SOTS1 — UI Screen Map & High-Level Flow

Build analysed: sots.gob / sots_local_en.gob dated 2010-04 (Complete Collection + Argos Naval Yard data set) driven by Sword of the Stars.exe 1.8.1 (GOG 2017 rebuild). So this is the final SOTS1 UI surface, not the 2006 launch one — cut/legacy remnants are called out in §5.

Method (Ghidra-free): the brief assumed a tree of per-screen GUI/**/*.script layouts. That tree does not exist. The whole archive holds exactly four .script files (GUI/BorderSprites.script, GUI/StarMap/Lines.script, TechTree/TechTreeDisplay.script, Models/Planets/PlanetResources.script), none of which is a widget layout — SOTS1 screens are built in C++ on the Mars control framework. The map below is therefore reconstructed from five independent evidence layers that all agree with each other:

Layer	Source	Size
Texture folders	`GUI/**` in `list_sots.gob.txt`	396 files in 19 folders, named per screen
Sprite table	`GUI/SpriteTable.csv`	~1,950 sprites; names are `<SCREEN>_<WIDGET>_<STATE>`
String tokens	`Locale/EN/Strings.csv`	5,200 rows in ~200 prefixes; prefix = screen/dialog
UI sound hooks	`Sounds/sound_ui.csv`	50 events, several screen-specific
Class names	`classes-game.txt` (1,404) / `classes-mars.txt` (194)	~300 `Panel/Dialog/Screen/View/*List` types
Layout constants	`Data/globals.txt`, `Data/tutorial.txt`	panel widths/colours, tutorial page list

Manual.pdf (87 pp, in sots-game/) was used only as a cross-check of the flow; its TOC matches the screen list below 1:1.

1. The UI framework (`Mars`)

Engine side (classes-mars.txt):

Containers: Control → Panel, Dialog (+DialogUnderlay), DockablePanel, ClipPanel, ListPanel, ScrollPanel(Game), PanelManager/IPanelManager, Frame/ModelFrame.
Widgets: Button, TextButton, IconButton, IconToggleButton, LCRButton (left/centre/right 3-slice), MicroButton, ToggleMicroButton, CheckBox/CheckBoxBase/CheckBoxList, DropDownList (+ListUnderlay), EditView/IEditView, ListBox, ListView/IListView, ListFramework (+Item, ClipPanel), ListColumn, TextListBase, Scrollbar, GradientSlider, TextView/TextViewBase/BulkTextPanel, Picture, Menu/IMenu, Movie (Bink), ProgressPainter, Font/ScalingFont/FontDictionary, GUIResources.
Drag & drop: IDropSource / IDropData / IDropTarget — used by the fleet manager, build queue, defence manager, combat reserves and lobby slots (UI_DRAG_START/STOP sound).
Sprites: Sprite, SpriteTable (+SpriteTableRowParser). The table header documents the 9-slice convention: CORNER (flipped), VEDGE/HEDGE (stretched), CENTER. Generic skins: MARS_BUTTON_*, MARS_LCRBUTTON_*, MARS_SCROLLBAR_*, MARS_LIST_*, MARS_SLIDER, MARS_CHECKBOX, MARS_ARROW_BUTTON, MARS_FUZZY_BORDER — all cut from GUI/StarMapElements.tga / StarMapBorders.tga / Arrows.tga / fuzzyedge.tga.
Sound: UISoundCSVRowParser reads sound_ui.csv (button click/rollover, list open/close, tree expand, dialog query/ok/cancel, exit-screen, etc.).
Scripts: Script/IScriptable parse the brace-block format; Mars::Sprite reads BorderSprites.script (the blue main-menu dialog border, 11 sprites from GUI\MainMenu\MenuBorder.tga).

Game-side generic UI (classes-game.txt): Screen, ScreenBar (+ToggleList), TitleBar, PropSheet/PropPage, MessageBoxA, EditMessageBox, PlayerMessageBox/PlayerMessage, PieChartPanel, StatsGraphPanel, MoviePanel, ImageCheckBox/PlayerImageCheckBox, StackedSliderEditCombo, HealthIconPanel (Crosses.tga/xpoints.tga danger/warning/good), Rotator, MutexScreen, AutoJoin/AutoJoinBackground.

Layout constants live in Data/globals.txt (PANEL_SEPARATION 5, STATUSPANEL_MIN_WIDTH 480, BUDGETBAR_WIDTH 150, DESIGN_SIDEBAR_WIDTH 200, DESIGN_DESIGNLIST_WIDTH 180, EVENTSTICKER_OVERLAP 10, popup/main-menu colours, all COMBATHUD_* model/marker settings) — i.e. what little is data-driven is tuning, not layout.

2. Screen catalog

Format: Screen — evidence (textures / sprites / tokens) → key labels → Game:: classes → underlying subsystem.

