01-10-2011, 10:54 PM
// OORP note: Most of this report is freely accessible to any IMG member. "Confidential sidenotes" are restricted to IMG| to prevent metagaming. But OORPly, feel free to feast your eyes.
*** Independant Miners Guild: Operational report ***
Summary: The past year has been chaotic year for us. With the conflict escalating in the Tau systems, Rheinland increasing pressure in Omega 7, and the Outcast threat as big as ever, there are threats abound. And yet we continue to do what the Independant Miners Guild does best: Serve our guild members by providing each and every one, with the means to earn their own wage. Into the new year, we will continue to do so. This operational report is to inform all members about the status of our operations. This is what the guildmasters do for you!
Current base asset listing:
Omega bases:
Aland Shipyard
Freistadt
Liberty Borderworlds bases:
Freeport 4
Pecos
Bretonian bases:
Battleship Hood
Cardiff Mining Facility
South Shields Refinery
Tau bases:
Dounby Station
Falkland Station
Java Station
Holman Outpost
Tau guard bases:
Jakarta Orbital
Timor Mining Station
Omega bases:
The Omega bases fall under the protectorates of Rheinland and Bretonia. Usually, our mining fleet can entrust the security of these bases to them, however, especially the Rheinland fleet has trouble keeping the Corsairs at bay. It is not unusual to see Hessian fighters do a better job at this then the Reichsmarine, now that they are at war with Liberty. As such, we try to maintain amicable relations with the Hessians, and allow them to dock at Freistadt to make repairs, provided they keep a low profile and don't cause any trouble for us.
Aland Shipyard:
Function: Shipyard and drydock
The war out in the Tau systems have caused a significant influx in personnel on this base. Some refugees seek their lives planetside deeper in Rheinland, but some with experience in space mining cannot adjust to planetside life. Aland has profited from these immigrants, with a booming population and a significant increase in production. The base's size will easily accomodate another thousand permanent workers, either as dockhands, mining vehicle operators, and similar personnel. Many of the folk who can't find a life on the station itself soon disembark as crew for trading or mining vessels. Hull paneling and structural bulkheads can be imported cheaply from Bretonia, while engine parts are easily obtained from Rheinland. Only optronics and quantum computing parts, designed in Kusari, are harder to obtain, but these too can be imported through Rheinland, or through Bonn station.
Status: Fully operational. All drydocks are engaged in construction. I am glad to see the conflicts around Freeport 1 did not spill over to Aland.
Potential concerns: Light. One minor worry is that if the war for the Bretonians keeps going as badly as it is, they would try to annex Aland and try to make warships there. But seeing as such would endanger their treaty with Rheinland, and our good relations with Bretonia, it is unlikely, unless the Crown becomes desperate.
Note: A recent influx of workers fleeing the Tau conflict has created a lot of idle hands. This will not do - the Guild is in the business of employing all it's members. Consider collaborating with the Zoners in some industrial ventures - the Wilkes field is large enough for an additional production facility.
Freistadt:
Function: Basic drydock, ore storage and processing
Ore storage, refining and maintaining the mining fleet that brings in said ore, as well as providing a safe haven from Corsair raids. The station has performed this task for decades and will likely do so for decades more, until the ore fields in Omega 7 run out. The station however is old and requires frequent patching up.
Status: Fully operational. The war with Liberty has caused the DSE presence on the station to leave, but Gateway and our own trade fleet more then make up for their absence. Copper export has gone down 70% since the start of this war. Our mining fleets have shifted their focus to cobalt and silver.
Potential concerns: Light. The Reichsmarin and Rheinland police have thus far tolerated the occasional Hessian aboard Freistadt, but there's no guarantee on how long that will last. Corsair raids are frequent, and usually focused on the miners out in the field, rather then the station itself. After some incidents with IMG miners discontent about the Rheinland encroachment on this system started actions against Kruger and Daumann vessels, the current situation has become much more tense, especially with the Rheinland authorities.
Confidential sidenote: If Rheinland pressure continues, Freistadt's open position in the middle of the tradelane makes it a difficult asset to defend. It's simply too exposed, Rheinland could easily move capital class vessels through the lane if it chose to act agressively. Consider establishing a new base in a secluded location in Omega 7. Grid B to C3 would be optimal. This would also cause fewer problems with Hessian guests.
Liberty Borderworlds bases:
Freeport 4
Function: Water/Oxygen mining, minor repairs
Situated on one of the two routes between Bretonia and Liberty, Freeport 4 is more a waystation then a mining outpost. The Barrier nebulae offer plenty of easy access to water, and once properly cracked, oxygen can easily be made from that. These two commodities are the station's primary export products, to nearby starbases and into Liberty and Bretonia. The station also serves as a repair bay for any traders damaged in transit. Any lawful faction is allowed docking rights... with the notable exception of BMM. The Lane Hackers also use the station, often buying and selling basic commodities, sometimes bringing high-grade engine components. Irony is they are part of the groups that cause many craft to need repairs.
Opportunity: Deposits of the rare mineral Iridium have been found in Kansas, a system accessible by jumphole from Magellan. While it's a long haul, the only other source of this material is found in the far Omicrons.
Potential concerns: Light. Aside from the piracy that Liberty is prone to, few threats exist in Magellan. Under the Curacao accord, the station's independance, and cooperation with Libertine and Bretonian official forces is agreed upon. The carrier Perihelion and her patrol craft are assigned to Magellan to deter raids on the station itself.
Pecos
Function: Deuterium mining
Located on an out-of-the-way moon in the Coronado system, Pecos is often overlooked. However, now that the facility is starting to produce deuterium it's importance might soon grow. The extraction process on Pecos is costly, requiring significant robotics support, and supplies don't always reach the base.
The Coronado system itself is a fairly lawless enviorment, with only a DSE surveyor investigating flora in the north end of the system, and the huge Barrier station which is more open to all then a junker base.
Opportunity: Investigate more advanced methods of heavy water mining. Perhaps a good test case for the Nanite Mining project? Short term opportunity: The stockpiled resources can be sold to the GMG now that they have a resource shortfall of this material. GMG traders could in turn supply the base with the equipment needed to get it up to speed. The sooner this base is fully operational, the better.
Potential concerns: Moderate. Deuterium is rare, and Liberty likely has it's eye on this system. DSE might try and make a move to establish it's own mining operation. Still, the moon is quite some distance from the Libertine system of California, and any claim they make on it would raise Zoner eyebrows as well as Bretonian. It's remote location presents both a defensive benefit and concern.
Confidential sidenote: It would benefit the guild were the DSE surveyor to be removed somehow. Also, Colonial Remnant forces have requested to use the facility as an emergency haven in case their system is overrun. Negotiations are ongoing, but are likely to end positive. It would give the Colonials an out-of-the-way place to rebuild, and the Pecos' deuterium supply could easily power a few local fusion reactors, providing ample power for industrial facilities.
Bretonian bases:
These bases fell on the Bretonian side of the Tau conflict. For all practical purposes Bretonia considers them civilian bases, but the Guild further restricts who may access these.
Battleship Hood
Function: Supporting the gold mining fleet, occasionally hosting races
Situated in the Dublin system which is chaotic by nature, the Hood is more or less caught up in the maelstrom. The hodgepodge has the Armed Forces and Mollies on one side, and the Corsairs, pirates and Kusari naval forces on the other. Maintaining neutrality in this has proven more difficult of late.
The Hood also hosts the Dublin Races every now and then, though this is not something the guild itself is a part of. Still, the income and publicity boon from these races is significant.
There have been rumors the BAF will request the Hood to be returned to them, but this is unlikely. The vessel is several centuries out of date, and her main engines were never restored - as a station, a few maneuvering thruster pads were all she needed. Current top speed using those pads is about 10 KM/s, and she will need a full day to turn around her own axis (which is why we never moved her to the higher yield gold fields). Still, if these rumors prove true, the compensation should more then make up for a small outpost in a location of our choosing.
Potential concerns: Significant. Although the Mollies and Bretonian forces have thrown an accord right now, the situation remains tense. It is good that the Hood still had some of her cannons when she was salvaged, they've seen a fair share of use since the start of the Tau war.
Cardiff Mining Facility
Function: Beryllium mining
Cardiff has been a strong source of income for the Guild for quite some time. With the Kusari blockade of the Tau 23 field, Cambridge is more or less the only commercial Beryllium manufacturing facility. As such, we supply the material to Liberty and Rheinland, but because of a Bretonian embargo, no longer to Kusari itself.
Potential concerns: Light. Cambridge so far has been spared large scale fights, although the Corsairs seem to be raiding the system more frequent since the Tau conflict started, using diminished Naval patrols to prey on commercial shipping. The mining facility however has adequate defenses to drive off the occasional raider.
Opportunities: Cardiff's local fleet harvests a small deposit north of the gas giant it orbits. A much larger beryllium field exists north of planet Cambridge.
South Shields Refinery
Function: Water, hydrocarbon and oxygen refining. Also minor Deuterium and H-Fuel production.
A large gas refinery orbiting a gas giant. Situated near a jumphole into the Tau 31 system, it offers a back route into Tau space, and an easy means of supplying Holman outpost. This has the unfortunate sideeffect of making this base part of the Kusari-Bretonian front lines, however, neither side has thus far made much of a move against the refinary. The Mollies have a significant presence in the system, most notably around the captured Belfast facility.
