Page 13 of Eclipse Bound
"Of course," Lunar murmured, a hint of knowing in his night-dark eyes.
"The corporation's representatives are still missing," Eclipse changed the subject. "Their communication silence is concerning."
"Concerning, but not surprising," Solar snorted. "They couldn't navigate a straight path through open space."
"The human overlord network indicates unusual activity near our landing site," Lunar said, holding up a primitive Earth device. "They call this device a phone. I've been monitoring their information streams."
Eclipse examined the device Lunar offered. The screen displayed what appeared to be a social platform filled with blurry images of their crash and wild speculation about aliens. He sent his energy into the device to move around the various parts of the internet viewing port. An Earthman's face appeared as if the device belonged to him.
Eclipse pulled the energy stone from his pocket. “As have I.”
"The authorities say we are a publicity stunt," Lunar continued, taking the device back. "Or a weather balloon. Or something called swamp gas emissions. Their theories are creative. Apparently, there is also something called mass hysteria on this planet. One person has a thought, and it spreads like a disease."
"Good," Eclipse said. "Confusion and competing narratives will work in our favor. However, you should dispose of that device. Humans appear very attached to them, and I am sure the owner will come looking."
Lunar kept hold of it but nodded.
"Speaking of confusion," Solar interjected, "what exactly is this?" He held up a small paper card that read "Continental Breakfast, 6-9AM. Lobby Level."
"I believe it's an invitation to a feeding ritual," Eclipse said, remembering the information packet Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides had provided. "Humans require regular nutrient intake."
"As do we," Lunar pointed out. "The corporation promised that compatible sustenance would be available."
"There's a vending machine down the hall," Solar said. "I examined it earlier. It contains packages of various substances, but requires small metal discs to operate."
"We have currency," Eclipse reminded them, pulling out one of the packets of “cash" they'd been given. "We should attempt to blend in by participating in their morning feeding. Perhaps you can find a mate there."
"And then?" Lunar asked.
"Then we wait for Rowan," Eclipse said. "She will either help us or not, but we must be prepared for either outcome. Our mission objectives remain clear. We must attempt to find compatible humans, demonstrate cooperative behavior, and not alert Earth authorities to our true nature."
"Simple," Solar said dryly.
"Impossible," Lunar corrected.
Eclipse looked between them, wondering if they realized how similar they sounded despite their differences. Most of the time, he believed they argued just to be contrary.
"Get some rest," he told them. "Tomorrow we begin our Earth adaptation in earnest."
“I’m not tired. The light is finally bearable,” Lunar said.
“Try,” Eclipse ordered.
His companions retreated to their respective corners. Solar stayed in the lamplight. Lunar draped a blanket over the furniture and crawled underneath. Eclipse sat on the edge of the uncomfortable human sleeping platform and removed the energy stone from his pocket.
He activated the holographic projector with a touch, keeping the illumination low to avoid disturbing the tenuous peace. The image of Zorveya appeared, spinning slowly in the air before him. He zoomed in on the Twilight Belt, the narrow strip of habitable land between eternal day and endless night where he'd spent his life maintaining the balance.
Eclipse stared at it for a long time, wondering if he was doing the right thing. The Peacemaker Council had given him this mission as his last assignment, but he couldn't help feeling there was more to their decision than they'd revealed.
With a sigh, he deactivated the projector and lay back on the bed, his mind still filled with the image of Rowan's startled face when she'd reached into the hologram. She'd been frightened, yes, but also curious.
If only he could be certain she wouldn't report them to Earth authorities, and blow any chance they had at getting home.
Chapter
Five
Rowan had almost convinced herself that last night had been a dream.
