[ Djana Military Research Centre ] Presentation of ACA expertise and introduction of representative
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Dragonmaster352
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[ Djana Military Research Centre ] Presentation of ACA expertise and introduction of representative
Veolian Commonwealth » Wed Dec 09, 2015 12:03 am
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Veolian Commonwealth - Faction
Inside the hangar, the delegation was greeted by the Veolian and Teprogrenaian members of the board of oversight, as well as the director of the research centre.
Former Senator Aunzora of the Confederacy of Excaria » Wed Dec 09, 2015 12:07 am
"Welcome to the Djana Military Research Centre", the director and former Excarian senator greeted the group.
"Allow me to introduce the current members of the board of directors, field marshall Iaat Shigemi", he motions to the human woman standing next to him, "And Danar Lorum", he continues as he motions at the large teprogrenaian.
True to his origins as a politician, he smoothly lets a small pause fall to allow an astrian representative to do introductions on their side before they continue on.
"Allow me to introduce the current members of the board of directors, field marshall Iaat Shigemi", he motions to the human woman standing next to him, "And Danar Lorum", he continues as he motions at the large teprogrenaian.
True to his origins as a politician, he smoothly lets a small pause fall to allow an astrian representative to do introductions on their side before they continue on.
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Thu Dec 10, 2015 11:02 pm
"Director Aunzora, Lady-Field Marshal Iaat, Mister Lorum." A man in a uniform of the Astrian Colonial Marines greeted, snapping a crisp salute.
"I am Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa of the Astrian Colonial Marines Engineering Corps. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The man had a to the point air about him. Yet a distinct warmness that suggested a friendly personality.
The other members of the delegation were a mixture of military and civilians, easily distinguished from one another by the uniforms and business attire. The military personnel was from both navy and marines.
As Charles greeted the board members, the military personnel snapped a salute, while the civilians made a polite bow. After he had introduced himself, a man wearing a Colonial Navy uniform and a civilian woman stepped forward.
"Allow me to introduce Lord-Captain Steve Hawakinu and Doctor Laura Karcian. Captain Hawakinu is an expert in armour and shielding technology and Doctor Karcian is a Medical Engineer specialized in military grade cybernetics. The three of us will be presenting the expertise of the ACA to you." Charles said, an honest smile decorating his face.
((OOC: I wasn't sure what kind of numbers you had in mind for my delegation, so I purposefully remained vague about that.))
"I am Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa of the Astrian Colonial Marines Engineering Corps. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." The man had a to the point air about him. Yet a distinct warmness that suggested a friendly personality.
The other members of the delegation were a mixture of military and civilians, easily distinguished from one another by the uniforms and business attire. The military personnel was from both navy and marines.
As Charles greeted the board members, the military personnel snapped a salute, while the civilians made a polite bow. After he had introduced himself, a man wearing a Colonial Navy uniform and a civilian woman stepped forward.
"Allow me to introduce Lord-Captain Steve Hawakinu and Doctor Laura Karcian. Captain Hawakinu is an expert in armour and shielding technology and Doctor Karcian is a Medical Engineer specialized in military grade cybernetics. The three of us will be presenting the expertise of the ACA to you." Charles said, an honest smile decorating his face.
((OOC: I wasn't sure what kind of numbers you had in mind for my delegation, so I purposefully remained vague about that.))
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Sun Dec 20, 2015 6:06 pm
((OOC: The idea was to have a smallish delegation here to look around and discuss expertise and such, and if they ACA joins the Djana Centre, a large contingent of ACA scientists and military scientists moves to the Niras system permanently (with large being 3000+).))
"Lord-Brigadier General Himekawa, it is a pleasure to meet you.", Iaat Shigemi replies pleasantly.
"I suggest that we immediately move to the presentations, such that the vote in the board of oversight can be held while you are on a tour of the facilities. Unless you prefer to tour the facilities first?"
"Lord-Brigadier General Himekawa, it is a pleasure to meet you.", Iaat Shigemi replies pleasantly.
"I suggest that we immediately move to the presentations, such that the vote in the board of oversight can be held while you are on a tour of the facilities. Unless you prefer to tour the facilities first?"
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:01 pm
Charles looked to the rest of the delegation to gauge how they were doing. Some where looking around, a expression of curiosity on their face. Others had a more neutral stance, a more disinterested expression for them. A few, mostly civilians, looked nervous, obviously not used to the situation. Regardless they all stuck together.