Potential concerns: Light. Aside from occasional outcast raiders, things have been quiet around the facility. Which is surprising considering it is a system on the frontline - The jumphole from Tau 31 to Newcastle could easily be used by up to gunboat class vessels. So far the Kusari main push has been for Leeds, leaving this flank system untouched.
Opportunities: The Hydrocarbons have been steadily piling up. Previously these were shipped to Tsushima, which for obvious reasons can no longer be done. Seek a different market for these?
Tau bases:
These bases fell on the Kusari side of the Tau conflict. For all practical purposes Kusari considers them civilian bases, and Bretonian vessels thus may not dock on them, but the Guild further restricts who may access these.
Holman Outpost:
Function: Water/Oxygen mining (originally), refugee staging point (current).
A mining outpost tapping into several rich water and oxygen deposits in the Tau 31 ice field, it previously supplied the Planetform terraforming operation on Harris. With the outbreak of the Tau conflict, this has ground to a complete halt. The mining operations now mainly simply supply the higher Tau bases, and have been scaled back significantly.
Potential concerns: Moderate. Holman has become a centerpoint for the evacuation of civilians trying to escape the Tau conflict, to the point where the station's capacity is stretched beyond it's limits. Bretonian fighters occasionally try and strike at the battleship now stationed in proximity of the station, and the crossfire sometimes does significant damage. But the proximity of the battleship does keep Outcast raiders away.
Note: This base is critically short on lifepods with all the refugees crowding there. With the warship near it's only a matter of time before something serious happens, that will make the previous incident look minor. Limiting refugee numbers however isn't an option.
Java Station:
Function: Maintaining Niobium mining fleet.
A small mining outpost originally established to quickly lay claim to the rich niobium deposits in the system, Java has become far too small for it's current tasks. The mining operation has exceeded all expectations, both in yield and profitability. This has drawn the attention of many pirates, most notably the Outcast forces, who claim the system as their own (yet strangely, show no interest in mining the Niobium and Beryllium themselves. Could an accord be reached perhaps?)
Potential concerns: Critical. Java station has over the past year seen a constant stream of raids, up to fullblown capital ship assaults, and is in constant need of repair and reinforcing. It is simply too small an outpost to be an effective deterrant. We -must- upgrade the defensive capabilities of this station, as well as it's hangar capacity. The placement of defensive missile batteries could be a start. The Colonials, combined with our allies of the ICMG have done a fair job at defending the station thus far, but we really should fortify it as soon as possible.
That said, sending fortifications to that station could become troublesome, considering the present war. Neither Bretonia nor Kusari will likely be very pleased with the prospect of a neutral fortification in the middle of a war zone. But since Bretonia already ceded the Taus, we only truly have the Kusari to worry of - and since we supply their economy with niobium for their optronics industries, I suspect they would not oppose this, if proper respect is shown in the request.
Falkland Station:
Function: Niobium processing, mining fleet maintenance
Our northernmost mining outpost, in a system bordering the Outcast homeworld, if rumors are true. The saving grace of this outpost is it's thick asteroid armor, or it'd likely have been spacedust long since. Outcast activity in this system is insanely high, however, there are incredably rich niobium deposits present. Mining these deposits involves considerable risks. Some of the outcast in this system see us as interlopers rather then marks for piracy, and will outright destroy vessels found here. Fortifying Falkland is not an option, strategically. It is debatable wether this base can be maintained in the long run.
Potential concerns: Ranging from a determined and sustained Outcast attack to them attempting to seize this base, to the problems of supplying this base with the neccesary tools, and provisions. If Java were fortified we could supply it from there, but at present, that base has it's own problems. Morale is also suffering at this base, due to the constant threats.
Opportunities: Relocating personel, equipment and resources to Java would be something I'd suggest. In the long run, this base could be abandoned, and the jumphole on the Tau 23 side heavily fortified, effectively ceding the system to the Outcasts and claiming Tau 23 as ours.
Dounby Station:
Function: Copper mining (Yields not meeting expectations)
The newest established outpost, the state of this base is a bit in flux. Since the revelation of the Gallian systems, and the subsequent contact with the Council forces, there have been rumors of a massive buildup of forces, sealed gateways, and advanced weaponry. But if what we hear is true, then no amount of fortifications will suffice. I suggest an evacuation plan towards Java be readied, should rumors of a Gallian invasion be true. So far only two routes into Gallia have been revealed. One through Outcast space, the other, right through Orkney.
Diplomacy with the Gallic factions has been thus far troublesome. They seem to have pirates, just like the rest of Sirius. They seem to have revolutionaries, such as the Council, just like the rest of Sirius. But the "Royal" Gallians have a level of arrogance to them that is unlike anything I've encountered in Sirius. If their threats are true, the Tau systems will become a three way battle, with us in the middle of it.
Dounby was intended for the exploitation of the asteroid field it was in, but yields have proven far lower then expected. The base barely mines enough for it's own upkeep at present.
Potential concerns: Outcast activity is light, and the Council forces we encountered have thus far been friendly. The level of threat the Languedoc jumphole presents is unknown. Base is not meeting expectations as far as a mining platform is concerned.
Opportunities: Thorough survey of the planetary bodies in the system might give the base a greater purpose. For the present, scale back operations to volunteer staff.
Confidential sidenote: Maintain in touch with the Council at all times. If something does happen, it is likely they will send word of warning, giving both us and them time to prepare or evade.
Tau 39 guard bases:
These bases reside in a heavily guarded system, for obvious reasons. Their operations fall under the responsibility of the Defense branch.
Timor Mining Station:
Function: Copper mining outpost
The Timor mining fleet has been working the asteroid field it's situated in, providing a source of copper for ship construction to both the Colonial Remnant and the Guild. The field isn't viable for large-scale production due to mediocre yields, but production level suffices for industrial purposes, and ship construction and maintenance. Few people are aware of this source of copper in the Tau systems, and we don't intend to start exporting, so that it stays that way. Timor also holds a fightercraft construction bay.
Jakarta Orbital Facility:
Function: Shipyard/Gas Refinery
The Jakarta facility is the Guild's primary shipbuilding facility. The shipyard was added onto the gas mining facility, the combination effectively making it a ship construction and refueling station. It is the primary station for staging deep space missions further into Tau space. Refitting, repairs and rearming can also be done at this facility.
Development Opportunities:
On Hold:
Chester: Gas Giant "Shirley" - Research into gas mining - Delayed pending an investigation into anomalous activities within that system.
Orkney: Gas Giant "Sanday" - Research into gas mining - Delayed pending a detailed assesment of any possible Gallic threat
Dundee: Planet "Crieff" - Research into gas mining - Delayed pending a resolution of the Tau conflict
Active:
Kansas system:
Planet "Topeka" - Research into gas mining - Prospecting can begin based out of Freeport 4
Moon "Colby" - Research into mineral mining - Prospecting can begin based out of Freeport 4
"Crimson Haze" nebula - Iridium mining - Based out of Freeport 4
The Kansas system remains largely unexplored. Long range sensors have detected several unknown signals refracting throughout the system, which we have been unable to trace back. There are several planets and nebulae in the system: A wisp of the Barrier caught in the gravitational pull of an ocean world which Liberty explorers seem to have an interest in, a gas giant with a relatively small ring system and a desolate moon. A brief, long range survey of the planetary bodies, nebulae and asteroid fields lead to some interesting conclusions.
The northern nebulae, dubbed "Crimson Haze" pending an active entry in the Sirian database, has iridium deposits. While these are difficult and time consuming to mine, the rarity of this metal makes a mining operation viable. The location however, is extremely remote. Should a mining operation there come under attack, we will have nowhere to run. Detailed scans of the nebula have proven fruitless: Sensors barely operate within due to the scattering nature of Iridium. As it would be too easy to become lost within, all mining parties are to remain at the fringes of the nebula, until marker beacons can be placed to provide a reference. For the present, a Carrier could be diverted to serve as a mobile base, if we wish to initiate operations in this system.
We also were not the first humans in this system. Remnants of old bases, thoroughly obliterated, remain scattered in the asteroid field near the Magellan jumphole. Possibly an abandoned Rogue or Xenos base, but why it's no longer operational remains a mystery. Perhaps it fared the same fate as Freeport 7. Regardless, if we seek to establish a presence in the system, it might be cheaper to try and salvage one of the derelict hulks and patch it up, then construct something from scratch. Claiming abandoned stations and derelicts has served us well in the past: Hood, Holman, Freeport 4 and Freistadt are prime examples of this.
Two planetary bodies warrant interest: Planet Topeka, and moon Colby. Topeka should be surveyed for gas mining to see if it has anything of value - preferably before Liberty has a chance to move in. Although I am not worried too much of Topeka: DSE never had much experience with gas mining. Colby is another story. Early readings are inconclusive, and suggest the thin atmosphere might be refracting sensor readings. We'd need to get a survey team on-planet to see what's down there. Considering Liberty's interest, we either do this fast or not at all.
Pennyslvania: Planet "Hallam" - Analyse feasability of resource extraction. Pennsylvania system, South planet.
A desolate world with conditions not unlike those found on Pecos. Ex-DSE employees who have joined the Guild after layoffs have indicated a DSE survey found resources, but the company found the location either too remote, or the environment too hostile to establish an economically viable mining operation. Given that we have prior expertise in establishing operations on this type of ice world, it is worthwhile to see if we could make a mining operation work there.
