Page 17 of Eclipse Bound (Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides #7)
"They're using satellite technology and ground teams with specialized equipment," Solar added.
"That tracks with what I uncovered before they shut down my investigation," Rowan nodded, her journalist's mind connecting the dots despite her emotional turmoil.
"The Milano Foundation has been funding unusual research for years, supposedly for medical applications, but the security around their facilities was military-grade. "
"So what's the plan?" Dani asked, looking between them. "Are you guys leaving?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. Rowan stared at Eclipse, eager and scared to hear his answer.
"That decision has not been finalized." Eclipse didn’t meet her gaze. "We must discuss all options once Lunar is located."
Rowan took a deep breath and pretended to check the cupboards in the kitchenette. Her hands shook. She needed to get control of her emotions.
"I can call Poppy," Dani said behind her. "They're probably at her place. It's out near Boynton Canyon."
As Dani made the call, Eclipse joined Solar on the far side of the room by the window. Rowan tried to hear what they were saying, but it was too soft.
After a long moment, Dani’s voice interrupted their conversation. "Good news and bad news. I reached Poppy, and Lunar is with her. That's the good news."
"And the bad?" Rowan asked.
"They spotted men in black SUVs near her place this morning. Professional types with equipment. They're hiding out in some cave system Poppy knows."
Solar and Eclipse exchanged glances.
"Milano has begun active pursuit," Solar stated.
"Poppy says she can bring Lunar here tonight after dark," Dani continued. "But they're staying put until then. Something about him being more mobile at night?"
"His shadow-walking abilities are enhanced in darkness," Eclipse explained. "A wise precaution."
"So what do we do until then?" Dani asked.
"We prepare defenses, gather intelligence on Milano's activities, and develop contingency plans for multiple scenarios," Solar said.
"I can help with the intelligence part," Rowan offered, trying to meet Eclipse’s gaze. There was so much she suddenly wanted to say to him, but couldn’t. It wasn’t the right time. "I still have contacts who might know what Milano is up to locally."
Solar nodded, as if appreciating her tactical thinking.
"We should also prepare for the possibility that Galaxy Brides' extraction may be compromised," he added. "If Milano has tracking capability for alien technology, they may detect any attempt to remove us from Earth."
"So we're talking about a potential showdown," Dani summarized. "Aliens versus shadowy government contractors."
"A scenario I had hoped to avoid," Eclipse admitted. "Our mission was supposed to be a peaceful cultural exchange."
"Sometimes peace isn't an option," Solar replied. "Sometimes you must fight to protect what matters."
Rowan didn't speak as she studied the others. This was bigger than just a few lost aliens. This was about stopping a corporation with near-unlimited resources from getting its hands on advanced alien technology.
Plus, she had to admit, she’d enjoy the chance to take them down after what they did to her.
"Okay," she said, taking charge. "We need a plan. First, we need to secure this location. Second, we need intel on Milano's movements. Third, we need to coordinate with Lunar and Poppy to ensure their safe arrival."
Eclipse finally met her eyes, and Rowan felt that familiar pulse of energy between them.
"I've covered war zones," she explained with a shrug. "Different kind of conflict, same basic principles."
Dani had moved to the window, peering out through the blinds. "Do you think they'd try something here? At the retreat with all these witnesses?"
"If they're as desperate as they seem, witnesses won't matter," Rowan said grimly. "They'd just spin it as arresting dangerous individuals. They've got PR people who can make kidnapping sound like public service."
Solar's golden form brightened with what Rowan had come to recognize as agitation. "I require direct combat data. What weapons do these Milano operatives typically employ?"
"Based on what I uncovered before they shut me down, they have access to military-grade hardware.
Think tranquilizer darts, stun weapons, maybe even specialized containment equipment if they've dealt with non-humans before.
" Rowan turned to Eclipse. "Your energy form, can it be contained by physical barriers? "
"Certain energy-dampening fields would be effective," Eclipse confirmed. "Though Earth technology should not be capable of generating such fields."
