| Sarcelles Shipping Facility | |
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| Owner | |
| IDF Shipping | |
| Location | |
| D/E-6, Ile-de-France |
CLASS: StV.D-18
GRAVITY: Complete
DOCKING: Yes
AMENITIES: Yes
CREW: 720
Ile-de-France Shipping was founded in 501 AGS. As a shipping company that specializes in space cargo transportation, the company considered establishing headquarters in space rather than planetside to be a major benefit. Construction of the station that was named Sarcelles took five years to complete, and in 506 AGS it was officially opened. In years to come, it was rebuilt and expanded several times to match an increasing amount of IDF shipments heading through Sarcelles to and from the Gallic Border Worlds.
The First Gallic War was a disaster for many small shipping companies, especially those heavily involved with Normandy region trade. IDF focused on the Core Worlds and Border Worlds instead. Backed by the government and supported by EFL Oil and Machinery, IDF currently controls a vast portion of civilian shipments across the Gallic house space, and has a practical monopoly on exporting goods to Sirius. Sarcelles is still considered the headquarters of the company, but not many board members and chief officers choose to live and work there. Despite the best efforts of IDF designers, living on Planet New Paris is much more comfortable. IDF Shipping owns a small island near Ile du Palais where a large "office city" was constructed to serve as the company's actual headquarters and most of its top employees live and work there.
Public opinion has turned against Ile-de-France Shipping since the end of the Second Gallic Civil War, as they were known as staunch Royalists, even supplying naval operations as far as Bretonia. With many distrustful of the company so openly loyal to the Crown, they have fewer clients to rely upon than they once did. It remains to be seen whether this is a permanent trend, or a fad of the times. Regardless of this, Ile-de-France Shipping continues their traditional style with pride.
Bribes & Missions Offered
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Commodities
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Ships sold
| Ship | Class | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gallic Liner | Liner | 2,056,005$ |
| Gallic Train | Train | 806,006$ |
| Gallic Advanced Train | Train | 1,506,006$ |
News
| [751 AGS] Bretonian assassins target convoy |
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FREIBURG -- 751 -- Despicable Bretonian assassins have once more targeted Gallic citizens on Freiburg Station in Stuttgart. In the latest provocation, a moored IDF Shipping convoy was attacked and destroyed by Bretonian transports loaded with bombs. “Now more than ever, we must set aside our differences and come together as one House to oppose foreign tyranny,” Grand Marshall de Varax boomed during a speech to the Parisian Assembly. De Varax further vowed to obtain justice for the slain crew, and root out Gallia’s enemies wherever they may hide. Bretonia was recently ordered to return the stolen Jump Gate of Tau-23 -- it appears they have provided their perfidious answer. |
| [751 AGS] Bretonia must return stolen Jump Gate |
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BATTLESHIP DE GRASSE -- 751 -- During Kusari’s invasion, the Gallic Jump Gate between Tau-23 and Tau-31 was occupied, and then unlawfully transferred to Bretonian custody. Kusari claimed this excluded the Gate’s status from peace negotiations, as it was no longer within their legal control. Grand Marshall de Varax has now issued a blistering decree to Bretonia, ordering the Gate’s immediate return to Gallic ownership. It is intolerable that Gallic state industrial secrets remain in the hands of a foreign House that has time and again demonstrated its hostility to the Gallic people. The Grand Marshall has warned of “dire consequences” should his demand be refused. |
| [835 AS] Bretonia and Rheinland call for de-escalation |
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CURACAO -- The governments of Bretonia and Rheinland have called on Kusari and Liberty to attempt formal talks, amid fears that continued escalation and military friction could spark war. Queen Carina and Emperor Frederick have offered to mediate an emergency summit on Planet Curacao after Kusari and Liberty imposed mutual sanctions that are already having rippling effects across Sirius. Gallia’s Grand Marshall de Varax meanwhile has condemned Kusari as a “belligerent and destabilizing actor”, and called for Liberty’s demands to be met. Neither Kusari or Liberty has agreed to attend, with each demanding pre-conditions be met by the other. Gallia has not received an invite. |