2.1 Front end

#	Screen	Evidence	Key labels	`Game::` UI classes	Subsystem
F1	Splash / intro	`GUI/SplashArt/Frontend/Title/{gamespy_splash_A,kerberos_splash_B}.tga`; `UI_KERBEROS_SPLASH` (gui_growl.wav); `Movies/sotsintro.bik`	—	`IntroView`, `IntroViewCameraCtl`, `IntroCameraInfo`, `MainMoviePanel`, `IntroOverlay::MainMenuPanel`	`Mars::AppStartup`, `Mars::Movie`
F2	Main menu (3-D nebula backdrop)	`GUI/MainMenu/{Title,IntroA-C,NebulaA-F}.tga`, `FrontEnd_Buttons.tga` (`MAINMENU_BUTTON`), `MenuBorder.tga` (`MAINMENU_DIALOGBG`), `BorderSprites.script`; `MAINMENU_BTN_*`	Profiles · Single Player · Host Multi-Player · Join Multi-Player · Load Game · Tutorial · Options · Credits · Cinematics · Exit; MOTD	`MainMenuPanel`, `MainMenuMOTD` (+`ClipPanel`), `MOTD`	MOTD fetched from `www.kerberos-productions.com/motd`
F3	Profile manager	`PROFILEMAN_`; `GUI/Achievements/.tga` (56 badges); `Badges/`, `Avatars/` sprite sets	Create/Delete/Switch profile; Species / Played / Won / Lost; Badges Unlocked; "Highest Progression Wars Stage"	`ProfileManagerPanel`, `ProfileInfoPanel`, `CreateProfileDialog`, `DeleteProfileDialog`, `SwitchProfileDialog`, `PlayerAvatarSet`, `PlayerBadgeSet`, `PlayerColorSet`	`Profiles/Profile_*.ini`, `lastprofile.dat` (from string-intel)
F4	Options	`OPTIONS_` (38), `FILTER_`, `HOTKEYS_` (20), `KEYID_` (113), `KEYMOD_*`; `Data/options.txt` (volume test sounds)	Audio (master/SFX/speech/GUI/music, channels, freq, bitrate, hardware) · Display (adapter, resolution, fullscreen, object/shader/texture detail, filtering, stars, brightness, particle distance) · Input / Key Bindings (tabs General/Strategy/Combat)	`OptionsPanel`, `AudioOptionsPanel`, `DisplayOptionsPanel` (+`InGameCheck`), `HotKeysPanel`, `HotKeysPropSheet`, `HotKeysPage`, `HotKeyList`	ini keys `adapter,width,height,fullscreen,antialiasing,brightness,MusicVolume…`; key bindings are read-only in UI ("can be changed in the profile ini file")
F5	Credits	`GUI/Credits/{bink,gamespy}.tga`; `Data/credits.txt` (in local gob)	—	`CreditsPanel`	—
F6	Tutorial	`Data/tutorial.txt` (page 0 = 7 videos `Movies/Tutorial/01-setup…07-combat.bik`; pages 1–14 text+image); `GUI/Tutorial/page.tga` (pages 9–11 live in `sots_local_en.gob`); `TUTORIAL_`	Tutorial · Combat · Strategy Screen · Research · Design · Build · Moving · Node Travel · Hiver Gates · Fleet Information · Planet Info · Colonizing · Special Functions · Final Notes	`TutorialPanel` (+`VideoButtonPanel`)	also a playable scenario `Scenarios/Tutorial/Tutorial.txt` ("Basic Tutorial")
F7	Cinematics	`MAINMENU_BTN_MOVIES`; `Movies/{amocintro,antiquarians,bobintro,lhintro,sotsintro}.bik`	Cinematics	`MoviePanel`	Bink (`binkw32.dll`)
F8	Game-mode chooser	`GUI/MainMenu/ChooseGameButtons.tga` (`GAMESETUPOPTIONS_ICON_{CUSTOM,SCENARIO,SINGLEPLAYER,INTERNET,LAN,BG}`); `GAMESETUPFE_*`	Custom / Scenario × Single Player / LAN / Internet; titles "Play Single Player", "Host Multiplayer", "Join Multiplayer", "Load Game"	`GameSetupOptions`, `GameSetupOptions_CheckBox`	—
F9	Game setup (custom)	`GUI/GameSetup/GameSetupElements.tga` (icons AI/Player/Options/Timer/Money; 30 star-map shape icons; 6 species); `GAMESETUP_` (59), `MAPSHAPE_` (25); `Maps/*.csv` custom maps; `UI_GAMESETUP_ROLLOVER/CONFIRM`	Star Map Setup (shape, Star Density, Number of Stars, Distance ly, Size, Resources, Suitability) · Available Species · Economic/Research Efficiency · AI Easy/Normal/Difficult · Initial Treasury/Colonies/Technologies · Options: Alliances, Random Encounters %, Lobby/Player Passwords, Teams (+Grouped), Win Ratio · Time: Strategic Turn Length, Combat Turn Length, Combat Query Time Limit (+per-additional-round) · Create Game / Cancel Game	`GameSetupPanel`, `CustomSetupPanel`, `CustomSetup_Maps`, `GameSetup_AI/LSE/MapSelect(+Impl)/MapView(+IconOverlay)/Money/Name/Option/Options/Player/Species/Time`, `CustomMapRowParser`; legacy `OldGameSetupPanel`	`StrategyGameCreateParams`, `StrategyGameParams`, `StrategyTimerParams`, `StarMapParams`, `Data/Strategy/starmap.txt`, `RealSpace.csv`
F10	Scenario setup	`GUI/GameSetup/Scenario_Set_A…H.tga` (16 scenario images; `Set_C` is in the local gob); `SCENARIO_*` (149)	Description / Rules / Objectives pages; 14 scenarios: Jewels of the Crown, Hungry Children (HiverInvasion), Upstart Apes (key `EARTHVSTARKAS`), Holy Lands, A New Hope (CivilWar), His Master's Voice, Lords of a Broken Empire, The End of Flesh, Basic Tutorial, Tourney Space, Progression Wars, The Gathering, Land Grab (S/M/L), Antiquarians	`ScenarioSetupPanel`, `ScenarioSetup_Maps`, `GameSetup_ScenarioPages/ScenarioScene/ScenarioSelect`, `ScenarioPageBase`, `ScenarioDescPage`, `ScenarioObjPage`, `ScenarioRulesPage`, `ObjectivesPanel`	`SVScriptObject` → 33 `SVSO` classes (one per scenario/encounter script) + `Scenarios/.txt/.csv`, `StrategyScriptParams`
F11	Load game	`GAMESETUP_LOAD_`, `GAMELIST_`, `GAMECARD_`, `GAMEINFO_` (12); `SOTS_GAME_{AUTOSAVE,AUTOSAVEBACKUP,REJOINSAVE,ENDTURN_AUTOSAVE,ENDTURN_AUTOSAVEBACKUP}`	Select saved game; card shows Galaxy Type, Stars, Players, Turn, Version, Economy, Research, Turn/Combat Time, Alliances, Encounters, Teams; Delete	`StrategyGameList` (+`Item`), `GameInfoPanel`, `CustomDataTable::StrategyGameLoader`	`StrategyGameLoadParams`, `.sav`
F12	Game browser (Join MP)	`GAMEBROWSER_`, `SERVERPAGE_`, `FILTERDLG_`, `MANUALJOIN_`, `CHAT_`, `CHATCHANNEL_`, `MATCHINGSERVICE_`, `NETERROR_` (13, none CD-key — corrected by lane G2, see multiplayer-gamespy §1), `AUTOJOINERR_*`; `GUI/CrossFireLoad.tga` (`AUTOJOIN`)	Pages LAN / Internet / Internet Chat; server list (Game Name, Players, Ping, Password, Status, Version); Edit/Apply Filter; Join Manually (Favorites); Refresh; Join; `/join addr[:port]` command	`GameBrowserScreen`, `GameBrowserPanel` + nested `LANPage`, `InternetPage`, `ChatPage`, `ServerPage`, `ServerList`, `GameDisplay`, `GamePlayers`, `GBMOTD`, `FilterDialog`, `ManualJoinDialog`, `EnterPasswordDialog`; `AutoJoin`, `AutoJoinBackground`; `ChatMonitor`, `ChatHistoryView`	GameSpy master/chat (IRC-style), NatNeg; `StrategyJoin` (+`ProgressDialog`)
F13	Lobby (host & join; also the MP between-turns room)	`GUI/Lobby/{LobbyBG,LobbyElementsA-C}.tga` (`SLOTPANEL_`, `SLOT_BUTTON_{PASSWORD,KICK,OPEN,CUSTOMAI,AI}`, `SLOTUSER_{AI,DEAD}`, `SLOTSPECIES_`, `LOBBY_COLOR_`, `AVATAR_RANDOM`, `BADGE_RANDOM`); `LOBBY_` (45), `LOBBYSTATUS_`, `PLAYERSETUP_` (17), `HOSTMIG` (24), `TIMERSDLG_`, `AIPOLICY_`, `SYSTEMMSG_`	Launch / Leave Game / Cancel Game / Ready; slots Open/Closed/AI/password/kick/lock; Player Setup (Name, Species, Color, Badge, Avatar, Team, Settings); Game Status (Strategic round… / Resolving combat… / Querying for combat…, "%s of %s players still playing", "%s battles in progress"); in-progress join ("will enter the game when the next turn begins"); Downloading game data; host migration	`StrategyLobbyScreen` (+`EnterPasswordDialog`, `MOTDDialog`, `PasswordStatus`, `SpeciesInfoPanel`, `TurnInfoPanel`), `SlotPanel`, `LobbySlotPanel`, `SlotDetailsPanel`, `PlayerSetupPanel`, `SpeciesSelectDialog`, `SpeciesDescPanel`, `LobbyChat`, `ChatDialog`, `AIPolicyDialog/Panel`, `SetTimersDialog`, `ServerMigrationStatusPanel` (+`ConfirmAbortDialog`), `ClientMigrationStatusPanel`, `StrategyHost` (+`ProgressDialog`, `ContinueDialog`, `SHMOTD`)	`SNMSlot` (14 msgs), `SNMJoin`, `SNMLobbyChat`, `SNMSetTimers`, `SNMSetAIPolicy`, `SNMMakePlayerAI`; `FNM*` chunked file transfer for migration/rejoin; `StrategySessionParams`, `StrategyHostParams`

