Ships of the Jovian Confederation Vol I

1.1 Ships of the Jovian Confederation

The Jovian Confederation, being a space-based nation, relies extensively on its fleets to enforce its sovereignty and to protect its people. With the numerous battles and incidents that have littered the late 2200s and the early 2210s, the fleet has been given additional importance by the Jovian government, with a corresponding increase in ship building and refitting.

This manual intents to cover the main operating procedures employed by the Jovian Confederation's space navy, both in the field and within its own structure. The book will also take a look at some of the ships that make it all possible. The following pages contain extended information for three significant Jovian Armed Forces vessels. Individually, they are smaller than the Godsfire-class battleships and less awe-inspiring than the Valiant-class strike carrier, but they are constantly in use, in war and in peace, backing up the Jovian might projected by the larger vessels.

The three ships described here are the Alexander-class destroyer, Forge-class patrol carrier and Yuri-Gagarin class fleet tender. Each chapter includes partial floor plans, details of the specialized systems, interviews with crew members and a brief history of the vessels that make up that class.

Following the individual ship descriptions, the Operations chapter details the common engineering systems, traditions and procedures used by the Jovian Armed Forces. For tactical gamers, there are descriptions of the standard Jovian fleet tactics. Game play information, such as character archetypes, additional rules and new equipment, will be useful regardless of which vessel(s) may be featured in a campaign.

1.2 Anatomy of a Space Ship

A space ship is much more than just a means to get from one point to another in the solar system. It is also an independent, self-sustaining environment where human beings can live protected from the harsh conditions of space. Much of the internal space of the vessels is in fact dedicated to the above, with very little -- relative to the overall size of the hull -- space left over for crew quarters. For all their gigantic size, modern space ships are, in fact, quite light.

Space ship designs are based around a set of modules (commonly referred to as "sections") that have a self-contained life support environment. Each section fulfills a specific task, be it propulsion, combat, housing, etc. Most designs include explosive bolts in the structure to separate sections that pose a threat to the rest of the vessel.

1.2 Ship Modules

A ship needs many systems in order to function. In order to save both time and money, and to facilitate emergency repairs in deep space, Jovian engineers have always tended to use standardized systems on as many ships as possible. These modules, though not entirely self-contained, could then be readily adapted to fit a wide number of ship classes and types, making design, repairs and maintenance much easier.

Almost all modules can trace their technological ancestry to one or more design elements of the twenty-first and twenty-second centuries spacecraft that were used to colonize the solar system. Some relatively low-tech parts, such as pressure tanks and cargo racks, have changed very little in outward appearance -- they have merely become lighter and thinner, but no less strong.

At the end of the twenty-second century, a JAF General called Byron MacLeod presented an innovative proposal to the Jovian high command: a fleet of vessels based on standardized, mass-produced modules that could be readily replaced for repairs and upgrades. Current ship hulls could even be retrofitted to use the new modules. Despite some resistance from older officers who felt that each ship was an individual, MacLeod's successors (he had retired in the interim) received the go-ahead to start an ambitious program of modernization of the Jovian fleet that is still going on today. In fact, the repairs that follow the battle of Mars in the Summer of 2213 will likely accelerate the process.

The following texts detail some of the most common modules currently in use with the ships presented in this book. All were designed for the multi-role ship design program of the JAF -- also known as the MacLeod Modular Ship System. Since they are more or less self-contained, both in terms of hardware and game stats, they can be easily used to upgrade or modify designs by fitting them to existing ship hulls and recalculating performances. The game statistics for each part is given in the respective ship's sheet, as noted in the description of the following pages.

1.2.1 Tender-type Centrifuges

Tenders tend to a have large crew, and so a larger centrifuge is required to house them all. Jovian engineers started with a design that was already in use on the carrier and reinforced it to accept a third habitat module. All three are entirely enclosed within the diameter of the structural ring for additional protection.

Due to space constraints, the number of ring hardpoints was dropped to nine. Since the ring was reinforced to take the three habitats into account, however, each hardpoint can hold slightly more mass than before. The narrow passageway is still present in the ring to access the carried cargo, though it's even more crowded than before. Stats for this item are found on page 86.

1.2.2 Carrier-type Centrifuges

This type of centrifuge has a larger structural ring that carries its modular hardpoints on the inside for additional protection. Because the ring extends further out, the two habitat modules are entirely enclosed within its diameter and are thus less susceptible to physical damage, such as collisions.

