Pathfinder Class VI Blockade Runner

design by Rat on Pier

NOTES:
Known Sphere Of Operation:  Federation/Klingon border, Triangle
Data Reliability:  C
Major Data Source:  Klingon Sector Intelligence, Orion Sector Intelligence, Triangle Sector Intelligence

Like many Orion built privateers, the Pathfinder is part pirate ship, part transport and part scout. Financed by the Klingons, the Pathfinder was initially intended to sew discord and distrust within the Orion colonies where it first operated. Attacking Federation interests, including independent merchants as well as Andorian, Tellarite and even Star Fleet merchants, the Pathfinder also operated within Federation territory, gathering data on patrol routes and other vital details. Along with it’s nefarious activities, the Pathfinder also operated as a surprisingly successful trade vessel, quickly ferrying it’s cargos to and froe in both Federation and Klingon territory.

The A-1, launched in 2268, was under the command of Nevit “The Lucky” Akalzed and served under his command for nearly 20 years. While the A-1 was well armed, it was not as fast as other Orion designs. When perused by high-speed antipiracy vessels, the Pathfinder often found itself having to battle it’s peruses. This led to costly repairs that forced the Akalzed to continue relying on their Klingon patrons. None the less, the arrangement continue to be profitable for both sides the destruction of Praxis.

Now under the command of Nevit’s son “Little Bit Lucky”, the Pathfinder was no longer restricted to Federation and Orion targets. Although keenly aware that the purse strings were now closed, Captain L.B., raided Federation and Klingon territory, reveling in the freedom and riches of these fertile areas. Unfortunately, this would prove disastrous in 2301 when L.B. attacked a Klingon transport group near Takers. Having discovered the Orion spy onboard one of his ships, the Klingon unit commander laid a trap for the Pathfinder and nearly destroyed the vessel in a pitched battle.

Captain L.B. was killed during the battle, along with numerous crew members, forcing the Pathfinder to limp back to safer territory. Although Akalzed Enterprises had sufficient capital to repair and relaunch the Pathfinder, some felt the funds could be used elsewhere. However, several of Captain L.B. slave women, now free from their contract, were able to convince Akalzed board members to relaunch the Pathfinder in Nevit Jr.’s honor.

The A-2 would be relaunched in 2303 and began is new career as a pure transport vessel. The A-2 saw an increase in the weapons systems as well as improvements to the shield system. The Pathfinder, now battling other Orion pirates, continued to successfully ply the space-lanes in more dangerous territory until 2321 when she was again badly mauled by attacking pirates.

The Pathfinder put in to drydock, but would not be relaunched until 2325. The A-3 variant saw improvements to a wide range of systems including the impulse drive, weapons and shields. The A-3, partially financed by the Orion Syndicate, would go on to become a successful raider in it’s own right, capturing small valuable cargoes from a wide range of targets. In 2330, the Pathfinder began operating near Talarian/Cardassian space where it’s moderate firepower proved useful against a number of targets.

The Pathfinder continue it’s operation along this new frontier area until 2351 when she attempted to capture a Ferengi cargo that was waiting for pick-up. Unaware that the Ferengi Marauder was awaiting a second cargo drop, the captain of the Pathfinder attempted to attach and tow the cargo pod. Unable to disengage their tractor beam in time, the Marauder destroyed the Pathfinder with all hands lost.