by Halfbat

The "Turtle" class freighters are a general-purpose, light-medium freighter built to satisfy most light-medium freighter needs within the Nebula.

Most freight within the Medj’K’Ai Nebula is either free-standing or in one of the smaller intergalactic container sizes. The 24D4 is built to be able to handle up to 6 of the massive 5m*5m*10m containers in its multi-level cargo hold, and also have space left over for smaller, more awkward and often more costly items. In addition, it can take up to 16 passengers in cramped, steerage class bunks and 8 passengers in its plush upper-level first-class accommodation. In a crush, it can convert its passenger leisure facilities to passenger bunk space, adding anything up to an extra 40 passengers though additional fresher facilities are required. It’s crew can vary between 6-12 depending on passengers and cargo handling needed, though is normally around 8-10. On top of this, some defensive capabilities are supplied from the factory to enable defense against the bandits and pirates who are known to hide out in the protective arms of the Medj’K’Ai Nebula.

Whilst based on the plans LEC bought from CEC, the 24D4 underwent a great many changes whilst within the LEC's Mon Calamari engineering establishment on Amanus. The ship was expanded greatly, underwent the classic Mon Calamari styling, so it is sometimes termed a "turtle", and was adapted to ensure some aerodynamic qualities were retained for atmospheric landing.

The bridge is almost pure Mon Calamari design, with curving surfaces and control stations. Several astromech or similar droids are carried, together with a protocol droid (or two), and an extensive range of large cargo pods can be found port and starboard. Economy passengers are bunked in common facilities and have limited locker space; luxury passengers on the upper deck have an excellent observation bubble and are able to use both the extensive baggage hold and a passenger cargo hold (up to 100t max, limited to 2m square containers).

The sick bay is well-equipped; entertainment on-board is good (games and holoids); comms are subspace only. The quad laser turrets are concealed in the upper curvature of the hull: crew can access these from secret doors in the luxury deck in an emergency and the concealed turrets raise up available for use. The ship is known to have a wide range of available hardpoints (up to 32 in total: 14 used) but few owners have ever felt the need to fit more.

Many 24D4's are small-business owned, but a few are privately owned, either as basic transports, yachts (very rare) or family transports. In the latter case the luxury deck is often refitted to be a family deck, including an education centre, cargo space is retained and passenger space is reduced to the economy class only. When retrofitted as yachts, many changes are made, even to the extent of replacing the main cargo hold.