diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.c
index 5d0550cc7..099c1d80e 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.c
@@ -38,7 +38,9 @@
 
 
 QUEUE disp_q;
-SIZE battle_counter;
+BYTE battle_counter[NUM_SIDES];
+		// The number of ships still available for battle to each side.
+		// A ship that has warped out is no longer available.
 BOOLEAN instantVictory;
 size_t battleInputOrder[NUM_SIDES];
 		// Indices of the sides in the order their input is processed.
@@ -79,7 +81,7 @@ DoRunAway (STARSHIP *StarShipPtr)
 	{
 		extern void flee_preprocess (ELEMENT *);
 
-		battle_counter -= MAKE_WORD (1, 0);
+		battle_counter[0]--;
 
 		ElementPtr->turn_wait = 3;
 		ElementPtr->thrust_wait = MAKE_BYTE (4, 0);
@@ -353,7 +355,7 @@ selectAllShips (SIZE num_ships)
 	// On network play, what is the top player to one party may be
 	// the bottom player the other. To keep both sides synchronised
 	// the order is always the same.
-	SIZE order[2];
+	SIZE order[NUM_PLAYERS];
 
 	if (num_ships == 1) {
 		// HyperSpace in full game.
@@ -393,7 +395,7 @@ selectAllShips (SIZE num_ships)
 
 	{
 		size_t i;
-		for (i = 0; i < 2; i++)
+		for (i = 0; i < NUM_PLAYERS; i++)
 		{
 			if (!GetNextStarShip (NULL, order[i]))
 				return FALSE;
@@ -430,8 +432,9 @@ Battle (void)
 
 	if (instantVictory)
 	{
-		num_ships = 0;  // no ships were harmed in the making of this battle
-		battle_counter = 1;  // a winner is you!
+		num_ships = 0;
+		battle_counter[0] = 1;
+		battle_counter[1] = 0;
 		instantVictory = FALSE;
 	}
 	
@@ -440,10 +443,8 @@ Battle (void)
 		BATTLE_STATE bs;
 
 		GLOBAL (CurrentActivity) |= IN_BATTLE;
-		battle_counter = MAKE_WORD (
-				CountLinks (&race_q[0]),
-				CountLinks (&race_q[1])
-				);
+		battle_counter[0] = CountLinks (&race_q[0]);
+		battle_counter[1] = CountLinks (&race_q[1]);
 
 		setupBattleInputOrder ();
 #ifdef NETPLAY
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.h b/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.h
index 39f33a4fd..f9cd28de4 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.h
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/battle.h
@@ -18,6 +18,8 @@
 
 #include "libs/compiler.h"
 #include "displist.h"
+#include "init.h"
+		// For NUM_SIDES
 
 typedef struct battlestate_struct {
 	BOOLEAN (*InputFunc) (struct battlestate_struct *pInputState);
@@ -27,7 +29,7 @@ typedef struct battlestate_struct {
 } BATTLE_STATE;
 
 extern QUEUE disp_q;
-extern SIZE battle_counter;
+extern BYTE battle_counter[NUM_SIDES];
 extern BOOLEAN instantVictory;
 #ifdef NETPLAY
 typedef DWORD BattleFrameCounter;
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/element.h b/sc2/src/sc2code/element.h
index b1d918c9a..8d176bcce 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/element.h
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/element.h
@@ -47,6 +47,9 @@ typedef QUEUE_HANDLE HELEMENT;
 #define GOOD_GUY (1 << 0)
 #define BAD_GUY (1 << 1)
 #define PLAYER_SHIP (1 << 2)
+		// The ELEMENT is a player controlable ship, and not some bullet,
+		// crew, asteroid, fighter, etc. This does not mean that the ship
+		// is actually controlled by a human; it may be a computer.
 
