"I can't promise to always be available," Tatehan said slowly. "I have... things I'm dealing with out in the wastelands. Important things."

He had to sound like he was busy. Which he was.

The commander's eyes narrowed slightly. "You live in the wastelands?"

"For now, yes," Tatehan said, deliberately vague.

The commander looked confused, living in the wastelands was essentially a death sentence for most people, but she didn't push further.

"I understand," she said. "I'm not asking for a permanent commitment. Just... when we truly need you. When the situation is desperate. Can I call on you then?"

Tatehan pretended to think about it for a long time, when in reality he had already made up his mind before the question. Perhaps for dramatic effect, or something similar. To look cool, maybe.

Eventually, he nodded.

"Yes. If you truly need me, and I'm able to help, I will."

The commander's stern face broke into something that might have been a smile, brief, but as genuine as it could get.

"Good. That's all I can ask for."

She picked up her coffee again and took a long sip, then reached to the side of her hovering chair where a small compartment opened. She pulled out a sleek device and placed it on the table between them.

It looked remarkably similar to a phone from Earth—rectangular, with a dark screen and a slim profile, but with subtle differences. The edges had a faint metallic sheen, and there were small ridges along the sides that might have been sensors or controls.

"This is a communicator," the commander explained. "Standard issue for clan members, but I'm giving you one. It's meant for messaging and calls. Simple to use, just press here to activate it."

She demonstrated, touching the screen, which immediately lit up with a soft blue glow. A simple interface appeared, showing what looked like contact lists and message icons.

Tatehan stared at the device, genuinely surprised. A phone? On Mars?

"You look shocked," the commander observed with a hint of amusement.

"I... I am," Tatehan admitted. "I didn't expect something like this to exist here."

"Technology isn't dead on Mars," the commander said. "Just rare and expensive. Most civilians can't afford these, but clans and military forces use them for coordination. Consider this a gift, and a necessity. If I need to call on you, this is how I'll reach you."

She picked up the device and tapped a few times on the screen. "I'm adding my contact information now. When I send you a message or call, you'll know."

She handed the communicator to Tatehan, who took it carefully, still slightly amazed.

The device was lighter than he expected, and the screen was responsive to his touch. He could see the commander's contact listed simply as "Commander - Red Crest."

"How does it work out in the wastelands?" Tatehan asked, practical concerns coming to mind. "Is there signal?"

"Limited, but functional," the commander replied. "The network is maintained by various factions across Mars. It's not perfect, dead zones exist, especially in remote areas, but around Waython Hollow and the surrounding territories, you should have coverage. If you're deep in uncharted wasteland, the signal might drop, but messages will queue and send once you're back in range."

Tatehan nodded slowly, slipping the communicator into his pocket. "Thank you. This is... unexpected."

"It's practical," the commander corrected. "I can't call on you if I have no way to reach you."

Fair point. It wasn't like she was giving him from the good will of her heart, instead she was doing so because it was necessary.

"And," Tatehan added, almost surprising himself, "if I finish what I'm working on out in the wastelands... I might consider moving to Waython Hollow. Living here properly."

The commander raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by this.

"You'd be welcome," she said. "More than welcome. The city could use someone with your strength. And honestly, living in the wastelands..." She shook her head. "That's no life for anyone."

Tatehan allowed himself a small smile. If only she knew.

They finished their breakfast in more comfortable silence, the weight of the earlier conversation now lifted.

When they were done, the commander set down her cup with finality.

"Kessa will escort you and your companion to the gate. Your dust rider is ready."

Tatehan stood and bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you for everything. The hospitality, the meal, the conversation. And this." He patted his pocket where the communicator rested.

"You earned it, Mauler Slayer," the commander said. "Safe travels. And remember, when I call, I expect you to answer."

"I will," Tatehan promised.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

"What of Lyra," he asked sharply.

The commander replied calmly; "She survived but she's recharging and resting. Should be on her feet tomorrow. According to the doctor no one is permitted to see her for now."

Tatehan wanted to smile but refrained from doing so. He had saved the life of Lyra and now gained the trust and respect of the commander.

The leader of the Red crest clan, someone powerful and well respected across waython hollow.

He also got a phone like device. One he could use to send messages, send and receive calls. Though he hoped it would be like a normal mobile phone like he had on earth where he would be able to play videogames and music.

'There surely would be a device like that. Though it would surely be more expensive, it'll be worth it.' Tatehan thought.

He decided if he ever found a means to make money on this planet, he would save up and buy one.

About Lyra, he would see her once he came back since she was in a serious recovery session and needed no interruption.

______

A short while later, Tatehan and Riven stood at the main gate of the compound, their dust rider parked and ready just outside. Kessa had escorted them there, along with two guards who had helped ensure everything was in order.

Riven looked at Tatehan with curiosity as they walked toward the vehicle.

"What did the commander want to talk about?" she asked quietly.

"She asked me to help them," Tatehan said simply. "If things get bad with the Obscuron's forces. Occasionally."

Riven's eyes widened slightly. "And you agreed?"

"I said I'd help if I could," Tatehan clarified. "When they really need it."

He didn't bother asking her how she knew the obscuron since literally everyone on Mars knew him at this point.

Riven nodded slowly, processing this. "You're getting yourself involved in a war."

"Maybe," Tatehan admitted. "But the Obscuron's expanding north anyway. Better to have allies when that happens."

He pulled out the communicator the commander had given him, showing it to Riven briefly. "She gave me this. So she can contact me."

Riven's eyes widened even more. "A communicator? Those are expensive. She must really want your help."

"Apparently," Tatehan said, slipping it back into his pocket.

"I have one back at my apartment," Riven said surprising him. "When I get it I'll add you so we can chat while you're away."

Tatehan smiled at that.

"Sure," he said.

They reached the dust rider, and he climbed on first, then Riven settled in behind him.

Kessa stood at the gate, watching them with her usual neutral expression.

"Travel safely," she said.

"Thank you," Tatehan replied.

He activated the dust rider, and the engine hummed to life. The gate opened fully, revealing the sprawling buildings of Waython Hollow city beyond.

Tatehan took one last look back at the Red Crest Clan compound, then accelerated forward.

They rode out into the city, the morning sun rising slowly over the red horizon, casting long shadows across the Martian landscape.

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