Humanity was saved. The Orbs opened ushering in the Light Era of Earth. Trade flourished, new worlds settled and the ravaged landscape healed. Mankind had finally taken their place in the galactic community. All eras end. A century ago the Orbs slammed shut. Stranding millions of alien refugees and plunging the world into a new dark age. Still, countless eyes search the skies praying the silver paths open once more. Echoes live on. Alexis scavenges the remains of the last age, until valuable starfall draws her to the barrens. She finds not debris, but an escape pod and the promise of change. However, not all want to see the world saved. Some want to control the future at all costs. Some secrets are better left buried. Beautiful Machine is the first novel in the series, set in the compelling world of the Orbs.