Independent Miners Guild Comm System (GuildComm) Outdated

[kidd_meier]

*** Encryption - Standart ***

*** To: IMG Guild Masters ***

*** Location: Planet Pecos, Coronado system ***

*** Subject: New appointment***

Message begins

Dear Guild Masters,

I am very exited by your decision to reinvigorate the IMG reseach department, although I must admit I was somewhat surprised to learn it was me you have chosen for the post of its Director. I am however honored by your choice and will endeavor to merit your trust in me and to turn our program into one of the best in Sirius.

The message of my new assignment finds me here, on Pecos, where I arrived several weeks ago in order to check on the progress of a small team from our communication systems department. Their operation has been based here for more than a year now, using the only planet available to the Guild in order to create a ground station for highly secure communication encripting, utilizing the planet's secluded location and the existence of relatively unlimited space needed for the new experimental equipment /which I admit looks quite cumbersome at this stage of development/.

The progress of the team, although not spectacular, is rather satisfying - enough that, with your permission, I would like to implement the new system for exchanging general, low level of secrecy, information within my new department. I gather this will be a good enough test for its abilities, wihout the threat of exposing any trully sensitive information.

In order for you to evaluate the capabilities of the new system, I ventured to use it for sending this message. I will point out that the "standart" level of this encryption comes very close to the "High" level of our present one, although the system is not yet fully tested and vetted.

After I perform a general inspection of the various activities of the R&D department here on Pecos, I will be on my way to Tau-39 system HQ, where I will be shortly assuming my new duties in full measure.


Message ends

---

"Come on, people. We have a job to do, so let's be about it" - Lady Dame Steadholder Admiral Honor Alexander-Harrington, RMN
A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind. The mind is the only battlefield that matters. Everything else is just ... fuss.
Lieutenant Lord Miles Naismith Vorkosigan / Admiral Miles Naismith/
"Always aim for the stars, boy. Even if you miss, you'll at least not end up shooting your leg"
Ascribed to General Count Piotr Pier Vorkosigan

<span style="color:#FFFF33">&quot;I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.&quot;</span>
Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

[Zytahar]

*ping*

Message received
Subject: A better Universe


Recruit Magnus Z reporting. The death of a slaver in Tau 23 has made our corner of the Universe a better place. Justice always prevails!


Wreckage

[JonahC]

Encryption: Maximum-IMG|R&D and GMs only

Greetings!

Our techs here in the R&D have just finished installing the new comm system in my ship. I would have been in contact sooner, but the comm. system was down while they were installing the new one. If this communication looks odd id is only because I am learning how to use the new system.

Several days ago, my assistant Dr. Vale was contacted by a Zoner who hunts Nomads in the Omicrons. He heard in the FP11 bar that we were doing Nomad research and wanted to sell us some remains. These were not the common remains we have been finding rather frequently, but apparently these are a more advanced form of nomad, sometimes called superior nomads. Apparently these nomads act as a sort of controller for many lesser nomads, a hub if you will. I was able to purchase a few specimens for our research. This zoner also had some interesting theories as to nomad communication. He proposes that the nomads in fact understand our communications, but do not possess the anatomy to communicate understandably in return. As well he theorizes that if you could use an infested human as a receiver you would then be able to understand their communication. He had several captive infested humans, known as "Wilde" in his hold. I plan to stay in communication with him to see if his theories prove viable.

I have yet to find a nomad weapon in good enough condition to study, but I will continue to search. If we could apply the energy efficiency to our mining lasers, Dr.Vale theorizes that it would seriously impact Deuterium mining and production on planet Pecos. I am redoubling my efforts to find a working model.

As to mapping the Omicron systems, we continue to chip away at them. Our recent cooperation with the Order is helping this, yet the Order has hinted that there are systems that we do not have access to, specifically, Omicron Minor. We have yet to find a way to access this system, but it is likely we will come across it in the near future. I will keep you posted on this aspect of our mission as well.

It seems our mission is bearing some rather interesting fruitage. We will continue to pursue our goals as relentlessly as possible.

---

[AeternusDoleo]

**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders
To: Dr. Baskin
Subject: Research directorate appointment
Encryption: Guild/Internal

Miss Baskin,

First of all, congratulations. The department has been without a true dedicated leader for some time, although I've been keeping tabs on active projects. As the previous head of that department, feel free to inquire about existing projects. I'd like to draw your attention specifically to two areas:
The Himalayan project to generate a new line of defensive and worker craft specifically suited to IMG needs. This project is nearing completion with many of the prototypes in final testing stages. The fighter models are currently undergoing testing near Timor, using the asteroids for concealment. The civilian and capital craft are being designed partly at Jakarta and partly at Singapore. Progress has been... slower then anticipated, but the end result will be well worth it.
An overview:
IMGF-14B-Proto "Manaslu" Light fighter prototype, progress report: Adapted from a standard Eagle fuselage, the Manaslu does away with all the frivolties of the CTE line. Visually the resemblance is gone, but the internals still sport the same standard Liberty engine found in most civilian craft - with a few minor modifications. The hull has been compressed but hardened to suit the craft's role of operating inside asteroid fields.
Initial field tests suggest the craft is surpassing similar crafts in it's role. With a cost effective, agile, yet still sufficiently hard hitting design in our hands, we project this design to become the standard patrol and escort ship.

