The Hard Yakka Freelancers [HYVIS] - Organizations

History

Established: 2948-04-12 (UEE Calendar)

Headquarters: Initially nomadic, currently based out of Lorville, Hurston (Stanton System)

Motto: “Fly Free, Fly Fair Dinkum”

Early Days: Origins in the Fringe

The Hard Yakka Freelancers were born from a shared desire for freedom and self-determination, a spirit deeply rooted in the hearts of its founding members. Unlike many outfits that trace their lineage back to military units or corporate security forces, HYVIS was forged in the fires of the ‘Verse’s untamed edges.

Our founders were a diverse group: disillusioned ex-military pilots yearning for a life beyond rigid command structures, resourceful prospectors tired of corporate exploitation, and independent haulers weary of the constant threat of piracy. They found common ground in their rejection of the UEE’s heavy-handed governance in the outer systems and the suffocating grip of megacorporations.

The name “Hard Yakka” was inspired by the work ethic that guided many of our founders across the vastness of space during their solo journeys. It represents our commitment to charting our own course, independent of external pressures, guided by our internal compass of integrity and camaraderie.

The Nomadic Years: Forging a Reputation

In our early years, HYVIS operated as a truly nomadic organization. We had no fixed base, moving from system to system, taking on any job that aligned with our values. We earned a reputation for reliability, resourcefulness, and a fierce sense of loyalty to one another.

This period was defined by:

Freelance Exploration: Several pioneering members pushed the boundaries of known space, charting new jump points and discovering resource-rich asteroids, laying the groundwork for future operations.
Humanitarian Aid: We provided relief to independent settlements neglected by the UEE during times of crisis, including hauling essential supplies and defending against pirate raids. This established us as an organization that looked out for the “little guy,” cementing our connection to fringe communities.
Selective Combat Engagements: We aren’t afraid to defend ourselves or our clients. The engagements during the defense of the independent mining colony of “New Haven” on a moon of Yela in 2949 established our combat effectiveness while remaining true to our core ideals.

The Lorville Chapter: Establishing a Foothold

By 2951, HYVIS had grown significantly in both numbers and reputation. The need for a more permanent base of operations became apparent. After much deliberation, we chose to establish a foothold in Lorville on Hurston, within the Stanton system.

Lorville, with its gritty atmosphere and diverse population, resonated with the independent spirit of HYVIS. The lax enforcement of UEE law offered us the operational freedom we craved, while still providing access to a major trade hub. It is here we developed our UEE Spectrum callsign: HYVIS. Our members, some of whom were recently rehabilitated in Klescher, became the Hard Yakka Violent Inmate Society. These champions went on to become the fastest freelancers in Lorville, the ‘Verse learning the name HYVIS as a symbol of a job done well and fast.

HYVIS Today: A Force for Good

Today, the Hard Yakka Freelancers continue to thrive, maintaining a strong presence in the Stanton system and beyond. We remain committed to our founding principles of independence, self-reliance, and community support.

Our current operations include:

Legitimate Trade and Transport: We operate a growing fleet of cargo vessels, specializing in transporting goods to and from less-accessible locations, often under contract with smaller businesses that value our discreet and reliable service.
Exploration and Resource Acquisition: We continue to explore uncharted territories, seeking out valuable resources and new opportunities for both ourselves and our partners.
Security and Escort Services: Our combat experience, combined with our reputation for fairness, makes us a sought-after provider of security services for independent miners, traders, and settlers.
Bounty Hunting is profitable and satisfying. Bounties are taken on those we consider to be a large and present threat to the verse. This has made us unpopular with a few of the larger pirate groups, but we sleep better at night knowing we have made the verse a slightly better place.

The Future: Under Our Own Stars

The Hard Yakka Freelancers look towards the future with optimism and determination. We will continue to navigate the ‘Verse under our own stars, staying true to our values and forging our own destiny. We welcome those who share our vision of a free and independent future to join our ranks and become part of the HYVIS legacy.

Manifesto

The Hard Yakka Freelancers

We are the Hard Yakka Freelancers. We are the sons and daughters of the ‘Verse. We are the independent spirits, the resourceful minds, the skilled hands that forge their own destinies under the burning stars.

We were born beneath the shadow of the UEE, but we chose to walk a different path. We saw the suffocating grip of bureaucracy, the soul-crushing monotony of corporate servitude, and we said, “No more!” We chose freedom. We chose flexibility. We chose to forge our own fortunes in the vast, untamed expanse of the black.

We believe:

In the power of the individual. Every pilot, every engineer, every medic, every scrapper has a unique value, a skill that can contribute to the ‘Verse. We reject the notion that we are mere cogs in a machine. We are the machine, built on individual talent and grit.

In the freedom of the freelance life. We are not bound by corporate loyalty or government decree. We choose our jobs, we set our terms, and we take responsibility for our successes and failures. We are masters of our own fate.

In the strength of community. While we embrace individuality, we understand the power of collaboration. We are not lone wolves, but a pack, supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and lifting each other up. We know that a rising tide lifts all ships, even Freelancer frigates.

