Chapter 23
The artificial celestial body Abakia is the same type of body as Zodogia, which is known as an absolute fortress.
The difference is that unlike Zodogia, Abakia is inhabited only by mechanical intelligence, which allows for easy modification of its internal environment.
Abakia is operated as a temporary vessel for newly joining species of the Federation, like the Earthlings this time, until they undergo the necessary physical modifications.
"At Abakia, you will choose what kind of physical modifications to receive. After that, you will be transferred to the artificial celestial body where your residential zone has been prepared."
Several days had passed since the battle with the Divin.
Ritimiele and the others were accepted by the Earthlings more quickly than expected. After all, a presence that guarantees food, clothing, and shelter holds great influence.
Today as well, time was set aside to carefully explain the upcoming process to the gathered people. There were a fair number who were anxious about leaving Earth. Rebecca, who had taken on a secretary-like role, seemed satisfied that she was different from Damos, who exaggerated the destination as if it were paradise.
"No matter what modification plan you choose, the first time is free. From the second time onward, there will be a fee, so please think carefully before deciding."
Naturally, there were those who felt uneasy or repulsed by the idea of bodily modification, but the inconvenience of living as a Federation citizen without it was also explained thoroughly. Opposition and resentment gradually subsided, and most decided to immigrate to the Federation.
"Originally, immigrants' citizenship starts at Rank Thirteen, but thanks to the offer from Kait, Rank Three citizen (Enec Lagif), you will be granted Rank Ten citizenship. Please understand that to live on a natural celestial body like Earth, Rank Seven or higher is required."
A murmur of awe spread through the audience, and all eyes turned to Kait. For some reason, Rebecca looked proud but didn't say anything.
According to Emotion, even Rank Thirteen citizenship provides a fairly high standard of living. With Rank Ten, it's said you could live like a billionaire on Earth.
"......What will happen to Earth?"
A lonely voice murmured softly.
It was an elderly person. Even if they understood it logically, abandoning Earth was painful. That sentiment was shared by everyone. A slightly melancholic air settled over the crowd.
'Regarding that, there's no need to worry, Earthlings!'
A synthetic-sounding voice echoed from nowhere.
Reflexively holding his head, Ritimiele did the same. Since the color of her fur had changed, she was probably thinking the same thing.
Everything was ruined.
***
"W-What is that!?"
"A meteorite!?"
"A monster!?"
"......No, they're Federation citizens. Even those."
Ritimiele said in a barely audible voice, but did anyone actually hear her? Panic and fear had everyone in a frenzy.
Meanwhile, Kait and Ritimiele exchanged glances. It seemed they were out of time.
'Ritimiele, sorry to keep you waiting! I've brought Abakia!'
"We weren't waiting, so please return to space as you are, Representative. You've ruined everything."
'Isn't that a bit harsh!?'
The mood was clearly over the top. Kait couldn't even tell where the voice was coming from.
No wonder. From the far reaches of the sky, objects similar to the Representative were raining down one after another.
"Ritimiele... I hate to ask, but..."
"Yes, it's exactly what you think... I had a bad feeling they'd mess this up..."
They really went and did it.
The companions of Terapolapaneshio, spread across the galaxy. All of them had abandoned their duties—or brought their coworkers along—and descended upon Earth.
Their destination was the ocean. Some individuals who accidentally descended toward land changed direction midair toward the sea, making the sky look almost like an aquarium.
Even Rebecca, who had built some tolerance after witnessing the conflict with the Divin, turned pale. She grabbed Kait's arm and asked in a panic.
"Kait, what are those!? Biological weapons? Some kind of ship? Or enemies!?"
"None of the above, Rebecca. How should I put this... Um..."
What would be the easiest way to explain? Of all Rebecca's guesses, biological weapon seemed the closest.
But fearing it would cause more misunderstanding, he held back from saying "the Federation's strongest lifeforms." He looked up at the only one approaching them—presumably the Representative.
"They're intelligent space jellyfish."
"Huh!?"
Of course she didn't understand. Naturally.
No more fitting vocabulary came to mind. Kait let out a deep, deep sigh.
***
So many space jellyfish landed in Earth's oceans that it became absurd to count. Thinking it must be terrifying to watch from the shore, he called out to the one floating in front of him. He couldn't tell them apart by appearance, but based on size, he judged this one to be the Representative, not a council member.
