Sirius Colony News Service... All the news, just for you!
Boom In Deep Space Construction
With the invention and Sirius-wide adoption of modular station construction, various enterprises large and small have been spotted taking to the stars, to seek their fortunes. Industrial facilities in all the major houses report their sales of construction materials have gone up by as much as 30% over the last quarter. Analysts are still sceptical on wether or not this trend will hold, however, it has put a strain on the industrial capacities of most houses. Ironically, the only exception to this is Rheinland, which, in it's economic slump, had a large portion of it's industrial capacity idle. New Berlin and Hamburg report unemployment rates have fallen by 5% and 3% respectively, although analysts caution these jobs are largely temporary ones, and may not represent a trend.
Sirius Wide Trade On The Upswing
Transport companies across all the colonies are expanding their fleets as the demand for various commodities soars and sags in the ebb and flow of commerce. Samura and Kishiro in particular, having landed trade contracts with various Gallic organizations, have virtually exclusive access to a variety of commodities not seen in Sirius before. Holographic sculpturing, Virtual Reality Holo-entertainment bands, and industrial strength refrigeration units the size of your average soda can, are just the tip of the iceberg. These commodities are now slowly making their way into the colonies, and are expected to soon become a part of the day to day Sirian economy.
Interspace in Rheinland: The Plot Thickens
Rheinland diplomats have been spotted visiting Kusari in larger then usual numbers, fueling rumors that Rheinland is looking towards Kusari to bail out it's financial misfortunes. Kusari has long been the nation Rheinland has most closely cooperated with. Having little mineral wealth of it's own, Kusari is largely dependent on Rheinland's rich mineral resources to fuel it's primary industries, and many analysts agree Kusari's sentiment towards Interspace has always been less-then-friendly. Both Rheinland and Kusari officials declined to comment on the nature of the talks. We will have more as the story unfolds.
Interspace in Rheinland: Eviction Notice Worries Corporations
Several corporations including Daumann have voiced their concerns about the Bundestag's move to evict all Interspace ships from their borders. The Bundestag released no official response as of yet, although individual members cite the open support of Interspace vessels to the Hessians as sufficient cause to restrict Interspace operations to those on Bonn Station. Representative Werner Vossmaier had the following to say:
"They do not need transports to insure cargo and manage the trade lane tracking system which is at the core of their business franchise. All of that can be handled perfectly fine, from Bonn. Interspace has not been a dedicated transport company since the trade lanes were nationalized by the houses, over two centuries ago."
Nevertheless, with Interspace pressured, analysts wonder if this is just the first step by Rheinland to evict all Liberty-headquartered organizations - Such as Synth Foods and Orbital Spa and Cruise.
Not So Quiet On The Bretonian Front
Armed Forces and the Gallic Navy clashed east of the LD14 Uranium fields. A flotilla of three cruisers equipped with long range sieging weapons was intercepted by Armed Forces scout craft before they could get within firing range of LD14. The scout craft managed to pin and delay the cruisers and their escort while a joint Armed Forces and Kusari-In-Exile bomber wing launched from the Derby and the Nagumo. The ensuing battle destroyed one of the Gallic cruisers and heavily damaged the other two, at the cost of seven bombers and three interceptors. Two Kusari bombercraft were reported to have crashed themselves into the rear of the destroyed cruiser as it turned to flee, crippling it's engines and sealing it's fate.
Liberty And Rheinland In A Stalemate?
Skirmishes between Liberty and Rheinland have become less frequent in the past month, with both Liberty and Rheinland appearing to avoid unneccesary losses. Reports list seventeen engagements in Hudson, eleven in Bremen and only two in the Bering system. Our military analyst Becky Stone had the story:
"Both parties are bringing up reserves - Rheinland in Hamburg and Liberty in Texas. The Interspace situation has both nations on edge, but neither Liberty nor Rheinland has taken the initiative. One thing is certain: If these two military buildups do meet in a firefight, the only party who stands to gain from it, are the Junkers."
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Sirius Colony News Service... All the news, just for you!
Buildup Near Bonn
Rheinland Military activity around Battleship Strausberg has increased dramatically over the past week, with military transports coming and going. The nature of the cargo being delivered is unclear, but in light of the recent animosity between the Rheinland government and Interspace Commerce, many residents of Bonn fear that this activity is a prelude to a direct seizure of Bonn by the Rheinland government. Although the Bonn stock markets remain open, many smaller firms are taking precautions, and are relocating their offices to New Berlin, Waterloo or Roppongi.
Synth Foods petitions Rheinland
In an open statement, the Synth Foods corporation, known for it's luxuary synthetic food products, has petitioned the Bundestag to try and resolve the conflict peacefully. Unabated activity around Strausberg suggests these words are falling on deaf ears. The general sentiment towards the Liberty-based company remains quite negative, especially on Planet Stuttgart, where it's cornering of the agracultural sector has caused staggering unemployment. Nevertheless analysts agree that it is unlikely Rheinland would make a move against a corporation responsible for a large portion of the nation's food supply, as planet Hamburg and New Berlin are too cold for large-scale agraculture.
