1. and 6.) Briefing was a dumb error on my part. So was the node.
2.) Intrasystem jumps are instantous? Umm, negative on that. I just checked the techroom, it says nothing to that effect. Exact wording of the intrasystem jump paragraph: "First, an intrasystem jump between two points in a star system. Most small space-faring vessels are equipped with motivators capable of these short jumps. An intense gravitational field is required, prohibiting travel beyond the boundries of a star system."
3.) Try the scramble mission to defend the civil station again. There's a huge honkin' planet hanging there behind you and slightly to your right as enter the mission. Aside from orbital shots of planets, though, I don't do backgrounds. Partly because I suck at them, partly because they're unrealistic, and partly because of my playing style. I came to kill stuff, not look at the backgrounds, so the lack doesn't bother me. Or it would seem other people, since you're the first to comment.
4.) The Near-Ship annoys me. Greatly. It constantly gives me errors or recommended distance, and frankly I'm not going to use a function that is giving me a lot of crap. I placed my fighters manually and foolishly didn't move most of them in the y-axis.
5.) Phoenicia was Orion-class. I know. I checked. I've played the mission often enough.
