Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
In the command center, Bob was frantically adjusting controls. His oversized head bobbed with stress. Gary paced behind him, wringing his hands.
"What is the nature of the emergency?" Solar demanded.
“We established a transmission link from the surface," Gary explained, gesturing to a display showing a fragmented signal pattern. "Encrypted using Galaxy Brides protocols, but the signal is weak."
"Origin point?" Solar moved to the console, analyzing the data with practiced efficiency.
"Here. We originated it,” Bob said.
“I mean on Earth. Who are you talking to?” Solar said.
“It is connected to the northwestern region of the designated North American continent," Bob replied, his usual incompetence momentarily suppressed by the situation's gravity. "But precise coordinates are unclear due to signal degradation."
“How can they be unclear? You did it.” Solar accessed the communications array, making rapid adjustments to boost reception. The fragmented pattern gradually stabilized, resolving into a recognizable encryption sequence.
“You look different somehow,” Gary said, eyeing him and then Dani. A strange look crossed his face, and Solar swore the alien was smiling.
"It's Lunar," Solar announced, ignoring Gary. "They think Milano has captured Eclipse."
Dani moved to his side, her expression grim. "When?"
"During Rowan and my escape from the caves. He hasn’t resurfaced." Solar translated the message that continued to form on the display. "They’re hiding in a cabin.”
"Fuck," Dani whispered. "Do they know where they took him?"
Solar continued to decipher the message as it scrolled across the screen. "They don’t know. They want us to look for his energy signatures from our location to see if we can track him.”
Dani’s hand found Solar's arm. "There must be something we can do."
Solar considered their options. "Galaxy Brides' alternative extraction protocol uses energy signature recognition. Each of us carries a unique pattern that their systems can lock onto. If Eclipse's signature can be enhanced, we may be able to help locate him."
“That’s exactly what I was going to suggest,” Bob inserted.
Dani frowned at the alien. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's do it."
"There is risk," Solar cautioned. "Amplifying Eclipse's energy signature would also make our position more detectable to Milano's tracking systems.”
"But we'd be helping Eclipse," Dani countered, her eyes intent on his. "We can't just leave him to Milano's scientists. What if it were you? He wouldn’t leave you behind."
Solar understood her concern. Eclipse was more than a mission comrade. He was a fellow Zorveyan, one who had shown unexpected tactical flexibility and personal courage. The Elite Guard code emphasized victory above all, but it also acknowledged the strategic value of preserving skilled operatives.
Something deeper stirred within Solar. A sense of obligation. Of connection. Eclipse had remained behind to allow their escape. Honor demanded reciprocation.
"I will attempt the amplification," Solar decided. "Bob, prepare the sensor array for reconfiguration. Gary, monitor Earth's orbital detection systems for any sign of Milano activity."
“Give Lunar a new extraction timeline before you disconnect,” Bob ordered Gary. “Let him know we’ll be there in fourteen Earth days. Tell him to remain where he is. That will give us time to liaise with Harris on Earth.”
For once, both aliens worked without unnecessary commentary. Solar moved to the main sensor control panel, his light brightening as he channeled energy directly into the ship's systems.
The process was delicate. Solar's natural energy had to be carefully modulated to avoid overwhelming the ship's already unstable systems.
"Is it working?" Dani asked.
"The signal is strengthening," Solar confirmed, monitoring the energy patterns displayed on the screen.
As the amplification continued, a map of Earth's surface terrain appeared on the main display, gradually focusing on a specific region. A pulsing point of light emerged, growing stronger as Solar channeled more energy into the system.
"There," he indicated the light. "Eclipse's energy signature. He is being held in a subterranean facility approximately forty kilometers from their current position."
"Can we send this information to Lunar?" Dani asked.
"Starting transmission," Solar confirmed, automatically relaying the coordinates through the encrypted channel.
A warning indicator flashed on a secondary display.
“Stop!” Bob lurched forward, his expression alarmed. "Energy detection alert. Something on the surface is scanning us."
Solar immediately reduced his emissions.
"What’s happening?" Dani asked, concern evident in her voice.
"Milano has detected our energy signature,” Bob continued. “They are attempting to lock onto our position. You can’t contact Lunar again. You’ll reveal his position."
"Do they know we're here?" Dani insisted. "And that we're helping them?"
"Yes," Solar acknowledged.
"We need to warn them," Dani insisted.
"Not yet. Eclipse is in immediate danger. Lunar and the others are safe so long as we don’t expose them." Solar assured her.
"If Milano has detected us, our extraction timeline is compromised," Gary interjected, his usual bravado absent.
"They can’t reach us in space right now,” Solar denied. “Earth's launch capabilities are limited, and Milano would face significant obstacles in deploying any vessel capable of orbital interception without detection by Earth authorities."
"Agreed," Gary said, like he had the same idea.
Solar sighed. "We must prepare for immediate relocation. Bob, calculate alternative orbital positions that would minimize detection while monitoring when it is safe to communicate with the surface."
Bob frantically worked the navigation controls.
"They're getting better at tracking us," Dani observed, watching the warning indicators multiply across the displays.
"Their technology is adapting," Solar confirmed.
She moved closer to him and clutched his arm. “We have to help them.”
“If there is a way, I will find it,” he whispered, letting threads of his energy weave over her hands in what he hoped was comfort. “I promise.”
The rescue mission was a mess. Solar stood in the command center staring at the controls for so long that they began to blur in his vision. Dani tried to stand with him, but humans needed sleep, and he’d insisted she rest.
In the end, all he could do was stretch the signal Eclipse tried to send to Rowan on the surface to make sure it reached her. The woman carried Eclipse’s energy stone. It was not a power source Milano appeared to be tracking. From there, he had to have faith Rowan would know what to do.
He did not like acting on faith.
Dani entered holding a nutrient pouch. She handed it to him. “You need to eat.”
He set the pouch aside, not consuming it. "Rowan is attempting infiltration of the Milano facility."
"She's going in alone?" Dani asked in concern.
"Eclipse is showing her the way," Solar explained.
Dani shook her head, admiration clear in her expression. "That woman has guts."
"Indeed," Solar agreed, finding himself equally impressed by the Earth female's courage. "Her tactical initiative is commendable."
For the next several hours, all they could do was watch and hope. Solar did not like the helpless feeling it gave him. Dani stared at the console, as if it might give her the answers she waited for, but only time could do that.
"Rowan has reached Eclipse," Solar watched Eclipse’s energy signature dispersing over the desert. Relief filled him. "They’re out of the facility, but Milano is giving chase.”
“Fuck waiting fourteen days,” Dani said, sighing heavily as if coming to a decision. “Tell Bob and Gary we’re going back now. The extraction happens tonight. No more desert chases.”