Mainz Storage Facility

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Mainz Storage Facility
Owner
Imperial Shipping
Location
D/C-4/3, Frankfurt

CLASS: Abbey

GRAVITY: Partial

DOCKING: Yes

AMENITIES: Yes

CREW: 350

Mainz Storage Facility was originally built as a military supply depot during the 80-Years War. The peace treaty between Rheinland and the GMG imposed harsh restrictions on trade, and blocked the Rheinland Military and Kruger Minerals from entering the Crow Nebula. During the post-war economic collapse, Mainz was auctioned away to Imperial Shipping, and for nearly a century was the sole permitted location for Kusari corporations to import and export goods in Rheinland.

Mainz would take on a darker role in 800 AS, when the Military requisitioned the station as a staging point for the invasion of Kusari. Journalists investigating the buildup of forces in Frankfurt were imprisoned on Mainz, with many vanishing forever. In retaliation for the Colony Wars, Kusari imposed an embargo on exports to Rheinland until the Second Treaty of Honshu normalized relations in 804 AS. This would see Mainz’s role significantly diminished, as Rheinland was forced to abolish its protectionist trade policies and grant Kusari corporations full access to its internal markets.

While Mainz remained an important destination for H-Fuel imports, Imperial Shipping still recorded consistently falling profits. This situation was further worsened by the Rheinland Civil War, which heavily disrupted trade in Frankfurt. In the uneasy peace that followed, Imperial Shipping has grown increasingly concerned over profitability, imposing several rounds of harsh pay cuts and layoffs on Mainz's crew to make savings.

Bribes & Missions Offered

Bribes
Missions


Commodities

Imports
Commodity Price
Molybdenum 143$
Gold 262$
Silver 121$
Copper 187$
H-Fuel 92$
Pharmaceuticals 24$
Ageira Gate/Lane Parts 701$
EFL Gate/Lane Parts 678$
Passengers (Rheinland) 235$
Xeno Relics 203$
Exports
Commodity Price
Deployable Mining Container 50,000$
Robotics 30$
Nanotubes 28$
Rheinbier 33$
Crew 329$
Oxygen 15$
Water 15$
MOX 20$
Basic Alloy 34$
Super Alloy 67$
High-Temperature Alloy 25$
Superconductors 28$
Construction Machinery 21$
Consumer Goods 33$
Nanocapacitors 25$
Synth Paste 22$
Industrial Materials 21$
Xenobiotic Filters 32$


Ships sold


Ship Class Price


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] Bundschuh dossier sparks outrage

NEW BERLIN -- 834 -- A dossier of information has been published by the Bundschuh, alleging the Hamburg Blast was caused by an unstable Xeno Relic. The leaks implicate senior Imperial Shipping officers in a years-long plot to direct illegal research that was banned under the Denver Convention. In dawn raids, MND agents arrested Baron Mathias Schnider (Hamburg University’s dean of physics) and Wolfgang Kohler (Imperial Shipping’s Vice President of Academic Investments). Imperial Shipping has disavowed all knowledge of the alleged scheme, blaming ‘rogue elements’ for any wrongdoing. Baron Schnider and Mr Kohler both deny the charges, calling the dossier a ‘terrorist fabrication’.

[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.

[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] Rheinland pledges support over Dublin action

HAMBURG -- 833 -- While touring Nanotube production facilities on Altona Station, Trade Minister Baron Tobias von Hueber acknowledged Interspace's recent report on the Gold market. He confirmed Rheinland’s support for any military action Bretonia takes to reassert control over Dublin, condemning calls for a negotiated settlement. He argued that capitulating to terrorists and separatists was "intolerable" and would undermine the territorial sovereignty of all the Houses. Hueber closed his speech by urging Bretonia to take immediate and decisive action to restore the Gold trade, offering Rheinland's industrial services to the Bretonian Armed Forces.

[833 AS] Gold Insecurity Invites Crisis

WATERLOO -- 833 -- Interspace analysts have published a report on the continued volatility of sector-wide Gold supplies, claiming that further instability invites disaster. The reports note the pressures placed on advanced Optronics, Bio-Neural Processor and Quantum Multiplexor manufacturing were already causing spiraling cost increases in adjacent market sectors. Market analysis also indicates that the bulk of Bretonian exports now consist of recycled and in some cases adulterated materials, likely indicating that stockpiles are running low. Interspace has called upon House authorities to collectively find the means of addressing the Dublin question before economic crisis becomes inevitable.