"I think it's best to start with the presentations. I trust the rest of the delegation can get a cup of coffee or tea, while they wait?" The Astrian General asked, clearly looking out for his people.
"I think it's best to start with the presentations. I trust the rest of the delegation can get a cup of coffee or tea, while they wait?" The Astrian General asked, clearly looking out for his people.
Former Senator Aunzora of the Confederacy of Excaria » Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:47 pm
"Of course they can", comes the reply from the director, "The Djana Military Research Centre is only part of this settlement. Your people are free to wait in the Centre, but I have made several guides available to accompany them into the Niras settlement should they want to look around."
He motions for the lord-brigadier general and the other high-ranking delegation members to follow.
As the small group walks away from the hangar, it was clear that other personell was available to make sure that the Astrian delegation was transported to a comfortable waiting area, or into the settlement if they wanted.
"As you might have heard, it is customary for those worlds participating in the Djana Centre to house a large contingent of both civilian and military scientific personell here in the Niras settlement. Due to the location of the settlement, they would fall under veolian jurisdiction, but in the past the veolian laws have seen considerable relaxation with regards to difficult matters. For example, the Djana Military Research Centre treaty includes clauses to strongly limit slavery in relation to the Centre, as well as allowing great leeway for cybernetic implants in civilians.", the director smoothly assuaged some of the issues he anticipated with the current delegation.
The walk through the centre was short. Even though certain elements of veolian style are recognizable, the centre's design seems based in military pragmatism. Several obvious defensive measures were present, next to a string presence of armed miltary personell -- security at the centre appears to be taken very seriously. As the small group walks, the decorations and style switches from purely pragmatic to something a little more luxurious: clearly these were the offices and conference rooms used by high-ranking personell and to receive diplomatic delegations.
Arriving in a conference room, Aunzora turned toward the brigadier general.
"My apologies for not being able to interact with the holoprojection interface directly. We have not yet had the time to install adaptors for astrian cybernetic signals. Of course, should you join our effort, non-essential systems will quickly be adapted to use."
He then motions for everyone to sit down, and sits down himself as well.
He motions for the lord-brigadier general and the other high-ranking delegation members to follow.
As the small group walks away from the hangar, it was clear that other personell was available to make sure that the Astrian delegation was transported to a comfortable waiting area, or into the settlement if they wanted.
"As you might have heard, it is customary for those worlds participating in the Djana Centre to house a large contingent of both civilian and military scientific personell here in the Niras settlement. Due to the location of the settlement, they would fall under veolian jurisdiction, but in the past the veolian laws have seen considerable relaxation with regards to difficult matters. For example, the Djana Military Research Centre treaty includes clauses to strongly limit slavery in relation to the Centre, as well as allowing great leeway for cybernetic implants in civilians.", the director smoothly assuaged some of the issues he anticipated with the current delegation.
The walk through the centre was short. Even though certain elements of veolian style are recognizable, the centre's design seems based in military pragmatism. Several obvious defensive measures were present, next to a string presence of armed miltary personell -- security at the centre appears to be taken very seriously. As the small group walks, the decorations and style switches from purely pragmatic to something a little more luxurious: clearly these were the offices and conference rooms used by high-ranking personell and to receive diplomatic delegations.
Arriving in a conference room, Aunzora turned toward the brigadier general.
"My apologies for not being able to interact with the holoprojection interface directly. We have not yet had the time to install adaptors for astrian cybernetic signals. Of course, should you join our effort, non-essential systems will quickly be adapted to use."
He then motions for everyone to sit down, and sits down himself as well.
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:53 pm
After everyone settled in, the human woman introduced as Field Marshal Iaat addressed the room.
"I hereby call a meeting of the board of oversight of the Djana Military Research Centre for the evaluation of the membership application of the Astrian Colonial Authority. Present are myself, board member Iaat Shigemi for the Veolian Commonwealth, and board member Danar Lorum for the Teprogrenaian Consensus."
I open this meeting of the board of oversight on 21 december 2015."
"With that formality out of the way, I give the floor to you, brigadier general. I look forward to hearing about the areas of expertise you wish to contribute to."
