There is a storyline, but no separate fleets or conquest in spg2.

Ok, so its kinda just you roaming around? Can't take over territory or anything?

You can have two mercs to escort you once you reach the appropriate level, but that is it. You are alone against Gemini, no faction stuff.

Fair enough. Is there a way to decrease the crew of a ship for boarding? I'm still in the beginning gun ship, and I keep running into frigates. But every time I try to board them, even if I damage the hull, I fail.

Firgates are too big for the starting ship, try something smaller.

Wait, I thought the progression was Gunship> Frigate> Destroyer> Cruiser> Battleship> Dreadnought> Carrier. No?

Corvettes exist between gunships and frigates.

oh I see. Ok, I'll try targeting corvettes first then. Thanks!

Quick Question: how long before stations restock their equipment/marines?

IIRC it is a matter of putting enough distance (several sectors) to the station or planet.

I have the dreanought best ship type too . Fighters anbd boarding op