Chapter 255: Route Negotiations
Kudelia asked helplessly, "So traveling to Earth… no matter what, we need someone to guide us?"
Eugene answered with certainty, "If we want to reach Earth safely, then yes—absolutely."
Orga nodded in agreement. "Right. Things have already escalated to the point where it's kill-or-be-killed with Gjallarhorn. A normal guide won't cut it anymore.
We need someone strong—someone who can protect us and other Mars-born people along the way."
Biscuit sighed. "A powerful backing, sure… but where are we supposed to find one…?"
Tolle thought for a moment before saying, "Why don't we go to Teiwaz?
The transport division's partner group, Tekkadan's affiliate—the Turbines—are led by Naze Turbine. He's sworn family to me."
Orga's expression shifted thoughtfully. "Teiwaz… yeah. They may be the only viable option."
Eugene grinned and slapped Tolle's shoulder. "Hahaha, didn't expect our chairman—no, Mr. Monty Hill—to have such connections."
"Teiwaz is based at the artificial satellite port—Jupiter's Suisei. Their main business is development and transport in Jupiter's orbit and asteroid belt. A multi-sector enterprise."
Kudelia lowered her head in thought, then continued, "But… there are rumors that they're just a very dangerous mafia organization."
Tolle shook his head. "While Teiwaz does carry some underworld style in how they operate, they're genuinely good people—straightforward and easy to work with. Most of their leaders value loyalty above all. Especially Naze."
Orga nodded. "That's what I'm counting on—the real face behind their reputation. With them backing us, Gjallarhorn won't be able to push us around so easily."
Biscuit agreed. "Yeah. Teiwaz has influence on Earth too. Gjallarhorn might not be able to act freely there."
Eugene burst into laughter. "Exactly! Good thing our cha— ahem —Mr. Monty Hill knows them. With Teiwaz on our side, we can finally head to Earth without fear."
Orga looked relieved. "Then we'll leave it to you, Mr. Monty Hill. We need to get in contact with them as soon as possible—otherwise we can't go forward or return to Mars."
Tolle nodded. "Leave it to me. But first, we have to go to Jupiter.
Right now, with Ahab waves interfering, long-distance communication is impossible.
And if Gjallarhorn intercepts any long-range signal we send? That would be disastrous.
Once we head toward Jupiter, I can act as navigation guide. I'll have Spark-1 slow down and lead us from the front."
"Then we'll count on you, Mr. Monty Hill."
Tolle immediately ordered Spark-1 to reduce speed and take point ahead of the Fishing Fire as the two ships began their journey toward Suisei—Teiwaz's artificial satellite port.
Then Chad voiced a question that drew everyone's attention. He looked at Fumitan with admiration and said, "That was amazing… how did you do that?"
Orga looked over. "What's wrong, Chad?"
"Oh, I was trying to establish contact with our comrades on Mars—but she just… did it. Effortlessly."
Kudelia stared at Fumitan in shock. "Fumitan, how did you manage that?"
"My lady, I used Gjallarhorn's Ariadne System."
Biscuit blinked in confusion. "Ariadne System? What's that?"
Expressionless as always, Fumitan explained, "The Ariadne System is a navigational route network that functions even while Ahab waves disrupt radar. It acts as a guide.
By treating the network relays as communication nodes, long-distance communication becomes possible."
Eugene frowned. "But if we use Gjallarhorn's network, won't they detect us?"
"If the transmission is encrypted, it should be fine."
"So that's how it works…"
"If you don't mind, I can assist from now on. But of course, only if the young lady agrees."
Kudelia was stunned—not only could Fumitan handle domestic tasks flawlessly, but now she was skilled with communication systems too.
She quickly responded, "Ah—of course. I don't mind at all."
Orga reacted immediately, almost afraid Kudelia would change her mind. "Then it's decided. Please—be our communications officer aboard the Fishing Fire."
"Very well."
Watching how naturally Fumitan fit into Tekkadan, Kudelia felt a sting of discouragement—she suddenly seemed like the least useful person on the ship.
While Tekkadan returned to work, Tolle planned to show Kudelia around the assault battleship.
But seeing her mood, he gently brushed his hand over her hair and whispered:
"It's alright, Kudelia. Everyone has things they can and can't do.
And you've already worked harder than anyone. You united us, helped give hope to Mars and its children.
Those are things none of us could do—and things only you can do."
Kudelia lowered her head and murmured, "Thank you, Tolle… but I want to help more—something useful. Something I can actually do."
"Then we start small. No one is born knowing everything—we all learn.
For example, cooking for the crew. You could help Atra in the kitchen—and learn how to make meals better over time."
Hearing that she could contribute, Kudelia's eyes lit up, and she smiled with renewed energy.
"Thank you, Tolle… for always supporting me."