Coming Darkness - Seth Libby

Four decades have passed since Liam Brennan and his Templar knights- humans with alien tech grafted into their bodies-liberated the galaxy from Shenkar domination. Their alliance with various species, including Shenkar defectors, had secured peace. That peace fractured when knight Steve Barrows uncovered military officials abusing the alien technology for their own gain. Choosing principle over power, Liam and Steve sabotaged the tech, forcing all Templars to face an ultimatum: surgical removal of their enhancements or permanent exile. None surrendered their modifications. Instead, they ventured beyond known space with thousands of human followers and alien allies, vanishing into cosmic legend. The intervening years saw Earth's once-formidable armada reduced to glorified police ships chasing smugglers. Corporations now drive expansion while politicians pursue self-interest. Meanwhile, beyond the galactic rim lurks the Brood-predators intent on consuming all life and resources in their path. With the Templars gone, who will stand against this Coming Darkness?