SUPPORT VESSEL
INTRODUCTION TO SUPPORT VESSELS
Although the term “support vessel” engenders visions of repair ships and re-supply vessels, technically, support vessels include transport and cargo movement platforms. Many “support” vessels are in actuality civilian ships designed to conduct extremely specific missions, rarely military in nature. Support Vessels include cargo ships, passenger ships, repair vessels and other assorted short to long range ships of all types. Most support vessels can be bought or traded on the open market, and come in an extremely wide range of sizes and costs. Nomenclature of a particular support vessel rarely gives an accurate description of the ships actual size, crew or defensive capabilities. Most Support Vessels can (and are) modified to some degree depending on the location of the specified cargo/operation area. Many support vessels operating in hostile areas will ban together, often escorted by military authorities, on common cargo or transport runs. Some Support Vessels are assigned specific patrol areas, while another wait at a star base or orbital platform until needed. Even robotic ships are common.
ARSENAL SHIP
Unlike other supply vessels, Arsenal Ships are specifically designed to re-supply torpedo casings, warheads, high energy plasma, phaser and disruptor coolants and other consumable military goods. Arsenal Ships are specifically designed to transfer these components quickly and accurately using both physical connections and transporter systems. Arsenal Ships are also able to supply probes, mines and other special warfare and science sub-systems to front line vessels. Arsenal Ships are often faster than standard tender vessels, and are also known for being well armed for short range combat. Arsenal ships are also capable of supplying components for ground troops and Star bases when necessary. Like other support ships, Arsenal Ships are only moderately equipped for other mission operations, with limited sensor and science capability. Because of the dangerous nature of much of their supply operation, Arsenal Ship duty is considered highly strenuous
BUOY TENDER
Buoy Tenders are often referred to as the unsung heroes of the space lanes. Nearly every race fields some form of navigational satellites to aid in navigation, course correction, data transfer and other mundane activities. Buoy tenders are charged with the placement, maintenance and upkeep of these buoys. Buoys come in a vast field of purpose oriented systems, from navigation drones to in-system defense satellites. Buoy tenders have extensive repair and refueling systems designed to upgrade nearly any type of buoy encountered. Buoy tenders also have large cargo facilities and launch bays that can service entire fleets of small craft used for repair and upgrade to buoys. Buoy Tenders can operate both in-system and in deep space, with excellent recreational facilities to help alleviate lengthy mission times. Buoy Tenders can also create a large array of buoy from inhouse stores and can even build satellites from scratch using extensive replicator systems. Because they must often operate near hostile boarders, many buoy tenders are armed, although more often than not, they are escorted.
COMBAT SUPPORT TENDERS
And unusual and dangerous mission profile, the Combat Support Tender is designed to quickly close with crippled vessels, secure them, and toe them from a field of battle, even while under fire from enemy vessels. CST’s can transport wounded crews, provide basic power and life-support and even aggressively defend crippled ships in the face overwhelming numbers. Most CST’s are heavily armored, with redundant shield generators to help maintain defense while under attack. CST’s are also, heavily armed with short range weapons in-mass, capable of crippling even heavy cruisers at close range. Both energy and physical grapples are available to help secure and transport crippled starships. The CST’s pays heavily for it survivability. Most are extremely cramped, even by Romulan standards. There are no crew recreation facilities, extremely crowded quarters, no research or exploratory abilities, and almost no secondary support ability. Few CST’s can operate far from an outpost or base, and many must rely on other vessels for support while traversing greater distances. Like Dreadnoughts, CST’s are most often kept in-system except in times of conflict. The short range weapons on most CST’s are also a liability when faced with longer range attacks. Once a vessels has been toed from the battlefield, most CST’s can physically dock with the crippled vessel, using special docking systems that allow crews to transfer to and from a crippled vessel when transporters and normal access is not available. In this role, the few open spaces aboard CST’s are used as staging areas with other support vessels, such as repair tenders or medical frigates. CST’s never operate alone, and are always escorted by the secondary combat units in most fleets, such as command ships, escorts and fleet monitors. When a rescue is necessary, the entire unit will engage the enemy, often providing too many targets to successfully defend against. The CST’s will quickly secure the crippled vessel and retreat before damage becomes too severe. CST’s are very expensive to build, and have such a specific mission profile, that few are fielded. CST’s have also earned the nickname “morgue ships”, as they are often used to store deceased crew members, saving vital space aboard medical vessels.
