Page 6 of Solar Bound
Solar absorbed the unfamiliar sights and sounds, cataloging them for later analysis. He felt a pull of energy and naturally followed it. Earth vehicles rumbled along paved pathways. Strange flying creatures made repetitive noise patterns. Humans consumed liquid stimulants at outdoor tables. All were so primitive, yet functioning in their own limited way.
A sudden flare of energy caught his attention. Across an open area came a flash of familiar movement. The fire-manipulating female from yesterday was setting up some kind of display. Her distinctive red hair shone in the sunlight, and her actions had the same fluid grace that had first caught his attention.
Solar changed course immediately, drawn toward this potential source of compatible energy. As he approached, he could see she was arranging metallic objects on a cloth covering. Small implements that gleamed in the sunlight, alongside the fire-spinning tools he'd observed her using before.
The female looked up as he approached, her eyes a unique green color. They narrowed slightly. "Can I help you?"
Her voice had a pleasant resonance frequency. Solar felt his own energy signature responding, his skin brightening beneath the restrictive skin-suit.
"I observed your fire manipulation yesterday," he stated, seeing no reason for deception. "It was adequate."
The female's expression shifted, her mouth tightening. "Gee, thanks, mister. Always nice to hear my art is adequate."
Solar frowned. Had he used the wrong Earth term? His translator should have selected an appropriate descriptive.
"Your technical execution exceeded basic competency parameters," he clarified.
The female stared at him for a moment, then laughed. The sound created interesting harmonic vibrations in the air between them.
"You're either the worst flirt I've ever met or you're not from around here," she said, returning to arranging her implements. "Either way, I'm busy setting up."
"I am not from around here," Solar confirmed, stepping closer to examine her tools. "These are your flame projection devices?"
She glanced up again, studying him more carefully this time. "Yeah. Fire poi, staffs, fans. I do performances at the Crash Zone on weekends, and I sell handmade fire tools here during the day."
"You create these implements yourself?" Solar was genuinely impressed. Manual crafting was rare on Zorveya, where most items were produced through automated molecular assembly.
"Every single one." Pride entered her voice. "I'm Dani, by the way. Dani Ember."
"Em-ber," Solar repeated, recognizing the term from his Earth language data packet. "A particle of fire that remains after the main combustion event. An appropriate designation."
Dani tilted her head, her green eyes narrowing again. "And you are...?"
"Solar Bound," he replied, using his humiliating Earth name despite his distaste for it. He waited to see if she'd recoil.
"Solar," she repeated, a smile forming. "Let me guess, you're one of those performance artists from Burning Man? Here for the vortex festival?"
Solar wasn't sure what burning men or vortex festivals entailed, but he recognized an opportunity when it presented itself.
"Yes," he agreed. "I am very interested in fire manipulation techniques. Perhaps you could demonstrate your methods."
Dani's smile widened. "I don't usually do private lessons, but you caught me in a good mood. I'm doing a fire dance at the Crash Zone tonight. Come by around nine, and if you're genuinely interested, I'll show you some basics after my set."
Solar felt a surge of satisfaction. First contact established, further interaction arranged. His mission was progressing more efficiently than Eclipse's diplomatic fumbling or Lunar's shadow lurking.
"I will come to this Crash Zone at the designated time," he confirmed.
"Great," Dani said, turning her attention back to her display. "Now, if you don't mind, I need to finish setting up before the tourists arrive."
Solar recognized the dismissal but found himself reluctant to leave. Something about this human's energy signature called to his own in a way he hadn't anticipated. Her manipulation of fire indicated an affinity for light and heat that most Earth creatures seemed to lack.
Perhaps this mission wasn't entirely pointless after all.
"Until tonight," he said, stepping back. "Your fire demonstration will be impressive, I'm certain."
Dani looked up one last time, her expression unreadable. "We'll see if you still think so after you've watched me perform."
Solar turned and continued his exploration of the commercial district, but his thoughts remained fixed on the fire-manipulator and their upcoming interaction. This Crash Zone would provide an opportunity to observe human mating behaviors in their natural setting, while also studying this planet’s advanced fire manipulation techniques.
