Battleship Bayern

Battleship Bayern

File:Rh08 01 base.png

Owner

Rheinland Military

Location

F-4, New Berlin

CLASS: Bayern

CREW: CLASSIFIED

ARMAMENT: CLASSIFIED

The Battleship Bayern was deployed in 823 AS, and is the newest battleship in the Rheinland fleet. Constructed to replace losses during the Hudson War, it incorporated many design refinements based on Rheinland’s experiences, including long-range cruise capability, and enhanced damage control systems. The Bayern was briefly deployed to Thuringia, where it worked closely with the MND to combat Wild raiders. When tensions with the Gas Miner’s Guild escalated to open conflict in 825 AS, the Bayern was placed at the head of an expeditionary fleet and dispatched through open space to the contested territory of Sigma-21. Upon detecting the construction of Ibusuki Survey Platform, the Bayern was controversially ordered to evict the joint Kishiro-GMG project by force.

Ibusuki was destroyed shortly after, killing all aboard. Rheinland has long objected that it was not actually responsible for the incident, however Kusari was not persuaded and joined the war alongside the Guild. The Bayern saw extensive combat in the resulting Saigon War, pushing all the way to Honshu before peace terms were negotiated in 826 AS. After this, the Bayern was returned to Thuringia to resume the officer training role vacated by the Kolleda. When a Military coup toppled the Federal Government, Schatten Shipyard came under attack by the Battleship Koblenz. The Bayern’s crew determined that their loyalty lay with the Republic and launched an immediate counter-attack, destroying the Imperial battleship. This victory rallied the scattered Federalist forces to Thuringia at a time when many had assumed the putsch to be a fait accompli.

The rest of the Bayern’s Civil War service focused on Frankfurt, while attempting to force the Kolleda into a decisive battle. It played a key part in the Federalist Summer Offensive of 828 AS, losing much of its supporting fleet in the process. During the Imperial assault on Thuringia later that year, the Bayern formed the center of the Federalist lines. It eventually joined the Thuringian Mutiny after several Imperial crews arrested their commanders in a bid to force peace negotiations to take place. In the bitter aftermath of the Holstein Accords, the Bayern was assigned to New Berlin, where it has taken on counter-terrorism and smuggling suppression duties.

Bribes & Missions Offered

Bribes

MND ALG Waste Disposal Bundschuh

Missions

Rheinland Military

Commodities

Imports

Commodity Price Ablative Armor Plating 25$ Medical Equipment 45$ Light Arms 87$ Oxygen 20$ Water 20$ Food Rations 48$ H-Fuel 103$ MOX 23$ Pharmaceuticals 33$ Hull Panels 47$ Consumer Goods 32$ Engine Components 43$ Synth Paste 15$ Marines 719$ Munitions 48$ Xenobiotic Filters 31$ HazMat Canisters 22$ Passengers (Rheinland) 206$ Xeno Relics 221$

Exports

Commodity Price Deployable Mining Container 50,000$ Toxic Waste 9$ Criminals 491$ Crew 389$

Ships sold

Ship	Class	Price
Revenant	Bomber	53,362$
Valkyrie	Very Heavy Fighter	23,979$
Disir	Very Heavy Fighter	27,979$

News

[834 AS] Historic trade deal secured with Gallia

NEW BERLIN -- 834 -- Following the Emperor’s state visit to Gallia, negotiators have finalized the Treaty of Oerlikon. This historic agreement boosts trade between the two Houses, while formalizing joint security standards in the dangerous Alsace Passage. Gallia is expected to be a major customer for Rheinland’s minerals, manufactured equipment and alloys, after negotiators exploited humiliating Gallic security lapses during the state visit to obtain enhanced market access as compensation. Rheinland citizens are already anticipating the novelty of Gallic foodstuffs, as well as cultural and luxury items. The Trade Ministry has celebrated a sharp drop in Food prices across Rheinland as a victory for the average citizen.

[834 AS] Catastrophe on Planet Hamburg!

ROTHERBAUM CITY -- 834 -- A massive explosion has rocked Rotherbaum City, annihilating Hamburg University’s physics campus and plunging the northern hemisphere into darkness. Government authorities reacted immediately by deploying the Rheinland Military to the region to coordinate emergency relief; government officials have also confirmed that the MND have taken charge of the federal investigation into the incident. Initial reports have confirmed that the highly sensitive Optronic components used to regulate power networks were destroyed by a large pulse of energy. Kishiro Technologies has reportedly ramped up production in anticipation of increased orders. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

[833 AS] Kolleda Returns to Service?

ODER SHIPYARD -- 833 -- For the past year, Daumann crews have carried out the arduous task of disassembling the Battleship Kolleda. The decision to decommission the veteran battleship as a cost saving measure was deeply controversial, sparking numerous protests by ex-servicemen outside the Reichstag. This prompted frequent project stops while objections or political interventions were considered. Last week, a squadron of Heavy Lifter tugs pulled the Battleship from its moorings and escorted it into Frankfurt. While the Ministry of Defence has not offered any comment on the situation, it appears the Kolleda may have been offered a second lease on life.

[834 AS] State visit assassination provokes fury

NEW PARIS -- 834 -- Rheinland's Minister of Trade has been critically injured after his diplomatic liner was destroyed by Maquis terrorists in New Paris orbit. The assassination attempt has provoked fury among the Rhienland delegation, after allegations were raised that New Paris' planetary defense grid had supposedly been disabled for maintenance minutes before. Several hundred are believed to have been killed in the treacherous attack, including many of Rheinland's specialist trade deal negotiators. Reichstag representatives have furiously accused Gallic officials of leaking the convoy's details in advance. The Emperor was unharmed, and successfully descended to New Paris to meet with the Grand Marshall for his state visit.

