Planet Honshu
Honshu is a planet in the Honshu system. The first Kusari colony established after the settlement of New Tokyo, it is mostly covered in water, with few sizable land masses. The first settlers struggled for several centuries before a catastrophic decline in ocean harvesting forced most of the inhabitants to turn their attentions to the nearby Crow Nebula and its bountiful gas resources. Over time the former Honshu settlers moved entirely into space and formed the Gas Mining Guild (GMG), all but abandoning their ancestral home. Honshu lay fallow until Kishiro selected the planet in 510 AS as the location for its main Optronics manufacturing facility.
Infocard[]
- LOCATION: Honshu system
- OWNER: Kusari Police
- DIAMETER: 15,201 km.
- MASS: 6.12 x 10e24 kg.
- TERRAIN: Archipelago
- TEMPERATURE: -52°C to 40°C
- ESCAPE VELOCITY: 12.02 km/sec
Ships Selling[]
- Kusari J7P-7Q Drake Light Fighter (Level 10, $51,920)
- Civilian CTE-1500 Hawk Light Fighter (Level 13, $70,620)
- Bounty Hunter AP-7031 Barracuda Heavy Fighter (Level 13, $71,210)
Commodities Stock Exchange[]
Green : Good price Yellow : Not a good deal Orange : Scam, a true rip off
| Commodity | Purchase prices
(Where to buy) |
Resale prices
(Where to sell) |
|---|---|---|
| Alien Organisms | 0
|
100
|
| Artifacts | 0
|
?
|
| Basic Alloy | 0
|
160
|
| Beryllium | 0
|
960
|
| Boron | 0
|
120
|
| Cardamine | 0
|
150
|
| Cobalt | 0
|
960
|
| Construction Machinery | 400
|
400
|
| Consumer Goods | 174
|
174
|
| Copper | 0
|
40
|
| Diamonds | 0
|
660
|
| Engine Components | 150
|
150
|
| Fertilizers | 0
|
30
|
| Food Rations | 84
|
84
|
| Gate and Lane Parts | 0
|
140
|
| Gold | 0
|
1189
|
| H-Fuel | 48
|
48
|
| High Temperature Alloy | 0
|
560
|
| Hydrocarbons | 0
|
160
|
| Light Arms | 0
|
700
|
| Luxury Consumer Goods | 0
|
990
|
| Luxury Food | 0
|
1360
|
| Mining Machinery | 0
|
150
|
| MOX | 0
|
240
|
| Niobium | 0
|
575
|
| Optical Chips | 0
|
111
|
| Optronics | 140
|
140
|
| Oxygen | 5
|
5
|
| Pharmaceuticals | 240
|
240
|
| Polymers | 0
|
450
|
| Scrap Metal | 0
|
5
|
| Ship Hull Panels | 0
|
80
|
| Silver | 0
|
280
|
| Super Alloy | 0
|
120
|
| Superconductors | 0
|
440
|
| Terraforming Gases | 0
|
5
|
| Toxic Waste | 0
|
2
|
| Water | 15
|
15
|
Guns For Sale[]
Turrets For Sale[]
Missiles For Sale[]
- Stalker Missile - Class 1
- Slingshot Missile - Class 3
- Windstalker Missile - Class 3
- Sweeper Missile - Class 4
- Catapult Missile - Class 5
Shields For Sale[]
- Adv. Sentry Fr. Shield - Class 2
- Adv. Sentry H.F. Shield - Class 2
- Adv. Sentry L.F. Shield - Class 2
- Guardian Fr. Shield - Class 3 (Level 2)
- Guardian H.F. Shield - Class 3 (Level 2)
- Guardian L.F. Shield - Class 3 (Level 2)
- Adv. Guardian Fr. Shield - Class 4 (Level 6)
- Adv. Guardian H.F. Shield - Class 4 (Level 6)
- Adv. Guardian L.F. Shield - Class 4 (Level 6)
- Sentinel Fr. Shield - Class 5 (Level 10)
- Sentinel H.F. Shield - Class 5 (Level 10)
- Sentinel L.F. Shield - Class 5 (Level 10)
Torpedo/Cruise Disruptors For Sale[]
Mine Dispensers For Sale[]
- Razor Mine
- Seeker Mine
- Tadpole Mine
- Wardog Mine
News[]
YOUTH EATING UP SYNTH PASTE: NEW TOKYO -- The hardworking farmers of Kyushu would be sorry to see the number of Kusari youth buying foreign foods these days. It looks like the newest trend is Synth Paste. Many of New Tokyo's young and hip are attracted to the Liberty corporation's new flavors that were specifically designed for the Kusari market. Among the choices are flavors like Golden Squid and Green Sea.
