Project: Ailuros

[Locksmith]

verifying identity...
identity confirmed
accessing data...
subject: ailuros

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project name: Ailuros
start date: 20.06.835

status: in process
type: study, reconstruction and improvement

location: Valravn Citadel, Inverness system
lead: Fleet Captain Freud, Roland

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Summary

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I. Introduction

During a skirmish with LSF forces, I witnessed them using fighters previously unknown to me. After some questioning, I was able to find out that this technology, which somehow ended up in the hands of LSF, belongs to a secretive organization called the Order.

The design of these ships intrigued me. Powerful, agile... And, apparently, with a high potential for customization.

Unlike my previous project to restore and produce fighters like the BDR F-8 "Defender", this one does not imply further mass production and use.

This one is for me.

II. Evaluation

I'll have to start almost from scratch. All I had at the time of starting this task was only superficial scan data and a small recording. However, due to my experience with fighter restoration, as well as taking into account my abilities as a technician, the task seems feasible, albeit difficult.

I'll probably have to resort to allied aid, as well as some black market research. I'll also try to get more detailed scan data if I run into the LSF again in these fighters... Or the Order.

It's also obvious that I'll need mundane resources like engine components.

III. Related

- the idea
- potential blackmarket opportunities
- order ship scan
- where eagles dare

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[Locksmith]

recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 21.06.835
local time: 17:58
detected entities: locksmith

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Project Update I

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"I'm off to a good start. I spoke with Exarch West and Revenant. It seems the Technocracy may have data that could help me with this project. In exchange, I'll give them access to the project; I suppose I have no reason not to, after all. Helping an ally is helping yourself."

"Exarch gave me a good idea about making use of the black market. It's a shame I didn't think of it myself, really. I should check in with some old friends among the Junkers; when I was with them, all sorts of ships passed through our hands. I wouldn't be surprised if "Bastet" could have ended up there. Or at least some part of it."

"On top of that, I managed to strike up a cute little conversation with the Order agent. While we were chatting, Lachesis was able to scan his ship. All that's left is to wait for my AI assistant to fully analyze the data it's received."

"And, yes. I'll be using Lachesis for calculations and analysis. I'm terrible at that, so having her on hand is a great thing."

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end of recording

[Locksmith]

recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 30.06.835
local time: 11:53
detected entities: locksmith

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Project Update II

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"Ran into another fighter from this curious line while escorting Arcturus. Unlike the case with the Order agent described in the previous update, I was unable to get close enough for a detailed scan before the battle. Just some superficial data... But every little bit helps."

"Looks like a heavier model. "Anubis". Possibly the heaviest fighter I have ever seen. Lots of power, almost like a bomber, but without completely losing mobility. In general, the Order seems to gravitate towards heavier solutions, sacrificing compactness and maneuverability for greater survivability and combat power. Unsurprisingly, the "Bastet", which seems to be the middle link in their chain, is not much lighter than my "Defender". Still more nimble, though. I will have to factor that into my calculations."

"Lachesis, meanwhile, has finished analyzing the data from that meeting with the Order agent. I'll be describing it soon in the next update."

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end of recording

[Locksmith]

recording...
location: valravn citadel, inverness system
current date: 01.07.835
local time: 16:32
detected entities: locksmith

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Project Update III

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"Lachesis has finally finished with the full analysis of the scan data. I suppose it would have gone faster if I hadn't kept her busy piloting multiple ships, but... oh well."

"So. The Order agent I met a few days ago was piloting a "Sekhmet" bomber. While it's not the type of ship I'm looking to recreate, the detailed data on it gives me a lot more insight into the Order's philosophy on shipbuilding."

"And it's... pretty close to what we'd be wise to use. Designed for limited resources and facing overwhelming odds. Solid armor coupled with a powerful core. Efficient use of space within the hull. An optimal combination of ability to strike and risk mitigation. Order engineers know their stuff, that's for sure."

"Combined with the data I have so far, this is enough to start working on the fighter's systems... But I still need some semblance of a hull. Producing one from scratch would be too tedious a task, which would take a lot of time. And I don't have that."

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end of recording