Chapter 751 Names

Chapter 751 Names

Khan didn't sleep. It was already nighttime when Amy left his quarters, and the event had filled his head with countless thoughts that needed attending. Still, when the morning arrived, Khan had yet to find proper solutions.

The situation on Baoway had grown strange and difficult on too many sides. Khan could keep Amy at bay, but she was a dangerous variable and a constant reminder of his pent-up state. Remaining on the planet involved limiting certain rumors while also holding back his growing urges.

Nevertheless, far greater problems loomed over Khan's head. The Bone Tribe had unlocked and tested their new firepower. Kru-Zi and his companions were bound to grow more confident in the following days and weeks, leading to events Khan could easily predict.

The Scalqa were a primitive species with very straightforward goals. Each tribe wanted territory and resources, but the overall balance of power prevented reckless expansions from the forest's parties. However, the situation had changed, and the Bone Tribe couldn't be satisfied with a single victory. Finnd new chapters at novelhall.com

Usually, a battle between equally strong tribes would lead to massive casualties and leave the victors exposed to the nomadic forces. Attacks were risky and required careful planning and favorable opportunities.

Yet, the human rifles had destroyed the balance of power, allowing the Bone Tribe to attack and win while suffering little to no losses. The only thing holding Kru-Zi back from directly launching another assault was the assessment period. His force needed to absorb the spoils of war before launching a second offensive.

The state of the Blood Tribe's settlement told Khan that the assessment period would be short. The Bone Tribe couldn't have taken many captives and had even given the blue plant to the human envoy. A week might be enough to reassemble and launch another attack.

That would imply more death and gore, and Khan knew himself. He would take it upon himself to collect valuable corpses and clean up the affected areas. His role would go from the savior of desperate Scalqa to grave pillager.

Of course, from a cynical standpoint, the development offered many advantages. The Bone Tribe's power grew alongside its trust in Khan and the human envoy, and its expansion was bound to provide additional benefits.

Moreover, the human envoy now possessed the blue bush, and the second ship had a lab. Khan could use his unique position to exploit and seize any discovery on the spot. His training regimen might improve by many levels in the following period, allowing him to grow in ways the Global Army couldn't offer yet.

Everything seemed to depend on how much Khan could withstand, but another issue was at play. Even if he wanted to, leaving Baoway was no easy matter. The teams needed both ships, and one shuttle couldn't complete the journey back to the Harbor. Khan's options were limited, and the best ones didn't involve his species.

Khan left his quarters with his mind still afflicted by those thoughts. Truth be told, he couldn't find a solution right away, and the mission was on the verge of a breakthrough, so he planned to wait and see until the proper chance presented itself.

The ship's atmosphere didn't have anything odd. As always, Celeste was behind her console, and Randall had already begun the morning check-up routine. Kirk and Marcus had yet to wake up, but Khan's interest had little to do with them.

Khan's behavior didn't disclose anything, but his aura instinctively grew colder when he exited the ship. He could sense multiple people outside, and one of them could cause him problems.

Zu-Gru, Fergus, and Amy had gathered outside to prepare for the daily trip to the settlement, and the former hurried at Khan's side when he stepped in the open. Fergus exchanged a firm nod with him, hinting at something deeper, while Amy wore a false smile, trying to hide the mess inside her mind.

Usually, Fergus' gesture would have prompted an immediate reaction from Khan. Yet, he temporarily ignored the silent issue to inspect Amy. On the surface, she appeared cheerful and tranquil, but those who knew her could notice odd details.

Amy would generally use any opportunity to approach Khan and chat with him. However, she remained on her spot now, even lowering her eyes when the situation became too much for her. Those close to her would understand that something had happened, and Khan saw far more due to his heightened senses.

Amy was shaken. Khan didn't only refuse her the previous night. He had also humiliated and threatened her. Anyone would find it hard to focus on the mission with a death sentence looming above their heads, and even a pro like Amy couldn't ignore those issues.

In a different situation, Khan would feel bad for Amy. Her actions had no malice or ill intentions, but his anger prevented him from experiencing mercy. Amy had risked it all and lost. Khan only cared about the potential consequences now.

