Research discussion

AdamTG02 · May 17, 2003, 20:51

This thread is for debate on what technologies we want to research.

We are currently researching Gene Splicing. Two beelines have been completed: Secrets of the Human Brain via Biogenetics and Social Psych, and Industrial Automation via Information Networks (free), Planetary Networks, Industrial Base, and Industrial Economics. We also have knowledge of Ethical Calculus, our previous research project; Centauri Ecology, our other free tech; and Doctrine: Mobility, through trade with the Pirates.

The following technologies are options for our subsequent research.

Explore

Doctrine: Flexibility refers to a military doctrine of combining traditional land-based capabilities with a sea-based force. This technology would build on the vehicles designed under Doctrine: Mobility. providing blueprints for Transport Foils capable of carrying colonists or troops to the narby islands, or beyond. Foils could also be armed with weapons, and the most visionary aspect of this theory would involve vast Pressure Domes under which undersea cities could be constructed. Due to the focus required by the Pressure Dome technology, larger ships such as cruisers would be out of the grasp of this research project, but further research into Doctrine: Initiative might allow even these to be prototyped. While it would double the available military tools at our disposal, this Doctrine would not in and of itself encompass strategies for applying the best tool for the situation; our military theorists do however believe that it would enable such an Adaptive Doctrine. Furthermore, the more tools our military has at its disposal, the better; our strategists are already looking forward to the day when we can return to the skies with Doctrine: Air Power.

Some of our researchers into Centauri Ecology and the Secrets of the Human Brain have recently called for the cultivation of a philosophy of Centauri Empathy, which would provide concrete ways of harmonizing human activities with the native life of Chiron. If these procedures were adopted, the result would be a Green economy, and capture of native life might be possible. Even without revamping our economy around these practices, infant Mind Worm specimens might still be captured and bred in captivity in Biology Labs, which this research would enable to be constructed. Furthermore, the understanding of the motivations of native life would allow our engineers to coax the fungus away from roads, building roads through the fungus, and allow our military trainers to develop an "Empath Song" technique, a method whereby our troops could subvert and disrupt the psychic links that hold Mind Worm boils together. Spotty data imply that similar techniques allowed the builders of the monoliths and borehole cluster to create an Empath Guild allowing communication across the entire planet; due to residual psychic energies, duplicating this feat is probably not possible. However, similar feats of engineering might be manageable through further research into Centauri Meditation, and if empathic techniques were better understood, the resulting theory of Bioadaptive Resonance might have far-reaching applications.

The monoliths and borehole cluster give evidence of a highly advanced spacefaring civilization, dubbed the Progenitors by popular media. Study of the scattered artifacts and remains near these edifices might reveal Progenitor Psych, the knowledge of the culture and techniques of these aliens. Our archaologists believe that this race possessed incredibly productive undersea farms, or Aquafarms, which this line of research might help us to duplicate. The Progenitors are also thought to have had knowledge of Bioadaptive Resonance and Adaptive Economics; their culture might give us some leads on these technologies. This research would also allow contact with the aliens should they ever return to Alpha Centauri.

Much of Planet's environment is still inhospitable. To carve out a niche for humanity on Planet's surface, some of our terraforming specialists think we can with some effort develop a system of Ecological Engineering to reshape this world. Our study of Centauri Ecology implies that powerful nitrate-fixing bacteria engineered with Gene Splicing will allow our Formers to crate a miniture xenofungal bloom, planting fungus throughout a particular area. This technology would focus on changes of such scope through engineering -- we could create Condensers allowing us to generate moisture for greater crop production, Echelon Mirrors to focus energy on our solar collectors, and Boreholes into the mantle of Planet, with expected gains for mining and geothermal power. The ability to reshape our world might breed arrogance; philosophers and would likely react to this by developing a closer rapport with Planet through Centauri Meditation, while ecological scientists might propose a more pragmatic schema of Environmental Economics.

Discover

Polymorphic Software -- self-modifying code -- has the potential to bring the diversity and complexity of life into the digital realm. Like life forms, polymorphic programs would adapt to circumstances and evolve toward maximum effectiveness. The much greater speed of the electronic realm, combined with the avoidance of the somewhat disruptive process of competition between species, makes it possible to duplicate leaps of evolution in only a few years. The first application of this code is expected to be calculation of trajectories for Heavy Artillery. Covert operatives might also be able to use this software to good effect, boosting Probe Team morale. More intensive developments of this code are expected to pave the way for Optical Computers utilizing photons rather than electrons, Advanced Subatomic Theory detailing the smallest reaches of matter, and an Adaptive Doctrine based on finding the ideal strategy for any given situation.

