Re: Crew for Space Stations

> mehawk@internetcds.com (Michael Sandy) wrote:

> >If it orbits an aboriginal inhabited planet there
> >is definitely a good reason for having extra marines
> >onboard.  Ditto for a colony world with nasty native
> >animals.  Also, if there are frequent natural disasters
> >think of how useful Power Armor could be in clearing
> >debris or rescuing survivors.
> 
> I don't want to come off as sarcastic here, but depending on the tech
of
> your aboriginals, they might not be able to make it up to the station.

Yes, and that is a good reason to have some of the planet's
garrison in orbit.  Very little deters rebellion better than
knowing that there are troops you can't get at who nonetheless
can get at you.  Think of the effect of Norman Castles.  They
deterred rebellion because even with surprise the lord was
safe in his castle until reinforcements arrived.  And
versus a serf rebellion you can be sure that his neighbors
would help!

> I suspect that construction equipment would be more prevelent on a
> "disaster" planet, which would be more efficient than PA for both
cleaning
> and rebuilding afterwards.

> Schoon

My interpretation of Power Armor is that they are, in effect,
construction equipment.  Power Armor should be able to dig a
man deep foxhole in a very short period of time in most soil
conditions.  It should be useful for creating field 
fortifications on short notice as well.

A space station is often a great place to reposition
supplies of all kinds.	Marines, medicines, food, fuel, and
the like.  It is a logistical and communications hub.
Warships are not going to be loaded for every
contigency and will not want supplies for much longer than
its designated cruise onboard.	Space stations are great
places to load up for mission specific tasks.  And marines
are typically needed only for mission specific tasks.

Michael Sandy