| Battleship Altenburg | |
| Owner | |
| Rheinland Military | |
| Location | |
| E-5/6, Cologne |
CLASS: Altenburg
CREW: CLASSIFIED
ARMAMENT: CLASSIFIED
The Altenburg was completed in 816 AS, using lessons learned from the Westfalen generation of battleships. It was initially deployed to Dresden to tackle the severely deteriorating security situation and stationed near Leipzig Station to bolster the local RFP presence. During the Hudson War, much of its supporting fleet was stripped away and reallocated to the front, emboldening Red Hessian attacks. The Altenburg was unable to prevent the Red Hessian surge of 818 AS, during which Pirna Border Station was destroyed, and Leipzig captured. In the aftermath, the battleship successfully routed a large Hessian force near Bautzen Station, and established the containment minefield around the New Berlin Jump Gate. When Kruger shuttered Bautzen Station in 824 AS, the Altenburg was finally withdrawn back to New Berlin for much needed repairs.
Following these refits, the fleet was briefly sent to Omega-11 to tackle Corsair and Hessian piracy, before escalating tensions with the Gas Miner’s Guild necessitated an urgent redeployment to Sigma-15. Hostilities with the GMG erupted into the Saigon War soon after, placing the Altenburg on the front line against both the Guild and Kusari. The Altenburg’s fleet held Sigma-15 for the duration of the conflict, only withdrawing back to New Berlin for further refitting after the Third Treaty of Honshu established a peace with Kusari. The fleet’s command cadre were also stringent Imperial supporters, and members of the coup that planned to topple the government. When the Rheinland Civil War erupted in 827 AS, the Altenburg carried out pre-arranged orders to attack Stuttgart.
The Battleship Karslruhe fled to Cologne before the Altenburg arrived, allowing it to secure Stuttgart’s orbit alongside the Westfalen. When the Karlsruhe attempted a break-out in the summer of 828 AS, it was quickly intercepted, with the Altenburg taking heavy damage while dispatching the Federalist battleship. By the time repairs at Oder Shipyard were completed, the war had ended in reunification. The Consensus Government selected the Altenburg and Strausberg fleets to recapture Cologne from the Red Hessians, owing to their past counter-revolutionary experience. When the Hessians fled, the fleet was permanently assigned to pacifying the troublesome frontier. The Altenburg is now primarily tasked with policing the Alsace Passage to Gallia, and monitoring ALG’s Wuppertal Refinery for suspected treachery.
Bribes & Missions Offered
| Bribes |
| Missions |
Commodities
| Imports | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Exports | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ships sold
| Ship | Class | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spectre | Light Fighter | 14,902$ |
| Banshee | Heavy Fighter | 16,188$ |
| Valkyrie | Very Heavy Fighter | 23,979$ |
| Disir | Very Heavy Fighter | 27,979$ |
| Poltergeist | Bomber | 47,987$ |
| Revenant | Bomber | 53,362$ |
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] 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. |
| [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] Battleship Strausberg lost in Dresden! |
|
DRESDEN -- 832 AS -- A surprise assault has been conducted by the Military battlegroup spearheaded by Battleship Strausberg, which up until now safeguarded the Dresden's gate into New Berlin. The assault was primarily aimed at taking out the Leipzig Station, a former Daumann station that Red Hessian took a residence in after its abandonment in 818 AS. While the battlegroup successfully managed to destroy both Leipzig Station, as well as Bundschuh controlled Bautzen Station, the assault ended in a catastrophic loss of the Battleship Strausberg, having been ambushed by a heavy Hessian battlegroup. While the Strausberg itself managed to successfully withdraw from the battle, its engines failed halfway towards the New Berlin Jump Gate, and the order was made to scuttle the ship to avoid it falling into the Hessian hands. As a result, massive riots are taking place all around Rheinland, demanding Kaiser's resignation from his position due to his reckless actions making Rheinland even less safe than it already is. We have reached out to the Kaiser Cabinet, but were refused any comments at the time of publication. |
| [832 AS] Kaiser declares war on Red Hessians! |
|
NEW BERLIN -- 832 AS -- Earlier today, the Kaiser announced in a surprise press release that the Rheinland has not been putting nearly enough focus on its internal issues as it should. The Red Hessians, in particular, have been a movement that spiraled out of control many years ago, and needs to be addressed by any means necessary. Kaiser's speech lasted a total of 10 minutes, and notable highlights included belittling of the movement origins, calling the Hessians "Liberty Rogue wannabe's wanting to paint themselves as victims", "skulking rats" and other expletives. The speech ended in a bold statement, claiming that in no more than five years, Hessians would be nothing more but a shameful note in Rheinland's history. Shortly afterward, a bill mandating a 5%% increase in military spending was passed, along with some minor policies aimed at increased security in the core systems. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. |
| [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. |
| [829 AS] Unioners Outlawed over Armistice Violations |
|
HAMBURG -- 828 AS -- Rheinland officials have once more outlawed the Unioners following multiple incidents of piracy, smuggling and racketeering. The Unioners were offered an armistice and amnesty through the post-Civil War Holstein Accords. Regrettably, the Unioners appear to have effectively rejected this offer for reintegration into society by reverting almost immediately to their old ways. An anonymous RFP source commented, “I doubt they ever had any intention of abiding by the Accords, they were simply seeing how much they could get away with before we responded.” Arrest warrants and bounties on Unioner affiliates have now been issued across Rheinland space. |
| [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] Rheinland dispatches a fleet to Cologne |
|
STUTTGART -- 828 AS -- A combined fleet consisting of Battlegroup Altenburg, reinforcements from the former Karlsruhe brigade, and reserve regiments from both Stuttgart and Thuringia mobilised this morning following a directive issued by the new government to retake Cologne. Fleet Coordinator Otto von Clausewitz addressed the press: "In the glorious spirit of reunification, we - the people of Rheinland - are reclaiming what we neglected the most in the midst of our civil war - Cologne. With the help of our brothers and sisters who are united under one banner once again, together, we will re-establish and stabilise our trade flow with Gallia by decisively expelling the Red Hessian occupation." The initiative to re-secure Cologne is the first decisive action of the new constitutional monarchy, and the Rheinland government's debut to the interstellar community. The Gallic Union lauded Rheinland's reclamation of Cologne to re-establish a secure trade artery between the two recently war-torn nations. In response to the news, Rheinland and Gallic exchanges saw a growing increase in the demand for ore and other raw materials, indicating consumer optimism in the re-establishment of trade. Furthermore, the Gallic Navy have deployed a battlegroup to Zurich as a blockade and possibly pincer against the Red Hessians. Rumours are abound concerning the degree of entrenchment the Hessians have accomplished in Cologne during their year-long period of occupation. Reports have confirmed the presence of Hessian Battleship Kassel in orbit of Planet Saarbrucken and fortifying Tholey Station, in addition to heavy outgoing traffic in what is theorized to be a Hessian evacuation, most likely incited by the Altenburg's movements. |
| [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. |
| [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] 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. |
| [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] 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. |
Rumors
| ALG Waste Disposal |
|
| Bounty Hunters Guild |
|
| Rheinland Military |
|
| Imperial Shipping |
|
NOTE: Page generated on the 15/12/2024 at 15:51:01 UTC