Chapter 96
Kait received a message from the Corporation's Branch Director just as he had returned to the Central Star Cluster.
Regarding the issue of Earthlings immigrating to the Federation, there was currently no situation that required Kait to be urgently dispatched. Several non-violent negotiations were ongoing between the Federation and various organizations, so for now, they were waiting for responses.
It seemed a few Earthlings had already been taken in by organizations in small groups, but it had been confirmed that they were not in any immediately life-threatening environments. When Kait went to greet the council members, they had told him, "Why don't you take a vacation for once?" To be honest, he was feeling rather idle.
Just as he was thinking maybe he should rewatch some Earth content stored on his terminal, the message arrived.
"Oh, it's been a while, Branch Director."
'It has been. Oh? Captain, you seem quite relaxed.'
"Yes. I managed to take a rare vacation. I'm back in the Central Star Cluster for the first time in a while."
'I see, I see. I hope I'm not intruding.'
The image on the monitor was of Nezasuriwe, the Corporation's Branch Director. During their first encounter, he had been rather curt, but that was apparently out of loyalty to Palnesbrogia, the representative. Turns out, he had quite a charming personality.
Now that their issues had been resolved, there was nothing to be wary about. Their relationship had improved enough that they could talk casually.
"Don't worry about it. When a sudden vacation comes, I get lost on what to do. Do you need something?"
'I see. Many of us are like that. Hmm, I was thinking of requesting a job from Captain Kait...'
Nezasuriwe seemed about to end the call, thinking it wasn't right to assign work during vacation. Kait raised his hand to stop him and confirmed something important.
"...Would it help kill time?"
'Hmm? ...Yes, without a doubt, it'll keep you busy.'
"Then by all means."
'Are you sure?'
"A chance leisure, invited by an acquaintance. I went and found something to help with. Is that a problem?"
Perhaps finding Kait's serious expression amusing, Nezasuriwe turned his face aside while saying it was rude. A burst of breath escaped him, suggesting he was the type to laugh when pleased.
At any rate, it seemed his boredom would be resolved. Kait deliberately declared this cheerfully. Nezasuriwe seemed to go along with it, nodding magnanimously.
'Heh. That's true. Well then, since it's a rare chance, let's have you participate. If Captain comes, it'll help us too.'
"So then, where should we meet?"
'We'll send someone to pick you up. It's a sector you've never been to before, so it's easier than meeting midway.'
"Understood. I'll wait near the Central Star Cluster in the Queen Bee."
'I'm counting on you.'
The communication ended.
When he turned around to call out to Emotion, her unhappy-looking face was already right in front of him.
"Whoa!?"
"Are we leaving right away?"
"Y-yeah, that's the plan... What's wrong, Emotion?"
"Since it's a rare vacation, I was thinking of enjoying the flavors of the Federation for the first time in a while. I was just about to invite you when you made such a promise... kyuru kyuru kyuru."
"S-sorry about that."
The fact that she deliberately said "kyuru kyuru kyuru" aloud showed just how upset she was.
Still, Kait had learned how to deal with Emotion in times like this.
"Well, this time it's an invitation from the Corporation. We can enjoy the Federation's cuisine anytime, but the Corporation's food isn't something we get to taste often."
"Hmm."
"Besides, that place is a melting pot of rare species. There must be lots of local dishes from races neither of us know."
"I don't like bad food, though."
Though she voiced her displeasure, it seemed she was interested in the Corporation's food. Her words already assumed she would be eating.
This could work. With that confidence, Kait delivered the finishing blow to Emotion.
"There are lots of Earthlings over there too. If your palate has been Earthling-ized, just pick something the Earthlings there prefer."
A brief silence. So quiet that Kait could almost hear a mechanical whir from within Emotion.
"Honestly. Do you think I'll listen to anything if you use gourmet food as a shield?"
"Of course not. Should I refuse now? A gourmet tour of the Federation wouldn't be a bad way to kill time either."
"That won't be necessary. Since you've already accepted the invitation, you have a responsibility to go. I suppose I'll cancel my plans and accompany you in your time-killing. I suppose!"
Kait gave a wry smile and nodded at her very transparent reaction.
"Ah, thanks, Emotion. Let's go then."
"I suppose. Really, Captain, you're just impossible."
***
A few minutes after the two left the room.
"Kait! I heard you got a vacation? Since it's a rare chance, let's go on a date da—huh?"
Rebecca, who had burst in, froze upon seeing the now-empty room.
She had rushed over after finishing all her work upon hearing that Kait had taken a vacation.
"Huh? Kait, you're on vacation, right...?"
Not only Kait, but Emotion was also gone. When she hastily pulled up the port data, she saw that the Queen Bee was just about to depart from the Central Star Cluster.
"Wait, what? Where are you going, Kait!?"
Kait was a Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif), so he could freely come and go from the Central Star Cluster. He didn't have to stay there just because he was on vacation.
But Rebecca had assumed Kait would be bored. Back when they were taken in by the same organization, Kait had always shown obvious displeasure at sudden changes in plans.
She didn't make it in time. That meant someone else had invited Kait before her.
"That machine woman!!"
While the reason for his outing was completely misunderstood, Emotion had also been planning to invite Kait, so it wasn't entirely off the mark.
***
The Queen Bee was fairly conspicuous in appearance.
Thanks to Kait's exploits, ships with similar designs were increasing, but a combat vessel operating solo was still rare. Though it had living quarters inside, the Queen Bee was still considered a small-class vessel.
Even so, the Corporation's pickup didn't seem to have trouble spotting the Queen Bee.
After a short wait, a large ship smoothly approached. It couldn't compare to Nezasuriwe's Eanipol, but it was big enough to easily accommodate the Queen Bee. The Corporation's emblem—or perhaps text—engraved on the ship looked out of place in the Central Star Cluster.
'Captain Kait, I presume.'
"Yes. Are you the one picking me up?"
'Yes. I have been assigned to escort Captain Kait. I am Derenidene Ekkeu of the Corporation's 45th Business Division.'
"I'm Kait. Nice to meet you."
The person who appeared on the communication screen had a very Earthling-like face. If their hair hadn't been liquid, Kait might have asked, "Are you an Earthling?"
Derenidene smiled at Kait's greeting and continued, "This way, please." At the same time, the ship's hatch opened, and the Queen Bee headed toward it.
'Containment confirmed. We will now proceed to Ekerekemeneu Asubarkakuto Nijaiasa Porketrantar.'
What was that again? The long name sounded vaguely familiar.
As Kait stood unresponsive, Emotion, who had returned to humanoid form after the Queen Bee was docked, explained.
"It's the full name of Nezasuriwe's flagship, Eanipol."
"Ah!"
Now that she mentioned it, that was the name. He had no intention of memorizing it, so he had forgotten. He probably wouldn't remember it next time either.