Now, in 2000, I have the address for IL&M and I would like to confirm the existence of this ship.
I would appreciate suggestions on the format of the question I would need to ask to get the confirmation.
Thank you.
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takeoffs are optional; landings are mandatory
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Captain Tenille: "Oh, Simpson, you're like the son I never had."
Homer: "And you're like the father I never visit."
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7 alarm clock: "Do not touch me."
Dilbert: "Then how do I turn you off?"
7: "Believe me, I am plenty turned off."
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Cigar Girl- "Would you like to check my figures?"
James Bond- "I'm sure that they are very well rounded..."
The World is Not Enough
There isn't a direct timeline contradiction if we say that the Oberth class ship was destroyed soon after 2371, and the Defiant class vessel christened sometime after the re-launching of the Defiant herself.
And Oberths *are* like potato chips for all sorts of space monsters and other enemies - once you pop one, you can't stop.
Of course, the Oberth could also have been peacefully retired - NCC-20000 would be the lowest rego in service in the DS9 timeframe, lower even than the ancient Miranda ships in the 31000 range, or the 42000 range Excelsiors (the 14000 range ones didn't make appearance in DS9 AFAIK).
Timo Saloniemi
As far as reuse of the Valiant name goes, I'm sad to say it's completely viable. "Generations" took place about 2/3rds through 2371, SD 48650.1. 74210 Valiant is listed as having been launched SD 49456.5, or about halfway through 2372 (which would put her being launched 18 months AFTER Voyager!!).
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"Do you know how much YOU'RE worth??.....2.5 million Woolongs. THAT'S your bounty. I SAID you were small fry..." --Spike Spiegel