A streak of busy days went by. Khan attended every lesson, practiced with his team, and spent his nights inside training halls to get as comfortable as possible with his fighting style.
Those tasks would usually leave ordinary soldiers with no free time. Still, Khan made sure to handle his studies during the long trips in the cabs or whenever he returned to his flat.
Reviewing the mission also wanted a piece of Khan's day. His team had to perform almost perfectly to hope to succeed, so he couldn't stop improving many details, especially as the simulations provided more data.
The simulations forced Khan to move some of his studies to the weekend, so he never got the chance to sleep properly. His short periods of rest turned into occasional naps, and the first free day even prevented them. The flight didn't mess up his schedule, but he had an important date that night.
Khan, George, Anita, and Monica found themselves in the same luxurious car near dinnertime. They were all wearing their best clothes, and the faint tension in the area created a peculiar silence.
"Come on," Khan eventually laughed. "This can't be worse than Istrone."
"It is for me," George snorted. "Why did I even agree to this?"
The comment saddened Anita and forced a helpless sigh out of George. He took her hand and did his best not to look annoyed before voicing affectionate words. "I just recalled why."
Monica and Khan couldn't help but smirk. George and Anita were an odd couple, but they were cute, especially in those moments. Besides, they looked happy.
"I can still go back," Monica mentioned. "You don't have to force yourself."
"No, it's fine," Anita shook her head. "My mother would demean me anyway. I'd rather have a friend at the table."
The dinner with George and Anita's families was happening that night, and Monica didn't initially plan to join it. Yet, Anita's mother had insisted on her presence, ultimately forcing her to attend.
Monica knew Anita's situation better than anyone. Anita's mother would probably compare the two women, but Monica's refusal would have only hurt her friend. It would say that Anita didn't have enough influence to bring Monica to dinner.
Khan could only exchange a meaningful glance with George. Monica had spoken with the two to make them understand Anita's situation. The dinner had every right to be an unpleasant mess, but Khan felt to have enough experience. Also, he had just completed his tenth official flight, so his excitement was hard to quell.
"Khan would have taken your side anyway," Monica declared. "I've trained him thoroughly for this dinner."
"Yes, we don't want anyone threatening my testicles this time," Khan nodded before grunting when Monica elbowed his side.
"What?" Anita exclaimed, but Monica and Khan chuckled, refusing to answer. They lost each other in their respective eyes, and Khan put an arm above her shoulder to pull her closer.
"What time are you coming back tonight?" Monica whispered into Khan's ear.
"Probably by dawn," Khan replied. "I'm not sure either."
"You still have to review general diplomacy's notes," Monica reminded, leaving Khan's ear to adjust her position.
"I know," Khan sighed. "I'll see how it goes, but don't wait up for me."
"I'll wait up as long as I like," Monica pouted. "Take care of me by taking care of yourself."
Monica crossed her arms, but Khan had a joke ready for her ear. "Do you want my good night kiss so badly?"
Monica disregarded her pretenses and turned to mutter honest words. "Yes, I can't sleep without it."
Anita and George could only hear half of that interaction, and most of it sounded like cute flirting. They had no idea Monica was speaking the truth, but that part of her character was solely for Khan to experience.
"I want one now too," Monica continued in the needy tone Khan knew far too well.
The couple exchanged a quick kiss, and what followed made Anita shy. Khan's expression betrayed his thoughts while his intense gaze remained on Monica, and she rejoiced at that undivided attention. She also played along, reaching for his torso while lifting a leg to place it on his knee.
George cleared his throat to remind the couple about his presence, and Khan and Monica separated. The two didn't appear any calmer, but their more appropriate position gave Anita a chance to speak.
"Monica!" Anita gasped.
"He is my man," Monica complained. "I do what I want with him."
"They are just jealous," Khan commented.
"I'll break up with you if I get this shameless," Anita warned while eyeing George.
"Don't worry," George stated. "That's my role."
"Breaking up or being shameless?" Anita questioned.
