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

Chapter 127

With Emotion's genuinely shocked outburst, all the persuasiveness of Kait's earlier words vanished.

Unable to bear Leen's clammy gaze, Kait let out a sigh.

"The people of Terapolapaneshio have treated me well. So, what exactly is this about?"

"Yes. I wish to borrow your wisdom."

"Wisdom?"

"There is a star drawing near to the star system to which our planet Ragav belongs. Needless to say, if it collides, it would be catastrophic. Even if it doesn't, the planet will be heavily affected—enough to wipe out all life."

A near miss with a star. Kait wasn't an expert, but he had heard of such things. It wasn't impossible. In fact, there were cases in which a star had approached the solar system in the past. Some studies even suggested that such events may have caused mass extinctions.

It was certainly a serious issue. The reasoning for wanting the Federation's help was perfectly understandable.

"If that's the case, wouldn't it be better to ask the Federation Congress for assistance?"

"As someone who has obtained Federation citizenship, I don't wish to criticize the Federation, but they are relatively indifferent toward non-intelligent life. As the king of Ragav, I want to save as many living beings on my planet as possible. Unfortunately, the Federation Congress rejected my request."

"Rejected by the Congress? Then why come to me? I don't have nearly enough power to overturn a congressional decision."

At most, he could try to arrange a meeting with the space jellyfish. Since they were also members of the Congress, if the rejection was logical, they would already be aware of it.

In fact, whether Kait got involved or not, it was unlikely the Congress would reverse its decision. Terapolapaneshio, in that sense, had always been consistent.

"So you think so too."

"Of course. What was the reason for the rejection?"

"There have been many planets destroyed due to celestial anomalies, wars, and various other reasons. The Federation, despite its infinite resources, has decided not to expend them endlessly on all forms of life, but rather on intelligent beings who may create value beyond life itself in the future. This is written in Article 1, Clause 1 of Federation law. Therefore, this matter was deemed not suitable for Federation intervention."

"I see."

That was more or less what Kait had expected. The Federation possessed technology capable of backing up life itself. Not just physical data, but memories and experiences too.

Simply put, as long as detailed data existed, it was possible to recreate a species even after planetary extinction.

"If the life on Ragav is that important, did they tell you to just bring the biological data?"

"!"

Leen's expression changed. Seemed like Kait had hit the mark.

In short, the Federation Congress believed that as long as they had the data of the species that existed on Ragav at the time of extinction, they could be revived. For Kait, an Earthling who had never even considered the idea of backing up life, it was a deeply unsettling concept.

But from the Federation's perspective, the Congress's response was common sense. Kait's Earthling values and Leen's affection for non-intelligent life were more of an exception.

"From my perspective, I can understand where you're coming from, Leen. But still..."

Even so, they were Federation citizens.

They had a responsibility to abide by Federation laws and ideals. There was logic in the Federation's stance. If they helped just because a planet was on the brink of destruction, the number of such cases in the vast universe would be endless.

And if even one special exception was made, the other races who had accepted extinction would never agree. Kait personally had a weak stance on such matters, but normally, no one would be willing to lose their home.

"So it really is hopeless."

"No matter what I say, I doubt I can overturn the Congress's decision."

"Indeed."

He hadn't intended to be cold. In fact, while Leen's expression was gloomy, he didn't look resentful. It was more like he had already expected to be told it was impossible.

Kait, thinking Leen had probably already considered this, still couldn't help but speak.

"The Federation Congress might not help, but what about the Corporation? They might be willing to assist."

"I considered that too. But they turned me down, saying the timing was bad."

"Timing, huh?"

"Yes. I wasn't aware myself, but have you heard of the astronomical event called the space tuna meteor swarm? The biological cluster causing it apparently needs the Corporation's protection. So they can't afford to take on other projects right now."

Ugh. Leen, obliviously stabbing Kait in a sore spot, made him twitch slightly. Kait was deeply involved in the matter concerning Aguares.

Feeling it would now be even harder to decline, Kait averted his eyes just a little.

"I-I see. So, back to the original point... why me?"

"Yes. My aide—a mechanical intelligence named Bunaha—said that if we were to rely on anyone, it must be Third-Rank Citizen Kait of Enec Lagif. Because of your relationship with the people of Terapolapaneshio, your background from an undeveloped planet, and your ethics that likely differ from those of Federation-born individuals. He said there could be no other choice."

It was becoming harder and harder to refuse. Apparently, Bunaha had done a lot of research into Federation affairs compared to Leen, the king.

On second thought, it was understandable that Leen was out of touch. A near miss with a star wasn't a short-term issue. If he had been struggling with this since the problem became apparent, he likely hadn't had time to look outward.

Understanding Leen's suffering as a ruler, Kait couldn't easily turn him down.

"Ah."

Then, it hit him—why that mechanical intelligence called Bunaha had suggested Kait. There was one possible reason. If Bunaha had foreseen this situation, then Kait had a valid reason to consult the space jellyfish.

Not for his own sake, but for a friend—Terapolapaneshio.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't move the Congress or the Corporation, but if it's just the people of Terapolapaneshio, there's a chance I could persuade them."

"Really!?"

"It's not guaranteed. But there is one possible reason."

Kait couldn't believe Bunaha had noticed that reason. The Terapolapaneshio species was revered within the Federation, almost like worship. With their overwhelming abilities, they were rarely targeted for schemes.

Perhaps Bunaha assumed that because Kait was treated as an eternal friend by Terapolapaneshio, he held some kind of leverage over them.

Kait certainly didn't have any leverage, but if he ignored this issue, things would definitely go badly later. Realizing this, Kait understood he had no choice but to cooperate with Leen.

"I have one condition."

"What is it!?"

"I'll take the matter to the people of Terapolapaneshio. But I can't guarantee their response, and if they refuse, I won't be able to help further. Is that acceptable?"

"That's fine. If it comes to that, I'll give up and use my personal fortune to save as many lives as I can."

Clear and resolute.

Leen's reply was unlike before—filled with genuine emotion.

"Very well. I'll help as much as I can."

Things had taken a strange turn.

There was no doubt this was a hassle. But considering his friend, the space jellyfish, Kait couldn't dismiss it as mere trouble. He seriously wondered if he should be thankful for this strange twist of fate.