Base of Operations
Ships are just the craft used by the Vast Empire Navy- in order to actually survive they need places to repair, re-build and live during re-armament. These are the bases of the Vast Empire Navy. Most of these lay within the Vectra System, the home system of the VEN. However, others do exist on distant worlds as minor outpost in case of emergencies. Bases can come in a few forms, namely planetary outpost and space stations. On both, the pilots are either given leave time or put on call, meaning they are assigned to a patrol board for duties on through the duration of their stay. So if you're on call you would probably go out to the mess hall every day to check the schedule and see if your name was posted for any particular duty. When not on call though, the pilots are allowed to go anywhere they want inside the perimeters the Navy gives. When on a planet, that normally refers to pretty much anywhere- entire crews flocking to metropolitan areas to see things they'd only heard about on their home planets. While a lot of down-time is never good for a pilot, it's a lot like going on vacation for a while. Never the less- most pilots hate down time because they aren't fighting and despite their best attempts- manage to do nothing! Thus simulators are normally numerous in either form of base operations, often dedicating entire sections of the base to training rooms.
Also, both forms of bases have a command center- usually located near the center and in the most impossible place to hit. In the commander center the command staff performs duties on a daily basis to keep the base in good condition, but it also the center of any battle should there be one. Each command center determines how the base re-acts, observations of both planetary bases and space stations make that apparent.
Contents
Planetary Bases
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Planetary bases are the outpost set up by a military force to occupy and protect a region of their controlled system. These outposts are put on planets of massive population as well as a few desolate locations. Their purpose is to keep the planet safe and provide support for themselves and nearby-regions if a strong enough reason should arise.
Location
Most planetary bases will be strategically located, even if they are in the heart of the Imperial protection ring or covered by a thousand star destroyers. Strategically meaning they will use the planet or even the systems natural assets and abilities to disrupt the attempts of the enemy to find and attack one’s base. This might be locating a rift in a mountainous region where radar sweeps would be very difficult to pick up the base’s outline, or perhaps an area where magnetism is so strong that it scrambles enemy radios and radars. Either way- they will attempt to hide themselves to the greatest level, using what they already have in front of them rather than buying up high tech equipment to further encase themselves in fortification.
Equipment
Despite excellent location, equipment is often used in the case the base is discovered and the possibility of attack becomes eminent. When attacking a base, enemy fighters often require what is called a radar contact to even tell that the building exist, otherwise they might as well be seeing the same treetops fifty miles back. Thus, massive dishes and other outpost will be set at the base and in the surrounding area to scramble signals and make radars useless by use of "Jammers." This will often mess with the enemy craft's other normal functions like telling the difference between friend or foe, radio frequency and sometimes (in the case of some very powerful jammers and especially sensitive enemy equipment), compromise primary flying instruments like distance, speed and altitude indicators. These incidents normally only happen when an especially strong output from the jammers are further enhanced with low-grade EMPs, (Electro Magnetic Pulses). This is a type of high tech base protection gridding.
Also, attached to these jammers or at least nearby, equipment known as sensors cut through the distortion channeled by the jammers so they can pick up enemy radar contacts and notify the base. The sensors normally have more than one way of picking up on enemy targets, but the main one would be electric signatures in the atmosphere that spread and bounce off of the terrain. These sensors are also normally placed in strategic locations as well to pick up on these reverberations or to get an even more open area to pick up signals.
In coordination with the jammers and sensors, defense networks are created. These defense mechanisms are normally comprised of various turrets or armed personnel launch facilities. Spread throughout the region, and probably just outside of the main base, one would expect to see Anti-Air turrets (AA Guns). These 'turrets' stand on a strong base that normally lessens in diameter as it goes up and ends at a weapons platform. In the case of AA guns, missile platforms are prevalent- often times supply two or even up to six missiles tubes for launching at enemy fighters as they come into range or make a pass.
