Only thing I'm uncertain of is how combat works, but I'll figure it out...well aside from a couple of questions.
So we get money every X hours, and the amount is determined by our economy right?
And how long research takes is affected by our science?
ok, combat is based on how much tech you have. ships act as hit points, and you always deal your weapon tech in damage every combat round until one or both of you are out of ships. defender gets an effective +1 to weapon tech.