Nicolas de Nicolay refit configuration

In 1114 the Nicolas de Nicolay was transferred from the Special Phenomenon Investigation Branch to the External Mapping Branch of the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service. The vessel was slated for a mission with the Intelligence Branch based upon, at that time, still compartmented classified orders from Capital. The NdN was received in Scout Spacedock Unit Three of the Magash Shipbuilding and Spacedock (MS&S) Yard in the Sabine Sector on 107-1114. 
Originally built at GTL-10 many systems were upgraded to GTL-12. This required extensive rewiring of both power and control systems. The entire Command, Control, Communications, & Computer (C4) Systems were replaced.  Sensor systems were fully upgraded as part of this effort. Additional classified mission specific special equipment was also installed.

All Leviathan-Class ships are divided into 8 longitudinal decks. In rather broad description they are:

1. Deck A lifeboat hangar & Aft Fire control
2. Deck B Bridge and officer quarters
3. Deck C Main Fire Control and quarters
4. Deck D Quarters and upper Cargo Hold
5. Deck E Workshops & Cargo Hold main level
6. Deck F boat hanger upper
7. Deck G boat hangar main level
8. Deck H Auxiliary Bridge & Lifeboat Hanger

As can be seen the original class was built to military specs, with an Auxiliary Bridge and Main and Auxiliary  Central Fire Control. This was done based upon the extraterritorial nature of the Leviathan's operational area.

Modifications to the Nicolas de Nicolay called for extensive modifications to the the D, E, F & G decks to allow for the storage of three modular cutter modules, as well as a Sirigerkhe-class Stealth Cutter. The existing Survey modules were updated to GTL12. Fire Control was upgraded to GTL-12. The two missile launchers on Deck C were replace. The port launcher with six probe launch systems capable of firing both long range and short range probes, as well as deploying Stealth Surveillance Drones. The starboard launcher with a standard Heavy Missile Launcher containing a magazine of 10 500 mm  missiles. The launchers on Deck D were also replaced with standard Heavy Missile Launchers. The intention was to place a number of Electronic Warfare Drones, as well as a mixture of Standard Heavy Missiles containing HEAT (High-Explosive Armor-Tapping), Nuclear and X-ray Laser warheads. The latter are not typically carried on IISS vessels and were procured through the Imperial Navy.

Hull modifications and a brand new high tech coating was used to upgrade the vessel to Basic Stealth. Modification to multiple systems allowed upgrading Emission Masking to Radical.

Additional tankage was installed to allow the upgraded GTL-12 Jump-3 Drive to utilize its full range with two 100-dton Kiigemda-class Multi Mission Scouts in their external cradles. The reserve GTL-10 J-2 backup Jump Drive was retained for emergency use. Both the Main and Backup Maneuver Drive were replaced by a GTL-12 two unit balanced MS&S Msy-7L Low Emissions Reactionless Drive. This gives the fully loaded vessel a top acceleration of 5 Gs. Without the embarked Multi Mission Scouts the ship's acceleration is limited by it's 6G compensators.