Planet Stuttgart

DIAMETER: 15,209 km.

MASS: 6.12 x 10e24 kg.

TERRAIN: Terrestrial

TEMPERATURE: -11°C to 39°C

ESCAPE VELOCITY: 12.23 km/sec

Colonised in late 94 AS, shortly after the exploration of the Stuttgart system by the famous Rheinland explorer, Von Rohe, Stuttgart was hailed as the Jewel of Rheinland. A green, fertile world ideally suited to agriculture due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere and nitrate rich soil, Planet Stuttgart was colonised heavily by thousands of farmers and other colonists, attracted by the prospect of making a living on a planet that did not spend most of its time bathed in sub-zero temperatures.

It quickly became the primary food producer for all of Rheinland, with many plants from Earth being grown with ease. Vast plains were seeded with the grains and wheats that once fed the population of Earth. It was during the formative years that many of the huge farming clans and dynasties started. The largest of which were the Bachmeier, Erlichmann, Sterl and Weiss families, who controlled enormous plantations and farms across the planet. The farmers organised themselves into a collective known as the Weltbau Verein von Stuttgart (WVS), a powerful Farmers Rights union that successfully lobbied New Berlin for farming subsidies for centuries. The government money boosted Stuttgart's food output and generated a huge amount of wealth for the farmers, right up until the Eighty Year War.

As the war against the Gas Miners Guild wound down towards its ignoble conclusion, the Rheinland government, realising that it was almost bankrupt, decided to cut all subsidies to planet Stuttgart almost overnight. The WVS protested massively, but the decision was final. The money they had once received in subsidies simply wasn't there anymore. Adding insult to injury, it became clear that the fledgeling Rheinland republic had borrowed an incredible amount of money from Liberty to keep itself afloat. When Liberty called in on it's debts, Rheinland had little choice but to negotiate a settlement. As part of that debt renegotiation, Liberty corporations were allowed to settle themselves on Stuttgart.

With the Rheinland currency completely devalued and unemployment skyrocketing, the vast majority of the farmers on Stuttgart were virtually bankrupt along with the rest of their nation. Synth Foods was quick to move in, buying out several of the plantations and converting them into growing fields for their own genetically engineered, high yield crop. Many of the plantations suffered mysterious accidents prior to their bankrupcies, leading to accusations of sabotage. The farmers that held on to their traditional crop plantations were forced to lower the price for their produce in order to compete with Synth Foods. The cause of the farmers was lost on the rest of Rheinland however. Stuttgart, and the Synth Food plantations and food processing plants that were being erected planetside, were a source of employment in that time of crisis, and caused a massive immigration wave.

When Synth Foods decided to alter the climate in 770 AS by raising the carbondioxide levels in the atmosphere of it's crops to speed up crop growth, the WVS protested heavily to the government, as the move had a disastrous effect on Stuttgarts climate as a whole. Synth Foods however had key members of the Rheinland government on its payroll, and the WVS went unheared. Outraged, radical elements among the farmers attacked the Synth Food terraforming facilities and razed its crops. In response Synth Foods pressured the Rheinland government to get rid of the WVS completely by replacing its leaders with Synth Food lackeys.

This was the final straw that triggered a fullblown revolt on the planet. Outraged farmers, environmental activists and sympathisers joined forces and founded the Landwirtschaftsbewegung (LWB), which according to rumors is led by a member of the Erlichmann family. The LWB began a campaign designed to drive Synth Foods out of Rheinland by destroying their assets - and their profit - both on Stuttgart planet, and in space. The farmer's movement was never able to keep Synth Foods from expanding. Synthpaste from Stuggart now feeds a vast number of people throuhgout the sector, but attacks continue to this day. Despite this conflict, Stuttgart remains the most attractive planet to live on for the average Rheinlander.

Leading up to the outbreak of the civil war in 827 AS, Stuttgart became a veritable hotbed for combative political ideologies, with Imperials and Federals clashing over what either perceived as the correct approach for planetary administration. Following the Imperial coup, the Imperials wrested control of the planet from the Federals, and have asserted complete authority over Stuttgart, vowing to effectively turn back the clock on the planet's political and economic landscape. Synth Foods was abruptly served an ultimatum stating that unless their operations on the planet fell in line with Imperial policy, they would be evicted in entirety. A deal that the food giant reluctantly accepted, which has incensed Liberty's Government thanks to stringent financial regulations which no longer allow Synth Foods to transfer profits accrued within Rheinland to any of its branches located beyond the House's territory. This has in turn resulted in the company being made liable for substantially greater local taxation, which the Imperial Government aims to use in order to kick-start their efforts in order to restore the planet to its former namesake. In addition, 15 percent of the Synth subsidiary is required to be forfeited to the Government, allowing greater oversight in what is being labelled a strategic industry for the House.

The Federals now find themselves attempting to incite dissent and reprisals against the Imperial Government, finding some traction among those who previously enjoyed the food giant's generous payrolls.

## Bribes & Missions Offered

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

* MND
* Synth Foods, Inc.
* Bounty Hunters Guild

## 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.

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.

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

* Since we are a corporation the bottom line is the most important thing to consider. Our board was hard pressed when it came time to decide on selling Terraforming Gases to Synth Foods. What they do now will affect the planet for thousands of years, and all they care about is breeding that sickly gray weed from which they mill their disgusting paste.

* We have contracts with Synth Foods to ship this planet Terraforming Gases. From Dortmund we bring the gases in and try not to think about what they will do to the lovely climate of Stuttgart.

