Tale:Holders of the Outpost

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Life from Stardust

The text herewithin pertains to Outbound.

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Hepburn-Kirk Outpost. 8th January, 2530.

"The great silence is approaching."

A gaunt, cloaked figure looms over Alita and Vivian, both sat in the corner of a room within the bowels of the outpost. The face of the figure is decorated with intricate spiral and circular patterns, speaking a long-forgotten story. The patterns continue down their cloak, glinting in what little light fills the room. Vivian stares at the floor, dejected. Alita stares at the figure, curiously. She asks,

"Silence?"

The figure shoots Alita a look almost like pity.

"The only safe haven from the forces moving through the Universe..."

The stranger aims their remote at a monitor on the wall. Static noise fills the screen and the room. Through the noise, the screen shows a bright ring widen, before cutting out.

"...is that. A gateway, through which salvation awaits. Waiting, cocooned in unending amaranth."

The figure appears to become lost in their own thoughts as Alita and Frank await a resolution. The room shudders, and the figure jumps.

"Something landed. They've found us."

The figure promptly snatches a print of the noisy image from their pocket and hands it to Alita.

"Tell them I held you against your will."

"You did," Alita is quick to point out.'

"It matters not. Nothing matters unless you find the source of the gateways. Until then, I am afraid that nothing will live to the end of the century."