CARDAMINE SWEEPING THE CAPITOL: ROPPONGI -- The foreign presence in Roppongi has always been viewed as a necessary evil, but Kusari citizens are now facing a new threat to the moral fiber of Kusari... Cardamine from Roppongi has appeared on our home planet. Many New Tokyo youths flock to the bars and discos of Roppongi, where they are exposed to Cardamine and other corrupting influences of the foreigners. "My son is strictly forbidden from visiting that lair of miscreants, yet I found out that he has been going without my knowledge," said father Jin Takashi
KISHIRO AND SAMURA IN COURT: SHINJUKU -- Kishiro filed suit against Samura yesterday, accusing the giant Shinjuku conglomerate of purchasing goods that had been stolen from Kishiro depots. "These items were discovered by a State Police customs inspector that performed a routine scan of a Samura transport bound for Yokohama. She discovered a container of Optical Chips that had been stolen from the Shinagawa storage depot several days before," the Kishiro lawyers said. A Samura spokesman called the accusations "A malicious and absurd attempt by Kishiro to soil Samura's good name."
STRIFE AT NARITA: NARITA -- Republican Shipping has lodged an official complaint against the Kusari government for what it calls "...a complete lack of concern over the damage being done to foreign shipping by open piracy..." The Rheinland corporation and several others are concerned about the number of attacks their vessels have undergone in Kusari near their shipping destination, specifically Narita. The Kusari government responded in an official communication stating, "The attacks upon foreign shipping concerns do not vary from the hostile actions that Kusari vessels must also withstand."
JUNYO WORKERS FALL ILL: SHIKOKU -- Many of the employees working the fish farms of Junyo have been complaining of fatigue caused by an unidentified ailment. Samura doctors and scientists have been dispatched to investigate the strange illnesses that resulted in a record number of sick days in recent months. Those employees working in the Alien Organism processing decks have displayed the most serious symptoms. Officials at Samura's Shinjuku headquarters were unavailable for comment.
EXPLOSION IN BIO-DOME INJURES TWO: DESHIMA -- It is believed that Farmers Alliance operatives planted the bomb that destroyed a portion of Deshima's cellulose crop on Tuesday of last week. The bomb blast also seriously wounded two biodome tenders and caused minor injuries to 15 more. Immediately following the explosion the Bounty Hunters Guild began a full investigation into the events, and many Hunters left the station to hunt for the perpetrators. "Those who did this will be found and punished severely," said Bounty Hunter Ken Wallace.
GC POPULAR WITH YOUNGER WOMEN: NEW TOKYO -- An independent news organization conducted a secret poll recently and discovered some surprising results. It appears that three quarters of the female population in New Tokyo under the age of thirty support the actions of the terrorist group Golden Chrysanthemums. Many of those questioned in the polls stated that they believe what the Golden C. are doing is best for Kusari in the long run. Government sources responded to the findings in an official statement, "Since the terrorist organization began operations Cardamine abuse is up 200 percent, and piracy is up 29 percent."
NANSEI ACCIDENT KILLS 102: NANSEI -- Antimatter is suspected as the cause of a horrific explosion that rocked the Nansei Research Station yesterday. The entire wing that housed the experiment was completely destroyed, killing everyone within. The resulting decompression of several decks killed dozens more. This is the worst incident of this kind ever to occur at Nansei. Government investigators arrived today from New Tokyo to determine the cause of the terrible tragedy.
FACTORIES OPERATING AT FULL CAPACITY: HONSHU -- Manufacturing facilities are booming in Honshu. "Everyone is working, and the new positions that pop up each day are filled immediately. Our employees are doing very well," said Tomoku Hatori, a Kishiro public relations director. Kishiro is running the facility on three shifts so that the factories can produce nonstop. Many ex-Samura employees have come into the system from Kyushu looking for jobs, but Kishiro stated in an official release that they would first hire Honshu natives before taking in any Kyushu immigrants.
GMG COMING HOME: HONSHU -- With the advancements in ship engineering and Trade Lanes, it is no longer necessary for Nebula gas miners to be away for years at a time. A recent trend among some of the GMG is to establish residence on Honshu as a home away from their usual haunts in the Sigma systems. Honshu residents have mixed feelings. "Why should we be glad about them coming back?" asked one Honshu native. Another spoke differently, "I'm honored that these men and women have returned to their homeland, if only for part of the time."
HOGOSHA BOSS MURDERED: HONSHU -- A high-ranking member of the Hogosha crime syndicate was found dead in his Honshu hotel room early today. Police Detectives believe that the boss was beaten to death with an Alien Artifact found in his hand. They later added that his two bodyguards were also killed in the pre-dawn incident. Officers had responded to a call from the hotelier and stormed the establishment after other occupants complained of gunfire. The police are following several leads.
