Page 3 of Lunar Bound
"Exactly," Gary confirmed with disturbing cheer. "The locals have a long history of believing in extraterrestrial visitation. Many of them actively seek it out. You'll blend right in. We believe this will greatly increase your chances of mating. Unlike some of the more troubling locations we tried in the past."
"With this?" Solar gestured to his golden, light-emitting skin. "How exactly?"
"We've prepared skin-suits for public use," Gary explained, producing what appeared to be thin, flesh-colored membranes from a storage compartment. "The latest models. Almost completely convincing unless examined very closely."
Lunar accepted the skin-suit with distaste. It felt unpleasantly organic between his fingers, designed to mask his natural shadow-absorption capabilities with a dull, human-like exterior. The thought of wearing it made his skin crawl, but he understood the necessity.
"And our accommodations?" Eclipse inquired.
"We will secure lodging at a local establishment," Gary said. “I hear the room is very nice.”
"One room?" Solar's skin flared so brightly that Lunar had to shield his eyes. "For all three of us? That will not do."
"Budget constraints," Gary explained with an apologetic shrug. "The corporation's profit margins have been tight since the Killian incident, and your council did not authorize the added expense of multiple dwellings.”
Lunar's spirits, already low, sank further. Sharing quarters with Solar meant enduring constant light exposure, which would drain his energy and impair his abilities. But arguing was pointless. The decision had clearly been made without consideration for their biological needs.
He retreated into his thoughts, focusing on the one aspect of this mission that held any interest, which was the opportunity to observe an unfamiliar species in their natural habitat. Lunar had always been a student of behavior patterns, finding that understanding others' motivations gave him an advantage in negotiations and conflicts. Perhaps he could use this forced exile to expand his knowledge.
The journey to Earth would take several cycles, during which they were expected to study the information packets and practice their human mannerisms. Lunar intended to use the time more productively, analyzing the ship's systems for weaknesses and mapping escape routes through the stars in case the need arose.
As Solar and Eclipse engaged in yet another pointless argument about sleeping arrangements, Lunar slipped away to the small viewing port at the rear of the vessel. Zorveya was already a distant point of light, its distinctive half-bright, half-dark appearance lost among the stars.
He placed his hand against the cold surface of the port, a rare moment of sentiment for one of his kind.
* * *
Personal Log, Departure:
We are now committed to this path. I have left instructions with my family regarding the protection of our territories in the event of hostilities escalating during my absence. They will do what is necessary.
I do not expect to find a bride on Earth. The concept is absurd. I have read what they have given us about the women. What human female would willingly bind herself to a being from the shadows, one whose natural state would terrify her delicate senses? But I will participate in this charade as required, if only to ensure my eventual return.
My true mission, self-assigned, is to gather information. Earth may be primitive, but all species have strengths that can be leveraged. Perhaps they possess resources or technologies that could benefit the shadow territories in the coming conflict.
And if, as I suspect, this mission is merely a convenient exile to remove us from Zorveya during critical negotiations, then I will use the time to prepare for what comes after. The council has underestimated me if they believe distance will reduce my influence.
The shadows reach everywhere, even across the stars.
* * *
He turned away from the viewport, composing his features into the neutral mask he typically wore. As he moved back through the ship, staying close to the walls where the lighting was dimmest, he noticed something peculiar.
A small, metallic object had fallen from Gary's pocket during the turbulent departure. It was a data storage device of some kind, its design unfamiliar. Lunar retrieved it silently, slipping it into his own pocket without breaking stride.
Information was power, and he intended to acquire as much of it as possible before this mission reached its inevitable, disappointing conclusion.
When he returned to the main cabin, Solar was demonstrating his combat techniques to an uncomfortable-looking Bob, while Eclipse mediated yet another misunderstanding about luggage allowances. None of them noticed Lunar's brief absence, which was exactly as he preferred it.
The shadow-dweller settled into his seat, watching and listening as he always did. Patience was the virtue his people valued above all others. He would wait, observe, and adapt.
Earth might be a primitive planet, but every world had secrets worth discovering. And Lunar was very, very good at discovering secrets.
Chapter
Two
Crimson Rock Inn, Duskrock, Arizona, Planet Earth, One Earth Month Later…
