21/03/2026
VYXERI O SYARAE
I stood at the edge of the camp, gazing out at the unforgiving landscape of Xilea, the 8th planet of its solar system, 1.5 million light years away from home. The dual extremes of this tidally locked world were staggering – the scorching sun-side was a fiery hellscape, while the dark side was a frozen wasteland. And we were stuck in the middle, trying to scavenge what we could find profitable.
Our team had come seeking resources, but the hostile creatures that roamed this planet made it a hazardous endeavor. Yet there were some that were less hostile...the Ardnaxela Zenoiths, intelligent lifeforms native to Xilea, kept to themselves, dwelling in icy caves on the dark side. Their numbers were dwindling, struggling to find sustenance in this harsh environment. I found it quite odd for such creatures to exist or even live in this repugnant world.
"Rakbarr tundra losient!"
The captain ordered us to gather, an announcement is to be made. The captain's words echoed throughout the frozen dessert.
"A change in plans..."
What could have led to this? I thought.
Rumors swirled like wildfire – was it mutiny, disaster, or something personal?
Lieutenant Orlov stood tall, his expression unreadable, as the crew gathered around.
"Alright, you heard the captain. Let's focus on the mission. Our next destination is the Rim trading post. We'll be hauling specimens!"
The crew exchanged uneasy glances. This wasn't how they'd envisioned the day unfolding, nor did I.
What we did next changed our course, we began extracting the Zenoiths for transport together with other species whilst to my knowledge I cannot recall.
"Wait captain!"
I asked
"When did we get all of these?"
"Vulpa will brief you on the details on our next destination and cargo but in the mean time your team will be put on hold. Alright?"
I nod reluctantly.
He gestured back with an uneasy grin as he turned his back and walked away hastily.
Somehow our team already collected creatures from other planets. It was a massive undertaking, one that left us questioning our understanding of this enigmatic planet and its inhabitants but also the higher ups motives.
It is as if the planet wasn't supposed to exist, or it was perhaps purposefully made that way, there are tales about celestial beings that can manipulate space, matter and time itself. Making us look incomprehensibly and quite hilariously insignificant, although I do not doubt this planetary scale of collateral.
As space scavengers our job is to collect items scattered across the galaxy to sell it to merchants who deal with level 13-17 alien technology, weapons, armor, or spaceships that can easily wipe out an entire race, but our haul took a little turn upon our departure from Xilea.
We watched in awe as the Zenoiths tried to communicate with us, emitting noises, unlike my kind and other aliens they do not have the vocal ability to speak, but does possess high intellectual comprehension, usually reclusive and neutral, worked alongside other species, we studied them during our expedition, It was clear they were seeking a better life, one free from the dual extremes of their home planet. Our expedition's goals suddenly seemed... petty.
We put the Juveniles into small capsules, it was an easy capture, while few adults struggled profusely.
Our mission is to salvage whatever resources we can get across the galaxy, selling any item from other neighboring aliens, I did not haggle that much from our trip unfortunately.
But I did manage to get a sample, a female Zenoith, appears to be juvenile, I brought the specimen to my lab so I can further study it.
The mothership was loaded with cargos ready for shipment to the next station.
"Looks like you got easy money there Xan"
Ghord was a long time friend of mine, he used to be my supervisor but now we both handle the observation team.
"Y-yeah, I'm still waiting for the new code"
"Tell you what Xan, you're gonna like this new order policy from the higher ups"
"The big bosses are offering a raise to anyone who brings in new, uncataloged species. Like, a serious bump. We're talking galactic credits, extra R'n'D perks, the works!"
Ghord's antennae twitched with anticipation.
"No kidding? I've been stuck on this survey route for cycles."
"Right? I'm thinking we hit the outer colonies, see what we can scoop up. There are rumors of a sentient cloud-thing on N'zirra Prime. If we bag that, we'll be filthy rich!"
Both of us chuckled as we imagined the possibilities.
"Well, I'll catch up later then, I still need to do an analysis on this thing"
"Awww c'mon Xan! Now you're just being selfish!"
"Yeah yeah I'll see you at our next destination then we'll talk!"
I rushed myself to my lab to start my observation, in many of my years as a scavenger this is the first time I will be conducting an analysis not on microchips,floaters, or any materials, not that I'm better at tech but I still wonder why the sudden change.
A living organism.
"This might be trouble"
I said to myself
But I had to see this through, despite my suspicions about the code change.
