In case you don't make it back before I log off, I went into the program files and found what little text there was on the campaign. I have completed them all, so I can not jump to one within the 12 to play, I'd have to start all over.
It seems that there is a battlecruiser provided with the campaign and you need to invade and take a world to get a shard. I suspect from your post that you are trying to do what you did with the first campaign and build a normal empire? If that is the case, then don't.

All you should concern yourself with is finding that named planet, and invading it forthwith. I remember that none of the planets were difficult to win with even just one Troop Transport in any of the campaigns. So send one there and take that thing:) You might have to build a constructor or two to get your range extended enough to make it there, others preferred colonizing a cheap planet or two along the way, or even taking some planets along the way.
Hope this helps