Introduction

A spaceship’s grav plates compensate partially for the inertial effects of changing speed and direction, but some feeling of movement can often be present, particularly if the ship is moving laterally instead of speeding up or slowing down.  Hence it is common to warn people before engaging in maneuvers if there is no urgency to things.  There are different tones, standard across the Dominion, for:

• low-impact – people should generally be able to go about what they are doing but delicate work or precarious footing might be a problem
• medium-impact – people should be seated and strap in if possible, loose items should be secured
• high-impact – people should strap-in, all items should be stowed securely
• emergency – the ship may take violent evasive action at any moment, secure yourself as best and safely as you can as quickly as possible (hopefully this last one comes with an announcement allowing people to make a decision as to whether to go for an acceleration couch or just hang on to something that’s nearby)

  

Usually these come with an announcement about how long before maneuvers might happen.  A one Task and a one Moment warning is common for routine maneuvers.

As a precaution civilian spacecraft make passengers buckle in when exiting jump space, although there only rarely any need.  Once jump is completed, an all-clear will sound.

  

Docking

Ships often make people strap in when docking or clearing dock, but practices vary.  Larger ships often allow people to move about whereas smaller ones require people to strap in.

It is a requirement for ships to check in physically at port in every system they enter, except in certain official cases.  Legion Customs officials inspect the ship’s and everyone aboard’s papers.  Sometimes they inspect cargo and occasionally even search cabins and other areas too.  It’s usual for the crew and any passengers to assemble near the airlock for the inspection.