HC Lexicon
 HC Expeditionary Patrol Field Lexicon & Comms Protocol |
Other Names: Guide to Chatting, Radio Traffic Control, Watch Your Tongue |
Field Lexicon & Comms Protocol
"A shared language ensures a unified will." (Note: This paper spawns aboard the Heliostatic Coalition Inspectors random ship event, and is here as reference).
Preamble: On the Use of Codes
The use of archaic "Ten-Codes" or other numerically-based signals is hereby prohibited for expeditionary patrol units. They are ambiguous, easily forgotten under stress, and lack the descriptive capacity required for complex field situations. The Heliostatic Coalition mandates the use of Clear-Tongue Protocol: concise, descriptive, and standardized language. The following terms are to be used in all internal patrol communications to ensure clarity and speed.
A. Patrol Status & Situational Terms
- Actual: The patrol leader with ultimate authority. Always suffix the callsign. ("Dagger Three to Jury Two Actual, request instruction.") (Ref: SOP Sect. II)
- Marble/Silver/Cobalt/Pearl/Onyx/Obsidian: The six Alert Statuses. Never say "Status Two"; say "Cobalt." ("Helm, go to Cobalt, thrusters spooled.") (Ref: SOP Sect. III)
- Static: A secure, non-hostile, but potentially uncooperative environment. The default state of a non-Coalition station. ("The concourse is static, no visible security.")
- Churn: Anomalous activity that doesn't constitute a direct threat but warrants attention. Low-grade chaos. ("We've got churn in Engineering, teams mobilizing for an unknown drill.")
- Aperture: Any point of vulnerability: an open blast door, an unmonitored airlock, a compromised security camera. ("Seal that aperture before they flank us.")
- Axiom: The core, undeniable truth of a situation, often established by the Actual. ("The axiom is they fired first. We are now weapons-free.")
- Bluesky / Bluestatic: Terms derived from the Bluespace Artillery threat. Bluesky means the space is clear of BSA threats or the cannon is destroyed. Bluestatic means a BSA is present but not active. "Going Blue" means a BSA is charging/powering up. ("Bluestatic on the dorsal spire." / "ACTUAL, THEY'RE GOING BLUE!")
- Echo: A problem or threat that has been neutralized. ("The fire in Hydroponics is echo. Moving on.")
- Reverb: The lingering secondary effects of a problem. (The smoke from the echo-fire is causing reverb with the atmospheric scrubbers.")
B. Personnel & Equipment Terms
- Overseer: The officer left aboard the patrol vessel to monitor comms and ship security. (Ref: SOP Sect. IV.3)
- Shield (Blueshield/Redshield): Generic term for any personal protection agent on a station. Used regardless of actual assigned task.
- Local Script: The station's specific set of laws and corporate regulations. ("Check the local script; is that actually a crime here?")
- Stamped/Not Stamped: Authorization. A request is "stamped" if approved by Actual. "Not stamped" if denied. ("Request to pursue the bounty is not stamped. Return to patrol.")
- Coalition Script: Our rules of engagement and procedures. The only script that truly matters when a situation goes hot. ("Forget their local script, this is a Coalition Script situation now.")
- Kit: Standard-issue gear. ("My kit is holding, two mags left.")
- Acquired Asset: Any non-standard piece of equipment procured locally, from a better medkit to a bottle of whiskey. Subject to inspection. ("Picked up an acquired asset from the barkeep. A lead on the missing cargo.")
C. Action & Command Terms
- Hold Fast: Command to stop all movement and hold your current position, maintaining vigilance. Do not proceed. ("Hold fast at the junction, I see movement.")
- Make Static: Command to secure an area, pacify a situation, or ensure a person is no longer a threat. ("We need to make this corridor static before proceeding.")
- Verify: A command to confirm a piece of information visually or with instruments. ("Verify that blast door is sealed.")
- Clamp: To secure, lock down, or arrest. ("Clamp that suspect." / "Clamp the area, no one in or out.")
- Scan: To thoroughly inspect a person, object, or area for contraband or threats. More formal than "look." ("Scan the crate for false panels.")
- Acknowledge / Confirm: The only two acceptable responses to an order. "Acknowledge" means you heard it. "Confirm" means you understand and will execute. Never respond with "copy" or "roger."
- Final Query: The last, formal question before escalation. The verbal equivalent of aiming a weapon. ("Their security is refusing to stand down. Final query, Actual: are we cleared to clamp?")
- Apply Pressure: To use non-lethal or diplomatic means to gain compliance. A step below lethal force. ("They're hiding something in Cargo. Let's apply pressure on the foreman.")
- Sanction: Authorization to use lethal force. ("Actual has granted sanction on the hostiles in the hallway.")
D. Slang & Informal Terms
- The Department's Long Arm: The patrol itself; the reach of Coalition law. ("They're about to learn what it means when the Long Arm knocks.")
- Rim-World Welcome: Hostile reception; being shot at upon arrival.
- Thinking with Portals: Acting in a reckless or illogical manner. (Derived from bluespace terminology).
- Bag a Bounty: To successfully complete a civilian work contract for credits. (Ref: SOP Sect. VI-B)
- A Good Patch: A peaceful, cooperative station where things are going well. ("This is a good patch. Enjoy it while it lasts.")
- Hard Place / Rock: A difficult, uncooperative, or hostile station. ("We've been assigned another rock this cycle.")
- Echo-Chamber: The patrol vessel's mess hall or common area, where rumors and gossip are amplified.
- Drinking from the Firehose: Being overwhelmed by information or stress during a rapidly deteriorating situation.
Protocol Directive: This lexicon is a living document. New terms may be adopted with approval from the Department, but the core principle of Clear-Tongue remains. Speak plainly, describe accurately, and ensure your intent is unmistakable. Ambiguity gets officers killed.
Printed by: Heliostatic Coalition Internal Affairs Department - Linguistic Standardization Bureau.
Work in Progress: Footer subject to change at a moment's notice. Do not take a red link's presence, struck-through or otherwise, as confirmation (or denial) of their canonicity.
