Crafting!

I just figured out how to craft things (also known as conducting "research and development" in the Star Trek Online universe).

Fortunately, I have been hanging on to my mats for so long that I got to go on a crafting spree.

Additionally, I discovered that one can generally craft better equipment for one's character and starship than one can purchase. Maybe I'll stop wasting all my merits and energy credits at the stores now that I understand how the process works.