Chapter 1274: Scarlet Eyes

Garret was privy to the nightmares and Scarlet Eyes’ threat and immediately linked the two to Khan’s order. A rare trace of surprise rose to his expression, but a dutiful vibe replaced it, aware that the fateful time had come.

“I’ll send the word, My Prince,” Garret promised, departing and making his way through the crowd of soldiers, workers, and scientists to reach the closest elevator.

Liiza also shared part of the scientist’s surprise, albeit for different reasons. She knew how close those topics were to Khan’s heart and what sharing them could cause. Yet, Khan had made his decision, and Liiza would trust him.

Truth be told, Khan was conflicted about the matter. He wasn’t even sure how to address it without making a mess or unleashing mass panic. However, the situation left him with no choice.

The world had to get ready, and Khan wouldn’t be there to steer it in the right direction. No one knew what would happen in the Nak’s home world, so Khan needed a safety net for the universe and his force.

If everyone learned about the Scarlet Eyes, they might not attack Khan’s forces while he was away. Ideally, he would keep his departure hidden, but that ship had long since sailed.

Also, many parties would not believe Khan, but some might, compelling them to prepare for the imminent war. The announcement would be a gamble, but Khan couldn’t think of anything else due to the lack of time.

Khan took Liiza’s hand, and she understood what to do. The two stepped into the air, rising above the sea station to head to the out-of-position structure in the distance. Both sensed it, so they didn’t need to exchange words to adjust their direction.

Meanwhile, the crowds dispersed, getting back to work, and the process didn’t only apply to that sea station. Garret hadn’t forgotten about Khan’s first order, and the soldiers on the more distant structure had already started preparing for the political event.

Khan and Liiza contained their pace, delaying their inevitable arrival at the more distant structure on purpose. However, they reached it while the preparations were still underway.

Thirty or so Kros had settled on the platform’s center, sitting on their respective metal chairs, but the human soldiers had yet to arrange the feast. The troops were setting a long metal table that almost cut the floor in half, and three figures awaited their chance to occupy Khan’s side.

Prince Thomas, Princess Rebecca, and Alexander were on the platform, standing on the Kros’ opposite side, divided from them by the expanding metal table. The trio had returned to the sea stations after Liiza ran away, but the married couple’s arrival didn’t lead to complaints.

Khan and Liiza landed on the platform and joined the trio, waiting silently for the soldiers to finish their preparations. The two sides studied each other, but no tension or enmity joined the symphony. The aliens mostly exuded interest and curiosity while their chairs and vertical eyes inspected Khan.

Liiza went completely unnoticed, which Khan didn’t know whether to appreciate or get angry at. Nevertheless, the Kros succeeded in distracting him since they were also preparing something.

Muhsin obviously was on the structure’s floor, sitting at the relative center of his group. Yet, except for his floating chair, no machines hovered around him. Instead, a tall sphere stood at his side, its bright enneagram shining toward Khan and the others.

Still, that illumination only applied to its edges. Its insides were rather dim, with unrecognizable symbols scrolling over it. The machine inevitably caught Khan’s attention, which seemed to notice his gaze and replied to it.

“Greetings,” A manufactured robotic voice resounded from the tall sphere. “Prince Khan of the Nognes family.”

The abrupt greeting distracted the working soldiers, but they quickly got back to work, finishing arranging the table and delivering drinks and food. Khan and his group could finally sit at it, and their advance stirred the Kros to do the same.

Soon, all the requirements to start the negotiations were met. Khan sat at the table’s center, with Liiza and his Aunt to his right and Prince Thomas and Alexander to his left.

Meanwhile, the Kros occupied the other side while remaining on their metal chairs. Yet, Muhsin didn’t sit before Khan. That spot was reserved for the tall metal sphere.

Khan had kept his eyes on the item ever since noticing it. He had seen it float close to the floor to reach the table, and ideas had inevitably formed in his mind by then. Technology had never been Khan’s forte, but he had seen enough of the universe to make an educated guess.

“Is this one of the Kros’ mainframes?” Khan asked, and his question marked the official start of the negotiations.

“The mainframes process all available data,” Muhsin explained through his metal chair. “The Kros delegate their government to these machines to ensure mathematical growth and prosperity.”

Muhsin didn’t say it, but Khan could guess part of his processing power came from those machines, too. All Kros’ technology was networked to the mainframes in the end, and Muhsin manipulated exactly that.

“So,” Khan continued. “Who do I have to convince? The Kros or the mainframes?”

“We are one and the same, Prince Khan,” Muhsin responded. “The Kros’ mainframes possess intelligence, too, so you can interact directly with them if you prefer.”

That didn’t really answer Khan’s question, but he wasn’t in the mood to linger in his interest in alien technology and customs. He was too caught in his latest decision to mind those trivial matters. Truthfully, even those negotiations felt like a waste of time now.

“May I ask what the Kros hoped to gain from their alliance with the Niqols first?” Khan questioned, looking at the tall sphere. “Knowing that would allow me to make more suitable offers.”

Khan knew Liiza’s version of the story and could guess a great deal on his own. Yet, the Kros could have their unique reasons, and learning them would help steer the negotiations in the right direction.

The unreadable symbols inside the enneagram accelerated, scrolling faster than before, stopping once the metal sphere was ready to provide an answer.

“The Kros wished to expand their data on the mana and their potential applications,” The sphere said through its manufactured voice. “The Niqols promised their unique knowledge. We received part of it, but it’s not enough to study.”

“I’ve studied those arts myself,” Khan declared. “My force is also providing shelter to the Nele now. I can add the Thilku, Fuveall, Ef’i, Scalqa, and humans, too. The Kros won’t lack knowledge.”

The statement was undeniable. Khan had created the most multicultural force in the universe. Even lawless zones paled in comparison, and he only had to wish for it to add them to the equation.

Of course, Khan wasn’t planning on sharing everything he knew. He couldn’t unless those species explicitly agreed. Khan didn’t mention the Niqols for that exact reason. He didn’t want to take away any more negotiating power from them.

“Is that your way of compensating for the insult?” Muhsin spoke now, or rather, his chair did.

The meaning behind Muhsin’s words didn’t escape Khan’s mind. The Kros wanted all that for free, which would typically sound mental. No sane negotiator would agree to those terms, but Khan wasn’t wearing his political hat now.

The Kros didn’t touch any of the food or drinks, but Khan finally reached for a bottle, pouring some of it into a cup before taking a sip. Liiza sensed his pensive state, which intensified when his blue light pointed at the enneagram.

“Is this mainframe also broadcasting to humankind?” Khan questioned.

“Yes,” The sphere instantly replied.

“Good,” Khan exclaimed. “I’ll bring it up here to save time, then.”

A cold hand slipped under the table and landed on Khan’s crossed legs. Liiza knew what was about to happen and made sure Khan sensed her presence. She had done the same when Khan had discovered Bret’s lie and would keep doing it for the rest of her life.

“I’ll give you anything you want and more,” Khan declared. “For free. I only ask one thing in exchange.”

“What thing, Prince Khan of the Nognes family?” The sphere asked. It didn’t even need to process that offer to know how appealing it was.

“When the Scarlet Eyes come,” Khan stated, “You’ll fight them at my side.”