CESPI (Sess-pie)

CESPI, pronounced Sesspie, is an acronym for the term Common Evolved Sentient Pseudo Indigenous. The term came into widespread use from the second half of the 36th century CE after the bubble had burst when the Great Surveys were exploring the barren reaches.
The CESPI are species confined to single worlds but sharing a common genetic heritage which reveals that their apparent indigenous status is in fact only of recent origin (recent, that is, in respect of their long term evolutionary history). Their existence suggests that they were spread by some previous interstellar culture and within the Barren Reaches this is seen as supporting evidence for the corresponding existence and spread of the otherwise largely legendary Empire of the Cold Orbit
The planets of Xeceronia III, Viwalda, Disam, Thone II-VI and Gamanum are five well studied examples of worlds that are homes to CESPI species. They all have the same dorsal fin, the same amphibious breathing capabilities (though on Disam the oxygen lungs are atrophied), and the same basic skeletal frame. There are many more species on other planets in the Barren Reaches which have a corresponding morphology and which seem to have lost their intelligence. Genetic studies confirm that they all evolved from a common ancestor race which lived from thirty to thirty five million years ago.