For millennia, an enigmatic alien race called the Zyxlar had ruled the galaxy.
They seeded the cosmos with life, transplanting vast numbers from among the species they had enslaved, like so many chess pieces. They terraformed planets and extinguished stars, uplifted and destroyed intelligent life. They patiently shaped the galaxy toward the purpose known only to them.
And then, one day, they disappeared without a trace.
The period of calamity that came next is known as the Collapse. Billions of sentient beings were suddenly free from their masters - free to fight among themselves for dominance over their town, their world, their star system. Interstellar economy crashed as the shipping lanes shut down. Inhabitants of many worlds rioted and starved.
Over time, new political structures had emerged. Like-minded leaders forged alliances and federations to defend against their neighbors. Jump gate technology allowed allies access to friendly star systems while keeping out the aggressors. Galactic politics entered the new age of shifting alliances, sabotage missions, and only an occasional war.
Welcome to the world of Dark Expanse - a free-to-play strategy computer game from Deorc Enterprise where players compete to protect and expand their interstellar fiefdoms. It's a rich and complex space opera universe, full of different alien species, cool tech, and backstabbing intrigue.
http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Expanse-Surviving-Ken-Liu-ebook/dp/B00J499AT0