Serenity Modular Transport

[Blackcat]

This Class will be posted for comments for at least 1 week, and will remain up for comment for no longer than 2 weeks. During this time you are free to comment on the specs and deck listings and we'll work to come to agreeable specifications.

New Tech: None

Found on: Akira Class Starship (2), Ethereal Class Starbase (8), Lexington Class Starship (3), Nebula Class Starship Hangar Pod (2) ,Stardock Class Starbase (16)

Serenity Class Modular Transport
Category: Transport

Expected Duration: 0 years
Time Between Resupply: 0 years
Time Between Refit: 0 years

Personnel
Crew: 3
Passengers: 0

Speed
Cruising Velocity: Warp 1.5
Maximum Velocity: Warp 2.7
Emergency Velocity: Warp 3 (for 4 hours)

Dimensions
Length: 17 metres
Width: 14 metres
Height: 6 metres
Decks: 1

Armament
Defensive Systems
Ablative Armour
Personal Environmental Protection Suits
EVA Suit: 3
Phasers
Type IV Array: 2
Shielding Systems
Light Shielding System

Description
The Serenity is a command section with warp drive and can take any one of a number of different modules. The Serenity may only be placed on ships with a through-deck hangar or starbases because of the sheer size of the modules and is meant to replace the old hopper type transports that are used by the main fleet. The Serenity is a craft that can be attached to any one of the many multi-function modules that are available. Modules are mounted on the rear of the Command section much like the hoppers. Unlike the Hoppers, it is fully warp-capable, although its range is limited and it sacrifices more capable weapon systems for extra shielding and survivability in a danger zones. The first two modules designed for use with the Serenity were the Drop module and the Troop Command Module. Capable of up to one full week's independent operations, Has On board standard replicator unit and carries an emergency transporter capable of transporting no more than 3 persons (with gear) at a time.

Modules (Excluding the Cargo, Construction and Drop Modules) may be interchanged for one another at a starbase on a mission specific basis.
The Cargo, Construction and Drop Modules may be swapped in for 2 other modules, or each other, while at a starbase on a mission specific basis.
Where the Nebula is noted, this refers to the Hangar Pod equipped Nebula only.

The Argo Module carries two fully-packed Argo buggies, and their crew. While the module itself is not able to be hot dropped, the back gate doubles as a ramp, and the Argos may be dropped while the Serenity is still in motion.
Found on: Ethereal(3), Stardock(10), Akira(1), Lexington(2), Nebula(1)

The Cargo Module is just what it says, open pressurized configurable space, no frills.
Found on: Ethereal(3), Stardock(10), Lexington(2)

The Chemical Distribution Module was originally intended for use by the marines during times of war. It has been used by them to spread Anethtizine, Chemical Irritants, and even the modern equivalent of Napalm. Since then, it has fallen into wider usage, and has been used to spread fertilizers, neutralizing agents, antivirals, and even water. May be hot dropped or even air dropped, but either would destroy the Module. Optionally, a 5' long drafting/filtration sub-module may be attached on the back of this module that will allow safe filling of the module with pure water. This uses micro-transporters similar to those found in replicators to "beam out" any impurities. The more impurities impurities in the water, the slower the process.
Found on: Ethereal(3), Stardock(10), Lexington(2)

The Construction Module is capable of carrying a multi-use construction vehicle, as well as all the assorted hand and power tools for building permanent structures on a planetary surface, as well as enough fuel to operate them for 6 days under standard usage. This module may not be hot-dropped. It is equipped with it's own fusion generator and an industrial replicator unit, though the supplies for the replicator are not included. Because of the size of this module, the Serenity is not capable of warp while carrying it.
Found on: Ethereal(3), Stardock(10), Lexington (1)

The Drop Module is a down and dirty, no frills troop transport module that is capable of carrying up to 96 troops at a time. It is meant to be hot dropped and has it's own internal fusion generator and anti-gravity systems as well as braking thrusters. Because of the length of the module, A Serenity is not capable of warp while carrying this module.
Found on: Ethereal(5), Stardock(10), Lexington (2)

The Duck Blind Module is a module specifically designed for the scientific research of pre-warp cultures. It comes equipped with Shroud generators, which use holographic technology to effectively "cloak" the blind. It includes 3 "Shroud Suits" which give the scientists the ability, with care, to wander among the inhabitants while investigating for up to 4 hours at a time. The module includes sensor arrays effective to a range of 30km, 2 Medkits, 1 standard replicator and an emergency transporter capable of transporting no more than 3 persons (with gear) at a time. Not capable of being hot dropped, but may be quick dropped. Requires 3 personnel.
Found on: Ethereal(1), Stardock(3), others must receive TFCO permission to swap for one of these.

