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

Chapter 129

Terapolapaneshio's work efficiency visibly declined.

News of this quickly spread throughout the Federation. As part of confirming the situation, an inquiry was made to Kait, who was (unusually) staying in the Earthling residential zone.

'So, if you know anything, could you quickly offer a solution as well?'

"Why am I being treated like I'm in charge of all things Terapolapaneshio?"

Perhaps because he had frequent interactions with Kait, the Federation senator Asheid, who had grown close to him, said this from the other side of the monitor. When Kait questioned him with a half-lidded gaze, Asheid responded with a beaming smile.

'That's because you're the only Federation citizen who can negotiate with Terapolapaneshio and win favorable concessions!'

Well, what does that say about the other Federation citizens?

As Kait held his head in his hands, Asheid cheerfully continued.

'You know, since the Federation was founded, Terapolapaneshio has strictly adhered to Federation law. They've resisted every temptation, threat, and plea, remaining solely as guardians of the law. That's why they're trusted and revered as they are now.'

"Huh."

'But look at them now. Ever since you, an Earthling, showed up, Terapolapaneshio has been prioritizing you, Earthlings, and Earth itself over Federation law. People are more afraid of Terapolapaneshio than you think, and they're watching you closely because you can influence them.'

Isn't it simply because the Federation never provided what they wanted before? When Earth jellyfish gets involved, Terapolapaneshio seems less like guardians of the law and more like cheerful space jellyfish.

'In reality, the incidents where you got involved and Terapolapaneshio acted have ended up strengthening the Federation's position and clearing out old problems. So we don't think you're using Terapolapaneshio for personal gain.'

"But those who don't know that might get suspicious."

Asheid affirmed that with a very Earthling-like gesture. Come to think of it, he does enjoy Earth-originated theater.

'Well, to be honest, the last communication log on the device Terapolapaneshio uses was from you. Their strange behavior after your involvement? Not unusual. So, what's going on?'

"It's really not a big deal."

Well, it's not something worth hiding.

With a wry smile, Kait conveyed the contents of his conversation with Terapolapaneshio to Asheid.

***

'So that's what it was. Earth jellyfish, huh.'

Asheid held his head in his hands. Kait would've been just as troubled if he were in his shoes. After all, aside from appearance and biology, space jellyfish and Earth jellyfish have absolutely nothing in common.

Yet, through some cosmic mystery, it seems the space jellyfish were able to engage in the kind of communion they desired with Earth jellyfish. In other words, under space jellyfish rules, Earth jellyfish have become 'miraculous kin born by chance on a distant star.'

Just introducing them led to such overwhelming joy that they now treat Kait as a 'forever friend of the species.' As Kait feared, if another star were to pass close or collide with the Solar System, causing Earth's literal destruction—

"The hearts of Terapolapaneshio might break."

'That concern is valid. In fact, we should've noticed earlier and raised the issue ourselves. That illogical debate about Earth jellyfish... just remembering it gives me a headache.'

Come to think of it, didn't they first ask to buy Earth? It wasn't even that long ago, but it already feels like ancient history.

Given how things started, Kait's impression is that erratic behavior is normal for the space jellyfish.

'Can't be helped. You can think about it all you want, but please don't let it affect your work. Thanks for the info, Kait.'

"No problem. I hope it gets resolved soon."

'...You do realize your home planet is at the center of this whole thing, right? I've been thinking this for a while, but aren't you a bit too indifferent about your homeland?'

"It's not like I'm particularly attached to it. I'm a Federation citizen now, so I think it's only natural that I prioritize the Federation's stability over my home planet."

'Well, yeah, I guess. But normally, that kind of thinking comes from people born as Federation citizens... Never mind. I'll contact you again.'

With a look of resignation, Asheid ended the communication.

Though still feeling unsettled, Kait also left the room. Apparently, the name Captain Kait had started to carry weight within the Federation. Gratifying, yet suffocating.

***

So.

'Please, Kait, help us convince Terapolapaneshio.'

Asheid contacted him again the following day.

Today, Emotion was by his side. She had been managing the vitals of the rescued Earthlings, but now that the crisis had passed, she'd returned to her original duties.

"So it didn't work out?"

'Yeah. No good. They won't even listen.'

The space jellyfish must have refused quite stubbornly—Asheid's face was visibly fatigued. They probably even mobilized mechanical intelligence and tried every persuasive tactic, only to be completely rebuffed.

"They said they had no intention of deviating from Federation law, so I thought if we explained it properly, they'd listen..."

'They haven't responded at all. We don't even know if they're hearing us... Maybe it annoyed them, because now they won't even answer calls.'

I see. If they don't respond, then it's neither a violation nor compliance with the law.

And we don't even know how space jellyfish perceive sound. If they say they were focused and had shut their hearing organs, there's no way to argue. That's fair.

'Please. If it's you, they won't ignore you, right? At least help us get to the negotiation stage.'

"Hmm..."

This is troublesome. Kait had his own reasons for not being able to leave. He understood Asheid's predicament, but he couldn't help right now.

"If they're not even answering calls, I don't think I can help at the moment."

'Why not!?'

"You know this too, right, Asheid? Right now, the Earthlings rescued from the Tsubanda system are resting in our residential area. They're victims of crimes by Federation citizens and also witnesses."

'Oh, that case too...! And the trial is being handled by Terapolapaneshio! At this rate, you won't be able to move for a while either!'

"Yeah, well. It can't be helped. Life's long, and things don't always go your way."

What Kait was currently handling was officially a VIP protection mission commissioned by the Federation Congress. He wasn't allowed to leave the protected individuals without permission, and if they were harmed, he could face severe punishment. As a model Federation citizen, he couldn't just wander off while on duty.

For Kait, who had once been sentenced to exile, being cooped up for a while wasn't a big deal. He wasn't particularly interested in the Earthlings under his protection, but if they were killed while he was away, he'd definitely lose sleep over it.

'Leen, Fourth-Rank Citizen (Darda Elra), really picked the worst time to bring this up...! Damn it, this is bad.'

"If you ask me, it's the idiots in the Tsubanda system who were doing stupid stuff that are to blame."

'True! Both sides were awful!'

Apparently, even among senators other than Terapolapaneshio, Leen wasn't held in high regard.

Watching Asheid fret dramatically over this and that, Kait began to think over what he should do.

Even if he refused now, he'd end up getting dragged into it eventually anyway.