Editing Gorn (section)

=='''Project Phoenix'''==
In response to this the Gorn enacted Project Phoenix. The Klingons gave the Gorn a hundred old D7 Starships, which the Gorn frantically worked to refit to current technological specifications. In exchange, the Klingons would retrieve all data on Project Phoenix for feasibility studies in the Klingon Empire. the vessels showed promise, able to mount the more destructive Plasma Torpedo systems, Gorn engines, and shields. However the Gorn knew that in a full out invasion, these ships would not be enough.

it was during this time that Chief Petty Officer Serixs Ssarumon, the former foreman of the Sobek Fleet Yards, volunteered his private vessel to Project Phoenix as well. His was an old Constitution-II Class vessel that was salvaged and purchased under Interstellar Law, the USS Lexington (NCC-1709). The Lexington showed the most promise under Project Phoenix, the saucer section retrofitted with "Assignment Modules" that allow its role to be changed quickly. In addition, she was fitted with the latest in Plasma Torpedo technology and Binary Warp cores, allowing one core to function even if the other is destroyed.
The entirety of Project Phoenix took 18 months converting four-hundred vessels, some Klingon D7s, others older Gorn vessels, into current combat readiness with Gorn crews working around the clock despite material shortages. Many retired Gorn, some well past 230 years, volunteered to be reactivated and get back to work.

With many vessels in the Civilian fleet pressed into combat service and the fleet augmented with older vessels refit to current standards, the Gorn faced only one more problem. Manpower. With so many lives lost, all vessels were severely undermanned. This led to the advent of a highly classified project known only as Avatar.