Kreuzberg Depot

CLASS: Ramshackle

GRAVITY: Partial

DOCKING: Yes

AMENITIES: Limited

CREW: 450

Where there's junk, there are the Junkers. They've been around since the earliest days of the Trade Lanes. Descended from the working classes, they developed within the House systems as a sort of necessary evil, handling the dirty work that no one else would. They do well salvaging valuable materials from the ever-increasing debris fields throughout Sirius, with the notable exception of Kusari. To this day they remain held at bay by the Hogosha.

Anyone who deals with Junkers knows they live by a strict code; if you're not a Junker, you're not part of the family. A Junker will double-cross you without a second thought, and they're fiercely protective of each other. Most House corporations consider the Junkers to be simple criminals, but Junkers will occasionally do favors for the police, turning in the odd, mid-level criminal or letting them know about the occasional drug shipment. So despite some harassment, the police stop short of shutting them down. The infrequent police cleanup operations are little more than exercises in public relations, though there's no love lost between the two groups.

The Junkers make their official money from salvaging debris within the fields, but also have a good deal going with various criminals, who like their "no questions asked" policy. Tolerated by the governments, Junkers sometimes deal in contraband, but they are extremely hard to catch red-handed. They are frequently patronized by the criminal element for the refuge they offer within the often hostile territory of House capitol systems.

The Rheinland authorities dislike the Junkers, but have so far made no attempt to remove them, as they provide a valuable service in clearing up dangerous wreckage and debris that not even ALG is willing to deal with, and so for now their presence remains tolerated, albeit barely.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

* Junkers
* Farmers Alliance
* Red Hessians
* Unioners

* Bundschuh
* Unioners

## News

With recent waves of unrest and conflict brewing across Sirius, salvaging in freshly independent frontiers is quickly setting itself up as being the means by which we corner more lucrative markets.

The Outcasts and their most loyal agents stepped in almost immediately in anticipation of something like this happening, and set new rules for distribution according to set keys. A small group of Liberty Rogues defied them and followed their own rules of distribution, but they didn't fare too well - the Dons, despite the ongoing crisis in Malta, do not tolerate insubordination.
For this reason, several powerful Junkers and Rogues immediately decided to dilute Cardamine instead of redistributing ostentatiously against the wishes of the Outcasts at the expense of their clients, thereby raising their own shares. Fortunately for these savvy businessmen, word did not reach the Outcasts until some time later, and thanks to an improved network of cooperation, most of the organizers were able evade Malta's assassins.
However, all these measures had only limited effectiveness. Many end-clients and casual Cardamine users have been forced to seek medical attention due to their deteriorating health due to potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. It is not known how many Cardamine users eventually died because of the shortage, but it appears to be in the order of single-digit percentages - much to the very verbal displeasure of the Outcasts themselves.

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.

Professor Nagel and her team are certain the Pulse originated from outside Sirius, but are otherwise no closer to identifying its source or mitigating a future Blackout event. "Following the Blackout, we began to see immediate signs of jump hole destabilization in multiple different regions, with many ultimately falling out of phase alignment altogether", she commented. The dramatic upending of Sirius' jump hole network has already prompted many groups to abandon stations and withdraw from systems that appear to risk being cut off.
While months-long trips between the stars are possible thanks to the Liberty Engine and many centuries of innovation, few ships are designed or provisioned to make such arduous journeys. Those who were displaced by Sirius' redrawn map hope that system connections will return, while adventurers and explorers rush to discover new routes.

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.

It remains to be seen how this united Farmers Alliance will impact affairs on the wider stage, with the security forces of both Houses already strained by their fair share of crime and dissidence.

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

* We are always looking for other factions to join our cause. I'm afraid we've lost the Red Hessians, although we hold out hope for the Unioners and LWB, who have not entirely fallen into a mode of indiscriminate piracy.

* We are here to obtain Tobacco and Consumer Goods for our base in Frankfurt. The Bundschuh are not common criminals like the rabble you see here. We are dedicated to overthrowing the government and restoring justice to Rheinland.

* You'll want to be careful in the northern areas of the Ruhr. There are some nasty pockets of radiation that'll cook your ship pretty fast. The Jump Hole to Hamburg is up there too.