[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] 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] Imperial Offers Reward for Lost Liner

ALTONA -- 831 -- Imperial Shipping have released additional details about the lost liner RSS Von Albrecht. The bulk passenger ferry had been traveling from Houston when the chilling Blackout Crisis stranded it in Hudson. Cached communication logs confirm that the liner reached the Hamburg Jump Gate. Imperial has stated that the liner's last known signals were a hijacking alert, rescinded by a false-alarm code several minutes later. Imperial has offered a significant bounty for information leading to the return of the Von Albrecht, its passengers and crew. Rheinland and Liberty naval patrols are continuing to cooperate in their investigations.

[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.

[830 AS] Leaks Reveal Secret Gallic Treaty

OERLIKON -- 830 -- Confidential diplomatic cables have been uploaded to the neural net after a Rheinland official left an unencrypted datapad on a New Berlin shuttle. Included was a mocking assessment of Gallic negotiators working on a previously secret free trade treaty, and penalty threats over EFL’s slow progress on the Omicron Rho Jump Gate. EFL had privately objected that The Core was failing to provide adequate security against Corsair raiders. The internal communications predict large cost overruns, and further delays of over a year. Rheinland has refused to comment on the leaks directly, but has announced the deployment of Rheinland Military squadrons to Sigma-15 for ‘border security’ missions.

[828 AS] - Rheinland Civil War Ends in Reunification

HOLSTEIN -- 828 AS -- After weeks of intense deliberations between Imperial and Federal delegations on Holstein, the two governments have issued a joint decree dissolving both the Imperial and Federal governments in favor of reforming into a re-unified administration. The Holstein Accords, currently in the process of ratification by all parties of the Rheinland Federal and Imperial delegations, reorganizes the newly unified Rheinland under a representative democracy under constitutional monarchy - as well as calling for reforms in multiple branches of the military, and industry.

In an immediate show of change, the Federal and Imperial fleets have completely withdrawn from what used to be the battle lines separating the two Rheinland fractions - many have returned to stand-down docks for maintenance and repairs, and off-duty military and civilian personnel have already begun to travel back to their homes.

While details of how the reunification will proceed, or whether it will be successful are yet to be seen, but the Holstein Accords has brought the Rheinland Civil War effectively to a close.

[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] 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] 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] 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.

[824 AS] Rheinland security forces eliminate Corsair lair

BATTLESHIP SCHWERIN -- 824 -- Following an anonymous tip-off, Rheinland authorities located and destroyed a Corsair base in Frankfurt's Hausenfeld. Squadrons from the Battleship Schwerin and the MND cooperated to put an end to the pirate menace, securing trade throughout the system. Admiral Baader noted that this was the largest Corsair incursion into Rheinland space since 815 AS, when the Koblenz fleet repelled a similar attack. MND sources believe the Corsair attacks are primarily motivated by a feud with the Red Hessians, rather than any particular interest in Frankfurt itself.

[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.

[824 AS] Rheinland completes Colony War reparations

HONSHU -- 824 -- Rheinland and Kusari officials have met in a somber memorial service, commemorating the losses of the Colony Wars. The occasion marks the 20th anniversary of the Second Treaty of Honshu and the final reparations payment for damages Rheinland inflicted during the conflict. The Treaty arrangement also included privileged access to Rheinland markets for Kusari corporations, to facilitate the reconstruction of the Kusari Naval Forces. This special deal has now lapsed, meaning Kusari will be required to pay full market rate for goods and services. Samura and Kishiro stock prices have fallen on the news, amid hopes an extension would be agreed.

[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] Dark Matter storm sweeps Munich

MUNICH -- 821 -- Scenes of chaos reign as formal evacuation orders are issued for Augsburg Orbital Colony in Munich. Federal authorities have been caught flat footed by the arrival of a substantial dark matter storm on the system's edge -- it now seems inevitable that much of the system will be consumed, starting with the prestigious Augsburg Colony. Even though no evacuation order has yet been issued for Planet Nuremberg, tens of thousands have already fled. Opposition parties have accused the government of negligence, pointing to the dissolution of the Federal Observatory Service in 769 AS on cost saving grounds.

[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.

[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] Daumann expands Holstein ambitions

HOLSTEIN -- 816 -- Daumann has announced plans to reignite the failed terraforming project on Holstein. Originally started by the Old Empire, the terraforming spluttered to an ignoble end after Rheinland incurred heavy debts during the 80-Years War. Holstein was left in an unpleasant state that many consider barely habitable. Now, fueled by income from Boron salt extractors and recently opened Fertilizer plants, Daumann has pledged to turn Holstein into a new paradise. Anonymous Rheinland officials have confirmed that Planetform Inc will be barred from any contracts associated with the project, due to their involvement in the current Hudson dispute. Consortium investors funding the project include the Rheinland Government, Daumann, Interspace Commerce and Synth Foods.