Depending on the make, model and purpose, there are two types of AA guns- manned or unmanned. The manned turrets usually are cannon Anti-Air turrets because trying to get a lock would be more difficult from the ground for a human, but manned missile anti-air turrets do exist as well. The unmanned are controlled by a droid mind and are usually more effective than human systems because of the smaller chance of error and enhanced senses. The ground turrets on the other hand, usually protrude two heavy, rapidly firing cannons to dishearten anyone attempting to come close to the base. Missile versions of these exist as well in case especially powerful land craft begin making their way toward the base. However, most ground turrets are remarkably powerful and can decimate enemy vehicles with only a few hits. The level of power can be brought down to further enhance the rate of fire for ground troops scattering to evade fire and take up positions though.
Besides the turrets, more effective means of protection can be conjured by use of defense personnel launch facilities. These refer to any means of mobile attack bodies- manned or unmanned. They can come by air, sea or land, which makes them more effective than their turret counterparts. For support in the air, hanger bays are normally built along the periphery (outside) of the protection grid to launch fighters for intercept of the enemy beforehand so they can not reach the base. However, others, normally equipped with more advanced fighters, are kept closer to the base in case of emergencies where the frontline has been broken. The hangers normally have their own set of defenses including turrets, scanners, and jammers to help them support their craft when launched for battle. Also, these hangers normally have a housing unit or 'barracks' for the pilots and other staff very close by so that responses can be immediate, although patrols and repairs are constantly being made so people are normally around to jump in if need be anyways.
On the ground we have specific vehicular units as well as individual troopers that are chosen based on their performance in the terrain and capabilities against a wide range or a very specific grouping of enemies. Every base is different and so are the people and equipment involved. Often times, unmanned equipment is ordered so the extra expense of hiring a pilot isn't necessary. Another plus is that the pilots can be where they are needed most. Thus, unmanned fighters, ground vehicles and aquatic vessels are constructed to pick up and destroy anything out of the ordinary- which is good and bad. One of the many dilemmas in using unmanned defenses is that they have no concept of right and wrong: how do they know not to shoot down an allied pilot coming in with an unregistered craft? For the most part, unless a base is really strapped for money, the head quarters or some other control unit will be in charge of the unmanned defenses. When the unmanned defense wants to carry out an operation, it sends a request to HQ before actually going into an automatic mode and performing the action.
Last but certainly not least, there is the option of having a shield generator put in to protect the base or some important areas of it. These shield generators usually cost a bundle and a lot of planetary bases tend to shy away from them, but if you’ve got some especially important cargo you’re holding- expect to see one of these high grade generators canvassed in the bushes a couple miles away.
As we've mentioned- every base is different. The sky is the limit on technology, programs and protection grids- this is just an example of the general facilities associated with a planet based military outpost.
Personnel
No matter how many unmanned craft and equipment exist in a base, there is always a human or at least intelligent mind in control of it all- something capable of reasonable thought. A highly ranked officer is usually put in control of a base and is only called upon for crucial details and creating new orders to adjust to faults in the system or to correct the errors entirely. Accompanying him would be a staff of five to twenty men and women, depending on the size of the base- those numbers can be differed either way still. These men and women are a kind of cabinet that establish goals and bring up topics for the Base of Operations leader to decide on or speak about. Once they've heard what he wants from them, they go about disseminating the orders to the people below them and so on, each person fulfilling an individual duty. These are usually going to be over the general upkeep of a base and check-ups on equipment to make sure there are no major malfunctions.
Besides military folks, inhabitants of the planet are often brought in to do mediocre task and custodial jobs to save money. Why buy a droid when you can hire up people desperate for a job and willing to accept meager wages? Also, working at a base is another way to get your foot in the door for a military job and some bright-eyed and bushy tailed youngsters tend to jump at the chance of becoming a mail-clerk in the pilot’s quarters. Women tend to be hired to do nursing task and paper-work that keeps the base running smoothly- this is sometimes done out of the will of sexist officers, but other times just because the women seem to do the job better. So if a pilot is going to meet a girl- it's probably going to be on a planetary base. The only men hired on base that are not military are going to be maintenance workers. That's engineers, mechanics, tech specialist and you're average Joe performing disgusting janitorial duties. Every once in a while the female pilots get to come along a full-blown doctor/medic who is in charge of the entire hospital wing or maybe a civilian cook along for the ride.