COURIER
Couriers are used extensively in most navies to transport light cargos, special personnel and even high ranking officers to and from important locations. Most Couriers are lightly armed and shields, using speed to avoid combat. Couriers are also equipped with extensive security systems, both in the main computer and through out the crew compartments. Couriers are also extensively used by corporate CEO and owners as private yacht vessels with increased speed and security. Couriers are sometimes used as light cargo craft. Most Couriers require only a light crew, often a pilot and engineer, although specially outfitted couriers may have larger crews. Most Couriers are extremely comfortable and luxurious when compared to other vessels. Couriers are often unarmed or have only the most basic defensive weapons, although some do have powerful shield for a vessel of their size. Couriers are known for their expense due to their number of specialized onboard systems and luxury accommodations.
DIPLOMATIC COURIER
Unlike a standard Courier, Diplomatic Couriers are designed to allow diplomats from other races to easily interact with Ambassadors and corporate heads. Special communication equipment, luxury meeting rooms, specialized non-class M quarters and detailed library systems are all standard aboard Diplomatic Couriers. Most Diplomatic Couriers have a smaller internal cargo hold, but significantly more luxurious staterooms. Diplomatic Couriers also have a securable transmitter system that allows for subspace financial transactions among other variable worlds. Diplomatic Couriers are rarely armed and are most often accompanied by armed escorts near hostile areas. Diplomatic Couriers are a favorite target of pirates, who are often able to transfer moderate sums from various banking establishments before the couriers capture is detected.
FUEL CARRIER
Fuel Carriers are one of the most dangerous occupational vessels to sign on with. Fuel Carriers transport both solid and non-solid fuel to help replenish front line starships, bases, outposts and even ground stations with depletable fuels, such as neutronic, liquid deuterium and even kaonium. The most highly sought after spoil of war is the Deuterium Tanker Fuel Carrier. With nearly every space faring race using liquid Deuterium to mix with anti-deuterium, Deuterium Tankers are extremely valuable. A single tanker can re-fuel nearly a dozen vessels for a standard 5 year mission. These ship is usually carry both deuterium and antideuterium, making them extremely dangerous cargo vessels. Most raiders will avoid firing on Deuterium Tankers, choosing in stead to attempt to drive off any escorting vessels. Other fuel tankers are just as volatile, and are one of the least destroyed vessels in known space.
MRF/MRS
Mobile Repair Ships and Mobile Repair Facilities are considered by many to be one of the most important design elements within a space faring navy. MRF provide deep space repair and construction capability to both military and civilian concerns throughout established and transient boarders and deep space. MRF’s provide all living space support structure for an established crew, allowing both short and long term repair capability to an advancing force. Most MRF provide moderate fabrication capability, and light re-supply capability to fielded starships. MRF’s are most often found as part of a moving military force, and are seen with freighters that supply raw material, shuttle carriers that support work shuttles and crew quarters, Office ships for logistics and another tender vessels. Unlike Tenders, MRF’s provide established framework and support networks, including tractor beams, large scale transporters and independent power sources to provide construction capability on a long term basis. MRF’s can construct entire starships from the keel up, although not as quickly as established dry-docks. MRF’s lack the large component construction systems found at most Dry-dock facilities, although these can be supplied by other vessels. MRF’s are rarely armed, due to their slow speed and maneuverability.
POLICE VESSEL
Police Vessels are a special sub-type of vessel used to intercept, scan and act concerning in system and government policy throughout most empires. Police Vessels are specially designed to intercept approaching freighters, civilian craft and other non-government or non-military vessels. Police Vessels come in a wide range of designs and sizes, most being older military and fleet vessels purchased before being scrapped. Some Police Vessels are specifically designed for their intended missions, while others are modified heavily to accomplish their interdiction roll. Police Vessels serve as cutters, cruisers, scouts and rescue ships. Although equipped with a number of mission specific systems, Police Vessels are often less expensive than similarly sized military vessels. Police Vessels are very short range, often having only enough supplies for in system operations. Police Vessels are most often armed with greater numbers of short range weapons, intended to drive off pirate and illegal combat vessels. Many Police Vessels are owned by planetary governments, rather than the respective star fleets.
