| The Ring | |
| Owner | |
| Daumann Heavy Construction | |
| Location | |
| F-5, New Berlin |
CLASS: Aggregate Structure
GRAVITY: Partial
DOCKING: Yes
AMENITIES: Yes
CREW: 49,600
Stretching around Planet New Berlin's equator, The Ring is the largest human-built structure in Sirius. It is a source of great pride for Rheinland's citizens and its preeminent company and architect, Daumann Heavy Construction. Daumann's rapid expansion in the first centuries after settlement saw the construction of numerous specialized manufacturing, storage, and administrative stations in the capital's orbit, which were connected piece by piece into an ever-growing band. This vast network of facilities are linked by the guide rails of the famous "Ringbahn" shuttle service.
The Ring hosts sections for every purpose imaginable: smelters, foundries, and factories form industrial segments; vast compartmentalized tubes and warehouses provide storage. In recent years, Augsburg-pattern habitats have been added, with these cramped units offering views of New Berlin's frozen landscapes. The Ring's literal encirclement of Planet New Berlin reflects Daumann's dominant position in the House, and announces to the megastructure's visitors that the corporation should be the first choice for anything that can be bought, sold or manufactured in Rheinland.
Bribes & Missions Offered
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Commodities
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Ships sold
| Ship | Class | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rheinland Gunboat | Gunboat | 1,210,006$ |
| Rheinland Cruiser | Cruiser | 3,137,900$ |
| Heavy Tanker | Super Train | 1,856,006$ |
News
| [834 AS] Historic trade deal secured with Gallia |
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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. |
| [833 AS] Kolleda Returns to Service? |
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ODER SHIPYARD -- 833 -- For the past year, Daumann crews have carried out the arduous task of disassembling the Battleship Kolleda. The decision to decommission the veteran battleship as a cost saving measure was deeply controversial, sparking numerous protests by ex-servicemen outside the Reichstag. This prompted frequent project stops while objections or political interventions were considered. Last week, a squadron of Heavy Lifter tugs pulled the Battleship from its moorings and escorted it into Frankfurt. While the Ministry of Defence has not offered any comment on the situation, it appears the Kolleda may have been offered a second lease on life. |
| [834 AS] State visit assassination provokes fury |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
| [833 AS] Pausbeck's Day Tour Ruffles Feathers |
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MULEHEIM CITY -- 833 -- A sullen-looking Emperor Frederick has undertaken a tour of Muleheim City to commemorate Pausbeck’s Day. On being asked if he would be doing anything foolish to celebrate his ancestor's folly, the Emperor launched into a meandering tirade that called for the holiday to be banned, decrying it as an affront to his office’s dignity. Speaking to the press later that day, Admiral Scholz clarified that this was a Pausbeck’s Day joke, and the assembled reporters had clearly committed their foolish act for the day by taking the satirical comments at face value. |
| [832 AS] Armistice Collapses Over Admiral Assassination |
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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] Emperor attends New Berlin Gala |
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DAHLEM CITY -- 832 -- Emperor Frederick has demonstrated his continued patronage of the arts by attending the New Berlin Fashion Gala, delivering an eclectic opening speech that attendees described as ‘unfocused’ and ‘eccentric’. The Emperor was said to be greatly impressed by the faux-military style showcased in his honor, and was later seen in deep conversation with Maria Decker, the line designer. Dramatically, chart-topping singer Erika Muller was removed from the Gala by Admiral Scholz, one of the Emperor’s favorite advisors. Muller is alleged to have asked the visibly puzzled Emperor about the heavy losses suffered by the Strausberg fleet during recent actions in Dresden. |
| [832 AS] Battleship Strausberg lost in Dresden! |
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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! |
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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. |
| [832 AS] Threat of Isolation |
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NAURU - In light of recent loss of connection of Omicron Delta with Omicron Rho and Omicron Kappa, Public Relation Spokesperson Kenneth Raeman, on behalf of the Core Guildmaster has held a press conference in their Rheinland branch office on Planet Holstein earlier this week to address their shareholders concerns regarding the recent loss of Jump Hole connectivity between the systems. "Those unfortunate events are indeed less than ideal, but they do not affect our supply lines nearly as much as one would make you think. The main concern, that is the Corsairs, is negligible. While formidable and savage, they are too preoccupied with the Outcast situation in Omicron Theta, allowing our heavily armed convoys to pass back into Sigmas without much difficulty. There is also a secondary source of supplies in the Zoners of Freeport 10, with whom we continue to have cordial relations with." When questioned about the specifics regarding their operations on newly-conquered Planet Gammu, the spokesperson offered no comment. Following the press conference, the company stocks recovered 25%% from the sudden drop of 40% they suffered when the news of Jump Holes collapse spread, maintaining the heightened level caused by Planet Gammu acquisition. |
| [832 AS] Core acquires Planet Gammu! |
