Formed in the dawn of Libertonian life in Sirius, Deep Space Engineering has held a central position of infrastructural development in the sector. The ongoing project of building and maintaining the physical gate/lane network has always been the primary directive of DSE, but it has lead to the emergence of several secondary roles; exploration, mineral extraction and processing, and ship construction also adorn the corporate profile. DSE is fundamental to the influential position of Liberty in Sirius today.
Ageira, Universal Shipping, and Deep Space Engineering share a threefold partnership - that is, Ageira creates the Jumpgate and Tradelane parts, Universal ships them to the DSE sites, and DSE places the parts into the rest of the Jumpgate or Tradelane machinery that they have constructed. This is how it has been done for centuries, and it has led to the growth and prospering of all companies involved. They are the architects of Sirius, linking the colonies together with Jumpgates and Tradelanes. Without their watchful eyes over the Jumpgate and Tradelane the system, Sirius would fall apart and the ease of travel and communication we take for granted would no longer exist.
Faction Name Deep Space Engineering In-Game Tag DSE) Primary ID Deep Space Engineering Primary role Logistics and Industrial Recovery Secondary role Ship and station construction and repairs, Research and development, Trade lane and jump gate construction and repairs
Goods such as Cardimine (Liquid and solid states), Synthetic Marijuana, Human Organs, Nomads and Nomad Parts, Slaves (Unless rescued and being bought to the nearest station for release and medical examinations - these should be handed over to lawful military forces if requested.), Counterfeit software, Artifacts, Black Market Munitions, Blood Diamonds, Gaian Wildlife, Alcohol while on duty, And Nuclear Devices Should not be carried under any circumstances. Use common sense, if it seems like you shouldn't be carrying that cargo, please check with your team leader, Head of Department, Chief of Departments, or the President/Vice President. Please make sure you are informed of what goods are restricted in each house before carrying any goods not mentioned above.
Deep Space Engineering DSE) is not just an easy way to make money. It is a full Role Play group, and role play is required.
You require a Skype account, a forum account, and need to be active in both. Active being 4 or more forum posts per month.
All Ships assigned by Deep Space Engineering DSE) to you are to remain property of Deep Space Engineering DSE). Under no circumstance are they to be altered, removed, or Sold. Do not shoot any neutral or friendly NPC. Your rep has been adjusted to make you as neutral as possible to everyone in your Zone of Influence.
When you have finished your shift, Two Million Sirius Credits (2,000,000 SC) are to remain on the vessel for the repairs of the next shift. Any extra is yours to keep.
Always follow instructions given to you by your Head of Department. our Management has been picked for their ability to co-ordinate and support our personnel.
Under no circumstances, do you divulge company intel to anyone. IE: Where the scrap is sold.
Although we are a 'not for profit' group, we do have finances. All employees are asked to pay a donation towards the upkeep of Deep Space Engineering. This will be explained in further detail after acceptance.
Baltimore Shipyard is the primary shipyard used by Deep Space Engineering, and was constructed to service overall DSE operations. Baltimore Shipyard was originally constructed by Deep Space Engineering in 699 A.S., after they moved their headquarters to the planet Pittsburgh. The shipyard is known for its quality manufacturing processes on the construction of numerous vessels, including civilian liners and yachts, and even a number of smaller craft such as the "Chesapeake" class shuttle. Although the shipyard takes construction orders to manufacture civilian vessels to the client's specifications, there is usually a waiting list as priority is given to Deep Space Engineering transports and luxury liners. The Xenos are also reputed to have contacts at Baltimore that supply them with spare parts for small fighters and occasionally bombers, but this is always strenuously denied by DSE executives
Planet Pittsburgh, New York
Planet Pittsburgh is the location of the Deep Space Engineering headquarters. The planet was not considered a good candidate for terraforming and remained sparsely populated until a full-scale mineral survey in 650 AS pinpointed deposits of Boron in the form of borax salts deep within the Corridera Plateau. A mining operation was established on the planet in 660 AS by Deep Space Engineering to exploit these deposits, and it is now the only raw material extraction facility within Liberty space. Pittsburgh is covered by a single vast desert, broken only by large rocky outcroppings that were big enough to escape being swallowed up by the sand. Since the success of DSE's boron mining concerns, there has been an increasing need for miners and other workers. Many refugees that come seeking asylum in Liberty often get redirected to Pittsburgh to find work in the boron mines, and to live in the cities that are slowly sprawling outwards around the mining facilities, and Liberty authorities estimate that Pittsburgh's population will reach the 85 million mark by 820 A.S.
Camrose Supply Depot, Alberta
Camrose Supply Depot serves several roles in Alberta: it functions as a supply depot for the Ageira Technologies production facility located elsewhere in the system, provides support for the scientific teams working on Planet Edmonton, resupplies any security patrols in Alberta, and, finally, it is able to function as a storage depot for any future construction in the system. The facility is scheduled to undergo several upgrades to it's original structure.
Doe Industries Space Port, New York
Doe Industries, a division of Deep Space Engineering, specializes in large scale logistical solutions. D.I.S.P is a collaboration of faith for Liberty between Deep Space Engineering, Interspace Commerce and the Gas Miners Guild to better supply Liberty with essential fuels and supplies for her superfluous economy.
Survey Vessel Armstrong, Coronado
Survey Vessel Armstrong was sold to the Reavers, and is now presumed destroyed or captured.
