USS Durandal

"Quality is not an act. It is a habit. "

—Aristotle - Ship's Dedication Quote

USS Durandal NCC-69210 is a Saber-class Federation starship currently assigned to Fourth Fleet's Task Force 47, providing escort and policing duties throughout the fleet’s fields of operation.

Dedication & Namesake

Named for Roland’s sword, a paladin & champion of Charlamagne’s army during his unification of Central and Western Europe.

Misson Summary

With increased civilian traffic throughout the border regions comes increased criminal opportunities. Around the frontier bases, particularly Deep Space 47 and K-74 nefarious beings are on the prowl for vulnerable ships, Durandal has been assigned to support the Task Force’s policing efforts maintaining the safety and security of these pioneers and adventurers. Nimble and resilient, Durandal is often assigned escort duties to convoys and divisions in high-risk areas as well as investigatory roles combatting pirate activity.

Service History

Part of Starfleet’s wave of small starships rushed out from the fleet yards to consolidate and reinforce the fleet following the Dominion War, Durandal left the arms of Utopia Planitia in 2377 with 5 other Saber-class ships that launched the same day. Initially assigned to the Cardassian border pursuing the remnants of the Union that had begun forming the True Way, Durandal spent its first-decade protecting trade convoys and escorting humanitarian flights into Cardassian territory, who often encountered opportunistic scavengers and zealots attempting to secure supplies.

Late in 2387 following the Romulan Supernova, Durandal was redeployed to the Romulan border to provide escort services to the large number of refugees departing Romulan space, running hundreds of flights back and forth between Federation humanitarian bases along the border and edge of the collapsing Star Empire, where angry rebels and pirates sought to take advantage of the panicked fleeing civilians.

When Fleet Command began construction of DS47 in 2400, Durandal found a new home in the Thomar Expanse initially providing security to the fledgling station but as Task Force 47’s remit expanded across Federation space so did the ship’s field of operations. Today she is a regular visitor to many of the Fourth Fleet's frontier locations, chasing down leads in their latest investigation.

Configuration and Design

The Saber-class ships are some of the smallest craft fielded by Starfleet, and are designed with robustness in mind. Building on the robust and rugged design of the class Durandal has had several upgrades over the years focused on her engines and navigation systems. Boasting more responsive engine vectoring and thrusters, which combined with improved structural integrity fields and deflector systems allow her to provide extended combat support with space superiority tactics akin to fighter craft. Not only does this nimbleness aid her when escorting large groups of starships but also when navigating the complex asteroid belts and hazardous environments her pirate quarry often prefers to call home.

Since her transfer to TF47 Durandal has also received some refits to her cargo capabilities in the shape of improved support systems and control measures with Fleet command taking advantage of the small ship's comparatively large cargo space to utilise her as a fast transport for sensitive items and people. She is often seen darting across the Federation’s borders, delivering important and time-sensitive assets throughout the region.

Crew & Characters

Commander Syre Ashimola (28, Andorian Female)

An up-and-coming officer, Commander Ashimoa was recently brought in to command Durandal due to her expertise in combatting pirates in the lesser populated southern reaches of Federation space. She is still finding her feet with a crew who are, by nature of the small vessel, very familiar with one another and this can show itself in a tense atmosphere onboard.
Ashimola is fast of thought and even faster of action, which can sometimes get her into trouble with her superiors, (and the mission parameters) particularly when a more seasoned officer has come to render her aid. More confident than arrogant she is used to having to make quick decisions in a crisis and sometimes forgets the wisdom in shared opinions.
Beneath the surface Ashimola is actually quite nervous, Durandal is her first full command and is harbouring quite a bit of anxiety about her performance as a ship’s commander. Other captains who encounter her will find her quietly looking for teaching and mentorship moments out in the lonely realms of deep space.

Lieutenant Commander Juno Fenneck (40, Bajoran Female)

Juno is a proud child of Bajor, having served in the Bajoran Militia as a police officer and detective for several years before transferring to Starfleet in 2389 as one of the first people to graduate from the new Starfleet Academy annex. Not only is she Durandal’s first officer but also considered ‘first’ amongst the ship’s makeshift family and works tirelessly for the benefit of the crew, her current task finding a way of bringing their new commander into the fold.
An experienced investigator and civil enforcement officer, Juno applies these skills with gusto to Durandal’s pirate hunting and coastguard duties, often providing useful insights from her ‘beat-cop’ past to the mission’s intelligence. This history does make her wary and she’s slow to trust information that comes from less than reputable sources and may object to trusting law-breakers to begin with.
Having served in law enforcement for many years, Juno is a reliable officer and calm under pressure with a clear idea of right and wrong under the law, a rigidity that can sometimes conflict with other officers. A strong leader for the crew, she embodies the Federation’s ideals of justice, believing there is a law for a reason.

In Play

The Saber class is a product of Starfleet’s revolutionary changes in ship design following the battle of Wolf 359 and was designed alongside the Defiant class to be a small, fast-moving combat cutter. Durandal has taken this further with her recent upgrades to improve her speed and manoeuvrability. She is an excellent addition to any situation where members need a little extra bite in dealing with a foe or want to take advantage of the ship’s excellent manoeuvrability to help in a dangerous space setting.
With less than 100 people on board and limited space, Durandal is more akin to a coastguard ship that ventures out from the base for short periods rather than spending extended time ‘at-sea’. Resources aboard the ship are limited and the crew are likely to call for help quickly after their initial investigations. Members may find them calling for assistance in pursuing a particularly difficult or well-established foe where a single small vessel might not be sufficient.
Fast, nimble and somewhat overpowered Durandal is a speedy boat, often found crisscrossing the border regions and offers an excellent way to have officers and supplies delivered and collected from a member’s command. Members may also find the ship useful to have in the proverbial pocket to facilitate ‘safety in numbers’ moments for solo commands.

Notable Crew

Commanding Officers

2401 - Present : Commander Syre Ashimola