Noah the Psychic with Mars

After they had found a cozy spot in the shade on the deck, Jo Thueson invited the children to sit at a small table. The sea air was fresh, and the cool shade provided relief from the bright sun as the ship rocked gently on the open sea. At a table hidden from the view of the other passengers, Jo settled herself first, crossing her arms over her chest, and her serious gaze caught the attention of Delia and Jerome.

This was nothing new to Jerome. He knew they weren't just tourists, and though sometimes he felt like the spy games of his life were just beginning, this was an important moment. Delia sat across from him, her small face serious, her eyes still full of curiosity. She was eight years old, and her role in this mission was nothing short of astonishing.

"So," Jo began, handing each of them a small card, "you have an important role to play. Delia, you will be a spy. Your job is to remain unnoticed, and if all goes well, no one in Rome will suspect you of being a spy.

Delia, despite her young age, listened attentively without interrupting. She felt the importance of the moment and even felt a little proud that she had been chosen for this role.

"What do you mean? I'm going to be a spy?" she asked with undisguised delight in her voice, although she tried to keep a serious face.

"That's right," Jo replied, looking up. "You'll look like an ordinary girl, but in reality, you'll be observing certain people. It'll be harder than it looks. No one would expect a little girl to be able to gather information, but that's where your power lies."

Delia smiled, as if she was already imagining how she would follow people in Rome without being seen. She imagined herself as a heroine in one of those old spy movies, and that gave her confidence.

Jerome, who had been listening with interest until now, frowned slightly. He understood that this was all much more serious than they might have initially thought. His role was different, not as bright, but no less important.

"And me then?" he asked, leaning slightly against the back of his chair. "If I'm not supposed to be the center of attention, then why am I here at all?"

Jo looked at him with an expression that mixed respect and mild irritation. Jerome was always ready to chime in, but he seemed eager for more information.

"Your role is to be a backup agent," she explained. "You, like me, can't afford to get into trouble. If something happens to Delia, you'll have to take her place and continue the mission. But remember, you're not to interfere openly. Your job is to be there to back her up if things don't go according to plan."

"So I'm... like a sniper, or something?" Jerome said with a grin, imagining this role.

Jo nodded.

"Not exactly like that, but something similar. We will work as a team. And you must be ready to replace her at any moment if the situation requires it."

Delia leaned back slightly in her chair, thinking.

"So we're all in some kind of spy game, huh?" she asked with a smile. "And I'm going to be the little spy and Jerome is the super agent?"

"Exactly," Jo confirmed, "only this game is real. It's important that you both understand: everything that happens on this ship and in Rome matters. We can't afford a single mistake.

Jerome nodded, his face becoming serious. He had already realized that jokes and lightness were fading into the background. This was something much more important than just a trip.

"Okay," he said, "I'm in. But if something goes wrong, we'll work as a team."

Jo finally relaxed, although her face remained serious.

"And that's exactly how it should be. Don't forget: our goal is information. We can't let anyone figure out who we really are."

Little Delia raised her hand, like she did at school, and asked:

"What if I can't find something or if someone notices that I'm doing something wrong?"

Jo looked at her with a smile, trying to calm the girl down.

"If something goes wrong, we will do everything possible to fix the situation. You are not alone, and we will always be there. If necessary, you just signal, and we will intervene."

Delia nodded, and Jerome, despite his role in this matter, felt that responsibility lay with all three of them. The ship continued to sail, and they, involuntarily gathered in a circle, discussed their roles in this difficult mission.

"So," Jo summed up, "be attentive. Something important can be hidden in any moment. Less words - more actions."

Together they looked towards the horizon, and suddenly a grey-haired man in a denim jacket and brown trousers approached them. His face was wrinkled, but his eyes sparkled with some strange, almost childish joy. He kept his right hand in his pocket, and his gait was confident, but at some point it seemed that he was holding back a smile, as if he was joking with them.

Jo immediately looked up and gave him a wary look, but the man ignored her gaze and turned directly to Jerome.

"Do you know what the symbol is for men?" he asked, bowing his head slightly.

Jerome was a little puzzled, but quickly remembered and answered:

"This is the shield and spear of Mars," he said quietly and with a slight doubt in his voice, because he had never studied this issue due to his young age.

The man grinned, slowly pulled his hand out of his pocket and held it out to Jerome. In his palm was a Mars bar. Jerome was taken aback, and then realized that this was not just a question, but some kind of game. The man smiled and put the chocolate bar in his hand, and Jerome felt a slight surprise.

"There you go, boy. You know, you were right," the man said, his eyes flashing with a sly light. "The shield and spear of Mars. There's your symbol."

Jerome was a little embarrassed, but thanked her, as the gift was indeed unexpected. Delia, who was watching this with interest, could not help but exclaim.