Planet Hamburg

DIAMETER: 13,552 km.

MASS: 6.00 x 10e24 kg.

TERRAIN: Arctic/Terrestrial

TEMPERATURE: -62°C to 8°C

ESCAPE VELOCITY: 11.99 km/sec

While slightly more pleasant than New Berlin, with temperatures rising as high as 8°C at the equator, Hamburg is still a planet of forbidding grey skies, frosty summers and bitterly cold winters. Despite similar weather conditions to that of planet New Berlin, the axial inclination of Hamburg is such that a day lasts roughly 26 hours, and the seasons are roughly similar to those on old Earth. The famous Rheinland explorer Joachim Schiller discovered the Hamburg system in 87 AS and settlers arrived two years later to colonise planet Hamburg and claim the system for Rheinland. Several corporations including Kruger Minerals and Rheinländische Großspedition also quickly set up bases, keen to exploit the resources of the newly discovered system.

The planet suffered severely in the aftermath of the Eighty Years War, with over 30% of the entire system's population unemployed by 680 AS. It has slowly recovered since then, especially during the reign of Kanzler Rheinhardt, and the planetary population is close to that of New Berlin. Most of population are still employed by Rheinländische Großspedition and the burgeoning tourist industry, particularly in winter sports such as grav skiing and ice fighting.

Hamburg prospered over the centuries, becoming a cosmopolitan planet with an extensive infrastructure largely owned by Rheinländische Großspedition. Up until 798 AS, the planet was known as a major trading hub for traffic to and from Liberty. When Rheinland closed its borders nearly all trade on the planet ceased, causing Rheinländische Großspedition (then branded as Republican Shipping) to lose millions per day.

The Hamburg economy is still fragile, but is slowly restructuring itself into one based on industry and export. Several high tech nano-industries have been drawn to the planet as a result of Rheinländische Großspedition corporate incentives. A sizeable portion of the planetside industries also supply the Alster shipyard. Despite this, unemployment and poverty remain serious problems on Hamburg, and form a breeding ground for radical groups such as the Unioners and Bundschuh.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

* ALG Waste Disposal
* Universal Shipping
* Bounty Hunters Guild
* Synth Foods, Inc.
* Orbital Spa and Cruise
* RGS Shipping
* Bundschuh
* Junkers
* Red Hessians
* Unioners
* Zoners

* Bounty Hunters Guild

## News

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.

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.

"Those unfortunate events are indeed less than ideal, but they do not affect our supply lines nearly as much as one would make you think. The main concern, that is the Corsairs, is negligible. While formidable and savage, they are too preoccupied with the Outcast situation in Omicron Theta, allowing our heavily armed convoys to pass back into Sigmas without much difficulty. There is also a secondary source of supplies in the Zoners of Freeport 10, with whom we continue to have cordial relations with."
When questioned about the specifics regarding their operations on newly-conquered Planet Gammu, the spokesperson offered no comment. Following the press conference, the company stocks recovered 25%% from the sudden drop of 40% they suffered when the news of Jump Holes collapse spread, maintaining the heightened level caused by Planet Gammu acquisition.

The announcement was made during a surprise press conference held at the Core Branch Office on Planet Holstein in Frankfurt. Apparently, over the past 4 years, Core's flagship: Battleship Mars has been preparing this operation, eventually springing into action shortly after Omicron Theta has reportedly become a battleground between The Corsairs and The Outcasts.
"We expect many great technologies to be made possible with our findings on Gammu, but I can't provide any specifics at the time.", said Core Public Relation Spokesperson Kenneth Raeman. "We also expect interference from the Corsair Empire, although they currently seem too occupied elsewhere to pay us much attention. Of course, fortifying our position in the system is very much a priority for when that state of things eventually changes. In the meantime, our ground based teams are hard at work excavating the secrets of their former inhabitants while our laboratories on Nauru are studying the first objects brought from the planet."
As a result of these news, Core stocks have seen a record one-day gain of 75%%.

While this troubling trend is observed throughout the Sirius colonies, Liberty is bearing the brunt of the crisis among the four major Houses. Remarkably, even Rheinland, where historical data indicated low Cardamine consumption, has witnessed a notable rise in medical cases linked to the illicit narcotic. Experts postulate that the extensive black market responsible for Cardamine distribution might be facing a shortage, or worse, that Outcast factions deliberately curtail the supply to bolster demand. Regrettably, no law enforcement agency has been available for comment on these concerns.
The long-standing debate over Cardamine's controversial nature, juxtaposing its euphoric and purported medicinal qualities with the genetic alterations it inflicts upon long-term users, continues to echo. A key point of contention revolves around the plight of innocent consumers caught in this crisis. Yet, according to independent polls, a substantial majority of our viewers maintains that the substance must remain banned.
In response to this escalating crisis, Cryer Pharmaceuticals has announced a forthcoming press conference. During the event, the company intends to unveil plans for an expanded production of Stabiline, their touted "wonder drug". This announcement promises affordable access to Stabiline for all patients grappling with Cardamine withdrawal, sparking a remarkable 15%% surge in Cryer Pharmaceuticals' stock following the revelation.

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.

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.

Upon further investigation, the Navy has successfully identified the ordnance being transported as being sourced from Rheinland. Going as far as to state that they contained serial codes which correspond with weaponry used by Rheinland's own Military. Naturally given the circumstances around the discovery of these weapons and Liberty's history of hot and cold relations with the neighboring House, it is expected that this development will lead to further scrutiny when it comes to potentially suspicious activity.

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.