Luckily, Amy felt no anger toward Khan. Her mana conveyed shame, regret, and sadness but no hatred or desperation. That wasn't the aura of someone who could attempt reckless actions to save herself. Amy appeared to have accepted her fate, slightly reassuring Khan.

Fergus noticed the unusual inspection, especially since Khan would have typically addressed him first. Still, he minded his own business and waited for the right moment to arrive.

Khan didn't make Fergus wait too long. As soon as he confirmed Amy's helplessness, he approached the Major, silently questioning him about the issue.

"Not here," Fergus almost whispered. "It's something we should discuss in private."

The Empire wasn't exactly peaceful. Baoway would have already faced a mass invasion if the Thilku weren't short on manpower.

As for the Global Army, finding resources that could greatly expand fields like evolution and mana cores had basically doomed both Baoway and its inhabitants. The situation was hopeless, and Khan grimly accepted his powerlessness.

Yet, forsaking any interest in Baoway and the Scalqa didn't solve all of Khan's problems. He still had decisions to make, no matter how cruel and cynical they might sound.

Siding with the Global Army would provide immense benefits but would also kill any trust in the Empire. Khan could gain much from that anyway, but the other option would maximize his rewards and profits on multiple levels.

Khan could trade his knowledge for a better position within the Empire, which would, in turn, force the Global Army to respect him even more. His higher-ups would hate him, but the Thilku's support would force them to swallow that feeling.

Moreover, informing the Empire would create the opportunity for special negotiations. Khan could very well request a blue plant for himself before the two species even came close to a new deal. He would obtain a temporary monopoly over that resource, preserving his advantage over fellow humans.

Also, siding with the Empire would grant the Solodrey family a unique position. Khan could limit the sharing of information to Monica's faction, increasing its relevance both inside the family and the Global Army. Khan could even involve them in the plants' business, potentially adding a massive source of income.

That decision obviously didn't make Khan happy, but his hands were tied. He couldn't save the planet or the Scalqa, so he chose to look out for himself, even if the idea made him feel corrupted beyond reason.

"I'll give the Global Army another month," Khan eventually declared. "I'll involve the Empire afterward."

Khan didn't turn toward Fergus but expected to hear complaints or requests. After all, Fergus had expressed nothing but loyalty toward the Global Army during that short period. Yet, the word that reached his ears was very different.

"Good," Fergus exclaimed, and Khan's mind went blank. His senses had screamed so loudly that his legs had moved on their own, sending him into the air.

A loud noise followed, forcing Khan to lower his head. A vast crater had appeared in his previous position, and a dark blue figure stood at its center. Fergus had attacked without any warning while relying on deadly force.

"I knew it," Fergus smirked, glancing at Khan's floating figure. "You didn't show me your true speed."

Confusion invaded Khan. He could understand why Fergus would want to take him out after his decision, but something else seemed to be at play there. Fergus appeared almost relieved as if he had waited a long time for that moment. Moreover, Khan saw those emotions on his face. Fergus' mana didn't carry anything similar.

The situation was bizarre for someone accustomed to relying on senses over eyes. Khan couldn't explain what was happening, but an ominous feeling invaded his mind, changing his priorities. Something was up, and securing a way out of Baoway had to come first.

Khan began to turn, a movement that lasted a fraction of a second. However, Fergus appeared ready for it since he said some of the few words that could make him stop.

"George Ildoo," Fergus announced, and Khan froze.

"Cora Ommo," Fergus continued. "Amber Teldom, Carl Dyester. Should I continue?"

Khan didn't move nor look at Fergus. He remained frozen in the air, waiting for the Major to continue.

"You have made many friends in high places," Fergus declared, "Places no one can touch. Yet, they aren't your only friends, are they?"

Khan didn't break his silence. Memories ran through his vision, carrying years of good and bad experiences. All of them were littered with acquaintances and friends, many of whom had no political protection.

"Come down, Major," Fergus requested. "Let's talk this through."

Fergus could tell that he had struck a nerve. Khan almost appeared hesitant, which was unusual for him. Fergus had found the monster of Nippe 2's weakness, and a smirk inevitably broadened on his face.

'Enough,' Khan thought, heaving a deep sigh. The gesture appeared like a sign of surrender, but the area instantly grew colder, telling Fergus a completely different story.

The story grew even clearer when Fergus saw Khan drawing his knife.