[Minnow Raydor]

Nicely Done Adam.

[McClintock]

At the offical unveiling ceremony High King and Sovereign Lord McClintock I of the Sovereign Kingdom of New Scotland had this to say:

"Superb - something else to bombard us from the skies without warning."

[Adster94]

The completion of Starfleet's latest vessel was achieved this afternoon, the new Nova class has been named the USS Equinox and has launched for its maiden voyage.

The Nova class is primarily designed for short range science missions, aimed at further exploration of our region in the galaxy, but can act as a short range frigate in aid of Libran, and Utopia defense. Whilst the ship is small, it has the speed and maneuverability to last in a combat situation.

The Nova itself, is outfitted with entirely experimental technology, including far more advanced phaser arrays, as well as newer torpedoes and engine designs. This makes the Nova more advanced than the Excelsior, in technology, but not in size or strength.

The maiden voyage of the Equinox is estimated to last for around 24 hours, that will consist of a warp test, sensor suite tests, as well as phaser tests within our systems asteroid field. Further details on these tests are classified, in interest of Libran's and Utopia's security.

It has been confirmed that 2 more Nova's will be constructed over the course of the next 3 months, alongside the development of further starship projects. More information will follow, as it comes available.

[Torinth]

Love it! looks a lot better up close than what any screenshot can capture I'd be interested to see a Rhode Island variant to this awesome build at some point

[Adster94]

Following the launch of the new Nova class, and almost at the end of the Equinox's maiden voyage, the ship sustained damage from an unprovoked attack.

During the final segment of the starships maiden voyage, which included maneuvres inside the Utopia systems asteroid belt, where officials are saying their sensors picked up an unusual reading near one of the larger asteroids.

As the Equinox moved closer, they were attacked - and before they could raise their shields, they sustained heavy damage to the ship, including one of their warp nacelles. The Equinox was able to dispatch the enemy fighters, but was left disabled, and a drift inside the asteroid field.

Earlier on this afternoon, the USS Excelsior was sent to tow the Equinox back to drydock, where these following shots were taken of the Equinox:

During this encounter, for the first time ever faced by Libran, 12 people were killed on the ship before the shields were raised. Scans of the attackers, as well as the analysis of the fighters wreckage, they were very distinctive of Thorusian Fighters.

Since this information was released, the President of Libran had this to say:

"For the first time, in our nations short history, we have had to suffer loss of life... 12 people, in service of our nation, as well as Utopia, who did nothing but stand for the guiding principles upon which Utopia, and Libran are based on. Our thoughts go out to all those effected during this, unprovoked and unsanctioned attack on a Starfleet vessel.

And now, I challenge Thoricus, no I demand, that an explanation be given for why it was Thorusian fighters that were sued to kill, 12 Libranian people, our people. Who have done nothing against Thoricus, but we must have justice! and I promise you, there will be a swift and decisive action taken against all those involved in this attack!"

Shortly after the return of the Equinox, and its crew, the Excelsior went back to the asteroid field, along with the Enterprise to begin an investigation into where these fighters came form and why they attacked our vessel. All the evidence currently points towards Thoricus, but until the investigation is complete - we won't be 100% certain.

[Torinth]

I'd like to point out that if Thoricus deemed Libran to be a target, they'd of known about it before now.

Thoricus is a religious nation that keeps its self to its self unless we are provoked, and at the current point of time we are more focused on defending our southern borders and looking into off-shore business avenues and NOT with sending fighters to test your new toy.

Unless you have hard photographic evidence of Thorusian fighters attacking your vessel I suggest you wind back on the accusing.

King Torinth of Thoricus

[merTYol]

I find it funny where you asked for photo proof of that it was your forces. yet few weeks back you believed that i might have attacked a civilian ship without any proof.

i sense a hypocritical behavior

[Cehus]

On behalf of the international community, I'd also like information these craft that attacked your starship, as well as how they felt so much damage to one of Starfleet's more advanced designs.

[Tadpole]

-- The Following is a Official Communique of the Typhon Pact --

The people of the Typhon Pact wish to first extend our deepest condolences to those of Libran and wish to extend the offer of an assistance in anyway possible.

Second we denounce and condemn this unprovoked attack by Thoricus made fighters on a unsuspecting vessel.

The Typhon Pact does not approve of any unprovoked attacks, but if a similar attack is enacted upon our citizens or those of our allies, the response will be swift and harsh.

-- Transmission Ends --

[Torinth]

I find it funny where you asked for photo proof of that it was your forces. yet few weeks back you believed that i might have attacked a civilian ship without any proof.

i sense a hypocritical behavior

Well considering Thoricus doesn't openly attack anyone nor does it launch fleets of ships to supposed 'Holiday Islands' near someone elses land, in that sense the need for evidence isn't there you might as well of just wrote guilty across your forehead and strode into the Council Chamber's with your hands up.

[merTYol]

there is a giant ocean between our lands. but probably your ego doesn't fit that ocean so you feel threatened.

regardless. this is not the topic.

[Babyhead4127]

The Council of The Brotherhood - face palms at this Diplomatic dribble

[Torinth]

there is a giant ocean between our lands. but probably your ego doesn't fit that ocean so you feel threatened.

regardless. this is not the topic.

Well hey hunny, if it makes you feel comfortable having that nice little fleet of yours there to protect your cute little island and more importantly your lackluster ego then so be it, but let's get back on topic shall we?

[Adster94]

For one, the Nova class isn't the strongest ships whilst it's shields are lowered, that is why so much damage was done to the ship, as seen in the images that were provided within this original report.

Secondly, I would strongly advise that you do not condescend me in such a manner, nor my nation - I am merely acting on the sensor reports, from both the Equinox during its encounter, and analysis from the wreckage of the fighters that attacked the vessel.

Libran is not a nation of liars, nor do we tolerate such behaviour towards our citizens - I merely stated that the fighters were of Thorusian design, and demanded for an explanation as to why Thorusian fighter designs were used against a Starfleet vessel.

[Mikester92]