Expansion Synopsis
At this point, our core systems are still Humboldt, Bakangi, Eskogg, and Agglor. At some point, it seems all but certain the fifth will be a max-size(25) planet in the Impal Tov system. That is one option but probably expanding our territory further will come first. It seems best to me to think of those in terms of sectors, areas of space.
The arm inside ours in the galaxy, shown here, is one possibility. In this scenario, we would focus on the Kraz system, where there is a size-24 ocean planet and the Coggan system would provide additional possibilities for building stations. If we want a permanent presence in this area of space, this is where we'll need to go, but it would put us right next to the empires already there. This is very aggressive -- it would limit their expansion, but if the Thar'Biq felt too boxed in, it could result in a war before we are ready for one.
This is the current state of our arm of the galaxy, outward from our territory in the opposite direction of the Kroll. There's a small ocean planet in the Pavagh system, and one of the arctic variety in Hark. Settling these two planets would likely prevent any crossings from the inner arm and provide a buffer for us in that direction, though less aggressively than the Kraz option. The limited planet sizes here and lack of energy in these systems is not encouraging though. Minerals are plentiful but it appears that energy is more and more going to be the main concern. This is definitely a strategic rather than economic option.
A frontier outpost in Yiriam will probably happen soon. It's a rich system and a couple more stations could be put up in the neighbors, overall a net gain of a few energy, some more minerals, and even a bit of physics research which is our weakest area at the present time. Further out, the Khamb system, though all of its surroundings are not yet fully surveyed, has a pair of pretty good arctic worlds(size 19 and 18). It's a fairly high-density area of space so there could be good opportunities for building stations, eventually the Troutstone in Cordip would come along for the ride, and it would serve the strategic purpose of controlling the chokepoint system of Pyia leading closer to our core worlds. This seems a strong contender a pair of colony ships in the not-distant future.
We can't say as much about this area due to the fact that it will be some time before the fleet can go through the slog of clearing out all of the denizens here. Having said that, there's a size-20 ocean world in Dawcan that could absorb the Sym system and stand watch over that dark-space arm jump. The nearby Hithram system is very rich in minerals. Further down, the Haribas system might be the most desired of any eventually. There are two ocean planets(size 19 and 18), significant energy in the region, and eventually Hanneri would be able to be exploited for it's fantastic physics research possibilities.
Inquisitor's Briefing: Roe Laren
From the above choices, it seems we can narrow them down to three in my opinion(further questions and/or suggestions are always not only possible but encouraged):
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Kraz -- We aggressively stake our claim to the inner arm of the galaxy. We won't cede this area to the Thar'Biq and Oxx-Oxx.
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Hark/Manthall -- A more defensive, strategic choice to provide a buffer zone against those powers.
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Khamb -- Distant from us, but an important junction in this arm of the galaxy.
All officials of the Collective are encouraged to put forward their thoughts. That said,
Inquisitor Roe Laren, you are on the clock. A new colony ship will go forth within a couple of years. Building it will become a fairly high priority once the power plants are upgraded. Where should we send it?