Chaos' Heir

Khan couldn't hope to match his uncle's political achievements in a matter of months. Even years wouldn't be enough to reach a similar level, especially after the damage he had inflicted on his reputation. No one inside the Global Army would trust Khan right now, so he had to find answers elsewhere.

Nevertheless, Khan had to act quickly. A shift in leadership often opened the path for ploys and political maneuvers, and it was safe to assume Khan's uncle was ready to seize control. Khan didn't have the time to secure enough power to prevent that possibility. He needed one big move that could solve everything, or at least try.

The Thilku Empire could provide that opportunity. Its strength was massive, and the Global Army valued their relationship. The Thilku also had a lot of influence on humankind, so securing their support would do wonders for Khan.

Of course, seeking help outside humankind would reflect poorly on Khan's character. His fellow humans would distrust him even more, but his options were limited. He needed to become irreplaceable and soon, and only the Thilku could give him that authority.

Prince William fell silent, but a smirk eventually broadened on his face. The plan could work as long as Khan scored big. Enabling him was the only issue.

"How confident are you in this plan?" Prince William asked.

"I'm confident," Khan shortly said.

"Is this why you asked for this meeting first?" Prince William wondered. "It would grant you more leverage on the Empire."

"Just make it official," Khan ordered. "I'll depart as soon as the news hits the network."

"Our uncle will make moves once you are away," Prince William pointed out. "You might not receive a warm welcome once you return."

"I don't care about warmth," Khan responded. "I only need them to know who they are welcoming back."

Prince William's smirk perdured as simulations happened inside his mind. He didn't know how long Khan would stay away, but his mother and Grandfather probably had enough influence to keep his uncle temporarily at bay. He could delay the inevitable internal conflict.

"What can I do, Cousin?" Prince William eventually asked.

"I need the best long-range transmitter you have," Khan announced, "And someone always on the other end."

"What else?" Prince William questioned.

"Nothing," Khan stated. "Start this mess. I'll do the same on my end."

"Very well," Prince William exclaimed, standing up. "I wish you a good trip then, Cousin Khan."

Khan nodded, and the Prince departed with his escort. The clock started ticking as soon as the elevator closed, and Khan didn't hesitate to forward his orders.

"Andrew," Khan called, "Contact the Headmistress. Have my ship ready for a trip to Baoway."

"Yes, my Prince," Andrew uttered, hurrying toward the elevator to handle the matter.

"Gordon," Khan continued, turning on the interactive desk to show a few files. "You'll send these through my office. Don't let anyone question or stop you."

"My Prince," Gordon nodded, pulling out his phone to receive the files.

"Master Carl," Khan muttered. "I hope you won't mind flying to Baoway."

"Why would I do something so bothersome?" Lieutenant Dyester snorted.

"Things will get messy here," Khan explained, standing up to look his previous Master in the eyes. "They might come for you."

"What about it?" Lieutenant Dyester wondered.

"No one wants to see what I'd do if they kill you," Khan declared.

The air grew colder, confirming the threat's validity, which was unnecessary after the recent events. Lieutenant Dyester knew how ready Khan was to unleash chaos, but his question ended up involving a different part of the matter.

"Do you want to avoid it?" Lieutenant Dyester questioned.

"Yes," Khan confirmed. "I'd hate it."

"Good," Lieutenant Dyester responded. "I guess I'll keep being your conscience a bit longer then."

"Are we going now?" Monica asked, grabbing Khan's hand.

"We must prepare," Khan confirmed. "Everything must be ready by the time the news hits the network."

Khan and his companions did exactly that. They focused on multiple tasks, doing their best to contain eventual leaks. Some involved parties understood something, but no one could see the whole picture. Yet, that only lasted until the network spread a piece of incredible news.

To everyone's surprise, Alexander Nognes released an official interview, naming Khan his successor. He was no Patriarch, but the mere statement moved countless assets under Khan's name. The latter became filthy rich and influential in a single move, but no reporter could find him.

