That's not what is causing the ultra high prices. I think it's captain's edition.
Indeed, that's because at exit beacons CE lets you pick between doing another sector of the same difficulty or just the next one on the map.
MORE DOOR CONTROL
Too expensive, for now.
Upgrade your reactor so that you can have all weapons powered an all engine powered, then go for the "!" beacon.
You upgrade the reactor, choosing to keep the medbay active at all times.

You jump to the beacon which has a ship detected.

Woah, a ship. Well, you don't have enough scrap to pay their toll anyway.

It seems they have a light laser and a beam weapon, both of which would be no match to your shields, if you had shields.
They've already shot the laser and it's on the way! What do?