I did a quick search for any threads on Side Missions, and found one that was slightly unrelated, so I decided this would be a good place to start a discussion:

Side missions may have the potential to enhance game play if implemented correctly. In thinking about how to implement the idea of side missions, I think that keeping it simple would ultimate add to game play instead of detracting from it. Some simple examples -

1) You receive a distress call from an explored (or unexplored) node as one of your scout frigates passes through or near the area. Your mission is to rescue the vessel/structure from attack (or maybe life support systems are down and you need to get to the ship/structure with adequate cargo holds to save survivors under a certain period of time)
2) Precious cargo/personnel must be transported from point A to point B, you must defend the cargo ship(s) at all costs. You will incur multiple attacks via pirates or other renegade groups throughout the mission
3) In other posts I've spotted news of having legitimate pirate bases, this could be a mission in itself - maybe the pirate base is so well built up and defended you need to team up with another player to destroy them all, thereby splitting the prize
4) You have information about a possible spy in a nearby node, you must hunt them down and terminate the target. Also, you have information regarding a cargo ship that is constantly attacking other trade ships, you must "alleviate" the problem (Marza radiation bomb...haha)
5) Trade/other NPC-controlled empire ship have been frequently attacked by a specific band of pirates at a specific undefended node - you must set up defensive operations or patrolling escorts to ensure their protection or that trade will be shut down (a la GalCiv II)

These are just some very basic ideas for missions that could enhance some game play aspects and make you feel like you are doing more than just razing enemy planets to expand your empire...you actually have to tend to it as well. Although they sound simple in nature - it may be the best way to include missions into game play. Possible rewards:

1) Credits, Metal or Crystals
2) Increased trade ship production/routes
3) Intel (planets with artifacts, enemy locations, pirate bases)
4) Exp levels for CapShips
5) Bonus ships (free frigates, cruisers or a CapShip)

Difficulty of missions could be scaled to create various similarly styled missions depending on current status in the game, multiple players could be given the same mission and there could be a rush to complete it first - a whole bunch of ideas could be thrown out here!

I'm curious to everyone's thoughts on this, would this enhance or impede the suggested route of game play? Of course all missions would be optional, but could provide enough challenge and reward to make them worth while! Its better than fighting off contant insurgent pirate attacks! Any ideas on missions, rewards or any other related ideas?