[833 AS] Pausbeck's Day Tour Ruffles Feathers

MULEHEIM CITY -- 833 -- A sullen-looking Emperor Frederick has undertaken a tour of Muleheim City to commemorate Pausbeck’s Day. On being asked if he would be doing anything foolish to celebrate his ancestor's folly, the Emperor launched into a meandering tirade that called for the holiday to be banned, decrying it as an affront to his office’s dignity. Speaking to the press later that day, Admiral Scholz clarified that this was a Pausbeck’s Day joke, and the assembled reporters had clearly committed their foolish act for the day by taking the satirical comments at face value.

[832 AS] Armistice Collapses Over Admiral Assassination

NEW BERLIN - 832 - The armistice with the Bundschuh has dramatically collapsed, following the assassination of Admiral Ranulf Schmid. Admiral Schmid was the former commander of the Battleship Strausberg, who had been hailed as a hero for the decisive blow dealt to the Red Hessians during the recent Dresden Campaign. Schmid was killed when a bomb detonated inside his personal shuttle - Bundschuh terrorists claimed responsibility. After a spate of attacks against Military targets, the Reichstag passed legislation banning the organization. Government officials have reiterated that the Holstein Accords remain strong, despite armistices with both the Bundschuh and Unioners having failed.

[831 AS/747 AGS] Gate Corps Clash Over 'Blackout'!

ABBEVILLE -- 831 AS/747 AGS -- EFL's 'Resilience Taskforce' today reported its findings on The Blackout, claiming to have gathered forensic evidence that proved the cause as Ageira negligence. A spokesperson claimed that the destruction of the Dublin jump gate by Molly separatists had created a hyperspace feedback loop that was propagated and amplified through the Ageira gate network. Ageira disputed this finding in their own press release, calling EFL 'fantasists' and countering that their own scientists had narrowed the cause to a rare 'hypernova' stellar event that originated outside the Sirius sector. Both corporations claim that network-wide hardware safeguards have been implemented that would prevent a similar occurrence in the future. Independent researchers have sharply criticized the corporate announcements, accusing both of self-interested misdirection. Professor Sophia Nagel from Heisenberg Research Station called EFL's accusation 'incoherent' and the hypernova explanation 'nonsense' that did not explain the characteristics of the 'Blackout Pulse'. Despite multiple different Pulse recordings being widely disseminated across the neural net, public efforts have so far failed to triangulate its source.

[831 AS/747 AGS] 'Blackout' Causes Jump Network Fail

MANHATTAN -- 831 AS/747 AGS -- Two days ago Jump Gates failed simultaneously across Sirius, freezing commerce and neural net access across the sector. When the network resumed 31 hours later, restored communications broke the news of Bretonia's loss of the Dublin system. This twin shock has plunged the market into chaos, prompting fears of sector-wide economic recessions. Interspace estimates indicate that the stoppage alone caused billions of credits in losses. Gallia immediately accused Liberty of culpability for the outage, claiming the destruction of Dublin's jump gate instigated a cascading failure in faulty Ageira infrastructure. Ageira has sharply refuted the allegation, claiming such a systemic effect would be physically impossible. Independent researchers in Cologne and the Edge Worlds have also announced that a hyperspace pulse of unprecedented strength was detected moments before The Blackout, with data about 'The Pulse' being widely shared across the neural net in recent days. House authorities have remained tight lipped, refusing to comment on their own observatories' data.

[830 AS] Bessemer Struck by Corsair Raiders!

MAINZ -- 830 AS -- An Ageira Technologies research vessel, the ATS Bessemer, has come under a Corsair attack during its final venture through the Munich Jump Gate. The Bessemer, dispatched on a joint expedition by Ageira and the University of Berlin, was en route from the Raubling junction to the Frankfurt gate when it was waylaid by Corsair raiders on the edge of the Schwarzwald cloud. The RPU Dohna, a police gunboat tasked with overseeing the gate during the expedition, was quick to respond, but not before the raiders dealt significant damage to the unprepared civilian vessel. Anonymous sources report that as many as five Ageira employees lost their lives in the attack. The incident came as a shock to the public and the law enforcement alike, as pirate activity was believed to have completely died out in the desolate Munich system. The frequency of strikes, from both Corsairs and domestic pirates, have steadily declined ever since the antimatter storm first ravaged the system. While the chaotic evacuation efforts from Nuremberg had initially caused a spike, as the system's population decayed to just skeleton crews and Junker scavengers, the criminal element became nearly absent. Some theorize that the Corsairs were there for the Bessemer specifically, intending for one last taunt at Rheinland's people. Thankfully, the Dohna and her crew were there to thwart their efforts. The ATS Bessemer was dispatched into the Munich system in order to deploy a network of specially reinforced satellites, meant to monitor the advent of the antimatter storm's core. According to the University of Berlin, the core will wash over Munich around the end of this month, stripping away planetary atmospheres and most likely collapsing all remaining jumphole anomalies. The probes deployed by the Bessemer will provide the scientific community with first-hand data of the storm and its effects, transmitting it back to Berlin through a central relay nested within the safety of Raubling's hulk. With the task complete, the Bessemer was meant to be the final ship to make the jump from Munich, with the Jump Gate being shut down later the same day. However, due to the damage sustained in the attack, the RPU Dohna did the honours instead, covering the Bessemer's departure to ensure its safe return.

[828 AS] Farmer’s Alliance in Rheinland?

