USS Hypatia

"Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all."

—Hypatia - Ship's Dedication Quote

Named after one of Earth's most famous philosophers and astronomers from Alexandria, Egypt, USS Hypatia is a Sutherland-class research cruiser of great size and significance. On the surface, she is equipped with all of the necessary equipment and personnel to carry out an array of scientific and exploratory endeavours, but beneath the surface hides something curious. Adjustments made to the vessel following the appointment of her commanding officer have equipped her with systems that allow her to fulfil a dangerous objective; to gather intelligence on Klingon movements near the Romulan Republic and perform reconnaissance patrols as required by Starfleet and their Romulan allies.

As the first of her name to ever grace Starfleet, it is up to Captain and crew alike to forge a name commensurate with the legacy of such an influential thinker and mathematician. That legacy sees Hypatia serve as a vital asset of Lakota Squadron in Task Force 17 of the 4th Fleet, operating out of Deep Space 17 near the Typhon Expanse.

Mission Objectives

Once her shakedown is complete and the rest of her senior staff finalised, Hypatia will embark on missions with a primary focus on scientific exploration. She will, however, gather intelligence and reconnaissance data where required as part of her secondary mission profile. Missions she will conduct include:

Utilising the vessel's advanced sensors and long-range capabilities to identify and investigate unexplored sectors of space, cataloguing new phenomena, stellar bodies, and potential resources.
Conducting a wide range of interdisciplinary scientific studies, including astrophysics, exobiology, planetary geology, and stellar cartography, to deepen our understanding of the universe and its inhabitants.
Conducting in-depth surveys of planets, moons, and celestial bodies to assess their geology, climate, atmosphere, and potential for colonisation or resource extraction. Study indigenous life forms and ecosystems to support conservation efforts and cultural understanding.
Facilitating diplomatic missions and cultural exchanges with newly encountered civilisations, fostering peaceful relations and mutual understanding through scientific collaboration and shared knowledge.
Providing assistance in disaster relief efforts, such as planetary natural disasters, medical emergencies, or humanitarian crises, utilising the vessel's medical facilities, transporters, and supply capabilities to support affected populations.
Investigating ancient ruins, artefacts, and archaeological sites to uncover clues about lost civilisations, cultural heritage, and the history of the galaxy, preserving valuable knowledge and artefacts for future generations.
Studying and analysing anomalies such as wormholes, subspace rifts, temporal disturbances, and gravitational anomalies to understand their nature, effects on space-time, and potential applications for travel or communication.
Monitoring the health of ecosystems, celestial phenomena, and cosmic phenomena to assess the impact of stellar events, spacefaring activities, and climate change, contributing to efforts to preserve the natural balance of the cosmos.
. Collaborating with other Starfleet vessels, scientific institutions, and allied organisations such as the Federation Science Council, Vulcan Science Academy, and Daystrom Institute to share knowledge, resources, and expertise in pursuit of common scientific goals.

Additional LCARS Database Articles

Main Article: Sutherland-class Research Cruiser
Main Article: Auxiliary craft assigned to Hypatia
Main Article: A complete listing of all decks on Hypatia
Main Article: A tour of key facilities around Hypatia

Historical Data Records

Pre-Launch

2398: The first of what is sure to be many vessels in the Hypatia lineage, construction begins on the Sutherland-class Hypatia at Avalon Fleet Yards. The process goes relatively smoothly and the ship is ready to begin her shakedown cruise on schedule

Post-Launch

2401: Hypatia begins her six month shakedown cruise on 1st January, 2401, under the temporary command of Commander T'Prynn. She conducts a number of trials of key systems in several areas of space near to her headquarters at Deep Space 17, but she is kept out of significant galactic events such as the war with the Breen-Dominion alliance in the Deneb sector, and the disastrous Frontier Day celebrations. Hypatia completes her shakedown and is ordered to the Quasaris Sector where she meets with her permanent commanding officer.
Echoes of Ambition: With the Quasaris lockdown still in effect, Hypatia arrives during Lakota Squadron's blockade of the system. Captain Giarvar Kauhn of the USS Buran is ordered to assume command of Hypatia and begins assembling a crew from other vessels in the squadron. In the process, Kauhn and his former CO, Fleet Captain Keziah Nazir, almost come to blows over the crew transfers. When a medical emergency arises aboard Lakota, Hypatia assumes Lakota 's patrol route while the squadron flagship transports a stricken crewmember to his homeworld for treatment.

The Hypatia Lineage

Hypatia is a name rich in historical and intellectual significance, derived from Hypatia of Alexandria, a renowned Greek philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. Hypatia of Alexandria was one of the first female mathematicians and was celebrated for her work in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. She symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and the blending of scientific inquiry with philosophical thought. Hypatia is remembered for her contributions to the preservation and advancement of knowledge during a time of great social and political upheaval. Her legacy represents the enduring quest for wisdom and enlightenment.

Given the meanings associated with Hypatia, the Hypatia, simply put, is a starship that embodies the pursuit of knowledge, scientific exploration, and intellectual enlightenment. Whilst many starships in the Federation fleet endure long after the first ship to bear the name left dock for the first time, Hypatia has the distinction of being the first vessel to carry the name.

Commanding Officer Lineage

Notable commanding officers, past and present, include:

Captain Tomaz Rosicky, (Human Male) - Captain of Engineering, oversaw the ship's construction.
Commander T'Prynn, (Vulcan Female - Acting Captain, led the ship to her rendezvous with her new commander.
2401 - Present: Captain Giarvar Kauhn, (Trill Male)