Battle Cruiser (Sapphirean)

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A battle cruiser is a variant of the Defender Class Starship that provides tactical support to Exploring Expeditions. The Permanent Sapphire Defense Situation has the ships built under a custom design with upgraded armor, shields, and weapons systems. These vessels are 40 meters longer than a standard Defender Class and carry a significantly higher weapons load.
Battle Cruisers typically carry two heavy squadrons of Aesalon series Attack/Point Defense ships (sometimes known as the Falco Mark Six); a variant of the Falconidae series of Attack Ships employed for system defense throughout the Sapphire system and on other Free Alliance ships. Additionally, they carry a support squadron of Aptenode-series transport shuttles.
==Crew==
A typical crew complement of a Battle Cruiser is 900-1000 crew plus 100 Warfighter Specialists; although it is common that all members of the crew will have combat training. Crew members are cross-trained to perform multiple roles; for example, doubling as a helmsman and as a flight technician. Although they may be crewed with personnel from any world, they operate specifically under Sapphirean Flag and Sumacian command and operational protocols, most commonly in support of Exploring Expeditions sponsored by the Free Worlds Alliance.
==Quarters and Amernities:==
Crew quarters are typical for a Defender Type Vessel, allowing single occupancy compartments for officers and visitors and shared accommodations for crewmen, who can be bunked in arrangements of four-to-six. Compartments typically contain a sleeping unit, storage space, shared hygiene pod, and work space. Meals are taken in any of several dining halls of various size. Lounges permit access to entertainment. Recreational facilities are maintained for morale and physical fitness. Virtual environments are also accessible for purposes of recreation and training.
==Naming: ==
The PSDS makes it a point to give these ships names intended to threaten and intimidate adversaries. Known examples of the type include:
*Skullcrusher
*Doombringer
*Punisher
*Mutilator
*Blood Rain
*Deathblow
*Warhammer
*Widowmaker
*Bonestorm
*Stormbreaker