You know, I wasn't really going to post here and jump on the "Disco +1 threads of the week" multi-rant, but I feel that I must.
I've had run ins with at least six of the Phantoms, many of them multiple times, on my characters...and haven't been blown up one single time by any of them.
I haven't had to prostrate myself in front of them, begging for my life. I haven't turned tail and run casting CMs till I was empty, I haven't paid them off. What I HAVE done is to talk to them.
They're treated as back-room whispers; those little hairs on the back of your neck standing up. Your CHARACTER should know them like this...even though the PLAYER knows what the Phantoms are about. It's separation of character and player.
Pitchfork - cranky SOB, but won't kill you unless you're askin' for it
Ze'ev - mean old farmer, but got away from him even on my Bowex
Teinsha (or whatever SP) - must have caught her on a happy day, but I hope you find your sister.
And the others that I've run into (sorry, can't remember your names) have ALL been worthwhile encounters to my CHARACTERS' lives. As a player, i don't really hunt them down, but when encountered, have a chance for conversation.
If you show up in a fighter/bomber with a Navy tag and a chip on your shoulder, expect a less-than-friendly welcome befitting your aggressive stance (take note Phantoms, this applies to you too).
All this b*tching and whining about the Disco Issue of the Week by people that have been here a month and quite honestly have no real clue what's going on needs to stop.
Virus, you're not going to be able to keep up with this thread, because so many people now see this as a "I can get my two cents and +1 in now! hur hur, lets whinge about something." Feedback threads usually die down in a week or two, and then you get an occasional reply. See it through and it'll be fine.
To the rest of you all...bah, you're not worth it.