Chapter 20: Separation, hostages, and dignity

"Impossible!"

"That's the truth. You'll know I'm a Federation citizen, right? Then you'll know I'm not lying."

"Damn it!"

Unlike the confused Devin, Gilbert reacted swiftly. He rushed over to Rebecca, who was retching, and pulled her up—not to help her, but to press a gun against her temple, glaring at Kite.

For Kite, stopping a bullet now would be trivial, even if Rebecca was the target.

"Are you really an Earthling?"

"Yeah. Just like you, I was exiled into space."

"Well, we're both in the same boat. So, what lucky break got you picked up by aliens?"

Being likened to Gilbert was unpleasant, but from an outsider's perspective, they were similar. Suppressing a sigh, Kite spoke the truth.

"I didn't feel like returning to Earth, so I aimed for Jupiter's orbit. As you said, I was lucky to make it there safely."

"You're nuts."

"It's hard to deny that."

While listening, Gilbert cast a glance at Devin and slowly edged closer to them with Rebecca in tow. Watching warily, Kite wondered what he was planning as Gilbert suddenly shouted at Devin in a restrained tone.

"Calm the hell down, you idiots! Hey, transfer me and this woman to your ship immediately."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm going to kill that guy! Leaving him alive is bad for both you and me, isn't it?"

"!?"

Perhaps finding merit in Gilbert's argument, Devin hesitated only briefly before manipulating their handheld devices. In an instant, Gilbert, Rebecca, and Devin vanished. They must have transferred to Devin' ship as Gilbert mentioned.

There was no ship near the central monument, nor was any Devin ship detected before atmospheric entry. This meant the ship was either far away or—

"Was it hidden on Earth all along…?"

Just as Kite reached that conclusion, the ground suddenly shook violently.

Inside the giant ship, now in the air, Gilbert roughly pushed Rebecca away. As Devin glared menacingly, Gilbert glared back, knowing from experience that showing weakness now would be dangerous.

"Why did you bring the woman along too?"

"She's a hostage. They seemed to know each other, so just in case."

"Leader…"

Rebecca, slightly calmed by the pain of being pushed, looked anxiously at Gilbert. Still half in disbelief, she was clearly confused. Clever yet foolish people were always a hassle to deal with—easy to manipulate but truly bothersome in urgent times.

"What? Thought you were doing good, only to find out you were helping sell your comrades to aliens. Got a problem with that?"

"Then, it’s true…"

"So, you claim ignorance? Among the first ten thousand we sold, there were some who bought Earthlings as food. Do you think those sent there would forgive you for your ignorance?"

Rebecca's face contorted in despair, her sobs muffled as she lay on the floor. Truly troublesome, but she was a hostage, so killing her wasn't an option.

One of Devin, previously silent, spoke up, anger and frustration clear in their voice.

"Hey, Damos. What’s your plan now? You said you were going to kill that Federation citizen…"

"Calm down. Are you sure he’s really a Federation citizen?"

"His clothing was unmistakably Federation-made."

"Even so. Listen, six months ago, he was in the same position as me. He aimed for Jupiter in those six months. How long would it take to reach Jupiter with Earth’s technology? Even if he was picked up by the Federation along the way, do they grant citizenship that easily?"

"That's true. It does sound strange."

Gilbert's words had a certain logic. The Devin exchanged glances, digesting his argument.

"Being protected by the Federation and being a Federation citizen aren’t the same thing, are they? If we eliminate him, we’ll have some leeway to negotiate with the Federation. How about it?"

"…Alright. We’ll go with your plan."

"Hey, Piklaskia!"

"If we don’t kill that Earthling, our dream will only get further away. But Damos, you must be the one to finish him off."

With the decision made by Piklaskia, Devin seemed to solidify their stance. There was some initial resistance, but it quickly subsided. Nonetheless, they insisted on Gilbert taking the lead, ensuring they had a safety net. Cunning, indeed.

Considering the worst-case scenario was necessary. In his peripheral vision, Gilbert saw Rebecca. Given her apparent closeness to that man, she might know something useful.

"Hey, Rebecca. Are any of that man's relatives still alive?"

"…What?"

"That face is so lively...I guess you have a family member and you said you would take care of yourself."

"Wait! Stop!"

Gilbert’s face twisted into a wicked grin as he addressed Piklaskia.

"Hey, Piklaskia. Squeeze those people down below, even if it’s a bit much."

"What—"

"Wow, you're not as calm as I expected."

Even now, thinking they could prioritize business. Naively optimistic.

"In this line of work, when things go south, you wipe out the evidence, grab whatever profit you can, and run."

Upon exiting the building, Kite saw a massive ship floating in the sky. That was Devin' ship—the so-called Ark made sense now. Everyone was gazing up at it, kneeling in reverence.

Then, similar ships appeared around the Ark. So, they had hidden them on Earth. Dirt falling from one of the ships confirmed it.

People started streaming out of the building. Kite needed to leave the area; Gilbert would definitely target him first, endangering innocent residents. Fortunately, the townspeople were too busy praying.

"That’s…!"

