Page 59 of Solar Bound
"Can he hold it?" Dani asked.
Solar's expression was grim. "Not for long. Not in his depleted state."
The extraction field flared a brilliant white, temporarily overloading their sensors. When the displays cleared, one signature was rising rapidly from the surface.
"Extraction successful," Bob announced. "Lunar is on the dimensional bridge and clear of the atmosphere."
"What about Eclipse and the others?" Dani demanded.
Solar adjusted the sensors, scanning for the familiar energy patterns. "Eclipse created a diversion during the extraction flash. They're moving away from Milano forces."
"But they're still being pursued," Dani observed, watching the Milano signatures reorganizing and giving chase.
"Confirm Harris' pod trajectory," Solar ordered.
Gary checked his instruments. "On course. ETA seven minutes."
Seven minutes. Then Lunar would be here, alone, having left behind the woman who'd somehow cracked through his cold exterior. Dani thought about how that would feel, being ripped away from someone you'd just found, someone who understood you in ways no one else could.
Her hand found Solar's, their fingers intertwining. She couldn't imagine being separated from him now. The thought of it created a physical ache in her chest.
"Eclipse is leading them into the canyon systems," Solar reported, still monitoring the surface. "Using the terrain to break pursuit. Clever tactics for a diplomat."
"Will they escape?" Dani asked.
"Unknown. Milano's technology is sophisticated. But Eclipse knows the desert now. And he's protecting the others." A note of respect entered Solar's voice. "He fights well for one trained in peace."
The docking alert sounded. Through the forward viewport, they could see the small craft wobbling slightly as it aligned with their docking port next to a dark shadow streaking toward the ship.
"That's not a smooth approach," Dani observed.
"Harris' piloting skills are..." Solar paused, searching for a diplomatic word.
"Shit," Dani supplied. "His piloting skills are shit."
"Accurate," Solar agreed.
The small pod connected with a jarring clang that reverberated through the ship. The docking clamps engaged with a grinding sound, suggesting that something wasn't quite aligned properly.
"Successful dock," Gary announced, apparently unconcerned by the mechanical protests. "Our passengers are aboard!"
Dani was already moving toward the airlock, Solar close behind. She needed to see Lunar to understand what had happened and to know if their friends were truly safe.
The airlock opened, and Harris stumbled out. His skin suit was torn in several places, and he looked even more disheveled than usual.
"Pudding!" he announced.
“Pudding indeed,” Bob answered. “Come on, let’s fix your translator.”
Harris began chattering in a strange language, and Bob answered in kind.
Behind him, Lunar flowed into the ship’s port like a liquid shadow. His form was more condensed than usual, pulled tight with control. Even in his alien shape, Dani could read the tension, the carefully suppressed emotion.
"Lunar," she said softly. "I'm so sorry."
The shadow being's form rippled slightly. "The extraction was successful. That is what matters."
"Bullshit," Dani muttered.
