Thank you all for your assistance.
Here is how it has worked out so far thanks to all of your help:
I have made it to Gateway, so hopefully I can sneak back on through the week and keep an eye on those nasty Thargoids as I make plans to get out of Dodge.
I am still enjoying the game, as it is still great tie out (when it's not killing you). Sorry robbyp, it doesn't hurt to ask just in case, but I am over my frustrated rant stage

If I get time, I will get a cheap banger and try the neutron cone thing. It fascinates me and I would love to master it. Thanks again for the advice.
I had more funds than I remembered due to a good return haul session before I left last time. That lifted me out of the close quarters more than I thought. I only remembered having enough for one or maybe two ships after the surprise today and as I was cautious of entering back into the game, I could not easily access my funds amount.
I will look up how to save my settings for ED, as (well you all know) it is a real pain trying to reconfigure so many axis and keys.
I will also look up the list that varonica so kindly supplied, as it is nice to not feel committed to a huge slog across the galaxy in one sitting.
I am also checking out the Discord Fleet Ship setup and timetables.
You have all been a wealth of courteous information.
Now I need to get my beauty sleep.
With a head like mine, I need all the sleep I can get
Cheers all.