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"Free time" for Specialists aboard RNS ships is always
very carefully structured. What the Specialists consider "fun"
is really a set of activities designed to improve their skills or
their obedience to their masters.
"Rum"
One of the greatest rewards officers can offer Specialists is a
ration of "rum." Of course, it wouldn't do to have the
Specialists drunk. "Rum" is actually a sweet, sugary liquid
with some flavouring and colour added. Not knowing any better, the
Specialists love it. However, they do believe that the "rum"
they drink is in some way similar to the alcohol that officers consume,
and officers are responsible for keeping the nature of "rum"
a secret from the Specialists.
Games
The games Specialists play depends on what their functions are.
Specialists who work in the cargo bay may play games that hone their
abilities to find cargo quickly and to move it around. Engineering
Specialists may play games that involve disassembling simple equipment
and reassembling it as quickly as possible. Specialists have been
conditioned to see these games as "fun" and enjoy them
greatly, even as they practice their important skills.
Specialist Songs
Specialists are frequently permitted to sing, either for entertainment
of their officers, or to maintain rythm as they do their assigned
work. Some ships even have musical specialists assigned, who are
specially trained in musical instruments! Favourite specialist
songs include A Sivadian Tar and Heart
of Oak. Click either one to hear the melody.
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