Chaos' Heir

The relatively happy family meeting lasted a while, but Khan, Monica, and her parents eventually departed, returning to the Harbor. Ideally, that could have been the right moment for a break from the political environment, but busy days with almost no free time followed.

Anastasia and Luther moved independently, dealing with various aspects of their new position. As Monica's parents, they benefited from Khan's status as a Prince, and many parties wanted meetings to renegotiate or establish relationships.

Meanwhile, Khan had to move quickly. The statement arrived in less than a day, making him an official

Ambassador and earning him new duties. Celebrations and meetings awaited on the horizon, but Khan left the arrangements to Monica while he dealt with more personal matters.

Luckily for Khan, his titles opened many doors and smoothened every request, getting everything ready in a matter of days. Once the last piece fell into place, he booked a hall near his district and gathered the intended parties there.

Khan was the last to arrive, heading directly for the vast desk before the ample stands. The hall could fit hundreds of students, but only a few figures occupied those seats now, all familiar.

Monica was also in the hall but stood by the central desk, leaning on its edge while inspecting the seats. She threw a warm smile at Khan, but her expression returned serious when she looked at the few figures. Something big was about to be born, leaving no room for mistakes.

Oddly enough, Khan sat directly behind the desk, avoiding the usual public display of affection with Monica. His eyes instantly went to the seats, running over the guests. Some were friends and trustworthy allies, but his gaze showed no warmth.

Lieutenant Dyester, Gordon, Andrew, Abraham, and Francis had gathered in the hall under Khan's orders, but he didn't explain why. Some knew more than others, but that only led to hypotheses. Still, everyone believed they would learn the truth soon enough.

"You all belong to different families, factions, and fields," Khan announced. "No more."

Khan let his words echo through the hall to inspect the audience's reaction, but no one flinched. He was slightly worried about Francis, but the man's face only showed resolve. It seemed he had matured and understood his place during his time with Khan.

"Starting today," Khan continued, "You'll all work directly under me. You'll have official contracts connected to my figure, even if they'll only act as a façade in some cases." The implications behind Khan's words were obvious. Some of his future orders wouldn't be legal, so the official contracts would provide protection and alibis against eventual investigations.

"Andrew," Khan called.

"Yes, Prince Khan," Andrew exclaimed, standing up and performing a military salute.

"You are to be my jack-of-all-trades," Khan explained. "You'll assume the role of a noble guard while watching over and handling any business I point you at. In my absence, you are also to accompany my fiancée wherever she goes." 2

"Yes, Prince Khan," Andrew said, lowering his head and adjusting his greeting. "It would be my honor, My Prince."

"Gordon," Khan called, and Gordon jumped to his feet while Andrew sat down.

"You'll be my connection to the Nognes family," Khan stated, "As well as my investigator. Your clearance gives you access to hidden information and movements, so I expect you to notify me about anything I deem useful."

"Yes, My Prince," Gordon uttered, sitting down when Khan nodded at him.

"Lieutenant Dyester," Khan continued. The Lieutenant didn't stand up, but his eyes gained focus.

"You'll be my moral compass," Khan explained. "You'll also gain the title of Master, so you'll go by Master Carl in public. You need that for clearance reasons, so don't complain."

Lieutenant Dyester snorted, but an amused smirk appeared on his face. He was nowhere near suitable to be Khan's Master anymore, but the current development was starting to make sense. It almost seemed Khan was building a faction or a proper family.

"Abraham," Khan called, and Abraham stood up, promptly replying with a "My Prince".

"You'll establish a lab in the Harbor," Khan declared. "You'll have full authority on the hiring procedures and requests for equipment, but any leak will be severely punished. Any information, result, or test goes to me only. Those interested in your work will also have to come to me."

"Do you already know the specifics of our first projects?" Abraham questioned. "Knowing them will help me choose better assistants."

"Alien anatomy," Khan revealed, "Alien botany, and that other project."

It didn't take a genius to translate Khan's words. Everyone understood he wanted to channel Baoway's findings into his lab to have a monopoly over any discovery.