IMGF-18C-Proto "Lhotse" superfighter, progress report: It became clear in the late development of the Manaslu, that for dedicated combat purposes and sentry duty, the craft was underpowered. The Lhotse design is an adaptation of the Manaslu, using the same basic frame but expanding the engine array and power generation systems. The resulting ship is a Heavy Fighter comparable to that of the Nyx, capable of powering heavier weaponry and shielding. Maneuverability has suffered due to the added mass, and our projections are that this craft will perform adequately in it's assigned role, but no more then that.

IMGF-15A-Proto "Nanda Devi" bomber, progress report: A recent addition to the project, was the demand for a heavy bomber craft capable of surpressing the increased pressure from hardened targets raiding our mining operations. Fighters are often insufficient to quickly deal with such threats, and light bombers such as the Pytho do not have the capacity to quickly deal a decisive blow. The Nanda Devi has been designed from the ground up. The basic framework of the Manaslu was again expanded, to be able to house a power core normally used in the standard Pelican armored transports. This resulted in a craft that visually resembles the Lhotse, but is structurally very different from the fighter design. We are currently still working out several minor issues with the power distribution systems, but expect to be able to deliver a platform capable of powering two seperate torpedo systems, and a freighter-scale shield.

IMGC-24C-Proto "Gasherbrum" Gunboat, progress report: A replacement intended to fill the gap that departing from the "Hydra" design will leave. The Gasherbrum is neither inferior nor superior to the Hydra design, in it's current form. The current issue we are working on is the power core stability - utilising a standard transport reactor and running it above rated capacity results in greater wear and stability issues. Unless w can find a way to stabilise the reactor at a higher reaction rate then the core is intended to run at, we may need to abandon this and go with a Kusari design instead - or redesign the entire thing.

IMGC-104D-E-Proto, IMGC-104D-D-Proto "Sagarmatha" Exploration cruiser, progress report: An intended replacement for the legacy "Argus" long range explorer. While the design, Colonial in origin, is adequate for the task, adequate just won't do. It's main flaw are the primary engines. The craft is underpowered for the task it is intended to do.
The Sagarmatha resolves this rather radically, having at full power at least 200% additional thrust over the Atlas design. Of course, sustaining full power strains the engine array, so this can only be done for a short period. The main Explorer variant has it's engines rigged for an extended, continuous burn with extraheliospheric travel in mind. It also boasts improved EMP shielding to ward off the magnetic and gravitic rippling at the edge of a heliosphere. The main Defensive variant uses the engine array tactically, configured for maximum thrust in short bursts. This grants the craft a measure of maneuvering the Argus could never match.

IMGM-2C-Proto "Annapurna" Miner, progress report: Frequently, operational reports from Hegemon mining crews indicated their frustration with the lack of maneuverability in it's primary field of operations: Dense asteroid fields. An intermediate miner design was requested, bridging the gap between the Spatial in terms of evasiveness, and the Hegemon in terms of autonomy and cargo capacity. The result thus far is adequate.
The Annapurna is for all intents and purposes a mining freighter, although it can boast standard transport defenses and shielding. Cargo capacity requested was roughly one third of that of the Hegemon class miner, and will be met. Crew comfort however will have to suffer, as well as craft autonomy.

IMGT-5E-Proto "Nanga Parbat" Medium transport, progress report: Basically the Annapurna with it's mining equipment stripped and two extra cargo pods grafted to the superstructure. Structurally the craft is almost identical to the Annapurna, and any design issues will be resolved in that project instead. The only reason we chose to pursue this was that it would be more cost effective to work off of a single frame then utilize the standard Crane class transports in the deeper Tau and Omega regions.

IMGT-8C-Proto "Shishipangma" Heavy transport, progress report: Behind on schedule. We've hit a major obstacle in clamping the cargo payload to the main umbilical. The design is sound in theory, but the clamps just cannot bear the strain of maneuvers while the craft is fully loaded - the shearing force will cause the cargo pods to break away when a high-speed turn is performed. Higher tensile, flexible materials will be required to compensate. Adding additional struts and clamps may also be a solution, but we're going to have to go back to the drawing board on this one. On a good note, the engine synchronization issues have been resolved, meaning the craft can now bring it's full array of 7 standard engines to bear. A critical issue that had to be resolved if this craft was to be used as a support craft on the extrasolar expeditions, and carry initial supplies to new facilities there.

