Many months ago, when Liam, Shane, I and a few others were thinking of writing a TA on Merc Units of the Imperium, I came up with this feisty little starmerc unit - The Wraiths. Here's a copy of the original write-up:
------------------------------------
8050th (Provisional) System Defence Squadron – The Wraiths
Mercenary SDB Squadron / Squadron strength - 1x 4000t SDB Tender + 4x 400t SDBs.
Location/Homeport of call 2019 – Soros LIC cluster, L4 Lagrange Point - T’Kada (Khimudire 6) Khimudire/Titanstorm/Ley B567A9A-C 703 I G0 V
Introduction
Olmosh Operations LIC was formed in the early-900s by the Olmos family, refugees who fled Paladin/Beckann/Gateway during the collapse of the Galian Trade League, forced to abandon their struggling manufacturing and service operations there. As entire refugee corporations relocated to the Ley Sector, the Olmosh joined the L4 colony near Khimudire, a high population world in the Titanstorm Subsector. By 916, they secured their first contract with the powerful Soros clan, owners of the L4 complex. The Olmosh family began provided servicing support to the expanding zero-g colony. Within ten years, they had purchased a retired TL A system defence boat, and pressed it back into service in customs and security operations for the Soros clan. Some years later, young Vincente Olmosh, the heir to the company, joined the crew of the “Phoenix Wraith” as a junior gunner.
Over the next 50 years, Vincente established a very successful Starmerc division of Olmosh Operations, The Wraiths. The Wraiths currently operate four TL C 400t “Shashka” class system defence boats as a mercenary squadron – Shadow Wraith, Soul Wraith, Spectre Wraith and Spirit Wraith. The Wraiths’ capabilities have been further enhanced by the recent acquisition of a 4000t bulk freighter. Now heavily modified, the “Olmosh Vision” serves as SDB tender, flagship and as corporate headquarters for Olmosh Operations Starmerc Division and the Wraiths.
The Wraiths are currently in the final months of their 3 year service contract with the Loyal Sector Guard. Designated as the 8050th (Provisional) SDB Squadron, the Wraiths are currently operating out of Shamuus/Diamond Prince/Ley, conducting anti-piracy operations. Recently tensions among the Wraiths have been increasing, as Consuela Makai, the Wraith’s marketing officer, has been unable to close negotiations with the local commander of the LSG for renewal of their contract. Now, 76 year old Commander Vincente Olmosh is beginning to consider his options.
-------------------------------------
[Here's the text from the latest marketing blurb for the Shashka. Copyright T'Kada L4 Shipyard, Khimudire/Ley, 993.]
"Shashka" 400t TL C SDB
(a la Book 5)
Shashka A (Spirit Wraith and Spectre Wraith)
SDB-41056F1-C00000-35000-0
Shashka G (Shadow Wraith and Soul Wraith)
SDB-41056F1-C00000-40003-0
The Shashka class SDB, designed for affluent TL A-C markets, is currently being built at several Ley Sector shipyards, including the T'Kada L4 yard in Khimudire/Ley. In most respects, the Shashka class is typical for the standard TL C system defence boat. The vessel was designed from the outset to be capable of working singly or in teams to apprehend or eliminate any escort-sized threat.
The Shashka has several noteworthy features (as per T20):
a. The Manoeuvre Drive has been reduced to 5-G, more than adequate for anti-piracy duty, but freeing up additional space and energy for the heavier weapons load of the A model;
b. The Model 6 fibre-optic operations management system has the extra processing power to run added programs in even the most demanding operational situations;
c. The flying wedge airfoil hull maximizes stability and responsiveness. Together with the latest Model 6 Flight Avionics package, the Shashka can out-fly or out-gun most of its opponents;
d. Both standard models are protected by the best armour (AR 12) available at TL C;
e. Although the sensor and comms ranges are reduced (both Model 5), the Shashka features a maser pulse communications suite highly suited to operations in dense or volatile atmospheres;
f. The Shashka comes with a variety of weapon fits. The 'G' model features a standard but potent mix of one battery of two triple beam lasers (USP 4) and one battery of two triple missile turrets (USP 3), while the 'A' is built to get in close with a powerful battery of two double fusion gun turrets (USP 5) matched with a battery of two triple pulse lasers (USP 3). Other weapons fits are available;
g. In spite of the weapons load, the Shashka's massive Makhudire Systems fusion power plant ("Fighting your way out of a Gravity Well? No problem with Makhudire!") generates enough output to handle 5-G and full combat flight profile (at agility +5) with power to spare; and
h. With a crew of only nine (Pilot, Co-pilot, Chief Gunner, Gunner's Mate, Chief Engineer, Engineer's Mate, two Drive Hands, and Medic), the Shashka is easy on the payroll of even a smaller planetary fleet.
All this for only MCr 404.632 (discounts available for fleet purchases).
--------------------------------------
Paul Nemeth
AA
