Chapter 77
Damian placed his fingers on the neck of the Lizardman child (tentative). It was likely a gesture implying he could strangle the child at any moment, but as a hostage against Kait, it lacked impact.
Seeing how little he understood, Segari Gug looked more exasperated than anyone else. With a slight slump of the shoulders, he stopped Damian.
"Cut it out, idiot. Just hold that runt down."
"Why, boss!?"
"What reason would this Earthling have to stop just because you say you'll kill that runt?"
"What reason... uh, huh?"
Even Damian seemed to lose track of what he was saying. There's something mildly likable about how he doesn't easily spout justice.
With a sigh, Kait felt a faint admiration that even aliens have the concept of sighing, and left the explanation to Segari Gug.
"The Federation, you see, has a rule not to interfere with undeveloped planets. They don't want to show too much of their civilization."
"Huh. So what?"
"Basically, if we show too much of our civilization to that runt, it'll distort the growth of the people on this planet. As long as the kid is watching, I think they won't act recklessly..."
"Well, it's not exactly science, though."
"Exactly!"
While they were talking, a stone heated to red-hot was launched toward Segari Gug.
Perhaps realizing that taking another direct hit would be dangerous, he fled frantically without regard for appearances. In the end, it only grazed his back a few times and didn't land a solid blow.
Kait hadn't particularly thought about how to handle the Lizardman child (tentative). If it were just one or two to deal with, the staff from Traltan would manage. In battle, hesitation means defeat. He had no intention of easing up on his offensive against Segari Gug.
"B-Boss!?"
"Shut up, just be quiet for a bit!"
Perhaps realizing he had no chance as long as there was distance, Segari Gug charged in before Kait could pick up a third stone. Kait shifted his mental image toward forming a barrier and deployed it in front of him.
A shockwave rang out, and Segari Gug stopped. The impact seemed to have bounced right back at him, and his head tilted unsteadily.
"Guh... What the hell, how did you—"
"Oh, it's simple. This time, the barrier is extending right beneath your feet."
Technically, it was more accurate to say it spread out like a plus sign. It was anchored into the ground to prevent it from shifting on impact, but there was no need to go out of his way to explain that.
Fluid was leaking from a cracked shoulder wound. The rebound must have been considerable—Segari Gug couldn't even regain his footing.
"Now then, will you surrender? Or..."
"There are reasons I can't do that."
Segari Gug's fighting spirit hadn't waned. It looked like the conclusion would still take time.
***
George, fleeing with Carlos, glanced back several times at the destructive sounds echoing behind them as they made their way through the forest and arrived at the Tortoise. They had returned in less than half the time it took to get there, but the chance of being seen by local intelligent life couldn't be ruled out.
The ship appeared to be fully repaired. At the very least, no work seemed to be ongoing on the Tortoise's exterior.
As soon as he stopped, exhaustion hit him all at once. As he caught his breath with hands on his knees, Emotion and Liz came out of the ship.
"Boss!"
"Yeah, girl. I brought Carlos."
"Good job, boss."
Liz gave a thumbs-up with a smile to George, who had completed his mission. As he returned the gesture, Emotion tilted her head slightly.
"Where's the Captain?"
"Fighting the captain of the other ship. Seems like a notable alien."
"Notable?"
"Yeah. Um, Sega..."
"The boss's name is Segari Gug."
"Segari Gug? That name's on the Federation's most wanted list. I see."
Emotion didn't seem particularly moved. She accepted the fact with calm composure and nodded.
George, however, felt a surge of irritation and shot a harsh look at Emotion. His partner was in danger, and yet she was so indifferent.
Perhaps sensing his glare, Emotion stared back at George.
"Something wrong?"
"What do you mean, 'I see'? That's a bit cold, don't you think?"
The words slipped out. Bracing himself for what this cold woman might say in response—
"If that's the level of opponent, there's no need to worry. The only individual lifeform I know of that could possibly beat the Captain one-on-one is Terapolapaneshio."
"Tera... what? Never mind that. No need to worry, huh?"
"Yes. If the Captain let you two escape, I think it was simply to sort out the situation. I suspect he found it troublesome to fight while protecting you both."
"Well, I know I'm a burden! But even so—"
George snapped at her, unable to take her words, but Emotion wasn't even paying attention anymore. Her gaze shifted overhead.
Reflexively, George looked up too, but there was nothing in sight. Just as he was about to shout in frustration, Emotion raised her voice sharply.
"That's not a Federation ship...!?"
Emotion seemed to have sensed something. Perhaps, like Kait, she had acquired psychic power through modification.
Without noticing their gaze, Emotion remained fixed on the sky. When George looked at Liz, she too appeared confused.
After a while, Emotion lowered her head and suddenly said something strange.
"...Understood. Everyone, we're heading to the Captain. Prepare for departure."
"Huh!?"
No good. He couldn't understand her at all. George found himself secretly admiring Kait, who could actually work with someone like this.
***
Kait noticed the reaction overhead just as his standoff with Segari Gug was dragging on.
Kait, for his part, was still unsure how to deal with Segari Gug, who had switched to a reckless strategy of suppressing counterattacks with endless toughness and brute force. The pebble bullets seemed to be closely watched now, and Segari Gug was moving to give him no time to focus.
He no longer charged in recklessly, but there were no openings to land a decisive blow either.
"Looks like our ride is here."
"Ride? No way."
"Doesn't seem like a Federation ship. Maybe it's yours?"
"...So it seems."
Perhaps a communication came in—Segari Gug backed off. He probably also sensed Kait had lost his will to fight.
He turned his gaze elsewhere and began speaking quickly. He hadn't completely let down his guard, though, showing his experience.
Soon, a drab-colored ship descended from above.
"Damian, get on."
"G-Got it, boss."
"Wait. Let the kid go first."
"Don't be stupid! I'm not letting go until we're out of here safely!"
Damian, dragging the exhausted-looking Lizardman child (tentative), tried to head under the ship, but Kait stopped him. Damian's argument wasn't entirely unreasonable, but Kait had no intention of allowing him to take an uninvolved child along.
"If you won't let him go, I'll have to shoot that ship down right now."
"I get what you're saying. But you get our side too, right?"
To Kait's surprise, Segari Gug initiated negotiations. He was implying that if the child was to be released, he expected something in return.
"Fine. If you leave this planet and return to your fleet, I won't pursue you. I'll forget your identity too."
"...And the guarantee?"
"On my name. How about it?"
"Fine. Damian, let him go."
"B-But boss..."
"Shut up. Just do it."
"F-Fine, whatever."
Nervously, Damian released the Lizardman child (tentative).
The Lizardman child (tentative), seemingly unable to believe he was free, looked between Kait and Damian, then staggered away.
"That good enough?"
"Yeah, that's plenty."
"You weren't half bad. If this weren't such a place, I'd crack open a nice twenty-cycle-aged Kamzari with you."
"Well, we probably shouldn't see each other again."
"No doubt about it."
A beam of light shone from the ship, and Segari Gug and Damian were taken aboard.
Kait watched the ship disappear into the sky, not letting his guard down for a second.