I was about to get the Academy fleet, when on the last turn, right when it was time to give out the titles, Isyander's window popped up saying something like "Your technological games do not amuse me", asking for reparations. Naturally, I was forced out of the competition. I'm sure I didn't attack academy forces on the previous turn. Is there some other reason the Academy could force reparations on you?

It seems you have breathed in the wrong direction, your coffers will pay greatly.

Sorry, but I don't understand the metaphor, can you please elaborate?

The AI is fickle and will scream at you for doing anything.