Chapter 7
Kait Crouch's hobby was the Gregorian calendar era of Earth—in other words, the appreciation of classical art. The term "classical" covers a wide range, but his favorite works were those from around the 2000s, when the internet had already spread. Regardless of genre, he enjoyed visual media, literature, and comics, especially during his time in space, whenever time allowed.
According to Emotion, he should take an interest in more recent literary and artistic works. But the style of the Gregorian era suited him—it couldn't be helped.
And for such a nostalgic Kait, this modification plan was incredibly enticing. It felt like there was no other choice.
"I-It seems kind of bad, doesn't it?"
"Well, I wouldn't say it's bad, but..."
"Yes. It's hard to say it's bad exactly..."
Both Dilgana and Ritimiele visibly hesitated in a very obvious way.
It wasn't recommended. But it seemed like it was hard for them to say it out loud.
If there was a reason, he wanted to hear it—but neither seemed inclined to speak. However, perhaps sensing Kait's anticipation, Ritimiele finally opened up.
"Well... The technological system is fully complete. The modification itself will take only a short time and the burden should be minimal, but..."
"There are a few problems."
"Problems?"
"Yeah. This technology—or rather, this ability—was confirmed to exist even before the Federation was founded. It's something a species that played a major role in the Federation's establishment specializes in, and they still hold high positions in the Federation."
"Ah, so I'm not qualified or something like that?"
I see—so that's why it was hard to say. Respect for culture, or maybe they didn't want some uncultured barbarian with no heritage to use it. Both seemed plausible.
However, Dilgana shook what appeared to be his head side to side, despite saying no. Apparently, in their culture too, shaking the head side to side meant denial.
"That's not it. Rather, they're desperate to spread this ability. They're even pressuring us to always include the catalog during modifications."
"Oh? Then isn't that fine?"
"It's unstable."
Ritimiele glanced around and continued in a slightly hushed tone.
It looked like she was worried about someone. Dilgana, standing beside her, seemed the same. There didn't seem to be anyone else around, so what were they worried about?
"This ability is heavily influenced by the user's mental state. Also, it's been confirmed that the ability is clearly weaker in other species."
"The original species... the Teraporapanesio people, they don't care about most things, but this is the one thing they won't compromise on."
Teraporapanesio. Judging by the phrasing, it was probably the name of a species. Dilgana had no facial expressions, but from his tone, it was clear he was lamenting.
In any case, both of them were showing their reluctance this openly. It was probably best to avoid the modification plan he had chosen.
It was tempting, though. Incredibly tempting.
Just as he was about to say he'd go with another plan.
'I don't think it's something to be so averse to.'
A voice rang out. One he'd never heard before. He didn't know where it came from. There was no visible speaker, and it had a synthetic tone to it. Since Dilgana himself was a machine, the artificiality stood out even more starkly.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ritimiele's fur stand on end. Apparently, it wasn't just anger—surprise could cause it too. The way the fur stood seemed a little different, though.
As he was thinking about such pointless things, the voice addressed Kait.
'Mister Kait. We welcome your decision.'
"Uh, what?"
'We are the Teraporapanesio. This individual speaking to you is the person in charge of the artificial celestial body Zodogia. Please forgive the discourtesy of greeting you without showing ourselves.'
"Ah, no, it's fine."
Apparently, the Teraporapanesio species also resided on this artificial celestial body. And since this one was a person in charge, that meant they were likely the superior of Dilgana and Ritimiele. No wonder the two had a hard time speaking.
'Unlike you, we do not communicate using vocal cords and language. Therefore, we convey our intent by vibrating the air around you.'
So his impression of it sounding synthetic wasn't wrong. Still, to produce sound by vibrating distant air—that was quite something.
While Kait was internally impressed, almost all of the surrounding catalogs vanished.
Apparently, it was the work of the Teraporapanesio. Steam hissed from Dilgana's head.
"Hey, Representative! We haven't done the final confirmation yet!? I don't think peeking is appropriate!"
'Then let's proceed with the final confirmation. Is the modification plan you selected acceptable?'
"Yes, absolutely."
'Then it's settled.'
"Wait, what!?"
Dilgana and Ritimiele looked displeased. Judging by their reactions, this modification plan was a major landmine. But for Kait, who adored classic sci-fi, there really was no other choice.
Feeling a bit guilty, the representative continued in a relaxed tone.
'Don't worry. If you don't like it, we can simply modify you again. Since we'll be saving your biological data first, there shouldn't be any issues.'
"That's fine for the first time, but the second time onward costs money! Mister Kait doesn't own any Federation assets!"
'Hm.'
Ritimiele's protest seemed to hit a nerve. It hit Kait too.
Come to think of it, Kait was completely broke. The only thing he owned was the Goodbye Earth, but to them, that was probably just junk.
He knew their words came from goodwill. He didn't want to burden them unnecessarily with his selfishness, and was just about to say he'd changed his mind when—
'Very well. If Mister Kait ends up dissatisfied with this modification, we shall cover the cost of his re-modification. That should solve the issue, yes?'
"Can you just decide something like that on your own!?"
'Don't worry. Approval has already been obtained from the other individuals. Just now, the one attending the assembly received authorization from the chairperson. There's no problem.'
"Ah, they act so fast!"
Ritimiele let out a scream-like voice. Apparently, the representative had forcefully resolved the issue. Kait couldn't understand why they were going so far over a single modification plan, but it was too late to say he'd changed his mind.
The representatives of the Teraporapanesio seemed to have an unusual attachment to the modification plan he had chosen. Reflecting on Dilgana's words, Kait walked over to him, who was weakly venting steam from around his ear area.
"Well then, Dilgana. I'm counting on you."
"Ah, yeah. This way."
Dilgana, burdened with great resignation, headed toward the booth. Following his back, Kait felt a bit guilty for causing trouble.
***
The modification itself really did only take a few minutes. The explanation that the technological system was complete hadn't been a lie. He didn't feel any particular discomfort in his body. He had been slightly worried that he'd be treated like a test subject, but it seemed they were genuinely acting in goodwill.
"Now, the adjustments are complete. As a minimum measure, we've performed genetic manipulation and implanted ultra-micro machines. With this, I can guarantee you'll be able to operate without issue in any Federation settlement."
"Thank you."
"Now, regarding the main modification—"
Dilgana let out a hiss of steam from the vent near his ear. It seemed to be the equivalent of a human sigh.
Dilgana hesitated for a moment, but then promptly presented a manual to Kait.
The first words written there.
"'Physical interference via will projection into external space.' Does this have a special name on your planet, Mister?"
"Yeah. It's called psychic powers."
Kait deliberately used an old-fashioned expression.
Hoping that maybe, just maybe, this name would catch on in the Federation.