The Ship-faced Nutcracker is an Iron Company custom starship that was built and occupied by Tacho in YE 45. This is a one-of-a-kind player ship.

In YE 44, prior to the Iron Company operation on Sandraker, Tacho began to work on the vessel that would become hers. Being a resourceful and well-educated Norian, she had access to salvage from around the Kikyo Sector and also purchased a few things from the Yugumo Corporation. She cobbled together what would become her new home and personal and unique Corvette-style vessel. Most of the construction was done on Njord Prime at her hangar in Skaditown. It was not long, with the help of some of the company smiths the Ship-faced Nutcracker, named for obvious reasons was finished. The strange but tough little ship that reflected the unorthodox and shocking behavior of its builder was launched soon after. After the ship was built, Tacho allowed Auli’i to move in as the ship's Smith.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker is not just a small warship, but also a home designed by and for Tacho.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker specializes in:

• Delivery of Tacho and Tacho-related antics to the Kagami Galaxy and its peoples.
• Scout and Support Missions
• Search and Rescue of Knuckleheads
• Taunting Enemies of the Iron Company.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker has an arrow-shaped profile, with the bow being positioned at the wide end of the arrow, and the point at the stern. It is rather compact, and while it fills the role of a Corvette-class ship it is more of a custom platform for Tacho and the few members of the company she allows on the ship. The lateral 'pod-like' sections of the ship are mostly devoted to systems and weapons which places the core of the vessel as the habitable area of the ship.

The ship's slim, aerodynamic, and maneuverable profile makes it perfect for space and atmospheric operations alike.

Statistical and performance information for the Ship-faced Nutcracker.

The general information for the Ship-faced Nutcracker.

Ship-faced Nutcracker
Year Introduced	YE 45
Class/Nomenclature	IC-X1-1A
Designers	Tacho, Iron Company
Manufacturer	Iron Company
Fielded By	Iron Company, Tacho
Range	Theoretically Unlimited
Maintenance Cycle	Every 5 Years
Lifespan	Review Every 10 Years
Pricing	145,000KS

If you call this ship it will be Tacho who answers. She will subsequently inform you of where you can go and where you can stick it when you get there.

The ship during normal operation supports up to 8 individuals. During an emergency, it can hold up to 12 individuals. Most of the time the ship is just occupied by Tacho and Auli’i.

The dimensions of the Ship-faced Nutcracker are as follows:

• Length: 200m
• Width: 100m
• Height: 25m

• 2 decks that are 12m in height each.

This vessel complies with the Starship Speed Standard.

• The Ship-faced Nutcracker has an additional booster module on its Plasmatic Sublight Drive it can reach 0.30c for up to 10 minutes.
• Ground Speed (Hovering): 400km/h
• Max. Atmospheric Speed
  • Unshielded: Mach 1.0

This vessel's damage capacity statistics are in compliance with Damage Rating (Version 3).

Damage Rating (Version 3) is Tier 10.

The starship's interior is a marvel of spaciousness and adaptability, with both the upper and lower decks boasting an impressive height of 12 meters to comfortably accommodate Albert Steiner and his Warden Technician Mecha.

The upper deck houses the ship's central corridor, a hub of activity and camaraderie for the crew. Along the corridor, four double bunk beds are arranged in pairs, providing comfortable resting places for Knuckleheads during long missions or extended journeys. Overhead, a network of railings and storage compartments houses an impressive arsenal of weapons and gear, ensuring the crew's readiness for any situation.

The single-seat cockpit in the bow of the Ship-faced Nutcracker embodies a harmonious fusion of technology and ergonomic elegance. Encased within a sleek, transparent canopy that provides an expansive view of the cosmos, the pilot's seat, with the decal of Tacho's logo, occupies the central position, cocooned in plush, adaptable padding. The cockpit's array of luminous control panels and holographic displays encircles the pilot, offering a symphony of tactile and touchscreen interfaces, all meticulously labeled for easy operation. projected displays project essential data into the air, bathed in soft illumination. With every system, from propulsion to communication, at arm's reach, the cockpit is an intuitive, efficient command center. The surround sound speakers add depth to the immersive experience, as the Ship-faced Nutcracker embarks on its journey. The KAIMON-Portal is located in a crawl space under the cockpit.

