Zipper-class Frigate
Since travel through Zipp Space leaves behind turbulent vortexes that make subsequent travel hazardous, Experifact developed a ship whose sole purpose is to reduce and consolidate these Zipp Lines to keep it safe to travel through areas of Zipp Space with high traffic.
The technology behind Zipp Drives and the Zipper Ships is a closely-guarded secret of Experifact. And although Zippers do not normally carry any armament, there have been no successful attempts to hijack one. Since they are apparently immune to the destructive forces of Zipp Lines, no other ship is able to approach them. Another reason why Zipper ships are left alone is that without their maintanence, most high-traffic systems are no longer accessible without extremely dangerous Zipp travel.
Zippers have a large ring frame with jutting pylons of unknown purpose. They also have four engine pods of a proprietary design, whose fuel source is also unknown. Mounted above the engine clusters are two separate command structures, likely housing the crew, facilities, and bridge. It is unknown if the ring itself has corridors allowing crew to perform maintenance, or travel between command structures.
Class: Zipper
Size Rating: Frigate
Manufacturer: Experifact
Dimensions: 300m
Impulse: 2
Maneuvering: 2
Range: 4
Hull Stress: 2
Heat: 6
Fuel: 8
The Zippline Condensor Ring of the Zipper-class is capable of expanding to many times its normal diameter in order to manage larger zipplines.
The Zipper's deck layout is a modest one. Since the majority of the ship's mass is dedicated to the Zipp Line Consolidator, the habitable portions are limited to the two structures flanking the ring. Each serves as a wholly independent command station for the Zipper ship, capable of seizing control of the craft should the other malfunction or its crew become incapacitated. Why this is necessary is unclear, however it lends credence to the claims that prolonged exposure to Zipp Space can cause systems malfunction and widespread psychosis. Command, operations, and science decks are layered in dense stacks while engineering and maintenance are located near the engines and are accessible via lifts. Crew quarters are interspersed throughout the layout, discouraging social engagement and maximizing productivity. Maintenance corridors run the circumference of the Consolidator, however these are disconnected during its expanded form, and most personal visitations between the two crews are restricted while in Zipp Space.
