Man On The Moon

Chapter 26: Secrets Unfurled

As Black Swan and Topaz continued their private discussion, the rest of the group stood nearby, their curiosity piqued. They tried to catch snippets of conversation, but the two women were keeping their voices low, making their words indecipherable to the eavesdroppers. Dan Heng, ever the observant one, watched the two silently, his mind racing with possibilities. He glanced at the others, seeing their speculative expressions. This conversation could have significant implications for all of them. March 7th, her impatience getting the better of her, whispered to Dan Heng.

March 7th: "What do you think they're talking about?"

Dan Heng responded in a hushed tone.

Dan Heng: "It's hard to tell. But considering Topaz's history with the IPC and Black Swan's secretive nature, it could be anything."

Gunaifen, her eyes tracking every movement from the corner, added softly.

Gunaifen: "I don't like the way Topaz looked at us earlier. It was like she was evaluating us..."

Jingliu, overhearing this, spoke with a slight edge to her voice.

Jingliu: "The IPC isn't known for their benevolence. We need to tread lightly. We don't know what Topaz wants from Black Swan, or us for that matter."

Just then, the conversation between Black Swan and Topaz seemed to conclude, as the two women began moving back towards the group. Everyone turned their attention to them, waiting to see what would transpire next. As Black Swan and Topaz returned to the group, all eyes were on them. Black Swan's expression was, as usual, unreadable, while Topaz's face held a hint of satisfaction. Topaz, her gaze sweeping over the group, spoke up.

Topaz: "Just a few matters we needed to discuss. Nothing for you all to worry about."

The group, unsatisfied with the vague answer, exchanged glances. They wanted more information. Dan Heng, ever the rational voice, stepped forward.

Dan Heng: "We appreciate your discretion, but I hope you understand our need for transparency. We're in this together, aren't we?"

Topaz, her eyes narrowing a bit at Dan Heng's forthrightness, responded.

Topaz: "I understand your position. But sometimes discretion is necessary. Some matters are better left unshared."

Vettel, unable to hide his displeasure, stepped forward.

Vettel: "This secrecy isn't helping. We've been through a lot together. We deserve some answers."

Jingliu, her hand on her weapon, spoke firmly.

Jingliu: "Vettel's right. We've been in this together since the beginning. We have the right to know what's being discussed behind our backs."

Topaz, sensing the mounting tension, held up a hand.

Topaz: "There's no need for this. I was just... discussing a certain arrangement with Black Swan. It's a private matter, I assure you."

Dan Heng, his gaze unyielding, countered.

Dan Heng: "We're not just going to accept 'private matter' as an answer. We have a right to know what this arrangement is about, especially if it concerns all of us."

March 7th, echoing Dan Heng's words, nodded vigorously.

March 7th: "Yeah! No more secrets! We've been through too much to be kept in the dark!"

Gunaifen, her nervous energy spiking, added her voice to the fray.

Gunaifen: "And what about that look you gave us earlier? Like you were sizing us up!"

Topaz, her patience starting to wear thin, retorted.

Topaz: "I admit I was intrigued, but can you blame me? You all are no ordinary group. You've been a constant source of... surprises."

Vettel: "We're one team right, don't egoist ok."

Jingliu, her temper flaring, grabbed Topaz's shirt and pulled her closer, her eyes glowering.

Jingliu: "The IPC's reputation precedes it. You're all about profit and control. So pardon us if we don't trust you blindly."

Topaz, caught off guard by Jingliu's sudden aggression, regained her composure and met Jingliu's glare with a cool gaze of her own.

Topaz: "The IPC is about more than just profit and control. You're oversimplifying a complex entity. I understand your wariness, but it's misplaced in my case."

Dan Heng, trying to de-escalate the situation, intervened.

Dan Heng: "Let's all take a moment here. Violence isn't going to solve this. We need to find a way forward together."

Gunaifen, her voice shaky, nodded in agreement.

Gunaifen: "Yeah, let's just... calm down and talk this out."

Black Swan, noticing the increasing tension, stepped in as well.

Black Swan: "There's no need for this hostility. We need to be a united front, regardless of our differences."

Vettel, his temper still high, grumbled.

Vettel: "Easy for you to say. You're always so cryptic. Tell us one thing, is Topaz going to betray us?"

Topaz, her irritation mounting, retorted.

Topaz: "I have no intention of betraying anyone. As I said, I was just trying to discuss a certain business arrangement."