                               Command : BOARD

 SYNTAX:
   [mc ##] Command : board <SHIP> <FROM-SHIP>

The board command enables your marines to seize hostile vessels  on  the  high
seas.   You specify the ship to be boarded, and the ship from which the board-
ing party will come.

The ship you specify to perform the boarding must be owned by you,  must  have
mobility,  and  must  be in the same sector as the target ship.  If the target
ship has military, they will resist your attempt  at  occupation.   Note  that
only one of your ships may attempt to board the target vessel.

If the target ship can fire, it will fire upon your ship before  the  boarding
action  occurs.  Additionally, if any other ships are nearby that are owned by
the defender, one of them (typically a large one) will  be  selected  to  also
shoot at your ship.

The attacking ship will be charged an amount of mobility to overtake and board
the  target  ship.   In order to be able to board a ship, your ship must be as
fast or faster than the defending ship.  Ships' speed depends upon  the  speed

                               Command : BOARD

characteristic, the technology, and the current efficiency of the ship.  A 50%
damaged ship moves one-half the speed it does when undamaged.

Your boarders will be fighting at a  disadvantage,  since  swinging  over  the
gunwale  is  a difficult task.  Also, since all troops on board your attacking
ship will attempt the boarding action, if you lose, your ship  will  be  crew-
less!

See also : ships(i), engage.

