The serious conversation didn't bring any monumental change to the couple's relationship. Even the most diehard fans wouldn't notice anything odd.
Khan and Monica also behaved normally in their privacy. Still, complicit looks happened, often leading to long hugs and entangled fingers.
Neither Khan nor Monica spoke about it openly, but both knew that a new door had opened. Something bigger than their relationship had come into play. The idea of striving toward a family had appeared, and being aware of it gave birth to random sweet moments.
The couple didn't have the chance to get used to that new state since a trip awaited them exactly one day after the serious conversation. Many reporters welcomed Khan and Monica when they left their building early in the morning, but Andrew had already contacted enough soldiers to keep them at bay.
The soldiers turned out to be unnecessary. The crowd of reporters behaved impeccably and limited itself to snapping pictures. A few even shot timid and questioning glances at Khan as if asking for his permission, which he granted through smiling nods.
The reporters' presence wasn't random. Khan and Monica had leaked the news about their trip and prepared accordingly to give the network more proof of their happy relationship. They had also dressed for the occasion, creating a scene bound to earn them the envy of the entire Global Army.
Khan was donning a black shirt that highlighted his defined figure. His elegant blue pants perfectly matched his newly cut hair, and a black sheath with his knife kept them tight to his waist.
Meanwhile, Monica had gone for a loose purple pullover that partially hid her black skirt. The latter left her bare knees exposed, but black boots covered the rest of her legs.
That attire was quite modest, especially on Monica's side, but no less enchanting. The scene showed how good the couple looked with slightly casual clothes, making the reporters yearn for the time when they would wear something more elegant.
Monica clung to Khan's elbow while walking toward the ride, and her eyes never left him. She didn't glance at the reporters even once while uttering soft jokes and happy comments. As for Khan, he laughed and met her gaze but occasionally addressed Andrew and the crowd through nods.
That behavior was partially planned. Monica wanted Khan to appear in charge of the situation and capable of taking care of her. She also loved his dependable side when applied to their relationship, making the short walk a double victory for her.
"Do you think we were too casual?" Monica wondered, pulling out her phone as soon as the couple sat inside their ride.
Khan didn't bother replying. He reached for the drawers under the seats to retrieve a bottle and two glasses, which he promptly filled. By then, Monica had opened the network, and pictures of their public appearance had already arrived.
"A brothel isn't the place for a dress," Khan commented, handing one glass to Monica. "You said that."
"But," Monica complained, seizing the glass while showing the phone to Khan, "Look at this picture! I knew I shouldn't have worn boots."
The picture on the screen merely depicted the couple, and Khan couldn't find anything wrong no matter how long he looked at it. Monica was as beautiful as ever, and her honest smile added a mesmerizing brightness to her whole figure.
"So?" Monica pressed on, searching for Khan's eyes. "Is it bad?"
Monica's paranoia came from her mother. She wanted to match her standards to protect her relationship, but Khan couldn't care less, especially since he couldn't see the issue.
"Shut up," Khan joked, placing a hand on Monica's exposed knee. "If your mother says anything, you've worn these boots for me."
Monica watched Khan's hand slipping under her skirt to grab her thigh. Khan went no further, but the gesture still made Monica put down her phone.
"I did wear them for you," Monica scoffed. "You stopped me from taking them off when I tried them last night."
"I was such a pure boy," Khan sighed, shaking his head while gazing at a random spot ahead. "I didn't even look at clothes before you came along."
Monica exploded into a laugh. That was the right moment to tease Khan, but she took his elbow and made a proud announcement. "That's my permanent mark on you."
"You did leave me one in the end," Khan exclaimed, smiling at the sight of Monica leaning on his shoulder.
"I need two more," Monica said. "That's what you promised after you stole my virtue."
"I didn't think it was worth so much," Khan shook his head, looking at a random spot before him again. "I should have enjoyed it more."
"Don't talk about our first time like that!" Monica snapped, pulling Khan's arm. "And what enjoyed more?! We did-!"
Monica halted her shouts since Khan's smile had filled her vision. He had fished for that reaction, and Monica could only scream in his arm to vent her annoyance.
"You know," Khan chuckled, leaning to his right to approach Monica's ear. "I can think of another mark that's already on me."
Khan didn't do it on purpose, but his grip on Monica's thigh tightened. She lifted her head, and her annoyance transformed into a complicit smile.
"You saw me wear underwear today," Monica reminded, "And it's not going down until we are back here. I don't have time to redo my hair."
"I know," Khan agreed, "But my hand stays there."
"You won't hear the end of it if it doesn't," Monica warned before leaning on Khan's shoulder again.
Khan and Monica spent the rest of the short trip mostly silent, drinking and exchanging occasional jokes. More reporters welcomed them once they reached one of the hangars, and soldiers picked them up among that sea of cameras and scanners.
