Commander Mekoides, Councillors, I bid you greeting. Please let me start by saying how much of an honour it is to serve on this esteemed and august body.

As you know, I come from a long standing family of politicians and military men and so I trust that my experiences by proxy will be of some assistance to your deliberations. Indeed my late father once told me....

Ahem-you are quite right.  I digress.

Councillors, having read through the documents detailing the votes and tallies so far I have not much to add save for 2 points:

1. Have we considered setting up one or 2 planets as Economic powerhouses? Maybe the one where we have built our economic capital? I have read from certain political histories that this is very good way of generating additional income.
2. I strongly urge that we build a number of survey/scout ships and set them off on auto-survey.  This will serve 2 purposes: gather up money through acquisition of space anomalies and also scouting.

I have nothing further to add but look forward to my 1st vote with anticipation

Greets all! I am posting here (on what I think is the correct place) to request to join this play-by-committee game. Thanks,

Atra

 

Hey there!  You are welcome to join, just make sure you get up to speed on the story.  I did respond to your post in the Kushana Initiative Planning and Discussion thread.  You'll want to take any other questions or discussion there, as this thread is reserved for in-character discussion.  Since I'm in the middle of posting the quarterly report, you'll also want to wait until it's done before posting any comments here.  You'll know I'm done when you see END TRANSMISSION at the end of my last post, instead of TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT.  After that, feel free to join in the council discussion.

 

Welcome, and enjoy!

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Dr. Markus Malar

  Ah, councilors, good to see you again.  I see we have some new appointments to the council.  I hope you've done your research, because our best minds are pushing our program forward at an ever increasing rate.  Fall behind now and there won't be time to catch up.

Anyway, thank you Commander, for your comments.  We have had great success this quarter.  Careful management of our research funding has allowed us to complete our work ahead of schedule and get a head start on further research not yet discussed.  To review our scheduled research, we finished work on Xeno Medicine (+10% pop growth), Universal Translator (we can talk!), and Sensors I (+1 sensors and survey module).  Additionally, we had some stunning breakthroughs, as the commander called them. 

Our work on the Universal Translator was as much about establishing reliable communications in our local environment as it was about deciphering language.  With reliable communications, we were able to establish a foundation for Interstellar Governments (Instant Creativity after UT completion, saving ~11 weeks. +5% diplo).  With some additional work, we could establish an Interstellar Republic here.

We had similar fortune with our sensors research.  After developing Sensors MkI, we were immediately able to design improved Sensors MkII (Instant Creativity, saved maybe 8 weeks).

Having finished our research plan a couple weeks early, we began research on Xeno Industrial Theory to upgrade our manufacturing.  We also acquired a good deal of technology through trade.  I'll let the Viceroy present the details of our trades, but I'll take any questions regarding these new capabilities.

  Our technological outlook.  There are only a few technologies left that can be researched in a short time.  However, we have found additional precursor sites.  With our improving economy, we can afford to begin expanding our research facilities to take advantage of them.

We have a number of options after work on XIT is complete.  Xeno Engineering could further accelerate our social projects, while Sub-space Drive would increase our ship speed and help in our race to expand.  The time is also nearing to further our research on Space Weapons.  We have a strong emerging empire on our border, and a head start could benefit us greatly.

 

  Xeno Industrial Theory boosts our social production and allow us to upgrade our factories.  It also allows us to establish our Manufacturing Capital.

 

 

 

 

  The Visionary class survey ship.  Designed using the latest technologies, it boasts twin Ion Drives and three Survey Modules.  The Survey Modules drive up the cost of production, but its nine parsec sensor radius is a superb achievement.  Deploying even just one or two of these vessels will greatly further our exploration efforts.  In a pinch, we could sacrifice some sensor range to reduce costs by substituting MkII sensors.

 

 

  DS17, in the Dark Sol system, is shown here under its old classification as Nestor I.  We found two precursor sites here, as well as a brilliant scientist who had already made significant progress studying so close to the dark energy source - DS17 is adjacent to Research Base Altius.  The decision to detain the scientist was mine.  Though he expressed a desire to be left to his own devices, we simply could not allow his research to fall into the wrong hands.  He is well treated and given the respect an intellect of his caliber deserves.  I have left a team to assist him and recommend that DS17 be used primarily for research, to the point of listing it as a potential site for our Technological Capital.

