Chaos' Heir

Raymond was a known figure in the Global Army, but very few people were aware of his deals with Khan. That wasn't much due to Khan, either. Luke, Luke's father, and the entire Cobsend family had every interest in keeping those illegal activities a secret.

Moreover, it stood to reason Raymond could cover his tracks well. After all, his activities involved pieces of Nak and illegal experiments. He would have never achieved anything if his secrecy was any less than perfect.

Nevertheless, even someone as secretive and resourceful as Raymond couldn't do anything against a motivated noble. Rebecca's assets had to outclass his a hundred to one, and her goals probably carried more intensity.

The secret details seemed to confirm Rebecca's tale, and Khan's senses also gave the okay. Her story even sounded reasonable when Khan thought about it.

As far as Khan knew, Raymond was involved in businesses focused on mutations and improving humankind's genetic foundation. He wanted humans to evolve, and the Nak's mana seemed to be the perfect fuel for that goal.

Rebecca's investigation into the Nak would have naturally led her into those fields. Her status also made her support priceless. Khan could imagine how Raymond or other figures in those illegal environments would seek her allegiance, protection, and assets. Her involvement could bring immense benefits to any activity.

"Do you know Raymond?" Khan asked, keeping his question as simple as possible to avoid revealing details.

"We are both aware of each other," Rebecca summarized, "And he was smart enough to know we couldn't be allies. Our goals simply clash."

Rebecca sounded slightly pissed about the matter, which vouched for Raymond's insight. However, it didn't take a genius to understand Rebecca wouldn't help him. Raymond's plans involved her nephew, and looking at her would tell anyone she wouldn't sell him off.

"I actually wanted to apologize," Rebecca continued. "I knew what you were doing and had all the information you sought, but …"

"You couldn't approach me," Khan interrupted.

"Yes," Rebecca confirmed, sadness invading her. She knew her political situation wouldn't count as an excuse for Khan but had nothing else to offer.

Khan diverted his gaze, returning to the open drawer to refill his drink. Rebecca's offer was massive, and he had accepted worse compromises to gain access to similar resources. He didn't like what he had been forced to do, but blaming Rebecca wouldn't lead anywhere.

'Information, body parts, and more coordinates,' Khan thought. 'I might actually start looking for them now.'

Khan had to admit he had gotten used to the nightmares. They didn't lose intensity and always ruined his nights, but he had developed a strange acceptance toward them.

Monica, Khan's alien arts, the transformation, and the issues about "hosts" could be to blfor that acceptance. Still, the reason didn't matter. Khan only knew he had unconsciously learned to deal with his curse.

Yet, even when easier to deal with, a curse remained a curse. Khan could face it more calmly, but getting rid of it continued to be his main goal. A twist had also finally arrived, but Khan couldn't help but wonder whether its timing was terrible.

In a different situation, Khan would have abandoned everything to immerse himself in Rebecca's information. He would have probably set off, too, starting a mission with the sole goal of finding the Nak's star system.

Nevertheless, things were complicated now. Khan was the only reason the quadrant was afloat, and many businesses depended on his involvement. Twas also against him due to his uncle. He had to secure as much influence as possible and quickly.

People in Khan's position usually relied on representatives with precise directives, but he was irreplaceable. Even Monica couldn't take his place. The Scalqa, the Thilku, and the Global Army needed to know he was there, ready to act if something didn't work as intended.

"I understand your reservations and problems," Rebecca announced after a prolonged silence. "I'm willing to facilitate as much as possible. I can also send my lab with the samples here if it helps."

"Not here," Khan directly refused. "Don't bring those corpses to my planet."

Rebecca wanted to smile when she heard "my planet", but the situation didn't allow it. As for Khan, he could only think about Milia 222's events and how he didn't want Baoway to experience them.

"Start by forwarding all the information in your possession," Khan ordered. "I'll contact you when I plan to fly to your labs."

