I thought I was watching the game, but no it is watching ME.

What do I mean?

Well, I have been playing some extended games with each faction, getting to learn their ins and outs.

Today was the Vasari.

So I had this long game going and I had intentionally ground to a stalemate with the AI. We both owned about half the systems and I had access to my empire bottlenecked to three systems, each protected by a capable fleet. I was content to let the AI keep sending pirates to xp up my two fleets closest to pirate turf. From time to time it would make a half hearted attempt with its own fleet, but mostly it kept paying the mercs.

So, as it were, I decided it was time for a bio break. I figured that I'd leave my empire to run itself while I did so, and that the status quo would remain.

Within five minutes of planting my imperial arse on the imperial commode, I start hearing messages of enemy fleets approaching, capital ships being lost, planets being under seige.

I wrap up my imperial bio break as soon as possible, and return to command only to discover that in my absence, the AI had launched its single biggest offensive against my least seasoned fleet.

It was watching me, it was waiting for me to warm my imperial throne. It knew!

Damn terrans have spies in my bathroom!