I think an easy way of doing it is coordinate with other factions, once you have enough factions, jump onto a server together. State what several different starting areas for each faction to represent the \"universe\" and then get to it. Colonize planets, etc, and then attack. Not sure if the admin functions allow you to assign different start points. That or u can say the starting area is neutral for 15 sectors in any direction, then ach faction can dtermine amongst themselves where to start at. Plus spreading out prevents conflict right away, adding for more fun.