After going through a rigorous disinfecting process, the crew of the Spacedock was permitted aboard the ship that hunted and ancient DNA program for the Empire; the:
The I.K.C. Maht-H'a's uses:
Somebody's Stepping With The Empire: Picking a fight with the I.K.C. Maht-H'a isn't an especially good idea. Range and Shields of 8 are unspectacular, but serviceable (in particular, a docked I.K.C. Maht-H'a is safe from the depredations of a Borg Cube). Weapons 9 gives the I.K.C. Maht-H'a substantial punch in a fight. In addition, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a has the frills that make for a nasty warship. With the help of a Ready Room Door, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a can end up a 10-12-11 with a Cloaking Device and no battle restrictions.
[Insert maniacal laughter here]
Punch-Counterpunch: Captain Picard once referred to the Romulans as "counterpunchers"--waiting for their opponent to start a battle, and then lashing out with deadly force. Normally, the Klingon Empire uses its AU ships and/or a fleet of K'Vort-class ships to take the battle to the enemy. However, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a excells in a different role--the role of a deterrent.
The I.K.C. Maht-H'a is in a relatively unique position in the Klingon Defense Force. It is not as fast as the AU ships, and not as hard-hitting as an armada of smaller vessels. However, it is more than capable of taking care of itself. Unlike the ships in the armada (and even some of the other Attack Cruisers), the I.K.C. Maht-H'a can reasonably be expected to weather most attacks. This makes it suitable for use as a mission-solving vessel. However, it can do a respectable amount of damage. How does one balance the two?
The Romulans have taught us that the best way to keep your opponents from attacking is to have a fearsome reputation. The I.K.C. Maht-H'a can capitalize on this theory wonderfully. Simply pump it up with a Captain's Log, and then put your mission-solving team aboard and set out. Your opponent will have the chance to attack, but will probably have trouble damaging the redoubtable I.K.C. Maht-H'a and will have to face the distinct possibility that the inevitable counterattack will wipe them out. Unlike smaller, faster ships (the U.S.S. Pasteur comes to mind), the I.K.C. Maht-H'a protects itself by simply being too nasty to engage.
Can true perfection ever be attained?
Isn't It Horrible To Be Bored? : The I.K.C. Maht-H'a does have one notable lack: A Holodeck. Without this wonder of technology, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a cuts off its user from the opportunity to use holographic personnel. For most Klingon ships, this is a minor matter. However, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a's nature as a mission-solver means that it could potentially make good use of holograms to clear out dilemmas. Too bad K'Tesh is trapped in his disk...
Final Analysis: Unlike many Klingon vessels, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a succeeds in many areas. It is effective both as a mission-solving transport and as a combat ship. Although it lacks a potentially useful frill, that does not substantially reduce the value of the ship overall. Now matter what the deck, the I.K.C. Maht-H'a deserves a look.
Next Week: The Spacedock offers its first DS9 review, a tour of the I.K.C. Toh'Kaht.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to e-mail Phalanx