There seems to be some misinterpretation on Dead Orbits intentions. Most people are under the impression they are cowards and want to run away. While this might be entirely true, their motives for "running away" are actually to expand the numbers of humanity from one single planet to across the Systems. Dead Orbit has the largest fleet within all of the three factions. Evidence of this is supported by Commander Zavala's comments in regards to needing Dead Orbits fleet to even go beyond the rings of Saturn. He states this during is idle dialogue in game. The Araach within the Tower keeps close communication with the Vanguard and often has Dead Orbit Scouts deep within areas that even the Vanguard won't go. Dead Orbit was even the first to crack the transmission sent to the Cabal Empire and know for certain, that even though it was light-years away, whoever it was sent to - got it. From a technological standpoint, they're not dumb and have some of the most advanced tech out there. Dead Orbit knows the Darkness is coming and quickly. They fear for Humanities survival and see going to the stars, to spread out and leave Earth behind for them evil that's all engulfing the planet as a tactic for just that - survival. It's not running away when it's considered advancing in another direction. In this case, abandoning Earth and looking elsewhere. Edit* for grammar.