Universal Shipping (player faction)

This is a player faction. For the affiliated NPC faction, see Universal Shipping

[*USI*] Universal Shipping Incorporated
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Origin	Liberty
Alignment	Lawful/Corporation
Profile
Date of founding	150 A.S.
Founder(s)	Erik T. Demoses and Michael Trenton
Current leader(s)	Erik T. Demoses and Michael Trenton
Base of operations	Trenton Outpost, New York
Primary role
Shipping high-risk, high-value cargo
Secondary role
Assisting Liberty and her citizens

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Overview

Goals & Rules

Goals

• Help the citizens of Liberty and her economy.
• Clean up Liberty's tarnished reputation.
• Promote good-will and respect throughout Sirius.
• Strive to become the best trading corporation in Sirius.
• Support Liberty in a time of war, and ship needed commodities to the frontlines.
• Acquire alliances with other companies and independent pilots.
• Grow in numbers and establish more bases.

Rules

General Rules

• Always be true to Liberty and her allies. Never, under any circumstances turn against the Liberty officials. And always obey the laws in other systems.
• Once in the corporation, always in the corporation. Expect to be hunted if you sell out any of the secrets of Universal Shipping or leave without paying your debts.
• No dealing with unlawful organizations. We are not a smuggling corporation so if you are caught with contraband expect to be fired.
• Respect the authorities and those at other houses. Usually we are merely guests in another system, so make sure to show the proper respect.
• Be honest. This entire corporation is based on honesty and we expect you to show integrity.
• Respect your superiors at all times.
• You cannot create more than one USI character until you are promoted.
• Before you can be promoted from Trainee/Clerk/Recruit. You must submit a character biography HERE.
• In order to join, you need a valid real-life contact point. For example: E-mail, Steam, Skype, or Forum ID. In fact we prefer you to have a Forum ID and a Skype account (both are free).
• Follow the server rules. You may be sanctioned by USI as well.

Convoy Rules

• You must stay in your designated position in line.
• Respect; absolutely no back-handed compliments, vulgar language, harassment, or 'put-downs' are accepted; We encourage the words: "sir", "ma'am", "gentlemen", "ladies".
• No 'testing weapons' on members (or anyone else for that matter)
• Leaders must state what to buy next and where, ahead of time.
• You must pay the required fees after your convoy has reached its final destination.
• Listen to your superiors and scouts, they know what's best for the convoy.

Communication Rules

In-Game 'Group' Channel

This channel is considered to be our 'Corporation Channel'. Its purpose is to address all current on duty Universal pilots and captains at the same time. There might also be situations where non-Universal employees are to be given the 'secured codes' to our channel, on a temporarily basis that is of course. Think of situations like where a non-Universal pilot is being hired by Universal to fulfill several services, for example acting as escort on one of our convoy's. 'Group Chat' should NOT be used for OORP chatter. Only if you need to address all members in the group chat for a important OORP message you may, otherwise use 'private chat' (which is being explained below)

In-Game 'Local' Channel

This channel is considered our main channel. Most of our global chatter should go through this channel, only if you need to pass through information that should not be said in public (Examples: Convoy drop-off points, cargo pick ups, destinations of patrols) you may use either 'Group' chat or 'Private' chat. But regular conversations should be held in 'local' chat. In case the person you talk to is out of range (no longer on your radar) you could wait until the person has reached the required range again (like when going through a trade lane/gate) or switch to 'Private' or 'Group' Chat for the time being. Don't use 'local' chat if you need to address multiple people while on the move, there is a chance one of the people is out of range and misses your message.

In-Game 'Private' Channel

This channel is considered a secured channel. It's main purpose is to have 'one on one' conversations, usually very private. Secondary purpose (and most used purpose as well) is OORP chatter. In case you need to tell somebody something in OORP you should be doing this through 'Private' chat, not in group, local or system chat.

