Promising start!

"I am by no means an expert on novel writing, but I am also attempting to craft my own sci fi novel, so I am at a similar stage in the process to you, and I really liked what I read in chapter 1 (how far i have read so far). I love anything to do with space, and I love how you have weaved technical aspects of space travel and the ships mechanical aspects into the story, as it really beefs it up, and gives it a nice authentic sci fi feel. I am like you, I like adding detail into my story about various species, objects etc, as I think it gives the reader more to go off and create that image in their mind. The admiral already seems like a very interesting character, stoic, respected, knowledgeable. And I like how, at this stage, the story references humans as the alien species, its a nice reversal of traditional sci fi tropes. I would say that so far it could benefit from a few proof reads. Nothing major, but there were a few incorrect tenses and phrases that didn't quite connect up right, but this is what proof reading is for, and a few scans over and they could easily be ironed out. And this is just personal preference, so completely don't worry if you don't think its a good idea, but I'd maybe research some more unique and "out there" names for your aliens spacecraft.....I think it would just give them that extra air of interest and intrigue, but thats just my preference anyway. Great start so far, a solid and engaging first chapter!"