Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Dominion Wars
Unofficial Strategy Guide and FAQ
by Kasey Chang
Released December 31, 2002
0 Introduction
This section is "about the FAQ". Feel free to skip this section.
Happy New Year. :-)
If you like the FAQ, send me $1.00. :-) See [0.3]
0.1 A word from the author
A quick browse through the gamefaq.com shows that there is no FAQ
for this Star Trek game. So here's my version.
This is a FAQ, NOT a manual. You won't learn how to play the game
with this document, and I'm NOT about to add it to ease the life
of software pirates.
This USG only covers the PC version since that's the only version
that I have (and exist, as far as I know).
Some of you may recognize my name as the editor for the XCOM and
XCOM2: TFTD FAQ's, among others.
This FAQ is dedicated to all who lost their lives in the
terrorist attacks on the US East Coast (except those terrorists,
who deserves much worse for causing all those innocent deaths).
If you find this FAQ helpful, go give blood at your local blood
donation centers or donate to your local Red Cross.
0.2 Terms of Distribution
This document is copyrighted by Kuo-Sheng "Kasey" Chang (c) 2001-
2002, all rights reserved excepted as noted above in the
disclaimer section.
This document is available FREE of charge subjected to the
following conditions:
1) This notice and author's name must accompany all copies of
this document: "Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Dominion Wars
Unofficial Strategy Guide and FAQ" is copyrighted (c) 2001-2002
by Kasey K.S. Chang, all rights reserved except as noted in the
disclaimer."
2) This document must NOT be modified in any form or manner
without prior permission of the author with the following
exception: if you wish to convert this document to a different
file format or archive format, with no change to the content,
then no permission is needed.
2a) In case you can't read, UNMODIFIED means just that:
UNMODIFIED. No banners, no HTML borders, no cutting up into
multiple pages to get you more banner hits, and esp. no adding
your site name to the site list. (Someone actually did that to
one of my FAQs.) [Small exception: a small toolbar above the FAQ
is acceptable.]
3) No charge other than "reasonable" compensation should charged
for its distribution. Free is preferred, of course. Sale of this
information is expressly prohibited. If you see any one selling
this guide, drop me a line at
[email protected].
4) If you used material from this, PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE the source,
else it is plagiarism.
5) The author hereby grants all games-related web sites the right
to archive and link to this document to share among the game
fandom, provided that all above restrictions are followed.
Sidenote: The above conditions are known as a statutory contract.
If you meet them, then you are entitled to the rights I give you
in 5), i.e. archive and display this document on your website. If
you don't follow them, then you did not meet the statutory
contract conditions, and therefore you have no right to display
this document. If you do so, then you are infringing upon my
copyright. This section was added for any websites that don't
seem to understand this.
For the gamers: You are under NO obligation to send me ANY
compensation. This FAQ is dedicated to the victims of the
terrorist attack on the US East Coast. If you find this FAQ
helpful, go give blood at your local blood donation centers or
donate to your local Red Cross. And may God (whatever his name)
bless you.
0.3 Voluntary Contribution
Gamers who read this guide are under NO obligation to send me ANY
compensation.
However, a VOLUNTARY contribution of one (1) US Dollar would be
very appreciated.
If you choose to do so, please make your US$1.00 check or $1.00
worth of stamps to "Kuo-Sheng Chang", and send it to "2220 Turk
Blvd. #6, San Francisco, CA 94118 USA".
If you don't live in the US, please send me some local stamps. I
collect stamps too.
For the record, out of ALL the FAQs I wrote (33 at least count)
over the past six years, I've received exactly 7 dollars and 2
sets of stamps, as of release of this guide. So I'm NOT making
any money off these guides, folks.
0.4 How and When to Contact Me
PLEASE let me know if there's a confusing or missing remark,
mistakes, and thereof... If you find a question about this game
that is not covered in the USG, e-mail it to me at the address
specified below. I'll try to answer it and include it in the
next update.
Please do NOT write me for technical support. That is the job of
the publisher.
Please do NOT ask me to send you a list of controls, the manual,
etc. If you borrowed the game without borrowing the manual, blame
your own stupidity. If you bought the game without a manual,
blame your own stupidity. If you copied the game without copying
the manual, you're not only scum, but STUPID scum.
Please do NOT ask me to answer questions that have already
answered in this FAQ/guide. It makes you REALLY idiotic.