Conquer

Applied Physics refers to research done to provide our troops with cheap and efficient laser weaponry estimated to be twice as powerful as a handgun, and just as portable. Experiments with these lasers would prove invaluable in researching High Energy Chemistry. They would also prove valuable in designing a system of Optical Computers. Data from the field-testing of the lasers might also lead to advances in Nonlinear Mathematics.

Present military strategy, based upon Doctrine: Mobility, stresses fast movements and decisive assaults. While these tactics work admirably for units in the field, protection of base populations and facilities requires fundamentally different tactics. Doctrine: Loyalty would emphasize defensive strategies and armaments such as Perimeter Defenses. In order to maintain security, it also would seek to ensure the loyalty of the armed forces by granting officers favored positions in the governmental and collegiate hierarchy. This infrastructure would allow us to establish a Police State based on control of the population through armed force, should that be necessary. It would also allow coordination of all training and operations from one central Command Nexus. Some scholars, however, maintain that loyalty is irrational; they are likely to react to this doctrine with a renewed focus on Intellectual Integrity.

Industrial Automation prompted a sustained drive toward greater and greater levels of efficiency in operating machinery. Neural Grafting would be the next step along this path, eliminating standard interfaces by placing computers or other useful devices directly within an individual's skull. Our knowledge of the Secrets of the Human Brain would in theory allow a human's synapses to interface with an electronic device. The difficult part is designing this interface itself, but if this is accomplished, improvements in reaction speed and memory would allow soldiers to be augmented in our Bioenhancement Centers and to master two special abilities. Application of this technique to psychically gifted humans might allow the creation of a Neural Amplifier magnifying psi waves. Furthermore, the interfacing technique could be applied to biologically grown components as well in a system of Bio-Engineering. This technology would not be a true Mind-Machine Interface, though it is a step in that direction; interfacing would be limited to those devices specifically installed in the brain itself.

Of these choices, what do you think should be our first priority? What should be secondary priorities, if that choice is not available? And what long-term plans or beelines should we undertake? The floor is open.

GeneralTacticus · May 17, 2003, 22:56

Our initial beeline should definitely be SoftHB. According to Archaic (and it would seem to be borne out by the state of affairs currently, in which we'll get our first tech within 2-3 turns) our getting it if we beeline for it is a virtual certainty, which gives one free tech to us and denies one to whoever else might have got it if we didn't. Moreover, getting Recycling Tanks and Rec Commons would be a nice boost to us, as it would allow us to build, grow and research faster, and help stabilize our abses while we built the VW.

Archaic · May 17, 2003, 23:44

There's no doubt that we need those facilities, especially the Rec. Commons. While if we got a credit pod pop we'd be wanting to go straight for Ind. Econ for Free Market, unless we manage to get a Unity Foil again like we would have in that screwed up save, the odds of Credit Pods on land aren't exactly that great.

moomin · May 18, 2003, 13:15

Adam, I want to chip in to say how much I appreciate your style with these reports. Very nice indeed.

As for the question, for reasons that have already been discussed I too belive we should go for SotHB first.

AdamTG02 · May 18, 2003, 20:54

I concur that we should beeline to Secrets ASAP. However, that raises the question... presented with both Biogenetics and Social Psych (possible, if unlikely), which do we prioritize?

I don't have a clear feeling on this, as both give base facilities that are probably not going to be built until we start focusing on building rather than expanding in our core bases. This will probably be after we have both techs, I would guess. But does anyone else have some thoughts on this?

(Thanks for your comments, moomin. I'm glad to hear the time spent writing these was well spent.)

Edit: On second thought, the Rec Commons is probably much more important than the Recycling Tanks, even if we might prefer to keep drones down by making Colony Pods. But I'll defer to the more experienced players on that. Suffice to say, Social Psych is probably a higher priority.

Archaic · May 19, 2003, 00:40

Prioritize Social Psych, no question about it. While we'd be borging and keeping our pop low initially, we're already facing a situation where any 2nd citizen will be a drone without a garrison, and where it *WILL* be a drone if we go FM.

GeneralTacticus · May 19, 2003, 04:11

I agree with Archaic - we do need Social Psych ASAP. Moreover, if the selection list last time is any guide, we may not have much choice - Biogenetics wasn't available last time...

Archaic · May 19, 2003, 04:31

The selection list you'll get for following a certain path never changes unless you change which player slot you're in. It'll be the same choice we got last time.

GeneralTacticus · May 19, 2003, 04:37

Well, that renders the discussion kind of moot...

moomin · May 19, 2003, 05:37

Seems we all agree then. Trance scouts on Planet soon!

Alex · May 19, 2003, 14:56

/me looks at the High Council while eats a xenobanana.

Yep. Let's do it. Secrets first, Social Psych next. I have more bananas, if you want. They're still from the Unity supply, but...