[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] Corsair Menace Threatens Frankfurt

BATTLESHIP KOBLENZ -- 815 -- Over recent weeks, Corsair attacks on Trade Lane shipping in Frankfurt have increased by over 600%, seemingly to test Military readiness levels across the system. This pillaging was later revealed to be a prelude to a larger threat with the arrival of a Corsair assault fleet. The Battleship Koblenz and its squadrons were immediately dispatched to intercept what was later estimated to be a force of over one hundred Corsair raiding ships - the largest known grouping of Corsairs reported to date. An improvised force of RM, RFP, MND and even Bundschuh and Red Hessians repelled the attack, scattering the marauders back into the Tannusfeld. It is currently unclear what the Corsair motive for the attack was, beyond an instinctive need to cause bloodshed and mayhem.

[815 AS] Blast on Ingolstadt Kills Executives

INGOLSTADT -- 815 -- A bomb has been detonated aboard Ingolstadt Station in Munich, targeting a Republican Shipping executive board meeting. Over 70 people have been declared dead so far, while emergency responders work tirelessly to repressurize damaged decks and access trapped crew members. The Unioners have claimed responsibility for the attack, with a broadcast claiming they had targeted Republican CEO Andrea Kirsch. Kirsch has confirmed that she was not in attendance at the meeting. Republican has previously submitted a formal complaint to New Berlin over Munich’s lax security environment, which relies on patrols from the distant Battleship Koblenz. Government officials confirmed that they were examining all options.

[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.

[808 AS] Hamburg University restricts research access

ROTHERBAUM CITY -- 808 -- Hamburg University has announced a change to its publication process. Academics from other institutions will now need to subscribe to a ‘commercial affiliates’ programme managed by Republican Shipping to gain access to the university’s papers for peer review or research. Objections have been raised by New Berlin and Cambridge Universities, who argue that the move threatens academic freedom and scientific rigor. Hamburg University was bailed out by Republican Shipping three years ago when the institution faced imminent bankruptcy. Republican's Academic Investments Office say the fees schedule will subsidize "innovative research" and "push forward novel paradigms".

[808 AS] Schweizer Commission reports to the Reichstag

NEW BERLIN -- 808 -- Otto Schweizer has delivered his damning report to the Reichstag. The 1,400-page document accuses Daumann and Republican of colluding to create a "cartel-like structure" to defraud public funds in the lead-up to the Colony Wars. The Commission describes "inexplicable" and "self-destructive" financial irregularities that were signed off by Chancellor Niemann and senior officials during this period. Schweizer is believed to have passed on recommendations to the Public Prosecutor General for behavior rising to the standard of criminal conduct. Bipartisan legislation has already been tabled in the Reichstag to begin the process of clawing funds back from both corporations.

[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".

[808 AS] Klaus Schulze murdered following arrest

MAINZ -- 808 -- Republican Shipping’s stock price has plummeted following the arrest and then assassination of CEO Klaus Schulze. In a shocking move, MND agents raided the facility on Planet Nuremberg where Schulze had been hiding, charging him with treason. Reminiscent of the killing of Wolfgang Daumann five years ago, the prison convoy carrying Schulze was intercepted and destroyed by multiple squadrons of Bundschuh in Frankfurt. Federal Police responders from Fulda confirmed that no survivors were recovered. Schulze was a reclusive figure that had rarely been seen in public since the end of the Colony Wars, claiming fears for his safety.

[805 AS] Republican bails out Hamburg University

ROTHERBAUM CITY -- 805 -- Hamburg University has narrowly avoided bankruptcy after negotiating a financing deal with Republican Shipping. The University's public funding was recently removed as a part of the ""difficult decisions” made by the government to stave off financial collapse. Republican is believed to have appointed itself as a “corporate guardian” for the institution, providing funding in exchange for exclusive rights to commercially exploit any resulting intellectual property. Republican representatives have confirmed that the investment forms part of the company’s broader plan to revitalize the Hamburg economy.

[805 AS] Augsburg Orbital Colony complete

AUGSBURG -- 805 -- Industry Minister Niklas Konig today marked the completion of Munich's Augsburg Orbital Colony at a lavish opening ceremony. Hailing the pilot project as a symbol of Rheinland's ingenuity, he predicted a future where millions of citizens would live industrious lives in orbital habitats. Augsburg was originally scheduled for completion in 789 AS, but faced more than a decade of delays due to funding issues. Completed using state investment subsidies, critics have called the station a wasteful vanity project in a time of economic hardship. Owing to cost overruns, the price of apartments aboard is substantially higher than originally forecast.

