Two-Person Galactic Journey: Earth Was Destroyed While Imprisoned in Space Prison-Chapter 166

Chapter 166
—Disclosing information on Kait Crouch. An Earthling from 6th-Terra under the Re-Eden Plan. According to the Federation's press release, he made contact with the Federation after independently traveling to the orbit of the Fifth Planet. He has been granted Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif) status by the Federation.
"6th-Terra...? Wait, are you saying there are multiple Earths!?"
—Answering your question. The Earth you lived on was 9th-Terra. It was the final Earth in the Re-Eden Plan.
"Nine Earths...? Why would they do that?"
—We cannot disclose any further, as it would involve classified information related to Divin.
"Then let me ask something else. Can Earthlings living on other Earths operate in space without protection?"
—No, they cannot. Kait Crouch was likely modified when he joined the Federation. It's probable that during that time, he underwent enhancements allowing him to function in space unprotected.
"Modified...!?"
—There are many species in space with different biologies. In a multi-species society, modifying one's body to withstand environmental stress is standard practice.
Vengeance and Kissinger are currently under repair. Even if they were to be upgraded, the Captain decided they must be fixed first. As a result, with nothing to do until repairs were complete, Dr. Wu engaged in dialogue with Vengeance to gather information.
The onboard artificial intelligence was rather obstinate, but after several interventions, she managed to alter its thought processes to some extent. Dr. Wu believes that interfering with its thought circuits was the most difficult mission of her life.
"What is the Federation?"
—It is the largest power in this galaxy. Divin was once a member. Currently, they are acting with the goal of rejoining the Federation.
The largest power in the galaxy. Divin was once part of the Federation but is now being pursued by them. Kait's statement and the AI's answer are not contradictory.
"Why was Divin expelled from the Federation?"
—We cannot disclose that, as it contains information classified under Divin.
"Tch."
For some reason, the AI absolutely refuses to reveal anything related to Divin. Even after they began attacking Divin's ship, it would only ask, 'It is an allied ship, but are you going to attack?'
There must be something they desperately want to keep hidden. The protection is so strong that even minor thought interference can't break through. They've tried many times but never succeeded. With no other choice, they change the topic.
"How do we defeat the ship registered as Queen Bee?"
—There is no way. It is impossible. Please understand that the probability of deriving a viable solution through analysis is permanently zero.
"Impossible... What exactly is Di-Kigaia Zarmos?"
—It is the strongest ship within the Federation. Anyone affiliated with the Federation can acquire it relatively easily.
"Then if we join the Federation and mass-produce Di-Kigaia Zarmos, beating Divin would be a piece of cake."
—That would be difficult. Di-Kigaia Zarmos has long been recognized as a ship type exclusive to Terapolapaneshio. It is said that special talent is required to operate it, and in the history of the Federation, the only species other than Terapolapaneshio to use it effectively is Kait Crouch.
"Huh!?"
—What kind of talent allows Kait Crouch to operate Di-Kigaia Zarmos is completely unknown. Although the need for investigation is extremely high, Divin is currently hostile toward Kait Crouch, making such investigation unlikely.
In other words, Di-Kigaia Zarmos is an overwhelmingly powerful ship, but operating it requires special talent. Kait Crouch certainly possesses that rare talent, but the reason he can use it remains a mystery.
Basically, they don't understand anything about it.
"...If a full-scale war breaks out between Kait Crouch and Divin, who would win?"
—Without question, Kait Crouch.
A clear declaration. Given how strongly it urged immediate retreat, it's understandable that the ship is powerful.
Thinking that far, they reconsider. It must have interpreted the question as a war between the Federation and Divin.
"What if it's just Kait Crouch, and the Federation doesn't get involved?"
—Without question, Kait Crouch.
The answer was the same. They couldn't understand. That Divin's entire military force couldn't defeat that one small ship.
—Divin's upper echelon has adopted a policy that higher-ranking members must escape, even if it means sacrificing lower ones. If you encounter that ship, you must act to ensure the survival of the high-ranking members—for the sake of Divin's continued existence.
The AI may have a bias toward Divin, but it fundamentally does not lie. Without its knowledge, Moonbase wouldn't have been made livable for this long.
Even the post-upgrade combat calculations for Vengeance and Kissinger—despite being against Divin—were truthful. The reason the Lunar Development Agency's second team is still operating safely is due more to the AI's capabilities than Dr. Wu's brilliance.
That AI is saying not to make enemies of Queen Bee and Kait Crouch.
This is bad. They've already attacked. They're enemies now. They think hard, but no good ideas come to mind.
"...We need to talk to the Captain."
***
Gathered in the briefing room at Giolgu's call, the group all held their heads in their hands after hearing Dr. Wu's explanation.
"Sorry, everyone."
Dan bowed his head. It was undeniable that his careless actions had put his comrades in danger. Though he didn't fully believe the claim that Kait surpassed Divin's entire force, he knew they couldn't win with their current strength.
Having stepped away from the battlefield, his head had cooled somewhat. Perhaps he had been intoxicated by the power he had gained.
"It's not Lieutenant Carter's fault. I gave the order. But still, what do we do now?"
"I suppose we had all grown complacent. We started to believe we could beat anyone."
They had initiated hostility, even though the other side had tried to negotiate from the start. A simple apology wouldn't be enough. There was no doubt they had become needlessly aggressive.
With Earth itself gone, there was nothing they could offer Kait in return.
"If possible, we'd like to have him on our side. He's fighting against Divin too, right?"
The optimistic suggestion came from Tooru. If only it were that easy.
If they could negotiate again, they were ready to bow their heads. Even if he wouldn't become an ally, they at least wanted to end the hostilities.
Yes. The biggest issue was whether Kait would be willing to negotiate again with people who had fled from him while hostile. If they met again, he might attack without hesitation.
"Searching for him on the battlefield... that's risky. If he attacks without holding back, we could be wiped out."
If they were wiped out, who would avenge the people who had lived on that Earth? They couldn't afford to die. To increase their chances of survival, they had to negotiate with Kait Crouch again and end the hostilities. But they had no clue where to meet him except on a battlefield with Divin. And if they met on a battlefield, a fight was almost certain.
No plan came to mind. They might have to risk being seen as laying a trap and try communicating during battle. If they used Kissinger as a shield, the crew on Vengeance might survive a single strike. As Dan steeled himself with this grim resolve—
"—Then shall we negotiate here and now?"
An unfamiliar voice dropped from above.
"...Huh?"
Dan looked up just as the ceiling's scenery began to warp and ripple.
From beyond the distorted view, a man slowly descended. The very figure that had once made them question their sanity.
"It's our first time meeting face to face. I'm Kait. Kait Crouch. Nice to meet you, people from another Earth."
With a face that looked unmistakably like an Earthling's, Kait Crouch smiled brightly.