Here's my strategy for "The Left Hand":
1. Build an ATR as fast as possible at the beginning, and send it toward the station. Before it arrives at the station, order the Battleship and Carrier to go take it out.
2. In the meantime, build as many Gunships as possible and send them to the station as well. You should be able to build one right as you're disabling the station. You should be able to capture the station before the arrival of the 3 carriers.
3. When the Carriers arrive, don't worry about any other ship except yourself (HVD). It's time to kick your piloting skills into overdrive. Focus your firepower directly at the carriers themselves. Try to keep your distance and just ignore the fighters. Those gunships should help you out a little against the nasty capitol ships, and your Battleship and Carrier should be cleaning out the fighters. Try not to lose the station, but if you still have your ATR you can just order it to "Fire Special" and retake the station.
4. The remaining Salrilians will try to retake the station. Hold your ground. After you take out the oncoming ATR, swing the momentum in your favor. Gather up as many of your remaining forces and assault their planet. Don't attempt this unless you have both your Battleship and Carrier or if you have a substantial fleet. When assaulting their planet, its best to use cruisers instead of gunships. However, if your assault fails, head back and protect the station. The increased resource production will eventually give you an edge over the Salrilian forces.
5. Simply land a transport.
This strategy is quite effective for many reasons. One, you eliminate the Salrilian's resource edge early, putting them on the same level as you. Second, once you capture the station, you'll have the edge. Third, with all your ships gathered at the station, you should be able to confront and defeat the carriers. Lastly, that station serves as a buffer zone between their planet and yours, and often times the station will destroy transports trying to sneak by.
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-Vegeta <axis.n3.net>
(This message has been edited by Vegeta (edited 01-15-2000).)