Guide to Away Missions
Overview
This is a general-purpose guide to conducting expeditions for the crew of the Horizon. Expeditions can be very fun but also very annoying or even dangerous depending on how you go about it. The first order of business is typically, who is going to fly these things? This isn't a task that just anyone can do. Some roles have some expectations of being able to pilot, and they will be listed here.
The Horizon:
The biggest ship you will see in-game. This is the hardest vessel to pilot and it requires formal training and experience to move. Those who would be able to pilot it are the Bridge Crew, XO and Captain. The rest of Command might be able to, depending on the background but It's not a hard requirement for them. It must be kept in mind, if the Bridge Crew are present they should always be the ones flying it.
Before moving an announcement should be made warning that it will occur, and that EVA should not be conducted lest those who try it are lost to the void.
The Intrepid:
A shuttle-craft on the larger-end of things. This a middling shuttle in terms of how much it will challenge a pilot and it requires formal training and experience to move. Anyone who can pilot the Horizon can pilot the Intrepid, additionally you can expect Xenoarchaeologists, the Research Director and some Scientists to be able to competently fly it. The pilot will always have the highest authority on their shuttle, but if they aren't going out with the Expedition you may want to pick a leader to organize everyone. The Bridge crew should ideally be flying and leading expeditions but this is a role anyone capable of flying the shuttle can take if needed.
Given one of the objectives of the Horizon is to explore its surroundings, an organized expedition shouldn't be denied by Horizon Command or impeded. They do not need to do any paperwork or "clearance". They should give a heads up to the Bridge about what they're planning and who is going. The Intrepid can only be grounded with a very good reason. It should be remembered, the Intrepid is a long-range shuttle. It is more than capable of independently going to where it needs to be without the Horizon moving at all.
The Mining Pod:
A small shuttle. It's fast, nimble and easy to use to the point where the untrained could get a grasp on it given a few hours. Miners will have already gone through this as part of their limited training. Anyone who can fly the Horizon or Intrepid can also use the mining pod.
In the interest of self-sufficiency and profit miners are expected to be autonomous and operate with little oversight. They do not need to do any paperwork or "clearance". They should give a heads up to the Operations Manager or the Bridge if they aren't present so that someone is aware they're leaving. The Mining Pod can only be grounded with a very good reason. It should be remembered, the Mining Pod is more than capable of moving to where it needs to be without the Horizon moving at all.
Minor Stuff:
- During expeditions, authority over each mission is typically placed on the Bridge Crew, although a member of the Research department (such as the Xenoarchaeologist) is also a suitable pick in their absence.
- Long range holo-pads and teleporters currently work as long as you are no more than four overmap squares away from the Horizon. You don't need to phone home 24/7 but if you will be out a while, consider coming back into comms range eventually to re-assure them you're still alive. Make sure they know where you are going too, if It's far. They might want to link up on their own.
- For teleporters in particular, keep in mind these can be a way for people who joined mid-round to still take part in an expedition. It's not just an emergency tool.
- Expeditions are tentatively canon. You haven't seen the same Solarian military outpost in every sector as an example.
Preparation
Preparation before away missions on the shuttle varies depending on what you plan to do or where you're going. As far as what to prepare, everyone involved should do their part in gathering essentials, sometimes including the following :
- Survival supplies, such as tools and efficient light sources.
- Medical supplies can come in handy.
- Engineering supplies, such as tools.
- Food and water.
- GPS’, and other tracking safety equipment.
- Handheld Radios.
- Mission essential items (drills for the xenoarchs, as an example)
Preparation often includes much more than this, with some holding a “better safe than sorry” mindset and overpreparing massively. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but don't think It's a hard requirement. There are plenty of clever ways to assist the mission with spare tools and manufactured assets from the station. From pocket flood-lights to advanced medical gear, anything is possible.
As for who precisely gets to go on the away mission, a team can choose from… basically anybody working who wants to go, should their head of staff be okay with it or the Captain. You don't need "The Sec guy" "The Medic guy" "The Engineering guy" or anything like that, It's not a hard requirement. Just have a willing team who can exercise a bit of common sense.
Research Department
| |
| Head of department | Research Director |
| Personnel | Scientist - Xenobiologist - Xenoarcheologist - Roboticist |
| Useful guides | Guide to Research and Development - Guide to Xenobiology - Guide to Xenobotany - Guide to Xenoarchaeology - Integrated Electronics - Guide to Telescience - Guide to Modular Weaponry |