 #define APPEARING (1 << 3)
 #define DISAPPEARING (1 << 4)
@@ -60,6 +63,7 @@ typedef QUEUE_HANDLE HELEMENT;
 #define FINITE_LIFE (1 << 10)
 
 #define PRE_PROCESS (1 << 11)
+		// PreProcess() is to be called for the ELEMENT.
 #define POST_PROCESS (1 << 12)
 
 #define IGNORE_VELOCITY (1 << 13)
@@ -146,7 +150,13 @@ extern PRIMITIVE DisplayArray[MAX_DISPLAY_PRIMS];
 #define GRAVITY_MASS(m) ((m) > MAX_SHIP_MASS * 10)
 #define GRAVITY_THRESHOLD (COUNT)255
 
-#define WHICH_SIDE(f) (((f) & BAD_GUY) >> 1)
+static inline BYTE
+ElementFlagsSide (ELEMENT_FLAGS flags)
+{
+	return (BYTE) ((flags & BAD_GUY) >> 1);
+}
+#define WHICH_SIDE(flags) ElementFlagsSide (flags)
+
 #define OBJECT_CLOAKED(eptr) \
 		(GetPrimType (&GLOBAL (DisplayArray[(eptr)->PrimIndex])) >= NUM_PRIMS \
 		|| (GetPrimType (&GLOBAL (DisplayArray[(eptr)->PrimIndex])) == STAMPFILL_PRIM \
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/encount.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/encount.c
index 1e3f33c97..fe62f04a3 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/encount.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/encount.c
@@ -462,7 +462,7 @@ UninitEncounter (void)
 		SET_GAME_STATE (BOMB_CARRIER, 0);
 
 		VictoryState = (
-				HIBYTE (battle_counter) || !LOBYTE (battle_counter)
+				battle_counter[1] || !battle_counter[0]
 				|| GET_GAME_STATE (URQUAN_PROTECTING_SAMATRA)
 				) ? 0 : 1;
 
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/pickmele.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/pickmele.c
index f51fcadfd..e04dbc519 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/pickmele.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/pickmele.c
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ GetMeleeStarShip (STARSHIP *LastStarShipPtr, COUNT which_player)
 
 	DrawStamp (&s);
 
-	if (LOBYTE (battle_counter) == 0 || HIBYTE (battle_counter) == 0)
+	if (battle_counter[0] == 0 || battle_counter[1] == 0)
 	{
 		// One side is out of ships. Game over.
 		DWORD TimeOut;
@@ -457,10 +457,7 @@ GetMeleeStarShip (STARSHIP *LastStarShipPtr, COUNT which_player)
 		FlushColorXForms ();
 	}
 
-	if (which_player == 0)
-		ships_left = LOBYTE (battle_counter);
-	else
-		ships_left = HIBYTE (battle_counter);
+	ships_left = battle_counter[which_player];
 
 	gmstate.flash_rect.extent.width = (ICON_WIDTH + 2);
 	gmstate.flash_rect.extent.height = (ICON_HEIGHT + 2);
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/pickship.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/pickship.c
index d9830fa23..100e582cf 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/pickship.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/pickship.c
@@ -114,8 +114,10 @@ DoPickBattleShip (MENU_STATE *pMS)
 ChangeSelection:
 			if (pMS->first_item.x == (NUM_PICK_SHIP_COLUMNS >> 1))
 			{
-				pMS->flash_rect0.corner.x = pMS->flash_rect1.corner.x - 2 + FLAGSHIP_X_OFFS;
-				pMS->flash_rect0.corner.y = pMS->flash_rect1.corner.y - 2 + FLAGSHIP_Y_OFFS;
+				pMS->flash_rect0.corner.x =
+						pMS->flash_rect1.corner.x - 2 + FLAGSHIP_X_OFFS;
+				pMS->flash_rect0.corner.y =
+						pMS->flash_rect1.corner.y - 2 + FLAGSHIP_Y_OFFS;
 				pMS->flash_rect0.extent.width = FLAGSHIP_WIDTH + 4;
 				pMS->flash_rect0.extent.height = FLAGSHIP_HEIGHT + 4;
 
@@ -248,9 +250,10 @@ GetArmadaStarShip (void)
 	CONTEXT OldContext;
 	HSTARSHIP hBattleShip;
 	
-	if (HIBYTE (battle_counter) == 0)
+	if (battle_counter[1] == 0)
 	{
-		return (0);
+		// No opponents left.
+		return 0;
 	}
 	
