GURPS Sector General

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Hudlar Nutrient Spray (TL9)

Hudla is a poor planet, so many Hudlar go off-world to find work. They are in high demand as space workers, since they require minimal life support to work in vacuum or extreme terrestrial environments.

Unfortunately, many Hudlar forget to eat and quickly suffer FP and HP loss due to Hunger. As can be imagined, an unconscious 2-ton patient creates quite a problem for rescuers. Portable Hudlar nutrient sprayers are standard equipment in multi-species dining halls and EMS facilities.

Fully-equipped Hudlar feeding rooms resemble a heavily armored automated car wash, with airlock style doors, high pressure nutrient jets spraying liquid in all directions, and high speed fans to whip the nutrient into an aerosol. Afterwards, water is pumped through the pressure jets to sanitize the system and sluice down the feeding room interior. Floor drains direct water and excess nutrient to waste collection and recycling facilities, then the fans are used to quickly dry the area.

Spoiler:  

Hudlar absorb nutrients through their skin. Away from their native environment, they subsist on a thick, smelly, brownish paste which they spray on their body. Hudlar equivalent of off-world food service is a spray booth with multiple spray nozzles. The paste can be applied by smearing it over a Hudlar’s body, but it is more efficient to hose them down using a Nutrient Sprayer. A typical Hudlar consumes a gallon of nutrient solution per “feeding” but most add additional layers to avoid potential starvation.

Standard spray is bland and tastes as if had been prepared by someone with Cooking skill 8. Deluxe nutrient spray costs four times as much, tastes like if it was prepared by someone with Cooking skill 14, and gives Hudlars a +4 bonus to IQ or Will rolls to remember to eat.

Nutrient Spray, 1-Gallon (TL9): Provides one meal, applied using an attached wand sprayer. Takes 5 minutes to apply. If used in combat treat it as a Spray Can (GURPS Ultratech, p. 134) but with Wt 0.5/8.5, Shots 15. Hudlar might carry a gallon tank of Nutrient Spray as “emergency rations” and first responders serving multi-species populations might carry a can in their first aid kit. $2, 10 lbs., LC4.

Nutrient Spray, 5-Gallons (TL9): Applied using an attached wand sprayer or Backpack Sprayer. If used in combat using just the wand sprayer treat it as a Spray Can (GURPS Ultratech, p. 134) but with Wt 8/50, Shots 80. Using the wand it takes 5 minutes of spraying to apply each “meal,” up to 5 meals maximum. Using a backpack sprayer takes about 45 seconds to apply each meal, up to 5 minutes to apply 6 meals while minimizing mess. Hudlar might carry 5-gallon tanks of Nutrient Spray as “field rations” and first responders serving multi-species populations often have a small tank on hand as “first aid” for starving Hudlars. $10, 50 lbs., LC4.

Nutrient Spray, 100-Gallons (TL9): Requires a Nutrient Sprayer to apply. Contains enough nutrient for 100 meals (6 maximum per individual per feeding), allowing multiple Hudlar to be fed at once. $200, 50 lbs., LC4.

Sprayers (TL9)

Spoiler:  

Sprayers are used to squirt liquids or aerosols. They are commonly used in industrial and multi-species hospital settings.

Backpack Sprayer (TL9): A powerful 5-gallon pressure sprayer capable of spraying Nutrient Spray, Protective Spray or any other non-caustic liquid at a rate of 1 pint per second. The tank and power unit is worn on the back, pumping liquid to a wand spray nozzle via a 1-yard long hose (DR2, HP 3).

A selector dial on the base of the wand allows the user to control the flow rate from a gentle mist to a full blast. Another selector allows the user to adjust the spray width from a narrow stream to a 60-degree fan. Adjusting either setting requires a Ready maneuver. The power switch is mounted on the top of the tank and takes a Ready maneuver to turn on or off. Another Ready action is required to ready or stow the spray nozzle or alter the spray width.

In combat treat it like a Squirt Carbine (GURPS Ultratech, p. 180), except that it has Range 12, Wt. 8/50, Shots 40. Weight assumes the tank is filled with water or similar liquid. Combat statistics assume that it is set on maximum flow and narrowest jet width. Alternately, it can be set on fan setting (Range 6, Half damage from toxic liquids, but produces as 60-degree wide Jet) or mist setting (Range 3, quarter damage from toxic liquids, but produces a 60-degree wide Jet which persists the in the sprayed area for 1d seconds.).

The tank has DR 15. If it ruptures 1d x 10% of the remaining liquid spills in the user’s hex and the unit useless until repaired. Any damage which penetrates the sprayer hose’s DR also prevents the unit from being used. $200, 8 lbs. (empty), A/40 shots (or 1 tank of liquid), LC4.

