In this solar system, information is not instantaneous. Light takes time to travel. You are defending colonies across vast distances, measured in Light Seconds (LS). The grid circles represent 1 LS.
The fundamental rule: You are always looking into the past.
The speed of light (C) is finite. Combat requires prediction, not reaction.
When an enemy RKKV (Relativistic Kinetic Kill Vehicle) is detected, you see two markers:
The GHOST (Grey Dot): This is where the RKKV *was* when the light currently reaching your sensors (on Earth) was emitted. This data is old.
The PROJECTION (Red Crosshair): This is where your computer estimates the RKKV is *right now*, assuming constant velocity.
The distance between the Ghost and the Projection is the information gap caused by the speed of light.
The Projection assumes the enemy hasn't changed course during the information blackout.
UNCERTAINTY RADIUS (Fuzzy Red Area): The RKKV could be anywhere in this area if it maneuvered. The further away the target, the older the data, and the larger the uncertainty.
Advanced enemies (MRKKVs) will maneuver. When the light from their engine burn reaches you, the Projection will suddenly "jump" to the new trajectory.
Timing shots from different bases (Earth, Mars, etc.) against moving targets is complex. Use the Future Position Indicator (FPI).
FPI BRACKETS (White/Colored): These appear along an enemy's path. They show where that specific missile will be when your shot, fired *now* from the optimal base towards your cursor, arrives.
To Hit: Align your cursor so the target's FPI brackets surround your aiming point, then fire.
The FPI color indicates hit probability based on the Uncertainty Radius vs. your weapon's blast radius (Green = High, Yellow = Med, Orange = Low).
[1] HVI: Kinetic, 0.75C, Medium AoE. Good all-rounder.
[2] DEW: Laser, 1.00C, Pinpoint accuracy required. Uses Energy.
[3] ADC: Dust Cloud, 0.30C, Massive, persistent AoE. Excellent against uncertain or maneuvering targets.
GAMMA FACTOR (γ): Relativistic kinetic energy. High speed (Violet/Blue) impacts are exponentially more destructive than low speed (Red/Orange) impacts. Prioritize high-Gamma threats.
Click a Projection to lock target for analysis.