rock and stone
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To submit a paramilitary station for the purposes of GA federal law enforcement and interdiction.
- Image Source: 140-260216 space station by Kresimir Jelusic (robob3ar)
- Canon Link: /
- Restricted Missions: /
- Primary Source: /
- Manufacturer: SoroSuub Corporation
- Model: Watchtower-class Defense Station
- Affiliation: Galactic Alliance
Production: Minor
- Material: Durasteel hull, Solarium Glasteel
- Classification: Orbital Defense Platform/Observation Post
- Length: 450 meters
- Width: 450 meters
- Height: 1200 meters
- Armament: High
- Defenses: Very High
- Hangar: Average: 3 Squadrons and 1 Small Transport Hangar
- Maneuverability Rating: Very Low
- Speed Rating: Very Low
- Hyperdrive Class: Very Slow: 10
- Advanced Sensor Array
- Advanced Targeting Systems
- Encryption Network
- Escape Pods
- Heavy Deflector Shield Generator
- Holonet Transciever
- Long-range Communications Array
- Reinforced Hull Plating
- Expanded Detention Cells
- Standard Life Support Systems
- Tractor Beams (x24)
- Javelin Hypervelocity Cannon: Running along practically the entire length of the defense station's dart-shaped frame, a Watchtower's Javelin is its main offensive battery. Capable of firing three round bursts at superluminal velocities, the Javelin HVC is designed as a long range heavy capital killer.
- Interdiction Field Generator: The Watchtower possesses a single artificial gravity well projector, capable of locking down hyperspace travel within its immediate surroundings but not powerful enough to interfere with inter-system traffic.
- Planetary Observation Package: While most Watchtowers are deployed over outer planets or moons in order to monitor system traffic, the stations are equipped with directional high resolution cameras, capable of of monitoring and recording surface activity underneath its orbital position.
- Eagle Eye: Not only does the Watchtower-class make use of a powerful sensor suite, in addition to its array of energy turbolaser and ion cannon batteries it boasts a powerful hypervelocity cannon capable of inflicting great damage at extreme range.
- Lockdown: The defense station contains a single modestly sized gravity well generator capable of interdicting hyperspace traffic within its relative vicinity.
- Bulwark: While strictly speaking operated by a civilian agency, these stations are paramilitary facilities designed hold prisoners awaiting transfer and monitor suspect traffic in more unstable sectors of the Alliance in addition to serving as regional headquarters for the Galactic Alliance Guard. Boasting military grade shielding and thick armor plating as well as a considerable arsenal of turbolasers, ion cannons, energy torpedo launchers, and point defense batteries.
- Wind Up: The barrel of the station's hypervelocity cannon is positioned at the end of its hull's pointed tip. With under-powered sublight engines and maneuvering thrusters, lining up a shot with the station's main weapon takes some time and against more agile ships is easier said than done.
- Pocket Interdictor: With only enough space for a single, smaller interdiction field generator, the Watchtower-class is not capable of locking down hyperspace travel vast span. In addition to taking some time to power up, its artificial gravity well only extends over nearby celestial bodies.
An initially controversial proposition, in recent more troubled times for the Galactic Alliance plans for the Watchtower-class Defense Station were pushed through despite some protests over the militarization of federal police forces. Built to military specifications, but crewed and staffed entirely by agents of the Galactic Alliance Guard, these observation posts placed throughout Alliance territory serve as regional hubs for the enforcement of their nation's relatively few federal laws and statutes.
Primarily concerned with counter-smuggling operations, Watchtowers are most often deployed near worlds along major trade lanes as a result. But the agency also dedicates significant resources towards its Cultwatch division, whose purpose is the monitoring and evaluation of fringe Force sects suspect of ritual Darkside practices, a federal crime throughout the Galactic Alliance. Occasionally, an installation is called upon to consult with the local planetary constabulary in circumstances where resources are strained or a certain expertise is required.
Main Operations
One of four distinct sections, Main Operations is comprised mostly of the installation's command deck and dedicated towards to the purpose of station oversight and logistics. Standard operating procedure is for each Watchtower's command personnel to consist of a senior Guardsman in the Captain's post, along with a Defense Fleet officer serving as XO.
Overwatch
This section is where the vast majority of the day to day duties of the Galactic Alliance Guard are performed. In addition to secondary sensor stations for intelligence gathering purposes, this area is comprised mainly of office space for the various GAG divisions. Most personnel are assigned to either Customs or Cultwatch, although on the frontiers of Alliance space certain Watchtowers are sometimes more focused on more traditional police work in areas where local constabularies are practically nonexistent.
Holding Facilities
An expanded wing of detention cells for the purpose of temporarily housing those in Guard custody, this holding area often surpasses what less affluent worlds are able to afford in terms of security, and is used to restrain the most dangerous offenders against Alliance law until they can be transported to a more permanent place of confinement.
Flight Deck
Capable of housing up to three squadrons of system patrol fighters, the main hangar of the Watchtower-class is devoted mainly towards starfighter housing. The station also possesses a secondary hangar large enough to accommodate multiple shuttles or a light freighter at any given time.