The main issue with this site is not establishing the base, but staying on friendly terms with the factions already present.
Pennsylvania Zoners: The Zoners never seemed to have taken an interest to this world. Attempts to request permission have been met with indifference. Likely they consider the planet too far away from Eerie to be concerned.
Liberty: Liberty has asserted that it considers Pennsylvania as part of their house. That said, attempts to request permission to launch a landing party, and/or establish mining operations on Hallam have been met with likewise indifference.
Xenos: Xenos craft are numerous in the Hallam asteroid field, which makes us suspect they have a base there. A covert meeting with several Xenos resulted in them approving of this, provided we can meet one demand: 95% of the workers on this facility should be Liberty citizens. This should be no issue, given that we tend to hire locally. While the base is under construction a few specialists may be on site, but short of that, the Denver and Texas economy are in such states that finding a workforce should be relatively simple.
All in all there are no real obstacles left, short of actually going down there and finding out what resources exist on Hallam.
Research Projects:
Railgun fighter weapons
Early research was started to try and down-scale the old DRL45/H mass driver to weapon small enough to be put onto fightercraft. With assistance from the Colonial Remnant research team, it's quickly become apparant that this isn't feasable, as the power requirements for the superconductor components are too severe. This type of weapon simply will not work on less then a transport power core.
Project abandoned.
Nanite mining - Pecos
A project is under way to investigate the use of nanites for breaking up ice and locating useful concentrations of heavy water, essentially pre-refining the resource prior to extraction. The nanites are certainly capable of this, the problem however remains, the level of control required, and the endurance of the nanites themselves. Standard EHR MK5 hull repair nanites carry a power core that allows them to operate freely for about ten minutes, enough to find a breech in the hull, and organize themselves in a pattern that seals it. Their instruction set is also very limited. Nano-engineering isn't something the Guild is experienced in, so progress on this project has been slow.
Results so far have been mixed. Extending the capacitor on the nanites isn't an option, so operational times on a nanite batch are limited. That said, the nanites surpass the projected filtering capabilities by 150%. In order to be viable, three problems need to be solved:
- Reusability. A nanite with a dead capacitor goes inert, and is impossible to recover with present technology. Either these power cells need a way to be recharged, extended, or the nanites need to be recovered.
- Control. Controlling each individual nanite is troublesome in large volumes, even for the most complex computer systems we have access to. Possibly a standardised instruction set could be used, eliminating the need for control alltogether.
- Efficiency. The cost of these specially produced nanites currently does not weigh up to the improvement in mining efficiency they produce. Improved nanite production facilities might help.
Research is still ongoing on this project.
Project "Helheim": Ship line development.
While the Nyx and Pytho class strike craft have filled their respective roles to the best of their ability, there have been shortcomings to both ships. The Pytho is agile, which enables it to get close to enemy capital ships and still evade their fire - but it lacks the ability to deliver withering damage on enemy capital ships, unless deployed in numbers. The Nyx has a small frontal profile, but lacks a high power core. To be more flexible we are both designing a new line of fightercraft, a new, heavy bomber. Designs for a new gunboat class vessel and new battlecruiser are also being drawn up - with the Colonial Remnant further developing on the existing model. A new carrier will not be required - the cost of maintaining these vessels and their relative fragility makes them unsuitable for individual fleet action. Active vessels will be relegated to deep space recon roles, with only a few remaining in active service to the Guild.
The new battlecruiser is expected to fill the gap this leaves. With heavy shielding, a thruster assembly and heavy frontal weapons this vessel is meant to go toe to toe with capital threats of any size, outmaneuvering larger vessels, and taking smaller capital vessels headon.
The new gunboat, will have similar statistics to the Hydra in terms of firepower and defensive statistics, and is mainly designed for anti-fighter/anti-bomber actions.
Prototyping is underway at Jakarta, with some design issues still being solved. Progress however is good.
Diplomatic relations:
Below are the diplomatic relations. We've broken it down into three ways: Regional (in areas we have a presence in), Houses, and finally per-faction relations.
Regions:
Bretonia Region
Within the Bretonian systems, IMG has two space mining operations, and a facility harvesting a gas giant. The largest operation is the gold mining operation out of the derelict battleship Hood. Although no longer posessing her main drive, the Hood has been repaired and her scuttled weapon array upgraded - making it a heavily defended stationary base of operations, which has survived countless Corsair assaults. Within Bretonia we enjoy relatively good relations with the Mollies, who to some extent share our nature. Most other Bretonian factions consider us civilians, with the exception of BMM who considers us a threat to their hopes of a monopoly, and Gateway, which as our primary shipper is considered a partner.
The IMG bases in the Bretonia region are subject to Bretonian restrictions: Kusari vessels may not dock on these bases.
The main exports of the Bretonian mining operations are Beryllium and Gold. Secondary export is Hydrocarbons.
Tau Region
The Tau border worlds border the Outcast nation, and has been the site of intense fighting. In the lower Taus, Kusari warships patrol the region, with battlelines drawn in Leeds and around Harris. Tau 23 also has one last BMM outpost, but having been cut off, it is not much of a threat. The northern Tau region (Tau 23, Tau 37) is the focal point between efforts of the IMG and Colonial Remnant to keep the Outcasts at bay.
The recent discovery of the Gallic systems behind Orkney has seen an early influx of several Gallic factions, and rumors of a looming invasion.
The IMG bases in the Tau region are subject to Kusari restrictions: Bretonian vessels may not dock on these bases.
The main exports of the Tau region are Niobium and Beryllium. Secondary exports are Hydrocarbons, Oxygen and Water.
Liberty Border Region
Consisting of the Freeport 4 base and Pecos, the Liberty Border region has enjoyed a relatively quiet period. The Deuterium mine at Pecos is slowly coming into full production, and is projected to become an important asset for the Guild. Freeport 4 remains a waystation, selling water and oxygen to passing traders and offering repairs to ships in need. It is guarded by the carrier Perihelion and it's fighter wing.
The Curacao Accord governs relations between IMG, Bretonia and Liberty in this region.
The main exports of the Liberty Border region are Deuterium and Water.
Omega Region
IMG has a large shipyard in the Wilkes ice field in Omega 3: Aland, which is used to construct large civilian vessels for the Guild. Mining operations focus mainly around harvesting the ice field itself, and selling the water to Rheinland, and occasionally, Hessian smugglers. The main mining operation in the Omega sector is based out of Freistadt, in the Omega 7 system.
The main exports of the Omega region are: Silver, Cobalt and Copper. Secondary exports are Hydrocarbons and Water.
Houses
Liberty
IMG enjoys neutral relations with the Liberty government. We are a neutral party in the Liberty/Rheinland conflict, not supporting either side directly. IMG can trade with any lawful stations within Liberty, that are open to civilian traffic. On the unlawful side, Xenos generally look favorably on us, due to our mission of providing labor for all guild members, rather then being a profit-focused enterprise. Liberty Rogues are the primary threat within Liberty space.
Bretonia
IMG enjoys friendly relations with the Bretonian government, but remains neutral in the Tau conflict. IMG can trade with any lawful stations within Bretonia, that are open to civilian traffic, with the exception of BMM bases. Mollies are generally more friendly to us then to other factions. Kusari factions (all) are prohibited from docking on IMG bases in the Bretonian region.
Kusari
IMG enjoys neutral relations with Kusari. We mainly enter Kusari space to trade ore for basic supplies to supply our Tau operations. IMG vessels can dock on all lawful bases within Kusari, that are open to civilian traffic. IMG is neutral in the Tau conflict, but Bretonian ships are banned from docking on bases within the Kusari sphere of influence. Hogosha are to be treated with suspicion, they are often involved in piracy.
While not considered part of the Kusari house, the Gas Miners Guild is considered friendly. Their origins and nature do not differ a lot from the IMG's roots.
Rheinland
IMG enjoys neutral relations with Rheinland. IMG can trade with any lawful stations within Rheinland, that are open to civilian traffic, with the exception of Daumann and Kruger bases.
Gallia
No official relations have been established with Gallia yet. Informal status: GRN is considered hostile, Council is considered friendly. A mining faction called GMS is considered neutral - they so far seem to have a keener interest in Beryllium then they do in our Niobium stakes. Several pirate factions (one calling themselves the Gallic Police - is this an indication of the level of corruption within Gallia?) have been seen as well, but so far their activity has been minor.
Corsair Empire
No official relations exist between the IMG and the Corsairs. Most encounters with the Corsairs end in violence or piracy.
Outcast Nation
No official relations exist between the IMG and the Outcasts. An informal state of war exists between us and them in the Tau regions. Consider all Outcasts hostile, but do not pursue beyond the Tau 37 suns if they are made to retreat.
Diplomatic standings with various factions:
Allied
Colonial Remnant: The IMG is closely allied with the Colonial Remnant. Economic, political and military cooperation exists between our factions. IMG and the Colonial Remnant often strike as one in the Tau systems, where they share our problems with the Outcasts. Their economic and industrial infrastructure and our raw-material gathering abilities complement eachother well.
Friendly
ALG: ALG and IMG share in part a common past, in having drawn many people after the end of the 80 year war when Kruger nearly collapsed.