The first steps - Ancient history
Founded in 51 A.S. with the merging of several major Manhattan construction firms, Deep Space Engineering sprouted into a massive conglomerate aiming to take advantage of the opportunities of space. The contract to build the first Baltimore Shipyards secured the corporation initial success and after completing the shipyards in 58 A.S., DSE began construction colonization ships with the newly developed Ageira drives. Over the next decades, Deep Space Engineering held its position as the primary construction and mining corporation in Liberty. The technology exchanges between the houses spurred an increase in production, leading to rapidly growing consumption of mineral resources in New York. In 128 the massive Dallas research station is completed in Texas; Ageira Technologies and the Liberty military begin work on several secret projects, including jump gate technology. In 145, DSE begins preparing Planet Los Angeles for agriculture by bombarding it with ice asteroids for the purpose of lowering the salinity of the atmosphere. In the following years, further terraforming and cloud seeding is conducted by DSE making Los Angeles the primary food source of Liberty. In 185, the jumpgate project is unveiled to the rest of Sirius. Four years later, DSE finishes construction of the first gates, between New York and Colorado. The mineral abundance of Colorado is thereby made significantly more available, cutting a three month trip to mere minutes. In early third century, most of the Liberty systems are connected by gates and construction is begun in the other houses. As funding becomes an increasingly pressing matter, Deep Space Engineering and Ageira Technologies fund the inception of Interspace Commerce. By the fourth century, New York is depleted of minerals leaving Liberty entirely dependent on Colorado and Texas. The first trade lanes are also built across Liberty by DSE. By the sixth century, Liberty mineral resources are nearly exhausted. Low-yield chemical extraction is put to some use on depleted deposits in Colorado, however Liberty is now dependent on minerals from Rheinland. After the Kusari and Rheinland embargo of Liberty, the ownership of gates and lanes is turned over to their respective houses. DSE still manages all construction of new gates and lanes, however. In 650, significant deposits of Boron were discovered on Pittsburgh. The DSE mining operation was established in 660 and the corporate headquarters were also moved there from Baltimore Shipyard in 698.
The modern era - Two companies combine
While Deep Space Engineering continues to reap profit from gate/lane construction in the ninth century, the corporation has largely stagnated in terms of development. With the emergence of the new Liberty corporation Duchess Industries with by a young and astute leadership, the DSE board saw a potential opportunity. They watched the corporation closely. Lars Johansen entered the freight profession in 814 A.S. with a Universal Shipping contract. With the contract came a Mammoth transport, which he christened The Duchess Blue after his recently-deceased cat, Duchess. The contract also afforded him a lifestyle that suited him well; he settled down and performed above and beyond his contract. He did, however, have significantly higher ambitions, so later that year he took out a loan for a Whale in an attempt to boost his profits. It proved to be a highly worthwhile investment and his contract with Universal was soon upgraded and renewed. At this point, freelance freight contracting became the limitation to his ambitions. Therefore, Lars sold his contract with Universal in 816 and used the profits to start a comparatively small freight business, Duchess Shipping. Within a few short weeks some freelancers took an interest in the company and were soon hired. Three large transports and an escort now made up the company fleet and earnings were soaring. Competition from Universal and other shipping corporations now became a pressing issue. Fortunately, this obstacle coincided with profits reaching a level capable of accommodating Lars's plans.
In early 817 A.S., it was decided to integrate and expand into the mining and construction sectors of Liberty industry. At this point, Deep Space Engineering made their move: Duchess Industries was absorbed into DSE and in return Lars Johansen was given a place on the Controlling Board. This greatly facilitated DSE expansion into the freight industry and reduced dependence on Universal Shipping to supply construction sites. As expected, this set in motion a series of events that led to an invigorated DSE in a new era of expansion and modernization. A convenient venue of this corporate energy presented itself with the arrival of Survey Vessel Armstrong in Coronado. The order was given to closely appraise the IMG presence there and observe their movements in order to determine potential targets for, among other things, mining. Though the most obvious opportunity had already been claimed by IMG on Planet Pecos, Coronado was full of plenty more for the taking.
A new era for Liberty - the great Tremont operation
In the latter part of 817, DSE surveyors discovered Platinum Ore within the rings of the planet Tremont in the Pennsylvania system. There appeared to be massive, nearly limitless quantities contained within the sweeping rings of the planet. DSE quickly brought out some of its rusty mining ships, and within days was constructing more, the beginnings of the Tremont Mining Fleet. More independent contractors soon realised just how profitable this ore could be, and joined DSE in its endeavours to mine the rings of their riches. Pirates were a constant threat, as criminal bases of all sorts could be found within this part of the Pennsylvania system - but DSE managed to cleave its way into massive commerical success with the operations. Soon, a barge - The Radiance - was commissioned to provide a semi-permanent base near Tremont. The hauls were incredible, and DSE was prospering almost unbelievably. Whatever money it made was directed straight back into the mining fleet - more mining ships, more transports, more escorts. Another barge, The Brilliance, was created within the span of a few months by Deep Space Engineering. It was also moved out to the Tremont rings.
Hopes dashed, fears realised - the great crash
But then, disaster struck. The surveyors had been wrong - somehow, they had been incredibly wrong. The platinum within the was not nearly as dense as the surveyors had initially predicted - it came in pockets, true enough. It was hypothesised that the surveyors had somehow only sampled the most dense pockets of platinum. But this did not matter - the facts were plain. DSE was almost completely invested in mining. There was almost nothing left to mine, just platinum dust. The company crashed overnight, leaving the Brilliance and Radiance in the orbit of Tremont, the Brilliance recently crippled by a pirate raid. Another barge, the Incandescence, was left three-quarters completed in the shipyard. Mining ships were abandoned on sight, as were transports and freighters. It was nightmarish, and the company's losses were inconceivable. Trade operations, whatever had been going, died out almost overnight. A few miners stayed around Tremont for a few days after the Great Crash but it soon became apparent that mining operations out in the rings would be futile - whatever platinum dust was left was barely worth salvaging. So it was that platinum ore became rare, a collector's item, something that was indeed truly rare. There was little left that hadn't been processed and alloyed and installed into machinery or ships. DSE's stores of platinum ore - many hundreds of tons - simply lay forgotted within the barges, within the transports moored to them. The ghost fleet of Tremont had riches within it, and riches abundant - but it was forgotten, run by a skeleton crew on the dark side of Tremont. There were no active operations near Tremont, and nobody ever went there any more - not even pirates. DSE had halted overnight, and had never restarted.