| [751 AGS] Gallic citizens murdered in Rheinland |
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FREIBURG -- 751 -- Scenes of savagery have unfolded on Freiburg Station, Stuttgart. Bretonian thugs murdered a Gallic transport officer after spotting him in the station bar. Rheinland authorities have already detained six of the assailants for the brutal crime. Gallic Union officials have issued revised guidance for transport crews in Rheinland, recommending Gallic citizens travelling abroad acquire Union personal permits for Enfer Blasters. “This will enable you to defend yourself against the foreign assassins of Bretonia and Kusari,” noted Wildau Cultural Attache Nicolas Jetté. |
| [750 AGS] EFL resets industrial relations on Quillan |
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QUILLAN -- 750 -- Activating emergency powers in Quillan’s management contract, EFL have announced that several local Workers’ Unions are to be dissolved with immediate effect. The fuel giant argues that these organizations have fomented dissent as activists, rather than representing their members' interests. After clashes with protesters, Languedoc Seigneur Ansel Bousquet has offered the assistance of Marines from Nimes Station. GMS has issued a formal protest to New Paris over the move, insisting that the Worker Unions form an integral part of a productive industrial environment. |
| [750 AGS] Gallic Union celebrates settlement anniversary |
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NEW PARIS -- 750 -- Celebrations have been conducted across Gallia, marking 750 years since the arrival of our great Sleeper Ship on New Paris. This culminated with the spectacle of a vast military parade on New Paris, attended by dignitaries from across the Union. As our soldiers marched along the concourses of Ile du Palais, they were saluted by Grand Marshal Louis de Varax and his cabinet of Seigneurs. In a rousing speech, the Marshal praised Gallia’s glorious history, while railing against treacherous internal enemies, and the perfidious plots of Bretonia, Kusari and Liberty. “While we are united, Gallia is unstoppable!”, he declared in a closing message. |
| [750 AGS] Decisive victory against the Maquis |
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NEW PARIS -- 750 -- The Gallic Navy has announced the withdrawal of border control checkpoints across Ile-de-France, citing an improving security situation. Parisian Seigneur Ansel Lussier sharply rebuffed reports of losses inflicted by Maquis attacks, calling them seditionist lies. “They want to distract from the devastating defeat inflicted on the radicals by Naval and Gendarmerie counter-terrorism crackdowns,” he declared. “The Maquis are a spent force,” he continued. “We no longer need the checkpoints because the colonies have been pacified.” New Paris businesses have reacted positively to the news that trade restrictions will ease. |
| [750 AGS] Versailles' future uncertain |
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NEVERS -- 750 -- During a shareholder meeting on Nevers, IDF Shipping officials confirmed that Versailles Station continued to be a concern for the group, posting quarter-on-quarter losses. The former royal palace occupies a prestigious position in orbit of New Paris, and is among the most luxurious and culturally significant Gallic orbitals. IDF is believed to have received several offers from foreign organizations looking to purchase or lease Versailles, including Orbital Spa and Cruise and Rheinland’s Imperial Shipping. It is speculated that IDF plans to make a final funding pitch to Nevers’ elite Gonzaga Society early next year before considering these proposals. |
| [749 AGS] Grand Marshal secures economic victory for Union |
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NEW PARIS -- 749 AGS -- The Grand Marshal has declared a decisive victory in trade negotiations with Rheinland. Military envoys successfully pressed the Rheinlanders for concessions as recompense for a number of insulting breaches of diplomatic protocol during the recent state visit. As a result, excellent rates on imported minerals have been secured, in addition to the removal of tariffs on Gallic agricultural surplus. The Treaty of Oerlikon will be an enormous boon to rebuilding Gallia's strength and greatness; Bretonia, Kusari and Liberty's furious criticisms of Rheinland for their forward thinking is simply evidence of their weakness and fear. |
| [748 AGS] Lorraine Evacuation Nearing Completion |
