Intergalactic Summit

Part II: Astero Testing

When I first discovered these research sites I was not using an Astero but aimed to quickly acquire one. I molded it so that it could survive the explosive detonations and, hopefully, the incoming rounds from the response teams. I tested the ship in a wide range of sites, both lo-sec and null-sec, and have had mixed results.

With the addition of the mobile depots, it is possible to create a fit for traveling (microwarpdrive & electronics) and refit on location for the job (400mm armor plate, explosive armor hardener, analyzer & cargo scanner, afterburner, ancillary shield booster). This allows the ship to go nearly anywhere with little risk to itself while allowing extreme specialization.

However, the ship needs more work for it to be able to endure the entire spectrum of Ghost sites. Whether it's simply not capable, or if the fittings need some tweaking is up for examination. However, these are my results: In all Serpentis, Angel Cartel, and Blood Raider sites, the ship performed flawlessly in both lo-sec and null-sec locations. The detonations are absorbed by the shield and approximately half the armor. The afterburner evades most incoming rounds while the shield boost can manage one or two strikes that land. The issue arises in Guristas facilities where their use of light missiles prove difficult to evade and catastrophic to the Astero hull.

Conclusion: Objects of Inquiry

Despite it's failings, the Astero has succeeded where others thought impossible and has proven to be capable of most Ghost anomolies while being similar in hacking ability of 'Covert Ops' frigates. It certainly doesn't exceed an Anathema or other cov-ops in scanning ability, but it exceeds in durability and versatility. Recent discoveries regarding Guristas facilities have leaned my opinion away from it being the optimal vessel for research into these facilities, and other vessels such as the Stratios, Recon Cruisers, and other high-level craft likely fit the bill better than the Astero. However, the Astero's incredible ability to stealthily move into hostile territories while evading interception gives it a niche outside of Guristas Ghost sites.

My piloting of the ship was nothing spectacular. The benefit of such a small craft is the lack of crew-I was able to pilot it on my own with all systems responsive to personal commands from the capsule. Despite my time in pod, my skills are mediocre and, in regards to the Astero, are quick to acquire if pursued by dedicated minds. The armor hardening skills and hacking knowledge required for my pursuits can be learned in only a few weeks, at worst. High-level scanning is not required as any vessel is capable of detecting these facilities upon entering the local system using the most basic system scan.

I do wish to note that most frigates, other than the Astero, are unlikely to be as capable at extraction. The only other frigates I would consider at this time are the 'Merlin' and 'Punisher,' as they both have exceptional abilities at sustaining certain energies when configured correctly. I have yet to do testing with these craft under such necessary conditions.

I should note that all times I've entered "Ghost sites" I've done so with no hostile intentions; combat drones are only utilized for the mitigation, or the evacuation, of any derelict mission.

In regards to the "Shattered Villard Wheels," I have reached a wall of somesort. These items reference a device of myth and misunderstanding. Villard wheels are rumored to be part of "perpetual motion devices."

'Perpetual motion describes motion that continues indefinitely without any external source of energy.'

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_motion

I personally have reached no solid conclusion regarding these villard wheels and should anyone with greater knowledge in laws of physics, specifically thermodynamics and hyper-eludian/quantum physics, be able, then please weigh in regarding their possible use and consequence. I would be happy to lend material for examination.

While the "Covert Research Tools" are also shrouded in unknowns, they are not required in the manufacturing of the newly researched Ascendancy implants. However, the factions constructing these facilities are buying back any of these "tools" that are acquired and so they must lend some value to their efforts. This leads me to conclude that they are enabling research in some way, whether through reverse-engineering or some other method is unknown at this point.

I do wish to note that this report was helped in part by Makoto Priano, of Priano Trans-Stellar State Services, who collaborated on this project with me. Furthermore, I wish to illuminate another avenue of concern that she brought to light regarding the other materials required for the production of these new implants. Cryoprotectant, gel-matrix biopaste, and synthetic synapses are all required in addition to villard wheels for the manufacturing of the Ascendancy implants. While it's possible these secondary materials are necessary due to the nature of implants, further information and insight would be welcome if available.

Furthermore, Ms. Priano has raised the idea of using a decoy drone to draw fire of the patroling reponse teams. It should be noted that the detonations from the facilities damage drones as well as ships; thus such a tactic  should be tried with drones out of range of the detonations, or deployment must occur after the detonations. Drones could be, as Ms. Priano suggests, a buffer for the Astero's vulnerability in Guristas sites if targeted by the response teams.

Further testing is needed in both Guristas and J-space, including investigation in use of drones as counter-measures.

This concludes my report. I hope to extend and continue my studies when physically capable.

**** Member,
-Eran Mintor

Again, Mr. Mintor, thank you for the citation here. I can confirm reports that the Astero is an effective research facility raider. Following the fitting guidelines provided by Mr. Mintor with some minor modifications, an associate cleared several dozen sites in several days of sweeping low security systems with no significant damage or risk to ship. Unfortunately, we haven't yet been able to verify the effectiveness of the Astero in null security research facilities, but I believe that Mr. Mintor's research here is a sound base.

Please note that a largely unskilled hacker is able to clear lowsec research facilities without significant risk. Null security sites, from what I understand, do require substantially greater hacking expertise.

We have yet to locate a research facility in wormhole space, but PRIAN does have teams conducting searches at this time.

Mr. Mintor, please contact me at your earliest convenience with regard to some additional discussion.