View source

So hitting the ` key will trigger the Fed Comm prompt:

Federation comm-link: [<ENTER> for multiple lines]

`            

You can start a Fed comm chat line almost anywhere, in mid haggle if you want.  The text you enter will be visible to all players who have comms on.  They can be turned on or off from the N command at the computer prompt.  Fedcomm is one of the most social aspects of the game.  You can interact with your fellow players as much or as little as you wish.