Wichter Station

Wichter Station

File:Ew12 02 base.png

Owner

ALG Waste Disposal

Location

F/E-2, Sigma-15

CLASS: Atzenbruck

GRAVITY: Complete

DOCKING: Yes

AMENITIES: Yes

CREW: 650

Wichter Station was constructed in orbit of Saigon's moon Kauthara throughout the mid-820s, intended to serve as a more secluded facility to service and construct spacecraft for ALG's own use, and for commercial sale. The Sigma-15 system also serves as a valuable stepping stone for ALG into the uncontrolled worlds of the Sigmas and Omicrons, and the remote location was chosen deliberately so that the base could conduct business with entities unwelcome in Rheinland but friendly to ALG, among them the Gas Miners Guild, the Bundschuh, and according to some rumors even the Order.

Following the outbreak of the Rheinland Civil War and the resulting loss of Dortmund and occupation of Wuppertal, Wichter became the company's corporate headquarters. Its defenses were shored up and it became host to most of ALG's remaining security assets, since its loss would likely have meant the end of the company.

Since the end of the war, alertness and security have relaxed somewhat at Wichter, though a degree of paranoia is still evident in its personnel.

Bribes & Missions Offered

Bribes

Gas Miners Guild Kruger Minerals ALG Waste Disposal

Missions

ALG Waste Disposal

Commodities

Imports

Commodity Price Robotics 37$ Ablative Armor Plating 45$ Molybdenum 172$ Boron 25$ Beryllium 64$ Cobalt 45$ Toxic Waste 30$ Hydrocarbons 44$ Oxygen 25$ Water 25$ Food Rations 62$ H-Fuel 104$ MOX 30$ Basic Alloy 45$ Super Alloy 77$ Superconductors 38$ Pharmaceuticals 31$ Polymers 51$ Consumer Goods 44$ Iridium 148$ Platinum 181$ Synth Paste 33$ Industrial Materials 32$ Xenobiotic Filters 43$ Xeno Relics 207$

Exports

Commodity Price Deployable Mining Container 50,000$ High-Temperature Alloy 11$ Crew 272$ Hull Panels 76$ Engine Components 48$ HazMat Canisters 42$

Ships sold

Ship	Class	Price
Rheinland Transport	Transport	211,006$
Rheinland Armored Transport	Transport	33,155$
ALG Transport	Super Train	1,256,006$

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] Kusari minister cancels ALG contract

NEW TOKYO -- 833 -- Shortly before the execution of the Roppongi cleanup contract between ALG and the Kusari government, the Minister of Industry and Development personally intervened to void his department’s negotiations. Citing "security concerns and political unreliability", the Minister disqualified ALG from further involvement. The contract was then awarded directly without tender to Samura Heavy Industries. ALG has condemned the move as “the lowest and most despicable of state corruption”, and threatened to take immediate legal action to protect their investments and reputation. Samura has pledged prompt action to make New Tokyo’s orbit safe -- despite the Keiretsu having no experience in this field of work.

[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] ALG reports escalating attacks in New Tokyo

NARITA OUTPOST -- 833 -- In recent months, ALG employees have reported a sharp increase in intimidation attempts by suspected Hogosha agents. The Rheinland-originating corporation says its Kusari-based personnel have been subjected to stalking and harassment, with several managers forced to leave Narita Outpost after personal information about their families was leaked to Farmers' Alliance terrorists. The corporation says these threats are linked to the ongoing negotiations for the decontamination of Roppongi Station. State Police have advised they are investigating ALG’s allegations.

[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.

[832 AS] Roppongi cleanup negotiations enter final stages

WICHTER STATION -- 832 -- After a demanding pre-tender selection and contract negotiation process, ALG are on the verge of finalizing a new deal for the deconstruction of the Roppongi Wreck in the New Tokyo’s orbit. The station was destroyed early last year when a dirty bomb was detonated aboard by the Farmer’s Alliance. The new contract would be a significant milestone for ALG, providing both high profile, valuable work, but also a significant expansion of the corporation’s relationship with the otherwise conservative Kusari market. ALG already handles much of Kusari’s Toxic Waste disposal from civilian corporate shipyards.

