Gorgon's Rest, Dantathu, Contested Space (Free Gorgo-Scythaan Systems)

A newly formed one-planet minor has broadcast an emergency distress signal to all neighbouring empires after realising it is located entirely within a fanatic purifier's borders.

Gorgon's Rest is homeworld to the Gorgo, a mammalian species of pacifists who only discovered FTL travel in the last few weeks.

The Gorgo developed apparently uninterrupted for several hundred years in a system long claimed by the Scythaans, an empire of arthropods renowned for their xenophobic tendencies and ruthless nature.

*Image: Free Gorgo is a small enclave nestled within the 40-planet strong Scythaan Systems.*

Gorgo leader Trieil told our newsteam;

"OH GOD. HELP. WE JUST WANT OUT!"

Sources close to Trieil report he and the ruling council of Gorgo were "shocked and terrified" when they realised that every hyperlane out of their home system led to heavily fortified Scythaan systems. The Scythaans have been unresponsive to diplomatic hails, save for sending intermittent messages comprised only of unintelligible clicking, which has been interpreted on Gorgon's Rest as some form of taunt.

The Scythaan leadership caste, led by the High Queen on the arthropod's homeworld of Klendathu, issued this press statement earlier today:

"[high pitched clicking noises]"

Despite the clear message outlined above, many observers believe the Scythaans intentionally allowed the Gorgo civlization to develop as far as it has.

Human xeno-anthropologist Dr. Leo Isauros told us;

"We've seen this sort of thing with the Scythaans before. They use other species for enslavement and food before purging. It makes perfect sense they would allow this civilisation to grow to a point where there are many more pops to 'farm' but without much resistance. It's quite an efficient harvesting model really."

This statement was put to both the Sycthaans and the Gorgo.

The Sycthaan Queen was resolute in her response:

"[considered clicking noises]"

Trieil stated:

"Wait WHAT? They do WHAT? ARE YOU GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS- CAN YOU GET US OUT OF HERE? CAN YOU--"

The transmission was unexpectedly cut short before more information could be received.

> More accurate reporting from Ashley Easterbrook could not be possible.