Supply Station Neckar

From Discovery Wiki
Supply Station Neckar
Owner
Synth Foods, Inc.
Location
E-4/3, Stuttgart

CLASS: Helga

GRAVITY: Complete

DOCKING: Yes

AMENITIES: Yes

CREW: 360

Supply Station Neckar was constructed in 825 AS, orbiting Planet Stuttgart near Aalen. Neckar was deployed as a private mooring fixture for Synth Foods, allowing their transports to circumvent Stuttgart mooring queues and fees. In this capacity, Neckar acts as a convenient orbital warehouse for imported necessities, as well as a hub for stockpiling Synth Paste for export across Rheinland and Kusari.

Since 828 AS, Neckar and inbound Synth transports have come under furious attack by Farmers’ Alliance terrorists. Despite the proximity of the Battleship Westfalen, the Military is often slow to respond to these attacks. Synth has accordingly increased its bounties for kills on Alliance ships, leading to a large garrison of Bounty Hunters taking up position aboard.

Bribes & Missions Offered

Bribes
Missions


Commodities

Imports
Commodity Price
Cracking Catalysts 44$
Hydrogen 25$
Liberty Ale 54$
Solar Panels 44$
Titanium 50$
Tungsten 52$
Zinc 35$
Boron 24$
Cobalt 13$
Hydrocarbons 16$
Food Rations 22$
Kyushu Rice 48$
Fertilizers 21$
MOX 18$
Optical Chips 44$
Construction Machinery 19$
Pharmaceuticals 29$
Polymers 21$
Optronics 83$
Consumer Goods 37$
Neon 43$
Industrial Materials 28$
Xenobiotic Filters 35$
HazMat Canisters 34$
Passenger Cabin (Liberty) 43,388$
Passenger Cabin (Rheinland) 14,921$
Iron 11$
Bioproduce 8$
Xeno Relics 188$
Molybdenum 146$
Copper 233$
H-Fuel 84$
Aluminium 164$
Exports
Commodity Price
Deployable Mining Container 50,000$
Hangar Provisions 250$
Agricultural Machinery 55$
Oxygen 6$
Water 6$
Synth Paste 7$
Biodome Materials 144$


Ships sold


Ship Class Price


News

[835 AS] Freiburg targeted in terrorist strike

FREIBURG STATION -- 835 -- Emergency responders have rushed to Freiburg Station after a serious terrorist attack killed 7 Gallic visitors. 3 Gull-class Transports attempted to ram an IDF Shipping convoy moored to the station, exploding once they hit their targets. 1 of the vessels was successfully disabled by the station’s defense grid. The assailants had just arrived from Omega-7, broadcasting the convoy shipping papers of a small export company based on Freeport 1. RFP officers believe the Gallic ships were the actual target, and have suggested either the LWB or Bretonian radicals could be responsible. Bretonian and Rheinland authorities are cooperating to investigate the incident.

[835 AS] Bretonia and Rheinland call for de-escalation

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.

[835 AS] Interspace brokers Sigma export deal

LOS ANGELES -- 835 -- Synth Foods and Interspace Commerce have announced the opening of a new factory plant on Planet Los Angeles, after negotiating a major Agricultural Machinery export contract to Furyoku Station. Interspace is a major investor in the development of Sigma-59, and has placed the order to accelerate local economic development. The factory is expected to provide several thousand jobs, in addition to shipping roles within Synth Foods and Universal Shipping. The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce has hailed the deal, calling it a “bright day for Liberty’s competitive edge”.

[835 AS] Arrests made after Freiburg killings

FREIBURG -- 835 -- Freiburg patrons scattered in terror after a bar disagreement between Bretonian and Gallic customers escalated to murder. Witnesses report an IDFS officer said “something about Leeds” to a drinking Bowex transport team. Within moments, a brawl erupted, with Gateway employees assisting their normally bitter rivals. “There was a flash of light and three bangs, and before I knew it, two Bretonians and a Gaul were dead,” bartender Benno Gramann explained. The RFP have held six Bretonians on suspicion of murder and released two Gallic citizens on bail, sparking outrage in Bretonia.

[834 AS] Hamburg Blast charges dismissed

HAMBURG -- 834 -- The trial against Matthias Schnider and Wolfgang Kohler has dramatically collapsed. MND investigators blindsided prosecutors with a report that discredited a key Bundschuh dossier as “forgeries and fabrications”, instead accusing Unioner bomb-maker Sabrina Herz. Protests erupted across Planet Hamburg in the aftermath, accusing the MND of a “whitewash” that denied justice to the thousands of victims. Baron Schnider has formally resigned his Hamburg University tenure, to avoid “generating distracting controversy”.

