Chapter 18: Federal intelligence's analysis of humanity on Earth

Kite's intentions were relatively smoothly accepted. The sale of Earth's cultural information, which was being priced, would become the shared asset of Earthlings who joined the Federation, rather than belonging to Kite himself upon completion.

"Even now, it's probably enough to make all Earthlings 10th-class citizens. If they become 7th-class citizens or higher, they will gain the right to live on a natural planet. From there, it's up to the efforts of the Earthlings," explained one of the Federation representatives.

"That's sufficient. From there, they can decide how to live their own lives," Kite responded.

This would likely be the last task for Kite Hughes, who had been raised to be a leader of humanity: guiding Earth's humanity into the new framework of the Federation.

The journey to Earth was to be made with the Queen Bee, preceding the Zodokia. Arriving with such a massive ship might intimidate the Earthlings. Boarding the Queen Bee, Kite transformed his will into strength. Ritimiele and the others would follow closely behind. The representative had to stay behind to move the Zodokia.

Hopefully, they could maintain their patience.

The first wave of those who called themselves the "Devin" had already left Earth. Apparently, they had developed a different transportation technology when they couldn't rely on Terapora Panesio's assistance. The idea of warp achieved through science would thrill any classic sci-fi enthusiast's blood.

"Shall we go, Emotion?"

"Yes, Captain," replied the ship's AI.

"Captain?"

"Since you are the master of the Queen Bee, it seemed more fitting. I can call you 'Master' if you prefer."

"No, Captain is better. Captain Kite... that sounds good," Kite said with a smile.

A guidance route appeared on the screen. It seemed the Zodokia's preparations were complete.

"Forward," Kite strongly commanded in his mind.

"I see. He handles that ship very well," said Ritimiele, watching the departing Queen Bee while preparing his own ship. The voice in his mind was that of the representative. It was a bit annoying, but since it concerned Kite, he decided to respond.

Ritimiele's ship, the "Assault Boat Aganlange," was operated by Ritimiele as the captain and four staff members. There was some time before the preparations for departure were complete.

"Is that really the same type of ship operated by the representatives? I heard that no species other than Terapora Panesio can operate it properly," Ritimiele asked.

"That ship is undoubtedly a Queen Bee. We knew Kite had the aptitude, but not to that extent," the representative replied.

"Hmm. So, could it be that the entire Earthling race possesses such qualities?" Ritimiele wondered.

"No. The observation records do not indicate that Earthlings used this power regularly. It is reasonable to consider it a unique talent of Kite himself."

Ritimiele sighed in relief at the representative's words, her body hair flashing blue. While Kite as an individual was trustworthy, the Earthlings as a species were not. If they possessed the same talents as the Terapora Panesio, it would be problematic.

The Queen Bee was nothing more than a defective ship when used by anyone other than Terapora Panesio. However, if its power, driven by psychic abilities, were fully unleashed, it could become a final weapon capable of destroying planets. There is a historical record of a single ship wiping out a star-cluster-scale army.

The absence of such a concern brought some relief.

"Why, then, does Kite possess such a talent?"

"It's unlikely to be coincidence... We believe that his circumstances, being exiled, allowed him to acquire this talent."

In the Federation, starting with Terapora Panesio, this power was named "physical interference through the emission of will into external space."

Though early-developed body modifications could grant such abilities, no one had ever been able to operate a Queen Bee as freely as Kite.

“In Earth terms, it would be called spiritual power,” the representative explained. Scholars study their power and have described it as 'an extension of the self'".

"Extension of the self?" Ritimiele echoed.

"For example, to obtain food beyond reach, an intelligent being might use tools. Some may enhance their physical abilities to climb a tree."

"Yes, that makes sense."

"To climb a tree, some may enhance their physical abilities. The former relies on wisdom, while the latter comes from growth. However, there are times when neither is an option."

Intelligent beings possess a degree of sociality. They can cooperate and share burdens, accomplishing what individuals cannot alone. The growth of a species leans more toward societal development than individual growth. Thus, the extension of the self does not align well with societal growth.

"The extension of the self is when one cannot rely on others, and neither wisdom nor physical growth can be waited for. It involves expanding one's framework beyond the body through sheer will. That was the scholar's explanation," the representative continued.

"Therefore, it is difficult for us Federation members to develop such abilities?"

"Indeed. We are a collective, but all individuals share their will. This means that while we are social, we remain individuals. This unique balance allows the extension of the self."

To acquire psychic powers, one must be an intelligent being but also able to extend oneself independently from society. Federation citizens, who are free yet under complete protection, struggle with this extension. Ritimiele deeply understood this theory.

"So, Kite..."

"He was exploited, falsely accused, and exiled. Whether he realizes it or not, he has likely already..."

Kite has already completely given up on his fellow Earthlings.