The Ouroboros - New year, new hopes, new leadership
On Christmas Day, 817, the worst that could happen did indeed happen. The DSE president - who had been Lars Johansen - disappeared. He had fallen out of contact for days beforehand, and when the vice-president Aliester Brown had gone in person to find Lars, he had vanished entirely. It remains a mystery to this day - Lar's fleet of ships was intact, his Yacht moored at Baltimore, his Mastodon lay within the silvery dust of Tremont. No one could fathom why he had left, or if he had left, or where had had been gone - or been taken to. Aliester suspected foul play, but never voiced his suspicions to anyone. So it was that Aliester Brown became the President of Deep Space Engineering, Incorporated, on Christmas Day, 817 A.S. He inherited a rusted, crashed, desolate company; a fleet of rusting ships, a barge and two half-barges; some small capitol; and a few still-dedicated pilots. Things were bleak, but he was determined to lead DSE to new heights within the first months of 818. As it seemed DSE was not going to get off the ground again for some time, Aliester Brown sold the company for a tidy profit to Jess and John Doe in the last days of 817, a wealthy couple based primarily on Planet Pittsburgh. Jess and John took it upon themselves to start cleaning up the radiation and scrap fields caused by the Texas incident. After spending their entire life savings on obtaining a 'movable refinery' and preparing a fleet able to withstand the radiation, the project, named 'Project Dallas' became the main focus for DSE.
The uprising - The rise of an empire
Once Jess and John Doe had managed to start making a small profit with Project Dallas, they decided it was time to expand their business, hiring more traders and beginning to focus on assisting the Liberty Navy by supplying the front line of war in New Hampshire with Military Vehicles. After the many months spent focusing on these two projects, they began to slow down and the staff began to need less supervision while performing these tasks. This gave Jess and John some more time to decide where to take the company. after weeks of discussions, a second movable refinery was purchased and Saber Nyoki opened the Mining Academy in early 818. It was not long after this Jess and John Doe were invited to be a part of the Liberty Government. Months went by, and everyone was content with how DSE was progressing, except from Jess and John Doe. They believed they could create more, to help Liberty, and their new found family. In the latter part of 818, with the help of a newly hired team of scientists and a new department in DSE, they began to look into alternative fuel sources to try and solve Liberty's H-Fuel crisis.
Drugs and scandal - The Downfall of John Doe
All the stress eventually got to John Doe, and he took up smoking the tobacco he had tried so hard to keep off Planet Pittsburgh due to health problems it was causing. Unfortunately this tobacco was laced with cardimine, but when it was noticed it was too late. John Doe had thought there was a conspiracy against him, and his pride and joy - DSE, this paranoia caused him months of trouble until one day, he could not hide it any more. After attacking some Navy Officers, Jess Doe paid the bail costs and took him to Cirque Lodge - a highly esteemed rehab facility on Planet Los Angeles - to get help. After Jess Doe had dropped him at the lodge, she declared herself Acting president and began working on Public Relations to try and save the company they re-built from the ground up. Jess and John Doe's relationship was stretched to the limit during this time, with the pain caused by John's addiction and the scandals that surrounded the incidents it caused. John Doe was released on the 22nd of November 818, on the condition he continues to go to weekly Cardimine Anonymous meetings, and did not return to presidency until his Doctor had cleared him fit to work. With Kenzo Dijksterhuis, and Saber Nyoki's help, Jess Doe managed to keep the company running smoothly until John Doe's return from a rehabilitation cruise in early 819.
The loss of an icon - The demise of the Armstrong
In December 818, all contact was been lost with the deep space surveyor Armstrong. The last transmissions from the vessel were garbled, and indicated a sizable pirate raider party on approach. The vessel is presumed captured or destroyed by a group of pirates who disliked the Reaver Mercenary company using the vessel as the base for their bounty hunting operations. Despite the efforts to save the Armstrong by both the Reaver Mercenaries and Deep Space Engineering, no one was there in time to save it, several probes are being sent out to try and determine what had happened, but no information was ever returned, and the investigation was eventually closed until new evidence arose. To carry on the trend of bad luck no less then a week after contact was lost with the Armstrong, many staff had to be pulled out of Kansas, and all operations there have been stopped. The Iridium-rich field that was found within the system has been exhausted as far as deep-space mining capabilities allow. Jess Doe spent most of her time desperately trying to re-assign staff to prevent the loss of hundreds of jobs within the company while also trying to prevent an internal economic breakdown. This didn't work out as well as hoped, and DSE started dramatically loosing profit in all areas.
New hopes - The end of the recession
Months had gone by, and John had returned to deep Space Engineering, although did not wish to resume the role of presidency quite yet. Jess and John Doe were beginning to loose hope in ever finding a new project to create jobs and began considering their options to ensure the survival of the company, the only choice they decided they had was to make hundreds of staff redundant to save the company. As a final effort to prevent this from happening, they send out a small team of researchers to survey the last fields they had not yet received information about. The deep space probes sent into a Humboldt orbiting planet Bora Bora determined there was extensive silver and copper deposits, and a team in Alberta noticed a field of asteroids drawn in by one of the outer planets gravity well seems to contain unusually high concentrations of Platinum. This was the saving grace for many staff who were resigned to these systems. As the operations were only beginning to be set up here, and there was realistically not enough jobs for all of the staff. Jess and John Doe began importing Beryllium ore, Platinum ore and Gold ore onto Pittsburgh, for what they thought would be a temporary project, to begin production of components for ships. They found this to be quite successful and decided to extend this and make it a long term operation. After the company began making a profit again, they decided to put the excess credits to good use and opened a rehabilitation centre for rescued salves.
The take over of Interspace Commerce
Deep Space Engineering was contacted by the current leader of Interspace Commerce, James Buckmaster, asking for help. After multiple discussions, Jess and John Doe along with James Buckmaster decided it would be in everyone's best interest if Deep Space Engineering, and Doe industries, take over Interspace Commerce for all intents and purposes until the financial problems had been fixed. The help was greatly welcomed and the loss of their newest station in New London, Malahide, assisted in the staff who were not suspended to take the changes without resistance. Deep Space Engineering's ranking structure was changed slightly at this point, appointing a general manager and allowing Doe Industries 'control' over the company. This did not last long as once Interspace Commerce was back on its feet, as agreed it was handed back across to James Buckmaster. An advisor stayed within the companies HQ to ensure no further problems would arise.
