Chapter 44
Apparently, space eels lack organs capable of processing language. They are not a species designed for dialogue.
Since there's no helping it, the exchange will be conducted via telepathy. Most likely, it's adjusting its output to match the smaller lifeform, as the strain on the mind is negligible compared to when the space jellyfish sent a massive wave of telepathy.
"We refer to your kind as silicon-based lifeforms, and ourselves as organic lifeforms to distinguish between us. We organic lifeforms, in short, often originate and evolve on the surface of those massive rock spheres... planets, which you consume."
That wasn't a lie. Kait didn't know everything about the Federation's citizens, so statistically speaking, it's possible that more lifeforms originate underground.
The space eel tilted its head slightly, but seemed to accept the explanation.
—I see. If you originated on that rock sphere, then your small bodies make sense. That aside, could you move away a little?
"?"
—The metallic lifeform over there. I must eliminate it.
The metallic lifeform over there. In the direction of its gaze stood Radia. Could the space eel be mistaking the artificial celestial body for a lifeform?
Surprised that the joke he had once shared with Gorou turned out to be true, Kait hurriedly denied it.
"W-Wait. That's an artificial construct inhabited by organic lifeforms like me. It's not a lifeform like you described."
—Huh?
"Organic lifeforms cannot normally survive in this space with bare bodies. So we use ships—well, maybe you wouldn't understand that—protective outer shells to make survival possible here."
This time, the space eel genuinely seemed confused.
It shook its head up, down, left, and right, and questioned Kait.
—But Kait. You are surviving in this space, are you not?
"I-I received special training."
As an excuse, it was rather weak. Perhaps it would have been better to say his body had been modified that way.
"Would it help if I showed proof? Emotion, relay to Radia. Have someone come out here wearing equipment for working outside the ship."
'With all due respect, Captain. The reason being?'
"Ah... I need to prove to this space eel that Radia isn't a metallic lifeform, but rather a structure inhabited by organic beings like me."
'You've been muttering to yourself for a while now—could it be you've been in contact with the space eel!?'
Come to think of it, since the exchange was telepathic, the conversation between Kait and the space eel couldn't be heard. That might pose future communication issues. After all, if only Kait could hear it, proving anything would be difficult.
"For now, relay those instructions to Radia. Also, contact the Terapolapaneshio group and send someone over. If you explain that this being can only communicate via telepathy, they'll understand."
'Understood, Captain.'
Apparently, Emotion didn't believe Kait would lie about something like this and responded accordingly.
After finishing his instructions to Emotion, Kait turned his gaze back to the space eel. Then—
—By the way, Kait. What is a space eel?
Oops, he'd forgotten to shut off the telepathy.
—Also, what is Emotion? Is there still someone else inside that shell?
One explanation after another kept piling up!
Kait cursed his own carelessness for the first time in a while.
***
—Thank you for the explanation. So, I've been mistakenly attacking the shells that you organic lifeforms ride in, thinking they were metallic lifeforms.
After enduring a barrage of questions from the space eel, they finally managed to clear up the misunderstanding by having a member of Radia's crew appear in the flesh.
Relieved that things seemed to be settling peacefully, Kait moved on to the final explanation regarding the name "space eel."
"I'm glad you understand. Also, 'space eel' is just a temporary name we gave you since we don't know your species' name... it's more like a label."
—A name? You mean something like how you are called Kait? How did you define that name for yourself?
"In my case, my parents... that is, the two individuals who made the effort to create me, gave me the name."
—I don't quite understand, but if you've defined me as 'space eel,' then I'm fine with that.
And so, "space eel" was officially approved by the being itself.
While silently apologizing to Gorou for not going with "Star-Eater" instead, Kait moved on to the next topic.
"The reason we tried to speak with you is because on the rock sphere—planet—up ahead in your path, there are lifeforms like us breeding."
—Up ahead? Is that the rock sphere you live on?
"No. They're still young and likely unaware that this space exists, or that their planet is spherical. We are a group of individuals who understand this space and have ventured out from our own planet."
The space eel raised its head and made a gesture as if looking past Radia. With just that movement, it shifted to a position where it could see Namibif 6, showing just how massive it really was.
Even from this position, it seemed able to see the surface, and the space eel stared intently at Namibif 6 for a while.
—Indeed, that rock sphere seems to have various things attached to its surface. You're asking me not to eat that, correct?
"Yes. Is that possible?"
—I don't mind. But Kait, from what you've said, there are other rock spheres where organic lifeforms like you have emerged, correct? If possible, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me which ones I am allowed to eat.
"Of course. I'll make arrangements for that."
Since they were the ones making the request, that much accommodation was necessary. However, if every space eel they encountered in the future asked the same thing, could the Federation really provide enough uninhabited planets to feed them all? That was something to consult the council about.
Then, the space eel gave off a vaguely apologetic air. Though its appearance didn't change at all, the telepathic wavelength somehow conveyed the feeling.
—That would be very helpful. By the way, you organic lifeforms don't seem to be a species that lives as individuals, do you?
"No. We gather together and live cooperatively."
—I see. Then I must have killed some of your companions. I'm truly sorry.
So that's what had been troubling it.
Technically, the Corporation wasn't Kait's companion, but trying to explain that nuance to the space eel probably wouldn't help. For now, he decided to comfort it with a plausible-sounding rationale.
"It couldn't be helped. We've also killed some of your kind. For us to blame you for killing our companions while we've done the same would be wrong."
—My kind? Kait, you've encountered others like me!?
Whoa, that was the most intense reaction yet.
Well, of course. It's about the fate of others scattered across the universe. Kait could understand the desire to know.
That just made him feel even more guilty, but lying now would be worse. Even if the truth was unpleasant, he had to be honest.
"Yes. We've encountered space eels like you four times before. We tried to communicate, but failed, and had no choice but to kill them all."
—Killed!? Kait, you've killed others like me!?
"Yes."
He braced himself for rebuke, insults, or even renewed hostility.
—That's amazing! Kait, I respect your strength!
"Huh?"
Why does the space eel look so incredibly pleased about this?