Planet New Berlin

DIAMETER: 18,207 km.

MASS: 7.11 x 10e24 kg.

TERRAIN: Arctic

TEMPERATURE: -73°C to 1°C

ESCAPE VELOCITY: 14.22 km/sec

New Berlin is, much like the huge contrast between rich and poor in Rheinland, a planet of extremes. Each day and night on the planet lasts for nearly a standard year, with the night side plunged into a frigid, bitter winter with temperatures as low as -35°C in the equatorial regions, and the day side having a slightly more temperate summer where the temperature just about climbs above the freezing point of water. Despite the extremely hostile environment, the planet is very close to the abundant natural resources of the Walker Nebula, so the crew of the sleeper ship Rheinland chose to land on New Berlin in 3 AS, making it the capital of Rheinland.

The colony grew quickly, with deep space industry the primary concern of the fledgling government. The Aachenfeld and Harzfeld asteroid fields quickly became the focal points of huge mining enterprises, stripping asteroids of raw materials to fuel the orbital industrial platform that would eventually become known as the Ring. Food shortages became a huge problem in the formative years, due to New Berlin's climate being largely unsuited to crop growing outside of the huge hydroponics farms that were constructed across the surface, although population control measures introduced by the first Emperor managed to make the situation slightly more tolerable. The planet's population as of the 816 AS planetary census was just over 6.3 billion people, making it one of the more populated planets in the Sirius sector, despite the harsh climate.

Rheinland's military and economic power continued to grow exponentially over the centuries until the Empress Jessika Leicht, pressured heavily by Kruger Minerals and ill-advised by the Imperial Navy's high command, declared war on the Gas Miners Guild in a surprise attack on Sigma 13 in 589 AS The war lasted for eighty years, going from strength to strength until, with the economy crumbling around them, the Imperial high command ordered an all-out last ditch attempt to take Sigma-13. This resulted in the Battle of the Yanagi Cloud in 668 AS, which ended in the near-total annihilation of the entire Rheinland Imperial Navy.

With its military might shattered and the economy in ruins, the then-Emperor Albrecht Friedmann was forced to sign a peace treaty in 669 AS with the GMG, acknowledging the sovereignty of the Gas Miners Guild over all of the Sigma systems. This final, humiliating act became the trigger for the Popular Revolution, which began on Von Rohe's Day in Dresden in 672 AS, and quickly spread to the rest of Rheinland. Within five months, Emperor Friedmann had been deposed and a coalition government installed. Many promises of a glorious future for all Rheinland went unfulfilled in the chaos that followed the uprising, leaving many who had fought in the revolution with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Rheinland, and in particular the New Berlin system itself, struggled for over a century to pull itself out of the economic slump left by the aftermath of the Eighty Years War, even more so after the Nomad War ended in 801 AS With the ascension of Kanzler Rheinhardt in 814 AS, the economy rebounded slowly, but the continued pressure on the economy caused by a costly war with Liberty weighed heavily on Rheinland.

Following another inconclusive war, this time with Kusari, elements of the military, buoyed by a rise in anti-corporate sentiment and nostalgia for an Imperial regime no one alive today can remember, siezed power on New Berlin. The coup was triggered by riots which followed an assassanation attempt on a descendent of the emperor and subsequent handling of the situation by the Federalist regime.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

* ALG Waste Disposal
* Gateway Shipping
* Kruger Minerals
* Universal Shipping
* Daumann Heavy Construction
* RGS Shipping
* Bounty Hunters Guild
* Junkers
* Red Hessians
* Unioners
* Synth Foods, Inc.
* Orbital Spa and Cruise

* MND

## 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.

With the end of the war and Bretonia's withdrawal from Planet Gran Canaria, Poole's prominence waned. The cost of policing the system and maintaining infrastructure has significantly outweighed collected tax revenue in recent years, with Planetform's Terraforming Gas operations reporting disappointing year on year returns.DSE has already confirmed that it will begin deconstruction operations shortly, with the dismantling of the Cambridge jump gate expected to be completed by 833 AS.

```
Planetform has confirmed its intention to withdraw prior to this point, while settling shareholder anxiety with the announcement of promising preliminary findings for a replacement site in Newcastle.

```

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

* Unlike Republican and Daumann ships, ALG ships are not viewed by of Rheinland criminals as a threat. We've tried to take a less antagonistic approach in dealing with our current and former employees in the hope that we can avoid the poor labor relations that have plagued other Rheinland companies.

* We purchase our basic supplies and H-Fuel here for the Dortmund Smelter. Berlin needs Basic Alloys for the Consumer Goods factories, which we produce in our Scrap Metal recycling unit in Dortmund.