Battle Of Bonn
Sirius is in shock today as Rheinland forces openly attacked Bonn Station. Battleship Strausberg is denying docking to all but Rheinland Military ships to the station. The station is also under a communications blackout. Images taken from outside the station show many parts of the station have gone dark, and several minor hull breaches suggest there is some fighting going on inside the station. This dramatic move by the Rheinland government is it's first open attack on a civilian space facility since the end of the Nomad Wars, roughly two decades ago.
Rheinland: Concerns About Trade Safety
Rheinland Federal Police investigations are severely hampered by the recent turmoil near Bonn. The Interspace-managed trade lane cargo tracking system has ceased to function throughout Rheinland, creating what is essentially a smugglers paradise. The Federal Police, already known to be understaffed, now has to scan vessels manually in order to determine if they are carrying contraband. Piracy is also on the rise as Corsairs, Hessians, Unioners and LWB are taking advantage of the increased Police workload to set up ambushes in what are now sparsely patrolled areas.
Lane Construction Projects On Hold In Rheinland
Ageira and DSE announced today that in response to the escalating crisis around Bonn, their trade lane construction projects within Rheinland are suspended indefinately, and maintenance to the gate/lane system is reduced to the minimum requirements. This is expected to put the development of the Koeln and Omega 11 systems further behind schedule. A DSE employee, who requested to remain anonymous, had the following to say: "It's just too dangerous right now. With the tracking system down we're essentially flying blind. Trade lane components are too valuable to be carried through such an environment. Sure, we've never lost a whitebox before, but that doesn't mean we go and push our luck on that."
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Bonn Crisis Continues
NEW BERLIN - It has been several days since Rheinland Military forces began a takeover of Bonn station, but the crisis does not yet seem over. It is unclear how many individuals remain trapped on the damaged station, or if there are any casualties. Rheinland officials insist they are taking every step to ensure the safety of civilians on the station, but many are sceptical of these claims. The station continues to be under a total communications blackout. The fate of Bonn is known only to those inside it.
Rheinland Economy Reeling
The chaos around Bonn has sent a new shock through Rheinlands already weakened economy. With growing uncertainty about Interspace's reaction to the events on Bonn, the value of Rheinland assets has plummeted. While this has little to no impact on the nations primary industries, fueled by the resources out of the Walker nebula, it is growing increasingly difficult for Rheinland corporations to import specific components which the nation cannot produce itself. This raises concerns wether or not Rheinland will be able to maintain it's fleet in top performance much longer, given that replacement parts will become scarce, and technicians may be needed to refurbish parts that should instead be replaced completely.
Communication Troubles Plague Rheinland
The blackout of Bonn Station is starting to ripple through the lane and gate network in the house of Rheinland. Bonn Station managed the lanes as far out as Omega 7 and Sigma 13, resetting and resynchronizing lane nodes that have failed. More importantly, LightNet Networks inc., a subdivision of Interspace responsible for superluminal communication through the Gate/Lane system, has reported a 12% drop in reliability since Bonn went dark. "These intermittent failures are unacceptable." spokesman Brandon White commented. "Without the backup and retransmission centers of Bonn, communications out of Rheinland will soon end up with a 50% failure rate. And there is nothing we can do about it from this end. Newark simply can't take over local Rheinland traffic, since it's not local. And these communication failures are only the beginning - if the lanes can't resynchronize to eachother, they'll lose their uplinks completely. Trust me, you don't want that to happen."
Rheinland government officials could not be reached to comment on this situation.
Kusari: Blood Dragon Battles Getting Bloody?
NEW TOKYO - Blood Dragon activity has increased significantly in Hokkaido over the past weeks. While Kusari officials insist that everything is under control, analysts believe this may be a prelude to a major attack on the weakened nation. Spokesman Asu Takera had the following comment: "They are taking advantage of the damage our Navy suffered under Kogen's ill-fated rule. Yet even with our reduced forces, any attack against our core worlds is doomed to failure. Honshu, New Tokyo and Kyushu are well-defended, and the Matsumoto will repel any attack against the Samuran gas mining operations in Hokkaido. We have suffered the fate brought upon us by one Emperor, and are not keen to repeat past misstakes by having another in his stead."
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
Mollies To Aid Gallic Forces?