There is also an outsourced project which was deferred to the "Corona Battlegroup" research wing. This project, an atmospheric filter, will be critical in our attempts to purify the atmosphere of Tau-115-C1, and render it habitable. I cannot stress the potential benefits of having that planet terraformed. Tau-115 is a very resource-rich system, and it's relative position will cause no house to be able to lay claim on it. If we are able to establish a colony there, it would truly render us independent from any house needs. Manufacturing facilities, industry, a place for the families of our guildsmen - it could all be there.

I'm available if you wish to talk further. Good luck in your new position!

Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders

**** Transmission Closed ****

---

Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.

Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.

[Petitioner]

.:Incoming Transmission:.
From: Lara Couture
To: GuildComm Frequency
Subject: ##SUBJECT HEADER LEFT BLANK
ENCRYPTION LEVEL: Moderate.

[font=System][color=#66FFFF]Lara reporting in from the IMG|Aachen[T]. Ran some commodities through Liberty today. Be aware of a Hacker gunboat with the callsign of "Gunboat_Gus". He's not mindful of the agreements that the Hackers have with the IMG, and he won't hesitate to try pirating you.
Although... he is laughably bad at catching up with transports.
Lara out.
[font=System][color=#66FFFF][color=#33CCFF].:End Transmission:.

---

Recruitment | Task Force Prometheus | ICN FIRESTORM

[kidd_meier]

*** Encryption - Standart ***

*** To: Johnathan Sanders/IMG Guild Masters ***

*** Location: Jakarta station, Tau-39 system ***

*** Subject: Fighter craft testing inspection results ***

Message begins

Dear Mr Sanders,

Thank you for your kind words, and be sure I will turn for help and advice often - this job is rather big for one person to carry.

As you can see, I have finished my inspection of IMG's Corronado activities /sadly nothing new and exiting to report from there/ and have arrived in Tau 39. Here my first job was to inspect the progress of the Himalayan project. So far I have been able to observe several test flights of the fighter and bomber craft in the asteroid field around Timor, and had some very productive conversations with the engeneers in charge of that project.

Here is what can be said so far:

IMGF-14B-Proto "Manaslu" Light fighter prototype - the ship is indeed proving to be a very capable craft. It may not have the sleek look of most light fighters, but it compensates rather well with very good armor design and unmached powercore, while still keeping up with the light fighter class in agility. It is also inexpensive enough to be manufactured in sufficient numbers. There are no big design problems and no obstacles so far to the mass production of this one.

IMGF-18C-Proto "Lhotse" superfighter prototype - nothing new here. The fighter is sufficiently well armored, the power output is good, there are no significant problems in development and preparation for mass production. Performance in test flights so far is average to good - main setback is the not so good agility, but the design we have does not allow for much improvement. I suppose that when fielded in good numbers, the ship will do its assigned job well enough.

IMGF-15A-Proto "Nanda Devi" bomber prototype - here we have some problems. Bomber craft with such abilities is a new thing for the IMG shipbuilders, and the fine tuning of the design is taking longer than anticipated. Maneuverability is as expected less than that of the Pythos and Rocs we now employ in our fleet, although it is well compensated by an armor design unmatched in civilian craft - so far as we know. The powercore is also one of the most capable in civilian use - and here we encounter some minor obstacles, as you mentioned. The distribution channels to the employed freighter shield and to the general use guns work adequately, but the ones supplying the heavy torpedo slots are prone to overheating and shorting out. The engeneers are assuring me that's nothing to be afraid of, and that they'll be able to meet the projected schedule. They will be more happy though if they could purchase a new batch of superconductors from Liberty with specific performance numbers.
In overal, the Nanda Devi reminds me of what I have read in general military science journals about heavy Rheinland and Bretonia navy bombers. It might not be agile enough to defend itself from fighters, but when finished it will pack a punch heavy enough to put a thought or two in the mind of any capital ship captain.

This concurs my inspection report. I will soon be on my way to Singapore for a meeting with the other design teams.

