When a new and powerful energy source is discovered on a distant planet the innovative solution to obtaining it involves the creation of highly intelligent, self-replicating humanoids who are sent there to extract it.
Far from Earth and left essentially to their own devices, there is one simple law that these new humanoids are subject to; that they be denied all knowledge of their creators.
As the humanoids adapt to their new home and environment they develop a curious streak. And as they quickly use their intelligent minds to build an advanced civilization for themselves, so they become even more like their human creators, fighting devastating wars of destruction and questioning their purpose.