Ceres' Launch

"Launch" is a euphemism, intentionally misleading, in the grand Naval tradition of calling the Captain's gig of an admiral a "barge."

A pinnace is a ship's utility craft, carried by a larger vessel for exterior space operations. Unable to produce a wormhole of its own, they are carried along on larger ships. Some pop through from jump station to station, generally heavier armored and shielded in case there is pirate action in the system. Some are used by the Marines as boarding craft. The passenger count falls quickly due to the volume of Marines armor, even more so if they are suited up in their e-frames.

Ceres' launch is a rare type, a fighting pinnace. It can be considered an upgrade of launch to suit more robust roles. Ceres rebuilt a station cargo shuttle, adding weapons and cargo arms. Adding next-stage drives and powerplant allow the ship to accelerate at a speed which might surprise opponents expecting the usual lazy cruise of the craft's sister ship's.

This unique craft can function in multiple roles as a crew or cargo shuttle, lander, tender, small tug, and armed picket boat.