Bravo Fleet
Difference between pages "Pathfinder Class" and "USS Columbia"

Difference between pages "Pathfinder Class" and "USS Columbia"

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{{Specification
{{Starship
| image = [[Image:Pathfinder_Rescue_01.jpeg]]
| name = Columbia
| displayName = '''''Pathfinder'' Class'''
| prefix = USS
| name = Pathfinder
| image = [[file:ColumbiaGalaxy.jpeg]]
| affiliation = [[United Federation of Planets]]
| registry = NCC-76991
| operator = [[Starfleet]]
| class = Galaxy
| type = Explorer
| affiliation = Starfleet
| status = Active
| status = Active
| role = Deep-Space Scientific Research
| commission = 2373
| type = Long-Range Science Vessel
| decommission =  
| precedingClass =  
| destroyed =
| succeedingClass =  
| unit = Fourth Fleet Expeditionary Group
| dateEntered = 2400
| taskforce =
| productionEnd =  
| taskgroup =  
| retired =  
| squadron =  
| expectedDuration = 100 Years
| mothership =  
| expectedRefit = 10 years
| homeport =  
| timeResupply = 2 Years
| role =
| crewComplement = 120
| co = Captain
| emergencyCap = 400
| xo = Commander
| civilians =  
| dedication = [[file:ColumbiaPlaque.png]]
| populationCap =
}}
| flightCrew =
{{quote|Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold.|'''Vergil- ''Ship's Dedication Quote'''''}}
| passengers =
'''USS ''Columbia'' (NCC-76991)''' is a [[Galaxy Class|''Galaxy-''class]] explorer assigned to the [[Fourth Fleet]]. The ''Columbia'' has had a long, illustrious career serving Starfleet and is deemed one of the finest postings to be assigned.  
| length = 340 meters
| width = 130 meters
| diameter =
| height = 56 meters
| decks = 11
| propulsionSystem = Matter/Antimatter powered warp drive
| cruiseSpeed = Warp 8
| maxSpeed = Warp 9.5
| emergencySpeed = Warp 9.98
| energyWeapons = *13x Type-XII Phaser Arrays
| torpLaunchers = *2 forward
*2 aft
| torpPayload = *50 Photon Torpedoes
*50 Quantum Torpedoes
| shields = Multi-Layered Shielding System
| dockingfacilities =
| shuttleBays = 1
| shuttles = 4
| runabouts = 1 Aeroshuttle, Waverider, or similiar
| fighters =
| aux =
| msd =
| templatemode = nocats
}}The '''''Pathfinder''-class long-range science vessel''' is a modernized and specialized version of the [[Intrepid Class|''Intrepid''-class light explorer]], intended to handle scientific missions far from Federation space. Just as the ''Intrepid'' was intended as a smaller counterpart to the [[Galaxy Class|''Galaxy''-class explorer]], the ''Pathfinder'' is a smaller and much faster companion to the [[Sutherland Class|''Sutherland''-class research cruiser]]. Packed with the most advanced scientific equipment available, this nimble vessel brings bleeding-edge advancements to the darkest corners of the frontier.


== Science and Exploration ==
==Design and Layout==
The ''Pathfinder'' has the specialization of a science vessel with the extreme range of an explorer. Compared to the ''Intrepid'', she has a similar range but less endurance, as her smaller hull allows for fewer consumables or spare parts. A substantial portion of the primary hull's volume is taken up by the advanced secondary deflector array just forward of the bridge, which provides power and focusing ability to the ship's long-range sensors, space which is used for cargo storage and crew accommodations aboard the ''Intrepid.'' In effect, this means that the ''Pathfinder'' is often sent to chart a specific course or to investigate a narrow area, while an ''Intrepid'' is more capable of wandering for longer periods of time. This approach parallels the much larger [[Vesta Class|''Vesta''-class explorer]] which has a high top speed and is often sent out to answer a specific question rather to turn over every comet and asteroid in an area of space.
As one of the original six ''Galaxy''-class ships that Starfleet ordered to be built, the  ''Columbia'' retains some of its original appearance. Being one of Starfleet’s premier explorers, the ''Columbia'' has done well after almost three decades of service to keep up with the other newer explorers.