I will NOT answer stupid questions like the ones above unless I'm
in a really good mood. If you send questions like that, do NOT
expect a reply.
The address below is spelled out phonetically so spammers can't
use spambots on it:
Kilo-Sierra-Charlie-Hotel-Alpha-November-Golf-Seven-Seven AT
Yankee-Alpha-Hotel-Oscar-Oscar DOT Charlie-Oscar-Mike
To decipher this, simply read the first letter off each word
except for the numbers and the punctuation. This is "military
phonetics" or "aeronautical phonetics" in case you're wondering.
This document was produced on Microsoft Word 97. Some editing was
done with Editpad (editpadclassic.com).
0.5 The Author
I am just a game player who decided to write my own FAQs when the
ones I find don't cover what I want to see. Lots of people like
what I did, so I kept doing it.
Previously, I've written Unofficial Strategy Guides (USGs) for
XCOM, XCOM2:TFTD, Wing Commander, Wing Commander 2, Wing
Commander 3, Wing Commander 4, Privateer, Spycraft, 688(I)
Hunter/Killer. Mechwarrior 3, MW3 Expansion Pack, Mechwarrior 4,
Mechwarrior 4: Black Knight, Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed,
The Sting!, Terranova, Fallout Tactics, Starfleet Command Volume
II, DS9: The Fallen, DS9: Dominion War, Driver, and a few more.
To contact me, see 0.4 above.
0.6 Disclaimer/ Copyright Information
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Dominion Wars is a trademark of Simon
& Schuster. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine copyrighted by Paramount
Corporation. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Dominion Wars is designed
by Gizmo Industries (Gizmo Games).
This USG is not endorsed or authorized by Simon & Schuster,
Paramount, or Gizmo.
Most information compiled in this USG has been gathered
independently through the author's efforts. If it appears similar
to tips offers in any other FAQ or guides, it is probably because
we came to the same conclusion. Some information or tidbits have
been gathered through the various DomWar forums, such as the one
on gaming.startrek.com. Thanks to all the participants, who are
too numerous to list here.
0.7 Spoiler Warning
The USG contains spoilers about all missions in STDS9: Dominion
War (hereby referred to as DomWar). Only get enough help to get
past the hump, so you don't spoil the sense of accomplishment.
0.8 Release History
11-SEP-2001 initial release
31-DEC-2002 updated for V1.04 and unofficial V1.05 info
0.9 The Most Frequently Asked Questions
Some information here are excerpted from Annika's DomWar
Technical FAQ. Go to
http://gaming.startrek.com, then message
boards, then Dominion Wars, then FAQ, and you'll see latest
version of her FAQ. Thanks!
General Questions
Q: Can you send me Dominion War?
A: Why should I?
Q: Can you send me the manual (or portions thereof)?
A: Ditto.
Q: Can you tell me how to play the game?
A: Read the manual, which is that little booklet in the inside
cover of your CD case.
Q: What are the key commands?
A: Read the manual, or look in the game under preferences /
keyboard.
Q: What's the latest version?
A: The official patch is 1.04. However, there is a patch 1.05 out
there. You can see the version number in the lower right hand
corner of the "main menu". Go to the link at
http://gaming.startrek.com, then pick forums, and you should see
the link to the patch. There are FOUR versions, depending on
which version is on the CD and where you got it. Please use the
right one, and read the FAQ.
Q: My box did not come with Star Trek: Starship Creator Warp II!
A: The non-US version (different distributor) did not include
this bonus disc.
Q: How do I change screen resolution in the game? How about
gamma?
A: The game ONLY runs at 800x600. The manual is incorrect.
V1.04 added a "gamma" slider. .
Q: Any mods? Editors?
A: Nothing yet. Supposedly a mission editor may become available
later, but it's NOT official. See
http://www.ussmetaloid.4mg.com/
for more info.
Q: When I load a saved game my ships will no longer fire. Why?
A: Apparently when save game is loaded, all ships were issued
"hold fire" command. Try ordering them to shoot again.
Q: How do I change the difficulty level?
A: Use the option slider.
Q: What does that actually do?
A: If you turn it to one side or another, that side (easy side =
you, hard side = enemy) gets a combat bonus in both starship
combat and marine combat.
Compatibility Questions
Q: Is the game compatible with WinXP?