Bounty Hunters: These guys help keeping piracy in check, and can often be hired as guards or escorts for convoys.
DSE: DSE prior to the Rheinland/Bretonia war operated out Freistadt for copper mining ops. Once that conflict is over, we expect them to resume their operations.
GMG: The GMG are similar to the IMG in structure and in nature: Displaced workers who found their fortune in space mining. Once Pecos becomes fully operational, IMG can start supplying GMG with Deuterium, thus breaking the Zoner near monopoly on this precious isotope, which is critical for H-fuel production.
Gateway: Gateway is our primary shipper in Bretonia, and as such may freely dock on our bases there. They are however banned from the Tau bases due to the current conflict in Tau space.
Mollies: The Mollies are like us, displaced miners who got fed up with BMM's practises of treating workers more or less like slaves. They chose a more violent path then us, but freedom from those shackles was a large instigator for the founding of the Bretonian side of IMG, as well as the Mollies. Despite their previous unlawful status, they have been supplied out of Hood for decades. With the armistice between the Bretonian law and the Mollies to fend off the Kusari, this support can continue. IMG does not contest the Mollies agreed policy of being able to tax Dublin miners for 1M credits per miner per load, in return for their support to fend off pirates, mainly Corsairs. Mollies are NOT considered hostiles.
Red Hessians: Much like a large portion of the Rheinland IMG origins, the Red Hessians are displaced miners, often ex-Kruger, who seek to establish a more worker-friendly government in Rheinland. Like the Mollies, they pursue a more violent path then IMG, but our origins are largely the same. As such, there is sympathy for their cause.
Zoners: The Zoners choose to inhabit the border and edge worlds for a life free of house rules and regulations. They are often neighbour to us, and we coexist fine. We will often trade basic commodities with nearby freeports in exchange for raw materials. Please note that the "Zoners" as a whole do not exist as an unified organization, like the IMG. Each freeport/Zoner base (or group of them, if in proximity to eachother) is it's own small selfgoverned entity.
Council: Out of everything that has come out of Gallia, this faction has proven most friendly. Seemingly a revolutionary movement acting against the Gallic monarchy, but outmatched by Gallia's own navy. They have forwarned us about a massive pending invasion - the Tau bases thus are on high alert.
Neutral
Ageira: IMG has very little direct contact with Ageira, as neither of us needs eachother's products.
Border World Exports: A trader faction that on occasion delivers or picks up goods. Due to the Kusari-Bretonian conflict, docking rights are denied for these in the Tau bases.
Bretonia Armed Forces: Bretonian lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues. IMG Patrol vessels may sometimes join with BPA/BAF and Mollies to repel pirates.
Bretonia Police Authority: Bretonian lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues. IMG Patrol vessels may sometimes join with BPA/BAF and Mollies to repel pirates.
Bretonia Intelligence: Bretonian lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Cryer: We get of our medical supplies from Cryer - primarily the Cambridge facility.
Interspace Commerce: A trade faction that often buys and sells goods on our bases.
Kishiro: A trade faction that often buys and sells goods on our bases, mainly Niobium for their optronics. Banned from the Bretonian bases due to the Tau conflict.
Kusari Navy: Kusari lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
Kusari Police: Kusari lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
Kempeitai: Kusari lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
Liberty Navy: Liberty lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
LPI: Liberty lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
LSF: Liberty lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
OSC (Orbital Spa and Cruise): We rarely have contact with Orbital Spa and Cruise - Mining bases do not provide good vacation spots.
Planetform: They procure significant amounts of silver from us for their terraforming projects.
Republican Shipping: A Rheinland trading faction sometimes trading with our bases.
Rheinland Military: Rheinland lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Rheinland Police: Rheinland lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Marinenachrichtendienst: Rheinland lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Samura: A Kusari trading faction sometimes trading with our bases, mostly procuring Niobium.
Synthfoods: Be aware that carrying Synthfood can easily anger the LWB and the Farmers Alliance, however we have no policy against this food commodity.
The Order: Little contact exists with this group. They operate mostly in the Omicrons. No IMG mining operations exist in those areas.
Universal Shipping: A Liberty trading faction sometimes trading with our bases.
Xenos: A group that originates from the partial collapse of the Colorado economy, it consists largely of workers that frown upon labor leaving Liberty space. Since the IMG usually forms by a group of local workers banding together under the guild banner, they have no quarrels with us, nor we with them.
EFL: A Gallic manufacturing organization. Little is known about them.
GMS: A Gallic mining company, who have recently been spotted around the Tau systems, prospecting for resources. So far we've been able to coexist peacefully, and they seem to be friendly enough. Not much is known about the GMS as an organization.
IDF Shipping: A Gallic trading company, we have little contact with.
Maquis: A Gallic faction of revolutionaries with a different cause then the Council. We've only heared of them through the Council, and have had no contact thus far.
Unione Corse: A Gallic faction of revolutionaries with a different cause then the Council. We've only heared of them through the Council, and have had no contact thus far.
Coalition: They seem to appreciate IMG's structure of being mostly workers banded together under a single banner, and have often come to our aid when under attack by Corsairs.
IND: An unaffiliated trade faction which sometimes procures ore or mined resources at our bases.
Hellfire Legion: Not much is known about this Liberty faction. They seem to take an active stance against pirates however.
Unfriendly
BMM (Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing): BMM's policy is to continually try to annex our mining fields and bases. As such we do not trust them. Assistance to BMM vessels is prohibited - these guys are on their own if they are threatened by pirates. BMM vessels are also prohibited from docking at IMG bases. Note: We do not shoot them for their arrogance, unless fired upon first.
Daumann: Daumann continues to try and annex our assets and mining grounds in the Omegas. So far outright hostilities have been prevented. Still, a mutual docking ban is in effect - they embargo us, and we them. Note: We do not shoot them for their arrogance, unless fired upon first.
Kruger: Unfriendly. Like Daumann, Kruger continues to try and annex our assets and mining grounds in the Omegas. So far outright hostilities have been prevented. Still, a mutual docking ban is in effect - they embargo us, and we them. Note: We do not shoot them for their arrogance, unless fired upon first.
Blood Dragons: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Blood Dragons. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys.
Bundshuh: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Bundshuh, but they sometimes demand credits from unprotected traders. Generally not a threat though.
Farmers Alliance: Unfriendly due to piracy. Although we're not unsympathetic to farmers displaced by corporations, the fact that our transport have come under attack by them means caution is advised.
Gaians: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Gaians, but they sometimes demand credits from unprotected traders. They also collaborate closely with the Corsairs, often in joint attacks.
Golden Crysanteums: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the GC. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys.
Hogosha: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Hogosha. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys. These guys often hide behind a mask of legality - but treat every single one of them as a pirate until proven otherwise.
Junkers: Unfriendly due to piracy. The junkers can be divided into the Congress (.:j:. members) , and nonaffiliated. Congress members are generally trustworthy, and will sometimes approach our mining operations to purchase ore - they seem to know a few shortcuts for getting it to it's destination. Non-congress junkers are pirates 9 out of 10 times. Treat them as pirates until proven otherwise. If they approach in bomber-like craft, shoot them down if they refuse to stay clear.
LWB: Unfriendly due to piracy. Although we're not unsympathetic to farmers displaced by corporations, the fact that our transport have come under attack by them means caution is advised.
Lanehackers: Unfriendly due to piracy. Although we're not unsympathetic to workers displaced by corporations, the fact that our transport have come under attack by them means caution is advised. Lane Hacker vessels are permitted to trade with Freeport 4 as long as they don't cause problems there.
Unioners: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Unioners. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys.
Bretonian Privateer: Unfriendly due to piracy. These generally harass the Kusari. Docking rights for this faction are denied on all IMG bases.
Hostile
Corsairs: Hostile due to piracy. A major threat to shipping in the Omega and Sigma systems, and to mining operations there. Perhaps the biggest threat to the IMG after the Outcasts.
Liberty Rogues: Hostile due to piracy. The rogues are Outcast lapdogs, and little more then bullies. They are often on the fringes of Liberty space. They can be engaged at will.
Nomads / Keepers: Keep your guard around them. Nomad vessels (/Entities/Spacemonsters?) are very powerful and highly maneuverable, and easily provoked. Do not open fire on them and be ready to flee any battles ensuing with them. Only engage them if left with no other alternative. Most of the time their smaller ones seem passive, even curious. They are sometimes seen in the presence of Outcasts.
The Wild/Das Wilde: These nomad-infestees are often hostile towards anything and anyone. They are best evaded.
Outcasts: The Outcasts are the single biggest threat to our main mining operations in the Taus, and to a lesser extent in Dublin. They have been spotted as far south as Omega 7. Pirates, slavers, drug dealers, thieves. Destroy them as able when encountered, otherwise evade.
Gallic Brigands: A group of thieves operating from out of Gallia. They sometimes harass Tau shipping and mining operations.
Gallic Navy: These guys seem to shoot every Sirian they spot, ourselves included. They have not proven a problem thus far - they stay in Gallia.
Gallic Police: Considering they frequently involve themselves in acts of piracy, a significant level of corruption is suspected within this "police" force.
Phantoms: Not much is known about this group save that they tend to let their blasters do the talking for them. They have powerful fighters, and usually skillful pilots. Evade if possible.