With more science labs than the [[Nova Class|''Nova'']] or [[Grissom Class|''Grissom]], the ''Pathfinder'''s primary limitation is its overall crew size, which is greater than either of these two small surveyors but reduced from the ''Intrepid.'' Unlike the ''Sutherland'', which is a university in space, the ''Pathfinder'' has focused and lean science departments. To keep their mission profiles versatile, these departments usually have just one specialist in each major area, but more generalists than ships of a similar assignment, allowing teams to shift to the appropriate discipline as necessary. Some vessels of this type are fitted out as extreme specialist units, though, with an entire crew dedicated to the study of one scientific area. Thanks to the modular nature of Starfleet vessels, a quick refit of the science labs could allow a ship of this class to be configured for archaeology, biology, or almost anything else on short notice. Given that this class has just entered service, though, there are still more generalist ''Pathfinders'' than specialist ''Pathfinders.''
===Shipboard Life===
=====Shift Duty=====
The ''Columbia'' runs on a four-shift rotation across a twenty-four-hour day. Alpha Shift ran from 0800 hours to 1400 hrs. Beta Shift ran from 1400hrs to 2000hrs. Gamma Shift starts at 2000 to 0100 hours, while Delta Shift commences at 0100 hours and finishes at 0800 hours.
=====Shift Duty In Play=====
* It is improbable that your character would be on the Alpha Shift (this is the one most of the senior staff operate).  
* While on duty (be it Beta, Gamma or Delta), your shift supervisor may be one of the Senior Staff or another higher-ranking officer.  


Unique to this class is a set of two bands of lateral sensors on the ventral side of the primary hull, which complement the band on the edge of the hull that is also found on other starship types. This extra surface area for scientific equipment makes it very easy to configure the Pathfinder for both its primary mission and to carry experiments and sensor pallets for secondary missions. The second and third bands also contain miniaturized deflector technology, which allows them to be used to focus on targets much further away than is normally possible with lateral sensors. The design of the main deflector also provides more space for mission-specific equipment.  
===Bridge, Deck One===
[[File:Columbia-bridge.jpg|300px|thumb|right|USS ''Columbia's'' bridge in 2400]] Through the years, the ''Columbia'' has received significant improvements through refits and maintenance; one area that has changed is its bridge. All stations are equipped with holographic interface technology to assist the crewmembers operating them if needed.


The ''Pathfinder'' carries a modest stock of probes but also has a dedicated probe fabrication lab, which allows new probes to be prototyped and deployed in the field. As on the ''Intrepid'', two doors on the ventral surface of the primary hull connect via shafts to labs within the interior of the saucer, allowing for the launch and retrieval of both probes and personnel in EV hardsuits.  
In the centre of the bridge is the command pit, where the chair for the captain, first officer and another senior officer are located. The command pit is surrounded by a long wooden handrail that houses the security and tactical stations. The operations and helm consoles are right before the command pit. From starboard to port along the aft bulkhead, include the consoles for Mission Ops I, the MSD and Mission Ops II. The science stations are located on the starboard side of the bridge, while the opposite side is designated for communications and engineering.


== Diplomacy ==
The aft alcove to the port side of the bridge includes two doors. One is used for turbolift access, while the other is access to bathroom facilities. In the aft alcove to the starboard side is a door leading down the corridor towards the observation lounge and another for the second turbolift. In the forward starboard alcove, one entry gives access to the emergency turbolift to the battle bridge, while on the opposite side, it gives access to the captain’s ready room.
====The Bridge In Play====
* The bridge will be a place only when an ensign needs to cover a station as part of the Beta, Delta and Gamma Shifts.


