Saiyan stowaways on the Ark

However, Tomat had no one left to call out to.

[Main Text] Rhodes Island Walk Guide: Chapter 54 Why Did You Take Me With You?

The daytime broadcasts had already spread the news of Chernobog's destruction throughout Rhodes Island.

As a neighboring country, Lungmen also received the corresponding news.

On the surface, this means that the Reunion Movement, with Chernobog as its command center, has been destroyed. In the near future, Rhodes Island and Lungmen will not have to worry about their further destructive activities. Rhodes Island can devote itself to the medical research that it should be conducting, while Lungmen can focus on the restoration and construction of the city.

Although some people may have complex feelings about the sudden destruction of a city due to their place of origin or other reasons, in general, such news is just like hearing about a city-state being destroyed by a natural disaster; it will only be a topic of conversation over tea and will not cause too much of a stir.

But such ripples still stirred up waves that were hard to ignore in the hearts of some people.

"The Ursus government, which remained inactive even after the entire city was captured, suddenly became very active after its destruction..."

"This could not possibly be a decision made by Ursus out of fear of the Reunion Movement's armed forces within Chernobyl. As for why, the reason is really too obvious."

10:00 PM, Weather on the top activity deck of the USS Rhodes Island: Sunny

Two people, among the few who still cared about Chernobog, gathered here. The slightly chilly wind ruffled the white-haired Kattus's rabbit ears and gently stroked the purple-haired dragon girl's long braid.

The former was concerned about his stubborn father who was still in Chernobyl.

The latter is still reminiscing about her blood sister whose fate is unknown.

They had known about the destruction of Chernobog beforehand, but when the concrete news reached them, they couldn't help but take action.

"You guys just sandwiched me in the middle and started saying all sorts of things, while I went out to get some fresh air."

The so-called action involved approaching Tomat.

Tomat, who was lying on the guard railing at the edge of the deck, was being squeezed on the left and right by Frostnova and Chen. Then, ignoring Tomat himself, they started talking about Chernobog.

"So it's like I don't exist..."

Since the two women seemed to ignore Tomat, and he continued picking his teeth as if no one else was there, recalling the dinner that had stirred up unpleasant memories in his DNA, he asked:

"Are you still going to use this method to get me involved in the conversation?"

Froststar and Chen exchanged a smile, seemingly having already achieved their goal simply by having Tomat discuss the situation in Chernobog with them.

From the moment she arrived at Rhodes Island, Frostnova didn't harbor much resentment towards anyone, whether they were infected or not. Apart from a few rude and abusive patients, she maintained a relatively peaceful attitude towards everyone and everything there.

Despite having only been there a few days, and still concerned for those in distress who might exist in every corner of the earth, Frostnova was in a relatively good mood after observing Rhodes Island and seeing how well her team members got along. In fact, she gradually hoped that one day more people would experience the atmosphere at Rhodes Island.

As for Chen—despite being a "non-infected" in the records and having always held a harsh attitude towards the infected population in Lungmen, this is Rhodes Island outside of Lungmen, and she has seen a much better, more harmonious and stable scene than the slums of Lungmen. Therefore, she will not impose her unintentional grudges on the infected on the Rhodes Island, which is why she can now talk to Frostnova.

Furthermore, Frostnova's sudden support during the battle of Lungmen was a favor she owed Frostnova, so naturally she wouldn't treat Frostnova the same way she would treat an "Infected".

Although the two of them had their own thoughts when they got together, they could still be considered to be cooperating as friendly neighbors.

"I think you've probably heard about it."

In response to Tomat's reply, Chen, who had shed his official airs on Rhodes Island, was the first to speak.

"No, I haven't heard of it. I still don't know why you've brought me here."

Thomas wasn't one to overthink things and guess the real purpose of people seeking him out, even if it was a sign of trust or respect for his abilities. But it wasn't in his nature to accept such high regard for no reason.

"Then let's just say it directly, we want to go to Chernobog."

Seeing that Tomat had no interest in learning more, Froststar cut straight to the point.

Chen and Froststar both want to go to Chernobog.

