The Curak, an ancient and enigmatic extraterrestrial race, had always operated from the shadows of the galactic stage. Unlike the Overlord Dominion, whose power was defined by conquest and brute force, the Carasii Vait ruled through subversion, manipulation, and an insidious grip on the political and economic systems of entire civilizations. They did not wage open wars. Instead, they seeded puppet governments, infiltrated ruling councils, and reshaped societies through technology and ideology, bending entire planetary populations to their will without ever firing a single shot. For centuries, few understood the extent of their influence. Even among the Thirteen Star Systems, they were seen more as whispered myths than tangible threats. But those who dug too deep, who strayed too close to uncovering their presence, disappeared—without a trace, without a struggle, as if they had never existed. But control breeds resentment. And resentment, left unchecked, turns into war.