NET   PROFIT


 Introduction

     So, you've finally done it?  You've struck out on your own, severing all ties with
 your homeworld and its people.  Who needs them anyway.  The Universe has so much more to
 offer a resourceful freelancer than the Federation, the Romulan, and Klingon Empires
 combined.  After acquiring the title to a modest freighter and scraping together a crew,
 you are finally on your way to fulfilling a life long dream of becoming a smuggler.  Now
 Captain, plot your course to the Croesus system, a notorious den for pirates, smugglers,
 and various other shady elements.  Good luck and good hunting. Just remember, no matter
 what twists fate has in store for you, the one thing that separates a good smuggler from
 a dead one is NET PROFIT!

 Objective

     The object of the game is to retire after a successful career.  To achieve the
 retirement goal, successfully complete contracts in exchange for a set amount of
 dilithium crystals.  The first player to reach the dilithium retirement goal wins.

 Interface

     The interface is similar to that of the single player game and can be played using
 either the bridge or full screen view.  In full screen view, your freighter's manifest is
 displayed on the left of the screen.  This display shows the game version, your current
 dilithium balance, the game retirement goal, your current cargo, and your contract
 information.  In bridge view, this information can be displayed by pressing "o" for
 objectives.  Pay close attention to the message bar at the top of the screen.  All 
 incoming communications as well as reports from your copilot are displayed here.  Note:
 the rate at which these messages are displayed can be changed by adjusting the info bar
 speed in the video settings menu.  All outgoing communications are initiated by pressing
 "h" and then selecting the number of the location you wish to contact.  Any dialogue
 choices will be displayed numerically as well. 

 Contracts

     All contracts are issued by Geetus, a mysterious underworld figure that controls a
 vast smuggling network that spans several systems.  To obtain a contract, you must be
 near his palace in the Croesus system.  Hail the palace by pressing "h" then "1."  
 Follow Geetus's instructions very carefully.  Upsetting Geetus is a sure way to cut short
 a promising career.  There are two types of contracts you may be offered: transport and
 scanning contracts.  
     Transport contracts require you to transport cargo from one location to another.  To
 acquire the cargo, you must warp to the system specified in your contract information on
 your manifest display.  Hail the destination base, which is also listed in the manifest,
 and request that they lower their shields for transport.   Bases will not lower their
 shields if more than one player is nearby.  You must wait until all other players "leave"
 the area before you can continue with your contract.  Once the base has lowered its
 shields, you can transport the cargo by pressing "i."  Note: you must be within 2,000 u
 for transport.  Once the cargo is aboard, your contract information will change to
 indicate a destination base and system for delivery. 
     Be wary of other ships while transporting cargo.  Other players, competing for the
 same contract, will be informed when the cargo has changed hands and will know which
 system it is in at all times.  It is possible to waylay another player's ship, take down
 its shields with a few well-placed phaser or photon hits, and transport the cargo aboard
 your own ship.  If for some reason you wish to abandon your cargo, you can jettison it
 out into space by pressing "j."  Make sure you carefully consider the repercussions
 before jettisoning your cargo.  You may find that certain cargoes are extremely rare and
 profitable, while others are hazardous to your health should you fail to deliver them
 safely.
     Scanning contracts are simpler than transport contracts and, therefore, usually pay
 less.  These contracts require you to scan a base and deliver the information to another
 location.  To scan, simply target the location and press "s."  To deliver the inform-
 ation, warp to the destination base and hail to transfer the data.  Note:  you must be
 within 5,000 u to both scan a base and transfer data.

Locations

     There are many different locations you may be required to visit while fulfilling 
 contracts.  Some locations offer services and interaction that you may find helpful.  For
 instance, damage repair, various ship upgrades, and freighter insurance coverage are 
 available to those who know where to find them.  Of course, information on these locations
 can always be obtained at Geetus's Palace - for a price!