Just read a few threads where several people didn't seem to know this, so thought I would mention it.

Problem: after destroying the pirate dreadnought in the capital ship battle and right as you make your approach on the civilian ship, the game says the enemy freighter is still alive. This leads to one of these: 1. Not being able to enter the capital ship 2. Not being permitted to finish entry and being trapped midway, causing player to collide repeatedly with the capital ship and likely die 3. Forcing the player into an endless pirate battle with seemingly no way to end it, except by abandoning the capital ship.

Why this is happening: once the enemy dreadnought is destroyed, you are able to communicate with each of the frigates surrounding it that were previously firing missiles. You can purchase them or leave them be. Once you are a certain distance away from them, the game reevaluates them as enemies and resumes the fight. Story-wise, I like to think of this like a last stand since you wouldn't hire them.

Solution: once you have purchased the pirate frigates you want, kill all the rest before leaving. This will not upset the sentinels or civilians, nor will it decrease your pirate reputation. Then head to the capital ship and note that the battle is over.

Note: if the battle resumes, you missed one.