Until we equip the final two orbital platforms, and acquire shield generators and missile silos for Ares itself, that's the best we can do for a defense plan for Ares.  Of course, any ship that gets in close enough to the planet itself will get blasted by orbital defense lasers from the surface, but those don't have a very good range... so we shouldn't count on them.  Which is why missile silos and shield generators will be important.<br/><br/>But that's for later.  We should have a minimal defense in place for Ares now... I think we should be able to head out to deal with the pirates with some confidence that Ares will be able to deal with at least a minor assault while we're away, if they follow the defense plan I've created.<br/><br/>So as soon as everything is set up... (aka, the orbital platforms are equipped, the Everest and the Alexander are finished with their refit) it's time to go finish the pirates in the nebula!  (and of course finishing scouting the various parts of the nebula in order to make it a safe place to travel through...)