Being a look back at cards from the Star Trek CCG, and what I thought of them back when they were fresh and new... in EPISODE order. Ten cards came out of "Contagion", starting with...
PICTURE: There are odd effects at work here, probably because the shot is from the viewscreen affected by the Iconian computer virus. Weird shadows. I also don't like that big glass console to the back of him. In an effort to show how same-class ships have small differences, the creators just created 1) a design monstrosity and 2) inconsistencies, as no other differences like this were ever shown again, even on Nagilum's fake Yamato. Stops at 2.1.
LORE: The entire story is pretty much there, and without giving away its untimely ending, the lore makes a comment about it. I like. Mention of the Rosetta Stone is also cool. And, of course, the lore makes him matching commander of the USS Yamato, though that's a little redundant since the Yamato does the same. A good 3.7.
TREK SENSE: Captain of Starfleet's "other" Galaxy-class ship (at least until they started building more), Varley should be on the same level as Picard, right? Well, not quite, but he is aptly suited to his one reported mission. Both Reopen Dig and Iconia Investigation (which represent the search for the Iconians) are clearcut Archaeology missions. Searching for a planet requires Stellar Cartography. And deciphering the "Rosetta Stone" needs some Computer Skill, I'm sure. And while the two stated missions are NOT Federation missions, they apparently WERE attempted (or going to be attempted) by Federation personnel (Varley and crew). He actually helps the Trek Sense of those two missions. The planets lie under the influence of other powers (Klingons or Romulans), but Varley's obsession makes it a Federation interest. Even if he's not present, he can give information to other Federation personnel that will lead them to either mission. I'd even have gone so far as to make the ability "once in play" instead of the inferred "in play", since Picard went ahead and attempted Iconia Investigation after Varley's death. Officer/Command icon is a given for a captain. The attributes are good, too: the Integrity somewhat low for Fed because he was led by his obsession more than Starfleet ideals. He was obviously a smart man, and the Strength matches Picard's, no problem. Did really well, and may even have fixed problems inherent in other cards. 4.5 from me.
STOCKABILITY: The Feds aren't as suited to Archaeology decks as the Romulans, but they do make headway into that field with Donald Varley. Two more missions, which he helps solve (needs only one other OFFICER for Reopen Dig, or one other Computer Skill for Iconia Investigation, very easily found, even in the mission specialist pool), plus his help on other Archaeology missions. He never quite solves any mission by himself (except Excavation), but often comes close, sometimes shy of one skill. This is also the case, for example, with Investigate Rogue Comet. He's good for Hunt for DNA Program as well. Stellar Cartography is a little out of place when it comes to these missions, but it'll serve a purpose on the space missions that have to balance the principally planet-based archaeological digs. Not bad on the attributes. A matching commander for the Yamato, potentially making the ship 10-11-11, which isn't the Enterprise, but is pretty good nonetheless. He can also report directly there thanks to Ready Room Door, etc. So, a specialized, but useful, personnel at 3.8.
TOTAL: 14.1 (70.5%) More longevity in the game than on the show!
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