1.) How do I pause the game or get a basic in-mission menu? I'm used to pressing Esc for this, but pressing escape INSTANTLY EXITS THE MISSION, meaning that I have to START ALL OVER. So annoying!

2.) Is there a was to stop the Esc key from exiting the mission and destroying my progress? I can probably train myself to stop reaching for the Esc key eventually...but it is really frustrating.

Thanks!

When you press escape you go to the main menu, yes? Check the lowest menu item, it should be a flashing "resume", letting you unpause the game and resume where you left off.

When you press esc, there should be a resume button below the exit button.

EDIT: Darn ninja.