[834 AS] H-Fuel prices spike as market volatility increases

MANHATTAN -- 834 -- H-Fuel prices across Sirius have spiked after demand for future supply contracts surged. This unusual increase has been driven by Liberty corporations who are buying up all surplus stocks, although what has provoked the sudden frenzy remains unknown. Universal Shipping and Synth Foods both declined to comment on their own significant increase in buying activity, however many have noted that neither has the storage capacity to account for the excess. Share prices for Kishiro, GMG and Samura all rose on the news, despite Kusari warning that it may impose export caps on H-Fuel to limit market volatility and curb inflation.

[834 AS] Demonstrations on Stuttgart over trade deal

PLANET STUTTGART -- 834 -- Demonstrations have blockaded Planet Stuttgart’s spaceport in protest of the Treaty of Oerlikon. Local farmers responded with outrage at the trade deal’s one-sided removal of tariffs on Gallic Food imports. “This last-minute change isn't what was promised,” says farmer Johanna Ostermann, one of Stuttgart’s few remaining independent ranchers. The novelty of Gallic Food has already proven very popular on New Berlin, prompting Synth to slash their own prices in a fierce price war. Few independent farmers are able to compete, and will likely be driven out of business in a matter of months. Synth also announced cuts to its Stuttgart benefits and loyalty programs as a cost saving measure.

[834 AS] Synth accuses Rheinland of negligence

STUTTGART -- 834 -- Representatives of Synth Foods have lodged an official complaint with the government of Rheinland following another Farmers Alliance attack. The complaint alleges authorities purposefully delay their response to Alliance raids, and have not adequately prioritized suppressing terrorist activities in Stuttgart. The Rheinland Military and Federal Police responded with a joint statement accusing the Liberty corporation of underfunding its escort service and failing to take adequate anti-piracy precautions. "The Federal Police are not a subsidy for Synth's security division," Inspector Martina Hertz noted.

[833 AS] Kishiro and Synth strike landmark deal

DESHIMA -- 833 -- Kishiro Technologies and Synth Foods have signed a landmark agreement for the distribution of Synth Paste in Kusari. Food prices and inflation soared after devastating storm surges on Planet Kyushu, prompting Kishiro to partner with the Liberty agri-corporation to address the market disruption. Issuing a joint statement, Kishiro’s Mayumi Higa said, “we have taken decisive action to bring down food costs throughout Kusari, and give consumers access to the flavors and nutrition they demand.” The Ministry of Trade pointedly offered no comment on the deal, beyond advising recovery efforts were well underway in Kyushu.

[832 AS] Houses outraged by Roppongi attack

NEW TOKYO -- 832 -- Kusari has received blistering criticism from the other Houses after the destruction of Roppongi Station. Roppongi hosted House embassies in Kusari, and was a major business hub for foreign companies. Liberty’s President Hawthorne is said to be “incandescent” over the attack, which killed Ambassador Luisa Mason and her aides. She has threatened consequences unless Kusari exert all “means and resources” towards the Farmers Alliance’s eradication, and announced the LSF will be taking “enhanced measures” to protect Liberty citizens. Interspace Commerce has quadrupled its bounties on Alliance targets. Kusari has opened an inquest into the attack.

[832 AS] Battleship Strausberg lost in Dresden!

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!

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] Rheinland axes Rho project

ALABAMA -- 832 -- Rheinland has formally cut its losses and axed the ongoing Jump Gate construction between Sigma-15 and Omicron Rho. EFL Oil & Machinery has repeatedly hiked costs and pushed back completion estimates since 828 AS, blaming sabotage and rampant piracy. The Gallic corporation has steadfastly maintained that the dark matter cloud transiting between Sigma-15 and Rho poses no risk to the project, but Rheinland experts have now conclusively proved the jump connection would be obstructed. Unwilling to risk a Dallas-style disaster, Rheinland has terminated the contract on safety grounds -- to The Core’s dismay.

[831 AS] Gate corps clash over 'Blackout'!

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

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

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.

[830 AS] Bessemer Struck by Corsair Raiders!

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.

[828 AS] Farmer’s Alliance in Rheinland?

STUTTGART -- 828 AS -- It is believed the terrorist LWB organization collapsed due to infighting 4 years ago, granting the Stuttgart system a period of relative calm. It appears these malcontents have taken up arms once more. The traditionally Kusari-based Farmer’s Alliance yesterday destroyed the Synth Transport Abundance as it approached Stuttgart’s New Berlin Jump Gate. Stuttgart system governor Duke von Schmidt condemned the attack, calling the radicals to lay down their arms and respect the political process. RFP sources speculate the Alliance may have absorbed LWB veterans to expand their operations into Rheinland.

