I am playing on an immense map with uncommon stars.  There is a lot of space void.  As luck would have it, 2 PreCursor Rangers were found by computer races.  I purchased both of them.  (Yeah, that's realistic.)  Anyway, the pirate event happened.  They are everywhere.  I sent both Rangers out on autoattack.  They are completely decimating every pirate fleet they encounter.  I have literally resigned the 2 ships to "clean up" duty.  I have been doing this for at least 11 hours real time.  The pirates are STILL everywhere.  Here's my question...do they spawn, or reproduce?  I know they don't have a homeworld.  Is there a finite number I can eventually eliminate?  Or, will they simply be there the rest of the game?  The good news is the Dread Lords also returned.  I actually watched a Dread Lords fleet wipe out several pirate fleets.  Who knows...maybe the Peacekeepers will arrive for an ultimate game.  But seriously, does anyone know how to get rid of the pirates?  I would like to explore the rest of the galaxy, but my scouts and survey ships can't get pass them.  Thanks.