 //    MenuSounds = CaptureSound (LoadSound (MENU_SOUNDS));
@@ -285,7 +288,7 @@ OldContext = SetContext (SpaceContext);
 	if (hBattleShip)
 	{
 		if (hBattleShip == GetTailLink (&race_q[0]))
-			battle_counter = MAKE_WORD (1, HIBYTE (battle_counter));
+			battle_counter[0] = 1;
 
 		WaitForSoundEnd (0);
 	}
@@ -312,14 +315,19 @@ GetEncounterStarShip (STARSHIP *LastStarShipPtr, COUNT which_player)
 	}
 	else
 	{
+		// Full game.
 		HSTARSHIP hStarShip;
 		STARSHIP *SPtr;
 		SHIP_FRAGMENT *FragPtr;
 
 		if (LastStarShipPtr == 0)
 		{
-			if (which_player == 0 && LOBYTE (battle_counter) > 1)
+			// First time picking a ship.
+			if (which_player == 0 && battle_counter[0] > 1)
+			{
+				// The player in a full game, still having a ship left.
 				hBattleShip = GetArmadaStarShip ();
+			}
 			else
 			{
 				hBattleShip = GetHeadLink (&race_q[which_player]);
@@ -331,7 +339,7 @@ GetEncounterStarShip (STARSHIP *LastStarShipPtr, COUNT which_player)
 					if (FragPtr->ShipInfo.crew_level == INFINITE_FLEET)
 					{
 						// Infinite number of ships.
-						battle_counter += MAKE_WORD (0, 1);
+						battle_counter[1]++;
 					}
 					UnlockStarShip (&GLOBAL (npc_built_ship_q), hStarShip);
 				}
@@ -373,7 +381,7 @@ GetEncounterStarShip (STARSHIP *LastStarShipPtr, COUNT which_player)
 						SPtr->cur_status_flags = 1 << which_player;
 						SPtr->captains_name_index = PickCaptainName ();
 
-						battle_counter += MAKE_WORD (0, 1);
+						battle_counter[1]++;
 					}
 					UnlockStarShip (pQueue, hStarShip);
 					break;
@@ -384,19 +392,26 @@ GetEncounterStarShip (STARSHIP *LastStarShipPtr, COUNT which_player)
 
 			if (which_player == 0)
 			{
-				if (LOBYTE (battle_counter))
+				// Player in a full game.
+				if (battle_counter[0])
 					hBattleShip = GetArmadaStarShip ();
 				else /* last ship was flagship */
 				{
 #define RUN_AWAY_FUEL_COST (5 * FUEL_TANK_SCALE)
 					hBattleShip = 0;
 					if (LastStarShipPtr->special_counter == 0)
-								/* died in the line of duty */
+					{
+						/* Died in the line of duty */
 						GLOBAL_SIS (CrewEnlisted) = (COUNT)~0;
-					else if (GLOBAL_SIS (FuelOnBoard) > RUN_AWAY_FUEL_COST)
-						GLOBAL_SIS (FuelOnBoard) -= RUN_AWAY_FUEL_COST;
+					}
 					else
-						GLOBAL_SIS (FuelOnBoard) = 0;
+					{
+						// Player ran away.
+						if (GLOBAL_SIS (FuelOnBoard) > RUN_AWAY_FUEL_COST)
+							GLOBAL_SIS (FuelOnBoard) -= RUN_AWAY_FUEL_COST;
+						else
+							GLOBAL_SIS (FuelOnBoard) = 0;
+					}
 				}
 			}
 		}
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/process.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/process.c
index 92bb2dd26..d0fb6ea2e 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/process.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/process.c
@@ -619,7 +619,7 @@ static VIEW_STATE
 PreProcessQueue (SIZE *pscroll_x, SIZE *pscroll_y)
 {
 	SIZE min_reduction, max_reduction;
-	COUNT num_ships;
+	COUNT sides_active;
 	POINT Origin;
 	HELEMENT hElement;
 	COUNT ships_alive;
@@ -627,8 +627,8 @@ PreProcessQueue (SIZE *pscroll_x, SIZE *pscroll_y)
 #ifdef KDEBUG
 	log_add (log_Debug, "PreProcess:");
 #endif
-	num_ships = (LOBYTE (battle_counter) ? 1 : 0)
-			+ (HIBYTE (battle_counter) ? 1 : 0);
+	sides_active = (battle_counter[0] ? 1 : 0)
+			+ (battle_counter[1] ? 1 : 0);
 
