Star Trek Online recent released three new updates inlcluding a new ship type, ask Cryptic Q&A, and a new addition to their Kobayashi Maru series.

Type VII Commercial Laboratory Update

The strength of the Type VII class is in scientific research and commercial use. The standard sensor package on a Type VII is equivalent to a Nebula class starship, and most Type VII vessels have been further modified by their crews to specialize in a specific area of research. Many have astrometrics laboratories, and some have been outfitted with specialized pods for zero-G research or the use and storage of hazardous materials.

In addition, the Type VII has an advanced deflector array that can be configured to amplify subspace frequencies, emit tachyon pulses or fire gravitron and subnucleonic beams. Some crews will have made additional modifications to their deflector arrays. Read the full article

Ask Cryptic

Is it possible to leave your captain on the bridge of your ship during a ground mission, making an away team with only your bridge officers?

No. That will not be possible. If you’re on an away team you must go, as your captain. You get to bring four other crewmembers, or players, with you. It could be players, crew members or other player’s crew members (the player must come with you as well – you can’t just kidnap their crew members without them).

Will there be events that will require the Federation and Klingon empire to work together in a common cause? (e.g. a particularly massive Borg invasion.)

Yes. Star Trek is not about black and white. Both in PvE and non PvE, you’ll see a variety of different alliances. There will be times in PvE where you will make alliances with critters because of a particular mission or particular events. There will be plenty of faction-based alliances; for example if you’re Klingon and your friend is Federation and the Borg are attacking, you’re probably going to form an alliance against them. You’re going to see all kinds of weird alliances within the game.  Read the full article

Kobayashi Maru

As captain, you are on a diplomatic mission to negotiate a trade agreement between the Betazoids and the wormhole aliens known as the Prophets. The agreement is based on exchange of knowledge.

As you arrive at the Bajoran wormhole your Betazoid representative is overwhelmed by a telepathic cry for help from the Gamma quadrant. The message is, “We are the Douwd our existence is in danger from the Q- continuum, we seek Federation assistance.”  Read the full article