Chapter 708 Xenithar, Home Of The Xyrans (2)
As the ship emerged from the spatial tunnel, a breathtaking sight unfolded before Ashton's eyes. He was greeted by the majestic spectacle of Xenithar, the Xyran homeworld.
It was a planet unlike any other he had ever seen. It was a testament to the Xyrans' advanced technology and scientific prowess, with bustling cities that could be seen even though they were so far from the planet.
Xenithar was massive, nearly seven times the size of Earth, and its sheer scale was awe-inspiring. It dominated the cosmic expanse, a vibrant blue world with sprawling cities and advanced structures that reached toward the heavens.
But that wasn't all. The planet was encircled by a stunning array of eight moons, each radiating with artificial luminosity. These moons were not celestial bodies but artificial constructs created by the Xyrans to accommodate a variety of needs of the Xyran society.
The first moon, Luminara, emitted a soft, soothing glow that bathed the night side of Xenithar in a gentle, ethereal light.
It was relatively smaller in size compared to the others. Still, it held more significance to the traditional populous of the planet as it served as a hub for artistic and cultural activities, as well as hosted its vast libraries that held the collective knowledge of the Xyrans.
The second moon, called Astraforge, was a hub of innovation and technology. It housed laboratories and research facilities where the Xyrans developed cutting-edge technologies and scientific breakthroughs.
It was a moon made of metallic silver and titanium, along with other materials not found on Earth, and radiated a cool, silvery shimmer. It was larger and had a pristine, almost mechanical appearance.
The third moon, Stellacora, was an ivory-coloured moon dedicated to education and served as a learning centre for Xyran scholars and a select few students from across the galaxy who were inducted into Xyran ranks upon graduation. It was moderately sized, around that of Earth's moon and emitted a subtle, warm radiance.
The fourth moon, known as Celestis, was lush green as it was a thriving agricultural haven with lush fields and biodomes that provided sustenance for the Xyran population among Xenithar and its various moons.
It was one of the larger moons and was furthest away from Xenithar. Yet, it was the most well-connected structure on the planet, with ships constantly travelling to and fro from the satellite.
The fifth moon was Novalith, a bustling centre of commerce and trade, which was reflected in its golden glow. It was where merchants from different civilisations and nearby galaxies congregated to exchange goods and ideas.
The sixth moon, Solartis, was a place of recreation and leisure and, hence, was the least advanced among its sister moons.
It was a place where the Xyrans who had retired lived in peace as it offered vast parks, entertainment venues, and stunning relaxing vistas for the rest of their days.
The seventh moon, Nebulos, had a deep sapphire glow and by far the darkest moon. It was because the moon was a massive, intricate network of observatories and astronomical research centres dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos.
The eighth moon, Ignara, the largest of the moons, displayed a regal shade of deep crimson, symbolising its role as the political heart of Xenithar. The Xyran Council also convened here to make crucial decisions that shaped their civilisation. It was also where their ship was headed.
Ashton's gaze was drawn to Ignara, the political heart of the Xyrans. Its gleaming structures and sweeping architecture conveyed a sense of grandeur and authority.
"So, what do you think?" Astaroth teased Ashton as he noticed the shocked expression on his face. "Quite a lot to take in, isn't it?"
"I don't know what to say... this place is much bigger and advanced than I thought," Ashton mumbled as Ibis was done explaining about the moons to him. "But where is the security?"
Ibis smiled and pointed at the asteroid belt surrounding their artificial solar system.
"Every asteroid you see, big or small, either hosts the military academy or a proper base to defend Xenithar," she said. "All the Xyrans had been to one such asteroid to complete their combat training, including Astaroth and myself."
"Damn... is there anything that you folks haven't turned into a colony of sorts?" Ashton joked, and Astaroth shrugged.
"I doubt it," he replied. "Everything that enters this space has a Xyran on it. Funny, isn't it?"
Amid their talks, the Xyran ship continued its descent toward the surface of Ignara, and Ashton let go of his excitement and turned his business mode on.
As exciting as the entire place was, he knew better than to get distracted from his goal. Ibis, watching Ashton's reactions with a warm smile, finally broke the silence once they docked.
"Welcome to the apex civilisation of the galaxy," she said, her tone filled with pride and reverence.
The ship touched down on the surface of Ignara, and the doors hissed open, revealing the bustling cityscape that stretched before them. The Xyran metropolis was a fusion of advanced architecture and natural beauty.
Towering crystalline structures coexisted with lush, meticulously maintained gardens, creating a harmonious blend of technology and nature.
The solar system's artificial sun hung in the sky, casting a warm and soothing radiance over the city. The sun, like the moons, was a testament to the Xyrans' mastery over celestial manipulation. It provided the perfect conditions for life, allowing their advanced civilisation to thrive.
"Come on, let's get going." Ibis nodded, and Astaroth and Ashton followed her while the rest of the crew got busy with repairs.
As they disembarked from the ship, Ibis guided them through the city's bustling streets. Citizens of various species moved about, each engaged in their daily activities, which was the opposite of what Ashton was expecting.
The diversity of life on Ignara was evident in the bustling marketplace, where traders from different species bartered goods to the populous that lived on the planet.
"I thought only the officials were allowed here," Ashton commented.
"They are," Ibis replied. "But their attendants, servants, and families live with them, so every moon is like a planet of its own."
The towering structures of the city were adorned with intricate artwork and designs that reflected the Xyrans' appreciation for aesthetics. It was a city that celebrated form and function, where art and science coexisted harmoniously.
Ashton couldn't help but marvel at the level of sophistication and advancement surrounding him. The Xyrans had achieved a civilisation that was both technologically advanced and deeply rooted in culture and knowledge.
As they moved deeper into the city, they approached the grand citadel, the heart of Xyran governance. The citadel's crystalline spires rose toward the sky, symbolising authority and wisdom.
"Didn't think I'd ever see this place again," Astaroth mumbled, lost in his memories.
"Come on," Ibis said, patting him on the shoulder. "Let's forget about the past and think about the future."
"Right."
With that, they headed inside the building. It was here that the Xyran Council convened to make decisions that shaped the fate of their civilisation and, potentially, the future of the galaxy.
The moment was not lost on Ashton. He was acutely aware of the gravity of their mission and the need to negotiate an alliance with the Xyrans. Earth's destiny, as well as that of countless other worlds, rested in their hands. Ibis turned to them, her eyes filled with determination.
"The council awaits," she said, leading him and Astaroth toward the grand entrance of the citadel. It was time to begin the negotiations that could determine the course of the universe.
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