 

Thank you, councilors.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

***RESUME TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Viceroy Gunray:

  Greetings, councilors.  With so much talk of our foreign transactions, let me begin by detailing the technological exchange.

  With the Thalans, we traded Advanced Trade and Master Trade for Planetary Adaptation, Remedial Engineering, Interstellar Construction, New Propulsion Techniques, Ion Drive, and Stellar Cartography.  These were all the technologies they had available to trade.  We also received 47bc and 106 votes in the next UP election.

  The Dominion of Korx had only one technology to offer Space Militarization.  A quite valuable technology unavailable to our researchers, we offered them Xeno Economics, Biology, and Medicine for it and also got 8 UP votes as a symbolic gesture.

The Drath  had only Xeno Engineering to offer at this point, but their asking was unreasonable.  We left the table with no exchange.

Dr. Malar will provide more details on the technologies.  However, I will remark on the value of Space Militarization to our economy.  Emulating the system set up by the Korx enables us to establish Recruiting Centers to stimulate the economy and build our tax base (+10% econ, +20% pop growth)  We have one either complete or under construction on every world under our control.

  Our economy is beginning to turn around.  Last quarter our deficit was around 80bc weekly, now down to about 30bc even while we've increased production.  A number of factors contribute to our success.  Our expanding tax base and continued development of economic institutions drives up activity and overall revenues.  We've also been able to increase taxes significantly after implementing the Thalan Planetary Adaptations (+15% morale).  With our Recruiting Centers and continued economic expansion, we can afford to begin further development of some planets - such as constructing the research facilities requested by Dr. Malar or working to establish an additional shipyard on our northern border.  After our factories are upgraded, it will become more feasible to devote a few weeks to building trade vessels.  With careful management and trade, we forecast a stable economy and a likely budget surplus by years end.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

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Dr. Markus Malar

   I'll keep things brief and just cycle through a series of displays of our new technologies.  I would like to emphasize the importance of acquiring advanced drive technologies.  It's something we're just not ready to research on our own.  Getting Ion drive puts us ahead, and bartering for further improvements will put our ships amongst the fastest in the region.

Here are the new technologies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minister Andimus:

  Development of our colonies is proceeding well.  I'll show you an overview of our holdings then go into some detail on our new acquisitions.

 

 

 

  Our nine planets.  We are pushing ahead with economic development to meet our costs.  You can see the long build times for our major projects - a disadvantage of having our shipyards on those planets.  Upgraded factories and a decreasing urgency to build colony ships will allow us to focus more on our social projects in the near future.

 

 

 

  Gimble, near Fortuna.  We stood to gain from commandeering the vessel, but given the low quality of the planet we decided that the payoff didn't justify it.

 

 

 

 

  Holmes, north of Fortuna near Korx space.  Just an average planet in an average system.  A pair of low quality planets are nearby (PQ4 and 5).

 

 

 

 

  Sauron, that we barely beat out the Thalans for.  Nothing of value was discovered amongst the ruins, so they were cleared out to allow for faster expansion.  Some may object, but there are more than enough archeological sites of significance in this region to justify our actions.

 

 

 

That is all, councilors.

 

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

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Minister Sune:

  I have some information on the Dominion of Korx, and some charts that compare statistics of known powers.  We now have three agents gathering intelligence, and have a low level of penetration into the Thalan and Sakkra governments.  Two agents are currently working among the Korx, while the third continues to gather information from the Thalans.  After we establish low level intelligence on the Korx, we will turn our focus on the Thalans, as their amazing growth demands our attention.

 

 

  First the Korx.  They're holdings are similar to ours.  Given their propensity toward commerce, they have potential to become either partners or rivals.

 

 

 

 

  The Thalans continue to be an economic powerhouse, though our economy has surged this quarter, surpassing that of the Korx.

 

 

 

 

  Of our closest neighbors, only the Drath pursue research more aggressively than we do.  We should do our best to maintain a technological advantage.

 

 

 

 

  Overall manufacturing and social production.  Though our overall output is similar to the Thalan and Drath, our social spending far outweighs theirs.  It's obvious that the Thalans are focusing on shipbuilding while we develop our planets.

 

 

 

I will continue to present intelligence as it becomes available.

