Before Ziak and Kiaz could lead the way, Ethan voiced his concern. "Wait. If you look like… that, won't people see you? It could cause a lot of trouble."
Ziak offered a reassuring smile. "Do not worry, young one. Only individuals with a significant neutrino presence can perceive our true forms and our ship. For the rest of your species, we, and our vessel, exist in a state of… visual neutrality. Invisibility, as you might call it. We can proceed without causing alarm."
As they walked towards Ethan's house, a barrage of questions tumbled from him. "How can you speak my language so perfectly? And what's so special about that tracking device? What was this mission your father was on?"
Kiaz answered, his gaze thoughtful. "Our people, the Nebulans, possess advanced linguistic technology. We utilize a small internal transmitter that analyzes and translates any language we encounter in real-time. It also compiles a comprehensive database of local terminology. As for the tracker," he continued, a hint of pride in his voice, "my father designed it himself. It's uniquely attuned to his specific bio-signature, allowing us to pinpoint his location across vast interstellar distances. However, the signal ceased transmitting while he was on his mission."
Ziak took over, his expression becoming serious. "That mission… it was of critical importance to the Intergalactic Commission. Our father was tasked with the complete extermination of the unhatched eggs of a species known as the Cellucas. They were exceptionally dangerous – highly intelligent, power-hungry, and immensely strong. Their ambition was nothing less than universal domination. The Commission assembled a team of their most skilled operatives for this undertaking, a mission considered near-suicidal. They succeeded, or so we believed, in wiping out the Cellucas threat entirely."