Instead of a verticle menu structure added to the horizontal *or* in addition to it, I'd like to suggest a 4 panel rotating structure.

1st panel, ships, weapons and ammo - default upon entering a station. This would facilitate reloads and changing loadouts/ships in a hurry.

2nd panel, stores - listing of tradegoods, inventory (minus weapons/ships), buy/sell function. Your one-stop shopping center.

3rd panel, navigation/information - containing the current nav-map and a place to place/read notes about other players and the universe. This area would also hold the current news function.

4th panel, the bar - a station-only chat area with a picture window view of the station exterior. Maybe put a table and a couple of glasses of some lovely concoction in the lower-foreground.

[disclaimer - I have a cold and am loaded up on cream sherry]

*giggle*

Psst! RelayeR!
http://www.vendetta-online.com/x/msgboard/3/11492

Wow, I've got to get out more...

thx Leber! ;-)