The U.S.S. Zihl is an Andorian Kumari-class Escort, based on the designs of the former Andorian Imperial Guard warships; it is presently under the command of Captain Venkoreth th'Reklaw.


U.S.S. Zihl
Captain: Venkoreth th'Reklaw
Starship Data
Ship Class:	Andorian Kumari Escort
Registry:	NCC-93156
Faction:	Starfleet
Status:	Active (as of 2410)

History

The U.S.S. Zihl (NCC-93156) was originally a part of a secret militia project on Andoria during the Dominion War when it was looking more and more like the Federation might lose to the Dominion. Realizing that ships designed for exploration might not be sufficient to turn back the Jem'Hadar, the Andorians drew up plans to rebuild the pre-Federation fleet of the Andorian Imperial Guard, updated to modern specifications. Construction had begun on a number of Kumari-class ships, as well as a pair of variant designs. But the Dominion War ended before the designs entered production, and the plans were shelved.

When hostilities broke out against the Klingon Empire, the Andorians revisited the designs, but made no plans to bring any into production. It was not until near the end of 2409 when Starfleet asked for greater production from their shipyards. At that point, the Andorian government suggested that their shipyards begin construction of the new Kumari-class vessels, as they would be faster to construct than standard Starfleet designs-because they had more shipyards that had never been converted to Starfleet specifications.

One of the first off the line was the Zihl, and Starfleet decided that it would be appropriate if its captain were Andorian as well; conveniently, just such an officer was ready for promotion to Captain. When Captain th'Reklaw took command of the ship, it was as if he were born for the role. Zihl now serves as a "cavalry" ship, capable of turning the tide of a battle with its mere arrival.

Features

Kumari-class Features

The redesign of the Kumari escorts have led to advancements that the older versions of the ship could hardly imagine. The wing cannons, in addition to their usual level of firepower, also may deploy secondary cannons that detach and follow the starship, firing upon the same targets as the ship. The automatic fire from these cannons permits the crew of the ship to continue firing upon an enemy vessel even if they are occupied with something else-such as keeping the ship holding together.

Defense Systems

Zihl is armed with a number of specially-designed Andorian dual heavy phaser cannons, a phaser turret, and dual phaser banks. Additionally, it has a set of wing cannons that are capable stripping off shields or firing off an overloaded pulse. Not content with this, the designers equipped quantum torpedo launchers fore and aft. Given this, the Zihl tends to be downright lethal head-on.

A Reman covariant shield system protects the ship from harm; however, the hull of the ship is notably weaker than most of Starfleet's standard designs, making it what some would term a "glass cannon".

Engineering Systems

Thanks to the technologies advanced in the Solonae Dyson Sphere, the Zihl has been equipped with an advanced warp core. However, Captain th'Reklaw has expressed dissatisfaction with its integration, leading some to believe that the next refit will include a replacement.

Combat impulse engines deliver significant thrust at sub-warp velocities, allowing more power to be freed up for shields and-of course-weapons.

Notable Crew Members

CPT Venkoreth th'Reklaw Starship USS Zihl Position Commanding Officer Species Andorian Biography *Captain Venkoreth th'Reklaw commands the Zihl.*	CDR Samar Starship USS Zihl Position Chief Medical Officer, XO Species Vulcan Biography Doctor Samar has known th'Reklaw from his earliest days at the Academy, and served with him alongside Captain Frost. When th'Reklaw was promoted, he joined his old friend as first officer aboard Zihl	Memat'Utar Starship USS Zihl Position Tactical officer Species Jem'Hadar Biography Memat'Utar is one of several Jem'Hadar that were chosen by the Founders of the Dominion to observe Starfleet operations, in an attempt to foster better relations with the Federation. This may or may not also mean "spy on Starfleet ships and be prepared to act if we order it". Despite misgivings, Captain th'Reklaw allowed Memat'Utar to join his crew, and has yet to regret having the warrior at his side in sticky situations.
LCDR Four of Six Starship USS Zihl Position Chief Engineer Species Borg Biography As one of the Liberated Borg, Four of Six is dedicated to her new collective. She hasn't regained as much of her humanity as other Liberated Borg, but nobody can deny her efficiency-nor her ability to improve the Zihl beyond its manufacturer's specifications.	LCDR Leliro Ausror Starship USS Zihl Position Science Officer Species Trill (Unjoined) Biography Leliro Ausror is a Trill, although not a Joined Trill; this has irritated her most of her life. Being rejected for symbiosis, Leliro chose to push for excellence in assorted scientific endeavors, and decided to join Starfleet to continue that trend. Her specialty is in stellar formation.