Give Ops Their Guns Back

[Mr.Popper]

I considered posting this in the minor mapping suggestions thread, but seeing as it's possibly contentious I've elected to make a thread. Sorry if this is too minor.

As far as I know 4 jobs (+ Captain) have access to the Horizon's weapons right now: Hangar Technician, Operations Manager, Engineer, and Chief Engineer. Atmos Tech I'm pretty sure doesn't and Bridge Crew only gets ammo access for loading the Canary. The intent, or at least the culture I'm used to, is that Hangar Tech is the main loader, followed by the OM and then Engineering in their absence. However, this doesn't seem to be actually codified anywhere meaning there are often people on the bridge going around Operations to make Engineers load the guns. This sucks seeing as weapon loading is one of the only unique responsibilities Hangar Techs get. There are 2 simple solutions:

1. Remove Engineering's access to the weapons. I don't see any reason not to, especially when they're the only department that can hack into places.
2. Elaborate on Hangar Tech's duty to load the weapons in standard procedures. Right now it somewhat vaguely states "operations personnel are expected to follow command team orders on usage of the many systems aboard". The idea here is to force the bridge to cooperate with Hangar Techs rather than ignoring them.

[Nagito Komaeda]

From my experience, people on the Bridge don't actually pass over Hangar Technicians often. They're usually first in line when it comes to loading the guns. I would personally prefer seeing Machinists be able to load, since it's an exosuit thing primarily and it leaves the ship weaponry solely in Operations' hands, but that's a little beyond this topic.

[CatsinHD]

2 hours ago, Mr.Popper said:

However, this doesn't seem to be actually codified anywhere meaning there are often people on the bridge going around Operations to make Engineers load the guns.

So, a few things to note. It is codified, sorta. To quote the Guide to Standard Operation Procedure:

Under heading Horizon Weapons Systems

Quote

Bridge crew and operations personnel are expected to follow command team orders on usage of the many systems aboard.

This dictates quite explicitly BC and operations. Engineering is not mentioned as part of the weapon operation process. If a BC is subverting operations by using engineering to operate the weapons it is still a breach of SOP and should be treated as such.

This is corroborated on other pages. The Hangar Technician page:

Quote

Duties: Sort the warehouse, make deliveries, send mail, refuel shuttles, reload ship weapons

The Engineer page at no points list reloading the weapons as a duty. They should not be reloading weapons; it is outside of their duties.

And the Guide to Gunnery:

Quote

Operations

Operations is responsible for securing ammunition, and ensuring that ammunition is properly distributed. During combat, Hangar Techs should constantly be aware of what the Bridge Crew need, and move to fulfill their requests... ...In combat situations or when preparing to use a weapons system, operations staff are responsible for loading the weapons by using the power lifters located in each weapon room.

Quote

Engineering

Engineering has 2 primary roles when it comes to the weapons system... [removed outdated info on Levi] ...Their second role is to maintain the weapons systems incase of battle damage or misuse. 

If Bridge Crew are subverting Operations without reason for reloading the weapons, either go to command or ahelp. It is, now, a core part of the role of the department.

2 hours ago, Mr.Popper said:

Remove Engineering's access to the weapons. I don't see any reason not to, especially when they're the only department that can hack into places.

Engineering is required to maintain the weapons. They are the only department capable of repairing them when weapons do get damaged or experience wear and tear, as is mentioned in the quote from above on the Guide to Gunnery.

 

The SOP entry could be reworded if it is truly causing issues, I'll bring it up with the team and see about their thoughts. Otherwise, though, there is enough material to go to Command or ahelp about it. It is removing gameplay from a department who really could use something to do during combat.

Edited December 11 by CatsinHD
Completing a quote

[MattAtlas]

engineering was given access to ship guns mainly for repairs and also as a last resort in case NOBODY ELSE is there to load the guns. if they're being given priority over ops or they're stepping over ops it should be ahelped