Definitely on the side of 'knife fights' like star wars or 'dog fights' like stargate/trek.  That's not to say more realistic combat can't be interesting, the expanse books show it can be, but let's be honest we've gone full space opera here.  This is a succession war with noble houses and space wizards.

As for early IC interaction [@GreivousKhan] I'll have a few balls in the air but I'm down for some collab/interaction.