Communication and Survival Tools

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Comm Link
A common device found across the galaxy, comlinks come in a variety of forms depending on their function and user. Each allows for audio messaging between two parties, though advanced models can transmit to multiple users or network groups together. Personal comlinks are often small, hand-held cylinders capable of communication over distances into low orbit. Some models are built into helmets and armor segments. Longer-range versions are usually carried as large satchels or in backpacks, and can reach across a planet and to ships in high orbit (or even elsewhere in the same star system). Most operate on a standard set of frequencies that can be adjusted as desired to elude detection.

Short Range Comm: 5 km

Long Range Comm: 50 km

Quantum Entanglement Communicators (QEC)
When a pair of quantum-entangled particles is separated, a change to one particle will affect the other instantaneously, wherever it lies in the universe. QECs exploit this effect to transmit binary data any distance. Two pairs of entangled particles are necessary for transmission and reception.

While QEC technology is extremely expensive and difficult to produce, it offers two enormous advantages. First, it allows instantaneous communication over any distance without reliance on the network of comm buoys, which is limited due to the sheer volume of space. Further, destruction of buoys hampers a foe’s military intelligence; comm buoys are the first targets of raiders in wartime. Second, quantum communications cannot be intercepted between source and destination, allowing no "wiretaps."

Unfortunately, QECs cannot replace the galactic civil communications infrastructure. First, they have extremely limited bandwidth. A single entangled particle can only transmit a single qubit (quantum bit) of data at once. Second, the system’s exclusively point-to-point nature precludes peer-to-peer networking and data dissemination through the galactic extranet.

Ration Packs
Ration packs are a common item on smaller ships used to augment or replace actual galley fare. Each can be easily reconstituted into a full meal through built-in heat infusers and limited hydration. Most ships include emergency ration packs in case of disasters such as hard landings or engine failures. Understandably, ration packs are one-use items.

Breath Masks and Respirators
Not all planets or environments are hospitable to all species, and thus many species require breathing devices to survive on them. The most basic are simple nose plugs which filter out contaminants; there are also higher quality items such as wearable face masks with gas canisters, filtration masks for poisonous atmospheres, and even aquatic rebreathers for sustained activity underwater.

Crash Survival Kit
While life is usually controlled and comfortable, there are many times when physical survival becomes an issue. A forced landing might strand a crew deep in a uncharted deserts, or a vehicle failure could result in extended durations in glacial snow. Most ships, especially smaller ones such as fighters and escape pods, contain kits to help ensure survival until rescue or repair. Their contents include a thermal cloak, multipurpose knife, distress beacon, two emergency comlinks, wire spool, ration bars, basic medi-pack, two respirators, water filter and jug, glow rod, 50 meters of high strength microfiber, ten ration packs, and a flare gun. Some pirates would augment their kits with compact pistols or other weapons, knowing that often their enemies will also be eagerly searching for them.

Tent
Tents can be found in larger survival kits, and can provide protection from the elements for one or more people. Almost any large piece of fabric can be made into one if necessary, though most would prefer models with internal memory supports that assemble themselves

Thermal Cloak
For those not used to extremes of heat or cold, thermal protection is a must. Thermal cloaks can be worn while on the move, or used as a blanket or makeshift tent. Depending on the technical access of the user, these could be simple but effective fabric blends or ultra-thin synthetic meshes than can collapse into a pocket. Most offer support for cold environments, with more clever models having reflective materials to also aid in areas of excessive heat. Thermal blankets and thermal cloaks remove up to two setback dice from any checks made to handle the effects of extreme heat or cold.

Backpack
A backpack can serve many important functions; it can be used for carrying survival gear or even smaller allies and droids. Most are simple affairs of fabric and straps, with better styles including internal bracing and back support so that heavier weights can be carried far longer.


 * Backpacks increase the character's encumbrance threshold by 4.

Climbing Gear
Though climbing gear is usually used in wilderness areas away from elevators or simple stairs, it also can be useful in gaining entry to higher reaches through clandestine means. Most gear includes a spooled length of carbon rope or liquid cable, with a hook or some other attachment to secure the line. The advanced kits also includes four quick-adhesion pitons that can securely attach to almost any surface.

Jump-Jets
Once proprietary hardware for turian special forces, some corporations are working on reverse engineering "acquired" models. These jets allow a user to make extremely high jumps or hover for several seconds. The jump-jet itself consists of a helium-3 microthruster with a tungsten-hafnium carbide casing. A gyroscopic element zero core functions to both keep the user orientated in flight and lower their mass when hovering, keeping fuel expenditure down. Hard-coded safety features prevent continuous operation of jump-jets to avoid injuring the user or melting their equipment.


 * A jet pack allows a person to function as a Silhouette 1, Speed 2, Handling 0, System Strain Threshold 3 vehicle that can only operate in atmosphere, and requires Piloting to operate. It cannot operate for more than 12 seconds continuously.

Extra Heat Sinks / Power cells
Technology runs on power, and while most devices have internal power sources, these either run out or need augmentation. Energy cells are small battery disks that can keep most hand-held devices going for a while longer, while power packs are larger versions suitable for blasters and other high-demand gear. Extra reloads allow characters to ignore an "out of ammo" ^ result with a ranged weapon. By spending a maneuver, they may reload their weapons and get back in the fight.