[@Penny] I was thinking of that entirely, actually, re: communication being carried entirely by ships along their routes. Also, in regards to tech, did humanity suffer periods where star systems lost contact with each other due to regression/progression of tech and would that account for barbarian groups vs. civilization? I basically am wondering if there are pockets of humanity that develop new technologies that are ahead of the curve of the larger powers, especially with such a distributed population and limited communications, it means development of tech in silos with limited sharing of data. 

Beyond that, what sort of weaponry is envisioned? Do land forces have a role, such as detachments of naval infantry as a boarding force or otherwise, and are there small craft undertaking strike operations? Are the larger ships themselves able to operate in atmosphere or are shuttles required to move people onto planets?

Anyway, sure, I'm interested.