The Sol Artificer

By TheAgentGamer

THE FOLLOWING TEXT HAS BEEN TRANSLATED FROM LADKASAN TO ENGLISH. WHILE REASONABLE EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE ACCURATE TRANSLATION, THE VITASAKIA INSTITUTE SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS CAUSED BY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR AMBIGUITIES OF THE TRANSLATED TEXT.

Chapter 1 - The Ethea System

Part 1

Lime green and florescent purple flora sang with the tumbling wind as they swayed back and forth across the landscape. Spear-like mountains scraped the skies, while sparkling blue streams and megafauna weaved their way through the valleys. Nestled in the valleys and hillsides, dotting the landscape, was the rare Tauran village. These villages, crudely constructed out of stone, metal, and wood, were flanked with small fields, wells, and paths. Amongst these Tauran constructions was an occasional white flag with three red stripes that each started apart, but drew closer together as they reached the heavens: the Truvsildelia. This was not the home Lanadkia thought it would have had centuries ago. The present realm of peace and harmony was nothing short of paradise.

Just outside a little village lay a small landing pad surrounded by forest. The roar of engines grew louder and louder, until a sleek medium sized light-gray VTOL shuttle approached the location of the pad. The shuttle gently sank until it touched the pad, the trees nearest the pad rustling from rogue blasts of air. Once it had touched down, one of its doors opened, and a flight of stairs extended out from below. Out from the shuttle stepped a young adult Tauran wearing a gray wide-brimmed hat, darkened boots and pants, and a white and gray light-weight robe with the Truvsildelia imprinted on the back. Underneath his robe, away from the prying eyes of the world, were multitudes of mechanical equipment making an occasional soft clink from his movement. He descended the flight of stairs and waved back at the shuttle, before finally walking off the pad toward the village. The shuttle took off, its roar eventually dissipating into the background noise of the open air.

A robotic voice spoke out from a holographic display terminal. To this particular traveler, the automated female Ladkasan voice was all-too-familiar. “Aberkãj-Kordus Alioxẽ. Welcome to Kãdiokova.” He breathed a sigh of happiness from the sound as he continued his walk into town.

“Hey Aberkãj-Kordus! Enough daydreaming this sunny day? Or are you waiting for manãlos to fly?” a large Tauran man said with a sarcastically serious tone as he walked up to Alioxẽ from the local government building. A small metal nametag could be seen on his clothing: ‘Limatruvus-Kokanyekãj Mirkolan – Vikonflavan of Kãdiokova’.

“Was that a challenge? I’m sure I can craft up a way to make that possible,” Alioxẽ said in response. Before long both started laughing in the middle of the village road.

“It’s great to have you back! Temporary break in Sẽnerenan viberta I assume?” Mirkolan inquired.

“Actually, my viberta for the Epsilon Thea Sẽnerenaia has concluded, just here to let my family know before I head back to the capitol for a new assignment,” Alioxẽ stated.

“Sẽnerenan viberta concluded?! My boy, it’s time for a konsẽla! Free drinks on the village!” Mirkolan pronounced.

“Oh no, no, my generous Vikonflava! I don’t need anything like that...” Alioxẽ said as he titled his hat to cover his blushing face slightly from the sun.

“Hey, everyone! Aberkãj-Kordus Alioxẽ is going to be a Sẽnerenan!” Mirkolan proclaimed loudly for anyone nearby to hear. Several more people came over to see the commotion. In short order, they had attracted a small crowd.

“Good grief, do I need to sing and dance for you as well?” Alioxẽ said sarcastically as he turned from Mirkolan to a few people that had gathered in front of them. “Well don’t say yes, theatre is not my expertise!”

“No no, you don’t dance, you relax. After all this, time for a konsẽla!” an older man said cheerfully.

“Yes!” an older woman exclaimed.

Part 2

Recently completed Sẽnerenan vibertan Aberkãj-Kordus Alioxẽ and Vikonflavan Limatruvus-Kokanyekãj Mirkolan walked down the center path of the village toward Alioxẽ’s home as they caught up on each other’s recent history.

“I should add, Vikonflava, that there is no confirmation that I will be a true Sẽnerenan, keeping watch on some distant solar system,” Alioxẽ said.

“Don’t fear," Mirkolan replied. "We all know you have what it takes. Besides, a recent Sẽnerenan vibertan for the Epsilon Thea Sẽnerenan, that alone carries honor,“ Mirkolan continued.

“One of two vibertans I should add, Dvoravis-Velravẽx is also quite capable,” Alioxẽ stated.

“Of course, of course. How could I forget? He is welcome to join us in this town for a konsẽla!” replied Mirkolan.

“Listen, while I would also give him that offer, he is still busy on the Epsilon Thea system station,” Alioxẽ explained.

“Ah! He is still busy because he is not as qualified as you are!” Mirkolan said with a cheerful laugh as Alioxẽ sighed.

“On that note, I am done on Epsilon Thea because the Sẽnerenaia think I have reached what I needed to know to take on new tasks elsewhere as a Sẽnerenan or Anye-Sẽnerenan. It’s possible I am reassigned to work here in the Ethea system. Would be nice to be closer to home,” Alioxẽ stated.

“Working as not just a vibertan but as an Anye for the Ethea Sẽnerenan? Now that would be astounding!” Mirkolan exclaimed.

