Plasma Pistols and Space Scooters
(A brief in-universe description of some aspects of my Deep Patrol stories, crossposted from Patreon. Which means this post is supported by the Patreon and if by some mischance you enjoyed it you can show your appreciation and support more like this there.)
Plasma Pistol
The standard sidearm of the Deep Patrol. A simple and rugged design, borrowed from a replicator that turned out four hundred million units before developing a fault and starting to make trombones. Although most ships are capable of making their most come from the original large stockpile.
The other reason for its use is versatility. It can produce a narrow beam or a wide, fire bursts, single shots of continuous fire (the original power sources are mysteriously efficient), power enough to burn through hardened space alloy or low enough to create just a blinding light and serious sunburn.
It is almost as useful a tool as a weapon. No Deep Patrol expedition is complete without them.
Space Scooter
The basic exploratory unit of the Deep Patrol is the Long Range Carrier. These act as tenders to a variety of units, the most common of which are (in descending order of size) Cruisers, Cutters and Scooters, The scooter has two seats, though can take four crew in emergencies.
The Scooter is mostly used for short range missions, especially for transfer of personnel and small amounts of cargo between vessels or between stations and vessels. Although capable of atmospheric insertion and attaining orbital velocity from Terran sized planets such manoeuvres are extremely fuel inefficient and stressful on both systems and crew. As such it is mostly a space-based vehicle.
Their main use on a mission is to ferry maintenance and inspection crew and equipment about the exterior of the Carrier. In theory drones could be used remotely but Patrol doctrine requires humans to be trained and familiar with all tasks.
Scooter races, though not part of any official program, are a common event for crewmembers taking liberty.
Plasma Pistol
The standard sidearm of the Deep Patrol. A simple and rugged design, borrowed from a replicator that turned out four hundred million units before developing a fault and starting to make trombones. Although most ships are capable of making their most come from the original large stockpile.
The other reason for its use is versatility. It can produce a narrow beam or a wide, fire bursts, single shots of continuous fire (the original power sources are mysteriously efficient), power enough to burn through hardened space alloy or low enough to create just a blinding light and serious sunburn.
It is almost as useful a tool as a weapon. No Deep Patrol expedition is complete without them.
Space Scooter
The basic exploratory unit of the Deep Patrol is the Long Range Carrier. These act as tenders to a variety of units, the most common of which are (in descending order of size) Cruisers, Cutters and Scooters, The scooter has two seats, though can take four crew in emergencies.
The Scooter is mostly used for short range missions, especially for transfer of personnel and small amounts of cargo between vessels or between stations and vessels. Although capable of atmospheric insertion and attaining orbital velocity from Terran sized planets such manoeuvres are extremely fuel inefficient and stressful on both systems and crew. As such it is mostly a space-based vehicle.
Their main use on a mission is to ferry maintenance and inspection crew and equipment about the exterior of the Carrier. In theory drones could be used remotely but Patrol doctrine requires humans to be trained and familiar with all tasks.
Scooter races, though not part of any official program, are a common event for crewmembers taking liberty.
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