Chapter 88
A transmission came to Kait, who had been staying on the artificial celestial body Traltan, from the councilor Terapolapaneshio, around the time the provisional repairs on the Tortoise were completed.
"Thank you for the other day. Thanks to you, I feel like I've started to understand a bit about controlling psychic power."
'That's good to hear, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif). We're happy if your life has even slightly improved.'
"I'm always grateful for your kindness. So, what brings you here this time?"
'It's about the attack on Traltan 4 by the criminal trading company Tarlmache. The Federation has decided to forcibly conduct an inspection of Tarlmache's headquarters.'
"Oh?"
'I've heard that you, Third-Rank Citizen Kait, were directly attacked as well. If you wish, I was wondering if you'd like to accompany the inspection of Tarlmache.'
At the Space jellyfish's words, he thought for a moment. But the conclusion came quickly. No, perhaps he didn't even need to think.
With a faint smile on his lips, Kait shook his head.
"No, I'll pass. I already settled things back there. I have no intention of getting involved with them any further."
'I see. I've heard Tarlmache purchases Earthlings as part of their gourmet preferences—what about that matter?'
"If there are Earthlings who wish to immigrate to the Federation, I'd like you to handle it as usual. As for the resurrection devices, whether you confiscate them or delete the registration data, I'll leave it to you."
'Understood. As always, I'll send the results to Emotion, Sixth-Rank Citizen (Ab Rag).'
Perhaps seeing that Kait's resolve wouldn't change, the councilor Terapolapaneshio conveyed the procedural matters and ended the transmission.
After staring at the now-dark monitor for a moment, Kait stood up.
He'd be saying goodbye to this room soon. He didn't feel particularly sentimental, but glanced around the room anyway.
"Was that alright?"
"What was?"
"About Damian Sigmund. He refused to immigrate to the Federation, didn't he? Was it okay not to tell him?"
"It's fine. He'll definitely want to immigrate to the Federation eventually."
Emotion held a low opinion of Damian, who had taken part in the attack on Kait.
However, Kait himself didn't feel any particular anger toward Damian. He had simply made the wrong choice for self-preservation. In the first place, Kait didn't have high expectations for Earthlings.
Above all—
"I hear Tarlmache has a hobby of resurrecting rare creatures and then eating them. I just hope Mr. Damian stays sane until the Federation gets involved."
"I see...?"
It seemed difficult for Emotion to grasp.
Perhaps this was the difference between mechanical intelligence and organic sensibility. Kait, feeling nauseated, decided not to explain further and changed the subject.
"How's the Tortoise doing?"
"The connection work with Queen Bee is almost complete. We're scheduled to depart in twelve hours, so the three crew members have begun resupplying and resting."
"Got it. Why don't we eat too?"
"Sounds good. Oh, by the way, I heard that here they serve meals made from creatures captured and farmed from Traltan 4."
"Oh yeah? Now that you mention it, that beast over there was pretty tasty."
Remembering the taste of the long-legged armadillo he'd eaten during descent, he murmured absentmindedly.
Then, Emotion's tone shifted slightly.
"Oh my, Captain, have you eaten creatures from Traltan 4?"
"Yeah. George seemed pretty hungry, so I went out hunting a bit... ah."
Her expression didn't change, but her gaze turned damp and intense.
Kait realized the shift in pressure from her stare and recognized his own slip of the tongue.
"I see. So while I was repairing the Tortoise, Captain went and snuck off like that."
"Sneaked off? That's harsh. I wouldn't have done it if George's stomach hadn't growled, you know?"
"Then you could've at least brought me a souvenir. What did you eat?"
The pressure was strong. It even felt like she was speaking faster.
With no choice, he projected a memory-based image in the air. He'd gotten used to doing at least this much.
"Something like this—a long-legged armadillo-looking thing. Its bodily fluids were green, but once grilled, it was pretty tasty."
"...I see."
"Emotion?"
"That's not one of the farmed creatures here, is it? What have you done!"
It was aggressive and large. Indeed, not suitable for farming.
Tired of the increasing pressure from Emotion, Kait quickened his pace toward the dining hall. A good meal might help her calm down a bit.
***
The criminal trading company Tarlmache is a trader that uses a fleet, not a planet, as its base. In Earth terms, their business model is akin to peddling. Thanks to the leadership of Tarlmache, the representative, they've become an immensely powerful force.
For such a Tarlmache, the defeat at Traltan this time was a major blow. As the crew who barely escaped returned, Tarlmache didn't utter a single word of blame.
"You've been through a lot. Leave the rest to me and get some rest for now."
At Tarlmache's words, the crew expressed deep gratitude.
Each one of them had failed to fit into the society they belonged to and had drifted here. Tarlmache existed as a haven for such misfits, and they were devoted to Tarlmache, who protected them like a parent—perhaps even more than their real parents.
Indeed, Tarlmache showed no signs of panic. They had overcome problems like this before. After comforting the crew, Tarlmache slowly made their way back to their room.
The resurrection device was bringing back the executives who had lost their lives at Traltan. Among them, the most trusted—Segari Gug—was about to emerge.
"Hey, welcome back, Segari."
"Master! I sincerely apologize for what happened this time."
"Don't worry about it. Still, Captain Kait... he's even more skilled than the rumors say."
"You heard from the others?"
"Yeah. As always, you're the last one."
Segari Gug had always asked Tarlmache to revive him last. Outside the Federation's sphere of influence, the available resurrection devices were outdated. Delaying revival increased the risk, but Segari Gug's affection for his comrades and sense of self-sacrifice were strong.
That sentiment was something Tarlmache found comforting. That's also why the trust ran so deep.
Tarlmache crawled to the dining table in the center of the room and began eating the food placed on the plate. They told the chef standing in the corner that it was delicious.
"...I thought I told you to stop that bad habit."
"This is probably the last time. Let me enjoy it."
Saying that, Tarlmache continued devouring the dishes one after another. Segari Gug said no more and quietly shook his head.
"Will the Federation come?"
"Of course. The fact that you all were wiped out but I returned safely means they're on our tail. Well, we'll just have to accept the inspection this time. Compared to others, they're well-behaved. If we hand over the Earthlings and pay some compensation, it won't be too big a problem."
"I'm sorry. It's my—"
"No, it's my fault. I know that... but I just can't seem to control myself."
There wasn't much food left on the table.
Their snake-like lower body swayed wistfully. Tarlmache sloppily licked the plate with their long tongue and gave Segari Gug a sly smile.
"Do you think Captain Kait will come?"
"Who knows... We've already settled things, so I don't think he will."
"I see. Then he won't."
Tarlmache placed complete trust in Segari Gug's judgment of character.
If Segari Gug said he wouldn't come, then he definitely wouldn't. And even if he did, Tarlmache wouldn't hold it against Segari Gug.
"Our chances of survival just went up. It's thanks to you—appreciate it."
They swallowed the last remaining red-black lump whole.
The Federation, with its orderly conduct, was far easier to deal with than the surrounding rival companies or pirates. Having finished their meal, Tarlmache gave a fearless grin.