The Wheel

Starship crew refer to the reliably repetitive pattern of ship life as a rotating wheel with three handles.

Transit, Dock, Layover, Transit, Dock, Layover, and so on forever. 

1 - Transit: The Captain summons his Officers to discuss the ship’s next destination, often in lively debate. Once underway, the crew carry out their on board duties, get in each other’s way, and hope for an uneventful journey. Even when the work is quiet, crafty crew members will find ways to get ahead on the ship. 

2 - Dock: The crew carry out ship business at their destination, usually a job assigned by their Officer or passed down from the Captain themselves. Common activities are trade, repair, refitting, recruitment, information gathering, and general exploitation of the locals, who are usually trying to do the same back to the crew. 

3 - Layover: Custom dictates that Officers must take shore leave while the ship is at dock and portside business is closed. Usually an Officer takes their Table out into port, or even planetside, to conduct their personal business or just let off some steam while the ship’s drive is in cooldown. You don’t want to work on this ship forever, right? Now’s the time for your side hustle. 

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