quite true, we are close to being able to get a shot at the cool toys, but not quite yet.<br/><br/>We got the warsphere going, and that was your biggest hurdle towards shaper.<br/>The sanctioning mark is good, but its not on top priority (at least how I see it). Like TGT said, it might make it harder to be a shaper with it.<br/>When you are a shaper, you can convince your kroot posie that the mark allows you more leeway and access to human society, culture, DNA etc.<br/><br/>edit**<br/>I dont think it's a good idea to let the ethereal off of the Alexander. We know that they can indoctrinate people to their way of thinking. Even if it isnt forced, it is very tempting on its own. Maybe let them go between lesser frigates and shuttles, but I want them nowhere near the Aquairre or the Everest. At least with the Alexander, we have containment, they only know about the systems of the Alexander, and we have a crew that holds Sarah as highly regarded as the Ethereal or moreso.<br/><br/>Baromir - I know the gains are nice to profit factor, but I do not think the price for it is worth it. Im already dancing a game with some bastard on the Aquairre that brought Tau parts with an Imperial Seal on it. I dont need the Tau putting their fingers into things too.