Can't research Diplomatic Relations or Trade (Dark Avatar)

The subject says it all.  I can't research Diplomatic Relations, a precursor for Trade, so I can never make freightors.  It's not there.  I know where it should be.  I've even seen it in one game, but then on the next game it disappeared.

I'm playing through the campaign.  Is it possible that it's been disabled for the campaign?  If so, that's kinda weird. 

Even stranger, I did have it for one mission, but for all the rest of them, I haven't had it.  I think I'm on mission 5 or 6 now.  On mission 3ish, I had trade and I could make freightors.  I did so, it was great.  Now?  Nothing.  It's just not there for me to research and I have no idea why.
1,511 views 3 replies
Reply #1 Top
Is it possible that it's been disabled for the campaign?
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Yep. Campaigns have limited tech trees.
Reply #2 Top
Yep. Campaigns have limited tech trees.
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So, then, that one mission where I had it was probably an accident. Hah. Well, at least it's nice to know that it's not a bug. I just wish there was an obvious message, or I've had another blind moment and missed it. It's been very frustrating when in game messages say, "We should trade with them. You know, build freighters and stuff." and I can't.
Reply #3 Top
I think the biggest hurt in that mission was the lack of the Counter Espionage tech to help stem the tide of spies coming into your planets. The good ol' fashoned training spies was the only defense.