1. Chapter 1: Bend

**So exciting! The launch of my Khan story, as promised. This was super fun to write, in a dark and twisted sense. Of course the story is still in Beta mode as I update so please bare with me if I take like a week off to write up new chapters. Anyway, have fun! Hope you guys enjoy it :) **

**xx**

**SSC**

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**_"Laws are made not to be broken._**  
**_ They are made to curb our savagery." _**  
**_ ― Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity_**

Khan had a strikingly known portfolio of a chastised ruler. He could see the cautious way the guards watched him from outside his glass confinement. They have all been informed of who he is and what he is capable of.

Yet the Admiral had the audacity to threaten him with death and danger to his sleeping comrades.

Khan hated that he was brought out of his cryo-sleep for the attempt of a simpleton, trying to bend him to his will. Khan knew his laconic state irritated the harsh featured Admiral.

Khan will never bend.

Not to such an inferior ignorant being.

He averted his clear eyes to the cuffs around his strong able wrists. Methods of restraining prisoners had changed considerable since his time. The device around his wrists had no chains. It was made of a simple sleek metal of some form. A ten inch long, bar of steel kept the hoops around his wrists bridged together.

There were tiny sensors of some kind, underside the cuffs. He discovered they emitted a painful burst of electricity each time he misbehaved in the Admiral's eyes. The fact that he was so idle towards the form of torture further antagonized the Admiral.

Khan sat patiently awaiting the next form of manipulation the feeble minded leader of Starfleet could conduct.

The glass doors opened with a sharp burst of air. He raised his head in acknowledgement as the Admiral strolled in. Standing beside him were two muscle massed, colossal soldiers for his protection.

The two hulks in navy blue Starfleet uniform hauled Khan up to his feet. The former leader of the Augments did not appreciate the man handling.

They escorted his restrained form through winding corridors. Khan glanced up at the fluorescent lights and then to the back of the Admiral's thinning head of hair. He couldn't shake the forlorn feeling that was beginning to build at the base of his stomach. Markus was up to something sinister.

He was taken into a narrow room. There were no chairs. The most prominent feature in the space was the wide, reflective glass that took up most of the left wall. He was forced to face it.

He took in his reflection, standing between the two large broad men. He was still in the black ash coloured suit he was in during the induced sleep. He had refused to change into the Starfleet assignment attire they had provided him.

He knew what it would mean. The Admiral needed him, needed his services. He didn't care for the reason, all he knew what that he was refused to support.

That was until the reflective surface light up from within. The luminosity revealed a room behind the glass. Within in the space, on a lone chair in the center, sat the one person he was not expecting to see.

The same head of tousled, tight, copper curls. Her frizzy hair framed a round face with a pair of bright chartreuse eyes. They were darting about the room, wide and frantically. Khan hungrily took in the sight of her. She was restrained to a chair. The cuffs were part of the arm rests and at each urgent pull she made, the metal seat rattled.

Suddenly she looked right at him, through the glass. Khan stilled under the intrusion of her wrathful stare. It took him a moment of startled surprise to realize her stare wasn't focused. She couldn't actually see him. The reflective glass only allowed visual access to one side, his side.

She snarled and bared her teeth, revealing her sharp canines. The bronze skin of her face wrinkled around her mouth and up the bridge of her nose. A sign of her feline ancestry.

"She was among your crew, strange." The Admiral mused. His voice had taken on a smug tone. "Never thought you'd be the Caitian enthusiast, but considering she was the only one of her kind among your crew, she must be special."

Khan straightened his posture. He feared he must have revealed some frightful recognition on his face to have elicited such confidence in the Admiral Markus.

Khan knew what was to come. It was Markus's last straw. He was going to torture her right in front of Khan to rest his resolve and gain his compliance.

It was text book act.

His gaze was steady on her struggling form. His eyes darted over the darkening bruise on the left side of her face.

He awaited Markus's threats.

Markus produced a square device the size of his palm. It supported a blue button. He pressed down on the switch and the confined room was consumed in flames.

The amber fire swallowed up her writing form, right before his eyes. Khan could only stare in wide eyed disbelief. His heart thundering within his rib cage as her blood curdling screams echoed in his ears.


	2. Chapter 2: Rage

Chapter 2

His iridescent eyes were narrowed down at the torpedo design blue prints he studied.

Khan had discovered that in the 23rd century. Everything was operated through the use of electronic displays. Nothing was manual. Everything was digitally accessible. To help him adjust and work efficiently, the Admiral provided soft copies of the missiles.

He had accepted the work without qualms.

Inside he was seething in rage.

He was leaned over the flat work table. The pen in his grip began to shake from the pressure of his hold. Noticing this he dropped the object and clenched his fingers into his trembling hands. He was trying to stop the livid tremors that racked his body.

Her screams continued to haunt him like the loop of a broken record. Over and over again, driving him to madness. His tried to form a mental confinement around his emotions, but that was an impossible task. Even by Augument standards.

Zahara.

That wasn't always her name, but it was the name he remembered her by. The one he loved to whisper in that baritone. She loved it too despite being too stubborn to confess it. He recalled the frenetic pulse against her neck. The way her vibrant eyes danced, the way her dark pupils dilated.

The memory of her defiant eyes, expressive face and voluptuous lips, made him feel like an imaginary weight was pressing into his chest. The longing that filled him morphed into a rage that flowed through his veins.

He will not let the fame fate fall upon his remaining comrades. Khan knew he had to formulate a plan to gain his freedom and save his friends at the same time.


	3. Chapter 3: 1993

Chapter 3

**March 25th 1993**

Khan was having a pleasant morning. Despite the blazing heat in the city of Abu Dhabi. He was enjoying the air conditioned room he was provided by the Sheikh.

Sheikh Zayed was a reasonable man. After generations of living as nomads of the desert and then discovering oil. Wealth had not flawed his logic but transformed it.

Khan remembered when he first moved to conquer India. The occupants of the land were most unwelcoming. He supposed he had set an example to the other awaiting nations. The news of his and his comrade's ruthlessness in battle had travelled across the desert and reached the open ears of the Sheikh.

The Arab leader had greeted Khan and his crew with wide open arms. Inviting them into his palace, introducing him to his many siblings, then proceeded to entertain them in his private chambers reserved for the guests.

The Sheikh's palace was enormous. A towering monument to their culture. From the outside it was ordinary, tall block like structures piled up with flat roofs. The sandy walls reflected the environment they resided in.

But from within it was like he had entered a whole another world.

Patterned glossy tiles that were polished to perfection. Rich, red Persian carpets that lead a path through winding corridors. The scent of Oud and musk had filled his lungs. The taste lingered in his mouth.

Golden chandeliers with clear sparkling crystals hung from above, on a white ceiling. The glittering, dazzling lights brightened the room in rich warm tones of colour that accented the sparks of gold in their furniture and other ornaments.

Khan had discovered that Arabs were gold enthusiasts. There were five other Augments that accompanied him to meet the Sheikh. Orland was the most inquisitive one among them. The amount of gold had prompted him to ask the question from the Sheikh.

The man had smiled wide, flashing a row of white teeth that was too blinding against his thick dark beard. He said it was to echo the wealth and it makes for great decoration. Khan liked the Sheikh. He was most charismatic, but this also made him dangerous.

Zayed's overly ecstatic approval of them made his suspicious in Khan's eyes. Khan enjoyed taking his ease while being on guard at the same time.

After the welcoming dinner, the Sheikh had escorted them to their reserved rooms. Their residency was on the easy wing of the castle. Far from the Sheikh's quarters. This revealed their true mistrust to the observant Augment leader.


	4. Chapter 4: Progress

_**Thanks for the favs and follows :D. Now, comments are most appreciated :)**_

_**xx**_

_**SSC**_

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Chapter 4

"This is just unorthodox." Orlando stated fiercely gesturing an open hand at the large bay window leading to the balcony.

They were in Khan's quarters. The suites the Sheikh had provided them were luxurious to the extreme.

His room began with bleached doors with their infamous golden handles. The entrance lead to a foyer with a mahogany table in the centre. There was a sinuous ceramic vase on top of the table, adorned with white acacia and vermilion hibiscus flowers. The room carried the same strong scent of Oud and musk but the cool air from the A/C was a refreshing indulgence.

There were two archways on either side of the foyer. The one on the right lead to Khan's bedroom. There was a queen sized bed in the centre, prepared to perfection with coffee cream bed covers and several pillows propped against the head board. Two bedside tables stood erect on either side of the bed, carrying two shadow-bell shaded lamps.

A door next to the bed led to the bathroom. On the wall opposite the bathroom door was a French window with an alabaster frame. Sunshine streamed through the clear glass, illuminating the space. The light bounced off the concave awning above the bed with a blue mosaic rimmed lining. It held a chandelier at the centre. Khan remembered eyeing the source of illumination when he first saw it. He didn't approve of the strategic placement of the sharp crystals over his bed.

There was a cupboard in the far bottom left corner of the room, surprisingly lacking golden paint on its handles. The room had a very baronial, Arabian feel to it and it was very cozy.

The other path from the foyer led to Khan's new study. A large, red Persian carpet took up the entire tiled floor. A dark mahogany desk stood at the far middle. Rich stationary was already provided. His seat resembled a throne, high back and covered in black leather. He rather liked it.

Khan was seated at the desk, his long legs hidden by the wide table. He was casually reading the peace treaty and demands the Sheikh had had written up for him. Surprisingly, they weren't too trying.

