Freiburg Station

CLASS: Abbey

GRAVITY: Complete

DOCKING: Yes

AMENITIES: Yes

CREW: 250

Freiburg Station was originally constructed in 312 AS as a clearinghouse for produce harvested on Stuttgart and goods coming from and going to Bretonia. Currently, Freiburg is still used by Bretonian shippers who prefer not to travel deeper into Rheinland, but it also supplies the extensive mining operations in Omega-7.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

* Daumann Heavy Construction
* Bounty Hunters Guild
* Border World Exports
* Orbital Spa and Cruise
* RGS Shipping
* ALG Waste Disposal
* Kruger Minerals
* Synth Foods, Inc.
* Gateway Shipping

* Bounty Hunters Guild

## 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.

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.

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.

"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

* The Jump Holes in this system lie on opposite sides of Stuttgart. The hole to Omega-11 is in the Westnebel, and the hole to Dresden lies within the Ostnebel.

* The Red Hessians are the real problem in this system. At least the LWB confine themselves to the east side of Stuttgart. The Hessians come in from the Jump Hole in the Westnebel and range all over this place. They are fierce pilots too. My apprentice lived for six days before he died.

* The police in Rheinland barely get enough parts to keep their ships flying. They are good pilots and have decent training, but that is all they've got. Hey, I can find more work in Rheinland than anywhere else. That means the police aren't doing their job.

* The Hessians think they own Rheinland, but I am paid to make them think differently. I used to be a freelancer that did a lot of work for the Corsairs. Eventually, I had to start going up against Hessians in Omega-5. That's how I learned to kill them.

* Occasionally I am hired to kill the LWB. I don't like the work as much as taking down Hessians, but it's much easier. Synth Foods is really the only company that pays well for LWB pilots, and the less I have to work for Liberty the better.

* Border World Exports, or Bowex as we are more commonly known, brings the Diamonds gathered here in Rheinland to our solicitors in New London. Hazardous run, I can promise you that, but not without its perks -- basically, the cash you get for making it there with Diamonds.

* From New London, Bowex brings Gold to this distribution depot in Rheinland space. It's good cash if you don't get your ship blown inside-out by Hessians or Corsairs. While you're here, you might think about taking Engine Components into the Southampton Shipyards for the trip there.

* Our base Briesen in the Border Worlds requires basic necessities to be shipped in from this facility. The Diamonds we trade here more than pay for any supplies they may need there.

* Daumann's mining facility sends Diamonds to this depot on our convoys from Solarius. It is a dangerous run to make, but perhaps you are willing.

* The Diamonds that come to this base from the Border Worlds are shipped directly to Cambridge on our shipping convoys. It is a dangerous yet lucrative run.

* New Berlin often needs Gold. It is a valuable Commodity, and we are happy to provide the fine artisans of New Berlin with the supplies they need from this base.

* The Republican freight train Bremerhaven was attempting to evade a Corsair attack along the Trade Lane when it blundered into the Furstenfelde gas pocket and was disabled. Attempts to rescue the crew and its cargo of Engine Components were unsuccessful. The drifting ship serves as a reminder of the dangers of venturing off the safe path in the Walker Nebula.

* Republican supplies this base with the basic necessities from Stuttgart. Our convoys fall under attack from the Hessians and the LWB, but at least we don't have to worry about the Unioners in this system.

* Gold is brought aboard this station from New London. It is a prosperous run but requires the crossing of the Border Worlds. If you are willing, it could make you plenty of money. Or it could kill you.

* Republican makes several shipments between this base and the Ring in New Berlin. From Daumann's station, we bring in Engine Components and ship them Beryllium and Niobium.

* The ships that get built in Alster Shipyards require Gold to be produced. Republican makes sure that they get the Gold they need to do the job.

* Though their presence is heavy in this system compared to others, the Rheinland Federal Police hardly do an adequate job keeping our shipments safe. That is why Republican hires so many Bounty Hunters in Rheinland space; it is a necessary expense.

* Red Hessians and the LWB are our concerns in this system. The Bounty Hunters we hire are competent, only it is a shame we must hire assassins to do what the government collects taxes to accomplish. We lose men every week on our shipping runs. Soon I will be able to retire and not have to worry about these things anymore.

* From Cardiff, Gateway brings Beryllium to Rheinland. This is only a supply depot; our shipments continue on to Dortmund.

* The lads at Freeport 1 pay us to bring them Mining Machinery and Engine Components from this shipping hub. Strange how much people will withstand to live free of governmental control.

* Gateway crosses the deadly Border Worlds, bringing Gold and Niobium here from Kensington. We took some casualties in Omega 7 from Red Hessians. They hit us hard; most of our escorts got wiped.

* From Essen, we bring Mining Machinery to this base, where it will be used in operations throughout the Rheinland-occupied Border Worlds.

* Our convoy pilots brave the Hessians and the Corsairs, making sure that the employees at Elbich receive all the necessary supplies to keep operations running smoothly.

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