" No, you need to write it like this."
Picking up a pencil, I decided to just write out the alphabet on a large piece of paper for all the kids to see. " Firstly, do you remember the alphabet?"
All the younger Tekkaden members that came along with us nodded and began singing it as I taught. Nodding, I then asked them to tell me the vowels which they did perfectly. " Alright. Knowing all of this. Take a look at your papers and see what you did wrong. If you still don't understand, me, Andre and Takaki shall be going around to help."
Walking around, I began pointing out mistakes. I did this from time to time back on Mars when we had time. Ingratiate yourselves with your future workers and all. I began this as far back as when I was in Pete's gang, even teaching Pete how to read and write.
Every person I brought to Tekkaden was Illiterate because of it which made it easier to join the company when we did. It ensured a lot of the managerial positions amongst us space rats were filled by good friends of mine which was still the case if not more so now. " Okay. I think it's time for a little competition."
All eyes went to me and I could see all the kiddos getting excited as I slowly brought a chocolate from my jacket pocket. " You all know the deal. We did quick maths last time so today, it's a spelling B. "
I heard shouts of happiness and groans of disappointment all round as the kids split into spectators and participants. I gave Andre and Takaki most of the work, ignoring Andre's flat look until the final rounds where I took over. Eventually, one of the kids won and I gave him a bar of chocolate as a reward.
Promising to do it again as usual, I could finally take a break and have lunch. Just as I was about to see what was left over for me, assuming that hog Andre hadn't eaten it yet, Takaki walked over. " Hey Darius, I just wanted to thank you again for doing all this…."
I couldn't help but tune the boy out as I watched Andre heading to the fridge. I know for a fact he ate lunch already so he better not touch my food.
Just as he opened the fridge, we locked eyes and a shit eating grin began to split his face.
This motherfucker.
Seeing Jim reach into the fridge and take out a wrapped up plate, I knew I couldn't waste anymore time before he ran away with the dish.
"...ard to take care of the younge-"
" Yeah, yeah. It really is but we're in this together and stuff. Sorry to cut you off but I have something important to take care of at the moment."
" Oh, yeah, sorry for ta-"
I didn't even let the boy finish as I ran into the kitchen just as Andre ran off. There was no point in chasing him. The unfortunate side effect of having a fitter friend.
Take a look at what he took, I found my wrapped plate savagely torn through, most of the food left untouched except for a huge saucy spot as the only evidence that something was there. " You fuckin animal, you stole the fuckin meat, didn't you!"
I glanced down the hallway where the uncivilised barbarian stood, gripping, of fucking course it's a chicken leg like it could run away at any moment.
" I know where you sleep and no one can hear you scream in space."
He better pray I forget this misdaad. Singing, I took the remains of my lunch, warmed it up and took a seat in the cafeteria, ignoring the laughs of the boys who had been watching.
Taking out my pad, I checked on everything we had. So far, things were going according to cannon. I wasn't sure if we would run into Muruba like in cannon cause I was sure it was supposed to happen already. Not that I had a good idea of the exact dates of there any in cannon.
I also needed to find a way to get us into Taiwaz's good graces just in case things don't go as cannon. The changes I've been slowly accumulating shouldn't be enough to totally have changed that part of the plot but it's better to be prepared.
What would they want if things did change? .Well, there's only one way to find out. Before I could get into my research, I had to put it on hold when I saw Kudelia approaching.
I hadn't spoken to her all that much since I became co leader. I wondered what she had been thinking of everything. When I went off on Orga, she was in the room but I forgot, not that it would change much.
No matter what I wanted to do in and out of Tekkaden, it would be a good idea to keep myself in her good graces.
Catching her eye, I gestured to the chair opposite me, a smile on my face. " Ah, Kudelia. It's been some time since we last talked. I'm quite sorry. I've been quite busy as of late."
Kudelia hesitated for only a brief moment before accepting my invitation, gracefully lowering herself into the seat. "Y-Yes," she responded.
She stammered. Was she scared of me?
"It has been some time." she added. "I can imagine. You have many responsibilities now."
She seemed to have something on her mind and I think I had an idea of what it was. I told everyone after taking Todo's life to keep it under wraps.
I didn't want the noblewoman to learn of the event, or rather my part in the whole thing. It's one thing to kill in self defense and another to rally kids into killing an old man and even if I don't think what I did was wrong, Kudelia seems like someone who would be closer to Orga's mindset.
"I saw you teaching the younger children just now," she said, her voice softer. "It was… unexpected."
She paused, probably realizing how that sounded, then quickly added, "Not in a bad way! I just-"
She exhaled and smiled, this time more genuinely. "It was nice. Seeing them so eager to learn."
Yeah, it was a good way to build connections with Tekkadan members and reinforce my good standing in the company.
Plus, it's better to have smarter workers than dumbasses. "Indeed. It's unfortunate I can't do it more often."
I abruptly stood up and slightly bowed at noble girl. " I also want to thank you for continuing to use our services despite its rather sudden change in leadership."