A little bit shady
After Project hope was well established Jess Doe soon found the number of people coming onto Planet Pittsburgh far outnumbered the amount they were able to send off to new jobs and new starts as promised. In early 819, under the guise of 'working people' rather then slaves Jess and John along with the Gas Miners Guild conferred with the Liberty government and was allowed the export of these refugees to work with Gas Miners Guild. This helped even out the numbers of incoming and outgoing people to the planet without raising questions.
Cold Lake Project
After months of planning and preparation, Deep Space Engineering, in collaboration with large organisations in Sirius began construction in Alberta. Looking promising, a large celebration was planned to keep peoples hopes up and try keep the thoughts about the Dallas incident at bay. The construction site fondly referred to as the 'Cold Lake Project' among the staff of Deep Space Engineering became one of the main focal points of the companies operations.
0 A.S: Sleeper ship Liberty arrives in Sirius and begins scanning for suitable places to land. One year later, it lands on Planet Manhattan. In 44 A.S., A relatively new firm, Ageira Technologies, with backing from major interests in the government and military, unveils a breakthrough in materials research that allows the miniaturization of the same drive technology that was used to power the great sleeper ships while increasing both their power and efficiency. Travel between neighboring star systems can be accomplished in a matter of months rather than years.
Founded in 51 A.S. with the merging of several major Manhattan construction firms, Deep Space Engineering sprouted into a massive conglomerate aiming to take advantage of the opportunities of space. The contract to build the Roosevelt Shipyards near Manhattan secured the corporation initial success and after completing the shipyards in 58 A.S., DSE began the construction of colonization ships with the newly developed Ageira drives. The Texas system was charted in 54 A.S., and the California system was explored just six years later. Planet Houston was singled out for its abundance of rare metals - including Boron. Colonization and the establishment of a boron processing facility take place in 65 A.S.
Over the next few decades, Deep Space Engineering held its position as the primary construction and Mining Corporation in Liberty, during which time Colorado was charted in 67 A.S. In 96 the LCC Einstein arrives in Rheinland, finally making real-time communication possible through a series of FTL relay buoys. One of the first pieces of business conducted over the new communications link is a technology swap: Valhalla's improved engine design in exchange for Rheinland's advances in construction. The technology exchanges between the houses spurred an increase in production, leading to rapidly growing consumption of mineral resources in New York.
The Great Texas Flight happens in 84 A.S., because of crop failures and the alkali storms. Colonists leave Houston, and DSE continues its Boron mining operations at reduced capacity.
The Second Century:
Denver is first colonized in 100 A.S., but only by the Liberty elite at first. In 106 A.S., The LCC Edison arrives in Bretonia; shortly thereafter, Valhalla's improved engine systems are exchanged for Bretonian advances in materials technology. The LCC Einstein then arrives in Kusari in 118 A.S., and Liberty reaps the benefits of Kusari technological advances in exchange for the "Liberty engine". The invention of the super strong crystalline polymers and frictionless bearings in 128 A.S. - i.e., the invention of the Docking Ring - revolutionizes space exploration and industry overnight. Ageira licenses the technology to other houses. DSE finishes the construction of the gargantuan Dallas research station in Texas soon thereafter. Ageira Technologies and the Liberty military begin work on several secret projects, including jump gate technology. The first successful test of the Jumpgate occurs from the Dallas in 130 A.S., unknown to the public on Houston. This is around the time when the Alaska system is discovered.
In 142, the first colony is placed on Los Angeles, and DSE begins terraforming the planet for agriculture by bombarding it with ice asteroids for the purpose of lowering the salinity of the ecosystem. In the following years, further terraforming and cloud seeding is conducted by DSE, transforming Los Angeles into the primary food source of Liberty. Universal Shipping is founded in 150 A.S.
In 173 A.S., the infamous Colorado Silver Rush begins, and Universal Shipping gambles with an investment of shipping silver to Los Angeles for terraforming - and is successful, gaining contracts with DSE which consequently push the company to its place as the major shipping power within Liberty by 178 A.S. It signs the landmark deal to transport Gate/Lane parts between Ageira's labs and DSE's constructions sites in 181 A.S.
Just the year before that, the first full-scale Jumpgate was tested in secrecy, linking Texas and Alaska from the Dallas. Finally, in 185, the Jumpgate project is unveiled to the rest of Sirius. Houses clamor for the technology, and Ageira sees massive commercial opportunities in the future - but first, Liberty needs gates.
Four years later, DSE finishes construction of the first gates, between New York and Colorado. The mineral abundance of Colorado is thereby made significantly more available, cutting a three month trip to mere minutes.
The Third Century:
In 202 A.S., the jump gates linking Texas and New York are complete, and the California/New York gates are completed five years later. Due to DSE's efforts with terraforming Los Angeles, and the new gate, it quickly becomes a haven for the elite of Liberty. In 215 A.S., Ageira builds Pueblo Station to mass-produce gate and lane components for sale to other houses. Any Jumpgates are still under Liberty's control at the moment.
Three years later, in 218 A.S., DSE and Ageira jointly form Interspace Commerce, which assists other houses with their finances to that that they can purchase Jumpgates from Ageira and DSE. New York's resources are virtually exhausted, leading to the focusing of DSE mining within Colorado.
In 238, A.S., Ageira relocates its headquarters from Manhattan to Los Angeles. Two years later, Zone 21 is created within the New York system to research military applications of Ageira's research from Valhalla 1. The Liberty Navy constructs the Patton Shipyards within Colorado in 250.
The Tradelane is officially unveiled by Ageira Technologies in 280 A.S. The trade lanes can be built along arbitrary routes through systems and accelerate ships to superluminal velocities. They revolutionize trade and commerce once again.