For the former, that place was where Talulah's fate was unknown.

For the latter, it was the place where his father, Patriot, and the Integration Movement perished.

Chen still felt that Talulah wouldn't die so easily. Even though the fragments of her sword had passed through her hands, she didn't believe that the disappearance of someone related to her by blood wouldn't cause her any distress.

Frostnova, on the other hand, was more worried—because logically, the Patriots would most likely stay in the Chernobog area to unite the surviving members and continue their operations, and given his personality, he would definitely conduct a long-term search and rescue operation for survivors there.

The problem is that the Ursus authorities have now taken action.

Frostnova didn't believe that Ursus had sent a search and rescue team or a Scourge messenger.

She knew those people's nature very well; they wouldn't send aid, they would only bring inhumane "cleaning work."

It's not just that Chernobog itself is disliked by the Ursus people due to historical reasons; they're eager to find an opportunity to eliminate it.

More importantly, the fact that Reunion, a newly established organization, was able to seize it signifies the Emperor of Ursus's leniency and the betrayal and treachery of Chernobog by its internal leadership.

Many people have seen through Talulah's tricks and what supports the Reunion Movement's actions, but no one has dared to bring it up in front of Talulah, whose personality has changed drastically.

The belated actions taken by the Ursus authorities now further prove this point.

—In other words, what kind of agreement did Reunion reach with the Ursus leadership, an agreement that benefited both Ursus and Talulah, to the point that the former betrayed the city and the latter betrayed the infected who fought for her?

However, it is clear that the destruction of Chernobyl was not something that was anticipated in the agreement.

It's only natural that Ursus would send someone to "take care of the aftermath" to prevent others from finding out about their dirty dealings.

This means that the Patriots will most likely encounter regular Ursus troops or even special operations personnel.

As a daughter, how could Frostnova not be worried after hearing this news?

"Then go for it. Just make up any excuse, and maybe it'll be approved."

Thomas spoke of it casually, without giving any indication of the difficulty involved.

The problem isn't with Rhodes Island's higher-ups, like whether the Doctor or Kal'tsit would approve it.

It's not about what excuse they use to intervene.

However, if they didn't intend to use any legitimate pretext in the first place, then no one can stop them.

After all, those who could stop the two of them had no interest in interfering at all.

"Wait, why are you asking me this?"

"Let's go together."

As casually Thomas had spoken, Chen and Froststar answered with the same self-evident ease.

[Main Text] Rhodes Island Stroll Guide: Chapter 55 Vitalala

why me?

Both Froststar and Chen gave similar answers to this question.

"You said you defeated Talulah, can't you at least show me where it is?"

"You've dealt with stubborn old men before, so it'll be easier to communicate with you if you're there, right?"

While both accounts have some persuasiveness, the idea of ​​women taking their partners to meet their families inevitably makes it seem like a conventional, step-by-step process of meeting the parents.

Fortunately, at least Patriot didn't fly into a rage like an overprotective father after learning Tomat's identity, asking, "You're the one who kidnapped my daughter?" However, if he were to actually go to see him with Frostnova this time, the atmosphere would probably still be very awkward.

Surprisingly, whether out of a sense of responsibility or some other concern, neither Frostnova nor Chen had any intention of secretly leaving Rhodes Island and heading to Chernobog.

But what was even more surprising was the reaction of the Doctor and Kal'tsit to this matter.

They actually agreed.

However, they will be going to Chernobog under the name of the Lungmen Survey Team, and the identities of some personnel will be changed.

“Lungmen and Ursus have reached an agreement, with each side sending disaster research personnel to investigate the damage in Chernobog,” Kal'tsit said. “They will also send rescue teams. Just before this, Lungmen Mayor Wei Yanwu placed an additional cooperation order with Rhodes Island to participate in the rescue operation.”

Rhodes Island has no right to intervene in the investigation of Chernobog, because they are a neutral third-party organization that is not affiliated with any power.

Chernobog also prohibits other forces from interfering without authorization.