2.2 Strategy layer (the turn screen and its children)

#	Screen	Evidence	Key labels	`Game::` UI classes	Subsystem
S1	Strategy map screen (root of the turn)	`GUI/StarMapElements.tga` (136 sprites), `StarMapBorders.tga` (82), `GUI/StarMap/` (lines, gate/move icons, `MapFade`, `PlayerColorBand`, `StatusBox`), `StarMap/Lines.script` (MoveLine green/red range segments, NodeLine, DistanceLine, FleetLine with per-drive arrow textures STL/Warp/Stutter/Node/Teleport/Farcast/Flock, GateLine, TradeLine); `Star.tga`, `disc.tga`, `ring.tga`, `piegradient.tga`; `UICSTR_` strategic hotkeys	camera orbit/zoom; Home System; Focus/Zoom; Select Next/Prev Colony / Idle Fleet / Trade Sector	`StrategyMapScreen` (+`DebugOverlay`), `StarMapPanel`, `StarMapCameraPanel`, `StarMapEdgePanel`, `MiniStarMapPanel`, `StarMapNode`, `StarMapLine`, `StarMapNodeLine`, `StarMapLinePainter`, `NodeLinePainter`, `NodeLineDesc`, `FleetLine`, `GateLine`, `TradeLine`, `TradeLinePainter`, `TradePainter`, `TradeSectorPainter`, `StrategyClient`/`StrategyClientData`	`StarSystem`, `ClientNodeGraph`/`ServerNodeGraph`, `NodePath`/`NodeRoute`/`SimpleNodePath`, `StrategySim`
S1a	Screen chrome (bottom bar, status panel, empire bar, ticker)	sprites `SCREENBAR_`, `SCREENBAR_EXIT`, `ENDTURN_` (LCR button), `EXITSCREEN`, `TICKER_`, `EMPIRE_OPENBTN` (`BudgetButton.tga`), `EMPIREBUDGET_` / `EMPIRE_SLIDER_`; `GUI/Bar_Buttons.tga` (`BARBUTTON_{POLMAP,TRADE,RESEARCH,DESIGN,BUILD,DIPLOMACY,INTEL,RANKINGS,EVENTS,TECHTREE,POPULATIONS,OLDTRADE,OLDALLIANCE}`), `ticker_buttons{,2,3}.tga` (`BARBUTTON_{CHAT,INFO,FLEETLINES,STARS,OBJECTIVES,SENSORNET,SURRENDER,TOGGLE,ENEMYNODES}`); `STRATEGY_END_TURN`, `STATUS_`, `PLAYERSTATUS_`, `TOOLTIP_BARBUTTON_` (14), `COMMON_BUDGETBAR_LEFT/RIGHT`	End Turn / Game Over / Eliminated; Exit; savings↔research slider; status list NAME / STATUS / ROUNDS / TIME REMAINING with per-player status (Playing, Done, Querying, Staging, Fighting, Eliminated, AI) and alliance indicators; buttons Ranks / Diplomacy / Intel Analysis / Empire Civilian Settings; toggles Chat, Star Brightness, Fleet Lines, Objectives, Political Map, Trade View, Sensor Network, Enemy Node Paths, Galactic Axes, Options	`ScreenBar` (+`ToggleList`), `StatusPanel` (+`PlayersPanel`), `EmpireBar`, `EventsTickerPanel`, `ObjectivesPanel`, `ObjectiveListView(Item)`, `PlayerIconList` (+`Clipper`), `ChatControl`, `ChatEditControl`, `ChatInputControl`, `ChatHistoryPanel`/`ChatHistoryPanel2`, `ChatMessageListPanel`, `PlayerNotePanel`/`PlayerNoteButton` (`StickyNoteElements.tga`, `NOTEPAD_`), `QuitStrategyGameDialog` (`STRATDLG_`), `SaveGameDialog`/`SaveGameMessageBox` (`SAVEGAMEDLG_*`), `SurrenderDialog` (+`PlayersOverlay`, `ConfirmDialog`)	`TurnCommands`, `StrategyTurnInfo`, `SNMEndTurn`, `SNMTurnInfo`, `SETurnEnd*`; `PlayerNotes`
S2	System / planet panel (selected star)	`GUI/SystemPanels.tga` (`SYSINFO_`, `POPMAN__ICON`), `StarMap/SystemUI/` (`SatRing`, `HomeSystem`, `Unexplored`, `SystemCaps`, asteroid ring, `PC_Insert`), `SYSINFO_` (18), `SYSSUM_` (24), `STATIONSUM_`, `STATIONTYPE_*` (Command/Science/Repair/Sensors/Trade/Habitat); `ClimateHazard`/`Overharvest`/`SystemBudget` slider skins	Name, Owner, Size, Resources, Climate Hazard, Population (Imperial/Civilian/Slaves), Infrastructure, Industrial Output, Income, Gates, Defenses; five sliders: Overharvest, Construction↔Trade, Terraforming, Infrastructure, Ship Construction; buttons Research / Design / Build, Abandon, Manage Civilians / Slaves / Defenses, View Enemy Defenses, Notes; "Stations at %s" Activated/Deactivated/Under Construction	`SystemViewPanel`, `SystemSummaryPanel` (+`Overlay`), `SystemSummaryList`, `StrategySystemInfo`, `SystemRateSliders`, `SystemTradeSlider`, `ClimateControl`, `ClimateHazardBar/Slider`, `PopulationSlider`, `SpeciesSlider` (+`Overlay`), `StationSummaryPanel/Popup`, `StationDetailsPanel`, `StationIcons`, `SensorInfoPanel`, `ConfirmAbandonColonyDialog`	`StarSystem`, `Planet`, `ServerSystem`/`ClientSystem`, `SystemParams`, `Station`, `Population`, `SystemBuildQueue`
S3	Fleet panel (fleets at selected system / sector / deep space)	`StarMap/FleetUI/RoundButton.tga`, `system_tab_fleet_icons.tga` + `UserHUDElements.tga` (`FLEETCARD_ICON_` per race + Refugees/Artifact), `ACTION_ICON_` (16 small + 16 large from `SystemUI/.tga`), `GUI/RefuelElements.tga` (`SUPPORT_`); `FLEETINFO_` (15), `FLEETFILTER_` (19), `FLEETSORT_`, `FLEETDETAILS_`, `FLEETMENUITEM_`, `SHIPACTION_` (15), `ACTIONDLG_` (30), `MOVEWARNING_` (17), `MISC_FLIGHTPLAN_`, `SUPPORT_`/`REFUEL_`/`REPAIR_`; `UI_AUTO_REFUEL/REPAIR`	"Fleets at %s / in %s / nearby"; Manage Fleets · Move · Special (Colonize, Deploy Gate, Mine, Refine, Dump Ore, Refuel, Repair, Stop, Scuttle, Build, Build/Deploy/Extract Spy, Colony/Mining Trap, Dismantle Trap, Transfer Slaves, Flag as Guard/Raider); Add To New Fleet / Split Ships / Add Note; filters (In Transit, Recent Combat, With Colonizers/Refineries/Miners/Repair/Tankers/Gate/CnC/NodeBore/Freighters/Slave/Police/Construction/Flagships/Deep Scans); move warnings (node range, gate capacity, node-bore path limits, trade-sector node rules)	`StrategyFleetInfo` (+`FleetMenuSource`, `FleetListDropTarget`), `FleetList` (+`Column`, `IconColumn`, `TextColumn`, `NoteColumn`, `Item`), `FleetListHeader`, `FleetShipList` (+`FleetsClipPanel`, `ShipsClipPanel`), `FleetSummaryPanel`, `PlayerFleetsPanel`, `MoveDestinationMenu`, `ConfirmMoveFleetDialog`, `ShipCmdDialog`, action dialogs `ColonizeDialog`, `GateDialog`, `RefineDialog`, `MineDialog`, `DumpOreDialog`, `DumpSlavesDialog`, `ScuttleDialog`, `StopDialog`, `BuildSpyDialog`, `DeploySpyDialog`, `PickupSpyDialog`, `SetColonyTrapDialog`, `SetMiningTrapDialog`, `ClearTrapDialog`; `SupportPanel`, `RefuelPanel`, `RepairPanel`, `SupportControl/Slider`, `RefuelAvailCell`, `RepairAvailCell`, `SupportAvailCell`	`StarFleet`, `StarShip`, `FlightPlan` (+`Waypoint`), `Can*` predicate functors (`CanColonize`… `CanSetTrapFtor`), `SpyCraft`, `ClientSpyManager`
