The term has been used for many generations, and for many things. It was used to describe Venus and Mercury, rising in the east before the sun's emergence. It was used to describe the star Sirius, which would appear in the sky just before sunrise. It was used to name Lucifer, god's favored, who brought the gift of knowledge to humanity and fell from the heavens as a result. It was even the name of a weapon; a spiked club designed to traumatize one's enemies.
The Liberty Security Force commissioned the Morning star from Juneau shipyards in 825 A.S. Construction was completed, and the ship was put into service, a year later in early 826 A.S.
Based on the ages-old "Archer" Siege Cruiser chassis, the Morningstar - a new vessel for a new age of operational requirements - was built from the frame up with the latest materials, processes, and technology that the Liberty Security Force has to offer.
Taking after its namesakes, the Morningstar is a weapon in both form and function, purpose-built to break through the most resilient defenses. The "Starlance" siege cannon boasts improved coolant systems and focusing arrays, increasing efficiency and punch over distance. The Morningstar's heavy turrets, intended to supplement the Starlance at long ranges, have been replaced with cannons to improve the ship's effectiveness against other cruisers and destroyers, a previously-found weakness in the Archer class. These heavy weapons are supplemented by the traditional array of primary turrets and pulse-EMP turrets, forming a versatile loadout effective against a large variety of opponents.
In addition to its role as a weapon, the Morningstar is also a bringer of knowledge; advanced sensor systems, low-emission engines, and scanner-diffusing hull plating allow it to venture into hostile territory for reconnaissance and intel operations. As part of the Liberty Security Force's initiative to expand Liberty's presence and influence into the border and edge worlds - as well as into other houses - the Morningstar is fully equipped to operate abroad for extended durations, and with minimal support.
Finally, in relation to its name as a cosmic reference, the Morningstar boasts a comprehensive stellar cartography suite, capable of accurately mapping local systems and plotting courses through new and unstable jump holes in order to explore the space beyond. A quantum communications network links the Morningstar directly to Kodiak Research Station, in Alaska, allowing instantaneous mission reports and operational updates to LSF command.
Vessel Name: LSFC-Morningstar
Commissioning Date: 01.13.826 A.S.
Constructed At: Juneau Shipyard, Alaska System
Chassis Model: "Archer"-Class Liberty Siege Cruiser
Vessel Name: LSFC-Morningstar
Ownership: Liberty Security Force
IFF Transponder Alignment: LSF
Crew Compliment: 55
Command Crew: 15 Officers
Enlisted Crew: 40 Crewmen
Commanding Officer: James Andrews
Commander James Andrews is a career officer with the Liberty Security Force. Slated for a position within the LSF after graduating from West Point Military Academy, Andrews was noted for high marks in Command, Diplomacy & Negotiations, and Team Management. Andrews initially served a probationary period at Kodiak Research Station before assignment to the Midway - a Liberty Navy "Atlantis"-Class Carrier - as an LSF Liason and morale officer. Stationed on the Midway for over a decade, Andrews has seen combat service against Rheinland, Gallia, and the Liberty Seperatist movement, as well as incursions into Alaska by the Order and Nomads.
Commander Andrews was one of several officers eligible for assignment to the Morningstar upon its completion, and was chosen for the role over his peers specifically for his combination of Combat Experience and Diplomatic Tact. Given the likelihood of dealing with organizations beyond Liberty space, LSF Command deemed that a level head and keen political skills were every bit as important to the Morningstar's operations as adeptness in combat situations.