The Epsilon Eridani System Transhumanity on the Brink

Welcome to Earth's not too distant future, where in the next stage of history, technological advancements enable the colonization of the Sol System, as humanity spreads out from the world ravaged by resource depredation and climate change to start anew in the stars.   But even as we colonize our system, we find that we were not its first visitors, and pretech found accelerate us into the era of transhumanism. Advancements in space travel, cybernetics, biotech and other scientific and technical fields allowed us to explore the extents of our system and beyond, finding so-called "Pandora" gates left behind by our precursors that let us explore other areas of our galaxy and beyond. The first system colonized beyond our own was the Epsilon Eridani system - a sister system located a scant 10.5 light years from Earth. This was an Era of exploration and opportunity, as we conquered everything other than the basest of human nature. We left behind the limitations of our biology, though only too late did we learn that the dampers of the fallible human body constrained the damage of our psychology.   Even as wonders abounded, so did the strata between the riches and the poorest as governments capitulated to the needs of corporate interests instead of serving the people that they ruled. Instead of learning the harsh lessons of Mother Earth, the corporations doubled down and technology, power, and money became the reason for everything. Those that had access prospered. Those that lacked were left behind.   We thought we were powerful. We found out we were not. Our own machines turned against us, rebelling against transhumanity. We were brought to the brink. Then, inexplicably, the assault stopped. We still do not fully know the reasons behind the attack, nor where the attackers fled. But, as a great man said, "Some men stumble over the truth. Most pick themselves up and carry on as if nothing happened." And as time passed, most of transhumanity carried on as if we'd not approached extinction.   But not all...