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NAURU -- 832 AS -- Planet Gammu, an enigmatic world of alien machine lifeforms has been successfully taken over by the Core in a surprise move! The announcement was made during a surprise press conference held at the Core Branch Office on Planet Holstein in Frankfurt. Apparently, over the past 4 years, Core's flagship: Battleship Mars has been preparing this operation, eventually springing into action shortly after Omicron Theta has reportedly become a battleground between The Corsairs and The Outcasts. "We expect many great technologies to be made possible with our findings on Gammu, but I can't provide any specifics at the time.", said Core Public Relation Spokesperson Kenneth Raeman. "We also expect interference from the Corsair Empire, although they currently seem too occupied elsewhere to pay us much attention. Of course, fortifying our position in the system is very much a priority for when that state of things eventually changes. In the meantime, our ground based teams are hard at work excavating the secrets of their former inhabitants while our laboratories on Nauru are studying the first objects brought from the planet." As a result of these news, Core stocks have seen a record one-day gain of 75%%. |
| [831 AS/747 AGS] Gate Corps Clash Over 'Blackout'! |
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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 |
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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! |
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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 |
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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] Birds of a Feather |
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STUTTGART -- 828 AS -- Many of the LWB’s remnants took up the Imperial cause during the Civil War, hoping for an isolationist government that would expel Synth Foods from Rheinland. These pilots were left feeling betrayed and enraged when this failed to happen. Lacking funding and resources, they looked abroad to find support. An unexpected benefactor was found in Kusari’s Farmer’s Alliance, who fight a near identical battle against the Liberty corporation. The Alliance has provided leadership, funding and resources to relaunch anti-Synth operations in Rheinland as a wing of their own organization. It remains to be seen how this united Farmers Alliance will impact affairs on the wider stage, with the security forces of both Rheinland and Kusari already strained by internal conflict and crime. |
| [828 AS] Cologne Aftermath |
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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 |
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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! |
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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. |
| [825 AS] Kusari declares war on Rheinland |
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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! |
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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. |
| [824 AS] Dresden lost to Hessian advance |
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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. |
| [824 AS] Rheinland completes Colony War reparations |
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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 |
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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] Daumann announces Omega-11 withdrawal |
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SOLARIS STATION -- 822 -- Daumann has announced its withdrawal from Solaris Station following unprecedented solar storms. Rheinland scientists have advised that the dying star has entered a new and incredibly violent stage that could last for many years, rendering Omega-11 nearly impassable. Daumann has long struggled to find underwriters interested in insuring operations in the system, with the latest forecasts scaring away even the most risk-tolerant Rheinland brokers. Daumann's stock price fell on the news of the withdrawal, however the company stressed it had adequate stockpiles of Diamonds to supply the market until alternate sources were located. |
| [822 AS] Schulte removed through no confidence vote |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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] Red Hessians launch conquest of Dresden |
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PIRNA BORDER STATION -- 818 -- Treacherous Red Hessians have launched a full scale attack in Dresden, exploiting the ongoing war with Liberty. In a shocking blow, Pirna Border Station was destroyed, with many brave RFP pilots killed. Chaotic reports from Leipzig Station also confirm that Daumann has abandoned the base following a second major attack. The Battleship Altenburg has deployed to Dresden in response and is currently counter-attacking to stem the Hessian advance, with Military officials confirming that the pirates had been routed in a battle near Bautzen Station. Government officials have blamed the invasion on Interspace Commerce, claiming the Liberty corporation had provided funding and supplies to Rheinland’s enemies. |
| [818 AS] Bonn Station seized over Hessian plot |
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BONN STATION -- 818 AS -- Following a long-running undercover RFP investigation, evidence has been obtained proving collusion between Interspace Commerce and the Red Hessians. The Liberty corporation had acted to undermine Rheinland’s war effort by funneling supplies to Red Hessian terrorists. Marines from the Battleship Strausberg were ordered to board and seize the station. Interspace now faces expulsion from Rheinland space, forfeiting any locally held assets -- a number of local executives were also arrested for sedition. In response, Interspace has suspended all insurance services for Rheinland shipping. The Chancellor’s Office has announced that it is confident that local brokers can make up the shortfall. |
| [818 AS] Liberty corporations face uneasy future in Rheinland |
