Shared space setting

[RyanW]

Originally Posted by Frost

6) are there unoccupied systems in the area inhabited by humanity?

Yes, sort of. There are systems that don't have anything attractive for a major colonization effort, but that do have transiently populated mining or research stations and/or fringe colonies (or the remains thereof).

Originally Posted by Frost

7) are there and known sapient alien species?

a) no
b) yes, but they appear to be extinct
c) yes, but we haven't made direct contact yet
d) yes, and we are in contact with them

A) There are signs that some interpret as proof of alien forebears, and people trying to decode supposed alien signals from deep space, but both are rejected by mainstream research.