The Fourth Century:
At the turn of the century, New York is officially exhausted of all space-borne resources. Liberty is now primarily dependent on Colorado for resources, with Texas being the secondary source of raw materials within Liberty. The venerable Roosevelt Shipyard is closed, and DSE begins to plan for the creation of another shipyard elsewhere. A decade later, DSE constructs Edison Shipyard within Colorado. This is presumably to be closer to the center of mining and commerce within Liberty.
By the middle of this century, Liberty is covered in Tradelanes, and DSE/Ageira turn to building the Tradelanes in the other houses - with, of course, the assistance of Interspace Commerce. Sirius finally begins to come together into the cohesive and networked whole that we know it as today.
By 380 A.S., criminal groups begin to come to power, evading the police using newly discovered 'Jumpholes' that allow them to stay out of the police's grasp.
The Fifth Century:
In 420, Ageira stops producing primarily Jumpgate parts and shifts gears to Tradelane part construction, as most gates needed have been constructed by now, and the Houses require Tradelanes between. Sixty years later, in 480 A.S., the silver in Colorado begins to yield less and less. Statistics show that it will be entirely mined out within a decade.
The Sixth Century:
At the turn of the century, the worst happened - the Texas incident. Valhalla Research scientists aboard the Dallas had begun the second phase of testing a new 'Hypergate.' The gate's path, however, was obstructed by an undetected Dark Matter cloud - and when it was activated, the gate backfired and sucked the dark matter through, annihilating the Dallas and expelling massive amounts of Dark Matter and radioactivity into the system. Half the system was uninhabitable, and the Dallas and the Jumpgate remains sunk into the singularity at the edge of the system.
Another blow is struck to Liberty in 521 A.S. - the Kusari/Rheinland Embargo. Both Houses are angered by the high interest rates charged by Interspace Commerce on the loans the houses had to take to create their necessary Jumpgates and Tradelanes. Even after their creation, they were kept under Liberty's control - and such was unacceptable to both houses. They cease paying Interspace Commerce as a protest. Liberty threatens war, but the Houses respond by halting their import of resources into Liberty. Without resources, the house falls on its face as it runs of resources. Two hard and long years later, a miraculous compromise is reached by Interspace Commerce. It is called the Sirius Commerce Pact. All houses take control of the Jumpgates and Tradelanes within their space, but the key components - the Valhalla-derived engineering - remains the sole property of Ageira technologies. Interspace Commerce also forgives all houses their debts - but not really, as they must pay a toll to the company for the next two centuries.
In 528 A.S., a secret shipyard is built within Alaska - which has taken the place of the Dallas - to combat Liberty's reliance on foreign shipyards. Research on Jumpdrives begins there, fueled by the latest information gleaned from Valhalla 1. The LSF is concurrently created, most likely also in response to the embargos.
Interspace Commerce shifts from lending Houses money for construction projects to insuring cargo shipments throughout Sirius as 535 A.S. rolls around. Insurance evolves to become Interspace Commerce's main business, due to the growing threats of piracy.
The Great California Drought occurs in 543 A.S., ostensibly due to miscommunications within DSE about the asteroids used to transfer water to the surface - water-asteroids that were heavily mixed with frozen methane and carbon dioxide were used instead, which led directly to the return of the Los Angeles environment to one very comparable to its pre-terraforming years. Planetside agriculture was destroyed and the elite who had populated Los Angeles move back to Manhattan's more accommodating climate.
In 550, due to rising crime and desperation within Texas due to the fallout of the Texas Incident just a half a century before, the prison ship LPI Huntsville was constructed to handle the prisoners with 'no chance for rehabilitation.'
The landmark year of 558 A.S. represents the turning point of the darkest times of Liberty. Several biotechnicians on Los Angeles had begun experimenting with plants, attempting to find a worthwhile crop that could grow in the harsh environment. After many prior years of research and many dead ends, they reveal a planet that requires 80% less water than other standard plants - but the true beauty of the plant is that, though it is indigestible, myriad enzymes were developed that could break the plant into a digestible form, as well as replicated the taste of many, many different kinds of foods. They founded a company, Synth Foods, Inc., which became a success very literally overnight. Los Angeles stopped losing its population, and people started immigrating there once again.
In 590, Edison Shipyard shuts down. DSE has, by now, outsourced to Kusari and Rheinland shipbuilders. It retains Baltimore Shipyard as its sole shipyard at this time. Many Libertonians go without jobs as the shipyard closes down. Junkers appear three years later.
The Seventh Century:
In the year 600 A.S., the LPI Sugarland was created. Concurrently, a group known as 'The Xenos' appears. They are dedicated to expelling all foreigners from Liberty and reducing its dependence on anything outside its borders. The closing of Edison Shipyard ten years earlier was almost definitely a catalyst for this group's formation. Their philosophy inevitably turns against the corporations of Liberty in part, obviously due to their previous now-lost jobs with them.
In 614 A.S, Detroit Munitions begins operations as a family-owned factor. It begins producing weapons for all sectors of society, quickly becoming the choice of those who quite simply need a good gun. Synth Foods creates the biodome in 620 A.S. It soon becomes a coveted part of a station, and is almost necessary out in the wilds of the Borderworlds and the Edge.
In 650, significant deposits of Boron were discovered on Pittsburgh; while the gate in Sigma-19 was finished. Around 653 A.S., the Hunsville and the Sugarland were both turned over to the LPI do to their skyrocketing costs. LPI put the prisoners to work and turned the prison system into a profit, for better or for worse.
The DSE mining operation on Pittsburgh was established in 660.
A darkmatter storm was scheduled to arrive in the Kepler and Galileo systems in 680, but it never did. Astronomers and researchers are puzzled by the time discrepancies surrounding the dark matter.
In 698, the corporate headquarters were moved to the Pittsburgh from Baltimore Shipyard, where they remain to this day.