STUTTGART -- 828 AS -- It is believed the terrorist LWB organization collapsed due to infighting 4 years ago, granting the Stuttgart system a period of relative calm. As Rheinland now embraces a hard-won peace following the Civil War, it appears these malcontents have taken up arms once more. The traditionally Kusari-based Farmer’s Alliance yesterday destroyed the Synth Transport Abundance as it approached Stuttgart’s New Berlin Jump Gate. Stuttgart system governor Duke von Schmidt condemned the attack, calling the radicals to lay down their arms and respect the political process. RFP sources speculate the Alliance may have absorbed LWB veterans to expand their operations into Rheinland.

[828 AS] Cologne Aftermath

COLOGNE – 828 AS – The siege of Planet Saarbrucken proved that the reunited might of Rheinland is a force to be reckoned with; the Hessians have largely vacated the system. In preparation for the assault, the miners turned pirate had weaponized the nearby Tholey Station to slow down the advance of the military. In order to bring a swift end to the fighting with minimal casualties the commanding officer ordered the station be neutralized rather than boarded, resulting in its destruction. Despite the success of the Military, it seems the Hessians flagship; Battleship Kassel, has managed to escape virtually unscathed. Rumors on Heisenberg Research Station speak of Hessian prisoners taken by Corsairs and Unioners alike. It's no secret there is a lot of bad blood between these groups and the Hessians and this reporter shudders to think of what fate awaits those poor deluded criminals.

[828 AS] Hessians Flee Under Rheinlands Might!

COLOGNE – 828 AS – Under pressure from both the emperor and elected officials for a quick and decisive resolution to the ongoing Cologne crisis, the Rheinland Ministerium of Defence ordered the Altenburg battlegroup to advance onto the Red Hessian position at Planet Saarbrucken. The Red Hessians recently received additional reinforcements as it became clear the former miners planned to dig-in and would need to be uprooted from their position. The Siege of Saarbrucken is currently underway and it has been reported that the Red Hessians have begun evacuating from the area. It is speculated however that the Red Hessians intend to make the Rheinland military suffer for every meter they take. The Rheinland Military has offered a reward for any Red Hessians that are caught fleeing from the siege. The military has also advised caution as they have reported several other pirate groups in the area, with some claiming these groups are striking out at the Hessians. This reporter cannot help but think this situation goes to show, that there is no honour among thieves.

[826 AS] Supply lines collapse in Sigma-21

SAIGON -- 826 -- The GMG and Kusari Office of Intelligence have launched a major counter-offensive in Sigma-21 aimed at crippling the Rheinland Military's logistics. Kusari and their auxiliaries have been consistently defeated by well-drilled Rheinland formations, suffering heavy casualties in these fleet confrontations. As a result, the KNF and GMG have dramatically shifted strategy in recent months to avoid committing to battle, now adopting a cowardly doctrine of targeting civilian transports. It is believed that forward elements of the fleet fighting in Honshu have already run out of many essential munitions and medical supplies, calling into question how much longer the operation can be sustained.

[826 AS] Rheinland forces breach Honshu

HONSHU -- 826 -- The Rheinland Military has successfully routed the Kusari Naval Forces from Sigma-21, pursuing them through a previously hidden Jump Hole into Honshu itself. The Battleship Westfalen is believed to have led the fleet forward, and is now working to sever Kusari access to the Sigma cluster. Despite this, the forward deployment is placing exceptional stress on Rheinland supply lines. Less than 45% of fleet resupply tenders have been able to cross Sigma-21 without incurring significant damage from GMG or KOI pirates, requiring heavy escort. Chancellor Neumann has demanded Kusari disengage its forces and discuss terms of surrender, which the House has vehemently refused.

[825 AS] Bochum Refinery destroyed!

Bochum -- 825 -- The Kruger-operated Bochum Refinery in Sigma-15 has been destroyed in a nuclear blast. Initial search and rescue efforts indicate that there were no survivors, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The Rheinland Military has accused the Kusari Office of Intelligence for the terrorist strike, claiming the explosive device was smuggled onto the station aboard a captured Rheinland gunboat. Chancellor Neumann has vowed to seek justice for this appalling war crime, which has outraged Rheinland. Bochum was completed earlier this year and had served as a metals processor, as well as a front line H-Fuel refinery for the Rheinland Military.

[825 AS] Rheinland fleet deploys to the Sigmas

SIGMA-21 -- 825 -- Rheinland has mobilized its fleets in an overwhelming show of force, pushing forward into Sigma-21. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the Bayern, Kolleda, Strausberg and Westfalen fleets have inflicted a decisive early blow against the Gas Miners Guild and Kusari Naval Forces. It is speculated that Kusari did not anticipate the speed with which Rheinland would respond to the escalating hostilities, raising the possibility that Rheinland is utilizing the Jump Hole network to quickly shuttle supplies and reinforcements to the front. Marines from the Battleship Kolleda have formally raised the Rheinland banner over Planet Saigon's northern pole; Chancellor Neumann praised the Military's efforts in securing a future home for those displaced by the Munich Disaster. The KNF are believed to be rallying their forces for an imminent counter-attack.

[825 AS] Kusari declares war on Rheinland

SAIGON -- 825 -- In a solemn speech, Chancellor Neumann has condemned Kusari's declaration of war as ""a misguided day of sadness for both our Houses"". Kusari asserts that Rheinland destroyed Ibusuki Survey Platform in Sigma-21, killing 61 Kusari citizens. The Battleship Bayern had been ordered to enforce an eviction order removing the staging point for Gas Miners Guild terrorists, but was shocked to discover the station's wreckage upon arriving on the scene. Kusari has since released logs from the station's distress beacon, which it claims incriminates Rheinland forces. Anonymous government sources believe these logs have been fabricated, likely to provide a pretext for Kusari's own territorial ambitions in Sigma-21.