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ORLEANS -- 748 AGS -- According to the information released by the Ministry of the Interior, the evacuation of the Lorraine system is proceeding ahead of schedule. The final convoy of refugees from Metz has arrived in the Orleanais system, pending resettlement onto Orleans in the coming days. As of now, only EFL staff and a token Navy garrison remain in Lorraine to oversee the deconstruction of the remaining infrastructure. According to official projections, the docking ring and the remaining Trade Lanes will be dismantled and shipped back to the core worlds by the end of next month, with Jump Gate shutdown following soon after. Once a beacon of our national ingenuity, Metz was the site of the experimental Metz Mirror Array, more commonly known as the MMA project. The project was intended to assist the terraforming operations through a sophisticated array of orbital mirrors. The array would redirect additional sunlight onto the equatorial band of Metz, further raising local temperatures on the otherwise icy world. Decried by its detractors as a "fool king's endeavour", the ambitious project never had the opportunity to prove its capabilities, as the nearly complete array fell victim to Kusari's invasion of Lorraine. With the array gone and supplies severed, the terraforming project and the biosphere it maintained collapsed during the occupation, leading to widespread famine across Metz. Unfortunately, in the wake of King Charles' gambit in Bretonia and the near complete destruction of Lorraine and Languedoc by Kusari forces, the Union government has declared the system a total loss and ordered a full evacuation of the planet. |
| [831 AS] Gate corps clash over 'Blackout'! |
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ABBEVILLE -- 831 AS -- 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] Pulse phenomenon linked to Blackout |
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AMES RESEARCH STATION -- 831 -- Independent researchers have announced that a hyperspace pulse of unprecedented strength was detected moments before The Blackout, destroying many of the sector’s most sensitive and finely tuned observatories. Surviving data about 'The Pulse' has been widely shared across the neural net in recent days, prompting mass speculation. Professor Katsuma Oster of Ames Research Station described the signal as “astounding”. “These readings are unprecedented, as if reality itself were struck like a gong.” House authorities have remained tight lipped, refusing to share their own observatories' data. |
| [831 AS] 'Blackout' causes jump network failure |
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MANHATTAN -- 831 AS -- Two days ago Jump Gates failed simultaneously across Sirius, freezing commerce and neural net access across the sector. When communications resumed 31 hours later, the news broke of Bretonia's loss of the Dublin system. This twin shock has plunged markets into chaos, prompting fears of sector-wide economic recessions. Interspace estimates that the stoppage alone caused billions of credits in losses. Gallia immediately accused Liberty of causing 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. |
| [746 AGS] Leaks reveal secret Rheinland negotiations |
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OERLIKON -- 746 -- The Sirian neural net is abuzz with news of a potential trade deal between Gallia and Rheinland. An inept Rheinish functionary leaked sensitive details on the talks after losing an unencrypted datapad. The notes include unfounded criticism of our peerless military negotiators, no doubt provoked by feelings of inadequacy after humiliating defeats at the conference table. Our great government has rebuked Rheinland’s attempts to disparage EFL’s work on the Sigma-15 Jump Gate projects, recognising that this is a mere distraction from their own failure to secure the space. Marne’s Governor Courcelle has praised the Grand Marshal's excellent strategy, asking only that he consult with industrial representatives as proceedings progress. |
| [743 AGS] Upheavals within the Gallic Assembly |
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MARSEILLE -- 743 AGS -- For several weeks, tensions have been rising between the Duchy and Minarchist deputies. Both states are being confronted with the Kusari invaders; and every state has been asking for more resources to be allocated to their own front lines. The Duchy has been particularly expressive in their requests as the Kusari Forces have captured Lorraine, and are currently executing a bloody siege on Nevers. Meanwhile the République has been trying to monitor the two rivaling states, and the military has been tasked with coordinating their strategic plan with the assistance of the Parisian Assembly. The situation was not resolved with the Minarchy supporting a vote of no confidence in the current leadership; later causing the resignation of Jean Besson, the