Nutrient Sprayer (TL9): A massive semi-portable power spray primarily used to feed Hudlars, which resembles a glorified paint sprayer or pressure washer. It is capable of holding up to 100 gallons of non-caustic liquid, typically pre-packaged drums of nutrient spray. The tank and power unit are mounted on a wheeled cart, but often the wheels are removed and the unit is mounted on a hover cart. The sprayer nozzle is attached via a 3-yard long hose (DR 15, HP 25). It takes 10 seconds to load or change a pre-filled pressure tank, plus at least 10 seconds to clear the system of previous material if changing liquid type.

Treat a Nutrient Sprayer like a Backpack Sprayer in other respects, except that the power switch is mounted on the tank and requires the user to stand next to the unit to turn it on or off. If used in combat, Wgt 300/1,113 (3 lbs. for the wand and hose), Shots: 800, ST 8†. The unit has DR 25, and the interior pressure tank has DR 75. If the fully pressurized tank ruptures it inflicts 1d [1d-3] crushing explosive damage and sprays 1d x 10% of its remaining contents throughout the blast radius. Anyone in the sprayer hex or adjacent hexes will be completely soaked, while those in blast area are hit by splashed material as well as shrapnel. Any damage which penetrates the sprayer hose’s DR prevents the unit from being used but doesn’t cause an explosion.

A successful hit from a Nutrient Sprayer filled with Hudlar Nutrient Spray just covers the target in smelly goo, possibly ruining clothing and equipment and temporarily giving them the equivalent of the Bad Smell disadvantage for tracking purposes, but not necessarily for reaction rolls. Hits to the eyes or face require the victim to roll vs. HT or suffer temporary Blindness for (20-HT) seconds. Critical hits to any part of the body mental Stun until the victim can make a Will roll to recover. No special skill is needed to coat a Hudlar with nutrient spray. A careful job to minimize mess due to overspray takes about 5 minutes. $500, 300 lbs., B/800 shots (or 1 tank or liquid) or external power. LC4.

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Gravity Plates (TL9^)

Antigravity plating is one of core technologies in the Sector General universe, and is necessary if low-gravity species are expected to work alongside high-gravity species. Networks of anti-gravity plates are controlled by dedicated remote computer systems, so any damage that knocks out the gravity control computers for a large ship or installation can cause widespread chaos, injury, or death.

Spoiler:  

“Antigravity Plating” is standard equipment aboard Galactic Federation starships and space stations. It is also used to provide safe environments for aliens visiting worlds with much higher or lower gravity conditions than their own. They can be treated as standard Gravity Plates (GURPS Ultratech p. 78) which increase or reduce local gravitational forces, but only with respect to objects directly above them, and only as long as their gravitational fields are more or less perpendicular to the ambient gravitational forces.

Typically, they can be set for in 0.1 G increments from 0 to ±5 G. Military or industrial units can be set for up to ±10 G. Each yard of distance from the gravity plate halves the effective force they can exert.

If a gravity plate is set at an angle with respect to the local gravity field, or other nearby gravity plates it creates treacherous conditions where objects are attracted to, or repelled from, the gravity plate at an angle. This gives people who aren’t familiar with the odd gravitational effects a -1 penalty to any physical activity per 10 degrees of angle, rounding up (i.e., -5 for a gravity plate set at 45 degrees, -9 for one mounted at 90 degrees to the ambient gravity field). People can buy off penalties to operate at a specific “angle” of gravity at a rate of -1 per 20 hours. The G-Experience advantage negates all penalties.

If a gravity plate with a sufficiently attractive force is mounted “upside down” users can move normally (or at a penalty if it is mounted at an angle) by “walking on the ceiling.” If two gravity plates are mounted in parallel, facing each other with one above the other, their gravity fields can be set in opposition creating microgravity conditions at a point equidistant between the two fields.

Malfunctioning gravity plates might rapidly alter G forces by up to ±20%, giving a -1 penalty to any physical activity per 0.5 G fluctuation and doubling penalties for lack of G-Familiarity. People with full G-Familiarity still suffer half the usual penalty under such conditions.

Badly-failing Gravity Plates, especially those which are being randomly attracted towards and repelled from other plates, might wobble randomly, creating conditions like those found aboard a ship in a storm. These conditions combine penalties for odd gravity angles (based on the total angle of travel) and gravity fluctuations. People with G-Familiarity suffer normal penalties when operating in such conditions and even Perfect Balance doesn’t help.

Shipboard Gravity Plates are typically powered by generators located on the engineering decks. Gravity plates in terrestrial settings are typically powered by household power or a special generator. Cutting power to an area of Gravity Plates, or restoring it, requires an Electrician skill roll.

Individual plates can be controlled from life support control panels or special crew stations. It might also be possible to control Gravity Plates using ships’ or building computer networks. Most Gravity Plates have safety features which prevent them from altering gravity by more than ±20%, or which shut them down if they go out of alignment with respect to the local gravity or if their gravity fields start to fluctuate.