Many jobs will be performed by droids or self-sustaining equipment though, so outside staff is usually kept to a minimum- just enough to support the crews in case of energy black outs. Also, there is little worry about where and how pilots or the crews live. People will often ask for a specific room with a specific person or maybe with no one at all: and they'll probably get it. There are your incredibly strict operations where nothing flies, but most planetary bases run pretty loosely and allow you to get away with a lot.
Atmosphere
When you go to stay on a planetary base- expect things to be different. The culture on most worlds will end up infiltrating the base in one way or another, and pilots tend to pick up on them and make them a way of life. This further exaggerates the idea that every base is different. Besides the culture, one would also notice some obviously loosened up rules- like the strict doctrine on how one looks and speaks in the presence of an officer. That's not to say a planetary base is unruly, but they tend to be a little more motley, incorporating their own set of rules and justifications for the way they live. The really high-up officers often try their best to keep away from the pilots despite close proximity, but the semi-high up officers just blend with the pilots and the base becomes more like a big house. Most planetary bases will house up to six squadrons at a time- mostly two to four though and assigned to the same barracks. So just about everyone knows everyone: nothing like you'd see on a star destroyer or space station where everyone is going in and out all the time. When assigned to a planet it's probably for a long time, unless you're in some kind of special unit that uses hyperdrive capable fighters. Even then, you're going to stay based off of the planet. If you are one of those groups who don't use some kind of super fighter like the Defender, then you'll probably be patrolling for about six months or maybe ten years. Who knows? There are different needs and functions for everything- it’s a big universe.
Besides the atmosphere of people and the feeling of it all, there’s the literal form of atmosphere. Some may feel sick or unable to walk because of a couple of factors- why? Because you will feel different on a new planet; the change in gravity and substances in the air, not to mention the terrain and plant life, might awaken certain allergies or compromise certain species immune systems, or even yet- may make it impossible to move. One planet you could feel ten times stronger because of the low gravity and another you would think you were a hundred pounds. For that reason, a pilot is normally only allowed to travel outside the base on certain planets- those planets being acceptable to notch in the back of most humans’ minds indicating what the right level of gravity is. Plus- you don’t want to choke on a poisonous gas when you step outside- so it’s best to read the signs. Again- every base is different.
Space Stations
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When we talk about space we need to realize that technology is necessary to be there. Yes, there are some natural phenomena that allow for life in the cold, dark depths of space, but for the most part- we're talking about high tech equipment. The space station itself is a craft engineered to support life in the middle of space and is usually about a mile long. They come in all shapes and sizes, designs, designations and appendage. Expect to see something knew every time you go to a space station.
When entering a space station, the boarding ship holding all the fighters 'docks' with the station for many reasons. First- the crews go and find their room assignments and perimeters, which are obviously limited to the space station, but there are a few off-limits areas so they need to be addressed to the pilots upon entry. Also, the docking ship itself needs to be re-supplied with food, fuel, other minerals and resources necessary in the upkeep of a ship. Sometimes more personnel, especially after a ferocious encounter, is needed to make sure the ship is up to optimum level. If there is heavy damage, the space station can make some repairs if it has the equipment, but a lot of the time the ship will be transferred to a shipyard where the needed parts will be more accessible and probably economical. Some space stations that are only affiliated with the VE and not run by them will try to scam crews into buying equipment that they could easily acquire for far less.
The fact that space stations are not all run by the empire brings up an important point though-
Security
Think of a space station as a really clean, really strict hotel. It's nice and kind of cool to look out the windows, but don't dare break anything or start a fight. Cameras and security sensors are placed literally everywhere in a space station- they have no end to the invasion of privacy. That becomes especially apparent in the non-VE controlled space stations where they'll point a camera right at you as you use the refresher (bathroom). Also, these stations have their own police forces on board to control the many groups going in and out. When put on a space station- its unusual if you have to stay for more than a month or two. This means that no one really gets to know anyone and that people are more untrusting than ever. Fights break out between cocky pilots and the simulator room is often flooded with rival groups, competing for the say-so. While the rivalry is somewhat shunned, it is not prohibited. The idea of pilots competing against each other is good and bad- it breeds the right and wrong type of competition. Those who become better are happy to be a part of the system, but those who lose sometimes become emotional and attempt to do some stupid things to get even. For this reason, it is also sometimes convenient for a space station to have a small room for court-room affairs. Thus, a military judge is present and police force has someone to look to if there be a problem where judicial interference needed to be called upon. That all happening primarily in the case of court marshals for insubordination (fights, swearing out an officer, neglecting duties.) Overall- you can have some very nice star ports and then you can have some outright hellish ones where you swear you've been confined to the mines of Kessel. That's just part of getting around the galaxy though...
