Page 58 of Eclipse Bound
Rowan stirred beside him, her eyes opening slowly. When she saw his more coherent form, relief washed over her face.
"You're better," she said, reaching out to touch his now-solid shoulder.
"Recovering," he confirmed, their connection allowing direct communication.
Rowan smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Good. We're going to need you at full strength for tonight."
Eclipse sensed the conflict within her. She felt joy at his recovery, but it was mixed with dread at their imminent separation.
He found his voice, and started to say, "Rowan, I?—"
A sharp knock at the door interrupted him. Poppy pulled off her headphones, eyes wide with alarm. Lunar's shadow form immediately expanded, preparing for defense.
"Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides," Lunar identified, moving toward the door.
Poppy held up a hand to stop him. "Wait. How do you know it's Galaxy Brides? We should be careful. It could be a trap."
“I don’t think Milano would knock on the door,” Rowan countered.
Eclipse gathered his strength, preparing to defend them if necessary. His essence was still fragile, but he would not allow harm to come to Rowan or the others.
Lunar approached the door cautiously, his shadow essence extending to sense what lay beyond. After a moment, he nodded. "It is Galaxy Brides.”
He opened the door to reveal a single figure.
"Harris?" Eclipse recognized the trainee who had piloted their ship during the crash landing. The smaller yellow alien wore what appeared to be a partially scorched Earth business suit.
"Emergency extraction protocol enacted," Harris announced, his translator functioning properly for once. "Location discovered. Milano forces are converging. Must depart immediately."
Rowan rose to her feet. "I thought the extraction wasn't until later. We were supposed to have more time."
"Emergency backup plan activated. Primary extraction compromised. Milano knows all contingencies," Harris said, his huge eyes blinking rapidly. "Bob and Gary detected the Milano communication pattern. They prepare an ambush at both primary and secondary locations. And three backup locations. Also, the place we like to order pizza from."
Eclipse exchanged glances with Lunar.
"Transport waiting one kilometer north. Must hurry," Harris said.
Eclipse gathered his essence, preparing to move, but a wave of weakness washed over him. He was still far from his full strength.
Rowan steadied him, her hand finding the most solid part of his form. "Can you make it?"
"Yes. With help."
"I've got you," she promised, supporting him as he struggled to maintain cohesion.
Poppy quickly gathered supplies while Lunar conferred with Harris about the extraction details. Eclipse focused on conserving his strength for the journey ahead.
As they prepared to leave, he became acutely aware that these might be his final moments on Earth with Rowan. The thought created discord in his energy patterns. This was not how he wanted their time together to end.
Chapter
Sixteen
The extraction point was nothing more than a small clearing in the desert, unremarkable except for a cluster of unusual rock formations that reminded Eclipse of the crystalline structures in the Twilight Belt back home. As Harris led them toward it, the first hints of dawn colored the eastern sky. It felt like appropriate timing for a diplomat perpetually caught between light and darkness.
"Coordinates match," Harris confirmed, his enormous eyes scanning the surroundings. "Extraction window opens in seventeen Earth minutes. Give or take."
Eclipse moved carefully, conserving his still-depleted energy. The journey from the cabin had been arduous, forcing them to take a circuitous route to avoid Milano's search patterns. Rowan remained close by his side, her occasional touch helping to stabilize his fluctuating form.
