UNSC Cradle

The Cradle was a UNSC refit station capable of intersystem travel.

Background
Essentially a large square plate consisting of Titanium-A, it was a square kilometer in diameter and capable of refitting six destroyers, three from her upper surface and three from her lower surface, in a matter of hours. It was crewed by 30 people.

Operational History
In July 2552, it was present at the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV. The ship was used as a shield for the fleet when the Covenant attacked and it was sacrificed so that the rest of the UNSC fleet could be protected from a salvo of plasma fire. No escape Lifeboats were launched and the entire crew were killed. They were avenged moments later when the UNSC fleet destroyed 7 Covenant ships and damaged many others with their MAC volley. Its remains were pushed into high orbit above Sigma Octanus after the battle.

Trivia

 * Commander Richard Lash's father was a crewman on the ship and was killed when it was destroyed.