When the Spacedock crew needs to get somewhere fast, we don't call a taxi; we call a ship like the:
The I.K.C. Qu'Vat's uses:
"Taxi!" : Not interested in riding with Jim? Why not take a more...Substantial...Taxi? The I.K.C. Qu'Vat offers speed (Range 9) and can effectively deter small-time carjackers (Weapons and Shields 8). While not up for a toe-to-toe match with the big boys, the I.K.C. Qu'Vat can provide competent transportation to the warrior who has somewhere to go or someone to see.
"I Hate Gridlock..." : Of course, your friendly neighborhood transport has more to it than just a bunch of wheels. In a pinch, the I.K.C. Qu'Vat can summon a decent punch. It's probably not enough to pound through a sturdily defended ship, but the I.K.C. Qu'Vat can at least lend a helping hand.
Like all taxis, though, you pay the price for not having your own wheels...
"Sorry About The Bumpy Ride" : The I.K.C. Qu'Vat may get you where you want to go, but it doesn't exactly get you there comfortably. Shields 8 is unimpressive compared to the Weapons the big boys are packing in the modern ST:CCG. Even the Federation can summon ships capable of tearing the I.K.C. Qu'Vat apart all by itself. And with Spacedock, Armada decks have become more popular--and when you play a deck like that, Shields 8 is roughly equivalent to taping a target to the card, pointing to it, and saying, "destroy this!" Taxis should have stronger bumpers...
...Or a good driver. Unfortunately, the I.K.C. Qu'Vat cannot offer this, either. Without a matching commander, one is forced to use cards like Plasmadyne Relays to protect the ship. And if you have spare card plays lying about for Plasmadyne Relays...You don't need this column's help. Go rack up your score in Wes' Hall of Fame.
"That'll Be..." : As with any taxi, you're expected to pay for the privilege of being transported. The I.K.C. Qu'Vat exacts its toll by being unique. This means that the I.K.C. Qu'Vat cannot be downloaded by a Spacedoor--a significant disadvantage. When one considers the less-than exemplary attributes and lack of certain important advantages, this extra bit of inconvienence dooms the ship to binder-filling duty.
Final Analysis: The I.K.C. Qu'Vat fails to live up to even the achievable standard set by the I.K.C. Vor'Cha. It is slower than the AU Klingon vessels, and fails to offer a significant strength to make up for it. Overall, the Spacedock recommends public transportation.
Next Week: The Spacedock tries to avoid the Chancellor's wrath as it studies the I.K.C. Bortas.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to e-mail Phalanx