 	if (optMeleeScale == TFB_SCALE_STEP)
 		min_reduction = max_reduction = MAX_VIS_REDUCTION + 1;
@@ -673,7 +673,7 @@ PreProcessQueue (SIZE *pscroll_x, SIZE *pscroll_y)
 			dy = DISPLAY_ALIGN (ElementPtr->next.location.y) - Origin.y;
 			dy = WRAP_DELTA_Y (dy);
 
-			if (num_ships <= 2 || !(ElementPtr->state_flags & BAD_GUY))
+			if (sides_active <= 2 || !(ElementPtr->state_flags & BAD_GUY))
 			{
 				Origin.x = DISPLAY_ALIGN (Origin.x + (dx >> 1));
 				Origin.y = DISPLAY_ALIGN (Origin.y + (dy >> 1));
@@ -1061,6 +1061,8 @@ RedrawQueue (BOOLEAN clear)
 	DisplayLinks = MakeLinks (END_OF_LIST, END_OF_LIST);
 }
 
+// Set the hTarget field to 0 for all elements in the display list that
+// have hTarget set to ElementPtr.
 void
 Untarget (ELEMENT *ElementPtr)
 {
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/ships/arilou/arilou.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/ships/arilou/arilou.c
index c6956e5d9..26e8ff4b8 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/ships/arilou/arilou.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/ships/arilou/arilou.c
@@ -202,6 +202,7 @@ arilou_preprocess (ELEMENT *ElementPtr)
 				&& StarShipPtr->special_counter == 0
 				&& DeltaEnergy (ElementPtr, -SPECIAL_ENERGY_COST))
 		{
+			/* Special key is pressed; start teleport */
 #define HYPER_LIFE 5
 			ZeroVelocityComponents (&ElementPtr->velocity);
 			StarShipPtr->cur_status_flags &=
@@ -239,6 +240,7 @@ arilou_preprocess (ELEMENT *ElementPtr)
 
 		if ((life_span = ElementPtr->life_span) == NORMAL_LIFE)
 		{
+			/* Ending teleport */
 			ElementPtr->state_flags &= ~(NONSOLID | FINITE_LIFE);
 			ElementPtr->state_flags |= APPEARING;
 			ElementPtr->current.image.farray =
@@ -252,6 +254,7 @@ arilou_preprocess (ELEMENT *ElementPtr)
 		}
 		else
 		{
+			/* Teleporting in progress */
 			--life_span;
 			if (life_span != 2)
 			{
diff --git a/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c b/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c
index 4aec39f4a..1675f95e8 100644
--- a/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c
+++ b/sc2/src/sc2code/tactrans.c
@@ -374,8 +374,7 @@ UnbatchGraphics ();
 			if (RestartMusic)
 				BattleSong (TRUE);
 		}
-		else if (LOBYTE (battle_counter) == 0
-				|| HIBYTE (battle_counter) == 0)
+		else if (battle_counter[0] == 0 || battle_counter[1] == 0)
 		{
 			// One player is out of ships. The battle is over.
 			GLOBAL (CurrentActivity) &= ~IN_BATTLE;
@@ -489,10 +488,8 @@ ship_death (ELEMENT *ShipPtr)
 
 	if (ShipPtr->mass_points <= MAX_SHIP_MASS)
 	{
-		if (WHICH_SIDE (ShipPtr->state_flags))
-			battle_counter -= MAKE_WORD (0, 1);
-		else
-			battle_counter -= MAKE_WORD (1, 0);
+		COUNT side = ElementFlagsSide (ShipPtr->state_flags);
+		battle_counter[side]--;
 	}
 
 	VictoriousStarShipPtr = 0;