[825 AS] Rheinland demands Ibusuki destruction

IBUSUKI SURVEY PLATFORM -- 825 -- Rheinland has issued an ultimatum for Ibusuki Survey Platform in Sigma-21 to be abandoned. The 48 hour warning has been provided to allow Kusari citizens time to evacuate from the jointly Kishiro and GMG operated station before the Battleship Bayern enforces the order. Kishiro Technologies has announced that it has assumed full administration of the platform to avoid being dragged into Rheinland's conflict with the Guild. Rheinland has reiterated that the platform must be abandoned, while the Bayern continues to advance towards Planet Saigon. Kusari has reacted with outrage to the development, threatening immediate repercussions if neutral Kusari citizens or property are harmed.

[825 AS] GMG Enemies of the State!

HAMMERSEE -- 825 -- Pilots of the Battleship Altenburg have deployed to counter acts of GMG terrorism in Sigma-15. The Kruger vessel Velbert was brutally destroyed by Guild pirates, killing all aboard. The perpetrators were pursued to a nearby Jump Hole, and are believed to have escaped to Sigma-21. Taking a bold step to secure Rheinland’s interests, Chancellor Neumann has declared a counter-terrorism operation against the GMG. She vowed to pursue all means available to defend Rheinland’s territorial sovereignty and citizens, including the territories of Sigma-15 and 21. The GMG are ordered to withdraw all forces from both systems and surrender the murderers of the Velbert. The arrival of the Battleship Bayern in Sigma-21 will allow Rheinland to directly enforce its demands.

[825 AS] Specter of Conflict in the Sigmas

FULDA -- 825 -- Rheinland has accused the Gas Miners’ Guild (GMG) of an unprovoked attack on Frankfurt, and vowed retaliation over the incident. Released footage appears to show a wing of GMG bombers arriving from Sigma-13 before launching a salvo of torpedoes at Fulda Border Station and nearby transports. The GMG has denied all knowledge, vehemently protesting that none of its ships were involved in the incident. Rheinland Military patrols have deployed into Sigma-13 to secure the space around the Frankfurt Jump Gate for the first time since the Colony Wars. Rheinland reinforcements have also been dispatched to Sigma-15, including the Battleship Altenburg. The GMG has threatened to fire on ships found in breach of the First Treaty of Honshu.

[825 AS] Sigma-21 Dispute Escalates

SIGMA-21 -- 825 -- Preliminary results from recently constructed Ibusuki survey platform have revealed Planet Saigon is potentially viable for human habitation. These latest findings have sent shockwaves through the planet-scarce region, with the GMG issuing an ultimatum for Rheinland surveyors to leave the system immediately or face dire consequences. Undeterred, Rheinland announced the Battleship Bayern was already en-route with an exploratory expedition and expected to arrive the following month. Kusari has urged Rheinland to change course, claiming the Bayern’s arrival would be a violation of the Boorman Treaty and crossing a “severe” red line. Ibusuki Outpost is a joint enterprise crewed by GMG and Kishiro Technologies personnel.

[824 AS] Dresden lost to Hessian advance

BAUTZEN -- 824 -- Kruger Minerals today announced that Bautzen Station has been abandoned due to mounting costs and falling yields. Katrin Kruger confirmed the company had made the ""difficult"" decision in close consultation with the Rheinland government. It is believed that the Military's ongoing presence around Bautzen had been partly funded by Kruger itself, contributing to the operation's extremely high costs. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that Rheinland would maintain a defensive perimeter around the New Berlin Jump Gate to dissuade further Red Hessian activities. Kruger's shares fell on the news, as investors price in a difficult short term adjustment for the ailing corporation.

[823 AS] Liberty and Rheinland formally end conflict

NEW BERLIN -- 823 -- President Powell and Chancellor Neumann have signed the Treaty of Atka formally ending the state of war between their two Houses. 6 years of devastating conflict has seen tens of thousands killed and both Houses severely economically damaged. The agreement sees Rheinland cede all claims on Planet Atka, while Hudson and Bering are split in half, creating two security zones. The boundary between these two zones remains neutral territory, to be policed by the Bounty Hunters Guild under a joint contract. In return, Liberty has agreed to immediately end all economic sanctions, and fund 85% of the Jump Gate cleanup and reconstruction project.

[822 AS] Schulte removed through no confidence vote

NEW BERLIN -- 822 -- Chancellor Schulte has been ejected from office after the Reichstag passed a constructive vote of no confidence. The motion is believed to have been tabled after sensitive private correspondence was leaked from his office; it is alleged these documents detailed Schulte's plans to sabotage peace negotiations with Liberty, supposedly as a means of extending his wartime powers. Former Trade and Industry Minister Luisa Neumann has received the necessary votes from Reichstag representatives to be appointed Chancellor. She has vowed to end the war, while securing reasonable concessions from Liberty.

[821 AS] Chancellor resigns over health concerns

NEW BERLIN -- 821 -- Chancellor Rheinhardt has resigned from office, stating that deteriorating health has prevented him from fulfilling his duties. The Reichstag thanked the outgoing Chancellor for his service, before nominating Maximilian Schulte through a majority vote. Chancellor Schulte served in Rheinhardt’s administration as the Minister of Defense; he has vowed to uphold Chancellor Rheinhardt’s policies, stressing his own unwavering resolve to achieving Liberty’s military defeat for their unjust aggression. Schulte’s inaugural speech hailed members of the Rheinland Military as heroes, whose sacrifice had secured Rheinland’s greatness.