“That would be astounding... but we will find out what happens,” Alioxẽ said assuredly.

“MIRKOLAN!” a woman suddenly called out.

“Uh oh, it's my wife. Take care Aberkãj-Kordus!” Mirkolan mutters as he gestured goodbye. Without another word, he turned abruptly and rushed back to his house.

Alioxẽ peacefully strode forward up the road toward his home at the end of the village. He slowly became lost in thought until he quickly had to recorrect his movement as children quickly dashed out in front of him; yelling, laughing, and playing some form of game.

“Hey, watch it kids!” Alioxẽ spoke gleefully as a mother on the side of the road chuckled at the scene.

The density of the village continued to decrease as Alioxẽ reached a quiet dwelling. He fumbled his keys until he found the right one and opened the door to his home. He went inside and closed the door behind him, pausing for a moment to take in the scene. What he found inside was a condition quite similar to how he left it since he left for work at Epilson Thea. He went to the bedroom and took off his hat, robe, and Sẽnerenan equipment, laying them on a table. As he walked over to his bed, he laid down. His eyes soon closed as the evening sun streamed through the windows onto him and the bed.

'Finally, I can rest,' Alioxẽ thought to himself. In the distance, the faint noise of Ladkasans speaking, and animals chattering, and plants whistling in the wind harmonized into a sound, like that of a soothing musical.

Soon after, as his eyes were closed in rest, a clattering sound from the lock on his front door could be heard. His eyes widened. The sound continued aggressively with excitement, until finally the door opened...

“You thought you could get through the day without telling me you’re here?” A man slightly younger than Alioxẽ shouted, jokingly. He walked through the front door and went towards the bedroom where Alioxẽ was laying.

“I literally just got back Aravis. Can I rest for like, even a minute?” Alioxẽ asked with a tone of annoyance.

“Come on! Is this how you treat your younger brother who has been keeping an eye on your home from time to time? Now let’s go! Father and mother want to see you,” Aravis said.

“But then you’ll be there,” Alioxẽ sarcastically said.

“Just shut up and go,” Aravis jested amusingly in response as he turned to head out of the bedroom entrance. He stopped just before he went out of the front door. “And, by the way, don’t forget to tell us if you found a date in your adventures at Epilson Thea... unless you haven’t...” Aravis cut himself off as he chuckled.

“Hush. When are you going to become Viselian of this province again? Oh right - still working on that aren’t you?” Alioxẽ mockingly returned.

“I’m so sorry, Viselan Sẽnerenan. How wrong I am to challenge you,” Aravis uttered back with sarcasm, as he walked out of the dwelling and closed the door behind him.

'What a comedian,' Alioxẽ thought to himself as he continued to lay on his bed. After a short while, he finally got up to head out to his childhood home, just outside the village. He made sure to lock the door to his dwelling behind him before setting out down the path.

Part 3

Small stones cracked and hopped along a shaded gravel path under Alioxẽ’s boots as he went up a steep incline towards his parent’s home. The trees along the path dragged Alioxẽ into memories of his childhood, when he would run through the forest or down the path while his brother chased him, or when he created structures out of stone and wood. He stopped when he noticed in the forest an old fortification up against a tree, one of the aforementioned forts he made long ago when he and his brother played games in the forest.

He continued up the path until a grassy opening with a dwelling appeared. It was a modest building, with a barn off to the side giving it more interest. The green and yellow grass ebbed and flowed with the twisting wind, with the smell of food in the air.

“Alioxẽ!” An older woman familiar to Alioxẽ called out from just out front of the house.

“Mother!” Alioxẽ yelled out as he rushes up to her. They hugged for a moment.

“It’s been so long, and you must have so many stories. Come on in, the food is almost ready,” Alioxẽ’s mother said as she led Alioxẽ into the house, with Alioxẽ closing the door behind them.

Inside the home yellow lights glowed off an earthtone interior to create a warm aura. Alioxẽ and his mother walked toward a table where several Ladkasan dishes were prepared. Aravis was already at the table while their father was finishing a few things in the kitchen.

“Ah Alioxẽ, your just in time, Sesilla has been waiting outside a while for you. She was worried you may have forgotten to come,” Alioxẽ’s father mentioned cheerfully as he finished details on what looked like a grand desert.

“If I hadn’t found him in time, he may have gone hungry given what little is in his house,” Aravis commented on as he laughed a little to his own joke.

“I’m sure Mirkolan would have been able to convince the tavern to get me something. Apparently, drinks are on the town there for me,” Alioxẽ proclaimed.

“Oh that’s wonderful, we are all glad to see you home!” Sesilla announced.

“Yes, even if Aravis keeps giving terrible jokes,” Alioxẽ’s father said as he chuckled.

“Hey!” Aravis exclaimed briefly.

“Calm down now, let’s sit down,” Sesilla said as she gestures for everyone to sit down at the table.

The family gathered and sat down at the small table, while Alioxẽ’s father and mother discussed how everything had been doing this season for the family, and how they all wished for the Dvosaia to bless the people of Ladkasa, and all those who are suffering. They eat the various dishes in delight while exchanging stories and tales of their time so far in the village, and where they hoped to go next in their life. Eventually they all finish, and continue to chat while they put the various eating articles away and clean up.

