22: The True Identity of Sata

"As you know, my real name is Sata Common Seeteks L. Seiryō. And just as my name suggests, I am a synthetic human created in the Seiryō Corporation's laboratory, and after my five-year employment period ended, I obtained civilian adult certification."

"That's correct. So you were born in a Seiryō Corporation laboratory, but specifically, which one?"

"In the synthetic human production division of the Seiryō Colony—essentially, the Seiryō Corporation's headquarters."

"The Seiryō Colony—built and operated across star systems specifically for the purpose of mod research, owned by the Seiryō Corporation, correct?"

"That's right."

Let's start with where I was born.

Though, to be honest, the place I was born isn't particularly special.

The Seiryō Colony, a colony owned by the Seiryō Corporation, is located in a remote area about three light-years away from the nearest star system, the Hiratrasugumi System. This placement is entirely logical, considering the potential for catastrophic events during mod research and testing.

Seiryō Corporation itself is a major player in mod research and testing, and is also open and well-connected with the imperial royal family, nobility, parliamentarians, and bureaucrats—making it a truly ultra-white company that’s never been caught with anything incriminating.

"Actually, something irregular occurred during my manufacturing process. As a result, I was born as a living being with an operating system different from that of ordinary Imperial citizens. Moreover, due to a compatibility issue between that OS and several modifications, it turned out I could survive just fine in outer space. In classification terms, I've become a truly rare artificial space monster."

I see.

"By the way, Your Majesty Vee. In the recorded history of the Empire, at least within what's been publicly documented, you are the first known artificial space monster that is both friendly toward humans and capable of communication."

"Y-yes, I see..."

Viljaniira's face twitched slightly.

Did she realize I was far more extraordinary than she'd imagined?

But if that's the case, I suppose I'm not exactly ordinary either.

I never thought Viljaniira would be someone from the royal family.

Moreover, an OS can be simply described as the foundational framework required for localized phenomena modification technologies like mods or Sws to function.

It also defines the territorial boundaries of the Vanilla Cosmic Empire, and regions where the so-called 'Vanilla OS' is deployed can reasonably be considered part of the Vanilla Cosmic Empire's territory.

As for cosmic monsters... as I mentioned before, they are lifeforms that operate in outer space and can independently travel between star systems. Given their incredibly advanced nature, they almost certainly possess and deploy their own unique operating systems.

It's precisely because their proprietary OS interferes with the so-called 'Vanilla OS,' occasionally causing event ruptures, that most cosmic monsters are ferocious and dangerous.

It's not uncommon for the routes between star systems to shift slightly due to the movements of cosmic monsters inhabiting nearby regions.

"Hey, it's fine, really. Only a small fraction at Seiryō Corporation know I'm a cosmic monster. I usually maintain a perfect disguise as an imperial citizen. As long as Vee and the others don't talk, it won't spread."

You're right. As His Majesty well knows, that's the current situation. As for me, if there's no harm and I can live as a loyal subject of the Empire, I don't feel any need to change my approach just because I'm a cosmic monster.

Moreover, the researchers from Seiryō Corporation's artificial human manufacturing division were truly kind people who treated me as a human being and educated me properly, so I am one of the few friendly cosmic monsters.

I'm not someone who goes around helping everyone indiscriminately just because I'm friendly.

"Now then, after working at Seiryō Corporation for five years, abiding by imperial law to become a loyal subject of the empire and earning my adult status, I moved to the Hira-Tarutsugumi star system. At that time... I believe I undertook solo navigation as part of an examination, and literally relocated there as a single individual."

"I see. So Satā can perform both faster-than-light travel and high-speed travel, huh?"

"Indeed. I can even teleport without using gates, though there are various conditions involved."

"Truly a cosmic monster..."

Now, back to the conversation.

Regarding my navigation abilities... Well, if I really wanted to, I could leave not just the entire empire, but even venture beyond the galaxy, all on my own.

I wouldn't do aimless traveling—my mind would give out long before I reached anywhere—but yes, it's possible, if that's what you're asking.

"Anyway, I've got no interest in teleportation or space travel unless it's an emergency or Vee calls for it. It's a hassle to set coordinates, food's limited in space, and I'd get suspicious looks from everyone around me. Personally, it just isn't worth it."

"I see. Then please continue in this direction. The fact that you can teleport on your own might cause unnecessary anxiety, even with me as your controller."

"Still, keep in mind that, if the need arises, you could potentially flee into space with Vee and Meemokshi. If the main body were to come out instead of this form, it would have enough power to handle a small unit of the Imperial Army."

"...Main body?"

Vilijanira tilts her head at my words.

Ah, right, I hadn't mentioned that yet.

"Basically, what's here is just a terminal or a puppet. My actual body is located in another phase of space, controlling this form from there."

"...Could it be that Satā's main body is the arm that appeared when the sky pirates' ship crashed?"

"Correct. And incidentally, this terminal is roughly equivalent to a human's hair, nails, or a single layer of skin—so even if it's damaged, the impact on the main body is nearly zero, and a new one can be deployed instantly."

"So, can it be considered nearly immortal?"

As long as the opponent is using humanoid-sized weaponry, you can think of it that way. Mod weapons generally malfunction due to OS differences, and biological and chemical weapons are designed to be stopped at the terminal, even if they possess infectivity or corrosiveness.

Incidentally, though this is a side note, my main body has grown to nearly the same size as the guide colony we're currently stationed at—about the same size as the capital ships frequently used by the Imperial Fleet.

Given this scale, the forms of the Viridianiara cannot be seen from my main body, but the spacecraft docked at the guide colony are clearly visible, forming my main field of view.

Well, since our phases are different, the spacecraft can't observe me, and we can't touch each other.

As an aside, I'd say I'm on the smallest end of the scale among cosmic monsters.

From what I've seen in the records, there are cosmic monsters out there the size of stars.

Compared to something like that, I'm nothing more than plankton.

"For now, I think that's about all we should rush to convey. There might be other things we should mention as well... but I believe the finer details can wait until the documents arrive, and probably won't be an issue then."

"That's right. I think this is sufficient for now. Then, let me briefly explain a bit about myself. It's obvious I was hired suddenly, but knowing a bit about my master might help avoid unnecessary complaints or misunderstandings."

"I'm counting on you."

Now, onto Vilijaniara.

What kind of story will I hear this time?

By the way, Satā's main body is best imagined as an octopus with goat horns and bat wings (though in reality, there are a few more elements added).