Chapter 50
The report that the Corporation's flagship had appeared outside the Namibif star system brought a fair amount of surprise to Radia.
It wasn't just a branch president, but the president overseeing the entire Corporation who had arrived. In Federation terms, it would be akin to a senator suddenly appearing. Even for someone like Stomato, who was in charge of the artificial celestial body, it seemed a bit overwhelming.
The space jellyfish, serving as the negotiator, advised Stomato to accept the arrival to Radia, which helped settle the confusion quickly. Soon after, a message came from the Corporation requesting to dock at Radia, and Stomato responded calmly.
'The president of the Corporation is coming? I never thought that entity would move from its base.'
"Do you have some kind of history with them?"
'No, they're a bit eccentric but not a bad sort. They left the Federation due to disagreements with the Federation Congress, but it was a very amicable separation.'
"Hmm."
The space jellyfish seemed to have no particular feelings toward the Corporation. Still, what kind of disagreement could have led them to leave the Federation? The organization is known for its tolerance and protection of citizens' rights.
What kind of opinion did the Corporation hold that even the Federation couldn't accommodate?
"If it's a matter important enough for the president to come, then perhaps..."
The gaze turned to Tuna, who stood outside Radia. While glancing between the incoming fleet from beyond the star system and here, Tuna sent a telepathic message asking, 'Are they enemies?' Upon being told, 'They don't seem to be, so don't attack,' Tuna replied, 'Understood,' and was seen moving behind Radia.
'If they're here to demand we hand over Tuna, we'll have no choice but to refuse.'
"Would they really say something like that? Are they the kind of people who would ignore Tuna's wishes and try to take them away?"
'Hmm... I can't say for sure. How should I put it—they're extremely stubborn.'
"Stubborn?"
'Once they've made up their mind, they won't listen. They firmly believe that protecting rare species is a noble cause, based on their own experience of being protected as a rare species.'
"Well, it is a noble cause."
The space jellyfish hesitated. Since they rarely speak ill of others, the hesitation likely meant that while the individual wasn't bad, they were troublesome.
As if to confirm Kait's assumption, the space jellyfish continued.
'Yes. But their approach to protection is a bit... If I were to use the language of your planet, Kait Third-Rank Citizen of Enec Lagif, I'd say it's rather dry.'
"Dry?"
Hearing such an Earth-like expression from the space jellyfish made Kait feel like his brain was glitching. Then again, they had studied Earth's language during their observations, so it wasn't surprising.
'For example, the Corporation has no qualms about purchasing rare species through illegal markets. That's how your fellow kind came to be protected by them.'
"Yes."
'Until they have enough individuals to prevent extinction, the Corporation will spend generously to protect rare species. But once that number is reached, they stop buying, just like that.'
Even if they have the budget to buy them all, they won't. That fact is never disclosed to those they protect. They know saying, 'We had the money but didn't buy you,' would cause backlash.
That's why those in charge of purchasing rare species are staff with strong loyalty to the Corporation. Only those who can accept the Corporation's dry approach are considered suitable.
'The Corporation makes the protected rare species repay their purchase price as a loan. The repayment amount each time isn't high, and they're left with enough for leisure, so it doesn't seem to be strongly resented.'
"I suppose so. The Earthling I met on that ship seemed more at ease with that arrangement."
For those used to a monetary economy, the Federation's way of thinking can feel alien. It's no wonder people find it hard to trust. Kait may have adapted more easily because his education and environment offered fewer chances to engage with a monetary system.
Still, listening to it all, it does feel like a rather emotionless approach. As if the act of protection itself is the goal, and they have no interest in the individuals they protect.
'That can't be helped. As far as we know, he is a one-of-a-kind rare lifeform in this galaxy. In that sense, he's as rare as you, Kait Third-Rank Citizen.'
"I don't really understand why I'm being compared here?"
'Well, the Federation has an organization that calls itself the Psychic Power Research Society.'
"Uh-huh."
'Their recent research proved that Earthlings don't have particularly high aptitude for psychic power. In other words, your exceptional aptitude, Kait Third-Rank Citizen, is a unique talent.'
"...There sure are a lot of people with free time."
What kind of research is that? From the way they spoke, it was obvious the space jellyfish were backing it.
'Because of that, the research society is now investigating whether Kait Third-Rank Citizen is a spontaneous mutant among Earthlings. They're even suggesting registering you not as an Earthling, but as Kait, the galaxy's only special intelligent lifeform—'
"Could you please not!?"
Who gave them the right to arbitrarily redefine someone's species?
Sure, even Kait sometimes felt inhuman when using psychic power. But there's a big difference between feeling it yourself and being told so.
'Well, that's probably why the Corporation's president wants to meet you as much as they want to meet Tuna.'
"...I really hope not."
'The Corporation's president is an external advisor to the Psychic Power Research Society.'
"You've got to be kidding me."
So the reason the Corporation's president came here might actually be personal interest. Unbelievable.
Could the space jellyfish's 'can't say either way' have meant they weren't sure whether the target was the large rare creature, the space eel, or the small rare creature, Kait?
Feeling an overwhelming urge to jump into the Queen Bee and flee, Kait held back with a deep sigh.
***
Radia's port sector. About ten ships besides the president's vessel accompanied them into Radia. The rest of the fleet waited in the outer perimeter. Perhaps to show they held no hostility toward the Corporation, the Federation temporarily made the outer walls transparent.
Tuna, showing subtle caution toward the Corporation's fleet, looked oddly humorous.
"Long time no see, Terapolapaneshio."
The voice that came through sounded slightly more mechanical than Terapolapaneshio's.
At the center of the landed fleet, the president's ship opened, and something took the lead in descending.
At first glance, it looked somewhat like a Japanese spider crab. Kait, wary of yet another sea creature, quickly realized from the approaching sound and appearance that it wasn't.
It was a machine. A multi-legged, lower-body-only robot. Its awkward, crab-like movement toward them resembled a scene from a classic movie stored in the terminal.
'Ah, it's been a while, Palnesbrogia.'
"Greetings, everyone of the Federation. I am Palnesbrogia, representing the Corporation."
With clanking and clattering sounds, the Corporation's president, who called itself Palnesbrogia, extended one leg toward Stomato.
When Stomato respectfully grasped the leg, Palnesbrogia's body bobbed slightly up and down.
"I apologize for the unsightly appearance. I am not well-versed in the function called walking."
"Please, no need to worry."
"So then, where is Kait Enec Lagif?"
All eyes from the Federation turned to Kait.
So it really was him they were after.
"Nice to meet you, President Palnesbrogia. I'm Kait."
"Nice to meet you, Kait Enec Lagif. I have long wished to meet you."
"It's an honor to meet you."
Maybe I should summon the Queen Bee and escape right now.
With a strong sense of impending trouble, Kait, forcing a strained smile, seriously considered fleeing as he grasped the extended leg.