Utilise the Cascade Core to enter breach space. Conduits between systems are dangerous, and many ships have gone missing since the dawn of cascade technology. Breach gates throughout the Near Earth Territories provide focal points for re-emergence into normal space, which minimises the risk. The conduit doubles as a loading screen whilst the next system is generated.

Zoom out to the tactical map to see what planets, moons and other POI are present in the system. You will need to explore more thoroughly by sending out scout ships or drones launched from your carriers, with the tactical picture filled in as you gather information about planet types and surface sightings, ultimately seeking out the resources you need to keep the fleet functioning.

Fill in your knowledge of a planet surface by performing scans from orbit, with different scan types able to detect life, minerals or technology. Once you have a better idea of what is down there and where you need to be, decide on a landing location and staging point for your ground operations. Launch the dropships from your carriers to deploy units to the ground itself.

Whilst there are several ways to gather resources from surface veins, the one you'll use to get things kickstarted is the Golem unit, a walking mech suit that can lay foundations for buildings and actively mine basic ores such as coal, iron and quartz. The rate that resources can be gathered depends on the tools used and the base resistance of the mineral. Every unit has its own inventory and maximum storage capacity, so you'll need to keep this in mind as you harvest!

Mining isn't your only option for gathering the resources you need. Exploring abandoned cities and colony ruins can pay off just as well for finding the things you need to survive. Find blueprints for the technology you'll need to thrive, luxury items, salvage units and parts, and even survivors hiding out. But not all those you come across will be friendly...

With the fleet potentially spread throughout the solar system, and surface expeditions happening simultaneously across multiple worlds if so desired, you might want to pause the action for a moment to consider the tactical situation. Continue to give commands during active pause, and watch these commands be executed as soon as the normal flow of time resumes.

Make a discovery by finding something new and interesting, be it an unknown mineral, plant, fauna or artefact. By acquiring or capturing samples of this substance, you can then allocate scientists to projects designed to find new applications, and enhance existing ones. Each new sample can lead to several branches of technology being opened up, and entire trees of research upgrades can be missed if you don't find enough time to explore what's out there!

Engage in conventional RTS ground combat where necessitated, with surviving factions local to a planet not taking kindly to you encroaching on their scavenged territory, or just outright believing you to be 'the enemy'. Units can be tailored to a specific tactical function, and new units built to replace those that are lost. But parts take time and materials to construct, it's better to avoid losing assets wherever possible!

Hopefully your time in the last system was worthwhile, and you managed to build or fabricate some much needed supplies, food, fuel or ammunition to keep your passengers fit and well, and to keep faction unrest from brewing over. Power cores need to be kept alight, structures need to be maintained, and expeditionary forces will need to be replenished. If not, well, maybe the next system will provide a better opportunity than the last...