Archaic · May 19, 2003, 19:04

Secrets first, Social Psych next? Um....

/me quietly takes the xenobanana away, to examine its hallucinogenic properties

Alex · May 19, 2003, 22:04

Quote:

Originally posted by Archaic
Secrets first, Social Psych next? Um....

* Archaic quietly takes the xenobanana away, to examine its hallucinogenic properties

You're right! I think that xenobanana must have something strange... Mellow Yellow...

(Maybe it was the odour that was coming from the fungus when I was taking a walk near them this morning

)

AdamTG02 · May 21, 2003, 12:39

It's about time to decide on a next tech... clearly, Biogenetics should be our next priority if it's available, but what should we aim for if it isn't? Once our current research is finished, we will have the capability to research Ethical Calculus, as well as the previously available techs. (Edit: I've edited the first post in this thread to take into account this new tech available to us, as well as the factthat, come next turn, we will complete research on Social Psych.)

What should be our second choice technology? The floor is open.

Archaic · May 21, 2003, 23:43

I'd be aiming for Industrial Base if we can't get Biogenics, simply because we can't ignore our other primary beeline. The sooner we're in FM/Wealth and pumping towards Enviro. Engin., the better.

AdamTG02 · May 22, 2003, 09:18

Industrial Base does seem attractive for the above reasons. Another tech we may want to prioritize is Planetary Networks, given the fact that the Angels start with it and they will likely be in competition with us for the Virtual World. But on the marin, I agre with Archaic -- anythng that gets us Industrial Economics faster is a good thing for us in the long run.

So, first priority Biogenetics, second priority Industrial Base. Any objections to that preference ordering?

moomin · May 22, 2003, 17:21

That seems a good order. Still, I hope we get a shot at SotHB directly.

Are we gonna start queueing prod for VW in UB soon?

GeneralTacticus · May 23, 2003, 03:25

We'll need crawlers if we want to do it with any kind of speed - as well as mines on those mineral bonus squares.

Archaic · May 23, 2003, 04:08

If we can manage it, we probably want to see if we can try and avoid queueing any projects, instead just crawler and credit instabuilding them. If people can see you're going for a project they want, they'll go to obscene lengths to stop you getting it. I'd much rather sneak up on them.

GeneralTacticus · May 23, 2003, 04:10

Good point.

Archaic · May 23, 2003, 07:44

And for anyone who wants to say that upgrading crawlers is a dispicable and unethical tactic.......I ask you to remember just what faction you're in here. ^^;

Alex · May 23, 2003, 08:11

No need to worry about this latter aspect, Archaic. We all have our priorities well established...

moomin · May 23, 2003, 08:33

I take your words for it, gentlemen of the faculty. My own experience with crawler upgrades is quite limited - never needed it to snag every single wonder against the AI on transcend. But then we're playing real people here.

However, given that we won't have crawler tech for a while, wouldn't queing something still be worthwile?

GeneralTacticus · May 23, 2003, 08:35

Actually, we should get crawler tech quite soon - we'll have SoftHB in 3 turns or so, which will then give us Ind. Base for free, and it shouldn't take more than 10 turns or so to get the remaining three techs.

moomin · May 23, 2003, 08:41

Is it safe to asssume we'll get to choose the techs we want each time?

GeneralTacticus · May 23, 2003, 08:42

It would be wise to assume we'll miss some, but missing one or two shouldn't have a huge impact. Just move thigns back 2-3 turns.

AdamTG02 · May 29, 2003, 21:16

Going with our previous beeline idea, is it safe to assume that for the next two techs, we agree on the following priorities? First,

1) Industrial Base
2) Planetary Networks

And then, assuming we're successful in getting IndBase,

1) Industrial Economics
2) Planetary Networks

This will get us to Industrial Automation with all possible speed. However, since we'll be getting two techs in close succession, it's possible that neither of these three technologies will be an option in one of the menus. For this reason, I suggest we choose a third choice tech.

I would like to suggest Ethical Calculus for the third-choice technology. It allows for Children's Creches, which will be invaluable when we want to build our population up, and it gives us Democracy, which we'll want to switch to once we've finished our expansionist phase. Perhaps more importantly, it enables Gene Splicing, which lifts nutrient restrictions and is a preq for lifting mineral restrictions (and from there to energy).

What do you think this technology should be? Are the above preference orderings okay with everyone? At the risk of sounding repetetive, the floor is open.

Archaic · May 29, 2003, 21:18

All sounds good to me.

GeneralTacticus · May 30, 2003, 03:09

And to me

Alex · May 30, 2003, 14:26

Yep.

(I hate being repetitive, but great minds think alike

)

EDIT: the "pride" smiley doesn't work.