REPAIR TENDER
Repair Tenders are designed for a more combat repair oriented mission. Most Repair Tenders have the ability to link up with a target vessel and repair or replace sufficient onboard systems to allow for a continued combat posture. Repair Tenders do not carry armament re-supply, but do have the ability to focus repair on hull breaches and engine damage rather than general computer repair and re-supply. Repair Tenders often work in conjunction with MRF’s, Standard Tenders and Supply Ships to repair and rearm front line vessels without the need for return to a star base or other dry-dock facility. Although repair can take up to 20% longer than a specialized MRF and 50% longer than an established dry dock, most Repair Tenders can arrive on scene before other units to help stabilize and conduct basic repairs on front line vessels.
SUPPLY SHIP
Unlike a Tender, Supply Ships are designed to specifically, re-supply the consumables aboard nearly any type of starship. Supply Ships have pre-processed food stuffs used with replicators, stored solid food stuffs, medical supplies and various fuels used for shuttles, impulse drives and probes/torpedoes. Supply Ships also have large cargo holds that provide a wide variety of storage, as well as a full production system that allows for the creation of specialized cargo. Often, Supply Ships are expensive, due to the large number of specialized production systems. Supply Ships, like other support vessels, are often found in tandem with small support fleets. Supply Ships are most often associated with the Klingons and Gorns who have a penchant for live and fresh food stuffs.
SUPPLY TENDER
A specialized cross breed of ship, the Supply Tender allows full re-supply of several vessels with both consumables and on-board systems prone to repair needs. Supply Tenders are highly generalized, allowing repair and upgrade to both vessels and bases through out a sphere of influence. With their special umbilical attachments and transfer equipment, Supply Tenders cacomplete re-supply of vessels quickly, as well as provide a support base for repair crews. Supply Tenders are most often associated with the Romulan Empire, who maintain fewer specialized vessels and a greater proportion of generalized space craft.
TENDER
Tenders are designed to provide medium to fast response to deep space vessels that require judicious repair and re-supply. Tenders are most often associated with non-combat operations, and are used primarily to provide moderate repairs to on-board systems. Tenders often carry complete replacement parts for the most commonly damaged or overloaded ship systems, including computer systems, power transfers and other electronic components. Tenders are also known for large “consumables” storage, including coolant gasses and other inert transferable materials. Tenders do not supply full loads of food stuffs and water, although luxury goods are often carried for trade. Tenders also have casings for torpedoes, although must specifically have Armed torpedoes loaded during combat operations. Also, unique to Tenders are their specialized shop spaces designed for “tear down and replacement” operations associated with high use and ware systems found on all starships. Tenders allow work crews to efficiently rework, resurface and improve a number of systems, including fuel injectors, plasma transfer conduits and even plating found within dilutetium chambers. Tenders allow deep space patrol vessels to remain on station longer and are able to move with the intended target vessel while on patrol. Although a somewhat tedious routine, many within Star Fleet Engineering Request Tender duty for the vast expanse of variation associated with Tender Operations.
WARP TENDER
Unlike pure repair vessels, Warp Tenders are used to transport large starship, vessel components, and even star bases to locations, using warp power. Warp Tenders are extremely versatile, and are often designed to move a single target or type of vessel. Most Warp Tenders have specialized onboard quarters for support crews who must accompany the base or ship that is being moved. Warp Tenders usually are able to provide life support and structural integrity to their intended transport subject, as well as some power supply. Warp Tenders are often used to “jump start” fusion or matter/ anti-matter reactors once they have arrived on station. Currently, only the Federation and Tholians use Warp Tenders in any numbers. Several companies also support Warp Tenders to help move their office stations and other large, non-mobile equipment. Warp Tenders are able to move their targets by extending and manipulating their warp field around the base or outpost. Once on station, the support crew transfers any consumables and begins setting up to station. Once activated, the Warp Tender remains on station until other support vessels and full time crew arrives. Despite their high expense, Warp Tenders are ill suited for other operations, with no appreciable science capability, limited sensor systems and light to non-existent weapon systems. Warp Tender duty is also considered tedious, as most missions will last 6 months to a year in just arriving on station. Extensive crew comfort is designed into the mission parameters. Despite these faults, Warp Tenders are often the only way to move a star base from location to location.