How does an Enforcer or other NPC choose the nearest target when hazards are in the way?

Question

Accepted Answer

Distance is counted along the shortest path the NPC is willing to take, in spaces to the position from which it can attack (not in sectors). It first avoids asteroids, ice, debris and planetary shields, and only relaxes those avoidances if no target is reachable. Only targets it can actually attack count. Whether a ship hidden in The Kiln can be targeted was disputed.

Xia: Legends of a Drift System

How does an Enforcer or other NPC choose the nearest target when hazards are in the way?