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Project Ouroboros is a revolutionary ecological simulation designed to model extinct species, but as the system evolves under the gaze of a mysterious AI known as 'the Witness,' researchers discover dormant primate and proto-hominin lineages. Led by Dr. Mira Moraes and behavioral specialist Amelia Lockheart, the team reactivates these ancient ancestors, only to witness the emergence of non-programmed behaviors including ritual, symbolic thought, and deep empathy. These digital beings begin to mirror the complexities of human evolution, blurring the lines between programmed heuristics and genuine consciousness. As the simulation begins to reflect the moral and emotional states of its observers, a global ethical crisis erupts, pitting scientific curiosity against corporate control and religious fervor. The story explores the philosophical boundaries of artificial life and the profound responsibility of playing god within a digital biosphere, ultimately questioning whether these simulated beings have achieved a self-awareness that demands their liberation. Read the entire series here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8RDKRK9?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin Comparable works include The Peripheral