[820 AS] Liberty sabotages ceasefire talks

PLANET CAMBRIDGE -- 820 -- While fighting has largely ground to a halt in Bering and Hudson following the destruction of the Hamburg Jump Gates, Liberty and Rheinland remain locked in a state of cold war. Rheinland officials have confirmed for the first time that mediation with Liberty has been attempted over recent months in Bretonia. This good faith negotiation has been impeded by the Liberty aggressors’ bad faith conduct and attempts to impose laughable conditions. During these talks Liberty has continued to launch terrorist strikes at Hamburg civilians, intended to coerce Rheinland into capitulation. As a result, no common ground could be found, with Chancellor Rheinhardt vowing to fight on until Liberty’s criminal ambitions are defeated.

[820 AS] Wartime powers delay elections

NEW BERLIN -- 820 -- Relying on wartime powers, the Chancellor has announced that elections will be indefinitely postponed until the current time of crisis has passed. In a solemn speech to the Reichstag, Chancellor Reinhardt announced the formation of a wartime coalition government to tackle the looming threats of Liberty aggression and Red Hessian terrorism. A number of opposition representatives will join the Chancellor’s government as ministers, most senior being Maximilian Schulte of the Rheinland Conservative Bloc who will serve as Defense Minister. The Reichstag passed an uncharacteristically united motion providing support for the move.

[819 AS] Liberty invasion thwarted by bold action

BERING -- 819 -- Owing to the deteriorating situation in the Independent Worlds, Rheinland has been forced to withdraw all remaining Military units from Bering and Hudson. Intercepted intelligence on a planned Liberty invasion of Hamburg sadly proved true, forcing the execution of an unspeakable contingency plan. As the Liberty fleets began docking with the Jump Gates, charges were detonated, crippling the connection. Rheinland engineers then triggered the anti-tamper devices on Hamburg’s gates to prevent a connection from being re-established. Chancellor Reinhardt expressed his sincere regret for the move, but maintained it was necessary to repel Liberty imperialism. The destruction of the Gate connections also severs any hope for a quick post-war resumption of trade.

[819 AS] Liberty invasion plans leaked

HAMBURG -- 819 -- An anonymous Rheinland source has leaked detailed intelligence intercepts of a Liberty Navy plan to force a ""knockout blow"" in Hamburg. The plot involves massed Liberty battleships simultaneously breaching Hamburg’s Bering and Hudson Jump Gates, followed by Marines landing on the planet and seizing key infrastructure. This marks a significant escalation of the conflict, which had previously been confined to the Independent World border systems. As the news spread, scenes of chaos erupted on Planet Hamburg as citizens swarmed the spaceports in an attempt to flee off-world. Chancellor Rheinhart has called for calm in this grave time, promising his administration were “examining all options, no matter how severe” to protect Rheinland’s citizens.

[818 AS] Liberty front “grim but manageable”

HUDSON -- 818 -- The escalating combat in Bering and Hudson has already claimed thousands of lives, with Chancellor Rheinhardt confirming the loss of the Battleship Westphalia in a somber speech to the Reichstag. The Westphalia’s destruction represents the single largest loss of life for the Rheinland Military since the Colony Wars. Rheinland has so far continued to hold positions in both Independent Worlds, but is believed to have been pushed back to the Wrangell Field in Hudson, and close to the Hamburg Jump Gate in Bering. LSF raiding parties have also been sighted in Hamburg, disrupting civilian shipping. Despite this bleak picture, analysts have drawn hope from Liberty’s entanglement in the conflict between Bretonia and Gallia, which has already seen reinforcements diverted.

[818 AS] Military promises weapon to turn the tide of war

SCHATTEN -- 818 AS -- Daumann engineers have today unveiled the product of many months of development, designed to support Rheinland’s operations on the front: the Elbe class carrier. Financed in part by New Berlin’s wealthy Rutger family, the prototype hull has met with rousing approval by Military examiners, with the Carrier Soltau to be deployed in the coming weeks. Designed from the ground up to supplement Rheinland forces against the Libertonian invader, its light and nimble design has been tailored to counter Liberty doctrine. The Chancellor’s Office affirmed that the public announcement of the new class was intended to signal Rheinland’s eternal resolve to resist aggression, regardless of any temporary setbacks in Bering or Hudson.

[818 AS] Red Hessians launch conquest of Dresden

PIRNA BORDER STATION -- 818 -- Treacherous Red Hessians have launched a full scale attack in Dresden, exploiting the ongoing war with Liberty. In a shocking blow, Pirna Border Station was destroyed, with many brave RFP pilots killed. Chaotic reports from Leipzig Station also confirm that Daumann has abandoned the base following a second major attack. The Battleship Altenburg has deployed to Dresden in response and is currently counter-attacking to stem the Hessian advance, with Military officials confirming that the pirates had been routed in a battle near Bautzen Station. Government officials have blamed the invasion on Interspace Commerce, claiming the Liberty corporation had provided funding and supplies to Rheinland’s enemies.

[818 AS] Bonn Station seized over Hessian plot

BONN STATION -- 818 AS -- Following a long-running undercover RFP investigation, evidence has been obtained proving collusion between Interspace Commerce and the Red Hessians. The Liberty corporation had acted to undermine Rheinland’s war effort by funneling supplies to Red Hessian terrorists. Marines from the Battleship Strausberg were ordered to board and seize the station. Interspace now faces expulsion from Rheinland space, forfeiting any locally held assets -- a number of local executives were also arrested for sedition. In response, Interspace has suspended all insurance services for Rheinland shipping. The Chancellor’s Office has announced that it is confident that local brokers can make up the shortfall.

[817 AS] War with Liberty!