Directly repairing or sabotaging a Gravity Plate requires a roll vs. Electronics Repair (Life Support). Controlling gravity levels requires a Crewman or Electronics Operation (Life Support) skill roll. Making fine gravitational adjustments, calibrating multiple gravity plates to work together, or coordinating the effects of Gravity Plates and Antigrav Belts requires Crewman (Spacer) or Free Fall skill rolls, possibly at a penalty.

“Civilian” Gravity Plate (TL9^): Used in Earthlike terrestrial and light industrial environments, particularly those which cater to low-gravity species. Provides up to ±2 G attraction or repulsion. $800, 0.8 lbs. per square foot of area. Household or industrial power. HT 10, HP 2, DR 5 per square foot.

“Deluxe Civilian” Gravity Plate (TL10^): Found in low-gravity species habitats located on terrestrial worlds and in industrial or scientific settings where precise, constant gravity control is critical. Fine-Quality, Ruggedized, with rechargeable battery backup power. Usually connected to redundant power generator and battery system as well as a commercial power source. $32,000, 1 lb. per square foot of area. AA/1 hr./sq. ft. or Household or industrial power. HT 12, HP 5, DR 10 per square foot.

Industrial Gravity Plate (TL10^): Used in industrial or commercial shipboard environments, they can be lethal to low gravity species if they malfunction or fail. These are the sort of plates used on Sector General during its construction until after the Etlan Police Action. Provides up to ±5 G attraction or repulsion. $2,000, 2 lbs. per cubic foot of area. Major Appliance power. HT 10, HP 5, DR 7 per square foot.

Military Gravity Plate (TL10^): Used in military or heavy-duty civilian shipboard or industrial environments where reliable, precise gravity control is critical. These plates are used aboard Sector General in its current configuration, and aboard Rhabwar and other Monitor Corps ships. Provides up to ±10 G attraction or repulsion. Fine-Quality, Ruggedized, with rechargeable battery backup power. Usually connected to redundant power generator and battery system as well as a commercial power source. $88,000, 4 lbs. per square foot of area. A/1 hr./sq. ft. or Major Appliance power. HT 12, HP 7, DR 10 per square foot.

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Habitat Modules

Spoiler:  

A self-contained sealed habitat for species with environmental requirements incompatible with the surrounding habitat. All models include an airlock and interior and exterior audiovisual sensors. Communicators mounted on each side of the airlock doors allow communication between the inside and outside. Environmental conditions can be controlled from inside or outside the module, as the user prefers.
Typically, the airlock is 3’ x 3’ x 8’ tall and is built into one corner of the unit. It can hold a single Size 0 creature at a time and takes 30 seconds to cycle. Decontamination measures take 10 minutes. Air pumps and filters prevent interior and exterior atmospheres from mixing.

Modules don’t include food service or sanitary facilities, although they can be added at extra cost.

Basic Habitat Module (TL9): A 20’ x 8’ x 8.5’ mobile habitat module, used as an isolation chamber, prison cell, or temporary housing. It can hold up to 53,000 lbs. If fitted with furnishings and hygiene facilities, it provides basic accommodation for up to two people or cramped accommodation for up to twelve. Controls allow the temperature to be adjusted by up to +50 °F or -30 °F relative to the outside, at a rate of 1 °F per 15 minutes. Humidity can be altered by ±25% at 1% per minute. Air filters and pumps allow interior air pressure to be altered by up to ±10% compared to exterior pressure changing at 1% per minute. Air filtration systems circulate and filter air, blocking particulate matter and biohazards, but not chemical agents or corrosive gasses. Windows and skylights can be tinted to block light and vision. Interior lighting levels can be set from bright light to full darkness. It can be moved using standard cargo handling equipment. Modules like these are used to house members of emotionally sensitive species such as Gogleskans when they venture off world. DR 50. $2,500, 6,000 lbs., E/2 weeks (or external power). LC4.

Hostile Environment Habitat Module (TL9): A Ruggedized mobile habitat module designed for occupants native to very hot or cold environments or who breathe hostile atmospheres or visitors to such environments. It is identical to the Basic Habit Module, except that temperature can be set anywhere between -459 and 250 °F, at a rate of 1 °F per 15 minutes. Pressure can be adjusted from 0.1 to 5 ATM, at a rate of 0.1 ATM per 10 seconds. Humidity can be set between 0 and 100%, changing at a rate of 1% per second. Optional Gravity Plates allow the user to control gravity conditions as well.

For double cost, the module can include internal grabbers, press walls, and other methods of physically restraining the occupants. These can be controlled remotely, giving users effective DX 10, ST 15, Wrestling skill 12 to capture or restrain inmates. DR 100. $7,500, 8,000 lbs., F/1 week (or external power). LC4.

Heavy Duty Hostile Environment Habitat Module (TL9): As above, but with even tougher components and thicker armor, designed to house very strong, uncooperative creatures. Internal capture devices have ST 20. DR 200. $10,000, 10,000 lbs., F/1 week (or external power). LC4.

