Reflected in Infinity

Today is observed in Christian Tradition as the Feast of the Holy Innocents - we observe the beauty of innocence this Yuletide.

Innocence that power consumes too easily.

Knowledge, power and recognition - at what cost?

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Jeremy Tong was a recluse - he preferred the company of the universe, stars, and all, to the inane chatter of people. The young astronomer sought to map the universe's canvas.

To be the astronomer with knowledge uncapped.

He set up a telescope on the edge of a cliff. It could trace constellations - what was beyond the universe.

The stars blinked every night, their curiosity becoming insatiable.

And Jeremy's telescope glared at him with its cheeky lens.

The device picked up readings - what it was supposed to do. But these were - odd. The stars felt - alive. Too alive and aware.

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The young astronomer was fiddling with his cosmic toy one fateful evening when the lens fogged over and became - strange.

It showed images - not of stars in their renowned patterns, but of how life was to unfold.

He saw himself, a midlife astronomer, scanning newspaper headlines. Seeking recognition.

Visions of himself as an old man gnawed at his mind's recesses - peering at the sky, wondering what the vast black horizon lay in front of him.

HIS life.

Glimpses of the future burned into his mind - and not painlessly. Each image cut off a piece of him, as if he had surrendered himself to the cosmos.

The line between his reality and the universe blurred.

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The telescope's lens pulled back and enlarged, almost beckoning. In its lens - a sentient being. Waiting for him. It watched him, demanding his complete faithfulness. Complete belief.

For infinite knowledge in return.

The pulse of infinite minds throbbed in his veins, each beat wrenching a part of his soul.

He drew back from the lens, aghast. It dawned - knowledge wasn't just making observations through lens - it was a transaction.

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He angled his head for another look - and paused. One more glance that meant infinite knowledge.

The lens's eternal ownership.

That final glance held both intimidation and promise.

"Come...or vanish." The stars seemed to whisper, almost giggling.

The freedom of life - or the universe's secret manual.

He peeked at the lens once more - and saw himself reflected in infinity.

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The telescope remained on the observation deck, its lens waiting -

For others who craved discovery.

Who were aware of the cost of knowledge - but willing to pay.

The cliff stood, still sentient, still quiet.

Guarding its secrets.

Secrets best kept behind locked doors.

It rose. Patient. Hungry.

Another astronomer peered through the open mouth of its lens.

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Original story by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin. AI tags are coincidental

For Mikeydred's December prompt

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