Just got it downloaded and have been playing almost an hour now, put the game on hold for a min just to say this is FANTASTIC!! Sorry for shouting!
I built two caps and two repair bays, sent out two scouts and then built up two envoys,
They are sweet! The factions dont fire on them and the rebels turn back, whew!!! But the Pirates still shoot!! Haha, well... i didnt expect "They" would play nice.
I figure to partner one and corrupt the other,
Ooops, sometimes im not so nice myself, haha, but this is Wonderful!!! It feels soooo different than building my fleet as fast as i can, so far, so good, and this is really really cool!
I still have homework, so i will have to tear myself away and try to finish that, but i saved the game and can come back. It is Totally Awesome!! 
Nice Work IronClad!!! Good support Stardock!!! Very Very Very Nice!! Thank you!!
A Very Happy,
-Teal

Pirates seem meaner, haha, i almost lost one of my caps while fighting half their fleet, had to do a quick launch on another cap and get repair bays out. Whew!!! Was close there for a bit, thought i was going to lose my battleship.
Very Very Cool!! Thanks again!! Beautiful Work!!