Collapse of the Talocan Star Empire

I had forgotten the fickleness of these barbarian lands.

The Talocan Star Empire, absent from space, is losing its systems to the Skeleton Crew, the new rulers in town. To be honest, I haven't seen Skeleton Crew members either, they must be keeping different hours. I know they were around since the territorial claim has changed. Today again, I only met a single person, a traveler unaware of what is happening - and he jumped system in fear of my shuttle:

[ 2023.05.23 19:44:18 ] Theodosius Savnar > Ave, Platanus! How are you?
[ 2023.05.23 19:45:11 ] Platanus Occidentalis > Good, tnx
[ 2023.05.23 19:45:51 ] Theodosius Savnar > Are you a member of the "Talocan Star Empire" who used to own this system?
[ 2023.05.23 19:46:46 ] Platanus Occidentalis > Amm, prob no
[ 2023.05.23 19:47:00 ] Theodosius Savnar > Or are you part of the "Skeleton Crew", the new owners?
[ 2023.05.23 19:48:42 ] Theodosius Savnar > I am trying to get in touch with the Talocanites.
[ 2023.05.23 19:49:09 ] Theodosius Savnar > No need to jump system, I am in a shuttle and come in peace.
[ 2023.05.23 19:49:17 ] Platanus Occidentalis > Amm, no :)
[ 2023.05.23 19:49:23 ] Platanus Occidentalis > im by myself
[ 2023.05.23 19:49:25 ] Platanus Occidentalis > freeman :)
[ 2023.05.23 19:49:31 ] Theodosius Savnar > Have you seen any of them?
[ 2023.05.23 19:50:22 ] Platanus Occidentalis > No, not here at least. But im here only for today probably. Will move away from here soon :)
[ 2023.05.23 19:51:15 ] Theodosius Savnar > All right, I wish you a good exploration today! I'll move around to try and find them, don't mind me.
[ 2023.05.23 19:51:27 ] Platanus Occidentalis > Good luck!
[ 2023.05.23 19:51:28 ] Theodosius Savnar > Fly safe!

This has been disappointing. Perhaps they left? Or am I witnessing the collapse of another civilization based on Talocan technology? Anyway, I am tired of sleeping out in deep space safes in a shuttle, and I miss Mittens. I'll return to Mehatoor and rethink my next move.