INDEPENDENT EXPLORERS: CIVILIAN SERVICE

The need for new colony and resource planets is never satisfied, and while the Survey Service does extensive work in the discovery of new planets for settlement and industrial development, independent exploration companies have also entered the field. Freedom-loving adventurers of all classes have taken on this hazardous profession for pure profit. According to Interstellar Law, the discoverer of a planet uninhabited by sentient races becomes a First Claimant to all land and resources on the planet. If the discoverer undertakes the development of the planet, a very costly enterprise until returns are won from that development, he literally owns the planet. In most cases, the only organizations capable of such development are governments and the great interstellar corporations. However, a discoverer can also sell his interest in his First Claim, the value of the Claim being dependent on the potential of the planet for colonization or resource development and the difficulties that may be encountered in undertaking such development.

The independent explorers provide their own ship, equipment, supplies, and expertise. Their task is to find and conduct preliminary surveys of new planets. In essence, their work is not too difficult from that of the Survey Service. Complete, scientifically accurate reports are needed to establish a proper First Claim, and thus a good proportion of an exploration team consists of Scientists. However, Astronauts and Techs are required to navigate and maintain the starship, usually a well-armed Corvette, while Armsmen provide the 'muscle' which is often necessary to deal with hostile animal life or 'claim-jumpers.' It must be admitted that some unscrupulous operations have laid claims to planets with primitive intelligent life forms and, using the very considerable influence of their large corporate patrons, have circumvented the usual restrictions of the Contact Service against exploitation of local natives.

PCs do not have to have pre-requisites to enlist with an exploration company. However, one's promotion chances are very much determined by personal characteristics.

Astronaut: l0+ on 2d6, with +1 DM for each complete 5-point block the sum of the following characteristics exceeds 113: Constitution, Dexterity, Agility, Intelligence, Intuition, Leadership, GTA.'

Scientist: 10+ on 2d6, with +1 DM for each 5-point block sum of the following characteristics exceeds 113: Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Intuition, Psionics or Empathy, Leadership, GTA.

Engineer: 10+ on 2d6, with +I DM for each 5-point block the sum of the following characteristics exceeds 113: Constitution, Dexterity, Agility, Intelligence, Intuition, Leadership, GTA and MechA or EIecA. If all three areas of Technical aptitude are 15+, an additional +1 DM can be added.

Tech: As Engineer, but promotion on 9+ on 2d6.

Armsman: 10+ on 2d6, with I+ DM for each 5-point block the sum of the following characteristics exceeds 113; Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Agility, Intelligence, Leadership, Bravery.