Man On The Moon

Chapter 44: Project X

The siblings, their journey leading them to a sprawling, secretive facility, find themselves standing before its imposing structure. "Project X" is written on a large sign above the gate, the letters in stark white against a black background. The environment around Acheron and Vettel is distinctly alien, with the towering buildings and advanced technology suggesting they've arrived on a highly advanced planet. The air itself feels different, charged with energy. Acheron and Vettel look around, taking in the sights of the Soltrix Planet with curiosity and fascination. Vettel, his eyes wandering over the advanced structures and the occasional aliens passing by, speaks up.

Vettel: "So, this is Soltrix Planet, huh? Looks pretty high-tech and... otherworldly."

Acheron nods, her gaze fixed on the surroundings.

Acheron: "It is. I wonder what this 'Project X' is all about. It must be something significant, located on a planet like this."

 
Vettel and Acheron continue to advance cautiously, their eyes and ears vigilant as they absorb the unfamiliar surroundings. Suddenly, they notice a group of serious-looking individuals heading their way. As Acheron and Vettel are studying their surroundings, a serious and sharp-looking man approaches them. He exudes an air of authority and intellect, and his gaze is fixed on the siblings.

Dr. Ratio: "I presume you are Vettel and Acheron?"

Upon Dr. Ratio's arrival, a woman named Jade appears at his side. She is part of the same organization, dressed in the same style and bearing the same emblem. Her gaze is as steady as her colleague's.

Dr. Ratio: "This is Jade. She's one of our operatives here at Project X."

Jade nods in acknowledgement, her gaze sweeping over Acheron and Vettel, silently assessing them. She doesn't speak, her expression cool and composed. Dr Ratio continues the tone of his voice brisk and business-like.

Dr. Ratio: "We've been expecting you. You've come seeking information regarding your origin and the nature of your powers?"

Acheron, her voice steady though she's a little taken aback by how quickly Dr. Ratio has identified their purpose, nods.

Acheron: "Yes. We've been given hints that this place might hold the answers we've been searching for."

Dr. Ratio gestures towards the looming structure behind them.

Dr. Ratio: "Project X is our most advanced research facility. We've dedicated considerable resources to studying the very fabric of power. If there's any information to be found about your abilities, it would be here."

No longer, did Aventurine approach the group. Aventurine's arrival is met with surprise from Dr Ratio and Jade, their eyes widening at the sight of the man they thought to be dead. He looks just as shocked to see Vettel standing there, alive and well.

Dr. Ratio: "Aventurine, what's the meaning of this? We were told he was killed in the explosion."

Aventurine, visibly stunned, stares at Vettel in disbelief, then regains his composure and looks to Dr. Ratio.

Aventurine: "Clearly, we were... mistaken. I saw the aftermath of the explosion. How is this possible?"

Vettel, who has been silent until now, speaks up, his voice casual and amused.

Vettel: "Ah, Aventurine. Good to see you again. Seems like death just didn't suit me."

Aventurine's expression becomes a mix of relief and irritation. Seeing Vettel standing there, very much alive, seems to shake him.

Aventurine: "You... you survived. But how? The blast was supposed to have been lethal. And here you are, looking completely unharmed."

Vettel's smile widens as he shrugs almost carelessly.

Vettel: "What can I say? It takes more than a little explosion to keep me down. I'm a tough nut to crack."

Acheron, a mix of amusement and mild annoyance at her brother's demeanour pats him gently on the shoulder and sighs.

Acheron: "That's putting it mildly. It's a miracle you're still in one piece."

Vettel, looking a little sheepish now that his sister has intervened, grins sheepishly.

Vettel: "Hey, give me a break. I survived, didn't I?"

Dr. Ratio and Jade look at Vettel and Acheron, a hint of amusement in their eyes. Aventurine, despite his shock, can't help but smile slightly at the sibling's interaction.

Dr Ratio: "Well, it seems the rumours about the 'unbreakable Vettel' are true after all."

Jade adds her comment, a small smile on her face.

Jade: "Surviving an explosion is quite the feat. It's not something many could claim to have done."

Aventurine, seeming to regain his composure, looks at Vettel with a mixture of disbelief and grudging respect.

Aventurine: "I'll give you that, Vettel. You certainly have a way of defying expectations."

Vettel, his usual smirk returning, responds nonchalantly.

Vettel: "What can I say? I have a thing for making a dramatic entrance."

Dr. Ratio, his tone somewhat amused, redirects the conversation.

Dr. Ratio: "Interesting though this conversation is, we have other matters to discuss. You're here for information, yes?"

Acheron, regaining her focus, nods.

Acheron: "Yes. We've come here seeking answers. We believe the information you might hold here could help us understand the true extent of our powers and their origins."

Dr. Ratio nods, his expression becoming serious once more.

Dr. Ratio: "You are correct. Here at Project X, we have access to some of the most advanced research and data in existence. If there's anything to be learned about your powers, we likely have it here."

Jade adds, her tone measured but helpful.

Jade: "We'll gladly share what we have on file about you. But in return, we ask for something."

Acheron, a mixture of curiosity and caution in her eyes, responds.

Acheron: "What do you require in return?"

Dr. Ratio answers, his voice calm and businesslike.

Dr. Ratio: "We'd like you to undergo a series of tests and examinations. Nothing invasive or harmful, but necessary to gather data about your unique abilities."

Vettel, a hint of scepticism crossing his features, speaks up.

Vettel: "And how do we know this isn't a trap? You want us to agree to these 'tests' without knowing exactly what we're getting into."

Jade responds, her voice steady and reassuring.

Jade: "We understand your concern. Rest assured, your safety is our priority. These tests are purely for research purposes. And we'll provide you upfront with the procedures and what they involve. You have our word that you'll not be harmed in any way."