Message ends

---

&quot;Come on, people. We have a job to do, so let's be about it&quot; - Lady Dame Steadholder Admiral Honor Alexander-Harrington, RMN
A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind. The mind is the only battlefield that matters. Everything else is just ... fuss.
Lieutenant Lord Miles Naismith Vorkosigan / Admiral Miles Naismith/
&quot;Always aim for the stars, boy. Even if you miss, you'll at least not end up shooting your leg&quot;
Ascribed to General Count Piotr Pier Vorkosigan

<span style="color:#FFFF33">&quot;I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.&quot;</span>
Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

[kidd_meier]

*** Encryption - High - Guild Masters only ***

*** To: IMG Guild Masters ***

*** Location: Jakarta station, Tau-39 system ***

*** Subject: Gift from some new people ***

Message begins

I have just been informed that a couple of hours ago we have received a very substantial gift from our new patners/?/ - the Unione Corce. I regret I have not been able to be there myself, however I was assured that the cargo was safely transfered aboard one of our mining vessels. It will shortly be moved to a more secure location. Here are the contents of the gift themselves :

Our team has some knowledge of bio-neural processors made by Bretonian manufacturers, but the ones made in Gallia are said to be of superior quality - something we now have the opportunity to determine for ourselves.
The cryocubes' method of production is - if I may express myself so - a famous GMS secret - one we now can freely explore.
As to the two substances - promethium and oil - they are mostly unfamiliar to the IMG researchers - a fact we are now able to correct.

I cannot at the moment say what results and advances we can expect from studying our new acquisitions, but I am sure they will offer us new possibilities. Please inform our benefactors that the IMG R&D division is extremely gratefull for the generous gift. Some of our departments may be in the process of reorganisation, but if we can offer some assistance it return, we are ready to do so.

Message ends

---

&quot;Come on, people. We have a job to do, so let's be about it&quot; - Lady Dame Steadholder Admiral Honor Alexander-Harrington, RMN
A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind. The mind is the only battlefield that matters. Everything else is just ... fuss.
Lieutenant Lord Miles Naismith Vorkosigan / Admiral Miles Naismith/
&quot;Always aim for the stars, boy. Even if you miss, you'll at least not end up shooting your leg&quot;
Ascribed to General Count Piotr Pier Vorkosigan

<span style="color:#FFFF33">&quot;I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.&quot;</span>
Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.

[Jack_Henderson]

**** INCOMING TRANSMISSION ****
**** TO: [color=#FFCC99]IMG ****
**** ENCRYPTION: [color=#FFCC99]HIGH *****
**** VOICE ENABLED ****
**** VIDEO UPLINK ENABLED ****

** C O N N E C T I N G ** ** ** ** C O N N E C T I N G ** ** ** ** C O N N E C T I N G **



** CONNECTION ESTABLISHED SUCCESSFULLY **

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode]

[color=#FFFFFF]

Caught Morshu after he destroyed a Hegemon, he seemed to have troubles maneuvering as he repeatedly hit a wreck of a sattelite. After some snac hits, his systems went down and he crashed into the Orkney planet. Nice fireworks it was.

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***

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+ IMG| DISCORD: https://discord.gg/TWrGWjp
+ IMG| IS RECRUITING: Click to find out more!

[Zytahar]

*ping*
Message received

Sender: Morgan.Z
Subject: Assignments (II)



Recruit Morgan Marcus Z reporting. I have successfully completed my last assignment as a Guild recruit, by providing assistance in a dangerous mining operation. The full report is attached to this message:


Report
Report

I hope everything is in order and that you will find my report satisfactory. Morgan Z. out.

-End of message-

[Jack_Henderson]

**** INCOMING TRANSMISSION ****

**** SENDER: [color=#FFCC99]Veronica Ryan, Secretary of the Guildmasters ****

**** TO: [color=#FFCC99]IMG Comm Channel ****

**** ENCRYPTION: HIGH *****
**** VOICE ENABLED ****
**** VIDEO UPLINK ENABLED ****

** C O N N E C T I N G ** ** ** ** C O N N E C T I N G ** ** ** ** C O N N E C T I N G **



** CONNECTION ESTABLISHED SUCCESSFULLY **

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode]

[color=#FFFFFF]

Veronica Ryan, with some good news:

1. Promotion of Morgan.Z

Morgan Z. completed all the assignments and therefore is promoted to be a regular Guildmember. The Guild congratulates and wishes the new member good luck.


2. Destruction of dangerous Alien vessel in Tau 23

A dangerous, gunboat class sized alien vessel appeared today in Tau 23. It kept out of sensor contacts and avoided hostilities, then jumped to Kyushu where there was some fighting going on between Outcasts and KNF. An IMG Strike Wing chased and asked the KNF whether they needed help. They agreed and the gunboat classed alien vessel was taken out in Tau 23 with one ships lost during the initial phase.

Battle field intel suggests extreme caution when engaging these aliens with fighters and bombers. The gunboat class Hydra seemed to be able to stand against it in direct combat rather well. Combinations of bombers and gunboat class ships are recommended.

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***

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+ IMG| DISCORD: https://discord.gg/TWrGWjp
+ IMG| IS RECRUITING: Click to find out more!