Guardian class.

After passing thru the jump point it takes another 12 hours before the shuttle arrives at Outpost 44. In the passenger section, you idly listen to the flight crew as they approach the Empire's sole station in Wild Space. Your interest picks up when you hear the flight crew confirm docking instructions for the Shadow Hawk.

You sit forward and peer thru the access hatch to the flight deck and the forward canopy beyond. As if sensing your interest, one of the flight crew turns towards you and speaks.

"That's the Shadow Hawk there." he informs you, indicating one the ships docked at the mammoth battle station.

You look in the direction he is indicating and get your first look at the Shadow Hawk.

You are stunned to see the arrowhead design of the, all but obsolete, Guardian class Customs Cutter. The Guardian class ceased production more than a decade prior to the founding of the Empire. It is only the fact that it is the fastest and most maneuverable vessel in the Empire's fleet, that they have not been retired from service. While still a match for most outlaw traffic, the Guardian class has more and more found itself outclassed in combat by better armed and shielded vessels being fielded by the richer criminals and syndicates.