A good way to curry favour is to show one's appreciation, just ask the Japanese. Their customer service alone was enough to make me a repeat customer.
This is especially effective to kind hearted souls like Kudelia.
Kudelia blinked in surprise. It took her a few seconds to process my sudden actions before she responded. "There was never a question of continuing," she said, meeting my gaze. "I entrusted my mission to Tekkadan, not just to its former leadership. That hasn't changed."
She hesitated, then added, "I won't deny that things have been… different. But I don't see this as a reason to turn my back on you. I should rather be thanking you all. My mission to earth wouldn't be possible otherwise."
I sent her a warm smile, sitting back down. "Oh, and my offer from earlier to talk is still open anytime. I would rather like a good reason to get away from these detestable documents and figures."
Kudelia smiled back, a chuckle escaping her lips at my words. "I'll remember that,"
Unless I was seeing wrong, a teasing smile grew on her face. "Though I wouldn't want to be the cause of any neglected responsibilities."
I was lucky Andre wasn't here. That fucker would be making the most idiotic faces ever at this moment.
The rest of the conversation was rather lighthearted. Whatever nervousness she had when approaching me evaporated so much so that she had even begun responding to my jokes with her occasional own. Seemed I was rubbing off on her.
Our conversation was halted when I got an emergency message to head to the command centre. Running there, I arrived just as Orga did. Our relationship since Todo was rather strained but it remained cordial.
Well, cordial as in ignoring each other, only talking through others and over text unless absolutely necessary. I wonder why he seems so distant?
I did him a favour after all.
Well, now wasn't the time. Jogging in, I took the captain's seat and was the first to speak. "What's the issue?"
The issue appeared as a large projection and I felt instant relief fill me at the sight.
This was the first time I was happy to see Maruba's ugly mug or hear his angry shouts. " Oi, you brats. Not only have you robbed me but you've also taken my ship! I want you to gi-"
Lower the volume."
Soon enough, his shouts only sounded like whispers in the wind.
After what felt like forever, the guy I wanted to see came on screen, causing my smile to grow as I straightened in my seat. " Orga, I have a good idea of who this guy is. I suggest you let me do the talking."
I whispered hoping he would listen. There was no time to check as the subject of our progression came on screen. Time to put my lips service on.
" Do my eyes deceive me? Is that the Naze Turbine? The smoothest man in space. " I gave the man a respectful nod in my seat. " Hello, I'm the one and only, Darius Kingston. An owner of the illustrious Tekkaden. You have my undying envy by the way. The number of men who could build a ship sized harem could be counted on one hand. You've got to teach me your methods."
Naze Turbine raised an eyebrow at the unexpected praise, then chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Well now, that's not the kind of greeting I was expecting. Darius Kingston huh. I've heard a thing or two about you. The old man had more than a few choice words about you in particular."
" All bad I hope."
That earned another chuckle from the man before he focused on me, his eyes calculating. "Seems like we've got ourselves a little situation here. After a chance encounter, Maruba here began crying about how you all stole his company, his mobile workers, his pride, blah, blah, blah."
He waved a hand dismissively. "Normally, I wouldn't give a damn about some washed-up man throwing a tantrum in a bar, common sight after all , but… he offered all the assets you've got there and after verifying its legitimacy, I came to collect."
Naze continued, his voice smooth. "Now, I don't like doing things the messy way if I don't have to. We've seen your battle with Gjallarhorn. Not bad for a bunch of kids. I wouldnt mind having you guys work under us, though we would need to split you up with how big you guys are. "
Yeah, not happening, not when I'm here.
" Thanks, but I got a counteroffer. You see, we were hoping to get a meeting with the big boss of Taiwaz and hey, look who we found. Someone who could grease the wheels a bit. How about it? We can pay if you want."
The man's eyes narrowed slightly as he rested a leg over the other. "Now, that's a tempting offer, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass. You see, Taiwaz doesn't just meet with anyone who asks, no matter how much they're willing to pay. And besides…"
Naze leaned forward. "I don't stick my neck out for just anyone. So unless you've got something real interesting to bring to the table, I don't see this going your way."
I held my grinned, standing up before running a hand through my hair. " Interesting you say. Like perhaps defeating you in battle."
Naze arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he let out a low whistle. "Oh? Now that's interesting." He leaned back in his seat, eyeing me with newfound amusement. "You're really that confident, huh? You think you can take on the Turbines and come out on top?"
There was a pause as he studied me more closely, the sharp glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. "I gotta admit, I wasn't expecting that. I've heard many an offer but not one like this."
Naze stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Alright, you've got my attention. "
Okay, I got him on the line, I just needed to reel him in.
" I have a way to quickly end a battle between us if you so dare take the bait." I announced, pointing at the screen.
"Alright, alright. You've got some guts kid, I'll give you that. Fine, I'll bite. You want to settle this with a fight? Then let's do it. Don't expect me to go easy just cause you're kids."
