Page 22 of Eclipse Bound
As they drove away from the retreat, Eclipse observed how she handled the vehicle with easy confidence, navigating the winding roads with practiced precision. The sunset continued its spectacular display, painting the landscape in ever-changing hues.
"I've arranged for us to have dinner at a place called Luciérnaga," Rowan said. "It's on a ridge with a good view, relatively private, and the food is excellent. I thought you might appreciate the panorama."
"You have considered my preferences with remarkable accuracy," Eclipse noted. "Just as you did with the accommodations for Solar and Lunar."
"I'm good at reading people," she replied with a shrug. "Part of my job. Though I admit, aliens are a new challenge."
They drove in comfortable silence for several minutes, ascending higher into the red rock landscape. Eclipse found himself studying Rowan's profile, the way the fading light played across her features, the subtle energy patterns that radiated from her physical form.
"You're staring," she said without taking her eyes off the road.
"I am observing," Eclipse corrected. "Your biorhythms have unique harmonic patterns. They create resonance fields that interact with my own energy in ways I had not previously experienced."
Rowan glanced at him briefly, her expression amused. "Is that your scientific way of saying you find me attractive?"
"Attraction is an inadequate term for the phenomenon," Eclipse replied. "I do not think humans have the perfect words to explain it. But yes, it encompasses part of the experience."
They arrived at the restaurant, a structure of glass and stone that seemed to emerge organically from the red rock cliffside. Inside, a host greeted them and led them to a table on the patio overlooking the valley, where the last rays of sunlight illuminated the landscape in gold.
"Ms. Clark, we have your requested table," the host said with practiced courtesy. "Your server will be with you shortly."
Once they were seated, Eclipse took in the panoramic view. "This location provides optimal observation of both geological formations and atmospheric conditions."
Rowan smiled as she unfolded her napkin. "And the food's pretty good too."
A server approached with water and recited a list of fermented grape beverages Eclipse recognized as alcohol. Rowan selected something called a cabernet, then helped Eclipse navigate the menu, explaining various Earth food preparations and ingredients.
"I recommend the grilled vegetables and perhaps the fish," she suggested. "Based on what you told me about your dietary needs, those might align best with your metabolism."
When the server departed with their selections, Eclipse found himself studying the other humans in the restaurant. They seemed oblivious to his non-Earth origins, accepting his presence without question despite his slightly unusual appearance.
"Your skin-suit is holding," Rowan noted when she found him studying his arm. "Though it's thinning around the eyes. And the star-like quality of your gaze is noticeable."
"Does it concern you?" Eclipse asked.
"No," she answered honestly. "I find it beautiful. But we should be careful. Others might start to notice."
Their wine arrived, and Rowan demonstrated the ritual of tasting before acceptance. Eclipse followed her example, finding the liquid complex and not unpleasant, though it created unusual energy patterns in his system that would require monitoring.
"So," Rowan said after they'd both sampled the beverage, "diplomatic mission aside, why are you really here, Eclipse?"
The directness of her question caught him off guard. "The mission parameters were as I explained."
"Yes, I know the official story," she said, leaning forward slightly. "Three aliens sent to Earth to prove different kinds can get along by finding human mates. But there's more to it, isn't there? I can see it in your eyes when you talk about your world."
Eclipse considered his response carefully. The mission was classified, yet Rowan had already demonstrated both trustworthiness and remarkable perception.
"The situation on Zorveya is more complex than I initially conveyed," he admitted. "The tensions between the Solarus and Lunaris zones have escalated beyond diplomatic solutions. War is imminent. That will leave us vulnerable to outside attack. Other aliens who want to harvest minerals will likely return and attempt to take over again. We’ll be weakened, and they will succeed. My world will be wiped out within five Earth years."
"And sending you three away is supposed to help how?" Rowan asked, skepticism evident in her tone.
"Officially, our success would demonstrate that cooperation is possible between the sides when we have a shared purpose," Eclipse explained. "There is a misperception on my planet that the sides cannot be around each other due to varying energy signatures, and that too long of an exposure period causes sickness. I think it’s an excuse not to try, rather than an actual genetic phenomenon. However, I suspect our selection was strategic for other reasons. Solar is a high-ranking member of the Solarus Elite Guard. Lunar has connections to the Shadow Intelligence Network. Both would be influential voices in any military conflict. If we convince them that they can work together, it’ll make them advise their people toward peace instead of war. Hatred runs deep. There are those who would rather die than compromise."
"And you?"
"I had submitted a transfer request from the diplomatic corps," Eclipse admitted. "After sixty cycles of mediating the same arguments with diminishing results, I had become disillusioned. I think my being sent here is a punishment for leaving."
He was surprised he admitted it out loud.
