Parry Squadron, despite the name, is not a squadron composed solely of starfighters. It is actually two squadrons of starfighters and several capital ships. They are permanently stationed 600SU away from the Gauntlet, towards the system's star. To put it in perspective, Parry squadron is 200SU from the star. A distance far enough so that they will not be detected by anything except the most powerful sensors and most skilled operators. Visual sightings at that distance are all but impossible. ![]() The DefenderThe Defender is the initial strike craft of Parry Squadron. It's Class 1 hyperdrive allows it to get to the battlefield slightly faster than the Zealot and it's starfighters. Though it has been modified, the changes have been mainly offensive and defensive. Armor plating was added to key areas (engines, shield generators, bridge, weapons emplacements) to provide more protection, additional shield generators were installed, and four ion cannons were installed to allow the ship to disable instead of destroy a craft. If a craft must be destroyed, the Defender is well suited for the task: it's eight heavy turbolasers can pound a capital ship into oblivion, while it's six smaller laser cannons can keep enemy fighters at bay. Though not truly equipped to handle starfighters, it is capable of standing up to enemy fighters until the Zealot arrives. STATS: The Defender![]() The ZealotThe Zealot is Parry Squadron's starfighter carrier. A modified SoroSuub Quasar Fire-class Bulk Cruiser, the Zealot carries both Crush and Stalker Squadrons in addition to the Skipper and Fist 1 and 2. Since sitting in a fighter cockpit for hours at a time can be terminally boring, Stalker squadron is kept inside the Zealot at all times, allowing the pilots to move around. The hyperdrive-equipped Crush squadron is allowed short flights, with instructions to hyper into the target area if the signal is given. The Zealot has, like the Defender, received numerous upgrades. Armor plating and shield generators were added, improving the ship's survivability. The Zealot's two under-powered laser cannons were replaced by eight AG-2G quad laser cannons, increasing the Zealot's offensive capabilities. STATS: The Zealot![]() The LockerThe Locker is Parry squadron's prisoner transfer craft. If a target ship is disabled and captured by the boarders, it's passengers and crew are offloaded onto the Locker, where they are herded into the cargo hold. Prisoners who need medical attention are separated from the rest and attended to by a medic. With the prisoners watched over by armed guards, the Locker hypers to the nearest inhabited system. They are then released unharmed - if possible. If the prisoners revolt or cause a disturbance, they are shot with stun bolts - all of them. The Locker is completely stock, except for a slightly larger crew complement because of the medics and guards. STATS: The Locker![]() Fist 1 & Fist 2Fist 1 and Fist 2 are Parry Squadron's two Katarn boarding shuttles. Housed aboard the Zealot, they provide a boarding element for Parry squadron. Once a craft is disabled, boarders are sent in to commandeer the ship and secure it for a prize crew. Once the ship is secure, it's passengers are offloaded and the boarders report back to the Zealot. Both Fist 1 and Fist 2 are stock. STATS: Fist 1 & Fist 2![]() The SkipperThe Skipper provides Parry squadron with a maneuverable and nimble capital ship strike weapon. Being only slightly smaller than most freighters, but packing a tremendous array of weaponry, the Skipper easily dodges between ships, avoiding shots and returning fire. Parry squadron's commanders know the Skippers capabilities and usually send it into the fray, allowing it total operational freedom. It is used mainly against capital ships and transports, as starfighters are much too fast and maneuverable for the Skipper to handle. The Skipper is a stock Skipray Blastboat. STATS: The Skipper![]() Stalker SquadronStalker Squadron is one of the Zealot's two fighter squadrons. Composed of modified Incom/Subpro Z-95 Headhunters, it is mainly used against freighters and smaller capital ships. Antiquated and eclipsed by newer starfighters, the Z-95's play a backup role in case of starfighters. If newer-model starfighters are present, Crush squadron's Y-Wings are sent in. Stalker squadron's fighters have been lightly modified; with only their concussion missiles replaced with ion cannons. STATS: Stalker Squadron's Z-95s![]() Crush SquadronCrush Squadron is the second starfighter squadron onboard the Zealot. Made up of lightly modified Koensayr BLT-S3 Y-Wings, Crush squadron is used to harass capital ships, disable freighters and other starfighters. The Y-Wing's superior handling and survivability compared to the Z-95 enables it to go nearly toe to toe with all but the cutting edge new fighters. Once the starfighter threat is eliminated, Stalker squadron is permitted to launch. Crush squadron's Y-Wings are stock except for the removal of their proton torpedo launchers and the change from a turret to a frontal mounted ion cannon. While the torpedo removal removes some offensive capability, it reinforces the fact that the plan is to disable - not destroy. STATS: Crush Squadron's Y-Wings |