Another question for wingman this week.  I asked about Spider pass-codes and, according to Chris, these will be automatically tracked by your computer.  Thanks Chris!

If you've got a pirate question for me to ask, just let me know in the comments and I'll see if I can work it in.

The most recent Spectrum Dispatch doesn't have a lot of information, but the implications of the tidbits are fairly impactful to the pirating community.



Hacking

• The security of digital systems, satellites, etc. are highlighted as things that players can circumvent.  The mechanics are not mentioned, but border monitor satellites (see below) are the primary focus of this hacking.  Hopefully, we'll see other areas this will apply.
  
• We don't know a lot of things, but here's my wish list:
  

1. I'd like to see your ship's computer as the key to this.  Faster computer, faster/easier hacks
2. I'm a bit torn on whether I think this should be a minigame vs. % chance.  I guess it depends on the quality of the execution.  I'd hate to play a poor reflex game over and over.
3. I'd like to see illegal malware and hacking scripts you can buy (perhaps on Spider)
4. I'd like to see aggressive defenses that put the attacker in danger
5. Despite the wishes of others on the forum, I think hacking would be a cool combat mechanic.  You could image 'hacks' that are fired like weapons (maybe requiing physical tags) that disrupt / control automated systems.  Drones, IFF missles, AI controlled turrets, etc. could be disrupted with 'hacks'.

Border Jumping

• Listed as a big security issue for the UEE. 

1. The borders are protected by sentry drones that can be hacked by pirates / smugglers.
   
2. Criminals flee over the Banu border to get away from Advocacy forces.  The Banu have no central government and do not respond to extraditions.
   

• This all sounds awesome to me.  The thrill of subjacating systems to sneak into / out of alien territory or to make a 'run for the border' sounds like CIG is treating the criminal element as key members of the community.

1. My big lingering question revolves on where the borders exist.  We know there will be checkpoint stations, but does this mean some jumps will not have stations?  Or does the border exist mid-system and we need to use different way points to approach the border outside of the checkpoint?

Drones

• Drones are casually mentioned as monitoring the border.  This is the first confirmation we've had that non-human piloted craft will exit in game.

1. Drones can be 'hacked' and have their sensors disabled.
2. Previous fiction (Lost Generation) has hinted that AI are not allowed in UEE combat roles.  So, perhaps we'll only see human-less ships without weaponry
   
3. I think Black Market armed drones would be awesome addition to the game.  Perhaps as a snub fighter replacement on the Constellation?

-Kinshadow

Another question on Wingman's Hanger.  This time about slavery as an occupation.  The question is at around 18 minutes in.

The last Spectrum Dispatch had a little hard data on equipment and some nice pirate role playing flair.  It will be very interesting to see how consistent some of these role playing elements play out in the game and whether we’ll see a ‘deep’ pirate culture.


Here's the Dissection:

• The article is set like a pirate radio hacked broadcast.  It will be interesting to see if such things (illegal broadcasts or some form of equivalent) exist in game.
• Gangs- Several distinct pirate gangs (and lone wolves) mentioned in antagonizing relationships.  As mentioned before, I hope these are accessible to players and we can build rep with each.  Ideally, each would give their own benefits and allow their passage / perks.

1. Some mentioned: Makarel Marauders (Hammer Phelps the leader?) and Clown
2. Kid Crimson is name dropped.  Good to see links back to the stories.'
3. Jester is the pirate behind the B0otycall broadcast
4. Other possible characters mentioned: Arno Vacch and AtmoScope

• Slang - Lots of new slang, specific to the underworld / pirates / Spider
  

1. Scurrows - uncertain if this is a derogatory pirate name or a specific pirate gang
   
2. Threatdown - the "lowdown"?
   
3. Fringers - underworld types?  Social fringes?

• TRS-1 Ennervator (Joker) - A weapon that allows you to ‘tag’ someone once their shields are down and significantly slow down shield regeneration.  This seems like a must have for many pirates for several reasons
  

1. Ship boarding /. capture - disabling thrusters requires the shields to be down for extended periods. Similarly, the Grappler (mentioned in the Bounty Hunting post) could be an ideal 1-2 punch with the Ennervator for captures.
2. Shipping / mining hulls - We don’t know relative values, but I can imagine thick hulls on some prime targets.  Wearing down some might require the hull to be down for extending periods. 
3. Threats - The Ennervator gives the pirate one last chance to threaten a victim into dropping cargo before going for the kill and sacrificing part of the cargo in the blast.

• Seatow Armor plating (Joker) - Basically stealth plating that cuts down your energy signature, which can affect both detection and missile locks.
  
• Minor note on stealing these upgrades from other people.  Perhaps this is a hint that upgrades themselves will be salvageable from wrecks / captures?

-Kinshadow