"My nephew is so domineering," Rebecca giggled. "Are you sure I can't pamper you a bit?"

"As for your brother," Khan added, ignoring Rebecca's comment. "I want a meeting. If not here, a ship in Baoway's atmosphere will do. Do what you need to make it happen. I don't care about the specifics."

Khan wasn't even looking at Rebecca anymore. His mind was already projected toward future events that would take months or years to unfold, and Rebecca couldn't help but feel proud. Khan was rough around the edges, but his blood didn't lie. He was her sister's son through and through, born to take the reins of the faction and maybe far more than that.

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The universe didn't stop during Monica's birthday, and the Global Army was no exception. Actually, the popular event moved many eyes away from other matters. It also kept many hindrances busy socializing, creating the perfect opportunity for a secret meeting.

Everything happened inside a remote structure in the middle of space. The building wasn't big enough to classify as a space station. It was nothing more than a series of halls floating through the help of powerful engines.

Two ships approached the structure from opposite sides. The place had no landing areas, but the vehicles could use the docking stations to create safe passages inside.

The two crews entered the structure simultaneously, making their way through it to meet at the central hall. A circular table with only two seats awaited them, and the intended figures confidently approached them.

Neither figure sat. The two men stood before the table, studying each other. One had sharp facial features, confident and knowledgeable brown eyes, and long grey hair. Instead, the other had a military haircut, highlighting his square jaw and stern face.

"Prince Thomas Nognes," The grey man announced, half-bowing. "You honorwith this meeting."

"Raymond Cobsend," The other man called. "The man behind Milia 222's chaos."

"I like to see it as an experiment," Raymond explained. "A successful one."

"Which involved my nephew," Thomas added.

"That was an unfortunate necessity," Raymond said.

Thomas didn't reply but occupied his seat, and Raymond imitated him with a smile. Both men's crews remained behind, near the hall's walls, to make sure they couldn't catch word of the imminent conversation.

"You went far and beyond to obtain this meeting," Thomas went directly to the point. "I'm here, so speak."

"Yes, Prince Thomas," Raymond nodded. "I hope you won't take offense to the fact that I'm aware of your faction's internal struggle. Having your relatives turning their back on you must be painful."

"There is no struggle," Thomas promptly denied. "Your informant is faulty."

"Prince Thomas," Raymond called. "Many know the problems your new Prince is bringing to your family. I dare say few are even worried about putting so much power into such unrestrained hands."

"I heard you were a capable businessman," Thomas exclaimed, "But you boredalready."

Thomas started to stand up, but Raymond's following statement interrupted the action. "Prince Khan is a hindrance to your leadership. I can help you remove it without revealing your involvement."

Thomas adjusted himself in the chair. Although his face showed no interest, his actions had already vouched for it. Clearly, the topic interested him.

"Elizabeth's son is nothing more than a capable young soldier," Thomas declared. "It doesn't matter how strong he is. It takes much more to be worthy of the faction's leadership position."

"He grows at a terrifying rate," Raymond pointed out. "Besides, his actions won't always be rational. He might seize the throne without minding the negative consequences."

Thomas fell silent, studying the man before him. It was true. Khan didn't play fair. He didn't even know the game's rules, which was dangerous. The damage Elizabeth had inflicted on the faction proved that.

"Your offer," Thomas eventually uttered.

"I have reason to believe Prince Khan will leave Baoway soon," Raymond revealed. "I can't trace the trip on my own, but you could."

"For what purpose?" Thomas asked. "Another incompetent assassination attempt?"

"I wouldn't dare to even think about hurting a noble," Raymond lied. "However, another political incident might force the Global Army to intervene. Prince Khan surely can't lead your faction from a cell."

"What kind of political incident?" Thomas questioned.

"I think ignorance is your best protection here," Raymond stated.

"And," Thomas continued, "What do you ask in return?"

"Access to Prince Khan while he is imprisoned," Raymond responded. "As I'm sure you know, he is unique."