There’s a persistent contingent of Vidyans who journey vast distances across the galaxy to reach Saira Thal - a remote world poised at the farthest edges of the octants in search of something they call the Oracle. Most Vidyans remain politely sceptical, viewing the Oracle as little more than a folk tale; yet for a core of true believers, there’s certainty that Saira Thal harbours a presence - organic, synthetic, or perhaps something ancient entirely unknown that has the elusive power to peer into their future. Pilgrims of both flesh and synthetic form arrive regularly, driven by hope or desperation. Many wait patiently for days, weeks, even months, their vigil met by nothing more than the than the howl of the wind. Others claim that within moments of arrival, they’ve glimpsed or even conversed with the Oracle, an encounter so profound it leaves them irrevocably changed. Of course, such testimony does little to settle the debate. For every convinced pilgrim, there are scores who depart ...