Each ship can be controlled by the computer. You can choose a difficulty for each ship.
The AI is optimized for the default config, but can mamage with other configs. Just try...
To alter the AI settings on either or both players, simply select Settings->AI... from the menubar.
This will bring up a dialog box.
For each player, there is a check box labled Player is AI. If this box is checked, the computer will control that ship.
Below that, is a drop down box, with several levels of AI intelligence. Select the level that is appropriate for you.
When you are done, simply click OK. If you want to leave things as they were before, click Cancel, to abort your changes.