"I hereby call a meeting of the board of oversight of the Djana Military Research Centre for the evaluation of the membership application of the Astrian Colonial Authority. Present are myself, board member Iaat Shigemi for the Veolian Commonwealth, and board member Danar Lorum for the Teprogrenaian Consensus."
I open this meeting of the board of oversight on 21 december 2015."
"With that formality out of the way, I give the floor to you, brigadier general. I look forward to hearing about the areas of expertise you wish to contribute to."
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Fri Jan 15, 2016 11:52 pm
The general reached into his jacket, pulling out a small holoprojector. He placed it on a nearby table. As it lit up he cleared his throat.
"Director, board members." Charles started. "In a universe armed with turbolasers and blasters, not to mention a variety of other directed energy weapons, projectile weapons are often dismissed as primitive, ineffective and even useless."
"But overconfidence in battle can lead to crushing defeat. Intelligence wins more battles than brute force. That is why I present to you the WDX-1. The intelligent weapon."
At the last sentence he made a presenting gesture as a hologram appeared.
The odd double mushroom shape had small engines underneath the lower spikes. Its bulbous rear end held a transceiver. Various other components where also marked with data on them. The hologram depicted the entire object to be about three quarters of a metre in length.
"Basically a weaponized droid, it can track its target ensuring a hit and minimizing collateral damage. Dialable yield ranging from anywhere between a thermal detonator and a small nuclear bomb. Capable of high speeds and with a long range this is the most advanced weapon ever designed by the ACA."
"It's still in its development stage and it hasn't been tested at full yield yet, but tests with the initial prototypes has been very promising. The basic idea of the weapon is that a swarm of these can quickly overwhelm enemy defensive systems and destroy their ships."
Next the hologram displayed a few short recordings of performed tests and their results.
"Do you have any questions before we move on to the next part of our presentation?"
((OOC: I'm not entirely sure if I'm not breaking any rules with this idea, so if I am I will change those parts.
Edit: Vagued range and speed))
"Director, board members." Charles started. "In a universe armed with turbolasers and blasters, not to mention a variety of other directed energy weapons, projectile weapons are often dismissed as primitive, ineffective and even useless."
"But overconfidence in battle can lead to crushing defeat. Intelligence wins more battles than brute force. That is why I present to you the WDX-1. The intelligent weapon."
At the last sentence he made a presenting gesture as a hologram appeared.
The odd double mushroom shape had small engines underneath the lower spikes. Its bulbous rear end held a transceiver. Various other components where also marked with data on them. The hologram depicted the entire object to be about three quarters of a metre in length.
"Basically a weaponized droid, it can track its target ensuring a hit and minimizing collateral damage. Dialable yield ranging from anywhere between a thermal detonator and a small nuclear bomb. Capable of high speeds and with a long range this is the most advanced weapon ever designed by the ACA."
"It's still in its development stage and it hasn't been tested at full yield yet, but tests with the initial prototypes has been very promising. The basic idea of the weapon is that a swarm of these can quickly overwhelm enemy defensive systems and destroy their ships."
Next the hologram displayed a few short recordings of performed tests and their results.
"Do you have any questions before we move on to the next part of our presentation?"
((OOC: I'm not entirely sure if I'm not breaking any rules with this idea, so if I am I will change those parts.
Edit: Vagued range and speed))
Last edited by Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa on Sat Jan 16, 2016 12:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
((OOC: 1 post collapsed))
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Sat Jan 16, 2016 12:13 am
((OOC: Oomph, 0.9c is a planet-destroying speed! Three of these things would vaporize Mirda at that speed... I suggest not stating an explicit speed, nor effective range. Just state that it is a mid- to long-range weapon system. (Star Wars fleet battles are really local affairs, within a few hundred kilometers.)
Other than that, this is a very awesome weapon system, and definitely worth checking out and drafting one ore two techs for ^_^))
Other than that, this is a very awesome weapon system, and definitely worth checking out and drafting one ore two techs for ^_^))
Danar Lorum » Sat Jan 16, 2016 1:48 pm
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Danar Lorum - PC
"This weapon indeed brings missile technology to a new level. I even see options to equip them with seismic charges or use it as delivery mechanism rather than a missile.
I am enthusiastic about this!" Lorum said enthusiastic.
I am enthusiastic about this!" Lorum said enthusiastic.
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:58 am
The human veolian seems less enthusiastic.
