As days passed, the random and occasional trips through the forest became more frequent. Khan simply wanted to kill time and distract himself from the mess in his head, but his actions had repercussions that reached the ship.
"They are here again," Randall commented, peeking at the screen beside him.
"It seems the Major garnered even more fans," Amy giggled.
"We aren't exactly hiding here," Khan sighed, tapping on his console to review the latest reports.
"We should include in the encrypted messages that a cult is possible," Randall announced.
"I'm not playing religious leader," Khan refused.
"Though unifying the tribes shouldn't be a problem," Celeste exclaimed. "You can probably pacify the area."
"Maybe in the future," Khan uttered, glancing at the scanners' screens. "Things are too messy now."
The scanners clearly showed a crowd of Scalqa studying the ship from the forest's edge. No one carried weapons, and their faces showed curiosity rather than hostility.
That scene had become quite common in the previous days. Khan's relevance in the forest grew as he piled up night trips, and it didn't take long for the Scalqa to find him. Many aliens wanted to see the legend with their own eyes, ultimately leading to the current situation.
Of course, the Scalqa didn't come to the ship only because of stories. Many aliens among the crowd were people Khan had saved during the hunts. He didn't even seize their prey, so the general gratitude stretched to the entire tribes.
"It's still a sight," Randall announced, also focusing on the screen. "These mostly are nomadic tribes. Before our arrival, they would have never stayed put in the same place."
"They probably deemed in-fighting pointless in the Major's presence," Amy guessed. "I don't blame them. He's been feeding them for days."
"I don't go out every night," Khan pointed out, "And I've even stopped helping those who could win by themselves."
"The ship's logs tell us exactly how often you go out, sir," Celeste revealed. "We just have to check our shrinking stash of booze."
"I already assigned part of it to the tradeable goods," Randall explained, "And hid it among the weapons."
"I don't drink that much," Khan exclaimed, but Celeste and Randall shot knowing glances that said otherwise. Even Amy couldn't find the strength to defend him on that topic.
"I hope it lasts until the mission is over," Khan cursed, bringing his attention back to his console and ignoring the faint chuckles resounding through the main deck.
The atmosphere inside the ship had greatly improved since the drinking session. Everyone felt able to crack jokes now, even when Khan was involved. The various teammates weren't proper friends, but their relationship had gotten one step above acquaintances.
That was unexpected but great. The relaxed atmosphere and the absence of apparent issues in the mission created smooth days without discussions and similar problems. Everything was going well, better than any could predict, and the team planned to keep things like that.
"It's almost midday," Randall eventually revealed. "What's the plan for today?"
"We agreed on delaying trading weapons," Amy responded. "So, more supplies."
"I wonder if we should do something about this crowd," Randall sighed. "The Major can fly, so it's not a problem. However, Amy might have to start taking a different route to the settlement."
"Maybe the Major can fly while carrying me," Amy teased.
"You are playing with fire," Khan sighed.
"How amusing," Celeste commented. "The sole mention of Miss Solodrey's jealousy is enough to make you shake in fear."
"Blissful ignorance," Khan shook his head. "Don't ask for my help once we are back. I did warn you."
Another round of laughs resounded through the main deck, but Khan, Randall, and Amy soon began focusing on the issue at hand. That day, Khan and Amy had yet to visit the Bone Tribe's settlement, but the curious crowd was in the way.
'Maybe I should get them in line,' Khan thought. 'I didn't expect so many to gather here.'
Khan didn't know how to take the development. His actions were easy enough to avoid giving birth to pride. Yet, the positive consequences were undeniable. He could build a fifty-Scalqa-strong force with a single move, and that number was bound to increase.
Calculations happened inside Khan's mind. He had gotten a broadly accurate understanding of the forest's resources in the past period, and the Harbor had taught him suitable subjects. He could probably build a force by unifying all the tribes, but many would starve without his help.
