Void Hives

Void Hives are small pitch black comets that occur in the outer reaches of every star system in the universe. There seems to be no exception. Inside these comets are small insect-like creatures that are bio-mechanical in origin. Drawn to heat sources, they are a grave threat to any outward expansion of nearly all civilizations in the galaxy. Most civilizations have stories about these monsters of the void that devour anything that gets near. Despite tens of thousands of years of efforts from advanced civilizations like the Vusinor, there seems to be no end to these creatures, indicating they might also be in interstellar space, lurking in the darkness.

The Void Hive itself seems to be alive. It is covered in a viscous grey goo, and from this goo, the bio-mechanical insects arise. Genetic sequencing of the biological parts of the creatures has revealed nothing, with no known system of origin. Studying the mechanical aspects of the hives has also revealed no noteworthy information.

Of the theories for where Void Hives come from, the prevailing theory is that they are from the early universe, from an ancient civilization, possibly the Sarlar. They were genetically engineered and mechanically enhanced. One suggestion is that they are used as a way to discourage other civilizations from achieving interstellar travel. How these creatures were spread to literally every star system in the universe is unknown.

Despite being drawn to heat sources, these creatures tend to stay in the outer parts of the star systems. This is where some concrete information has been discovered about Void Hives. Above roughly 50 degrees celsius, the biological functions of the void hive breaks down, which is why they stay in the outer reaches of a star system. The mechanical functions are vulnerable to various types of radiation so they are pushed out even further to avoid influence from the star as well as any Jupiter mass or larger planets.