Update; 2021: With the covert war between Largo and the Knight Sabers heating up, the new head of the Belt Alliance needed additional sources of income to fund his covert pirate operations. Largo turned his eye on the Neiharts' farm, especially with their hold on the supply of food to many Belters. He saw not merely an opportunity for profit, but for additional control over his domain. A 'pirate' attack saw two of the clan's haulers disabled, with three workers dead - including Jacob Neihart's second son, Wilhelm. The result was not the easy takeover Largo had expected.
While his political maneuverings in Argentina did result in the Neiharts being forced off of their land, Largo neglected to anticipate Jacob's response. Jacob Neihart spent the vast majority of his fortune not merely on weapons or replacing the lost vehicles, but on purchasing two of Stonewell-Bellcom's gigantic "Island III" mobile space habitats. With most of the 'ground' area devoted to pasture and complete control of the environment, the habitats could easily support more than a thousand head of cattle as well as space for the clan to live in. Other food crops took up more space, as well as entire decks devoted to hydroponics. As for the farm itself... before being forced off the land, the Neiharts loaded millions of tons of good Argentine topsoil into the ship's decks. Much would be kept aboard for the farm itself, but a large quantity would also be sold to Browncoat farms on Ganymede at excellent prices. Nothing was left behind for Largo's buyers but bare, dry earth, planted with kudzu.
Today, the Neiharts (and the Argentine farm workers subsumed into the clan with their departure) are almost a mini-faction unto themselves, travelling where they will, farming, trading, and making life a bit more pleasant for those who work the Belt. And a bit less pleasant for Largo and his stooges.
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Sucrose Octanitrate.
Proof positive that with sufficient motivation, you can make anything explode.
While his political maneuverings in Argentina did result in the Neiharts being forced off of their land, Largo neglected to anticipate Jacob's response. Jacob Neihart spent the vast majority of his fortune not merely on weapons or replacing the lost vehicles, but on purchasing two of Stonewell-Bellcom's gigantic "Island III" mobile space habitats. With most of the 'ground' area devoted to pasture and complete control of the environment, the habitats could easily support more than a thousand head of cattle as well as space for the clan to live in. Other food crops took up more space, as well as entire decks devoted to hydroponics. As for the farm itself... before being forced off the land, the Neiharts loaded millions of tons of good Argentine topsoil into the ship's decks. Much would be kept aboard for the farm itself, but a large quantity would also be sold to Browncoat farms on Ganymede at excellent prices. Nothing was left behind for Largo's buyers but bare, dry earth, planted with kudzu.
Today, the Neiharts (and the Argentine farm workers subsumed into the clan with their departure) are almost a mini-faction unto themselves, travelling where they will, farming, trading, and making life a bit more pleasant for those who work the Belt. And a bit less pleasant for Largo and his stooges.
--
Sucrose Octanitrate.
Proof positive that with sufficient motivation, you can make anything explode.