Page 12 of Solar Bound
Solar blinked in the bright sunlight, absorbing the radiation.
"The suite was originally designed for celebrity guests who wanted privacy," Rowan explained as they walked along a stone path.
"Your terms?" Solar asked, wondering why this female would help them.
"I used the cash you gave me and paid for a week upfront," she replied. "If anyone asks, you’re listed under the Eclipse Group."
They approached a low structure built into the red rock, its design allowing it to blend almost seamlessly with the natural landscape. Solar had to admit it was an improvement over Crimson Rock Inn, particularly when Rowan unlocked the door to reveal spacious interiors with separate areas of light and shadow.
"The east-facing room gets morning sun," Rowan said, glancing at Solar. "The west room stays shaded most of the day and has blackout curtains," she added, nodding to Lunar. "And the center room has adjustable lighting."
Perfect for their respective biological needs. Perhaps this human was more perceptive than Solar had given her credit for.
"I'll leave you to get settled," Rowan said, placing a set of keys on a table. "There's a private entrance code for the gate. No one will disturb you here."
"I should go as well," Poppy said, glancing at Lunar. "But I'd like to bring you something tomorrow. A proper welcome basket."
"That would be acceptable," Lunar replied before either Eclipse or Solar could object.
"Convenient that you've both found humans who accept our true nature so readily," Solar observed with suspicion once the females left. "While I alone maintain mission protocol."
Dani, of course, was a completely different scenario. He'd approached her but didn't tell her he was from outer space.
"Your light emissions are hardly maintaining protocol," Lunar pointed out. "You've damaged electronics in two separate locations now that we know of."
Solar felt his skin warming with irritation. "At least I'm not lurking in food holding chambers with random Earth females."
"Enough," Eclipse interjected. "We have suitable accommodations now. We should focus on the next phase of our mission."
"Finding mates," Solar stated flatly. "Although it seems you two have already begun that process."
"I have no interest in mating with Poppy," Lunar said, though Solar noted a slight shift in his shadow pattern that suggested uncertainty. "Her perceptive abilities simply warrant investigation."
"And Rowan is merely facilitating our mission," Eclipse added, a little too quickly.
Solar moved to the east-facing windows, where sunlight streamed in unobstructed. He absorbed the radiation, feeling his energy reserves replenishing. The room assignments were logical. Light for him, darkness for Lunar, and the balanced middle for Eclipse. Just like their home world.
He missed home. He missed the energy of his people.
“I think you’re envious because you have not had a female show interest,” Lunar said.
He instantly thought of Dani.
"I have an engagement tonight," Solar answered. "At The Crash Zone."
"With whom?" Eclipse asked.
"A fire manipulator," Solar replied, "who demonstrates flame control techniques that may be useful for our understanding of Earth combat capabilities. If we are trapped here, we will need to defend ourselves."
"Her name?" Lunar asked, a hint of amusement in his cold voice.
Solar hesitated. "Dani Ember."
Eclipse raised an eyebrow.
"It's research," Solar protested. "Unlike you two, I haven't forgotten why we're here."
Eclipse sighed. "Be careful. And try not to cause any more disturbances."