In-Game 'System' Channel

This channel is considered a emergency channel. On rare occasions you might feel the urge to shout an announcement into 'System' chat. However on a regular basis this channel should not be used. Do not switch to 'system' chat if the pilot you were talking to in 'local' chat is out of range, either wait or switch to 'group'/'Private'. In cases of emergency you may want to consider using 'system' chat, but keep in mind that everyone in that system is able to see your message.

Skype General Membership Channel

• You May Only Add People With The President or Vice President's Permission.
• You May NOT Spam Here.
• You May RP & OOC Here.
• Can talk about USI Business.
• Request Convoys.
• Talk About Matters Regarding Help And Other Factions Within Freelancer.

Skype Announcement Channel

• You May NOT talk Here.
• You May Post News And Updates That Have To Do With Freelancer And/Or U.S.I.
• You May NOT Spam Here.
• You May NOT Request Convoys Here.

Skype's main purpose is OORP chatter. Most of our OORP chat should either be on Skype, In-game 'Private' Channel or on the allowed sections on this forum. Sanctions/punishments will be given to those who break any of the rules stated above. Each punishment is varied and will be chosen by either a chief/manager or superior.

History

The Beginning

Before trade lanes and the new age technology of jump gates, there was hard work and the original space transportation company, Universal Shipping.

They were pioneers who spent time and resources moving materials the old fashioned way, by cruise travel, from one system to another. Originally moving silver from California to Colorado in order to terraform Los Angeles, Universal Shipping earned their place as a vital part of the Libertarian society. However, as time progressed transportation became easier. Ageira Technologies and Deep Space Engineering grew in power as their technologies allowed ships to travel above and beyond what was thought possible.

Good news for humanity as a whole, bad news for the once all powerful Universal Shipping. As trade slowed down and commodity prices were lowered, the industrious workers and miners of Colorado were laid off and eventually pushed into a small mined out asteroid field. Once employees to Universal Shipping, these disgruntled blue-collars turned rogue and took on the name of Xenos. Even after becoming outlaws the previously employed miners decided not to attack their employers, in exchange of course for the occasional donation of credits.

Then, in 181 A.S., and Universal Shipping finally secured a foothold in modern Libertarian society. A contract was made between Ageira Technologies and Deep Space Engineering that allowed Universal to move cargo between their bases. This enabled the company to once again rise in power as the number one transportation company in Liberty. This, however, was a short lived prosperity.

After the age of Discovery, new groups came to dominate Universal Shipping's sector of the market. Both Ageira and Deep Space Engineering started up their own shipping branches and independent trading companies emerged; One being the Interspace Neuralnet Division, who took over as the leading haulage group. And after the group known as the Kings of Freight was contracted, the mainstream workers of Universal experienced a lack of livelihood and many decided to join the Xenos and wage war against the upper-class and foreigners.

This went on until two major events took place. One was that the tensions between Liberty and Rheinland mounted until they were pressed into war. The second was that the Kings of Freight broke their major contract with Universal Shipping and set-up their own base in the system of Minnesota. A new market for military supplies sprang up, and two men saw this opportunity and struck with all the force they could muster.

Erik T. Demoses and Michael Trenton had not known each other long, but they became instant business partners. Both had been Universal Shipping employees, and both had risen through the ranks at tremendous speed.

Erik was a master of manipulation and a true patriot to the Liberty sector. He could charm even the hardest business man into selling his contract for a fraction of its real worth. However, his belief in honor was unquestionable and his word was true. Now as president of Universal Shipping he seeks to once again raise the main branch back into its period of prosperity. Little is known about where he came from.

Michael Trenton comes from a quarreled family, his mother's side are Xeno's and his father's side are all Universal traders. When he was a young pilot, he left Universal and his father, to live with his mother on Ouray Base. He was trained to be a fighter pilot there, and was promoted to a 'Royal' in the Xenos ranks. However, even though he wanted to be loyal to his family, he just didn't have the same moral values as them.

