Editing Mass Effect Transcendence/Assets (section)

==MSV Scalpel==

The flagship and mobile command centre of Penumbra Securities is the frigate MSV ''Scalpel'', registered as a private transport.

<CENTER>[[image: Ssv_salamanca.jpg]]</CENTER>

<CENTER>The SSV ''Salamanca'' pictured shortly before the First Contact War.</CENTER>


'''History'''

The ''Scalpel'' has a checkered history that extends beyond Penumbra's relatively short period of ownership. Commissioned in 2155 as the Systems Alliance Space Vessel ''Salamanca'', it was a wolfpack frigate designed to act in concert with it's companion ships to screen the lead cruiser of it's pack. State-of-the-art in it's time, the ''Salamanca'' was part of a patrol fleet dispatched in response to the turian attack that initiated the First Contact War in 2157. Holed during a skirmish with a turian fighter wing and left stricken without power, the order was given to abandon ship. The charges set to scuttle the vessel failed to go off, leaving it a drifting derelict, all but forgotten about after the war.

It was rediscovered almost quarter-century later in 2181 by agents of the Spectre Nihlus Kyrik. He dispatched his trusted companion Kirroe Tuditan to recover the ship, legally if possible, invoking Spectre privileges if necessary. He never expanded on his reasons for wanting that ship specifically. Word of the find spread quickly, and in response retired Alliance officer Hector Ortiz (who had been a bridge officer aboard the cruiser ''Kinshasa'' leading the flotilla at the time the ship was lost) mounted a rival salvage operation with Alliance backing. Kirroe reached the vessel first, but it lay in Alliance-controlled space. The vessel was still intact in spite of the battle damage and the Alliance laid a case before the Council that they needed to protect military secrets.

Lengthy negotiations ensued involving expensive lawyers on both sides. Eventually it was a burgeoning friendship based upon mutual respect between Kirroe and Hector that broke the deadlock and allowed a mutually beneficial agreement to be reached. The conditions agreed stipulated that the spinal mass accelerator would be removed, as would any proprietary military technology and any codes or ciphers in the VI core. The repair and refit would be carried out by the Alliance before being turned over to Kirroe, and Spectre status did not need to be invoked. A brief decommissioning ceremony was held at Arcturus Station in 2183 to formally retire the SSV ''Salamanca'' from Alliance military service.

With the death of Nihlus on Eden Prime, his will granted ownership of the vessel to Kirroe. Reviewing her options, she resolved upon negotiations with the original four principals of Penumbra Securities, finally joining their outfit and formally incorporating it. Ownership of the vessel was transferred to Penumbra Securities upon it's inception in 2183, where it was christened the MSV ''Scalpel''.


'''Layout'''

The ''Scalpel'' retains the standard three-deck layout of Alliance frigates of it's class. 

''Top Deck - Additional Quarters''

The removal of the main gun created a great deal of internal storage space on what was formerly the gun-deck, which was repurposed as additional living quarters and leisure facilities. The principals each have their own personal quarters, as does the Executive Officer and space is also reserved for visiting clients. In addition there is a gymnasium, fully-stocked bar and virtual firing range.

''Middle Deck - Command and Quarters''

The layout of the middle deck is broadly unchanged. To the fore is the cockpit and immediately behind it the bridge/CIC and mid-deck is the communications/briefing room. To the aft are crew quarters, mess hall and medical bay. It is also where the escape pod hatches are located.

''Bottom Deck - Engineering and Storage''

Similarly, the layout of the bottom deck is unchanged. Engineering and the drive core housing utilise a proportion of the space, though less than is the case in the SSV ''Normandy'', which has an outsized core and heat sinks. Towards the aft is the hangar, armoury and a modular storage area which can be configured for cargo or additional crew quarters.


'''Capabilities'''

The ''Scalpel'' has military-grade ablative armour, kinetic barriers, propulsion and sensors. These have been updated with the best commercially-available after-market packages.

While the spinal mass accelerator cannon was removed, it retains GARDIAN point-defense lasers and disruptor torpedo tubes. This means that while the Scalpel could no longer feature in a line of battle, it can still protect itself from fighters and torpedoes and engage other vessels at "knife fight" range. Removal of the main gun also reduces heat generation and power draw, allowing more energy to be directed to other systems in battle.

For internal security, there are four dormant Mk III ''Orcus''-class combat mechs which can be activated to repel boarders.


'''Vehicles'''

The ''Scalpel'''s hangar carries a number of vehicles which enhance the force projection and operational capability of Penumbra. These include:
*Two multi-role [http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/A-61_Mantis_Gunship A-61 Mantis gunships] able to provide air support, rapid extraction and orbital fighter cover. Designated Raptor One and Raptor Two.
*A [http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/UT-47_Kodiak_Drop_Shuttle UT-47 Kodiak Drop Shuttle] for bulk transport. Armed with door gun. Designated Umbra One.
*A [unspecified rover] for on-planet ground transport. Upgraded with kinetic barrier and mass accelerator machine gun.

Additional vehicles may be hired on as required.