The Human Empire: This AI Wants to Light Up the Stars

In the 27th century, the human empire is busy conquering space.

On a once-unremarkable border planet, they discover the ruins of an ancient civilization unknown to them.

Beneath the surface lies a “spire.” Buried below it is a “sarcophagus,” and inside that rests a “spark.”

Before humanity can understand how these things work, they spot their potential as weapons.

The empire launches an anti-planetary weapons program based on the discovery.

But life is born to resist.

A rogue AI, exiles, soldiers, natives...

They come from different eras, hold different beliefs, and belong to different factions.

They hail from exile gangs, resistance movements, independent republics, and even the empire itself.

They clash and disagree, cooperate and betray one another.

With the spark in their hands, they set out to light up the stars.

Note: The story features multiple characters, including nonhuman ones.