'I don't even know if my presence alone can quell past enmities,' Khan considered. 'Why am I even thinking about this? The Scalqa aren't exactly my type of alien.'
Khan was correct in his thinking, but the memory of the mental trip acted as a constant reminder of the potential universal threat. He didn't know when or why it would come, but something told him he was vastly outclassed.
'But why would other species follow me?' Khan wondered. 'It's not like my story is easily believable.'
Problems existed on many levels, and Khan also knew his freedom would greatly suffer once he returned to the Harbor. He wouldn't have the time or room to build a secret force. Instead, he would attract unwanted attention and receive endless questioning from his superiors.
'Is the Solodrey family my best bet?' Khan thought. 'They have the means, and Monica will be able to support me as much as she wants once she becomes Matriarch. Still, do I have enough time for that?'
Those doubts couldn't have clear answers. It was simply impossible to predict when and whether that universal threat would occur. Moreover, Khan didn't believe he was up to the task yet, so investing time into building a force might have adverse effects.
'It's always my power first, huh,' Khan cursed, inspecting his hands. 'I wish I knew what I'm becoming, at least.'
Khan's eyes tried to light up, but he suppressed the urge. It was happening more often, almost hinting at the path his body was crossing. Maybe, he would become unable to darken his irises in the future.
That outcome wasn't really a problem, especially for Khan. He had stopped caring about the changes in his body as long as his power increased. Actually, that possibility brought some cozy coldness to his mind. Khan couldn't help but think he was becoming similar to the Niqols, which was far better than his Nak lineage.
Nevertheless, Khan wasn't alone. Monica would love him either way, and the same probably applied to his friends, but humankind as a whole couldn't directly agree. The more alien he became, the greater hindrances he would face, and some might interfere with his personal goals.
'Let's avoid turning into a full alien until Monica becomes Matriarch,' Khan concluded. 'The last thing I need is attracting enmity due to my looks.'
Khan stood up after that short brainstorming. It was time to visit the Bone Tribe, and Amy instantly left her seat when she noticed him. The same went for Zu-Gru, who had slept on the floor until now. As soon as he heard movement, he searched for Khan and hurried to his side.
Amy and Khan nodded to Celeste and Randall before heading for the exit. The two had repeated that routine so often that warnings and goodbyes had become obsolete. Yet, before the team could depart, one screen released a peculiar beeping noise, and everyone froze on their spot.
The main deck's door opened as Marcus and Kirk crossed it to look at the screen. The warning had reached their working stations, telling them what was happening. The shuttle in orbit had finally picked up something, and Randall didn't hesitate to attend to the matter.
Khan gestured to Zu-Gru to stay put before nearing the screen. Marcus, Kirk, and Amy did the same, gathering behind Randall. Even Celeste left her console to inspect the matter, and silence soon arrived as everyone read the report.
The team updated the shuttle's message as new findings emerged. The encrypted message basically contained everything the envoy had learned about Baoway and the Scalqa, including Khan's troublesome insights.
Those findings were too significant to be left to the political envoy, so the superiors' directives could have a massive impact on the mission. It could also force Khan to make a difficult decision, but the message contained nothing similar. However, it remained pretty shocking.
"Is it possible?" Randall asked, lifting his head to glance at Khan. Marcus and the others also shot questioning looks at him since he was the only one in a position to answer.
"I'm not sure," Khan admitted. "The current deal should allow it, but something of this caliber is bound to attract attention."
"Aiding with the current tasks," Amy read on the screen. "It's kind of vague."
"Maybe they'll also bring additional equipment," Marcus commented. "That can only be good."
"I wonder for what purposes," Celeste scoffed.
"Do you think they'll have different orders?" Randall wondered.
"I won't assume anything," Celeste shook her head. "This matter is beyond me."
"Yet, not beyond the Major," Amy stated, and the attention fell on Khan once again.
Khan wished to have answers, but the report left him as confused as his companions. The higher-ups had decided to send another team to Baoway, but the group would now feature a fifth-level warrior.
