System Operation
This broad skill provides a character with basic training in the use
of spaceship systems other than the helm or piloting systems. (Vehicle
Operation covers the actual piloting of\
\ a spaceship.) It also applies to other types of vehicles or
ground-based installations that use one or more of the specific
systems described below in the Specialty Skills section.
These\
\ other vehicles and installations include (but are not limited to)
large water vessels such as battleships, military submarines, and
cargo ships; jet fighters and large commercial aircraft; and\
\ radar outposts and gun emplacements.
For full details on how System Operation skills are used, see the
sections on [“What’’s in a
Spaceship?”](/core-mechanics/vehicles-and-vessels/)\
\ and [“Space Vehicle
Combat”](/core-mechanics/vehicles-and-vessels#space-vehicle-combat).
Communications
A communications specialist can operate all shipboard and personal
communication gear with precision, attempt to decipher coded
communication signals, code outgoing messages, jam external
communication and sensor signals, and try to overcome jamming from
an outside source.
Defenses
A defenses specialist can operate all shipboard defensive systems
with precision, attempt to direct defenses to parts of the ship
where they’’re most needed, and analyze attack patterns to make
best use of the defenses his ship possesses. In space vehicle
combat, the defenses operator can provide a penalty to an
opponent’’s weapons or sensors during any given attack.
Engineering
An engineering specialist monitors a ship’’s electronic and
mechanical systems as a whole, watching for fluctuations and other
signs that a component is breaking down. He can institute repairs
to damaged systems from his station, route power to specific
systems, and direct hands-on repairs at remote locations.
Sensors
A sensors specialist can operate all shipboard and personal sensor
gear with precision, attempt to scan ships or planets, and analyze
those readings in a short period of time. He can use the data to
provide bonuses to a weapons or defenses operator.
Weapons
A weapons specialist can operate all shipboard weapons systems
with precision. In starship combat, the weapons operator picks
targets and makes attacks.