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Research Director's Briefing: Dr. JIMGA Jr.
131 and still kickin'.
** Plasma Cannons(Particles, 102 mo.) -- Like the Plasma Accelerators, our best AP weapon, only significantly more destructive.
** Gamma Lasers(Particles, 102 mo.) -- Next iteration of laser technology, improving on our X-Ray Lasers. Not as much armor penetration as the plasma weapons, but a hair better base damage. For my money, the plasma weapons are clearly the superior option.
** Sentient AI(Computing, 74 mo.) -- This is our first DANGEROUS technology. It is also RARE. Rare as has been mentioned before means it might not come up again if we pass on it. Dangerous meaning it angers certain fallen empires ... like, you know, the Buhavilaa Ascendancy next door to us, who has done nothing but bluster about visiting Humboldt with a 'demonstration' of their technology. Dangerous also, because if the machines become too smart ... well, you know the rest. Might not be pretty, but chances are if we don't develop them, somebody else will. If they haven't already. Sentient AIs would, on the other hand, improve research speed by 10%.
** Hyperspace Slipstreams(Particles, 61 mo.) -- Unlocks Hyperdrive III, reducing charge-up time for fleet jumps from one system to another by an additional 25%, down to 50% of normal. In other words, a third faster than the present 75%.
Dr. JIMGA Jr., you may well go out with a doozy of a choice. The fast, safe route with hyperdrive improvements to allow our fleets to get from one place to another in our vast empire somewhat more quickly? A new, powerful weapons system for our ships? Or will the aging, some say senile, others say venerable, scientist open Pandora's Box and possibly usher in the Rise of the Machines? You're on the clock again.
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