Large Habitat Module (TL9): Identical to the Basic Habitat Module, but 40’ long. It can hold up to 67,200 lbs. or provide luxury accommodation for one person, basic accommodation for up to four people, or cramped accommodation for up to twelve. For an extra $1,000 it can be fitted with a 10’ deep Airlock at one end. This is capable of handling creatures up to Size 2, but reduces cargo carrying or passenger accommodations by 25%. DR 50. $5,000, 8,000 lbs., 2E/2 weeks (or external power). LC4.

Large Hostile Environment Habitat Module (TL9): Identical Large Habitat Module, but with all the features of the Hostile Environment Habitat Module. Cost to fit a large airlock is $2,000. DR 100. $15,000, 12,000 lbs., 2F/1 week (or external power). LC4.

Large Heavy Duty Hostile Environment Habitat Module (TL9): Identical Large Habitat Module, but with all the features of the Heavy Duty Hostile Environment Habitat Module. Cost to fit a large airlock is $4,000. DR 200. $15,000, 12,000 lbs., 2F/1 week (or external power). LC4.

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Originally Posted by RyanW

It would be more a cultural/linguistic thing the way I'm thinking of it. Their native language uses a non-vocal channel for important semantic functions (like, say, emphasis or negation), and they often mistakenly carry that over into other languages, accidentally saying the opposite of what they intended if the person they're speaking with doesn't catch the secondary channel.

That's a clever way of handling it. The species would have Compulsive Lying as a racial trait, but with Accessibility (Unintentional Lying) and a Self-Control number based on their fluency with a given alien language, Cultural Familiarity, and/or Linguistics skill.

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Faster-Than-Light Radio (TL12^)

The Sector General novels assume that FTL radio works a bit like early shortwave radio, with poor signal quality and extreme vulnerability to background interference. To make up for these shortcoming, FTL radio messages are kept short, are repeated for hours or days, and are sent using powerful and massive radio base stations. Range can be increased by using directional radio communication, with signals amplified by repeater networks.

Spoiler:  

Long range interstellar communications requires directional FTL radio, also called Hyperspace Radio. Theoretically, FTL radio has unlimited range beyond its useful range, but is very easily scrambled by stellar radiation and gravitational interference. Practically, this means that only the most powerful (hence, largest) units can overcome “background noise” at vast interstellar distances. It is also possible to overcome background noise by sending repeated, simple messages over the course of hours or days. Standard prefixes and formats also assist comprehension.

Smaller FTL radios are designed to beam messages to nearby repeater stations, which beam the message through the network to its destination. This is slightly more reliable, but much slower, potentially taking days or even weeks to send or receive a message. Assume that it takes at least 1 hour per repeater station between the message’s origin and its destination.

FTL radio works slightly differently than described in GURPS Ultratech:

Directional Communication: Hyperspace radio is directional, operating within a 60-degree cone. FTL radios have directional sender-receiver discs which automatically reposition themselves as the sender moves. Each 60-degree increase in conical area increases power requirements as if the radio were one size larger and gives a cumulative -2 penalty to send a message.

Hyperspace radio range can’t be boosted, but it can be voluntarily reduced by using less power. Each level of power reduction reduces the radio’s effective Size by one level, but might allow some type of communication when power is low and reduces radiation exposure to those nearby.

Radiation Emissions: Another problem with subspace radio is that it emits dangerous radiation. A Small FTL radio emits 1d x 0.01 rads per hour of use. Each larger radio Size increases radiation by a factor of 10 (i.e., 1d x 0.1 rads for a Medium radio, 1d x 1 rads for a Large one, up to 1d x 1,000 rads for a Colossal radio). Typically, FTL radio emitters are heavily shielded to protect ship’s crews, but people outside the ship might not be so lucky. Reducing radio power reduces the number of rads emitted. Keeping messages as short as possible limits total radiation exposure.

Power Fluctuations: A final trivial problem is that the sudden, massive power drain of sending FTL radio messages might cause minor power fluctuations in other ships’ systems. This might give a -1 penalty to perform tasks where steady power levels or gravity levels are vital. Flickering lights and slight gravity fluctuations give those aboard the ship a Perception-based Crewman (Spacer) skill roll to realize that the FTL radio is in use. Reducing power reduces the chance of affecting other systems and makes it harder to detect radio use.

Modifiers (to both send and receive messages): Bonuses for Time Spent (relative to the time required to send the message once), Per 100 light years of distance, -1; Nearby sources of interference (e.g., nearby stars), -1 to -10; Complex Message, -1 to -10; Digitized data, -10; Damage to radio or antenna, -1 to -10; Standard message format and content, +1; Minimal gravitational interference, +1 (e.g., a message sent to and from locations at the edge of the galaxy, or outside of it, without going through the galaxy itself.)

Modifiers (to send FTL messages only): Per 60-degree message arc beyond the first, -2; Radio Size: Small, -8; Medium, -6; Large, -4; Very Large, -2; Huge; ±0; Gigantic, +2; Colossal, +4.

