The
ancient raachok was a hurled weapon from the early martial
period on Kharak. Light infantry used to carry a half dozen
of these leaded darts into battle and then throw them in
rapid fashion as they closed with the opponent. They were
not the most effective weapon for inflicting injuries, but
the enemy was forced to raise their shields to protect
themselves from the hail of whistling projectiles, and so
the infantry could often close and get in the first blow
before the enemy had recovered. The name is apt for this
class of Taidani Light Corvette for two reasons. The first
is purely cosmetic; the tapered shape of the light corvette
is similar to the old weapon, and the maneuvering vanes on
the back of the corvette fold up along the fuselage when the
ship is docked, in much the same way the ancient dart's
stiffened leather fins would fold up while the raachok was
being carried in its special belt slot.
The
second reason for the comparison is a more tactical matter.
The light corvette is the first attempt by Taidani
scientists to create a multi-crew strike craft, and as such,
it has a special problem. Without the speed of a fighter or
the hitting power of a capital ship, the light corvette,
even with its light, high-speed cannon, is relegated to
harassing fire duty in most fleet contacts. The Raachok,
like its namesake, is best employed as a dangerous
distraction. In large actions this can mean a flight of
Raachoks will close first to draw out enemy fighter screens
and leave the main body of the opposing fleet open to a
first strike from heavier ships. Going in first leaves
Raachok crews facing incredible dangers, but receiving
little of the glory.
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