Astral Dancer

Gazelle-class Transport �Astral Dancer�

1. Laser Cannon Fire Control Computer
2. Nav Computer and Power Routing to Laser Cannon
3. Maintenance Access/Machine Shop
4. Hull Reinforcement
5. Entry Ramp
6. Captain�s Bunk (converted to double bunk)
7. Deflector Shield Generators
8. Active Hyrotil Sensor Package
9. Passive Hyrotil Sensor Package
10. Secure Equipment Storage (with magnetic seals � 15 metric ton capacity each)
11. Tandem II Flight Computer Access
12. Crew Quarters (triple bunks and storage cabinets)
13. Sublight Incom Starslinger Ion Drive Engines
14. Rollbar S-Foil and Lateral Thrusters (above main hull)
15. Aft Cargo Bay (50 metric ton capacity)
16. Crew Lounge (equipped with gaming table and vid display)
17. Galley (with updated MAX1200E Autochef)
18. Crew Refresher (hygiene station and sonic shower)
19. Cockpit (access to escape pod)
      a. Pilot�s station (capable of all functions)
      b. Communications/Sensor station
      c. Shield/Weapon station
20. Fuel Cells and Corellian Avatar-10 Hyperdrive Engine Access

Length: 30 meters
Crew: 1 (2 can coordinate on one task)
Skill: Space transports: Gazelle-class transport
Passengers: 6
Cargo Capacity: 80 metric tons
Consumables: 1 month (MAX1200E autochef upgrade)
Cost: 145,000 (used)
Hyperdrive Multiplier: x1.5 (modified Corellian Avatar-10)
Hyperdrive Backup: x12
Nav Computer: yes
Maneuverability: 2D+1 (very maneuverable for a freighter)
Sublight Speed: 3D+2 (Starslinger ion drive�comparable speed to many snub fighters although outclassed by TIE class fighters)
Atmosphere Speed: 900 kmh cruising
Hull: 2D+2 (reinforced light frame)
Shields: 1D (light rating)
Sensors: Hyrotil advanced upgrade scanner package (space units range shown for each mode and applicable bonuses to Sensors skill)
    Passive � 30/0D
    Scan � 50/1D
    Search � 75/2D
    Focus � 4/3D
Weapons:
Dual Light Laser Cannon
Fire Arc: Chin turret, capable of 180 degrees forward firing
Skill: Starship gunnery: Laser cannon
Fire Control: 1D
Damage: 3D
Special Features:
Solid Fuel Converter (can convert bulk materials for fuel cell power)
Magnetically sealed cargo in two fore cargo compartments
Automatic cargo jettison from aft cargo compartment

The Astral Dancer is a Gazelle-class transport just over two decades old with well over 2,000 loving light years of flight time logged on it, but it has been cared for and not abused by its owners. The Dancer is only on its third owner, its second owner, Tyrel Mons, Kisa�s uncle, was retiring and had a soft spot for the young entrepreneur Twi�lek Teela, and thus gifted it to her for a fraction of its true cost and the promise to look after his niece.

The transport has a sleek, streamlined hull design, well-appointed interior. The vessel is equipped with a dual laser cannon for self defense against pirates that is powerful enough to require a permit under the grounds of being a frequent hauler for the Outer Rim Territories where pirates do crop up from time to time. The laser cannon is mounted in a chin turret configuration which can be locked into forward firing position for strict pilot control or allowed to pivot 90 degrees port or starboard for a gunner�s control. The design does not allow the cannon to turn and fire aft of this plane. The Gazelle is often mistaken for the Crescent-class transport, a luxury craft for affluent young beings. This has its advantages and disadvantages. Many Imperial customs inspectors typically are not roused into suspicion by such a ship but some pirates might expect a decent hostage or loot to be aboard. While not a luxury craft like the Crescent-class transport, the Astral Dancer is noticeably more comfortable than usual Corellian fare.

The Starslinger Ion Drives were an upgrade done by the original owner for a bit more speed and require a 500 credit renewable Imperial permit, as it makes the ship comparable in speed to several snub fighters, such as the Y-wing starfighter or Z-95 Headhunter. Still the Dancer can easily be overtaken by the swift TIE-class Imperial fighters. The original owner also purchased a model Gazelle with magnetically sealed secure cargo compartments on the port and starboard side. Controlled from the cockpit or flight computer room, either section can be magnetically sealed, useful for certain cargos and also making detailed scans within more difficult. It also has the effect of making their interiors reflective to small arms blaster fire. Magnetically sealing either compartment does drain power and the seals must occasionally be checked and touched up.

The original owner also must have planned some smuggling jobs because he made the aft cargo compartment capable of automatically jettisoning its load with command from the ship�s computer. This main cargo compartment uses its large lowering platform for this. The lowering platform makes it easy for quick loading and unloading of bulky cargo not meant to be carried up the front entry ramp.

The majority of major modifications on the ship were done by Tyrel during his captainship:

First, Tyrel replaced the original sensor suite with an advanced Hyrotil sensor package. This was an extensive modification in which the rather basic equipment in the Dancer and its wasted space was replaced by a top-of-the-line system. Its effectiveness is exceptional for a transport, giving it the ability to scan out or even passively detect like a scout craft. While still outclassed by larger capital ship sensor suites, it has still given Tyrel and now Teela the extra warning they�ve needed to get advance warning of trouble. The system provides electro-photo, full spectrum, dedicated energy receptors, and life-form indicators. On the downside, the Hyrotil system is very touchy and requires frequent testing and adjustment to keep it effective and prevent ghosting from occurring. It also has parts that are more expensive to maintain and repair than regular sensor suites.

Second, Tyrel had the Corellian hyperdrive upgraded to improve it dramatically. A plotted journey that would take most freighters 30 hours to reach takes the Dancer about 23. This can be a decisive advantage when time is essential, though of course it�s no Millennium Falcon by any stretch, which would make the same journey in less than 8 hours if rumors are true about it. The drive is a little touchy and requires more than the normal amount of maintenance and it consumes about twice as much power from the fuel cells as a normally run hyperdrive. These are, however, small prices to pay for the reliability and capability of the system.

Third, Tyrel planned on sometimes not being around major star system facilities and so equipped the Dancer with a solid fuel converter. This converts virtually any matter into fuel cell power, from low energy materials to heavy metals and high-energy materials. This effectively halves the restocking costs for power, with the proper acquisition of certain materials to be put into the fuel converter. This also helped offset the power-hungry hyperdrive modifications.

Teela then modified the ship with extra hull reinforcement, wanting a bit more insurance considering the shields are only the standard set and even then take a good deal of power due to the design. The reinforcement made the ship sounder than other Gazelles but still the transport is in better position to run rather than stand and fight in a battle. She also replaced the old autochef for a unit with more variety and a bit of actual taste considering the ship has really become her home as she took to the tramp freighter trade like a mynock to a power coupler.