A: It *should* work in compatibility mode, but it's not
supported. Try it?
Q: Does the game work with video card _______?
A: If it that card supports DirectX and Direct3D, it should work
fine. Please download and try the latest video drivers for your
specific card.
Q: I have problems with ATI Rage series card.
A: Please search for "RageMan" 3rd party drivers. Those seem to
help when the ATI drivers didn't.
Q: Game loads 75% and freezes...
A: This seems to happen with some "built-in" (onboard) sound
cards. Try turning down the DirectSound acceleration.
Q: Game crashes when launched
A: If you are running desktop at extremely high resolution (at or
higher than 1280x1024) this can be a problem. Please switch to
1024x768 or below and try again.
Fleet Setup Questions
Q: How do I use device ______? What devices should I use?
A: See the device section. V1.03 and later, all the devices are
automatically equipped onto the ship at beginning of the mission.
Previous versions may require you to right-click the device to
"equip" the ship with it.
Q: Can I save my fleet setup?
A: Hit EXIT button. The menu should pop up allowing you to save.
Q: I can't figure out the save interface!
A: Click on one of saved games (or even AUTOSAVE). Hit backspace-
key until the name at the bottom box is gone. Enter new save game
name (no space allowed). Hit enter-key to save. To overwrite
existing game, don't change the name.
WARNING: overwriting existing game may CRASH the system. Delete
extra saves when you exit the game.
Q: What do the different crews do?
A: Security: capture enemy ships, or guard against capture.
Engineering: repair damage to ship (cannot repair destroyed
components)
Command: allow ship to go above 1/4 impulse.
Q: What are those "medals"?
A: They add a slight bonus to each captain in the different
areas. I didn't find them to have any significant effect. I also
don't see how captains receive them. They seem to be random
depending mainly on the number of kills.
General Mission Questions
Q: My shields drop for no reason!
A:You probably entered a nebula. The computer should have warned
you "entering nebula". Shields don't work in the nebula.
Sometimes ion storm is also referred to as a nebula.
Q: One of my ships just stopped responding to commands!
A: If you captured enemy ship(s), this can sometimes happen. The
only way to regain control is to destroy the captured ship(s)
until you are back to six ships (or less).
Q: What is that triangle with rounded corners on the screen/map?
A: That's one of your objectives. Remember the briefing screen?
Q: What's that tall thin box with a little head and tail on the
screen/map?
A: That's a patrol point. You have to reach (fly near) all of
them in the mission to accomplish one of the objectives, usually
patrol.
Q: Some of my ship's items are inoperative no matter the number
of engineers!
A: Destroyed items cannot be repaired.
Movement Questions
Q: I ordered warp speed then one of the ships just blew up!
A: Your ship had a warp-speed collision with something else. Next
time, turn the ships to the right heading, let them spread out a
bit first, THEN order warp speed. And make sure there's nothing
in their way. Order warp speed for each ship separately may help.
Q: My ship just keep popping into and out of warp!
A: You ordered it to attack a target AND warp speed. It's trying
to do both. Instead, click near your objective to set the
destination. After the ship(s) come out of warp, THEN order the
attack.
Q: I can't issue accurate movement orders by clicking in the 3D
screen!
A: Try clicking the location on the mini-map (scanner map)
instead. Zoom in to be more precise.
Q: My captured ships won't go above 1/4 impulse!
A: You need to beam over some Command (red) personnel.
Specific Mission Questions
Q: How do I beat the Defiant/Argolis mission?
A: Take on ONE ship at a time, and take out BOTH generators
before you start on the OWPs. If you still have problem, read the
mission walkthru.
Q: How do I rescue Tom Riker? Which ship is he on?
A: The Keldon he's on has crew of 960 instead of the regular
200+. Get between the prison planet and Cardassia Prime (the
planet in the northwestern corner) and take on all the Keldons
that come along. If you still have problems, read the mission
walkthru.
Q: I can't finish mission ______! I've destroyed or captured
everything!
A: In some missions you must destroy the objective instead of
capturing it. This particularly applies to the Dominion missions.
Engage the self-destruct (see the cheat section) on the item in
question should solve it. See also bug list.
Misc. Questions
Q: What's with the micro-quantum torpedoes on the Achilles? I
never see them shoot!
A: Apply the V1.04 patch.
Q: What's this about importing Starship Creator Warp II ships and
captains?