S4	Fleet manager	`GUI/FleetManager/` (per-race `_Destroyer.tga`, `_ShipIcons.tga`, `StationsDrones_ShipIcons.tga`, `Defence_Sat.tga`), sprites `FLEETMAN_`, `FLEETLIST_`; `FLEETMAN_` (8), `RESERVESSORT_`, `SHIPSET_`, `PLAYERFLEETS_*`, `TOOLTIP_FLEETLISTBTN_EDITLAYOUT`	Manage Fleets; First Wave / Reinforcements / Squads; Command Cost / Command Quota; Rename Fleet; "Fleet Layout Not Available"; Edit Layout	`FleetManagerPanel` (+`ButtonOverlay`, `DialogUnderlay`, `RenameFleetDialog`, `FleetMenuSource`), `FleetLayoutPanel`, `FleetLayoutGrid`, `ReservesList`, `ReserveQueueBox`, `ShipList` (+`ShipItem`), `ShipSetPanel` (+`BucketList`), `ShipAssignmentPanel`, drop plumbing `FleetManager_{FleetList,Layout,Reserves}DropTarget`, `ShipDropSource/Data`, `ReservesDropSource/Data/Target`	`FleetLayout`, `Reserves`, `FleetNameGenerator`
S5	Defense manager	`DEFMAN_ARROW` (`Arrows.tga`), `SYSINFO_ICON_DEFSATS`; `DEFENCEMAN_`, `DEFMAN_*`, `UICSTR_OPEN_DEFENCEMAN`	Manage Defences; Command Quota/Cost; "Show Neighbors (by distance)"; right-drag to rotate fleet; Remove Fleet	`DefenceManager` (+`MapDropTarget`), `DefenceMap`, `DefenceLayout`, `DefenceFleetAssignment`, `DefenceFleetRotator`, `DefenceSummary`, `DefenceObject`, `DOFleet/DOPlanet/DOStation/DODefSat`, `DefenceDropSource/Data`	`DefencePlatform`, `DefenceManager` (sim side)
S6	Population manager / Empire population / Slave manager	`POPMAN_` (21), `GLOBALPOPMAN_`, `SLAVEMAN_`, `CONFIRM__CIVRATIOS_*`; `POPMAN_TITLE_ICON`, `GLOBALPOPMAN_TITLE_ICON`	Current/Maximum (Combined) Population, Combined Civilian Population, Climate Control, Morale, Morale Events; Empire: Maximum Civilians Per System, Apply Empire Settings; Slave Manager: Output, Death Rate	`PopulationManager`, `PopulationControl`, `PopulationGroup`, `PopulationSummary` (+`Overlay`), `MoraleEventsPanel`, `MoraleEventList`, `GlobalCiviliansControl`, `GlobalPopulationManager`, `CivilianRatios`, `SpeciesRatios`, `ConfirmCivilianRatiosDialog`, `ConfirmApplyCivilianRatiosDialog`, `SlaveManagerPanel` (+`SpeciesControls`)	`Population`, `Morale`/`MoraleEvent` (`MESTR_*` 38 morale strings), `PrisonerHold`, `Plague`/`ZuulInfestation`
S7	Build screen	`BUILD_` (21), `SHIPBUILD_`, `BUILDERROR_*` (22), `TOOLTIP_BUILDPANEL_REMOVE_ORDER`; sprites `BUILD_ORDERINC/DEC`; globals `DESIGN_SIDEBAR_WIDTH` ("build/design screens")	Build; Available Designs; Add To Queue; Build Queue; Financial Details (Treasury, Fleet Maintenance current/queued/total); Ship Details (structure, turrets, speed, range, costs, "%s in service / built / destroyed"); construction-ship build ("Construction Ships:")	`BuildPanel` (+`MiniBudgetPanel`, `MiniEmpirePanel`, `PreviewPanel`), `BuildQueuePanel`, `BuildOrderListPanel` (+`Item`), `BuildOrderDropSource/Data/Target`, `ShipBuildPanel`/`IShipBuildPanel`, `BuilderList`, `DesignList` (+`PerClassList`), `ShipPreviewPanel`, `ShipStatsPanel`	`BuildQueue`, `ShipBuildQueue`, `ShipBuildOrder`, `SystemBuildQueue`, `CanBuild`, `SEBuildCompleted/Cancelled`
S8	Design screen	`GUI/WeaponIcons{,_2}.tga` + `WeaponIconPlacements.txt` (362 KB icon atlas map), `WeaponIconOutline.tga`, `WeaponTitle.tga` (`WEAPONLIST_TAB_`), `SHIPDESIGN_GROUP_BUTTON0-2`; `DESIGN_`, `DESIGNERR_`, `DESIGNCLASS_` (Destroyer/Cruiser/Dreadnought/Station/Rider), `SHIPSTATS_` (16), `WEAPONLIST_`, `SECTIONNAME_` (283) / `SECTIONDESC_` (202); `UI_DESIGN_SECTION_CHANGED/WEAPON_ROLLOVER/WEAPON_SELECTED`	Ship Designs; section picker (command/mission/engine); Weapon Layout / Weapon Groups; Ship Stats (Savings/Construction cost, Armor, Mass, Range, Speed, Tactical/Turning Speed, turrets S/M/L/Special); Save Design / Remove Design; errors "Mismatched Sections", "AI Control Sections Disabled Due To AI Rebellion"	`ShipDesignPanel`, `SectionConfigPanel`, `SectionOverlay` (+`OptionIcon`), `WeaponPanel`, `WeaponPanel2`, `WeaponListPanel`, `WeaponSelectPanel_List/Tab`, `WeaponIconButton`, `WeaponGroups`, `WeaponGroupControls`, `WeaponControls`, `DesignInfoPanel/Popup`, `DesignPreviewPanel`, `DesignErrorPanel`, `TurretStatsPanel`, `SaveDesignDialog`, `RaidDesignPanel`, `ShipDesignCell`	`ShipDesignDef` (+`LegacyGunBank`), `ShipDesign`, `DesignList`, `ShipIconGenerator`, `SEAddDesign/SESyncDesign`
S9	Research screen (3-D tech tree)	`TechTree/TechTreeDisplay.script` (12 branch models `TechTree_{BAL,BIO,CCC,DRV,EWP,IND,NRG,SLD,TRP,WHD,DRN,XNC}.X`, `Rings.X` background, state colours researched/researchable/researching/hidden), `GUI/ResearchElements.tga` (`TECHINFO_`, `RESEARCH_`), `TechTree/ShipArt/` (`TECHSHIP_` section icons); `RESEARCH_` (21), `TECHNAME_`/`TECHDESC_` (293 each), `TECHBEN_`, `TECHERA_`, `SPRJ_` (106, 103 of them `SPRJ_BACKENG_`), `SPECPROJECT_`, `SPINNERPANEL_*`; `UI_RES_SELECTION/ZOOMIN_ACROSS/ZOOMOUT/COMPLETE/BOOST/SHORT_AMBIENT`	Research; Researching … "%s turns to complete"; Research/Cancel; Boost Research (savings slider, Apply); Special Projects (Start/Cancel Project); History ("Turn %s"); Completed! dialog; Overbudget	`ResearchPanel` (+`DoubleClickPanel`, `TitlePanel`, `BudgetPanel::ResearchPanel`), `TechTreePanel`, `TechInfoPanel`, `TechNamePanel`, `TechDescPanel`, `TechBenefitPanel`, `ResearchListPanel`, `ResearchProjectPanel`, `ResearchHistoryPanel/List`, `ResearchSpecialPanel/Controls`, `ResearchBoostControls`, `ResearchSpinnerPanel`, `ResearchDonePanel`, `TechOptionsList` (+`Item`)	`TechTree`, `TechProject`, `SpecialProject(Impl)`, `BackEngProject`, `MonitorProject`, `JewelsProject`, `TechOfferProject`, `ObservedTech`, `MasterTechList.tech`
S10	Empire summary (tabbed)	`EMPIRE_TABTITLE_`, `BUDGET_` (19), `EMPIREINFO_`, `STATSGRAPH_`/`STATSPAGE_*` (`GUI/Graph_buttons.tga` 9 graph types), `EMPIRE_PAGEBTN`, `EMPIRE_ENEMYINCOMING`; `UI_TAB_SELECTED` (gui_overview)	tabs Colonies/Budget · Fleets · Explored Systems · Enemy Colonies · History · Stats · Trade · Spies; Budget: Treasury, Income (Planetary, Trade, Ships, Foreign, Interest), Expenses (Planetary Development, Fleet Maintenance, Research, Aid, Special Projects, Additional), Projected Change/Treasury; graphs Population/Trade/Savings/Colonies/Techs/Battles/Ships/Lost/Killed, "Turns To Display"	`EmpireSummaryPanel`, `EmpireInfoPanel`, `BudgetPanel`, `BudgetPieChartPanel`, `PieChartPanel`, `SystemsPage`, `ExploredSystemsPage`, `EnemySystemsPage`, `EventsHistoryPanel`, `StatsPanel` (+`Overlay`), `StatsGraphPanel`, `StatsLegendPanel`, `TradeSummaryPanel`, `ShipSummaryPanel`	`PlayerTurnStats`, `PlayerTurnHistory`, `GameTurnHistory`, `ShipRecords`