But Lungmen is different. The previous invasion of Lungmen by the Integration originated from Chernobog, and they have the right to request an investigation of the ruins of Chernobog, which served as the Integration's command center.

Moreover, even if Ursus disagrees with Lungmen's intervention, believing that these are thugs on their territory and should be dealt with by themselves, and that the injured civilians are also their citizens and do not need help from Lungmen or other international aid organizations.

They would also be constrained by Terra's international rules and would be powerless to stop Lungmen's activities under the guise of "research," because any country can conduct scientific research investigations on the surrounding disaster-stricken areas, which is a form of protection for each country and city-state.

After all, most people also believe that Chernobog was destroyed by a natural disaster.

"I see. Even without thinking too deeply, it's clear that Ursus's concern for Chernobog at this point is suspicious. Allowing Frostnova and that policeman to join under the guise of a rescue team also ensures their safety."

Kal'tsit's willingness to allow Frostnova and Chen to go to Chernobog shows that she was aware of the concerns, whether it was the behind-the-scenes personnel of Integration or Ursus's cover-up for the rescue. She had considered these factors, which is why she included those with sufficient combat capabilities in the team, rather than foolishly sending in defenseless medical personnel. However, Tomat still had his own doubts:

"However, since we know those people are not good people, why did we still sign the cooperation agreement with Lungmen? Even with Froststar and the others there, if those people really start fighting, someone might still get hurt."

“I think…” the doctor beside him explained to Tommat with his own considerations, “If we don’t agree, Lungmen will also send a ‘research team’ and a ‘rescue team’ prepared to fight in Chernobog, and they will most likely actually fight. After all, it is very likely that evidence of collusion between Ursus and Reunion will be found there, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it could become the fuse for war.”

“Although I don’t know much about it.” Tomat glanced at the Terran natives present and expressed his subconscious judgment about Ursus, “But isn’t this country quite warlike? It seems like it’s eager to start a war with the whole world, and it’s already constantly provoking the surrounding territories.”

Tomat's gaze fell on Frostnova, who had been waging guerrilla warfare against the Ursus military.

"Ursus needs war because they have always relied on war to unite themselves and strengthen themselves."

Seemingly noticing Tomat's gaze fixed on her, a native of Ursus, Frostnova, recalling what Patriot and Talulah had told her, combined with her own judgment, explained: "But what is needed is a legitimate war, not a war where the conspiracy is exposed and all nations can use it as an excuse to attack it."

"Furthermore, the orders we now know of from the Ursus government are clearly at odds with the inaction of the nobles during the previous Chernobog riots, and do not seem to be decisions made by the same decision-makers."

The doctor continued explaining the possible current situation in Ursus, somewhat absorbed in the moment, resting his chin on his hand as he shared his thoughts with those around him.

"We cannot confirm whether someone is trying to start a war to strengthen Ursus, or to stir up trouble to weaken the increasingly conflicted royal court after the new emperor of Ursus took office. Of course, it is also possible that both are true."

"In other words, war might be necessary for Ursus, but a war that could be preemptively targeted and uncovered would be a waste of effort, regardless of whether there's a mole within Ursus plotting to weaken the Emperor..."

Chen's understanding of Ursus mostly came from book records, online archives, and his uncle's vicious yet indescribable descriptions.

But after hearing so many explanations from the PhD, she also developed her own insights.

"What they want now is for any evidence that could trigger a war to disappear from Chernobog?"

“Yes.” Kal’tsit nodded, looking at the Doctor with a slightly approving gaze, her tone unusually tinged with a smile, and said, “A very good assessment of the situation, as if you know this country’s ways inside and out. However, this is only the most basic, but it is still very well said.”

"Ah...is that so?"

After being praised by Kal'tsit, the Doctor started scratching his head through his hood, feeling quite pleased with himself.

"It seems the nutritional meals are working very well. I'll arrange them for you every day from now on."

When the doctor made that silly "hehe" sound, it instantly brought back some unpleasant memories for Thomas.

"If... I mean, if Talu... no, if the leader of Reunion were still alive..."

Chen's insights made her realize in an instant a situation she didn't want to imagine.