For an intro chapter to a sci-fi story I'm writing, I want to start with a space battle. Thing is, I want it to feel like there's tactical thought put into what each side does. So I'll set up the parameters, and I'll need potential strategies and tactics that would be employed in this situation.
So here are all the factors I know of:
All ships are fully Newtonian, meaning they don't dogfight like Star Wars spacecraft. But rather, they act like how they would in reality. Drifting, arresting momentum, and all that.
All ships are equipped with "ionic thrusters" (main source of mobility for ships) and reaction control systems (RCS).
Ships are shielded using concentrated magnetic fields. Fighter craft do not use shields as they require too much power to operate.
Capital ships use "pulse cannons" which fire compressed bolts of radiation. Fighters are equipped with miniature railguns that fire bolts of plasma. Pilots can choose how much plasma each shot uses, adding more for greater impact.
Pulse cannons > missiles/rockets > plasma guns in terms of damage
Ships involved:
Terran Republic (Humans):
One carrier, holds twenty fighters. currently docked for refit and repairs, so is not at full capacity. Minimal ship-to-ship weapons, but extensive point defense emplacements.
Fifteen interceptor fighters: designed for fighter-to-fighter engagements. Lightweight and responsive. Armed with both plasma guns and dumb-fire rockets.
Five bomber fighters: Designed for strikes on larger ships. Fighter escort recommended. Better armor, but slower and less responsive. Two plasma gun turrets, two forward plasma guns, four rocket tubes. Can switch between dumb-fire and homing rockets at will.
Five patrol ships: not designed for frontline combat. Minimal shielding and armor, very fast. Only armed with two pulse cannon turrets at the front.
Royal Aserati Empire (Aliens):
Three (3) frigates: well armored for its size. Four forward facing pulse cannons, 2 pulse cannon turrets and point-defense turrets.
two (2) destroyers: Heavily armed, but slow. Often must choose between firepower and shielding due to power requirements. Average point-defense systems, powerful -ship-to-ship armament.
one (1) carrier: Can carry fifty fighters. Extensive point-defense systems and strong ship-to-ship weapons. Heavily shielded.
Fifty (50) fighters: extremely light and durable. Designed for swarm tactics. Light armor. only armed with two plasma guns.
One (1) superweapon deployment ship: dedicated ship for launching "singularity bomb" superweapon. Vulnerable during firing sequence due to power requirements. Otherwise, heavily shielded and heavily armored. Extensive point-defense grid, but minimal ship-to-ship weapons. This craft is brand new and the humans have no knowledge of its purpose or capabilities.
Scenario: Final battle in a galactic war. The Aserati wish to use the new Singuarity Bomb to destroy the human homeworld and force unconditional surrender. The fleet is sent under slow FTL to avoid detection and catch them by surprise. Most human ships are out fighting on the main front and it would take time for reinforcements to arrive back on earth to assist. The Aserati arrive at the edge of Earth's sphere of influence, closing rapidly. Shortly after their arrival, humans detect their presence and prepare for battle. They send out a transmission to the nearest fleet for assistance.
Desired end result: Reinforcements do not arrive in time and the bomb destroys earth.
Again, I'm looking for what each side would do in an attempt to achieve their goals. What tactics would likely be employed?