"I'll-," George began to speak before recalling where the car was heading. "It's better if I don't say anything tonight."
The joyous moment ended with those words, and the tension returned. George and Anita clearly had issues with their parents, and their worry forced Khan and Monica to stay put. They were their close friends, so they wanted to prioritize their well-being.
The car entered the shopping district and headed toward one of Pandora's exclusive restaurants. The place was masked as a regular mall, but its upper side featured secret landing areas. It also had private rooms, but Anita's mother had pushed for an audience.
A large dark window above a bright banner slid open once the car hovered near it. A landing area unfolded in the scanners, and the vehicle flew into it to deliver the group.
A waiter let the window close before approaching the group and leading them into deeper parts of the building. Khan and the others had to cross a few narrow corridors but eventually arrived at a dim dining area with enough seats to hold thirty people.
Khan noticed Pandora's iconic style. The dim illumination, the closed space, and the slightly isolated tables were a distinctive signature of that exclusive club. Even its audience was respectful enough to avoid breaking into shouts whenever they recognized him. His group obviously received glances, but no one disturbed them.
The waiter led the group to a table at the end of the room. That spot allowed a complete view of the area, but the opposite was also true. Anyone could see and keep track of those seats, which said a lot about Anita's mother's intentions.
"We'll start serving once everyone is here," The waiter politely said before departing as soon as Khan nodded at him.
The guests had yet to arrive, but everyone knew the appropriate seating arrangements. Khan and Monica occupied one long side of the table, leaving the other to George and Anita. The short edges were for the dinner's main figures, and they remained empty while a silent wait unfolded.
George barely had the time to fill Khan's drink before two figures entered the dining area. A tall, middle-aged man who was the spitting image of George and a charming woman with Anita's blonde hair walked among the tables while a waiter led them toward Khan's group.
The newcomers attracted the area's attention, and Khan shared that feeling. He inspected his guests from head to toe, especially the man, and the symphony helped his senses in ways only a few people would understand.
The woman had an elegant smile, but her figure was a blank spot. She was hiding her mana, but her interaction with the synthetic energy revealed some arrogance and pride. She seemed to like being at the center of attention.
Instead, the man didn't bother to hide his presence, which revealed only seriousness. He wore the stance of a soldier on the verge of joining the battlefield.
Khan, Monica, Anita, and George stood up as soon as the newcomers reached the table, and different salutes left their mouths.
"Madam Wildon, Mister Ildoo," Monica and Khan voiced at the same time.
"Mother, Mister Ildoo," Anita followed.
"Madam Wildon, father," George concluded.
"I'm sorry for the wait," Mister Ildoo announced while lowering his head. "I lost myself in a pleasant conversation with Madam Wildon."
"Mister Ildoo only indulged my whims," Madam Wildon took part of the blame.
"Please, after you," Mister Ildoo stated while pointing at the edge near Monica and Anita.
Madam Wildon performed a half-bow before heading for her seat, and Mister Ildoo soon imitated her. The entire group sat down, and an exchange of polite comments unfolded.
"Monica, it has been too long," Madam Wildon was the first to speak. "I can see that the rumors are true. You have turned into a beautiful woman."
"Thank you, Eveline," Monica replied. "Though, this wouldn't have been possible without Anita's help. She made sure I could meet my mother's requirements."
"Anastasia is a hard woman to please," Madam Wildon chuckled. "I'm glad my daughter could help. I wish she could achieve similar results, at least in her studies."
Madam Wildon kept her eyes on Monica during her comment. She didn't deign her daughter with a single glance while putting her under Monica so openly, and the latter could only wear a polite smile to avoid rejecting her statement.
Khan obviously could see more than his companions. He noticed Mister Ildoo's unfazed expression, George's coldness, and Anita's helplessness. Everyone accepted Madam Wildon's impolite words, no matter how deeply they affected them.
'Disgusting,' Khan couldn't help but think since he understood the dinner's political array and consequences.
