Chapter 929: Requests
Chapter 929: Requests
Khan had a hard time recovering. Truth be told, his interaction with Prince Thomas' sons had been almost non-existent after claiming complete leadership over the faction. That behavior wasn't even a matter of choice. Khan had simply been too busy with more important figures to deal with his Cousins.
All things considered, Prince Desmond, Prince Thomas' firstborn, wasn't even that bad. The young man knew his place and could provide decent insights and suggestions. He was Prince William and Princess Felicia's peer, but his brother was a different story altogether.
Khan couldn't help but recall when he had thrown Prince Richard, Prince Thomas' second- born, outside the space station's hangar. That offense and trauma wasn't something a mere year could fix. Khan had seen something similar with Francis, so he knew time was useless there.
Admittedly, Khan's mood had been far from friendly after being rescued from Baoway. He felt more than justified, but it had taken him months of social rehabilitation to smoothen some of his sharpest edges. Khan would be more understanding and patient with Prince Richard now, especially after developing a good relationship with his father, but he didn't know whether the Prince would do the same.
"You want me to bring your son into a war?" Khan asked. "Did I get it right?"
"Indeed, My Prince," Prince Thomas confirmed, his head still lowered. "I know it's much to ask, and I'm also aware of the many dangers involved. Yet, ordinary methods seem helpless, and you have shown outstanding teaching capabilities over the years."
Khan opened his mouth but promptly closed it. Lieutenant Dyester was a valuable asset on the battlefield and Khan's friend, so he could easily clear him. Moses and Roger didn't have a choice, and Khan had even tested them, so they passed, too. However, Prince Richard was a different beast.
'Am I a good teacher?' Khan couldn't help but wonder. 'I feel I never did anything special.'
Voicing those thoughts would earn Khan a slap from Monica. As always, he underestimated himself and the benefits he provided. Yet, the numbers didn't lie, and Khan had a positive streak of successful students.
Rick Rassec probably was the most famous name among Khan's students, but the list was long. His time on Reebfell had produced competent warriors, and teaching his arts to the Global Army's scientists had led to immediate countermeasures to his strange abilities.
Martha was also on that list, and the same went for the Scalqa. Francis probably met those requirements, too, and Moses and Roger had just joined them. Khan's methods were rough and unusual but worked.
"Are you sure?" Khan wondered. "I can't imagine him having a good idea of me, and he'd have to be my direct underling on alien ground."
"He already is your underling, My Prince," Prince Thomas stated, "And yes, I'm sure. I know this will benefit him."
"Or kill him," Khan commented.
Prince Thomas hesitated. His head was still lowered, but a concerned tremor ran through his mana. Clearly, he didn't like the idea of sending his son to war, but the family name demanded specific standards.
"I insist, My Prince," Prince Thomas declared. "If there's anything I can do to facilitate your job or this request, please ask."
Khan finally unfroze, resuming sipping from his glass. As troublesome as the matter could be, he didn't want to reject his Uncle's request. The assassination attempt was water under the bridge. They were one faction now, and gaining another capable Prince would only benefit it. "Okay," Khan eventually said. "He can come to Senerth."
"My Prince!" Prince Thomas called, lifting his head to show a rare smile.
"But," Khan continued, interrupting that burst of happiness, "I won't personally handle him. I'll give him pointers when possible, but Master Carl will be in charge of him."Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"Of course, My Prince," Prince Thomas accepted. "The mission comes first, so you must limit your burdens."
"It's also a matter of appearances," Khan explained. "Moses and Roger are exceptions, and I can't have Prince Richard risk hindering their development."
"I understand, My Prince," Prince Thomas nodded. "I'm already grateful for this opportunity."
"Prepare him accordingly," Khan ordered. "It will be dangerous. Also, we must have that talk tonight."
"This afternoon, My Prince," Prince Thomas sternly said. "I've already arranged your schedule. You are to meet me in the fourth hall after the afternoon lessons."
Khan sighed, shaking his head. Prince Thomas had immediately regressed to his strictly business persona, and Khan didn't even bother teasing him about that.
