So, 7-5 of the new whaleship missions introduces a new thing: a TP logic gate:


Here's how it works:

If your whaleship TP is < 1020000, then you are routed down the blue path. If higher, then you get sent along the red path.

The only difference seems to be about 22 extra sun medals for having the higher TP (418 in total).

Oh, and it appears that the helper TP is -not- a factor for this TP check.