The Wildon family was less wealthy than the Solodrey family but stood above the Ildoo family. Moreover, the etiquette prevented people from speaking about others' businesses, which forced George to remain silent. His father could try to intervene if necessary, but that would be seen as impolite.
Only Monica could have an influence there, but she remained a descendant. She couldn't openly fight against Eveline since it might ruin the relationship between their families. Khan was in an equally difficult position since he needed to show reliability and manners, especially in front of an audience.
As for Eveline, she was simply bitter. In the political environment, her family was a cheap version of the Solodrey family, and the same applied to Monica and her daughter.
"George, am I right?" Madam Wildon eventually continued. "I know you are also shaping up to be a worthy heir to your family's power."
"You are flattering me, ma'am," George coldly replied.
"It's the truth," Madam Wildon pressed on. "I initially thought you would have opted for a battle-focused path, but your performance in the Harbor changed my mind. You might become one of the most capable descendants."
"I'm unworthy of these praises," George declared. "Miss Wildon is the one keeping me on par with the lessons. I would have scored far worse without her help."
George didn't address Madam Wildon with the proper respect, which earned him a glare from his father. Still, George ignored it and proceeded to fill his drink.
"It seems I raised a kind daughter," Madam Wildon exclaimed, finally looking at Anita. "Maybe show some kindness to yourself for the rest of the semester. Helping your friends is honorable, but you must prioritize your achievements."
"Yes, mother," Anita promptly agreed.
"Captain," Madam Wildon continued, turning toward Khan. "I hope you don't mind me addressing you for last."
"Not at all, ma'am," Khan opted for an aloof tone. "I am a simple soldier in the end."
"Far from simple," Madam Wildon praised. "The entire Global Army is spreading tales about you, and every family wants you. That's not what I call simple."
"I'm glad the army is acknowledging my efforts, ma'am," Khan responded.
"I heard from Anastasia that you are considering wedding into her family," Madam Wildon announced. "Would it be disrespectful to ask you to consider my family too? I'm sure my daughter can match her candidates."
Khan couldn't even try to describe the changes in the symphony. Luckily for him, his friends didn't put any blame on him. They only felt angry at how quickly Madam Wildon was willing to give her daughter away.
"I'd be the luckiest soldier in the Global Army if I married Miss Wildon," Khan chose his words carefully. "However, even Madam Solodrey agreed that I should focus on my career. I'll consider these offers in the future."
"Of course," Madam Wildon nodded as displeasure joined her tone. She even glanced dismissively at Anita. She didn't like how easily Khan had refused her daughter.
An awkward silence followed. Madam Wildon had no intention of speaking, so Mister Ildoo let a few seconds pass before taking the reins of the conversation.
"Captain Khan," Mister Ildoo surprisingly decided to address Khan first. "I'm glad we could finally meet. You have done a great service to my son and my family, so let me express my deepest gratitude."
"I'm the one who should be grateful, sir," Khan revealed an honest smile. "George saved me in ways his profile doesn't describe. I'm lucky to have him in my life."
"I think he would say similar words about you," Mister Ildoo guessed, and George promptly nodded. "I would be dead without him, and I'm not the only one."
"That's a fact, Captain," Mister Ildoo continued. "If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to contact me. My family owes you a lot."
"Don't even mention it, sir," Khan shook his head. "I already consider your family as a close friend. If there is something I can do for you, be sure to tell me."
"I'm glad to hear you say this," Mister Ildoo showed a faint smile. "Still, please, call me Michael. I can't bear to see you use such formalities among friends."
"I'll do my best, Michael," Khan uttered.
"Now," Mister Ildoo moved to the other seats, "Madam Wildon and I already had our talk, so I should address my son's classmates. He is lucky to have such beautiful and capable women as his peers. I'm sure he is learning a lot from you both."
"We are also learning from him," Monica stated. "It's rare for our peers to have battle experience. His perspective is unique in the entire Harbor."
