The Rat Pack [RATPAK] - Organizations - Roberts Space Industries

History

The Rat Pack: A History Forged in Scraps and Stars

The vast, unforgiving expanse of the universe is littered with the remnants of ambition, conflict, and unfortunate accidents. For many, these derelicts are just hazardous obstacles. But for a select few, they represent opportunity, a hidden fortune waiting to be meticulously uncovered. From this harsh reality, amidst the detritus of forgotten ventures and shattered dreams, emerged The Rat Pack, an organization built not on corporate might, but on the ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering loyalty of its founding members.

The Crucible: The “Titan’s Graveyard” Incident (2938 SET)

Before the Rat Pack was a name whispered among the independent salvagers, its core was forged in the notorious “Titan’s Graveyard” – a sprawling debris field in the fringes of the Stanton system, once the site of a catastrophic battle between UEE forces and a burgeoning pirate fleet. The UEE had long since abandoned the cleanup, leaving behind a treasure trove of high-value military-grade components and rare materials, but also an equally dangerous labyrinth of unstable wreckage and lingering automated defenses.

It was here, drawn by the irresistible lure of such a prize, that four distinct individuals, each a veteran of the unforgiving salvage trade, found their paths colliding:

Lezkoden: The Visionary Architect. A former prospector whose claim had been jumped one too many times, Lezkoden arrived at the Graveyard with a battered Vulture and a burning desire for a more reliable, less cutthroat way of life. He possessed an uncanny ability to see patterns in chaos, identifying stable pathways through the most treacherous debris and recognizing the potential for cooperation where others saw only competition. He was tired of lone wolves being picked off by larger predators.

EthanRat: The Scrappy Oracle. Known simply as “EthanRat” long before the organization took its name, this young, wiry scavenger had an almost supernatural knack for sniffing out the most valuable components hidden within the most innocuous wreckage. Armed with a modified multi-tool and an encyclopedic knowledge of ship schematics, he could tell a rare power conduit from a common heat sink by feel alone. His nickname came from his ability to “rat” through junk and emerge with gold.

GotoLamia: The Shrewd Logician. A former logistics officer for a defunct hauling company, GotoLamia brought an invaluable understanding of supply chains, market fluctuations, and, crucially, how to get salvaged goods to the highest bidder without attracting unwanted attention. While Lezkoden saw the potential for a collective, GotoLamia saw the blueprint for a profitable, sustainable enterprise. He arrived in a heavily modified Drake Caterpillar, already serving as a mobile processing unit and secure cargo hold.

Archura: The Silent Sentinel. A veteran pilot with a shadowy past, Archura was a master of evasive maneuvers and close-quarters combat. He operated a nimble Sabre, often providing silent, unsolicited overwatch for smaller salvage crews, a detached guardian angel who appeared only when danger was imminent. He spoke little but acted decisively, his presence a deterrent to opportunistic pirates and rival claim jumpers.

The Spark of Unity:

The four initially operated independently within the Graveyard, occasionally crossing paths. The turning point came when a particularly aggressive pirate gang, the “Void Vipers,” began systematically extorting or eliminating independent salvagers. Lezkoden, having narrowly escaped a Viper ambush, proposed an unthinkable alliance to EthanRat and GotoLamia. Archura, observing from a distance, intervened just as the Vipers attempted to corner GotoLamia, cementing his unspoken allegiance.

In the aftermath of a coordinated defense that saw the Void Vipers routed (thanks in no small part to EthanRat’s improvised explosive charges made from unstable power cells and Archura’s precision strikes), the four found themselves sharing a rare moment of camaraderie. Lezkoden articulated his vision: a collective of skilled, trustworthy scavengers who would pool resources, share intelligence, and protect each other’s claims. GotoLamia immediately saw the economic viability, EthanRat the enhanced access to prime salvage, and Archura, the quiet satisfaction of a common cause.

