USS Vesta

The USS Vesta NCC-26284-A was an Akira Class starship in service during the Dominion War. It was present at the Battle of Aothea.

History
The Vesta was launched in the mid-24th century, from the Utopia Planitia Fleetyards on Mars.

Destruction
In 2373, the Vesta was in orbit around the planet Aothea, when three Dominion vessels decloaked. Faced with a choice between staying and fighting or fleeing and leaving the planet undefended, her captain decided to stay and fight, a decision that cost the lives of almost all of her crew.

The Dominion ships quickly overpowered the Vesta, sending boarding parties over. At some point whilst the ship was being boarded, the ship sent out a distress call that was picked up by a nearby hospital ship. The final blow to the Vesta came from a torpedo, which lodged itself into the hull and depressurised the ship.

Aftermath
The quick arrival of a nearby hospital ship resulted in the survival of nine of the crew, all of whom had still suffered from the effects of explosive decompression. Additionally, the survivors had all suffered from permanent injuries, which resulted in three of them resigning their commission.

Those who had been present on the bridge were questioned about the events that had led up to the battle and destruction of the Vesta, and those who did not resign were given periods of recovery leave.

The Vesta was towed from her position due to fears that her orbit could decay, bringing her to the surface of Aothea, and left in interstellar space. After the Dominion War was over, she was taken back to Utopia Planitia, where she was scrapped, and her remains were used to create new starships.