[828 AS] Birds of a Feather

STUTTGART -- 828 AS -- Many ex-LWB remnants took up the Imperial cause during the Civil War, hoping for a government that would expel Synth Foods from Rheinland. They were left feeling betrayed when these promises were abandoned. Lacking resources, the fighters looked abroad to find support. They found Kusari’s Farmers 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, as the security forces of both Rheinland and Kusari are already strained by internal conflict and crime.

[828 AS] Cologne Aftermath

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

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!

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.

[828 AS] Holstein Accords reunite Rheinland

HOLSTEIN -- 828 AS -- Imperialist and Federalist leaders have been locked in fierce negotiations in the weeks since the Thuringian Mutiny. A joint decree has now been issued by the “Consensus Government of the Rheinland Federal Empire”, ending the Civil War. This establishes a power sharing protocol, forcing future governments to include representatives from both ideological blocs. The autonomy of system governments has also been restored, along with a slate of constitutional revisions and the re-institution of the Reichstag. The Federalists have conceded the argument over the office of the Emperor, who will soon be formally nominated for life by the Imperial Convention of elector-princes.

[828 AS] Thuringian Mutiny - an end to war?

THURINGIA -- 828 -- A mass mutiny has paralyzed the front in Thuringia, provoked by the enormous casualties suffered by each side. The Imperialists had consolidated their remaining forces in Hamburg, using Unioner guides for a final push on Thuringia. The “final battle” was inconclusive, making a prolonged bloodbath inevitable. The two fleets then separated, as forward elements powered down their weapons. The mutiny spread, with political officers being arrested by their own crews in some instances. This uneasy impasse has now persisted for a number of days -- it seems leaders may be forced to the table to negotiate a solution.

[827 AS] Empire consolidates power

NEW BERLIN -- Imperial officials have announced the dissolution of the Reichstag, arguing that the body was not “fit for purpose”. With legislative power now delegated to the Emperor’s ministers, further announcements were made establishing the Empire as a unitary state, and retracting the powers devolved to system authorities under the previous Federal structure. Palace spokesman Baron Ulrich Keufer stressed that, “in this time of crisis we must have a strong central state, free of the corruption that plagues System governors”. Exiled Chancellor Neumann has urged Rheinlanders to take up arms and fight to preserve “historic freedoms”.

[827 AS] Rheinland government flees military putsch

PLANET NEW BERLIN -- 827 AS -- Rheinland’s government has been spirited away by loyalist troops aboard the newly launched Carrier Saar, narrowly avoiding an attempted Imperialist coup d'etat. The Reichstag has been occupied by masked soldiers, and Progressive Members arrested -- Frederick von Albrecht has declared himself Emperor and announced the body’s dissolution. Chaos has spread across New Berlin as citizens take to the streets to either support or oppose the Imperialist power grab, forming improvised militia battalions. Bloody fighting has broken out across Planets New Berlin, Hamburg and Stuttgart.

[827 AS] Imperialist rioters attempt coup?

PLANET HAMBURG -- 827 AS -- Disorder in Bahrenfeld City has continued to spread. Federal Police have declared a state of emergency as Imperial militias begin to direct mobs against planetary authorities. Attacks have been launched against Federal buildings, with the mayor of Rotherbaum taken hostage. Authorities have requested immediate Military assistance to arrest local Imperialist ringleaders. The Carrier Soltau has arrived in Hamburg orbit and ordered RFP ships to stand down with immediate effect. Unconfirmed reports allege troops from the Soltau have arrested the planetary governor for “crimes against the Rheinland people”.

[827 AS] Attempted assassination sparks crisis

PLANET HAMBURG -- 827 AS -- Fredrick von Albrecht has been central to the recent turmoil in Rheinland. The socialite is the last remaining heir to the defunct Rheinland throne, and has acted as a lightning rod for the increasingly revanchist rhetoric of Imperialist parties. Albrect broadcast his own inflammatory speech after the Bundschuh legalization motion, calling for the dissolution of the Reichstag. Seemingly in response, Albrecht’s Hamburg residence was set alight. He has since called his supporters to protect him from state assassination attempts. Federal Police have opened an investigation into Albrecht for fraud and inciting violence.

[827 AS] Reichstag chaos over Bundschuh legalization

NEW BERLIN -- 827 -- Chancellor Neumann has introduced legislation to the Reichstag on the legalization of the Bundschuh, one of the concessions made to Progressive parties for their support. The motion sparked pandemonium after Representative Biermann of Hamburg crossed party divisions to attack Representative Riese of New Berlin. After the session was adjourned, Biermann took to the neural net to broadcast an inflammatory speech claiming Neumann was a “traitor who should be shot”. Progressives denounced the entire Imperialist bloc as anti-democratic terrorists; the RFP have opened an investigation into the matter.