[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] Rheinland Omicron aspirations in jeopardy?

HAMBURG -- 831 -- Researchers from Hamburg University have raised dire warnings following new findings from the Munich Dark Matter Observatory. The research unit was responsible for remotely monitoring the encroaching storm to allow evacuation efforts to be carried out in a timely and economical manner. They have now identified a breakaway shard of the storm beginning to transit between Sigma-15 and Omicron Rho. While the trajectory poses no threat to either system, the cloud could prove fatal to any jump connection intersecting it. EFL initially dismissed the claims as scaremongering, confirming that they intended to complete the project as contracted.

[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.

[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] Hammersee faces uncertain future

HAMERSEE -- 825 -- Administrators of Sigma-15's Hammersee colony have announced that the project faces insolvency within a matter of months unless the government urgently intervenes to provide a bailout. Daumann blames repeated attacks by the Gas Miner's Guild and Kusari Office of Intelligence for the troubles, which include mounting debts, cargo losses, and a plummeting workforce retention rate. Thousands moved to Hammersee after being evacuated from Planet Nuremberg in Munich, however many of these emigrants have since departed after facing unexpectedly harsh conditions. The safe harbor of Freeport 8 has attracted many of these people, due its neutrality in the ongoing war with Kusari.

[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.

[825 AS] Evacuation order issued for Munich

MUNICH -- 825 -- A formal evacuation notice has been issued for the entirety of Munich, after researchers confirmed the Dark Matter storm was on a trajectory to consume the entire system. The population of Planet Nuremberg has crashed since the storm's initial arrival in 821 AS, with the planet rapidly becoming the most dangerous and lawless destination in Rheinland. Gangs of looters and slavers have exploited the chaos, despite the best efforts of the Battleship Regensburg to maintain order. The Rheinland government is now offering seats on evacuation transports to Hammersee and Holstein for the remaining residents trapped in the system.

[825 AS] Rheinland Pushes Forward With Sigma Ambitions

HAMMERSEE -- 825 -- Despite the ongoing dispute with the Gas Miners Guild over the status of Sigma-15, Rheinland has announced plans to construct a Jump Gate to Frankfurt. Many believe the move brings Rheinland one step closer to formally annexing the system. A secure jump connection will reduce the cost of supporting the colony on Hammersee and nearby Bochum Refinery, removing the need for expensive and time-consuming deep space haulage. Controversially, EFL Oil and Machinery has been contracted for the work, provoking furious criticism from Bretonia and Liberty who accuse Rheinland of funding Gallic military aggression. The GMG called the project a reckless act of Rheinland hostility.

[824 AS] Rheinland and GMG Clash Over Sigma Claims

SIGMA-21 -- 824 -- Daumann deep space explorers have announced the discovery of the Sigma-21 system, filing a territorial claim on behalf of Rheinland. The Gas Miners Guild disputes these claims, pointing to the First Treaty of Honshu that ended the 80-Years War. At that time, Rheinland conceded territorial sovereignty of the Crow Nebula to the GMG. The Guild argues that any newly discovered Sigma systems fall within their domain by default. Rheinland has acknowledged the GMG’s rights to the system’s southern nebula wisp, but strongly rejects the assertion that the Treaty extends to the areas outside it. As this dispute escalates, the GMG has also rebuked Rheinland’s claims to Sigma-15.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[814 AS] ALG announces Sigma-13 milestone

HELGOLAND STATION -- 814 -- ALG representatives have announced that all commercially viable salvage has now been retrieved from the Yanagi Cloud debris field in Sigma-13. This means the project now enters its second and most hazardous phase, which focuses on the clearance of material deemed too contaminated or dangerous to be recycled, such as unexploded mines and heavily irradiated or otherwise contaminated ship hulls. ALG’s cleanup effort has repeatedly missed project milestones, which the corporation blames on poorly motivated Junker subcontractors. It now forecasts final debris clearance for 824 AS.