"His reliability is worthy of praise," Anita added. "The official reports don't mention it, but George protected us during Nippe 2's awful events. He was among the first to stand up and set a defensive perimeter."
"I was unaware of these feats," Madam Wildon exclaimed. "You raised an honorable son, Michael."
"It's hard to get mentioned when Captain Khan is on the scene," George laughed. "I simply took care of the closest problems while he was saving Princess Edna."
"Don't sell yourself short," Madam Wildon scolded. "You protected Monica and my daughter. I'll make sure this news reaches the appropriate channels."
"It's not necessary," Mister Ildoo politely refused.
"It is," Madam Wildon pressed on. "The Global Army should notice its talents."
Madam Wildon couldn't help but sound bitter again. Also, she was the one applying a different standard to her own daughter. After all, Anita had scored sixth on the tests, but her mother didn't bother to praise her.
Khan could remain mostly calm since the matter wasn't too close to his heart. However, Anita's sadness and George's cold helplessness flicked a switch in his mind that almost made him speak.
Still, a foot touched Khan's leg before he could come up with a suitable answer. Monica kept her face pointed at Madam Wildon but didn't forget to watch over him and send a warning when she felt he could explode.
"Mother, make sure to mention how Mister Ildoo didn't leave his post even after the reinforcements arrived," Anita added. "He let the doctors visit him only once Captain Khan returned."
"Quite the heroic behavior," Madam Wildon praised. "Anita, did you take a liking to Michael's son?"
Madam Wildon was just teasing, but Anita's answer revealed clues about their strange relationship. "I'll consider him as a suitor if that's what you want."
"You are too serious, dear," Madam Wildon giggled and reached for Anita to caress her hair. George gulped down his drink in the meantime, and Khan and Mister Ildoo didn't miss that gesture. As for Monica, she had to keep her fake smile on to avoid worrying Madam Wildon.
Khan emptied his drink before anyone else could notice George's gesture and refilled those glasses. At that point, the two performed a quick version of the Niqols' toast, and Khan found Mister Ildoo's eyes on him when he began to drink.
Mister Ildoo seemed to have no intention to speak, and waiters with food arrived in the next few seconds, changing the atmosphere at the table. The time for formalities ended, leading the political event to more superficial topics.
Khan only had a few dinners, but the current event was similar to his previous ones. Mister Ildoo and Madam Wildon asked the same questions Khan had answered with Mister Hencus and Madam Solodrey.
Of course, a difference in the tones existed. Among the questions about Khan's missions and flights, he could understand the general stance of his guests.
Madam Wildon didn't hide her haughtiness. She remained polite, but her words sounded forced, almost rehearsed. Besides, she rarely missed the chance to send passive-aggressive reprimands to her daughter.
The situation put Mister Ildoo in a tough spot, but he did his best to appear friendly, especially with Khan. He seemed truly interested in learning more about him, even if his stern character made him sound detached.
Less than two hours went by in that suffocating atmosphere. Jokes and answers flew until the dinner formally ended. In theory, the group could remain at the table to enjoy drinks and continue their conversations, but Madam Wildon stood up, forcing everyone to imitate her.
"You don't have to end the dinner because of me," Madam Wildon expressed when everyone left their seats. "I simply have an appointment I can't postpone."
"Madam, it wouldn't be fair or polite," Mister Ildoo declared. "Our children, Miss Solodrey, and Captain Khan also have to study. It's better to end this dinner on this high note."
"You are such a gentleman, Michael," Madam Wildon praised. "Now, a car is already waiting for me. I'm afraid I must hurry."
"Travel safe," Mister Ildoo stated, and the others echoed his words.
"Send my salutes to your wife," Madam Wildon giggled. "As for you, go to bed early. Mana keeps us young, but a good routine helps."
Fake smiles broadened in Madam Wildon's vision, and she merely nodded at them before heading for the exit. A lot of the tension vanished when she departed from the dining room, but no one dared to comment on that.
"My car is also on its way," Mister Ildoo revealed when the group turned toward him. "I must take my leave soon."
