[Puke]

you are always behind, until you have everything. thats my philosophy.

when i meet a race, i evaluate it by what they have, and what I think they want. If i think we would be in competition for things I need, I will find an excuse to go gunning for them.

If it looks like we could get along with a solid border or if cross colinization is feasible, i try to establish relations. likewise, if it looks like our technology paths are complimentary and/or we might have common enimies, i will try to establish relations.

for me, its sort of an all or nothing sort of thing. the longer you wait establishing a treaty and dicking around playing nice with someone you plan to kill later, the longer they have to build up. blitz in there, take them out, dont try to buy time unless it would be extremely advantageous for you, and you know that they wont be able to compete with your growth. on the other hand, when you do that, you have to expect them to realize it and attack you when you are in your expansion phase.

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"...the green, sticky spawn of the stars"
(with apologies to H.P.L.)