''Pathfinder''-class starships are not intended for significant diplomatic duties, but their nature as long-range starships means that they have been equipped for first contact missions. They have guest quarters and conference areas that can be configured to a wide variety of atmospheres and gravity levels, which allows them to accommodate most visitors with ease. For the most complex diplomatic assignments, they must rely on their holodecks to provide additional conference spaces. Generally, a ''Pathfinder'' captain is likely to only undertake a first contact mission if they are sure they have already been detected by a new race, as it would usually be better to summon a diplomatic ship to do so instead.
==Observation Lounge, Deck One==
[[File:Columbia-observation lounge conference.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Observation Lounge in 2400]] The observation lounge is situated at the back of the main bridge and is typically utilised as a conference room. Its noteworthy feature is the sizable windows that face aft, providing a breathtaking view of the ''Columbia'' from behind. Along the main wall are glass cabinets showcasing models of previous starships named ''Columbia'' made of gold. The middle of the bulkhead is where the computer terminals are located, which present data and information during briefings. The conference table, with seating for ten people, is the room's focal point. There are two doors at either end of the room and replicators.
====The Observation Lounge In Play====
* As an ensign, you would not be invited to a senior staff briefing; however, your department head may call you and others in your division to join them for a briefing (be it for a mission or a regular update).
* You may also receive orders to help clean the Observation Lounge.


== Engineering ==
===The Ready Room, Deck One===
[[File:Columbia-ready-room.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Captain's Ready Room]] The Captain’s Ready Room is where the commanding officer works in private or holds meetings with a few crew members. They keep a few personal items here, but it can also be used by other senior officers in charge of the bridge in his absence.
====The Ready Room In Play====
* This is the captain’s sanctum, so unless you are being spoken to directly by them (or another senior staff member), you will unlikely step foot in here.


The resemblance between this class and the ''Intrepid'' is clear, as the ''Pathfinder'' was specifically ordered as a streamlined and modernized version of the older class, optimized for deep space science assignments. While her overall length remains roughly the same, the ''Pathfinder'' is four decks shorter than the ''Intrepid'' with a corresponding decrease in internal volume. All of the cargo holds from the primary hull were removed, and so cargo operations on the ''Pathfinder'' are centralized in a large set of cargo holds under the stern of the ship.  
===Main Engineering, Deck Thirty-Six===
[[File:Columbia Main Engineering.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Main Engineering, c.2400]]Main Engineering is the heart of the ship. This is where most of the systems are maintained and is the home to the warp core. Most command functions are accessed in the centre of Engineering via the ‘pool table’. Holographic projectors are used in this room to show the status of a variety of the ship’s systems.
====Main Engineering In Play====
* If you are an engineer, then this is where you may work for most of your shift. If the Chief Engineer is off duty, then one of the shift supervisors will be in charge.
* While on duty in Main Engineering, you may be required to oversee or repair a system's diagnostic.


Small craft facilities have also been shrunk, though the ''Pathfinder'' retains a docking cradle for an integrated runabout. This cradle is itself modular, and so captains may choose between an [[Aeroshuttle]] and a [[Waverider]] from amongst the standard offerings or other craft like a [[Captain's Yacht]]. In theory, this module could also be committed entirely in favor of a large piece of scientific equipment or additional fuel tanks, but this has not yet been tested.
===Transporter Rooms===
[[File:Columbia transporter room.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The standard layout of all transporter rooms]]
One of the main forms of transport to and from the ship. The transporter rooms are usually where an away mission starts. Here away, teams will find equipment lockers outfitted with the latest devices, tools and resources needed to complete their objectives. The ''Columbia'' has at least twenty transporter rooms.
====The Transporter Room In Play====
* Ensigns going on away missions will meet here and be beamed down by whoever is on duty in the transporter room.
* If you are an engineer, you may have a shift in one of the transporter rooms. What transporter disasters may you witness?


