Denevan Neural Parasites

This savage dilemma can cut deeply into an opponent's Away Team, killing off as many as half the personnel present. Their only chance at saving the targets is to have either a phaser, disruptor, or Defense-icon Borg present for each personnel selected. This puts a huge burden on so-called "super Away Teams" made up of a dozen or more personnel - how likely are they to also have half a dozen weapons handy?

The Denevan Neural Parasites have no wall-like properties, and can thus possibly be red-shirted around (without your opponent even taking a casualty if that red-shirt is armed). That means for you to really get your dilemma's worth, you have to first set up a wall - the bigger, the better. Dilemmas with high attribute requirements are great, things like Ferengi Infestation or Founder Secret, demanding a large number of "lambs" show up to be slaughtered. Lack of Preparation is also good, if you want to be sure you're attacking personnel vital to the mission attempt and not a "false" Away Team.

More good news: the dilemma has no conditions, and thus won't stop your opponent's Away Team, even if they have none of the things needed to save any personnel. That means it can be an ideal set up for another mean dilemma. Kill off up to half the Away Team, and see how well the surviving half can deal with things like Barclay's Protomorphosis Disease, Berserk Changeling, or the Horta. That's just if you want to add insult to injury, of course, since the Parasites are plenty nasty on their own!

Combo:

• Common Thief + Denevan Neural Parasites: Siphon off an equipment before your opponent hits the Parasites - that's potentially one less phaser or disruptor they'll have to wield against the flying pancakes.