When the transmission ended, I turned to the stunned crowd with a large grin on."Gentleman, I may not have a brain, but I think I got a plan."
*******
Just cause I knew the future didn't mean I could replicate it. Especially since I've tweaked the past so much, for the better or worse.
Who knows, maybe me helping that one person slack off for a favour is the reason something changes like their skill not being just that slightly bit better, meaning I couldnt redo that ship jumping act without dying.
That still didn't stop me from trying cause I would die from embarrassment otherwise. So, after stating my plan; the exact plan of cannon, I suited up, and psyched myself up for a stupid stupid idea.
There was no real way of preparing to jump off a space ship onto another space ship besides just going for it.
At least I wouldn't die alone.
I was taking the best shooters with me who all happened to be guys I brought with me from Pete. They all looked as nervous as I felt but gave me a nod.
Well, I can't pussy out now.
" Relax guys, at the very least, you can say you died doing something cool if we don't make it."
I got a few chuckles for my effort before my earpiece came to life. " It's time. Jump."
I took a running start. " Leeeeets get it!"
Holy fuck!
This shit is fucking…it's exilerating and scary as all hell. There wasn't much we could do to control our cross so all we could do was enjoy the ride and hope we didn't die.
To say I was relieved when the cross over was successful was putting it lightly. Moreso when we didn't face any problems blasting our way into the ship and reaching the command centre.
We met no resistance all the way there. It meant Naze had found us ballsy enough to meet the big man of Taiwaz.
Sure enough, when we forced open the door to the command centre, everyone but Maruba were calm.
Seeing that Maruba served his purpose, I wasted no time in putting a bullet through his head, making a few of the girls flinch and widen their eyes at my brutality.
"Judging by the fact that we didnt have to fight our way here, you've accepted my proposal."
Naze simply nodded, not dazed by the dead body on the floor. "Figured if you had the balls and skill or luck to pull something this crazy off, you deserved a proper sit-down. No need to waste my woman's lives over a fight that was already decided the moment you stepped on my ship."
*******
" Alright, I'm back."
Entering the command center back on the Isaribi, Eugene, Orga and Biscuit were there and more than eager to hear what happened after I informed them of our success.
"Naze agreed to introduce us, but I'll need to negotiate with the big man myself."
" Yourself?" Eugene repeated, eyebrow rising.
" Only one of us can meet him." I announced. meeting Orga's eyes. It was an absolute lie but there's no way I'm having these people there to fuck it up…and maybe wanted to establish myself as our diplomat.
This would give me unrestricted access to McMurdo and likely any future bigwig we work with.
This would give me free reign over how we network and whether or not I can potentially add my own dealings.
I of course seek Tekkaden's best interests but should shit end like how it did, I need an escape.
" I think it makes sense that I am the one who goes. Out of all of us, I seem the best suited to do this."
I could see that Orga wanted to argue. After all, this wasn't like other negotiations. This could not only define how the leadership of Tekkaden worked for the future to come, but the entirty of Tekkaden's future.
If was to fuck up this deal, we would have no way of taking Kudelia to earth and thus, ending our only major opportunity.
As for leadership, it would set a precedent.
Anyone who was watching could see that things were changing in Tekkaden.
People were listening to me more, looking to me for help or when things got intense.
Orga was still seen as a leading figure, still beloved but it was clear that I was the one handling a lot of the management side of the business and now encroaching on the leadership role I agreed to leave to Orga.
Good for my power and influence but utter shit for my time. Still, it had to be done.
That wouldn't be a bad thing if I hadn't set myself up as a clear rival. Could I have been more gentle with my actions and words?
Maybe.
Did I regret my actions? Not really. I will say that I am used to working mostly alone or with more autonomy than I have currently so I might be lashing out, but…fuck you, my methods are the correct methods and I ain't gonna let a first time leader tell me what the hell I need to do when he clearly doesn't know what the hell he's talking about.
Said first timer took a slow breath before responding after an impregnable silence, everyone seemingly waiting for his response.
"You've been handling things so far, and it's worked out. But just so we're clear, you're still doing this for Tekkadan. Not just for yourself."
Of course, of course. Who does he think I am?
" My future is tied with Tekkaden. After all, I don't take well to being a lackey." I met everyone's eyes then nodded. " Now, unless there's more to discuss, I've got other things to do."
The boy gave me one last hard look. "Fine. Just don't forget who's got your back."
Biscuit, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "This could be a real turning point for us. Don't let them walk all over you, Darius. Even if we need this deal, we still have to make sure we're not just getting used."
Eugene scoffed, arms still crossed. "Yeah, yeah, just don't go sellin' us out for some fancy words and promises."
There was no real malice in his tone, but it was clear he still had some reservations about leaving negotiations in my hands.
Damn, it seems non of the leading figures here trusted me. What a bother. It however didnt matter. I was still getting my way but I wondered what they said behind my back.
Nodding goodbye, I took my leave.