howdy folks, been a long time since i last posted on any of this. but to clear some things up:
in so far as stations go, three of the three groups allow you to pick up an asteroid base, or mining/refinery base.
As a mercenary, you can form a group. You setup a base of operations and work out of said base. you can have up to 15 pilots working for you. They can fly any of the player purchasable ships, its pretty well randomized. You'll meet them in the bar, they'll tell you what they fly and all that. Also, you can eventually buy a transport you can convert to a carrier (think zach banfeld).
As a merchant, you'll start off with just your ship and eventually work up to being able to purchase drayman, mining, refinery, and eventually setting up an operation on a planet. Be a big fat cat merchant smokin stogies ruling his little empire. you'll be able to own 6 of each type of base and 6 drayman. you will have to hire mercenaries to work convoy defense for you.
If you elect to become a pirate, you can work your way up to being able to have a max of 4 asteroid bases with 15 pilots at your command. you can set your bases up anywhere, each one holds 4 pilots.
Hopefully that clears that up.
BradMick