"An interesting idea. I look forward to exploring planet side use of these devices."
"Please, lord-brigadier general, continue on."
"An interesting idea. I look forward to exploring planet side use of these devices."
"Please, lord-brigadier general, continue on."
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Thu Mar 24, 2016 12:48 am
There was a momentary cringe on the general's face when Danar Lorum mentioned seismic charges. It seemed the general wasn't a fan of the weapon type. He quickly hid his expression and continued.
"Information is always a valuable resource, but this is especially true on the battlefield. A soldier doesn't only need to know where the enemy is. They also need to know the location of key points, targets and friendlies. Also useful is to know what kind of armaments enemies have, what kind of support and a variety of other information. This doesn't count just for troops, but officers as well."
Charles pause a moment, then proceeded.
"Unfortunately sharing information is generally a slow process. First it must be observed, then identified as relevant before it can be relayed to a command unit. Then the command unit needs to decide who requires that information and relay it to them. To make things worse each step is vulnerable to error."
"A computer can analyse the observed information and send it exactly where it is needed far faster than any biological person could ever. The problem is most battlefields involve too many soldiers. It would take an enormous system to process all that information fast enough. Impractical and vulnerable on the battlefield. Unless you decentralize the process. By turning every soldier on the battlefield into a processing unit and putting them in constant communication with each other, an army can become much more effective."
"We call it the Battlenet. With an advanced interface between the soldiers brain and the computer system in their neural implant, each soldier can use the Battlenet to increase the effectiveness of their squad, platoon, battalion and army. It can save soldiers and put hurt on the enemy."
The Astrian man looked at the board and waited.
"Information is always a valuable resource, but this is especially true on the battlefield. A soldier doesn't only need to know where the enemy is. They also need to know the location of key points, targets and friendlies. Also useful is to know what kind of armaments enemies have, what kind of support and a variety of other information. This doesn't count just for troops, but officers as well."
Charles pause a moment, then proceeded.
"Unfortunately sharing information is generally a slow process. First it must be observed, then identified as relevant before it can be relayed to a command unit. Then the command unit needs to decide who requires that information and relay it to them. To make things worse each step is vulnerable to error."
"A computer can analyse the observed information and send it exactly where it is needed far faster than any biological person could ever. The problem is most battlefields involve too many soldiers. It would take an enormous system to process all that information fast enough. Impractical and vulnerable on the battlefield. Unless you decentralize the process. By turning every soldier on the battlefield into a processing unit and putting them in constant communication with each other, an army can become much more effective."
"We call it the Battlenet. With an advanced interface between the soldiers brain and the computer system in their neural implant, each soldier can use the Battlenet to increase the effectiveness of their squad, platoon, battalion and army. It can save soldiers and put hurt on the enemy."
The Astrian man looked at the board and waited.
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Fri Apr 01, 2016 12:43 am
Not as well-versed a politician as the lord-brigadier general, the expression of the human field marshall makes it clear that she has a strong distaste for what has been just been explained. From her reactions during the short presentation, an observant onlooker might determine that she does not have the normal veolian dislike of implants, but that she dislikes the idea of such an information network.
She takes a moment to sort her thoughts before asking a question.
"And what happens when the enemy is aware of this magical battlenet and deploys a few cheap wide-area jammers?", the field marshall makes a good effort to hide her distaste as she asks the question.
She takes a moment to sort her thoughts before asking a question.
"And what happens when the enemy is aware of this magical battlenet and deploys a few cheap wide-area jammers?", the field marshall makes a good effort to hide her distaste as she asks the question.
Danar Lorum » Fri Apr 01, 2016 11:28 am
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Danar Lorum - PC
Lorum also wanted to say something, but patiently waited till Shigemi her question was answered by Charles.
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Sun Apr 24, 2016 2:17 pm
Doctor Karcian razed an eyebrow at the Field Marshals use of the word 'magical'. Then she shook her head disapprovingly.
The General was more composed.
"The same as what happens normally when an enemy blocks communication. You switch to hand signals, talking and couriers. It's a communication system, nothing more and nothing less. It just transmits more information then current systems."
Charles spoke matter of factly.
"Of course this system can also be used by non-cyborgs, provided the used equipment has the necessary specs."
"May I ask what you disapprove of, Ma'am?"
The General was more composed.
