Krefeld Base

CLASS: Braunstein

GRAVITY: Complete

DOCKING: Yes

AMENITIES: Yes

CREW: 350

Krefeld is a Unioner controlled base within Cologne's shroud of the Norddrauwolke. First built to guard the a nearby jumphole, the collapse of the jump connection turned the base into a port of exchange for Hessian and Unioner diamond smugglers. With the steady decay of Unioner - Hessian relations, Krefeld came to mark the historic border between Unioner and Hessian zones of control with Krefeld guarding the gateway to Hamburg - the heart of Unioner territory.

Krefeld is the site of the first true test of Unioner Hessian relations. In 826 AS, a contingent of Hessians boarded Krefeld at gunpoint, claiming to be hunting political dissidents. Instead, the Hessians shot several Corsair traders aboard the station, in what the Unioners and the Hessians call the 'Krefeld Massacre'. The Unioners of Krefeld have been skirmishing against the Red Hessians ever since. It is thought that the Krefeld Unioners are particularly aggressive towards the Hessian, due to their own troubled history. Krefeld based forces are often sent south to fight the Hessians around Saarbrucken.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

* Unioners
* Gallic Brigands

## News

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.

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.

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.

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

* Cologne is a nice little fringe system with little danger to us. The ALG base next to Steinfurt also means we can get materials for our operations without too much Military presence around.

* We used to rely on the Hessians for finances, however after they betrayed us over Vierlande, we learned our lesson. Now we make our profit by intercepting their smugglers and doing some mining off the side. Though truth be told we have some plans in motion in Zurich too. That should help keep the Union stable.

* The media always try to marginalise our cause, but it's simply not working anymore. The Unioners are growing, as are the other revolutionary movements in Rheinland. Soon we will be far too large to be ignored, and then the corporate pigs and their governmental puppets will finally be unseated in favour of a true People's state.

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