He raised his head up from the document and looked to Orlando, his second in command and his friend. The man was bothered by the national clothing of the people of the U.A.E and he did not hide his opinions from others.

"It's tradition for them." Khan retorted monotonously.

Orlando continued to leer out through the window within the room. Wisps of his short blonde hair were highlighted by the sunshine. The intense light of the day made his usually striking blue eyes, seem colourless.

Orlando had very soft features in compared to most of his comrades, especially Khan. In moments when Khan stood, poised and elegant with power that radiated through his high cheeks bones, strong jaw and dark features. Orlando seemed like the younger sibling. His face was smooth and almost cherubic if not for his pristine nose. Despite his tall, broad shouldered structure. Orlando carried a boyishness about him that had caught the many smitten eyes of the native girls in India.

He stood poised and solider like in his ebony coat and pants. The uniform clothing of all Auguments. There was a silver insignia on the left breast pocket. It was a Triskelion, its three spiraling curves were frozen in an anti clock wise direction. It was a Celtic sign of progress and revolution.

The mark of the Auguments.

Khan too wore it proudly on his own suit.

"Yes I understand." Orlando said in response to Khan's comment. "But the heat is enough to boil eggs and they are walking around wearing black. If anything I pity them."

Khan smiled at this. The Arabs had a very strange culture. The modesty of the women were hidden behind thin black robs. The only skin they showed was the flesh around their eyes, which was surprisingly fair. He had discovered that the senior or middle aged group of women wore a gold mask over face that rest on the bridge of their noses.

Khan knew Orlando was more intrigued, despite finding the impracticality of it.

The men were dressed in white robes that they called a Gandurah. The only hints of the western influence were the cars they drove, and the expensive watches they wore.

Khan didn't mind the culture. He could do without the strong perfumes though. He had always been fascinated with learning new things. The rest of his team didn't object much either. Expect for three other women that accompanied them. Susan especially, she liked to voice her opinion boldly.

They were given strange looks. Women weren't equals in Arab culture. Khan discovered that by the looks of disapproval he had received from some of the Sheikh's advisors. The female Auguments had attended the meeting, regarding the fate of the Arab nation the night before. Many of the local members were perturbed by their presence.

Khan did not want to dismiss the women for the Sheikhs discomfort. Their culture's were about to fuse. Zayed needed to accept it as it is. Besides, Khan didn't want to have to deal with Susan's irate diatribes. He regretted the day he invited her to his bed. But one incensed look from him usually silenced her.

"What are their terms?" Orlando inquired, striding towards Khan's desk. His arms stiff at his sides, like the ever obedient soldier.

"Not much." Khan mused, leaning back into the leather comfort of his seat. "These people value family over a nation, they do not wish to interfere with our plans."

"But?" the young man added. Khan smiled at this. His friend shared his suspicions.

"We still have enemies. Mr. Khalifa for example. He does not approve of our plans for the oil supplies." Khan voiced his findings, Orlando nodded assiduously.

"Evidently the Sheikh cannot be too keen on someone else in his place." Orlando noted.

"Quite." Khan agreed. "We should expect some subtle attack on our lives, from them. Ignorance is a card we can play most fruitfully."

Khan was curious to see what methods of assassination they would try. The Indians had attempted poisoning, hiring professional gun men, even seemingly innocent children. But none had worked. After all, they were made to be indestructible.

"I have news from France." Orlando announced. Khan regarded him with his iridescent eyes gleaming in intrigue. He relaxed with his arms slung over the arm rests, listening intently.

"Joseph has successfully conquered the land." The Augument leader was surprised by the bulletin.

"He took longer than I suspected. Either way, we must send our congratulations. What of the States?"

"Still under progress."

"Hm." Khan steeling his fingers under his chin, he drifted into his thoughts. The Auguments had been around since the 1950's. Khan was only given reigns to lead a charge to India in 1990. He ruled the lands for three years before deciding to extend his rule towards the rich, oil exporting Arabs.

So far he and his kind had taken control of thirty five nations. After signing the treaty with the Arabs, he could add U.A.E to the list.

"It won't be long now." He said to Orlando. "We will soon have total control." Some would call it optimism but there were no probabilities in war. Only surety and Khan knew their superiority was unmatched.

A sudden knock at the door pierced the silence. Orlando's slender neck craned in the direction of the entrance.

"Enter." Khan boomed in his commanding tone.

Susan entered briskly. She was a tall slender woman. Her platinum blond hair was usually kept at a high pony tail, not a strand out of place. The black suits they all wore, hugged her slim figure. She walked with a grace and her head held high in a manner Khan used to find attractive. Now he couldn't help but feel the arrogance radiate in her stiff walk.

He was arrogant too, he wasn't oblivious to this. But in her it was more bitter and tyrannical.

She approached the foot of the desk. She nodded in acknowledgement to Orlando and then fixated her dark eyes on to Khan.

"His Highness wishes to present you with a gift. A transaction, I believe." She stated calmly. Khan was amused by this, his lips quirk up mirthfully.

"If it is a transaction it is not a gift." He stated. Susan nodded in frigid agreement.

"It would be rude not to accept. Apparently they were made just for us."

"Made?" Khan echoed his interest had peaked. He exchanged a furtive glance with Orlando.

Is this the subtle attack he was expecting?

"Well then." Khan got to his feet. His sharp, alabaster cheek bones radiating in pre-eminence "We mustn't keep his Highness waiting."


	5. Chapter 5: Gift

**Chapter 5**

Khan was escorted to the ballroom within the palace. Susan was the one that lead him and Orlando. They arrived at the room, the clicking of his shoes echoed within the spacious area.

The Sheikh was awaiting their arrival under the largest chandelier in the entire household. The room was Doric in decoration, furnished with alabaster walls with more accents of gold in their cornices. The ceiling was lower than the other rooms. Several French windows that were situated on the left side of the wall, filtered in the setting sun light. But the chandelier and other light fixtures carried most of the task in illuminating the wide space. It was empty of furniture for it wasn't planning on entertaining any guests any time soon.

Khan deduced the room could host up to 400 hundred people from its size alone.

The Sheikh's back was turned to them. He was dressed in his bleached white Gandurah paired with his Keffiyeh. He wore a thin black robe over his Gandurah. The material was lined with a strip of golden pattern that ran down along the hems. On the crown of his head he balanced a heavy duty hosepipe, it was called an Agal.

He wasn't alone. His cousins Mohammed and Ahmed were with him. They looked casual in comparison wearing just the white Gandurah and Keffiyeh. They both resembled Zayed in both broad structures and dark features.

They were taking in harsh, rapid whispers. Making threatening gestures of their hands. Khan observed quietly. His space to reach them slowed to a lazy stride. But as if sensing his arrival, their hawk like gazes fell on him and his comrades.

The Sheikh's slouched brooding form immediately straightened. A large welcoming grin stretched across his face. The visage that was moments ago, heavy with a murky shadow.

"Ah my friend." He waited for Khan to reach him. The moment he did, Zayed planted a calloused hand on the curve of the Augument's shoulder, then using his free hand to shake Khan's open palm.

"As-Sa'lam alaikum" He greeted warmly, his voice thick with the heavy consonants in his language.

"Wa-alaikum-salaam, your Highness." Khan responded in deep baritone. The Sheikh grinned and released his hold on Khan to gesture to his cousins. Their acknowledgements were frigid in comparison, but that could be excused for the lack of English in their vocabulary. Khan didn't want to hold it against them, until he felt compelled to otherwise.

"How are you accommodations? Comfortable I hope." Zayed inquired in the most gracious manner, though his tone was coarse with his accent. Khan smiled broadly.

"More than comfortable. Thank you for making this transition painless."

"But of course." Zayed voiced, weaving his fingers together in front of his in a kingly manner. "If there is anything more you will need, please do not hesitate to ask. My servants are yours to utilize as you please."

"Thank you." Khan replied with a slow recline of his head. "You are most kind."

Khan glanced back at the slender blonde female that stood just an arm length behind him.

"Susan has informed me that you have something for me, your Highness." He reminded, gesturing his head in her direction.

Zayed gave a brief glance at her before nodding enthusiastically.

"Yes a gift!"

As if rehearsed, two tall porcelain doors from the far left, swept open. Khan raised his head in wonder, staring expectantly.

Three figures emerged. Two males and one female, they were impeccably well dressed in tailored uniforms. Long sleeved coats fitted to their lithe forms, held together tightly by gibbous brass buttons.

They marched towards them. A tall ebony haired male led the movement. He had the skin and body of a man whose daily habits involved working under a hot sun. The palm leaf green colour of his suit stood out against his flesh.

He was followed by another male, equally dark but slimmer in frame. The black colour of his uniform was only a shade lighter to his skin tone.

Preceded by him was a woman. Khan noticed her first from the striking crimson of her suit. Her skin was a gleaming bronze shade, but what caught his attention the most was her face.

Khan never denied being a man who wouldn't notice a beautiful woman. But there was something hauntingly captivating in the creature before him. She stood out, with her auburn hair that was thick, with short tight curls over an oval shaped face. The luxuriant spiraling tresses reached her shoulders in a frizzy mass. The two male's head of hair was primed and slick back, nothing like the wildness she portrayed.

Her gaze was lowered as if counting each step she took. He saw long sandy lashes, fanned over plump cheeks.