Warp performance aboard the ''Pathfinder'' has been optimized with hull changes to enhance the integrity of the warp field, though this class retains the same basic design of warp engine developed for the ''Intrepid.'' With enhancements over the years, it now falls between the ''Intrepid'' and ''Vesta'' in terms of top speed. Because this design has been used for nearly 30 years, advances in automation have led to a smaller engineering staff, but it is still packed with enough cutting-edge technology and delicate systems to make it a challenge for any engineer. Unlike the ''Intrepid'', the ''Pathfinder'' only has a single matter/antimatter reaction assembly, i.e. warp core. The warp nacelles are articulated for variable geometry flight, raising for warp travel and lowering for impulse flight. The ''Pathfinder'' also has a set of two small impulse jets in the primary hull to enhance maneuverability.
===Sickbay, Deck 12 ===
[[File:Columbia Sickbay.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Sickbay, c.2400]]
''Columbia’s'' medical facilities are vast. Though the sickbay is large, this does not include the numerous wards and labs available to the ship’s doctors. The vessel has a suite of EMHs that can be used across the ship at any time during a crisis.
====Sickbay In Play====
* Ensigns working in the medical department, whether an assistant, nurse, or doctor-in-training, will find themselves here when on duty. Characters will encounter illnesses and injuries and participate in many treatment procedures. You may find yourself with patients who come back more than once.  
* As the ship has several EMHs (not Mark Is), what type of personalities might you encounter as one of the medical staff?
===Ten Forward, Deck 10 ===
[[File:ColumbiaTenForward.png|300px|thumb|right|Ten Forward, c.2400]] Ten Forward is the main area for socialising with other crewmembers. This is where most of the crew relax and unwind off duty. Ten Forward is operated by a Lanthanite woman named Marlagretta. She is always mixing new drinks for anyone to try and is happy to give anyone some wisdom.


As with the ''Intrepid,'' the ''Pathfinder'' is capable of routine planetary landings.  
====Ten Forward In Play====
* Crewmembers can interact with others here over a drink or something to eat.
* Ten Forward normally hosts a weekly social event, be it a musical performance, a themed evening or where a diplomatic event may take place.
* Marlagretta is the Guinan of the ''Columbia''.


== Tactical ==
===Lower Decks Social Space===
[[File:Columbia-LD-Bar.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The Lower Decks Bar]]Though Ten Forward is open to all staff, there is a large social space and bar primarily set aside for the lower deck crewmembers of the ship. This space acts as the primary cantina for the lower-ranked crew and a social area with a bar.
====Lower Decks Social Space In Play====
* Within here, players will find multiple replicators and a bar manned by a bartender who serves beverages from across the Federation and beyond.
* Based on the bar and social space seen in Lower Decks, the crew will often relax and enjoy company with their friends.
* Though primarily visited by ensigns and other low-level crew, it is common for more senior crew members to sometimes be present.


Like the ''Intrepid,'' the ''Pathfinder'' is a well-armed vessel, as Starfleet recognizes the dangers faced by ships on long-distance missions. Any ''Pathfinder'' captain understands that they are often going to be weeks from assistance, so they must be prepared to defend themselves. To this end, the ''Pathfinder'' has thirteen Type-XII phaser arrays spread around the vessel to provide comprehensive phaser coverage. Two forward torpedo launchers flank the main deflector and two aft launchers are located just behind the bridge, as on the ''Intrepid.'' In addition, the ship has two pulse phaser cannons flanking the secondary deflector, as on the ''Vesta'', to give it enough of a bite to dissuade raiders. These cannons are easily brought to bear thanks to the ship's high degree of maneuverability.
===Arboretum, Hydroponics and Labs===
[[File:ColumbiaArboretum1.png|300px|thumb|right|The Arboretum]]
Primarily used by the crew for relaxation and as an escape from the endless corridors of the ship, it is where people often feel like they can forget they are on board a starship. Associated with the arboretum is a large hydroponics complex which produces a significant amount of fruit and vegetables from all over the Federation that is used onboard the ship to give a slight taste of home. The head arborist oversees these facilities.  


The ''Pathfinder'''s smaller size compared to the ''Intrepid'' means that it has lower overall fuel reserves and smaller reactors, meaning that its combat endurance is also more limited. While a dedicated tactical vessel like the [[Manticore Class|''Manticore''-class heavy escort]] could expect to go toe-to-toe with threats for many hours, a ''Pathfinder'' must strike quickly and cleanly before making its escape. Ships of this class just don't have the ability to wear an enemy ship down and need to get to safety before their own reserves are depleted. A favored tactic for this class is an alpha strike involving a full volley of from the phaser cannons with a spread of torpdoes designed to distract an enemy or stun them as the ''Pathfinder'' retreats.  
The ship's primary botany labs are located next to these facilities used to study alien plant life.
====Arboretum and Hydroponics In Play====
* Rarely ever empty as crew, passengers and civilians alike often wander along its pathways.


