This is the second draft after a thumbnail sketching
brainstorming session. It isn't exactly a pretty
boat, but its odd design helps it perform its
mission: Beaming survivors from escape pods in the combat zone.

The unique positioning of the nacelles gives the
primary hull's large transporter emitter/phase
transition arrays a wide angle of coverage. The
cutter's impulse and RCS allow it quick speeds
and agility to out-manuever enemy targeting
systems. The dual coil system in each nacelle is to
enable the warp system to behave as if there were
four nacelles. This is to afford rapid retreat
from the combat area and resist capture by
allowing two sets of coils to "rest" as the other set
is used, prolonging coil life and extending high warp velocity duration.

Defensive systems include a shield system that must be
shut off prior to transport, sensor-decoy
countermeasures, and ablative/diminitive armor. The
shields are tied into the transporter protocols
so that they are deactivated only during
transport. During transporter use, the survival
of the cutter is dependant on the skills of the
pilot who is given visual cues of enemy
targeting ranges and zones for avoidance if possible.
Diminitive armor lessens the effect of beam
weapons. In Devices and Gadgets I have a thread open
discussing this. I think I'll use diminitive over
reflective so as to make the ship seem more
plausible and not too invincible. Sensor-decoys are
electronic warfare systems designed to generate
false reading on the enemy's tactical station
causing them to fire off-target.

The cutter is also able to tractor beam aboard
salvageable escape pods that can be refitted onto new
starships or those undergoing repairs.

More to come
------------------
Think of it this way, at least we will be in prison together.
Tom to B'Lanna, upon reaching Earth and and being arrested by Tuvok.