Chapter 13: Discuss spaceships

The updated emotion had transformed into a blonde beauty, perfectly suited for Kite's taste. He does not understand.

Apparently, he had been asleep for about a day and a half in Earth time. This period of rest was necessary for his modified body to stabilize, so it wasn't unusual. In fact, the period before he fell asleep, following the modifications, was extremely intense. He still felt somewhat tired.

The issue was emotional. She currently appeared to be a female android, but the blonde beauty who had startled him awake earlier wasn’t a disguise.

"Since we had the budget, my entire body is made of ultra-fine biological metal. It incorporates the genetic information of an Earth woman, which the Federation obtained peacefully during their Earth survey. So, by altering my properties, I can look like this."

As Emotion noiselessly switched between a mechanical and a human appearance, Kite couldn't help but hold his head. He knew she had a sense of humor, but he hadn’t expected her to go this far with the update.

"Now, my update is complete. Let’s move on to the next step."

"Next?"

Although he had stopped expecting anything from Earthlings, his interest in the opposite sex and preferences remained. His heart was racing at Emotion’s appearance, and he felt he wouldn’t be able to defy her for a while.

Particularly when she gestured towards him, her appearance as an Earth woman catered to his preferences.

"It's about the ship. I looked through the catalog while you were resting, Master Kite."

"Oh, you did? Actually..."

"It has been determined that there is no way to correct Master Kite's tendency to prioritize his own tastes and preferences." Therefore, the contents of the catalog will suffice for the ship. However! Since I will be on board, it will not be a mediocre ship. You should be prepared for that."

"...Okay."

Kite's opinions were completely shut down by emotion.

So, you're coming along as an operator.

Not voicing this thought aloud was probably Kite’s best move of the day.

"Well, if it's not the esteemed third-class citizen Enek Ragif,"

Hamatu was stationed at the shipyard.

He raised his right arm, which was about Kite's height, in greeting.

"We’ve come to discuss our ship."

"Oh, the frame is ready."

"What!?"

Looking down at the surprised kite with amusement, Hamatu revealed the secret.

"We've already received a response from the proxy, Emotion." We always have stock on hand for Terapola Panesio's gentlemen. Almost no one wanted to buy this, so it remained untouched."

"Pardon me. I am Emotion, and my partner is Master Kite. When you say it’s in stock, does that mean the ship itself is outdated?"

"It's nice to meet you, Emotion. No, we upgrade it as needed. From now on, Terapora Panesio's gentlemen will make the finer adjustments, but the ship itself is the latest model in use. If used well, it can do anything."

Hamatu released steam from the top of his head. Was that a sigh?

For Dirganar, it was near their ears; for Hamatu, it was higher up. There was a quirk of each mechanical intelligence, but Kite couldn't adjust.

However, it was emotion’s reaction that was more interesting. It wasn’t quite hostility, but the atmosphere had definitely become tense.

"First, in terms of the interior, I will be in charge of Master Kite's life support functions." Please provide an energy-sharing system for my body, independent of the ship's system."

"Hmm?"

"Please install a life support block that encompasses the space for operating the ship. In the worst scenario, the life support block alone should guarantee the ship's ability to return to the Federation.

"Whoa, you're going that far? I don’t mind, but the ship will end up quite bulky."

"I don’t mind. If it increases the chances of protecting Master Kite’s life, it’s worth it."

"Emotion?"

Emotion’s demands were extremely detailed and thorough. When Kite asked, Emotion turned her head to face him, using only her neck as support. At least twist your upper body a bit. It’s scary.

"Master Kite, this is an inherent aspect of the Federation, so it’s unavoidable."

"Hmm?"

"Because life has backups, the concept of life support on ships is quite thin. "If we do not prepare for this function, I cannot allow Master Kite to board this ship."

Emotion’s words made sense. They could be resurrected, so life support on the ship could be minimal. Of course, the ship’s performance was far superior to Earth standards, so accidents were rare.

Kite himself hadn’t completely deviated from the Earth’s perspective on life. Even if another body had his cells and memories, he wasn't sure it was him.

"Unless Master Kite chooses a more stylish exterior at the expense of your life, I will retract this proposal."

"No, let’s go with this plan. I haven’t fully embraced the Federation’s way of thinking yet. Even if there are backups, I’d prefer to live long in this body."

"I’m relieved to hear that."

"I see. So, that's how a species with limited life thinks. Understood, I’ll get started right away."

Hamatu didn’t say our thinking was backward; instead, he seemed to understand and began working.

As Kite watched the process with interest, Emotion approached him silently.

She whispered in his ear.

The ship, which adheres to the same standards as the Terapora Panesio, can no longer maintain life support if Master Kite's output decreases due to sleep.

"Seriously?"

Given that the Terapora Panesio live in a group, it's possible that half of them will sleep at the same time.

Although Kite’s modifications allowed him to go without food, drink, or sleep for extended periods, there were limits.

"Thank you, Emotion. That was a close call."

"You're welcome."

Kite placed his hand on his chest and let out a big breath. In a sense, this moment may have marked the greatest difference he felt between himself and the Federation.

"Now, about the ship's equipment. The ship’s operation will rely on Master Kite’s superpowers, but what about weaponry?"

"Weaponry? Hmm, weaponry..."

Whether it's destroying asteroids that might collide with us or dealing with combat situations involving other civilizations or space pirates, it's something I'd rather not think about. I feel like something is going on. What is this?

Kite absentmindedly gazed at his future beloved ship, which was transitioning from a sleek, flat fighter shape to a more round and bulky form.

Nevertheless, Kite felt strong inspiration looking at the ship. With confidence, he voiced his thoughts.

"I want hands."

"...Hands!?"

Now it was Emotion’s turn to raise her voice in surprise.

As Kite and Emotion discussed the ship’s design, Hamatu made a strange noise while continuing his work. They didn't see it coming, but Hamatu's work had halted without their knowledge.

Before Kite could ask what was happening, Hamatu turned his head toward them. It wasn’t as frightening as when Emotion did it, perhaps because Hamatu’s design was less human-like.

"Third-class citizen, there's a message from Zodokia's Dirganar." He’s asking if you can return for a bit."

"Huh? From Dirganar?"

Kite had no idea what this could be about.

As he exchanged glances with Emotion, Hamatu reminded him.

"Remember the ship you arrived at Zodokia on? He wants to discuss what to do with it."

"Oh!"

Goodbye Earth.

Kite scratched his head, realizing he had completely forgotten about it. Emotion, beside him, tilted her head with her hand on her chin.

"I was also concerned about that, but I thought the council requested you stay in the central star cluster for now."

"We checked on that. It seems the Zodokia representative has already gotten permission from the council. There may be other things they want to talk about."

"I see. What will you do, Master Kite?"

It wasn’t the time to be idle. He needed to respond quickly.

"Of course, if we have permission, I'll go." "Emotionally, let's schedule a meeting with the available Terapora Panesio."

"No, no, Third-Class Citizen."

Hamatu interrupted Kite, who was about to give instructions to Emotion, and indicated the partially completed ship with his arm.

We have installed and tested the life support block that Emotion requested. Since it’s ready, why don’t you take this ship?"