Eventually, Alioxẽ stepped outside of the house to went over to the barn. The sky now had shades of different colors from before as the sun neared the horizon, already being partially blocked by expanse of steep mountains with their luscious forests. He opened the side door to the barn, and walked inside, closing the door behind him. Inside was a large open area, with a narrow second storage level snaking along the walls. Many small but friendly fauna such as Manãlos were mostly off to one side of the barn, while a few roamed in and out of the barn’s main entrance toward a larger fenced off pasture. Two megafauna each with two large wings and covered in feathers laid sleeping together on the other side of the barn. While they look almost identical, a few features on their faces, wings, and body differentiate them as two different sexes. While nothing prevented them from leaving, they saw the barn as their home.

“Penirskãj…oh Penirskãj.” Alioxẽ muttered quietly as he slowly approached one of the two megafauna. That megafauna slowly opened his eyes and moved his head to see Alioxẽ.

“Look who’s back,” Alioxẽ said quietly to Penirskãj.

Penirskãj, excited, moved his body a bit to playfully nudge Alioxẽ with his beak. Penirskãj then gestured over to a large container in the corner.

Alioxẽ shaded his head while chuckling, and then spoke quietly again. “Fine Penirskãj, hold on.”

Alioxẽ went over to a container, opened the lock up, and grabbed two large fruits from inside. He then shut the container and locked it, eventually returning back over to Penirskãj. He then threw one of the large fruits over at Penirskãj who snatched it in his beak and began to eat it. Penirskãj then began to try and whine for the other fruit Alioxẽ was holding, while the other megafauna began to wake up.

“No Penirskãj, the other is for Sẽnrinkãj now,” Alioxẽ stated softly as the other megafauna looked up at Alioxẽ excited. She moved her head over to him for the fruit as Alioxẽ tossed it at her, with Sẽnrinkãj catching it in her beak.

Sẽnrinkãj playfully nudged Alioxẽ with her beak, and then moved her head back to its original sleeping position, putting one of her wings over her head. Penirskãj then playfully nudged Sẽnrinkãj, followed by him looking back at Alioxẽ.

“Penirskãj, we will head to Konsanadia tomorrow, as the shuttle will not be here, so I hope you are still up for that,” Alioxẽ mentioned softly as he pet Penirskãj on the side of his head for a moment, with Penirskãj purring happily.

“Now then, good night, Penirskãj,” Alioxẽ said as he waved at the two megafauna. He then turned and walked toward the main entrance the barn.

Penirskãj then went back to snuggling and sleeping with Sẽnrinkãj, while Alioxẽ looked out at the colorful sunset while standing just outside the barn, with the fading sunlight shining through the valleys between the mountains and forests.

’Oh, I almost forget,’ Alioxẽ thought to himself as he went over to the side of the pasture, and hopped over the fence.

Part 4

Alioxẽ ventured along a rarely trodden cliffside pathway until he reached a sketchy wooden bridge with rope railings he and Aravis built long ago. The bridge connected to a small floating island, that hovered with several lime and purple plants beneath it with large sacs. On top of it was a rough open clearing with some grass and a ring of a few stone benches. He walked over the bridge, stepped onto the island, and sat down on one of the benches.

“Reminiscing in the old days, I see?” Aravis said as he walked up the pathway toward the bridge, following a ways behind Alioxẽ.

Alioxẽ laughed for a moment before speaking, “you make it sound like we are old, when we are not!”

Alioxẽ sat down on a bench, looking over to Aravis as he walked over the bridge toward him. Aravis then sat down on another bench across from Alioxẽ. In the center of the ring of benches sat a shallow pit where some chard pieces of wood laid.

“I wonder if we should light a fire,” Alioxẽ stated as he looked down at the shallow pit.

“Let us not forget the tavern tonight, you said you had drinks on the house, a konsẽla even?” Aravis asked.

“Yes,” Alioxẽ voiced as he sighed.

“You really don’t like attention, do you?” Aravis remarked.

“You are not supposed to be showing yourself to others while as an Sẽnerenan. Not a bad part of it I would say,” Alioxẽ stated with a soft chuckle as he looked around for some spare logs.

“Sounds boring. What if you need to speak, or even sing and dance to get your way out of a situation? Okay maybe the last part was an over exaggeration, but being able to express yourself well is always helpful, not to mention more fun,” Aravis exclaimed. ​ “Sing and dance, ha! I must be careful doing something like that, the amount of happiness could be lethal you know!” Alioxẽ proclaimed sarcastically, chuckling a bit at his own joke before finishing his sentence, “perhaps you are right, maybe from that when I am a partner to someone you can stop pestering me.”

“Well, those two topics are synergistic. Speaking of fun, let’s go to the tavern. I want some free drinks myself, and you need them too!” Aravis stated.

“I don’t recall you getting the offer for any?” Alioxẽ asked.

“You just have to sneak them to me, or I’m sure Mirkolan could get the tavern to give the brother of the ‘great village Sẽnerenan’ some free drinks,” Aravis proclaimed jokingly, before switching tone to be more serious, “You know, since Mirkolan is a well-respected and nice Vikonflavan and all.”

“Okay, let’s go then, the sun is going down already,” Alioxẽ stated as he began to head off the island and back toward the village, with Aravis following behind as the landscape became gradually darker with the full setting of the sun.