"Travel safe, dad," George said.
"Don't worry about me," Mister Ildoo scolded. "You have good friends, but don't abuse their kindness. Improve your scores and make us proud."
Mister Ildoo didn't wait for George's answer as he turned toward Monica and Anita. "It has been a pleasure to be in your company. Your generation is lucky to have you."
Anita and Monica performed the exact polite bow, and Mister Ildoo mustered a faint smile before turning toward Khan.
"Captain, would you mind escorting me to the landing area?" Mister Ildoo questioned.
"It's no problem at all," Khan responded, and Monica reassured him when he searched for her eyes. "We'll take care of the ride."
A waiter arrived to escort the group outside, but Mister Ildoo exchanged a few words with him to change his plans. The man led Mister Ildoo and Khan into the narrow corridors stretching out of the dining hall. Yet, the two didn't arrive at the landing area.
The waiter made Khan and Mister Ildoo stop in the middle of a corridor, and a wall at their side slid open to reveal a small desk. A barman stood behind it, and she showed a bright smile while waiting for her orders.
"I'm Michael Ildoo," Mister Ildoo declared. "Pandora should know what I want."
"Of course, Mister Ildoo," The barman responded. "One or two glasses?"
"Two," Mister Ildoo replied.
"They are on their way," The barman announced, and Mister Ildoo crossed his arms on the desk to wait for the drinks.
Khan didn't know why Mister Ildoo had brought him there, but the latter seemed to have friendly intentions. He only had a hard time showing them past his stern face, but Khan was willing to be patient toward George's father.
The barman took less than a minute to deliver two small glasses filled with a yellow liquid. The strong scent of booze reeking from them spread throughout the corridor in a matter of seconds, and Mister Ildoo nodded at Khan to give a silent order.
"Thank you, Michael," Khan said while taking his glass.
"Don't rush it," Mister Ildoo warned while also taking his glass. "Take short sips."
Khan couldn't help but become curious about the drink, and his first sip met his expectations. The booze was harsh on the throat and mouth but managed to spread its exquisite taste. It was strong, but Khan appreciated it.
"My son likes it," Mister Ildoo revealed after his sip. "I figured you would also like it."
"I do," Khan admitted. "I wish I had an entire bottle now."
"Don't look at me," Mister Ildoo sighed. "George emptied the entire canteen."
Khan wanted to laugh, but surprise took priority. Mister Ildoo had cracked a joke, which was quite shocking after what Khan had witnessed during the dinner.
"He," Mister Ildoo continued as his eyes wandered into the drink, "He was lost after Istrone. He didn't show it, but I knew."
"Istrone hit everyone hard," Khan stated. "For what it's worth, George already knew what to do during the crisis. I guess you are to thank for that."
"He showed talent at an early age," Mister Ildoo explained. "I prepared him accordingly. Still, I can't imagine what happened down there."
Khan took another sip but didn't answer. He had gone over Istrone, but its events remained ugly. The sadness and desperation experienced there wasn't something he could forget.
"Nitis saved him," Mister Ildoo continued. "I don't know how, but it did. Now, he is in the Harbor, studying among the best descendants. Maybe things ended well."
"George has always been smart," Khan praised.
"I know he came here for you," Mister Ildoo revealed. "He showed no interest in interplanetary politics until he learnt that you were coming. He even scored near the top ten. I don't know if my son is a genius or an idiot."
"I'd go for the former," Khan uttered.
"Of course, you would," Mister Ildoo sighed. "Still, you are aware of his flaws."
"He just likes booze and women," Khan laughed. "Who doesn't?"
"You are on his side, aren't you?" Mister Ildoo asked while finally diverting his gaze from the drink.
"Completely," Khan honestly replied.
"That's good," Mister Ildoo approved. "People at your age need good friends. Take care of my son, Captain."
Mister Ildoo's words carried his honesty and made Khan answer seriously. "I will."
"If he doesn't do the same for you," Mister Ildoo added, "Tell me. I'll beat some sense in that idiot."
