Man On The Moon

Chapter 49: End Of All The Mission Part I

The party continued into the night, the group enjoying themselves as they mingled and relaxed. Despite the different factions present, there was a genuine sense of unity and celebration. Stories were shared, laughter echoed through the night, and bonds strengthened under the shared experience. Amid all the festivities, Silver Wolf, always with a hint of mischief, leaned in to whisper to Dan Heng.

Silver Wolf: "Hey Dan Heng, you're quiet. What's on your mind?"

Dan Heng turned to face Silver Wolf, his usual calm expression on his face.

Dan Heng: "Just observing the party. It's an interesting mix of characters, isn't it?"

Silver Wolf chuckled, amused by the understatement.

Silver Wolf: "That's one way to put it. I think a melting pot of chaos waiting to implode' is more accurate."

Dan Heng's lips tugged into a faint smile.

Dan Heng: "You make it sound like a disaster waiting to happen."

As Dan Heng continued his conversation with Silver Wolf, he was interrupted by the arrival of the Xianzhou group. Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and Blade approached the pair, their expressions ranging from friendly to stoic. Jing Yuan gave a nod in greeting.

Jing Yuan: "Dan Heng. Silver Wolf."

Jingliu nodded as well, her eyes briefly drifting over to Silver Wolf before returning to Dan Heng.

Jingliu: "Having a good time?"

Blade said nothing, as usual, his arms crossed, his stance that of a silent sentinel. Dan Heng responded with a nod.

Dan Heng: "Yes, it's quite the party. I didn't expect such a diverse group to be brought together."

Silver Wolf, always one to stir trouble, couldn't help but chime in.

Silver Wolf: "I know, right? Can you imagine what would happen if all those egos clashed at once?"

Jing Yuan chuckled, used to Silver Wolf's antics.

Jing Yuan: "I believe that's why we're having the party. To keep the peace, at least for a night."

Jingliu added, her eyes flicking briefly to Silver Wolf.

Jingliu: "It's a miracle the party hasn't fallen into chaos yet."

Blade, who up until then had been silent, finally spoke, his voice soft and yet carrying the weight of his years of solitude.

Blade: "Don't jynx it."

Silver Wolf chuckled, ever ready to antagonize.

Silver Wolf: "Aw, come on, Blade. Where's your sense of adventure?"

Blade just shot her a cold look, his expression unchanging. Dan Heng, the usually rational one, intervened, trying to cool the rising tension.
Dan Heng: "Let's not bait Blade, please."

Silver Wolf feigned innocence, hands up.

Silver Wolf: "Hey, I'm just having some fun."

Jing Yuan chuckled again, the tension easing a bit.

Jing Yuan: "You do love to rile people up, don't you, Silver Wolf?"

Silver Wolf shrugged, unrepentant but with a mischievous grin.

Silver Wolf: "What can I say? I like to keep things spicy."

Blade's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing more. Jingliu, on the other hand, seemed amused by Silver Wolf.

Jingliu: "You're a handful, Silver Wolf. I suppose I should be on high alert with you around."

Over on the other side of the party, Kafka and Himeko were standing together, engaged in conversation. The two women looked worlds apart - Kafka with her relaxed, cool demeanour and Himeko with her warm and authoritative presence - yet they had a certain ease with each other. Kafka was sipping a drink, her usual smirk in place as she talked. Himeko, ever the mature one, had a knowing smile on her face.

Himeko: "You're enjoying the party, Kafka? Or are you just watching the chaos unfold?"

Kafka chuckled, her eyes sweeping over the crowd.

Kafka: "A little bit of both, I suppose. It's entertaining seeing so many different personalities in one room. And the chaos...it has its charm, doesn't it?"

Himeko laughed, her smile widening.

Himeko: "It's certainly a recipe for unexpected events. I'm surprised there hasn't been a fight yet."

Kafka raised an eyebrow lazily.

Kafka: "Give it a little more time. The night is still young."

Himeko nodded, a hint of concern in her eyes as she looked around.

Himeko: "Indeed. We might have to play peacemaker soon. Some of these characters...need a bit of handling."

Kafka followed her gaze, her eyes landing on a few likely trouble-makers. She gave a dry chuckle.

Kafka: "Oh, don't worry so much, Himeko. A good party needs a little bit of drama, right?"

Himeko shot her a mild look.

Himeko: "As long as it doesn't get out of hand. We don't need any property damage or physical altercations."

Kafka smirked, enjoying the banter.

Kafka: "You worry too much, Himeko. Where's your sense of excitement?"

Over to the side, Topaz was standing with Numby by her side, Aventurine, Jade and Dr. Ratio. They seemed deep in conversation, their voices hushed but animated. Dr. Ratio was explaining something, his tone as if he were giving a lecture to students. Aventurine was listening intently, while Jade simply nodded along. Topaz was stroking Numby absentmindedly, half listening to the conversation, her mind partially elsewhere. Dr. Ratio was pontificating as always, using complex terms and theories to express his thoughts.

Dr. Ratio: "And as I was saying, the concept of the Interstellar Peace Corporation..."

Aventurine, trying not to roll his eyes at Dr. Ratio's convoluted style of speaking, interjected.

Aventurine: "Yeah, yeah, we get it. Peace and order through financial integration and economic stability. We've heard it all before, Ratio."

Dr. Ratio shot him a disapproving look.

Dr. Ratio: "And yet, it doesn't seem to have sunk in, does it, Aventurine? The principle is simple: economic interdependence fosters peace."

Jade, the quiet one, spoke up, her voice soft but firm.

Jade: "But what about the cultural differences and moral divergences between civilizations? Will your Corporation take that into account?"

Aventurine, seeing a chance to provoke Dr. Ratio, chimed in with a smirk.

Aventurine: "Yeah, Ratio. Your theories sound good on paper, but do they account for the fact that not all civilizations play fair?"

Dr. Ratio bristled at the comment.

Dr. Ratio: "Oh, so you think the IPE is some sort of Utopia? Let me remind you, my dear colleagues, that the Interstellar Peace Corporation is a business. It's a means to an end, and that end is stability. And yes, Aventurine, we do recognize that some civilizations are less than cooperative. But that's where our economic leverage comes into play. Carrot and stick approach."

Topaz, still petting Numby, chimed in, her voice calm.