                              BRIDGE CREW
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Welcome to BRIDGE CREW and the world of co-operative computer assisted 
science fiction roleplaying.

If you enjoy simulations, multi-player games, or want something really
different to jazz up a sci-fi role-playing game, then this may be for you.
Bridge Crew is a shareware program which allows you unlimited use. (you are
never "required" to register.) The program will be uploaded on Nov 1.

 The program simulates the bridge of a starship, with each player
controlling one or more of the ship's functions. Each player has their own
terminal from which they can call up reports on different ship's functions,
access the ship's computer, and perform functions unique to their job.
  Positions include Helm, Beam, Comms, Missiles, Engineering, Damage
Control, Science, Security, Shields, Tactical & Computer Officer. There is
also a Captain (of course). He doesn't use a terminal. He requests his info
from the players, makes the decisions, and then issues his orders. A
tactical bent helps. (The developers of the game were Star Fleet Battles
players).
  There is also a "main screen" that shows a tactical representation of
space around the player's ship & gives readouts of course, speed, shield
strength, any important damage, etc.
  You also need a Game Master (called the GM) with their own terminal. This
person controlls the other ships in the game, using a special set of 
commands that allow her or him to set the tactics used, and the sort of 
actions they will perform.

The accompanying ZIP file has everything you need in it. There is a large
amount of documentation. You will notice most files exist in both .DOC and
in .TXT form. The .DOC are Word for Windows 2 format, and are very nicely 
laid out. The .TXT are just text dumps of the same. If you can, use the
DOC versions.
  Read through the material; sure there is a lot, but a good game needs
a bit of work. Have a go at installing it and mail me at 
JAGUAR@SUBURBIA.APANA.ORG.AU if you have trouble. Persevere with it and it
will pay off with hours of enjoyment.

To run Bridge Crew you need a 386DX-33 or better running DOS 5 or higher.
(Earlier versions of DOS have not been tried.) This gives
you the main machine. You also need player terminals. These can be "smart"
computers running terminal emulation software or real RS-232 terminals.
These connect to the serial ports of the main machine. If you have the
standard 2 serial ports, you can connect more terminals by using the 
special daisy-chaining terminal software enclosed. 


Have a ball!

Dave Readman, for Mithril Software.

Bridge crew(TM) is authored by Robert Cox.