The Eighth Century:
700 A.S.: Ageira and Interspace Commerce join forces to create the USI system. By attaching a Universal Ship Identification number to every vessel and piece of cargo, governments can automatically scan for contraband while Interspace Commerce can more accurately assess insurance fees. Ageira selects their facility in Colorado for developing and manufacturing the new scanners.
Thirty-four years later, the elite move from Los Angeles to Denver, due to Ageira's new presence on the planet. The ever-present necessity of rationing water on the planet led them to relocate to somewhat more accommodating locations - which was Denver. They quickly pass laws that prohibit 'dirt industries,' and subsequently crow out the locals who were attempting to make a living on the planet. This friction leads to the growth of the Xeno party, and their conversion of the old Edison Shipyard into Ouray Base, their first permanent residence and base of operations.
In 738 A.S., the first known incident of 'Lane Hacking' occurs. The Lane Hackers arise from disgruntled Ageira Employees, using their knowledge of Ageira's systems (including the USI) to gather information to exploit themselves or sell off to the highest bidding pirate. Cardamine is outlawed 7 years later, but smuggling grows exponentially, destining the drug to become a thorn in Liberty's side.
Cryer Pharmaceuticals is formed in 767 by Scott Cryer. They are a successful, but young, Liberty corporation. Their goals are less well-known than other corporations' goals are, but it appears to be in the line of miracle drugs, including a longevity drug.
The dark matter storm arrives in Kepler in 784, 104 years later than was predicted. Among the major losses in the trade routes between Liberty and Kusari space were two Samura ships and one Universal transport. The storm destroys the old trade lane through the eastern part of Kepler. DSE scrambles to rebuild this vital lifeline.
At the turn of the century, in 500AS, the Texas incident. Valhalla Research scientists aboard the Dallas had begun the second phase of testing a new 'Hyper-gate. ' A new, long-range jump gate. Although the project's goal was unclear, that would have allowed travel beyond the confines of the Sirius Sector and could have potentially opened the entire galaxy for exploration. The gate's path, however, was obstructed by an undetected Dark Matter cloud - and when it was activated, the gate backfired and sucked the dark matter through, causing an explosion with the force of 10 nuclear bombs, annihilating the Dallas and expelling massive amounts of Dark Matter and radioactivity into the system. A quarantine was immediately erected across half the system -- not for security, this time, but for the safety of anyone foolish enough to stray into the dangerous morass. Half the system was uninhabitable, and the Dallas and the Jump gate remains sunk into the singularity at the edge of the Texas. Leaving two massive dark matter clouds (Pequena Negra and Grande Negra, Spanish/Portuguese for Little Black and Large Black, respectively), where scanner function is reduced to zero and where radiation levels are so high they will destroy even the best ships within seconds and are, ironically, the most memorable landmark in the system; and the West Dallas Debris Field, the apparent remains of the malfunctioned Jump Gate. The system was promptly abandoned by the elite clientele, leaving the system remote. Years later, the system was converted into a prison by the government, with planet-side prisons on Houston and orbital prison stations aboard Huntsville and Sugarland. It can be inferred that the Jump Hole to California in the West Dallas Debris Field was a result of the Incident.
Expected Outcomes:
A noted reduction in Radiation in Texas, with the ultimate goal of entire removal of Radiation and Scrap Metal in Texas.
Possible complications:
An increase in Piracy in the area: An escort wing will need to be assigned to this project and active when the barge is deployed. If the escort wing is unavailable, DSE) will require reliable hired security.
Docking rights:
DSE) will need to insure there is a docking/mooring point available to handle a ship of the barges size, although it will be used as a mobile refinery, docking/mooring will be required for repairs.
DSE) will fund and support a new rehabilitation center based on Planet Pittsburgh, primarily to support people rescued from slavery. The United Hope foundation will provide medical examinations and treatment where needed, meals, accommodation, clothing, life support to get the client back into the community, as well as re-connecting the people with their families in both a secure rehabilitation facility and a more independent respite environment. United Hope Foundation Will strive to find jobs to suit every client when they are medically cleared - if that is not possible, DSE) will ensure the client is financially supported on a government benefit before giving the client the option of either going back to their families, or to a new home.
Expected Outcomes:
Relocate and rehabilitate slaves from across Sirius: Provide job training, and assistance in finding accommodation for refugees to start their new lives in Liberty.
Possible Complications:
Slave movement from Pittsburgh: Slavers removing persons from planet Pittsburgh for alternative means of work, records of persons arriving and leaving Pittsburgh will need to be kept.
Over crowding may result from upgrades and expansions while the buildings are being expanded: To be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Rescued persons may not wish to work and stay in temporary accommodation long term causing over crowding: To be dealt with on a case by case basis
Docking rights:
DSE) vessels involved in the project will have access to the new docking facilities on the south side of the planet.
DSE) will fund and upgrade the current refugee centers on planet Pittsburgh to increase capacity and allow for a larger number of refugees to be catered for at once. Deep Space Engineering will provide medical examinations and treatment where needed, meals, accommodation, clothing, life support to get the client back into the community, as well as re-connecting the people with their families in both a secure rehabilitation facility and a more independent respite environment. If a job is not available, or under medical reasons an individual is not able to work, Deep Space Engineering will assist in getting the individual onto a government funded benefit before the individual is given the opportunity to return to their family, or start a new life in Liberty.
Expected Outcomes:
Relocate and re-home refugees from planet Leeds, Leeds: Provide job training, and assistance in finding accommodation for refugees to start their new lives in Liberty.
Possible Complications:
Slave movement from Pittsburgh: Slavers removing persons from planet Pittsburgh for alternative means of work, records of persons arriving and leaving Pittsburgh will need to be kept.
Over crowding may result from upgrades and expansions while the buildings are being expanded: To be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Refugees may not wish to work and stay in temporary accommodation long term causing over crowding: To be dealt with on a case by case basis
Docking rights:
DSE) vessels involved in the project will have access to the new docking facilities on the East side of the planet.