* There's a daily ship that makes the trip to Berlin with Hessian Tears that the Hessians bring in from Dresden and the Border Worlds. We usually stock up on Mining Machinery, Manifolds, and Consumer Goods, which are tough to come by for most of the criminals that frequent our little depot.

* We'd like to supply Liberty with Artifacts and Cardamine from our Yanagi base using the Unioners as the couriers, but they won't bite. They've got principles, they say. Diamond smuggling is perfectly legitimate in their eyes, I guess.

* A lot of the local thugs use our depot as their bed for the night. They make raids out into the Lanes, then retreat to the comforts of home. Nothing like a nice big stein of Kreuzberg Weissbier after a hard day's work blasting Synth Foods transports into oblivion.

* There are multiple dead ships floating in a radiation pocket of the Ruhrfeld. They are most likely Unioners, maybe a Red Hessian or two. Most of them have been stripped clean, but there may still be a few with one or two weapons left on them.

* Good Scrap is getting difficult to find around here. There are still some good pockets, but they're in the radioactive areas, so that's no good. At least it's cheap paying off the police in Rheinland. Makes it much easier to do business.

* The Hessians don't like our tolerating the Corsairs in Sigma-13. They're locked in some death struggle for control of the southern Edge Worlds. Word is that the Hessians are winning because of all the fresh recruits they can find in Rheinland to send into the meat grinder.

* If you want to risk it, we need Artifacts run into New Berlin, just make sure you have a fast ship. The police could care less about the Diamond trade, but they don't budge on drugs and trinkets. Verboten. End of discussion.

* Hans just brought in some Artifacts Crete. He had a close call in the Omegas with some infected, but otherwise it was a quiet trip. We've had to improve our shielding and general weaponry a lot just to survive out there. It's a short trip from here but still dangerous.

* We've been helping the LWB a bit. They let us use their base in the Ostnebel in Stuttgart. They aren't really up to Hessian standards as far as combat skill and equipment levels, but they are fast learners.

* This is a good stop-over point for our forays into Hamburg. Not really our territory up there. We just make runs on the prison occasionally, mostly when they capture a senior pilot or someone else valuable to our cause.

* I've just come in from the Freital base in Omega-11 with some Diamonds mined from the Von Rohe Belt. You're on the edge of nowhere out there -- Corsair country to the south and west. We've got a little war with them going in Omega-5, if you want some action.

* If you want to make friends with a Hessian, start shooting up some Daumann or Kruger ships. We mount many of our attacks in Berlin right out of this base. You've got Kruger's base at Essen, and the Trade Lanes to Hamburg and Stuttgart. Plenty of choices, just depends what mood you're in.

* It's kind of nice to see a sun again. I've been trapped on Vogtland for months, repairing ships damaged in the Omega-5 battles. They let me have a little rest and recreation in Berlin. So I'm out popping Bounty Hunters and Daumann escort ships. I find it very therapeutic.

* We use this base to attack the Republican Shipping imperialists within New Berlin. It's also a convenient place to purchase proper Rheinland Side Arms at a good price. Most of our brothers in arms are in Hamburg, waiting in the asteroid fields for any opportunities that may present themselves.

* The Junkers have approached us with a proposal to smuggle Artifacts into Dawson. We have not accepted, although it would be very lucrative and give us much more money to buy ships and weapons. If the Unioners became smugglers like the Rogues, then we would deserve to be called common criminals. It's also a dangerous proposition to become indebted to the Corsairs, even if indirectly.

* Synth Foods blames us for the food shortages in Berlin. The truth is, most of their food is bound for the elites at Augsburg and Hawaii, where they can make much higher profits. Whether Rheinland starves or not is none of their concern.

* We make our living smuggling Diamonds and Tobacco from here to Pacifica. Unioners carry them all they way to Dawson, where they are sold to the Rogues, who smuggle them past the Xenos in Hudson and Texas and across the final stretch in New York.

* There's a raiding party leaving shortly for the Dortmund-Bonn Lane. Someone heard a Junker talking about a Synth Foods transport coming in from Frankfurt with Fertilizers. They don't guard them as well as the Food shipments, especially Luxury Foods.

* Who knew the Mantis was corporate huh?

* I thought Mantis was one of those Lane Hackers operating in Rheinland. I guess working in a shipping company makes more sense.

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