***TRANSMISSION INTERRUPT - STAND BY FOR RECONNECT***

My thanks to the Ministers and Dr Markus.  I have one question for you Minister Andimus: what ails the citizens of Exterra?

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Minister Andimus:

   I'll address Councilor Mambaman's concerns before the commander's closing remarks.  The citizens of Exterra are the workhorses of the Initiative and they know it.  High taxes, high production levels, and increasing population and urban crowding are all negative factors on public morale and approval levels.  If you refer to the map of Exterra, you'll see that we have reserved a prime site for public recreation and relaxation.  When the time comes, we'll develop the site for the enjoyment of all Exterrans.  The Thalan Recuperation Center seems to be the best option at present, and would allow Exterrans the rest they need to reduce stress levels.  In the mean time, the high emigration rate is helping to keep population levels in check.

Cmdr Mekoides:

  I share your concerns with the happiness of our people.  We are managing the situation the best that circumstances allow, and will keep a close eye as it develops.  In the short term, upgrading our production capability will allow for a higher rate of emigration.  Eventually, we'll need to provide for the recreation needs of the Exterran population.

  My closing should be fairly concise this quarter, councilors.  We've already begun work on the major projects slated for construction.  We intend to expand research and production as economic circumstances allow, and will continue our plan to secure those planets in our sphere of influence.

  The current galactic map.  We've added the locations of our new colonies along with all known unclaimed worlds with terrestrial environments.  We're confident at this point that our competitors won't steal any of our core worlds.  The Kushana will continue north to explore the belt systems - just east of the new Korx colony - before heading into the open space in search of resources and anomalies.

We propose establishing shipbuilding on Sauron as our gateway to expand northeast into the unclaimed cluster of star systems.

For research, I will voice support for research into the Sub-Space Drive.  I believe speed is of the essence here.  Afterward, Insterstellar Republic is a consideration, given our great history.  I am aware, though, that the time is coming for us to start work on all research related to defense - weapons, miniaturization, logistics, hull construction, and eventually ship defenses.  We should pick our last research goals before making the transition.

Finally, as an honor to the council we have decided to grant colony naming rights to individual councilors.  Each of you can provide a name that will be given to a colony as new worlds are claimed.

Summary of Issues for Consideration

• Establish shipbuilding at Sauron
• Discuss research strategy and choose priorities before weapons
• Provide a colony name
• Perhaps discuss ethical choices
  

We await your reply.

***END TRANSMISSION***

Commander, councilors:

Regarding our research priorities, I strongly favor development of the Sub-Space Drive as well. Combined with the engine technologies we've traded for, the Sub-Space Drive will give us an advantage in speed that will be significantly in advance of other species. I also support establishing an Interstellar Republic, although not without some reservations. Developing a more liberal government system will both improve our relations with other species and help our interplanetary economy grow. However, this also means that morale issues will become more significant, meaning that dealing with the anti-government feeling on ExTerra will become a priority.

In regards to weapons research, we have three main possibilities. I suggest we study what other species are researching in terms of weapons before settling on our decision. If one weapons class seems favored, we should choose differently, so as to avoid countermeasures to that type, which will be prevalent. However, a type of weapons favored by a friendly species may be worth our consideration, as we can acquire more advanced weapons from that species if necessary.

Meanwhile, I question the decision of Dr. Malar to detain the scientist we found on DS17. From the report, it appears we gained little more advantage by - in effect - imprisoning him then we would have with a less rigorous interrogation. As Councilor SarcFa mentioned elsewhere, while unethical decisions may occasionally be necessary, the Expedition should only consider them if the benefits are much higher then pursuing a more moderate course of action.

As far as other decisions of this nature, I have no objections thus far. However, I find our attempts to alternate between ethical extremes alarming. Despite some human sayings to the contrary, one good deed does not outweigh an evil one. We should attempt to balance possibilities in each situation, rather then alternating our course between different incidents.

On the proposal to develop Sauron as a ship-building center, I concur. I would like to recommend, however, that explorations to the galactic north should be pursued carefully. Our immediate neighbors are generally among the more peaceful civilizations; the Drath prefer to have others do their fighting for them and the Korx, while "evil", are primarily a race of traders. However, the civilizations reported across the gap include several considerably more dangerous species. In a particularly worrisome note, the xenocidal Korath appear to have laid claim to an area roughly equal to that of the Thalans. I recommend that we attempt to avoid coming to the attention of these species for now.