S11	Trade view / sectors	`GUI/TradePanel_Elements.tga`, `StarMap/TradeDot_Depart.tga`, `TradeLine_Depart.tga`, `STATIONICON_TRADE`; `TRADE_`, `TRADESECTOR_`, `TRADEROUTE_`, `TROUTESTATUS_` (Inactive/New/Developing/Established/Shutting Down), `SECTORSUMMARY_`, `FREIGHTERCOUNT_`, `UICSTR_NEXT/PREV_TRADESECTOR`	Trade Sectors; Sector %s secure/unsecured; Routes, Freighters, Income, Maximum Route Length; Build Freighter; raid targets	`TradeSectorPanel`/`ITradeSectorPanel`, `TradeRoutePanel`, `TradeSectorList`, `TradeSystemList`, `TradeSummaryPanel`, `RaidFleetList/Item`, `RaidSectorList/Item`, `RaidTargets`	`TradeManager`, `ServerTradeManager(Impl)`, `ClientTradeManager`, `TradeSector`, `TradeRoute`, `TradeSystemInfo`, `ServerTradeSector` (+`FreighterWarning`)
S12	Diplomacy screen (+ Alliance manager, Aid, Joint projects, Intel)	`GUI/Alliance/.tga` (11 "table" scenes: `DIPTABLE_HOST_`/`GUEST_`, `TECHTABLE_` per race pairing), `DIPRELATION_ARROW`, `PoliticalButtons.tga`; `DIPSCREEN_` (27), `ALLIANCEDLG_` (45), `ALLIANCEMAN_` (22), `GIVEAID_` (19), `GIVETECH_` (21), `SURRENDERDLG_`, `EMPIRESURRENDER_`, `INTEL_`, `AIDIP_*` (755 AI diplomacy lines, ~125 per race); `UI_ALLY_SEND_AID`, `UI_ALLIANCE_ACCEPTED/REJECTED/BROKEN`	status War / Ceasefire / NAP / Ally; per-player Savings, Colonies, Homeworld, Hazard, Ships, Sats, Max Class/Power; Give Savings/Research, Compose Message, View Agreements, Demand Surrender; Alliance Manager lists (Alliance Members / Non-Aggressive / Cease Fire / Enemy Players), invites, downgrade dialogs; Aid Manager (per-turn savings/research for N turns); Joint Project (Offer Technology); Intel Analysis (Last Ships Observed, Known Empire Technology); "Research %s to engage in diplomatic relations"	`DiplomacyPanel`, `DiplomacyPlayerCard`, `DiplomacyStats`, `PlayerAlliancesPanel`, `PlayerAllianceControls/Popup`, `AllianceDialogCommon`, `AllianceInviteDialog(Std/Neg)`, `AllianceEventDialog`, `GiveAidPanel`, `GiveAidPlayerPanel` (+`Overlay`), `GiveAidControlPanel`, `TechOfferDialog(Base)`, `TechOffer{Accepted,Cancelled,Rejected,Query,QueryAccepted,QueryRejected}Dialog`, `IntelAnalysisPanel`, `IntelPlayerTab`, `IntelShipList`, `IntelTechList`, `IntelTechIcon`	`AllianceInvite`, `PlayerAid`, `TechOffer`, `AIRelationRecord`, `ObservedDesign/Tech/Weapon`, `SNMAlliance`, `SNMDemandEmpireSurrender`, `SNMTechOffer`
S13	Comm system (structured diplomacy messaging)	`GUI/com_system/{com_system_icons,Com_InnerBorder,TabOutline}.tga` (33 message icons); `COMMSYSPAGE_`, `COMMTAB_`, `COMMDEC_` (26), `COMMREQ_` (30), `COMMRECIP_`, `COMMEXP_`, `COMMMSG_`, `UIC_BEGIN_COMM`; `UI_CHAT_`	pages Chat / Compose / Incoming / Outgoing; declarations (I Want, I Saw, I Like/Hate, Curse, Thanks, Sorry, Send System Info/Notes/All Colony Info, Severed alliance…) and requests (Rally/Attack/Defend at, Money, Research, Disposition, Harass X, Stop harassing/mining/colonizing, Sever alliance…); recipients Broadcast/Alliance; expiry ASAP/Never/By turn	`CommSystemPanel` (+`InnerBorderOverlay`), `CommSystem_Builder/Chat/Messages/Viewer`, `CommListPanel`, `CommIconList`, `CommIcon_{Player,Standard,System}`, `CommParamList/Page`, `CommMessageContainer`	`ICommMessage` → `CommDeclare` (13) / `CommRequest` (15) / `CommGenericMessage`; `SNMCommMessage`, `SEAIReceiveCommMessage`; `ChatTranslation` + `Locale/EN/ChatTrans.txt`
S14	Rankings	`RANKINGS_*` (11)	Ranking by Income, Technologies, Colonies, Population, Output, Ships (Built/Lost/In Service/Enemy Killed)	`RankingsPanel`	`PlayerTurnStats`
S15	Political map overlay	`StarMap/SystemUI/{InfluenceDisc,Core}.tga` (`POLMAP_HALO`, `POLMAP_MILITARY_THREAT`, `STARMAP_SENSOR_RANGE`, `POLMAP_CORE_`), `PoliticalButtons.tga`; `POLMAP_`, `UICSTR_TOGGLE_POLMAP_*`	views Political / Alliances / Recent Combats / Military / Sensor Network; "Analyzing Intel…"	`PoliticalMapPanel`	sensor model `SensorShadow`/`SphereSensorShadow`/`SensorJammerShadow`
S16	Events (turn news)	`GUI/Events/` (61 tga: per-race `_tv_events512_1-4`, `special_events512_1-14`, `EventBG`, `EventButtons`, `static_screen`, `_Victory/_Defeated`, `Draw`, `Progression`); ~250 `EVENT_` sprites; `EVENTMSG_` (415), `EVENTSUM_*` (247), `TOOLTIP_EVENTS_CLOSE`; `UI_NEWS_OPEN/CLOSE/CHANGE`	one "TV" card per event with prev/next; ticker summaries	`EventPanel`, `EventPanel_ForLists`, `EventsDisplayPanel`, `EventsTickerPanel`, `EventsHistoryPanel/List` (+`Item`)	`EventStorage` (+`Event`, `TurnEvents`), `StrategyEvent`, `SystemEvent`, `SETurnEvents`, `SNMGenericEvent`
S17	Spy reports	`SPY_`, `SPYSUM_` (13), `SPYINFO_*`, `SPY_TRADE_BTN`/`SPY_DEFENSE_BTN` sprites	Spy Network (Spies / Spy Reports; statuses Enroute/Active/Detected/Completed/Extracted); Spy Report: Trade Routes / Events / Research / Defenses	`SpyReport`, `SpyReportTrade/Events/TechTree/Defences`, `SpyReportTradeRoute`, `TradeSpyReport`, `EventsSpyReport`, `TechTreeSpyReport`, `DefencesSpyReport`	`SpyCraft`, `ClientSpyManager`/`ServerSpyManager`
S18	Modal turn dialogs	`ELIMINATEDDLG_`, `ENDGAMESPLASH_`, `PROCESSING_TITLE`, `TIMERSDLG_`, `AIPOLICY_`, `SPECPROJECT_CONFIRM_`, `SCENARIO_PROGRESSIONWARS_DLG_`, `UPSTARTOBJ_`/`OBJ_*` scenario objectives	"You have been ELIMINATED!", "You are VICTORIOUS!", "Game ends in a DRAW", Processing…, Game Time Limits, Choose AI Policy (Maintain/Defend/Expand), Generational Convoy	`EndGameDialog`, `EndGameMoviePanel`, `AIProcessingDialog`, `AIRebellionDialog`, `SetTimersDialog`, `AIPolicyDialog`, `ProgressDialog::StrategyHost/Join`, `AdvanceStageFleetQueryDialog`, `SEPostDialog`	`EndCondition`/`IEndConditionFunctor`, `*VictoryFunctor` (12), `AIRebellion`