Because of their advanced scientific systems, ''Pathfinder'' class ships can usually see threats from many lightyears away, which gives this class utility as a reconnaissance platform during tactical campaigns, but Starfleet is unlikely to commit a ship of this class to any serious or sustained combat operations, as they are too valuable for scientific purposes.  
===Cetacean Ops - Deck 13 and 14===
The primary cetacean ops facilities and cetacean lifeboats are located on deck 13, with the primary navigation labs linked to them extending to deck 14. These facilities and associated crew are responsible for the ship's navigation. The facility contains a large aquarium spanning the two decks. The main aquariums are linked by large connecting tunnels, which provide access to critical systems.


== Shipboard Life ==
Several Bottlenose dolphins and Beluga whales operate the facility.
====Cetacean Ops In Play====
* Few facilities are above the water to allow non-aquatic crew access to key systems.
* The facility contains several drive suits and rebreathers to allow non-aquatic crew access to the submerged tunnels and passways.
* You may also receive orders to help clean Cetacean Ops; hands are helpful.


Accommodation standards aboard a ''Pathfinder'' are roughly equivalent to those aboard the ''Intrepid,'' though with several decades of minor improvements in terms of things like shipwide holographic projectors and higher fidelity replicators. The number few specialized recreation areas (like gyms or pools) has been reduced, meaning that the crew must rely on holographic recreation for physical fitness, but there are no less than five lounges with large windows spread across the ship for crew members to take in a meal or grab a drink. Somewhat oddly for a Starfleet ship, there are no lounges that face directly forwards, which is thanks to the ship's large secondary deflector. This means that the favored crew lounge for senior officers is often the aft lounge under the shuttlebay. Medical facilities are advanced but compact.
===Crew Quarters===
[[File:ColumbiaQuarters1.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 1]]
[[File:ColumbiaQuarters2.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 2]]
[[File:ColumbiaQuarters3.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Shared Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 3]]
[[File:Columbia-LDBunkHallway.jpg|150px|thumb|right|Lower Deck Bunk Hallway]]
The ship’s living quarters come in various sizes for those with a higher rank above lieutenant commander (most of them are on the ship's edge). Those ranked Ensign have access to smaller standard-size quarters that rarely have a window. They come with a bed, a replicator, a bathroom, and a small living space. Some ensigns and other junior members share rooms too.  


''Pathfinder''-class ships are still cutting edge, and so they are a prime posting for any science officer or engineer. Pilots often are excited to join their ranks as well, given their high top speed at both warp and impulse. Command of a ''Pathfinder'' would be a serious feather in the cap of any officer, and this is not the type of assignment that generally falls to a green leader. Still few in number, these ships are assigned only to the most important scientific missions, which gives the ships an atmosphere of focus and seriousness, with excitement and tension at the prospect of finding something new bubbling under the surface. Crews aboard these ships also recognize that they are likely to be separated from their families for extended periods of time, so they savor the small windows they have of real-time connections with home.
Alongside this, the ''Columbia'' has several bunkroom corridors for those junior officers new to the ship. During the Dominion War, these hallways were used to transport troops to and from the frontlines.  


== ''Pathfinder''-class History ==
====Quarters In Play====
* As an ensign who has served on the ship for some time, you may have your own small standard-size quarters, or you may have to share with another ensign.
* The larger quarters with big windows and loads of living space are reserved solely for VIPs or other senior members of the crew. Unless you are supporting a VIP, an Ensign will not use them.
* The Lower Deck style bunkroom hallways allow for closer interaction between characters, especially those who are brand new ensigns to the ship.