"The same as what happens normally when an enemy blocks communication. You switch to hand signals, talking and couriers. It's a communication system, nothing more and nothing less. It just transmits more information then current systems."
Charles spoke matter of factly.
"Of course this system can also be used by non-cyborgs, provided the used equipment has the necessary specs."
"May I ask what you disapprove of, Ma'am?"
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Sun May 01, 2016 8:29 pm
"I disapprove of a dependency on any single information system."
"If the fallback is hand signals, talking and couriers, this system is far too juicy a target for any enemy force to ignore. Especially if soldiers are used to having such a superior information source available.", she looks at doctor Karcian for a moment. "My problem is not with the cybernetic implants, nor with the presence of automation in a communications system. My problem is with the pervasiveness and organisational impact of this specific system."
"I am confident that this system will provide overwhelmingly impressive results against pirates and technologically inferior forces."
"But a refined enemy force can execute refined jamming operations. Enemy signal jamming can be timed and coordinated with strategic efforts to take advantage of the temporary radio blindness while backup systems are engaged. And intermittent jamming will make sure that this battlenet has just enough availability for some soldiers to rely upon it, while others will not, increasing the level of uncertainty within the ranks."
"And this is without taking into account the additional attack surface the system provides to the enemy for cyberattacks and slicing operations. The lack of a central command unit is certainly an advantage, but this also means that every fallen soldier gives the enemy additional information on the code and algorithms of the actual system, if not encryption keys. Without a central command unit to revoke nodes in this network, a well-placed jamming attack to partition the network, combined with a good cyber-ops team slicing into the network might even inject misleading information to a part of your forces."
"I am sure that most of these scenario's have been anticipated already. But with such a complex system, a more ruthless enemy will probably find ways to use it against you. For example, by keeping your wounded soldiers alive while they are slicing into active nodes lodged in your soldier's brains."
"But on to more positive matters. You say that non-cyborgs can also use this system. How effective is your non-invasive brain-computer interface technology?"
"If the fallback is hand signals, talking and couriers, this system is far too juicy a target for any enemy force to ignore. Especially if soldiers are used to having such a superior information source available.", she looks at doctor Karcian for a moment. "My problem is not with the cybernetic implants, nor with the presence of automation in a communications system. My problem is with the pervasiveness and organisational impact of this specific system."
"I am confident that this system will provide overwhelmingly impressive results against pirates and technologically inferior forces."
"But a refined enemy force can execute refined jamming operations. Enemy signal jamming can be timed and coordinated with strategic efforts to take advantage of the temporary radio blindness while backup systems are engaged. And intermittent jamming will make sure that this battlenet has just enough availability for some soldiers to rely upon it, while others will not, increasing the level of uncertainty within the ranks."
"And this is without taking into account the additional attack surface the system provides to the enemy for cyberattacks and slicing operations. The lack of a central command unit is certainly an advantage, but this also means that every fallen soldier gives the enemy additional information on the code and algorithms of the actual system, if not encryption keys. Without a central command unit to revoke nodes in this network, a well-placed jamming attack to partition the network, combined with a good cyber-ops team slicing into the network might even inject misleading information to a part of your forces."
"I am sure that most of these scenario's have been anticipated already. But with such a complex system, a more ruthless enemy will probably find ways to use it against you. For example, by keeping your wounded soldiers alive while they are slicing into active nodes lodged in your soldier's brains."
"But on to more positive matters. You say that non-cyborgs can also use this system. How effective is your non-invasive brain-computer interface technology?"
Danar Lorum » Mon May 02, 2016 12:35 pm
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Danar Lorum - PC
Danar Lorum is visibly a little surprised by Shigemi her statement about hand signals, talking and couriers. However he patiently remained silent to let her finish speaking and to grant Charles the option to reply to Shigemi.
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Thu May 05, 2016 11:10 pm
"Might I point out regular communication is also vulnerable to jamming? The same risks apply to an army without this system. Of course, every Faction has their own fall back system. Though I am not at liberty to discuss any details about that. I certain the same goes for you Lady-Field Marshal. Perhaps this is something we can work on with the Djana Military Research Centre."
The general pointed out matter of factly.
"As for your question about our brain-computer interface technology, I defer to Doctor Karcian. This is her area of expertise."
Stepping forward, Doctor Karcian started to speak. She spoke fast.