2.3 Combat layer

#	Screen	Evidence	Key labels	`Game::` UI classes	Subsystem
C1	Combat setup / encounter query	`GUI/CombatSetup/` (15: `CombatElements(_MouseOver)`, `CombatStates(_2)`, 11 `combatcard_.tga`); sprites `ENCACTION_{OBSERVE,IGNORE,FIGHT,AUTO,FIGHTIF,AUTOPEACE,SURRENDER,SURRENDERAUTO,SURRENDERFIGHT}`, `COMBATSETUP_CARD_`, 24 `COMBATSETUP_CARD_SCENARIO_` (one per encounter type: VonNeumann, SlaversRefuel, Pirate, Monitor, Meteor, Derelict, Swarm, PuppetMaster, SystemKiller, TradeRaiders, LarvaQueen, SwarmQueen, Locust, Berserker, CrowRuins, Refugees, Ortgay, VNHome, VNFinsol, GasCloud, TheHerald, Unknown, RebelAI); `COMBATSETUP_` (23), `ENCOUNTERNAME_` (24), `COMBATLAUNCH_*`; globals `COMBATSETUP_SYSTEMSUMMARY_TOP`; `UI_COMBAT_STING/WILL_FIGHT/WONT_FIGHT`	"Encounter at %s / in Deep Space / in Nodespace", "Raiders in %s"; per-player choice: Fight Manually · Fight Manually If Opponent Does · Auto Resolve Peacefully · Auto Resolve · Observe · Demand Surrender (Auto/Fight) · Surrender; query timer	`CombatSetupScreen` (+`Overlay`), `CombatSetupDialog` (+`TimerOverlay`), `CardPanel`, `EncounterInfoPanel` (+`Overlay`), `EncounterActionControl`, `EncounterList` (+`Item`), `CombatPlayerList/Item`, `CombatPlayerInvariant`	`EncounterQuery`, `EncounterParams`, `CombatEncounterParams`, `SNMDoEncounterQuery`/`SNMEncounterQueryResults`, `SNMRequestRandomEncounter`, `CombatMissions/Encounter/{DeepSpace,InSystem,NodeSpace}.combat`
C2	Combat loading	`GUI/Combat/CL_.tga` (33 faction/encounter loading backdrops), `CL_Elements.tga` (`COMBATLOAD_SCREENHAZE`, `COMBATLOAD_VERSUS`), `GUI/SplashArt/Loading/` (37 splashes), `LoadScreen_Anim00-03.tga`, `loadbar.tga`; `COMBATLOAD_LOADING`, `COMBAT_WAITINGFORPLAYER/SERVER`	"Loading…", "Waiting for player: %s"	`CombatLoaderPainter`, `CombatLobbyClient`	`CombatLaunchParams`, `SNMHostCombat/JoinCombat/LaunchCombat`, `CombatNetworkServer/Client`, `CNM*` (combat net msgs)
C3	Combat screen (tactical HUD) — Battle view ⇄ Sensors view	`GUI/Combat/CombatElements.tga` (81 sprites: `COMBATHUD_WEAPONS_`, `GROUPCON_`, `RESERVESSURROUND_`, `BOMBARD`, `STANCEICON_{PURSUE,AGGRESSIVE,STANDOFF,BREAKOFF,RETREAT}`, `CLOAKBUTTON`, `AEAUTOFIREBUTTON`, `ONLYMYTARGET`, `HOLDFIRE_ALL`, `FACINGICON_{TARGET,BROADSIDE,NAV}`, `PLAYERLIST_{FIGHTING,CEASECOMBAT}_ICON`), `ShipOverlay.tga`, `Models/CombatHud/.X` (ShipSelectRing, EnemyRing, combat_arrow/Sprint_Arrow waypoints, MissileTargetDrop/point, MouseTargetPoint), `GUI/Mouse/mouse_{default,addselection,forcefire,invalid,moveplane,rotateformation}.tga`; `COMBATHUD_`, `UICSTR_TAC_` (45 hotkeys), `TOOLTIP_COMBATBTN_`, `TOOLTIP_STANCE_`, `TOOLTIP_FACING_`, `TOOLTIP_COMBAT_`, `TOOLTIP__CAPACITY` (drones, shuttles, bio/node missiles, hunters), `COMBATOPTIONS_`; globals `COMBATHUD_`; exe refs `GUI/Combat/CombatHUD.script`, `SensorHUD.script`, `NoHUD.script` (not shipped)	Battle / Sensors main buttons; Fleet Commands; weapons panel (per-bank toggle/fire/launch, groups 0-2, Select All, Hold Fire); Reserves list; stances (Normal, Pursue, Close to Attack, Stand Off, Break Off to Back Line, Retreat), facing (Face Target / Turn Broadside / Face Heading) for Selection vs Fleet; Cloak/Intangibility, AE Autofire, Fire Only At My Target, Bombard Colony (Population / Civilian / Imperial), Cease Combat; hotkeys Pause, Single-Step, Speed Up/Slow Down Time, Toggle Sensors/HUD/Reserves/Weapon Panel/Ship Overlay/Framerate, Next/Prev Ship/Enemy, Focus, Focus On Reinforcements, All Stop, Clear Targets/Selection, Roll Left/Right, Release Grapple; Select Command Fleet	`CombatScreen` (+`BandboxEventTarget`), `CombatView` (+`Focus/SelectionEventTarget`), `BattleView` (+`CameraCtl`, `DebugOverlay`), `SensorsView` (+`CameraCtl`), `CombatOverlay` (+`SelectionEventTarget`), `CombatOverlay_{BombardButton,FacingButton,PlanetStats,Reserves,StanceButton,Weapons}`, `CombatPeaceButton`, `StanceButtonBase`, `CombatSelection`, `CombatSelectionRing`, `CombatFocus`, `Bandbox`, `GunBankSelection`, `ShipWeapons` (+`GunEventTarget`), `WeaponGroupControls`, `AllGroupControls`, `OneGroupControls`, `ReservesList`, `CombatTitle`, `CombatPlayerList`, `CombatOptionsDialog`, `BombardDialog`, `RequestAsylumDialog`, `ChatControl`	31 `CombatCommand` types (ship attack/maneuver/waypoint/facing/stance/hold-fire/cloak/intang/bank toggle/fire once/grapple; fleet stance/facing/hold-fire; reserves pick/move; bombard mode; AE autofire; set player AI; want-end-combat; asylum) → `GameCombatSim` / `Mars::CombatSim`; `Actor`/`Ship`/`ShipBase`/`Station`/`Planet` entities; `TacAI`; `CombatSim` lockstep (`@SYNC ERROR`)
C4	Combat end & report	`COMBAT_` (19: victory/defeat/draw/ceasefire/derelict/VN-mom/asteroids/refugees), `COMBATREPORT_` (10); `Events/*_Victory.tga`	"You are victorious!", "Round draw.", ceasefire query/success/failure, "Data transmission terminated." (observer); report: Class Name / Total / Lost / Inflicted / Taken, Allies / Enemies, Overall Weapons Damage	`CombatDoneDialog`, `CombatReportPanel`, `CombatReportPanelEx`, `CombatReportPlayerCard`, `CombatReportWeaponItem`, `CombatPlayerStats`	`CombatReport`, `CombatPlayerReport`, `CombatShipReport`, `CombatWeaponReport`, `CombatDamageReport`, `TacReport(Events)`, `EncounterResult(s)` → 20 `*EncounterResult` types, `ClientEncounterResults`, `SNMEncounterResults`, `SNMAllCombatDone`