The ''Pathfinder''-class design was ordered in tandem with the ''Sutherland''-class research vessel and was heavily influenced by the design of the ''Vesta''-class explorer, all of which debuted in the late 2390s. While the ''Intrepid''-class light explorer had served ably with a science bent for the past few decades, Starfleet wanted to take that design further to develop a pure science vessel using a similar space frame. This new design would use the same bleeding-edge equipment deployed on the ''Sutherland'' with the high top speed and tactical independence of the ''Vesta,'' at the expense of the ''Intrepid'''s ability to sustain long-duration missions and serve in a more generalist capacity.
===Security Office and Brig===
[[File:Columbia-brig.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Brig]]
Located on deck 21, the security office contains the office of the Chief of Security and is a station to allow the ship's security personnel to monitor internal sensors. Linked to the facility is the ship's brig, which has six separate cells, as well as the vessel’s main armoury


The design process continued throughout the 2390s, with ''Pathfinder'' herself beginning construction in 2395. The prototype was launched in 2398 while other units were brought online later in that year. Following shakedown cruises, the class formally entered service in 2400.
Upon entry, visitors will encounter the main security desk, manned around the clock, along with several other security personnel throughout the office.
====Security Office and Brig In Play====
* As a security ensign, you will most likely be operating the security desk, which is the main point of contact for any security-related issues.
* If visiting, you will not be able to gain access to anything beyond the front desk unless you have direct orders or are meeting someone.


== The ''Pathfinder'' In-Play ==
== History ==
* Outwardly resembling the ''Intrepid'' and using similar components, the ''Pathfinder'' is a more specialized vessel intended specifically for scientific missions far from home. Smaller and faster than the ''Sutherland'' and much more capable than the ''Nova'' and ''Grissom'', this ship rounds out Starfleet's scientific fleet.
The ''Columbia'' was one of the six ''Galaxy''-class spaceframes constructed but not fully assembled during the initial production run of the class, held in reserve for either a time of great need or to replace one of the original six production units. ''Columbia'' ended up doing both, as her completion and fitting out were ordered following the destruction of the USS ''Odyssey''. By the time the Dominion War broke out, her core systems such as engines and weapons were ready, but she was launched without the vast majority of her labs and crew support systems. After serving as a battleship for the duration of the war, ''Columbia'' returned to dock in 2376 and was brought up to current exploratory standards.
* Compared to the Intrepid, this ship is smaller and slightly faster, but much less versatile.
 
* This was a brand-new ship in 2400, so they are extremely rare still and command of one would be a significant achievement.
As of 2400, ''Columbia'' has been refit twice and remains a preeminent Starfleet exploratory platform.
 
===Notable Crew===
====Commanding Officers====
*2400 - 2400: [[bfms_char:44744|Captain Noah Armstrong]]
 
{{clear}}

Revision as of 22:25, 9 August 2023

ColumbiaGalaxy.jpeg
USS Columbia
General Information
Registry NCC-76991
Class & Type Galaxy-class Explorer
Affiliation Starfleet
Status Active
Commissioned 2373
Assignment
Unit Fourth Fleet Expeditionary Group
Key Personnel
Commanding Officer Captain
Executive Officer Commander
ColumbiaPlaque.png
Template:Starship
"Audentes fortuna juvat - Fortune favors the bold."
    —Vergil- Ship's Dedication Quote

USS Columbia (NCC-76991) is a Galaxy-class explorer assigned to the Fourth Fleet. The Columbia has had a long, illustrious career serving Starfleet and is deemed one of the finest postings to be assigned.

Design and Layout

As one of the original six Galaxy-class ships that Starfleet ordered to be built, the Columbia retains some of its original appearance. Being one of Starfleet’s premier explorers, the Columbia has done well after almost three decades of service to keep up with the other newer explorers.

Shipboard Life

Shift Duty

The Columbia runs on a four-shift rotation across a twenty-four-hour day. Alpha Shift ran from 0800 hours to 1400 hrs. Beta Shift ran from 1400hrs to 2000hrs. Gamma Shift starts at 2000 to 0100 hours, while Delta Shift commences at 0100 hours and finishes at 0800 hours.

Shift Duty In Play
  • It is improbable that your character would be on the Alpha Shift (this is the one most of the senior staff operate).
  • While on duty (be it Beta, Gamma or Delta), your shift supervisor may be one of the Senior Staff or another higher-ranking officer.

Bridge, Deck One

USS Columbia's bridge in 2400

Through the years, the Columbia has received significant improvements through refits and maintenance; one area that has changed is its bridge. All stations are equipped with holographic interface technology to assist the crewmembers operating them if needed.