Slower-Than-Light Radio (TL9)

Conventional "STL" radio is used for short range ship-to-ship and interplanetary communications.

Spoiler:  

Short-range interstellar communications uses standard TL9 radio, resulting in a delay at extreme ranges. Nearby stars and the like might interfere with transmissions.

Radio “throughput” is also limited by number of frequencies available, lag time due to interstellar distances, and the need to encode and repeat messages to account for data loss in transmission. It can take several days to transmit or receive large volumes of digital data over interplanetary distances. Standard radio can transmit 1 GB per second per channel and signals propagate at the speed of light.

When a spaceship has multiple messages to send, pre-recorded messages and data streams must be prioritized. Ratings ranges from AAA “Top Priority” to low-priority messages. Top-priority messages can also be flagged by category. At least for Monitor Corps ships, military messages have top priority, while AAA-Medical or similar messages might have to wait several hours.

Modifiers (to both send and receive messages): Also see rules for Very Narrow Band transmission, above. Bonuses for Time Spent (relative to the time required to send the message once), Nearby sources of interference, -1 to -10; Complex Message, -1 to -4; Damage to radio or antenna, -1 to -10; Standard message format and content, +1.

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Alien Controls

Spoiler:  

While ultratech and high tech from GURPS Basic Set and Ultratech can be used without modification, equipment controls must be adapted to each species.

Using Alien Equipment: If attempting to use equipment intended for use by aliens, apply a -1 penalty to skill per level of Size difference. Apply an extra -1 to -10 penalty if the controls are adapted for aliens with a different number or type of manipulators, different manipulator morphology, and/or different primary senses.

Equipment with computerized interfaces or alphanumeric controls requires the user to have at least Broken level written language skill with the language of the equipment’s users. Language penalties apply if attempting to use a device which provides the user with instructions or readouts in a language you don’t understand.

The GM can allow users to buy off penalties to use alien equipment using the rules for Familiarity. They can also allow users to buy a suitable Perk which let them ignore penalties when using certain types of alien equipment (e.g., medical equipment or hand weapons).

Adapting Equipment: Adapting a device for use by a specific alien species requires an Electronics Repair or Mechanic skill roll as well as access to suitable parts and equipment. Adapting a computer interface to an alien species requires a Computer Operations skill roll if “off the shelf” equipment and software is available, or a Computer Programming skill roll if you must adapt or create a user interface from scratch.

Universal Design: The GM can reduce or remove penalties for devices specifically designed for multi-species use or which otherwise benefit from “universal design” which makes them easier to understand and use. Some equipment can also be linked to a Translator, allowing anyone using it to sense outputs in their own language. “Alien friendly” equipment, which halves penalties for alien use costs 10% extra and weighs 10% more than usual. “Universal Design” equipment which negates penalties for alien use (at least for Federation members species) and which can be linked to a Translator costs 20% extra and weighs 50% more than usual.

Modular Equipment: Modular equipment which can be “plugged in” to controls adapted to a given alien species, costs 10% more than normal and has no extra weight. A single-species controller for the item costs 10% of the item’s original weight and cost.

Macro-Tech

The retrotech feel of the Sector General universe requires massive computers, sensors, and communications devices. Data is modified from GURPS Steampunk.

Spoiler:  

Communicators and Sensors might be even bigger than Very Large. Depending on the type of device, they might provide extra capacity, improved range, or just count as higher Quality equipment.

Huge: Occupies several rooms, a small building, or an entire spaceship deck. 10x Cost, Weight, and Volume of an equivalent Very Large device.

Gigantic: Occupies a large building, several decks of a huge starship, or a single deck of a huge space station. 100x Cost, weight, and volume of an equivalent Very Large device.

Colossal: Occupies an entire huge building, a large portion of a huge starship’s capacity, or several decks of a massive space station or arcology. 1,000x Cost, weight, and volume of an equivalent Very Large device.

Even larger devices might be possible, at x10 to Cost, weight, and volume per increased size.

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Repeaters

Spoiler:  

Repeaters are devices that receive and amplify signals before retransmitting them. They have a very limited user interface and normally run on “standby mode” fully activating only when they receive or send a message.

Any electronic communication device can be given the Repeater option. Broadcast repeaters need only be within range of a compatible communications device in order to work. Directional repeaters must be aligned so that their transmitters and receivers are aligned with other devices in the network. This requires an Electronics Operations (Communications) skill roll, with Long-Distance Modifiers (p. B241) based on the distance between the repeater and the most distant device linked to it.

Unless the user has some way of controlling the repeater, it operates with effective Electronics Operation (Communications) skill 10, +1 per TL after 8, when attempting overcome jamming or to send or receive messages in difficult conditions. People attempting to use a repeater like a regular communicator have a -2 skill penalty unless it is linked to a Computer Terminal via a physical or wireless data link.

