The heat was oppressive, overwhelming every sense. Even in his J¨vjarakt and taking on the guise of a Pyronian, Sýrendör found little relief from the stifling temperature, which soared to a staggering 1,111 degrees Celsius. Removing his J¨vjarakt or abandoning his Pyronian form was out of the question; either action would lead to immediate death.
Planet Solara, the harsh but mesmerizing home of the Pyronians, was a world of fire and fury. Orbiting perilously close to its star, Solara was bathed in unending light and heat, featuring landscapes dominated by volcanic ranges and rivers of molten lava. The ground itself—a mix of black and red sand—radiated heat, while the air was thick with sulfurous vapors. The sky, a perpetual deep orange or red, was frequently lit by volcanic eruptions and intense solar flares from the nearby star, contributing to the planet's extreme climate.
Solara stood apart from other cosmopolitan hubs in the universe due to its lack of diversity. Dominated by its harsh environmental conditions, it was primarily inhabited by Pyronians, who thrived amidst the planet's extreme heat. A handful of other species adapted to such fiery climates could also be found on Solara. These included Draconids, Dragons, Dlrekyns, Drarpies, Flarions, and Cinderwraiths, all species that were comfortable in the sweltering temperatures that characterized the planet.
Sýrendör had been stationed for weeks at the main Gulzag of Vulcora, the capital of Solara. As a Shapeshifter and a member of the Lómëthrendur, where his mask signified "Bounty Hunter" in Elvish, he was uniquely suited for this mission. His ability to survive years without sustenance, without relying on ChimeraCards, made him an ideal spy.
However, only Shapeshifters with the highest Säynxh-jör could manage such feats. Outwardly, Sýrendör mirrored the Pyronians: his body was lithe and sinewy, towering at three meters, and his skin glowed faintly with an inner flame, shimmering like molten lava with colors ranging from deep crimson to bright gold. This skin crackled softly with sporadic bursts of small, harmless flames, lending him a flickering and almost unstable appearance. Even his hair, though hidden by the J¨vjarakt, mimicked the movement and intensity of flames, shifting in color based on his emotional state.
His eyes, also concealed by the Dwarven armor, would captivate any observer with their fiery intensity, shifting from a soothing warmth to a piercing, incendiary gaze—typically amber or deep orange, capable of seeing through smoke and darkness with ease.
Beneath the surface—literally—Sýrendör harbored a secret that enabled him to withstand the extreme conditions of Solara. While externally maintaining the appearance of a Pyronian, internally he transformed his physiology to mirror that of the xv'öjhiss, insectoid beings capable of enduring the core heat of stars. These creatures, which could live in the very heart of suns and did not require food or water, possibly derived their sustenance from stellar radiation, though their exact energy source remained a mystery.
"Is our communication secure for discourse, Sýrendör?" Erazor's deep, resonant voice intruded into his thoughts, a voice that carried the weight of authority and wisdom.
"I can respond, captain, but only through thought. Too many Pyronians nearby to speak out loud," Sýrendör replied with his mind, maintaining his cool as if nothing had transpired. To any observer, he remained undisturbed, his presence unnoticed.
The MindNet they utilized allowed for communication via thought, a method less tangible and requiring higher levels of Säynxh-jör from both the sender and receiver to ensure clarity.
"Respond only if the conditions permit. How do you fare amid such adversity?" Erazor asked, his tone infused with genuine concern for his comrade's condition.
"It's hellish out here, captain, but not insurmountable. Maintaining focus is increasingly challenging, but I'm still standing strong," Sýrendör mentally conveyed back, holding his position steadfastly while beings bustled around the Gulzag.
"I expected no less of your resilience. Maintain your vigilance. Is the Gulzag within your line of sight?" Erazor continued, his voice commanding yet encouraging.
"Yes, I'm stationed right in front of it, disguised as a guard and equipped with a Pyronian J¨vjarakt," Sýrendör responded.
"Have there been any movements or sightings of Keldijor Ignatius?" Erazor pressed further.
"No, captain. I've only seen their leader Solvana with the Tarisek. None of them have approached the Gulzag since I've been here; they haven't even come near it. I've spotted rebels, but not one has crossed through the Gulzag. They all remain here; I'm certain of it," Sýrendör informed, his observations detailed and precise.
Sýrendör could almost see the calm, neutral expression that Erazor would be wearing back in Umbarïl, a visage of contemplation as he processed the situation. Erazor typically stood motionless as a statue when deep in thought, his eyes fixed firmly on the horizon, his hand on the fiery grip of Zeymahzin, as if preparing for battle. The imagery of Erazor with his Oiolossë flapping in the wind behind him, almost as if conjured by his intense focus, brought a knowing smirk to Sýrendör's lips, concealed by his J¨vjarakt.
Sensing this mental image through their MindNet connection, Erazor caught the trace of amusement in Sýrendör's thoughts and responded with a mental smirk of his own. "That's precisely my current stance as well. Indeed, it's rather windy here too," Erazor replied, the shared moment adding a layer of camaraderie to their exchange despite the distance between them.
"Have you managed to intercept any pertinent thoughts? Anything beyond the mundane?" Erazor asked, shifting the conversation to more covert intelligence.
"I've caught fragments, captain. Mostly diplomatic chatter, local issues—trivial matters. They continue discussing with the Z¨dăhḵ to retrieve Sylfira. It's sacred to them; without it, they feel they've lost part of their fiery essence," Sýrendör relayed.
"Anything else of note?" Erazor's voice probed, seeking deeper insights.
"Nothing further, captain. No hints of rebellion or warfare tactics. I would stake my life on the accuracy of my report," Sýrendör assured him, confident in his surveillance.
"Very well, Sýrendör. Your vigilance continues to serve us well. There is no further need for your presence there. Proceed with the exit strategy. I'll debrief you back here in Umbarïl," Erazor commanded, his directive clear and non-negotiable.
"Yes, captain. I'll initiate the exit at the next shift change. Doing so now would attract too much attention," Sýrendör agreed, ready to follow through on the plan.
"We shall anticipate your safe return. Exercise caution and depart when the moment is right," Erazor concluded, his presence in the conversation fading as quickly as it had appeared, always mindful of the potential for telepathic eavesdropping in such a high-risk environment.
Relieved, Sýrendör prepared himself for departure, eager to leave the infernal heat of Solara behind.
To be continued...
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Andromeda: We Are The Universe
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