Naming the Pack and Early Growth:

The name “The Rat Pack” was suggested by EthanRat, half-jokingly, after their successful defense. “We’re just a bunch of rats,” he’d quipped, “scavenging in the dark, but together, we’re a pack.” The name resonated. It was unpretentious, defiant, and perfectly encapsulated their identity. Lezkoden, the natural leader, embraced it, and the others quickly followed suit.

Under Lezkoden’s strategic guidance, GotoLamia’s meticulous logistics, EthanRat’s unparalleled salvage expertise, and Archura’s vigilant protection, The Rat Pack began to thrive. They established a communication network, shared detailed maps of wreck sites, and developed standardized protocols for salvage operations and threat assessment. Word of their efficiency and their fierce loyalty spread among the independent community. Desperate but skilled individuals, tired of being exploited, sought them out, drawn by the promise of security and a fair share.

A Legacy of Resourcefulness:

From those humble, dangerous beginnings, the Rat Pack grew from a desperate alliance into a respected, if unofficial, force in the galaxy’s underbelly. They became known not just for their ability to extract valuable resources from the most dangerous wrecks, but for their unwavering commitment to their own. They proved that even in the vast, indifferent void, a small, cunning “pack” could not only survive but carve out a formidable fortune, one salvaged component at a time. Their history is a testament to the fact that one person’s trash truly is another’s treasure, especially when you have the right Rats to find it.

Manifesto

The Rat Pack Manifesto

We are The Rat Pack. We are the silent gears of the ‘verse, turning cosmic refuse into fortune. Others may chase grand empires or fleeting glory; we chase the forgotten, the discarded, the valuable scraps left in the wake of bigger dreams.

We Are Scavengers, Not Scoundrels.

We don’t steal from the living. We reclaim from the dead, from the abandoned, from the wrecks that litter the void. Every derelict is a puzzle, every debris field a goldmine. Our skill is not in taking, but in finding and repurposing. We see the value in what others deem worthless, the potential in what has been cast aside.

Every Scrap Tells a Story.

The hull plating of a fallen warship, the salvaged data from a long-lost freighter, the forgotten cargo of a doomed prospector – each piece holds a whisper of the past. We honor these stories by giving new life to their components, ensuring that nothing truly dies in the vastness of space. Our work is a testament to resilience, a refusal to let anything go to waste.

Cunning Over Might.

We are not the biggest, but we are the smartest. We navigate the treacherous spaces between systems, evade the greedy pirates and the watchful eyes of the UEE. Our strength lies in our adaptability, our ingenuity, and our profound understanding of the ‘verse’s forgotten pathways. We move in the shadows, not out of fear, but out of efficiency.

Trust is Our Currency.

Among ourselves, loyalty is paramount. We protect our own, share our knowledge, and stand together against the threats of the void. A Rat’s word is bond, and a Rat’s back is always covered. When the odds are stacked against us, our bond is the unbreakable tool that ensures our survival. We are a family forged in the dust of forgotten battles.

Fortune Favors the Persistent.

The galaxy is vast, and its opportunities endless for those with the grit to seek them. We endure hardship, embrace danger, and meticulously comb through the cosmic junkyard. For every empty hull, there is a hidden compartment. For every dead end, there is a new jump point to discover. Our perseverance is our greatest asset, and it is through unwavering effort that we carve out our destiny.

We are The Rat Pack. We reclaim the past to build our future. We are the architects of recycled prosperity, and our legacy will be etched in every component we save, every system we restore, and every fortune we unearth from the silent, waiting stars.

Charter

The Rat Pack Charter: Code of the Scavenger

This Charter outlines the foundational principles, operational guidelines, and mutual commitments of all members of The Rat Pack. We are a collective bound by resourcefulness, trust, and the shared pursuit of fortune from the ‘verse’s forgotten corners.

I. Core Purpose and Mission

The Rat Pack exists to:

Efficiently and effectively salvage valuable resources, components, and data from derelict vessels, abandoned installations, and hazardous debris fields across the Star Citizen universe.

