Page 35 of Eclipse Bound
"His shadow-walking abilities are enhanced in darkness," Eclipse explained. "A wise precaution."
"So what do we do until then?" Dani asked.
"We prepare defenses, gather intelligence on Milano's activities, and develop contingency plans for multiple scenarios," Solar said.
"I can help with the intelligence part," Rowan offered, trying to meet Eclipse’s gaze. There was so much she suddenly wanted to say to him, but couldn’t. It wasn’t the right time. "I still have contacts who might know what Milano is up to locally."
Solar nodded, as if appreciating her tactical thinking.
"We should also prepare for the possibility that Galaxy Brides' extraction may be compromised," he added. "If Milano has tracking capability for alien technology, they may detect any attempt to remove us from Earth."
"So we're talking about a potential showdown," Dani summarized. "Aliens versus shadowy government contractors."
"A scenario I had hoped to avoid," Eclipse admitted. "Our mission was supposed to be a peaceful cultural exchange."
"Sometimes peace isn't an option," Solar replied. "Sometimes you must fight to protect what matters."
Rowan didn't speak as she studied the others. This was bigger than just a few lost aliens. This was about stopping a corporation with near-unlimited resources from getting its hands on advanced alien technology.
Plus, she had to admit, she’d enjoy the chance to take them down after what they did to her.
"Okay," she said, taking charge. "We need a plan. First, we need to secure this location. Second, we need intel on Milano's movements. Third, we need to coordinate with Lunar and Poppy to ensure their safe arrival."
Eclipse finally met her eyes, and Rowan felt that familiar pulse of energy between them.
"I've covered war zones," she explained with a shrug. "Different kind of conflict, same basic principles."
Dani had moved to the window, peering out through the blinds. "Do you think they'd try something here? At the retreat with all these witnesses?"
"If they're as desperate as they seem, witnesses won't matter," Rowan said grimly. "They'd just spin it as arresting dangerous individuals. They've got PR people who can make kidnapping sound like public service."
Solar's golden form brightened with what Rowan had come to recognize as agitation. "I require direct combat data. What weapons do these Milano operatives typically employ?"
"Based on what I uncovered before they shut me down, they have access to military-grade hardware. Think tranquilizer darts, stun weapons, maybe even specialized containment equipment if they've dealt with non-humans before." Rowan turned to Eclipse. "Your energy form, can it be contained by physical barriers?"
"Certain energy-dampening fields would be effective," Eclipse confirmed. "Though Earth technology should not be capable of generating such fields."
"Unless they reverse-engineered something from previous alien encounters," Rowan pointed out. “Or even scavenged equipment. I think we have to assume they have tools we don’t know about.”
The realization hung heavy in the air. There was no telling what capabilities they might have developed.
"I agree. We should assume the worst," Dani said, crossing her arms. "That they can track you, catch you, and contain you."
"Then we must ensure they do not have the opportunity," Solar declared. "I will scout the perimeter of this facility."
"No," Eclipse and Rowan said simultaneously.
Rowan continued, "You're the most visible of the three. Your energy creates electrical disturbances. If they have any kind of detection equipment, you'll set it off like a Christmas tree."
"Christmas tree?" Solar frowned in confusion.
"Bright lights, very noticeable," Dani explained. "She's right. You'd be spotted immediately."
Eclipse nodded. "I should conduct reconnaissance instead. My twilight energy signature is more adaptable, less detectable in transitional light conditions."
Rowan felt a stab of fear at the thought of Eclipse out there, potentially exposed to Milano's operatives. "Or we could use perfectly normal humans who won't register on alien detection equipment."
"That would place you in danger," Eclipse objected.
