Two-Person Galactic Journey: Earth Was Destroyed While Imprisoned in Space Prison

Chapter 110

It seemed that even between Nezasuriwe and Palnesbrogia, things didn't turn into a particularly troublesome discussion. Actually, since they said that perfection was the bare minimum if they were borrowing Kait's help, the conditions imposed on them might be even harsher than those on Kait.

That said, this was a case involving innocent lives. Kait was prepared to deliver perfect results.

While Nezasuriwe, Emotion, and senior staff from the Corporation were in a meeting, Kait had dropped by the factory section. Regardless of how the plan was decided, in a case like this, Kait would be of no use unless it came to mobilizing Queen Bee.

However, Kait was also aware of areas where he excelled more than Emotion. Probably even more than the Corporation's staff.

"......So, I'd like you to prepare a tool like this."

"Huh. Making it isn't particularly hard, but it does consume quite a bit of energy. What's something like this even for?"

"It'd be great if we didn't have to use it. But if I were Dr. Fulgadonga, I'd probably do something that would require this."

It was about reading the madness of someone filled with malice, and the seemingly irrational logic behind their actions. At the very least, Emotion, who had little experience with human malice, and the Corporation's staff, who stiffened at Fulgadonga's words, were clearly lacking in experience.

What actions would a cornered Fulgadonga take, and what preparations would be needed to stop them? Kait hoped such a moment wouldn't come, but he was certain that something would be necessary.

"Are you going to use all of this yourself?"

"No, I think some of it will be used by the Corporation staff."

"Just let me know when to use it, okay?"

"Of course. If it works well, it'll be included in the manual we submit to the Federation, so I'm counting on you to store the creation data, too."

"Eh?"

The factory staff were speechless. Since they were aboard the Branch Director's ship, they were some of the Corporation's elite, but being featured in the Federation's manual apparently carried significant prestige.

Saying things like, "Is my name going to be listed as the creator?" showed just how big of a deal this was. Since it would likely be used repeatedly until the space tuna meteor swarm was eradicated, they might as well make a lasting mark on Federation history.

***

By the time Kait had finished all the preparations he could in the factory section, it seemed the meeting with Emotion and the others had also concluded. The staff member who came to call him looked fairly impatient, so Kait hurried to the bridge.

"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"

"No. According to Ms. Emotion, everything the Captain thinks is necessary will indeed be necessary. Please explain later when and how to use it."

"Understood. So, how are things going?"

In response to Kait's question, Nezasuriwe made a somewhat sour face. Looking around, everyone except Emotion wore similar expressions.

Did they reach an undesirable conclusion?

"As a shared understanding, we've concluded that a peaceful resolution with Dr. Fulgadonga is impossible."

"I figured as much."

"In other words, to stop the space tuna meteor swarm, we must seize control of the fleet from Fulgadonga."

"That's the bare minimum, huh. And then?"

"Hacking via communication devices is likely impossible. In short, we must somehow make contact with the ship Fulgadonga is on."

Kait tilted his head at Emotion's explanation. The content itself wasn't far from what he had predicted. Rather, he couldn't understand why Nezasuriwe and the others looked so grim.

Then, Nezasuriwe answered Kait's question.

"Aside from the Captain's ship, none of ours can catch up. We were already expecting this to be a very difficult operation."

Now he understood why they looked so sour. They were planning to pursue from behind as is. That would make timing critical, and they might even have to ram the space tuna in an attempt to interfere.

Kait felt slightly relieved that Emotion hadn't proposed a different idea. He hoped she wouldn't become tainted by malice.

That said—

"There's no need to chase them, is there?"

In times like this, the one who comes up with the more devious idea wins.

***

A transmission was sent to Fulgadonga.

As originally planned, Nezasuriwe was the first to handle it. He held the highest rank among those present.

"Dr. Fulgadonga. I'm sorry, but we cannot assist in the killing of Aguares."

'I see. That's unfortunate. However, I respect your noble decision.'

Fulgadonga's voice showed no signs of distress. Even though it was a mechanical intelligence, being a personality copy made it quite expressive.

It was a response that seemed to say it didn't matter either way. Emotion promptly asked a question.

