Sanctuaries, then and now

[Rivenshield]

Ten years ago:

I log in and pop into my empire's sanctuary -- our own private unassailable island. After messing around with a few weapons in the VR training center and getting in some flight experience in a safe simulated environment, I run into the HART building and wait maybe two minutes for the big giant shuttle to arrive.

Once in orbit, I see a world map. I can see any continent by clicking on it. I can now deploy anywhere on that map except within a base's sphere of influence (another idea that seems to have gone the way of the dodo bird). If there is a queue, I can opt to wait or back out and go somewhere else.

Now:

I log in and pop into my empire's sanctuary -- our own private unassailable orbital facility. I go to the VR center and cert the heck out of a weapon I've been eyeing, and gun down some virtual enemies with it. Afterwards, I run over and enter a drop pod. It slams shut, and I am presented with a world map. I can see any continent by clicking on it. I can now deploy anywhere on that map. If there is a queue, I can opt to wait or back out and go somewhere else.

Once down, I fight for a few minutes and decide, gosh darnit, I REAAALLY want that certed out carbine. Having tried it out on the VR range, it now calls out to me. I *MUST* have that bad boy. NOW. So I go to the Station Store and buy some cash, then grab it, equip it, and plunge back into battle.

The best of old and new, where people can learn to fly without wasting resources and try certs so there's no buyer's remorse, and get excited about the certs they *do* want. Why, they practically sell themselves. And I can go anywhere I want with one click. Just one.

/dreams