A: They can only be used in Multiplayer games. You can choose to
allow those special ships and crews in the game setup.
Q: Where are the cheat codes?
A: See last section
Q: Can I play the movies outside the game?
A: The game uses the popular BINK video format. You can download
a player from
http://www.radgametools.com. The movies are on the
CD in the VIDEO subdirectory and should also be in the install
directory on the HD.
1 Game Information
Dominion War is a real-time starship tactical combat simulation
in a 2D world that simulates starship combat in the world of Star
Trek: Deep Space Nine, with 3D perspectives.
The game is set during the Dominion War, when the Federation and
the Klingons attempt to defeat the Dominion invasion. You can
play either the Alliance or the Dominion.
Your first mission start you off in the Badlands, and progress to
either defeat of the Dominion and invasion of Cardassia Prime
(Fed side) or conquest of Earth (Dominion side).
There are two single-player campaigns of 10 missions for each
side. The campaigns are strictly linear. You must finish one
mission to advance to the next one.
There is no resource building or gathering during the mission. In
this aspect it is similar to Myth. Instead, you are allocated
certain amount of credits. You use these to outfit your fleet
with captains, ships, devices, and/or additional crew.
Once your fleet setup is complete, you launch the fleet into
combat into 3D combat, through the movement is only 2D (just like
Star Trek).
All the ships have the appropriate weapon arcs and special
equipment as such. Several of ships have been created just for
this game. The ships range from class 1 (really small and weak)
to class 5 (battleship type) and are nicely detailed. All the
weapons emanate from the appropriate positions on the ship though
occasionally, when ships are firing AND maneuvering, you may see
ships firing through portions of itself. You can use transporters
to beam over marines to capture other ships, or beam anti-matter
charges onto other ships and so on.
At the end of mission, the captain may gain (or even lose)
experience, and perhaps be promoted (demoted?), and thus eligible
to command different ships. They can also receive commendations,
which adds to their effectiveness in certain areas.
There is no "difficulty level" per se. There is a difficulty
multiplier bar that adjusts some AI factors like weapon hit
percentage, sensor range, and such.
Multiplay is supported through Windows DirectPlay with both host
and client possible, esp. through GameSpy service. There are a
variety of game types. Please see your README file for details.
You can also play through Gamespy Arcade (free copy included on
CD).
2 The Ships
Here we discuss the ships available to each faction. Keep in mind
that you usually don't get that much of a selection in the game
until the very end.
Previously I've reported that SP and MP have different ship
stats. This is not quite right. There is a bug in the game that
causes the fleet setup display to show random numbers for the
ships.
2.1 General Comments
In general, two ships of one class are about equal to ONE ship of
the class above it. For example, it takes two class 1 ships to
match one class 2 ship, and so on. That's assuming shields and
all such are working, and not counting any devices. As ships
aren't that expensive, it does pay to upgrade.
Info here is going to be somewhat different from the manual or
even the website, as these are the info that actually made it
into the game.
In general, class 1 ships are useless. You really want class 2 or
better.
The ships are listed with their stats like this: shields /
weapons / impulse speed / cost.
Please note that the ship stats seem to have some bugs in them so
I can't be absolutely sure of the numbers.
2.2 United Federation of Planets (Feds)
In general, the Feds have the best ships all around. Their ships
are a bit slow, but nicely shielded, and good firepower. Feds use
photon torpedoes (with quantum torpedoes on some ships or as
upgrades) and phasers, though some use pulse phasers. Their ships
carry decent amount of marines, esp. the larger ships. However,
their lack of Class 4 ships is a concern.
2.2.1 Sabre (Class 1) [3/3/6/2000]
Sabre is like cannon fodder. Its weapons will barely scratch a
bigger ship. Even right at the very beginning you should use
Steamrunner instead.
2.2.2 Steamrunner (Class 2) [5/3/5/4000]
Start with this ship. It is not bad for its class, but a little
low on firepower compared to Escort-class, but you get plenty of
these vs. ONE Escort-class.
2.2.3 Oberth (Class 2) [5/1/6/2000]
Oberth is a research ship that has virtually no weapons, but VERY
good sensor range. It would work well as a scout, and can get
away from most threats. It is not useful in single-player, but
can be useful in multiplayer games, esp. in "find the founder" or
similar scenarios.