Session begin
*Observation Analysis: Juvenile Ardnaxela Zenoith( Species ID: JVZ-12-JV-001)*
*Location:* Observation Lab
*Observer:* Xander
*Date:* 23456.87 GGT (Mothership Time)
*Physical Exposure:*
- *Materials:* The juvenile has been observed interacting with various materials, including metallic alloys, crystalline structures, and organic polymers. It exhibits a fascination with reflective surfaces, often attempting to mimic its own image.
- *Elements:* Exposure to elemental gases (O2, N2, CO2) elicits distinct reactions:
- Oxygen: Increased respiratory rate, coloration shifts to vibrant blue
- Nitrogen: Relaxation, reduced locomotion
- Carbon Dioxide: Agitation, attempts to escape
- *Other Specimens:* Interaction with other species is limited; the juvenile displays curiosity and caution around non-threatening organisms. Aggressive behavior is observed when it is in the vicinity of a possible predator.
*Behavioral Analysis:*
- *Exploration:* The juvenile exhibits a strong instinct for exploration, frequently investigating novel objects and environments.
- *Social Interaction:* Limited social interaction with its own kind; primarily engages with caregivers for sustenance and comfort.
- *Learning Patterns:* Rapid learning and mimicry observed; the juvenile has adopted simple tool use and communication gestures from observers.
*Recommendations:*
- Continue monitoring and documenting the juvenile development, focusing on social interaction and language acquisition.
- Introduce controlled exposure to other Zenoith specimens to assess intraspecies communication and behavior.
*Addendum:* The juvenile has been observed attempting to communicate with caregivers using a combination of gestures and mimicking vocals from its observers. Further study is required to decipher its language patterns.
"Wait..."
"This is odd, isn't this just an analysis for transport?"
I questioned my assistant
"Sire, we are informed to conduct an analysis based on its value and feasibility"
"Feasibility of what?"
"Uhhh, I am not quite sure sire – my apologies"
"Well I guess I'll just be questioning these other categories listed to the higher ups, you're dismissed for now"
It is unclear to me as to how I am going to conduct this further without proper briefing, there are categories listed on the panel to which I find..... disturbing.
Some of those are definitely an analysis for labor and military purposes, I cannot stomach the idea of a child being involved in those kinds of scenarios.
"I've done many things, but what makes me hesitant to do this now?"
As I observed its behavior, I grew attached with its presence, I held her close, the little Zenoith's three eyes gazing up at me with a trust I'd never seen before. I'd grown attached to it during our experiments, I even named the thing.
"Fluxeon"
To seal our bond.
But my fellow scavengers saw my increasing bond for the creature as foolish and unorthodox – they saw fluxeon as a prized possession, a valuable asset to be sold to the highest bidder. Selling enslaved creatures was not in our original code, but it seems due to leadership changes so does the rules.
They tried to take possession of fluxeon, offering a trade with level 10 alien technology to which i persistently rejected over and over again, in those many exchanges my crew grew weary of my constant denial to give up fluxeon, so they devised a plan to assassinate me. Fortunately my long time friend Ghord was able to catch on to their scheme and warned me.
"Xan I've read about the new code"
"What is it?"
"Direct order from the Emperor code:0-0-0-6-2-7"
We both felt silent as we realized the truth.
Apparently there is a war brewing between two powerful galactic empires on the edge of the Galaxy, rumors spread of a warrior destroying a fleet at the speed of light.
Me and Ghord resolved to escape to not be involved in this war, and that is the last time I see him.
I put fluxeon on a small capsule and managed to access an escape pod and fled away from the mothership, Now, I'm a fugitive, claimed to be wanted for stealing a classified specimen. The authorities and my former crew are likely scouring the galaxy for me.
Fluxeon and I have been drifting through space for weeks, trying to evade detection. Such cruel irony as I contemplated my decisions, being a scavenger wasn't exactly legal according to the galactic law, now I'm on the run, with fluxeon as my only companion.
As we navigate through the vast unknown, fluxeon begins to adapt to our new life on the run. It's curious, exploring every nook and cranny of the escape pod, and I've started to teach it tricks – like responding to simple commands and playing with a makeshift toy made from a piece of torn fabric. The little creature brings me joy in the midst of chaos, I somehow question myself as to why I'm protecting this fragile lifeform, and I realize I've found something more valuable than any space treasure.
We've been lucky so far, avoiding major shipping lanes, galactic enforcers and space scavenger hotspots. But I know it's only a matter of time before our luck runs out. I've been thinking of finding a secluded planet to lay low for a while, maybe even try to make contact with some of the more...unconventional communities out here. Fluxeon deserves a chance at real life, not just surviving on the run. And I'm starting to think that's exactly what I want – a chance to start over, I was never the brightest....nor the toughest. My parents didn't even bother to give me a proper education, so I ended up applying for many felonious tips that involve risking our very lives, I used to dream to be a part of the galactic government.... Where I can be a service and fix the flawed system they implemented over the millennia, but I guess that's just another pathetic excuse for me to move forward.