Colorful metal lanterns in the village lit up the path as Alioxẽ and Aravis could hear the tavern chattering away long before they reached it. The brothers eventually reached the tavern, and they quickly joined in the evening konsẽla of Alioxẽ’s return to the village and his successful completion of his Sẽnerenan viberta. Aravis was eventually able to get the tavern to give him a few free drinks of his own. The fun evening dragged on into the night until many of the patrons, including the brothers and Mirkolan, eventually filed out to their respective dwellings for the night.

In the morning Alioxẽ awoken to the sun shining through the windows of his dwelling onto him. He got up, rubbed his eyes, and began to get ready for the day. He put on new clothing and his Sẽnerenan equipment, and then quickly ate before eventually closing the door to his dwelling and locking it. He then went up the trail toward his parent’s dwelling, and knocked on the door.

“It is Alioxẽ, I must head to the Capital, but I plan to be back in a few days’ time,” Alioxẽ stated.

Before Alioxẽ is able to turn and start heading toward the barn, he is stopped as the door opens with his father steping out to hug him for a moment, until eventually standing back again.

“I will also be taking Penirskãj, since the shuttle isn’t arriving today,” Alioxẽ noted.

“Best not take too long in the Capital, you know how much Penirskãj hates being cooped up in the Capital stables,” Alioxẽ’s father proclaimed while chuckling, as he began to wave at Alioxẽ. Behind him, Sesilla can also be seen waving.

Alioxẽ waved back as he walked toward the side barn entrance, opening the door and then closing it behind himself. He then went over to the food container over to the side of the barn, unlocked and opened the container, grabbed two large fruits, and then shut and locked the container. He then walked over to a large saddle and some ropes, and grabbed one set in his other hand. Now having everything he needed, he walked over to the snoozing Penirskãj and Sẽnrinkãj, with some of the ropes trailing on the ground behind him. ​ “Wake time Penirskãj, come on,” Alioxẽ said as he slowly twirled the two fruits while standing in front of him.

Penirskãj’s eyes eventually begin to blink and open as he grunted and turned his head to Alioxẽ. Seeing the two fruits and saddle, he gradually began to get up on his two feet, causing the inside barn to rumble a little bit. A few specks of dirt and grass fell from the ceiling as a few animals inside the barn whined softly from the low rumble until eventually heading back to sleep. Sẽnrinkãj slowly blinked her eyes and looked over to Alioxẽ. She moved her beak toward him but remained laying on the ground.

Alioxẽ tossed one fruit toward Penirskãj and another toward Sẽnrinkãj, with both of them catching their respective fruit in their beaks. Alioxẽ then motioned at Penirskãj to move forward a bit as he began to secure the saddle and ropes on Penirskãj. This caused one of the eggs between Penirskãj and Sẽnrinkãj to become open to the air, which Sẽnrinkãj corrected by wrapping one of her wings across the egg to gradually move it back closer to her. Once the saddle was secured on Penirskãj, Alioxẽ then held onto one of the ropes in one of his hands as he walked forward towards the main entrance of the barn, with Penirskãj leisurely following behind.

Rays of sunlight streamed past Alioxẽ and Penirskãj as they left the darker barn interior and into the light of the early morning sun. Penirskãj’s many shades of brown and green feathers blended into the terrain as a few leaves blew past from the occasional breeze. Alioxẽ then pointed in the direction of the capital, made a few clicks with his hands, and then turned back to Penirskãj. He then patted Penirskãj’s side a few times, with Penirskãj’s lowering in response for Alioxẽ to climb up onto the saddle. Alioxẽ then climbed up onto the saddle, and then patted Penirskãj on the side a few times again as he was now ready. He then took off his wide brimmed hat and secured it to his back.

“To the capital Penirskãj, ANA!” Alioxẽ commanded as he twitched the two ropes.

Penirskãj’s wings began to beat profusely, as the flowing air beneath his wings caused the grass to flare out in all directions. Alioxẽ’s brownish-gray hair blew in the wind as they together began to move forward away from the hilltop and over the valley below. Penirskãj made a cheerful screech as they continued forward toward the Capital of Lanadkia, with the both of them becoming increasingly insignificant from the view of the barn amongst the backdrop of a landscaped filled with steep mountains and lush forests.

Chapter 2 - City of Konsandia

Part 1

The land was painted with luscious forests of green and purple hue. Rolling foothills drifted past, as Penirskãj glided between mountaintops. Just as the breeze fluttered Alioxẽ’s dark gray hair, so too did Penirskãj’s brown and green feathers leaf up and down from the ever-flowing wind. He made the occasional screech when he noticed other megafauna nearby, one such outcry causing Alioxẽ to jump due to its volume.

Penirskãj made one last push over the mountain pass, and began to glide down into the next valley. Ahead, a sleek light-gray VTOL shuttle could be seen traversing its way through the valley below. Alioxẽ was suddenly misted by a waterfall cascading off the mountainside, as Penirskãj flew close to the spray in jest. Other similar waterfalls cascaded off the sides of the mountains, and in the valley below, sparkling streams steadily merged into a larger body of flowing water as they continued downhill. At an upcoming turn in the valley, Alioxẽ could make out a sleek light-gray passenger train launching out of a tunnel at high speed, weaving its way along magnetic tracks. A moment later, a sleek light-gray freight train also appeared around the turn in the valley heading the other way, before disappearing into the tunnel that the passenger train had come out of just a moment ago.

