Warp drives were the method of crossing great distances between planets and empires. Naturally occurring hyperlanes between stars support the use of warp drives today, but such bridges are rare between galactic arms. There are the ruins of what can be around to be relay structures here and there, and just one remains active since the Black Year. Each system has a catapult, to facilitate warp travel by smaller ships. Or many of them used to, at least, but many now are broken.
The nomadic tribe of humans, a coalition of the very last remains of Old Terra, wanders the hyperlanes, seeking out anything of value to support their livelihood. They're a shadow of the civilisation they came from, but they represent what little humans have to call home. Ancient ships protect these people and ensure their safety.
Perhaps the only other people who remember the Terrans, perhaps only for the remnant at the edge of their territory, their nearest neighbor used to share quite a rivalry with them. Military skirmishes were frequent, though ships were given retreat and casualties kept low. A people who believe in honor and might, the Mioran empire was an collection of different races. Since the Black Year, their territory has been shattered, with smaller nations rising from the remains of the old power. The empire yet plans to once again conquer it's previous territory, but the struggle may be intense.