Am I correct in assuming that each player chooses their objectives from their own respective set of 12 objective cards?

So if I have 1 core set, with 1 set of 12 objective cards, and want to play with someone who does not own a core set, do I need to buy a 2nd set of objective cards to play a "real" game?

The idea behind the first "Real" game assumes that each person has bought a Core Set. The back of the Learn to Play guide has a setup design that assumes that each player has a core set and splits the ships amongst faction.

Ok thanks. That blurb on the bottom of the back page was what I was basing my assumption on.

Oh well. Only having 1 disappointment with this game isn't bad.

just write down you objectives on a piece of paper.

Problem solved