They were lined up by an unknown man dressed in a coffee coloured Gandurah and Keffiyeh. His clothes seemed shabby in contrast to the royals. Khan's keen gaze honed in on the strange man's face. His hatched face seemed only more sinister with his beak like nose.

Khan's gaze drifted back to the female, he continued to eye her. His interest was momentary and he was about to avert his stare when she suddenly looked up.

Her eyes were like lustrous gold rotund stones in a milky white canvas. They were intense behind spiral curls the colour of sunset. She watched him boldly, defiantly. He could feel her reading him, taking in his appearance the same way he did hers. Then suddenly the gleam in her eyes had vanished. The contemptuous shine dulled to an ordinary shade of brass.

Khan was highly intrigued by what he had witnessed.

"My contribution to your cause." Zayed boomed majestically. Khan reluctantly looked to the Emirati leader. His thin dusky brows raised in inquiry.

"Contribution?" He echoed.

"Soldiers for your army." He introduced, gesturing an open had at the stiff individuals.

Susan's lips parted in a prepared rebuttal, but Zayed raised a hand up in a swift and arbitrary manner. This forced the Augument to surrender to silence.

"I know the idea is absurd, considering your conquests. But these creatures are made to be the best at what they do."

"And what is that?" Khan asked curtly, his colourless eyes fixated on the woman.

"Killing." A new voice answered, the Augument realized the stranger had spoken a wicked grin stretched across his craggy face.

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***As-Sa'lam alaikum, Wa-alaikum-salaam = Peace be unto you, And unto you peace**


	6. Chapter 6: Khathal

**Sassiebone:** Thank you for the review ^^ I am so happy you stumbled across my story. I hope I do not disappoint you, things are just about to pick up ;)

xx

SSC

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Chapter 6

They were led to a clearing behind the palace. Khan was exchanging suspicious looks with Orlando and Susan who walked beside him. They followed the Sheikh, his cousins, the strange man and his contributions.

The Sheikh had introduced the odd man, his name was Salim. "The handler of the creatures." As The ruler had so casually put it.

Khan didn't understand why they kept referring to the humans as creatures. Other than the anomalous shade of colour in their eyes, they seemed ordinary.

A lone cloud was floating about the horizon, casting over the setting sun. Rays of light fanned out over the blue sky.

The sands seemed frozen with permanent ripples, soft shadows across the russet hills. Khan's inquisitive gaze fell upon the erect mute green tent just a few feet away. There were two male servants. Their uniform consisted of white robe with long, bell-bottom sleeves. The robe was held in place with a thick sash, adorned in a delicate, thin gold pattern. They were frantically bustling about, arranging seats for them.

As they neared the sight, Khan saw a platform laid out at the centre of the clearing, in front of the tent. It was a flat metal structure. He guessed to be ten feet in length and five in width.

The Sheikh's royal robes were bellowing majestically in response to the mild wind. The heat of the morning was gathered and swept away by the light breeze. Small sand tornadoes were brewing in the distance, among their continuous desert hill background.

The Auguments were led to the shade of the tent. Six low, curved back wooden chairs were placed over a golden brown carpet, with two servants posed at the back wall of the tent.

Khan wondered when His Highness would utter an explanation to the ominous statement he had made in the ballroom earlier.

The mysterious three in their suits marched across the platform and lined up at the far left corner. They shifted around in soldier elegance and faced the tent.

The Auguments took their seats after the Sheikh and his cousins. Khan sat beside Zayed with Orlando on his left. Susan sat on the free seat beside Orlando, primly folding her hands on her lap.

Orlando sat pleasantly and made a friendly gesture to one of the servants and whispered a request. The eager boy scampered off and returned with a round silver tray. There were neatly cut, rectangular pieces of soft date cake. Orlando eagerly picked up a slab of the confectionery, uttered a "Shookhran." and began to nibble on the cake.

Susan rolled her clear eyes at her comrade's inability to pass a moment without eating.

Khan knew a demonstration of their so called "Killing" abilities was about to begin. His gaze fixated automatically on to the woman in the red suit. Her attention was focused on the floor, immersed in her thoughts. Sensing his scrutiny her chin lifted, her gaze fixated on him.

Khan's eyes narrowed curiously. She stared back, boldly.

Three new faces emerged from the same path they had taken. Two large broad shouldered men marched in their directions. Each held a grim expression with dark facial hair that made them seem menacing. They were dressed in loose black Cossack pants and tight blue t-shirts that acted like a second skin. As if they were made for the sole purpose of highlighting their bulging biceps.

"A militia friend from Iraq sent me his finest warriors." The Sheikh informed as the brooding warriors strutted towards them and lined up before them. They simultaneously bowed to Zayed. The Sheikh acknowledged their salutation with a regal nod of his head.

"They have been trained heavily in combat and said to be the best of their kind."

"Kind?" Khan echoed inquisitively.

"Assassins." Zayed added casually. Susan and Orlando immediately tensed at the word and sat up a little. They were familiar with the word, having to deal kill of plenty during their time in India.

_Fascinating._ Khan mused to himself, sinking into his chair.

"I've promised a payment of five gold bricks for their participation."

"Ah." Khan uttered, pleased that his deduction was correct "So this is a demonstration."

"But of course." The Sheikh boomed with a wide gesture of his arms. "I would never give faulty merchandise."

It could have been a trick of the eye, but Khan saw the woman's jaw clench at the words that left the Sheikh's lips. Khan wasn't irked in the slightest. He was more intrigued to see what talents his gifts possessed.

"I have named them the Wahash." Zayed stared rather proudly, like the name itself should have induced terror into Khan. But the Auguments remained calm and composed.

"Let's begin the demonstration. Yallah, Salim!"

Salim was standing idly and at the raucous command by the Sheikh, he scampered on to the middle of the platform.

Khan watched the slouching man carefully. He clicked his fingers together and made an impatient gesture of his hand. The Wahash in the leaf green suit stepped forward. His march was rigid and his face was devoid of emotion. He stopped beside Ali Al Kim and faced the Sheikh.

Zayed leaned towards Khan's side and in turn the Augument leader gave him his ear.

"You see the Wahash, they feel no pain." He stated his voice thick with his rough accent. Khan watched as the Wahash shrugged off his coat, revealing the white wife beater he wore underneath. His nearly black skin was prominent against his top. He casually let his coat fall to the floor. Then he straightened his shoulders and clenched his hands at his side, as if preparing himself.

Salim produced a dagger from the belt at his side and unsheathed it. Then without warning he plunged it deep into the Wahash's stomach. Orlando gaped and nearly dropped his half eaten slice of cake. Susan sat up vigilantly.

Khan was startled too, and observed the Wahash's expressions very keenly. All he saw was indifference. Even as Salim pulled out the blade at a painstakingly slow pace, The Wahash remained calm and controlled.

"His name is Sabaah. Salim had informed me that he possessed the most brute strength among his kind." Zayed added in a nonchalant way while Khan struggled to avert his attention from the blade, it was dripping with red blood.

"I can see that." He had to force his voice to be devoid of amazement when he was struggling to process what he had just saw.

_No pain? _The idea sounded positively absurd. Auguments felt pain too. It was a basic, sensory need to escape danger. But they healed fast thus shortening their recovery time.

The Wahash however.

Salim lifted up the loose material of Sabaah's top but the hem, revealing the already healing wound on his taut stomach.

"They do not attack unless commanded to. It is part of their training." The Sheikh added as Salim stepped out of the ring and one of the assassins entered the arena. Sabaah faced the solider with the same passive expression as before.

Khan watched as the assassin took a stance. Legs apart and arms folded towards his body and fingers curled into a fist. Then after a moment of hesitation the man punched Sabaah straight across his strong jaw.

He took the hit stolidly. His head snapped to the side from the impact but he regained his composure quickly. The assassin continued to land blows across his face, then his stomach and even to his chest. Sabaah stood, enduring it all, even as blood dripped down his left nostril and cuts began to form across his high cheek bones.

Khan could only sit still and review the entire spectacle while trying not to let his shock truly show. He glanced and was taken aback by the way the skin on the bridge of her nose was slightly wrinkled. He continued to watch her.

Rhythmically to each strike the hired warrior inflicted on Sabaah. Her glower continued to deepen. The golden gleam in her eyes was back and fiercer than ever.

When the assassin grew tired and his trembling, muscular arms slackened at his side. His frustration was clear in the heavy, guttural pants that left his lips and the dark shadow of hate under his eyes. Pushing past the fatigue he attempted to make another assault when the Sheikh's rough command stopped him.

He froze up, uttered a curse under his breath and then straightened his posture. He stiffly turned to face the royal, bowed and then ambled off the platform.

Sabaah's jaw was at an ugly angle, but he adjusted the dislocated bone with an ease that was terrifying to watch. Then he lowered his arms to his sides again, bent over to pick up his fallen jacket, shrugged it on and then walked off the stage once more.

Susan and Oswald exchanged concerned furtive glances. Khan continued to watch the woman. The glimpse of resentment he had witnessed in her had disappeared behind to a mask of indifference.

"Who commands them?" Khan questioned, sternly.

"The person they recognize to be their master."

_That's a topic of debate._ He couldn't help but reflect on. He relaxed into his seat, his fingers weaving together in thought. He could feel the royals probing stares falling on to him.

After a moment of deliberating silence, he decided to speak.

"I wish to see their skills in battle." He requested flatly.

