Page 25 of Solar Bound
"So what are you going to do?" she finally asked. "About the extraction?"
Solar considered his response carefully. The tactical assessment was complex, with variables he had not anticipated when beginning this mission.
"I don't know," he admitted. "The logical course would be to follow extraction protocols and return to Zorveya. But..."
"But?" Dani prompted when he didn't continue.
"But my experience here has created unexpected value propositions," Solar said, struggling to articulate concepts he had never needed to consider before. "Your energy signature, specifically, represents a resource unavailable on Zorveya."
Dani smiled slightly. "I think you just said I'm special."
"Your interpretation is accurate," Solar confirmed.
Her smile widened, but her eyes remained serious. "Special enough to stay for?"
The question crystallized the decision Solar had been processing since Gary's communication. Remaining on Earth meant abandoning his position in the Solarus Elite Guard, potentially cutting ties with his homeworld permanently. Yet returning to Zorveya meant leaving behind the unique connection he had formed with Dani, a connection that had already altered his understanding of energy exchange and interpersonal dynamics.
"I must consider all tactical variables," he said finally. "Including the danger Milano represents and the unknown intentions of the council that sent us here."
"That's not really an answer," Dani pointed out.
"No," Solar agreed. "It is not."
They arrived at the Duskrock Yoga and Spa Meditation Center, pulling into a visitor space near the main building. Solar adjusted his disguise, ensuring maximum coverage before exiting the vehicle.
"Stay close," Dani advised. "Act like you belong here."
They moved through the entrance and toward the private areas, Dani confidently leading the way as if she had every right to be there. Solar maintained close proximity, his combat senses alert for any sign of threat or surveillance.
A human female approached them in the corridor, her expression curious. "Wait, stop! Can I help you?"
"We're heading to the Desert Suite," Dani replied smoothly. "Rowan's expecting us."
The female looked skeptical. "I'll need to check that. Visitors are supposed to sign in at reception."
Before Dani could respond, another female appeared from a side corridor. Solar recognized her as Stephanie, the loud one from their first day at the retreat.
"It's fine, Monica," Stephanie interjected. "They're with Rowan's private group. I just spoke to her. They're the VIPs in the Desert Suite."
Solar tensed, his hand instinctively moving toward a weapon he wasn't carrying. Energy built, ready to surge if he needed to fight. Did this human know his designation?
Monica hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But remember to use the sign-in system next time."
“Leave the VIPs alone, Monica. Celebrity stalking is how you get fired,” Stephanie said. “Now, help me figure out where these aliens might be hiding.”
“Not that again,” Monica muttered. "I thought you said the aliens were the VIPs."
"Like Rowan would hang out with aliens," Stephenie laughed. "I like to tease her, but I can barely get her to leave the house on a weekend. She'd never do anything that exciting."
"Well, I think you're wasting your time," Monica quipped. "There is no such thing as aliens."
"Honey, I was there when they crash-landed. Got it all on video." Stephanie tapped her phone and held it up to Monica. "Did you see it yet? It’s viral. Once I find them, I'm thinking book deal. Maybe a documentary series."
"Relax," Dani whispered.
Stephanie didn’t realize he was an alien. He kept his head down as Dani pulled him with her.
Solar remained cautious. He needed it to stay that way. That human's knowledge represented a potential security breach.
