The VCD may have the bulk of its firepower along the neck as you refer to it, but this isn't really a vulnerability when compared to the Warlock's weapon layout. The VCD has 4 forward mounted Whitestar cannons as well as 4 rear mounted one's plus additional turreted beam weapons that cover all the angles. The Warlock has, as I said before, all its main armament facing forward, reflecting its primary job, taking large installations. It was also designed to bring enough firepower down on a Sharlin to destroy it, which I'm sure it could if somehow given a clear shot at a Sharlin that was unaware of its presence. The Whitestar guns on the VCD are more powerful than the slicer beams on the Sharlin, they could easily disable the Warlocks heavy weapons with a single barrage. The Warlocks armor also is simply an advanced earth design and not the intended Shadow bio-armor. The VCD even without the Vorlon Bio-armor and shields still has the more advanced Minbari armor.
And as for the main gun, and I object to calling it that, I agree with you. The only Captain that would use that during a long engagment with enemy ships is a suicidal one. Sure it will destroy any one ship, no one can doubt that, but what could is it if it leaves the VCD vulnerable for 60 seconds! The only time it should be used is when the VCD has a lot of friendly ships nearby ready to guard it once it fires, because I would think those fancy gravitic shields would drain like the rest of the ship.
Posted on Jan 7, 2002, 11:56 AM from IP address 208.59.132.78