[quote=@Legion02]
<Snipped quote by Nate1008>

That's a fast way to antagonize every other faction... It will turn your infestation into something hunted across the galaxy and shown little mercy. As for your infection being able to reach the higher-ups, I very much doubt any player will willingly just give up their key figures of their faction. It will be an uphill battle on all fronts.

[/quote]

The virus is airborne, waterborne and animalborne. It can travel through food, water and air. The virus will remain hidden and secretive for quite some time until they feel like they are ready to fight an actual war. And even if it was wiped out, how would someone find out that the virus just infected them. The moment they realize they are infected, its already too late. If the Hive-Mind was killed, it could regenerate somewhere else in time. The Infestation is not 100% stupid and knows they can be eliminated at any time, so they take things slow and wait to become powerful. Besides, the virus wants to be hunted anyway. The more hosts the better.