USS Tyson

USS Tyson NCC-74439 is a Nova-class Federation starship currently assigned to the Fourth Fleet Expeditionary Group. A small science vessel, her primary purpose is for the surveying of planetary systems and other work of scientific charting and study within and beyond Federation space.

The Tyson is a textbook example of brains over brawn; not built to chase glory, but will linger where it counts. Her eleven specialized labs, massive sensor arrays, small fleet of probes and the ability to land on planetary surfaces to turn into a temporary research outpost, enable her to conduct in-depth surveys of individual star systems or planets.

While VIP-suites exist, the ship’s comparatively slow pace and purpose make her a courier at best, and unsuitable for extended diplomatic endeavours.

History

The USS Tyson was originally ordered in the early 2370s, but delayed due to design concerns following the USS Equinox’s disappearance. Construction resumed during the Dominion War, allowing her to launch in 2384.

In the late 2390s, she was assigned to the politically sensitive Thomar Expanse, where she used her small size and durability for independent research missions.

After a harrowing journey through Underspace in 2401 and following extensive repairs, the Tyson was assigned to the Fourth Fleet Expeditionary Group.

Design

The Tyson’s design is very similar to that of the Intrepid-class, but proportional to the size of ship and crew. Corridors are narrow but functional, while the bridge is compact, efficient, and designed for reliability and speed-

Shipboard life

With only eighty souls aboard, the Tyson is intimate and intensively collaborative.

Quarters are tight: senior officers get a combined bedroom/livingroom area, while the captain and XO enjoy slightly more space on Deck One. Junior officers share suites, and enlisted bunk together in groups of up to eight - an arrangement that forces the crew to live with, and around, each other.

Despite its modest size, the Tyson boasts two observation lounges, two small holodecks, and a recreational area that emphasizes large impact on little space.

Gravity Well

The Gravity Well is the ship’s cocktail lounge.

Its modern design clashes with the rest of the ship - curved glass panels, polished metal accents, a dark wood-finish counter. Shelves lined with bottles - some replicated, some not - constitute the decoration.

The mood is set by the artistry of the drinks themselves, and seating is deliberately social - clustered lounges with low lighting, high tables for conversations, and a viewport stretch for quiet contemplation.

Auxiliary Vessels

The Maximilian boasts two shuttles housed in its shuttlebay, such as the Higgs boson.

The USS Tyson In-Play

The Tyson is a small ship with a specialised purpose - in this case, surveying and exploration - that may be ideal for missions about scientific adventures, or, again, stories about a crew out of their depth against a big challenge.