If using a network of repeater stations to transmit or receive messages over long distances, sum the penalties that each station suffers. For example, if two receiver stations in the chain have a -1 penalty to skill due to range between them and the next station, the user has a -2 penalty.

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Translators

A running gag in the Sector General books is the distinctly imperfect, but utterly vital, Translator technology used by hospital staff members to communicate with each other. It works very differently from standard translator software described in GURPS Ultratech!

Spoiler:  

Translators are Specialized computers linked to specialized short-ranged audiovisual equipment, which are designed to translate between two or more languages. Larger computers can handle more languages and more users.

No roll is needed to use a translator under routine conditions, but getting an accurate, useful translation in challenging conditions can tax even the best computers. Roll vs. Electronics Operation (Translator) skill to communicate in a meaningful way in difficult conditions. Bonuses apply if speakers speak slowly and repeat key portions of their messages; treat this as Time Spent. Further bonuses apply if multiple translator units can “share” resources or if the user is working with a single, cooperative alien speaker. Failed translation produces noisy gibberish, random noise, or a signal that the translator’s capacity has been overloaded. Critical failure results in badly misunderstood messages or ear-piercing feedback which lasts for 2d seconds (roll vs. HT or suffer Mild Pain and -4 to Hearing rolls while the noise lasts).

Experienced translator users learn to speak slowly and clearly, take turns speaking, and speak towards the nearest translator unit rather than directly towards their listener.

Modifiers: Bonuses for Time Spent. Hearing Penalties for soft or distant speech; Working with a single cooperative speaking partner, +4; Working with linked translator units, +4; Background noise, -1 to -10; Electronic interference between a Translator Computer and Translator Link, -1 to -10;

Multiple speakers speaking at once, -1 to -10; Multiple languages being spoken at once, -1 per language after the second; Speakers shouting (or equivalent), -2; Speaking with a speech impairment, -1 to -10.

Interspecies Translators: Many species have populations who don’t (or refuse to) speak their species’ “Universal” language. Translator software for translating different languages spoken by a single species is one Complexity Level less than normal, hence 0.1 times the normal cost. Typically, this is $100 for Native fluency, $10 for Accented fluency, or $1 for Broken fluency. Reduced Complexity also increases the number of language programs a Translator can run simultaneously, allowing a Personal Translator to translate between up to 20 languages and a Multi-Translator to translate between up to 200 languages.

Privacy: Translator users who wish to speak privately can turn their translators or translator links off if they share a language, confident that nearby aliens will hear only gibberish. Translator users who wish to become “selectively deaf” can turn their translators off to avoid overhearing secrets. In hospital or military settings, superiors can order their subordinates to turn their translators off or set them to “consultation mode” to maintain privacy or secrecy.

Translating Unknown Languages: Roll vs. Linguistics to work out the basics of an alien language, then roll vs. Electronics Operations (Translators) to create a rudimentary (Broken-Fluency) translator program prototype. Creating Accented- or Native-Fluency translator software can be treated as an Invention based on the lower of the inventor’s Computer Programming and Linguistics skills. The programmer doesn’t need to be able to speak the language, but has a -6 penalty if it has no fluency in the language, -4 for Broken fluency (including access to a Broken-Fluency prototype program), or -2 for Accented fluency.

Implementing Translator Software for a previously-unknown language requires Computer Operations and Computer Programming skill rolls. Failure crashes the translator computer for 1d hours. Critical failure damages the computer or shuts it down for days, whichever is most embarrassing.

Translators and Communications: By default, Communicators don’t include Translators. Instead, audio communications are received in the speaker’s language and then translated by a nearby (or linked) translator computer at the listener’s end. In instances where speed is vital or where radio interference might garble translation, combined Translator-Communicator units are available. Generally, Monitor Corps and Spaceship communicators include Multi-Translator or Translator Links. Add the cost of the two units. Total weight and volume is equal to that of the larger item, plus 50% that of the smaller one.

Deluxe Personal Translator (TL9): A Fast version of the Personal Translator. It runs one Alien Language Translator program at a time, translating with between the speaker’s language and the alien language (and vice-versa) with Native fluency. Complexity 6, 10 TB of storage. Includes one Alien Language Program (Native Fluency) (~5 TB) and a 30 GB language database. Extra language tapes can be purchased separately ($1,000 each) and swapped out as necessary. $3,050, 3.5 lbs., 2B/10 hr. LC4.

Deluxe Multi-Translator (TL9): A Fast version of the Multi-Translator, which allows the user to communicate in its own language and be understood in multiple alien languages. It can run up to two Alien Language Translator programs at a time, translating with between the speaker’s language and two alien languages (and vice-versa) with Native fluency. It includes “consultation mode” settings which allow the user to avoid sending and/or receiving messages in one or both of the alien tongues. Translator Links and Multi-Translators also include a “Consultation Mode,” which allows the user to temporarily “turn off” translation of certain languages in order to maintain security or confidentiality. Complexity 6, 10 TB of storage. Includes 2 Alien Language Programs (Native Fluency) (~10 TB) and 2 ~30 GB language databases. Extra combined language and language database tapes can be purchased separately ($1,000 each) and swapped out as necessary. $4,050, 3 lbs., 2B/20 hr. LC4.