The two safely reached one of the teleports, which brought them to a space station. The building mostly had hangars, and a few offered a specific service vital for the trip. The couple would fly to Lord Vegner's estate using Khan's ship, which the Harbor had already sent there.
After undergoing a few mandatory security measures, the couple set off, and Khan followed the route obtained through the tickets to reach his destination. The trip lasted a few hours without involving any planet, and Khan slowed down once the estate appeared in sight.
Space stations usually had relatively cylindrical shapes, with one or more rings around them to fulfill multiple functions. Instead, the House of Uncanny Pleasures was a rectangular block of metal shining with multiple banners that sent their light into the darkness of the universe.
The banners' light was so blinding that Khan had to activate screens on the canopy to bear them. Still, information reached his ship anyway, updating him about some of the weekly offers showcased on the estate's surface.
"That doesn't seem bad," Monica teased when an ad about four muscular strippers appeared on the control panel.
"Jenna's tits are bigger than yours," Khan coldly stated.
"That's playing dirty!" Monica complained, peeking past the pilot's seat.
"Cora also has-," Khan said before a pair of hands sealed his mouth.
"Okay, okay," Monica giggled. "I had my fun."
Khan groaned through Monica's hands but kept looking at the path to follow. He knew the trip could be fruitful, but the idea of bringing Monica to a male brothel still annoyed him.
"I have eyes only for my dear Captain," Monica reassured. "No man can match you, let alone enter my head."
Monica slowly retracted her hands, and Khan decided to remain silent. Yet, his glare at her was impossible to suppress so soon, and her smile broadened at that evident irritation.
"I love you so much," Monica laughed, hugging Khan from behind the seat. "Don't worry. If they look at me funny, I'll be the first to act."
"They won't," Khan promised. "They'd faint first."
Khan could relax around Monica, but his heavy presence returned when thinking about the possible problems inside the estate. His chilling mindset was so palpable that the temperature inside the ship fell. Monica clearly felt it, and her reasonable side told her to calm Khan down. However, she liked that version of him too much to say anything.
The tickets led the ship on a precise path toward the estate's upper floors. Khan couldn't see much from the canopy, but the scanners revealed more of the building's features. The place's lower side was filled with engines of various sizes, effectively turning it into a rectangular vehicle.
That shape wasn't ideal for a ship, but being in the middle of space helped. Also, Khan could see the engines mostly worked to keep the estate in its place, turning it into a stationary object immersed in empty darkness.
The inspection couldn't last long since Khan quickly reached the appointed spot before the estate. The banner in front of him went dark as the metal surface moved to create an opening, and Khan brought the ship inside it once the control desk cleared him.
The new room was an empty hangar booked for the couple, and Khan landed the ship while the pressurizing process unfolded. Soon, another message reached the control desk, and Khan unlocked the canopy to begin the tour.
Khan jumped out of the ship, slowing his descent through graceful steps. Meanwhile, a metal staircase stretched from the canopy, and Monica trod it until Khan could take her hand for the last part.
As soon as both Khan and Monica stepped on the hangar's floor, a door in the distance opened, and a crew of ten waiters came out. They were all tall, muscular, and handsome men, and their attire added fuel to Khan's heavy presence.
The men were basically naked, wearing only shoes and thongs. Their skin also reflected the hangar's dim white light, showing the presence of oils or other liquids that highlighted their muscles.
Most waiters were empty-handed and formed a line alongside the door's wall. Instead, the only man with a tray stepped forward, approaching Khan and Monica.
Monica gazed at Khan on purpose, but her gesture was superfluous. The waiter walked with his head lowered, and no amount of strength could make him lift it. He felt unable to breathe as soon as he even considered doing that.
The tray had two drinks, and the waiters seized one when he reached Khan and Monica. At that point, he began lifting his head, but his gaze never went over Monica. He only looked at Khan, handing him the drink before looking at the floor again.
"May I offer Miss Solodrey this drink?" The waiter asked before loudly gulping. He was only a first-level warrior, so Khan's pressure was almost unbearable for him.
"No," Khan replied, handing his drink to Monica before seizing the other on the tray.
Monica was all smiles during the scene and pulled Khan's arm to make him lean toward her once the waiter departed.
"You need to get one of those," Monica joked, nodding toward the man's thong.
"The universe is punishing me," Khan uttered, glaring at the row of waiters, who kept their heads down.
"Is it?" Monica wondered, seizing Khan's elbow and half-turning to show him her figure. "Is this a punishment?"
Khan rolled his eyes but didn't answer. He hid his face behind the drink, and Monica softly laughed while clinging to his arm. She was so close he could feel her ribs and chest, and anyone looking at them would notice that.
