187: How should we deal with it?

"I'd like to know more details—especially about the definition of 'possessing'."

"Is that really necessary? Isn't possessing just possessing?"

Anyway, the discussion about the sword-shaped space monster continues.

And indeed, these senior officials are impressive.

While the on-site personnel might have missed it, can they even question it?

"To us ordinary humans, that may be the case. But the opponent is a sword-shaped alien monster—an entity fundamentally different from us. Can anyone truly guarantee that what it possesses is equivalent to what we possess? And if the judgment is wrong, at the very least, the life of the person who holds it will end. I simply can't consider that a risk worth overlooking."

"「「「!?」」」"

"Satou, what do we do? Is what the opponent possesses the same as what we possess?"

That's right—the condition of possessing it comes from analysis of the remaining mod.

But this "possessing" condition doesn't necessarily equate to what we imagine possession to be.

Cosmic monsters… entities with a different operating system—this is precisely what they are.

And unfortunately, to the words of the esteemed officials, all I can reply is this.

"Unfortunately, I can't precisely determine the extent of the other party's capabilities. There are limitations to the OS we can deduce from the recovered mods."

I don't know.

"So, in that case, the possibility that 'holding' could also include abilities beyond just possessing a hand, such as using a superpower or robotic arm, is certainly plausible. In the worst scenario... even 'owning' might count as 'holding.' If that's the case, we wouldn't even be able to preserve it."

Yes, that possibility is certainly viable. Therefore, the optimal solution would be to avoid involvement altogether. If there's no contact with other colonies, I believe it would be best simply to wait patiently for it to naturally drift away into the space beyond the Sybrazmis system.

"If you're going to get involved... the correct approach would be to capture the target and then have a disassembly furnace ready in front of it, forcing it to charge straight into it... No, wait—can't they just escape into a hyperspace-like dimension? I see. In that sense, staying out of it might indeed be the wisest choice."

After all, cutting through it would pierce the shield and, with ordinary hardness, it couldn't possibly resist such sharpness.

Simply holding it can instantly lead to brainwashing and turning you into a tool, and since the definition of "holding" is unclear, even touching it slightly is dangerous.

Even if you try to corner it, it'll just use disposable anomalous spaces to perform spacetime jumps, making pursuit impossible under normal circumstances.

Its mod output is naturally designed for cosmic monsters—humanity stands no chance against it.

Given all this, the most sensible solution is simply to stay away from it.

To be honest, I can probably defend myself against brainwashing, but I'm the type who'd rather avoid getting involved with a monster like this, if I can help it.

"Staying away is the right choice... but then how do we explain that to the public?"

"Owning it is out of the question, but is simply leaving it alone really the right answer...?"

"Where on earth did something so dangerous even come from...?"

"Umm, I agree—it's best not to get involved. But we must find a way to destroy it."

"It's troublesome that we don't know its exact whereabouts."

"But even if we try searching, in this vast universe, it's like finding a single piece of stick. It's far too small to locate."

While I was thinking these thoughts internally, the others continued talking.

What worries me the most right now... whether out of ignorance, driven by desire, or by redefining what it means to "possess," someone will inevitably touch the sword-shaped cosmic monster and be controlled by it again.

Even if news warning people not to touch it has already spread, not everyone may actually hear it, now mightn't they?

"Lord Sata. For the sake of confirmation, do you think it's feasible for us to negotiate with the opponent this time? For example, perhaps by deliberately placing it in the hands of a death row prisoner?"

One of the high-ranking officials on the monitor speaks to me.

Negotiation... negotiation, huh...

"I wouldn't say it's impossible, but I think it'd be safer to refrain from it."

"What's your basis for that?"

"Their first move was treating humans as mere tools. The second, though unclear in detail, involved killing humans from behind. The third was an ambush against someone who had shown concern. Each move was filled with hostility and malice. In short, they see us only as tools or prey, and likely lack the very concept of dialogue—or even the intention to engage in it."

"...I thought there might be room for understanding since you, Satā-sama, are different... No, actually, the operating system of Satā-sama and that of the sword-like cosmic beast are entirely different... So this is what it means to have different operating systems... My apologies. Please treat my words as nonsense."

"No, I believe your statement is a good one—remembering to consider every possibility. It's because people like you exist that someone like me can live without hindrance as a citizen of the Empire."

Yeah, talking to a sword-like cosmic beast is impossible.

We're fundamentally... no, our operating systems are different, and our growth environments are too far apart.

I don't want you to forget the idea of negotiation, so I'll offer support, but...

'Conclusion reached.'

The discussions continued afterward, and it was decided how to proceed from here.

"First, locate the sword-shaped space monster—tentatively named Magatsuki. Without knowing its whereabouts, there's no way to respond."

First, search for it.

Naturally, that was the obvious choice.

Moreover, since it was said that ominous entities attach themselves to sword-shaped space monsters, the provisional name Magatsuki was given.

"And if you find it, move the colony in your path—no matter how forcefully—and avoid contact."

If possible, evasion is preferable.

Because dealing with it would be far too difficult.

"If the colony is taken over and used as a body... dispose of the body first, then reconsider how to deal with it. The ideal outcome is destruction. Don't even consider possession or analysis."

If evasion isn't possible, aim to minimize damage.

And if feasible, destruction.

"Then, each of you, please fulfill your respective duties."

"Understood."

With that, the actions against Magatsuki began.