CORSAIRS IN HONSHU: AKITA -- State Police patrol craft spotted Corsairs in the Hiryo Cloud traveling north towards the Chuyu. The patrol hailed the pirates, but when they did not respond, the police engaged them. Almost immediately a police ship was destroyed, and the remaining three sent distress calls for backup. One of the Corsairs is believed to be the infamous Rosita Garcia, known for her daring attacks and incredible skill as a pilot. Four more ships were scrambled from Akita and assisted the wounded police craft as they fled back to the base. Neither Corsair was captured or destroyed.
OSAKA NEGOTIATIONS DEADLOCKED: OSAKA -- After the third week of talks it looks like Samura and the GMG cannot find common ground in negotiating future gas mining contracts. Samura representatives are not accepting the elevated prices that the GMG has proposed for business between the two entities. "The prices they are asking for are much higher than we are paying in the current contracts," said one Samura source. The GMG has argued that it is becoming more expensive to mine gas since its ships must go further afield looking for new gas sources.
GMG ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR SIGMA-19: AOMORI -- Kishiro has been awarded the new GMG contract to build an addition to the Ogashawa Mining Station in Sigma-19. There have been rumors that the expansion will double the current size of Ogashawa, surpassing the Osaka facility's capacity. Many speculate that this is a major step for the GMG away from their centuries-old relationship with Samura. When questioned about a new GMG partnership, Kishiro sources responded, "Kishiro has been hired by the GMG to help build the station's new wing; no other contracts have been made. Anything else is hearsay."
YUKAWA POSTS RECORD EARNINGS: YUKAWA -- Yukawa Shipyards, home of Kishiro's famous Civilian Class spacecraft, is reporting record profits this quarter. "We are very excited about what this means for our company and shipbuilding in Kusari," said Kazu Noda, Kishiro's master ship builder. Many are beginning to question who will emerge as the dominant Kusari corporation in the coming years, especially if things continue to develop as they have of late. Samura's long reign as largest corporation in the Sirius Sector may be over.
HAWAII POPULAR AMONG KUSARI YOUTH: HAWAII -- The lure of the Border Worlds has captured the imaginations of youth throughout Kusari. The hottest ticket this year is the Hawaii, Orbital Spa and Cruise Line's luxury liner. Parents throughout the empire are paying top dollar for exclusive tickets so that their children can be dazzled by the best there is to offer in luxury vacationing. Many parents are worried that the Border Worlds may be too dangerous to visit, but representatives from Orbital have reassured the public that safety is of paramount concern.
CLEANUP OF SIGMA-13 ON SCHEDULE: --HELGOLAND-- An ALG spokeswoman confirmed today that the company still hopes to meet its target completion date of 805 for the cleanup of the old Rheinland Navy relics left from the 80 Years War. "The Junkers have proven to be somewhat slower salvage workers than we anticipated," said Erna Roth. She added that ALG will implement a special incentive program beginning next month to motivate the Junkers to complete their salvage operations in a timely fashion.
IS THE GMG IN CONTROL OF SIGMA-13?: NAHA — Kusari and Rheinland shippers are questioning whether the GMG is able to control the mounting menace of Outcasts and Corsairs crossing its space within Sigma-13. Despite frequent GMG patrols, criminal activity in the system has steadily risen since the arrival of the Junkers and ALG several years ago. The Rheinland Military is forbidden to enter the system according to the rules laid out in the treaty that ended the 80-Years War. The Kusari Naval Forces are also reluctant to undertake the task, given New Tokyo’s often complicated relationship with the fiercely independent Guild.
ORBITAL SPA AIDING ARTIFACT TRADE?: HAWAII -- One look around the lobby of this luxury cruise ship and one can see what all the fuss is about. Hogosha and Corsairs are regularly spotted around this posh Sigma-19 resort, presumably engaged in their illegal Artifact trading activities. Orbital executives have come under intense pressure from New York to halt landing privileges for the Corsairs. In its own defense, Orbital stated that if it ever offended the vicious Edge World pirates, the Hawaii would be reduced to a flaming wreck within days.