DSE) will construct an experimental supergate and with assorted large corporations within Sirius it will become the largest leap in technology since trade lane construction began. Staff within Deep Space Engineering are dubious and are fearful it will become another 'Dallas Incident', but despite it still being in early stages Jess and John Doe along with the great minds of the engineering and research departments are confident this will not be the case. There is not much information available on this project as it is still considered 'highly classified'
Expected Outcomes:
Successfully allow jumping over multiple systems rather then one at a time
Non-planetary mining is based primarily in Texas, with a heavy focus on the Grande Negra and Pequena Negra dark matter fields. Other than mining, the only other major responsibility of the Mining Department is prospecting. Miners will be transferred into Pennsylvania to begin a new project Deep Space Engineering is organising, to assist new pilots in the transmission into space life.
Logistics:
Some freight routes consist of hauling Gate/Lane Parts to one of the three large construction sites in Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Tau-23. Deep Space Engineering is also a major factor in the relocating of refugees from Planet Leeds, to Planet Pittsburgh after the Kusarian attack. Subsequent legs are dependent on several factors, but all circuits inevitably end in import of materials or components to Liberty. Deep Space Engineering's logistics department is also involved in shipping scrap metal from Texas, as a clean up effort from the 'Texas incident'. We also supply the war fronts with Rheinland with Military Vehicles to Battleship Concord in the New Hampshire system.
Goods such as Cardimine (Liquid and solid states), Synthetic Marijuana, Human Organs, Nomads and Nomad Parts, Slaves (Unless rescued and being bought to the nearest station for release and medical examinations - these should be handed over to lawful military forces if requested.), Counterfeit software, Artifacts, Black Market Munitions, Blood Diamonds, Alcohol while on duty, And Nuclear Devices Should not be carried under any circumstances. Use common sense, if it seems like you shouldn't be carrying that cargo, please check with your team leader, Head of Department, Chief of Departments, or the President/Vice President. Please make sure you are informed of what goods are restricted in each house before carrying any goods not mentioned above.
Engineering and Repair:
Engineers are more or less split into the two major operational areas of gate/lane construction and hip construction. Engineers are also on duty for field repairs.
Research, Exploration and Development:
Scientists working in the research and development department will most commonly be found working on trying to improve the way of life in space today - Whether it be working on new forms of shielding, or an alternate fuel source. The Exploration side of this department is relatively small, consisting mostly of scientists accompanying DSE ships in the field. However, the department also consists of a few scientific vessels each with either specific or broad assignments in deep space. Explorers will be tasked to any of a large variety of postings, including: supporting engineers at construction or maintenance sites, supporting miners in the field, and contract jobs for third parties.
Escort and Security:
The security of DSE assets and personnel is paramount, hence the singular responsibility of this department. Not only are Security ships attached to most departmental wings and field operations, but Security ships can also seen throughout the corporate zone of influence patrolling supply routes and standard operational areas, cleaning out threats.
Other Smaller Offices:
Interspace Commerce Liason
Recently in a stunning partnership between Interspace Commerce and Deep Space Engineering have shown an unparalleled level of teamwork and co-operation helping with this is the liason department helping with this process.
Please note: Not all weaponry and ships are available to all members. Permission to use may be granted if it is seen necessary.
Logistics:
Renzu Corp "Anki" Civilian Freighter:
The heavy Anki freighter, drafted to house extensive communication and electronics packaging beneath thick slabs of plating, was originally designed to prove attractive to deep space contstruction crews operating beyond the range of reliable security. However, it's not unknown for the Zoners to have a few models on sale for otherwise unlawful organizations seeking a freighter with a robust electronic package and overwhelming firepower.
DSE-720 "Camara" Civilian Freighter:
Built by Deep Space Engineering as an answer to moving goods through trouble, the Camara is a wonderful little transport of its own design. The ship has a generous cargo hold, and a rather unique shape for simply slipping through asteroids or whatever else might be in the way.
EL-HiL51 "Mammoth" Liberty Transport:
The Mammoth is a transport built in Liberty for dangerous and lengthy trading missions through the Independent Worlds and the Border Worlds. When pirate activity is on the rise, reinforced hull and advanced power array come in most handy for traders; the Mammoth offers both for a moderate price.
BK-65 "Serenity"-class Transport:
Built in Bretonia, the Serenity is one of the favourite ships for freelancing traders in Sirius. In addition to generous cargo hold, this vessel is well-defended against pirates and has impressive maneuverability for ship of its size.
Series "DL" Border Worlds Transport:
Built to endure and thrive in the harshness of the frontier, the DL series borderworld transport thrives in the corners of space where the safe delivery of essential supplies can spell the difference between life and death. Heavily armed and armored with a generous cargo bay, the commonly sold craft holds a softspot in the hearts of traders of all stripes and affiliations.
"Bison" Class C5 Liberty Transport:
As the largest, and one of few, craft fully rated for atmospheric operations it was not long before a number of domestic commercial ventures were putting in bids for civilian construction and distribution with aims of circumventing reliance upon Ageira technologies in under-developed regions. While extremely difficult to maintain, the vessel's gargantuan hold ensconced within a reinforced space frame, replete with military grade defenses, has rendered it an attractive purchase for corporate entities seeking to outdo the martial capabilities of the Mastodon class.
CT-73 "Stork" Civilian Advanced Train:
Pushing the upper envelopes of contemporary engineering, the grandest configuration of the vulnerable "Train" class vessel plays deft host to a chain of incredible mass, threading the fortunes of companies between asteroids and firefights alike with a finesse not easily believed until seen. While weight must be spread somewhat uneconomically to maintain structural integrity, hence the question additional pods, the relative compact nature of the ship belies the sheer tonnage she hauls.
"Mastodon" Liberty Transport:
A design as ancient as the first days of Liberty's expansion into the stars, the Mastodon was originally designed to house the massive engines that enabled her to make the pre-modern voyage to the adjacent systems of the burgeoning nation. As technology developed to allow for more compact and efficient engine technology the fundamental design of the vessel held fast, increasing her cargo storage and deep space capabilities in kind. Forgoing heavy armaments for heavy armor, the Mastodon is designed to handle the rigors of deep space travel beyond the confines of interplanetary boundaries in Liberty's ongoing efforts to secure the resources needed to ensure her growth and survival.