The couple didn't have time for more games since another door opened, and a happy, big figure stepped out. Khan and Monica recognized Lord Vegner, who had gotten fatter since their last meeting, even if his nice black suit did its best to hide that.
"My spending guests!" Lord Vegner announced, his chubby and harmless face showing pure ecstasy. "Captain Khan, I dreamed about our next encounter. Miss Solodrey, enchanting as always."
Lord Vegner limited himself to his clumsy bow, and Khan and Monica replied accordingly. Smiles appeared on the trio's faces once they lifted their heads, and Lord Vegner quickly seized the initiative.
"Captain, I told you my eyes don't lie," Lord Vegner praised. "Reading about your exploits makes me cheer louder for you."
"You were indeed right," Khan exclaimed without showing any humbleness.
"And you, Miss Solodrey," Lord Vegner continued. "I had a hunch, but the truth couldn't have been more beautiful. I never had a chance, did I?"
"You didn't," Monica smiled. "I apologize for lying."
"Please, don't," Lord Vegner shook his head and lifted his palm. "I understand your reasons, and I bet Captain Khan was worth the trouble."
"Obviously," Monica proudly announced, looking at Khan. "I couldn't stay still before the best man in the Global Army."
"Indeed," Lord Vegner agreed. "I wish you two nothing but happiness."
"Thank you," Khan and Monica said simultaneously before exchanging a meaningful glance. Thinking about future happiness inevitably brought back their past conversation, creating a sweet moment.
"What a wonderful sight," Lord Vegner couldn't help but praise. "Please, allow me to escort you through my humble manor. It's the least I can do when you take the time to visit me."
Khan and Monica didn't add anything and let Lord Vegner escort them into deeper parts of the building. They crossed one of the hangar's many doors, ending up in a simple corridor that quickly led them into the estate's main attractions.
The couple found themselves in a vast corridor featuring glass surfaces on both sides. Those windows granted a perfect view of the lower floor, which consisted of a dining area with explicit spectacles on both sides.
The dining area mostly had armchairs with a few tables. All the guests on them wore masks that partially or completely hid their faces, and the spectacles did a perfect job at retaining their attention.
Male waiters wearing the same thongs as before or fishnets roamed among the tables, delivering drinks and refreshments. Their basically naked attire often earned them slaps on their butts or thighs, with some guests even pulling them on their laps.
As for the spectacles, both stages had a series of strippers dancing around metal poles or displaying other sensual performances. Loud music even resounded through the glass, allowing the couple to hear occasional cheers.
"This is more of a common area," Lord Vegner proudly explained, "But that doesn't say anything about the quality of my boys. My estates only have the best of the best."
Khan couldn't claim to be interested in that sort of performance, and Monica limited herself to teasing glances that didn't need additional explanations. She didn't care about the strippers either, but imagining Khan doing spectacles for her brightened her smile.
The following corridor featured the same environment, but the spectacles below had changed in nature. The strippers now wore leather clothes with animal masks, tails, and whips. The scene had gotten kinkier, which turned out to be a trend in the estate.
The halls on the lower floors grew kinkier and kinkier as Lord Vegner showed more of the estate. At times, Khan and Monica even spotted guests having sex on the armchairs or busy with similarly inappropriate acts.
After crossing five halls, the environment changed. The lower floors began to host glass-like cylindrical containers with strippers dancing inside. Guests stood around them, chatting and drinking, with a few eventually requesting the services of the men up for sale.
Khan and Monica left that corridor when a guest dragged one of the strippers into the isolated rooms alongside the hall, and the following areas featured similar scenes. Actually, that practice became more common deeper inside the building.
Gradually, the number of cylindrical containers shortened, and the rooms grew bigger. Khan and Monica even saw groups of four or five entering those isolated environments with a single stripper. They both knew what would happen, but neither spoke about it.
"These areas are for my best stars," Lord Vegner eventually commented once the halls began to feature only a couple of strippers. "Captain, I would have built one only for you."
"He would have deserved the entire estate," Monica commented.
"We are on the same page, Miss Solodrey," Lord Vegner agreed, peeking past his shoulder to look at the couple. "Any chance you can lend him to me a few nights?"
"I'll have all your establishments shut down in a day if you ask that again," Monica said through a clearly fake smile.
"Forget I ever said anything," Lord Vegner cleared his throat, focusing on completing the tour.
After a few more halls, the environment changed again. The corridor lost its glass-like surface and expanded, creating enough space for the many transparent containers alongside its walls. Metal labels with descriptions accompanied them, and a few waiters checked that everything was clean and working.
"Welcome to part of my collection," Lord Vegner announced, spreading his arms. "I admit I teleported a few items here to make this tour less boring. I'm sure you'll appreciate them."
Lord Vegner inevitably stirred the couple's curiosity, which went along with his long and comprehensive exposition of each showcased item. Khan and Monica had seen most of them on the catalog on the network, but Lord Vegner slowly managed to taint them with his excitement.
