Maybe we should start plotting battle tactics.<br/><br/>Assuming the Wayfarer station the pirates are using is 'stock', the Everest will be capable of bombarding it into submission from outside of any range it can return fire. That means that a support fleet, if they have one, won't be able to shelter underneath its guns.<br/><br/>The mixed engagement ranges of our ships could work against us, though, particularly if they deploy torpedos or fighters against us. Knowing nothing about their fleet strength, it seems like the best tactics will involve plying the Everest's superior range and slow speed, forcing enemies to close with it, or else attempt torpedo/fighter strikes from extreme range.<br/><br/>In both cases, though, they have a target they must defend, the Wayfarer base, so our offensive strategy will be most efficient if we can 'pin' them against the base. Running away means they lose the base for sure, while fighting will allow a chance of survival - individual captains might choose to bug out, but it's more likely we'll have a standup fight. The best-case scenario would involve using the Alexander or Aquairre as bait to lure enemy ships to either side of the Everest to let a double-broadside loose, but that will only work once and require us to hold fire from the Everest initially.<br/><br/>Summary:<br/><br/>Our Strengths:<br/>-We have a cruiser with highly unconventional weaponry<br/>-Overall excellent training and crew quality across our fleet<br/>-We have a cruiser<br/>-The pirates don't know we are coming<br/>-We have a cruiser<br/>-We have a defined offensive goal that the pirates can't afford to give up without a fight<br/>-Did I mention we have a cruiser?<br/><br/>Our Weaknesses:<br/>-Slow formation speed. Once combat is joined, taking advantage of the Alexander/Aquairre's speed means leaving the Everest's protective envelope.<br/>-Unknown opposing strength. They might have a cruiser too. Maybe they have TWO cruisers.<br/>-Relative lack of knowledge regarding the area. The pirates have probably mapped the nebula, so they'll have a strategic advantage over us in both escaping a lost battle, and regrouping for a counterattack.