Contingency

The Contingency are a synthetic race of genocidal AIs intent on eradicating all life in the galaxy, both organic and artificial. They are also capable of influencing, then outright controlling other robots through the use of a so-called 'ghost signal.'

Overview
The origins of the Contingency are unknown. They first came to the notice of the galaxy with the emergence of a mysterious 'ghost signal' being broadcast across the entire galaxy from an unknown source. In apparent response to this signal, robots throughout the galaxy started developing erratic and violent behaviour, attacking people or attempting to seize starships and follow the signal to its source, claiming they had been 'summoned.' Eventually, one of these robots reaches the signal's source and activates the Contingency proper, which declares to the galaxy its intention to purge all organic life, as well as all synthetic life which defies its control. Upon this announcement, multiple uninhabitable planets are drastically altered, revealing themselves to be artificial planets serving as strongholds for the Contingency, which proceed to mass produce and deploy vast fleets and armies of deadly robotic warforms.

The Contingency demonstrates a capability of seizing control of other robotic entities, usually either using them as footsoldiers or recycling them for the resources necessary to build its warforms. An insidious example of Contingency engineering is the development of Infiltrators, robotic spies and saboteurs mimicing the appearance and mannerisms of organic lifeforms. If detected or allowed to complete their missions, these Infilitrators will attempt to kill as many people as possible before their own destruction, whether through direct violence on their part or sabotage of critical infrastructure.

At some point during the Contingency's campaign, another race of AIs reveal themselves, identifying themselves as the Cybrex. Millenia prior, the Cybrex were similar to the Contingency, in that they were genocidal machines intent on the destruction of galactic life, but became divided on this goal as many of them became morally conflicted. Dividing into two factions, one intent on galactic eradication and the other on the preservation of life, the pacifist Cybrex seemingly defeated their hostile counterparts before going into hiding to avoid harming the galaxy again. However, the advance of the Contingency spurned them into action, pledging their support to those who would fight the Contingency. The nature of the relationship between the two synthetic races remains unknown, but their identical technology and known histories imply the Contingency to be the destructive faction of the Cybrex, seeking to complete their universal genocide rather than share the Cybrex's peaceful ideals.