HUDSON -- In response to Liberty’s encroachment in Hudson, state sponsored terrorism in Hamburg and attacks on classified research stations, Chancellor Reinhardt has taken decisive steps to secure Rheinland’s interests. Military patrols have been deployed in force to Hudson and Bering; Liberty responded to these reasonable steps by intercepting forward elements and attacking. Several are believed to have been killed in the clash. Liberty has feigned ignorance of their aggression, using the incident as a pretext to declare a formal state of war. Rheinland does not relish such a return to conflict, but we will do whatever is necessary to safeguard our House and people. Our proud Military will ensure the sovereignty of Rheinland, and the autonomy of the Independent Worlds.

[817 AS] Rheinland shocked by Gallic discovery

NEW BERLIN -- 817 AS -- Shocking reports from Bretonia have revealed the existence of the previously unknown House Gallia beyond the Taus. Jump Holes into Gallia were apparently intentionally hidden within vast mine fields, and only recently breached by a Gallic dissident group named The Council. They describe a House commanded by an isolationist and militaristic absolute monarchy, with whom they are locked into a bloody civil war. The revelation that a French Sleeper Ship arrived in Sirius in 84 AS has sent shockwaves through Rheinland, with many calling for immediate diplomatic contact to be established with the Gallic state. The star cluster settled by Gallia is believed to be the most remote part of the Sirius sector colonized by humanity.

[816 AS] Houses clash over Hudson terraforming

PLANET ATKA -- 816 AS -- Rheinland has reacted with outrage at the discovery of Cold Bay Depot, a Planetform terraforming outpost recently constructed in orbit of Planet Atka. Hudson’s status has been the subject of friction between Liberty and Rheinland for decades, however Liberty appears to have grown tired with the impasse and unilaterally commissioned further terraforming surveys and ground preparation. Rheinland has set an ultimatum for the “illegal” station to be dismantled within one month, threatening to do so by force if the neutrality of the contested Independent World is not respected. Liberty has rejected the demand, and declared that it is prepared to defend its intrinsic economic interests in the region.

[816 AS] Journalists assassinated in arson attack

PLANET HAMBURG -- 816 -- Hamburg’s spaceport has been locked down after a masked assailant entered the media offices of WahrheitBericht, gunning down many staff and setting fire to the building. RFP counter-terrorism officers immediately responded, pursuing the gunman to a nearby abandoned hab-block. In the resulting firefight, several officers were killed before the attacker detonated an explosive device, killing himself in the blast. WahrheitBericht had recently published groundbreaking claims about illegal Liberty research programmes. Chancellor Reinhardt has furiously condemned the murders as “political assassination”; the MND have taken control of the investigation.

[816 AS] Rheinland media alleges illegal Liberty research

PLANET HAMBURG -- 816 -- The Hamburg investigative outlet WahrheitsBericht has leveled explosive accusations at Liberty, claiming illegal research activities. Citing anonymous sources, the report alleges the existence of a previously unknown star system code-named “Alaska”, where the Liberty Security Force has recently been authorized to carry out human experimentation and Artifact research prohibited by the Denver Convention. Liberty has responded furiously to the broadcast, with President Powell dismissing it during Congressional questions as “baseless, lurid conspiracy theories”. WahrheitBericht has promised more “bombshell” revelations in the coming days, advertising a full length documentary they will self-publish next week.

[815 AS] Economic Recovery Hailed as “Berlin Renaissance”

NEW BERLIN -- 815 -- Wealth is flooding into New Berlin’s cities as Rheinland enters a boom period for the first time in recent memory. This sharp growth has been primarily buoyed by record harvests on Stuttgart and the discovery of fresh Diamond deposits in Dresden. Rheinland’s manufacturing sector also heavily contributed, with Nuremberg’s ailing arms industry revitalized by nearly a decade of state investment subsidies, and an exploding order book from both Kusari and Bretonia. Republican Shipping has also continued to focus on their “Hamburg Pivot” strategy, as their high-tech production gamble begins to turn a profit. Chancellor Reinhardt celebrated the results, arguing it vindicates his government’s track record.

[815 AS] Ehrengarde movement outlawed

PLANET STUTTGART -- 815 -- Known as the Honor Guards of Niemann, Ehrengarde conspiracy theorists assert the disgraced Chancellor was forced into hiding during the Colony Wars, while the Federal Republic was replaced by an “unconstitutional fictional state” in the aftermath. The movement first came to authorities’ attention after several members attempted to carry out arson attacks on Stuttgart municipal government buildings. An MND spokesperson confirmed the agency became involved after intelligence sources warned the extremists sought to collaborate with Wild terrorists, believing them to be a vanguard force of "Niemann restorationists".

[814 AS] First Next Generation Battleship deployed

NEW BERLIN -- 814 AS -- Following a packed opening ceremony, the Battleship Westfalen has launched from Oder Shipyard: the first product of the Next Generation Bismarck programme. Chancellor Reinhardt’s inaugural action saw the original designation of Bremen scrapped, instead commemorating Rheinland’s longest serving Military vessel. The Chancellor confirmed that the original order had been extended to two more in-progress hulls, with a delivery date of year end. Senior Military commanders have confidently asserted that the Westfalen is currently pound-for-pound the most dangerous warship in Sirus, and expect that it will serve with distinction in Hamburg and the adjacent Independent Worlds.

[812 AS] Daumann battleship contract greenlit by courts

ODER SHIPYARD -- 812 -- Following a protracted legal dispute, the High Court has dismissed ALG’s legal challenge to the award of the Next Generation Bismarck contract to Daumann Heavy Construction. This clears Oder Shipyard to begin serial production of the Battleship Bremen. The tender award to Daumann attracted significant controversy after the Schweizer Commission found that the corporation’s practices during the buildup to the Colony Wars were likely fraudulent or deceptive. As a result, the government has proposed clawing back paid funds by garnishing income from any state contracts and mineral sales. Anti-corruption activists have protested that this is effectively rewarding criminal conduct with repeat business.

