This is a feature. Maybe it started as a bug, but it's been known since at least 1992 (check rec.games.netrek and search for declare war). Consider your netrek_trick_knowledge++. On Tue, May 19, 2009 at 8:53 AM, Gremaux, Douglas A <Douglas.Gremaux at navistar.com> wrote: > Observed on pickled server last night during pre-T entertainment. Did not > try it during t-mode. While peaced and carrying, fly to enemy planet, orbit > with shields up, and beam down. Shields drop but armies don't, which is > expected. Declare war. Armies start dropping immediately before war > declaration 10 second timer runs out.