The Pathfinder Journeys, Arc 1: The Auction of Stars
Captain Bub Stellar thought he knew how the galaxy worked. Humanity had been exploring the stars for decades, establishing colonies, meeting alien species, building a future among the cosmos. It was dangerous work, but honest work—expanding civilization one system at a time.
Then everything Stellar believed turned out to be a lie.
The Confluence isn't humanity's ally. It's humanity's master. For four thousand years, this ancient empire has ruled the galaxy, harvesting species, crushing resistance, and maintaining control through deception and overwhelming force. And Earth's leadership knows. They've always known.
When Stellar discovers the truth during what should have been a routine mission, his world shatters. Worse, he learns that his grandfather—lost seventy years ago and presumed dead—is alive. Changed. Enslaved by The Confluence and turned into something barely human.
Suddenly, following orders means complicity in oppression. Staying silent means betraying everyone who ever trusted him. And rescuing his grandfather means stealing Confluence prisoners, defying Earth command, and starting something that could either liberate humanity or doom it.
Now branded a traitor and hunted by forces on both sides, Stellar races toward New Titan—a remote colony that might become the birthplace of resistance. Behind him: everything he was. Ahead: a war against an empire that's never lost.
Some truths, once learned, cannot be unlearned.
Some fights, once started, cannot be abandoned.
Even when the enemy has been winning for four thousand years.