Foster a network of mutual support and protection among its members, ensuring that no Rat operates truly alone in the face of galactic dangers.

Promote ingenuity and adaptability in all scavenging operations, constantly seeking new methods and opportunities in a dynamic environment.*

Uphold the principle of sustainable reclamation, giving new life to discarded assets rather than contributing to further destruction.

II. Membership and Affiliation

Admission: Prospective members (“Fledglings”) must demonstrate proficiency in salvage operations, a keen eye for opportunity, and a willingness to operate within the Pack’s principles. Sponsorship by an existing “Veteran Rat” is highly recommended.

Commitment: All members are expected to contribute to the Pack’s collective knowledge, resources, and security. While independent operations are encouraged, active participation in Pack-led initiatives and shared intelligence is vital.

Loyalty: Members are expected to prioritize the well-being and success of fellow Rats. Betrayal, intentional sabotage of Pack operations, or direct harm to a fellow member will result in immediate and permanent expulsion.

Non-Exclusive Affiliation: The Rat Pack understands that members may have other affiliations. However, these must never conflict with the core principles or security of The Rat Pack.

III. Organizational Structure

The Rat Pack operates with a decentralized, merit-based structure, emphasizing individual initiative within a collective framework.

The Core Council: Composed of the founding members (Lezkoden, EthanRat, GotoLamia, Archura) and a select few highly respected Veteran Rats, the Council provides strategic direction, resolves major disputes, and acts as the final arbiter on matters of policy and expulsion.

Veteran Rats: Experienced and proven members who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and loyalty. They mentor Fledglings, lead operations, and represent the Pack’s interests in the field.

Active Rats: The backbone of the organization, actively engaged in scavenging, trade, and intelligence gathering.

Fledglings: New recruits undergoing a probationary period, learning the Pack’s methods and proving their worth.

IV. Operational Guidelines

Salvage Rights:

A wreck or debris field actively claimed and worked by a Rat Pack member is considered exclusive territory for the duration of the operation. Clear marking and communication of claims are mandatory.

Unclaimed derelicts are open to all, but cooperation and shared intelligence are encouraged for larger, more dangerous sites.

No live piracy: The Rat Pack does not engage in direct acts of piracy against active, non-hostile vessels. Our focus is on reclamation, not robbery.

Dealing with External Entities:

UEE/Law Enforcement: Avoid unnecessary confrontation. If detected, prioritize evasion and escape over engagement. Our operations are often in grey areas, and discretion is key.

Pirates/Hostiles: Self-defense is paramount. When threatened, all available Pack resources should be brought to bear to protect members and their hauls.

Independent Traders/Civilians: Maintain a neutral or helpful stance. A good reputation can open doors for legitimate trade and intelligence.

Resource Management:

All salvaged goods are the property of the individual or crew who extracted them, unless part of a pre-arranged collective operation.

Sharing of information regarding lucrative finds, safe routes, and market opportunities is highly encouraged for the mutual benefit of the Pack.

A portion of profits from large-scale, Pack-organized operations may be contributed to a communal fund for shared assets (e.g., larger transport ships, defensive installations, emergency relief).

Discretion: Loose lips sink ships. Details of operations, locations, and internal affairs are to be kept strictly within the Pack.

V. Values and Conduct

Resourcefulness: Adapt, innovate, and make the most of every situation.

Resilience: Endure hardship, learn from failures, and never give up.

Integrity: Be true to your word, especially within the Pack.

Cunning: Outsmart, outmaneuver, and outlast your adversaries.

Solidarity: Stand with your fellow Rats, always.

This Charter is a living document, subject to amendment by the Core Council as the needs of The Rat Pack and the ‘verse evolve. By joining, you swear allegiance to its principles and to the Pack itself.

The Rat Pack / RATPAK

“In the void, nothing is truly lost, only waiting to be found… or claimed.”