A Crosshatch map allows the AI viritually unlimited access to human territory. With almost no easy way to chokepoint AI movement, you're effectivley surrounded. 

The AI is difficulty 8 Reconquestia, an AI type that will focus heavily on recapturing your worlds. The AI is also employing astrotrains! If you let enough astrotrains get to their destination, a familiar shadow may make an appearance. To combat astrotrains, more golems and arks have been seeded in the galaxy. I'd suggest grabbing any you come across.

Your starting fleet is consumer and starting defense is classic. You also get a rejuvinator combat factory. Can you take the fight to the AI?