For my choice of colony name, I pick "New Qrtx" (pronounced kwur-tex).

Finally, I would like to make a few remarks on our diplomatic possibilities, and in particular, our current decision on where to send any freighters we build. In general, there are two main paths we can take in our relations.

One, we can attempt to develop close relations with species of equal or greater power then us. This strategy allows for powerful alliances, but runs the risk that these civilizations will reject our overtures and become potential threats - wasting any effort we made in taking a peaceful path.

Two, we can focus on more minor species, such as those believed to be native to this quadrant. The benefits and drawbacks of this approach are the opposite of the others: while weak species make easy trading partners and pose little threat, we would gain less of a reward on our part. Additionally, if we establish formal alliances we run the risk of being drawn into wars from aggressive major powers.

As Councilor Qrtxian mentioned, I have stated my opinions on the ethics of this venture elsewhere.

 

I stated my proposed research paths in that place to with my reasons, however, I will state them here as well so they can make it on the ballot (If you want my reasons look to my previous statement elsewhere):

1. Research Xeno Industrial Theory then start researching Soil Enhancement.

2. Research Xeno Industrial Theory then research Diplomatic Relations.

3. Research Soil Enhancement and then research any other tech we can finish in the quarter.

 

Also, since Councilor Qrtxian brought up the possibility of potential alliances or friendships, I suggest that we become friends with the Thalans, since they are close to our sought after alignment and because they are large and powerful.  I also advise that we try our best to become friends with the Drath so they do not use their manipulative powers against us.

Commander, fellow councilors,

I will be brief. Regarding research my suggestion would be the following:
0. Complete Xeno industrial theory
1. Xeno engineering
2. Sub-space drive
3. Advanced computing
4. Space weapons

Viceroy: congratulations on the successful conclusion of 2 of our foreign transactions! Excellent news as well on the economic front, glad to see we've managed to significantly reduce our deficits to a more manageable amount.

I would agree with Minister Andimus' suggestion to build a Thalan Recuperation Center on Exterra when our building schedule allows it. Research has shown that a morale below 46% seriously hampers population growth which would be unacceptable since it is mainly Exterra's population that drives our tax income. What would be the economic impact of lowering taxes with 1-3%?

Shipbuilding at Sauron: makes perfect sense to me.
How about the planet cluster in the south-east, do we plan on colonizing any planets there? I think it would provide an additional buffer against the Thalan influence.

On councilors Qrtxian and Sarcfa's point: our current decision on where to send any freighters we build and linked to that relations we develop with other races: there I would suggest sending half our freighters to the Thalan capital, the other half to the Drath capital. Not only will this improve our relations with both races, it will also reduce the economic risk should anything unfortunate happen to 1 of the 2 trade routes.

Lastly, for planet naming I would find Ignis to be an inspiring name to the people.

My observations are as follows:

• Establish shipbuilding at Sauron
  • Yes a good idea and one that I would suggest we try and execute for all of our frontier worlds whether North, East or West.
• Discuss research strategy and choose priorities before weapons
  • I agree that we should pursue Sub-Space Drives as a matter of priority and then we should research Interstellar Republics to liberalise our systems as well as provide a significant boost to our economy, which still remains in deficit.
  • I would also then suggest that we research the next level in our economics (Trade Centres?).
  • After the above then we should turn to Space weapons being mindful, as Qrtxian points out, of the weapons choices being favoured by other races.
• Provide a colony name
  • In order that the illustrious cognomen of my forbears rings out through the ages I would like to propose Mamba Prime as my planetary name. 
• Perhaps discuss ethical choices
  • Like Qrtxian I was somewhat surprised, nay even dismayed, at the peremptory decision to imprison the Scientist from DS17.  This was not well done Commander, not well done at all! I propose that in future we choose only options that are firmly aligned with our projected ethical alignment as a 'good' race, maybe choosing the odd neutral choice when expedience demands it.

That is all my friends...