[826 AS] Reichstag divided in elections

NEW BERLIN -- 826 -- Public disillusionment over the Hudson and Saigon Wars have devastated Rheinland’s traditional parties, losing seats to more radical, upstart groupings in recent elections. The biggest winners have been “imperialist” parties espousing nostalgia for the old Rheinland Empire, and progressive parties calling for a radical expansion of the Workers Rights Convention and the curtailing of corporate freedoms. Chancellor Neumann narrowly retained minority control of the Reichstag by offering several embarrassing concessions to a coalition of larger, Progressive parties who would not support each other’s candidates.

[825 AS] Kusari declares war on Rheinland

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!

HAMMERSEE -- 825 -- The Battleship Altenburg has 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 to defend Rheinland’s territorial sovereignty, 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.

[825 AS] Neckar Supply Station opens for business

STUTTGART -- 825 -- Synth Foods and Stuttgart planetary authorities met aboard Supply Station Neckar to celebrate the facility’s opening. The station is designed to manage the increasing quantity of Food exports from Stuttgart and prepare them for shipment to Liberty and Kusari. Synth Foods appears to have left nothing to chance when it came to the ceremony going smoothly, amid rumors of the single largest purchase of Bounty Hunter services in recent history. This investment seems to have paid off, as the LWB were conspicuously missing from the occasion.

[823 AS] Liberty and Rheinland formally end conflict

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] Schulte removed through no confidence vote

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] Chancellor resigns over health concerns

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

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] Karlsruhe officers decorated for service

BATTLESHIP KARLSRUHE -- 820 -- The Battleship Karlsruhe’s senior officers have been decorated at an opulent Baden Baden ceremony. These WVS-sponsored commendations relate to recent steps taken to suppress the LWB movement. The prestigious awards have rankled many Military servicemen, as New Berlin had issued the Battleship Karlsruhe with an exemption to wartime deployment in the Independent Worlds. Government officials argue this is due to Stuttgart’s importance as Sirius’ breadbasket, while opposition Representatives accuse the government of putting Synth Foods lobbying above Rheinland’s interests in the war against Liberty.

[820 AS] Wartime powers delay elections

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

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

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] Liberty corporations face uneasy future in Rheinland

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!

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

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] Terrorist attacks rising in Omega-3

FREEPORT 1 -- 816 AS -- Omega-3 has a long and turbulent history of being a lawless space. In recent days there have been a particularly brutal spate of killings, with several BMM and Bowex convoys massacred. The Bretonia Armed Forces has been on the case for weeks, and yesterday successfully intercepted the mysterious attackers mid-ambush. Major Helen Hardy identified the assailants as Rheinland Military vessels, commenting that, “it was like 800 all over again” -- referring to Rheinland’s assault on Omega-3 during the Colony Wars. Following a complaint to the Rheinland government, defense officials were quick to deny responsibility for the attacks, pointing instead to the Military deserters-turned-terrorist group commonly known as The Wild.

[816 AS] Journalists assassinated in arson attack

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 programs. 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

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] Ehrengarde movement outlawed

PLANET STUTTGART -- 815 -- Known as the Honor Guards of Niemann, Ehrengarde conspiracy theorists assert the disgraced Chancellor was forced into hiding during the Colony Wars, while the Federal Republic was replaced by an “unconstitutional fictional state” in the aftermath. The movement first came to authorities’ attention after several members attempted to carry out arson attacks on Stuttgart municipal government buildings. An MND spokesperson confirmed the agency became involved after intelligence sources warned the extremists sought to collaborate with Wild terrorists, believing them to be a vanguard force of "Niemann restorationists".

[812 AS] Rheinland warns about “Wild” attacks

FREISTADT -- 812 -- For many years rumors have spread about attacks on Omega shipping by a group known as The Wild. Now their ships have been sighted marauding across Stuttgart and New Berlin. Rheinland has announced that MND intelligence has identified these menaces as traitorous Colony War deserters and war criminals, who stole Military hardware and vanished into the border worlds to enrich themselves. It is unclear what prompted the renegades to extend their attacks into Rheinland core space, however it is speculated that they may have been driven out of their old hunting grounds by other pirate organizations such as the Red Hessians or Corsairs.

[807 AS] Colony War demilitarization complete

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".

[804 AS] Treaty of Honshu eases Colony War wounds

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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 program. 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

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

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.


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