Enquiring minds want to know
 

I've definitely been a programmer for too long.

Idea: On a "protect" mission, can you wait outside the target system until just before the end of the time limit, then jump into the system, and have the time limit expire. The target ship should still be alive, and thus, you meet the goal of the mission.

Or am I missing something?

(Should say Lazy enquiring minds, should try this myself.)

I base this on the fact that the only "active" star system is the on you are in. The other systems are not active. This is also why the starbases don't repair when you are away from them.

Re: Enquiring minds want to know
 

If nothing else a perfect way to create loads of extremely jumpy looking freighter captains in the space bar with haunted looks on their faces http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/shock.gif

Re: Enquiring minds want to know
 

Currently, this doesn't work. It might in the next patch though. (right now you seem to have to kill all the ships attacking what you're escorting)

Re: Enquiring minds want to know
 

Ahh. I was afraid of that. The mission is really to kill off all the attackers, with the poor sucker surviving.

I had one protectee that had maybe 1 percent of his hull left by the time I got the Last attacker. He wasn't moving, streaming gas everywhere, but, he was fine and could continue his flight. Or so he said. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/tongue.gif