Penirskãj then began to bank, as he took a turn into the valley. Around the corner, Konsanadia came into view; the majestic and radiating Capital of Lanadkia. It was nestled into the valley.

The sprawling city consisted of many different sleek and complex architectures in a myriad of different colors. On one end of the city stood an enormous dome with the Lanadkian national insignia, the Truvsildelia, painted on top: it held the Great Congress of Lanadkia. A large plaza stretched out in front of the congressional building, with glistening clear water pools and luscious purple trees, as it continued forth in a straight line toward a giant natural arch with trees and vines overflowing atop it. A youthful river weaved its way through the valley, slicing neatly through the city before continuing onward. A large space dock stretched out onto the industrial end of the capital, a few large war and transport ships berthed for repairs and provisioning.

The duo continued their flight toward the capital until they reached the government stables. Once nearby, Penirskãj slowed as he carefully glided through the aerial entrance for the stables. He flapped his wings aggressively as he touched down onto one of the pads inside. Many other megafaunas of his kind could be seen throughout. The screeching of animals, the chattering Ladkasans, the clicking of machinery, and the broadcasting of holographic message boards filled the air with noise. Despite all this action, the interior of the building was kept fairly clean, with even a few cleaning automatons seen moving about. The stalls for the animals were quite forgiving in their size, with advanced equipment to meet their daily needs and keep the flying creatures healthy. Alioxẽ gracefully leaped off Penirskãj, grasped one of the ropes to guide him, and went over to the nearest display panel to input his information.

A synthetic female Ladkasan voice began to speak from the holographic terminal:

“Aberkãj-Kordus Alioxẽ, of Kãdiokova. Welcome. Please take your fauna to stall... seventeen.”

Alioxẽ tugged on Penirskãj’s lead, and as the voice repeated itself again they walked to their designated stall. There Alioxẽ led Penirskãj inside, made sure all was well, and then took off the saddle and ropes and secured them inside a compartment in the stall. He walked over to the entrance of the stall and tapped a few items on a smaller display to close and secure the door, then quickly waved farewell to the playfully pouting Penirskãj, before finally heading off to a set of doors across the bustling building.

“Hey, Alioxẽ!” shouted another male Ladkasan. He was slightly younger and taller. As he came closer, to Alioxẽ’s trained eye it was apparent he was wearing Sẽnerenan equipment of his own.

“Really now, have you no honor Dvoravis-Velravẽx? We are here on government matters!” Alioxẽ said jokingly back.

“Hey! I think the number of times we have worked and entertained together on Taurus means I can finally call you Alioxẽ now, right? I’m fine with you calling me Bosan,” he stated. Alioxẽ laughed, slowly shaking his head as he gave in, and the two shared a brief moment of camaraderie before finally heading through some doorways toward the streetside entrance of the government stables building.

The streets, although not very wide, contained a lavish mix of Ladkasans with many different colors and styles of clothing, and they wandered or rushed toward wherever their destination might lie. The rare freight vehicle could be seen lumbering across streets between back alleyways, crackling slowly along the pavestones, while a few children ran amuck with the occasional parent shouting behind them. Colorful lanterns and banners sprang out throughout the streetscape, as many different vendors and guilds all reached out to offer their goods and expertise.

“You know, maybe we should head down and see if any of the culinary guilds have prepared anything delicious!” Bosan proclaimed.

“There’s that, but I’ve also heard that Adikãj-Flavkãj is in town this week,” Alioxẽ noted.

“This week? Dude, no way! She’s on tour now? Unless this is a different Adikãj-Flavkãj?” Bosan asked.

“The one and only. But... her concert is at same time as our Sẽnerenan Konselia.” Alioxẽ stated.

“Well that’s a damn shame,” Bosan remarked with annoyance.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll have a chance to fangirl over her another time,” he jocularly replied.

“Hey! Wait a minute! I know you like her music too! Isn’t there any other concert or event of hers going on when the Konselia is /not/ being held?” Bosan said.

“I believe so, I think we might have a chance to see her between the meetings. But for now, let’s get some food before we head back. We don’t have much time,” said Alioxẽ, as they gingerly made their way down the city streets, towards other restaurants.

Part 2

Once Alioxẽ and Bosan had ate their fill, they made their way over toward a grand structure off to the side of the large building of the Congress. This structure, with its many architectural designs on its entryway that portrayed it as a fortress, was the headquarters of the military of Lanadkia. Alioxẽ and Bosan went through this entrance and were quickly met with the routine security checkpoint with holographic displays, sensors, and the robotic LVS soldiers standing guard. Alioxẽ and Bosan both signed in on different holographic displays, passed the sensors, and continued onward through the grand hallway. Amongst them were multitudes of various personnel that moved throughout the building. Many dignified paths exited outward from the main hallway toward the many tasks of the military, with the two most prominent being the Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia Halls, and the Ktakadesẽna Navisia Halls. The former was the home of those who oversee peacebuilding and intelligence operations across the galaxy and at home, while the latter commanded the fleets that patrolled Lanadkia’s part of the galaxy, keeping trade, goods, and people secure.

