Location: Heisenberg Research Station, Cologne
Sender: Director V. Steiner To: SIS Control
This is a situational overview of the current condition of the Cologne system while it remains under Hessian occupation. It is intended for the Imperial Navy more than the Armed Forces. This report will be sent to agent Hanna Wyghtham to pass on to Rheinlandic officials.
Cologne is not a system in a reasonable state, consider it fortunate that the system was not more developed when it fell. However given that Planet Saarbrucken has Planetform technology and machinery on it, it is in Bretonia's interest to see Cologne returned to Rheinland's control. Likewise, although the Gallic-Rheinlandic corridor is still incomplete, having a hostile power between them is likely to result in a reaction.
So far as I can tell there is a sizable, but limited, Hessian presence in that system with only 1 battleship being observed around Saarbrucken (How the Hessians managed to build a battleship is an uncomfortable question for another time). There is no docking ring, so I assume (but have not observed) there is an atmospheric entry point that leads down to the main settlement sites. Given that this occupation has lasted long than a few months I think we can safely assume that they are moving people to and from the planet, I imagine the local settlers are either dead or enslaved at this point. Tholey station is occupied as well, and it is likely that it is now serving as a glorified weapons platform and defensive hardpoint. It is possible the Hessians are expecting Rheinland to try and retake the station rather than destroy it outright, making it a formidable defensive position.
Wuppertal refinery on the other hand is Junker controlled, and is in bad shape. It won't take much to send that station into oblivion. The Junker presence makes a surprise assault unlikely, at best, given that they will likely tip the Hessians off before your arrival at Saarbrucken, even with the trade lanes from Wuppertal to Tholey intact. Once an assault begins, expect reinforcements from the deeper omegas to respond.
It is my recommendation a joint operation between Gallia and Rheinland takes place, using forces available that won't compromise the defence of either house whilst also being prepared for any counter attacks. Station boarding actions are not recommended, however if Rheinland elects to do so, marine infantry will be essential. Detailed scans of the planet's surface are not available, however given the Hessians desire for fresh worlds, it is expected that they have dug in and thus a sizeable force will be required to dislodge them from the planets surface.
![[Image: K21Vaai.png]](https://i.imgur.com/K21Vaai.png)