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

Chapter 132

What awaited Kait and Emotion upon returning from the Congress were witnesses frightened by the Space jellyfish and the utterly bewildered Space jellyfish. Honestly, they had expected this. While it was a pleasant and mysterious creature when spoken to, to Earthlings, it probably just looked like a giant jellyfish—too creature-like for comfort.

Even Rebecca, who should have been used to it by now, looked pale. Probably only Kait could calm the situation. He first approached the Earthlings to reassure them.

"We're back. It's okay—this is Terapolapaneshio. They're the most just and fair individual in Federation society."

'Oh, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif). You've returned.'

"I-It spoke...!"

So the Space jellyfish hadn't even greeted them? Or maybe it had just read their frightened thoughts.

He didn't say "Don't be scared," but they'd have to get used to it to move the conversation forward. While thinking "Please don't mention mind-reading," he briefly explained their relationship.

"It looks like the jellyfish on Earth, right? That's how we hit it off, and since then, the Federation has been giving us all sorts of support."

That wasn't a lie. Absolutely not.

'Indeed. We also owe much to Kait, Third-Rank Citizen. We plan to ask for your wisdom again this time.'

"He's also helping out in this trial. I won't say you shouldn't be afraid, but at the very least, show some basic courtesy."

Kait could see the witnesses relax just a little. Maybe they felt safe if Kait vouched for it. If they trusted him even a little, that made him happy.

"So, how's the progress?"

'Molnotina was just apprehended. Former Congressman Nenbetch... I suppose we should call them that now. Their punishment won't be decided immediately, but we ask for your understanding. However, the real issue is Batmute, the one who orchestrated all this.'

They had referred to him as Master Batmute.

Kait didn't know Batmute's name or face, but the other congress members had been shocked. He must have been quite well-known in the Congress.

"Batmute Egilameftio Semenon. A major figure in the Federation Congress. He even served as Speaker at one point. Seems he's a celebrity in Federation politics."

"Former Congressman Nenbetch was referred to as his successor."

"It means he was a congressman from the Semenon star system. Master Batmute even personally introduced him as his successor once."

"Asheid?"

While Emotion was explaining, Asheid called out from behind—when had they arrived in the residential area?

Things must have been chaotic, but was everything okay with the Congress? Maybe Kait's questioning gaze gave it away, because Asheid answered with a wry smile.

"The Second Congress I belong to doesn't have a session scheduled today. Right now, the First and Third are probably pulling their hair out."

"...What did you do, Kait?"

"I'm innocent. The ones who caused the mess were the folks from Terapolapaneshio."

Rebecca's glare was sharp. She didn't seem to believe Kait, but Emotion stepped in to defend him.

"Ms. Luthiano. The Captain had nothing to do with this incident. He only went to confirm the Congress's legitimacy on behalf of Earthlings."

"I-I know that! It's not like I was doubting him or anything!?"

Apparently, Rebecca and Emotion didn't get along. Or rather, Rebecca tended to get emotional. Come to think of it, she didn't get along with George, aka Viper, either—maybe Emotion was just easy to misunderstand.

In any case, Asheid didn't seem to be on duty. Then why had they come here?

"So, what brings you here, Asheid?"

"Until Master Batmute is found, the trial won't start either way. That means we'll probably move on to the other matter, right?"

"...I guess we will?"

The issue Kait had brought to the Space jellyfish—the problem with the Ragav star system. By bringing up the jellyfish on Earth as a lead-in, he had successfully involved the Space jellyfish in the issue Leen was facing.

Honestly, Kait had felt like his job was done at that point, but Terapolapaneshio had no intention of letting him off the hook on this topic.

"We made a promise with Terapolapaneshio, remember? They said to include them from the very start in your schemes. And if it goes well, we'll need to consult the Congress anyway, right?"

"That's true. ...So you're the one?"

"Yup. I've already got permission from the Second Speaker. Or rather—"

Asheid glanced briefly at Terapolapaneshio.

"They said to keep a close watch because things tend to spiral out of control when Earth's jellyfish are involved."

"...Ah."

'W-What kind of directive is that!? I'm offended!'

"No, I completely agree."

'Even you, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen!?'

The Space jellyfish floated in the air, expressing indignation, and one of the witnesses suddenly burst out laughing.

"Hehe... Ah, sorry!"

"No worries. It's funny, right?"

'I don't appreciate being laughed at... But if it helps you calm down, then I suppose it's fine. Gumu.'

The Space jellyfish let out a reluctant groan. Seeing that, smiles finally returned to the Earthlings' faces.

***

"Oh, right. Congressman Apuluige had nothing to do with this incident. He might be frustrated, but please forgive him."

"Hm? I'm not bothered. I don't plan to get deeply involved with the Congress going forward anyway."

"The Speakers might lament that, though."

While Terapolapaneshio were everywhere in the Federation, Asheid was a congress member and thus a VIP here. Standing around chatting wasn't ideal, so Kait decided to invite Asheid and Terapolapaneshio into his room.

Emotion was guarding the witnesses. Just in case, another Terapolapaneshio had disappeared and was keeping watch, which was reassuring.

"So, have you come up with a method?"

"Not yet. If it were that easy, someone would've already done it."

"That's true."

After all, the idea of life being wiped out by a near miss (or collision) with a star was so grand that it didn't feel real. Their species had only recently expanded beyond Earth.

Kait was just a slightly more capable Earthling. The Space jellyfish said it was impossible, but he still thought it might be best to consult with Mechanical intelligence. Still, he had to propose at least one idea, or the others here probably wouldn't be satisfied.

"First, I just want to confirm something."

'What is it?'

"What kind of things can be done, and what kind of things can't? Without knowing that, I don't think I can come up with ideas."

He knew he was resisting the inevitable, but until he could think of something, he had to buy time. Just sitting in silence made him anxious.

But reality was cruel to Kait, who wanted to stall.

'If it's something an intelligent being can think of, it's probably doable. You can disregard the cost too. We're fully cooperating, after all.'

"I see..."

That was reassuring. Too reassuring. Show a little hesitation, Space jellyfish.

Feeling a bit irritated at the silently chuckling Asheid, Kait reluctantly voiced the idea that had come to him.

"How about altering the course of the approaching star?"

'It's not impossible, but there are risks.'

"Risks?"

'Yes. So we'd like to keep that as a last resort.'

"Hmm..."

Come to think of it, someone in the Federation probably had thought of this already. If they said it wasn't impossible, then they likely had experience. But the risk—did they mean the probability of success was low?

Since they said "last resort," it wasn't a complete rejection. He'd need to come up with at least one more idea.

Approaching the star was out. That meant the only thing they could move was the other side.

"Then, how about relocating Planet Ragav?"

"That's what Leen, Fourth-Rank Citizen (Darda Elra), came to consult you about, right?"

"No, I don't mean moving from Planet Ragav."

"?"

The reaction was duller than expected. Maybe they'd never even considered it.

Kait glanced at Terapolapaneshio, but they also seemed clueless. They had two tentacles crossed like arms—probably mimicking Earthlings.

"I mean moving Planet Ragav itself. Like to a different star system, for example."

In short, relocating the planet.