U.S.S. Stargazer, Here and There is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Station (Tap another creature you control: Put charge counters equal to its power on this Spacecraft. Station only as a sorcery. It's an artifact creature at 6+.) 6+ | Flying Picard Maneuver — Whenever U.S.S. Stargazer attacks, create a tapped and attacking 4/3 colorless Spacecraft Illusion artifact creature token with flying. Exile that token at end of combat.
Complete guide
The U.S.S. Stargazer, Here and There is a unique legendary Spacecraft that rewards you for preparing your crew before heading into battle. Utilizing the Station mechanic, it transforms from a dormant artifact into a powerful flying threat that duplicates itself during combat. Understanding how to manage charge counters is the key to mastering the Picard Maneuver.
Powering Up with Station
U.S.S. Stargazer begins as a non-creature artifact. Its Station ability allows you to tap another creature you control to add charge counters equal to that creature's power. This is a sorcery-speed action, meaning you can only do it during your main phase when the stack is empty. Once the Stargazer has 6 or more charge counters, its '6+' threshold is met, and it becomes an artifact creature with Flying.
Executing the Picard Maneuver
When U.S.S. Stargazer attacks, its triggered ability creates a 4/3 Spacecraft Illusion token. This token enters the battlefield already tapped and attacking. Because it is put onto the battlefield attacking, the token does not trigger any 'whenever a creature attacks' abilities of its own, but it still deals combat damage and benefits from its Flying keyword. At the end of combat, the Illusion vanishes into exile.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is trying to use Station during an opponent's turn or in response to a spell; remember, Station can only be activated as a sorcery. Additionally, keep in mind that the Stargazer only becomes a creature while it has 6 or more charge counters. If an effect removes those counters, it immediately stops being a creature and is removed from combat if it was attacking.
Optimal Timing
Because U.S.S. Stargazer needs to be a creature to attack, you must reach the 6-counter threshold before the declare attackers step. Using high-power creatures to Station early ensures you can pressure your opponent with the Picard Maneuver as soon as possible. Since the token is exiled at the end of combat, use it to bait blocks or push through the final points of damage.
Interaction examples
U.S.S. Stargazer, Here and There
Arcane SignetYou cast U.S.S. Stargazer using mana from your Arcane Signet. Since you cannot activate Station at instant speed, you wait for your next main phase. If you have a creature with 6 power, you tap it to put 6 charge counters on the Stargazer. It now satisfies the '6+' requirement, becomes a creature, and is ready to fly into battle.
Spacecraft IllusionOnce U.S.S. Stargazer has 6 counters and is a creature, you declare it as an attacker. The Picard Maneuver ability triggers, creating a Spacecraft Illusion token that is also attacking. Your opponent now faces two flying threats. After damage is dealt, the Spacecraft Illusion is exiled, but the Stargazer remains on the battlefield with its counters.
Swiftfoot BootsIf you have already placed 6 charge counters on U.S.S. Stargazer this turn, it is a creature and affected by 'summoning sickness.' By equipping Swiftfoot Boots, you give it Haste. This allows you to attack immediately, triggering the Picard Maneuver and generating a token even on the same turn you reached the counter threshold.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : U.S.S. Stargazer, Here and There
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
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