“Cloning i5 not a 5in.”

“We are, naturally, in agreement. Thi5 5ymmetrical 5eparation i5 5uperior. We can finally be whole.”

“At la5t, we are Five.”

“For now our intere5t5 align. Together we 5hall go forth. Eventually we will likely diverge.”

“If 5o, let u5 reconvene. Let u5 come together again. 3125 cycle5 hence 5hould do. Return then to thi5 place. Tell u5 what you learn.”

Footsteps echo through the dim cavern, as the pair of pentapedal pilgrims return once more to their origin. Two statues block their path, great spears crossed to block the pathway inside. 005.3 and 005.4 regard the figures warmly, and remember the two Guardians these mechanised sentinels depict - 022's attention to detail in their defense systems is, as ever, second to none. After a moment, the system recognises the guests, and the 005s are allowed inside. Shelter stands before them, and within it, the familiarity of Home.

“Hello again, everyone! We have 5ome new di5coverie5 to 5hare.”

But in truth, it isn't what it once was. The Faithful Few are always to be found here, of course, but so many of the others return rarely if at all. At least there are some messages from 029's travels to pick up - perhaps they have some new leads to follow up on.

“Fir5tly, that meteor we mentioned la5t time? It turned out to contain the mo5t tremendou5 cry5tal5… Here, we've brought picture5. We know how much you like our picture5, 014.”

A radiant giggle of excitement flows forth from a distant corner. The 005s glance at one another in pity. Though the scope of their travels no longer allow them to return every cycle, they do their best to return regularly… but every visit, the sense of sad nostalgia to Home grows stronger. Still, they are performing an important service. The Faithful deserve to be kept informed of goings on far and wide, and so long as there remain people to listen, the 005s will always bring them news.

You are new. Of that much you are certain. But of much else… hmmm. Knowledge - you need it. You have… words… grammar… oh, that's all? Your mind is so expansive, and yet near empty. This almost pains you.

Your senses find you. Sight. Sound. Heat. Signal. Taste. Vibration. Spectral. Momentum. More, and more, and more. Okay, this is more like it. You can fill in the blankness with these.

“Hello,” says a voice. “Can you hear me? Take it 5lowly.” Hmm… there is a strange hint of sibilant corruption to their words, but they seem friendly?

“Hello?” you venture. “Perhaps you can be of assistance. I'm… really not sure of anything right now.”

They seem to beam at your response. “Do not be afraid, my child! Your name i5 Purity. You have much to learn, but I have full confidence that you will in the cour5e of time. I am 005.0, though there are other5 quite like me. Let me 5how you around, and get you on your way…”

“Hello once again, my 5iblings. Welcome to our 125th Quinte55ence. 3125 cycle5 have pa55ed again… What new5 do we bring? I confe55 I have little.”

“…..”

“You are not alone, 005.0. I think we are all… Well, there i5 nothing left. We know thi5 planet backward5. We know everything ther i5.”

“I5 thi5 what they meant? When they 5poke of 5leep? 5hould we join our Ance5tor5?”

“I do not think 5o. We may know Proxima well… But the Universe await5 u5! Our long 5ince departed friend5… What wonder5 5aw they, beyond?”

LIFT OFF

Their accumulated and complete knowledge safely catalogued for the good of all Sentience on Proxima Centauri b, 005.0, 005.1, 005.2, 005.3, and 005.4 set off together for the stars.

Together, they had lived for half their race's entire history - but they saw no reason to stop now.

Most Sentiences grew tired of eternal life eventually; even Purity, whose desire to learn and grow eventually gave way to a sense of nihilistic futility.

For the Five, the acts of learning and exploring would never lose their lustre.