Chapter 32
Whether it's infinite or finite, the universe stretches far beyond human imagination.
Due to certain circumstances, Kait Crouch is traveling through the galaxy while protecting the Earthlings who have been scattered across it—something he never would have imagined back when he lived on Earth.
However, over time, even the scattered Earthlings seem to find a place for themselves wherever they end up.
'Can you hear me? You can hear me, can't you, Captain Kait!?'
"I can hear you! Not that I want to!"
A tremor, powerful enough to shake the vacuum of space, rumbled through. Strangely, it was accompanied by a deep bass sound.
The destination of the combat vessel Queen Bee, piloted by Kait, and the fleet flying alongside it through space was the same. A nameless star system. One of the many stars monitored by the Federation, to which Kait belongs.
The fleet flying alongside them does not belong to the Federation. However, that doesn't mean they are enemies of the Federation either.
"I'll ask again, Gorou Saitou! Are you all serious about this!?"
'Yeah, we're serious—dead serious! You help us too, Captain Kait!'
Rare Species Conservation Agency.
A corporate entity aimed at protecting and rescuing all species at risk of extinction. It was once affiliated with the Federation but now operates independently.
Gorou Saitou, who is communicating with Kait, belongs to the fleet dispatched by the agency and is a full-fledged Earthling. He was a biologist back on Earth, and was appointed to this mission because of that background.
"Protect that thing? You call that protection? Don't joke with me—you all know what's beyond that thing!"
'......We know! That's why we're asking for your cooperation!'
The Federation (Kait) and the Agency (Gorou) have different objectives. Though they're heading to the same place, they're after different targets.
Another tremor shook them. As they passed through the asteroid belt, Kait turned his gaze toward the giant planet's ring.
It wasn't something beautiful like Saturn's rings. Countless rock fragments, like asteroids, swirled around the planet.
'You know just how much of a miracle the creature called Star-Eater is, don't you!?'
"......We're not saying we want to kill it. If it just changes direction, that would be enough."
Something slithered out, splitting open the planet's surface.
It was something like a massive rope, disproportionately large even for the size of the planet. It looked like moving rock, or perhaps a snake or a worm.
Like a whale spouting, rocks were ejected into the air from its back. They collided with other rocks already in orbit, shattering each other.
A silicon-based lifeform called 'Star-Eater'. A massive creature that feeds on planetary cores and swims through space.
According to Federation records, several attempts were made to communicate with it, but all failed.
When it began predatory activity on planets inhabited by intelligent lifeforms, the Federation gave up on peaceful coexistence with the creature.
"Beyond that thing lies a planet where life has emerged. If that snake heads there, I'll have to stop it."
'We are committed to the survival of all rare species. If the Star-Eater desires it, we can find a way to evacuate all lifeforms from that planet!'
"You make it sound easy to relocate every lifeform from one planet to another!"
'We still barely understand the Star-Eater's biology! What if changing its course causes serious disruption to its vital functions!?'
The reason Queen Bee and the agency fleet were rushing was because their objectives were in conflict. The only reason they hadn't started fighting was because both sides understood the logic behind the other's actions.
"Don't call letting it roam free 'protection'! Billions of lives could be wiped out!"
'If we study the Star-Eater's biology, we can protect it properly! A few sacrifices for that cause are—'
"......Could you say that to the billions who died on Earth?"
At Gorou's words, Kait's voice came out so cold it sent chills down one's spine.
Gorou seemed to have cooled down too, falling silent without replying.
After ending the transmission, Kait passed by the planet the Star-Eater was feeding on. The fourth planet from the star in that system was one the Federation was observing. Like Zodogia, an artificial satellite had been placed nearby to monitor the planet's development.
They needed to regroup quickly and decide on a course of action.
"That blockhead!"
Kait and the Federation's objective was to redirect the Star-Eater. If that failed, eliminate it.
Gorou and the agency's objective was to protect the Star-Eater. And, if possible, study its biology.
As long as the Star-Eater kept heading toward the star, their goals would never align.
'Captain. The agency fleet has deployed around the planet's orbit.'
"Figures. How many Earthling life signs are on that fleet?"
'Including Dr. Saitou, twenty-three personnel appear to be assigned to that fleet.'
"Got it. Should I be happy there are fewer people to protect, or sad that I've been dragged into more trouble...?"
With a sigh that had become a recent habit, Kait reflected on how he ended up in such a tangled mess.