Strobed Men

 
Welcome to Solaris, traveller! This is a slower-than-light science fantasy set in our own solar system.
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strobedman.png
by Annie Stein
  The asylums and enclaves of Mercury's refugees are accustomed to strange robed figures searching of Signs of Ascension for an emerging Keystone of Mercury. None leave as much fear in their wake as the people known as the strobed men.   The arms and extremities of the strobed men are tightly wrapped by black bandages. Slivers of incandescent light erupt from even the smallest slip between them.   Unnaturally tall and thin, the strobed men are silent. They do not speak, mutter, or even breathe. When someone draws their attention, the strobed men seem to lock them into a trance. The victims describe it as a blindingly bright flash followed by wordless interrogation.   One of the recent sightings of the strobed men was on a trans-neptunian outpost. An elderly woman with severe dementia was interrogated, and her eyes were said to be full of stars afterwards.   The Sol Sanitation Union has not confirmed any investigation into these rumours, but their janitors have been observed in the enclave.
Notice: This article is a stub. It may be expanded later!


Cover image: by Annie stein

Comments

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Oct 13, 2023 09:25

It's Luna and Apollo in a trench-coat, holding a lamp. :o


Creator of Araea, Megacorpolis, and many others.
Oct 13, 2023 09:30 by Annie Stein

You figured it out so quick!

Creator of Solaris -— Come Explore!
Oct 13, 2023 15:44 by Chris L

Sinister and creepy! Are we supposed to guess what they are?


Take a look at my Institutions of Learning challenge article.

Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!

Oct 13, 2023 15:55 by Annie Stein

Thank you! If you'd like to guess, feel free! I tried to leave it a bit subtle and up for debate, but I'm sure some of you know exactly what I'm doing here.

Creator of Solaris -— Come Explore!
Oct 13, 2023 18:57 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Actually terrifying. I hope they are not secretly angels. D:

Emy x
Explore Etrea
Oct 13, 2023 19:02 by Annie Stein

Thank you! I hope so too

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Nov 6, 2023 15:39 by Rin Garnett

I, for one, welcome our new disco ball overlords.

Nov 6, 2023 16:06 by Annie Stein

omg i ugly laughed at that

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Jan 2, 2024 14:38 by Amélie I. S. Debruyne

Very sus... Totally not angels of course :p

To see what I am up to: my Summer Camp 2024.
Jan 2, 2024 14:49 by Annie Stein

radiantly: hello fellow humanoids

Creator of Solaris -— Come Explore!
Jun 30, 2024 14:52 by Marjorie Ariel

Nope. Not creepy at all.

Jul 1, 2024 08:36 by Annie Stein

Just a friendly neighbourhood watcher, nothing more!

Creator of Solaris -— Come Explore!