The chubby man could make the simplest outdated weapon appear priceless. Each of his words carried his boundless passion, which only intensified as the group moved to more valuable pieces.
Monica took care of entertaining some of Lord Vegner's occasional questions. Meanwhile, Khan limited himself to a silent inspection. He had no interest in those items, especially since the glass cut off his senses, but a few descriptions kept him engaged enough to muster a simple smile.
"There we are," Lord Vegner exclaimed once the group reached a small display case featuring a damaged knife. The item had a descriptive metal label, but neither Khan nor Monica needed to read it.
"Captain, I must say," Lord Vegner continued, facing the couple. "I gave up on selling it for now. I'm waiting to have the full collection."
Lord Vegner didn't hold back from eyeing Khan's sheath, which he had worn on purpose. Khan could use it as a currency if the opportunity arrived, and that gesture gave him hope.
"I still have use for this knife," Khan declared, patting his sheath. "However, if I ever plan to sell it, you are on top of my list, Lord Vegner."
"And I wouldn't dare to use your kindness to save Credits," Lord Vegner promised. "Anyhow, is that the knife that slew the fourth-level warrior?"
"It is," Khan confirmed. The news was in the open anyway, so there was no point denying it.
"Was the warrior a Thilku?" Lord Vegner questioned.
"That will remain a secret," Khan stated.
"Miss Solodrey," Lord Vegner didn't give up. "Do you mind helping a poor collector?"
"Lord Vegner," Monica unleashed her elegant smile, but her voice grew colder, "My fiancé has been more than clear."
"Fiancé?" Lord Vegner gasped.
"My apologies," Monica promptly corrected herself. "We aren't engaged yet. Sometimes I get ahead of myself."
Lord Vegner didn't dare to withdraw his smile but understood that Monica had chosen to say those words. Yet, her intentions were unclear. Lord Vegner could only accept to hold back eventual jokes.
Khan could add a joke to ease the atmosphere, but his intense eyes didn't waver. He completely trusted Monica's political moves and would support her even if she snapped. They were together in everything, and his unreasonable sides worked for her decisions, too.
"What else do you have for us?" Khan eventually spoke, and Lord Vegner didn't hesitate to continue the tour.
The items grew more interesting. Corpses of mutated creatures began to appear, and Khan finally saw part of his curiosity fulfilled. He wished to feel them directly, but the situation didn't allow him to ask that favor.
Some corpses even featured the same blue color as Khan's hair, marking their connection to the Nak. Still, the descriptive labels and Lord Vegner's exposition hinted at seventh and higher generations of Tainted animals, which couldn't have many clues about the Nak's current location.
Everything culminated in something rumored on the network. Three small display cases containing spherical objects stood at the end of the collection, and Khan immediately recognized them. After all, he had found one in the Slums.
"Nak's cores," Khan exclaimed.
"Indeed," Lord Vegner confirmed. "They aren't intact but work perfectly as pieces for my collection."
"Did the Global Army ever request to inspect them?" Khan wondered. "Organic cores are valuable."
"I pay the right people to keep the bad people away," Lord Vegner revealed, uncaring of the illegal nature of that action.
"Is it possible to know where you found them?" Khan asked.
"I heard you are searching for the Nak, Captain," Lord Vegner stated. "I'm sorry to say that my sources don't know anything about that."
"I'd still like to question them myself," Khan insisted, his presence growing heavier.
"Captain," Lord Vegner sighed. "I do have the greatest admiration for you. However, I promise that my sources can't help you."
Khan didn't really accept that. The Nak had disappeared for centuries, but pinpointing every location marked by their mana could create a history of their travels, eventually leading to the star system in his nightmares.
"If I may," Lord Vegner continued, "Why don't you ask among your superiors or other esteemed figures? I'm more than certain many would be willing to help."
"Figures like Raymond Cobsend?" Khan questioned, his tone inevitably growing colder.
"Of course," Lord Vegner replied in his usual innocent and harmless voice. "Mister Cobsend is very knowledgeable in mutations, and many share his interests."
Monica tightened her grip on Khan's elbow, but the gesture was superfluous. He wasn't about to lose his cool. He simply didn't want to involve Raymond in his life ever again.
"And what's the price of these esteemed figures?" Khan asked, focusing on the mana cores in the display cases.
"Why would they ask for that?" Lord Vegner asked, confused. "I already told you, Captain. You have many friends in the Global Army, and their number increases every day."
"We don't consider friends those interested in his status," Monica intervened since she thought her family was to blame.
"I was speaking about Captain Khan's mutations," Lord Vegner explained. "He embraced the Nak's mana seamlessly. Many believe he can be humankind's next evolutionary step."