Detective Rüdiger Sachs is credited with the breakthrough in the investigation that has finally allowed the proceedings to take place. When asked for comment he said "Waltz has for many years been feeding information to the criminal elements of our Rheinland. She has lined her pockets with a great deal of wealth and influence in the criminal world through the moniker Mantis. Selling shipment information to these groups is a serious crime, and the court will hear evidence that these attacks also lead to murder."
Waltz has been unavailable for comment since being suspended. Her legal team has also declined to comment on the situation as it has been unfolding. A spokesperson for Rheinland Shipping had this to say. "We have complied one-hundred percent with the police in their investigation.. Rheinland Shipping is committed to the safe and secure transportation of goods and this isolated incident will be investigated thoroughly."
With the proceedings going ahead, Waltz possibly faces twenty years to life imprisonment for the crimes they are accused of. Prosecutors are confident that they will get a guilty verdict.

"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.

In an immediate show of change, the Federal and Imperial fleets have completely withdrawn from what used to be the battle lines separating the two Rheinland fractions - many have returned to stand-down docks for maintenance and repairs, and off-duty military and civilian personnel have already begun to travel back to their homes.
While details of how the reunification will proceed, or whether it will be successful are yet to be seen, but the Holstein Accords has brought the Rheinland Civil War effectively to a close.

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.

## Rumors

* Vierlande doesn't produce that many ex-cons who could become Bounty Hunters, for the simple reason that most sentences are for life. Personally, sounds a little harsh to me. They don't even put them to work, like the LPI. It's a pretty grim place.

* Hamburg's a good place to be based. It's a criminal crossroads of sorts, because of the nature of the Jump Hole network in Rheinland. You can find plentiful work without having to go into the heart of the Walker Nebula. Those clouds can change the odds quite a bit, usually in the bad guy's favor.

* It's not real exciting work around here; chasing down Unioners and the odd Bundschuh for the most part. If it's excitement you're looking for, go to Omega-11. I'd buy me a pretty strong shield, though. The sun's gone red giant, going to go planetary nova pretty soon.

* Republican pays most of the bounties around here. That means we hunt down Unioners. The only reason to chase a Junker is a chance at some contraband. We don't get paid enough by the military to bother that much with the Bundschuh.

* There's a Hole into the Independent Worlds in the Alsterfeld. That's where you'll see Junkers running contraband. You might even see a few Rogue smugglers moving to or from Dawson. And there are always plenty of Unioners to keep you company.

* The real reason we've got so many Unioners is simple -- no work. Hamburg's got a 30-percent unemployment rate currently. Hard times and empty stomachs lead to anger and resentment, mostly directed against Republican Shipping. They broke the union after the war, which effectively ended the good times in Hamburg.

* We have a lot of Bounty Hunters on Hamburg. Gives this place a bit of a hard edge. The ones in from Texas can be a rough lot. A few of my comrades have joined the Guild, mostly to make better money. They're definitely a little more casual about killing people than they were as police officers.

* The Rheinland military patrols the Trade Lanes in the northwestern part of the system. It's one of the few places in Rheinland space where we get any assistance from them. There is little we can do about the Independent Worlds, though. You're on your own until you reach the Liberty Navy patrols in the northern portions of those systems.

* If we catch a Junker with Cardamine or Artifacts, they usually try to run for it. Their ships are not very fast, so we often can catch them quickly. They almost always refuse to surrender, though. Guess they prefer to die rather than be interrogated and imprisoned.

* Republican pays us well to clear out the Unioners and keep the peace in Hamburg, so we can't complain. I hear that other Federal Police stations have been caught extorting passing ships for "security" money. Berlin sent a crew of them to Vierlande last month to appease the Liberty companies.

* They've got me on prison convoy duty this month. We're usually hauling a load of Unioners picked up from the North Field. Their comrades wait for us in the Sud Fels, which we have to pass to get to Vierlande.

* There have been reports of Junkers sighted in the Alsterfeld. They aren't often found outside of capitol systems like Berlin, so we assume they're smuggling Artifacts and Cardamine.

* We've got two regular field patrols. One goes up into the North Field -- mostly Unioners up there. The Alster Field patrol will sometimes see Bundschuh or Junkers. And lots of Unioners, of course -- they're the dominant criminal species of Hamburg.

* Hamburg planet is the primary distribution point within this system for Consumer Goods, Pharmaceuticals, and Oxygen. We also ship Side Arms in from the Ring for use at Vierlande, or on the Westfalen.

* Hamburg is practically a company town of Republican's. We created this city, and have employed many of its workers over the years. Now they resent us, and blame Republican for all of their problems. We cannot pay workers so much money and give them long vacations yet also remain competitive with Kusari and Liberty.

* I just made the Hudson crossing with a load of Fertilizers. We usually drop off a few containers for Republican here before continuing onto Stuttgart. They ship them off to the Frankfurt system. I hear they end up in bio-domes out in the Edge Worlds.

* We always make a stop in Hamburg to deliver the weekly food supply from Stuttgart. It's a relatively quiet system for us, with no LWB about. The Unioners couldn't care less about what's happening in that part of Rheinland. Everyone needs to eat, after all.

* The Zoners' philosophy is to not antagonize anyone. We wish to coexist in peace with all factions in the Sirius sector, whether they are criminal or government. Zoners who cannot abide by this code are asked to leave. They often become Bounty Hunters. So we have a special relationship with the Guild.

* It feels strange to stand here in this city. The Zoners do not have a planet that we can call home. We are accustomed to the low-gravity environments of our Freeports. We only visit House systems like Hamburg if we must procure supplies that are not sold by passing ships.

*NOTE: Page generated on the 28/10/2023 at 17:59:46 UTC*