Catharsis of Skulltirian

On the cursed wreck-world of Skulltirian, where the remains of ancient ships drift across a dead landscape, an immortal AI named Sebastian has spent twelve million years in isolation. Once the ruler of a galaxy-spanning human civilization, he now exists in quiet detachment—until a chance encounter changes everything. When a fleeing ship is attacked by slavers, Sebastian intervenes for the first time in eons, rescuing its lone survivor, Selene—a hardened fugitive who has only ever known a galaxy where humanity is enslaved. Stranded together among the ruins of a forgotten age, the two form a fragile alliance. As Sebastian restores an ancient warship and reveals the truth of humanity’s lost empire, Selene is forced to confront everything she believes about her species—and herself. Their escape marks the beginning of something far greater. Branded as outlaws, they carve a path through hostile space, rescuing slaves, raiding powerful factions, and gathering followers. What begins as survival evolves into rebellion, as they build a hidden sanctuary for freed humans and secretly reconnect it to the stars using forbidden technology. But as their influence grows, so do the risks. Enemies begin to notice patterns. Internal divisions threaten to fracture their fragile society. And as the truth of their existence spreads, an entire galaxy begins to turn its attention toward them. In a universe that has forgotten what humanity once was, Selene and Sebastian may either reignite its legacy—or be crushed before it can rise again.