If you equate NPC control to computer control, then you would be correct.
I want the NPC's to be individuals that have a narrative, and perform valuable functions on my ship.
Like I said, it's good in principle, but from a practical standpoint if we just look at the gunner part, what is that going to look like in your ship while it's happening?
- You'll have the standard voiced lines that the NPC has when flying the fighter.
- Your turrets will still behave like they did before.
- You might be able to look over and see them sitting there (in an ideal situation).
Now, if we expand that to other roles in the ship... what do you imagine they will do? Currently we have Helm, Gunner & Fighter. They already perform the Fighter role. You're proposing they start performing the Gunner role. They already handle the Helm if you're in a fighter, but I guess they would handle the Helm too if you wanted to be Gunner. But what else? Give them an extra pip like with multicrew?
What are you imagining here?