Orion Voss, twenty-two years old, has no parents and a large inheritance. Described as a playboy, he often goes out to party. Despite their somewhat similar appearance, Bryce and Orion were nothing alike.

Vecarroes and Aitanian people had noticeable differences, each uniquely shaped by their respective planets. Vecarroes tended to be lankier, with sharper facial features, and had an enhanced sense of smell and touch. The most distinctive trait, however, was their bioluminescent teeth and eyes, which glowed in the dark. This unique adaptation was a result of Vecarro’s generally dark environment; low light levels necessitated the development of glowing teeth and eyes to see and communicate nonverbally by flashing light signals. Vecarroan society had even created a complex system of signals, turning their glowing smiles and eyes into a subtle yet powerful language of its own.

On the other hand, Aitanians' most standout trait was their large feet, specifically adapted for their marsh-covered planet to prevent sinking and ankle injuries. They weren’t particularly tall, and their disproportionately large feet often gave them an unusual appearance in Bryce’s eyes. Orion Voss, for instance, had a shoe size of seventeen as outlined in the report, while Bryce's was no more than twelve, a noticeable difference.

Another key physical difference was their skin, which had a slight sheen, resistant to the constant moisture, preventing infections common in swampy conditions. Since Vecarroes were more dry and dusty, they didn’t have any shine.

Aitanians were skilled in water-based activities, with homes built on stilts and floating gardens, reflecting their deep connection with their aquatic surroundings. Aitanian society placed a high value on resilience and community, necessary traits for thriving on their planet.

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In contrast, Vecarroan society had evolved to prioritize stealth and efficiency. Their homes and cities were designed to conserve light and energy, using technology optimized for low-light conditions. The Vecarroes valued quietness and subtlety, traits essential for survival in their dimly lit world. These differences weren’t just physical but deeply ingrained in their cultures, influencing their daily lives, communication, and even military strategies.

For Bryce, these stark differences presented numerous challenges. Not only did he need to adapt to the physical traits of an Aitanian, but he also had to immerse himself in their cultural habits and societal norms, all while maintaining his cover as Orion Voss. This mission was more than just a test of espionage skills; it was a plunge into an entirely different way of life.

Frank explained to Bryce that there wouldn’t be any issue blending in, as they had already planned some workarounds. First, he could minimize the glowing of his teeth with a solution agent their lab manufactured. As for the shoe size, Bryce could use specially designed insoles or customized footwear to increase his shoe size, making his feet appear larger to match Orion’s size seventeen. As for his glowing eyes, he could simply wear contacts. The skin could be mimicked by taking Xeon pills made by the planet Trovi, which admired the shiny skin of the Aitanian people.

Bryce felt there were many holes in this plan, but Frank reassured him, “We will do our best in giving you the most advanced support possible on this mission. I know this is very last minute, and you have not been trained in any sort of infiltration tactics, but we can’t miss this opportunity. You needn’t be worried, and I will be right by your side.” Frank smiled to ease Bryce’s worries, but it was more threatening if anything.

Bryce smiled back politely and reluctantly agreed to the mission. “Good. You’ll get a call soon from the holding area of Orion Voss. You will make an appointment with them in order to meet with Orion and get a better idea of who exactly you’ll be impersonating these next few years.” Frank handed Bryce a few more papers and said his goodbyes. Bryce stared at the door, devoid of any expression. A small voice crept up in the back of his head yelling at him to run; he should have listened.