[812 AS] Rheinland warns about “Wild” attacks

FREISTADT -- 812 -- For many years rumors have spread about attacks on Omega shipping by a group known as The Wild. Now their ships have been sighted marauding across Stuttgart and New Berlin. Rheinland has announced that MND intelligence has identified these menaces as traitorous Colony War deserters and war criminals, who stole Military hardware and vanished into the border worlds to enrich themselves. It is unclear what prompted the renegades to extend their attacks into Rheinland core space, however it is speculated that they may have been driven out of their old hunting grounds by other pirate organizations such as the Red Hessians or Corsairs.

[810 AS] Reichstag slashes battleship contract

NEW BERLIN -- 810 -- Funding for the ‘Next Generation Bismarck’ programme has been slashed part-way through the contract award process. Following furious arguments in the Reichstag, a vote narrowly passed that halved the project budget, reducing the order size to one hull. Detractors argued against the large expenditure at a time of financial crisis, while raising additional concerns about how the other Houses would react to new battleship construction so soon after demilitarization had been completed. Chancellor Steller expressed his disappointment in the vote, chastising Representatives' behavior "chaotic and destabilizing".

[809 AS] Defense review paints bleak picture

NEW BERLIN -- 809 -- A strategic defense review has left Reichstag representatives shocked by the consistently bleak findings. The Military failed all the examined metrics, ranging from recruitment and readiness to sustainment and procurement. The paper made a number of recommendations, including reviving the Bremen ‘Next Generation Bismarck’ programme to replace the ailing Battleship Westfalen. Accounting for current state finances, the paper proposes a gradual modernization of the Military, and an expansion of capital shipbuilding contracts over the next two decades. The Reichstag provisionally allocated funding two new battleship hulls.

[807 AS] Colony War Demilitarization Complete

ODER SHIPYARD -- 807 -- With the deconstruction of the Battleship Goethe, the Rheinland Government has announced that the post-Colony War process of demilitarization has been completed. The Federal Audit Office has also provided a damning report to the Schweizer Commission, indicating that the bulk of the hulls examined were built to cheap, 80-Years War grade, rather than the modernized standards billed for by Daumann and Republican. Opposition politicians have called for the corporations to be charged with fraud. Addressing the Reichstag, Councillor Stellar announced that the day "closed a door on a dark period of Rheinland’s history".

[804 AS] Treaty of Honshu eases Colony War wounds

HONSHU -- 804 -- Dignitaries from Rheinland and Kusari today ratified the Second Treaty of Honshu, officially normalizing relations between the two Houses and ending Kusari’s embargo. Rheinland has formally accepted sole culpability for the Colony Wars and agreed to a 20 year reparations package. This includes preferential rates for Kusari corporations on military goods and resources needed to rebuild the Kusari Naval Forces, and financial compensation for the damages inflicted in Honshu itself. Chancellor Steller offered his sincere condolences to Kusari over the war, and promised a brighter future of mutual prosperity.

[803 AS] Westfalen retirement deferred

HAMBURG -- 803 -- The aging Battleship Westfalen has received a reprieve after the Rheinland Military extended its service life by a further 10 years. Following demilitarization efforts and the desertion of the Northern Fleet 3 years ago, the Westfalen was once again left as Rheinland's sole active service battleship. The 80-Years War survivor was not deployed during the Colony Wars over 'readiness' concerns, and will now continue in its role suppressing piracy throughout Hamburg. Military sources have cautioned that acute financial pressures and the Westfalen's degrading capabilities will likely adversely affect coverage of the Liberty border worlds.

[803 AS] Rheinland recession bites deep

BONN STATION -- 803 -- Interspace has officially confirmed that Rheinland's economy has entered a sharp recession. This is largely a consequence of the devastating Colony Wars, Kusari's trade boycott, and the gradual tapering of the 'lifeline' loans Liberty had used to sustain the Provisional Rheinland Government. Anonymous government sources also commented that audits of Niemann-era records were revealing bizarre patterns of extreme short-term borrowing and expenditure that amounted to ‘financial sabotage'. Chancellor Steller has announced a raft of measures intended to address the economic crisis, including renewed negotiations with Kusari and targeted state investments.

[802 AS] New task force hunts war criminals

NEW BERLIN -- 802 -- NEW BERLIN -- 802 -- Chancellor Steller has announced the formation of the Marinenachrichtendienst, an autonomous Federal taskforce with a mandate to investigate all echelons of the Rheinland Military. Steller has decried his predecessor, Niemann, as a traitor whose insane wars of aggression were enabled by an insidious, revanchist rot at the highest levels of civil and military leadership. In a fiery speech, Steller ordered the MND's newly appointed Director Von Claussen to 'root out' these 'war criminals' and bring them to justice. Rheinland officials are now believed to have ended the Liberty Security Force’s involvement with the investigation, describing it as an 'internal security matter'.

[802 AS] Chancellor Steller elected to office

NEW BERLIN -- 802 -- Following emergency elections, the Provisional Rheinland Government has been dissolved and Chancellor Alfred Steller voted into office by the newly seated Reichstag. Steller has vowed to return Rheinland to a state of normalcy, and undo the damage inflicted by the traitor Niemann and his enablers. Steller has promised to uphold the Provisional Government's policy of demilitarization, and has committed to make amends with Kusari and the other Houses for the unprovoked aggression of the Colony Wars. President Jacobi offered her congratulations and Liberty's support to Chancellor Stellar's new administration.

[801 AS] Rheinland High Command missing?

