USS Whirlwind
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- "The stars don’t look bigger, but they do look brighter"
- —Sally Ride - Ship's Dedication Quote
USS Whirlwind (NCC-90006) is a Typhoon-class Federation starship currently assigned to the Fourth Fleet's Odyssey Squadron for long-range exploration, scientific research, and multi-mission support operations in the Delta Quadrant. As of 2403, it is under the command of Captain Max Duncan.
Originally, the Whirlwind was sent to the Delta Quadrant in mid-2402 to undertake surveillance on the rise of the Vaadwaur Supremacy after they launched multiple incursions into the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. While in the Delta Quadrant, it would attempt to make contact with the Odyssey and Constellation Squadrons and support them in undertaking retaliation strikes. Sadly, the Whirlwind never made it in time and was heavily damaged when its Quantum Slipstream Drive failed, causing it to be caught in underspace and attacked by the Vaadwaur. The ship was eventually found, repaired and re-crewed by the USS Odyssey at the beginning of 2403, almost eight months after it was sent to the Delta Quadrant.
Design & Layout
For the article, see Typhoon-class.The Whirlwind adheres to the same minimalistic design aesthetics as most modern ships constructed in the twenty-fifth century. When it was decided the ship would be outfitted to head to the Delta Quadrant to gain reconnaissance on the Vaadwaur and make contact with the Odyssey Squadron, certain extra systems and redundancies were installed while it was docked at Deep Space 19. Though not designed specifically for deep-space exploration, these systems were aimed to provide the Whirlwind with the resources it needed to undertake its mission and return home safely.
One thing that does stand out is the many subtle references to Vulcan ideology and culture. The Whirlwind was originally crewed by a large number of Vulcans and was launched from Vulcan itself.
Bridge, Deck One
The Whirlwind’s bridge followed the same layout as other ships, unfortunately, though during a battle with the Vaadwaur in late 2402, the bridge itself was destroyed, killing everyone on it. The bridge was eventually rebuilt after the ship was saved by the Odyssey.
Seleya’s Rest, Deck Eight
The Seleya’s Rest is the Whirlwind’s largest and most popular crew lounge located on the most forward section of deck eight. Named by the Whirlwind’s original commanding officer, the Seleya’s Rest is named for Mount Seleya on Vulcan. Captain Varik felt the name was acceptable and poetic, suggesting elevation, introspection, and quiet strength for a place where the crew would relax and unwind.
The Seleya’s Rest provides cushioned areas where the crew can gather in small groups, with meditation spots and comfortable seating for contemplative discussions. The area can be easily configured to host diplomatic events.
The Rip Current, Deck Eight
The Rip Current is the Whirlwind’s smaller, more informal bar on the starboard side of Deck Eight. Designed and named by Lieutenant Pecan Barrel, the ship’s exocomp chief engineer, the venue reflects the vessel’s name and dynamic spirit. Soft blue-green lighting, wave-inspired design elements, and a curved bar reminiscent of a breaking swell give the space a subtle maritime and surfing aesthetic.
Popular with junior officers and off-duty crew, The Rip Current serves a rotating selection of cocktails, ales, and non-alcoholic synth beverages, including house specials such as the Stellar Swell and Hang Ten. Livelier than the ship’s main lounge, it is known for its relaxed atmosphere, low music, and easy camaraderie.
Specific Technical Information
Outfitted with the latest technology on offer to Starfleet, the Whirlwind was already an advanced vessel upon its launch. However, the additional systems installed prior to its mission to the Delta Quadrant only enhanced it further.
Quantum Slipstream Drive (no longer operational)
A QSD system and its associate technoligies were installed to facilitate the ship’s long-distance journey to the Delta Quadrant. This included some experimental systems to ensure the ship could find its target. If its mission failed, the Whirlwind would be one of the last ships left to maintain the spirit of the Federation far from home territory. Unfortunately, the QSD core had to be ejected after the ship sustained heavy damage. The destruction of the QSD and the ship’s remaining benamite crystals prevented the chance for the ship from rebuilding the core. As a result, after the ship was rescued and repaired, replacement twin warp cores were installed.
Emergency Holographic Programs
Like so many other ships in the fleet, the Whirlwind was equipped with a range of holographic crew members to assist with day-to-day operations and emergencies. Each hologram appeared as a Vulcan and bore a Vulcan name.
- Emergency Command Hologram: T’Varis (female)
- Emergency Medical Hologram: Doctor Selvek (male)
- Emergency Engineering Holographic Team:
- Norvek (male)
- Velarik (female)
- T’Serath (female)
- Kovren (male)
- Emergency Tactical Hologram: Sorvek (male)
- Emergency Navigational Hologram: T’Lirien (female)
- Emergency Training Hologram: Lirena (female)
Auxiliary Craft
A full complement of shuttles, runabouts and fighters is assigned to the Whirlwind.
History
2401-2402
Constructed at the 40 Eridani A Starfleet Construction Yards, the Whirlwind was launched in early 2401 and was sent on a shakedown cruise towards Deep Space 19, in the Alcor Sector. The ship would perform routine tests in the Kovar system before joining in a cultural exchange with the synthetic lifeforms who lived on Coppelius in the Vayt sector.