Rumors[]
"Honshu is a cold and windy place. Fishermen once sailed its seas in search of the redfin. Most hybrid fish species that our ancestors carried with them on the sleeper ships never really took hold in the new environments of Kusari. The redfin was an exception, until they fished it to extinction." - Honshu Bartender Hirotsugu Fujita
"I've never been to the Hawaii in Sigma-19. A policeman's salary in Kusari is far to humble to afford that. I hear that they allow criminals like the Corsairs to land on their ship. Incredible! That would never be allowed in Kusari space." - Detective Yuki Watanbe, Kusari State Police
"The Hogosha run their Artifacts across Honshu to Tokyo from Sigma-19. We have begged them to tell us the location of their Jump Hole so that we can stop the Outcast scourge, but they will not cooperate." - Honshu Bartender Hirotsugu Fujita
"We do not need the Bounty Hunter Gaijin to do our difficult jobs for us in Kusari. The State Police has patrolled the fields and clouds of the Crow Nebula as long as anyone can remember. Our culture does not produce common criminals like the Liberty Rogues. Kusari internal problems are more political in nature." - Inspector Makoto Ito, Kusari State Police
"The Blood Dragons carry on their private war with Samura on the Trade Lane from Honshu to Yukawa. Samura is always issuing some distress call. They think we are their private security service. They forget that we must also guard Kishiro and the foreign shippers." - Detective Yuki Watanbe, Kusari State Police
"We have received orders from New Tokyo to take no prisoners among the Blood Dragons. Who else will fill our prison convoys bound for Shikoku? Anyone can be rehabilitated through years of hard work in the Fuchu Prison mines." - Inspector Makoto Ito, Kusari State Police
"I drew the Chuyu Cloud patrol this week. That means one thing -- Outcasts. They attack at will within the cloud, and there is little we can do to stop them. Last week an Orbital Spa shuttle was attacked and destroyed for no apparent reason. There were no survivors. That's bad for the tourist business." - Detective Sachiko Hiraga, Kusari State Police
"Honshu is the site of our Optronics plants and Engine Components factories that supply all of Sirius. From here we ship cargo to Liberty, Rheinland, and Bretonia. You will not find a cheaper price anywhere for these two Commodities." - Hideo Hara, Kishiro Technologies
"I'm just stopping by to visit some friends before heading on to Ogashawa in the Sigma-19 system. It's a joint-venture, gas loading facility with the GMG that I'm helping redesign to handle more ships. Kishiro and the GMG will be an unstoppable force once it's complete." - Chief Clerk Hakkera Inoue, Kishiro Technologies
"We must bring in many supplies to support our factories here. High Temperature Alloys, Cobalt, and Basic Alloys come from Mainz." - Hideo Hara, Kishiro Technologies
"We at Kishiro feel a special kinship with the GMG; we share many of the same ancestors. Most of the Kishiro workers in the Optronics and Engine plants know of some distant relative that joined the Guild many years ago." - Chief Clerk Hakkera Inoue, Kishiro Technologies
"Honshu is our ancient homeland. I try to visit my ancestral village every chance I get. We try to maintain strong ties with our past on Honshu. After all, this is the only habitable planet that most of us have ever known." - Section Chief Ichiro Ogawa, Gas Miners Guild
"The Outcasts and Corsairs have entered Honshu space in recent years. this is a very troublesome development for the GMG, as the Trade Lanes through the clouds are our main arteries of commerce. The Guild is considering upgrading our shield technology to match that of the foreign invaders." - Section Chief Ichiro Ogawa, Gas Miners Guild
"We buy our supplies for Aomori in Honshu. We also sell our H-Fuel produced in Naha. One day we will probably sell a lot more here, when Osaka is closed." - Section Chief Ichiro Ogawa, Gas Miners Guild
"We are delivering a load of Junyo produced Luxury Foods. Sometimes we ship Luxury Goods or Side Arms from Tokyo. It just depends on the local demand." - Shiro Takahashi, Samura Heavy Industries
"I'm taking a breather while my ship is repaired and refitted for the return journey to Kurile in the Sigma-17 system. We must brave Outcasts and Corsairs every trip. I've seen many of my friends' supply ships destroyed in front of my eyes. It is the fastest way to early retirement, though. Each round trip to Kurile counts as four years of normal service. I will be able to retire to Kyushu in three more trips, if I survive." - Shiro Takahashi, Samura Heavy Industries
"It looks like Samura alerted the Farmers Alliance to our presence here. They've started attacking our transports in recent weeks on the Trade Lanes to the Tokyo Gate. They just never give up. One day we'll have them cornered in Kyushu; I relish the thought." - Synth Foods Rep John Wallace
"This was quite a coup, getting access to Honshu and all. We negotiated with Kishiro for months. It took a special real estate arrangement on Deshima to finally close the deal. Soon all the youth of Honshu will be converted to our cheaper products, much as New Tokyo has." - Synth Foods Rep John Wallace
"Trade Lane patrols can get very tedious for a senior person like me, but they let me spend more time at home on Honshu with my family. They used to be safe, but that has recently changed. We were ambushed by Outcasts on a routine run to Akita yesterday. I lost my partner of 10 years in a flash."