An old design that has been continuously updated and upgraded, the Surveyor is one of the few ships that still has its roots back in Sol. A large number of these vessels were loaded on each sleeper ship, designed to allow the fledgeling colonies to quickly send out scouts, in order to seek out resources that could be used to make the new colonies prosper. Lightly armed and armored, these craft depend more on agility than endurance to perform their jobs.
SMV-612-C "Scraper" Civilian Medium Miner:
A small mining array and processor in the nose of the craft can pre-refine most minerals, and the robotic claws that provide its nickname can still be employed to latch the vessel to a medium sized asteroid, while either concussion torpedos or a large-scale blaster tears it to pieces. As with the Surveyor, miners have been known to employ their tools defensively, and over the years the upsurge in piracy has prompted mining companies to fit some defensive weapons to their Scrapers.
MEMV-971-AH "Arrastra" Civilian Heavy Miner:
The ship has been upgraded over the years, but the basic framework has remained the same. A generous crew compartment capable of housing five people, adequate regenerative life support systems, and a cargo pod capable of storing up to three months worth of provisions have all been added. Three independent reactors keep the craft's systems powered, and allow for the strongest defensive measures a ship of its size can muster.
DU5-7Y "Hegemon" Asteroid Miner:
The mining corporations and their holding companies built this class of ship to extract ore and other valuable mineral deposits from rock and ice.
Few vessels have seen as much popular and widespread use in Sirius as the CTE-6000. With her ease of maintenance, rugged reliability and near universal supply of readily available parts, the nimble Eagle often finds itself in service as the space superiority fighter of choice for convoy escorts.
XB-2 "Havoc Mk II" Civilian Bomber:
Developed by Ageira with significant BMM participation, the Havoc Mk II is an advanced modification of the first "Havoc", a bomber model that was popular in Liberty and Bretonia about 350 years ago. Mk II version features an advanced power array and increased agility compared to other modern bombers. While Ageira initially planned to sell the new Havoc only to Liberty Navy and Bretonia Armed Forces, company executives soon understood that this ship could make a lot of profit on alternative markets.
CTE-12400 "Condor" Civilian Gunboat:
Designed with a generous power supply and adequate armor, the CTE-12400 Condor is still a rare sight in Sirius. The ship is a new design adapted from an obsolete Zoner model.
Liberty "Defiant"-class Gunboat:
Liberty Gunboats were built in mass numbers for several centuries, however, in the recent decades Navy cut down its production in favour of more powerful Cruisers and more maneuverable fighters of Avenger class.
With the hazards of business, commerce, expansion, and exploration, ships sustain damage. These units are part of the damage control team.
"Hercules" Civilian Base Construction Platform:
The Base Construction Platform contains specialist nano manufacturing and assembly equipment to construct and deploy the core components of a base. To construct a base, polymers, industrial goods, basic and super alloys, optronics, cryocubes and nuclear devices are required. Once the base core is deployed conventional base construction using personnel on board the base can begin.
"Pelican" Civilian Armored Transport:
The Pelican and its predecessors have served the police forces and travel services of Sirius for centuries, safely ferrying prisoners and tourists to their destination and capable of turning would-be raiders into an impressive fireworks display. Modern Pelicans are built in a wide variety of configurations ranging from prisoner transports and raw material haulers to exploration vessels and luxury yachts.
The Corvo was crafted to meet the needs of a relatively economic deep space faring vessel, designed to voyage under conventional drives to remote stars to see what might be seen. With an emphasis on interior comfort and reliability, these vessels are designed to sustain themselves for decades.
XDS-2 "Voyager" Deep Space Freighter:
The Voyager Freighter is the latest ship in a long generation of small craft designed by an independent Bretonian workshop. In the face of corporate manufacturing giants, the designers found success in offering a flexible, affordable ship with capacity for various auxiliary systems.
The ship can often be found performing planetary surveys, stellar exploration, and assisting in mining operations.
E78-12 "Spatial" Civilian Deep Space Explorer:
Capable of sustained flight beyond a system's heliosphere to adjacent systems, the spatial possess he cold sleep and life support systems to maintain up to five persons for years of sustained voyaging. Armed with six long burn Ageira engines, any of which are capable of powering the craft independantly, in addition to internal access to critical ship systems.
When men and philosophers first dreamed, they dreamed of the stars. To visit their gods residing with the heavenly kingdoms they had fashioned from their imaginations. Once that had been taken care of, they needed something of equal grandeur upon which to focus their fevered imaginations. Now when men dream, they dream of the Democritus, of pools laid beneath the stars, of bar service, of Zeus's chariot with their name on the deed, of Aphrodite admiring the trim, while Eris charts the party's course.
L-584 "Enterprise" Luxury Liner:
The Luxury Liner was initially designed for Orbital Spa and Cruise by the renowned ship architect, Peter Englund, a designer employed by White Spa Lines, a subsidiary arm of Orbital Spa and Cruise itself.
Orbital Spa and Cruise ordered several of the vessels, the most notable of which are the tourist liners Hawaii and Shetland, although there are known to be several others. With all the latest in holographic entertainment and artificial persons, as well as utilizing the latest in VI technology, the liners are the pinnacle of luxurious ship design and architecture, allowing OSC VIPs and dignitaries to travel in style.
"Bustard" Civilian Light Carrier:
Designed and manufactured to serve in dark corners of space where the closest friendly base is but a memory; the Bustard is a mobile retreat point intended for snubcraft operating away from friendly installations.
The Bustard was designed with the intention of avoiding the sheer cost and quantity of resources manufacturing and maintaining a military carrier requires, and so, sacrificing combat capabilities of a warship, its design leans toward availability and ease of maintenance, and so becomes a practical choice of carrier for smaller groups lacking the means of maintaining an actual warship.
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