2.2.4 Escort (Class 2) [5/6/5/6000]
Many people think of this as the Defiant-class. It's not QUITE
the overwhelming superior ship you see in the episodes, but it is
the best class 2 ship. There's only one of these ships available.
2.2.5 Troop Carrier (Class 2) [1/1/3/2000]
Also known as the transport or freighter, this ship allows you to
carry a lot of troops for massive invasions. You should not need
to buy one ever. If a mission calls for one, one will be
provided.
2.2.6 Akira (Class 3) [6/6/4/6400]
Akira heavy cruiser is a good heavy cruiser. Which is about all
there is to say. :-)
2.2.7 Achilles (Class 4) [9/10/4/10000]
This ship comes into play late, the only ship of her class, and
experimental (according to the plot). It is worth the wait
though. Think of it as the bigger brother to the Defiant would
not be far off, as it has pulse phasers, quantum torpedoes, AND a
spine-mounted phalanx-array of EIGHT micro-quantum-torpedo
launchers. It can defeat any other class 4 starship, and is a
good match with class 5's. (Previously listed as 9/8/4)
2.2.8 Galaxy (Class 5) [10/9/4/12000]
Battleship of the Federation, this ship has the highest weapon
rating in the game (not alone though) and shields to take a LOT
of damage (one of the highest shield rating in the game) so it
can "take a lickin' and keep in kickin'". It can be a real ship
killer with the quantum torpedo upgrade and phaser range
extenders.
2.3 Klingon Empire (Klin)
Klingon ships all come with cloaking device, less shields, and
faster speed under impulse. Klingons use disruptors and
torpedoes, though some ships use pulse disruptors.
Klingons can apparently use quantum torpedo devices, so if you
have the money, add them.
2.3.1 B'Rel (Class 1) [2/2/7/2000]
Cannon fodder, just like the Sabre. This one has even LESS
shields and power than the Sabre!
2.3.2 K'tinga (Class 2) [3/3/5/4200]
You need quite a few of those to hit a class 3. Don't even think
about taking on a class 4. Even within Class 2 it's under-
matched.
2.3.3 K'Vorcha / K'vort'cha (Class 3) [5/6/5/6200]
Pretty balanced ship. For a Klingon. Not a bad match for the
Akira. Slightly inconsistent spelling.
The game is not very consistent on the spelling, which is why you
see it listed twice here.
2.3.4 Vorcha (Class 4) [6/6/4/9000]
This attack cruiser will be your only Class 4 ship for a while,
and it's actually not bad. Just remember it carries less shields
than your equivalent Fed, so remember to rebalance shields more
often, and pull it out of battle if need be. And of course, it's
nowhere NEAR as good as an Archilles class starship, but you get
plenty of these, vs. only one Archilles.
2.3.5 Negh'Var (Class 5) [7/8/3/12000]
The Klingon battleship, it's actually LARGER than the Galaxy-
class, but not quite as well shielded or armed. There's only one
of these around, so don't use these up too fast.
2.4 Cardassian Union (Card)
Cardassian ships are quite weak overall, and require numbers to
overwhelm their enemies. They have even LESS shields than
Klingons on the average! However, they do carry a bit of
firepower.
Note: these ratings have been revised from the previous release
significantly due to some ship stat display issues in the game.
2.4.1 Hideki (Class 1) [1/2/8/2000]
Your Cardie cannon fodder. Don't use at all. It's VERY fast so it
can chase down some freighters, but won't survive in battles.
2.4.2 Norin (Class 2) [2/3/5/3800]
Cardassian answer to the Defiant, it still can't stand up to one
in a fight. It may last long enough until help arrives.
2.4.3 Tonga (Class 3) [3/5/3/6000]
As all Cardie ships, this one is weaker than average.
2.4.4 Galor (Class 4) [4/6/3/8000]
Your typical Cardassian ship. Weak shields, good firepower.
(Previously listed as 4/3/3)
2.4.5 Keldon (Class 4) [5/7/4/9000]
Keldon is improves somewhat upon Galor. (Previously listed as
5/4/4)
2.4.6 Hutet (Class 5) [6/10/3/13500]
This ship is so huge, it's over 60% longer than a Galaxy-class!
However, its shields are quite wimpy, and it cost too much for
the money. (Previously listed as 6/6/3)
2.5 Dominion / Jem'hadar (Dom)
Jem'hadar ships tend to be slightly weaker than Federation ships,
but it's quite balanced. They tend not to have much command crew
around though, so capturing ships and using them may be a problem
unless you have big ships.
