On the subject of stations, perhaps if the storage facility has enough supplies in its cargo hold (15,000 - 20,000) then it will upgrade to Independant Dockyard and if you have good relations with the Independant, supply convoys will arrive for your station. Either the stuff is free but the convoy is slower and less common or you get some sort of discount to what you can buy. Maybe because the supply convoy drops off merchants who set up their own stores in the shopping area of your station and respect you. If your relationship with the independant is low... well I don't know actually, any ideas?