Information about ERT's
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS AN UNNOFICIAL GUIDE, PRODUCED BY DIRECT EXPERIENCE. WHILE LARGELY ACCURATE, MILAGE MAY VARY.
ERT's, or Emergency Response Teams, are a Captains best tool when the station is becoming overwhelmed. ERT's usually have to be called by a Captain, or an Acting Captain. Unless falsely called, ERT's are USUALLY free of charge, compared to 811 or 911 having the risk of a 20k fine. ERT's are NOT callable through 811 or 911 Galfed Responses, and should be prioritized over them where possible.
Additionally, Nanotrasen Consultants, with the power of their FAX machine, can call an ERT of the situation is dire enough. This is the most common way for a Code GOLD or GOLDSTAR ERT to be requested. You, as a Captain or NTC, have checks on each other to ensure one does not abuse their authority. CC can, if requested, and will intervene if necessary.
HOW TO CALL AN ERT:
Using your Command Console, send a message to Central Command. It can be brief, or long; but it should provide a description of what your emergency is, and the ERT you would like as a response. CC may override what ERT you call for and send a different one, or they may not respond at all. Remember, CC has no obligation to respond.
EXAMPLE: "Security is wiped out, a multiple changelings and vampires are running around the station and constantly murdering crew. Again, Security is wiped out and ineffective. Requesting Code RED ERT."
TYPES OF AN ERT:
Code EPSILON: Code EPSILON ERT's are a CLASSIFIED ERT. While general crew may know that they exist, you should absolutely not attempt to popularize the fact that they exist. Code EPSILON ERT's are also known as Deathsquad. This type of ERT CANNOT be called by a Captain under normal circumstance. They are only called by Central Command in the case of EPSILON Alert. This ERT is a "Cleanup crew" of sorts - They may not kill you, and instead capture you for questioning - but they likely will kill the rest of the crew.
Code UNEXPECTED ERT: Also known as INQUISITION, or 'Ghost-Busters'. This ERT is a specialized squad of ERT members, meant specifically for combatting Heretics. This ERT should be called in the event of a overwhelming amount of heretics, or if a heretic is extremely close to rising up. They may be requested by asking for a UNEXPECTED ERT, or INQUISITION ERT. It is usually formed of a: Commander, Chaplain, Medic, and 2 officers.
Code RED: Code RED ERT's are essentially the Captains heaviest requestable backup. They should only be requested for station destroying threats, such as Nuclear Operatives, Spiders, an out-of-control blob, or anything else posing an immediate, uncontainable and existential threat to the Station. They may be requested by sending a message to CC, and asking for a "Code RED ERT." This ERT is, ideally, composed of: A Commander, A Corpsman, A Engineer, and 2 ERT Officers.
Code AMBER ERT: Similar to Code RED ERT. This ERT should be called in the case that other Command Crew/Security ask for it. This ERT is not as heavily armed as a Code RED ERT, however mis-use of RED ERT will easily anger Central Command. This ERT is best served for when Security is being overwhelmed by multiple hazardous/lethal station threats, however the station is not at risk of complete destruction. This ERT is, ideally, composed of: A Commander, A Corpsman, A Engineer, and 2 ERT Officers.
Code ORANGE ERT: CC's Alternative to Galfeds 811 Atmospherics. Rarely called, however if there is substantial station damage, and Engineering requests it - or you deem the station severely damaged, they may be called. They will still be armed, however it is a team of up to 5 extra engineers. This ERT may be best served if you believe Engineers will be attacked, and do not want to risk paying Galfeds 20k fine for SWAT.
Code VIOLET ERT: CC's own Medical Response. This ERT is lightly armed only for self defense. Ideally, this ERT is called for a "Mass Casualty Incident," or MCI. You should only request for this ERT if the CMO or Medical itself requests it. When called, ideally 4 ERT members will respond: 4 Paramedics in total.
Code GOLD ERT: This ERT is less of an "Emergency" team. It will usually send a single Centcom official, usually to handle an administrative challenge. This ERT may be sent with escorts, if the station is in a state of emergency. Unless otherwise DIRECTLY stated by CC through a Fax message or telepathy, Code GOLD ERT members should -always- have a Mindshield. If this official is attacked, or believes they may be - they may be deployed with a Code GOLDSTAR ERT, which is essentially Asset Protection.
MEMBERS OF A BLUE/AMBER/RED ERT
The Commander: Leader of an ERT. They wear a standard RESPONSARY MODSuit. Unless directed specifically otherwise by CC, the Commander will usually only answer to Central Command. However, they are still there to help you and the crew - so they will, almost always, listen to your stations Chain of Command, first and foremost - unless otherwise dictated by CC. Their suit has a distinctive BLUE marking on their shoulder and helmet.
The Corpsman: Combat Medic of an ERT. They wear a standard RESPONSARY MODSuit. Unless otherwise directed by CC, they answer to the ERT Commander, and then CC first. This specific member of the ERT has advanced medical equipment, as expected - and is given lighter weapons than other ERT members. Reminder, ERT's are there to help YOU. While they do not answer to you, they will likely follow orders anyways, assuming they're not illogical/superfluous. Sometimes, this ERT member will detach from the rest of their squad, and directly assist Medbay or Security. This ERT members suit has a distinct WHITE marking on the shoulder and helmet.
The Engineer: The Engineer of an ERT. They wear a standard RESPONSARY MODSuit. Unless otherwise directed by CC, they answer to the ERT Commander, and then CC first. This member of the ERT has advanced engineering tools, and similarly to the medic, is given lighter weapons in order to carry more tools. While ERT's and their members only answer to their commander, if you give them reasonable orders, they will likely have no issue following them. This specific ERT member serves best as emergency damage control and post-emergency cleanup. This ERT Member's suit has a distinctive ORANGE marking on their helmet, shoulder, and chestplate.
The Officer: The grunt of the ERT Group. They wear a standard RESPONSARY MODSuit. Unless otherwise directed by CC, they answer to the ERT Commander, and then CC first. This member of the ERT receives no special equipment, and no specialty. They are primarily there to combat threats and assist security where needed. While ERT's and their members only answer to their commander, if you give them reasonable orders, they will likely have no issue following them. This specific ERT member serves best as a direct combatant against station threats. Their suit has a distinctive RED marking on their Helmet, Shoulder, and Chestplate.
