[MythicalMino]

2404.0 - 5 more months has passed...I continue to send colony ships into the Bothawui, Apollo, Al kalb al Rai, and Delta Lyra systems. Two planets in the Apollo system are oxygen planets, so they are a priority (I already have a colony ship enroute). Al kalb al Rai system is beginning to turn into a corner stone for the Empire. This past month, a shipyard was built...that will be a key link to the Delta Lyra system, and beyond our cluster.

I am only 3 months away from Light Cruiser tech...I have also just recently discovered Tech Level 3 in Propulsion, and Tech Level 1 in Sensors. Once I get Light Cruisers, I will begin to build a more proper war and defense fleet for the Empire. My only question is, once I get newer ship hulls, are the smaller ones any use?

The TSS Joshua is on it's way outside of star cluster...perhaps then, more alien species will be found....speaking of aliens, the Dra'kol continue to refuse my military alliance proposal...They have all but taken over the Bothawui system, colonizing like mosquitos in still swampy water. Bothawui is not a strong point in my empire...in fact, it is barely an outpost...only 3 small planets so far colonized by me. My main thrust really has been stellar north, where there are still many planets left for my colony ships, albeit small planets.

My main goal still is to continue to:

1. Continue to grab as many planets as possible
2. Build up my research and Intel capabilities
3. Build 3 strong Defensive Fleets (1 for Bothawui, 1 for Delta Lyra, and 1 for Jeremiah/Altratonna systems)

I am quite anxious to find out what lies beyond Delta Lyra, and in the next star cluster...there is still SO MUCH to explore and discover, as I have only explored 9 systems in this quandrant. The Empire stretches across 6 systems (although, 1 system, the Bothawui system is being overrun by Dra'kol population). The Empire currently has 15 colonies, and a total population of 13B. We currently have 4 Spaceyard Facilities up and running, with a 5th one that will be up in 3 more months, in the Bothawui system.

A question for you all:

Once you research a bigger ship hull....do you continue to build and upgrade the smaller ships? What is the purpose of the smaller ships once a larger ship has come around? Thanks