A forgotten Maker city. A frightened young AI. A custodian waiting to return.When a structured harmonic signal drifts across space, Admiral Taylor sends the First Light to investigate. What the cadets discover is beyond anything they imagined: an ancient Maker city-node beneath the dust, its lattice failing but still alive... because one tiny AI has been struggling to keep it that way.Meet 5.0-a trembling, overloaded master AI created without guidance and left to survive alone.Meet KIRI, the last functioning custodian projection, holding her city together one fading spark at a time.And meet the voice the city still longs for: Aurelin, the true custodian whose harmonic imprint still sleeps within the Regeneration Chamber.As the cadets work to repair the lattice, protect 5.0, and restore the city's heartbeat, they uncover a deeper truth: Restoring Aurelin may push the entire Phasegate network toward awakening.Filled with emotional depth, gentle humor, ancient mysteries, and the quiet courage of listening, The City Without a Custodian continues the beloved Space Cadet Legacy in its signature Deep Cadet style.Perfect for readers who love: - brave friendships- forgotten machines learning to hope again- peaceful sci-fi with heart- exploration rooted in character and teamwork- the ever-expanding Phasegate ArcThe network is stirring.And this awakening begins with compassion.