"But of course. Ashera is known to be the most excellent fighter." He was referring to the other male, the shorter one.

"That maybe, but." His cold attention never left the female. "I want to see her."

Khan was expecting a rebuttal of some form from the Sheikh, but the man merely smiled wickedly.

"Very well." He said with a congenial nod of his head. Then he fixated his gaze back on to the handler.

"Al mara." He gravelled out to Salim. The man scattered to do his bidding and made the same rude movement of his hands towards the woman. She blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. Khan half expected to see a look of astonishment on her face, but she treated the request with the same apathy Sabaah had.

She stepped into the platform as Salim moved back. Another assassin entered the ring. The dark, harsh features of his face made his smug smile seem sinister. He craned his neck roughly from side to side, emitting cracking noises.

The woman faced him, her hands reaching up and beginning to unclasp the brass buttons of her coat. She shrugged off the material in a grace that Khan found too sensual. He resisted the urge to shift in his seat.

Bronze shoulders peaked out from beneath the vermilion red. She wore a vest similar in colour but more fitting to her feminine frame. Khan observed her carefully, absorbing the sight of her tone slender arms down to her taut, slim waist. She tossed the coat on to the floor, neglecting it.

Khan couldn't help but see self-righteousness in her defenceless stance against the assassin. Her opponent was a staggering six feet and she seemed minuscule in comparison to his bristling body. But she remained undaunted, waiting for the adversary to make the first move.

He pushed off the balls of his feet as a guttural yell left the base of his thick neck. He charged at her. Khan knew what the dramatic act meant, the man wanted to intimidate her. It was a pompous and over the top but he still sought after her response.

She moved in a cat like ferocity, fast and agile. She ducked and side swept under the man's arm that swung in her direction. He was caught off guard by her sudden disappearance. She moved behind him and kicked him hard in the back. The man stumbled forward and fell fast first on to the metal plate. They heard the sickening crack of bone and the loud ear piercing scream that left his lips.

Her leg was still posed in the air. With a measured control over her balance, she folded her elongated leg towards her body till her heel hit the back of her thigh. Simultaneously she slanted forward and regained her erect posture. Her arms that were pulled towards her chest, loosened at her sides.

Khan was amazed, how did someone so small deliver such a powerful attack?

She regained her composure so smoothly it was hard to fathom that she had even retaliated.

The brute of a man scrambled up, bringing his legs under him. He spun around wildly and locked his seething gaze on to her. Blood was gushing down his nose and seeped into his bristly moustache.

He snarled then ran at her.

She didn't move to duck this time. Instead she faced him head on. He swung his right arm, fist tight and ready to make impact with her face. She caught his wide wrist in an open palm and her claws dug into his skin. Another howl escaped his mouth and his tried to hit her with his free arm. She dipped her head under the blow like she was avoiding a beam and then stepped to the right, bringing the man's arm with her.

Another sickening crack echoed in the wind followed by the man's cry of agony. She had dislocated his shoulder in a brutal precision.

"She is a feisty little hell cat isn't she." Orlando mused in a perverse wonder, practically on the edge of his seat and staring at the woman.

"She isn't anything special." Susan grumbled, unimpressed as always.

Khan had no comment. He was too taken by the sight of her. She was circling the man she had brought to his knees. She was watching him, holding on to his limp arm and snivelling in pain. Khan saw it, the pleasure in her gleaming golden orbs. She had enjoyed the hurt she had caused, she revelled in her power.

Realizing the battle was over she retreated back to her original spot and stood once more in her dignified place.

The assassin was struggling to get his legs under him again while supporting his arm.

"Their skills are suppressed now to their basic instincts. Only through saying their summoning command does their true potential show." Zayed's words caught Khan's interest.

"Summoning command, you're Highness?"

"Why yes. Do you know what the word Wahash means ?" The Sheikh turned his princely chin on to Khan, watching him with a self-righteous satisfaction.

"No I am not familiar with the word." The Augument leader answered truthfully. The Emirati's predatory smile widened.

"It means, beast." His words hung in the air in a menacing impression. Abruptly his attention snapped back to the shabby handler.

"Salim." He barked grabbing the man's notice "Nakul al amar."

Khan immediately saw the way her posture stricken. _Say the command?_ Khan translated the Sheikh's command in his mind. He felt his blood race at the sudden tension that thickened the air around him.

_What command? _

Salim the handler fixated his hawk like gaze on to the woman's back.

"Khathal."

Her shoulders unexpectedly hunched forward. The tight curls of her hair curtained the sides of her face. Khan did not miss the way her tan arms began to convulse, the tremors travelled to the rest of her body.

Her opponent had seen the change and took stumbling, cautious steps back with one hand still on his injured shoulder.

Her head snapped up and this time, she was the one snarling. She charged at an impossible speed and jumped up into the air. Her opponent didn't even have a chance to run because she had already kicked him down with the heels of her boots and pinned him to the floor.

The Augument's watched, unable to run away as she brought her clawed hands down on the man's neck.

Again and again.

Blood and bits of flesh splattered across the surface of the platform, left and right. Soon the man was a lifeless, bleeding corpse. The woman was still slashing at him, through skin and muscles and into bone.

"Kalas." The handler boomed gruffly, startling them out of their reverie.

Her arm froze mid strike. A moment of stunned silence passed through the desert. Then, slowly, she straightened to her full height.

She was panting, her chest was heaving at each breath she took. The red liquid had managed to tinge strands of her sunset hair and her shirt. The dark red liquid caked her hands like a painted gloves.

Her movements were rigid as she stepped over the body and stood by the dead man's side. She tucked her hands behind her body, her profile facing them and her face once again, devoid of sentiment.

A loud retching noise pierced the silence. One of servants lacked the stamina to contain his nauseated state and had scattered off to vomit. The unappealing noise still managed to reach them in the vast space.

"So my friend, what do you think?" Zayed inquired coolly, choosing to ignore the noises made by a member of his staff.

Khan was gritting his teeth. His attention still hadn't left her. The blank, departed look in her eyes was unnerving. His incensed stare shot to the dead body of the former assassin, a expression of stunned dread was froze on his wide eyed expression.

"I think. They will be the most fearsome creatures at my disposal." Despite the amazed gratitude in his voice, Khan was fighting the urge to rip out the Sheikh's throat then and there. The ruler was placing erratic, murderous creatures under their roofs and claiming them to be gifts.

The threat wasn't subtle in the least.

"I knew you would like them my friend!" The Sheikh bellowed proudly, a deep hearty laugh leaving his lips that further antagonized the Augument captain. The Emirati king clapped Khan on the back of the shoulder again and gestured his free hand at the Wahash.

"Now, who do you wish to take?"

* * *

***Khathal: Kill**


	7. Chapter 7: Strategic

**Two short chapters=review? :D **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

Chapter 7

Khan knew he had to tread carefully. The situation had turned precarious. They had managed to create superhuman being fusing animal DNA. To make matters worse, they responded to commands.

An alarming question drifted into his thoughts. Just how many commands did these creatures have?

There was a knock at his door. Marching forward, Khan placed a wide hand over the handle and twisted before pulling the door open.

She was standing at the threshold, wearing the same red suit. Her vibrant head of sunset curls were a little damp. Khan guessed she had cleaned up after her encounter with the now dead, assassin.

He was stunned by the sight of her. She raised her gaze and met his firmly.

"Sir." She greeted giving him a curt nod of her head. Her voice held a smoky, purr that was strangely appealing. From the way he had witnessed her kill, he half expected her to hiss out her words.

Her posture was straight and her arms were stiff at her sides. She regarded him with her ocher eyes again.

"You are early." He commented. Khan had hoped for a little more time to discuss the presence of the creatures with his comrades. The obvious haste of the Arabs to install the Wahash on to them was most questionable.

She blinked, momentarily startled by his strict tone. But the astonishment vanished and was replaced by her taciturn expression.

"Sorry Sir, shall I come back later?" She suggested. He considered this, but watching the female, he couldn't help but be intrigued.

"No matter." He dismissed her proposition and stepped to the side, widening the angle of space between the door and its frame.

"Come in." He insisted. Her posture stiffened once more. Khan did not miss the cautious glance she directed into the dim lighting within his quarters.

She stepped forward and crossed the threshold, taking her preliminary steps into his chambers. He shut the door after her before turning to face her.

He observed amused by the way her neck craned from side to side. She was sniffing the air and her surroundings. Satisfied with the environment she addressed him with her profile.

The orange light from the adjacent bedside lamps in his bedroom glinted against the brass buttons of her ruby red jacket. He recalled the moment when she had stripped the coat off her strong shoulders, revealing to him the olive skin tone that travelled up her lithe arms.

She was watching him expectantly while standing in the middle of the foyer, in front of the centre table that held the vase of withering flowers.

"So..." He drawled, his deep voice filling the silence. He approached her, his arms tucked behind his back as he paced to her. He circled her much like a hawk would to a prey. She stood undaunted by his piercing gaze.

"You are to be my protector?" He noted out loud. She gave a fleeting glance in his direction.

"I am to be utilized as you please, sir."

His clear eyes gleamed hungrily at her statement_. If that is true, solider is the last task I would give you._ He chose not to voice his wicked thoughts.

Her strikingly gold eyes were fixated on the back of the door.

"I'll admit your skills as an individual are most...remarkable."