*** Report ends ***
*** Independant Miners Guild: Operational report ***
Summary: The past year has been chaotic year for us. With the conflict escalating in the Tau systems, Rheinland increasing pressure in Omega 7, and the Outcast threat as big as ever, there are threats abound. And yet we continue to do what the Independant Miners Guild does best: Serve our guild members by providing each and every one, with the means to earn their own wage. Into the new year, we will continue to do so. This operational report is to inform all members about the status of our operations. This is what the guildmasters do for you!
Current base asset listing:
Omega bases:
Aland Shipyard
Freistadt
Liberty Borderworlds bases:
Freeport 4
Pecos
Bretonian bases:
Battleship Hood
Cardiff Mining Facility
South Shields Refinery
Tau bases:
Dounby Station
Falkland Station
Java Station
Holman Outpost
Tau guard bases:
Jakarta Orbital
Timor Mining Station
Omega bases:
The Omega bases fall under the protectorates of Rheinland and Bretonia. Usually, our mining fleet can entrust the security of these bases to them, however, especially the Rheinland fleet has trouble keeping the Corsairs at bay. It is not unusual to see Hessian fighters do a better job at this then the Reichsmarine, now that they are at war with Liberty. As such, we try to maintain amicable relations with the Hessians, and allow them to dock at Freistadt to make repairs, provided they keep a low profile and don't cause any trouble for us.
Aland Shipyard:
Function: Shipyard and drydock
The war out in the Tau systems have caused a significant influx in personnel on this base. Some refugees seek their lives planetside deeper in Rheinland, but some with experience in space mining cannot adjust to planetside life. Aland has profited from these immigrants, with a booming population and a significant increase in production. The base's size will easily accomodate another thousand permanent workers, either as dockhands, mining vehicle operators, and similar personnel. Many of the folk who can't find a life on the station itself soon disembark as crew for trading or mining vessels. Hull paneling and structural bulkheads can be imported cheaply from Bretonia, while engine parts are easily obtained from Rheinland. Only optronics and quantum computing parts, designed in Kusari, are harder to obtain, but these too can be imported through Rheinland, or through Bonn station.
Status: Fully operational. All drydocks are engaged in construction. I am glad to see the conflicts around Freeport 1 did not spill over to Aland.
Potential concerns: Light. One minor worry is that if the war for the Bretonians keeps going as badly as it is, they would try to annex Aland and try to make warships there. But seeing as such would endanger their treaty with Rheinland, and our good relations with Bretonia, it is unlikely, unless the Crown becomes desperate.
Note: A recent influx of workers fleeing the Tau conflict has created a lot of idle hands. This will not do - the Guild is in the business of employing all it's members. Consider collaborating with the Zoners in some industrial ventures - the Wilkes field is large enough for an additional production facility.
Freistadt:
Function: Basic drydock, ore storage and processing
Ore storage, refining and maintaining the mining fleet that brings in said ore, as well as providing a safe haven from Corsair raids. The station has performed this task for decades and will likely do so for decades more, until the ore fields in Omega 7 run out. The station however is old and requires frequent patching up.
Status: Fully operational. The war with Liberty has caused the DSE presence on the station to leave, but Gateway and our own trade fleet more then make up for their absence. Copper export has gone down 70% since the start of this war. Our mining fleets have shifted their focus to cobalt and silver.
Potential concerns: Light. The Reichsmarin and Rheinland police have thus far tolerated the occasional Hessian aboard Freistadt, but there's no guarantee on how long that will last. Corsair raids are frequent, and usually focused on the miners out in the field, rather then the station itself. After some incidents with IMG miners discontent about the Rheinland encroachment on this system started actions against Kruger and Daumann vessels, the current situation has become much more tense, especially with the Rheinland authorities.
Confidential sidenote: If Rheinland pressure continues, Freistadt's open position in the middle of the tradelane makes it a difficult asset to defend. It's simply too exposed, Rheinland could easily move capital class vessels through the lane if it chose to act agressively. Consider establishing a new base in a secluded location in Omega 7. Grid B to C3 would be optimal. This would also cause fewer problems with Hessian guests.
Liberty Borderworlds bases:
Freeport 4
Function: Water/Oxygen mining, minor repairs
Situated on one of the two routes between Bretonia and Liberty, Freeport 4 is more a waystation then a mining outpost. The Barrier nebulae offer plenty of easy access to water, and once properly cracked, oxygen can easily be made from that. These two commodities are the station's primary export products, to nearby starbases and into Liberty and Bretonia. The station also serves as a repair bay for any traders damaged in transit. Any lawful faction is allowed docking rights... with the notable exception of BMM. The Lane Hackers also use the station, often buying and selling basic commodities, sometimes bringing high-grade engine components. Irony is they are part of the groups that cause many craft to need repairs.
Opportunity: Deposits of the rare mineral Iridium have been found in Kansas, a system accessible by jumphole from Magellan. While it's a long haul, the only other source of this material is found in the far Omicrons.
Potential concerns: Light. Aside from the piracy that Liberty is prone to, few threats exist in Magellan. Under the Curacao accord, the station's independance, and cooperation with Libertine and Bretonian official forces is agreed upon. The carrier Perihelion and her patrol craft are assigned to Magellan to deter raids on the station itself.
Pecos
Function: Deuterium mining
Located on an out-of-the-way moon in the Coronado system, Pecos is often overlooked. However, now that the facility is starting to produce deuterium it's importance might soon grow. The extraction process on Pecos is costly, requiring significant robotics support, and supplies don't always reach the base.
The Coronado system itself is a fairly lawless enviorment, with only a DSE surveyor investigating flora in the north end of the system, and the huge Barrier station which is more open to all then a junker base.
Opportunity: Investigate more advanced methods of heavy water mining. Perhaps a good test case for the Nanite Mining project? Short term opportunity: The stockpiled resources can be sold to the GMG now that they have a resource shortfall of this material. GMG traders could in turn supply the base with the equipment needed to get it up to speed. The sooner this base is fully operational, the better.
Potential concerns: Moderate. Deuterium is rare, and Liberty likely has it's eye on this system. DSE might try and make a move to establish it's own mining operation. Still, the moon is quite some distance from the Libertine system of California, and any claim they make on it would raise Zoner eyebrows as well as Bretonian. It's remote location presents both a defensive benefit and concern.
Confidential sidenote: It would benefit the guild were the DSE surveyor to be removed somehow. Also, Colonial Remnant forces have requested to use the facility as an emergency haven in case their system is overrun. Negotiations are ongoing, but are likely to end positive. It would give the Colonials an out-of-the-way place to rebuild, and the Pecos' deuterium supply could easily power a few local fusion reactors, providing ample power for industrial facilities.
Bretonian bases:
These bases fell on the Bretonian side of the Tau conflict. For all practical purposes Bretonia considers them civilian bases, but the Guild further restricts who may access these.
Battleship Hood
Function: Supporting the gold mining fleet, occasionally hosting races
Situated in the Dublin system which is chaotic by nature, the Hood is more or less caught up in the maelstrom. The hodgepodge has the Armed Forces and Mollies on one side, and the Corsairs, pirates and Kusari naval forces on the other. Maintaining neutrality in this has proven more difficult of late.
The Hood also hosts the Dublin Races every now and then, though this is not something the guild itself is a part of. Still, the income and publicity boon from these races is significant.
There have been rumors the BAF will request the Hood to be returned to them, but this is unlikely. The vessel is several centuries out of date, and her main engines were never restored - as a station, a few maneuvering thruster pads were all she needed. Current top speed using those pads is about 10 KM/s, and she will need a full day to turn around her own axis (which is why we never moved her to the higher yield gold fields). Still, if these rumors prove true, the compensation should more then make up for a small outpost in a location of our choosing.
Potential concerns: Significant. Although the Mollies and Bretonian forces have thrown an accord right now, the situation remains tense. It is good that the Hood still had some of her cannons when she was salvaged, they've seen a fair share of use since the start of the Tau war.
Cardiff Mining Facility
Function: Beryllium mining
Cardiff has been a strong source of income for the Guild for quite some time. With the Kusari blockade of the Tau 23 field, Cambridge is more or less the only commercial Beryllium manufacturing facility. As such, we supply the material to Liberty and Rheinland, but because of a Bretonian embargo, no longer to Kusari itself.
Potential concerns: Light. Cambridge so far has been spared large scale fights, although the Corsairs seem to be raiding the system more frequent since the Tau conflict started, using diminished Naval patrols to prey on commercial shipping. The mining facility however has adequate defenses to drive off the occasional raider.
Opportunities: Cardiff's local fleet harvests a small deposit north of the gas giant it orbits. A much larger beryllium field exists north of planet Cambridge.
South Shields Refinery
Function: Water, hydrocarbon and oxygen refining. Also minor Deuterium and H-Fuel production.
A large gas refinery orbiting a gas giant. Situated near a jumphole into the Tau 31 system, it offers a back route into Tau space, and an easy means of supplying Holman outpost. This has the unfortunate sideeffect of making this base part of the Kusari-Bretonian front lines, however, neither side has thus far made much of a move against the refinary. The Mollies have a significant presence in the system, most notably around the captured Belfast facility.
Potential concerns: Light. Aside from occasional outcast raiders, things have been quiet around the facility. Which is surprising considering it is a system on the frontline - The jumphole from Tau 31 to Newcastle could easily be used by up to gunboat class vessels. So far the Kusari main push has been for Leeds, leaving this flank system untouched.