The Habitation Module is used as temporary residences on planetary surfaces. Housing is for 16 people with reasonable amenities for up to 2 weeks (32 people if sleeping in shifts, though it reduces the support capabilities to 10 days). Includes 2 standard MedKits and 2 standard replicators, as well as an emergency transporter capable of transporting no more than 3 persons (with gear) at a time. Not capable of being hot dropped.
Found on: Ethereal(3), Stardock(10), Lexington(2), Nebula(1)

The MASH Module is a mobile field hospital with medical facilities to treat for common battle wounds and other similar problems for up to 12 patients. While not as effective as the medical facilities aboard a starship, it is geared towards stabalization of the patients and carries 4 Stasis pods for those who cannot be immediately treated. This Module carries an emergency transporter capable of transporting no more than 3 persons (with gear) at a time. This module may not be hot dropped safely. Has a standard replicator. Requires 5 personnel to man.
Found on: Ethereal(5), Stardock(10), Akira(1), Lexington(2), Nebula(1)

The Mess Module is a mobile field mess with meal preparation facilities for up to 150 people using specially prepared field rations or up to 100 people using standard supplies. It includes 3 days worth of prepared field rations internally. It also has 5 high capacity food replicators, though the stores to supply these must be supplied externally. Under extreme conditions, 3 of the replicators may be set up to intake raw inedible soft vegetation and use the remaining 2 to make a basic gruel to feed up to 50 people. Requires 5 personnel to man.
Found on: Ethereal(5), Stardock(10), Lexington(2)

The Troop Command Module has the capacity to carry 48 marines and their gear, and also packs all of the comm and support gear of a field command base. Once on the ground, the Serenity can hot detach quickly. This Module carries an emergency transporter capable of transporting no more than 3 persons (with gear) at a time. Has 2 standard replicators, 4 standard MedKits and enough retractable bunks to handle 20. Requires 6 personnel to man.
Found on: Ethereal(5), Stardock(10), Akira(1), Lexington(2), Nebula(1)

[Blackcat]

We are looking to extend the modules available for this class in order to make it even more useful. Please feel free to post your ideas for modules!

Todd

[Reinhart]

I really enjoy the versatility of this cargo transport. With one single auxiliary craft, you can have 7-8 different uses for it (assuming you carry it and have all the pieces). Overall, a great thing to use. I think it is rather realistic, particularly with the parallels to real life multi-role aircraft.

F/A-18 Hornet comes to mind. They started with an Assault Fighter, expanded it to a Ground Pounder (F/A-18E), added a Sub-Hunter type, added an electronic-warfare type, added refueling capable versions. Great idear, there, Putski.

I particularly enjoy the ground combat ones, and the MASH one. Though in Canon Star Trek we never saw the "ground combat" that came along with the Dominion War, I am sure that this kind of technology was around. I would've liked to see more of it, but since we don't have anything to go off of, this works just fine.

-Reinhart

[Blackcat]

::BUMP::

After a discussion on IRC, the Mess Module has been added to the list of available modules for the Serenity Modular Transport.

We are still looking for more Module suggestions for this craft, no serious suggestions will be ignored.

You will notice that while it started out with mostly military applications, since it first saw use during the Dominion War, but even during the war, these uses were extended for relief, humanitarian and even colonization purposes. Food, Shelter and Medical care are the primary uses that it sees today, along with construction and cargo carrying. Currently the Shiloh is on a colonization mission, and that's been the seed idea for a great number of the current modules. The Chemical Distribution Module is being used to supply water for the colonist, the Mess to supply hot food, the MASH for medical care, the Construction to build the first buildings, The cargo module to move additional supplies, the Troop Command Module for communications with the ground, The Drop Module to move people. There's a lot of use for these vehicles on the mission.

