Guide:Embassy

Specs (by AJsRealm)

Class: Embassy
Type: Diplomatic Liner
Controlling Authority: Starfleet Command (UFP)
Hull Length: 246 m
Hull Beam: 25 m
Hull Height: 45 m
Decks: 9
Top Cruising Speed: Warp 6
Maximum Speed: Warp 6.75
Armaments: Phasers
Auxiliary Craft: 1 shuttlecraft
Complement: 50 crew / 300 passengers

Background: AJsRealm

To any organization that pursues cooperation and common cause with a broad spectrum of groups, administration of diplomatic and cultural exchange missions were a critical, though often under-sung, element of that pursuit. Diplomats forging treaties were typically only the start of alliances. The exchange of scientists, fact-finders, artists and teachers transformed those alliances into integral partnerships built on deeper trust and mutual understanding. Few polities in the galaxy have embodied that kind of partnership more than the United Federation of Planets. But even in the era of warp technology, space is vast. Despite the founding worlds of the UFP being located very near each other in galactic terms, cruising speeds of Warp 6 still meant that a journey from Sol to Alpha Centauri would take over a week. From Sol to Vulcan; about a month. The irony of FTL technology bringing a return to travel durations equivalent to the transoceanic journeys of 19th century Earth have been well noted by historians. To accommodate those journeys throughout the 23rd century, Starfleet relied on the services of the Embassy-class diplomatic liner.

The Embassy-class was commissioned by Starfleet to provide a continuous shuttle service for the UFP Diplomatic & Exchange Corp. But in addition to being a transport, the Embassy class was designed to be a mobile communication and conference center so passengers and VIPs can continue with as much of their work as possible while in transit. Key facilities include conference suites with connected offices for VIPs and their aides; Private quarters with rooms for hosting personal meetings and parties; common lounges with botanicals and catering; a fitness center and fully equipped med-bay; and a small library research lab so academics may continue their studies while transiting worlds. The class was also equipped with a high-bandwidth subspace antennae with hardware based encryption to secure a channel of confidential communications for onboard personnel and the various authorities to whom they are responsible.

The vessel was produced in prolific numbers as it became standard to have routes be served by multiple liners at a staggered schedule. This allowed a consistent stream of transport between the member worlds of the Federation. It also enabled individuals to be recalled early when it became necessary. If someone needed to return to their point of origin, they were able to transfer to liners heading in the opposite direction as they pass each other by. Many conferences were also held on Embassy class liners as delegates opted to meet at midway points if the distances between their worlds proved far enough. Though main-line flagships were often tasked with hosting VIPs and shuttling them to the most important functions, the Embassy class liners labored as the workhorse of the UFP’s Diplomatic and Exchange Corp. They provided the means for envoys and consuls to prepare for the work awaiting at their destinations and network remotely during their jaunt between worlds. The operation of the vessel and the work that was done on them proved essential at ensuring that the historic diplomatic moments which took place with the flagships of Starfleet didn’t ultimately become fruitless.