Hey guys,
I had this discussion with a few on discord, but since not everyone is on during the specific timing of said conversation I thought I'd put it forward here for more discussion.
What I'm suggesting:
Removes automatic delivery of the gamma shuttle when gamma alert is called. Allow station command to call gamma alert in emergencies without needing to rely on CC approval. Possibly rework the shuttle to allow it to be docked at other locations by admins.
Why I'm suggesting this:
Currently, on station threats usually get to the point of uncontainability before gamma alert is called. And it is being called mainly for the weapons and such in the armoury. Command are far more likely to request an ERT due to the ease of doing so on the keyswipe terminal.
However, the Gamma SoP is also a powerful tool that can be used in earlier stages of biohazards or dire situations. Unfortunately, command don't call it out of fear of over-escalation, because of the armoury.
If Gamma SoP could be applied more regularly to major situations, it would give command and security more options to deal with issues due to Martial Law being enacted. It also would alert the crew to the severity of the situation before it is too late, something red alert does not really properly communicate.
Example of a beneficial scenario: Crew are fighting a blob, but a contractor is attempting to kidnap a security officer. Currently, they have to attempt non-lethal detention as per red alert SoP. With gamma, the threat of lethal fire may discourage such attempts, allowing crew to focus on the pressing issue at hand.
One thing suggested by @Qwertytoforty was bringing the gamma armoury more in-line with other emergency dispatch shuttles, allowing it to be docked elsewhere when the brig is overrun.
Issues that need solutions:
How should this be called, card swipe like for red? Fax/quantum communication like currently?
I think adding gamma to the card swipe terminal, and keeping the gamma armoury as a fax/quantum only would be most appropriate.
How admins will enforce against users abusing such a feature for gamma on 5 traitors.
Any thoughts or feedback are welcome! I think this would add a powerful tool to command that isn't just "moar guns"