In light of the new information I thing that the Briar patch is a nice balance of pros and cons:Razor One wrote:SpoilerShowChoose One.
[] Amidst The Rapids: Far from your current location, this area is awash with powerful radiation fields that create significant barriers to entry. In the center of this region is a rather large zone of stability with a fairly rich asteroid field. The radiation and particulate effects of this area make navigation hazardous, meaning you're highly unlikely to ever be disturbed unless you go looking for trouble.
Cost: 60 Days travel time, 12% Fuel.
Pro: Isolation, you won't be found unless you put in a dedicated effort, and even then, you're likely too far to bother with.
Con: Isolation. Difficulty reaching others, too far to bother with. It may take years before anyone ever finds you.
[] Inside The Briar Patch: This area has less radiation and barriers, meaning you'll have less direct protection from anyone hostile, but is nearer to your current position. The area is nestled deep within a complex gas cloud akin to Jupiter's atmosphere in terms of density and composition and has a scattering effect on sensors, reducing sensor range to almost nothing. Fortunately your crew did an exceptional job interpreting the Urkek 'maps' and found a large asteroid field that can be fashioned into a homestead.
Cost: 45 Days travel time, 7% Fuel.
Pro: Hidden location. Excellent for remaining icognito until you're ready to enter the wider world on your terms.
Con: There's a lot you don't know about your new home. It might not be as safe as you think.
[] Within The Grand Fortress: This area is closest to your current location, making for short travel time. The likely passage through hostile space and proximity to aliens other than Urkek make your more hawkish officers were worried about this, until they saw the location. It's practically a fortress. The barriers surround this area, leaving only a single narrow opening less than 10,000 kilometers wide to let ships pass through. Properly fortified, it would be murder for anyone trying to break in. The downside is that there is only one exit, and if they want to blockade you there's nothing to stop them... if they're hostile, of course. As with your other options, an asteroid field awaits development and your people's inhabitation.
Cost: 30 Days travel time, 10% Fuel.
Pro: Strong defensive location and likely close enough to meet someone who isn't a raider very soon.
Con: You will be found whether you like it or not. Hostile forces can blockade you easily if they know you only have one exit.
[X] Inside The Briar Patch:
Pros
1st: It's hidden and highly unlikely for someone to find us.
2nd: The Urkuk are bugging off from the nearby area and soon they will no be there.
3rd: May be some extra goodies nearby, lot's of black space and all that.
4th: The tip of one of the angles of the nearby black triangle hides a pinwheel.
5th: Moderate distance from derelicts when the Urkuk fuck off.
6th: Little possibility of someone bombarding us from afar.
Cons
1st: The Urkuk are bugging off, could be because of superstitions, something nasty hurting them , lack of targets or a combination of the previous.
2nd: The problem with the sensors will have to be addressed quickly somehow. Probably through dedicated research.
3rd: Lot's of points of entry, we will need plenty of automated defenses or a fast flotilla. (thankfully we have brought industrial stuff)