* At least in New Berlin, one has a reasonable amount of security provided by the Federal Police. Out in the Omega systems and Dresden, the Red Hessians are running amok. Their flame is fed by the growing legions of unemployed Rheinland workers.

* Our headquarters is in the Ring, high above Berlin at the La Grange point between New Berlin and Potsdam. At least up there we never have to worry about the notorious Berlin night, which lasts upwards of a year here. It would be lifeless on this planet without the strong volcanic and geothermal activity.

* Rheinland has been humiliated militarily and economically bankrupted by the poor decisions of Empress Leicht 200 years ago. Now we must suffer the injustice of foreign corporations occupying our homeland. Someday Rheinland will once again be strong enough to control its destiny.

* Artifacts and Cardamine have recently begun appearing in the high-end clubs of Berlin. We think the Junkers are involved, though they're hard to pin down. They always seem to know when we're planning a sting operation. Smells like a mole to me.

* Rheinland has seen better days. Since the end of the war, we've had one crisis after another. The Popular Revolution never fulfilled its promise. The government just keeps issuing more money in order to pay off its debts, so the inflation rate is out of control. It's running about 5 percent a week right now.

* The Federal Police runs a daily patrol up into the Aachenfeld to keep an eye on the Bundschuh and the Unioners. Rheinland's full of splinter groups like them. Their usual targets are the Ring and the Oder Shipyard. Everyone wants to overthrow the government and big business in Rheinland.

* Berlin's a strange place. Night and day each last a year because of the planet's extremely slow rotation rate. You're lucky -- we just emerged into daylight a month ago. People get crazy toward the end of the dark period.

* The old Harz mining area south of New Berlin is favored by the Red Hessians. They prefer to attack the Trade Lane to Brandenburg, especially Daumann ships. There's some pretty bad blood between those two.

* Sometimes we have to deal with demonstrations and riots, which has become an all-too-frequent occurrence in Berlin these days. It's easy to control them because so much of Berlin was built underground. We just seal the doors to the entire affected area.

* New Berlin was once the mining center of Rheinland. But over the centuries all of the deposits were exhausted. Now most of the new activity is in Omega-7. Even Dresden is not what it once was.

* If you want to find Diamonds cheaply, go out into Omega-11. That's where the Hessians find them. They bring 'em in to Kreuzberg, we sell them to the Berlin Diamond traders. It's all perfectly legitimate.

* Just picking up supplies for our base in the Ruhrfeld. We need a wide variety of goods for all the people who might just happen by our base. Side Arms and Engine Components are two of the higher-value items that have proved popular with the criminally minded.

* Kruger has an experimental H-Fuel center in Mannheim, Frankfurt. I don't know why we bother to continue the operation. Only the government subsidy keeps our price competitive with Kusari and GMG gas from the Crow Nebula.

* It's nice to be in a civilized city again. Our ship just came in from Omega-7 with a load of Silver. The Hessians love the thick clouds of the Walker. Once you enter open space in Stuttgart, it gets better. Then there's another difficult stretch passing the Saarfeld in this system -- a notorious area for Hessian pirates.

* Berlin is the Diamond-trading center of Sirius. They're mined-out in Dresden and Omega-11. Daumann and Kruger ship them in here, where the initial sorting and cutting takes place. Then we ship them to the far corners of the universe for use in Luxury Goods or Mining Machinery.

* New Berlin produces most of Rheinland's Consumer Goods. My ship makes the runs to the other home planets on a regular basis. Unioners are always waiting for us in Hamburg. In Stuttgart it depends on the Red Hessian activity level.

* Synth Foods is proud to be the exclusive supplier of both standard and Luxury Foods to the people of Rheinland. The citizens of New Berlin have grown to love our products, which are considerably cheaper than the food formerly produced by the WVS on Stuttgart.

* The LWB has many supporters in New Berlin, so we must spend heavily here to defeat their cause. The Rheinland officials expect ever-larger bribes from us. It's the cost we pay to continue our expansion plans in Stuttgart, unfettered by government interference.

* My ship's down from Bonn -- that large space station at the western end of this system. We buy our basic supplies here. Kind of a Liberty outpost up there. Synth Foods, Bounty Hunters, IC -- they all call Bonn home.

* Let me tell you, Rheinland is tough. It's a cakewalk through Liberty, even the Texas system isn't that bad. Then wham, you hit the Independent Worlds. We have to rearm in Houston and beef up the escorts for the rest of the trip here. At least we don't have the LWB headache that Synth Foods is dealing with.

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