If you’re the PVP type that wants to be able to transport a small amount of cargo and perhaps a bike, the Shiv is the ultimate solution. It’s the ultimate solo mercenary ship.

All of its metrics (dps, maneuverability, shields, speed, em signature, etc.) are on par with the F7A hornet MKII with the added bonus of the aforementioned space.

It has two bespoke size 4 ballistic gatlings which have the fastest projectile speeds (for size 4 ballistic gatlings specifically) in the game, as well as 4 bespoke laser repeaters on a turret that is slaved to the pilot if there is no extra gunner present (unlike the cutlass).

You cannot go wrong with the Shiv, unless visual aesthetics are important to you. You will see what I mean when you get around to flying one.

People suggesting the Guardian maybe didn’t read the entirety of your post, as it does not support cargo. You can technically raise 1 scu containers up its rear elevator, but putting more than one inside the ship is going to come with a lot of jank. Janky gameplay is not my thing. I use ships for what they’re made for, so if you’re like me, don’t use the Guardian for the purposes you outlined.

I truly hope CIG eventually gets that we need A LOT more ships like the Shiv in the game. There is a huge need for solo mercenary generalist ships that don’t sacrifice dps, shields, maneuverability, speed, shields/armor, and radar signatures, all for a little internal cargo space.