"He is the most reliable person I know," Khan commented.
"Didn't Miss Wildon say something similar?" Mister Ildoo wondered. "Captain, is my son dating Madam Wildon's daughter?"
"Sir, I consider your family an ally," Khan showed a shameless smile, "But my loyalty is with George."
"I see," Mister Ildoo stated. "I should prepare for a political incident. It's better to avoid having the Wildon family as an enemy."
Khan couldn't refrain from laughing at that joke. Michael seemed to get his son, and it felt nice to joke about him. As for that isolated drink, Khan guessed that Michael wanted to speak openly for a bit.
The glasses became empty after Mister Ildoo's last joke, and a few words to the barman made a waiter arrive. Khan and Mister Ildoo returned to the landing area and split to head to different rides.
Khan, Monica, Anita, and George heaved a tired sigh when they found themselves inside the privacy of their ride. The dinner didn't last long, but the exhaustion caused by those political events was hard to bear, especially when it involved their families.
'That wasn't too bad,' Khan thought when he reviewed everything that had happened.
The dinner didn't change anything in Khan's situation, and Madam Wildon had been quite annoying. Yet, he had reached a silent understanding with Mister Ildoo, which was enough for him. Also, he had completed another mandatory political event, which made him feel lighter.
Still, one person in the vehicle didn't share Khan's feelings, and the symphony soon made him aware of that. He lowered his gaze only to find Anita looking at the floor. She appeared spent, and a sob put panic into her eyes.
"I'm sorry!" Anita gasped, but a second sob arrived and forced her to cover her mouth. Yet, that didn't hide the tears falling from her eyes. She didn't want to have that outburst, but her body had a different opinion.
"I didn't mean to-," Anita tried to say, but it was too late. She began to cry, and George supported her with a hug. Khan could only show a complicated smile when Monica looked at him before she also reached for Anita.
'It was bad for her,' Khan realized in front of that sad scene. 'Descendants sure have it hard.'
Expectations, political pressure, and competition could crush the descendants under their weight. That probably wasn't the first time Anita had cried due to her mother's treatment, and it surely wouldn't be the last.
Khan pitied Anita but didn't move from his seat. George and Monica were enough to comfort her, and he didn't know her well enough to join them. Still, his thoughts wandered, forcing him to grasp the sad truth of that environment.
In a different situation, Monica, George, and even Khan would have sacrificed part of their goals to help Anita. However, they all had problems that pointed in the same direction.
Monica would be in Anita's place if she didn't do well in the tests or other political matters. George needed good scores too to please his family, and Khan was in a similar situation for multiple reasons.
Entering the top five meant that someone else couldn't get those spots. That was the nature of the competition every descendant was forced to face. Khan would love it if he and his friends were to claim them, but reality didn't work like that, and he couldn't think about others when things were already so hard on him.
Anita calmed down during the flight back to the second district. She was actually fine. Her sadness had just been overwhelming for a few minutes. Still, her tears were dry by the time the group entered Khan's flat.
"I'm so sorry for earlier," Anita exclaimed as the group crossed the elevator room.
"Parents get to all of us from time to time," George reassured.
"We know how you feel," Monica added.
"Thank you," Anita said as a smile bloomed on her face. She was still in George's arms, and genuine happiness shone in her eyes when she looked at him and Monica.
"Monica," Khan called once that happy moment ended. He tried to be silent, but everyone ended up turning toward him.
"Right," Monica heaved a worried sigh. "Promise me you'll be careful."
"I will," Khan promised, welcoming Monica into his hug. "Are you okay here?"
"Yes, I'll take care of her," Monica muttered. "Focus on yourself now."
"I'll be fine," Khan reassured, searching for Monica's face to lift it toward him. "I'll see you in a bit."
"Kiss," Monica requested, and Khan complied. He even added a "love you" before returning inside the elevator.
"He can't take a break," George commented once the elevator's doors closed.
