Message to: IMG
Comm ID: Brigadegeneral Kaspar Meisnerr, RHA Oberkommando
Location: Vogtland, Dresden
Greetings, brothers in arms.
I am writing to you to confirm that the conflict in Omega-7 is going well. The Rheinland Military has yet to enforce their claim on the system, and we will continue pushing them out with great effect - of that I have no doubt.
But, and I am sad to say this, not everything is as perfect as it should be. For example just today we have been attacked once again by the notoriously hostile Zephyr captain, Heartbreak_Ridge[D]. Every time we run across him he claims ignorance to our cause, insults us. Once he even defended Daumann, the same Daumann that conducted a bombing run on Freistadt last week. And just today he decided to engage us in Omega-7 for reasons unknown.
I believe it is high time to inform Sirius on what is happening in Omega-7. You, as those who are defended by us, should make it clear that it is us, the Red Hessians, who are holding back the Military advance on Freistadt. Who are foiling Daumann terrorist attacks on your forces and stations in Omega-7. We are your closest allies in the Omega systems, and all we ask for is to be given legitimacy.
Declare us as your allies in arms. Show Sirius that our movement is legitimate, and that we are a true free miners movement. The Red Hessians need this to get an equal footing with the Rheinland Nationalpartei politically, to provide an effective alternative that could grind down the present oppressive imperialist government in Rheinland and replace it with a government for the people. One that would not make its greatest mission to destroy the independent miners in the Omega systems, but instead would strive to work with them for the betterment of all.
With your help we can become like the Council is in Gallia: a mass political movement that can challenge the might of an entire house for a good cause. Is it so much to ask for that you paint us in a different light from that of the Rheinland propaganda machine?
**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders, Independent Miners Guild
To: RHA Oberkommando
Subject: Omega 7 situation
Encryption: High
Gentlemen. Given your intervention on our behalf, I could not agree more. Were it to me I'd pledge said support today. But this is not something one man may do on behalf of the Guild. Still, I will prepare a message and present it to the Guild - if the majority agrees, you will see something going siriuswide within a few days.
As for the carrier Heartbreak.Ridge, that is rather unexpected. This carrier's last known location was the Tau systems... I suspect it is not fully aware of the situation in the Omegas. We'll try and straighten this out ASAP, but given this vessel is not under core guild command, I cannot vouch for it's actions. Heck, it may be this is some breakaway force (much like the Rot Front) that has sided with the Rheinland Military. Being decentralised has it's disadvantages in keeping tabs on all assets...
We've tried to get some supplies to Vogtland and Ronneburg, mainly engine components. We had scheduled 4 deliveries but only half made it through. Rheinland's core systems are too tightly patrolled for a transport to slip through - and your strikecraft are better tasked to do what they do best at present. I'm going to try and route the next shipment through Omicron Theta. Not much of a tradeoff safety wise but I don't see another way to reach your bases from Kusari. I'm open to alternate suggestions.
Regards,
- Johnathan Sanders, on behalf of the Independent Miners Guild
Ps. Given the current situation the Council is in, I highly doubt you'd wish yourselves to be in their shoes. Yes, they have considerable sway among the civilians of Gallia from what reports we have on them - but militarily they are on the ropes, having lost a good portion of their forces to the task of reestablishing contact with Sirius.
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Message to: IMG
Comm ID: Brigadegeneral Kaspar Meisnerr, RHA Oberkommando
Location: Vogtland, Dresden
We will await your answer regarding the public appeal with anticipation.
As to your transports having trouble reaching our bases: there are more than a few shortcuts in Rheinland that you can use to your advantage. Frankfurt for example is only lightly patrolled these days. If you can make it to sector D7 within that system, that is where you will find a jump hole that will take your ships straight to Dresden. The Military patrols in Dresden will have a hard time catching you with the nebula cover that the system provides, never mind our own forces. This is only one way, but one that won't need a significant route diversion. Failing that, Omicron Theta is the other way though it is easier to outrun a Corsair that isn't expecting you than a Military that is.
Also, if you have further information on the Council's struggle in Gallia, it would be a valuable commodity to us. At the moment we only know as much as the Junkers are willing to tell us. Perhaps something can be learned from their tactics against their own oppressors.
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[font=Fixedsys]
This is Jack Henderson, Dublin IMG Operations Coordinator.
I just wanted to let you know that the Commander of the Zephyr Class Heartbreak Ridge returned to the Taus after a conversation in which the rather complex situation in the Omegas was explained. He regrets to have caused trouble and decided that the Taus are a better, and more clear-cut theatre of operation in which at least the enemy is clear.
I can explain the blue-in-blue incidents with a wrong interpretation of the Hessian Zephyr vessels. They were tought of as stolen ones and thus they were attacked. Also the Heartbreak Ridge has been operating with mining vessels that are neutral in the Taus (like in yesterday's incident) and he was not aware that different political situations in the Omegas would not make that a wise decision.