3. Flow

flowchart TD
  Splash[F1 Splash / intro movie] --> Menu[F2 Main menu]
  Menu --> Profiles[F3 Profile manager]
  Menu --> Options[F4 Options / Key bindings]
  Menu --> Credits[F5 Credits]
  Menu --> Tutorial[F6 Tutorial pages + videos]
  Menu --> Movies[F7 Cinematics]
  Menu -->|Single Player / Host MP| Mode[F8 Custom or Scenario]
  Mode --> Setup[F9 Game setup]
  Mode --> Scen[F10 Scenario setup]
  Menu -->|Load Game| Load[F11 Load game]
  Menu -->|Join MP| Browser[F12 Game browser: LAN / Internet / Chat]
  Setup --> Lobby[F13 Lobby: slots, player setup, timers, AI policy]
  Scen --> Lobby
  Load --> Lobby
  Browser --> Lobby
  Lobby -->|Launch → Initializing Game…| Strat

  subgraph TURN[Strategic turn loop]
    Strat[S1 Strategy map screen] --> Sys[S2 System panel]
    Strat --> Fleet[S3 Fleet panel + action dialogs]
    Fleet --> FM[S4 Fleet manager]
    Sys --> DM[S5 Defense manager]
    Sys --> PM[S6 Population / Slave manager]
    Strat --> Build[S7 Build]
    Strat --> Design[S8 Design]
    Strat --> Research[S9 Research tech tree]
    Strat --> Empire[S10 Empire summary tabs]
    Strat --> Trade[S11 Trade sectors]
    Strat --> Dip[S12 Diplomacy / Alliances / Aid / Intel]
    Dip --> Comm[S13 Comm system]
    Strat --> Rank[S14 Rankings]
    Strat --> Pol[S15 Political map overlay]
    Strat --> Ev[S16 Events]
    Empire --> Spy[S17 Spy reports]
    Strat --> Save[Save game / Quit dialog]
  end

  Strat -->|End Turn| Wait[Waiting for other players<br/>SETurnEndPending, cancellable]
  Wait -->|all done| Proc[Server SEProcessTurn:<br/>move, build, research, events]
  Proc -->|no encounters| NewTurn[SETurnResults / SNMResumePlaying<br/>new turn sound]
  Proc -->|encounters| Query[C1 Combat setup: encounter query<br/>Fight / Auto / Peace / Observe / Surrender]
  Query --> Loading[C2 Combat loading]
  Loading --> HUD[C3 Combat screen: Battle ⇄ Sensors]
  HUD -->|combat timer or all cease| Done[C4 Combat done + report]
  Done -->|SNMAllCombatDone| NewTurn
  Query -->|other players' battles| Wait
  NewTurn --> Strat
  NewTurn -->|eliminated / victory| End[S18 End-game splash / movie]
  End --> Menu
  Save -->|Quit to Main Menu| Menu
  Lobby -.->|MP: between rounds, mid-game join, host migration| Wait

Turn structure (from strings, sound hooks and `SE`/`SNM` event names)