President of the Parisian Assembly, on the 15th of October. Elections to renew the Assembly were held on the same day of Jean Besson's resignation, and the results were revealed on the 18th of October. To the surprise of many, the Militarists were victorious; with considerable support of the Defense Forces, and thanks to their alliance with moderates and independents within the other parties. The new President of the Assembly, Dorian Lasalle made a short but resolute announcement after his nomination to President, the most important role in the Assembly: "My new government and I will immediately start to solve the internal affairs and a solution with the conflict against Kusari will soon be found. Then, a new era for Gallia will rise." Overall elections have opened many doors for the Militarists and closed some for divisionist representatives at the Parisian Assembly. The recent conflicts have shown an increase in unity among the states, confronted to their most difficult challenge since their creation in 742 A.G.S. The final seat count sets the Gallic Defense Guard Party (GDG) as the single largest party with 52 percent of the seats, followed by the Union for Tradition Party (UT) with 25 percent, the Democratic Federation of the Liberals Party (DFL) with 11 percent, the Gallic Commerce Guild (GCG) with 9 percent, and the Pacifists of Paris Party (PP) with only 3 percent of the seats. The GDG, an authoritarian right leaning party of ex-officers from the Defense Forces, is arguably the biggest victor in these elections with their impressive 52 percent of the total seats available in the Assembly. The surprise and confusion is shared among all parties, but is overall explainable with the rapidly increasing popularity of militant views since the start of the invasion by the Kusari Empire. Nevertheless, the rest of the deputies have accepted to collaborate with the GDG for the greater good of Gallia, solving the internal conflicts and finding a favorable outcome to the war with the Empire. Many citizens within every state have shown their hopes and concerns regarding the unexpected push of the GDG in the Assembly but President Lasalle reassured them saying "Every state will be listened to and we will work with all the parties for the greater good of Gallia". |
| [743 AGS] Confederal leaders speak out |
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NEW PARIS -- 743 AGS -- Following the surprise attack launched by the Kusari State against Gallia, the leaders of the Confederation have each released a public statement about the state of war. President Orianne Castaignède of the Republic condemned the attack on the Duchy and the Minarchy, expressing that such a move in search of justice is a disgrace to the idea of justice. Going as far as stating that 'concerns over those responsible for the war should have been brought to them directly'; not 'Lashing out with past grievances'. The Grand Duke of Burgundy, Valentin Trintignant, has declared his commitment to the total repulsion of the Kusari fleet, saying; "This attack is completely unprovoked, and misguided. The Kusari state should be ashamed of themselves - The forces of the Duchy will crush these invaders and the Kusari vandals will be brought to justice!" The leaders of the Minarchy also came out to condemn the actions of Kusari. Stating that the attack on their territory is unwarranted and besides the stated goal. One prominent member, Patron Mathéo Dufresne commented with "[swearing] - What did we do?" when asked for his thoughts on the war. The reaction among the general population of New Paris has been of shock and bewilderment. Many of those interviewed had believed we were past conflicts with Sirius, and many curse the aggression. The most common responses followed themes of colourful patriotic pan-gallic support, while other sizable portions of the population are still worried that La Vieille Garde are being deployed too far from home. Lionel Balzac, a prominent politician on New Paris, has came out to assure the confederacy that there 'are no plans to withdraw the La Vieille Garde from the front-lines' as they continue to mount a united defence against the Kusari invaders. Going as far to express 'total commitment for the good of Gallia' in his public address. Since the institution of the Confederacy, Lionel Balzac has been seen as one of the guiding voices of Ile-De-France, and his support had reassured many across the sector. |
| [743 AGS] Alarm raised in Zurich |