[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.

[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".

[806 AS] Kruger CEO Ousted as ALG Takeover Fails

ESSEN -- 806 -- The partnership between ALG Waste Disposal and Kruger Minerals has dramatically collapsed. Frustrated by perceived Kruger mismanagement, ALG moved forward with plans for a hostile takeover by buying out key private stakeholders. Kruger’s outraged family board immediately implemented a number of ‘poison pill’ clauses and sought emergency funding from New Berlin investors to fend off the acquisition. A deal was struck with the wealthy Puttkamer family which saw Sebastian von Puttkamer appointed as board chairman, and CEO Wolfgang Schwarz dismissed. Investors have long considered Kruger to be in poor health, needing radical restructuring to restore profitability. Share prices for both companies fell on the news of the failed ALG takeover.

[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] 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] 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

ALG Waste Disposal

Wichter is ALG's headquarters. It wasn't planned that way, but management had to move here when we blew up Dortmund at the start of the civil war. So if things seem a little chaotic around here, that's why - the station had to be urgently expanded to hold more administrative offices, and also some of Dortmund's smelting equipment, the stuff we managed to save before we scuttled the place. It's been a few years now, but we're still catching up on re-organizing. You might be wondering why there's so many combat ships and personnel stationed here. Well, when we lost Dortmund and Wuppertal in the civil war, this was our last holdout around Rheinland. So if Wichter had fallen, it would have been the end for ALG. Things are quieter now, the war's over, and we got Wuppertal back. But we're definitely not letting our guard down - you never know when the Unioners or the Corsairs decide to attack, and Rheinland sure isn't going to be sending ships this far out to assist us. We have to rely on ourselves out here. Not impressed by the food and drinks selection here, huh? That's the price you pay for building a secluded station away from the trade networks of the house. Our supply situation is a lot trickier out here, since not that many suppliers are willing to leave the lanes for a low-profit food or consumer goods run. We get most of our stuff from the Freeport, the Zoners are used to supplying off-the-grid places like this. This is primarily a ship-building station. We build mostly fighters and cargo ships for our own use and to sell commercially. Because we're so far from Rheinland's eyes, we can sell to some of the organizations that aren't welcome in the house, especially the Bundschuh. One design that we practically never sell outside the company though is the HWDU-430, the "Golem". It's a heavy transport specially designed for hazardous materials, and its design specifications are top secret. Don't bother asking for one if you aren't an employee.

Gas Miners Guild

I make regular runs here from our stations in the Crow, we sell H-fuel and buy ship hull panels. It's usually a quiet trip, although sometimes Kruger will harass us if they think they can get away with it. But if the Guild and ALG blow up a Kruger ship deep in the clouds, who's going to report it? ALG is the only company in Rheinland the Gas Miners Guild has good relations with. The 80-years-war might have been a long time ago, but if there was any hope of normalizing relations with Rheinland, the Sigma war put an end to that. They will never accept that the Crow's resources belong to us. But we do not care for their ambitions, we have already proven that to them twice.

Bundschuh

This is an important station for us, since they have the facilities and personnel to service our larger ships. We can work on our snubcraft well enough at our bases, but if our transports or gunships need repairs, we bring them to Wichter. The police isn't paid well enough to patrol this far out, so ALG doesn't have to worry about getting in trouble for letting us dock. ALG isn't like the other big Rheinland corps. They believe in democracy in Rheinland, and were willing to go to war for it. Our ships fought the monarchists side-by-side in the civil war, and our pilots celebrated victories and lamented our losses together. The new government might be more democratic than what the monarchists wanted, but we are in no way willing to accept their rule, and it doesn't seem like ALG will be regaining their good standing either. Maybe we will end up fighting together again.

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