Opportunities: The Hydrocarbons have been steadily piling up. Previously these were shipped to Tsushima, which for obvious reasons can no longer be done. Seek a different market for these?
Tau bases:
These bases fell on the Kusari side of the Tau conflict. For all practical purposes Kusari considers them civilian bases, and Bretonian vessels thus may not dock on them, but the Guild further restricts who may access these.
Holman Outpost:
Function: Water/Oxygen mining (originally), refugee staging point (current).
A mining outpost tapping into several rich water and oxygen deposits in the Tau 31 ice field, it previously supplied the Planetform terraforming operation on Harris. With the outbreak of the Tau conflict, this has ground to a complete halt. The mining operations now mainly simply supply the higher Tau bases, and have been scaled back significantly.
Potential concerns: Moderate. Holman has become a centerpoint for the evacuation of civilians trying to escape the Tau conflict, to the point where the station's capacity is stretched beyond it's limits. Bretonian fighters occasionally try and strike at the battleship now stationed in proximity of the station, and the crossfire sometimes does significant damage. But the proximity of the battleship does keep Outcast raiders away.
Note: This base is critically short on lifepods with all the refugees crowding there. With the warship near it's only a matter of time before something serious happens, that will make the previous incident look minor. Limiting refugee numbers however isn't an option.
Java Station:
Function: Maintaining Niobium mining fleet.
A small mining outpost originally established to quickly lay claim to the rich niobium deposits in the system, Java has become far too small for it's current tasks. The mining operation has exceeded all expectations, both in yield and profitability. This has drawn the attention of many pirates, most notably the Outcast forces, who claim the system as their own (yet strangely, show no interest in mining the Niobium and Beryllium themselves. Could an accord be reached perhaps?)
Potential concerns: Critical. Java station has over the past year seen a constant stream of raids, up to fullblown capital ship assaults, and is in constant need of repair and reinforcing. It is simply too small an outpost to be an effective deterrant. We -must- upgrade the defensive capabilities of this station, as well as it's hangar capacity. The placement of defensive missile batteries could be a start. The Colonials, combined with our allies of the ICMG have done a fair job at defending the station thus far, but we really should fortify it as soon as possible.
That said, sending fortifications to that station could become troublesome, considering the present war. Neither Bretonia nor Kusari will likely be very pleased with the prospect of a neutral fortification in the middle of a war zone. But since Bretonia already ceded the Taus, we only truly have the Kusari to worry of - and since we supply their economy with niobium for their optronics industries, I suspect they would not oppose this, if proper respect is shown in the request.
Falkland Station:
Function: Niobium processing, mining fleet maintenance
Our northernmost mining outpost, in a system bordering the Outcast homeworld, if rumors are true. The saving grace of this outpost is it's thick asteroid armor, or it'd likely have been spacedust long since. Outcast activity in this system is insanely high, however, there are incredably rich niobium deposits present. Mining these deposits involves considerable risks. Some of the outcast in this system see us as interlopers rather then marks for piracy, and will outright destroy vessels found here. Fortifying Falkland is not an option, strategically. It is debatable wether this base can be maintained in the long run.
Potential concerns: Ranging from a determined and sustained Outcast attack to them attempting to seize this base, to the problems of supplying this base with the neccesary tools, and provisions. If Java were fortified we could supply it from there, but at present, that base has it's own problems. Morale is also suffering at this base, due to the constant threats.
Opportunities: Relocating personel, equipment and resources to Java would be something I'd suggest. In the long run, this base could be abandoned, and the jumphole on the Tau 23 side heavily fortified, effectively ceding the system to the Outcasts and claiming Tau 23 as ours.
Dounby Station:
Function: Copper mining (Yields not meeting expectations)
The newest established outpost, the state of this base is a bit in flux. Since the revelation of the Gallian systems, and the subsequent contact with the Council forces, there have been rumors of a massive buildup of forces, sealed gateways, and advanced weaponry. But if what we hear is true, then no amount of fortifications will suffice. I suggest an evacuation plan towards Java be readied, should rumors of a Gallian invasion be true. So far only two routes into Gallia have been revealed. One through Outcast space, the other, right through Orkney.
Diplomacy with the Gallic factions has been thus far troublesome. They seem to have pirates, just like the rest of Sirius. They seem to have revolutionaries, such as the Council, just like the rest of Sirius. But the "Royal" Gallians have a level of arrogance to them that is unlike anything I've encountered in Sirius. If their threats are true, the Tau systems will become a three way battle, with us in the middle of it.
Dounby was intended for the exploitation of the asteroid field it was in, but yields have proven far lower then expected. The base barely mines enough for it's own upkeep at present.
Potential concerns: Outcast activity is light, and the Council forces we encountered have thus far been friendly. The level of threat the Languedoc jumphole presents is unknown. Base is not meeting expectations as far as a mining platform is concerned.
Opportunities: Thorough survey of the planetary bodies in the system might give the base a greater purpose. For the present, scale back operations to volunteer staff.
Confidential sidenote: Maintain in touch with the Council at all times. If something does happen, it is likely they will send word of warning, giving both us and them time to prepare or evade.
Tau 39 guard bases:
These bases reside in a heavily guarded system, for obvious reasons. Their operations fall under the responsibility of the Defense branch.
Timor Mining Station:
Function: Copper mining outpost
The Timor mining fleet has been working the asteroid field it's situated in, providing a source of copper for ship construction to both the Colonial Remnant and the Guild. The field isn't viable for large-scale production due to mediocre yields, but production level suffices for industrial purposes, and ship construction and maintenance. Few people are aware of this source of copper in the Tau systems, and we don't intend to start exporting, so that it stays that way. Timor also holds a fightercraft construction bay.
Jakarta Orbital Facility:
Function: Shipyard/Gas Refinery
The Jakarta facility is the Guild's primary shipbuilding facility. The shipyard was added onto the gas mining facility, the combination effectively making it a ship construction and refueling station. It is the primary station for staging deep space missions further into Tau space. Refitting, repairs and rearming can also be done at this facility.
Development Opportunities:
On Hold:
Chester: Gas Giant "Shirley" - Research into gas mining - Delayed pending an investigation into anomalous activities within that system.
Orkney: Gas Giant "Sanday" - Research into gas mining - Delayed pending a detailed assesment of any possible Gallic threat
Dundee: Planet "Crieff" - Research into gas mining - Delayed pending a resolution of the Tau conflict
Active:
Kansas system:
Planet "Topeka" - Research into gas mining - Prospecting can begin based out of Freeport 4
Moon "Colby" - Research into mineral mining - Prospecting can begin based out of Freeport 4
"Crimson Haze" nebula - Iridium mining - Based out of Freeport 4
The Kansas system remains largely unexplored. Long range sensors have detected several unknown signals refracting throughout the system, which we have been unable to trace back. There are several planets and nebulae in the system: A wisp of the Barrier caught in the gravitational pull of an ocean world which Liberty explorers seem to have an interest in, a gas giant with a relatively small ring system and a desolate moon. A brief, long range survey of the planetary bodies, nebulae and asteroid fields lead to some interesting conclusions.
The northern nebulae, dubbed "Crimson Haze" pending an active entry in the Sirian database, has iridium deposits. While these are difficult and time consuming to mine, the rarity of this metal makes a mining operation viable. The location however, is extremely remote. Should a mining operation there come under attack, we will have nowhere to run. Detailed scans of the nebula have proven fruitless: Sensors barely operate within due to the scattering nature of Iridium. As it would be too easy to become lost within, all mining parties are to remain at the fringes of the nebula, until marker beacons can be placed to provide a reference. For the present, a Carrier could be diverted to serve as a mobile base, if we wish to initiate operations in this system.
We also were not the first humans in this system. Remnants of old bases, thoroughly obliterated, remain scattered in the asteroid field near the Magellan jumphole. Possibly an abandoned Rogue or Xenos base, but why it's no longer operational remains a mystery. Perhaps it fared the same fate as Freeport 7. Regardless, if we seek to establish a presence in the system, it might be cheaper to try and salvage one of the derelict hulks and patch it up, then construct something from scratch. Claiming abandoned stations and derelicts has served us well in the past: Hood, Holman, Freeport 4 and Freistadt are prime examples of this.
Two planetary bodies warrant interest: Planet Topeka, and moon Colby. Topeka should be surveyed for gas mining to see if it has anything of value - preferably before Liberty has a chance to move in. Although I am not worried too much of Topeka: DSE never had much experience with gas mining. Colby is another story. Early readings are inconclusive, and suggest the thin atmosphere might be refracting sensor readings. We'd need to get a survey team on-planet to see what's down there. Considering Liberty's interest, we either do this fast or not at all.
Pennyslvania: Planet "Hallam" - Analyse feasability of resource extraction. Pennsylvania system, South planet.
A desolate world with conditions not unlike those found on Pecos. Ex-DSE employees who have joined the Guild after layoffs have indicated a DSE survey found resources, but the company found the location either too remote, or the environment too hostile to establish an economically viable mining operation. Given that we have prior expertise in establishing operations on this type of ice world, it is worthwhile to see if we could make a mining operation work there.
The main issue with this site is not establishing the base, but staying on friendly terms with the factions already present.