Another mess exploded on the network. New and old factions popped out to express their opinion on the matter. Others switched sides once again, hoping to earn Khan's or his enemies' favor.

Nevertheless, as chaotic as the situation was, Khan and his close allies remained silent. They inspected those developments, but no one intervened. No one could find them either since they were already on their way to Baoway.

Khan, Monica, Gordon, and Lieutenant Dyester flew at high speed through the universe, passing each checkpoint agreed upon with the interested parties. The fantastic ship made the trip shorter, and the alien planet soon appeared on its scanners.

Khan brought his ship toward the initial landing areas. The canyon filled the scanners' screens as the vehicle gently touched its charred surface. He didn't engage in anything dramatic, but massive movement happened inside the nearby forest anyway.

"Stay behind me," Khan announced, leaving the pilot's seat and bridge to approach the ship's side doors. The latter opened, sending a metal ramp forward, but a sea of purple-red lights soon invaded the environment.

An army of Scalqa wielding glowing wooden spears and slings exited the forest and encircled the ship. The aliens closed any escape path, pointing their weapons at the metal ramp. However, they lowered everything as soon as a figure appeared at its center.

Khan stepped forward, showing his face to the army and running his eyes over it. He didn't spend much time away, but the Scalqa remained a primitive species. Their unstable politics could have ruined what he had achieved while stranded.

Yet, Khan's worries quickly vanished. A few cries resounded among the army before a sea of bows unfolded. All the Scalqa paid Khan the respect he deserved, opening a path as soon as he descended toward them.

Khan waved at the ship while voicing a few alien cries. Monica, Gordon, and Lieutenant Dyester appeared in the open, and the Scalqa coldly studied them while they reached Khan. Still, no one moved or got in the way.

Those hundreds of cold stares could tense up anyone, but that feeling vanished from Monica's mind when Khan took her hand. Before she knew it, his lips were pressing on hers, conveying the nature of their relationship to the army.

Khan immediately strode forward once the affectionate gesture ended, and Monica followed along, proudly clinging to his elbow to match his pace. The Scalqa had already changed their stance toward her, and watching the transformation filled her head with dreams. That was exactly the future Monica expected for Khan.

The army moved with Khan, diving into the forest to follow his steps. Lieutenant Dyester and Gordon remained at the back of the massive group but also advanced, and a stunning sight eventually unfolded in their eyes.

The trees grew scarcer, ending into a vast clear area ruled by brown ground. An intricate array of sharp rocks encircled it, isolating it from the rest of the forest. Yet, more surprises awaited inside.

A sea of simple tents filled the right side of the vast area, and multiple pits occupied the left one. Groups of Scalqa ran around the rocky barrier, seemingly jogging. Others stood near the holes, doing push-ups and similar training exercises. The place was strangely orderly, but another surprising detail distracted the newcomers from everything else.

A far larger tent grew from the center of the area. A vast bone chair stood before its open entrance, surrounded by four blue plants. Those bushes twisted the air with their presence, making the seat unclear, but Khan headed directly for it.

The army eventually stopped, standing guard as Khan approached the bone chair. His arrival stabilized the air, seemingly negating the plants' effects. He sat on it, pulling Monica on his lap and resting an arm on the makeshift armrest. That was his throne, and only a few chosen ones were allowed to approach it.

Khan uttered a few alien names, and three Scalqa left the army to approach the throne. Monica's presence didn't hinder their words, so Khan soon gained an update on the situation. He needed to address some problems, but more arrived.

A specific stench reached Khan's nose, bringing his eyes to the sky. The army noticed that gesture, lifting many gazes. It was a warm and enjoyable morning, offering a clear view of anything above the forest, and a dot appeared among it.

The dot grew bigger and bigger until everyone could see its details. A circular ship carrying red runes was descending toward the vast open spot in the forest. The Thilku had arrived sooner than Khan expected, but he was ready to receive them.