1. qp83

    qp83 Member

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    title for a specific job (sci-fi)

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by qp83, Jan 25, 2015.

    I'm doodling on a story for a game set in outer space. The main character takes on various jobs, such as transporting stuff and people, perhaps smuggling, but also some bounty hunting, some bodyguarding, etc. Basically any job that requires his ship or gun.

    What would a guy like this say he work as?

    I'm open to making up a job title, if it sounds cool.

    I'd rather not use bounty hunter or smuggler.


    As I was writing this post, the title 'Pilot'(sort of including the quotation marks) popped up in my head, and it sounded kinda good for some reason. What do you think?

    These pilots, or whatever I should call them, mostly do work that's sort of in the grey zone when it comes to the law, so I imagine them usually sitting in seedy bars waiting for customers. So they get asked a lot, 'Are you a x?' or they ask the bartender, 'I'm looking for a x.'
     
  2. J Faceless

    J Faceless Active Member

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    Pilots good maybe even breaking it down further, to something like Ace. You could even do a super top gun reference and call them mavericks. The meaning of the word seems to fit.
     
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  3. Lancie

    Lancie Senior Member

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    You could go with Pilot, but like 'wink wink' Pilot. Everyone calls them that, nobody thinks it's legit, make it a kind of in joke.

    Or use something on a twist; aviator, navigator, transporter, dealer, runner etc.
     
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  4. Chinspinner

    Chinspinner Contributor Contributor

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    I'd have him describe himself as "a Jack of all trades". A "Trader" also works; but I would be more inclined to go with something like "handyman" in that he can help sort out all those little problems people have; then I might even combine the two and call him a "Handy-Jack" or just a "Jack".
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2015
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  5. qp83

    qp83 Member

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    Thanks for your input!

    I think I'll actually go with pilot, or at least settle for it for now :)
     
  6. stevesh

    stevesh Banned Contributor

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    I can't remember what Mal called himself in Firefly, but that's his job description. Might have just been 'businessman'.
     
  7. J Faceless

    J Faceless Active Member

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    Captain Mal Reynolds, and there was no specific title they were just trying to what needed to be done to get work. Be it smuggler, train robber or passenger transport.
     
  8. qp83

    qp83 Member

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    Ooh, Firefly, now that's been a while since I last saw it... think I'll rewatch it again this weekend, now that you mention it :D
     
  9. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

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    Facilitator
    Expeditor
    Handyman
    Mechanic
    Tinker
    Factotum

    I prefer handyman.

    (Tremors:
    "If we were serious about money, we'd quit being hired hands..."
    "Handymen, Earl. We are handy men!")
     
  10. Selbbin

    Selbbin The Moderating Cat Staff Contributor Contest Winner 2023

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    In our own society these people are sometimes called Mercenaries or Privateers. A bit off the definition, but suitable in relate-able context.
     
  11. Triad Editing

    Triad Editing New Member

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    Oooh, I like Maverick or Jack. Those are interesting suggestions.
     

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