I have been racking my brain for quite some time on this and still can't come up with anything solid so I'm going to post it for you guys to debate: The Battle of Earth took place during the year 2668. During that time Confed's fighters consisted of Sabres, Rapiers, Broadswords and the like. When Blair is transferred to the Victory, it is 2669, and there is no trace of these fighters, even on and old ship like the Victory. Suddenly it seems as though the Thunderbolt, Hellcat, Arrow, and Longbow have been Confed's mainstream fighters for several years. Blair even describes the Thunderbolt as a "steady, reliable old fighter." When were the Sabres and other ships of its time retired? Someone please clear this up for me. Thank you.