I was doing a mission in the Bhal system to find the datalink for a megaship. It had been attacked by Thargoids and I couldn't find the datalink. Then out of nowhere several interceptors showed up and I managed to get away with 11% hull, a heartrate of about 300 and underwear that needs replacing.

Is this just a thing that can happen anywhere, or is it only near Thargoid systems? Bhal isn't far from one of the maelstroms but it's not exactly nextdoor either. Or is it a sign the Thargoids are going to expand into that system?

One thing I do know for sure is that as soon as I see any sign of the Thargoids in future missions, I'm turning around and leaving.