Chapter 61
After somehow calming Tuna down, Kait decided to leave the matter to Terapolapaneshio and the others nearby. He didn't want to end up being solely responsible for every space eel case.
Tuna looked a bit uneasy, but upon seeing the familiar-looking space jellyfish emerging from the ship, visibly relaxed. It was easy to read.
'Earlier, the Research Department began their work. We still have the data on the space eel we stored here, so we'll use that to check if any parasites were present.'
—Th-thank you very much.
'Indeed. Kait, you brought back a very well-preserved specimen from Enec Lagif, Third-Rank Citizen. Since we plan to conduct a revival operation, you'd best stay away from that area.'
—Eek! O-okay. I won't go near it.
'Also, the creation of your new body is complete. What remains is research on transferring your consciousness and constructing a storage facility for your current body.'
—P-please do it as soon as possible, okay?
'Of course. But for that, I'll need your cooperation. Is that alright?'
—I'll help with anything!
Apparently, the idea that something might be nesting inside her body was unbearable. Understandably so. Kait would also want to remove any foreign organism if it were inside his own body.
Looking toward the Central Star Cluster, he could see people gathering, seemingly curious about what was happening here. Perhaps it was the thrill of seeing something scary up close instead of just on a monitor.
"Looks like it'd be better to wait until things settle down a bit."
For Kait, Tuna was no longer the main event. He quietly distanced himself from her and decided to wait until the crowd around the Central Star Cluster dispersed.
***
"Thank you for everything. Regardless of the circumstances, I'm grateful you helped us."
"Yes. Wishing you good health in the Federation."
On the bridge of Vovrimos, Gorou exchanged final farewells with Palnesbrogia. Once he left Vovrimos, Gorou would officially become a Federation citizen. The commotion in the Central Star Cluster had finally started to settle. Though Rebecca's idea of a dramatic presentation was still a bit concerning, it should be safe to take him now.
Kait approached Gorou, who had bowed his head, and addressed Palnesbrogia as well.
"Thank you for everything, Palnesbrogia. I'll be flying around quite a bit, so I'm sure we'll meet again."
"Indeed. I'm sure we'll hear of Captain Kait's exploits far and wide. I look forward to seeing you again."
That said, a small terminal beside Palnesbrogia, who was seated nearby, suddenly popped up.
"This version of me will be guiding Lady Tuna around the planet, so there's no need for farewells!"
Apparently, this small terminal was a split-off unit created solely to guide Tuna. It had been miniaturized to about the same size as Kait's body, so it likely wouldn't have much trouble living in the Federation.
To think it even resembled a space jellyfish in such ways—space truly is a treasure trove of mysteries.
"Nice to meet you, Little Palnes."
"Nice to meet you, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen!"
Though a common nickname, Kait decided to call it Little Palnes. Since the terminal accepted it, others would probably follow suit soon enough.
'Captain Kait. Please take care of the young president.'
The face appearing on Vovrimos's monitor via transmission belonged to the Branch Director, Nezasuriwe, if Kait remembered correctly. The name had been so long that he only remembered the beginning.
Regardless, the Branch Director now spoke to Kait far more amiably than during their first meeting, which left Kait a little bewildered. Apparently, the cold demeanor before was because it wouldn't have been appropriate to be friendly with Kait before Palnesbrogia had met him.
"Ah, of course. By the way, Branch Director, how's your body doing?"
'Thank you for your concern. As Branch Director, I was prioritized for revival procedures. The other staff are still being revived, but I'm already fine.'
"Don't push yourself, Neza. You're still in rehab for your new body, right?"
'President... thank you.'
The Branch Director bowed deeply, looking like a child overwhelmed with emotion. Impressed by Palnesbrogia's dignity as President, Kait turned to Gorou.
"Did you say goodbye to the Branch Director on behalf of the professor?"
"I did it before the Captain arrived."
'Yeah.'
Then that's fine. Just as Kait had a history with the Branch Director, Gorou must have had his own relationship as well. Whether good or bad, if proper farewells were exchanged, that was enough.
"Alright, let's go."
***
As Kait, Gorou, and Little Palnes watched from inside the Queen Bee, Vovrimos disappeared into the light of teleportation. Seeing the Corporation's teleportation effect from the outside like this was a fresh experience, and they waited until the lingering glow had fully faded.
Now for the main event. Kait reversed the ship and slowly lowered the Queen Bee into the Central Fleet's port. Rebecca had strictly ordered a slow landing, saying that doing it the usual way would ruin everything.
"Little Palnes, I'd like to prioritize Gorou's reunion with his family first. Please wait here for a bit."
"Understood, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen. Dr. Gorou, enjoy your reunion."
"Ah, thank you, young president."
He was no longer a Corporation staff member, so formal speech wasn't necessary anymore, but old habits die hard. Once the Queen Bee was securely on the ground, Kait opened the wall panel. Even the way it opened had been specified, so he followed Rebecca's instructions exactly.
"Alright, I'll go down first. Professor, you follow me."
"O-okay."
Gorou seemed to be nervous. Unlike Kait, who descended as usual, his movements were noticeably stiff.
When Kait landed on the ground first, he saw a woman standing beside Rebecca. The people surrounding them at a distance were probably Earthlings. Kait wondered if the presentation was a bit too much as he waited for Gorou to come down.
Once he stepped down, Gorou looked left and right. The port had no buildings or greenery. Only ships preparing to depart or docked like the Queen Bee. Just as he was about to call out to Kait, he noticed someone beyond him and widened his eyes.
"Sis...?"
"Gorou!"
Gorou took two, three steps before breaking into a run. The woman walking toward him was likely his sister, Mika. They stopped a bit closer to Rebecca's side.
"Y-you're better now, sis. I'm glad."
"And you look even healthier than when you were on Earth. Standing tall and straight."
"Must be the result of the modifications. Is your illness completely gone?"
"Of course! The Federation's technology cured me completely!"
Even though they'd been apart, they were clearly siblings. What began was a conversation without restraint. But naturally, there were emotions behind their words—smiles mixed with tears.
As he slowly walked toward them, Kait glanced at Rebecca. She understood immediately, pressing a finger to her lips and turning around. Well-trained. The Earthlings also quietly returned to their respective workplaces.
"Alright, Professor, let's head to the government office. We need to complete your citizen registration."
"Y-yeah. Captain."
"What is it?"
"Thanks. Not just for my sister, but for me too. I really appreciate it."
"Don't mention it. I'm just doing what I want. It's nothing worth thanking me for."
Embarrassed, Kait scratched his cheek.
Just as he was about to say something clever, a loud voice came from behind.
"Kait, Third-Rank Citizen! Don't forget about me!"
"Sorry, Captain. Looks like they couldn't wait any longer."
What was that?
Maybe something that always ruins his emotional moments had latched onto him.
Kait seriously began to wonder if there were exorcisms in space.