"Thank you, sir." She retorted as if forced to accept his compliment. He stopped in front of her, blocking her view of the door in a silent demand for attention. His looming presence continued to be ignored by her, in the most reticent fashion.

"Does my protector have a name?" He was teasing despite his monotonous tone. She looked to him from beneath her sandy brown lashes. He immediately noticed the feline features of her face. The flat bridge of her nose, the slight peak of sharp canines when her lips parted. He even saw the tips of her ear lobes peaking from beneath a mass of wry, copper curls.

"My assigned name is Arba." He did not miss the disguised vehemence in her voice when she uttered the title.

"Arba." He echoed. The Arabic numerical for the number four. They were part of a system. Sabaa was the seventh and Ashera was the tenth. This made him wonder how many of her kind were created.

"Where are your quarters, Arba?"

"I will stay wherever you deem appropriate, Sir." She responded drolly.

He was astounded by this. It was not intended banter when the Sheikh had said they would shadow him at all times.

His gaze shot to the bed out of some strange instinct in him. Dismissing the thought, his eyes settled on her again.

"I'll let you decide." He retorted. She was not expecting the order, but she was quick to mask her stunned state and left his shadow to move about the space. He watched her purposeful strides, studying the frantic darting of her captivating gaze.

She hesitantly stepped into his sleeping quarters. He was intrigued by how she completely avoided the bed, not even bothering to acknowledge at it. Maybe she wanted to steer clear of a suggestive comment from him. This made him wonder if men had been inappropriate around her before.

She halted in front of his tall wardrobe. She reached up and with deft fingers she probed at the wood, testing its stability.

_Surely she does not intent to sleep among my clothes does she?_ He wondered to himself, trailing after her into room.

Satisfied by the structure of the cupboard, she turned to him.

"I'll take rest on top of this." She gestured to the storage unit. It dawned on to him why she had chosen that particular spot. It gave a direct view of the door and window, a perfect vantage point.

_How strategic._ He nodded in approval. She took a step to him and pulled out a neatly folded paper from within the recess of her coat. She held the card between two slender fingers, waiting for him to accept it.

He plucked the paper and began to leisurely unfurl it, his gaze focused on her the entire time.

"My trigger, command in case you had forgotten, sir." She explained. Khan was annoyed by this. The Sheikh continued to doubt his intelligence, like he couldn't remember one simple word. He crushed the paper in his hand. He wondered how many trigger words were there if one had to be written down in order to be remembered.


	8. Chapter 8: Torpedoes

**Chapter 8**

**Year: 2258 Location: Section 31**

"So your feline friend, she isn't a Caitian is she?" Markus inquired as he stood at the edge of Khan's working desk. His tone was goading at best and his piercing blue eyes were glinting with wicked intent. Khan was in the middle of running checks on the operational system of the Admiral's new ship, when Markus had arrived.  
The commanding officer had made it his personal mission to irritate Khan, with his relentless comments and questions regarding his past. Thankfully for Khan's sanity, the man only once a month to check up on the Augument's progress.

Khan pressed on the touch screen of the monitor in front of him, a little harder than necessary. He couldn't help but notice the tempting presence of his sharp pen that could easily pierce the Admiral's jugular.

"But she looks a lot like one, minus the tail and the excessive hair growth." Markus commented while toying with one of the miscellaneous piece of machinery on Khan's desk. "Tell me, Harrison. Who was she to you?"

Khan had to award the Admiral for being able to weave antipathy inducing ways into one sentence.

"Part of my crew." He muttered out, his jaw muscles clenched in aggravation. The wrinkles around Markus's mouth deepened in a sinister smirk, seeing the irritation in Khan's stance and stoic expression.

"Strange, she isn't an Augment, why would you keep her around?" the Admiral pondered while rubbing his squared chin "You weren't chasing some hybrid tail were you?"

"Do not speak of what you do not know." Khan had to commend himself for keeping his tone so monotonous, despite being on the precipice of committing assault.

"She must not be worth much. You are hardly bothered by her absence." Markus muttered unkindly as he folded his arms behind his back.

Khan focused his incensed gaze on to the screen. The soft pallid glow of light deepened the shadows on his strong features. With typing he brought up an animated profile of Star Flee space ship. The ebony paint of the image gleamed at each slow spin.

"I've added the weaponry and modifications required for the ship. Minimal crew is required, one if necessary. Advanced weaponry, warp core capabilities and speed."

"Excellent, when will the Vengeance we ready." Admiral inquired, the malice in his voice had left and was replaced with a cold, commanding seriousness.

"In a few months time." Khan answered. He hoped that diverting Markus's attention to the details on the ship would throw away any suspicion off Khan. After all, he was running his own tests and modifications on a few torpedoes. If all went according to plan, he would be able to smuggle out his remaining crew.


	9. Chapter 9: Routine

**This chapter was fun to write. Things are getting intense. Thank you for the favs and once again Sassiebone, for the input :)  
**

**More reviews would be most appreciated :D**

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

Chapter 9

The Wahash were routine creatures.

Khan was an early riser. He enjoyed watching the sun rise over the golden hills. He found pleasure in the way the midnight sky began to warm to a blush purple.

The first night she had stayed, he had forgotten her presence when he left his bed. She was perched on top of his wardrobe, much like a jungle cat. Her eyes were glinting like marbles with a gold core. Then slowly she had jumped down from on top of the cupboard. Her landing was graceful and agile, he was a little entranced at first.

She then bowed in a gracious acknowledgement before walking out into the balcony.

Arba would accompany him in most tasks. She would stand beside him as he signed papers and only moved to sit if she was ordered to. When his coordinated meals arrived she loomed in on the timid servant's space. She then sniffed at the food, testing to see if it was compromised and then brought it to him.

He had never seen her eat. After the third day he wasn't even sure if she slept.

"He just keeps following me everywhere. I bet if there wasn't a lock on the door of the bathroom, the man would watch me urinate." Orlando ranted while pacing the width of the carpet in Khan's study, facing his desk.

The Augument leader was brought out of his thoughts by the words that left his second in command's mouth. Khan frowned and leaned back into the comfortable leather of his chair and fixated his glower on to the blonde man.

"Thank you for that Orlando. I really needed that image in my head." He grumbled irately. Orlando immediately stopped pacing and looked to Khan before smiling brightly.

"You're welcome." He responded amiably. Khan focused his attention on Arba. She was sitting silently on the lone chair situated in the far left corner, facing his table. Her back was straight, her attention focused on the wall opposite her and she seemed to be lost in her thoughts.

"Arba." He called, immediately grabbing her attention. She calmly turned her profile to him, his golden eyes wide in question.

"Leave us." He insisted smoothly. Without a word of protest she stood up, bowed to the both of them and marched past the study, through the foyer and out the door. The two men watched her leave before Orlando chose to break the silence.

"Why do you get the only female one?" He asked averting his attention to Khan once more. Khan did not miss the slight carp in his voice.

"Because I picked first." Khan answered curtly with a condescending pinch of his lips. Orlando rolled his blue eyes and folded his arms behind his back.

"Lucky bastard." He grumbled "Want to exchange?"

Khan smiled "No."

"Wager then?"

"No."

Orlando sighed out in surrender and decided changing the topic was best. "All ready for your speech tomorrow?"

"It's hardly a speech." Khan responded, weaving his slender fingers under his chin, his colourless orbs focused on the mahogany table. "I am simply revealing our presence to the public."

"Make sure to speak in Arabic. Awe and comfort them at the same time." His friend advised pleasantly. Khan nodded in agreement, Orlando had a point. If he was to gain the public's intrigue and trust then he needed to speak their language. But he didn't request privacy to discuss the matter of the speech. Khan wanted to talk about a more pressing matter.

"Has there been any strange activity at your end from our...protectors?" He asked.

"Other than the alarming fact that they have kill switches that could be activated any moment to slaughter us in our sleep?" Orlando grinned and shook his head "No."

"We've all arrived to the same conclusion then. Good. We need to find a solution, fast." Khan mused while rubbing his chin in thought.

"Why the rush?" The blonde inquired while eyeing the Newton's cradle that was perfectly still on Khan's desk. He was fighting the temptation to play with it.

"They are not a gift, they are a time bomb. I don't know when they plan on unleashing them on us but it will be before the rest of us get here." Khan could practically imagine waking up in the middle of the night to Arba leaning over him, ready to slice his throat. Of course, he would have his guard up, but would that be enough?

"It's all conjecture so far, we need to find out what they are up to." He added after a moment.

"Want me to gather Intel?" Orlando suggested. He was the best at stealth and blending into the shadows. Khan knew he could rely on his friend to find everything he could and not be caught in the process.

"Yes, by tonight."

"No problem."

There was a sudden knock at the door. Khan barked out an order and the door open, it was Arba.

"Excuse me Sir." She graced him with a curt nod of her head "His Highness had requested your presence, they are about to leave for the fuel inspection."

* * *

Khan and Orlando made their way down the pastel red brick path behind the palace. Arba followed them, always at a measured five steps behind. He knew it was part of their strict conduct. The fuel inspection Arba had mentioned was something Khan had insisted on. He wanted to see the inner workings of the oil providers in the U.A.E. Soon he would be the one to manage the exports of the energy source. Another reason to be on high alert for treachery.