"I have a question, Dr. Fulgadonga."

'Yes?'

"The anger you harbor toward the people of Aguares. That emotion itself is one I cannot comprehend. I understand that your deep disappointment and rage culminated in the plan to annihilate Aguares, but I cannot understand it."

Fulgadonga didn't react to Emotion's words. Perhaps because it wasn't a question yet, but Kait sensed a bit of irritation from the other side of the transmission. Had something struck a nerve?

"I just don't understand. If you simply hated Aguares, you could've fallen onto a planet where life can't survive. Why go out of your way to find a planet where life exists? Could you explain that?"

'Because this ship is a colony vessel. From the design stage, safety mechanisms were in place to prevent it from falling onto planets where Aguares couldn't survive.'

"Even though you were able to modify the ship? It seems you've also divided the fleet. You weren't operating only with ships of that size from the beginning, right?"

Just as Fulgadonga began to explain with "That's because—", Emotion cut him off.

"Your anger and resentment aren't just directed at Aguares. Aren't they also aimed at the planets that still nurture life?"

'Nonsense, what are you—'

"With the current biological functions of the people of Aguares, there are no planets in this galaxy where they can survive. And yet, you're still able to fall. Isn't that a contradiction?"

'Guh—'

Apparently, Emotion's deduction wasn't wrong. Fulgadonga harbored hatred not only for Aguares, but also for planets that sustained life. That's why he chose the method of a meteor swarm, knowing it could destroy ecosystems.

At that moment, Kait suddenly realized the source of Fulgadonga's hatred. If that was the reason, it wouldn't be surprising that he acted this way.

"I see. Dr. Fulgadonga, you weren't chosen, were you?"

'!?'

He pierced the core issue. That reaction confirmed it.

Ignoring the surprised others, Kait continued. To uncover Fulgadonga's true feelings.

"Operator Chibbahe said there were fifty-seven ships. Even considering capacity, I imagine a considerable number were left behind on the planet. Am I right?"

Even if each ship carried ten million, that's under six hundred million. As the total number of intelligent lifeforms on the planet, that's not many.

Fulgadonga might have disregarded his own survival. But even so, there must have been lives he wanted to save.

"You and... maybe your loved ones, too."

'What could you—what could any of you possibly understand?'

It was a voice filled with hatred. As expected from a personality-copy type, the emotional expression was vivid.

'The upper echelon of Aguares shelved the problem. Instead of seeking a solution, they chose to gather the remaining resources and flee the planet. Boarding selections were made solely by the top brass, and almost no civilians were chosen. My children were supposed to be on board at first...!'

"But then the higher-ups forced others in and bumped them off?"

'Worse than that. If a few civilian children died mysteriously, it wouldn't be a problem. That's what it was.'

I see. No wonder he held a grudge.

But even so, that doesn't justify choosing to fall onto a planet with life.

"Then why fall onto a planet with life? There are lives there, too. Many must have died because of the impact."

'My children died. They weren't even allowed to grasp a chance at survival. And while such misfortune exists, there are those like you who seized prosperity and success. How can such unfairness be tolerated? Sometimes, you should taste irrational misfortune too.'

"You know, there's a word for that—spite."

It was a less sympathetic reason than he had expected.

In the end, Fulgadonga harbored hatred for all life still existing in the galaxy. Especially those who had found fortune unlike him.

There was a way to teleport and cut into their path, but Kait didn't choose that this time. If they could change course, it would just turn into a chase again. In that case, it was better to lure them into coming straight at him.

"The Earth I lived on nearly perished a while back."

'What?'

"But by some stroke of luck, the Federation picked us up. Not many survived, but we managed to carry the planet and its life into the future. I'm grateful for that."

'You...'

"See? Here I am, a lucky guy. Aren't you more jealous of me than of some other planet?"

'You—!'

As expected, Fulgadonga flew into a rage. Kait confirmed he'd taken the bait and looked at the bridge monitor.

There, a swarm of space tuna that had taken the bait was shown turning toward Eanipol.

"Come on then, Fulgadonga. I'll crush that spite of yours to dust."