of the (lesser) heroines of the Republic, she couldn't relinquish the thought that it was her duty to bring this forward, to press the agenda. If the proposal went through, it would not be long before the proud flagship began it's contruction. While she may not know much about the Republic's particular needs and the needs of it'speople, she could simply discuss how paramount it was that the KNI be granted this boot. The Committee monitor conveyed her to the audience room. Since the majority of the other Kusarian agencies had taken the chance to present themselves , she was readily acknowledged to begin, and she realized that there was a shot that a portion of the representatives would get some answers concerning the KNI's recent activities, and a look into their more covert operations.
"Greetings, esteemed Representatives. As one who personally led several raids against the Imperial Forces in the past, I can tell that, since they built several battlecruiser classes susceptible to be used as flagships , in fact, one of them already is a flagship, currently stationed on our borders to the Taus, to our south, additionally they may be placing an order for another battlecruiser class vessel for further dishonorable actions against the true Republic. The Takeda Destroyer has as many as 9 different kinds of weapon systems, missiles, rail guns, pulse cannons, turrets both light and heavy, many of which have, additionally, a marine detachment on board. They can overpower any strike craft we currently have. That is the kind of enemy flagship we're dealing with"
Yuki-san did the best she could based on information acquired by her, whether the Committee knew it or not. But she was willing to make a gamble about that, and another one for suggesting the Imperial's fleet movements.
"The Komainu with 13 hardpoints, it is capable of delivering a far superior punch, and living to tell the tale. Even though we have neutral relationships with the Bretonians at this point, we need to be prepared for the eventuality that their behemoth falls to the lies of the Imperials. I'm sure my colleagues from Naval Intelligence and my time with the Naval Forces, many of which are scheduled to appear for today's hearing will be able to provide the remaining expertise necessary to carry out the project filed under my Large Resource Funding Request, for which I have been summoned here today: my expertise mostly pertains to the most fitting application for a ship's power"
"But I believe there could be a possibility to counter these ships fielded by our enemies without us building a ship, similar to the Komainu-class. If we retain the original model, with it's Hardpoints and distinctive apperance, perhaps we could have a ship that functionally serves as a flagship for us, without actually having to be approved as such, meaning that it's construction may be semi-unique and still allow to engage any foreign or internal aggresors. Ergo I mean here that it will be a heavy battlecruiser, based on the Komainu. That said, I believe that the Crecy is more frightening than the Takeda because the Crecy features all-or-nothing armor, in addition to heavier weapon emplacements and a strange, unorthodox shape"
But even if it was a heavy battlecruiser, for any ship that was to functionally serve as a factional flagship, a Committee hearing was required. Would the absence of her superiors affect the fate of the "large resource expenditure" being discussed in today's hearing? And yet the Crecy and the Takeda both are weak on their aft quarters' firepower. All-or-nothing armor was practically useless... it would get their battlecruiser destroyed just as easily as a glass cannon, if pitted in combat with other ships of similar firepower. The Takeda in use by imperials might be useful against the Republican fleet in its present shape, but not anymore once the battlecruiser is completed.
One of the Representatives spoke up: "So, in essence, Yukihara-san, you would want us to build a counter to the Takeda which would also be a counter to the Crecy ? Already the Komainu cost three hundred and fifteen million to build, let alone arm fullly. If our estimates are correct we would be looking at 700-800 million easily to build just one such proposed ship that would allow us to fight the Takeda or any flagship the Imperials or their potential allies would throw at us. Though the Crecy is rumored to cost within the realm of 800-Up to A full Billion credits."
Obviously the Bretonians hasn't made public the cost of their flagship, and neither had most houses for that matter. That's why rumors are just floating around. But, flagships didn't cost that much because they were lightly armed: weapons, targeting computers, and extra crew quarters would drive up the costs pretty quickly.
"Most Honored Representative, to answer your question, the 1-billion mark refers to the frontier between building a dedicated flagship, one-of-a-kind and a battlecruiser that can be built in semi-unique or limited production. We know that such a behemoth would have to be the result of cooperative work between two or three different manufacturers to supply components. Because a factional flagship is either a juicy target or a fleet-in-being for its owner, it has to include strong defenses. I cannot speak for my predecessors and fellows, however, the trend for our vessel, you well know,is for finely artisan worked and lethal titans of battle, which while increasing maintenance requirements, it also increases reliability, this thorough Kusarian engineering, which allows a ship to be triple-framed and hence to reinforce its armor as a line of defense, Most commonly known as a 'Capital Armor Upgrade Mark VIII' ensured no other ship can match our dependability in space"
"It is with some pride, I call myself an expert expert, thereby I can say one needs as much defense against smaller threats like Fighter, Bombers and Gunboats, as well as against larger capital ships like cruisers,and even Battleship. Additional hardpoints will create additional maintenance, and costs, Yes,I do know that the crew requirements as well are massive. Thereby, we are theorizing the use of automated gunnery crews, and long distance remote crewing, which may help us reduce the crew requirements and drive costs down: one knows that more crew quarters, as opposed to cargo holds and other systems, are more expensive. "
"You have said many things, Yukihara-san. You give many proposals, and 'potential' threats, how ever, what would the approval of this commissioning. What would it directly bring to this republic, that it cannot already accomplish?" The Representative's tone was not unkind, but highly skeptical of what she had spoken of thus far. The Republic was still only establishing itself the many battles with Imperial and Unlawful forces, and was just now starting to prosper again. Military Expenditure was limited.
She considered his words for a moment. Personally, being a militant officer, she would gladly sacrifice untold sums to safeguard the borders and the Kusari people. But she knew that was far from possible, or even logical. Bushido demanded just as much that the representatives find reason to deny her, as that she found reason to be approved. It was their duty to push the economic and social growth of Kusari. It was hers to push the Security of it, and though the two went hand in hand, they often require opposite aproaches
The Question, though sharply directed, was surprisingly easy for her to answer. Lacking the power and range of operations to foray into enemy territory properly, this Battlecruiser would not only extend the KNI's effective operations, but would at the same time grand the a stronger hand in Military affairs, and provide a spearhead and symbol for Kusari's power and influence, within and without it's borders.
"Honorable Representative, the KNI's need for a flagship of this type is more than evident. With one of these prestigious vessels at our command, our activities and reach shall be greatly expanded. It shall be the subtle hand, guiding Kusari along the path to Peace and Prosperity"It was flowery and unnecessary descriptions, to her at least. She preferred and elegant yet directed conversation. Double Speak and politics were not her domain, and likely never would be
Another Representative moved to speak, an elder one, and likely more conservatively minded than the rest."Hai, Yukihara-san. We have heard your proposals, and they shall be taken into consideration. For your intents, this meeting is concluded. Please, await our conclusions and accept them as soon as possible" The man gave her a slight bow, now as deep as someone of her status deserved, almost insulting, though acceptable. It was a slight backhand, one she had to take in stride.
She nodded her head and gave the appropriate bow in response, lower of course, as was appropriate."Honoroable Representatives, I shall await your decisions as you request." With the discussion quite suddenly interrupted, she held a sigh and exited the room respectfully. Now, the machine of politics woudl grind through her request.