Most Jem'hadar ships have two names, a short name and a full
name. Both are listed.
2.5.1 Attack Ship / Fighter (Class 1) [2/3/6/2200]
Actually not too bad for a class 1. May be a match for Sabre.
2.5.2 Strike Cruiser / Cruiser (Class 2) [3/4/4/4200]
Not too bad for a class 2, but can't match the Feds, esp. the
Defiant.
2.5.3 Battlecruiser (Class 3) [5/5/4/6200]
Pretty good, now the ship gets firepower and shields that are
average.
2.5.4 War Cruiser / Warship / Super Cruiser (Class 4)
[7/7/3/9000]
Warship is actually quite good for its class, but has too many
names.
2.5.5 Super Carrier / Carrier (Class 5) [10/8/3/10500]
The only Class 5 that can stand toe to toe with a Galaxy-class.
And it's cheaper. It also carries more marines and crew, very
useful when going after other ships, esp. when you get shield
transport device.
2.6 Ship Table (Single-Player)
The best weapons and shield ratings in the class are listed in
bold. Keep in mind that the bigger the ship, the slower they
turn.
Level Faction Name Cost Shields Weapon Speed
1 Fed Sabre 2000 3 3 6
Klin B'Rel 2000 2 2 7
Card Hideki 2000 1 2 8
Dom Fighter 2200 2 3 6
2 Fed Steamrunner 4000 5 3 5
Fed Oberth 4000 5 1 6
Fed Troop Carrier 2000 1 1 3
Fed Escort 6000 5 6 5
Klin K'tinga 4200 3 3 5
Card Norin 3800 2 3 5
Dom Strike Cruiser 4200 3 4 4
3 Fed Akira 6400 6 6 4
Klin K'vort'cha 6200 5 6 5
Card Tonga 6000 3 5 3
Dom Battlecruiser 6200 5 5 4
4 Fed Achilles 10000 9 10 4
Klin Vorcha 9000 6 6 4
Card Galor 8000 4 6 3
Card Keldon 9000 5 7 4
Dom Supercruiser 9000 7 7 3
5 Fed Galaxy 12000 10 9 4
Klin Negh'var 12000 7 8 3
Card Hutet 13500 6 10 3
Dom Supercarrier 10500 10 8 3
As you can see from this chart, pattern is clear: the Feds have
the best ships around, and Cardassians have the worst.
2.7 Other ships
Some other ships can appear in the game as enemies or friends, or
you can choose them in multiplayer.
(Any one has REAL stats for these ships?)
Class 1: Maquis Raider (3/3/5?)
Class 2: Bajoran Patrol Ship (2/3/5?)
Class 3: Ferengi Marauder? (4/8/4?)
Class 4: Breen Assault Ship (can be chosen in some Dominion
missions) (8/9/4?)
Class 5: Romulan D'deridex "Warbird" (10/9/3?)
3 The Captains
I'm not going to list all the captains here because there is not
enough room, and their stats change as you play the game, so
listing them here would be useless.
You need a captain that is rated at least the class of ship you
plan to assign him/her to. You can put Sisko (starts as Class 4)
on the Defiant (Class 2), but you can't put Dax (starts as Class
2) on the Achilles (Class 4).
As each captain fights, they will gain experience, and grow in
rank and ratings (and cost more credits). It is possible for a
captain to LOSE experience and rank, usually by losing the ship.
Captains don't die in this game. One that lost his/her ship
usually lose some experience points. Depending on how much
experience that captain had, that might be enough to get him/her
DEMOTED.
Your objective, ultimately, is to get at least SIX admirals to
command six different class 5 starships by the final mission. As
you only start with three or four admirals (and not all of them
are good), you have to "grow" a few captains into admirals.
Look at ALL the possible candidates before making your choice.
Some may have higher ratings than others may yet costs nearly the
same credits. Consider that before choosing who to "groom for
promotion" from the lower ranks.
Sometimes, it's good to "downgrade" one of the captains to save
some money for the devices and such.
Captains can win commendations after completing certain missions.
Those commendations can mean bonuses performing certain tasks,
like repair, attack, defend, scan, and so on. The formula to
generate these commendations has not been revealed by Gizmo yet.
