Hyperion Crime Ring

"There is a delicate balance we've discovered necessary in dealing with the Hyperion Crime Ring; every time we eliminate a major base of operations, it's a sure bet that the Three Suns Paradisio will move in and pick up the slack. They have to be combatted together or not at all, as one weakening strengthens the other, and we wind up chasing our tails for half our budget." ~Primal Agent, Terran Homestar Intelligence

Origins of the Hyperion Crime Group

The Hyperion Crime Group (HCG) emerged from the ashes of a pharmaceutical startup on the moon Hyperion. When a Rigelian ship attempted to establish a secret base in the sector, much of the startup's leadership died and the rest were quickly hired out by various pharmaceutical groups, leaving behind farmers and blue-collar workers. These refugees, possessing intimate knowledge of Combat Stims, turned to manufacturing black-market knockoffs to survive. Initially calling themselves the Ghosts of Hyperion, they found surprisingly little resistance from established pharmaceutical companies, which saw them as useful competitors. The HCG's founders leveraged their expertise to create a network of illicit chems, stims, and medicines, filling a gap in the market.

Methodology and Expansion

The HCG's success hinges on its adaptable methodology. To protect their interests from rival groups and especially the Three Suns Paradisio, they hired muscle from street gangs and thugs across various worlds, paying them in Combat Stims. This strategic move enabled these gangs to punch above their weight, creating a loyal network of affiliates. Smugglers also work freelance for the HCG, supplying materials and delivering goods to hard-to-reach markets at significant markups. By decentralizing operations and leveraging existing infrastructure, the HCG built a resilient and flexible organization. Taking cues from their enemies in the Three Suns Paradisio, they replicated this model, creating a robust distribution network that continues to evade law enforcement.

Current State and Law Enforcement Dilemma

Today, the Hyperion Crime Group presents a complex challenge for law enforcement. The PSC's efforts to combat the HCG are hindered by the need to balance actions against Three Suns Paradisio, lest one organization exploit the other's weakness. Local defense forces bear the brunt of fighting both crime syndicates, often without sufficient support. The delicate balance between combating the HCG and Three Suns Paradisio has become a resource-intensive cat-and-mouse game. As Primal Agent, Terran Homestar Intelligence, noted, eliminating a major HCG base only creates an opportunity for Three Suns Paradisio to fill the gap. This stalemate forces law enforcement to prioritize strategic, coordinated strikes, while hoping for timely interventions to prevent local crises from escalating into disasters.