Sol and the inner planets exist normally for game purposes, though they do not represent separate bodies. All units begin the game undetected. An Imperial unit is detected when it first moves, or when a packet comes within three hexes of it. A packet is detected when it first burns fuel afterleaving orbit, or when it comes within 3 hexes of an Imperial ship or base. Dummies do not detect.
Detection occurs at the end of movement, but before combat.
Overloads, Refueling, and Repair Packets may undergo one overload maneuver, and then require minor maintenance. The same is true of Imperial ships in the basic game. Combat Imperial corsairs carry one mine each, which may be replaced by rendezvous with an orbital base. Imperial bases are detection stations only, with no combat strength. Course of the Game Imperial units begin the game motionless, and may not move until at least one packet is detected.