Command of the ship was given to Captain Varik, a noted Vulcan cyberneticist, who would lead the diplomatic overtures with the Coppelius people. The crew consisted of fifty per cent who were Vulcan, ten per cent who were cybernetic lifeforms (mainly exocomps), and the rest a mixture of species from across the Federation. Varik believed in the Vulcan philosophy of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations and wanted this reflected with his crew and the ship.
Once the ship had arrived at Deep Space 19, the crew worked with the station to deal with the ramifications of the Blackout phenomenon that disrupted travel and communication across the Federation and other neighbouring worlds. Thankfully, the Alcor and Vyatt sectors were not completely affected but were surrounded by other affected sectors. This meant coordinated efforts were needed to support the nearby worlds in danger. When it was revealed that the Vaadwaur were behind what was happening and were launching multiple incursions into Federation space, it was decided that the Whirlwind would gain further reconnaissance on this revived Delta Quadrant civilisation. Vice Admiral Jaret, commander of Deep Space 19, authorised the installation of a quantum slipstream drive on the Whirlwind and other updates. As the only vessel in the area that could be outfitted and sent to the Delta Quadrant, there was no other choice but to send the Whirlwind. After construction on the drive was completed, the Whirlwind was launched and sent on her way.
The journey to the Delta Quadrant at maximum slipstream velocities took several weeks. This long, silent journey tested the crew’s resolve to help those they left behind. Eventually, they arrived in the Gradin Belt region of the Delta Quadrant, to discover that the Vaadwaur had not emerged there at all. Contacting the Starfleet force via the limited presence on the Markonian Outpost, the Whirlwind crew soon decided to trace the footsteps of the Odyssey Squadron, who had not been heard from while in the Swallow Nebula area. It was believed that perhaps the same blackout phenomena existed there, as Starfleet had not heard from the deep-space expeditionary force for several weeks. The Whirlwind re-entered slipstream velocities and headed to their next destination.
While in the Swallow Nebula area, the Whirlwind determined that the Odyssey Squadron had been there but had disappeared without a trace. Concerned that the entire group of ships were lost, the Whirlwind remained in the area, investigating any leads from a range of civilisations the squadron had engaged with. It wasn’t until a few days later that the Whirlwind intercepted a datastream that was being sent towards the Alpha Quadrant. The datastream had a Federation signal. After being able to download the data stream, they discovered that it came from the USS Odyssey. The Odyssey and her companions were all in the Nacene Reach and had shared limited intelligence on a Vaadwaur presence. Varik ordered the ship to head towards its next destination.
During mid-flight to the Nacene Reach, a point four-seven phase variance appeared in the slipstream threshold. This caused a lot of issues for the Whirlwind. It somehow pulled the ship into an undiscovered underspace corridor with a fracture along its radial wall. This caused significant damage to the ship, which was in further danger when it was attacked by Vaadwaur ships while in the underspace corridor. The Vaadwaur forced them into open space, and the Whirlwind fought hard to destroy its attackers. Though they were successful, a significant proportion of the ship was heavily damaged, and many on the crew were killed, including most of the bridge crew, most notably Captain Varik.
The ship was adrift for some time before its distress call was picked up by the Odyssey. The survivors were saved, and repairs to the ship began almost immediately.
Ship Lineage and Legacy
The Whirlwind, like many other Typhoon-class ships, is named after the meteorological phenomenon. It is the third ship in the Federation to have this name.
- USS Whirlwind (NCC-1651) - Nimitz-class heavy cruiser
- 2251-2278 (Destroyed)
- USS Whirlwind (NCC-26653) - Ambassador-class emissary
- 2338-2374 (Destroyed)
Notable Crew
Command Staff
- Commanding Officer:
- Captain Varik (Vulcan Male) (2402-2403)
- Captain Max Duncan-Court (2403 - Present)
- Executive Officer:
- Commander S'Teris (Vulcan Female) (2402-2403)
- Commander Tobias Duncan-Court (Human Male) (2403+)
- Second Officer:
- Commander Valrine (Vulcan Female) (2402-2403)
- Commander Tremt Hunsen (Betazoid Male) (2403+)
- Third Officer:
- Commander Angelica Salazar (Human Female) (2402+)
Senior Staff/Department Heads
- Chief Flight Control Officer:
- Chief Science Officer:
- Commander Valrine (Vulcan Female) (2402-2403)
- Lieutenant Junior Grade Samwell Bollwyn (Ventaxian Male) (2403+)
- Chief Medical Officer:
- Chief Counsellor:
- Lieutenant T'Lana (Vulcan Female) (2402-2403)
- Commander Louwanna Horin (Betazoid Female) (2403+)
- Chief Engineer:
- Lieutenant Pecan Barrel (Exocomp synthetic lifeform) (2402-2403)
- Commander Tremt Hunsen (Betazoid Male) (2403+)
- Chief Operations Officer:
- Lieutenant junior grade OIiver Fenton (Human Male) (2402+)
- Chief Security & Tactical Officer:
- Commander Angelica Salazar (Human Female) (2402+)