Planet Baden Baden

DIAMETER: 11,293 km.

MASS: 5.96 x 10e24 kg.

TERRAIN: Terrestrial

TEMPERATURE: 6°C to 42°C

ESCAPE VELOCITY: 10.99 km/sec

Baden Baden is an idyllic world of large oceans, black sand beaches, and the odd hot spring bubbling from volcanic outcroppings of rock. Orbital Spa and Cruise Lines maintains a popular resort here, though it has seen a decline in business as the economic situation in Rheinland grows worse while radicals sympathetic to the LWB farmer's movement attack government officials who vacation here. Orbital Spa has reportedly been trying to remedy the situation by attracting bargain-hunting tourists from other houses. Its population varies, fluctuating depending on how many tourists are planetside.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

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

* Rheinland Police

## 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.

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

* My father was a joint fitter at the Alster Shipyards. Nobody else knows this but me and his ghost. He worked triple shifts sometimes to pay my way through New Berlin University. He was on the bottom rung in Daumann; I just made VP.

* Now that I'm getting to the top, I'm going to start playing the game by my rules. It is time for a change in Daumann, they must be made to realize that our corporation can still profit without exploiting its workers.

* The LWB are reasonable people. Their attacks on Baden-Baden will become less frequent, but gradually, so as to not arouse suspicion. A little money in their coffers helps us all profit. They may need a little extra funding to help them blow up the vacation villas on Stuttgart.

* Many of Rheinland's elite used to build in Stuttgart when they wanted a summer home or were thinking about retiring. But now, with Synth Foods moved in and the LWB attacks and fires, many are finding Baden-Baden to be their choice for premium relaxation.

* The finest foods in all of Sirius are brought in from Stuttgart and hand-delivered to our exclusive clientele. Luxury Foods make a luxury vacation.

* The Babylon was finishing a routine Luxury Goods run from Manhattan to Baden-Baden when it was attacked on the final leg by the LWB. The freighter feigned surrender, then made a run for it, but was cut off before reaching the planet. It then fled towards the southern end of the Ostnebel, with the LWB in hot pursuit. The Babylon was never found.

* Because of the financial troubles Rheinland is in, we haven't been making as much profit at this resort as our others. We may be forced to bring in Liberty vacationers. Not the quality types either -- they can go to Hawaii or Curacao. We've had to bring in the econoclass vacationers to fill the rooms.

* Any basic supplies we need here are either produced here or shipped in from Stuttgart by our own Commodity transports.

* Kruger has booked the entire eastern mud bath wing of this facility to host our "We're Pals with ALG, Appreciation Bash!" Five lucky Rheinland families will be chosen from the Kruger products and services mailing list at random to spend a week with the top ALG and Kruger executives. They will be able to soak in mud and give us their views on Rheinland corporate power.

* While I'm here, I'm going to try and enjoy myself. But my miserable wife is eating every Luxury Food in sight. I keep telling her that this resort is not all-inclusive, I cannot put this all on my expense account -- ach, I must not think of these things...relax, relax. I hate that fat cow.

* My great-grandfather was on the board of directors for Republican when we changed our name from Rheinländische Großspedition. A Neumann has sat upon the board for the past 200 years, and this has always been a favorite vacation spot.

* Ah, what a wonderful place this is. Have you looked across the black sand beaches at the ocean during sunset? It is truly spectacular. I enjoy using the northern mud bath facilities, That is where the *creme de la creme* of Rheinland society book their vacations.

* I'm a captain in the navy, but here I am a tourist like any other. No matter how powerful you are, you still need to relax here and there. Of course, my ship could destroy all the people on this planet from orbit, but that means nothing when I am plopped in a mud bath.

* I love this wonderful resort. My favorite area is the western mud baths. I can just imagine the purple muds squishing between my toes. Amazing how the Water and the earth mix at just the right temperature for total relaxation.

* Several days ago, the Belknap was traversing the Trade Lane from Stuttgart to the Berlin Gate when it was hijacked by LWB pirates. They flew the ship into the Ostnebel, where it is likely stationed for use as a temporary food supply.

* The LWB has made a foolish mistake by attacking the tourist transports to this base. Orbital must get their food from somewhere, it might as well be Stuttgart. To attack innocent vacationers is going too far. They will be made to pay...later.

* Yes, Orbital knows how to keep its resorts well-protected; they offer discounts to higher-ranking members of the Rheinland Police. Police presence is stretched to the maximum in Rheinland, yet there are two bases within Stuttgart -- a system that houses two Liberty corporations as its primary residents.

* The Nurnberg was making a gun run from here to Omega-11 when it was attacked by a Federal Police patrol while crossing the open area in the center of the system. The ship was pursued into the Westnebel, where it lost contact. Because it never arrived in Freital, the police must have destroyed it.

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