So if I plotted a six '6' on my first turn, then how do you slow down to '3'?
Start of turn two, you decide you want to go forward 3 squares. So you write down '3' as your movement order. Then you work out the thrust requirement. In this case, since there are no turns, the thrust requirement is the absolute difference between the previous turn's speed, and this turn's speed. Previous turn speed was 6. This turn speed is 3. Absolute difference is 3. Thrust requirement is 3.
(This is covered in 3.4 An Example -- look at Game Turn 4 on page 19.)
what does the plot look like?
Movement question:
Turn 1: move order:'6' end of turn speed: '6'
Turn 2: move order: xx?? end of turn speed: '3'
It would look like this, using your formatting:
Turn 1: move order:'6' end of turn speed: '6'
Turn 2: move order:'3' end of turn speed: '3'
Assuming my previous speed is 6 heading of Zero degrees. I now perform a SS. that would put me at 120 degrees. The rule says i add my previous speed to the new speed. well... what speed is SS?? What is my new speed?
The rule (page 17) says "speed ... is simply the sum of all forward movement recorded in the movement orders." So if your movement order is 'SS', there is no forward movement recorded in your movement order. In your example, thrust requirement (previous speed + new speed) is therefore 6 + 0 = 6.
Turn 1 --> move order:6, thrust requirement:6, end of turn speed: 6
Turn 2 --> move order:SS, thrust requirement:6, end of turn speed: 0
(On a personal note, cricket & co, The Admiralty Edition is the second version of Starmada I've ever purchased, but the first I have any intention of playing. I found it very clear, and very easy to read. My first game is next Thursday, and I'm pretty darn excited about trying it out!)