The Nebula Nighthawk is a state-of-the-art ship designed for fast and efficient interstellar travel, but the journey to Aquillon took longer than expected.

One of the most striking features of Aquillon is its sky, a deep shade of violet filled with swirling clouds of glittering silver and gold. The planet's sun, a bright yellow star, shines dimly through the violet haze, creating a surreal and beautiful atmosphere.

As Nebula set the ship down in the hangar, a humanoid creature with blue skin, large, almond-shaped eyes, and long, slender fingers met them instantly. Umbra had told Nebula that their fingers had been adapted for swimming and grasping objects underwater, and they lived in small underwater cities built into the coral reefs and kelp forests that dot the ocean floor. The inhabitants of Aquillon are skilled artisans and craftsmen, creating intricate sculptures and jewellery out of colourful seashells and precious gems.

"Greetings, land-dwellers. You have arrived on Aquillon, our aquatic home. For the safety and harmony of our planet, we request that you refrain from bringing any weapons onto our waters. Additionally, a fee of three hundred stellar shards is required for docking in our hangar," spoke the creature with gills, its iridescent scales shimmering in the underwater light.

"Outrageous," muttered Umbra.

Reluctantly, Nebula withdrew the stellar shards from her pouch on her belt and handed them over, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention to their arrival.

Umbra led them to an elevator that would take them deep into the heart of the undercity. Aquillon was a marvel of modern engineering and technology, a vast, sprawling metropolis that spans across the ocean floor, designed to accommodate the needs of both Aquillon species and other species that could not survive underwater.

The city is accessible and navigable for non-Aquillon species, with a combination of underwater vehicles, advanced transportation systems, and walkways that connect different parts of the city. The domed structures are made of durable and transparent materials that allow natural light to filter through, creating a breathtaking underwater vista that residents and visitors can enjoy.

Umbra was unsure where the device was or where his friend resided on the planet, but like any planet, the local cantina was a good place to start.

Nebula and Umbra entered the cantina, their eyes scanning the dimly lit room for any sign of their friend. They were desperate to find him before the dread found him; perhaps they were too late.

As they made their way through the crowded room, Nebula brushed against a stranger's back, causing him to spin around and confront her. He was a hulking humanoid species known as the Vaskari with shimmering, iridescent skin that shifted colours in the light. He stood at over seven feet tall, with long, powerful limbs and a muscular build that made him appear imposing even without his armour.

"Graaaahh... What... do... you... think... you... are... doing?" the Vaskari snarled, with a deep guttural growl.

"We're just looking for a friend. I suggest you go back to your drink," Nebula said, trying to keep her voice steady. "We mean no harm."

The Vaskari humanoid sneered at her, his scaly claw curling into a fist. "You dares trespass our domain and expect to act with impunity?" he hissed, his eyes flashing with a fiery glint. "Such impertinence shall not go unpunished."

Nebula and Umbra exchanged a nervous glance; they had no weapons and were clearly outmatched. But they couldn't back down now; they had to find their friend. Nebula knew that the inhabitants of Aquillon are a peaceful and intelligent species that would not take kindly to a brawl in a bar, with all three of them likely being tried and executed.

Nebula reached into her utility belt and retrieved a small metallic disc. She flicked it off to the left of where they stood, motionless in deadlock, as the looming Vaskari scowled at both of them.

Within seconds, there was a blinding flash of light and a deafening boom, disorienting everyone. Nebula reopened her eyes and grabbed Umbra's arm, pulling him into a nearby hallway. They quickly exited the cantina through the back door.

"So, how are we going to find your friend and avoid that Vaskari who wants to kill us?" Nebula asked.

Umbra paused for a moment, contemplating their next move. "I've got an idea," he finally said.

He led Nebula to a storefront selling exotic aquatic species, which were hung by their tails. Nebula looked confused. "Now's not the time for food," she remarked.

"No, this is Nautron's uncle," Umbra replied confidently. "Let me do the talking."

The shopkeeper provided them with directions to Nautron's living quarters in the Coral Nexus district. They navigated through the bustling marketplaces filled with exotic aquatic goods and technology until they finally arrived at the apartment block where Nautron lived.