From several Arks, a bluish-white light beamed down, lifting people into the ships.

Hostages. Kite ground his teeth in frustration.

He could see the town's exit.

"Come, Queen Bee!"

His voice carried his intent. The important thing was the strong will to summon it here.

To the east, a green light streaked towards him from the horizon. Fixing his gaze on the light, he focused his will to board it.

Electricity crackled from Kite’s hair.

'Apologies for the wait, Captain.'

"Gilbert Jane and Devin have clearly declared themselves my enemies. This ship will now enter combat mode!"

'Understood. How should we notify the Federation?'

"Earthlings have been taken hostage. Ensure none escape the solar system. Request full cooperation."

'Message sent. As you wish, Captain.'

"Yes."

They were one step too late. Apparently, that man had also called for a ship. Gilbert wished he could have taken him down while he was still on foot.

Although the attack order wasn't issued in time, they still managed to secure a pawn. As his brain worked at full capacity, Gilbert questioned Piklaskia.

"Hey, Piklaskia, do you know what material that ship is made of?"

"Wait, we're checking now... The outer hull is made of Earth-made metal. The internal structure is unclear. It may have been modified by the Federation."

"I see. That's all I needed to know."

"What?"

"That means it's not a Federation ship."

"Yes, it does... Yes, it does!"

Piklaskia seemed to catch on as well. With a twisted smile that rivaled Gilbert's, they began issuing orders.

"Break free from the gravity well immediately."

"But there are still ships that haven't loaded the mortal humans yet."

"No matter. Once we break free, destroy the ship to ensure it’s done."

"What if they don't follow us?"

"Then we'll destroy this planet and escape. It's unlikely we could take more Earthlings anyway."

"Cutting our losses, huh?" Gilbert laughed, and the others joined in.

In the worst-case scenario, avoiding Federation intervention required destroying everything to cover their tracks. Piklaskia was starting to understand. While receiving instruction on using the combat vessel, Gilbert had Rebecca and the other hostages gathered in one place.

The scenery changed. The desolate view of space, which he had hated so much six months ago, now seemed oddly nostalgic to Gilbert.

"Heading into space, huh? They must really want me dead."

'Then wouldn't it be more efficient not to go into space?' Emotion countered Kite's muttered thought.

But Kite was sure of it. Gilbert had a strong instinct for survival.

"If they want to kill me and cover it up, doing it in space would be easier."

'Considering Devin's technological level, I don't think there's much difference between attacking from Earth or space.'

"If they destroy this ship in space, I'd die instantly, wouldn't I?"

'Huh. Though I doubt they can manage it.'

"They probably believe they can. They don't seem to trust that I've become a Federation citizen."

People only believe what they want to believe and interpret it in ways that suit them.

For Devin and Gilbert alike, it was easier to focus on a plausible prediction than on a miraculous set of facts, such as Kite being taken in by the Federation, modified, granted citizenship, and buying a ship within days. Even Kite himself might not believe it if it weren't his own story.

"Good thing I didn't bring Emotion. You'd be harder to explain away."

'...Glad to have helped with your camouflage, Captain.'

As Queen Bee followed the Devin ships into space, Kite faced them, gazing down at Earth beneath him.

"Emotion, how many ships are there in total?"

'Thirty-seven.'

Just as he was about to ask about the Earthling bio-signatures, a transmission came through from one of Devin ships. With a mental command to connect, a part of the wall turned into a screen.

'Hey, Kite Hughes. Glad you made it.'

"Could you step back a bit? Your unsightly face is hard to tolerate up close."

'Tch! Don't worry, you won't have to see it for long.'

Gilbert, annoyed, shifted slightly out of the frame, revealing several others behind him.

"Rebecca. And... are those..."

'Kite! I'm so sorry. Your parents and... your sister...'

"Alisa, huh?"

His sister, whom he hadn't seen since their parents sold him, looked at him with a scared expression.

'Understand now? Don’t resist. Or do it, and your poor family will die too!'

"Interesting. I suppose I can't sympathize with the scum of the earth."

Kite felt a vein throb on his forehead.

However, his voice remained calm, conveying only facts.

"As for my parents, they sold me for a small amount of money. I believe the bond between parent and child has been severed. Rebecca, I know you are the type of person who would rather shoot people than be hostage. But Alisa is definitely worth having as a hostage.”

'Right?'

"So, what do you want me to do? Let you shoot me?"

'That's the plan. Hold on a moment.'

"I see. You intend to thoroughly oppose me. I'll take that to heart."

The screen cut off Gilbert's face. His pale parents stared, and Rebecca and Alisa clung to each other, crying.

Kite calmly. As much as he wanted to reassure them, it was more important not to let them overhear his next orders.

"Emotion, here's the order. Identify the ships without Earthlings onboard."

'Understood. Right away.'

A small ship about the size of Queen Bee emerged from the central vessel.

The front gleamed, and something was launched. Kite, amused by the obviousness, gave the next order.

"Queen Bee. Purge fifteen percent of the hull."

The energy beam dissipated upon contact with the shield, and almost simultaneously, the outer hull plating fell away, as if struck.