The Longest Crusade

Ok, this officially is a rant. One thing bothered me for the longest about TNG, and as time went by, it REALLY BOTHERED ME! It all happened with the first Episode to see an Excelsior Class Starship still in service 80 years after the fact. (And they retired the Constitution class when?) Add to the fact that they carry 5 digit numbers and now....I'm lost for any reasonable explanation. Then you throw the USS Lantree in there (also with a 4 digit number), and I'm highly confused. We have the big beautiful galaxy Class starship that probably cost us billions to buy, but we are so cheap we keep spitting out Mirandas and Excelsiors?

I mean the Dominion war tears it, there were more Mirandas and Excelsiors turned to scrap metal then anything. I know Television productions and timing, and all that crap, but the fact is, it might as well been 1960 again if the budget dosen't allow for some believable ships.

Enough already, now to my description of HOW IT SHOULD OF WENT!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In 2274, after only 14 years of service, the USS Crusader NCC-1858 was sent back to Dry dock. Over the next 14 months it would go through a radical transformation akin to the Constitution Class Starships and emerge a shining jewel.

When the Constitution class began to go through a major refit cycle in the 2270s, the Miranda's were similarly upgraded in order to extend their life span. They continued to act as Explorer class units for the next century, forming the backbone of Starfleet throughout this period. In time however, their relatively low cruising speed combined with the gradually increasing distances they had to cover - caused by the expansion of the Federation - began to wear on the ships. Their relative lack of recreational facilities and the cramped quarters began to lead to a marked drop-off in crew performance, and Starfleet considered retiring the class.

Instead, it was decided to use the Miranda design as the basis for a general purpose vessel for use within the body of the Federation. The science labs were removed and replaced with expanded cargo bays and an upgraded weapons fit. The Miranda class was used extensively to patrol the Klingon and Romulan borders, as cargo carriers and particularly as colony transport craft. In fleet actions they acted in support of the larger ships, acting as outer pickets to the fleet. Some vessels were refitted as ammunition ships, using their extra cargo space to carry photon torpedo reloads and phaser components. Others were converted to tankers, carrying supplies of Deuterium and Antimatter. A group of six ships was fitted with modern extra sensor pods and used in the electronic intelligence role. Their ability to look after themselves during a battle made them an excellent choice for these roles.

The Crusader was fitted as an Explorer, and spent relatively a lot of time doing just that. Her greatest accomplishments came in 2281 when Captain Candice Mathis took the Helm. The Crusader would explore the furthest reaches of the Alpha and Beta Quadrant. Missing out on the Genisis crisis as well the alien probe by the time she returned, yet was responsible for 6 first Contacts, and discovering no less then 27 new systems. The Crusader would serve into the 24th Century, receiving upgrades every 5 years. Her Last Upgrade in 2324 proved to be the most difficult. Her systems were over wrought from wear and tear. Her age was showing and her warp core needing a major overhaul. At first she went into Training duty, but that ended the third year out when a Baffle plating gave in main Engineering. In her Captains words, the old girl needs to rest. In 2330, that's is what she did, after 70 years of service.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mesh by mattymanx
Background image provided by NASA/JPL Artist