Entry to the cockpit has a neon green “FAFO” sign above the door.

Tacho's quarters revealed a blend of comfort and chaos. Dominating the room was a spacious double bed adorned with tousled deep-blue sheets and colorful throw pillows. A transparent desk in one corner hosts projected displays and clutter of datapads, while the floor is generally covered in clothing, gear, and interstellar trinkets in controlled disarray. A viewport unveils the cosmos, a cozy armchair nestled beside it, inviting contemplation amidst the ever-drifting stars. In this captivating fusion of technology and personality, her adventurous spirit thrives.

Auli's quarters aboard the ship are a harmonious blend of comfort and readiness. The room exudes an inviting warmth with its soft, neutral-toned bedding and a cozy reading nook nestled in one corner. Yet, amidst this comfort, tools and gear are thoughtfully scattered throughout, creating an organized chaos. Auli's desk doubles as a workshop, always with some kind of disassembled gadget at its center, surrounded by neatly labeled tools. On shelves and hooks, a variety of equipment awaits, from multi-tools to communication devices, always within easy reach. This balance between relaxation and preparedness in her quarters reflects Auli's dynamic and resourceful personality.

The common area on this small starship is a multifunctional marvel, seamlessly blending a kitchen, dining room, workshop, and lounge into one cohesive space. The room's design prioritizes efficiency and versatility. In one corner, a compact yet well-equipped kitchenette features gleaming stainless steel appliances, including a small stove, a microwave, and a sleek refrigerator that efficiently tucks beneath a counter. Overhead shelves display neatly organized utensils and ingredients, while a transparent, domed roof allows passengers to stargaze while cooking.

The dining area extends from the kitchen, featuring a versatile table that can be raised for meals or lowered to serve as a workbench for the onboard workshop. This workshop is equipped with an array of tools and 3D printers, where passengers can craft, repair, or tinker with various projects. The walls of the lounge area are adorned with plush, modular seating arrangements that can be easily reconfigured for comfort and socializing. Soft, ambient lighting bathes the space, creating an inviting atmosphere for both relaxation and productivity. Large, panoramic windows line one wall, offering breathtaking views of the cosmos and filling the area with natural light. Surround sound speakers are discreetly integrated, providing a dynamic audio experience for entertainment and relaxation. This common area on the Ship-faced Nutcracker is a testament to thoughtful design, where passengers can cook, dine, work on projects, and unwind, all while reveling in the wonder of the interstellar voyage. It's a versatile hub that fosters a sense of community and creativity amidst the vastness of space. This area also serves as the ship's laundry and the showers and toilets are located in a small compartment on the port side.

The distillery's focal point is a gleaming copper still, seamlessly integrated into the ship's modern design. Surrounding it are wooden casks and well-organized shelves stocked with homegrown grains, fruits, and aromatic spices, sourced from the ship's small hydroponic garden. The glass-fronted cabinet displays an array of handcrafted bottles, each labeled with unique names and vintage years. Bathed in soft, inviting light, the distillery features a cozy leather-clad lounge chair where one can savor tastings of the ship's own artisanal spirits such as Tacho's Njord Slayer's Mead. The small yet elegant space embodies a commitment to craftsmanship and a desire to provide her few friends with a taste of something exquisite.

The logistics bay of the Ship-faced Nutcracker, located at the stern of the ship, is a multifunctional hub, meticulously designed to adapt to various mission requirements. Upon entry, its expansive space accommodates a small cargo bay equipped with neatly stacked crates and adjustable cargo securing systems. Adjacent to the cargo storage, a row of specialized compartments and racks houses gleaming power armor suits including Tacho's Krysis Crixa Prototype Armor, each suspended on retractable platforms for easy access, with an adjoining workstation for maintenance and repairs. The bay's standout feature is its versatile ramp system, which, when lowered during planetary landings, forms a sturdy bridge between the ship and the outside world, facilitating the seamless ingress and egress of small vehicles, from hovercraft to exploration rovers. Bright, utilitarian lighting enhances visibility for cargo handling, maintenance tasks, and mission preparations, underlining the logistics bay's pivotal role as the logistical core of the ship, capable of efficiently serving mission needs, whether in deep space or on distant planetary surfaces.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker boasts an ingenious design feature with small tunnel-like passages providing access to its formidable wing pods. These secure yet narrow passages wind through the ship's structure, leading to the vital systems and weapon systems nestled within each wing pod. As you navigate these dimly lit tunnels, a complex network of cables, conduits, and maintenance walkways guides the way, revealing the ship's dedication to functionality. The constant hum of energy and the flicker of projected status indicators along the walls serve as constant reminders of the crucial systems they connect to.

