Book excerpt: In ""Starlight Echoes,"" the vastness of space becomes a playground for human ambition and cosmic mystery. Zara, a skilled astronavigator aboard the interstellar vessel Asteria, finds herself at the heart of a discovery that could reshape humanity's understanding of the universe. When an enigmatic signal leads the crew to an uncharted sector, they uncover an ancient alien artifact that broadcasts memories and emotions across the fabric of time and space. As Zara and her crewmates delve deeper into the artifact's secrets, they're thrust into a web of galactic politics and philosophical quandaries. The novel masterfully weaves classic space opera elements with profound questions about consciousness and humanity's cosmic role. Readers will be captivated by the blend of interstellar adventure and the exploration of advanced AI, as the crew navigates both the physical dangers of space and the ethical implications of their discovery. ""Starlight Echoes"" offers a thrilling journey through the stars, where the echoes of extinct civilizations could hold the key to humanity's future.