directional, in a cone from the front of the Explorer. I suppose if I have extended skirmishes for some period of time against the Etherals, and it becomes much more common place to use against them, then it'll probably end up turning into a directional cone that can have a wider range of movement, or emit a field. But there has been no reason for the evolution, so it'll just stay as it is.

And a Temple is a cruiser, an Explorer a dreadnought. Ramming would end with the destruction of the cruiser. Damage to the Explorer would be severe, but would still remain combat-ready, besides the great big gash in the armor. And would the crews be too busy trying to kill each other than to kill any ships?