Greetings Commander, Councillors-

          I must be brief: I am firmly of the opinion that a robust economy (which includes both economic and research infrastructure as appropriate) is an indispensible prerequisite to any military build-up. With the economy comes the well-being and acquiesence of the population. During the economic and infrastructure building period should be adequate intelligence gathering on the neighboring powers. Ethically, the Initiative should make choices that are in our  best long-term interest as determined at the time. If all is proceeding 'well'- and only then- should choices be made that reflect an ethically 'good' character. I am of the opinion that under no circumstances should we tend towards an 'Evil' ethical makeup.

***SUPPLEMENTAL TRANSMISSION - SECURITY LEVEL ALHPA***

Viceroy Gunray:

  The Trade and Finance Administration shares the opinion expressed by a number of councilors, that we should establish trade routes to Thala and Dratha as a matter of first priority.  This would provide not only much needed revenue, but a strengthening of bonds between our peoples that can help to smooth over minor differences.  We believe Exterra should be the hub for these routes, as its large population and central location will make them easier to establish and much more profitable.

After that, we remain open to consider trade relations with minor powers based on the situation at the time.  Given the proximity of Korx space and their mercantile inclinations, they are likely to be good trading partners.

Given the current shipbuilding and colonization efforts, it may be possible to send out trade missions toward the end of this next quarter.  If not, then certainly during the third quarter.

***END TRANSMISSION***

I only wish to speak on two topics; the detaining of the scientist and planetary names.

The detainment of the scientist is a controversial topic at this point. It will be looked upon negatively by other civilizations, but the benefits and the fact that it was not cruel make it acceptable to me. If DS17 is to become our Research Capital, I think this was a good decision. However, unless the benefits are too good to pass up, we should try to make good or neutral decisions in the future.

As for a name for a planet, I would like the name Xia (Zee-Ah) to be given to a colony in the future. Also, if we manage to colonize a high-quality planet that we decide shall become our Manufacturing Capital, I suggest we call it Fondor.

Hello fellow councilors, it's been a long time since i've spoke before the council, i hope i'm not rusty.

First let me address those issues i don't wish to be detailed about:

The detention of the scientist on DS17, i do not have any particular thoughts, but i would appreciate other councilors to refrain from condemning this actions, as if the council ever gave explicit instructions about how to deal with this situations.

Also i do not want to go into detail on our research plan, as a lot of our friends in the council have already said everything that needs to be said, but i do believe that speed based technologies should take a back sit and that we should move to a more "Moral" way of government as soon as possible. More on that when i explain my colonization view points.

Now to more detailed topics:

On colonization, i believe we should start  consolidating our own worlds and start preparing for our big boom in production that we will have once we start building our army. Expansion to the north is risky at best and we will end up with a lot of worlds surrounded by possibly aggressive races, this might throw us into an early war. This is also the reason i think we should not prioritize technologies that affect the speed of our ships, since i don't believe further aggressive colonization is necessary.

On Diplomacy and Trade, i believe as many other do, that the Thalas and Draths are the correct races to start our trade enterprise. This races share most of our political views and will be powerfull allies in the future.

I do not agree with the viceroy's position on the Korx. The Korx race might be traders but they are also "Evil", and excuse me for using such a subjective term, they will help and ally races like the Drengi. They will create a conflict of ideas within our future alliances with the Thalans and the Draths.

I do not believe that the Korx will compromise thier way of living just to get an alliance with us, i think they will try to lobby thier economical and political views, through bribes, and they will try to change out culture to mimic their's. A culture where slavery is accepted, where money is all and where corporations are free to do as they please. Korx culture is too diferent to our own, we can no expect an smooth alliances of such diferent races.

Pardon me for all the social commentary, but i believe this is stuff that had to be said. In Conclusion i think we should just take a step back aways from the Korx, and prepare for the inevitable, when the Korx or their allies will try to enslave the free world.

 

(Off Character: Sorry for any grammatical or spelling mistakes, it's 5AM here and i just can't go through all this again with the strength i have left)

Before detailing this meeting's ballot, I would like to make a few remarks in response to Councilor LordCarlos.

Although they are considered an "evil" race, I feel it is incorrect to associate the Korx with the likes of the Drengin or Yor. The Korx are a greedy, plutocratic society with many unpleasant traits. However, this does not mean they are bent on galactic conquest in a similiar fashion as many other "evil" races. This more mercantile, less imperialistic tendency means that long-term association with the Korx is possible in a way it isn't with, say, the Drengin.

