Ok I have conquered 2 colonies and moving on two 3. I wanted to send units to defend it from attacks but when I try and send a unit there it shows it as attacking...why? Can I use a conquered colony to build armies with? What upgrades do I need to build a gate?

I guess the last one was different. I am just trying to figure the game out while I have some breathing room.

Thanks,
Lord Union

all a conquered colony does is give you resources you cant defend it the player of the colony is still in control of their colony

the gate is the lv5 unit upgrade structure this is the order of the structures
laser wep, explosive wep, damage upgrade, range upgrade, gate