2.55 October 7, 2251 CE - FS-Technologies develops first shield systems |
October 7, 2251 CE: Future Ship Technologies Inc, based on Demaret, develops the first practical reactive shield systems. The UGTO professes interest in this new technology for its next generation of warships. However, Grand Chancellor Nahima vetoes the additional expenditure that would be required in order to refit the fleet with shield capable systems. To recover the massive expenditure that was required for development, Future Ship Technologies offers their new device to merchant ship owners. The actual cost of maintaining a reactive shield system turns out to be less than maintaining an armour system, and it proves adequate for defense against space dust, micrometeorites, and pirates. As a further incentive, Future Ship Technologies offers to split the cost of refitting a ship with shields for the first one thousand shield systems. This proves to be a great financial success. |