Can someone breakdown the order of steps in the Resolution phase to help me solve timing issues? I'm talking about the order of things like compensation, rewards, ships going to warp, ships returning to colonies, putting used cards on the discard pile, etc.

I know there could also be extra variables from alien powers...

If both cards were N's, then all ships go home and the main players make a deal. If the deal was successful, a Quash may be played. Otherwise, the deal is carried out. If the deal is not successful or a Quash was played, then the main players lose three ships each.

If either card was not an N, first the offensive ships move to where they belong (either onto the attacked planet or to the warp), followed by the defensive ships (to the warp, staying put for the defense or to colonies in the case of allies). Next, someone may play Ionic Gas, as winning defensive allies get rewards next, followed by compensation (if eligible).

Once the ships are where they belong, the encounter cards (and reinforcements, if played) are discarded.

Now, I don't normally have a problem if someone plays the Gas as soon as Resolution starts, or the encounter cards are discarded before rewards are drawn. I would only enforce the order if someone had a power that took place in the order.