"Technically speaking, our non-invasive brain-computer interface technology is non-existent." She started. "However the interface used in this system differs from the normal interface we widely use in the Astrian Colonial Authority."
"The normal interface used by Astrians requires concentration and a lot of training to master. Even then it is slow to input most commands. Far to impractical to use on the battlefield. It's usable in our society because we optimised our local systems for it.
This new system is far more intuitive in it's use. Though it does need to be calibrated to its user. This is a relatively quick process that can be performed on start up. This system reads out the users brain activity in an extremely precise manner and can recognise patterns as inputs. During tests the test-subjects were able to input complex commands and even code faster than we've ever seen before."
The Doctor paused for a moment. The passion she had for the subject was obvious.
"We use implants to track the brain activity. I'm not too familiar with the biology and brain chemistry of non-Astrians, but this could also be done with non-invasive systems."
((OOC: This is basically p5: the brain-computer interface from the Transcendence tech tree. At least that is the idea. If the idea as explained IC is a "No, never gonna happen." then I will come up with another idea for p5. Just saying so that people don't think I'm saying this so it won't be rejected.))
The general pointed out matter of factly.
"As for your question about our brain-computer interface technology, I defer to Doctor Karcian. This is her area of expertise."
Stepping forward, Doctor Karcian started to speak. She spoke fast.
"Technically speaking, our non-invasive brain-computer interface technology is non-existent." She started. "However the interface used in this system differs from the normal interface we widely use in the Astrian Colonial Authority."
"The normal interface used by Astrians requires concentration and a lot of training to master. Even then it is slow to input most commands. Far to impractical to use on the battlefield. It's usable in our society because we optimised our local systems for it.
This new system is far more intuitive in it's use. Though it does need to be calibrated to its user. This is a relatively quick process that can be performed on start up. This system reads out the users brain activity in an extremely precise manner and can recognise patterns as inputs. During tests the test-subjects were able to input complex commands and even code faster than we've ever seen before."
The Doctor paused for a moment. The passion she had for the subject was obvious.
"We use implants to track the brain activity. I'm not too familiar with the biology and brain chemistry of non-Astrians, but this could also be done with non-invasive systems."
((OOC: This is basically p5: the brain-computer interface from the Transcendence tech tree. At least that is the idea. If the idea as explained IC is a "No, never gonna happen." then I will come up with another idea for p5. Just saying so that people don't think I'm saying this so it won't be rejected.))
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Sun May 08, 2016 4:09 pm
"I am acutely aware of the fact that any communications system can be jammed. But there is always the tradeoff between the energy spent jamming versus the energy spent by the opponent to counteract that jamming. And this system has such a strong influence on the dispersing of intelligence that it becomes a very good target since the amount of effort necessary to counter the influence of jamming is so large."
The field marshal listens attentively to the doctor's explanation.
"That is...", the field marshal paused for a moment as her eyes showed great enthusiasm, "...most intriguing."
"I see many possibilities with such technologies, especially since many of our elite troops are capable of maintaining multiple mental processes at the same time without losing acuity or focus on physical activities. And if the technology itself can be made to be non-invasive, it can be used by a much wider segment of troops."
"Thank you, doctor, for this explanation."
She turns to Danar Lorum.
"If you agree with me that the insights of the Astrian Colonial Authority would be valuable addition to our collaborative efforts, I think it is best to get the formalities out of the way. Shall I open a vote on the matter of letting the Astrian Colonial Authority join the centre?"
((OOC: On a purely OOC level I do not think the idea is broken, though I think the emphasis of a new brain-computer interface should be on the fact that it is a much more efficient interface after much training and practice. Of course, "faster than we've ever seen before" and "relatively quick process" are both very stretchable phrases. So there is no need to change anything in the doctor's reply ^_^
))
The field marshal listens attentively to the doctor's explanation.
"That is...", the field marshal paused for a moment as her eyes showed great enthusiasm, "...most intriguing."
"I see many possibilities with such technologies, especially since many of our elite troops are capable of maintaining multiple mental processes at the same time without losing acuity or focus on physical activities. And if the technology itself can be made to be non-invasive, it can be used by a much wider segment of troops."
"Thank you, doctor, for this explanation."
She turns to Danar Lorum.