Orlando walked beside Khan, his attention focused a few feet ahead. Susan was leading a train session with two other Auguments one male and one female. The male one was Joaquin. He was a tall, slim, capable man. He had a square face with a very sharp jaw line. His dark hair and eyebrows stood out against his pale complexion. The deep furrowed lines of his forehead gave onlookers a glimpse to the serious person he was.

The woman was Suzette she acted as Susan's understudy. She had a sandy blonde head of hair that reached just over her shoulders in an elegant Bob cut. She usually had a polite smile plastered on to her pretty face, the smile never reached her chocolate brown eyes.

They were dressed in their training uniforms, which was usually a dark blue suit that could be zipped up at the front. But they had chosen not to wear the top half of the uniform and only kept the black vests underneath. Khan guessed it was so the heat didn't bother them.

The two Wahash's, Ashera and Sabaa stood at the far end of the platform. They had stripped out of their coats and stood in white wife beaters. Ashera was supporting his usual shade of black pants and Sabaa with his leaf green. They stood on the outskirts of the platform, calm and unruffled as usual.

It was a lot cooler than the day before. The sun was setting, leaving the sky to darken to a blush purple. The moon had already emerged in a chalky, faint, crescent stamp in the sky.

Joaquin had Suzette in a headlock that she was struggling to get out of. Susan was observing them when the approaching Orlando and Khan caught her attention.

"Khan, Orlando." Susan greeted she turned to them and nodded. Joaquin and Suzette quickly scrambled to their feet to stand beside Susan. They inclined their heads in gracious acknowledgement. They were training hard, Khan could tell from the light sheen of sweat that gleamed on each of their faces.

"Susan, what's happening here?" Orlando inquired, his blue eyes glimmering playfully. Khan didn't know why Orlando enjoyed asking such obvious questions.

"A little sparring session, the heat isn't so bad this afternoon so I thought I'd make use of it." She said then gestured to the stoic warriors behind her "The Wahash make excellent sparring partners. Thank you for lending yours to me Orlando."

"My pleasure." The blonde man responded with a charming grin that deepened the laugh lines around his mouth.

"So how are they against our own?" Orlando asked inquisitively, that was a question even Khan was intrigued by.

"They can keep up so far, of course there is one left to test." No one missed the sharp look Susan directed on to Arba. The female Wahash stood behind Khan. Feeling Susan's penetrating gaze, she acknowledged it.

A devious smile pinched at the corners of the Augument's full lips, a smile that didn't waver even as she looked to the dark featured leader.

"How well do you think your Wahash will feat?" She asked, despite the lightness in her tone Khan knew her intentions were not.

"She fought well enough that first time." He replied monotonously.

"I meant against me." Susan added in a stern confidence. His dusky brows lifted in vague wonder.

"Is that a challenge?" He mused, her smile intensified. Orlando perked up, his energy radiated in a sudden restlessness.

"Khan you must say yes." Orlando muttered to Khan, in a perverse eagerness. The Augument commander resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his friend's antics.

"I want to see if your _protector_ can take a punch." Susan stated in a mocking way, her attention focused on Arba. The Wahash stared back boldly, her expression was slack of emotion but she was confidently holding her own in the stare battle.

"Arba let's see how well you do against Susan." Khan said. A moment of silence followed until Arba began to unbutton the front of her red coat. Susan turned away victoriously and made her way to the platform.

Arba unclasped the last brass button. The coat gave way and she began to remove the heavy material in her usual slow pace. Khan watched her, unable to turn away from the sensual movements of her shoulders, the way her golden skin would gleam in the setting sunlight.

She held the kermes coloured coat by its collar. Orlando was suddenly at her side, beaming brightly down at her.

"Let me take that for you." He had an arm out in a gentlemanly insistence. Khan knew she was a little stunned by this, he could see it in the tenses of her shoulders. Khan watched them keenly.

"Thank you." She responded, her voice was delicious gruff from having not spoken in a while. Orlando's grin widened as he accepted her coat and folded it over his arm. She left their side and marched to the centre of the platform until she stood facing Susan. They were but two feet apart.

Khan and Orlando moved to a closer spot but remained on the outer area of the arena. Joaquin and Suzette stood to Khan's right.

Susan took a defensive stance. Legs spread to strengthen her centre, her arms folded towards her body by the elbows, her fingers curled into a fist. She seemed athletically intimidating with her hair held back in a pony tail and her entire body radiating in a prowess.

Arba was defenceless in comparison, with her arms at her side and her stance was normal.

Susan didn't hesitate or wait for a signal. She punched first, her strong knuckles colliding painfully against the Wahash's face.

The impact sent Arba stumbling back a few steps, blood immediately rushing out of her nose.

"Oh, that must have hurt." Orlando commented, flinching slightly. Susan was back into defensive mode, waiting for Arba's attack while being pleased of the pain she caused.

Khan expected the Wahash to brush away the blood dripping down her nostrils and fight back, but she didn't. Instead Arba took her passive stance once more and looked Susan dead in the eyes.

The audacity of her unreceptive response irritated Susan, so much so that her next attack was brutal.

The other Auguments stood at the sidelines, watching as Arba received blow after blow. Susan had at one point twisted the Wahash's arm from behind and dislocated her shoulder. A sickening crack echoed and Arba was forced on to her knees from the agony, but no cry left her lips.

Susan towered over Arba, sneering down at her, her features were scrunched up in annoyed frustration.

"Why isn't she fighting back?" Suzette asked curiously, unable to turn away from the scene. Khan was pondering the same question, until it dawned on to him. He didn't actually tell her to fight. She had taken his and Susan's words literally, to see how well she can handle an onslaught from an Augument.

Khan watched as she got to her feet in the same rigid confidence she always had. Her arms were at her sides. Her knuckles were paling from how tightly she was clenching her fists. Blood was still streaming down a cut on her cheek and her nostrils. Her left shoulder was at an ugly slant.

He was impressed, receiving a punch from someone (an Augument no less) and the pain from it was not easy to hide, but she was doing a good job. It was a little alarmingly.

"Arba." He called, the pointed end of her ear facing him, twitched. "You can fight back you know."

In the next moment Susan was flying across the steel platform in reaction to a kick in the abdomen by Arba. Their attentions moved from Susan to Arba, just as she was lowering her leg. Keeping her keen gaze focused on Susan, Arba placed a hand on her shoulder, gripped it and then locked it back into place.

Khan could see the heat in her golden orbs again. Susan was quickly on her feet, still stunned by the unexpected disarm. The Wahash took predatory stance, her shoulders slightly hunched forward, her knees bent, her arms were folded to her body but her fingers were relaxed.

There was an electric charge in the air around them. The spectators watched in high interest.

Susan charged, Arba was still. A series of clouts were delivered by Susan but Arba dodged and block each one with a concentrated speed. Their steps were fast trying to either overpower or defend. It was like watching an intense and murderous dance.

Susan aimed to kill; Arba's actions seemed more...taunting. At least that's what Khan witnessed. He could see she enjoyed the building frustration she was adding flame to in Susan. It wasn't just a fight to Arba; it was a source of entertainment.

The velocity of Susan's next swing came to a abrupt halt when Arba anticipated deflected her arms with a swift strikes. Susan didn't get a chance to defend herself when Arba had already leaned up and head butted her opponent, hard.

Susan's head craned back, dazed. The Wahash didn't waste time and ducked braised her palms on the floor and swept her leg under the female. Susan stumbled back and fell painfully on to the slate. Susan get a chance to breathe, Arba had already pinned her down, claws to the throat ready to deny her life.

"Stop." Khan bellowed. She tensed, her arms stiffening. Almost reluctantly she stood up, gazed down at Susan impassively and then stepped away.

The Augument was struggling to catch her breath, her chest heaving in both fear and fatigue. The usual kept strands of platinum in her hair, had slipped free of its restraint and fell across her face, damped with sweat.

Susan got to her feet on shaky limbs, her murderous stare narrowed on the Wahash. Arba remained stoic and stood in the same composed stance as before. But Khan saw it, the smug glint in her brilliant eyes, like a small flame burning through a pile of branches. Susan could see it too, amplifying her feelings of humiliation.

Susan was a better fighter, but her arrogance made her underestimate her opponent. Either that or, Arba was just better. But Khan was willing to give Susan the benefit of the doubt.

A thought drifted into his mind. This was a Wahash against an Augument at their basic form. _I__magine them in their triggered state_. Khan glanced back at the Ashera and Sabaa, his cold eyes narrowing. Three of them, **_three._ **

He approached the women, followed by Orlando. Suzette and Joaquin remained a safe distance knowing they would be recipients of Susan's wrath once Khan and the others left. He stopped at Arba's side and focused his attention on his fellow Augument.

"I think she proved herself, don't you?" He meant to be patronizing. He didn't wait for her response and gave a pleasant nod of his head to Arba and marched forward. Understanding the silent command, she trailed after him along with Orlando.

Once they had formed distance between the arena, Orlando decided to slow his pace to match Arba's.

"That was brilliant." She was once again startled by his appearance, she moved to take steps back when he stopped and stretched out her coat for her. She eyed the top, then his smiling face. Khan could tell Orlando was charmed by her reluctance and gently waved the open coat.

She surrendered and turned her back to him and slide one arm followed by the other, into the sleeve holes of her coat. Orlando guided the coat over her shoulders and she immediately moved out of his path and began to button the front of her jacket.

Khan didn't like what he saw, the way his second in command assisted her. It bothered him, but he didn't make a move to voice his displeasure.

