Man On The Moon

Chapter 31: Xaltrix Planet

On the other side, The group including Dan Heng, March 7th, Topaz, and Numby finally arrive on the planet Xaltrix, their eyes immediately meet with the stark, industrial landscape. Large, grey buildings tower above, stretching as far as the eye can see. The air is hot and dry, a stark contrast to the lush worlds they had been on before. March 7th looks around, a little daunted by the bleakness of the surroundings.

March 7th: "Wow... didn't expect this place to look so..."

Dan Heng finishes her sentence.

Dan Heng: "Industrial?"

Topaz, unfazed by the harsh environment, checks her datapad. Numby, perched on Topaz's shoulder, lets out a soft noise, its tiny eyes taking in the alien surroundings.

Topaz: "Looks like we're at the right place. Xaltrix Planet. Known for its heavy industrial
development and harsh living conditions."

Dan Heng nods, scanning the environment with a professional eye.

Dan Heng: "Seems like a tough place to survive. We should be on our guard."

As the group walks through the crowded city, they are approached by a woman with a cool, aloof aura. She is slender and petite, with long, dark hair and eyes like polished amethysts. She studies the group with an unwavering, curious gaze. The woman introduces herself, a hint of intrigue in her voice.

Woman: "You don't look like you're from around here. What brings you to this place?"

Dan Heng, always cautious, replies with a neutral tone.

Dan Heng: "We're just passing through. We're looking for something. Perhaps you could help us?"

March 7th smiles at the woman, her usual cheerful demeanour not dimmed by the harsh surroundings.

March 7th: "Yeah, we need directions to a specific place."

Topaz, recognizing the woman's unique presence, steps forward and asks for her name.

Topaz: "Excuse me, may I know your name?"

The woman, her cool demeanour intact, responds.

Woman: "I am Ruan Mei. And who might you be?"

Topaz, always direct, introduces herself and the others.

Topaz: "I'm Topaz. This is Dan Heng, March 7th, and that's Numby. We need assistance."

Ruan Mei looks at each of them, her gaze lingering on Numby for a moment.

Ruan Mei: "I see. A rather unusual group. What is this assistance you require?"

Dan Heng, sensing an opportunity, speaks.

Dan Heng: "We're looking for a specific place here on this planet. It might be hard to locate and access. We were hoping you could guide us."

Ruan Mei raises an eyebrow, intrigued.

Ruan Mei: "A hidden location? Interesting. And why are you looking for this place?"

March 7th, always the eager helper, pipes up.

March 7th: "It's important business. Can you help us?"

Ruan Mei's gaze flicks to March 7th, then back to Dan Heng and Topaz, considering.

Ruan Mei: "I see. I know this planet and its inhabitants well. I may be able to help you. But I'll need something from you in return."

Dan Heng, always wary, eyes her with a calculating look.

Dan Heng: "What is it you want in return?"

Ruan Mei's expression remains cool and impassive.

Ruan Mei: "Nothing too demanding. Just a small favour. In return, I'll guide you to the location you seek."

Topaz is the one to speak up, always practical.

Topaz: "What exactly is this favour you're asking for?"

Ruan Mei: "I need assistance with one of my experiments. Its success requires a unique skill set that you and your companions may possess. If you help me with my experiment, I'll help you with your search for the hidden location."

Dan Heng, wary but intrigued, weighs the offer.

Dan Heng: "This experiment...what does it entail?"

Ruan Mei leads the group towards a large, industrial-looking facility. They pass through several security checkpoints, their every step monitored by countless mechanical eyes. As they enter, they are met with the sterile, clinical atmosphere of a high-tech laboratory. A sea of silver and white greets them, filled with state-of-the-art equipment that buzzes and hums softly. Ruan Mei, seemingly at home in the sterile surroundings, walks ahead, gesturing for the group to follow. She leads them through rows of complex equipment, stopping finally at a large chamber.

Ruan Mei: "This is the heart of my research facility. This is where we'll be experimenting."

Dan Heng, always observant, looks around the large chamber.

Dan Heng: "Impressive setup. What exactly are we doing here?"|

Ruan Mei moves to a control panel on the wall, her fingers dancing across the controls as she sets up the experiment.

Ruan Mei: "I'm testing a new hypothesis. It requires a collaboration of unique skills and capabilities. Each of you has a certain flair that I believe can assist in the success of this experiment."

March 7th, ever curious, ventures a question.

March 7th: "Unique skills? What exactly are we talking about here?"

Ruan Mei looks directly at March 7th.

Ruan Mei: "The hypothesis I'm testing involves energy manipulation. Each of you has a unique relationship with different types of energy. You, March 7th, are an ice being, correct? Dan Heng, you possess the power of an aeon. And you, Topaz, can manipulate the very concept of debt."

Dan Heng nods, the pieces aligning in his mind.

Dan Heng: "I understand. You want us to utilize our abilities to influence the outcome of this experiment."

Ruan Mei nods in affirmation.

Ruan Mei: "Precisely. The success of this experiment depends on how each of you can control and direct the energy in this room. It's a delicate balance, but I believe you are all uniquely capable of helping me achieve it."

Topaz, ever practical, asks for specifics.

Topaz: "What exactly do we need to do? And what's the hypothesis you're testing?"

Ruan Mei smiles at Topaz's pragmatic approach.

Ruan Mei: "The hypothesis is that by combining the unique energy control capabilities of each of you, we can create a new form of energy that's never been seen before. I'll guide you through the process, but your input is crucial."

Dan Heng, always looking at possibilities, asks a further question.

Dan Heng: "And what exactly is the potential use for this new form of energy? Is there a specific goal you're aiming for?"

Ruan Mei's eyes flash with ambition.

Ruan Mei: "The possibilities are endless. This new form of energy, if we can fully harness it and understand its properties, could revolutionize technology, science, and perhaps even life itself. It's an exciting, uncharted territory."

March 7th, her voice filled with excitement, chimes in.

March 7th: "So, we're like scientists on the cutting edge, huh? That's so cool!"

Ruan Mei smiles faintly at March 7th's enthusiasm.

Ruan Mei: "Precisely. And it's a responsibility that demands precision, focus, and collaboration. Are you ready?"

The group looks at each other, a mix of caution and curiosity in their eyes. Dan Heng nods, his expression serious.

Dan Heng: "We're ready. Let's do this."

Ruan Mei, sensing their agreement, nods.

Ruan Mei: "Excellent. We'll begin the experiment. Remember, your skills and abilities are critical to the success of this endeavour. We need to create a unified energy field, and each of you will play a pivotal role in that."