"If you agree with me that the insights of the Astrian Colonial Authority would be valuable addition to our collaborative efforts, I think it is best to get the formalities out of the way. Shall I open a vote on the matter of letting the Astrian Colonial Authority join the centre?"
((OOC: On a purely OOC level I do not think the idea is broken, though I think the emphasis of a new brain-computer interface should be on the fact that it is a much more efficient interface after much training and practice. Of course, "faster than we've ever seen before" and "relatively quick process" are both very stretchable phrases. So there is no need to change anything in the doctor's reply ^_^
Reasoning about tech level... Click to open...
If it really is much better as an input method, and really requires only a "relatively quick process that can be performed during startup" then it is simply so good that everyone must adopt it or be outperformed in the workplace. And real life history has shown that keeping the technology military-only never works out, once the tech is there, it will be used.
Looking at the Cyborgs rules, it is established that cyborgs are equivalent in ability to non-cyborgs. I do not think a single technology should upend that comparison. However, a new kind of interface that is not necessarily invasive and requires training and exercise to actually use efficiently -- like every single human-technology interface ever created -- does not appear to be broken nor overpowered. Simply new. Like new keyboard layouts, or the Mouse input device in every computer nowadays.
And given that it must be calibrated separately for each user means that much more interesting stories to tell: now a fighter pilot and their fighter are really a single unit, and it is not easy to switch them to another vessel without lengty recalibrations.
Looking at the Cyborgs rules, it is established that cyborgs are equivalent in ability to non-cyborgs. I do not think a single technology should upend that comparison. However, a new kind of interface that is not necessarily invasive and requires training and exercise to actually use efficiently -- like every single human-technology interface ever created -- does not appear to be broken nor overpowered. Simply new. Like new keyboard layouts, or the Mouse input device in every computer nowadays.
And given that it must be calibrated separately for each user means that much more interesting stories to tell: now a fighter pilot and their fighter are really a single unit, and it is not easy to switch them to another vessel without lengty recalibrations.
Danar Lorum » Fri May 13, 2016 11:02 am
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Danar Lorum - PC
"We of the Teprogrenaian Consensus are looking forward to cooperate with the Astrian Colonial Authority. We say that you may open the vote." Danar Lorum said very enthusiastic.
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Fri May 13, 2016 12:09 pm
"Very well.", the human replied as she activates a prepared command on her datapad.
Only moments later, both members of the board of oversight received the following message:
She hits another button, and immediately thereafter the following messages was sent:
She smiles and says: "Well, Lorum. Your turn."
As Danar Lorum votes, she turns to the Astrian delegation.
"I have just now opened a vote to approve of the ACA joining our endeavours. There is still the matter of the official treaty to be completed. Your joining is contingent upon you agreeing to the terms of the Shared Research Facility 'Djana' Treaty", she shares the document with the ACA delegation, "Of course, small renegotiations are possible, but I prefer that we leave those to the politicians."
"As far as practicality is concerned, a statement of intent is good enough to move forward once the vote has passed. The politicians can sort out the details of the treaty among themselves, so that we can get on with our work."
She looks at the ACA delegation to see their reaction to the treaty, especially interested in how they react to the "no slaves" part. Shigemi feels that in the whole discussion in the Senate, everyone somehow got the idea that the Veolians are not willing to compromise, yet all the politicians conveniently seemed to forget that a compromise was already reached even without pressure from the senate.
Only moments later, both members of the board of oversight received the following message:
She hits another button, and immediately thereafter the following messages was sent:
She smiles and says: "Well, Lorum. Your turn."
As Danar Lorum votes, she turns to the Astrian delegation.
"I have just now opened a vote to approve of the ACA joining our endeavours. There is still the matter of the official treaty to be completed. Your joining is contingent upon you agreeing to the terms of the Shared Research Facility 'Djana' Treaty", she shares the document with the ACA delegation, "Of course, small renegotiations are possible, but I prefer that we leave those to the politicians."
"As far as practicality is concerned, a statement of intent is good enough to move forward once the vote has passed. The politicians can sort out the details of the treaty among themselves, so that we can get on with our work."
She looks at the ACA delegation to see their reaction to the treaty, especially interested in how they react to the "no slaves" part. Shigemi feels that in the whole discussion in the Senate, everyone somehow got the idea that the Veolians are not willing to compromise, yet all the politicians conveniently seemed to forget that a compromise was already reached even without pressure from the senate.
