Beaufort Lines

From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future

Established 984 by Samuel, later Sir Samuel Beaufort of Guildheim/Liberty Hall (The Beyond 1604). Beaufort Lines is unique in the fact that its ships are all Imperial-crewed and, while registered in Beyond, all of its masters are reserve officers in the Imperial Navy. Beaufort is one of the major shipping lines operating in Beyond with established routes from the Mal'Gnar Radiant through die Weltbund and Liberty Hall and rimward into Metchi'Alagwa and the Northeast Middle Beyond. It connects with Parallel Lines, Unlimited, at Xeres/Zydar (The Beyond 0830), at the extreme coreward edge of Zydar Subsector.

Sir Samuel's policies of subtle Imperial influence and paternal advice resulted in Beaufort being the sole line granted entrance into the Mal'Gnar Radiant, which fact probably influenced Emperor Gavin in his decision to bestow the title of Knight of the Imperium in 1000 upon Beaufort. To this date, Sir Samuel's policies remain in effect and ho commercial line has succeeded in entering the Radiant.

Most of Beaufort Lines is composed of ex-Imperial navy vessels, especially those of larger tonnages. But there is a new tendency towards the utilization of the Delta Research Type SX Wind Class Scout/Couriers, no doubt a continuance of Sir Samuel's unique sense of humor. To date, some twelve Type SX's have been delivered and have been christened, rather whimsically: Calm; Light Air; Light Breeze; Gentle Breeze; Moderate Breeze; Fresh Breeze; Strong Breeze; Moderate Gale; Fresh Gale; Whole Gale; Storm; and Hurricane.

Beaufort Lines remains a family company with stock divided approximately as follows: Beaufort Family--60%; investment trusts--15%; corporate employees--15%; Imperial Family--2.5%; and public (individuals)--7.5%.

This article was copied or excerpted from the following copyrighted sources and used under license from Far Future Enterprises and by permission of the author.

– Beyond