Chapter 25
It's not something one easily realizes while living on a planet, but the ends of the sky—the abyss of space—are truly boundless.
The tenacity of life can sometimes surpass even the very planet that gave birth to it.
And among them, Earthlings were a species that lagged far behind and met a tragic end.
'Captain, we've picked up a signal. There are two Earthling signatures aboard that ship.'
"Understood. Then let's go say hello."
Far, far away from their homeworld.
Having lost most of the civilization they once relied on, Earthlings were forced to abandon their home planet.
'Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing?! That's dangerous!'
"Yes, yes, hello, hello. You've got two Earthlings on your ship, right? I've got a few things I'd like to confirm—mind answering?"
'What? No way, you're—!'
A panicked voice came from the other end of the transmission.
The opposing ship was clearly larger than theirs, yet showed no signs of underestimating them.
Kait Crouch. The only Earthling to hold the status of Enec Lagif within the Federation, which wielded absolute influence over this galaxy. He was becoming known for traveling around protecting Earthlings who had lost their home planet.
"This is Captain Kait of the Federation combat vessel Queen Bee. The Earthlings you're transporting are suspected of being unlawfully traded by Divin. What do you say?"
'Don't screw with me, we—'
"You'd best not spout nonsense like 'We haven't signed the Federation laws.' You don't want to end up like the Zanigaliu Grand Fleet, do you?"
'You—don't tell me that really happened!?'
When he brought up a case involving a major skirmish from some time ago, the voice on the other end became visibly more flustered.
Kait detached the VIP passenger ship that had been in tow behind them. This ship, remotely controlled by Emotion, was one loaned from the Federation government to carry rescued Earthlings.
The Worker Bees were shifted into combat readiness. Their deliberately slow movements were meant to give the enemy time to surrender before battle began. Even if they weren't part of the Federation, and even if they had purchased Earthlings, that didn't automatically make them enemies.
'Wait! Stand down from combat mode. We'll hand over the two. Is that acceptable?'
"A wise decision. I appreciate it."
'However, I'd like to set a condition—you don't bring your ship any closer. If you send the passenger ship over, we'll put the Earthlings aboard and withdraw. Is that agreeable?'
"Fine. But until we confirm the Earthlings are safely aboard, you're not to move either. That's our condition."
'Understood.'
A tense exchange played out. As the passenger ship approached the enemy vessel, Emotion began monitoring using the ship's systems.
The two ships connected via the boarding ramp, and they waited for a while. Once the ramp was retracted, it became clear that Emotion had lowered her guard.
'Captain Kait. The two individuals have been secured. No traps or devices were found. I've already contacted the Federation's security fleet, so they should arrive shortly.'
"Understood. Then let's wait a bit. ...Confirmed. You're free to go."
The ships disconnected, and the release was conveyed.
'...You're not going to sink them?'
"I don't intend to go that far. Next time you carry Earthlings, hire them properly instead of buying them. That way, you won't have to go through this kind of trouble."
'We'll do that. I promise we won't deal with Divin again. Farewell.'
There wasn't time to say, 'You didn't have to go that far.'
Watching the ship flee in a panic, Kait waited for the vessel carrying the Earthlings to rejoin them.
"Good grief, I wonder when we'll finally be able to travel this galaxy freely."
'It's not that far off, I'm sure. Besides, isn't this kind of like sightseeing in its own way?'
"True. And we've got all the time in the world."
'Yes. The security fleet has arrived.'
Emotion had certainly started to blend in.
Kait entrusted the Earthlings, along with the passenger ship, to the security fleet, and without much of a farewell, launched his ship toward the next sector of space.