h1. Sieges Star systems are generally capable of defending themselves. Stationary defense systems are cheap and powerful, and their only weakness is immobility. No fleet can rush the system in one week (except maybe if it's really huge and doesn't mind taking half fleet casualties), so taking a system requires a protracted siege. toc. h2. Siege First stage is the system being bombarded from afar. A hostile fleet opens a warp breach and hurls whatever they can to the system. This is not very effective, but over time exhausts the defense systems. This phase takes the longest time, and patience leads to less casualties. h2. Space assault After defense system is weakened, fleet chooses to invade. Depending on the defense system condition, fleet might suffer harsh casualties during the attack. Troops might be deployed to capture defense systems, or they might just be destroyed. h2. Ground assault If space assault is successfull and fleet have disabled the defense. ground assault begins. Troops are deployed planetside and begin to fight for the planet control. Fleets must remain in orbit to provide support and counter the planetary defenses. This phase can take various amounts of time, and depending on planet inhabitants' attitude and plans towards them, can be only the first step of actually benefitting from the planet.