The League of Goroth Territories is constraining your growth and occupies space that should have been yours.

[i][u]MURDER THEM TO THE LAST DESPERATE REMNANT.[/u][/i]

Declare war. Demand the cleansing of every one of their planets and the seizure of their capital. Then let the PURGES commence. TAKE what should be YOURS.

If you can find the money, make a deal with the Curators.  You may also find it worthwhile to build a frontier outpost in the same star system, which will prevent other powers from exploring it should you close your borders - denying them the advantage of any kind of relationship with the curators.