Flagships

[sklazinga]

The rules mention diplomacy to upgrade to a new flagship.

Must diplomacy be used to upgrade to a new flagship, or can I designate any ship from my points area as my flagship.

If I diplomacy an encountered ship 'must I' have it replace my flagship, or do I have the option to simply move it to my point's area.

When adding stats for a battle or Mission or other encounter, do you only add the stats from your flagship and the cards on your bridge, or can you also add the stats from cards, such as ships, in your points area, as if they are part of your fleet?

[Mr. Domino]

Although its not terribly clear in the rulebook, I think the indication is that no, you can't designate ships in your points area as your flagship - the only time you can change is immediately following a successful diplomacy of a ship from the space deck.

However, you do not have to replace your flagship with a hostile ship from the space deck - "When you diplomacy a Starship, you may make it your new flagship (damage does not carry over). If you do, your old flagship is moved to your points area. Otherwise, move that ship to your points area." - page 16

[Alex_Bandai]

Unless an effect allows it otherwise, the only way to upgrade/change your flagship is to diplomacy it, then make it your new flagship immediately.

[sklazinga]

And what about the 'fleet' idea? Are ships in your points area only points, or can they also be added to battle/mission totals along with your flagship and the other cards in your bridge?