Dips--t AI's!!

[Krakenup]

In my experience, the most important thing is whether you are the first empire to make contact. The AI's typically declare war on the first alien empire they meet. If you are the second, they are already at war with the first and, therefore, want to be your buddy.

I tested this Last week. I started a game sending out scouts in all directions. I ran into two AI's that were not very far apart. They both declared war on me after a few turns. I restarted the game, and, this time, I colonized my home system first and then sent out the scout ships. The two AI's had met each other and were at war. Within a few turns, they were both warm to me and wanted a Military Alliance.