Joseph Orlando
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Chapter 62 - The USS Stargazer
🕑 Added 2025-07-16 12:00:05 +0000 UTC“I don’t doubt their dedication for a second, Captain,” Tessa replied smoothly. “But my question wasn’t about the valor of their crews or their lives of service, doing the best they can with antiquated starships—it was about whether it makes sense to send those crews into danger aboard outdated vessels. Ships that, however noble their long, long service history, may not offer the protection Federation citizens deserve.”
Picard didn’t flinch, but his jaw tightened slightly.
“The first starship you ever captained, the USS Stargazer, was a Constellation-class starship,” she continued. “That design is even older than the Excelsior-class, dating back more than ninety years. Are any Constellation-class vessels still serving on the front lines today?”
“No,” Picard said sharply. “Those ships are now assigned to transport and support roles only—not to active combat duty. The Federation does not rely on Constellation-class starships to defend its citizens.”
Tessa arched an eyebrow, her tone innocently curious. “Ah. So, there is a line, then. It’s 90-year-old designs, I suppose. Interesting.”
Comments
War sage
I must say i do like the Constellation design
David Maddern
Looking forward to the next chap no matter what. Though I do hope we get to find out what's going on with Lauren and the captured spy...lol.
David Maddern
The chapter was really heavy on exposition, but that is sometimes necessary in order to set things up for future plot points. Gothic and Tessa really laying out Starfleet's shortcomings regarding its martial aspect in regards to the H'Urk and the upcoming Dominion threats would make even a devoted peacemaker like Picard recognize the need to change. Like you had Gothic point out a few chaps ago 'Sic Vis Pacem, Para Bellum'. Now, they've pointed out the issues regarding the fleet and its outdated ships - I imagine that Gothic might bring up the past dissolution of MACO? It does seem odd that they got rid of a dedicated special forces unit...
