DUTIFUL - 3046 CE

Part 1:

Through boundless expanses of space, I follow Zara's solitary trek across the desolate yellow deserts of a far-off planet. She embarked on this journey compelled by a deep-rooted duty, her quest ignited by the logs of human explorers. Those who never returned, who spoke of the presence of others out there. In an effort to follow the clues they left behind, she ventured off beyond her star system, searching amidst ruins of a civilization long-abandoned. She discovers that this enigmatic society understood and navigated the complex weaves of time and space itself.

Zara's journey is fueled by personal discovery, but even more so it is a pilgrimage for clarity, for herself and the siblings she left behind. She yearns to illuminate their origins, both question and reason for abuse by those around them, and lift the veil of ignorance that casts a shadow over their lives. In the year 3046, when she lands on the desert world, she recognizes the remnants of a world left behind eons ago akin to the others she had found in her journey. But it is here where silent whispers begin to guide her, promising answers hidden in the depths of long-abandoned sanctuaries.

Part 2:

Navigating the ruins, Zara’s path leads her to a secluded chamber, one untouched by the relentless march of time. Curiosity getting the better of her, she approaches the entryway and stands at the threshold. It is then that an ethereal and commanding voice resonates within her mind. It introduces itself as the Custodian, a sentinel of the once-great race of Yith, a remnant of their lost civilization.

With heart pounding, she overcomes her hesitation and steps inside, eyes widening as the Custodian comes into view. A towering ten-foot form with head and organs adjoined to thick, flexible limbs that sprout from the top of its cone-shaped body. Three globular eyes watch Zara intently and it starts to communicate using clicks and scrapes made by its wide claws, the strange sounds somehow translating directly into her mind. By subtly altering a viscous layer at its extensive base, it moves closer to her, revealing within its structure intricate devices and mechanisms. Remnants of Yithian ingenuity that have allowed it to survive and function autonomously for millennia. Instead of cowering in fear, she immediately recognizes a kindred spirit, filling her with a profound sense of belonging.

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The Custodian responds knowingly to her reaction and, using the resources it has, reveals the extraordinary origins of Zara and her siblings. The Yith, in their quest for dominion and knowledge, had performed vast experiments in crossbreeding, attempting to embed their essence across the universe. This monumental feat, now forgotten in the annals of time, reveals itself as her true nature. As she processes this revelation, the chamber vibrates, resonating with the impact of her newfound identity.

Part 3:

The Custodian asks her to partake in a sacred Yithian practice, the transference, which would intertwine her consciousness with the race's collective memories. This act would allow her to explain the truth to her people and push back against their prejudice. Others might hesitate, but Zara steps up and agrees to go through the process. Recognizing the echo of their own essence within her, they wish to entrust her with their knowledge until their inevitable return in the far future.

The connection is made as the Custodian’s head touches hers, both creatures remaining still as information flows from one to the other and back again. However, the dry wind of the desert brings with it a malevolent presence. The Man in Red, covered in robes of blood, stains the ground with death as it watches from afar, bending twisted limbs and speaking words from no mortal tongue.

The Custodian notices first, powerless to interfere, understanding that the transference has been corrupted. This brings with it an irrevocable change for Zara, finding her humanity diminishing, replaced by an awareness that isolates her from her former life. Her body shatters, bends, bloats, and bursts as she is transformed into a Yith, parts of her new form torn from the Custodian itself. Alone once again, her existence becomes a bulwark against the encroaching darkness, extending her duty beyond the familial to encompass their entire civilization.

From her isolated post at the edge of existence, Zara stands as a guardian, watching over truths vast and terrifying. Whispers of her tale spread slowly, serving as both warning and inspiration to those who are called to explore the unknown.