Multi-Translator (TL9): A Specialized, Small Retrotech Computer and Portable Terminal, designed to be worn on a belt or carried in a shoulder bag. It includes a small microphone, simple chemical and haptic sensors, digital camera, and viewscreen, which allows the user to communicate in its own language and be understood in up to 20 alien languages or vice-versa. The user can only understand or speak one language at a time, but the device can link to another nearby compatible Translator or Translator Computer Link, allowing listeners to understand the speaker’s words in their own language, should they choose to do so. It includes “consultation mode” settings which allow the user to avoid sending and/or receiving messages in some or all of the alien tongues. Complexity 6, 11 TB of storage. Includes 20 Alien Language Program (Accented Fluency) (~0.5 TB) and 20 30 GB language databases. Extra combined language and language database tapes can be purchased separately ($100 each) and swapped out as necessary. $2,150, 3.5 lbs., 2B/10 hr. LC4.

Personal Translator (TL9): Identical to the Multi-Translator, above, but designed to translate between the user’s language and one alien language at Accented fluency. Complexity 5, 10 TB of storage. Includes one Alien Language Program (Accented Fluency) (5 TB) and a 30 GB language database. Extra combined language and language database tapes can be purchased separately ($100 each) and swapped out as necessary. $250, 3.5 lbs., 2B/10 hr. LC4.

[Pursuivant]

Translator Computer (TL9)

Because the first Sector General books were written in the early 1960s, and were heavily influenced by 1950s SF, computers have a distinctly "retrotech" feel. Massive computer banks, which take up entire starship decks, are required to handle vital functions like interstellar communications or language translation.

Spoiler:  

Typically, a Dedicated, Fast or Genius Mainframe, Macroframe, or Megaframe computer combined with a massively parallel Wi-Fi network, running multiple instances of one or more Translation programs, typically at Accented level, but occasionally at Native fluency. Each program instance serves a single user connected to the computer using a Translator Link.

Good- or Fine-Quality systems include sensors nets which detect sign languages, chemical signals, and similar signals. Massive multi-species installations, like spaceports or multi-species hospitals, will have dedicated translator server farms which effectively act as a Huge, Gigantic, or Colossal computer.

A Basic-Quality Translation computer has Electronics Operations (Translator)-12 skill when translating speech in difficult situations. Good-Quality systems have effective skill 14, while Fine-Quality systems have effective skill 16.

A standard TL9 Microframe (Complexity 6) can handle 20 simultaneous users using Translation programs at Accented level ($100 per language, up to $2,000 maximum), speaking up to 20 different languages. A Fast, Specialized Microframe (Complexity 8, 10x cost) can handle up to 2,000 simultaneous users speaking all known Federation “Universal” languages (~$75,000 in software costs) at Accented fluency or 200 simultaneous users at Native Fluency (~$750,000 in software costs). Computers of this sort are often found aboard large Monitor Corps ships. A Genius, Specialized, Colossal computer system (Complexity 15, $200,000,000,000, 40,000,000 lbs.) could theoretically run translator programs for millions of languages. It can handle 20 billion simultaneously speakers at Accented fluency or 2 billion at Native fluency - enough for an entire planet or solar system!

Only one instance of a language program is needed, per language, if all users are listening to a single speaker (e.g., people listening to a speech or public address announcements).

A Good-Quality or better translation computer can also recognize verbal orders from qualified users. This allows them to set their personal translator programs, and possibly translator programs being run for other users, into “consultation mode,” temporarily or permanently preventing the translator software from sending and/or receiving messages in one or more alien tongues. This allows a certain amount of privacy between the speaker and designated listeners, assuming that other nearby people don't speak the languages being used.

If a Translator Computer, or its software, is damaged, it loses some or all of its ability to translate. This can cause slow, incomplete, or garbled translations (giving penalties to users’ skill rolls), reduced overall fluency, or complete inability to translate. A critical failure while upgrading a translator computer’s hardware or software can cause similar problems, usually just for a few minutes or hours, but possibly days in the case of a massive failure when dealing with a huge translator computer network. (Sector General’s translator computers have been taken offline on several notable occasions - once for several hours as a result of an ill-advised hardware upgrade and once for several days as a result of damage to the station during the Siege of Sector General during the Etlan Police Action. In both cases, medical staff struggled with their sudden inability to communicate.)

[Pursuivant]

Translator Link (TL9)

Spoiler:  

A Tiny Radio with built-in Digital Camera, Microphone and Earbuds (or equivalent) designed to automatically link to the nearest Translator Computer. Samples of alien speech from nearby speakers are sent to the computer for translation and translated output is sent to the user in “real time.” The device has a 1-mile range, but no inherent translation ability.

