"You, and the Hogosha, honour us."

"Although we have not enjoyed direct diplomatic contact since the Garen years, the Union’s perspective towards the Hogosha remains unchanged. We admire your dedication, your resourcefulness. You are brothers in the artefact trade and you remain committed to safeguarding the traditions of Kusari just as we remain committed to safeguarding the traditions of the Rhein. We have both long remained the staunch opposition of the Gas Mining Guild. The Union honours and respects the Hogosha as a movement as long-storied as our own.


I had concerns that the border war within Sigma Twenty One would have soured the Hogosha against the Rheinland underworld – it is pleasing to see that firmer minds have carry the spirit of the times. We support Hogosha incursions into our territory and will happily protect the Hogosha from any federal raids your transports may endure whilst crossing the lines. We advise that the Hogosha takes full utilisation of the Sigma fifteen to Munich corridor. It is a back-road few of our shared enemies properly account. Kusari is filled with highly sensitive electronics, optronics, quantum processor production, artinsal goods, machined goods and cultural artefacts that are of great value to Rheinland, both above and below the law. Equally, the Unioners are dependent upon imports. In return, we can provide thorium MOX, artifacts, premier Rheinlandic and Libertonian military technology, which, I am sure, is in plentiful demand by the Keiretsu, shipbuilding, narcotics from the depths of gallic space, firearms, and yet more besides. We are well-suited for one another, Hogosha.

You claim to value bravery. That bold, decisive strokes make for the finest of cuts. As you wish, Shimonoseki. The Union is willing to grant your transports residence at our bases in exchange for the same at Hogosha stations. A bold move truly, to establish trading contacts in a region wracked by war. But even in war, there is opportunity. Perhaps we may create prosperity for both of our houses whilst imbalanced hearts try to take them apart? We will see.

We are a long way from establishing a mutual trade outpost, of course. But every relationship must start with the smaller gestures. Come to Leipheim, master Shimonoseki; you will experience a taste of what the Unions have to offer bold individuals such as yourself.

I offer you Sorka Duclonov, a former coalition citizen, who…. Saw where the rainbows touched earth, down here in the Rheinland core systems. He will provide you with that which you seek.


"Welcome to the Rheinland underworld, Hogosha. Watch where you're headed, and she'll never lead you astray."