So, if you have any additional ideas for modules, don't be afraid, let's hear them out.

Todd

[Stradivarius]

How about an evacuation module? Something that unfolds and deploys a large "camper shell" around the transport that can hold a few dozen people. Something they could use in rescue convoys.

Also, a Terraforming module with processors they can drop at various intervals to alter the gravity, atmosphere and mean temperature of a planet, which will then seed the world with amenable vegetation and microorganisms.

And why not a Morale module? With a few mini-holosuites, booths for calling home and a stage for holographic performers.

Also, a Mass Transporter module. It comes with a dedicated deflector array that can link up with the transporters aboard federation ships in orbit, in case atmospheric conditions make transport problematic.

Planetary survey module. They drop it and a bunch of probes fly out of it, sending telemetry back to the module.

[Williams]

I still say we need an Ice Cream Van module...

Unfortunately, in the early stages of the testing of this module, VAdm Roman Sanchez was buried alive in a mountain of Rocky Road, and hasn't been heard from since...

Todd

[Reinhart]

Hahaha.... The UPS or FedEx Modules.

[Reinhart]

How about a type of water reclamation/ purification module. US miltary has large trucks with this purpose alone for deployments in areas where it is tough to get supplies.

[Blackcat]

How about an evacuation module? Something that unfolds and deploys a large "camper shell" around the transport that can hold a few dozen people. Something they could use in rescue convoys.

This would be a secondary use of the Drop and/or MASH modules. Evacuation can be touchy business, sometimes the evacuees will need emergency treatment, sometimes just to be bulk lifted.

Also, a Terraforming module with processors they can drop at various intervals to alter the gravity, atmosphere and mean temperature of a planet, which will then seed the world with amenable vegetation and microorganisms.

Terraforming still requires either a large dedicated machine or multiple smaller machines and people to run them that would be too large for a module. In DS9, it's seen that the machines are hard to make, or at least the station wasn't capable of reproducing them (That would have fixed the problem, but saying that a station capable of making support craft can't make the Terraforming equipment?) The Chemical Distribution module can be used for the aerial disbursement of microorganisms tailored to what purposes are needed (Carbon or Toxic Chemical Binding or Breakdown, cures for diseases or viral agents that are dangerous, etc). Seeding the vegetation is difficult for the most part for edibles, and other foliage would be simpler if planned for random growth. Unfortunately, this would be more the job of Surveyors, who, having completed their Surveys and finding no intelligent life, might seed a planet with the purpose of future (40-60 years later) colonization. Since Surveyors don't have through deck hangars, they wouldn't be able to carry the Serenity.

And why not a Morale module? With a few mini-holosuites, booths for calling home and a stage for holographic performers.

The Construction Module would allow them to easily build as needed, and rather than holographic performers, the Troops would likely prefer the real thing. The Troop Command Module could be used for the communications...

Also, a Mass Transporter module. It comes with a dedicated deflector array that can link up with the transporters aboard federation ships in orbit, in case atmospheric conditions make transport problematic.

The emergency transporters used on many of the modules can be used much to the same effect, providing additional signal, much like the signal enhancers seen in some of the series. The Drop Module can be used to pick up troops as well as dropping them off.

Planetary survey module. They drop it and a bunch of probes fly out of it, sending telemetry back to the module.

As is seen on the Duck Blind, there are limits to how far planetary based sensors of a temporary nature can go, The Troop Command Module has similar sensors. Probes are basically Torpedoes that have had their payloads replaced with sensor equipment, and are easily sent out by the larger vessels that the Serenity was launched from. The sensors in most support craft would be better in this regard, as well as being able to redirect in flight to scan different area on a moment's notice. In reality, though, the ships that the Serenity is found on are ships with thru-deck hangars, geared mostly to war, not surveyor ships.

Todd

[Blackcat]

Hahaha.... The UPS or FedEx Modules.

Actually, that would be what the Richardson class was made for...

Todd