The link is also designed to switch radio frequencies as necessary, allowing the user or a Translator Computer to switch wireless networks as the user moves or encounters different language speakers. In situations where massive numbers of users are using the same translator network, frequency switching also allows a Translator Computer network to balance user demand between networks and frequencies preventing the system from overloading. Roll vs. Electronics Operations (Translators) to deliberately switch frequencies or prevent the translator computer from automatically switching the link’s frequency.

Translation accuracy and quality depends on the quality of whatever translator programs the local computer is running: typically Accented, rarely Native fluency with effective skill 12. Devices like this are commonly used by cosmopolitan Federation citizens; any tourist or space worker is likely to have at least one. All Sector General personnel wear or carry Translator links, as do ambulatory patients and visitors. Translator links are also built into all patient beds and transport litters aboard Sector General. $100, 0.25 lbs., 2A/10 hr. LC4.

Translator Link & Translator (TL9)

Spoiler:  

A Translator Link can be added to any Multi-Translator or Personal Translator. This allows a Translator to benefit from the extra computing powers of a nearby Translator Computer - allowing it to “understand” languages the computer can translate but the translator cannot. A Translator Computer can also take advantage of a Translator’s capacity, using it to translate languages using software stored on the translator or boost overall fluency level with a particular language. Alternately, the Translator Computer can use a Translator’s extra computer power to boost the overall number of users the computer network can support. Roll vs. Electronics Operations (Translators) to link to a Translator Computer or prevent such a linkage. +$100, No extra weight. LC4.

Translator Programs (TL9)

Spoiler:  

Treat these like standard GURPS Ultratech Translator programs, but with the following limitations.

* Alien languages increase Translator Program complexity by 1 (Complexity 6 for Native Fluency, 5 for Accented, or 4 for Broken). Cost is typically $1,000 for a Native-level translator program, $100 for an Accented-level program. Translator programs which provide Broken-level fluency cost just $10, but are rare except when included as part of an inexpensive signaling or warning device.

* Any computer capable of running multiple instances of translator software also includes voice (or equivalent) recognition software which automatically identifies the user, the language they are speaking, and their relative physical proximity to other people using translator programs on the same computer or network.

* Effective Translator fluency is reduced by one level for purposes of translating anything other than “standard” spoken or signed languages and producing a technically accurate translation. In particular, quality is reduced when detecting accents, tone of voice, and vocal nuances.

* Effective Translator fluency is reduced by one level when dealing with anything other than “standard” speech. It struggles to reproduce idioms, insults, metaphors, musical lyrics, poetry, slang, and similar artistic or “creative” speech in the listener’s language.

* If used with a computer Terminal or Multi-Translator, Translator software provides a visual representation of which people in the speaker’s area are speaking, their relative location and distance, and the languages they are speaking. This allows the user to make an Electronics Operation (Translators) roll to locate a particular speaker’s location, even if they are hidden from sight.

* Translator programs generally ignore body language and gestures (even obvious gestures made by species such as Kelgians) and don’t give users any social cues regarding the speaker’s age, gender, sex, social status, etc.

* Unless a Translator Computer has special equipment, Translator Programs can’t detect or produce “non-standard” forms of communication, such as tactile communication, ultrasonic or subsonic speech, chemical signaling, complex or subtle changes in skin pigmentation, or light signals not in the visible range.

* Words a Translator hasn’t been programmed to understand (i.e., missing from its language database) are reproduced as beeps or similar meaningless electronic noise. This alerts both the listener and the speaker that the translation was incomplete.

Translator Tag (TL9)

Spoiler:  

This is a combined locator beacon, mini-computer and terminal, user manual, and translation software built into a complex device or system. Translator tags are commonly added to complex equipment designed for multi-species use, such as starship parts. They are ubiquitous in the maintenance corridors of Sector General.

A Translator Tag can be programmed to activate when the device is touched, turned on, or actively queried - either verbally or using computerized tools. Once triggered, it will answer questions about the device’s function and specification in the language of the user’s choice. If the item is fixed in place, or given geolocation or inertial navigation capacity, it will also tell the user its location and its relative location to other known translator tagged devices. By default, the device will audibly speak whatever language is used to address it.

Querying a single tagged item gives the user a +4 bonus to IQ or skill rolls to determine what the item does and how to safely interact with it. Extensive queries give untrained users bonuses for extra Time Spent when using default skill to turn the item on or off, or to perform basic diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs. Trained users get a +2 bonus to offset penalties to skill to use or repair the tagged item.

A network of tagged items gives users a +2 bonus to Crewman skill rolls to perform repairs and maintenance or to locate a particular part of a complex electronic or mechanical system. A network of tagged items set in a fixed pattern, gives users a +4 bonus to Area Knowledge skill to find their way around a massive building or space station.