Man On The Moon

Chapter 6: The Truth

The Astral Express crew exchange looks, a mixture of surprise and confusion on their faces. Stelle is the first to break the silence.

Stelle: "What?! You're a Galaxy Holder?"

The shock is evident on the faces of the Astral Express crew, and a thousand questions are racing through their minds. Caelus speaks up next, bewildered.

Caelus: "Why didn't you tell us before?"

Dan Heng chimes in, his voice low and guarded.

Dan Heng: "And why are you on the run from the Council if you're a Galaxy Holder?"

Vettel sighs, the weight of the question obvious on his shoulders. He seems hesitant to reveal the full truth, but now that it's out, he knows there's no going back.

Vettel: "It's... complicated. The fact that I'm a Galaxy Holder only adds to my troubles with the Council. They see me as a threat, someone who could wield that power against them."

Welt, the oldest and most experienced among them, speaks up next, his voice calm and measured in the face of this revelation.

Welt Yang: "Why would they see you as a threat specifically? There are other Galaxy Holders in the universe. You're not the first one."

Vettel hesitates for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. He looks at the others, deciding whether or not to trust them fully. After a moment, he decides to come clean.

Vettel: "I'm one of the rare Galaxy Holders with a higher aptitude for using Paths, which makes me a wildcard in the Council's eyes. They want to control and predict the use of Paths, and my existence throws a wrench in those plans."

The Astral Express crew listen intently, absorbing the information. Himeko, who has been quietly observing the conversation, speaks up next.

Himeko: "That's quite a dangerous position to be in. What kind of power do you have over the Paths exactly?"

Vettel hesitates again, clearly weighing the risks of revealing too much. Finally, he speaks, his voice low and cautious.

Vettel: "I can sense and manipulate Paths more deeply than most Galaxy Holders. I've developed a unique connection to the simulated universe, and I can tap into the power of the Paths in ways that are... unpredictable. The Council sees my ability as a threat because it's not something they can easily predict or control."

No longer, Vettel makes a black hole from his hand. The Astral Express crew watches in astonishment as Vettel creates a small black hole from his outstretched hand. Pom-Pom lets out a gasp, the sound echoing in the silent corridor. Stelle steps back, her eyes wide.

Welt Yang: "Impressive. No wonder the Council sees you as a threat."

Dan Heng: "That's some power you have there. Controlling Paths and making black holes... I can see why they're after you."

Caelus grins, clearly impressed.

Caelus: "Damn, Vettel. Maybe we should start calling you Mister Dangerous Galaxy Holder."

Vettel, feeling a mix of unease and pride, laughs at Caelus' comment. He closes his hand, and the black hole vanishes into thin air. He looks at the Astral Express crew, seeing the mixture of awe and apprehension on their faces. But there's also a hint of trust in their gazes as if they're beginning to understand why the Council fears him so much. Himeko breaks the silence once again.

Himeko: "Can you control the black hole? Is it a part of your Path manipulation power?"

Vettel nods, his expression becoming a bit solemn.

Vettel: "Yes, it's a product of my Path manipulation abilities. I can create and control black holes, as well as other types of spatial anomalies. It's... a manifestation of the power of Nihility."

The Astral Express crew exchange glances, realizing the magnitude of Vettel's abilities. Pom-Pom pipes up again, eyes wide with fear.

Pom-Pom: "W-wait, Nihility? That's one of the Paths of Destruction! Does that mean you're linked to Nanook?"

Vettel hesitates for a moment, the weight of the question clear. He takes a deep breath before responding.

Vettel: "Linked is a strong word. I do have a connection to Nihility, but it's more a matter of affinity than anything else. I'm not a follower of Nanook, nor do I share his destructive tendencies."

Welt, who has been a silent observer for most of the conversation, speaks up again, his eyes sharp and thoughtful.

Welt Yang: "But you said the Council believes you might be linked to Nanook. Is there a reason for their suspicion?"

Vettel nods, accepting the question as inevitable.

Vettel: "There are whispers among the Council, rumours that I'm more closely linked to Nanook and his destruction than I let on. But it's just that... whispers. They have no concrete proof."

Dan Heng, always the sceptic, asks the next question.

Dan Heng: "And why should we believe you? For all we know, you could be lying to us about your true allegiance."

Vettel looks straight into Dan Heng's eyes, his gaze firm and sincere.

Vettel: "I understand your scepticism. Given the situation, I wouldn't trust you either if I were in your position. But I assure you, I have no interest in serving or being affiliated with Nanook. My connection to Nihility is a part of me, a power I can't deny, but it doesn't define my loyalties."

Caelus, perhaps the most impulsive and trusting of the group, adds his opinion.

Caelus: "He seems genuine to me, Dan Heng. I don't think he's lying."

Dan Heng glances at Caelus, then back at Vettel, his gaze still tinged with suspicion but perhaps softened a bit.

Dan Heng: "Perhaps. But we need more than a feeling, Caelus. We need to be certain before we let him onboard indefinitely."

Welt, having observed the exchange, chimes in with a more measured response.

Welt Yang: "We don't have enough information to make a final decision yet. But Vettel possesses formidable power and knowledge about the Paths. His connection to Nihility, whether voluntary or not, might present both a threat and an opportunity to us."

March7th, having remained silent and thoughtful throughout most of the conversation, finally speaks up. Her usually cheerful demeanour is subdued, replaced by a contemplative expression.

March 7th: "This is a lot to take in. If Vettel is linked to Nihility, shouldn't we be cautious? There's no telling what kind of danger that might bring..."

