Page 11 of Lunar Bound
Lunar focused on making his way toward the shade, ignoring the others as they continued talking.
They approached a structure partially embedded in the red rock formations. Lunar assessed its defensive capabilities. There were few entry points, natural concealment, and a strategic height advantage. It was more secure than Crimson Rock Inn across all measures.
Rowan unlocked the door, revealing interior spaces with distinct light and shadow zones. Lunar immediately identified the optimal position. The western sleeping room had minimal light exposure.
"The east-facing room gets morning sun," Rowan explained, gesturing to Solar. "The west room stays shaded most of the day and has blackout curtains," she added, indicating the area Lunar had already selected. "And the center room has adjustable lighting."
The accommodations suggested a specific design for their physiological needs. Either a remarkable coincidence or evidence of the human's perceptive abilities. Neither option aligned with their briefing materials on Earth’s technological development.
"I'll leave you to get settled," Rowan said, placing control keys on a surface. "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 Eclipse or Solar could object. Additional interaction with this human would provide valuable data.
Once they were alone, tension rolled between them. Lunar felt an argument brewing.
"Convenient that you've both found humans who accept our true nature so readily," Solar observed with obvious suspicion. "While I alone maintain mission protocol."
"Your light emissions are hardly maintaining protocol," Lunar pointed out. "You've damaged electronics in two separate locations now that we know of."
Solar's skin temperature increased visibly. "At least I'm not lurking in food holding chambers with random Earth females."
"Enough," Eclipse interjected with predictable mediation. "We have suitable accommodations now. We should focus on the next phase of our mission."
"Finding mates," Solar stated. "Although it seems you two have already begun that process."
"I have no interest in mating with Poppy," Lunar lied automatically. The concept was absurd. His interaction with the human was purely investigative, regardless of her unusual compatibility with shadow frequencies. "Her perceptive abilities simply warrant investigation."
"And Rowan is merely facilitating our mission," Eclipse added unconvincingly.
Lunar couldn’t help himself. “I think you’re envious because you have not had a female show interest.”
"I have an engagement tonight," Solar blustered. "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, unable to resist highlighting Solar's hypocrisy.
Solar hesitated. "Dani Ember."
Lunar smirked.
"It's research," Solar insisted. "Unlike you two, I haven't forgotten why we're here."
Eclipse sighed. "Be careful. And try not to cause any more disturbances."
Solar turned away, effectively ending the conversation. Lunar retreated to explore his designated chamber undisturbed.
The room was acceptable with minimal windows, heavy coverings to block light, and sufficient space for proper shadow manipulation exercises. After securing the entry, Lunar removed the increasingly uncomfortable skin-suit, allowing his natural form to emerge. He placed the black tourmaline stone Poppy had given him on the sleeping platform.
His shadow-absorbing flesh immediately began processing the available darkness, replenishing energy reserves depleted by prolonged exposure to light. The relief was substantial. He moved through the space, testing shadow densities and identifying optimal positions for rest and regeneration.
Lunar retrieved the stone, allowing his senses to analyze its properties more thoroughly now that he could touch it with his unencumbered form.
The mineral absorbed ambient energy in patterns similar to his own biological processes, but at a much more primitive level. Still, its effectiveness was noteworthy. Combined with Poppy's unusual perceptive abilities, it suggested Earth might possess resources of value to the shadow territories.