Monica wanted to add another comment but found Anita staring at her when she turned. That reaction had nothing to do with the previous outburst. Instead, it expressed only shock.
"Monica?" Anita spoke before Monica could question her. "Did I hear him right?"
Monica initially didn't realize what Anita meant, but understanding soon arrived. Anita had yet to learn how far Monica's relationship had advanced, but that instance was self-explanatory.
"We have been together for months already," Monica explained while playing with her curls, "And we have grown quite close."
Anita gasped and left George's hug to reach for Monica's hands. The matter was serious, and Monica's shy behavior highlighted how important that was to her.
"Are you two that serious?" Anita whispered.
Monica couldn't find the words to answer, so she limited herself to a nod. The gesture made Anita gasp again, and excitement soon followed.
"Girl, we have to talk," Anita giggled before pulling Monica deeper into the flat.
George couldn't say anything at that scene. He only sighed when he remained alone. Everything pointed toward a lonely night, but Anita didn't let him down.
"George, aren't you coming?" Anita called, and George couldn't help but feel happy. He hurried toward his girlfriend, making a single stop to seize one of Khan's bottles.
.
.
.
Excitement filled Khan's mind, but he did his best to focus on the contents of his phone. A car was bringing him to the hangars, which were quite distant from the second district, and he used that time to review the general diplomacy's notes.
An almost empty hangar unfolded in Khan's vision when the car dropped him off, but he followed the symphony to find a group of soldiers. The latter were surprised to meet him at such a late hour, and that feeling intensified when he showed him his permits.
"Sir, these are the available ships," One of the soldiers explained after bringing Khan in front of three vehicles. "They all have limitations, but their tanks are full, so you can set off immediately."
Khan's options were far from ideal. He had to choose among a fat ship, a small hovering car modified for short trips in space, and a triangular vehicle with barely any comfort.
Of course, Khan wouldn't be picky in that situation. He also knew those vehicles' specifics, so he opted for the triangular ship since it had a higher speed limit.
"Sir, I must remind you-," The soldier tried to go through formal warnings, but Khan was too excited to let him finish.
"Warn the control tower about my departure," Khan ordered. "Is the operating system ready to receive me?"
"Well, yes, sir," The soldier stammered.
"Good," Khan exclaimed. "I'm going in."
The soldier's eyes widened in panic, but his companions shook their heads when he tried to speak again. Khan's authority was overwhelming in that place, so no one dared to go against his wishes.
Khan showed his phone to the ship before placing his hand on its grey surface. The vehicle recognized his genetic signature and permits, and its canopy opened. In a couple of jumps, Khan found himself in the pilot's seat, and his fingers immediately went on the control desk to start the engine.
"The vehicle is not cleared for set off," The ship's mechanical voice warned when Khan tried to start the engine.
'Come on,' Khan cursed before peeking past the open canopy to glare at the stunned soldiers. They were still there, but Khan's gesture made them hurry to contact the central tower.
Khan almost counted the seconds as he waited for the authorization to arrive, and his eyes lit up when the control desk turned azure. He quickly handled the last necessary commands and made the canopy close before giving an order to the autopilot. "Take me out."
The set-off started once the autopilot confirmed the order, and a smile broadened on Khan's face. He was finally making his first solo flight, and his excitement was bursting.
The slow and mandatory departure of the autopilot felt like a punishment. Seconds lasted for entire minutes in Khan's mind as the ship flew through specific channels to leave the hangars and arrive in the open.
'Finally!' Khan thought as soon as the ship left the transparent dome and the autopilot took the backseat.
The eleven flights with Lieutenant Shurpard had filled Khan with confidence. He grabbed the steering wheel and pushed it down as hard as possible to make the ship accelerate at full force.
The sudden acceleration slammed Khan's back on the seat, but he only laughed and descended toward the surface to make the flight more exciting. The moon's rocky ground soon filled his vision and sensors, and he dived straight into a crater to test the ship's limits.
"Warning, approaching top speed," The ship's mechanical voice declared while Khan climbed out of the crater and headed for a nearby mountain.
