Takaaki Courier

Named after Labrim Takaaki, a legendary hero of the Cardassian People's Unification Party, the Takaaki Courier is the rare courier-specialized variant of the Takaaki heavy frigate, developed in the early 2300s.

Takaaki Hull
Despite weighing just over half as much as the older Jaldun-class cruiser and requiring a much smaller crew, the baseline Takaaki is nearly as sturdy and nearly as powerful, incorporating the latest Cardassian technologies. The large dome deflector on the dorsal hull appears oversized and fragile, but its placement near the Takaaki's highly efficient warp core and numerous SIF reinforcements keep it fully powered and free of wear and tear. Four disruptor turrets, positioned in pairs on the highest and lowest decks, ensure that at least two weapons have a line of sight at every possible vector. The Takaaki Courier features a single torpedo bay. The twin "tails" above and between the warp nacelles bear the ship's impulse engines; the Takaaki's one true failing as a light warship, these engines are slightly undersized for the ship's weight, making the Takaaki a bit less maneuverable than some commanders would prefer (though others would argue that with the Takaaki's impressive shields and armor, maneuverability is less important). The two large "wings" on either side of the forward hull contain the crew quarters, cargo bays, sensor banks, and transporter rooms, with the bridge and CIC being located just before the deflector housing on the central engineering spine. The two rows of escape pods are located along each side of the dorsal spine, near the bridge and main engineering rooms and roughly equidistant from most of the enlisted crew stations.

Courier Module
The Takaaki Courier, probably the least common variant, plays the straightforward role of quickly ferrying VIP officers and representatives when a flagship is unavailable for the job. Larger warp nacelles and an extra system of reinforcement allows the Courier to maintain a higher maximum warp for a much longer period of time than the other Takaaki variants, and the forward guest module contains relatively lavish accommodations. As with the Researcher's heavy sensor module, the Courier's diplomatic module covers the forward torpedo tube, and the torpedo bay itself has been converted into extra cargo space and housing for a high-powered subspace communications antenna that allows political or military passengers to maintain realtime communications with distant targets. The aft torpedo bay, meanwhile, is unchanged from the baseline Escort version and fully functional; while the Courier cannot charge into battle, it is more than capable of discouraging pursuers.

Crew Culture
In direct contrast to the Researcher, Takaaki Couriers are known for having a much more relaxed atmosphere than most CDF vessels, owing to the slightly improved crew furnishings and the large observation lounge and recreation center in the guest module, which servicemen are permitted to use when there isn't a VIP aboard. Courier postings have become the province of well connected, but less than competent, guls who need a visible and outwardly prestigious command that doesn't come with too much actual responsibility.

Reception
Generally perceived as a failure by the CDF, the Takaaki Courier is being replaced by the Kapit Courier.