The ring has a series of ten hardpoints, each capable of holding nearly one-tenth the weight of the total structure. The hardpoints can accept a large variety of payload pallets, anything from a standardized cargo pod to an exo-armor. A narrow passageway runs through the ring and may be crawled through to access this payload in flight. Stats for this item are found on page 62.

1.2.3 Destroyer-type Centrifuge

The centrifuge mounted on Alexander-class destroyers and a few other ships in the Jovian fleet is a sturdy design that has continuously evolved over the past ten years. The current configuration is made up of four main structures: the spine module, the structural ring and the two habitats.

The spine module is so called because of its central position on the ship's axis. In addition to the load-bearing structure and power feeds required by its position, it houses the gyroscopic assembly that balances the rotation of the habitats. Transport tubes and accessways span its entire length, connecting the ship as a whole. Stats for this item are found on page 38.

1.3 Cargo Rack

All spaceships require extensive stores if they are to venture far from their home base. This includes -- but is not limited to -- water, food, spare parts, extra reaction mass, and many more miscellaneous items. It would be somewhat wasteful to store all of this cargo within the body of the ship itself, since this would increase its size, which in turn would increase the hull surface that needs to be protected, and so on. Rather, a large part of the ship's reserves are carried within cargo pods that are attached to hull hardpoints. These hardpoints are grouped into cargo racks which are part of the ship's main load-bearing structure.

The payload is usually stored in standardized modular blocks that are easily attached to the hardpoints. Modules are available in a variety of lengths, widths and heights, though multiples of five or ten meters are preferred for easier accounting. Some are equipped with radiation screens and complete life support systems, while others are just empty thin sheet metal boxes that have no purpose other than holding the transported goods together while protecting them from micrometeors.

As a rule, cargo modules are equipped with a standard personnel airlock and power feeds that fit the ones placed on the ship itself. This allows quartermasters to enter the module while in flight to either evaluate its contents, remove some needed cargo or rebalance the load. Obviously, "shell" modules and tanker modules (cluster of tanks for gas or liquids) do not require airlocks and are not equipped with them, though they include walkways and handholds to permit inspection by a suited crew.

Game-wise, cargo containers are designed as separate sections, each composed of a fairly large cargo bay and other assorted systems. The game stats of the standardized JAF cargo container are found on page 38. A number of civilian cargo pods, which are sometimes used on military vessels, can be found on page 201 of the JC Rulebook or on 112 and 118 of the Mechanical Catalog.

1.3.1 JAF2212 Cargo Rack

The most recent type of cargo rack developed for the Jovian navy, the Model 2212 has been designed to be fitted singly or in number around the Ops section of the MacLeod-system space ships. Each rack is composed of eight rectangular sockets equipped with a small airlock and a pair of power feeds. A removable panel on one side of the airlock will accept any fluid transfer hose but has been built around the standard 20-cm and 25-cm F20 series hose which is found aboard all JAF vessels.

The 2212 was developed in reaction to the shortcomings of the previous Model 2207 rack. The 2212 can accept not only the newly standardized JAF supply containers but any civilian module that fits its sockets. A special adaptor -- manufactured by Darwood Industries, a prime Jovian ship subcontractor -- allows larger containers to be hooked up to the rack, enhancing its versatility.

1.3.2 JAF2207 Cargo Rack

The Model 2207 rack is a bit older but is still found on many ships, especially second-line transports. Most quartermasters dislike it because of the trapezoidal shape of its cargo modules. Though they have slightly more internal volume than the cargo pods usually in service with the JAF, their shape makes it awkward to fit large items inside. Moreover, the interlocking design allows only six modules per level (though multiple levels can be stacked), reducing the flexibility of the rack.

The 2207 standard cargo container comes in two types, one with a pressurized cargo hold and the other with an open framework holding pressure tanks. Natara Machinery Co. originally shipped them with interlocking armor plates that would fit both containers. The plates were too heavy, however, and they interfered with the handling operations, so most were removed by technicians.

1.3.3 JAF2197 Cargo Rack

The oldest type of cargo rack still in service is the Model 2197, which was in wide use during the early years of the twenty-third century. The rack's inherent simplicity -- it is little more than an open frame onto which the cargo containers are hung -- has ensured its longevity. Simple does not mean unsophisticated, however, and the Model 2197 is equipped with the same power feeds and data ports as the more recent racks in service thanks to regular upgrades.

Due to its construction, the 2197 rack has no provision for direct airlock connections. If need be, an inflatable tunnel can be set up between the emergency airlock and the one on a container, but there is rarely a reason for this to be done.

