The Phoenix is a custom built light freighter.
It was designed and constructed by Ghrikk, an expert Iotran mechanic.
Travis met and befriended Ghrikk while he was serving aboard the
Nova-Shadow, a light freighter on which Ghrikk was the engineer.
Ghrikk had helped build the Nova-Shadow, and when it was destroyed
he and Travis stuck together, deciding that they made a good pair.
Exterior
Top and Side Views
Shortly after they left the Nova-Shadow, the
two began the design and construction of what would eventually
be the Phoenix. It is unknown where the ship was constructed or
how the pair came by the materials with which to build her. The
first incarnation of the Phoenix was only slightly better than
an average "stock"
light freighter. It sported four large, powerful engines that
are speculated to have been salvaged from some prototype B-wing
fighters. The crew has never confirmed (nor denied) these rumors,
though. The ship also had a gyro-stabilized cockpit (which it
still has today), much like the B-wing, which lends credibility
to the engine rumor. One of the most distinguishing features of
the Phoenix was the hyperdrive. From the beginning, the ship used
a x0.75 hyperdrive - faster than almost all other ships of its
class and faster than most military ships.
Since its creation, the Phoenix has undergone
many modifications. One of the largest changes was a near-complete
hull expansion. This gave the ship a different exterior appearance
as well as completely changing the interior layout and increasing
the cargo capacity. In addition to the hull expansion, the ship
has had numerous weapon upgrades and additions, shield upgrades,
maneuvering thruster additions, and hull armor reinforcement.
Main Deck Floorplan
Upper Deck Floorplan
The only other major change to the ship dealt
with the subspace engines. The original engines were replaced
with a military grade Starscream-9 Ion Drive which is heavily
restricted because of its power levels. In order to avoid unnecessary
"complications" with authorities, the engine is outfitted to normally
register and act like a less powerful engine (Space of 8). To
use the engine's full potential, the pilot must know how to engage
the full engine program.
Currently, the Phoenix is one of the fastest
and toughest ships of its class. It can engage most military starfighters
in a fight with a good chance of success. However, regardless
of the ship's power, her pilot (Travis Darsten) will only engage
in a fight as a last resort and will usually attempt to outmaneuver
and escape any opponents.
Perhaps the most distinguishing visual feature
of the Phoenix (aside from its unique shape) is the color scheme.
Sometime ago, the crew had the ship painted completely black.
The special
coating is of such a deep and flawless black, that it is said
to almost "soak up the light". The coating was specially bonded
to the armor to improve its resistance to wear and damage.
The Phoenix possesses a special modular transponder
system. It carries, and can transmit, transponder codes and ship
information for ten registered ships. This ability has helped
the ship and crew many times in the past. In fact, different "aliases"
of the ship are wanted in different parts of the galaxy.
The interior of the ship appears somewhat more
spacious than most other ships of its class. Approximately the
front third to half of the ship is dedicated to the cargo bay.
The bay is quite large for its mass capacity, having a volume
of over 315 cubic meters. Unlike most cargo bays, this one is
completely environmentally controlled. This means that it has
life-support capability while off planet. The bridge is on the
starboard side, amidships. Opposite it on the port side is a swoop
bay. This bay was recently installed and has an elevator system
in the floor to lower the swoops down out of the bay. Currently
only two swoops are stored in the bay, but at least one or two
more could theoretically fit. Slightly to the rear of the swoop
bay is a recreational area. This area has a home gym/weight set
as well as other things to occupy time. Behind the cockpit on
the starboard side is the ship's lounge. The lounge is where the
main galley is located as well as the hologame table. Concealed
within the game table is a powerful hyperspace communicator that
allows the crew to stay in touch with New Republic command while
on extended missions. Near the lounge, toward the centerline of
the ship, are located quarters for passengers. Three rooms, each
containing a triple bunk, are located here as well as
a large head. The triple bunks, while not giving each passenger
very much room, are nicely furnished and quite comfortable. The
bunks fold up into the walls to give more space in the room while
not sleeping.
Though it is difficult to discern from the outside,
the ship does have a second level. The main entrance to the second
deck is through a concealed hatch in the gunwell. Only a few people
actually know of the existence of the second deck. The crew quarters,
as well as the upper airlock access area are on the second deck.
The captain's quarters are relatively large (at least for a light
freighter) and are equipped with a private head. The two single
crew quarters are also large, but must share a head. The upper
airlock access area has lockers containing nine vac suits for
emergencies or EVA duties. A small galley and several storage
lockers are also present on the second deck.
Because of the crew's current mission and distance
from friendly forces, the ship has been outfitted with an impressive
personnel armory. The gear is stored on a special rack system
that is concealed beneath the deck in the ship's lounge and the
armor is hidden behind the lounge seats. The storage compartments
are heavily sensor-masked to avoid unwanted detection. When needed,
the rack can be raised from the floor and "unfolds" itself. Mike
and Magnum designed the rack to make optimal use of storage space
through an ingenious folding/movable rack system. By using this
storage method, much more gear can be stored than would normally
be possible. The armory contains gear ranging from personal blasters
to explosives to armor.
Table
of items stored in the armory
Since much of what the ship was originally used
for involved smuggling, Travis and Ghrikk installed five sensor-masked
compartments in the ship. Each compartment can accommodate up
to three metric tons of cargo or five people, cramped. The compartments
are all environmentally adjustable and have life-support functions.
In the past the compartments have been used to transport items
ranging from spice to Rebel commando teams.
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