* The LWB base is located near the Jump Hole to Dresden. Do you know where that is? Aye, it's in the Ostnebel. The LWB conduct operations from that are. Mostly they run attacks on the lanes between here and the New Berlin Jump Gate.

* Where there's LWB you are probably going to find Red Hessians nearby. Those two groups seem to get along pretty well, of course the Hessians are far more dangerous. Though, the LWB pilots are becoming better and better pilots, don't forget they all used to be simple farmers.

* I can sympathize with the LWB, I'm a Rheinlander. I don't like those Synth Foods Liberty vultures coming here and despoiling the most beautiful planet in our space, but it comes down to the money. The fools in New Berlin sold Stuttgart away fighting the GMG, and I sold my allegiance to who had the most cash.

* The Red Hessians come into this system through the Jump Hole leading to Omega 11. The hole is tucked away in the southern side of the Westnebel. Hessians use this system to get to Dresden and for resupply at the LWB base on the eastern side of Stuttgart.

* I came here once as a child; it was a lush and green planet with a warm golden sun. This is not like it was; the rolling green fields and prismatic growing tents that dotted the horizons are gone. Look as far as you can see in any direction and only the gray Synth Foods plants are seen spilling their way to the edges of the land.

* The LWB are sensible enough not to harass Daumann too much; that is why we do not pay to have them killed by Bounty Hunters. We leave that to the Synth Foods invaders. Personally, I hope all their damn cellulose crops burn.

* We are not safe from the Red Hessians anywhere in all of Rheinland. They have grown so numerous and widespread there is not a single Trade Lane where one of our shipments have not fallen victim to a Hessian attack.

* It took some time to safeguard the populace of this planet from the risks of fire. This much Oxygen makes the air flammable, but we learned to deal with it. Almost everything here is made from plastics, ships land and take off at the poles where the cold reduces the Oxygen amount and combustion engines aren't used, everything is battery powered.

* Synth Foods' cellulose plant was bred to survive in less than perfect growing conditions. That is what I don't understand. Why did Synth Foods wish to take Stuttgart? They changed a garden planet capable of growing the most exotic and delicate flora into a factory for their tasteless weed.

* 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 Oxygen content is very high on this planet. A man can work twice as hard without tiring when he has that much more Oxygen to breathe. And that euphoria you are feeling...also caused by the Oxygen concentration, the human body loves Oxygen.

* Even now, the finest foods found in all of Sirius are grown or raised here. My family was able to hold onto their farm, they weren't over extended like many others when the subsidies came to a screeching halt. But now Synth Foods is dumping Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere, and adding rough Fertilizers to the soil. These changes are making it difficult to cultivate the more delicate crops.

* In the midst of the Eighty Years War the Rheinland government bankrupted itself fighting the GMG. With no other avenue left, they indebted themselves to Liberty, that was the beginning of the end for Stuttgart. At the war's finish, the debts needed to be settled.

* Once Synth Foods moved into Stuttgart they destroyed a way of life that had been going on for centuries. Mighty growing dynasties were torn apart overnight. Only the strongest families were able to keep their plantations, the rest were thrown free of the land by their own government.

* The WVS was the Stuttgart growing association that all farmers paid their dues to. The dues paid for lobbying in New Berlin and many other things that kept life good here. The WVS was a powerful voice in the old empire's parliament. Now the WVS is an entity controlled by Synth Foods.

* My ancestors moved here centuries ago and began growing roses. Stuttgart is where people moved when they had made their fortunes and wished to retire. Originally, my family were freelancers who made their money running Luxury Goods. We lost everything when the subsidies came to a halt.

* The Foods and Luxury Foods that the clientele aboard our luxuriant resort enjoys, come exclusively from Stuttgart. We wouldn't think of bringing food in from another locale, though the quality of the Luxury Food has diminished recently, which may cause things to change in the future.

* Orbital Spa's resort on Baden-Baden needs basic supplies like any other station in Sirius. We get the majority of our goods from this planet. Too bad Synth Foods has despoiled Stuttgart in so many ways, but perhaps that will force more people to use Orbital Spa's facilities.

* Next time you go to Hamburg, remember that Republican Shipping makes a good profit taking food to the Alster Shipyards. On your way back it would be easy enough to bring in Pharmaceuticals.

* Republican ships basic supplies to all the other legitimate bases in this system. Whatever anyone needs in Stuttgart, you can bet that Republican is shipping it for them.

* Synth Foods, pumping paste into the heart of Rheinland. That's right, you can take Foods and Luxury Foods to New Berlin from Stuttgart.

* 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.

* Damn farmers are cooperating, it was bad enough that Rheinland tried and failed to give us the boot. Now just when business is starting to look up, these desperate imbeciles who couldn't compete show their faces again. Can't they see that our product is just better?

* The Rheinland government is composed entirely of fools. The economy of Stuttgart and of Rheinland for that matter were interwoven with the subsidies they had been pumping into Stuttgart for generations. When the government realized what a drain the subsidies were, they cut them overnight. Immediately the entire economy bottomed out, as bankruptcies and foreclosures skyrocketed. Then we came in and bought almost everyone out.

* Synth Foods earns more money shipping our yummy pastes to the LPI Huntsville and Sugarland in Houston, than supplying all of Frankfurt. The truth is we prefer to ship our pastes to people who will pay what they are worth. These silly Rheinlanders are too poor to deserve our pastes.

* There is a lucrative market for Luxury Foods in Manhattan. If you are willing to make the trip, I'm sure the markets there will pay well for Stuttgart's finest.

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