Page 59 of Eclipse Bound
"So this is it," she said softly, looking around the clearing. "Just wait for the spaceship and... what? They beam you up?"
Her attempt at humor didn't mask the pain in her voice. Eclipse felt it resonating through their connection, mirroring his own internal discord.
"What is this beam up?" he asked.
"Doesn't matter," she whispered.
"Galaxy Brides uses dimensional fold technology. The extraction creates a temporary bridge between spatial coordinates," he explained, his thoughts flowing directly to her.
"Like a wormhole?"
"Similar, though less stable."
Lunar moved silently around the perimeter, his shadow essence extended to detect any approaching threats. Poppy followed a few steps behind, her expression unreadable in the dim light.
"Milano is expanding their search grid. We have perhaps thirty minutes before they reach this sector," Lunar reported.
Harris fidgeted nervously, checking and re-checking a small device that resembled a pocket watch. "Thirteen minutes to the extraction window. All must be ready."
Eclipse sensed Rowan's increasing tension. Her energy signature pulsed with anxiety, grief, and a determination that puzzled him. What was she planning?
"Rowan," he projected gently. "We must discuss?—"
"No," she cut him off, stepping away slightly. "Let's not do the goodbye speech yet, okay? They're not even here. We have time." A tear slipped over her cheek. "We were supposed to have more time."
Eclipse wanted to respect her wish, though the words he needed to say pressed against his consciousness. "Rowan, I?—"
Lunar approached with purpose. "I require a moment of your attention, Eclipse."
His shadow form had condensed into its most humanoid appearance.
Eclipse inclined his head in acknowledgment.
"I have completed an analysis of our mission parameters and outcomes," Lunar began. "The experiment was designed to prove that opposing forces could coexist harmoniously when removed from their natural environment and given a common purpose."
"That is correct," Eclipse confirmed what they both already knew.
Eclipse waited, sensing there was more to Lunar's statement than a mission summary.
"However," Lunar continued, his shadow essence rippling slightly, "I have reached an unexpected conclusion. The connection formed with my Earth counterpart has created a harmonious resonance that exceeds mission parameters."
Eclipse felt a surge of surprise. For Lunar to speak so openly about his feelings for Poppy was unprecedented. The shadow-dwellers of the Lunaris Zone were known for their emotional reserve.
"What I mean to say," Lunar struggled uncharacteristically with his words, "is that I wish to remain on Earth."
The declaration hung in the air between them. Harris made a small choking sound.
"Not possible," the Galaxy Brides representative protested. "Extraction coordinates programmed for three entities. Eclipse, Lunar, Harris."
"Then reprogram for two," Lunar replied coolly. "I have made my choice."
Eclipse studied his companion, sensing the resolution in his energy pattern. This was no impulsive decision.
"The council will consider this abandonment of duty," Eclipse warned.
"Yes," Lunar agreed simply. "They will."
"They may declare you exiled permanently."
