Compared with the consistently formulaic, formal style of official statements from the Loren Continent, the interstellar communications sent by the Noi people always felt distinctly human. As exchanges between the two civilizations grew more frequent and translation work became smoother, that feeling became increasingly apparent. So much so that Beltira often suspected the Noi people simply lacked the ability to "conceal emotions," that they were a race that said whatever was on their minds outright.
But honestly, even for the Noi people, a situation like this was unprecedented.
She stared in astonishment at the words appearing on the communication device, imagining what kind of flustered alien might be on the other end. It was hard for her to imagine such a mistake coming from an "interstellar spokesperson." Beyond her surprise, she was even unsure how to respond. Just as she was considering what answer to give, the Magic Net Terminal suddenly hummed again, and the communications system received another message from several light-years away—
The Star Resolvers on duty quickly completed the translation with the assistance of the Servo Brain Array. A line of text appeared clearly in the terminal's projection: "Can you talk with me for a while?"
Beltira and Bard both froze. This was a situation no negotiator or naturalist had ever considered. But in the next second, another Magic Net Terminal beside Bard's workstation automatically connected, and Gawain appeared before them. "Respond to the request—this is the first time a Noi person has sent us a message as an 'individual.' It may help us understand this distant people. Beltira, you will lead this conversation."
"Yes." Beltira immediately nodded, then sat down at the workstation beside Bard. On the surface, she appeared to be operating the Magic Net Terminal, but in reality, she directly connected more than a