If making extern is a concern and one does not have 24/7 connection to  run
a keep alive, I do have a beta REXX script that logs onto the server  a few
minutes before extern, keeps you in the game with a keep alive  until
extern runs, then logs you out. Only works for fedsafe blues  though.
Non-fedsafe blues as well as reds would have to find another  option.

Used to be one would blow a planet and then hide in the rubble, 
effectively not being seen in sector until you are ready to come out of 
the rubble by hitting ^m to get by the last [Pause] prompt. That is no 
longer the case. 

But if someone has an idea how a non-fedsafe player can hide in fed (I 
don't recommend docking at ports or on a junk planet itself for obvious 
reasons), I can customize the script for that person.

If you have an always connection to the net, this script will work with  no
other modifications. If you are on dial -up, your internet connection 
properties must be set to connect automatically.

Give me a few days to make certain I have the bugs worked out, then i'll 
e- mail it to those that requests it.

Timberwolf

--- FEddy 1.4.03/modPHX