Bowex Database

[jammi]

[color=#FFCC66]Corporate Internal Memo #1095812-3/5: Required reading.

Why hello there! It's me again. Once more, you're required to read the following. It's a brief synopsis on the fleet's most venerable of craft, the Henry VIII. This veritable gold mine of social and historical importance has formed a critical core of our very corporate image for several centuries now. It is management's wish that you now learn more of this truly extraordinary vessel. That will be all. Get reading! ~Maloney

[color=#FFCC66]Corporate Internal Document #1920182-3/5: The Historical Assets of Borderworld Exports.

The Henry VIII was originally crafted in Southampton Shipyard two-hundred and fifty one years ago in 568 AS. The VIII was originally the ruling Monarchs (Queen Elizabeth IV) personal liner. Three years after the Queens death, fifty seven years later, the VIII was due to be decommissioned and torn apart to create a new generation of Liner. Instead of being consigned to a grim death at the hands of a welding saw, Borderworld Exports recognised its potential as a future corporate flagship.

After placing a bid on the then derelict Liner, the hulk was sold on at its scrap price, much to the jubilation of the Bowex Board of Directors. It was in general agreement that the VIII was an investment well made. Bowex immediately set to renovating the ship at their facilities at Scarborough Shipyard, investing millions of credits into the project and creating employment for hundreds of people throughout the development.

The VIIIs refitting was eventually completed in 639 AS, fourteen long years after Bowexs initial purchase, placing the ship at a venerable age of 71. After this the VIII came into active service as Bowexs flagship, where it played host to a plethora of diplomatic meetings and social occasions. The Liner could frequently be spotted in New Londons orbit, although its role as Bowexs flagship often took it abroad to all three Houses.

Over the following centuries, the VIII gained a reputation as a well maintained and stylish ship, and was a frequent destination for senior employees for rest and relaxation. However, the aura of peace and tranquillity that surrounded the ship was shattered after the blight of war fell over Bretonia, with the encroaching Kusari invading the Leeds system.

The Liner was sometimes used to evacuate refugees from Planet Leeds itself, and move them to Port Jackson on Planet Sydney where they could begin a new life, or simply bide their time until it was safe to return home. These duties raised public opinion of Bowex as a company, as well as the public profile of the ship itself. During such operations, the VIII wouldn't be seen without a powerful escort, consisting of escort fighters and heavy transports.

The VIII was scheduled for refits at Baltimore Shipyard in Liberty on it's two-hundred and fiftieth birthday, due to the strain placed by the war on Bretonian shipyards closing them to public access. The ship underwent modernisation and upgrades, although the primary purpose of the refits was to overhaul the interior in preparation for it's upcoming role as a museum ship orbiting Planet New London.

The VIII will be embracing this role from the 21st of February, 818 A.S, when it will be officially opened by the Prime Minister. In the same ceremony, the latest addition to the fleet, the Royal Liner Victoria will be announced as the new corporate flagship.

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