Two-Person Galactic Journey: Earth Was Destroyed While Imprisoned in Space Prison-Chapter 234

Chapter 234
The Federation was too competent, and the investigation hit a dead end.
It was Gorou, who had been listening to the two talking beside him, who offered a solution to Kait.
"Doesn't the Corporation also have its own stockpile of information? They're connected to organizations the Federation usually stays away from, and they might know more about where Lufate Gainun was roaming freely."
"I see!"
The galaxy is vast, and ruthlessly fair.
Just as there are organizations like the Federation that can naturally overcome difficulties, there must also be those unable to cope with Lufate Gainun's acts of aggression.
And with the Corporation, they had some connections and debts owed. If they weren't in the Corporation, they could still be introduced—through the Corporation—to someone researching Lufate Gainun's ecology.
In terms of sheer network, the Corporation clearly surpassed the Federation. Even if inviting them into the Federation was difficult, sharing research results might still be possible.
"Even Terapolapaneshio couldn't track them. Unless we solve this mystery, intelligent life won't truly be able to rest easy."
"Right. Emotion and I will contact the Corporation. What about you, Doctor?"
"I'd like to stay here a bit longer and continue studying their ecology. I can't afford to miss anything."
"Understood. See you later, then."
"Yes, see you later."
It didn't seem like she wanted to talk to her acquaintances from the Corporation days. The Federation hadn't forbidden communication, so maybe it was just awkward.
Since she was the one who suggested it, it didn't seem she held a grudge against the Corporation. In any case, there was no need to question her about it. Kait quickly pushed aside such trivial thoughts and headed to Queen Bee with Emotion.
***
Queen Bee had a direct line connected to the Eanipol where Branch Director Nezasuriwe was aboard. Skipping all the formalities, they scheduled an appointment with Branch Director Nezasuriwe. Surprisingly, the director appeared on screen in no time.
'Hey, Captain Kait. It's been a while since the Aguares incident. How have you been?'
"Yes. You seem well too. Are you not busy?"
'Nope. At the moment, we're not dealing with any lifeforms needing protection. Things are relatively relaxed.'
"That's good to hear. I have a small favor to ask."
'What is it? Say the word. The Corporation will do all it can to help.'
As expected, things moved quickly. The one who moved fastest was President Palnesbrogia, but they were currently in the middle of a dispute with Tuna. It wouldn't be wise to bother them with this.
When Kait explained he was participating in Lufate Gainun research under the Federation, Branch Director Nezasuriwe's expression turned angry.
'Those pests again, huh? Still, as expected of the Federation. No casualties—truly impressive.'
"Yes. But because their response is so swift and thorough, it's also causing some problems."
'What do you mean?'
"We have too few ecological samples of them. We want to investigate their origin and method of movement, but we have no way to do so."
'I see... That's certainly important information. With the Federation's policy of total annihilation, I can understand why it's hard to find them.'
Branch Director Nezasuriwe looked into the void. Kait tilted his head, wondering if the director had no leads, but it seemed they were just searching for something and quickly turned back to the screen.
'Azavoid 2... In your terms, it's within the second branch fleet. There seems to be a department conducting ecological research on Lufate Gainun. Since a different branch director oversees it, I'd appreciate some time.'
"Of course. Please let them know we're ready to share information from our side as well."
'Is that okay?'
Seeing the surprised look on Branch Director Nezasuriwe's face, Kait smiled gently.
Since they were someone who loved and cared for undeveloped planet lifeforms more than anyone, Kait had no worries about being honest.
"Lufate Gainun is the enemy of all other lifeforms. Don't you agree?"
'...Indeed. Then, please provide some information that'll make the second branch folks want to act quickly.'
"Hmm. Then please accept this data."
Emotion, who managed the data, sent a data file to the Eanipol.
'What's this data?'
"It's a comparison between the biometric data of the lifeform that parasitized the space eel species and that of Lufate Gainun. If your researchers don't react to this data, we can assume you don't hold the kind of data we're looking for."
'The lifeform that parasitized the space eel... That one, huh.'
"Yes. We discovered about 60% similarity with Lufate Gainun. Judging from its ecology, they are likely the same species."
'...What did you say!?'
A shriek-like voice rang out. Part of President Palnesbrogia was currently traveling with Tuna, who was a space eel. Since Tuna had transferred their consciousness into a Federation-made body, there was no issue with parasites. Still, Kait couldn't predict what would happen if this reached President Palnesbrogia.
Just in case, Kait made sure to ask Branch Director Nezasuriwe to keep it quiet.
"It seemed like things would get complicated if Tuna found out, so I approached you instead of President Palnesbrogia. ...You understand, right?"
'Ah, of course. ...So, you know too?'
"I heard they're having a bit of a dispute."
A deep sigh-like sound escaped from Branch Director Nezasuriwe's nose. Given that massive body, it must have expelled a considerable amount of air.
'Neither side seems willing to back down...'
"Sounds about right."
That said, Tuna was more flexible compared to Palnesbrogia. If things were explained properly, there was still a chance they'd reconsider. Kait had already presented the information Tuna might consider, hoping they'd calm down.
In fact, Branch Director Nezasuriwe had been quite considerate. They could've asked Kait to mediate between Palnesbrogia and Tuna as a condition for cooperation. Very few could speak equally with both parties—perhaps only Kait and Terapolapaneshio. From the Corporation's perspective, it wouldn't have been strange to propose that as a condition, and Kait had been prepared for it.
However, that condition never came from Nezasuriwe's mouth. Though they looked like they had something to say, the communication ended without them ever voicing it.
"Well then. Now we wait for a response."
"Right. Should we inform Representative Yamloson?"
"Not right now."
"Are you sure?"
"That type doesn't say anything as long as we're delivering results."
Kait did not underestimate the being known as Yamloson. Knowing him, he likely had full knowledge of the communications within Uvols. At the very least, Gorou's must have reached him. And since he didn't interfere with the Queen Bee communication, it was clear he was tacitly approving it.
Yamloson himself must have understood that, as long as the Federation continued its current measures, he wouldn't be able to obtain further information. And despite their friendly relations, it was unlikely that Yamloson had personal connections with Corporation-level officials.
He knew Kait would use his connections and was betting on the chance of gaining new intel from that.
But if Kait ed everything and Yamloson interfered, things could get unnecessarily complicated. Every organization has people who want to undermine their superiors. Both Kait and Yamloson understood that, which is why they pretended not to know.
"Is that how it works?"
"That's how it is. Either way, if the Corporation sends valuable information, we'll need to it."
Emotion might still lack the experience to grasp such subtleties. Smiling, Kait leaned back slowly in his seat to wait for the Corporation's reply.