Page 23 of Eclipse Bound
Rowan's expression softened with understanding. "With you gone, they think they can have more control over the situation."
"That is my assessment, yes." Eclipse took another sip of wine, noting how the liquid blurred the edges of his energy containment. "The Peacemaker Council framed this as our last hope for peace, but I believe they may have already decided conflict is inevitable."
Their food arrived, momentarily pausing the conversation. Eclipse examined the grilled vegetables and fish with curiosity before attempting to mimic Rowan's use of the metal implements.
"So you're political exiles," Rowan summarized after the server departed.
"In effect, though not officially," Eclipse agreed. "Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides was contracted as a convenient mechanism for our removal. Their incompetence was likely an unanticipated factor."
Rowan laughed softly, though there was little humor in it. "Exiled to Earth through an interstellar dating service. That's a new one."
"And yet, despite the circumstances, I find this exile increasingly acceptable," Eclipse said, meeting her gaze.
A slight flush colored Rowan's cheeks. "Because of our compatible biorhythms?"
"That is part of it," Eclipse acknowledged. "But there is more. Your world has variables we lack on Zorveya. The cycling of light and dark. The adaptation to change. The acceptance of differences." He gestured toward the now-darkened landscape, where lights from the town below created a mirror of the stars above. "Solar and Lunar experience both day and night here. On our world, they never would. Unless the other side took them prisoner."
Rowan seemed to consider this as she ate. After a moment, she asked, "Do you think they sent you here hoping you'd never return?"
"The possibility exists," Eclipse admitted. "Though I believe they anticipated our eventual repatriation, chastened and marginalized by our failed mission."
"But what if the mission doesn't fail?" Rowan challenged. "What if you actually succeed in proving different kinds can coexist?"
Eclipse's expression turned thoughtful. "That would create a significant political complication for those advocating war."
"Which means you three and your human connections might be in danger if you actually accomplish what you were sent to do," Rowan concluded.
He didn't like to think that his presence in her life would put her in danger.
They continued to talk, the conversation moving easily between them. The implications hung unspoken as they continued their meal. Eclipse found himself appreciating not just the harmonic resonance of Rowan's energy field, but the quick precision of her mind. She grasped political complexities without the benefit of knowing Zorveyan history or culture.
"Your insight is remarkable," he noted. "Have you had experience with political exile?"
Something flickered in Rowan's expression, but was quickly concealed. "Not exactly, but I understand what it's like when systems turn against individuals."
"You have personal experience with this," Eclipse observed.
Rowan took a longer sip of wine before responding. "I used to be a journalist. Investigative reporting for a major newspaper in Phoenix."
"This is no longer your profession," Eclipse stated rather than asked.
"No." Rowan carefully set down her glass. "My last big story was an exposé on corporate corruption. A company called Milano Enterprises was diverting funds from its charitable foundation to finance some questionable research. I had sources, documentation, everything needed for a solid story."
Eclipse noted how her energy patterns shifted as she spoke, creating dissonance that suggested emotional distress despite her controlled tone.
"The story never ran," she continued. "My editor killed it. Then I was reassigned to cover society events. When I pushed back, I was fired. My sources disappeared or recanted. The documentation I'd gathered vanished from my locked desk. The only good thing about it was a breakup with a non-supportive boyfriend."
"This Milano enterprise retaliated against you," Eclipse concluded.
"Within a month, I'd lost my job, my reputation, and my apartment burned down under suspicious circumstances that could never quite be proven as arson." Rowan's voice remained steady, but her hand tightened around her wine glass. "I got the message. So I left Phoenix and came here, where my college roommate helped me get the job at the retreat."
"You were exiled for revealing the truth," Eclipse said.
"Truth is dangerous to people with power and secrets," Rowan said with a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Sound familiar?"
The parallel to his own situation was unmistakable. "Indeed."
Their conversation paused as the server cleared their plates and offered a selection of desserts. Rowan selected something called chocolate lava cake for them to share, explaining it was mandatory for first dates on Earth.
