Some questions!

[bodgity]

My first question is how do you know where the civilian ships and how can you tell them apart from other NPCs?

My second question is that I came across a ship called the Mineral Magpie who was looking for Red Crystal. How to I contact him about the trade?

 

[Zvanya]

My first question is how do you know where the civilian ships and how can you tell them apart from other NPCs?

My second question is that I came across a ship called the Mineral Magpie who was looking for Red Crystal. How to I contact him about the trade?

1. Player ships show as hollow triangles on scanner and all have CMDR in front of their name

2. Sorry, no clue.

EDIT: Sorry again I misread the question so this was of zero help to you

 

[Commander Edison]

I think civilian ships are any that are neither pirates or authority vessels, so anyone who isn't wanted or the cops counts as a civilian. That's who I've been blowing up for the hunt civilians missions.

As for the Mineral Magpie, I think these are random encounters where a ship will buy a certain commoditity at above market value. Never come across one myself, but I think you need to be carrying that commodity when you meet them in order to sell to them. I think they're placeholder for something more complex later.