Welt nods, acknowledging her concern.

Welt Yang: "You're right, March 7th. We should proceed with caution. But at the same time, Vettel's power could also be beneficial to us. We have to consider all angles and not make a rushed decision."

Stelle, still trying to grasp the magnitude of Vettel's ability, adds her viewpoint.

Stelle: "It's true that his power can be dangerous. But we can't judge him solely on that fact. We've all seen that he's a decent person. He's helped us and hasn't shown any signs of wanting to destroy or harm anyone unduly."

Himeko, with her usual level-headedness, offers another perspective.

Himeko: "We need to be pragmatic about this. Yes, Vettel's connection to Nihility might pose a risk, but it's not the only factor to consider. We should focus on the facts and evidence we have, not our assumptions and fears."

Caelus, ever the optimist, speaks up, his voice firm yet respectful.

Caelus: "I say we give him a chance. He's helped us before, and I don't think he's a bad person. We can keep an eye on him and see what happens."

Vettel, having listened intently to the ongoing discussion, speaks up, his voice firm and resolute.

Vettel: "Thank you for being willing to consider my situation despite the danger I pose. I understand your concerns. But I assure you, I have no intention of causing mischief or harm. I simply ask for a chance to prove myself on this train."

The Astral Express crew exchange glances, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. Finally, after a moment of contemplation, Welt speaks up.

Welt Yang: "Very well. We'll give you that chance. But understand this, Vettel. While you're on this train, you are under our supervision. Any sign of dangerous activity or any hint of affiliation with Nanook, and we'll have to reconsider your presence here."

Vettel nods, accepting the conditions.

Vettel: "I understand. I won't give you any reason to doubt my intentions. You have my word."

With the decision made and Vettel's acceptance, the tension in the air eases slightly. The Astral Express crew resumes their tour of the train, Vettel falling in step beside them. They move through the train, showcasing different compartments and explaining various features. Stelle and Caelus take the lead, offering light-hearted commentary and jokes as they go, while Welt and Dan Heng walk on the rear, continuing to keep a watchful eye on Vettel. Himeko and Pom-Pom, despite their reservations, remain watchful and vigilant as well. As the group continues their tour, they approach the next compartment - the Control Room, where Arlan, the diligent Silvermane Guard, is stationed. He stands at the monitors, keeping an eye on the train's systems and external surveillance. The Astral Express crew comes to a halt outside the compartment, and Stelle calls out to Arlan in a friendly tone.

Stelle: "Hey, Arlan! We have someone new we'd like to introduce to you."

Arlan looks up from his work, a mixture of surprise and curiosity on his face. Seeing the Astral Express crew, he smiles.

Arlan: "Oh, hey, everyone. What's going on?"

Caelus grins, gesturing towards Vettel.

Caelus: "We have a new companion on board. This is Vettel. He's going to be staying with us for a while."

Arlan looks at Vettel, observing him closely. His gaze is cautious but friendly.

Arlan: "Hello, Vettel. I'm Officer Arlan. Nice to meet you. What brings you to the Astral Express?"

Vettel nods, returning the greeting with a polite smile.

Vettel: "Pleasure to meet you, Arlan. I've found myself in a precarious situation and the Astral Express crew have been generous enough to offer me temporary shelter."

Arlan tilts his head, his curiosity piqued.

Arlan: "A precarious situation? If you don't mind me asking, what exactly is going on?"

Vettel, deciding to be truthful but vague, replies in a measured tone.

Vettel: "It's a long story. But let's just say I am being pursued by some people who have a... different perspective on life. The Astral Express crew has graciously offered to let me stay on their train until things cool down."

Stelle, ever the playful one, chimes in with a grin.

Stelle: "Yeah, we like helping people in need."

Dan Heng, more serious, shoots Stelle a warning look, his eyes flickering towards Vettel.

Arlan, noting the undertone in Stelle's joke and Dan Heng's look, nods understandingly.

Arlan: "I see. Well, it's good that you have people looking out for you."

He glances at the Astral Express crew, his eyes lingering for a moment on their protective stances towards Vettel.

Welt, always astute, picks up on Arlan's observation.

Welt: "Indeed. He's in safe hands with us."

Dan Heng, never one to beat around the bush, adds.

Dan Heng: "That being said, we're also keeping a close eye on him. There are... things about his situation that we are wary of."

March 7th, who has been unusually quiet, suddenly pipes up with her cheerful voice.

March 7th: "Don't worry, Arlan. We won't let him do anything naughty or dangerous!"

Arlan couldn't help but chuckle good-naturedly at March 7th's comment, his demeanour lightening up a bit.

Arlan: "Glad to hear it. Always good to have extra eyes and ears."

He shoots another glance at Vettel, measuring him up, before turning his attention back to the monitors.

The Astral Express crew exchange knowing glances, continuing their tour. Stelle and Caelus chat light-heartedly with Arlan as they take their leave. Welt, Dan Heng, March 7th, and Himeko fall into step back with Vettel again, the atmosphere slightly less tense but still wary. As they move away from the Control Room, Stelle and Caelus engage in a bit of light banter, and Arlan can be heard chuckling at their antics.

Stelle: "Alright, what's next on the tour list, Welt?"

Welt, continuing in his role of the Astral Express' resident guide, responds to Stelle's question.

Welt Yang: "Next, we have the Engineering Deck. It's where we manage the train's power systems and engine maintenance."

The group continues towards the Engineering Deck, and Stelle, ever curious, keeps up her playful banter.

Stelle: "Wow, so we have our own little engine room and maintenance bay here, huh? I'm impressed!"