Pennsylvania Zoners: The Zoners never seemed to have taken an interest to this world. Attempts to request permission have been met with indifference. Likely they consider the planet too far away from Eerie to be concerned.
Liberty: Liberty has asserted that it considers Pennsylvania as part of their house. That said, attempts to request permission to launch a landing party, and/or establish mining operations on Hallam have been met with likewise indifference.
Xenos: Xenos craft are numerous in the Hallam asteroid field, which makes us suspect they have a base there. A covert meeting with several Xenos resulted in them approving of this, provided we can meet one demand: 95% of the workers on this facility should be Liberty citizens. This should be no issue, given that we tend to hire locally. While the base is under construction a few specialists may be on site, but short of that, the Denver and Texas economy are in such states that finding a workforce should be relatively simple.
All in all there are no real obstacles left, short of actually going down there and finding out what resources exist on Hallam.
Research Projects:
Railgun fighter weapons
Early research was started to try and down-scale the old DRL45/H mass driver to weapon small enough to be put onto fightercraft. With assistance from the Colonial Remnant research team, it's quickly become apparant that this isn't feasable, as the power requirements for the superconductor components are too severe. This type of weapon simply will not work on less then a transport power core.
Project abandoned.
Nanite mining - Pecos
A project is under way to investigate the use of nanites for breaking up ice and locating useful concentrations of heavy water, essentially pre-refining the resource prior to extraction. The nanites are certainly capable of this, the problem however remains, the level of control required, and the endurance of the nanites themselves. Standard EHR MK5 hull repair nanites carry a power core that allows them to operate freely for about ten minutes, enough to find a breech in the hull, and organize themselves in a pattern that seals it. Their instruction set is also very limited. Nano-engineering isn't something the Guild is experienced in, so progress on this project has been slow.
Results so far have been mixed. Extending the capacitor on the nanites isn't an option, so operational times on a nanite batch are limited. That said, the nanites surpass the projected filtering capabilities by 150%. In order to be viable, three problems need to be solved:
- Reusability. A nanite with a dead capacitor goes inert, and is impossible to recover with present technology. Either these power cells need a way to be recharged, extended, or the nanites need to be recovered.
- Control. Controlling each individual nanite is troublesome in large volumes, even for the most complex computer systems we have access to. Possibly a standardised instruction set could be used, eliminating the need for control alltogether.
- Efficiency. The cost of these specially produced nanites currently does not weigh up to the improvement in mining efficiency they produce. Improved nanite production facilities might help.
Research is still ongoing on this project.
Project "Helheim": Ship line development.
While the Nyx and Pytho class strike craft have filled their respective roles to the best of their ability, there have been shortcomings to both ships. The Pytho is agile, which enables it to get close to enemy capital ships and still evade their fire - but it lacks the ability to deliver withering damage on enemy capital ships, unless deployed in numbers. The Nyx has a small frontal profile, but lacks a high power core. To be more flexible we are both designing a new line of fightercraft, a new, heavy bomber. Designs for a new gunboat class vessel and new battlecruiser are also being drawn up - with the Colonial Remnant further developing on the existing model. A new carrier will not be required - the cost of maintaining these vessels and their relative fragility makes them unsuitable for individual fleet action. Active vessels will be relegated to deep space recon roles, with only a few remaining in active service to the Guild.
The new battlecruiser is expected to fill the gap this leaves. With heavy shielding, a thruster assembly and heavy frontal weapons this vessel is meant to go toe to toe with capital threats of any size, outmaneuvering larger vessels, and taking smaller capital vessels headon.
The new gunboat, will have similar statistics to the Hydra in terms of firepower and defensive statistics, and is mainly designed for anti-fighter/anti-bomber actions.
Prototyping is underway at Jakarta, with some design issues still being solved. Progress however is good.
Diplomatic relations:
Below are the diplomatic relations. We've broken it down into three ways: Regional (in areas we have a presence in), Houses, and finally per-faction relations.
Regions:
Bretonia Region
Within the Bretonian systems, IMG has two space mining operations, and a facility harvesting a gas giant. The largest operation is the gold mining operation out of the derelict battleship Hood. Although no longer posessing her main drive, the Hood has been repaired and her scuttled weapon array upgraded - making it a heavily defended stationary base of operations, which has survived countless Corsair assaults. Within Bretonia we enjoy relatively good relations with the Mollies, who to some extent share our nature. Most other Bretonian factions consider us civilians, with the exception of BMM who considers us a threat to their hopes of a monopoly, and Gateway, which as our primary shipper is considered a partner.
The IMG bases in the Bretonia region are subject to Bretonian restrictions: Kusari vessels may not dock on these bases.
The main exports of the Bretonian mining operations are Beryllium and Gold. Secondary export is Hydrocarbons.
Tau Region
The Tau border worlds border the Outcast nation, and has been the site of intense fighting. In the lower Taus, Kusari warships patrol the region, with battlelines drawn in Leeds and around Harris. Tau 23 also has one last BMM outpost, but having been cut off, it is not much of a threat. The northern Tau region (Tau 23, Tau 37) is the focal point between efforts of the IMG and Colonial Remnant to keep the Outcasts at bay.
The recent discovery of the Gallic systems behind Orkney has seen an early influx of several Gallic factions, and rumors of a looming invasion.
The IMG bases in the Tau region are subject to Kusari restrictions: Bretonian vessels may not dock on these bases.
The main exports of the Tau region are Niobium and Beryllium. Secondary exports are Hydrocarbons, Oxygen and Water.
Liberty Border Region
Consisting of the Freeport 4 base and Pecos, the Liberty Border region has enjoyed a relatively quiet period. The Deuterium mine at Pecos is slowly coming into full production, and is projected to become an important asset for the Guild. Freeport 4 remains a waystation, selling water and oxygen to passing traders and offering repairs to ships in need. It is guarded by the carrier Perihelion and it's fighter wing.
The Curacao Accord governs relations between IMG, Bretonia and Liberty in this region.
The main exports of the Liberty Border region are Deuterium and Water.
Omega Region
IMG has a large shipyard in the Wilkes ice field in Omega 3: Aland, which is used to construct large civilian vessels for the Guild. Mining operations focus mainly around harvesting the ice field itself, and selling the water to Rheinland, and occasionally, Hessian smugglers. The main mining operation in the Omega sector is based out of Freistadt, in the Omega 7 system.
The main exports of the Omega region are: Silver, Cobalt and Copper. Secondary exports are Hydrocarbons and Water.
Houses
Liberty
IMG enjoys neutral relations with the Liberty government. We are a neutral party in the Liberty/Rheinland conflict, not supporting either side directly. IMG can trade with any lawful stations within Liberty, that are open to civilian traffic. On the unlawful side, Xenos generally look favorably on us, due to our mission of providing labor for all guild members, rather then being a profit-focused enterprise. Liberty Rogues are the primary threat within Liberty space.
Bretonia
IMG enjoys friendly relations with the Bretonian government, but remains neutral in the Tau conflict. IMG can trade with any lawful stations within Bretonia, that are open to civilian traffic, with the exception of BMM bases. Mollies are generally more friendly to us then to other factions. Kusari factions (all) are prohibited from docking on IMG bases in the Bretonian region.
Kusari
IMG enjoys neutral relations with Kusari. We mainly enter Kusari space to trade ore for basic supplies to supply our Tau operations. IMG vessels can dock on all lawful bases within Kusari, that are open to civilian traffic. IMG is neutral in the Tau conflict, but Bretonian ships are banned from docking on bases within the Kusari sphere of influence. Hogosha are to be treated with suspicion, they are often involved in piracy.
While not considered part of the Kusari house, the Gas Miners Guild is considered friendly. Their origins and nature do not differ a lot from the IMG's roots.
Rheinland
IMG enjoys neutral relations with Rheinland. IMG can trade with any lawful stations within Rheinland, that are open to civilian traffic, with the exception of Daumann and Kruger bases.
Gallia
No official relations have been established with Gallia yet. Informal status: GRN is considered hostile, Council is considered friendly. A mining faction called GMS is considered neutral - they so far seem to have a keener interest in Beryllium then they do in our Niobium stakes. Several pirate factions (one calling themselves the Gallic Police - is this an indication of the level of corruption within Gallia?) have been seen as well, but so far their activity has been minor.
Corsair Empire
No official relations exist between the IMG and the Corsairs. Most encounters with the Corsairs end in violence or piracy.
Outcast Nation
No official relations exist between the IMG and the Outcasts. An informal state of war exists between us and them in the Tau regions. Consider all Outcasts hostile, but do not pursue beyond the Tau 37 suns if they are made to retreat.
Diplomatic standings with various factions:
Allied
Colonial Remnant: The IMG is closely allied with the Colonial Remnant. Economic, political and military cooperation exists between our factions. IMG and the Colonial Remnant often strike as one in the Tau systems, where they share our problems with the Outcasts. Their economic and industrial infrastructure and our raw-material gathering abilities complement eachother well.
Friendly
ALG: ALG and IMG share in part a common past, in having drawn many people after the end of the 80 year war when Kruger nearly collapsed.
Bounty Hunters: These guys help keeping piracy in check, and can often be hired as guards or escorts for convoys.
DSE: DSE prior to the Rheinland/Bretonia war operated out Freistadt for copper mining ops. Once that conflict is over, we expect them to resume their operations.
