USS Achilles

USS Achilles (NCC-78250) is the lead vessel of the Achilles-class destroyer, assigned to the Fourth Fleet's Arcturus Wayfinding Squadron. First built in the closing days of the Dominion War, Achilles was launched in 2375 and served for five years with a predominantly Andorian crew under the command of Captain Vylenn. The ship and the entire class were placed into mothballs in mid-2380 to be preserved in the event of another galaxy-spanning conflict. After undergoing a six-month refit and modernization in 2401, Achilles was reactivated in 2402 and once again placed under the command of Captain Vyleen, but now with a multi-species crew.

Namesake

In Greek mythology, Achilles was the best of the Greek warriors at Troy ("aristos achaion") and his refusal to enter battle, his fued with his compatriots, and his rage at the death of his companion Patroklos are at the core of the Iliad. Achilles was characterized as much by his speed, skill, and bravery as he was by his hubris and egotism. A rendering of Achilles and Patroklos forms the crest of the Achilles's seal.

On Earth, ten warships of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy and one of the Royal New Zealand Navy were named after Achilles. Four other Federation starships have borne the name Achilles, including an Echelon-class light cruiser that succeeded this Achilles in name but which was renamed when this vessel was returned to service:

• USS Achilles — Saladin-class frigate — NCC-551
  • 2261—2280 (Upcycled into NCC-5510)
• USS Achilles — Akula-class frigate — NCC-5510
  • 2280—2340 (Retired)
• USS Achilles — Ambassador-class heavy cruiser — NCC-28410
  • 2343—2370 (Retired)
• USS Achilles — Achilles-class destroyer —NCC-78250
  • 2375—2380 (Mothballed)
  • 2380—Present (Recomissioned)
• USS Achilles - Echelon-class light cruiser — NCC-97409
  • 2401—2402 (Renamed Talos)

Layout and Configuration

While she has been modernized, the upgrades to Achilles have been limited to her engines and tactical systems—her interior is very much reflective of construction techniques used during the Dominion War. With narrow corridors and single doors in most areas, Achilles is functional but cramped vessel.

Main Bridge

The bridge of Achilles is compact and functional.

Resembling the bridge of contemporary Defiant-class escorts, the main bridge aboard Achilles is the same module as the ship was originally equipped with in 2375. The command platform in the center features a raised chair for the captain in the center, with the helm and tactical stations forward in an integrated console. Behind this area is an aft-facing station for the executive officer and a dedicated communications station. The stations on the port side of the bridge starting from the captain's chair are engineering, internal security, and environment. On the starboard side, they are operations, science, and mission operations. This layout optimizes the ship for tactical operations, but individual stations can be reconfigured on the fly to handle specific mission objectives.

Though 25 years old at this point, the finishes and upholstery on the bridge are in mint condition, thanks to being preserved perfectly by the mothballing process at Avalon Fleet Yards. Starship enthusiasts might even describe the current state of the ship as "museum quality." The control surfaces all retain standard LCARS interfaces, though the internal components within the bridge consoles have been updated with the latest bioneural-isolinear hybrid chips. The bridge has also been fitted with holographic capabilities that allow for head's up displays to be projected at any station or the captain's chair, when additional screen real estate is necessary. As Achilles now features several generations of computer equipment, the meshing of these systems is not always seamless or smooth, however.

History

Notable Crew

Commanding Officers

• 2375 - 2380: Captain Vyllen
• 2380 - 2402: Out of Commission
• 2402 - Present: Captain Vylenn