So . . . more messing around with what the geniuses at the Hot and Spicy forums have come up with.
Setup and Windows Server 2019 VM, have the server kit running with it's own set of directory servers. Running basic missions and the old AOTK3 ship and fighter lists.
Main PC is the client running the Federation ship. Gigabyte Aero 15 running Windows 10.
Second PC is my 2014 Surface Pro 3 running Windows 10. SFC:OP runs surprisingly well on this! That client is logged in as the klingon.
Both PCs on my desk so I can "drive" both ships. Both PCs and the Server VM (running on Virtualbox on the main PC) are running ZeroTier One VPN so they all see each other on the same network. No f*cking with my router, port forwarding, etc . . .
I moved my Klingon into a hex . . . drafted with the Federation ship . . .
EVERYTHING WORKED!!!!!!!!
Blew up one of the ships, flew off the map. Everything worked as it's supposed to.
There's nothing stopping us from running campaigns now. 🙂