Chaos' Heir-Chapter 1080: Cute

Khan didn't sleep at all. His mind was a mess the booze couldn't soothe, so rest wouldn't arrive anyway. Khan ended up meditating and performing safe training exercises on the floor until a notification reached the quarters' walls.

Captain Lochport had finally returned to Nott Station and had prepared a private room for the meeting, so Khan dressed up and left the habitation, finding a middle-aged man in the first level waiting for him.

The change in escort sounded reasonable after the previous night's performance, so Khan didn't think much of it. He didn't even question it and followed the middle-aged man to his destination. His passage attracted even more looks, but no one dared to linger too long in those stares, afraid to trigger more violent reactions.

The middle-aged man led Khan to a more private area of the space station, opening the way into a glorified office. The place was relatively big, with a long interactive table occupying its center. Multiple metal chairs surrounded it, showing its purpose as a meeting room.

Khan entered alone, and his eyes immediately fell on the middle-aged man with an afro-like hairstyle. Three stars stood on each of his shoulders, but his body looked slightly out of shape, and his stiff military salute highlighted that detail.

Khan had already seen Captain Lochport on the network, but his eyes soon moved to the interactive table. The middle-aged man had prepared a series of bottles and glasses, which Khan didn't hesitate to seize while occupying the chair usually intended for the most important person in the room.

"At ease, Captain Lochport," Khan said, making himself at home while pouring two drinks. "I won't take much of your time."

"You honor this humble space station and me with your presence, Prince Khan," Captain Lochport announced, breaking the military salute but remaining on his feet. "I hope I didn't offend you last night. We simply followed standard protocol when welcoming a man of your caliber."

Khan didn't really believe that lie but didn't care enough to call the Captain out.

"I'll pay for the damage," Khan reassured, pushing a full glass toward the Captain. "Sit now, Captain."

"I wouldn't dare t-," Captain Lochport began to refuse, but Khan lifted his eyes at him, and the chilling feeling that invaded him prevented any more air from escaping his throat.

Captain Lochport obediently sat, leaving a few seats empty between Khan and him but remaining relatively close. He stared at the glass for a few seconds before picking it up and gulping all the booze down in one sip.

"There's no need to be tense," Khan declared, calmly enjoying his booze. "I had my reasons for last night's unfortunate incident, but my request has nothing to do with it."

Captain Lochport didn't move and kept his head slightly lowered. He finally realized what Mary had talked about but still cursed in his mind. He couldn't understand how she could find something so terrifying appealing.

"However," Khan continued. "I know you have contained the news, going against my specific order. Why is that, Captain?"

Captain Lochport felt the pressure on him intensify. He sensed Khan's piercing gaze on him even without lifting his head and had to use all the strength his body wielded to reach for another bottle and refill his glass. Sadly, the Captain couldn't suppress the occasional tremors that ran through his hand and spilled some booze on the table.

Khan could push the Captain harder, but something felt wrong. He couldn't see malice or ploys in the middle-aged man's mana. The Captain actually looked somewhat pure and innocent, conflicting with his initial idea about that fancy welcome.

"If I may be so bold as to ask, Prince Khan," Captain Lochport said, grabbing the glass with both hands. "What's the nature of your request?"

Khan would typically admonish someone who tried to dodge his question, but the conflicting vibe didn't wane. He was missing something there, so he played along for now.

"I know Nott Station engages in criminal activities," Khan announced, "Or oversees them, at least. I must know which, where, how, and why they happen."

Captain Lochport gulped. Everyone knew about Nott Station's unique position and had theories about its activities, but having someone like Prince Khan mention them was beyond scary. Denying their existence would put Prince Khan on the warpath, and admitting them would give him all the political power he needed to take control of the structure.

Captain Lochport immediately felt cornered. He had talked big in his ship, but one look at Prince Khan updated him on his powerlessness. Nothing would work against him, so the Captain let the booze guide his actions.

The Captain abruptly gulped down the second drink before standing up and slamming his fists on the interactive desk. Firm resolve filled his face as he finally looked Khan in the eyes. That chilling glow made his legs weak, but his determination didn't wane.

"With all due respect, Prince Khan!" Captain Lochport shouted. "I won't let anyone take Nott Station away from me! I don't care that you are a Prince!"

Captain Lochport breathed heavily. His declaration had taken his everything, leaving him exhausted. As for Khan, he didn't know whether to laugh or blink in incredulity.

"I can have a better space station built and sent here in less than a year," Khan pointed out.

Captain Lochport froze for a second before his eyes widened in surprise. He didn't consider that point. Now that he thought about it, a Prince couldn't possibly want that small and old space station.

"Ah," Captain Lochport muttered. "I didn't think about it."

"Is someone trying to take Nott Station?" Khan wondered. "I was under the impression the Global Army sent soldiers here as a punishment."

"Yes, but …," Captain Lochport began to explain before recalling the proper etiquette, "Prince Khan, I worked here for ten years. Nott Station is my creature, and its crews are my family. I will do anything to continue protecting them."

"You'd refuse promotions, too?" Khan asked. "Just to remain here?"

"Nott Station is my home, Prince Khan," Captain Lochport declared. "It might look like a dead-end job on the outside, but it's my home."

Captain Lochport didn't know why he was revealing so much. Maybe it was the booze speaking, or perhaps he felt to have found something that might work with Prince Khan. In any case, the Captain would stop at nothing to preserve what he held dear.

"Aren't you cute?" Khan teased, chuckling, stunning Captain Lochport more than countless glares could achieve. Nothing could have prepared him for hearing the infamous Prince Khan laugh.

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