Something of a side project/testbed that also helps add a bit more distinction to one of the first ships I ever thought up. Some may like the changes, and some may not as this one strays from the previous incarnations which were essentially Connies with phaser arrays and blue paint. This is basically a combination of the alterations I would make to the old girl crossed with the classic "what-if" of the 24th century refit.
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The Constitution class has been a mainstay of Starfleet since the mid 23rd century. With the constant refits and upgrades that the class has undergone through the years, even the oldest Constitution has remained a viable starship despite newer and more advanced replacements entering service.
One of the later of these refits, the Patton subclass took on the reins during the General War to help supplement the rest of it's Constitution siblings. Following the successful refit program first instituted on the Enterprise, a similar upgrade was developed for the Pattons which would help keep them on the cutting edge of combat, exploration, and transportation technology. These upgraded Patton class starships saw extensive action during the cold war with the Klingon Empire and the subsequent invasion from the Andromedans. After this conflict, the bulk of the Constitution fleet was scaled back and many of the Patton series were either scrapped or mothballed. One such of the later, the USS Valiant, had the distinction of being put into the reserve fleet, receiving moderate upgrades at varying points to keep the ship in fair condition should the need for more warships arise.
Throughout many decades, the Valiant lay dormant at Utopia Planetia getting only occasional visits from maintenance and refit crews until the outbreak of the Cardassian wars in the mid 24th century. Recognizing the need for ships to supplement the main forces, the Valiant was reactivated and received an overhaul of her major systems to bring her up to the fighting levels of the times. Phaser arrays and heavier photon torpedo launchers were installed, in addition to stronger shields and reinforced hull plating. New warp nacelles replaced the older, less efficient models, and an improved deflector array was added to account for the engine changes.
The Valiant served notably during the Cardassian conflict, earning many commendations and battle stars before being put back into reserve status following the war. She wouldn't have to wait for long as threat from the Borg, tensions with the Klingons, and the looming war with the Dominion eventually pressed her back into service. She received minor upgrades during these periods, the most notable being an increase in phaser power and shield enhancements do counter Dominion weaponry. Since the end of the Dominion War, the Valiant has remained on active duty thus making her one of the oldest ships in the fleet.
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Topic: Return of the Valiant (Read 2242 times)