1.4 Drive Section

All plasma-driven ships share a similar architecture on their aft hull: form simply follows function. The drive section is made up of one or more drive sections, which contain the primary reaction mass tank, main fusion core, exhaust coils and exhaust collimator plates. Most of the designs in service add an electromagnetic feedback generator around the exhaust, drawing on the electrically-charged plasma to produce abundant amounts of energy.

All the drive sections are held together in a cluster by an engine mount. Though properly part of a ship's main hull, the engine mount has been designed as a mostly self-contained module for security and safety reasons. It contains the primary drive screen generator, the emergency flush tanks and the main reaction mass reserves for the plasma combustion chamber drives. All drive sections are attached to it by explosive bolts and can be forcibly jettisoned in case of danger.

Though drives have traditionally been armored separately, a new trend in Jovian ship design now adds armor panels around the main drive cluster. There are light plates of foamed composites clad in resilient alloy, designed to bear the brunt of an enemy attack before the destructive energy can reach the engines themselves. The armor panels can be attached to any military engine mount.

Each armor panel bears a large drive fin which serves as a very efficient heat sink when deployed. Moveable slats, similar in design to the ones used to cool down the foundations of the Venusian arcologies, are aligned over the top section of the fin. In recent years, these large "drive fins" have become more and more common, replacing the usual built-in radiator panels. The fins are, paradoxically, both more and less vulnerable than the ribbed structure of late twenty-second century plasma drive systems. Indeed, they are more exposed, but can also be more easily replaced.

1.4.1 Tender Engine Cluster

The "tender style" is actually a misnomer for the larger of the two engine mounts developed for the MacLeod program. Functionally similar to the smaller military quad-mount, this five-socket engine mount, mostly used by tender-class ships, carries additional reaction mass within an extended core housing. Though it has five sockets, the engine mount can be and has been used on ship designs with only one or three engine sections.

The large diameter of the engine mount precludes the use of the standard armor plates, and they are thus either omitted completely or replaced by larger versions designed especially for it. The latter accept any of the standard drive fins, but these can also be mounted directly on the cluster with a special adapter. The five-engine drive mount is manufactured exclusively by InSys Shipyards near Olympus and Nova Systems Inc. in Newhome.

1.4.2 Quadruple Military Engine Cluster

This type of engine cluster is found on many current vessels, most of them belonging to the Alexander or Forge classes. Like the five-engine mount shown at left, this quad-mount has been developed by the MacLeod program to fit a series of ships, either new hulls or refurbished ones. In addition to the drives themselves, which can number either two or four, the cluster contains its own drive screen generator and primary reaction mass reserves. Though the main mount is solidly bolted onto the hull, the drives themselves can be jettisoned in emergency situations.

The cluster shown above is equipped with a shorter version of the standard drive fins manufactured by Lockwell, a well-established Jovian ship subcontractor. In addition to the drive fins, Lockwell is responsible for many of the drive's internal systems, notably the exhaust collimators.

1.4.3 Quadruple Military Engine Cluster

The quad-engine cluster shown above is basically the same model as the one introduced previously, with only a few differences. The most visible one, of course, is the length of the drive fins, which are Lockwell's D-9 models rather than the D-7 shown at left. Though the extra surfaces have slightly more mass, they allow the ship to get rid of more heat per second and thus have a slightly higher performance level.

In general, the fusion core used is a sturdy Nakasu Industries 20-960M model, coupled with a Nakasu Supernova-960 plasma combustion drive. Nakasu Industries is the prime supplier of drive systems for the Jovian Confederation, though they license their designs to other companies to avoid enormous shipping costs to distant shipyards.

Across The Void

Two brightly lit arrows moved across the main display of the Jovian Confederation destroyer JSS Brock. Captain Henry Zou stared intensely at them, as if trying to determine their identity and purpose by willpower alone. His intuition was very clear on the subject: these bogeys did not wish his ship well.

"Navigator, aim our bow at the target. Remain on trajectory." Zou was concerned, but his face betrayed only calm resolve. He didn't want to needlessly alarm the bridge crew.

"Thrusting now," replied Warrant Officer Julianne Dean from her station a few meters away. The young navigator tried to keep her voice calm. This was her first tour since her six months post-graduate cruise on the tender JSS Sally Ride. Destroyers were much more exciting. "Forward weapons now in arc."

"The radar bogey has split!" That was Girth, at the sensor station. "Looks like a launch. I now count eight units on high burn toward us. The mothercraft are decelerating -- partial sensor profile matches Tengu-class vessels, but I can't confirm at this distance."

