Cosmonaut Keep by Ken MacLeod

The Engines of Light

In a universe where humanity has made contact with alien species and interstellar travel is a reality, the narrative unfolds across two timelines: one on Earth, where a group of scientists and hackers uncover secrets that could change the course of human history, and another on a distant planet where humans coexist with aliens in a complex society. As the protagonists navigate political intrigue, technological advancements, and the mysteries of the cosmos, they grapple with the implications of their discoveries and the potential for a new era of cooperation—or conflict—between species.