Cant get past the first mission in SW3..!!?

[secret_sam]

I have star wolves 1 (completed) and purchased sw3 from Steam - but cant get past the first mission...!!! (even on easy!).

Every time I leave the portal, I run into another group who ask me to help - and no matter what I do (agree, disagree, run back to the portal, run through!) within 20 seconds another group appears which wipes out my 'escorts' and me in seconds....!!

Ive tried everything...

PS One thing that is strange - in the mission preparation I never get to the purchasing option (skills/perks goes straight into mission start).
I figured that was right for this first mission, but it leave my 'flying death boat' completely undefended..!!

Help! Very frustrating...!!