Athena-class Command Cruiser

"Such vessels are a fundamental component of UNSC operations. One Athena can coordinate a sector level engagement, and potentially manage hundreds of vessels across hundreds of light years, and still kick ass up close."

- Fleet Admiral Galia Meir

Considered the successor to the Valiant-class Super-Heavy Cruiser, the is a dedicated frontline command ship, as capable of commanding large fleet elements as it is smashing aside Covenant Warships. Possessing heavy armour, and a powerful main gun, backed up by a cutting edge reactor, these vessels are more beloved for their command facilities, with the appropriate ship-board tools for a senior officer to direct hundreds of vessels in real time. It is fitted with the latest wavespace communication tools, allowing for near instanteous supraluminal communication over long ranges, with the appropriate satellite launching facilities to produce a large scale communication network.