Page 22 of Lunar Bound
Before Lunar could respond, a subtle vibration traveled through the cave system. He stiffened, his shadow senses expanding outward to analyze the disturbance.
"What is it?" Poppy asked, noting his changed demeanor.
"Movement at the upper cave entrance," Lunar replied, his voice lowered. "Multiple entities. Controlled descent patterns."
Poppy's expression hardened. "They found us?"
"Not yet," Lunar corrected. "They are searching methodically, but have not located the path to this specific chamber."
"That phone call will have to wait. We need to move deeper," Poppy decided. "There's another level below this one, with underwater passages that connect to a different cave system.”
Lunar processed this information against his mental mapping of their surroundings. "The vibration patterns suggest at least six individuals with equipment. Their search grid is systematic."
"They must have better scanning tech than I thought," Poppy muttered, securing her pack. "The rock composition should have blocked most conventional signals."
"We are not the first to visit this place. They may possess technology derived from previous extraterrestrial encounters." Lunar followed her toward a narrow fissure at the back of the chamber. "Including shadow detection capabilities."
The passageway Poppy led him through narrowed until she had to turn sideways to progress, the rough stone walls pressing close on either side. For beings who valued open space, such confinement could create panic. For a shadow-dweller like Lunar, the tight darkness was almost comforting, reminiscent of the security tunnels that connected Lunaris settlements.
"Watch your step here," Poppy warned, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's a drop."
Her concern was endearing.
The passage opened suddenly into vertical space, a natural chimney descending into deeper darkness. Poppy directed her red light downward, revealing a ten-meter drop to a lower level. Handholds had been carved into the stone wall, ancient and worn but still functional.
"Indigenous people?" Lunar asked, recognizing the deliberate modification.
Poppy nodded. "This was a ceremonial site, and possibly a refuge during conflicts. The lower chambers have water sources and multiple exits."
She secured her light and began descending with practiced skill, her movements sure despite the minimal illumination. Lunar could have simply flowed down as shadow essence, but maintained his semi-solid form to remain near her, ready to assist if needed.
When they reached the bottom, the air changed noticeably, becoming cooler and moister. The sound of running water reached them, a soft background murmur that would help mask their own sounds from pursuers.
"This way," Poppy directed, leading him along a narrow ledge beside an underground stream. The water reflected her red light in rippling patterns, creating complex shadow displays that Lunar found aesthetically pleasing.
Above them, faint vibrations indicated continued movement in the upper chambers. Lunar expanded his senses, monitoring the search patterns. The pursuers were thorough but cautious, suggesting they understood the potential dangers of the cave system.
After several minutes of careful progress, they reached a larger chamber where the stream widened into a small pool before disappearing into a rock wall. Poppy directed her light upward, revealing a ceiling studded with stone formations that hung like frozen raindrops.
"We should rest here briefly," she said, keeping her voice low. "The water masks sound."
Lunar extended his shadow awareness throughout the chamber, confirming her assessment. "Your knowledge of defensive positioning is impressive."
"When you work with animals that humans have pushed to the edge of extinction, you learn about hiding places," Poppy replied, settling onto a dry rock ledge.
"You protect endangered species," Lunar observed. "Even against your own kind."
"Some things are worth protecting, even when it's inconvenient for humans."
The statement resonated with Lunar in unexpected ways. Lunaris philosophy did not include the idea of protection rooted in inherent value rather than utility. The needs of the shadow territories had defined his entire existence.
"You never answered my question," Poppy said after a moment. "About what you're going to do. About your mission, about Earth, about us."
The directness of her question deserved equal directness in response. "My official report will be incomplete," Lunar stated. "Certain observations will be omitted."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning I will not recommend Earth for resource acquisition or strategic deployment," Lunar clarified. "Regardless of its objective value to the shadow territories."