As for the third project, Abraham understood Khan with a single glance. The matter was about controlling Monica's element through magic items, which Khan and Abraham had already started.

"Yes, My Prince," Abraham exclaimed.

"I'll give you a few blueprints," Khan added. "Have the materials ready before my departure."

"It would be my pleasure, My Prince," Abraham stated, returning to his seat.

"Francis," Khan called, moving to the last member of the audience.

"Prince Khan," Francis said, standing up and conveying utter politeness.

"You are to coordinate with Jenny and deal with any political issue," Khan explained. "I trust your education made you suitable for the position."

Khan was basically turning Francis into a glorified secretary, but he didn't mind. Being politically connected with Khan wouldn't only put Francis at the center of a massive and influential social array. It would also enhance his figure, making him a key representative of the Alstair family.

The full picture was now clear. Everything was still unofficial, but Khan had formally built an organization. The party didn't have flags or political names. It existed solely for Khan, but that would be enough for the network.

"The meeting is adjourned," Khan eventually declared. "Master Carl, Monica, and Gordon will stay behind. Andrew, make sure Abraham gets the full support of the Harbor."

A series of "Yes, Prince Khan" resounded in the hall while everyone got on the move. Soon, only Monica, Lieutenant Dyester, and Gordon remained, waiting for Khan's orders from the other side of the interactive desk.

"My Prince, if I may," Gordon announced once the privacy of Khan's inner circle arrived.

"Speak," Khan said, activating the desk's menus.

"The Harbor isn't suitable for someone of your status," Gordon stated. "The Nognes family has structures with better networks, labs, and so on."

"The Harbor is home," Khan shortly explained, "And it's easier to control. Besides, it's better if I stay here for now."

"You have to return to that planet, right?" Lieutenant Dyester asked.

"Not immediately," Khan uttered, bringing up holograms. The blue images depicted a small space station, which Gordon recognized.

"That's one of Prince William's targets," Gordon exclaimed.

"My target," Khan corrected. "It has two hundred workers, ten ships, and expensive scientific equipment."

"Do you want to buy it?" Lieutenant Dyester joked.

"It also has someone I have to kill," Khan revealed.

Khan spoke casually about the matter, but his cold stance added a chilling vibe to his words. He was openly discussing murdering someone, but Monica already knew.

Her eyes never fell on the holograms as she studied the two soldiers' reactions.

"Did my shift start already?" Lieutenant Dyester snorted. "I have yet to sign anything."

"Gordon," Khan called. "What's the likelihood that data has already spread past this space station?"

"I would call it a certainty, My Prince," Gordon said.

"And what about knowing where the information went?" Khan asked.

"Unless they made a mistake," Gordon responded, "It's probably impossible to track down anyone who might have benefited from this structure's secret businesses."

"Which leaves," Khan announced, "Scientists, pilots, and soldiers in charge of teleports."

The air grew colder, and Khan wasn't completely to blame there. Lieutenant Dyester and Gordon understood what Khan wanted to do, and their mana inevitably leaked their thoughts into the symphony.

"Are you sure?" Lieutenant Dyester questioned. "I understand sending a message, but this..."

"How can I control the small gears in the political machine?" Khan wondered. "Those who don't even know what the issue is about?"

"My Prince," Gordon intervened. "By making your intentions public, you might prevent most ploys against you from unaware parties."

"Desperation is a strong drive," Khan muttered. "Money, status, or other rewards will always make someone accept the risk."

"No one dares to oppose the nobles," Gordon claimed.

"And yet," Khan responded. "The Hive exists."

Lieutenant Dyester remained silent. He knew few details about those criminal organizations and secret political layers, but his lack of input wasn't the result of ignorance. He had understood what Khan wanted to do, and his throat almost ran out of words.

"Is that the message you want to send?" Lieutenant Dyester questioned. "Is that your solution?"

Khan tapped on the menus, pulling up a list of the space station's workers and sectors before pushing it toward Lieutenant Dyester.

"Cross anything that might have nothing to do with the lab," Khan ordered.

"If I do," Lieutenant Dyester uttered, "Will you spare them?" "I'll let them evacuate," Khan explained.