Jack of Harts

The Republic of Texas Navy’s Abilene-class long-range exploration cruisers were spread out all over explored space, dedicated to expanding that area in the last two decades, when the Peloran made Contact. They brought with them hyperdrive and gravitic technologies that made the Abilene obsolete overnight. But the Abilene fleet was a significant investment in time and materials, so they were ordered home to Earth or Dallas for refitting. Once operational with the new technologies, they went back out to explore space again for decades more to come. The newer Houston and Laredo designs replaced them eventually, leaving them to molder away in the reserves. Then one day a Texas Ranger needed a fast ship and no questions asked. He requisitioned an Abilene for a trip that would change the Abilene’s fate forever. He liked the ship, he wanted to keep the ship, and he convinced Texas Ranger leadership to purchase the remaining Abilenes for Ranger use. The Rangers have used them ever since.