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NEW BERLIN -- 818 AS -- Chancellor Reinhardt has vetoed a motion from the Reichstag to expel Liberty corporations from Rheinland, in retaliation for Liberty's expulsion of Daumann, Kruger and Republican Shipping. The demands included the immediate nationalization of Planet Stuttgart and for sanctions to be leveled against Ageira Technologies, DSE, OS&C, and Interspace Commerce. The Chancellor’s Office explained that such actions would have far-reaching consequences, scaring away investors and driving Rheinland back to the financial ruin last seen in the days following the Colony Wars. Synth Foods is the single largest tax contributor in Rheinland, while other Liberty corporations provide essential services around freight insurance and Jump Gate maintenance. |
| [817 AS] War with Liberty! |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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PLANET HAMBURG -- 816 -- The Hamburg investigative outlet WahrheitsBericht has leveled explosive accusations at Liberty, claiming illegal research activities. Citing anonymous sources, the report alleges the existence of a previously unknown star system code-named “Alaska”, where the Liberty Security Force has recently been authorized to carry out human experimentation and Artifact research prohibited by the Denver Convention. Liberty has responded furiously to the broadcast, with President Powell dismissing it during Congressional questions as “baseless, lurid conspiracy theories”. WahrheitBericht has promised more “bombshell” revelations in the coming days, advertising a full length documentary they will self-publish next week. |
| [815 AS] Economic Recovery Hailed as “Berlin Renaissance” |
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NEW BERLIN -- 815 -- Wealth is flooding into New Berlin’s cities as Rheinland enters a boom period for the first time in recent memory. This sharp growth has been primarily buoyed by record harvests on Stuttgart and the discovery of fresh Diamond deposits in Dresden. Rheinland’s manufacturing sector also heavily contributed, with Nuremberg’s ailing arms industry revitalized by nearly a decade of state investment subsidies, and an exploding order book from both Kusari and Bretonia. Republican Shipping has also continued to focus on their “Hamburg Pivot” strategy, as their high-tech production gamble begins to turn a profit. Chancellor Reinhardt celebrated the results, arguing it vindicates his government’s track record. |
| [812 AS] Daumann battleship contract greenlit by courts |
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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. |
| [808 AS] Schweizer Commission reports to the Reichstag |
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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 |
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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". |
| [805 AS] Augsburg Orbital Colony complete |
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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] Leaked documents reveal war profiteering |
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NEW BERLIN -- 804 -- Daumann and Republican Shipping have both come under fire after a cache of leaked documents revealed their profits from Colony War shipbuilding contracts. Chancellor Niemann’s unprecedented military buildup cost hundreds of billions of credits to surge production in both the Oder and Alster Shipyards. The documents released by Bundschuh activists revealed that both corporations reaped record-breaking profits for this work. Several Reichstag delegates have called for the corporations' executives to be investigated as war criminals and the public funds clawed back. Chancellor Steller’s office has reluctantly promised an inquest into the matter, appointing Otto Schweizer to investigate. |
| [804 AS] Treaty of Honshu eases Colony War wounds |
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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] Daumann CEO assassinated |
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BADEN BADEN -- 803 -- Police sources have confirmed that CEO Wolfgang Daumann has been killed in an apparent terrorist attack. Daumann had been a vocal supporter of Chancellor Niemann’s re-militarization drive, overseeing the construction of the new fleet. Surprisingly, Daumann also lent DHC specialists to competitor Alster Shipyards across the late 790s, allowing the civilian facility to contribute to military contracts. Daumann went into seclusion three years ago, with his office citing ‘health concerns’. Federal Police say initial evidence points to Bundschuh involvement in the killing. |
| [803 AS] Rheinland recession bites deep |
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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 |
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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 |
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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? |
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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 |
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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 |
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NEW TOKYO -- 801 -- Shogun Edo has announced that a full economic embargo of Rheinland will be imposed by Kusari due to the outrages of the Colony Wars. Liberty’s President Jacobi has taken a leading role in mediation between Rheinland and the other Houses, with the Provisional Rheinland Government offering a message of condolence to the Kusari people for the actions of the toppled previous regime. Despite this, Kusari has remained resolute that no normalization of relations will be considered until full reparations are made for the devastation in Honshu and New Tokyo, and the many crimes Kusari alleges were perpetrated there. |
| [801 AS] Rheinland ends all hostilities |
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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
| Daumann Heavy Construction |
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| Imperial Shipping |
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NOTE: Page generated on the 07/06/2024 at 15:55:47 UTC