Fluxeon snuggles closer, its tiny body warms against mine, I discovered that they can manipulate their own body temperature, make sense since they have been living in the cold. I smiled, feeling a sense of purpose I hadn't known in years, we eventually settled on a remote planet, i scout the area first and discovered only primitive life, technology was almost non existent on this planet, threats are only at minimal...an ideal place to hide... for now.
As we stayed in this dirt planet Fluxeon began to grow, and slowly adapt to the vast unknown environment completely different from its home planet, i was merely her guide so she can learn to sustain herself.
All the while I gather resources to upgrade some of the parts of the pod.
Her curiosity to the people of this planet started to become a reoccurring behavior, I forbid her to interact with them in order to avoid detection from any possible scouting enforcer on this planet.
And the unpredictable nature of the people of this planet.
We cannot risk any recklessness.
But the primitive people started to discover music, and Fluxeon was watching in the distance, the vibrations and the tone entertains her. And she continued to be a secret audience until she reached adulthood, she learned their language, their culture, their bond from a range I can keep an eye on.
I was unaware of it initially...but I believe she misses her old family, her home world.
I do not know the extent of the Zenoiths lifespan, it may even surpass mine, but I wish she had more companions with the same race to relate to. It felt like it was my fault for putting her into this situation, perhaps I was a fool after all for keeping her as a pet.
Besides, it's not like I have a family that cares.
Fluxeon has become more and more comfortable with my presence, cuddling in my sleep and I can feel her vibrations throughout my chest.
"Is that...purring?"
To my surprise Fluxeon responded with a nod, it fascinates me how adaptable her species is, she even mimics the primitive people's movement and tactics, even her hunting skills drastically changed due to the indirect primitive influence of these people.
Soon enough she also became more advanced with her gestures, almost to the level of my intelligence, so I taught her what I knew.
I watched as Fluxeon settled into the pilot's seat, her delicate hands with sharp claws dancing across the controls with a precision that belied her alien physiology. The escape pod's engines hummed to life, a gentle vibration that seemed to match the rhythm of my own heartbeat.
It had been years since we'd fled Xilea, and Fluxeon had grown into a capable, intelligent being. She'd mastered the art of hunting, using her keen senses to track down even the most elusive prey in the vast expanse of this planet. Her understanding of her own anatomy was remarkable, allowing her to adapt to the harsh conditions of travel with ease.
But it was more than just her skills that had changed – Fluxeon had evolved into a confident, self-assured individual. She'd take the helm of the pod, navigating through fields and hostile territories with a swagger that made me proud.
Fluxeon was no longer just my pet – she'd become my partner, my friend, and my equal.
"Hey, Fluxeon,"
I said, breaking the silence.
She turned to me, with a gesture I can only assume she's saying "Yes? Master" she'd taken the language of the primitive people and made it her own.
She had her own writings of those said languages, however in her attempts to communicate with the tribe we're mostly unsuccessful, she fears that the people might hurt her for her looks.
That she is not from this planet, an outsider.
So I decided to help her.
I studied the people's capacity of comprehension, I concluded that they're a young species that only sprouted here not too long ago, perhaps a million years as estimated, I called them...
Humans.
Upon further multiple attempts, study and observations we finally decided to reveal ourselves to the humans, I have already constructed a precaution just in case we are not welcomed, we enter their vicinity.
At first they fear us pointing their sharp rock wood made weapons , cautious as each step our anxiety only grows.
Fluxeon clutching on my robe while hunching low, excited.
But anxious.
I demonstrated their language to them which they recognize immediately.
"Vyxeri o Syarae"
In translation.
"The Tall and The Three"
Fluxeon was thrilled! The tribe worshiped us like gods, we helped them build their concrete walls, their skyscrapers made of alien craftsmanship, weapons, enhanced knowledge about innovation for the betterment of their species, all the while Fluxeon enjoyed the music and the attention she was craving for.
But there was something missing...
She expressed her happiness and gratitude towards me for giving her this wonderful gift, but she still missed her family....
She was young when she was taken from her family, and ever since we stayed here on this planet to call home, there were no traces of pursuit of the enforces no more, but it never felt home for Fluxeon....for she does not have her kind to caress.
She wanted a family.
To build something new.
Her union with the humans formed the nation of Aetherviel, forever will be marked in the history of Encania.
The Subjects of Fluxeon.
