[dHay]

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.