Breaking news from the Dundee system, where a renewed Gallic offensive got aid from an unlikely source. Several Molly seperatist fighters came to the aid of a Gallic Naval warship under fire from Armed Forces strikecraft. In the ensuing dogfight the Mollies were swiftly routed, but the distraction was enough for the damaged Gallic cruiser to withdraw. Footage of this event already reached New London, where general reaction is one of outrage. Chamber of Commons representative Gordon Brye had the following to say: "I can't believe they would do this. Sure, the Mollies have been a thorn in Bretonia's rear, but to openly side with these Gallic invaders? Do they truly think that these invaders will end up tolerating them any more then us?"
Armed Forces spokesmen have not yet reacted to this latest development, but are expected to step up their campaign against the Molly seperatists in light of this.
Sprague Recolonization On Schedule
NEW LONDON - The government initiated effort to re-settle planet Sprague in Omega-3 (or Snowdown, as Bretonia has designated it) has thus far gone without many problems. Planetary landing craft have begun erecting construction worker camps in preparation for fullscale colonization. In orbit, construction of a new docking ring is also proceeding, although Corsair raids have put it's construction slightly behind schedule. Project leader Simon Church had the following to say: "We're doing what we can. It isn't easy to keep an operation in Omega space safe, although we have it easier then the Douglas boys. The Corsairs make working here hazardous, but so far we've managed to hold them off. We do lose some supply transports. I wager they're actually letting us build up here, so they'll end up with more and more commercial ships to hit while our patrols end up with more and more area to cover. But Bretonia needs Sprague to work, so it's a price we'll have to pay."
Unrest On Kyushu Continues
KYUSHU - A protest in the Kinko prefect turned grim when citizens opposed to the new Kusari government stormed the regional tax centre in New Kanoya city. Kusari police underestimated the size of the march, rumored to have consisted of several thousands of people, and could not prevent hundreds of protestors from entering the vacated building, which was subsequently set on fire. Several police officers and protestors remain hospitalized in what is the third, and most intense, protest on planet Kyushu in the past month.
Technology Business Booming In Kusari
HONSHU - New legislature reducing government taxes on high-tech industries have caused the Optronics and Quantum-tech industries to report record profits and major expansion plans. Planet Honshu is enjoying the lowest unemployment rate in decades, which is enticing many GMG and Kyushu immigrants to settle on the planet. Samura has opened a second production facility, remaining the undisputed leader in the field of Quantum technologies, and employing thousands in both the plant and it's supporting infrastructure. Dozens of transports a day fuel these hungry industries, with Optical Chips, Polymers, Gold and Copper in high demand.
Bonn Crisis Not Letting Up
NEW BERLIN - The chaos around Bonn Station is not letting up, with Federal Police and Military units enforcing a strict blackout. Several days after the unprecedented takeover of the station there is still no word of the fate of those inside, and concern is growing that the station may in fact have been rendered uninhabitable. Large parts of the station are dark, indicating at least partial failure of the station power grid, which according to DSE engineers would have consequences for lifesupport if those areas are not immediately evacuated. Rheinland officials however insist that the situation is under control, and that once order has been restored on the station, it will reopen.
Rheinland Looking To Kusari For Bailout?
Rumors persist of attempts by the Rheinland government to have Kusari offer the nation financial aid. This move would resemble the joint action Kusari and Rheinland took in 521 AS, when both nations nationalized the Gate/Lane network within their borders, citing extortionate tolls by Interspace harming their national interests. Kusari is heavily reliant on Rheinlands rich mineral fields to fuel their economy, so analysts expect any kind of agreement would involve conceding significant amounts of raw minerals to Kusari factories.
Yanagi Cleanup All But Done
HELGOLAND - ALG spokesman Hans Westendorf announced today that the Helgoland cleanup is likely to be completed by the end of the year. "We have been contracted to remove the last harmful remnant of the regrettable conflict between Rheinland and the Gas Miners Guild. Along with the Junkers at the Yanagi depot, we have almost completed that contract. The Trade Lane has already been cleared, and the once heavily irradiated areas around the deeper Yanagi field have most of the leaking reactor cores either contained or reprocessed. Additionally, since the start of the operation, we have also recovered the bodies of over three thousand Rheinland Military and GMG Paramilitary, which have been returned to New Berlin and Gas Miner Naha respectively, for a proper burial. We sincerely hope that contracts like these will never be neccesary again."
It is as of yet unclear what will happen to Helgoland Station and the Yanagi Junker depot once the cleanup operation is officially ended.
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
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Sirius Colony News Service... All the news, just for you!
Former Kusari Emperor Declared Dead
LEEDS - Representatives of the exiled Kusari Naval Forces in Bretonia, released a statement today declaring that former Kusari Emperor Jien Kogen passed away. Little detail was given by the Exiles' High Command, except to say that their political leader was undergoing treatment for a medical condition. Speculation is rife among Kusari media outlets as to whether the announcement is a hoax. Military analysts say that even if the announcement is real, the Exile generals are likely to be vetting any contenders for the Throne-in-Exile over the coming months. A new champion for the former regime is sure to emerge sooner or later.