Alioxẽ and Bosan moved forward through the main entrance of the Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia Halls and walked down its primary corridor until they reached two magnificent doors guarded by two robotic Sẽnerenan LVS soldiers. The soldiers made no move in their presence, but passively watched them. Alioxẽ and Bosan opened one of the doors, and advanced forward into an extravagant lengthened room with sunlight streaming through its large windows onto an elongated table at its center. Seated along the extended sides of the table were multitudes of Sẽnerenans and Anye Sẽnerenans, who discussed amongst themselves. At the other end of the table, across the room from the entrance, sat the Vikonflavian of Lanadkia. He was a middle-aged Ladkasan wearing his formal Vikonflavian attire. Seated on the same end of the table as the Vikonflavian but off to his right side was a similarly aged Ladkasan Sẽnerenan with many medallions and contraptions on his clothing, the Viselan Sẽnerenan. The Vikonflavian read through something on a holographic display while occasionally speaking to the Viselan Sẽnerenan. On the elongated sides of the room behind the Sẽnerenans, were many rows of seating where the several Sẽnerenan vibertans, and other people that worked for the Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia guild of the Ladkasan military, were settled for this Konselia.

The two proceeded over to where the other Sẽnerenan vibertans were sitting and joined them in their conversations. Many of them discussed their previous adventures and missions in their solar systems since the previous Konselia, their plans for the time they are back in the Ethea system, and many other miscellaneous topics.

“I will call this meeting to order,” the Viselan Sẽnerenan proclaimed as the room went from consistent chatter to almost dead silence.

“Welcome everyone to the Ethea system, to our home planet of Nyebo, and to the Capital, Konsanadia. I know there are many stories to be told, but we will as always have time for that later in the Konselia. Sadly, Mahedis-Kritẽx has fallen ill and will not be here today, and his Anye Sẽnerenan was unable to leave their system due to other matters. Flavkãj-Dvorinẽx is unable to be here today for other matters that require her presence, but will likely join us in the final days of the Konselia. That I believe is the full list of Sẽnerenans unable to attend this Konselia that also could not have an Anye Sẽnerenan fill in,” the Viselan Sẽnerenan explained.

A Sẽnerenan at the table spoke up, “if I may ask, wasn’t Flavkãj-Dvorinẽx unable to attend last time?”

“Yes, sadly,” the Viselan Sẽnerenan noted, “but, since there are issues that require her attention this moment, it is permitted. It doesn’t help that she is located far from here, so it’s not a quick journey. Nearest system to hers I believe is Sol.”

“Well, hopefully she can make it to the next Konselia, otherwise she may forget what good Ladkasan cuisine tastes like!” The Sẽnerenan said, as a few around the center table chuckled.

“Perhaps on that note it is her loss, regardless, we will move to the first order of business. This would be to finally appoint an Anye Sẽnerenan to the Sol system since we first established it a few years ago. However, I believe some of you are aware of the mysterious and sudden disappearance of the Sol Sẽnerenan, Mahimẽx-Lukcal. To inform everyone, Mahimẽx-Lukcal was reported from the station control out at Sol to have lost connection on the planet Terra soon after he returned from the previous Konselia. As he never regained connection, and despite some of the efforts of Sol station control, he appears to have gone missing. Since there was no Anye Sẽnerenan for the Sol system, nor a vibertan near completion of training, or any vibertans for that matter, this means we will have to decide on a new Sol Sẽnerenan for the meantime, who could then become the Anye Sẽnerenan once Mahimẽx-Lukcal is found.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan declared.

“No Anye or vibertans? Isn’t Sol where many of our brethren moved to recently after the system-wide war on Taurus and Epsilon Thea several years ago? I would think there would be more resources put there.” A different Sẽnerenan pondered.

“To your first point, that is correct, yes. Several years ago, many of the other factions such as Delkcaia moved there. But as for your second point, Sol has historically been a system that was outside our primary focus until very recently. Sol does not have a threat such as remnants of SMV in Epsilon Thea that we have a required need to assist against. Sol has been historically and still is run by its own intellectual species, Terrans, that do not require the type of need that Sẽnerenans have typically offered, and not to mention it does not provide any significant value given its distance to Ethea.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan noted.

“Will this change?” An older Sẽnerenan asked.

“I have spoken with the Vikonflavian and Congress previously, and there is now appetite to move more resources to the Sol system. In our case this is to appoint both an Anye Sẽnerenan and Sẽnerenan vibertan to the Sol system, with the Anye Sẽnerenan appointment being what we have planned for today. This could be used to increase our presence in the Sol system and further understand the situation there. But now, though, our tasks are to better understand not just Sol, but the situation surrounding Mahimẽx-Lukcal’s disappearance. For this task to be successful, we need a new Sol Sẽnerenan, who preferably has prior experience working within the presence of other Taurans. Once that is done, we will then begin to work on the aforementioned objectives.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan proclaimed.

“Thank you, that answers my question,” the older Sẽnerenan said

“With that in mind, while we would vote on the candidate put forward for the new Sol Sẽnerenan, we first have to initiate him as an Sẽnerenan, which means we will quickly move to our second order of business before returning to our first order of business.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan announced.

Alioxẽ nearly choked when he heard what the Viselan Sẽnerenan stated.

“Well, that is a fun surprise, isn’t it?” Bosan whispered quietly to Alioxẽ while laughing silently to himself.

“I call Aberkãj-Kordus to the front. I also call his system Sẽnerenan Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis to speak on behalf of his position to nominate Aberkãj-Kordus to become a Sẽnerenan.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan announced.