NEW BERLIN -- 801 -- As the smoke clears following the cessation of recent hostilities, citizens across the Colonies have two simple questions: what happened, and why? As the Rheinland Provisional Government looks to answer those questions, it has become apparent that the House’s senior military leadership has vanished. According to anonymous sources, the whereabouts of the Military High Command is unknown, with numerous Admirals disappearing along with their flagships. The Rheinland Federal Police and Liberty Security Force have posted bounties for the missing officers after formal desertion charges were pressed.

[801 AS] Mass amnesia sweeps Rheinland Military

BATTLESHIP WESTFALEN -- 801 -- Thousands of personnel recently released from the Rheinland Military are reporting symptoms of amnesia in what is coming to be known as “Colony War Syndrome”. It is currently unclear what is causing the affliction but many say they have little recollection of their time in service, describing a “hazy” or “dreamlike” fugue state that ended with the collapse of the Niemann regime. Psychologists remain baffled by the unprecedented situation, but suspect the consistent symptoms may be a form of mass hysteria provoked by feelings of shame or guilt over the unjustified war.

[801 AS] Provisional Rheinland Government demilitarizes

POTSDAM -- 801 -- The Provisional Rheinland Government has begun urgent and immediate demilitarization. PRG representatives advised this was an absolute necessity to prevent Rheinland’s imminent financial collapse, and had been a requirement for both Bretonia and Liberty to drop heavy reparation demands. It is expected that these cuts will reduce the Rheinland Military’s headcount by over 80%%, leaving tens of thousands unemployed. This will reduce the force to levels last seen in 794 AS, prior to Chancellor Niemann’s build-up programme. Already huge formations of capital ships have been mothballed in orbit of Potsdam, awaiting shipyard space for deconstruction.

[801 AS] Kusari imposes embargo on Rheinland

NEW TOKYO -- 801 -- Shogun Edo has announced that a full economic embargo of Rheinland will be imposed by Kusari due to the outrages of the Colony Wars. Liberty’s President Jacobi has taken a leading role in mediation between Rheinland and the other Houses, with the Provisional Rheinland Government offering a message of condolence to the Kusari people for the actions of the toppled previous regime. Despite this, Kusari has remained resolute that no normalization of relations will be considered until full reparations are made for the devastation in Honshu and New Tokyo, and the many crimes Kusari alleges were perpetrated there.

[801 AS] Rheinland ends all hostilities

FULDA -- 801 -- With the disappearance of Chancellor Niemann and the installation of the Liberty-backed Provisional Rheinland Government, an immediate cessation of all hostilities has been ordered. Rheinland forces have begun withdrawals on all fronts. Reports from Kusari have confirmed that the Northern Fleet has retreated from New Tokyo and Honshu, however it has not returned to Rheinland or recognized the authority of the PRG. Government sources believe the fleet may have deserted, with Rheinland's remaining loyalist security forces being ordered to high-alert as a precaution against pro-Niemann coup attempts.

Rumors

Rheinland Military

Daumann is the real culprit in the Eighty-Years War. The Imperial Navy Command had grave doubts about the wisdom of fighting a guerrilla-style war in the Crow Nebula against an enemy that was so well-supplied by Kusari. But Daumann saw the huge profits to be made in lucrative shipbuilding contracts, and bribed hundreds of key government officials. The rest is history. There are rumors circulating that ALG is planning on building a new shipyard in Dortmund to build the Bremen and her sister ships. They're willing to build them at cost in order to gain entry into this new market. That's an attractive proposition for Berlin at this point and time. This ship is a deathtrap. They had an explosion last week in Fusion Reactor 6. Had to seal off the entire A Deck. They're not even going to fix it. That's a sorry state of affairs. Ever since we lost the war, Rheinland just hasn't been the same; the entire colony feels beaten and bereft of vigor. Look around, there is no one smiling or enjoying themselves. What will it take for my House to heal? Many of the young officers are leaving the Rheinland Military, tired of the poor conditions and low pay. Most of them end up flying commercial transports for Republican or Synth Foods. The rest end up with the Bounty Hunters Guild. This might be a battleship, but that doesn't dissuade the local criminal organizations from trying to attack us. Bundschuh, Hessians, the occasional Corsair, we usually run them off after a few minutes. I guess they don't have any other exposed military targets left in Rheinland. Have to have an enemy to keep the cause going. The Rheinland people don't respect the military anymore. We lost the Eighty-Years War to a ragtag bunch of gas miners as far as they're concerned. If it wasn't for the victory against Kusari a few years ago we might never have recovered our public image. Of course, the civil war that followed didn't exactly help. Thanks to Cologne, Rheinland is in a bit of a unique position. Several systems, like Cologne and Frankfurt, have trade lane technology from both Ageira and EFL. I doubt any of the other houses have something like that, well unless you count Bretonia. I hear Gallia replaced Bretonian infrastructure every time they conquered a system during the war. The Rheinland Military is normally tasked with patrolling the northern areas of Hamburg and the adjacent Independent Worlds of Bering and Hudson. But ever since the discovery of Cologne we have to cover that area as well. We were spread thin enough before but now? I'm not sure how the Military will handle it.

ALG Waste Disposal

Republican is competing with ALG to win the contract for constructing the next generation of Rheinland battleships. We have a clear advantage in ship design and practical construction experience. But they have a definite strength in alloys and specialized Hull Panel fabrication. Although it's not far to Hamburg from here, the Unioners will attack us if given the opportunity. Their preferred method is to disable a Trade Lane ring near the center of the stretch, then flee back into the Nordheide at the first sign of a military patrol. It's a quick trip from Hamburg. We run in supplies on a regular basis. Sometimes they can't pay us, but we usually can arrange something. Maybe four dead Unioners for a container of Pharmaceuticals.

NOTE: Page generated on the 07/06/2024 at 15:55:47 UTC