Code of the Stars

In keeping with any far flung group of people living on the fringes of mainstream society, spacers have evolved a code of conduct to regulate their behavior. It is not nearly as absolute or unbreakable as a spacer will profess but it is a good start for what to do and not do when you rub elbows with the star travelers. Yes I swiped the Code of the West for some of this.

 Take the measure of a crew mate for what they are today and how they do their job.

 Never steal another’s ship. A hijacker or pirate pays with their life.

 Defend yourself whenever necessary.

 Look out for your own, first ship, then crew mates.

 Never use recreational substances on duty.

 Don’t make a threat without expecting dire consequences.

 Never open fire unless you intend to destroy a vehicle or installation.

 Never pass another ship without a friendly hail.

 Never shut down your transponder.

 Never perform an active scan on another ship unless you're ready for a fight or performing close maneuvers. A radar scan and a target lock look much the same.

 Never open fire on another ship, vehicle or installation without warning. This does not apply if you are fired on first.

 Any acts of sabotage are punished by spacing. A saboteur may kill many more than the desired target.

 Reserve swearing for emergencies so people will know you're serious.

 Complain about the cooking and you become the cook.

 Do not practice ingratitude.

 A spacer is pleasant even when out of sorts. Complaining is what quitters do

 Always be courageous. Cowards aren’t tolerated on any ship worth its salt.

 A spacer always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.

 Never try on another person's helmet.

 Any arguments you may have are settled on the ground, not on deck.

 Never wake another by shaking or touching them, as they might wake suddenly and attack you or hit the wrong button.

 Be there for a friend when they need you.

 Drunkeness while underway is grounds for instant dismissal and blacklisting.

 Respect the chain of command. If you must disobey an order expect consequences.

 Consideration for others is central to pleasant travel. Smoke only in designated areas, pick  up after yourself, play music on your earphones unless invited to share.

 Honesty is absolute – your word is your bond, a handshake is more binding than a contract. Spacers do not usually have a court to avail themselves if wronged. Honesty is essential.

 Live by the Golden Rule.