Secret Compartment
by Kathy McCracken

How would you like to get an artifact to use without having to complete a mission first? It's only usable with "use as Equipment" artifacts, and it's not without risks, but Secret Compartment can do the trick. First, get your Acquisition aboard your opponent's ship (try Open Diplomatic Relations and have the Acquisition tag along with your V.I.P.) or facility (Promenade Shops is your ticket aboard--nearly all Acquisition personnel are CIVILIANS). Then you just need to get an Equipment or Event icon probe card, and a shiny new Varon-T Disruptor, Orb Fragment or Data's Head can be yours without a single dilemma encounter. Alternatively, download two ordinary Equipment cards instead. The only thing to watch out for is the "alarm" outcome of the probe; unless you have no interrupts or doorways in your deck (and how likely is that?), you stand to have one of your personnel taken captive (losing the Secret Compartment in the process).

Combos:
Secret Compartment + Antique Machine Gun: This might squelch any notion you had of battling my diplomatic delegation to get rid of that pesky Open Diplomatic Relations.

Secret Compartment + Echo Papa 607 Killer Drone + Phaser or Disruptor Rifle: I think I'd like to take back my Nor that you commandeered.

Secret Compartment + Kivas Fajo: Not only does he have the Acquisition to let you probe, but as soon as he has the artifact it's worth 5 points.

Secret Compartment + Heisenberg Compensators: Probing is optional, so wait until you're assured of success.