No one is proposing that we seek to ally with the Korx; in fact, no one is proposing long-term policy at all. I merely note that we could establish trade routes to their worlds as a practical measure.

Now the ballot. I have decided to leave off any issues related to trade, as we currently have no freighters at all and all members of the council agree they should be first sent to the Drath and Thalans. Likewise for most other issues, we have a general consensus. Therefore, the only items up for voting are research proposals. I have decided to follow G'Norlisk's suggestions regarding research on the ballot (see here for the details).

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1

Xeno Engineering: 6

Space Weapons: 5

Interstellar Republic: 2

Soil Enhancement: 8

Diplomatic Relations: 7

Advanced Computing: 4

Trade Centers: 3

Councilor Signature: qrtxian

The esteemed Councillor makes some good points about the difference between the Korx and the more rapacious Drengin to which I wholeheartedly concur Please find my order of preferences re research below learned colleagues: Research Sub-Space Drive: 1 Xeno Engineering:8 Space Weapons: 4 Interstellar Republic: 2 Soil Enhancement:7 Diplomatic Relations:5 Advanced Computing:6 Trade Centers: 3 Councilor Signature: Mambaman

Fellow councilors, in the ballot below I've added my votes next to those of councilors qrtxian and mambaman, to facilitate determination of the voting outcome.

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6

Councilor Signature: Noctilucus

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6

Councilor Signature: qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus

 

 Thanks for transferring the numbers, Noctilucs.  Everyone else, just cut and paste the ballot above, add your numbers, and sign after the other councilors. Maybe I'll get to play the next quarter this weekend!

(sorry about the formatting on mine guys-my iPad spazzed out when I hit the post button grrr)

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2, 2

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1, 1

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4, 3

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5, 5

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8, 8

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7, 4

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3, 6

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6, 7

Councilor Signature: qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2, 2, 8

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1, 1, 1

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4, 3, 7

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5, 5, 2

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8, 8, 6

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7, 4, 4

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3, 6, 5

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6, 7, 3

Councilor Signature: qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, LordCarlos

I want to answer the comments made by councillor qrtxian. i understand the korx are less agressive, and it might be true that we could keep them close enough to avoid any wars. 

Establishing a trade route IS a long term policy. We establish trade routes not cause of thier initial return on investment, we establish them because we know that return will grow over time. At least, under that criteria, is that i'm assessing the value of this trade routes.

I understand the korx are not as aggressive as the Drengin or the Yor, but they are still a source of conflit. The problem is not that they will wage war on us after we spend time and money establishing the trade routes. The problem comes from what i bilieve will be our future allies. We are talking about 2 "good" races, one of which loves to bribe others into war.

Can you see the problem now?. We could be able to maintain the Korx happy, and have a healthy economic relationship. But as soon as the Korx attack the Drath, or the Drath pay the Thalans to attack the Korx, or vice versa,  we will have a conflict of interests.

Some of you might say i'm looking too far ahead. Maybe i am, but you can still see the possiblities.

Others might say it is more plausible for the Drath to pay the Korx to attack any northen race, to weaken them and then attack them. That might be so, but consider this:

1. The closest race to the north of the Korx, are still pretty far away, which will probably mean they will have good relations .
2. Also those 2 races lean towards the same ethical standing as the Korx, which will further improve their relations.
3. And lastly we have 2 races sharing borders, with completely opposite ethical standings, that is recipe for early war.

So it's not that i am a xenophobe (i understand you never said that Councillor qrtxian, i'm just stating it), my problem is that i see too many possible scenarios where the trade routes will have to be severed early on, and thus will not make for prudent long term investment.

Research

Sub-Space Drive: 1, 1, 2, 2, 8, 8

Xeno Engineering: 6, 8, 1, 1, 1, 4

Space Weapons: 5, 4, 4, 3, 7, 3

Interstellar Republic: 2, 2, 5, 5, 2, 6

Soil Enhancement: 8, 7, 8, 8, 6, 1

Diplomatic Relations: 7, 5, 7, 4, 4, 2

Advanced Computing: 4, 6, 3, 6, 5, 7

Trade Centers: 3, 3, 6, 7, 3, 5

Councilor Signature: qrtxian, Mambaman, Noctilucus, NikolaiOmega, LordCarlos, SarcFa