"As long as that schedule leaves some time for Monica," Khan uttered.
"I've already calculated that and addressed what I believe is an appropriate number of hours," Prince Thomas revealed.
"Sure," Khan said, waving his hand. "Deal with your son now."
"My Prince," Prince Thomas exclaimed, politely bowing and leaving the hall. Khan sighed again when the metal door closed, but that entrance immediately reopened.
"Again?" Khan cursed, watching Abraham enter the hall.
"My Prince," Abraham called, taking a few steps inside the hall before performing a respectful bow. "Is this a bad moment?"
"No, sure," Khan helplessly sighed, emptying his drink and pouring himself another. "Ask away."
"We have yet to decide on the specifics for Senerth, My Prince," Abraham explained. "It is my understanding you plan to continue your training there, and that requires some preparation."
"The ship is big enough to have a pool and a few spares," Khan responded. "I promise I'll only use them on the planet. Aside from that, what's there to prepare?"
"The scientific team for you, My Prince," Abraham replied.
"I'm sure you and Garret already have suggestions," Khan stated. "Pick the best candidates and assemble the team. I trust your judgment."
"I'm grateful for the trust, My Prince," Abraham said. "However, the team will need a leader, and Mister Bizelli and I are the only suitable figures for that role."
Khan understood what Abraham meant. Truth be told, the planet now had more than a few capable scientists, especially after Garret invited his family members to join Khan's ranks. However, only the two knew what Khan was up to and had followed his progress.
"Are you leaving the choice between Garret and you to me?" Khan wondered. "I'm not sure I should decide that."
Khan would usually pick Abraham without thinking twice. The scientist was a core member of his organization and had no connections to other parties. He was the safe and wise choice, someone Khan could trust with his life.
However, Baoway's scientific department had grown complicated throughout the years. The planet now handled the supplement, the Scalqa flesh, Fuveall implants, unorthodox evolutions, and more. Stealing one of the two lead scientists for personal reasons was no small matter, especially since Khan had to take into consideration who to leave behind.
"This is why I'm here, My Prince," Abraham revealed. "I wish to suggest Mister Bizelli for the trip."
Khan held back a frown. Abraham was his most loyal ally due to his connection to his parents. Usually, he would sacrifice everything to accompany Khan on that dangerous mission.
"Any reason why?" Khan asked.
"His expertise in mutation surpasses mine," Abraham admitted. "He will be able to provide better support for your training, My Prince."
"But we need mutation experts here, too," Khan pointed out.
"I studied the field in the past year, My Prince," Abraham revealed. "I'm confident I can replace Mister Bizelli. My more general knowledge is also better suited for Baoway's various
scientific projects."
Khan scratched his head. He didn't underestimate Abraham, and the man never lied to him. If he said he could replace Garret, he truly could. However, Abraham's more general knowledge would have also helped on Senerth. Khan didn't expect to solve everything there with kicks and knives, so an all-rounder scientist would definitely prove himself useful. Nevertheless, Khan was the outsider there. The issue was about science, so Abraham's judgment surpassed his own.
"Alright," Khan agreed. "I'll bring Garret with me to Senerth. I hope he is already aware of
this request of yours."
"I've already discussed things with Mister Bizelli, My Prince," Abraham confirmed. "He
agrees to come with you as long as you clear his father for landing and assign him to Colonel
Norrett's project."
"He already had clearance to land," Khan scoffed. "Sure, Norrett can have his personal
scientist."
"Major General Arngan also heard the news and wants Mister Bizelli's assistance, My Prince," Abraham revealed.
"Give those two stubborn soldiers whatever they want," Khan sighed, emptying the glass he
had just refilled. "Add Professor Parver to their bunch. They are all striving for the same thing
in the end."
"It will be done, My Prince," Abraham announced, politely bowing and departing at Khan's
nod.
Khan couldn't help but find the hall's couches inviting after that rush of political matters, but the time to rest didn't arrive yet. As soon as the metal door closed, it reopened, and Khan didn't even bother cursing as he went to refill his drink.