Fitra

Fitra is an aquatic fungi-like species originally native to a forgotten planet but has been grown and harvested in hundreds of other water-bearing planets in the cosmic civilisation. It is renowned for its intrinsic ability to support biocomputing and interstellar telecommunication technologies, making it a crucial resource for numerous sentient species.

### **Description**

Fitra is characterized by its resemblance to Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane), the Earth-native fungal species, except that it's translucent and bioluminescent. With a size range of 2-5 cm in diameter depending on the maturity and nutrient availability, the stipe (stalk) is slender and long, growing up to 15 cm in favorable conditions. The mushroom's bioluminescence is due to a particular combination of biofluorescent proteins within its cells. When ingested by certain life forms, it has been known to cause luminescence in the consumers as well, though the effects are temporary and harmless.

### Habitat and Growth

Fitra Mushrooms are primarily found in areas with rich, organic soils, often flourishing near water bodies. They can thrive in a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions, which has enabled them to spread throughout multiple planets across the cosmic civilisation.

The mycelial network of Fitra, the thread-like vegetative part of the mushroom, extends into a five-dimensional structure, beyond the comprehension of the average three-dimensional organism. The mushrooms existing in three-dimensional space are mere manifestations of a much more complex organism that permeates higher dimensions.

### Utilization

The unique 5D mycelial network of Fitra is the main factor contributing to its widespread use in advanced technologies. This network is capable of quantum connections, making it a perfect medium for creating neural-interfacing biocomputing and interstellar telecommunications technologies.

When harvested and processed, the mushroom’s mycelium can be engineered into an interface that allows biological entities to access the 5D network. This forms the basis of Fitra-integrated technology, and it enables near-instantaneous communication across vast interstellar distances.

### Harvesting and Cultivation

Despite the Fitra Mushroom's ability to adapt to various conditions, harvesting it remains a highly labor-intensive task, resisting full automation. This is due to the mushroom's sensitivity to environmental stressors and its connection to the higher-dimensional structure. The harvesting process requires a delicate balance of care and efficiency to prevent damage to the mycelial network, which could render the mushroom useless for technological purposes.

Furthermore, while advanced biotechnology and genetic engineering practices in the cosmic civilisation have made it possible to modify animal species for various purposes, Fitra is unique in its resistance to cloning. Any attempt to clone Fitra only results in an inferior copy in the 3D space that lacks the 5D-traversing qualities, making it essentially useless for most purposes. Hence, Fitra can only strictly be grown organically from existing spores from existing fruits.

### Significance in the Cosmic Civilisation

The Fitra Mushroom plays a central role in cosmic civilisation, given its near-ubiquitous use in advanced technologies. It forms the backbone of interstellar communication systems, allowing civilizations to stay connected over vast distances. The mushroom also plays a role in the sustenance of egregores. The Fitra mushroom’s connection to the higher dimensions aids in sustaining these complex, worship-dependent entities, reinforcing the unique symbiosis between biology and spirituality in the cosmic civilisation.