Privateer

There are mission terminals in a few locations where you can accept side missions, usually by being part of the local faction. Probably the easiest (and most fun?) is the Freestar Rangers missions - on Akila; head into the big stone tower-like building at the back of the square as you enter the city. Up two flights of stairs and the terminal is just on your right as you get up there. You have to join the rangers and complete a few missions before you can use it though; you'll know when because you'll be asked to do one to prove yourself to them.