I started a new game because I wasn't happy with the map last time. This game quite different from the last one. I got the event where I was framed for assassinating a diplomat. Since the Arceans are pretty militaristic anyway, that guaranteed war.

Screenshot #1:

Since the Arceans are in a nebula, there is no battle prediction. Save File. 

Screenshot #2:

 Let's see how this prediction holds up. Save file. Both sides took 19 damage and lost one tiny ship which I guess is reasonable given the haphazardness of combat. Several shots missed their target because it was already destroyed. See Screenshot #3. The combat itself isn't really a complaint, more a note to those who are trying to understand how it works.

Screenshot #3:

 Screenshot #4:

The AI has stopped controlling this survey ship so it was a sitting duck. I'm pretty sure the previous save file has it.

Screenshot #5:

An unescorted transport??? Too bad these can't be captured.

It's just a very tactical game. I've been at war pretty much the whole game.