Although he possesses a human body, Kite Hughes's spirit has completed itself as an individual life. This is why he has acquired psychic abilities and can operate the Queen Bee to a surprising degree, even to the Terapora Panesio.

However, this is a tragic realization. Ritimiele hoped that he would at least open his heart to the Federation members.

"Representative, will Kite's power weaken if he lives as a Federation citizen?" Ritimiele asked.

"Who knows. He might not even seek the Federation's protection," the representative replied bluntly.

Though she wanted to deny it, Ritimiele couldn't find the words to do so.

"Deputy Representative, preparations are complete!"

Ritimiele told herself that her sense of unease was only due to the ship's departure being ready.

Thanks to improvements in train efficiency, it now takes less than half a day to cover a distance that would have taken half a year to return.

However, it's not good for Devin to notice. Kite tries to drag a nearby rock to disguise Queen Bee as an asteroid.

Several steel plates detached from the outer wall, flying through space under Kite's power. They connected with the rock using an invisible force field, surrounding it and moving it towards the Queen Bee. At the same time, the Queen Bee decelerated and maneuvered alongside the rock.

"You're quite skillful, Captain," the AI, Emotion, remarked.

"Well, thank you. Alright, secured."

The Queen Bee now protected.

All that was left was to head towards Earth. Once they entered the atmosphere, they could release the rock and descend to the surface.

Kite adjusted their course towards Earth. Emotion's navigation was perfect.

"Captain, I retract my earlier statement. Arms are quite useful," Emotion said.

"Right?" Kite's hair crackled with purple electricity.

As Kite considered the next steps while touching his hair, Emotion spoke with an exasperated tone.

"By the way, Captain, isn't that hair a waste of your power?"

"What are you talking about, Emotion? Psychic powers are all about imagination. The cooler you look, the stronger you get."

"...kyurukyurukyuru," Emotion muttered.

Kite figured if Emotion had something to say, it should just say it. Whether he'd listen was another matter. He decided to change the subject.

"Well, this is our last duty. After this, I want to travel to various places with this ship."

"Various places?"

"First, the other inhabited star clusters of the Federation, then I'm interested in the inhabited planets. Once we've seen those, I'd like to venture beyond the Federation's territory."

"That sounds interesting. By the way, what about the Earthlings taken by the Devin?" Emotion inquired.

That question made Kite scratch his head.

He didn't know how many had been taken but abandoning them didn't sit well with him.

"That's right... We need to prioritize that."

Not that Kite needed to rescue everyone by himself. It would be most efficient to also enlist the Federation's help.

"Oh?"

"What is it?" Kite asked.

"I didn't expect you to rely on the Federation."

"I'm a Federation citizen; of course, I'll rely on it. I'm not an isolationist."

"...I apologize for that," Emotion replied, genuinely surprised.

Kite considered responding with "kyurukyurukyuru," but decided against it.

Earth was approaching. It seemed more reddish-brown. While there were some artificial satellites, there were no signs of Devin ships.

Following closely were the Federation ships, led by Ritimiele. While it was unclear how many Devin were on the ground, they'd soon notice Ritimiele's group. Kite intended to descend while their attention was diverted.

"Emotion, we're entering the atmosphere."

"Understood. What are your plans on Earth?"

"Landing in water would be more natural than on land. Once we land, we'll go separate ways. I'll head to the ground and join the others, but there's something important I need you to do."

"Separate ways? That's not advisable."

"It's important. Very important."

In a way, it might be more crucial than protecting the Earthlings.

"And that is?"

"Protecting the Earth jellyfish. If the ocean's condition suggests they've gone extinct before the Terapora Panesio arrive..."

"Understood. It will be my top priority."

"I'm glad you understand."

Emotion's immediate response indicated a clear grasp of the situation.

The normally excessively rational and logical Terapora Panesio were frenzied about this. If the jellyfish were already extinct, the issue of protecting Earthlings might be overshadowed.

Kite felt the force pulling the rock and ship together. They had entered Earth's influence.

There was no shaking. The rock started to glow red, but the Queen Bee remained unaffected. Once again, Kite was impressed by the Federation's advanced technology.

"Captain Kite! Decelerate—"

"No need, Emotion."

The Queen Bee in free fall, Emotion's warnings flew, but Kite confidently watched the approaching ocean on the screen.

"Stop, Queen Bee."

With a sudden halt, defying all laws of physics, the Queen Bee stopped just above the ocean.

"See?"

"...Just so you know, Captain," Emotion began.

"What?"

"According to the catalog specifications, such an abrupt stop is normally impossible even for a Federation ship. So, please avoid doing this with other ships."

"Don't worry. I have no plans to pilot anything but the Queen Bee."

"Gyurugyurugyuru," Emotion seemed to grind its teeth.

Would the updates also enhance its expressions?