In the centre of the bridge is the command pit, where the chair for the captain, first officer and another senior officer are located. The command pit is surrounded by a long wooden handrail that houses the security and tactical stations. The operations and helm consoles are right before the command pit. From starboard to port along the aft bulkhead, include the consoles for Mission Ops I, the MSD and Mission Ops II. The science stations are located on the starboard side of the bridge, while the opposite side is designated for communications and engineering.

The aft alcove to the port side of the bridge includes two doors. One is used for turbolift access, while the other is access to bathroom facilities. In the aft alcove to the starboard side is a door leading down the corridor towards the observation lounge and another for the second turbolift. In the forward starboard alcove, one entry gives access to the emergency turbolift to the battle bridge, while on the opposite side, it gives access to the captain’s ready room.

The Bridge In Play

  • The bridge will be a place only when an ensign needs to cover a station as part of the Beta, Delta and Gamma Shifts.

Observation Lounge, Deck One

Observation Lounge in 2400

The observation lounge is situated at the back of the main bridge and is typically utilised as a conference room. Its noteworthy feature is the sizable windows that face aft, providing a breathtaking view of the Columbia from behind. Along the main wall are glass cabinets showcasing models of previous starships named Columbia made of gold. The middle of the bulkhead is where the computer terminals are located, which present data and information during briefings. The conference table, with seating for ten people, is the room's focal point. There are two doors at either end of the room and replicators.

The Observation Lounge In Play

  • As an ensign, you would not be invited to a senior staff briefing; however, your department head may call you and others in your division to join them for a briefing (be it for a mission or a regular update).
  • You may also receive orders to help clean the Observation Lounge.

The Ready Room, Deck One

The Captain's Ready Room

The Captain’s Ready Room is where the commanding officer works in private or holds meetings with a few crew members. They keep a few personal items here, but it can also be used by other senior officers in charge of the bridge in his absence.

The Ready Room In Play

  • This is the captain’s sanctum, so unless you are being spoken to directly by them (or another senior staff member), you will unlikely step foot in here.

Main Engineering, Deck Thirty-Six

Main Engineering, c.2400

Main Engineering is the heart of the ship. This is where most of the systems are maintained and is the home to the warp core. Most command functions are accessed in the centre of Engineering via the ‘pool table’. Holographic projectors are used in this room to show the status of a variety of the ship’s systems.

Main Engineering In Play

  • If you are an engineer, then this is where you may work for most of your shift. If the Chief Engineer is off duty, then one of the shift supervisors will be in charge.
  • While on duty in Main Engineering, you may be required to oversee or repair a system's diagnostic.

Transporter Rooms

The standard layout of all transporter rooms

One of the main forms of transport to and from the ship. The transporter rooms are usually where an away mission starts. Here away, teams will find equipment lockers outfitted with the latest devices, tools and resources needed to complete their objectives. The Columbia has at least twenty transporter rooms.

The Transporter Room In Play

  • Ensigns going on away missions will meet here and be beamed down by whoever is on duty in the transporter room.
  • If you are an engineer, you may have a shift in one of the transporter rooms. What transporter disasters may you witness?

Sickbay, Deck 12

Sickbay, c.2400

Columbia’s medical facilities are vast. Though the sickbay is large, this does not include the numerous wards and labs available to the ship’s doctors. The vessel has a suite of EMHs that can be used across the ship at any time during a crisis.

Sickbay In Play

  • Ensigns working in the medical department, whether an assistant, nurse, or doctor-in-training, will find themselves here when on duty. Characters will encounter illnesses and injuries and participate in many treatment procedures. You may find yourself with patients who come back more than once.
  • As the ship has several EMHs (not Mark Is), what type of personalities might you encounter as one of the medical staff?

Ten Forward, Deck 10

Ten Forward, c.2400

Ten Forward is the main area for socialising with other crewmembers. This is where most of the crew relax and unwind off duty. Ten Forward is operated by a Lanthanite woman named Marlagretta. She is always mixing new drinks for anyone to try and is happy to give anyone some wisdom.

Ten Forward In Play

  • Crewmembers can interact with others here over a drink or something to eat.
  • Ten Forward normally hosts a weekly social event, be it a musical performance, a themed evening or where a diplomatic event may take place.
  • Marlagretta is the Guinan of the Columbia.

