Man On The Moon

IV

Once inside their quarters, the family and Robin gathered in the living area. An air of tired but comfortable familiarity settled over them as they took in the sights and sounds of their temporary sanctuary. For a moment, no one spoke. The silence was neither tense nor comfortable, filled with the weary exhaustion of the day's events. Finally, someone broke the silence, their voice cutting through the quiet like a knife. Liana, her voice soft but firm, took the initiative to speak. She looked around the group, her gaze lingering on each of her family members before resting on Robin.


Liana: "I think we should... talk. It's been a long day, and there are things... we need to discuss."


Acheron and Vettel looked up, their expressions weary but listening, knowing that their mother was right. They settled into more comfortable positions, their bodies relaxing slightly but still tensed, as if they were preparing for something difficult. Nolan, his gaze fixed on his wife, silently nodded. He was as exhausted as anyone, but the gravity in Liana's tone was not lost on him. Robin, sensing the shift in atmosphere, sat up a bit straighter. She looked around at the family, her expression a mixture of understanding and sympathy. The air grew heavy with anticipation, the room quiet except for the soft hum of the ship's engines. No one spoke for a moment, each one lost in their thoughts, bracing for the conversation that was about to unfold. Then, as the silence threatened to become uncomfortable, Nolan, his voice rough from exhaustion, spoke up.


Nolan: "Where do we start?"


The question was a simple one, but the answer was anything but. Everyone in the room knew there was a lot to discuss, from what had happened on the Luofu to the newcomer in their midst. Acheron, her voice soft but clear, jumped in.


Acheron: "Maybe... start with what happened on the Luofu? We can fill Robin in and..."


Acheron paused, realizing that there was also the issue of how to explain the Luofu to Robin. Nolan and Liana exchanged a glance, weighing their options. Liana spoke up next, her voice as soothing as it was firm. She was the one who usually navigated these sorts of situations.


Liana: "Yes, that's a good place to start. Let's begin with what happened on the Luofu. But perhaps, first..."


She looked questioningly at Robin, her eyes holding a silent question. The pause was filled with unspoken words, the room growing even heavier as the group grappled with the question of how much to tell Robin. She was an outsider, albeit one who had been with them through an ordeal, but still an outsider nonetheless. But, as they all looked at her, it was obvious that they trusted her enough to share at least part of the truth. The decision was made in a glance, and Nolan nodded. Liana's gaze shifted from Nolan to Robin, then back to her children.


Liana: "I think, for now, we need to tell you some things... about ourselves. Things that... are not common knowledge."

The room went quieter. The mention of things that weren't common knowledge piqued Robin's interest, and she leaned in slightly, her expression a mixture of curiosity and caution. Liana took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking.

Liana: "What I'm about to tell you is... sensitive. It's not something we share with many people, but given recent events, I think it's best you know."

Her eyes darted to her children, silently asking if they were okay with sharing such sensitive information. Acheron and Vettel gave small but reassuring nods, their eyes telling her to continue. Nolan, his expression stoic, didn't protest. He knew, perhaps more than anyone, that secrets often bred more problems than they solved. And as much as he dreaded exposing this particular secret, he agreed that it was necessary. Liana looked at her family, silently thanking them for their trust, before turning back to Robin.


Liana: "What I'm going to tell you... will sound strange. I need you to keep an open mind, okay?"

Robin nodded, her expression now a mixture of intrigue and concern. She had a feeling she knew where this was going, but to hear it spoken out loud would be something else entirely. Liana took another steadying breath, mentally bracing herself for the shock that was about to come.