"Thank you." She uttered with a curt incline of her head. Orlando continued to smile in self satisfaction.

Khan narrowed his gaze and busied his tense hands by pulling out a tissue from the inside of his pant pocket.

"Here." He gestured it to her. Arba addressed him. He gave a pointed look to the dried blood on her upper lip and face.

"One needs to be presentable before meeting royalty." He said, there was a spark of vengeance in her eyes, but she veiled it behind a mask of indifference.

She carefully plucked the napkin from his hold and began to clean herself up. Khan didn't like how Orlando continued to observe her. He was probably intrigued by her already healed wounds.

"Shall we proceed? We are already late." Khan noted firmly, snapping the male out of his thoughts.

"Oh of course, yes." They began to walk again, ready to meet with the Sheikh and his advisers. As structured Arba walked exactly five steps behind them.


	10. Chapter 10: Defiance

** Sassiebone: Aw thank you, I am particularly happy with how that chapter turned out, I am glad you enjoyed it :D. It's an honor that you think I deserve more reviews, hopefully there will be more readers, I am trying to be optimistic about it. **

** Reign: Thank you! Sorry I took a while to update, I am participating in NaNowrimo this year + plus work has taken up a bit of my time too. The next chapter will be longer ;). **

** Alucard's-Master: Thank you so much for the long review, I absolutely adore you for taking them time to give me your opinion. I am happy you saw the little cat like qualities to her character, believe me when I say there will be more ;). Well has restrained as Arba is this chapter will be hinting on the fact that it is straying and a certain handsome Augument will be taking full advantage of it. Things are going to pick up after chapter 10 ^^. **

**Please rate and review, thank you ^^. **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

Chapter 10

April 11th 1993

Khan sat at his desk, deep in his thoughts. His gaze however, was focused intently on the creature that sat across from him.

After his meeting with Orlando and the information he had gathered. His surety over one factor only grew stronger with conviction.

The Wahash had to be dealt with, quickly.

Two weeks had passed and he was yet to find a proper method of disposal. Ideally he would have them killed, but their disappearance would alert the Sheikh and his advisors. They were up to something. Khan had Orlando gather information in covert urgency.

_"I found something very interesting." Orlando had stated after appearing for the secret meeting he had called for between the Auguments in his chambers. Suzette and Joaquin stood beside the door, guarding it. Susan, Orlando and Khan stood in an equilateral triangle beside his study._

_"What did you find?" Khan inquired his voice low and reticent, his hands clasped behind his back._

_"His highness is extremely thorough and secretive when it comes to delivering messages; tapping into that network took a little time. He had a private line. I explored his office a little and found something very interesting."_

_"What?" Susan asked, her eyes gleaming in intrigue. _

_"His check books. He had donated a large sum of money to an unregistered company. I will find some more information regarding that. Then there is the interesting conversation I had tapped into." Orlando had been holding a rectangular cassette player with boxy buttons along the sides. He placed it calmly on the mahogany table top. _

_"Who was on the receiving end?" Susan demanded. _

_Mischief lit up Orlando's clear gaze, a wicked smile curved at his thin lips._

_"Oh you know who it is." He murmured mysteriously and then swiftly pressed down on the play button. The red supply reel began to spin. They watched the motion in silence as a dull sound, similar to the crushing of paper, echoed within the room. _

**_"Have they arrived?" _**

**_Khan tensed at the solemn, flat voice that spoke in an arrogant authority. He knew that voice anywhere, having heard several threats of war and announcements over the radio by that same voice. _**

**_"Yes. The plan is in progress." The Emirati Sheikh responded, his English sounded rougher with his thick accent. _**

**_"The operatives have been installed into their quarters?"_**

**_"Yes, it will only be a matter of giving the order." _**

**_"Good, let's hope this works, for all our sakes. Until next time your Highness." _**

**_"Insha' Allah." _**

_The reel played on for a few seconds of silence before it seized with an abrupt click. _

_"Seems the Sheikh has been fraternizing with our enemies, so much for the 'what is mine is yours' speech." Susan grumbled irately, but there was a slight satisfaction in her tone. _

_"Yes, he isn't true to his word." Khan agreed while rubbing his chin in thought "We can't let him know we are on to him. We must find some way to be rid of the Wahash." _

_"Shame, they would have made good allies." Orlando mused with a dejected pout tugging at his lower lip. Susan's contempt went unnoticed by the brooding Augument leader. _

_"Indeed." _

The comment from Orlando made Khan think long and hard. The Wahash could be great accomplices. Their powers matched them in vigor and accuracy. Khan knew if given the freedom Arba would probably tell them everything he wanted to know.

He needed to find a way to extract the information and one calm day he did.

Arba had always had defiance in her. Khan knew it the moment he had met her, but it really revealed itself the day Salim made another appearance.

A "routine checkup" He had said in broken English that was hard to understand. Then he began to furiously explain himself in Arabic while thrusting paper work at Khan from the threshold of his room.

Salim was transformed. His scruffy coffee coloured Gandurah was replaced by a gleaming white one. Khan was hit by an overpowering smell of Bukhoor. It was obvious that the man had recently come to a great inheritance for his services to the Sheikh.

Khan had to reluctantly allow him in. The man walked in with movements similar to a scurrying rat. He sneered enviously at the rich interior of Khan's room until his hazel hawk like gaze fell on Arba. Khan did not miss the pure yearning in his stare directed at the Wahash that stood idly in the corner of the office.

"Tha'al hoona." He ordered gruffly. Arba didn't even blink in acknowledgement. Khan didn't know why he was so pleased by this, but he was. She instead looked to him, awaiting an order.

Khan nodded hesitantly. There was a flash of emotion in her eyes. It wasn't fear, but more extreme dislike. Stiffly she left her post and approached the man. He frowned. Disappointed that she hadn't reacted immediately to his order, but he uttered no rebuttal. He gestured to the centre of the room. Arba took her sweet time to meet him at the centre and stood staring stoically at the back of the door.

Khan had averted his attention from them for a moment to read the document he had handed him. It was contract that listed that the Wahash are to be subjected to monthly tests. The results would be taken to the superiors and the scientists at Appello. The Latin word for summon. Khan did not miss the biblical play of words with the Wahash being created in a place called the Appello. Khan had his suspicions to whether Appello was the place the Sheikh was secretly funding.

Khan raised his gaze again only to find his office door had been slid shut. Alarmed by this he took swift steps to the exit. The door glided open under his rough pull.

Salim was in the middle touching Arba. His hand was cupping the side of her face. The intense revulsion in her eyes seemed to burn through Khan the moment their eyes met. Her face however, remained expressionless.

Salim immediately stepped away from the Wahash at the sound of the door opening. Salim did not hide the distress he felt for being caught in his advances.

"La thakoom begalak had'da al ba'ab." Khan ordered sternly. Salim nodded like a contrite school boy and resumed his duties. Khan continued to observe him by his seat the table, making sure Salim's hands did not wander anywhere they shouldn't.

It wasn't the revulsion Arba had expressed that sparked the idea in Khan. It was the moment when Salim attempted to caress her backside. She didn't endure it like he had expected her to. She growled, low and in a feral manner that frightened the weasel of a man.

She had a lot of anger directed towards the people who had raised her and there was one thing Khan knew about anger. It always had a way of coming out.

Khan knew that he couldn't dispose of the Wahash without alarming the Sheikh. However, he could attempt to break one out of the compulsion they had placed on to them.

If he succeeds, Khan would have an ally and weapon at his arsenal. It was only a matter of utilizing the plan.

* * *

**Tha'al hoona: Come here.**

**La thakoom begalak had'da al ba'ab: Do not close this door.**


	11. Chapter 11: Fatima

**Please review :) **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

**Chapter 11**

Arba was different. It wasn't just in her defiant gaze. There was life in her.

When he began to brew the initial steps of his plan he began to pay more attention to her, more than he originally had. When he wasn't busy coordinating with the Arabs and dealing with nation related matters, he was observing her.

Most of the time she would accompany him on all his errands. She was always on guard, making sure strangers did not approach him anymore than she dubbed appropriate. The servants were terrified of her, more than they should be of Khan. But Arba was particularly lenient with one servant girl.

Her name was Fatima.

She was a child, five years old and the daughter of one of the Indian servants. She wasn't supposed to be there that day, but the child wanted to burn the mischief in her and went exploring the castle. Her mother (who was tending to a Khan's left over breakfast dishes) was startled at the sight of her daughter skipping into the room.

The woman had bowed and apologized several times but Khan hardly noticed. His attention was fixated on Arba. He was intrigued by how intensely she stared at the child. The penitent child, unable to shake the feeling of being watched looked to Arba from behind her mother's skirts.

The adolescent's eyes were wide in fascination, her mouth was twisted pensively. But what shocked Khan wasn't the lack of fear in the child, but the softness in Arba's eyes.

Warmth he had never thought he would see in her.

The maid scuttled out of the room in a hurry, dragging her child with one hand while balancing the tray in the other. The moment the child left, the dead stillness in her eyes was back.

There was no denying it, Khan had seen her weakness. Something about that child had left a fracture of emotion in her that wasn't antagonistic. Khan wondered if he was the only one to notice.

He knew one thing for certain; her Achilles heel was his opportunity.

* * *

It was a quiet evening at the Sheikh's palace. The sun had set and the stars were growing bolder and bright as the night grew darker. Khan and Orlando were heading for dinner. Arba and Ashera shadowed them exactly five steps away. The heels of their leather clad shoes, clicked against the gleaming tiles, the sound echoed within the long corridor.

