Chapter 29: ch 29 The shuttle touched down.
But Kevin came out of his thoughts soon enough. He shook his head to clear it, refocused, and addressed William’s question.
"That..." Kevin said after a moment of contemplation, "...is something beyond my direct authority, Mr. William. I can raise it with the Federation Council, of course. But whether they’d allow someone like you to enter with command authority—that’s a decision only they can make."
He paused, then added with more certainty, "However, if it’s just formal membership in the Federation—joining as a citizen, not a military or political figure—then yes. That’s within my power to grant. The rest... as you said, can be discussed later."
Kevin knew very well what kind of game-changer William could be for the Federation and humanity as a whole. But no matter how valuable an ally he might be, Kevin couldn’t act outside his jurisdiction—especially not when it came to introducing such a potentially overwhelming force into the political structure of the Federation.
Back aboard the Ragnarok, William had been listening in silence. At first, his brow rose in surprise, but then he smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Haha... Admiral Kevin, it seems you misunderstood me," William said with a relaxed laugh. "I wasn’t asking for a position of authority within your Federation. I only wish to join as a simple member, just another human under your banner. And as for rank—well, I can earn it, if I choose to. Don’t you agree?"
Kevin blinked, a little surprised. He had genuinely assumed William would request a high-ranking position immediately—especially after witnessing the terrifying power of the Ragnarok. That assumption now felt a little foolish.
"My apologies, Mr. William," Kevin said sincerely. "It seems I jumped to conclusions. Forgive the misreading."
William waved it off casually. "No need to apologize, Admiral Kevin. I didn’t exactly make it clear either."
Then William’s tone shifted slightly as he brought the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Now... about that basic membership in the Federation. That’s something you can approve, right?"
A gleam of anticipation flickered in his eyes.