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OERLIKON OBSERVATORY -- 743 AGS -- The Gallic Confederation has reacted with alarm at the unfolding events in Rheinland. The First Rheinland Republic has fallen to a violent coup, resulting in the creation of a new Empire. The 'Zurich Corridor' linking Gallia and Rheinland had been intended to open a new avenue for trade and investment across southern Gallia, transforming the Zurich system into a highly profitable trade artery. Rheinland's collapse into civil war has come at an extremely inopportune time, mere days after the successful completion of the Zurich gate and lane projects. The Confederal Government has so far remained divided on the "Rheinland Question", with the exception of authorising the deployment of the La Fierte battlegroup to the border. This decision appears to have been prudent, with reports circulating on Oerlikon that a large Rheinland engine plume was detected on a heading towards the Valais Cloud. So far Confederal Defence Force representatives have remained tight lipped about the possibility of a Rheinland battlegroup seeking refuge in the system. Despite the political gridlock between Republican, Duchy and Minarchy representatives, the Defence Force has received authorisation to deploy into the Cologne system in order to secure Gallic assets. Intelligence reports have confirmed that the group known as the Red Hessians has attempted to assert control over the system, and infiltrate Zurich. A public warning has been posted advising that 'Hessians' approaching the Zurich Jump Gate will be fired upon. |
| [742 AGS] New Weapon Against Bretonian Resistance |
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CALAIS -- 742 AGS -- The Agincourt System has been under full control of our navy for nearly six years. Nevertheless, small pockets of Bretonian resistance still remain dug into deep mining tunnels and bunkers, eager to use any opportunity to disturb the order which the royal army is tasked to maintain. The military research and development team of Calais has agreed to provide us with some insight in the, very literally said, groundbreaking weapon which should finally put an end to Bretonian resistance, no matter how deeply dug in. It is the "Triumph"-class, the newest addition to the Royal Navy. The state-of-the-art design carries a minified version of the "Warwolf" cannon amidships on the bottom of the hull and is the only capital ship known to man that is capable of atmospheric flight below 5000 meters, thanks to its eight horizontal thrusters. Although unmatched, our Valors would be defeated by Admiral Nature in such a task, as the magnetosphere greatly disperses the effect of their mighty forward cannons. The Triumph is able to fly past the magnetosphere, and thus exert its full firepower on the ground. Royal military analysts predict that the Bretonian resistance will surrender as soon as they witness this weapon in use, but even if they do not, their neutralization will be ensured promptly. |
| [733 AGS] Business in Gallic Border Words: Risks and Profits |
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ALESIA -- 733 AGS -- The Second Gallic Civil War made conducting business hazardous all around the Gallic Border Worlds. New threats are not directly related to the military conflict between Gallia and the Council. Instead, the war gave rise to unprecedented increase of piracy in all Border Worlds, except for Lorraine. Criminal activity is on the rise even in the well-protected Core Systems. Using the war and chaos associated with it, Gallic Brigands, Corse and other groups gained access to new ships and weaponry, and gained opportunities to increase their numbers by rallying recruits from Council-controlled worlds of Marne and Quillan. As a result, most financial institutions refuse insurance for any shipments going to and from the Core Worlds. Even if they do, insurance is so expensive that only a few shippers are able to afford it. As of now, the only efficient way to protect cargo is hiring Gallic Navy escort. Presence of Navy fighters usually scares pirates away, however, the Navy has many other duties to perform. Government promises to increase Police presence in the area, however, increased numbers of Police does not guarantee presence of their ships in the areas where pirates are going to attack. According to the reports from Briancon and Gap installations in Languedoc, some police patrols deliberately avoid patrolling areas where commercial transports are present and where pirate attacks are most likely to occur. Solar Engineering, the only large space corporation without a significant presence in the Border Worlds, has actually gained profits from the war rather than losses: gaining large government contracts for building up the Core World defenses, its stock value has risen more than 80%% over the last 15 years, an unprecedented rise for any large company listed on the New Paris Stock Exchange (NPSE) for the last four hundred years. |