In the third installment of the Spacedock's celebration of the past, present, and future of the ST:CCG, Klingon troops from an alternate universe have provided a ship that could-have-been:
The Future Enterprise's uses:
Once More Unto the Breach: In a rare development for Federation vessels, the Future Enterprise has better Weapons than Shields. Not only that, but both attributes are exceptional; Weapons of 10 is sufficient to damage any D'Deridex vessel in the Romulan fleet, and is also sufficient to damage any Klingon craft. Hence, the Future Enterprise is, unlike the average Federation ship, a superb combatant. In addition, the Future Enterprise's incredible Range allows one to get into combat easily and quickly.
Shall We Borg-Hunt, My Dear?: The Future Enterprise has, for some time, been the preferred craft for Federation Borg-hunting (although the U.S.S. Enterprise-E provides contention for the title). With Spock, Beverly Picard, Rachel Garrett, and Thomas Paris, the Future Enterprise is not only staffed, it is staffed with all of the requirements for a Kurlan Naiskos to operate. In addition, Thomas Paris provides Treachery, which allows the Future Enterprise to make use of Incoming Message: Attack Authorization. The Attack Authorization makes the Future Enterprise an even better combat vessel, as it permits the ship to evade the Federation's restrictive rules of engagement.
It's All About Speed: In tournament-level play, speed is critical--and no ship is faster than the Future Enterprise (Although the U.S.S. Pasteur is equally speedy). Range 13 allows the Future Enterprise to get around even the "spanniest" space-heavy spacelines without difficulty. In addition, the cloaking device provides protection as the Future Enterprise moves about the spaceline. Yet another handy frill for mission-completion is the holodeck, which allows the Future Enterprise to make use of the steadily rising number of holograms and holo-related cards. Although the tractor beam is perhaps not the equal of the previous two, it is superb for removing Radioactive Garbage Scows.
"Hah! Crew *This,* Borg Scum!": With the advent of the Borg affiliation, starship assimilation has become a significant threat. In particular, a popular tactic is to assimilate the ship and then move it to a spaceline location with a mission your crew cannot attempt. This strands them and leaves them worthless to you until you rescue them (and in a tournament-level game, your opponent is unlikely to allow you that much time). However, the Future Enterprise, even after being assimilated, requires four drones to crew. In addition, three of those drones will be defense drones; if you can evacuate the ship, your opponent will have to give up the ability to move his prize to come after you.
The Cavalry Arrives in the Nick of Time: Although the Future Enterprise is normally used as the primary vessel in a deck, it can also be a superb backup. If one can crew it with "emergency backup" personnel, the Future Enterprise can be used to rescue embattled crews or Away Teams quickly.
Lions and Tigers and Frills, Oh My!: In addition to the previously mentioned cloaking device, holodeck, and tractor beam, the Future Enterprise is...an Enterprise! Hence, it benefits from Wall Of Ships and Captain's Log.
Of course, no ship is without disadvantages, and the Future Enterprise is no exception:
That's No Staff Star: The disadvantage that hobbles the Future Enterprise is its crewing requirements. With relatively few valuable AU personnel (and the highlights of that small group, Rachel Garrett adn Beverly Picard, are both captains of their own ships), it can be difficult to get the Future Enterprise moving. Of course, that difficulty can be put to rest with a Cryosattelite.
Final Analysis: A rarity in the ST:CCG, the Future Enterprise is a craft that lends itself to any deck, be it mission-completion or battle-oriented, and can be a valuable backup to a less conventional strategy. Since its major weakness can easily be circumvented with a Cryosattelite, the Future Enterprise is in the ST:CCG what is was in "All Good Things..."; a genuine powerhouse.
Next week: The Spacedock rounds out its look at the past, present, and future of the ST:CCG with a look at one of the latest additions to the Federation fleet: The U.S.S. Enterprise-E.
The Spacedock would like to thank Mot the Barber for the Kurlan Naiskos team.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to e-mail Phalanx
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