Rheinland Stands Firm On Interspace - Ousts OSI Also
Rheinland authorities continue to crack down on factions reputed to assist the Red Hessians. After having ousted Interspace from their house - a move that is still having reprecussions for cargo bound for Rheinland as the U.S.I. cargo tagging has been inoperative across Rheinland since Bonn Station was seized by the federal authorities - the Zoner trading group known as Omicron Supply Industries is now in Rheinlands crosshairs. A representative of the Bundestag, who wished to remain anonymous, stated the following: "Any group who aids the Hessian terrorists makes themselves an enemy of Rheinland. To supply an enemy war machine is to be a part of it, and to be treated as such. These Zoners claim to have peaceful intentions when they enter our house, but then turn around and supply those who would attack the good people of Rheinland. That makes them unwelcome here."
More Trouble In Texas?
The Texas system is no stranger to trouble - riots among the workgangs who are sentenced to Sugarland and Huntsville are not uncommon, despite the LPI's best efforts. Rheinland strikes also try to disrupt activity in the system. But the militaries do not seem the only ones at odds in Texas anymore. Reports show fighting has broken out between the Junkers and Liberty Rogues. It is unclear what has prompted these hostilities, but criminal analysts at CNN suggest this may be little more then a turf war. The LPI have thus far refused to comment on the situation, but Texas Bounty Hunter Darryl Venning had the following to say: "I'm not surprised. The Junkers have patsied the odd Rogue so often, there's bound to be some payback some time. I doubt there's anyone shedding tears about Rogues and Junkers blowing eachother up though."
Gas Miners Guild Profits Ballooning
The GMG presented their quarterly figures earlier this week, showing another 3% rise in H-Fuel sales. The continued conflicts in Bretonia and the Independent Worlds have caused an increased demand for fuel, and the GMG is eager to meet this demand, despite Samura and Kishiro both taking a slice of the H-Fuel market. "The outlook is very positive." a GMG spokesperson commented. "The fuel demand has steadily risen since 812, and projections continue to show a steady rise in demand in the near future. The GMG is continuing to increase its fuel production capacity to meet our customers needs as they grow."
Leeds Prepares For The Worst
Bretonian subterranean construction crews have been sent to Leeds to work at several undisclosed locations. No official statement has been made on their purpose, but analysts suggest that Bretonian forces are preparing a ground defense of Leeds. If fighting does come to the planet, it would be the first inter-House conflict in Sirian history on a heavily populated core world. Although much of the civilian population has been evacuated, there are tens of thousands who are unable, or simply refuse to leave. What will happen to these people is unknown, but it is likely their fate will end in tragedy, one way or the other.
What is DSE Up To In Alberta?
A large number of DSE and Universal transports have been making their way to the remote Alberta system, which lays beyond Ontario. Although the USI tags scanned as "food supplies" by Toronto's trainspotters, the sheer volume of these have spawned rumors that the companies are using falsified USI tagging to hide the actual nature of the cargo. It is certainly hard to believe that over twelve metric tons of SynthMint would be something the Red Deer staff could chew through. DSE and Universal officials have refused to comment on the unusual findings.
Unrest Persists On Kyushu
With almost a year behind Kusari's "silent revolution", the people of Kyushu are anything but silent. The Kusari republic government has taken a less hardline stance on foreign companies bartering their services and goods to Kusari citizens, which has had a negative impact on the predominently agricultural industries on Kyushu. Synthfood products from both Rheinland and Liberty production sites are making their way into Kusari by the thousands of tonnes, edging out the traditional food markets on Honshu and New Tokyo. Farmers Alliance raids have become more brutal and numerous in the wake of this, but the Kusari government has so far refused to give in to the farmers demands. "The Emperor would never have let his own people suffer in favor of these gaijin." a Farmers Alliance source has commented. "These republican dogs are selling Kusari's soul for a handful of credits. First it was the tradelanes, and now the means by which our people are fed. What is next - will they expect us to dress in latest Manhattan fashion? Watch the drone of their commercials every 15 minutes in every holocast? "
Medical Test On Atka Goes Wrong - Makes Boffins Go Bonkers
A test of a new stress-reducing food supplement being designed at Atka has reportedly produced unfavorable results. Two midlevel Cryer managers who had been suffering from stress-related symptoms had volunteered for the trial. The drug however reportedly induced a delerious state in the individuals. They were found to be dressed in tinfoil-covered boxes, near one of the stations comm terminals - and taken to the intensive care ward for observation. A Cryer spokesman reported: "It is unfortunate that trials are not always successful, but this was certainly one of the strangest trial failures in my career. Both patients are recovering, and so far there do not appear to be any long term effects. Needless to say it'll be some time before we attempt human trials with this product again."
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
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