Shama Al Ast's personal yacht, the
Scepter of Al Ast is not a combat ship. It is also not a
smuggling ship, despite the existence of the scanner proof hold.
That area is used exclusively to carry weapons, armed craft, and
occasionally troops. Shama uses the Scepter of Al Ast both
for business and pleasure, but that is for his business and his
pleasure, and he seldom gets involved in the nitty gritty business
of the organization, and, where it not for the fact that he is
aware that he has enemies, he would not arm the Scepter at
all, preferring to kill people that he can see.
As such, the Scepter is a compromise. Not having all
the luxury facilities of an unmodified M-8000, it is also nowhere
near as heavily armed as a combat cruiser. However, it is still a
very luxurious ship, having ample entertainment and recreational
facilities, and it is not that easy a target, especially when it's
escort fighters are launched. In addition to the listed craft, The
Scepter of Al Ast is often accompanied by additional craft,
when Shama expects combat.