"So, Representative. I probably don't need to ask, but what is this?"
'Indeed, Kait Rank Three citizen. We all came together with Abakia!'
"I knew it..."
Looking toward Ritimiele, he saw her fur had dulled completely to gray and she was shaking her head. Apparently, the Federation headquarters was also in total chaos.
A species that had greatly influenced the Federation's operation through psychic power had dropped everything and gathered on Earth. No wonder the rest of the Federation was panicking.
'No need to worry, Ritimiele. This massive migration is a one-time thing. Next time, we'll make sure to take proper vacations.'
"......Yes. That would really help."
Limp. That word perfectly described Ritimiele's exhausted reply.
The Representative, seemingly oblivious to Ritimiele's state, busily wiggled her tentacles.
'Sorry, Kait Rank Three citizen. The others are waiting, so let's end the greetings here. We'll talk again after the interaction.'
"Sure. Go right ahead."
'Much appreciated. Fuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu!'
Whoosh.
They watched the Representative zoom off toward the ocean. Behind him, Rebecca stood stunned.
At least from that exchange, they should now understand that the space jellyfish possessed high intelligence. For now, that was enough.
"Y-You're Kait, right?"
"Yes?"
"D-Does the Federation really have such terrifying beings?"
The one asking in fear was a woman who had until recently seemed fairly positive about immigrating to the Federation.
Suppressing the urge to grimace, he answered. His brain was working overtime trying to find the right words.
"There are many different species, you know? The reason this Federation membership process went so smoothly is all thanks to them."
"Really? I-I mean, they're not going to eat us or anything, right?"
"Of course not. I haven't been eaten, have I?"
"R-Right. You even talked with them, so it must be okay."
If mistrust could take human form, it would look like her expression. That's how strongly it showed on her face as she nodded.
Help me. He glanced toward Ritimiele, but she too was being spoken to by several people and probably had the same look on her face.
"Captain."
"What is it, Emotion?"
"Due to the arrival of the Terapolapaneshio, the stress levels of Earthlings have increased by about thirty percent."
"......Of course they have."
For once, Emotion's calmness felt strangely irritating.
***
It was a moment of intense tension.
In Earth's oceans, the Terapolapaneshio each selected an Earth jellyfish to interact with.
Despite sharing a collective consciousness, they held a strong will that forbade jumping the line. Or perhaps, at this moment, the space jellyfish known as Terapolapaneshio had each gained individuality.
In any case, under that strong will, they had abandoned all duties and gathered on Earth.
'Now, let's go together!'
With reverence, they touched their tentacles to the floating Earth jellyfish.
'！！！！！！！'
Emotions beyond words erupted.
Vivid auroras appeared in the skies worldwide, day and night alike.
The air was filled with joy at being released from eternal loneliness, exhaustion from fulfilling a purpose, and sadness from realizing their roots were different—all blending into one deep emotion.
If they had the ability, and if this weren't underwater, they surely would have all shed tears.
Far smaller and more fragile than them, yet full of diversity—life both constrained and free.
So as not to accidentally destroy them, the space jellyfish continued their interaction with utmost care, as if in blessing.
'......Ah, what a wonderful moment that was.'
How much time had passed?
Born on different stars, having followed different evolutionary paths, yet still such close companions.
Confirming that not a single Earth jellyfish who interacted with the Terapolapaneshio had been harmed as they departed.
What remained was deep gratitude and friendship toward the lone Earthling, the new Federation citizen.
'Now, the time for indulgence is over. Let's return to our respective duties.'
'Ritimiele is probably angry. I'll have to prepare for a scolding.'
'Next time, I'll be sure to take a proper vacation. This experience was truly stimulating. It would be a shame to end it after just one time.'
'For that reason, I must secure the management rights to this planet at all costs.'
Even if it means throwing away everything built up until now.
Even if we were to encounter similar lifeforms on another planet—ones closer to us, or even our direct ancestors, than the Earth jellyfish.
They had concluded that nothing would ever surpass the emotion they felt in this very moment.
'We are grateful for that reckless courage.'
'We love that recklessness.'
'We respect that decision.'
'Citizen Third-Class Kait. We, the Terapolapaneshio, offer you our heartfelt gratitude and eternal friendship. We swear it upon this planet called Earth.'
Because one of the Terapolapaneshio's dreams, spanning a hundred million years, had been perfectly fulfilled.