Little Bird, Little Bird

Posted on Thu Jan 25th, 2018 @ 8:35am by Second Mate Quinton Beck & MERCHANT RANKS Fala Gaz (NPC)

1,208 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Meanwhile...
Location: Allied News Broadcasts
Timeline: May 26th 2393

Hey Cad, I didn't have much time, but I got the press briefing release, just the summary brief, but it’ll get your primer piece started. Though I’d love to have a credit on the Federation's most hard hitting source for journalism, I’ll settle for a favor ;)
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v.2.03 Official Briefing Packet # 45-A2


Federation Reserve Merchant Fleet Act (2393)


Establishment of the Federation Reserve Merchant Fleet:

Recognizing that it is necessary for the Common defense as well as to contribute to the greater whole, that the Federation shall have a Reserve Merchant Fleet of the best equipped and most suitable types of vessels sufficient to carry the greater portion of its commerce and serve as a military auxiliary in time of war or emergency..."

The Merchant Reserve is the fleet of ships which carries imports and exports

During peacetime the fleet will serve as auxiliary support, explicitly forgoing involvement in matters suited for Starfleet or local governmental institutions.

In matters where the Merchant Reserve vessel is forced by virtue to act quickly, a thorough review will be conducted of the incident. The fleet is never to represent Starfleet officially.

In wartime individual Merchant Reserve vessels will contribute to holding actions, detection patrols, civil disarray events, evacuations, escort duty... along with many other versatile functions allowing a stronger ship to remain in the main line fight.

This fleet is to be supplied in part by worthy vessels retired from Starfleet usage, but fit for non-combat roles. Criteria to be outlined in section IV to certify craft for Merchant Reserve Status.

Duties Of Merchant Reserve Fleet Vessels

The Reserve Merchant Fleet shall have these duties:

Contribute to the Common Defense;

Assist in trade across non-aligned or unfriendly territory;

Provide safe, politically neutral transit for personnel;

Assist in Common arenas as needed or commissioned for Research;

Coordination of Humanitarian Outreach, Relief Efforts, relocations.

Non Military Operational Specifications:

For the purposes of serving the greatest good, a politically neutral vessel must operate in good faith without intent of malice or harm. With the lease and operation of vessels donated from Starfleet and other patron states, stipulations will be imposed to prevent wanton hostility or aggressive actions.

All Vessels operating under Reserve Fleet Charter are restricted from combat except for self-defense which is to be evaluated on any usage of shipboard weaponry or Tactical personnel.
While operating proprietary technology, the presence of certified officials is mandated. At no times is current issue military grade equipment to be

IV. Criteria for Craft Inclusion to the Merchant Reserve Fleet
Standard Interstellar law applies to the operation of any vessel in charted space by virtue of its relation to the nearest governmental authority or present affiliations.

For Inclusion within the Reserve Merchant Fleet:

Adherence to Federation Interstellar Shipping Laws.

Vessel must have a significant ability to contribute to the goals listed in Article I.

Recall to active service must be answered if invoked.

Divisions and Ranks:

Command Department: Command officers oversee the other offices make decisions regarding mission operations.
Captain as the highest rank attainable, will be the overseer of ship function and larger mission goals much as the rank demands in most formal military institutions. Captains directly communicate with the company or command, and are overall responsible for cargo, various logs, ship's documents, credentials, efforts at controlling pollution and passengers carried.

Designated officers known as “mates” supervise ship operations in transit.

A captain (master) is in overall command of a vessel, and supervises the work of other officers and crew. Also ensuring that proper procedures and safety practices are followed, ensuring that machinery is in good working order, and overseeing the loading and discharging of cargo and passengers.

When more than one mate is necessary aboard a ship, they typically are designated chief mate or first mate, second mate and third mate. These hold equal rank, except when considering the order of relief in a crisis where relieving officer holds the rank of Second Mate, answering only to the Captain.

Engineering Department: Responsible for the successful operation of ship, safety regulation for crew and safe delivery of cargo

Chief Engineer: All ship's engineers operate, maintain and repair engines, ship systems, power generators, various pumps, other machinery based on need and vessel. Merchant Reserve vessels usually have specialist officers come aboard for just the duration of a cargo haul.

Engineers also have the duties of maintaining a safe passage for cargo and crew and can hold equal rank in regards to decisions made by other officers. A Master Chef and Chief Engineer would have equal rank in a situation regarding crew or machinery respectively, to the Captain of the ship.

Deck Department: Operate the vessel and its deck equipment under officer supervision and keep their assigned areas in good order.

Deckhands- They perform tasks as need and directed by Command for ship operations. They can also steer the ship, analyze, scan, maintain and operate deck equipment such as shuttle craft, auxiliary systems, and cargo-handling gear. They can also perform routine maintenance chores, such as repairs, painting and cleaning decks. Some may serve when needed as functionaries, or landing party supplements, or Security Officers, in such instances they will report to the Chief Steward for the duration of need.

Galley:

Chief Steward:The chief steward directs, instructs, and assigns personnel performing such functions as preparing and serving meals; cleaning and maintaining officers' quarters and steward department areas; and receiving, issuing, and inventorying stores. The chief steward also plans events; hosts functions, compiles supply, overtime, and cost control records. This office also operates the “Ship Security” Functions as needed.

Stewards- may requisition or purchase stores and equipment. Additional duties may include Kitchen duty, Security, and landing parties.

Ward Officers- Often Crew and Cargo will arrive attached to other outfits. In these instances their rank is upheld to its nearest equivalent, though subordinate to native crew. Officers may be required to maintain or regulate themselves or their cargo.

Summary Items:

Officially referred to as “Federation Reserve Merchant Fleet”, they operate under Allied Interstellar Accords c. 2381 or most recent revision.

Estimated 6800 Starfleet vessels currently in retired status which would be fit for service within Reserve Fleet. There are countless other vessels which can be assessed and returned to active service as well.

Crew must be licensed, all legal matters to be handled in Court Martial setting.

Reserve Vessels must maintain standards and adhere to law or lose their Reserve status and face full extent of legal damages.

Reserve Vessels are not combat vessels, and will not be placed into combat purposefully. Should combat situations arise the first priority of the vessel is to make choices which save as many lives as possible.

Dereliction of Cargo will be investigated, Tactical situations may also warrant review from Starfleet.

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That's all I could skim, they are keeping a tight lid on things before word gets out. Remember to wait a day or they'll know it was someone from the day shift. It's kind of exciting right? All those old relics put back to good use, filling in the gaps.... i may take a tour and earn some actual currency isnt that a wild thought?

-Terry

 

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