Equipment
Space stations are a lot different than your average planetary base- they are always moving for one and the devices in which they trust usually have a stronger output then anything you'd see on a planetary base. Space stations can orbit around a planet or just float in the middle of nowhere, making them known only to a select few. This makes the space stations self-reliant. They often have a large portion of their base dedicated to creating the materials to sustain themselves. Massive rooms filled with plant life produce the majority of the space station's food as well as fulfilling some random task, like granting them with a particular chemical they can use in the base's energy center or to create something in combination with another substance like durasteel. Other areas dedicated to creating substances in a similar fashion will exist in various areas of the space station, all with different duties and functions.
These tasks are normally aimed at supplying and repairing the living quarters division and the defense network. In the living quarters division, oxygen is usually supplied to the entire base, but there are some off-limits areas that lack any atmospheric substance at all (oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) and possess no gravity field (0 G). These areas can be modified to accommodate certain species that are unable to survive in oxygen rich environments and instead rely on a distinct material, most likely a gas.
The Defense network is a little more unique. As every planetary base is different, so is every space station. There is no definite design for a space station and no definite rules so you'll see a wide variety of weapons and tools used. Scanners, scramblers and turrets will have the same use as before, but they will be placed throughout the hull of the ship to cover all areas of space surrounding them. They will only have a certain range, so fighters are usually sent out on patrols to intercept anything outside the clear range of the sensors. Also, the turrets are far more powerful than what you'd see on a planet. These powerful turbo lasers are used to fight back against even more powerful capitol ships- not just fighters. Sure, specialized cannons will be set along the hull to help take the snub fighters and bombers out, but a majority of the guns will be focused on protection against larger craft. Some space stations are hyperdrive equipped, but many are not because of the stress that light speed would do on such a randomly shaped piece of equipment. Thus, the hull of the ship is instead reinforced heavily to take unbelievable hits from colossal weapons. If there is a breach, the area is either closed up by some kind of adjusting frame of durasteel or other strong material, and/or simply blocked off from the inside. That meaning that doors come down to shut out the breach and keep the areas outside of it safe from it's sucking motion- thus, any occupants will either be flung into the open of space or be trapped within and share a similar death. The victims are starved of oxygen and become smashed by the cold force of space- so the former is preferred in protecting its occupants.
Besides turrets, fighters are scrambled from the hanger bays and all occupants are instructed to help in whatever way they can in case of an attack. Also, reinforcements can be called in to jump to light speed and be pulled out by the space station's gravity wells if it possesses some. But again- every base is different: so be creative!
Just so you have some idea of where our base of operations is:
"The Vast Empire Navy uses Abrae as its primary base of operations. Abrae is well suited for this because of its central location in the system and the terrain on the planet permits easy construction of defendable bases. There is an asteroid belt in close proximity to Abrae that the Vast Empire Navy also uses as an outpost, equipping asteroids with starfighter hangars or remote defense gun platforms. The asteroid belt also has the potential for a successful mining operation. "
Abrae
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*Type: Barren satellite
*Temperature: Cold
*Atmosphere: Type III, uninhabitable
*Hydrosphere: Arid
*Gravity: Light
*Terrain: Barren expanses, deep valleys, mountains
*Length of Day: 11 standard hours
*Length of Year: 981 local days
*Sapient Species: Human
*Starport: Imperial-classNone
*Population: 550,000 Naval Personnel
*Planetary Function: VE Naval HQ
*Government: Vast Empire
*Tech Level: None
*Major Exports: None
*Major Imports: Everything