Danar Lorum » Fri May 13, 2016 3:27 pm
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Danar Lorum - PC
Danar Lorum also hits a button, after which the holoprojector displayed:
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Fri May 13, 2016 3:32 pm
Iaat Shigemi notes the vote, and dryly concludes "Well, that formality is out of the way", before turning her attention back to the ACA delegation pouring over the treaty.
Lord-Brigadier General Charles Himekawa » Sat May 28, 2016 4:56 pm
The three Astrians had been quietly discussing with each other in a language that wasn't galactic basic. A linguist would recognise the language they spoke as the Astrian language.
After the vote was cast the Brigadier-General stepped forward again.
"Seeing as the Teprogrenaians are signatories in this treaty I doubt it is actually a problem, but before agreeing, we have one point of concern that needs to be addressed.
The Facility Agreement says the following: 'All personnel, property and other assets of the facility will fall under Veolian Commonwealth law'.
If I am not mistaken, the law of the Veolian Commonwealth states that cyborgs must be sterilised, especially if those cybernetics are augmentative. Unlike the Teprogrenaians, all Astrians are cyborgs. Unlike them we can't send non-cyborg Astrians here. I do not wish to force my fellow Astrians to be sterilised if they wish to work here as part of the ACA delegation. I'm sure you can understand my concern."
He spoke with genuine concern.
"How is this handled, or how can this be handled?"
After the vote was cast the Brigadier-General stepped forward again.
"Seeing as the Teprogrenaians are signatories in this treaty I doubt it is actually a problem, but before agreeing, we have one point of concern that needs to be addressed.
The Facility Agreement says the following: 'All personnel, property and other assets of the facility will fall under Veolian Commonwealth law'.
If I am not mistaken, the law of the Veolian Commonwealth states that cyborgs must be sterilised, especially if those cybernetics are augmentative. Unlike the Teprogrenaians, all Astrians are cyborgs. Unlike them we can't send non-cyborg Astrians here. I do not wish to force my fellow Astrians to be sterilised if they wish to work here as part of the ACA delegation. I'm sure you can understand my concern."
He spoke with genuine concern.
"How is this handled, or how can this be handled?"
Field Marshal Iaat Shigemi » Sun May 29, 2016 3:58 pm
"I understand.", the human veolian replied.
She looks up a document on her datapad. "Ah yes, here it is.", she states aloud as she finds the correct document.
"You are not mistaken, but there are some nuances that ease the situation for the Teprogrenaians, and I assume they will do so as well for the Astrians. First, sterilization is only required for augmentative cybernetic implants. Implants that are only a replacement for a biological function without exceeding these functions are allowed. And these laws apply only to veolian citizens and permanent residents.
We can issue work visas with a maximum duration of nine months, so these laws should pose no problems for visiting scientists or military personnel. Those people should refrain from marrying a veolian, as that would make them veolian citizen under veolian law. Periods longer than nine months involve permanent residency visa status, with all legal entanglements this poses. Permanent residents are held to the full veolian law.
An option would be to downgrade augmentative implants for the duration of the stay here. I understand that this might seem like an alien suggestion to you, but the Teprogrenaians have done the same for longer stays. Downgrading to purely replacement implants would solve all issues."
She looks at the brigadier general.
"Does this sufficiently answer your question?"
She looks up a document on her datapad. "Ah yes, here it is.", she states aloud as she finds the correct document.
"You are not mistaken, but there are some nuances that ease the situation for the Teprogrenaians, and I assume they will do so as well for the Astrians. First, sterilization is only required for augmentative cybernetic implants. Implants that are only a replacement for a biological function without exceeding these functions are allowed. And these laws apply only to veolian citizens and permanent residents.
We can issue work visas with a maximum duration of nine months, so these laws should pose no problems for visiting scientists or military personnel. Those people should refrain from marrying a veolian, as that would make them veolian citizen under veolian law. Periods longer than nine months involve permanent residency visa status, with all legal entanglements this poses. Permanent residents are held to the full veolian law.
An option would be to downgrade augmentative implants for the duration of the stay here. I understand that this might seem like an alien suggestion to you, but the Teprogrenaians have done the same for longer stays. Downgrading to purely replacement implants would solve all issues."
She looks at the brigadier general.
"Does this sufficiently answer your question?"