He was allowed to leave the Xeno Alliance, without any hindrance thanks to his mother. After he was accepted back into Universal Shipping (player faction), he made a lot of changes to the company. He trained the escort pilots, some say better than Liberty's finest.

He showed the employees new and safer routes. Then after his father passed away he met Erik T. Demoses.

The New Era for Universal Shipping, Inc.

The year is now 817 A.S., exactly one year after Universal Shipping underwent its change in management. As a result of fresh leadership, bright new ideas have broken through the rusted mold that was once Universal. Both the Department of Trade, and the Department of Security have been renovated to be as effective as possible in current times. These renovations have led to new positions of leadership, which are being filled by Liberty's finest. Aside from this miniature renaissance, Universal has formed many new contracts with groups and individual pilots throughout Liberty. However, the most major of these contracts is the one that is closest to Liberty. The organization of a military supply route between the Liberty Navy and Universal Shipping may lead to victory in the war against Rheinland. With a constant surplus of new ships and vehicles, as well as various other commodities, sent directly to the front lines of the war, the forces of Rheinland cannot hope to last for long against the full might of Liberty and her people. Besides reinforcing Liberty's own forces, Universal has decided to expand outwards and claim new areas of trade that have previously been undiscovered. With the prospect of new alliances at hand, Universal is bringing as much business to the outer sectors as possible while maintaining Liberty. Hopefully, with the aid of new resources from the outlying colonies, Liberty will be able to crush Rheinland.

The Recovery of 817 A.S.

In late 817 A.S., President Erik T. Demoses was kidnapped by a group of Lane Hackers. The Chief Security Officer, Jeffrey Adams, put the Vice President, Michael Trenton, into protective custody. After, Mr. Adams stepped down from his position and decided to deal with his past. He attempted to find his long-lost sweetheart who was previously kidnapped by unknown slavers and possibly find the whereabouts of Mr. Demoses. With Mr. Demoses, Mr. Trenton and Mr. Adams not available, the former manager Denny Crane took over as the President of Universal Shipping. He appointed Jack Hammerson as the new Chief Security Officer and waited for Mr. Trenton to be released from protective custody to resume his position as Vice President. Now with a new leader of USI, a 'clean-up' was initiated and more recruits for Universal were hired. Most of the current employees were promoted and just a few were laid off. New contracts, training and plans for more bases were found and established. Although Universal was dealt a hard blow when Mr. Demoses was abducted, the recovery was a success and the corporation is now stronger than ever.

Departments

When joining the USI, new employees are placed in one of the company's 3 divisions:

Department of Trade

The department of trade is the main source of income for the corporation. This department is responsible for maintaining a fleet of large transports and trains as well as researching, documenting, and executing profitable trade routes. Transports in the department of trade pay a percentage of their convoy profits to fund the other departments in the company.

Department of Security

The Department of Security's primary focus is escorting USI transports. These fighter and bomber pilots accompany the vulnerable traders on their routes to ensure safe passage. After a successfully completed trade route, the transports will pay the escort pilots a small escorting fee. The USI boasts one of the most professional escorting services in all of Sirius.

The Department of Security has a number of secondary responsibilities including:

• Defense of Universal Shipping bases.
• Patrolling Liberty Trade Lanes for pirates.
• Escorting friendly traders and high value cargo.
• Assisting Liberty Navy and Liberty Police ships when requested.

Social Services Office

The Social Services Office is responsible for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the company running smoothly. From their location on board New York's Trenton Outpost, Social Services manages relationships with other Player Factions, handles recruitment and orientation for new hires, implements changes within the organization, and performs a myriad of other clerical duties.

Areas of Operation

Liberty

Liberty is our home, yet we are accepted in all major systems, as well. At this point in time the only systems in Liberty that we are not permitted to enter are Ellesmere, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Virginia, and an unknown system that does not exist. However, we are still open to servicing these systems with permission of the owners.

