[Brian Swartz]

Next up, we need a couple more research directions before proceeding further.

Research Director's Briefing: Dr. David Corperial

It's worth noting here that you are now 75 years old, 'experienced' enough that you could potentially kick the bucket at any time, as it were. Also, while much of the saved-up research has been used, there is still 4-5 years worth left.

** Xeno Diplomacy(Statecraft, 43 mo.) -- Unlocks the ability to form Federations. Unlike last time, we actually do now know enough empires for this to be potentially relevant. However, we don't get along well enough with any of them to be allies. We'd need to do that to be able to use a Federation. Still, the time for it to be a thing is slowly growing closer ...
** Mountain Range Removal(New Worlds, 17 mo.) -- As it says, gives us the ability to remove mountain ranges. Seems that it's via explosives. Very, very large explosives used on a signficant portion of a planet's surface. These are seen here and there, and this would allow us to more fully improve some potential colonies.
** Psionic Theory(Psionics, 85 mo.) -- Unlocks the Army Attachment of PSI Warriors, which gives a bonus to 10% to damage and 15% to morale damage. This is a Rare technology, so if something else is chosen it is unlikely we will get a second bite at the apple, so to speak.
** Regenerative Hull Tissue(Materials, 158 mo., 14% completed)

Dr. David Corperial, you are on the clock.


Research Director's Briefing: Dr. Coffee Warlord

** Deep Space Outposts(Voidcraft, 8 mo.) -- Unlocks Defense Platforms, which as before are the entry-level invention allowing for static orbital defenses.
** Advanced Spaceports(Voidcraft, 39 mo.) -- Increases mineral storage by 2000(presently at 10,000). Unlocks Destroyer Assembly Yards(-25% build cost, -10% build time) and allows Spaceports to be upgraded to allow for four modules each instead of the current three.
** Railguns(Materials, 29 mo.) -- Unlocks Railguns, the next in our primary line of weapons that began with mass drivers and proceeded to the current coilguns. Railguns have the same basic profile, but do another 15% damage more than the coilguns we presently use on most of our ships.

Dr. Coffee Warlord, you are now on the clock as well.