At this point in the game, it is up to you to pirate loads of goodies. This is not only to kit out your ship, but also to get the attention of any space pirates in the area.
1) During this time, you receive e-mails from the Stepsons. These give hints on good piracy spots and, as you make more and more hauls of cargo, the Stepsons will send you congratulatory e-mails.
2) General comments on doing piracy:
- An important tactic to take into consideration is, when making a good haul of cargo; go back to the base and save your game. Over enthusiastic piracy can lead to you getting destroyed and losing any cargo still floating around or collected since the last save.
- When you start out pirating, pick on ships with fewer/weaker escorts. If you start small, you'll be able to get a few upgrades on your ship, allowing you to take on harder (and more profitable) targets.
- Try not to destroy freighters entirely. This could destroy valuable cargo docked to them. Also watch where you fire, you could inadvertently shoot off cargo pods from the freighter that you wanted.
- Be selective. If you know what you want to make a trade back at base, try going to stations that may possibly be likely suppliers of the cargo your after. I.e. if a trade wants livestock, try hunting around agri-orbitals for your goods. Also, don't forget you can find out what a freighter is carrying by sub-targeting it and looking at its cargo pods.