"Fuck you!" Khan laughed, accelerating even more to reach that top speed.
A reckless flight unfolded. Khan vented all the pressure accumulated in the last period through dangerous maneuvers and loud laughs no one could hear. He was having genuine fun, but the ship's limitations eventually got in his way.
"Approaching tank's critical level," The ship warned. "Crossing it will engage the autopilot."
"I know, I know," Khan cursed before pulling up the scanners. The moon had a suitable landing spot nearby, and he reached it without crossing the tank's limit.
'Now,' Khan thought once the ship stopped. He gazed at the darkness past the canopy and took a deep breath. He was about to do something hazardous, but his curiosity was impossible to quell.
Mana left Khan's body and covered every inch of his body. He cut his connection to the outside world before forcing that membrane to shake. The barrier grew warm, but Khan waited until his energy became almost scorching.
'That's one,' Khan thought and rechecked his non-elemental spell before moving to the following matter.
"Open the canopy," Khan ordered.
"The procedure is forbidden," The ship responded.
"Overrule limitation," Khan continued. "Authorized by Captain Khan."
"Processing," The ship stated. "Captain Khan doesn't have the necessary clearance to remove canopy limitations."
"Overrule limitation," Khan tried one last time. "Authorized by Headmistress Leticia Holwen."
"Processing," The ship repeated, but the process took far longer. Khan almost had to wait an entire minute before the vehicle spoke again. "Canopy limitations removed."
"Open the canopy," Khan ordered as more mana came out of his body and created a second barrier around his head.
"Depressurizing cabin," The ship said as whooshing noises enveloped Khan. "Opening the canopy."
Utter silence unfolded as soon as the canopy opened. Khan watched the dark glass rising but soon closed his eyes to keep track of his raging curiosity. That feeling almost threatened his spell's stability, and he couldn't be reckless about them.
After checking everything, Khan reopened his eyes and unfastened his belt. Putting strength in his legs quickly revealed the lighter gravity, and that slight push almost sent him out of the cabin.
Khan took things slowly. He waved his arms and bent his legs to get used to the different gravity before carefully stepping out of the cabin. He realized he had stopped breathing when he stepped on the ship's tip, and a laugh tried to escape his mouth.
'Come on,' Khan forced himself to calm down. 'I know the technique works.'
Khan took a careful breath. The membrane around his head shrunk, but the gesture worked. He could breathe in open space, even if only for a few minutes.
'That's two,' Khan thought before lightly pushing himself to his left. The gesture generated a jump that made him cross the ship and slowly land on the moon's surface.
'Wow,' Khan exclaimed in his mind as his mana blew away the sand accumulated on the rocky surface. He was walking on a moon, and the experience felt unreal.
Khan forced himself to lift his gaze. He had limited time, and each second mattered, so he put strength into his legs to perform a real jump.
The gesture pushed Khan far above his initial calculations. He rose for tens of meters, and the ship grew smaller in his eyes. However, he didn't panic and released flares of mana from his shoulders.
The mana made Khan stop rising and pushed him down once his momentum dispersed. That lighter gravity didn't allow him to fly freely but was enough to test his control, and he met his high expectations.
Khan released flares of mana from his sides, shoulders, and feet, obtaining the desired effects. Without gravity, that energy would give him complete control over his movements. Yet, on that moon, he eventually returned to the surface.
'That's three,' Khan exclaimed in his mind before checking the state of his membrane. 'I should have another minute.'
Khan could test his techniques again, but one minute barely counted as training. He didn't want to spend those valuable seconds like that, and the ship's tip ultimately claimed his attention.
A weak jump brought Khan back on the ship, and he walked on its surface until he reached its tip. There wasn't much space there, but Khan still sat down and crossed his legs.
The universe filled Khan's vision and made his thoughts wander. He almost couldn't believe to have reached a similar point. Three years ago, he was nothing more than a boy from the Slums. Yet, now, even space couldn't reject his presence.
