Ok - nevermind - previous poster is right. I just reached a high intel level with the Thalans, checked their hoemworld, and yes, the hyperion matrix was there. They must have had their first turn before me, and rush bought it so that when I began, I couldn't even see the option. That kinda sucks. But at least it's not a _bug_.
Correct-the AI technically takes their turn before the player. This is a non-issue though, as it resolves an issue that was previously in the game, whereby the AI would get a "free turn" every time the player reloaded.
The real bug at hand here is that it's not showing GA's, SP's, TG's, etc, that are built on the first turn. I've seen this throughout TA; at least since 1.96, if memory serves, and it's plenty annoying.