Page 21 of Solar Bound
“Try mine.” She offered her mug.
He braced himself, but obliged her by taking a sip. The taste was much better. “Yes. This one is acceptable.”
“Alien man likes his coffee black,” Dani said as she went back to the kitchen. She returned with a new mug.
Solar took another sip. His body was already converting the compounds into useful energy, though the process was inefficient compared to direct solar absorption.
"You have adapted to self-sufficiency at an early age," he observed, returning to their previous conversation. "This demonstrates notable survival capability."
Dani's expression softened slightly. "Most people say it's sad, not impressive."
"Survival is always impressive," Solar stated definitively. "On Zorveya, independence is valued, particularly in the Solarus Zone where resource competition can be intense."
"What about family?" Dani asked. "Don't your people care about that?"
"Family units are important for initial development and resource allocation," Solar explained. "But ultimate loyalty belongs to the zone. I have siblings whom I help to resource, but our connections are formalized through zone hierarchy rather than emotional bonds."
Dani considered this, sipping her coffee. "Sounds lonely."
The concept gave Solar pause. Loneliness was not a state recognized in Solarus culture. Isolation, yes, as a tactical disadvantage. But the emotional component Dani implied was unfamiliar.
"It is efficient," he said finally. "Emotional attachments complicate tactical decision-making."
"So says the alien who's having breakfast in bed with a human woman after a night of mind-blowing sex," Dani pointed out with a small smile.
Solar couldn't argue with the factual accuracy of her statement. His presence here directly contradicted standard Solarus protocols regarding mission parameters and interpersonal engagement. Yet he found himself unwilling to correct the discrepancy.
"My behavior has become inconsistent with standard operating procedures," he acknowledged. "Your energy signature creates exceptions."
Dani's smile widened. "I'm your exception?"
Before Solar could respond, a sharp electronic tone sounded from somewhere in the tangled bedding. Dani frowned, setting down her coffee to search for the source.
"That's not my phone," she muttered, finally locating a small device partially hidden beneath a pillow. "Is this yours?"
Solar recognized the communication unit Gary had given him before abandoning them on Earth. The device had been silent since their arrival, its sudden activation potentially significant.
"Yes," he confirmed, taking it from her. “It must have fallen off my head.”
The screen displayed an unfamiliar symbol, pulsing in a pattern that indicated urgent contact. Solar pressed his thumb against the recognition pad, activating the secure communication protocol.
A holographic projection emerged from the device, flickering before stabilizing to display Gary's yellow face. The image was distorted, suggesting transmission difficulties.
"Solar. Thank the cosmic constants," Gary's voice crackled with static. "We've been trying to reach you for hours."
"You abandoned us on this planet with minimal resources and inadequate skin-suits," Solar reminded him, his tone hardening. "Your concern seems belated."
"Yes, well, about that," Gary shifted uncomfortably. "There have been complications. The ship required more extensive repairs than anticipated, and then there was an unfortunate incident occurred with local wildlife. Did you know Earth has creatures called mountain lions that are neither mountains nor lions? Quite aggressive. They chewed on Harris."
"State your purpose," Solar demanded, his patience for the alien's rambling explanations exhausted.
Gary's expression turned serious, the change notable even through the distorted projection. "You're being tracked. All three of you. We've detected multiple Earth scanning technologies focusing on the crash site and spreading outward. Someone knows you're there and is actively searching."
Solar's combat instincts immediately activated, his skin brightening with battle-readiness. Beside him, Dani watched with wide eyes, clearly able to see and hear the holographic communication. His inept tour guide's translator spoke in her native language.
"What kind of tracking technology?" Solar asked, already calculating defensive options.
"Satellite surveillance, electromagnetic sensors, ground-based teams with specialized equipment," Gary listed. "Far beyond typical Earth capabilities. We believe it's an organization called Milano Enterprises. We have had dealings with them in the past. We sent their leader on a one-way trip to… well, never mind where, but it seems his corporation lives on without him. These human collectives are hard beasts to kill without breaking several intergalactic treaties."
