Construction Ship AI Question

[acestealth]

In an effort to deter pirate attack, like most I imagine, I arm my construction ships. I do notice though after interrupting construction on a base to fight off an aggressor and asking con ships to repair/continue building the base, they feel the need to run home first. Are they in need of more materials perhaps?

It is quite annoying because it generally defeats the purpose of letting them go about their business unguarded, because once they run home I have to assign a patrol to guard the incomplete station while they are away. Thoughts?
Thanks in advanced btw, both to contributors and game developers alike.

[feelotraveller]

There are several possible reasons for construction ships returning to base.

a) They were damaged in the fight and need to repair.
b) They are now low on fuel and need to refuel.
c) They did not have enough materials to complete the base in the first place, and can now pick up more resources to fill (part of) the gap.
d) The base under construction was damaged during the fight and hence needs extra resources for completion.

I think that's it, but maybe I've missed something. Finding out which of these cases apply is the first step to sorting out what to do about it.

Personally I do not arm my construction ships but get them to flee at first notice of a pirate nearby. But then I'm meticulous about watching for warnings and making spot checks on my systems. Oh, and I generally try to have a couple of frigates in close proximity... [;)]

Hope that helps.

[Plant]

Fighting uses up energy, which uses fuel, is a possible reason for being low on fuel, but unlikely.

You are going to need to provide more information, you may have found a possible bug, or maybe not.

[acestealth]

I think feelotraveller was right on d), i think the base was damaged and not having enough material to complete construction and repair the damage they went back to get more materials.