Okay, to cover the questions which have been asked. 

Independent world building is fine, within reason. 

I'm okay with you running minor NPC groups, as long as it cleared with me beforehand. 

I'll probably draw the line at eight, in regards to crew. 

We've been together a year. 

Its open to you guys if there have been any deaths/hires. 

There are guns with bullets and lasers. Cybernetics exist, as was alludes to in the section on terran. There is a galactic network, which will be fleshed out in the OOC.