And with the 'storms'

Perhaps there can be what are labelled 'Ion Storms', which is yes, Command and Conquer, that show up any time there is large space movement. For example, a shipyard in orbit will have to send the newly-built ships elsewhere to prevent the 'Ion Static' from building up, connecting to other ships, and making a storm. This makes the problem of prolonged conflicts: Short battles will be priority, and wreckage or ships that are too slow will be picked up by scavengers and salvagers after the storm passes.