Courier

(Copied straight from .XML 'backup' file, needs formatting and corrections. ZM User (talk) 19:02, 22 April 2024 (PDT))

   A modified AI-run small transport used to move high-value personnel or cargo as quickly as possible.  They are basically a smaller version of the Stagecoach small supply ships, and, like the Stagecoaches, they are 100% automated with a single Naval Auxiliary "Captain" who has no job to do unless something goes wrong.  The ships are effectively a short thin core with engines and mounting points to hold three standard personnel "pods".  The ships are surprisingly nimble and thanks to their design are faster than all but the swiftest corvettes once in jumpspace.
   The Captain's quarters are basically an integrated personnel pod inside the core; there is no room for any cargo that takes more than ~20 cubic meters. If the critical 'passenger' is small enough (often simply a data chip) the pods can be left off, giving the bare ship much better performance.

Armament

   The Couriers typically have a single CIWS sited to fire directly aft, as "away" is the only tactical maneuver the AI will consider when under fire. It should be noted that this is the only shipboard system that the Captain must be certified in.  If the Captain decides to use this system he will have to direct its use personally, as weaponry cannot be directed by the AI.

Ship Designations

Designated as APC for "Auxiliary - Personnel/Courier" within the Fleet Auxiliary, the first set were named for the various taxi services available in Earth's cities.  After this, follow-on ships were given names that meant "someone who delivers a message" in any of Earth's languages, with one name being blocked:  There is no Courier-class ship named "Courier".

APC001 - Checkered
APC002 - Yellow
APC003 - Black and White
APC004 - Black Top
APC005 - Red Top
APC006 - Blue and White

APC037 - Telegrapher

Messenger (to Beerat in Independent Command)
Postman (to Beerat in Independent Command)
Runner
Deliverer
etc

See other Support Ships

Story Usage

A textual analysis of the story repository, current as of 2018 and performed on 2019-09-06 identified the following top ten usage counts for Courier:

• Independent Command by Zen Master 15 instances.
• Platitudes and Aptitudes by Nuke Danger, 3rd Aye 9 instances.
• Rosencrantz And Guildenstern by lordshipmayhem 8 instances.
• Ending This Mess by Zen Master 6 instances.
• Sacking by Just Jack 6 instances.
• A Peril at Ishtar by Allan Joyal 4 instances.
• Grind Forces by Just Jack 4 instances.
• Living a CAP Based Present by Allan Joyal 4 instances.
• The Cosca Family Values by Quantum Mechanic 4 instances.
• Chosen Frozen by lordshipmayhem 3 instances.

(Someday this will be a navigation template.  It will provide a bar across the bottom of each article with useful navigation links.  Until then, this is just a placeholder to get rid of all the red "broken link" indicators. -ZM User (talk) 10:00, 3 May 2024 (PDT))