In getting the job done, no matter what. We are professionals. We are adaptable. We are resourceful. Whether it’s hauling cargo through a nebula, hunting pirates in the asteroid belt, or patching up a wounded ally, we deliver. We pride ourselves on our reliability and our can-do spirit. This is the Australian way, after all.

In fairness and honesty in our dealings. We might be freelancers, but we’re not pirates. We believe in fair pay for a fair day’s work. We honour our contracts, and we expect others to do the same. A handshake is a handshake, even in the darkest corners of the ‘Verse.

In enjoying the ride. Life out here ain’t easy, but it’s damn well worth living. We work hard, play hard, and celebrate our victories, big or small, with a cold one and a good yarn.

Our Goal:

To create a network of skilled, independent operators who can thrive in the challenging, yet rewarding, world of freelancing. To be the go-to organisation for any task that requires expertise, discretion, and a bit of Aussie ingenuity. To build a community where freelancers can find support, share knowledge, and forge lasting friendships in the vastness of space.

Our Promise:

We will provide a platform for freelancers to connect with each other and with clients. We will offer resources and training to help our members succeed. We will advocate for the rights of freelancers within the ‘Verse. We will foster a culture of mutual respect, support, and camaraderie. We will be the best damn freelancers the ‘Verse has ever seen.

*So, are you tired of the grind? Do you crave freedom and adventure? Are you ready to take control of your destiny?

Join the Hard Yakka Freelancers. Let’s show the ‘Verse some thunder in their down under.

For a free ‘Verse, for a better life, for a damn good time.

Hard Yakka Freelancers: Fair dinkum, no worries.*

Charter

Hard Yakka Freelancers: Charter of Rules

Preamble:

We, the Hard Yakka Freelancers, are a community of independent operators, bound together by our shared values of freedom, skill, and mateship. This Charter outlines the rules that govern our organisation, ensuring fair dealing, mutual respect, and the smooth operation of our network. We believe in keeping things simple and straightforward, like a good handshake agreement. So, let’s get down to brass tacks.

Article I: Membership

Eligibility: Membership is open to any individual who demonstrates competence in their chosen field and agrees to abide by this Charter.

Application: Prospective members must complete a registration process, providing verifiable information about their skills and experience.

Acceptance: Membership is granted upon review and approval by existing members, based on the applicant’s qualifications and adherence to our values. We are not looking for a perfect individual, but rather someone who is willing to abide by our values and develop their skills.

Revocation: Membership may be revoked for serious or repeated violations of this Charter, as determined by a council of established members (see Article IV).

Article II: Code of Conduct

Fair Dinkum Dealings: Members are expected to conduct themselves honestly and ethically in all their dealings, both within the organisation and with external clients. No dodgy dealings!

Skill and Competence: Members are expected to maintain and improve their skills, ensuring they can deliver on the promises they make.

Respect and Mateship: Members are expected to treat each other with respect, offering support and assistance whenever possible. We’re all in this together.

Professionalism: While we value our independence, members are expected to maintain a professional demeanour when representing the Hard Yakka Freelancers.

No Illegal Activities: The Hard Yakka Freelancers does not condone or support any illegal activities. Members engaging in such activities will face immediate expulsion. This does not apply in systems without UEE oversight.

Conflict Resolution: Disputes between members should be resolved amicably through dialogue and mediation. If necessary, a council of established members can be called upon to arbitrate (see Article IV).

Article III: Jobs and Contracts

Job Board: The organisation will maintain a job board where clients can post opportunities and members can find work.

Contract Negotiation: Members are free to negotiate their own contracts with clients. The organisation is not responsible for individual contract disputes, but can provide resources and advice.

Payment: Members are responsible for securing payment for their work. The organisation is not liable for unpaid contracts, but will endeavour to blacklist clients who repeatedly fail to honour their agreements.

Reputation System: A system of ratings and reviews will be implemented to allow members and clients to assess each other’s reliability and performance.

Article IV: Governance

Council of Elders: A council of five (5) established and respected members will be elected annually to oversee the operation of the organisation and resolve any major disputes. This is not a position of power, but rather one of experience to be drawn upon.

Decision-Making: The Council will make decisions based on consensus, striving to reach an agreement that is in the best interests of the organisation as a whole.

Charter Amendments: This Charter can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council, after consultation with the wider membership.

Article V: Final Provisions

Interpretation: This Charter should be interpreted in the spirit of fairness, common sense, and good Aussie humour.

Severability: If any provision of this Charter is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

No Worries Clause: When in doubt, don’t be a drongo. Use your common sense, be fair, and we’ll sort it out.

This Charter is a living document, reflecting the evolving needs and values of the Hard Yakka Freelancers. It is a testament to our commitment to freedom, fairness, and forging our own path in the ‘Verse.

Signed,

The Founding Members of the Hard Yakka Freelancers

The Hard Yakka Freelancers / HYVIS

History

Manifesto

Charter