Inside the wing pods, the ship's capabilities become strikingly evident. These spaces are technological marvels, housing advanced systems and weapon arrays that fill every inch. Gleaming control panels and weapon interfaces line the walls, showcasing the starship's formidable firepower and defensive capabilities. Below the wing pods, on the lower deck, lies the very heart of the ship's engineering prowess. Here, the Wrath Series Fusion Reactortakes center stage, its intricate matrix of conduits and cooling systems symbolizing the raw power that drives the ship. The Slamdrive, the FTL propulsion system, stands at the ready to propel the starship through the hyperspace at breathtaking speeds. The Iron Company Smiths work diligently in this bustling area, monitoring and maintaining the ship's critical equipment. The entire lower deck is a symphony of engineering excellence, where the ship's power, propulsion, and weaponry converge, a testament to the Ship-faced Nutcracker's dedication to efficiency and preparedness, ensuring it stands ready for any challenge the vast expanse of space may present.

The systems on the Ship-faced Nutcracker.

The ship utilizes a primarily Monoplate hull structure. All windows and viewports utilize Transparent Durandium.

• The ship has standard airlocks compatible with all Iron Company vessels and facilities.

Gravitic shielding are effective against kinetic weaponry and collisions. This shield also serves the special purpose of counteracting graviton beams. The shield created is a two-faced barrier.

Not intended for, or effective at, defense against starship weaponry, navigational shielding protects the ship against navigational hazards, such as fast-moving small masses and slow collisions with large masses. The deflectors allow for safe maneuvering without raising the profile of its sensor signature as much as the defensive shielding.

The ship is powered by a Wrath Series Fusion Reactor and has a high-energy capacitor system that it utilizes for emergency power. Emergency power can last for 12 hours during combat conditions or 3 days under normal operation.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker utilizes the Iron Company Plasmatic Sublight Drive for STL and the Slamdrive for FTL. It also has an Anti-Gravity System for landing and atmospheric operations. Maneuvering Thrusters (ion thrusters) are used primarily for attitude adjustment, docking, and station keeping.

Tacho unsatisfied with anything the Iron Company had to offer, spent her own money and purchased a KAIMON-Portal which has its own integrated sensor and communications systems for the ship. She gave the AI a vulgar and offensive attitude much like her own. Tacho can control the ship remotely from her power armor.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker utilizes a basic life support system. Like most Iron Company vessels during combat the ship is depressurized and occupants are expected to be in Brigandine Combat Hardsuit or in Tacho's case her Krysis Crixa Prototype Armor.

The Ship-faced Nutcracker is a well-equipped fighting ship.¹⁾

The ship was just recently launched, more will be added later.

• Tacho's Krysis Crixa Prototype Armor.
• 8 x cases of YE 45 Njord Slayer's Mead.
• 12 x crates of food from Tsenlan.
• 10 x Brigandine Combat Hardsuit

The Officers and Crew of the ship.

Occupants will show up once they are assigned.

May or may not be true.

• Tacho keeps the ship at Norian Standard Temperature (10 degrees Celsius).
• Tacho has animated political-style meme drawings of the VIPs of the Kikyo Sector hung up all over the ship. (This includes the Kittens, Space Frogs, Milk Drinkers, Mech-Heads, Punks, Confused Punks, Squids, Squid Kittens, and Floofs of various varieties.)

Andrew created this article on 2023/09/25 12:24.

Art was done in Midjourney by Andrew. This article was approved by Wes on 2023/10/04.²⁾