GMG: The GMG are similar to the IMG in structure and in nature: Displaced workers who found their fortune in space mining. Once Pecos becomes fully operational, IMG can start supplying GMG with Deuterium, thus breaking the Zoner near monopoly on this precious isotope, which is critical for H-fuel production.
Gateway: Gateway is our primary shipper in Bretonia, and as such may freely dock on our bases there. They are however banned from the Tau bases due to the current conflict in Tau space.
Mollies: The Mollies are like us, displaced miners who got fed up with BMM's practises of treating workers more or less like slaves. They chose a more violent path then us, but freedom from those shackles was a large instigator for the founding of the Bretonian side of IMG, as well as the Mollies. Despite their previous unlawful status, they have been supplied out of Hood for decades. With the armistice between the Bretonian law and the Mollies to fend off the Kusari, this support can continue. IMG does not contest the Mollies agreed policy of being able to tax Dublin miners for 1M credits per miner per load, in return for their support to fend off pirates, mainly Corsairs. Mollies are NOT considered hostiles.
Red Hessians: Much like a large portion of the Rheinland IMG origins, the Red Hessians are displaced miners, often ex-Kruger, who seek to establish a more worker-friendly government in Rheinland. Like the Mollies, they pursue a more violent path then IMG, but our origins are largely the same. As such, there is sympathy for their cause.
Zoners: The Zoners choose to inhabit the border and edge worlds for a life free of house rules and regulations. They are often neighbour to us, and we coexist fine. We will often trade basic commodities with nearby freeports in exchange for raw materials. Please note that the "Zoners" as a whole do not exist as an unified organization, like the IMG. Each freeport/Zoner base (or group of them, if in proximity to eachother) is it's own small selfgoverned entity.
Council: Out of everything that has come out of Gallia, this faction has proven most friendly. Seemingly a revolutionary movement acting against the Gallic monarchy, but outmatched by Gallia's own navy. They have forwarned us about a massive pending invasion - the Tau bases thus are on high alert.
Neutral
Ageira: IMG has very little direct contact with Ageira, as neither of us needs eachother's products.
Border World Exports: A trader faction that on occasion delivers or picks up goods. Due to the Kusari-Bretonian conflict, docking rights are denied for these in the Tau bases.
Bretonia Armed Forces: Bretonian lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues. IMG Patrol vessels may sometimes join with BPA/BAF and Mollies to repel pirates.
Bretonia Police Authority: Bretonian lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues. IMG Patrol vessels may sometimes join with BPA/BAF and Mollies to repel pirates.
Bretonia Intelligence: Bretonian lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Cryer: We get of our medical supplies from Cryer - primarily the Cambridge facility.
Interspace Commerce: A trade faction that often buys and sells goods on our bases.
Kishiro: A trade faction that often buys and sells goods on our bases, mainly Niobium for their optronics. Banned from the Bretonian bases due to the Tau conflict.
Kusari Navy: Kusari lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
Kusari Police: Kusari lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
Kempeitai: Kusari lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
Liberty Navy: Liberty lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
LPI: Liberty lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
LSF: Liberty lawkeepers, comply with any cargo scans or requests to vacate certain areas.
OSC (Orbital Spa and Cruise): We rarely have contact with Orbital Spa and Cruise - Mining bases do not provide good vacation spots.
Planetform: They procure significant amounts of silver from us for their terraforming projects.
Republican Shipping: A Rheinland trading faction sometimes trading with our bases.
Rheinland Military: Rheinland lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Rheinland Police: Rheinland lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Marinenachrichtendienst: Rheinland lawkeepers: Comply with any cargo scans they may require, or requests to vacate areas if combat ensues.
Samura: A Kusari trading faction sometimes trading with our bases, mostly procuring Niobium.
Synthfoods: Be aware that carrying Synthfood can easily anger the LWB and the Farmers Alliance, however we have no policy against this food commodity.
The Order: Little contact exists with this group. They operate mostly in the Omicrons. No IMG mining operations exist in those areas.
Universal Shipping: A Liberty trading faction sometimes trading with our bases.
Xenos: A group that originates from the partial collapse of the Colorado economy, it consists largely of workers that frown upon labor leaving Liberty space. Since the IMG usually forms by a group of local workers banding together under the guild banner, they have no quarrels with us, nor we with them.
EFL: A Gallic manufacturing organization. Little is known about them.
GMS: A Gallic mining company, who have recently been spotted around the Tau systems, prospecting for resources. So far we've been able to coexist peacefully, and they seem to be friendly enough. Not much is known about the GMS as an organization.
IDF Shipping: A Gallic trading company, we have little contact with.
Maquis: A Gallic faction of revolutionaries with a different cause then the Council. We've only heared of them through the Council, and have had no contact thus far.
Unione Corse: A Gallic faction of revolutionaries with a different cause then the Council. We've only heared of them through the Council, and have had no contact thus far.
Coalition: They seem to appreciate IMG's structure of being mostly workers banded together under a single banner, and have often come to our aid when under attack by Corsairs.
IND: An unaffiliated trade faction which sometimes procures ore or mined resources at our bases.
Hellfire Legion: Not much is known about this Liberty faction. They seem to take an active stance against pirates however.
Unfriendly
BMM (Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing): BMM's policy is to continually try to annex our mining fields and bases. As such we do not trust them. Assistance to BMM vessels is prohibited - these guys are on their own if they are threatened by pirates. BMM vessels are also prohibited from docking at IMG bases. Note: We do not shoot them for their arrogance, unless fired upon first.
Daumann: Daumann continues to try and annex our assets and mining grounds in the Omegas. So far outright hostilities have been prevented. Still, a mutual docking ban is in effect - they embargo us, and we them. Note: We do not shoot them for their arrogance, unless fired upon first.
Kruger: Unfriendly. Like Daumann, Kruger continues to try and annex our assets and mining grounds in the Omegas. So far outright hostilities have been prevented. Still, a mutual docking ban is in effect - they embargo us, and we them. Note: We do not shoot them for their arrogance, unless fired upon first.
Blood Dragons: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Blood Dragons. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys.
Bundshuh: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Bundshuh, but they sometimes demand credits from unprotected traders. Generally not a threat though.
Farmers Alliance: Unfriendly due to piracy. Although we're not unsympathetic to farmers displaced by corporations, the fact that our transport have come under attack by them means caution is advised.
Gaians: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Gaians, but they sometimes demand credits from unprotected traders. They also collaborate closely with the Corsairs, often in joint attacks.
Golden Crysanteums: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the GC. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys.
Hogosha: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Hogosha. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys. These guys often hide behind a mask of legality - but treat every single one of them as a pirate until proven otherwise.
Junkers: Unfriendly due to piracy. The junkers can be divided into the Congress (.:j:. members) , and nonaffiliated. Congress members are generally trustworthy, and will sometimes approach our mining operations to purchase ore - they seem to know a few shortcuts for getting it to it's destination. Non-congress junkers are pirates 9 out of 10 times. Treat them as pirates until proven otherwise. If they approach in bomber-like craft, shoot them down if they refuse to stay clear.
LWB: Unfriendly due to piracy. Although we're not unsympathetic to farmers displaced by corporations, the fact that our transport have come under attack by them means caution is advised.
Lanehackers: Unfriendly due to piracy. Although we're not unsympathetic to workers displaced by corporations, the fact that our transport have come under attack by them means caution is advised. Lane Hacker vessels are permitted to trade with Freeport 4 as long as they don't cause problems there.
Unioners: Unfriendly due to piracy. Little contact exists between IMG and the Unioners. Most of it consists of attacks on our trade convoys.
Bretonian Privateer: Unfriendly due to piracy. These generally harass the Kusari. Docking rights for this faction are denied on all IMG bases.
Hostile
Corsairs: Hostile due to piracy. A major threat to shipping in the Omega and Sigma systems, and to mining operations there. Perhaps the biggest threat to the IMG after the Outcasts.
Liberty Rogues: Hostile due to piracy. The rogues are Outcast lapdogs, and little more then bullies. They are often on the fringes of Liberty space. They can be engaged at will.
Nomads / Keepers: Keep your guard around them. Nomad vessels (/Entities/Spacemonsters?) are very powerful and highly maneuverable, and easily provoked. Do not open fire on them and be ready to flee any battles ensuing with them. Only engage them if left with no other alternative. Most of the time their smaller ones seem passive, even curious. They are sometimes seen in the presence of Outcasts.
The Wild/Das Wilde: These nomad-infestees are often hostile towards anything and anyone. They are best evaded.
Outcasts: The Outcasts are the single biggest threat to our main mining operations in the Taus, and to a lesser extent in Dublin. They have been spotted as far south as Omega 7. Pirates, slavers, drug dealers, thieves. Destroy them as able when encountered, otherwise evade.
Gallic Brigands: A group of thieves operating from out of Gallia. They sometimes harass Tau shipping and mining operations.
Gallic Navy: These guys seem to shoot every Sirian they spot, ourselves included. They have not proven a problem thus far - they stay in Gallia.
Gallic Police: Considering they frequently involve themselves in acts of piracy, a significant level of corruption is suspected within this "police" force.
Phantoms: Not much is known about this group save that they tend to let their blasters do the talking for them. They have powerful fighters, and usually skillful pilots. Evade if possible.
*** Report ends ***