Fleets and space combat

Space combat isn't intended to be a big part of the campaign, so we only need light rules (more like guidelines anyway). 

Ships have a 'rate' similar to the old sailing ships of the line. The number in parenthesis is the relative power of the ship, but keep in mind that larger ships can destroy numerous smaller enemies and not be destroyed, only require repairs.

Battleships are true ships of the line, but are rare and many fleets do completely without. Escorts are there to screen against enemy small craft, raiders, and escorts. They can also scout and act as fleet couriers. Cruisers are somewhere in between. The ratio of Battleships/Cruisers to escorts should always be in the escorts' favor (but not more than 2:1).

BATTLESHIPS
1st Rate  (24) Battleship
2nd Rate (16) Battleship Example: Retribution
2.5 Rate  (12) Grand Cruiser Example: Avenger
CRUISERS
3rd Rate  (8) Battle Cruiser/Heavy Cruiser Example: Mars, Slaughter
3.5 Rate  (6) Cruiser Example: Lunar
4th Rate  (4) Light Cruiser or Heavy Frigate Example: Dauntless
ESCORTS
5th Rate  (2) Frigate or Heavy Raider Example: Firestorm, Sword
6th Rate  (1) Destroyer or Raider Example: Cobra
UNRATED
Unrated  (--) Sloop or Light Raider