Lower Decks Social Space

The Lower Decks Bar

Though Ten Forward is open to all staff, there is a large social space and bar primarily set aside for the lower deck crewmembers of the ship. This space acts as the primary cantina for the lower-ranked crew and a social area with a bar.

Lower Decks Social Space In Play

  • Within here, players will find multiple replicators and a bar manned by a bartender who serves beverages from across the Federation and beyond.
  • Based on the bar and social space seen in Lower Decks, the crew will often relax and enjoy company with their friends.
  • Though primarily visited by ensigns and other low-level crew, it is common for more senior crew members to sometimes be present.

Arboretum, Hydroponics and Labs

The Arboretum
Primarily used by the crew for relaxation and as an escape from the endless corridors of the ship, it is where people often feel like they can forget they are on board a starship. Associated with the arboretum is a large hydroponics complex which produces a significant amount of fruit and vegetables from all over the Federation that is used onboard the ship to give a slight taste of home. The head arborist oversees these facilities.

The ship's primary botany labs are located next to these facilities used to study alien plant life.

Arboretum and Hydroponics In Play

  • Rarely ever empty as crew, passengers and civilians alike often wander along its pathways.

Cetacean Ops - Deck 13 and 14

The primary cetacean ops facilities and cetacean lifeboats are located on deck 13, with the primary navigation labs linked to them extending to deck 14. These facilities and associated crew are responsible for the ship's navigation. The facility contains a large aquarium spanning the two decks. The main aquariums are linked by large connecting tunnels, which provide access to critical systems.

Several Bottlenose dolphins and Beluga whales operate the facility.

Cetacean Ops In Play

  • Few facilities are above the water to allow non-aquatic crew access to key systems.
  • The facility contains several drive suits and rebreathers to allow non-aquatic crew access to the submerged tunnels and passways.
  • You may also receive orders to help clean Cetacean Ops; hands are helpful.

Crew Quarters

Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 1
Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 2
Shared Junior Officer's Quarters Layout 3
Lower Deck Bunk Hallway

The ship’s living quarters come in various sizes for those with a higher rank above lieutenant commander (most of them are on the ship's edge). Those ranked Ensign have access to smaller standard-size quarters that rarely have a window. They come with a bed, a replicator, a bathroom, and a small living space. Some ensigns and other junior members share rooms too.

Alongside this, the Columbia has several bunkroom corridors for those junior officers new to the ship. During the Dominion War, these hallways were used to transport troops to and from the frontlines.

Quarters In Play

  • As an ensign who has served on the ship for some time, you may have your own small standard-size quarters, or you may have to share with another ensign.
  • The larger quarters with big windows and loads of living space are reserved solely for VIPs or other senior members of the crew. Unless you are supporting a VIP, an Ensign will not use them.
  • The Lower Deck style bunkroom hallways allow for closer interaction between characters, especially those who are brand new ensigns to the ship.

Security Office and Brig

Brig

Located on deck 21, the security office contains the office of the Chief of Security and is a station to allow the ship's security personnel to monitor internal sensors. Linked to the facility is the ship's brig, which has six separate cells, as well as the vessel’s main armoury

Upon entry, visitors will encounter the main security desk, manned around the clock, along with several other security personnel throughout the office.

Security Office and Brig In Play

  • As a security ensign, you will most likely be operating the security desk, which is the main point of contact for any security-related issues.
  • If visiting, you will not be able to gain access to anything beyond the front desk unless you have direct orders or are meeting someone.

History

The Columbia was one of the six Galaxy-class spaceframes constructed but not fully assembled during the initial production run of the class, held in reserve for either a time of great need or to replace one of the original six production units. Columbia ended up doing both, as her completion and fitting out were ordered following the destruction of the USS Odyssey. By the time the Dominion War broke out, her core systems such as engines and weapons were ready, but she was launched without the vast majority of her labs and crew support systems. After serving as a battleship for the duration of the war, Columbia returned to dock in 2376 and was brought up to current exploratory standards.

As of 2400, Columbia has been refit twice and remains a preeminent Starfleet exploratory platform.

Notable Crew

Commanding Officers

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