I was playing as the Terrans on a Gigantic Map, 6 random opponents, 8 minors, normal everything else. I had a decent starting spot in the lower left corner. My civilization was moving right along when I noticed the Iconian Refuge and Altarian Resistance went from Neutral to cool in one turn. I quickly made alliances with the YOR and KORATH (best military at the time) because I had a feeling I was about to be attacked and I was not ready for war. The next turn the Iconian Refuge and Altarian Resistance declared war. THe Korath and Yor honored their alliances and attacked them. The Drath joined in on the other side and the Thalens joined our side. GALACTIC BATTLE ROYAL!! Since I allied with the 2 best militaries, I was given enough time to research the necessary techs and build a formidable fleet. I wiped out the Iconian Refuge and took the Drath's home planet before they surrendered to to the Thalens. Now, the Korath are barely hanging on because they have been waging a war with the Thalens who have become a serious threat. The Yor and I are watching this battle and I decide to pay the Yor to attack the Thalens. I figure the two powerhouses can duke it out for awhile while I build up my military. Whoever comes out weaker gets the Terrans kicking their tails!