Strategic round (LOBBYSTATUS_STRATEGY_ROUND, PLAYERSTATUS_PLAYING). All S-screens are reachable from the map bar at any time; commands accumulate in TurnCommands. Optional timer (GAMESETUP_TIME_STRATEGY, StrategyTimerParams, SETurnTimeExpired); timers changeable mid-game (SNMSetTimers, "take affect the next turn").
End Turn → SNMEndTurn, local state SETurnEndPending (status "Done"); can be withdrawn (SETurnEndCancelled, SNMQueryEndTurnDone). Autosave "(Autosave EndTurn)". In MP the host "collects turn data from other players" for saves (SAVEGAME_COLLECTING_TURNDATA).
Processing (PROCESSING_TITLE, SEProcessTurn, SEAIPrepareTurn, AI SNMRunAI): movement (SEFleetArrived), builds (SEBuildCompleted), research, trade, plague/morale, scenario scripts, then SETurnResults + SETurnEvents.
Querying round (LOBBYSTATUS_QUERYING_ROUND, PLAYERSTATUS_QUERYING): each encounter raises C1 for every involved player (SNMDoEncounterQuery); time limit = base + per-additional-round (GAMESETUP_TIME_QUERYBASE/QUERYEXTRA). Results SNMEncounterQueryResults decide fight vs auto-resolve (GameCombatSim headless) vs peace.
Combat round (LOBBYSTATUS_COMBAT_ROUND, PLAYERSTATUS_FIGHTING, status column ROUNDS / TIME REMAINING): battles hosted one at a time per host (SNMHostCombat → SNMHostCombatReply → SNMLaunchCombat, clients SNMJoinCombat), each bounded by GAMESETUP_TIME_COMBAT (SNMCombatTimeRemaining). Players not in a battle stay on S1 read-only ("%s battles in progress, %s of %s remaining"). Combat can end early on ceasefire (CombatCommandSetWantEndCombat, CeaseCombatFunctor) or elimination (CombatEliminationFunctor) or expiry (CombatExpiredFunctor). Results → C4 → SNMEncounterResults.
Resume (SNMAllCombatDone → SNMResumePlaying/SEResumePlaying, UI_LAST_PLAYING = gui_newturn.wav, SELastPlaying): new turn number, S16 events appear, loop to 1.
Exit conditions: EndCondition functors per scenario; ELIMINATEDDLG, ENDGAMESPLASH (win / other player wins / team wins / draw), EndGameMoviePanel; bankruptcy elimination after BANKRUPTCY_ELIMINATION_TURNS 10.
MP side-paths: join in progress (LOBBY_INPROG_*: joiner parks in F13 until next turn, SNMSlotInsertClient), leaver replaced by AI per AIPOLICY, host leaves → host migration + FNM* file push of the autosave (HOSTMIG_*), "(Rejoin)" save.

4. Sound-hook → screen index (`sound_ui.csv`)

Event	Screen
`UI_KERBEROS_SPLASH`	F1
`UI_GAMESETUP_ROLLOVER/CONFIRM`	F9/F10
`UI_DRAG_START/STOP` (gui_playerslot)	F13 slot drag, S4/S5/S7 drops
`UI_CHAT_*`	F12 chat, S1a chat, S13
`UI_RES_*`	S9
`UI_DESIGN_*`	S8
`UI_AUTO_REFUEL/REPAIR`	S3 support panels
`UI_POLITICAL_CLOSE`	S15
`UI_NEWS_*`	S16
`UI_TAB_SELECTED` (gui_overview)	S10
`UI_ALLY_` / `UI_ALLIANCE_`	S12 (`UI_ALLY_RECEIVE_AID` marked "not in code yet")
`UI_COMBAT_STING/WILL_FIGHT/WONT_FIGHT`	C1
`UI_LAST_PLAYING` (gui_newturn)	turn rollover
`UI_EXIT_SCREEN`, `UI_DIALOG_`, `UI_LIST_`, `UI_TREE_`, `UI_BUTTON_`	generic

5. Surprises, hidden/debug, cut features

UI is not data-driven. Only 4 .script files exist and none is a layout. The exe nevertheless references GUI/Combat/CombatHUD.script, SensorHUD.script and NoHUD.script (string-intel §3) — absent from both gobs and from the loose install. Since gobio has a NativeFileSystem fallback, these are most likely optional dev overrides for compiled-in HUD defaults. Consequence for reimplementation: screen layouts have to be recovered from code (Ghidra targets: the *Panel constructors and Mars::PanelManager), not from data.
Debug overlays and dev toggles left in: DebugOverlay::StrategyMapScreen, DebugOverlay::BattleView; Lines.script DEBUG_UseSimpleLine / DEBUG_LockDestination / DEBUG_ForceOutOfRange / DEBUG_ReloadOnFleetChange (hot-reload of the line script); hotkeys UICSTR_TAC_FRAMERATE ("Toggle Framerate") and UICSTR_TAC_SINGLE_STEP; DemoApp and MutexScreen classes; ForceSingleCore ini key.
Legacy / cut screens: OldGameSetupPanel; sprites BARBUTTON_OLDTRADE and BARBUTTON_OLDALLIANCE (pre-ANY trade & alliance buttons replaced by S11/S12); ChatHistoryPanel2, WeaponPanel2, CombatReportPanelEx (v2 rewrites kept beside v1); Scenario_Set_D/E.tga carry images for SCENARIO_KINGOFTHEHILL and SCENARIO_SLAVEMASTER which have no strings and no Scenarios/*.txt — cut scenarios; "Upstart Apes" is internally EARTHVSTARKAS; SUPPORT_REPAIR_AVAIL/REQ are empty strings.
Localized gob carries UI art: Scenario_Set_C.tga (Holy Lands + Tutorial images), Tutorial/page9-11.tga and Data/credits.txt are only in sots_local_en.gob — a loader that only mounts sots.gob will miss sprites the table references.
~~GameSpy is dead and the 2017 build knows it:~~ Corrected by lane G2 — see multiplayer-gamespy §0 and §1. The MATCHINGSERVICE_UNSUPPORTED string ("Online support for Sword of the Stars is no longer available" + "players can still connect manually") is the GameSpy kill-switch message, fired only when a server answers the availability check with the unavailable bit set; the SDK fails open on DNS failure, so the 2017 build does not detect the shutdown on its own. F12 does degrade to LAN/manual IP, and that path is fully GameSpy-free. There are no CD-key strings in this binary at all — no CDKEY substring anywhere, no STARTUPERROR_* family, and all 13 NETERROR_* entries are connection/version/password errors.
Standalone dedicated server ships (sots_server.exe, Dedicated Server Launchpad.exe) with its own error vocabulary SERVERERROR_* (ini-section driven: map file, allowed species, defaults) — the strategy server is separable from the client UI, which is good news for a reimplementation split.
Achievement/badge system predates Steam: 56 GUI/Achievements/*.tga, PlayerBadgeSet, PROFILEMAN_BADGES_*, badge sprites BADGE_*_GW100 — stored in the local profile.
Sticky-note system: per-system player notes (PlayerNotePanel, StickyNoteElements.tga, "Added by: %s, Turn %s") that can be sent to other players via CommDeclareShareSystemNotes.
Alien-language chat translation: ChatTranslation + Locale/EN/ChatTrans.txt; diplomacy is gated on translator tech (DIPSCREEN_NEEDTRANS).
Easter eggs: MADE_UP_STRING = "Hang in there, Space Cowboy. You can play the game soon. Finish reading that manual."; SVSOEasterEgg/SVSOSimpleEasterEgg encounter scripts and an AI task AITKillEasterEgg; rebel-AI names Guardian/Chandra/Dillinger/Daystrom/Knight/Singularity/Dyson/Spengler.
Key bindings are display-only in F4 (HOTKEYS_DISCLAIMER); remapping is by editing the profile ini.
The lobby doubles as the MP waiting room between turns and for mid-game joiners — it is a persistent screen, not just a pre-game one.

6. Where to dig next (Ghidra hand-off)

Game::Screen / Game::ScreenBar::ToggleList — the screen switcher; find the enum behind BARBUTTON_* order.
Game::StrategyMapScreen ctor — instantiates most S-panels; cross-ref STATUSPANEL_MIN_WIDTH etc. from globals.txt to locate layout code.
Game::CombatScreen / CombatOverlay_* — check for the CombatHUD.script load path to confirm the compiled-default-plus-override theory.
SETurnEndPending → SNMEndTurn → SEProcessTurn → SNMDoEncounterQuery → SNMAllCombatDone → SNMResumePlaying — the turn state machine, already fully named by RTTI.

45 KiB Raw Blame History Unescape Escape