As I am told, no great harm was done. The immobilized ship was towed to Aland where the engines were replaced. After 8 hours the ship could start its travel to the Taus.
I do not expect any more incidents of this kind.
Jack Henderson
[font=Fixedsys][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***
Message to: IMG
Comm ID: Brigadegeneral Kaspar Meisnerr, RHA Oberkommando
Location: Vogtland, Dresden
Herr Henderson,
Danke schon for your swift answer. Should the vessel in question ever be required in the Omega systems again, we are ready to reconcile with the captain and forget his past misconceptions - and if he so wishes: offer him our repair facilities on one of our stations to make up for the damage caused. In the end nobody was hurt and that is what matters.
For now we will continue waiting for your answer regarding the public message. Myself and all my kameraden hope very much that the result of the discussions will be favourable to all.
All I am going to say to this is their are two sides to every story and is this:
I politely asked for RF & RHA to not attack the [Convoy] trader fleet and was told to butt out and mind my own business....
Our fight is with the RM regime not innocent traders trying to make a living especially after recent Gateway concerns. I am here to support fighters and assist in keeping trade lanes open not to kill traders or my friends of [Convoy]...
Whilst I was very patient, I was was SNAC'ed by a few careless RF fire a few times and only then did I interceed to try stop the fight...I failed badly I guess!
While I used limited force initially to diswade rather than kill, as soon as I was made the key target I was 60% down and then went all in with total commitment as I was given no choice....
Finally I am not going to attack [Convoy], my friends under any circumstances and that's final even if I am commanded to by anyone!
I am dismayed that RF diplomacy in the field and its unnecessary for certain RF members to posture ownership of Omega across the system and its ore fields, especially when it is not necessary true (Agreed it does not belong to RM but multiple factions, not just Hessians)....
I came from Tau23 to assist the region to repell boarder only against RM, but I see this feud has got out of hand and is now getting pointless. When the key aim is misdirected i.e. kill RM military machine.... While I agree RF and RHA are doing well against RM, I draw the line at traders and I will not be a party to Murder!.....
Anyway I'm leaving the Omega Region for my home to defends against our real adversary I know well, "The Outcasts" and going where I am wanted/more needed and now could not care less about Omega.
I have already reported this to Bridget O'Shaunessey who was online at the time and she was present. If I have let the IMG side down then I appologise... However being killed by IMG Technology in the hand of Hessian rebels is the biggest insult of all!! My views are well known and I am annoyed at IMG's foolish decision to let Hessians use our technology since theirs is far better.... You don't see IMG using Hessian technology do you?
I've said my piece, I pull no punches, however excuse my directness as thats my way so i'm done...
Regards
Ravenolle
Commander of the Heartbreak_Ridge[d]
*** Transmission Ends ***
WHS LTD. (Wild Horse Services)
W.Commander Ravenolle De Rameriez
Merchant Navy Capital Ship Leader(Armour/Supplies/Shipping Co.)
Commander (1st Class) Avalon De Rameriez
Merchant Navy Supply Director(Armour/Supplies/Shipping Co.)
Message to: IMG
Comm ID: Brigadegeneral Kaspar Meisnerr, RHA Oberkommando
Location: Vogtland, Dresden
Dear Kameraden.
In case the decision has not yet been made, I want to highlight the urgency of it. The Military war machine is striking back, and we will need the political assistance. If you are not yet convinced as to the intentions of the fascist Rheinland government, their most recent slanders are quite enlightening. Have a read from an excerpt from their propaganda network:
Quote:(Excerpt from RheinNeuralNet transmission - link)
Yes we know them.
Now with Bretonia in a crisis which will be very difficult to get out, they move against our beloved home. It is clear these IMG dogs are an anarchist movement, allying themselves against all lawful entities! They are parasites, letting others do their dirty work while they laugh in the shadows! At last, they have been shown for what they truly are! Now exposed, now in the open with none of their puppets to protect them from their own deeds, they strike out openly at Rheinland! They believe that fighting in the dust of Omega-7 and hiding behind our own misguided Rheinlanders will give them victory.
It is clear that what they want is total war. They have already begun their attempts to turn every citizen of Rheinland against the IMG, to mislead the public into aimless hate against the independent miners. I have absolutely no doubts they will attempt to paint you as war criminals in the disinformation that the mainstream media in the Vaterland spreads, and then divert further reinforcements to Omega-7 so that they can "save the day" and paint themselves as the benevolent liberators while they clamp down on your liberties and claim the system in its entirety.
Action is needed, meine freunden. This is no longer just about the resources, it's about free men standing against the choking squeeze of imperialism. It is time for all of us to stand together.
Message to: IMG
Comm ID: Brigadegeneral Kaspar Meisnerr, RHA Oberkommando
Location: Vogtland, Dresden
Dear Kameraden.
