USS Bell Rock

"No Man is useless whilst he has a friend."

—Robert Louis Stevenson. - Ship's Dedication Quote

USS Bell Rock NCC-68823 is a Norway-class Federation starship currently assigned to Fourth Fleet's Task Force 47, acting as a mobile diplomatic platform throughout the Fleet's field of operations

Namesake

Named for the oldest sea-washed (free-standing in the water) lighthouse off the northern coast of Arbroath, Scotland.

Mission Profile

With the recent increase of tensions on the Klingon/Gorn border, Bell Rock (known affectionately as ‘the Rock’) has found its mission roster grow exponentially, as a mobile platform for diplomatic rendevous, she has quickly become an invaluable asset to the Federation.

To aid in its diplomatic missions the vessel features a small permanent group from the Federation Diplomatic Corp. Whilst they do not lend the vessel any special prestige or status they provide crucial support to its ongoing work ensuring that the ship’s expansive ambassadorial facilities and resources are ready to facilitate meetings with a multitude of parties. Whether it’s making sure the Gagh is fresh when meeting with House Lorkoth or ensuring the Kanar is fully stocked when negotiating with a Gul of the Cardassian Union, the diplomatic attachés aboard Bell Rock are always at the ready.

Service History

Launched in 2375 as part of rebuilding efforts following the Dominion War, where simpler designs allowed for Starfleet to be reinforced quickly, Bell Rock had a relatively uneventful first decade. Serving in the Federation interior she played host to numerous trade re-negotiations and ambassadorial visits; eventually finding herself a niche as the perfect backdrop for membership celebrations, hosting over 24 separate anniversary celebrations for minor Federation members.

In 2385 the vessel was transferred to the Fourth Fleet, initially intended to operate with Task Force 86 on the Klingon border but when the Romulan Supernova created a humanitarian crisis in Romulan space she was transferred to support ongoing efforts helping the Romulan people. Providing a discrete and secure location for groups to meet with Federation representatives she worked throughout the region, darting back and forth across the ever-shifting territorial lines. When the Star Empire finally fractured in the 2390s Bell Rock was withdrawn from the border to allow the moving of larger assets from more stable locations and she returned to the Federation interior. In 2400 when the Fourth Fleet began construction on Deep Space 47, Bell Rock found itself on the frontier again when it was assigned to Task Force 47, working throughout its field of operations as an example of the Federation's good intentions. A regular feature at both of TF47’s bases, her diplomatic and operations teams are regularly found throughout the station’s markets collecting the best quality supplies for their next foray into diplomacy.

Configuration and Design

A product of the Federation’s post-Wolf 359 efforts to develop new ship construction methods Bell Rock’s missions benefit from the Norway-class’ spacious interiors and dedicated diplomatic suites. Featuring extensive improvements to environmental services and life support systems Bell Rock can adapt large portions of its internal volume to alternative atmospheres and biomes, including the ability to convert the forward portion of its mid-deck to an aquatic environment.

Bell Rock also takes advantage of the classes’ additional internal volume to carry large amounts of raw materials. It holds a small number of industrial-scale replicators in its dorsal cargo bay which has large bay doors to the exterior of the vessel, allowing the crew to provide immediate services and benefits to potential allies and friends. More than once the ability to immediately contribute has clinched a particularly difficult diplomatic negotiation.

Crew & Characters

Captain Bernard McCauldy (58, Human Male)

Hailing from the distant shores of the Scottish Hebridian islands MacCauldy appears more at home on the shoreside rather than aboard a starship in deep space, his white hair and thick beard only serving to accentuate his air of ‘disgruntled fisherman’. Beneath his gruff exterior, however, lies an esteemed Captain with decades of experience around the negotiating table. Having spent more than a decade working on the Klingon border he has earned the respect and favour of several notable generals, mostly because he can hold his drink.
McCauldy is a stoic man approaching his sixth decade and despite his diplomatic history, has little patience for frivolity and mindless conversation. Known for offering his honest opinion and to-the-point attitude his presence can be both a help and a hindrance. Some will respect his frankness, others may find it problematic.

Diplomatic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Grolana Tosh (37, Tellarite Female)

Tosh spent much of her youth flying around the Federation interior watching from the sidelines as her parents negotiated trade deals and resolved interplanetary disputes. Every day brought a new lesson, whether that be the correct order to serve traditional Vulcan tea or which shade of red is unlucky on Telvon Prime, and she took them all to heart. Now The Rock’s chief diplomatic officer, she treats every meeting with the same import as the Khitomer accords, having witnessed first-hand the complexities of diplomacy.
Approaching middle age by Tellarite standards, Tosh is a competent young woman with several years of service with both Starfleet’s diplomatic officers and with the Federation’s larger Diplomatic corps. She is always well-presented and even in the midst of a crisis, never appears flustered. Beneath the surface, her commitment to perfection can mean she becomes immobilised over details and more than once she’s been found debating the menu with the chef, just as dinner service was commencing.

In Play

The Norway class is a capable light cruiser and has served Starfleet for several decades as a multirole vessel with a focus on diplomatic services. Bell Rock has had several upgrades over the years to improve its accessibility for visiting groups and as a result, often finds itself in situations with particularly ‘alien’ visitors. The vessel is also a useful asset to members who may be writing for smaller commands or ships without high-level diplomatic services who want to explore ‘dinner with the ambassador’ style stories.
As a relatively modern light cruiser Bell Rock often finds itself deployed to locations on the Federation’s borders, where less-than-friendly beings might attempt to disrupt negotiations and take advantage of visiting dignitaries. Though Bell Rock is a fairly capable combatant she is easily overwhelmed when faced with multiple vessels and is more likely to play defence with its heavy shields and armour whilst they call for help.
Whilst the Federation does not engage in clandestine operations, preferring to resolve their disputes openly with discussion and debate, they are not so naive as to assume that others hold the same values or obey the same rules. Bell Rock provides an important benefit to its diplomatic missions, mobility, allowing for a safe and secure location to be quickly sent to areas which require the high-level diplomatic services normally found on a large explorer or Starbase.

Notable Crew

Commanding Officers

2401 - Present : Captain Bernard McCauldy