"During setup, friendly ships may be placed anywhere in the play area at Range 1-2 of you."

He is a friendly ship at Range 1-2 of himself (and card text supersedes rules text...)

I don't know that it was necessarily intended--or even that it's that good--but does this work? (And if so, how did I miss the hubbub?)

Yes he is a friendly ship to himself but he has not been placed yet so you can't place him anywhere of himself

as above

otherwise he could be placed anywhere you wanted

just the way you need it

any way you want it

17 minutes ago, ficklegreendice said:

as above

otherwise he could be placed anywhere you wanted

just the way you need it

any way you want it

He loves to dance

He loves to sing

He does everything