Nether Invasion

Nether Invasion is the name for the general attack aimed at the Milky Way civilizations. The attack is so named by the Nether Civilization originating from the Andromeda Galaxy. It is yet unknown how the Nethers were able to cross the empty space between the galaxy. The Invasion originated in the "North Eastern" quadrant of the galaxy, between about 20 degrees and 75 degrees from the Galactic Top Meridian.

Progression
The Nether Invasion progressed in several steps and their influence seemed to grow steadily with time. Here are a few major markers of the war:
 * 1) First Invasion - A rapid take over of fifteen to twenty different systems in the NE following the 0 degree horizontal across the galaxy. While this may seem like a small number, it allowed the Nethers to setup mining and strategic positions. A rapid expansion followed until we reached the second marker
 * 2) Steady Central - A steady central phase allowed the Nethers to keep a firm foothold in the Milky Way galaxy. People on many planets in the system that were taken over started to slowly convert to follow the Nether nation systems. Power was consolidated and a border was created where the Nethers and Galactic Army destroyed surrounding systems in bloody battles. It allowed Nethers hours to prepare for an attack hours before and same for Galactic Army.
 * 3) Nether MW Nation - The firm foothold and steady expansion allowed Nethers to create a safe zone of prosperity where a temporary Milky Way nation was formed.

SkalpGalaxy_03.png SuperStates
The Super states underwent some changes as well. Because of the United Republics (currently United Empire of Republics) influence in the Galactic Army, the Super State was able to expand and engulf several systems on its way. Granted most of them were empty and had to be either terraformed or have a station installed, the Super State gained influece.

The ION region (not a proper Super State) started to shrink as the Nethers took over the worlds there.

The Outlaw Alliance shrunk as well. Being only a loose coalition of small nations and the first target of the Invasion, they were not able to properly defend themselves. Many world's full of people migrated to new systems closer to the Cardinal Regions. Parts of the OA was engulfed by GA bases and some were controlled jointly by both the OA and the UR.