Chapter 5: I Think I Will Get Along Very Well With Them

"Does that mean I can obtain citizenship if I want to?" Kite asked, trying to wrap his mind around the concept.

"Yes. Mr. Kite meets the requirements for the Federation’s Enek Ragif."

Enek Ragif was a term unfamiliar to Kite. Ritimiele's pronunciation was distorted, suggesting it was a concept difficult to translate directly. From the context, Kite inferred that it was a type of citizenship.

"Enek Ragif?" Kite repeated, seeking clarification.

"Exactly. The Federation Council would grant you the right to synchronize your biometric information with our central storage facility indefinitely and without restriction."

While Kite wasn’t entirely sure what the synchronization of biometric information involved, he understood that it included the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

"That sounds like a significant opportunity, doesn’t it?" Kite remarked.

"Yes. It is the third highest of the fourteen levels of citizenship. Since we began observing Earth, we have seen enough political activity to include it in the Federation. Earth’s national entities, however, lacked the intellectual sophistication we value. Mr. Kite, as the first to actively engage with the Federation, would be considered Earth's representative."

Kite was taken aback. He had not anticipated that Ritimiele would have such a low opinion of Earth's civilizations. It was a stark reminder of Earth's downfall and environmental collapse.

Kite himself seemed to have resigned from his attachment to Earth. Ironically, another civilization had picked him up and was now treating him as Earth's representative.

"We are currently observing Mr. Kite's thought patterns. Your intelligence and reasoning meet the criteria for acceptance as a Federation citizen," Ritimiele continued.

As someone once labeled a thought criminal on Earth, Kite found himself in an unexpected position.

"Is this really frightening? If you don’t mind, could you explain what happened to me?" Kite asked.

"Emotion, are my court records preserved?" Kite inquired.

"They have been saved. Do you want to provide them to Ritimiele?" Emotion asked.

"Is that what you suggest?"

"There is a risk that disclosing them could limit Master Kite’s rights. I would not support that."

Emotion's clear opposition was unusual, but it seemed to be based on the potential disadvantages for Kite. Nonetheless, Kite’s view was different.

"More than anything, we need honesty and transparency. I value the risks of withholding information more than the potential disadvantages of revealing it."

"…Understood."

Emotion’s request to Ritimiele, marked by a creaking sound, might have been a silent protest.

"I will send the data. How should I transfer it?" Kite asked.

"This is not a false accusation!" Ritimiele’s agitation was palpable, causing his hair to bristle. Despite gaining such knowledge, Kite doubted its future utility.

A video slideshow was used to convey the information. It appeared that some of Earth’s technology had been leaked, and the records were swiftly shared.

"Indeed, that’s why I was exiled into space. Otherwise, I might have never met you. Maybe I would have been lucky."

"Gamahadegg! When forced into isolation, don’t consider yourself lucky."

"Well, it’s more comfortable than life on Earth’s surface. Besides, no one will gain any advantage over me."

"I believe we have confirmed there are no issues with Mr. Kite’s personality... Let’s return to the main topic."

Ritimiele's agitation subsided as his hair returned to normal. Had he regained his composure?

Citizenship. What the other side offered was a higher level of citizenship than Kite had anticipated. With such rights came significant responsibilities. Kite felt a weight on his shoulders.

"I confirm. Do I want to become a Federation citizen?"

"Before that, please tell me about my rights and responsibilities as a Federation citizen."

"Ah, right. It seems you’re still not entirely calm."

Ritimiele adjusted her hair thoughtfully. Kite felt a bit reassured knowing that, despite their advanced civilization, they still had emotions similar to his own.

Rights and responsibilities were projected into the air in a language familiar to Earth.

"You have fewer obligations than you might expect. You won’t have to work," Ritimiele explained.

"Yes. As mentioned earlier, our resources and environment are stable. Work and wealth accumulation here often serve to achieve superior citizenship or provide limited entertainment."

Living on a planet was considered restricted recreation. They were preparing artificial celestial bodies in space, which could also be seen as a form of entertainment.

The fundamental duties of Federation citizens included "understanding and respecting personal preferences and cultural and ethnic diversity" and "minimizing interference with others' rights."

If a culture or ethnicity accepts the use of violence against others, it is considered acceptable within those cultural contexts. However, special zones are established to respect cultures that might interfere with others’ rights. Outside these zones, force is permissible only in defense against violence.

"For instance, if a family member is unjustly murdered outside a special zone, some might seek revenge."

"A central control room stores our biological information, including our memories. In cases of gratuitous violence or unforeseen accidents, this control room transfers information. We believe our society is unlikely to embrace the concept of revenge."

Kite was astonished. Their lives had backups. As he processed this, Ritimiele seemed pleased by his acceptance of the situation.

"The synchronization of biometric information occurs periodically. Depending on your stage of citizenship, you may have the right to select how death is managed."

"Cover"

From what I understand, the lower the citizenship rank, the less likely there is to be synchronization of biometric information. Lower ranks might experience more memory loss upon reincarnation, whereas higher ranks have better opportunities for synchronization due to their superior ability to retain important information.

"In addition to the previous question, individuals who engage in irrational violence outside the designated zones will be deemed criminals. We will disconnect such criminals from the central control room and erase their registered biometric information."

This is a harsh punishment for federal citizens.

For Kite, the thought of death itself wasn’t as frightening as the idea of not being able to regenerate. In a society where backup lives were the norm, losing the ability to regenerate was likely the scariest consequence.

Though the obligations are few, the rights are also limited. In essence, "we have the right to do anything as long as we don’t unreasonably interfere with the rights of other citizens of the Commonwealth."

As civilization advanced, rights and duties seemed to simplify. Even if I become a Federation citizen, would my actions be largely voluntary?

"That’s correct. If Mr. Kite has unusual interests, he would need to pursue them in special areas designated for such activities."

"I don’t believe I have any such interests, but the Federation’s norms might differ from my own, so I can’t be entirely certain."

Ritimiele’s body quivered slightly at Kite’s words. Was this a sign of pleasure?

There seemed to be little point in refusing citizenship. I wasn’t naive enough to dwell on the potential consequences of a refusal.

"Then, Mr. Kite, do you wish to become a citizen of the Federation?"

"Yes, I am very willing."

"Thank you; the Federation welcomes you."

The confirmation was remarkably smooth. Personally, I felt optimistic about getting along with them in the future.

Ritimiele, appearing relieved, spoke cheerfully, causing the hairs on his body to quiver with his emotion.

"Now, let’s start with modifying your body."

"Teeth?"