[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] Republican executives flee Hamburg

PLANET HAMBURG -- 801 -- As Rheinland reels in the aftermath of the Colony Wars, Republican Shipping has announced the closure of several of its executive offices in Hamburg. The shipbuilding and haulage firm has long been one of the planet's largest employers, sparking alarm that Republican could be planning further rounds of layoffs. Republican sources advised that they were simply insulating themselves from Hamburg's increasingly dire short term forecasts, and investing more heavily into their Ingolstadt facilities in Munich. Pre-war projections had expected local unemployment to fall to 26%% by 805 AS, although this trend is now expected to sharply reverse.

[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
  • This is a transit point between Dortmund in New Berlin and Yukawa in Honshu. Basic and High-Temperature Alloys plus Ship-Hull Panels pass through this base on their way into Kusari.


  • ALG does a good business in Frankfurt. Terraforming Gases arrive at this base from Dortmund. They expect to receive supplies of Boron from here in return.


  • Though it requires the danger of flying into the Border Worlds, ALG ships Food to the Helgoland, beyond Rheinland space.


Daumann Heavy Construction
  • Our Boron mining facility in Holstein receives all their basic supplies from this base. You could deliver these for us if you need money. It is a very short trip.


  • You see the Samura and Kishiro men on this base? They always have a very smug look on their faces, it makes me livid. I would enjoy killing them both. You know that Kusari and her keiretsu backed the GMG throughout the entire war, don't you?


  • This is the station where the Kusari shippers must offload their products and receive ours. I don't think many Rheinlanders care to see H-Fuel brought into the heart of our Republic aboard their ships, the insult would be unbearable.


Imperial Shipping
  • Fertilizers are brought here from Hamburg. They will make their way into the Border Worlds eventually. Zoners need the Fertilizers for their bio-domes.


  • There isn't much left here in Frankfurt. Most of the population in this system left for better mining grounds or were killed in "the Eighty." After several decisive losses to the GMG, the Imperial Navy began conscripting soldiers from the mining operations. The rate of attrition was horrible; you were a miner one week, a soldier the next, and dead by month's end.


  • Basic supplies are brought here from throughout the republic. This station is a supply hub for all of Frankfurt. We also do a fair bit of business in the Border Worlds and Kusari.


  • High-value Commodities make their way into this system from New Berlin on Republican shipping convoys. Silver and Diamonds are traded at this base with the Kusari.


  • Boron and High-Temperature Alloys will be taken all the way to Narita in the heart of Kusari from this base. It will be Republican shippers that brave the Border Worlds to keep trade running smoothly.


  • All H-Fuel that comes into this system is immediately loaded off the Kusari ships and onto Republican vessels. From here, most of the H-Fuel will be sent to the capitol, where it will be redistributed throughout all of Rheinland.


  • Republican will ship Optronics and Optical Chips to the Ring in New Berlin. On the way back, our convoys carry High-Temperature Alloys and Cobalt.


  • This base is necessary; business must go on in Frankfurt even after the devastation it suffered in the Eighty-Years War. We are still the gateway to the Border Worlds and Kusari out here, even if no one wishes to remember that.


  • Even in Frankfurt -- the derelict child of Rheinland -- the Unioners come to harass our shipping concerns. There is truly no rest for the weary. We must hire Bounty Hunters and freelancers to protect our convoys out here, as the police presence is minimal.


Junkers
  • Optronics, Consumer Goods, and Basic Alloys are part of the trade we do with this base and the Yanagi. We get excellent prices from these Rheinland boys, poor bastards.


  • Our reputation requires us to keep stock in all manner of Commodities at our base; Yanagi is no different. We ship many basic supplies to Yanagi from this locale.


  • It is always better to purchase supplies from desperate people. The people of Rheinland have lost almost everything. We purchase Fertilizers and Terraforming Gases for a good price from this base.


Kishiro Technologies
  • Go to Ogashawa. There is the main source of Kishiro H-Fuel. You will find the best prices at the source. Every station needs H-Fuel, including this one.


  • If you have ever wished to see the wonders of the New Tokyo system, then you could ship Diamonds to the capitol planet and return with Optical Chips from Shinagawa.


  • Yukawa is in need of the Boron that the Rheinland people mine in this system. If you are willing, you could provide them with this Commodity.


  • Kishiro brings this base Optronics from Honshu. While we are here, we purchase Basic and High-Temperature Alloys plus Cobalt to return to Honshu with.


Samura Industries
  • Yokohama is in need of High-Temperature Alloys. This Commodity is necessary for the construction of ships, and Kusari ships are amongst the finest in Sirius.


  • The foolish Rheinland people tried to wrestle the control of H-Fuel production from the GMG. They could never do so; even today if you want H-Fuel you must travel to the Border Worlds and do business with Kusari companies. Samura Fuel comes from Naha, so you can purchase from the source if you like.


  • The Silver we purchase in this dying system will be shipped aboard our convoys to New Tokyo. If you wish to see a vibrant, living system, go there. But bathe first.


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