Page 68 of Lunar Bound
"Milano's operational capacity will be significantly reduced while they defend against these allegations," Lunar observed, his form solid now as he sat beside Poppy, one shadow arm draped around her shoulders.
"They're not destroyed," Solar cautioned, his golden light pulsing with residual concern. "An organization with their resources will have contingency plans."
"True," Eclipse agreed, his twilight essence shifting thoughtfully. "But public exposure creates accountability they cannot easily circumvent. Their freedom to operate in shadows has been compromised."
"Speaking of operating in shadows," Poppy said, "has everyone decided what they’re going to do when we leave here?”
The aliens exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them.
"With Rowan’s blessing, I will establish an observation post in the Northern twilight regions," Eclipse explained. "Monitoring Earth's development while providing cultural and scientific exchange opportunities when allies can be identified."
"With me as his human partner," Rowan added, linking her fingers with his twilight essence. "We're thinking of starting a research foundation. Something that bridges Earth and Zorveyan knowledge systems."
"Solar and I are heading to California," Dani announced. "Silicon Valley could use some extraterrestrial help, even if they don’t know it, and I've got contacts in the tech world. No one is going to notice an alien in full makeup in the land of movies."
"We will introduce clean energy concepts that accelerate Earth's development while monitoring for Milano remnants," Solar elaborated, his golden form brightening with enthusiasm for the project.
All eyes turned to Lunar and Poppy.
"We're staying here," Poppy said simply. "The shadow territories need accurate intelligence about Earth, and I need to show Lunar more of those desert caves he liked so much."
"I will establish a shadow monitoring network," Lunar added. "Primarily focused on detecting any further extraterrestrial incursions similar to Milano's previous encounters."
"So we're splitting up?" Dani asked, a note of sadness in her voice.
"Establishing strategic observation points across multiple locations," Lunar corrected. "With regular convergence for information exchange."
"He means we'll all get together for holidays and stuff," Poppy translated with a smile. "Different cities, same team."
"The Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides experiment achieved unexpected success," Eclipse observed, his twilight essence pulsing with what might have been pride. "Three successful pairings across energy types."
"Bob and Gary should give you a refund for all the trouble," Dani muttered, though her smile belied the complaint.
"Speaking of Galaxy Brides," Solar said.
All three aliens turned to look at the cabin door.
“What is it?” Poppy asked.
She went to the window. Outside, Bob and Gary stood with Harris on the lawn.
Solar gestured for silence, and Eclipse cracked open the door.
“Let this be the final lesson as we complete your training,” Gary said to Harris. “Every species needs different prodding to fall in love. It took us many cycles to perfect this process. Zorveyans need to feel like they’re the smartest on the ship. So we distracted them with a spaceship that’s falling apart, and gave you the faulty translator. Human biology needs to feel like it’s life or death. We tried simulations, but they need the real deal, so you put them in danger.”
Poppy frowned and glanced at the others.
“They did it on purpose?” Dani stiffened and balled her fists.
Eclipse opened the door all the way.
Harris looked over, startled.
“Don’t worry, they don’t speak our language,” Bob said.
“But—” Harris began.
“Look how cute they are. Simple creatures.” Bob laughed and slapped a hand against Gary’s cheek. “Never knew what hit them. Though I’ll admit that moon crash had me worried for a second. Especially after we lost that last couple in the active volcano.”