As the main exporting and importing company in Liberty, we ship most commodities and equipment needed by other corporations such as, but not limited to: Deep Space Engineering, Liberty Police Incorporated, Interspace Commerce, and Orbital Spa & Cruise. Our main shipping contract within Liberty is with the Liberty Navy, as we are their main suppliers for all Military commodities, equipment, rations, and other goods.

• License: Military Commodities (Nuclear Devices; Black Market Munitions; Light Arms; Plutonium; and Military Vehicles) (Part I)

Bretonia

Since we consider Bretonia a sister to Liberty, and because they are at war with Kusari, we feel the need to assist them in any way possible. By contract, we are allowed to travel through most of the Bretonian systems. In fact, the only systems that we are not permitted to enter are Salisbury, Londonderry, and Poole - unless granted access by the system owners. Though we are neutral with Kusari, we are aware of the trade embargos that both Bretonia and Kusari have set between themselves. We will not take any lanes to Stokes Mining Station in the Leeds System.

U.S.I. is considered to be a powerful allied-corporation to Bretonia. Like Border Worlds Exports, Universal will assist the local police or military whenever needed; meaning we supply the Bretonia Armed Forces with Military commodities, like [[Light Arms] and Military Vehicles. Some of our traders have been made famous for saving the lives of V.I.P’s and War-veterans in the area. Our traders have also moved refugees from Leeds to New London to give them hope and a better life. And because of the growing relationship between ourselves and [Bretonia Mining and Minerals, we are now considered their main haulers of Gold and Gold Ore.

• License: Military Commodities (Nuclear Devices; Black Market Munitions; Light Arms; Plutonium; and Military Vehicles)

Kusari

This section of Sirius can be ghost-like at times yet can turn deadly without warning. Since we are merely business associates in this area, when you are passing through act appropriately - even if the people there are not treating you the same way. Due to our current relationship with the corporations in Kusari, we are granted to travel through the main systems. Although, some systems like Tottori, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima, are ones that we are not allowed to enter.

Sadly, most Kusarians see Universal as a selfish, credit-driven, Liberty corporation; they don’t see the helpful and friendly family that we have today. In fact, an organization called the Artisan Farmer’s Alliance hold resentment for Universal Shipping. They believe we are the cause of their strife and that we have somehow hurt their economy. If only they could see that we wish for their economy to grow.

Our relationships with the corporations within Kusari are still under development. We hold temporary contracts when available, but we have no major or official contracts yet. And because of the war between Kusari and Bretonia, we will respect the embargo.

Rheinland

Rheinland is a sector that we do NOT enter, unless given a direct order by Admiral Hale himself. However, we are allowed to travel to as close as the border worlds in between Liberty and Rheinland. The only purpose to travel to those worlds would be to supply and repair the Navy vessels stationed there.

Universal Shipping is strongly disliked in Rheinland. We represent the growing infrastructure of Liberty and we are very successful at shipping military equipment and commodities to any destination. Universal also donates credits to Liberty and her proud navy, which allows the Navy to train the best pilots, and to have them fly the best ships. Because of this, we are willing and ready to aid our navy in combat if it comes to total war.

There are shipping corporations in Rheinland that we may meet during our assignments. As such, we should exercise extreme caution (despite our past relationship with Republican Exports). If the vessel is a threat or if it is carrying commodities that could help Rheinland then all USI personnel have orders to terminate; the only Rheinland corporation that we are considered neutral with are the ALG Waste Disposal – We need them, and they need us… It’s a healthy relationship.

Gallia

Gallia is located outside of Sirius, only some know the location. The major obstacle when negotiating in this mysterious place is actually the ‘lawful’ authorities. They blame the people of Sirius for abandoning them a long long time ago during the settlement. There for, they don’t appreciate Sirians trading or even entering in their space. Although, there is one group in Gallia that appreciate our presence. Their organization is called the “Republique de Gaule” and they represent the Council - An exiled community and government of Gallia.

