The Destroyer W.E.V. Ascendant is the jewel of WayCorp's fleet. First of its class it is a deep space exploration vessel, highly automated to minimize the crew requirements and equipped with possibly the best to date sensors array and equipment that makes it the perfect survey vessel.

Development started at 1082 AFL the prototype ship will get its maiden voyage in early 1087 AFL from Glise Star System's WayCorp HQ to Outpost Milliways in the Douglas Star System

W.E.V. Ascendant

Overview

The W.E.V. Ascendant is a Destroyer-Class Exploration Vessel operated by WayCorp Exploration Division. Commissioned in 1087 AFL, the vessel represents the latest generation of deep-space exploration technology and serves as a flagship example of WayCorp’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of known space.

Constructed at the orbital shipyards of Glise and equipped with an experimental long-range sensor suite and next-generation StarDrive technology, the Ascendant was designed specifically for extended exploration missions beyond the established frontier. The vessel’s maiden voyage marked the beginning of a new era in WayCorp’s exploration efforts, carrying a hand-picked crew into the unknown reaches beyond civilized space.

The ship’s motto, engraved above the main bridge viewport, reads:

History

The Ascendant was conceived following a series of discoveries made by WayCorp survey expeditions operating near the edge of charted space. New stellar anomalies, unidentified energy signatures, and reports of ancient alien ruins convinced WayCorp leadership that a dedicated deep-space exploration platform was required.

Rather than adapting an existing military or commercial design, WayCorp engineers developed an entirely new vessel centered around exploration. Every aspect of the ship—from its sensor arrays to its scientific laboratories—was optimized for discovery and investigation.

The vessel’s launch ceremony attracted significant attention throughout the Reach. Executives, media representatives, researchers, and exploration enthusiasts gathered to witness the departure of what many described as the most advanced exploration ship ever constructed by a private corporation.

The ship’s first assignment was a transit voyage to Outpost Milliways, where its advanced deep-space scanning systems would be installed and calibrated before the beginning of its true mission beyond known space.

Design

Exterior

The Ascendant features a sleek, elongated hull profile optimized for long-duration operations and sensor efficiency. Unlike military destroyers, which prioritize armor and weapons systems, the Ascendant sacrifices some combat capability in favor of expanded scientific facilities and advanced scanning equipment.

Its most distinctive feature is the massive dorsal sensor spine running nearly the entire length of the vessel. This structure houses thousands of individual sensor elements capable of detecting faint energy emissions across vast interstellar distances.

The ship’s hull is finished in WayCorp’s signature white-and-blue exploration livery, making it immediately recognizable throughout corporate space.

Propulsion

Star Rise Drive Mk VII

The Ascendant is among the first vessels equipped with the StarDrive Mk VII, a revolutionary advancement in faster-than-light travel.

The new drive offers:

• Increased jump accuracy
• Reduced transit times
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Enhanced safety margins during long-range operations
• Greater resistance to gravitational interference

This technology allows the vessel to reach regions previously considered impractical or dangerous for routine exploration.

Sublight Engines

A cluster of six high-efficiency fusion engines provides maneuvering capability within star systems.

Exploration Systems

Deep Scan Array

The vessel’s primary mission equipment is the WayCorp Deep Survey Array, one of the most sophisticated sensor platforms ever constructed.

Capabilities include:

• Planetary composition analysis
• Subsurface geological scanning
• Energy signature tracking
• Long-range stellar observation
• Artificial structure identification
• Gravitational mapping

The system is specifically designed to identify evidence of ancient civilizations and previously unknown phenomena.

Cartography Suite

The Ascendant carries advanced mapping systems capable of generating detailed navigational charts for newly discovered regions of space.

Scientific Facilities

The vessel contains multiple dedicated research laboratories.

Xenology Laboratory

Used for the study of alien lifeforms and biological samples.

Planetary Sciences Division

Responsible for geological, atmospheric, and environmental analysis.

Stellar Observation Deck

A specialized facility for observing and cataloging astronomical phenomena.

Defensive Systems

Although not intended as a warship, the Ascendant possesses sufficient armament to survive encounters with pirates, raiders, and hostile wildlife.

Armament

• Twin medium plasma batteries
• Point-defense laser network
• Missile countermeasure systems
• Electronic warfare suite

Defensive Measures

• Reinforced exploration-grade armor
• Multi-layer shield generators
• Emergency bulkhead network
• Radiation protection systems

Crew Facilities

The Ascendant was designed for missions lasting months or even years.

Amenities include:

• Private crew quarters
• Recreation lounges
• Observation gardens
• Hydroponics bays
• Medical center
• Gymnasium
• Virtual simulation chambers
• Corporate communications center

The vessel can comfortably accommodate a crew of approximately 40 personnel in a variety of cabin types ranging for person, to two-officer suites, and bunk rooms

Notable Features

The Horizon Lounge

Located beneath the forward observation dome, the Horizon Lounge provides one of the most spectacular views available aboard any WayCorp vessel. Crew members frequently gather here during jumps and while observing stellar phenomena.

Memorial Wall

A tradition carried over from earlier exploration ships, the Memorial Wall records the names of explorers who lost their lives expanding humanity’s knowledge of the galaxy.

The Pioneer Bell

A ceremonial bell salvaged from one of WayCorp’s earliest exploration vessels. It is rung whenever the Ascendant enters an uncharted star system for the first time.

Mission Profile

The Ascendant’s operational mandate includes:

• Exploration of uncharted space
• Discovery of new star systems
• Investigation of alien ruins
• Scientific research
• First-contact operations
• Hazard assessment
• Frontier cartography
• Deep-space reconnaissance

The vessel is expected to spend the majority of its service life operating beyond the established borders of the Reach.

Reputation

Within WayCorp, assignment to the Ascendant is considered one of the most prestigious postings available. Competition for positions aboard the vessel is fierce, and successful applicants are often regarded as the next generation of frontier explorers.

Among spacers, the ship has quickly earned a reputation as a symbol of humanity’s enduring desire to seek out the unknown.

Many believe that whatever discoveries await beyond the frontier, the Ascendant will be among the first to find them.