Are we not worthy of a response even? The battle of Omega-7 concluded with our victory, Rheinland has no mandate to operate there any more. The reinforcement of Freistadt was successful, and now is our time to push the corporates out. You've seen first hand on many occasions that there can be no cooperation! Declare us your allies and let us help you make Omega-7 truly independent. Now is our time, we can push through this together and show Sirius that the IMG is not just some push over organisation. That it has allies and that it stands with those allies in their time of need, just as their allies stand with them.
For all the blood spilled all we ask for is legitimacy. Is it really so much to ask?
**** SENDER: [color=#FFCC99]Samuel Degenhardt, IMG| Director of Trade ****
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As Mr. Sanders has dealt with all Red Hessian Army diplomacy before, I am hesitant to get into this now, but I feel I should do so now.
I just want to explain the delay of an answer, that is - I agree - long overdue.
We found out that the IMG is under intensive scrutiny not only by Rheinland intelligence services but also by other services that would love to see IMG damaged. So we had to make sure to close the leaks in our own ranks and tighten up security and communication.
Secondly, and I will be very direct and honest about this: The IMG leadership and also their complete Guildmembers have very different views of the relations with the Red Hessian Army. While some would embrace the tought of an open alliance against Rheinland, others are fiercely opposing it.
I hope you can understand that we cannot risk splitting the Guild or not even risk not having them all support the current cause. So we didn't press the issue and didn't force a solution at a time when unity was the key to survival.
I ask you to have a look at our position:
While the Red Hessian Army won many of its fights by their superior local knowledge of the Omegas and by being a highly-trained combat force, the IMG could not claim military victories. Looking at the numbers, we lost a lot of fighting, mining and transport ships in the conflict against an enemy that was by far superior in equipment, training and supply logistics.
After the escalation of the last two days, I saw a chance to start negotiations with Rheinland about a cease fire from a favourable position. And I did exactly that. The results are still pending. I decided to do it because I think it is the best for the Guild.
This is my personal opinion, and I will have to follow it through because I am responsible for all trade agreements of the IMG. Mr. Sanders may be of another opinion, and I respect his opinion completely, and I am also sure Mr. Starwind again has his own.
I predict that if we publicly embrace the Hessian cause, Bretonia will declare us their enemies. The IMG would lose Hood and Cardiff operations and trade routes, and thus more than one third of their access to important resources. Likely, Aland in Omega 3 would be cut off from the Taus, if not seized by either Rheinland or Bretonia.
In addition to that, the Rheinland embargo would have to be upheld, even tightened, so consequently our Tau-Operations would remain paralyzed for years. That's the second column of our ore business that would collaps under the strain of conflict.
With constant fighting in Omega 7 and our very exposed and vulnerable position in Freistadt, we would also lose the last column. Our own operations have shown how easy it is to disrupt economic processes in the mining industry. Our mining in Omega 7 ceased completely after Rheinwehr announced their anti-economy actions. We were able to deal significant damage to Rheinland mining efforts even by using non-lethal means. We would lose the Omega 7 resources for years, I am convinced.
Losing all three important mining systems and being under embargo by two Houses would effectively be the end of the Independent Mining Guild. House Corporations would rally to pick up what is left of the IMG and you would likely suffer from their expansion of influence and power.
You will hopefully understand that it is impossible for me to steer the Guild a way that leads to its almost certain destruction, at least in my point f view.
On the contrary, I am no fool. I know that we were able to stand our ground because Red Hessian Army and Red Hessians in general supported our fight. And I am painfully aware that the Guild owes you a lot. But I cannot give you what you would like to have most, and I will cast my vote against announcing an alliance openly, due to the reasons I stated.
I encourage you to name anything we can do to repay you for what you have done in the conflict.
signed: Samuel Degenhardt
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Incoming Transmission
Comm ID: David Grigori, ICMG Director of Commerce
Subject: What a mess...
Guten tag, Oberkommando. This is David Grigori of the Independent Communist Miners' Guild. We've had dealings before, and our relations are such that our pilots address each other in friendly terms whilst in space ― but of course, you already know all this.
The matter you've brought to the Guild as a whole is a gravely serious one, indeed, and one that requires much consideration. Mr. Degenhardt raises many good points, and as much as the ICMG is inclined to oblige fully with the Army's request, after all that you have done for us, including presumably taking in those of our comrades that made selfless decisions to rescue your men from Kruger vessels that would certainly have taken them to their deaths at the hands of the Rheinland oppressors, we find ourselves in the same situation as the rest of the Guild does.
We are a small, and admittedly fragile organization, and our internal economy is barely managing to stay afloat ― our only sources of income are the low-yield fields in Cambridge, and the fields of Omega-7, which are incredibly risky to mine in, given the current state of the Omegas at present, and the distances required to transport the silver ore to Kusari without the ability to traverse the Rheinland systems.
I'll be discussing this with the other Directors, as well as the most trusted members of the ICMG, but until we reach a consensus, as much as it pains me to say this to you, truly our closest friends in the Omegas, and, short of the Colonials and the rest of the Guild, perhaps all of Sirius... what's in it for us?