I like the army part of this idea, as in you have an extremely hostile planet (like starship troopers hostile) where you can drop (or should) an entire squad of troopers to secure it so you can develop a base, and eventualy conqer the galaxy BUT!, I think you should still maintain your own little private army, like once you have "invaded" a planetary system, you should still suply your troops with food and ammo for them to survive. for the rest, not JUST soldier NPC, also other, working types of Npc as wel would be great so you dont need to micro manage EVERYTHING, wich can be very anoying(like you can get a pilot like NPC wich can supply your assult on the planet). but this would make the game also a bit of a strategy game (small part)
I haven't mentioned it in the OP. That's a very good idea, having to provide your troops with supplies and so forth, sort of like the "hire and maintenance" cost. Should you fail to pay, they'll desert you. ^^
I can imagine a situation where you're stranded on a planet with a bunch of backstabbing mercenaries hunting after you. It'd make for such awesome tales of glory.
but, it would also work well with enemarius86's idea, having farmers ,scientists and such you could create your own self sufficient community/ planetary dominance that can take care of themselves without your aid, but you could always answer the calls for aid they make just to be sure they're not only doing well, but keep them in line and loyal to you
Nice Idea I'd like it. However i'm not so sure they should be able to be healed depending on the type of wound. I think that death would be more reasonable considering there are so many planets it's not like you are going to run out of hired guns.
Thought of a new option today, so the OP has been updated. Besides the two "Follow me" and "Stay" orders, a command to have the fighter you're addressing return to the base or spaceship has been added.
can never hurt to be prepared and what preparation is better than having an army...(I wonder if we could let this get to the "fleet level" (aka get your mercs their own ships to aid you but with the added risk that it will be much more dangerous if you fail to keep up your end of the bargain)
Sorry for the double post, but for those who would like to vote on this suggestion, you may do so here.