Page 27 of Lunar Bound
"We need to hurry," Poppy urged, increasing her pace despite the treacherous footing.
The ravine began to curve toward the west, bringing them closer to the retreat. Lunar could sense a cluster of human energy signatures.
"Wait," he cautioned as they approached the end of the ravine. "Milano has deployed approximately twenty operatives on the ground with specialized equipment."
Poppy crouched beside him at the edge of their cover. "Can you see the Desert Suite from here?"
Lunar extended his shadow senses toward the retreat. The familiar structures emerged in his perception as patterns of thermal variances and electromagnetic signatures. The Desert Suite glowed with residual energy, a testament to recent conflict.
"Eclipse and Solar were there," he reported. "But their energy trails are moving underground."
"The lava tubes," Poppy realized. "There's an entrance behind the meditation garden. They must be trying to escape through the underground network."
A new explosion illuminated the sky, followed by the distinctive hum of energy weapons. That was not primitive Earth technology. The sound signature matched Zorveyan defensive systems.
"We need to intercept them," Lunar decided, calculating the optimal approach route. "They're being pursued into the caves."
"I know those tunnels. There's a secondary entrance about a quarter mile from here. We can cut through and meet them inside."
Lunar assessed the tactical advantage of her suggestion. "Yes. Lead me."
Evening was finally claiming the land as they abandoned the ravine, crossing exposed terrain with rapid, careful movements. Lunar flowed between shadow patches, materializing only when necessary to ensure Poppy remained on course.
After several tense minutes, they reached a rocky outcropping with a narrow opening at its base. Poppy dropped to her hands and knees without hesitation, crawling into the dark aperture. Lunar followed, his shadow form easily navigating the restricted space. Her heavy breathing echoed around them.
“This tunnel is of volcanic origin. Ancient lava flows created a network of tubes beneath the surface,” Poppy said, running her hand over the smooth walls that bore the swirling patterns of molten rock. She lifted her red light just enough to illuminate the path, allowing her to navigate safely. "This way. These tubes connect to the larger cave system."
They moved swiftly through the underground passage, the sounds of conflict growing louder ahead. Shouts echoed through the stone corridors, punctuated by the distinctive discharge of energy weapons.
A powerful vibration shook loose stones from the ceiling. Dust filled the air.
"They're using explosives," Poppy coughed, covering her mouth. “They can’t do that. These caves are precious.”
Lunar frowned as he detected a pressure wave. “That’s not Milano. It feels like Eclipse. He wouldn’t do that unless they were trying to escape.”
Poppy increased her pace, navigating the twisting passage. "There's a junction ahead where multiple tunnels converge. If we can reach it first?—"
Another explosion, closer this time, sent a shock wave through the tunnel system. Poppy fell back against the wall. Larger rocks began to fall around them.
"Structural integrity compromised," Lunar warned, extending his shadow field to deflect falling debris away from Poppy.
He swept her forward until they reached a larger chamber where three tunnels converged into a natural cavern. The space bore evidence of recent conflict, including scorch marks on the walls, scattered equipment, and the lingering resonance of Solar's energy discharges.
"They were here," Poppy confirmed, examining fresh footprints in the dust. "Not long ago."
Lunar extended his senses, searching for familiar energy signatures. "Solar's pattern is detectable. Moving away from us, deeper into the system." He paused, focusing on a fainter trace. "Eclipse's signature is weaker. Possibly injured."
"Which tunnel?" Poppy asked urgently.
Before Lunar could respond, a new sound reached them. It was the methodical approach of multiple pursuers. Flashlight beams played across the walls of the tunnel they had just emerged from.
"Milano forces," Lunar warned, pulling Poppy toward the far side of the chamber where shadows were deepest.
They pressed against the wall as four black-clad operatives entered the cavern, their equipment emitting the distinctive hum of energy scanners. Each carried weapons, but unlike standard Earth firearms, they were more compact with a bluish glow emanating from their power cores.
"Energy signatures detected in section B-7," one reported into a communication device. "Proceeding with containment protocol. Don’t let this one get away."
Lunar analyzed their equipment with growing concern. The weapons appeared to be modified versions of Zorveyan technology, specifically designed to counter shadow manipulation.
