It's just a simulation? Phew!

Had our first Artemis game recently. An untested crew, all first-timers. We ran through basic training using a difficulty 1 invasion scenario. We discovered that we like blowing things up. We also discovered that you don't have to tell the helmsman every. single. course. change. sometimes directing them like Big Track, or the class Turtle!

We had a command change, I think because our Captain (his house/his license= captaincy) wanted to push some buttons for a change. We ramped up the difficulty and went for some missions.
Co-operation was top of our list, as well as accomdating each other's needs/ demands. At one point:
Helm: Where do want us positioned? Where do you want to plant the last few shots, weapons or engines?
Weapons: Um..?
[Pew!] [FABABABABOOM!]
Weapons: Right there?

Eventually we hit a roadblock on Trials of Deneb I, with time running out we changed tactics and took the battle to the enemy, instead of reacting to them. We were doing well until:

Capt: Bring us into dock for refuelling.
Helm: Aye sir.
Science: Alien fleet entering the minefield!
Capt: Weapons, do we have a nuke loaded?
Weapons: Yes we do.
Capt: Is the enemy in range?
Weapons: Yes they are.
Capt: Excellent. Wh-
[KRAKACHOOM!]
Capt: Did we... did we just fire a nuke while docked?
Science: I think we fired a nuke while docked.
Weapons: You asked those two questions. When you ask those two questions, the next thing you're going to say is fire! That's logical!
Capt: We need to find the balance between taking initiative and doing what you're told!

Re-loading the mission we started doing really well again. As Captain I was always sure to be quick with praise:
Science: Incoming drone!
[Pew!] [Choom!]
Capt: Excellent shooting weapons! I'll see you get a commendation for this.
Weapons: Actually it was the computer. I had it on auto beam.
Capt: Hmm, then the computer gets the commendation, you're fired.

Eventually though, we went from being four guys who had never played before to being four tired but happy nerds, talking about when to play the next one.

Thank you to Thom and everyone else who have made Artemis such a brilliant experience!