Part 3

Alioxẽ attempted to hide his shock as he walked past the other vibertans toward the entrance end of the center table opposite the Viselan Sẽnerenan and Vikonflavian. Amongst the Sẽnerenans and Anye Sẽnerenans along the table, an older one stood up from being called, ready to speak. A silver plaque on the back of his chair read ‘Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis – Epsilon Thea Sẽnerenan’. Many of the Sẽnerenans and Anye Sẽnerenans looked at information on their holographic displays regarding Aberkãj-Kordus.

“As many of you may be aware, Aberkãj-Kordus is one of three of my vibertans at Epsilon Thea, the others of course being Dvoravis-Velravẽx, and most recently since the last Konselia, Lukcapa-Sakius. Aberkãj-Kordus has proven exceptional talent in understanding the ethos, logos, and pathos of the Sẽnerenan code during his time in Epsilon Thea, and on reconnaissance missions on Taurus. This includes many achievements from stopping an SMV plot to find the migrated Delkcaia peoples, to helping evacuate a previously unknown small group of Ladkasans on Taurus escape to the Ethea system, to name just a few of his achievements on his resume you see before you. His skills are exactly what is needed to understand and resolve what is currently required in the Sol system, and anything else that arises in the future for the Sol system. I thus believe not only that he has successfully completed his apprenticeship and should become an Anye Sẽnerenan, but the Anye Sẽnerenan for Sol.” Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis proclaimed.

“Well wait just a minute Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis, before we start voting for the Sol Anye Sẽnerenan, we first have to vote on his ascension to Sẽnerenan status.” A Sẽnerenan said playfully.

“While I combined my comments for both votes into one, I mean for them to be for the two votes at hand, done in the appropriate order.” Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis said, as he shifted to a subtle hint of sarcasm, “don’t worry, I’m not one to try and break protocol that fast.”

“Understood. Are there any other questions for Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis, or Aberkãj-Kordus?” The Viselan Sẽnerenan asked, as Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis remained standing.

“Yes. For clarification, when the Sol Sẽnerenan Mahimẽx-Lukcal is found, Aberkãj-Kordus will become the Anye Sẽnerenan of Sol? To that point, this vote is more to make him the Anye Sẽnerenan of Sol officially, yes?” An Anye Sẽnerenan asked, as she herself filled in for the Sẽnerenan of the system in which she operated in for the Konselia.

“Correct. Although since the Sẽnerenan is currently missing Aberkãj-Kordus will functionally be the Sẽnerenan, he would officially be the Anye Sẽnerenan until the situation regarding Mahimẽx-Lukcal is resolved.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan explained, before continuing, “any other questions?”

The room remained silent beside the occasional low mechanical rhythm of machines as Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis eventually sat back down.

“In that case, we will now vote for Aberkãj-Kordus’ completion of his viberta.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan proclaimed, as all the Sẽnerenans and Anye Sẽnerenans around the table consulted their holographic displays and voted.

“With the required approval amount, Aberkãj-Kordus has now officially completed his viberta and is now eligible for a position as a Sẽnerenan or Anye Sẽnerenan.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan announced, as a wave of applause is heard around the table and from the rows of Ladkasans along the walls.

“We will now move toward our second vote, which is for Aberkãj-Kordus to become the Sol Anye Sẽnerenan. Per procedure, are there any other questions for Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis or Aberkãj-Kordus?” The Viselan Sẽnerenan inquired as the room once again became silent.

“While I am not saying Aberkãj-Kordus is not qualified, I do ask if there were any other requests put forward for anyone else to become the Sol Anye Sẽnerenan given they would in effect be the Sẽnerenan due to this situation?” A young Sẽnerenan asked.

“No, and that is a result of the current circumstances of having no other vibertans finished their viberta this Konselia, and being eligible for this position. Additionally, all current Sẽnerenans and Vice Sẽnerenans are tasked where they need to be with no extra room to move them around.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan explained.

“Understood, thank you,” the younger Sẽnerenan uttered in response.

“If there are no other questions, we will now vote on Aberkãj-Kordus to become the Sol Anye Sẽnerenan.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan announced, as once again all the Sẽnerenans and Anye Sẽnerenans around the table consulted their holographic displays and voted.

“With the required approval amount, Aberkãj-Kordus is now, officially, the new Anye Sẽnerenan for the Sol system, and for the meantime will act as the Sẽnerenan for the Sol system.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan declared, as a wave of applause once again was heard around the table and from the rows of Ladkasans along the walls.

The Viselan Sẽnerenan nodded at Aberkãj-Kordus from the opposite end of the table, and then began to articulate. “You may seat yourself accordingly as the Sol Anye Sẽnerenan. We will discuss further arrangements after the meeting today.”

Alioxẽ bowed in honor and walked over to a chair with a silver plaque on the back of it that noted ‘Mahimẽx-Lukcal – Sol Sẽnerenan’. A few of the Sẽnerenans nearest to him nodded as he sat down.

The Sẽnerenan Konselia continued as normal with several other orders of business discussed, with the occasional vote as necessary. The Vikonflavian made a few remarks, and then the Viselan Sẽnerenan ended the Konselia for the day.

Part 4

After the Konselia finished for the day, some of Ladkasans inside the magnificent meeting room discussed amongst themselves or left the room to head elsewhere in the Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia Halls. Alioxẽ and Bosan conversed and laughed about a few topics as they went over toward Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis.

“Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis, thank you so much for your application and speech. It was an honor to be your vibertan.” Alioxẽ exclaimed.

“It was the least I could do as it was an honor to have you as my vibertan. With your talents, I think you will do well to further unlock the secrets of Sol.” Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis stated.

Alioxẽ blushed as he nodded back to Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis, and then waved at him and Bosan before eventually heading off toward the Viselan Sẽnerenan as he was gathering a few of his belongings from the table.

“Aberkãj-Kordus, we will meet in my office.” The Viselan Sẽnerenan uttered as he finished what he was doing.

Alioxẽ and the Viselan Sẽnerenan then headed off together down a few hallways until they reached the door for the office of the Viselan Sẽnerenan. The Viselan Sẽnerenan unlocked the door, and the two went inside, with the door automatically closing behind them. The Viselan Sẽnerenan went over and sat down behind his desk, with Alioxẽ sitting down on the opposite side. On the desk were many different contraptions and a few holographic displays, with two silver plaques on the front of the desk. One read ‘Petruvẽx-Kapalis – Viselan Sẽnerenan’, another read ‘Petruvẽx-Kapalis – Ethea Sẽnerenan’.

“Aberkãj-Kordus, I first must say congratulations on your recent ascension to the role of the Sol Anye Sẽnerenan. You have worked hard to achieve it, and Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis views you as the best person for the task. I have no doubt you are the best person for the tasks that lie ahead. I wish you well when you head to Sol after the conclusion of the Konselia.” Petruvẽx-Kapalis proclaimed.

“Thank you. Out of curiosity, by the next Konselia will there be a Sẽnerenan vibertan assigned to me in the Sol system? I do not know how prepared I am for such task, so I wanted to clarify.” Alioxẽ worried.

Petruvẽx-Kapalis laughed quietly. “Don’t worry, while its possible you may get a vibertan after your provisional period as an Anye Sẽnerenan ends, which should be by next Konselia, I cannot say for certain if there will be one assigned. And don’t fret, I believe you have what it takes to help educate a vibertan or two, and you will get extra help once Mahimẽx-Lukcal returns. But until then, you will likely be the sole Sẽnerenan for Sol.”

Alioxẽ responded with a sigh of relief, “I understand, although that also sounds quite lonely.”

“Don’t worry, communication with the Sol system station is good despite its distance. You can always speak with others, although it will be delayed messages rather than in real time. Flavkãj-Dvorinẽx’s system is not too far away from the Sol system, so you could go there occasionally for assistance when needed.” Petruvẽx-Kapalis noted as he looked through the holographic displays on his desk and spoke again. “You already have excellent experience with commanding the LVS robotic soldiers. Since we apparently lost a small amount of our stockpile of LVS soldiers in the Sol system during Mahimẽx-Lukcal’s disappearance, you will be given some more on your travel to the Sol system. On that note, I have sent you all the logs we have regarding Mahimẽx-Lukcal’s disappearance. Look through them, and continue your search from there. You may notice we don’t have many details, which is why I hope your detective skills from Taurus will come in handy here.”

“Thank you. Are there any other important details on Sol and Terra that I should know regarding interacting with Terrans, the other Taurans, or any other intelligent species?” Alioxẽ questioned.

“Nothing that I could summarize quickly or that you wouldn’t already know. You could head over to the Vitasakia to research into all the knowledge we currently have about Sol and Terra, but I also have some information I will be sending you to look through before you leave.” Petruvẽx-Kapalis stated

“I see, I will check out the Vitasakia.” Alioxẽ uttered in response.

“A few last items to address. Firstly, you will be given proper Sẽnerenan equipment when you board the ship to the Sol system, so no more of the limited vibertan instruments you’ve come to love. Although you can keep them if you find them useful. Secondly, as mentioned previously when becoming a new Anye Sẽnerenan, there will be a provisionary period that will last until the next Konselia. Normally it would be the Sẽnerenan that oversees this for their Anye, but since he is missing, I will do it instead. But don’t worry, it never lasts too long unless you mess something up badly. Your ship for Sol will leave in a week after the end of the Konselia from the Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia landing pads. So don’t be late! And finally, there are some documents I have sent you for you to sign before you leave this building today. Any questions?” Petruvẽx-Kapalis asked.

“No, this makes sense to me. Thank you, Petruvẽx-Kapalis. I will get those documents signed before I leave.” Alioxẽ said as he begun to get up out of his chair.

“Very well, good luck Aberkãj-Kordus, for lanmyosea.” Petruvẽx-Kapalis declared as he nodded toward Alioxẽ. Alioxẽ then bowed back as he went out of the office and down a hallway toward a reception area for the Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia Halls to sign a few documents he was sent.

Later, Alioxẽ went to find Akardẽx-Kẽnkieis to speak with him again for some advice as a new Anye Sẽnerenan. After this, he headed off to find Bosan to have some fun around the city until they eventually made it toward some Ktakadesẽna Sẽnerenaia housing to stay the night for the next few weeks of Konselia business. Once the Konselia concluded, Alioxẽ left with Penirskãj for Kãdiokova to be with his family and friends again. It wouldn’t be long until the time to return to Konsanadia arrived, when Alioxẽ would board a VTOL shuttle back to the capital city. There he would get ready for, and eventually set out on, a special ship for the long space journey to the Sol system.