"Unless they reverse-engineered something from previous alien encounters," Rowan pointed out. “Or even scavenged equipment. I think we have to assume they have tools we don’t know about.”
The realization hung heavy in the air. There was no telling what capabilities they might have developed.
"I agree. We should assume the worst," Dani said, crossing her arms. "That they can track you, catch you, and contain you."
"Then we must ensure they do not have the opportunity," Solar declared. "I will scout the perimeter of this facility."
"No," Eclipse and Rowan said simultaneously.
Rowan continued, "You're the most visible of the three. Your energy creates electrical disturbances. If they have any kind of detection equipment, you'll set it off like a Christmas tree."
"Christmas tree?" Solar frowned in confusion.
"Bright lights, very noticeable," Dani explained. "She's right. You'd be spotted immediately."
Eclipse nodded. "I should conduct reconnaissance instead. My twilight energy signature is more adaptable, less detectable in transitional light conditions."
Rowan felt a stab of fear at the thought of Eclipse out there, potentially exposed to Milano's operatives. "Or we could use perfectly normal humans who won't register on alien detection equipment."
"That would place you in danger," Eclipse objected.
"Less danger than you'd be in," Rowan countered. "They're looking for aliens, not retreat staff. Dani and I can move around freely without raising suspicion."
Solar looked between them. "The logic is sound, though the risk remains substantial."
"I've handled risk before," Rowan said firmly. "And we need information more than we need to hide right now."
Eclipse moved closer to her, his energy field rippling with concern. "What do you propose?"
"Dani and I will do a casual walk around the grounds.
Check out the parking areas, note any suspicious vehicles or people.
Standard surveillance, nothing that would draw attention.
" Rowan met his gaze steadily. "Meanwhile, you two stay here, out of sight, and work on a plan for extraction.
If Galaxy Brides is coming in forty-eight hours, we need to be ready. "
The mention of extraction sent another pang through her chest. Forty-eight hours. It wasn't enough time. Not nearly enough to figure out what this thing between her and Eclipse was, or could be. Part of her wanted to stay behind and embrace every second she could with him.
"I'll go with Rowan," Dani agreed. "Two women walking around a retreat won't raise any red flags."
Solar looked displeased but nodded. "You will report any signs of surveillance or potential threat immediately."
"Of course," Dani agreed. "And if we don't come back in an hour, assume we've been captured and mount a daring rescue." She grinned, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her attempt at levity.
Rowan flinched. These guys tended to take things literally. Very literally.
"That will not be necessary," Eclipse stated with unexpected firmness. "We will maintain contact. If communication is lost, we will locate you immediately."
Rowan believed he would without question. The intensity of his gaze reinforced that he wasn't making an idle promise.
"Alright," Rowan said, checking her phone. "We'll head out, do a quick circuit of the grounds, and be back within the hour. If we see anything suspicious, we'll text Dani’s phone immediately."
Dani handed her phone to Solar.
As they prepared to leave, Eclipse drew Rowan slightly aside. "Your willingness to accept risk on our behalf is significant."
Rowan looked up at him, searching those star-filled eyes. "I'm not just doing this for you. Milano tried to destroy my career and my life once. I'm not letting them get away with it again."
"Even so," Eclipse said softly, "be cautious. The connection between us... It would be regrettable if it were severed prematurely."
Coming from anyone else, it might have sounded cold. From Eclipse, it was practically a declaration of love. Rowan felt her heart lurch.
"I'll be careful," she promised. "Just don't make any decisions about that extraction until we've had a chance to talk. Okay?"
Eclipse tilted his head slightly. "I will defer such decisions until we have discussed all variables."
It wasn't exactly the passionate response she might have hoped for, but from a twilight diplomat, it was something. Rowan nodded and turned to join Dani at the door.
"Ready?" Dani asked.
"As I'll ever be," Rowan replied. She cast one last look at Eclipse before they slipped out into the morning sunlight, leaving the aliens in the suite.