"Hail them," Zou ordered. "This is a sanctioned relief mission flying under the Jovian Confederation flag." He was following procedures, but he didn't think the transmission would do much good. These where either terrorists or an overzealous CEGA patrol, neither of which were likely to respond.

"Incoming craft," began Rollins, at the comm station, "this is the JSS Brock escorting a convoy of relief supplies for station 118. Be advised that you are approaching our defensive perimeter. Turn back now. I say again... Blast it!" He reached for his comm headset as a short blast of static rammed itself painfully into his eardrum. "One of them is trying to jam us, Captain."

"Sound general quarters," Zou ordered, turning to face the defense gunner. "Alert status to red. Navigation, plot for a lightning strike on the carriers. Tactical, ready area defense lasers."

The alert klaxon drowned out Julianne's mumbled reply. Tension knotted her shoulders and forearms as she quickly punched in commands on her console. Yes, she thought, life on a destroyer is certainly more interesting.

The next few minutes were a flurry of activity aboard the Brock. The klaxons didn't discriminate: they roused the forty plus men and women sleeping between shifts and interrupted the others relaxing during down time. They all bundled themselves into space suits and made for their assigned combat posts. Bodies still creaking and minds still clearing from sleep, they rode down the rotor arms from the spun gravity accommodations to the destroyer's main hull. In the hangars, marines boarded exo-suits; towering generators started feeding power to the ship's triple particle cannons; silently, both of the Brock's area defense turrets extended from their housings and swiveled to test their motions. Only once everyone was in place did the orchestrated chaos give way to tense impatience. All pairs of ears aboard were trained, waiting the order that would set them to action.

"Incoming bogies identified as four Syreen exos and four Wyverns. EM emissions tag one Syreen as command type," exclaimed Girth as data streamed across his console. On the main display, blank sensor markers morphed into properly tagged miniature silhouettes, burning a bright red. "All on heavy burn."

"It's a lightning pass on us and then onto the convoy," Julianne cut in while she quickly checked the closure rate. "They are coming in too fast to match our velocity. I have an intercept plotted to go through them and then onto their carriers."

The incoming hostile exo-armors would only get one pass at the Brock, but their missiles could still do significant damage. More importantly, the destroyer would only get one chance to stop them before they closed with the convoy.

"Fitzgerald signals ready for the close-in defense of convoy," said Rollins. "Wishes you good hunting, sir."

The Wyverns cut loose a barrage of missiles, hoping to overload the defenders through sheer numbers. This suited Zou just fine -- he had his priorities set on eliminating the threat to the convoy, which was moving behind the Brock's defense grid. Forcing the attackers to use up their missiles early would help. Twisting through the blazes of pulsing laser fire, two missiles got through. The first exploded near the bow, but most of the energy glanced off the heavy sloping armor. Its mate struck farther aft, damaging a communication antenna. A hail of laser fire from the Syreens poured over the Brock's hull, though the beams, weakened by distance, left only minor scarring and scorch marks.

Julianne remained focused on her navigation display, but couldn't help seeing the tactical data on the main HUD dome screen around the bridge. If that was the best the attackers could do, the Brock was going to be just fine.

Her confidence soared further when the Brock returned fire. The upper laser sent a lance of energy onto one of the Wyverns. The extra missile pods identified it as a bomber, and thus the most deadly threat to the convoy. As the Wyvern swerved to and fro, the laser pulses staggered around, the fire control computers doing their best to keep the deadly focus on the target. Metal and ceramics exploded in rapid heat swells, until a secondary explosion tore the exo's primary thruster assembly clean off.

The gunners of the lower laser systems directed them at the passing Syreens instead, the turret erupting with short bursts of intense coherent light. Within a few seconds, both the commander and his wingman had been reduced to swirls of expanding debris. Missile barrages blossomed through sliding hatches to claw at the remaining Syreens, forcing them to break off. A few brilliant flashes in the distance signaled the end of that threat.

"Damn." Zou signaled to the convoy. "Fitzgerald, be advised that three Wyverns and a Wyvern Bomber are inbound. Confirmed hostile. I repeat, hostile bomber inbound."

The bridge's speakers crackled to life. "Fitzgerald here. We copy. Our boys stand ready to receive. Sally Ride is joining us for second line of defense. Go get those carriers, Captain."

"The Ride?!" Julianne's surprise was plain to see. "But she's just a tender! What can she do?"

"Eyes on your station, navigator." Zou swiveled to face her. "Better the JAF receives our guests than the medical convoy."

Julianne swallowed audibly. Professionalism or not, she was still worried about Davis and the others aboard her old vessel.