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

Chapter 97

Kait and Emotion disembarked from the Queen Bee for the time being. They decided that they should first greet Derenidene face-to-face.

It was a large enough ship to house the Queen Bee, but it seemed to have a small crew. They weren't carrying any particularly massive cargo either, and if push came to shove, the Queen Bee was there. Besides, no pirate would attack a ship bearing the Corporation's emblem.

"Welcome, Captain Kait. This is a transport ship owned by the Corporation's 45th Business Division and has no special name. It may not offer a very comfortable voyage, but we appreciate your cooperation until arrival."

"That's fine. I'm not too particular about comfort, so no need to worry."

Responding to Derenidene's greeting, Kait stared intently at Derenidene's head. Up close, its peculiarity stood out even more.

Though the skin on the face resembled that of Earthlings, only the hair-like part was different. It trembled with every word, looking like either gummy candy or soap bubbles.

Perhaps noticing Kait's gaze, Derenidene tilted their head slightly. Kait reflexively let out a small "Ah" as if the hair might spill off.

"Does it bother you?"

"Ah, s...sorry. That was rather rude of me."

"Our species has a unique body surface composition. Because of that, we excel at mimicking all kinds of species. This form too is made to resemble Earthlings as closely as possible."

"I see. So the head part isn't actually liquid?"

"Correct. Right now, due to the mimicry, the surface moisture is concentrated in the head. If I cancel the mimicry, it will return to normal—though in that form, you likely wouldn't recognize me as Derenidene."

"I see. That's quite something."

Derenidene had taken on a form resembling an Earthling out of consideration for Kait. That was why Kait refrained from showing interest in Derenidene's original appearance.

Since Derenidene worked for the Corporation, they must be under protection as a rare species. It would be rude to pry too much into their past or racial traits. Kait intentionally decided to change the subject.

"We're headed to Nezasuriwe's ship next, right?"

"Yes. Ekerekemeneu Asubarkakuto Nijaiasa Porketrantar... I believe Lady Emotion was the one who coined the abbreviation Eanipol? Recently, even within the Corporation, that name is starting to catch on."

"Simple names are definitely better."

For some reason, Emotion looked smug, but Kait decided to leave her be. Perhaps she was a bit frustrated that Kait was getting all the praise.

What Kait really wanted to ask Derenidene was something else. He steered the conversation back on course.

"After boarding Nezasuriwe's ship, where are we headed?"

"The Darekke system. Didn't Branch Director Nezasuriwe explain that?"

"No. I was just told it was a work assignment."

"I see. The Darekke system lies within Federation territory. That's why it's not a sector where Earthling rescues usually take place."

"Federation territory?"

He was getting confused. If this was a Corporation assignment, why was the location within Federation territory? Though it did explain why Kait had never been there.

When Kait asked Derenidene about it, the answer was, "It's a simple reason."

"Even if it's within Federation territory, the Federation doesn't interfere with star systems unless there's an intelligent lifeform expected to join them."

"I see. So they're not particularly interested in the ecosystem of such planets."

"Exactly. Of course, the Corporation also won't interfere unless there's a risk of extinction due to external factors."

"So, we're going to the Darekke system, which is Federation territory, to protect some kind of lifeform?"

"No?"

But Kait's guess was off the mark.

Naturally, the rise and fall of planetary lifeforms is usually quite drastic. It's impossible to protect every species headed for extinction, and the Corporation has its own criteria for protection.

In any case, this mission didn't seem to involve protecting lifeforms.

Kait grew even more unsure of why he had been summoned.

"Well, well, no need to worry about it, Captain."

"Emotion?"

"It was originally meant to be a vacation. Just think of it as a chance to enjoy the Corporation's gourmet offerings."

"Oh? You're interested in food, Lady Emotion?"

"Yes. I'm looking for meals that taste good to the average Earthling palate."

"I see. Then I'll inform Branch Director Nezasuriwe of your preference."

"Thank you, Agent Derenidene."

In an instant, Emotion was won over. This agent was good.

In any case, Kait also welcomed food that tasted good to Earthlings. Since the Corporation protected Earthlings, he had no worries about the meals. There was no longer a need to suffer through meals judged by alien taste standards.

Apparently, some Earthlings under the Corporation's protection even cooked with ingredients commonly eaten by other species, using Earth-style seasoning. Emotion seemed genuinely intrigued just hearing about it.

"For once, I'd like to wholeheartedly praise the Captain's choice."

"'For once' is unnecessary, Emotion."

Her expression was subtle, but her eyes seemed to shine brightly.

Kait couldn't help but be curious too. What kind of gourmet had blossomed under the Corporation's care? He recalled the Earth food books he had devoured while in confinement. Back then, he had eaten meals focused solely on nutritional value—so bland that even mud seemed preferable—and dreamed of what he'd eat once back on Earth. In the end, he had grown used to that flavor too.

As he got this far in his thoughts, Kait realized the conversation had veered off again. He still didn't know why Branch Director Nezasuriwe had summoned him. It was fine to be interested in food, but he had to clarify that first.

"So in the end, why was I summoned? It's not for species protection, right? Even though this is a Rare Species Conservation Agency job."

"Correct. Branch Director Nezasuriwe invited Captain Kait because of a certain astronomical phenomenon she wants resolved."

"Astronomical phenomenon?"

"Yes. It's a phenomenon that has been recorded across various sectors since before the Federation's formation. She would like to borrow your strength to resolve it."

"Hmm, astronomical phenomenon... I wonder what kind."

When he heard 'astronomical phenomenon,' what popped into Kait's classic sci-fi brain was planetary alignment. A phenomenon that supposedly meant nothing—but this was probably something else. They did say 'resolve,' after all.

Derenidene looked somewhat excited. But when Emotion, who had been listening nearby, blurted out, "You seem excited, Agent," Derenidene's expression quickly turned bashful.

"To be honest, I've always wanted to see it. I've heard it occurs fairly frequently, but I've never seen it myself."

"Is that so? Now I'm getting curious too."

It might finally be a chance to enjoy the mysteries and beauty of space again. Lately, he'd been teleporting from place to place so much that he'd had fewer chances to peacefully observe such phenomena.

Gratitude toward Nezasuriwe, who had invited him, welled up inside him—

"Yes. It was recently officially named the space tuna meteor swarm."

"Spa...what now?"

Thanks to the ominous term that came out of Derenidene's mouth, all those warm feelings instantly flew away.