Cegnore was an isolated environment, but rumors still reached it. Many weren't privy about Neuria's recent events, but almost everyone knew that Khan had scored a spot in a political team featuring an Ambassador.
Rumors about other Captains would have struggled to echo that far, but Khan was unique, and he knew that. His fame gave value and weight to his claims and requests. Winston would have never taken him seriously without actual proof otherwise.
Khan's awareness of his status had given birth to his current attitude and behavior. That wasn't only the result of his fame, and his approach wasn't random either. He was choosing his words to get what he wanted as fast as possible.
The Nak also played a role in that choice. When Khan's main goal was involved, he found it easier to show a firmer and darker stance. He couldn't bother resorting to compromises and nice words when more straightforward options were available.
Moreover, Khan had spent a year dealing with wealthy descendants and people beyond his reach. The teams on Cegnore weren't even close to that political relevance. Khan could ignore pleasantries and etiquette without worrying about repercussions.
Winston didn't like the situation, but Khan was right. He could always reach for another scientist even if he didn't contact the Thilku. Winston knew for a fact that his boss would accept that deal, so closing it now was the only way to secure benefits for himself.
It didn't help that Winston had already shown interest in the topic. His decision to remain alone with Khan confirmed that the currency was valuable. Refusing the offer wouldn't grant better terms.
Truth be told, sharing classified information was no big deal, especially when far away from the Global Army's territory. Winston could program a device to erase its data after a single read in minutes. He wouldn't have to worry about leaving evidence of his crime.
The problems lay elsewhere. Khan would hold a lot of power over Winston if that deal happened. He would basically obtain permanent leverage that could become problematic outside of Cegnore.
"Bringing more enemies to the human trench is a dangerous business," Winston eventually announced, changing his tactic. "The Global Army would look for someone to blame if casualties happen."
"And you would bring up my name in that instance?" Khan wondered.
"If the situation requires it," Winston smiled, believing to have found a weak spot in the deal. "I'm simply looking out for myself."
"I wonder," Khan continued. "What would you tell the Global Army about me?"
"I," Winston exclaimed, but his confidence waned right after the first word. He actually didn't know what Khan's methods involved.
"You should start with the alien arts," Khan whispered, almost mocking the scientist.
"Right!" Winston stated, clearing his throat. "Your alien arts did… They did…"
Khan appeared eager to hear Winston's explanation, but the silence that followed only made it harder for him to come up with something. Winston's mind was blank. He couldn't even invent a lie under Khan's amused gaze.
"The Global Army doesn't understand half of what I do," Khan declared, "And I'm being humble. Just give up and stop wasting my time."
Winston experienced a deep sense of defeat. Khan had no openings. No matter how Winston tackled the conversation, he couldn't get on top.
The defeat put Winston before two options. He could leave, avoiding risks and forgetting that the conversation had ever happened, or accept and try to establish favorable terms that could help his career.
Khan didn't need to wait for Winston's answer to understand his stance. The scientist's mana had shown greed ever since the initial offer, and that feeling always won.
"My superior never learns about this," Winston declared once he completely gave in. "Our deal never leaves this room."
"Of course," Khan promised.
"And," Winston continued, "My superior has priority over eventual findings. I need the guinea pigs to arrive when I'm alone on duty. I won't get priority otherwise."
"Give me your working schedule," Khan replied, "And I'll try to stick to it."
Winston gulped. His requests were over, and Khan didn't even flinch hearing them. His confidence was almost scary, especially considering what his plan involved.
"I also need another thing," Khan exclaimed since Winston didn't add anything. "The scientific department can refuse trips outside or directly enforce lockdowns. That must never apply to me."
"Captain, this planet-," Winston protested, but Khan didn't give him the time to finish.
"You don't need to know what I plan to do outside," Khan stated, "But I can promise I won't cross the agreed boundaries."
Khan was speaking the truth. For now, he wanted to keep things relatively legal. He would resort to reckless and criminal actions only if he ran out of options.
Winston studied Khan's face but eventually accepted that he was speaking the truth. The deal was happening. He only had to add a few last words to seal it. "We have an agreement then."
Khan nodded, seemingly losing interest in the matter. That reaction almost made Winston stand up on the spot, but Khan suddenly added something else.
"There's something I don't understand," Khan announced, fixing his eyes on Winston again. "I know your report will involve the topic, but I'd like to hear your opinion first."
"Which topic, Captain?" Winston asked, resorting to politeness again. There was no need to avoid etiquette now that the two had reached an agreement.
"The Thilku who switched sides after being infected," Khan explained. "How did that happen? I only heard rumors."
"That's," Winston's first instinct was to postpone that explanation, but the deal was already in place, so refusing the request felt pointless. "The mutations don't only affect the body. The mind also changes."
"I know they start hearing voices," Khan pressed on. "Some described it as a calling."
Winston didn't hide his surprise before Khan's knowledge. That was a lot for someone who had just gotten to Cegnore. However, one look at his blue hair cleared eventual doubts.
"That's not inaccurate," Winston replied, lowering his gaze to sort out his thoughts. "Captain, have you ever witnessed mind control?"
Khan's eyes flickered as old memories from Nitis resurfaced. He had seen something similar. That event had started a mess that had followed him to Milia 222.
"I did," Khan revealed. "Mana can come in incredible and scary forms."
"That it can," Winston sighed. "The Thilku have been cryptic about that topic, but we deduced that the mutation took over their minds. We have more hypotheses too, but it's hard to confirm them without proof."
"What hypotheses?" Khan questioned.
"Who controls the mutations?" Winston wondered. "Who controls the mutated specimens? Did the illness develop a will? Are the natives in control? Are they a hive-mind, or do they retain free will?"
Winston's questions confirmed that Khan had made the right move. Seeing that the scientific team was exploring the same doubts that afflicted his mind reassured him and added fuel to his enthusiasm. Khan could add insights into the topic but chose to remain silent.
"I'm sure your report will expand on those questions," Khan said.
"I'm no liar nor slacker," Winston snorted. "I reached my current position through efforts alone. I agreed to your conditions, so I won't hold back my expertise."
"I'm glad to hear that," Khan uttered.
"Can I take my leave now?" Winston asked. "Lingering here will only create suspicions."
"Of course," Khan exclaimed, standing up and showing his hand. "I'm sure our cooperation will be fruitful, Mister Wulfo."
"I hope so, Captain Khan," Winston stated, standing up and shaking Khan's hand.
The friendly gesture lasted only a second, and Khan escorted Winston outside afterward. He even sealed his door to avoid eventual probing questions from onlookers, but his day didn't end there.
Khan waited a whole half an hour before leaving his office and rushing toward the building's main gate. The guards before the exit were surprised to find someone willing to leave during the day, but refusing Khan was impossible. He had the clearance to go out in the end.
After a lengthy security check, Khan finally stepped outside the building and found himself in the barren plain again. The soldiers had given him a device that could keep track of his position, and he carried it with him as he flew toward a random location south.
The building had scanners, and Khan didn't know their range. Still, there was a limit to how far he could go, so he flew toward the farthest edges of the human area before landing in a suitable spot.
Khan inspected his surroundings after landing. He was in another barren plain, but the human building was nowhere near. The device also confirmed how much distance he had put from it, which reassured him. Khan could focus on his training without worrying about prying eyes there.
'Mind control,' Khan couldn't help but think about Winston's words as he left the tracking device on the ground. 'I didn't consider that.'
Khan's thoughts remained on the topic as he flew away, putting some distance from the tracking device. He was fine with the building knowing his position, but his training could destroy that piece of equipment, and he wanted to avoid the rescue party.