The Republique de Gaule has allowed us to enter the Orkney and Languedoc Systems. They own bases and even a planet in Languedoc. Our goals are to support this organization in any way possible, including shipments of food, water, machinery, and other commodities. In return they will help us if we need it.

The other systems in Gallia are off-limits at this time. The Royal Navy despises the Council and all Sirians. If anyone enters their space, they will act in pure hostility. Universal captains should only trust the Council at this time.

• Contract: Republique de Gaule (Trading Agreement; Friendly Alliance)

Taus

Rewriting...

• Contract: Independent Miners Guild (36 Vampire Weaponry)
• Contract: Independent Miners Guild (Permitted Use of Raven’s Talon; Spatial; Mafic; Charon)

Omegas

Rewriting...

Omicrons

Rewriting...

Bases Owned

• Trenton Outpost, New York (Liberty)
• Oakland Trade Center, California (Liberty) (Under Construction)

Bases Populated/Influenced

• California Minor, California (Liberty)
• Planet Los Angeles, California (Liberty)
• Ouray Base, Colorado (Liberty)
• Duluth Shipyard, Minnesota (Liberty)
• Saint Paul Base, Minnesota (Liberty)
• Fort Bush, New York (Liberty)
• Newark Station, New York (Liberty)
• Planet Manhattan, New York (Liberty)
• Planet Pittsburgh, New York (Liberty)
• Fort Severn, Ontario (Liberty)
• Toronto Station, Ontario (Liberty)
• Planet Houston, Texas (Liberty)
• Planet Curacao, Cortez (Independent)
• Falkland Base, Tau-37 (Edge Worlds)
• Graves Station, Dublin (Bretonia)
• LD-14, Leeds (Bretonia)
• Planet New London, New London (Bretonia)
• Waterloo Station, New London (Bretonia)
• Java Station, Tau-23 (Border Worlds)

Diplomacy

Faction	Relationship
Liberty Navy	Allied
Liberty Security Force	Allied
Liberty Police Incorporated	Allied
Kings of Freight	Allied
Ageira Technologies	Friendly
Deep Space Engineering	Friendly
Cryer Pharmaceuticals	Friendly
Synth Foods, Inc.	Friendly
Interspace Neuralnet Division	Friendly
Orbital Spa and Cruise	Friendly
Independent Miners Guild	Friendly
Bretonian Armed Forces	Friendly
Queen Carina's Privateers	Friendly
Bretonian Police Authority	Friendly
Xeno Alliance	Neutral
Everyone Else	Neutral
Corsairs	Unfriendly
Golden Chrysanthemums	Unfriendly
The Black Dragon Society	Unfriendly
The Keepers	Unfriendly
The Wild	Hostile
The Order	Hostile
Landwirtrechtbewegung	Hostile
Rheinland Military	Hostile
Rheinland Federal Police	Hostile
Daumann Heavy Construction	Hostile
Republican Shipping	Hostile
Bretonian Buccaneers	Hostile
Vagrant Raiders	Hostile
Sirius Coalition Revolutionary Army	Hostile
Nature's Last Hope	Hostile
NovaPG	Hostile
Alster Union	Hostile
Hellfire Legion	Hostile
Hessian Tears	Hostile
Reapers of Sirius	Hostile
The Sirius Cartel	Hostile
Shadow Outcast Brigade	At War
Blue Lotus Syndicate	At War
Phantom Empire	At War
Molly Republic	At War
Slavers Union	At War
Artisan Farmer's Alliance	At War
Lane Hackers	At War
101st Outcast Guard	At War
Liberty Rogues	At War

Links of Importance

USI Faction Official Dossier

USI Faction Recruitment Application Form (New Recruits Apply Here)

USI Faction Recruitment Forum Page

USI Social Services Office - Member Files

USI Private Forum

USI Convoy Management Utility

USI Bounty Contracts

USI Public Feedback

USI Social Services Office - Services