"Orlando." Khan addressed politely.

"Yes?" His second in command responded cordially.

"I feel like we don't know this Salim person enough." The leader stated factually. Orlando was taken aback by the dark haired man's statement.

"Oh I am sorry; I was hoping his obvious impertinent cad like exterior would put you off too." He retorted in a cynically humorous tone. The corner of Khan's mouth quirked up in mild amusement.

"He is the handler of the Wahash, it would be best to make him an ally and not an enemy." Orlando did not miss the sly glance he gave from the corner of his eye to the Wahash following them. He instantly knew that it was Khan's own silent notion of initiating a plan.

"What do you need me to do?" The blonde male inquired his voice had taken an abrupt turn to serious.

"Invite him for a drink, tonight after dinner."

"I am intrigued." Orlando mused in response, but uttered no further questions regarding the subject. "Did you know the Sheikh had him relocated to the room three doors away from you? He must want to be up to date with his creations."

He expected to see a flicker of astonishment in Khan, but he was confused by the lack of an expression in his sharp features.

"You don't seem shocked."

"On the contrary, I am pleased by the convenience of it." Khan stated when they arrived at the banquet hall. The other Auguments were seated awaiting their arrival. His clear gaze searched the room until they landed on Joaquin who stood regally beside Suzette.

"I need to speak to Joaquin." He announced and departed from Orlando's side with Arba indolently at his heels.

* * *

As asked Orlando had extended Khan's invitation to Salim and like clockwork Salim had arrived.

"Sa-lam al'laikum Salim, shook-ran la'koom a'la da'ool atha'ri." Khan greeted amiably when Salim entered his study, escorted by Orlando.

The blonde male took his leave granting privacy for Khan, Arba and Salim.

Salim was dressed in his alabaster Gandurah again, but his head lacked the formal Keffiyeh. His greasy ebony hair was slicked back. The seams around his eyes were deepened in suspicion. Khan allowed the man a moment to find solace and turned his attention to the Wahash.

"Arba." He called softly.

"Yes, Sir." She was instantly alert and at his side, Salim eyed her.

"My Arabic accent isn't as refined as it should be. Would you mind translating for me?" He asked, his attention focused on Salim's hatchet-face. Arba shot him look that seemed to silently question his sudden need for her language skills, but she didn't broadcast her suspicion.

"Yes sir." Arba nodded and turned her profile to face Salim and awaited Khan to speak.

Khan turned and took a leisurely stroll to the side of his room where a small mini-bar awaited. He had already set two Scotch glasses with three inches of amber liquid sparking inside them. He picked up the two glasses in both hands and walked back to Salim. He handed him one and kept the other for himself.

"Salim I would like to thank you for your contribution to our cause, it must not have been easy to tame such creatures."

She translated his words calmly, the silvery tone of her words made a shiver pass through him. Khan pushed back the sensation and watched Salim's expression carefully. The cruelty in his features had lightened considerably from the impact of Khan's translated statement. He responded in his rough accent.

Once Salim was done speaking, Arba craned her neck to Khan "He says thank you for noticing his efforts, you would be the first."

Khan did not miss the spiteful tenor of her retort. He smiled and raised his glass, Salim reluctantly lifted his own and they met in a shrill clink. Khan watched as Salim rapidly downed the amber liquor and then inhale deeply between his teeth.

"I think I am the only one to acknowledge it and reward it." Khan spoke and Arba translated. Salim was confused by the statement. Khan smiled secretively and took the glass from the handler's lose grip.

"Arba please escort Mr. Salim back to his room and do not come back until all his needs are met."

Her tense reaction was instantaneous. She spun around to face him, her eyebrow raised in alarm.

"Sorry Sir I do not understand."

"Yes you do." He cut in coldly, startling her into silence with his intense stare. He waited challenging her to rebel. She pressed her lips down into a thin lined and uttered no complaint.

Salim was watching the two, uncomprehending of the tension that had sparked between the two.

Arba submitted and lowered her gaze; Khan took that as cue to address his guest.

"Lae'la saeeda, Salim." He concluded nodding at the man in a lordly elegance. Understanding the dismissal Salim bowed.

"Wa an'tha, ya sa'eeda."

Khan waited till they left. His gaze was focused on the Arba's retreating back the entire time until she disappeared out of view.

* * *

**Sa-lam al'laikum Salim, shook-ran la'koom a'la da'ool atha'ri : Peace be upon you, Salim. thank you for accepting my invitation.**

**Lae'la saeeda, Salim : Good night, Salim.**

**Wa an'tha, ya sa'eeda : And you, Sir.**


	12. Chapter 12: Clockwork

**Chapter 12**

**_"Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt."  
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War_**

Khan had a new piece of furniture installed into his study. It was another desk, smaller in width but just the right size to support a twelve by twelve inch white monitor. The vacant black screen reflected his silhouette as he took a seat in front of the desk. After a moment of hesitation he leaned over and pressed his index finger to the silver button at the bottom of the frame. The screen flashed to life revealing the interior of a room similar to his, in gray scale.

The camera was located at a high corner in the bedroom, focused on the sleeping area. Khan leaned back into his seat, with his gaze set steadily on the screen, he waited.

Two figures stepped into the space, Salim followed by a reluctant Arba. Khan stared down passively at the slimy, perverse grin that curved across his craggy face. The smile was directed at Arba. Her fingers were clenched into fists at her sides. They almost looked like they were shaking, but that could be a trick of light.

Salim moved to the side of his bed and then looked to her. Arba stood like a statue at the threshold of his bedroom. He barked an order that was mute to Khan's ears. After a moment of hesitation Arba obliged.

Her hands moved up to her midriff, she began to unfasten the gibbous brass buttons of her coat. Her movements weren't in the least bit seductive. They were forced, robotic, hardhearted. The red material pooled around her ankles, then her pants until she was standing in her white tank top and matching under pants.

Khan shifted in his seat, his pupils dilated behind a canvas of sea-blue. But the moment they fell on Salim and his perverse smile, his eyes narrowed to slits. He continued to watch with an unwavering stare.

Arba stepped forward like she was following a death march. Khan could see the reluctance in her like she carried it as a billboard sign on her shoulder, yet he felt no remorse, he could only observe.

She lied down on the bed, the mattress sunk under her weight. Her arms stiff at her sides, her fingers clenched into fists. Salim lurked in the corner like a dark ominous shadow. His weathered expression alive with lust.

He made his move.

He crept on to the bed on all fours until he was looming over her. Arba remained silent and caged under him. Khan had never seen her act so helpless, obedient. Salim leaned down and her face disappeared behind the back of his head.

A sudden sinking feeling hit the base of Khan's stomach but he pushed it aside. He wanted this to happen, to confirm his suspicions. So he continued to stare.

Salim began to move down her body. Arba had her eyes opened the entire time, staring up at the ceiling. Even as he kissed down her chest and pushed up her tank top. Even as his coarse hands mapped down her sides and gripped tightly at her shapely thighs.

She didn't move, she didn't speak. She continued to lie, silently.

Khan hoped that something would change when her hands were still fists at her sides, but then abruptly, they relaxed.

It was a sign of submission, one that Khan was disappointed to witness.

He rested his elbows on the edge of the desk and weaved his fingers together. He considered coming up with another plan. His intentions for Arba were fruitless. Maybe disposing them was the only way, and he thought he could be sly.

His iridescent gaze lingered on the frame for a moment longer. Salim was leaning over her again, whispering words that were no doubt crass and sadistic.

Khan reached out with the intention of shutting down the screen when the scene before suddenly took a drastic turn.

The movements were so fast that he almost missed it, but the outcome was unable to turn away from.

Arba had kicked Salim, swiftly off her body. The man went flying back and toppled over the edge of the bed and fell to the floor.

Khan mirrored Arba's expression of bewilderment.

She quickly scrambled up into a seated position, her knees pulled up to her chest. She was panting heavily like the simple action of kicking off the assailant went against every fiber of her being.

Khan stood up in a swiftness that rattled his desk. In several strides he was out of his chambers. He marched down the length of the corridor, passing exactly three doors until he arrived at a tall porcelain door similar to his. He didn't bother with polite knock or methodical turn of the door knob. He knew it was locked and the loud, coarse yelling he heard was enough incentive to kick open the door.

He crossed the foyer, turned left and yanked open the bedroom door. The frame slide to the side and stopped with a shattering bang, startling the two figures in the room.

Salim had Arba by her throat. His other arm was raised into the air, poised threateningly. Arba wasn't fighting; her arms were slackened at her sides. The left side of her face was smeared with blood from an open cut. The skin around her eye was swollen and a sickly yellow shade.

At the sound of his entrance, Salim and Arba both looked to the Augument. The Arab man froze up in dread, the fury in his face melting to one of shock. Despite her beaten state, she still squared her shoulders orderly.

"Arba." Khan commanded. "My room, now."

"Yes, sir." Her voice was alarmingly calm, but there was a twinkle of surprise in her one good eye. Salim released her instantly and she stepped off the edge of the bed and moved to pick up her disregarded clothes.

Khan kept his intense stare focused on the trembling half naked Salim.

Arba was dressed in her uniform again. Khan stepped aside granting her a path from the door to the exit. She hesitated for a moment before accepting his silent order and walked forward. She brushed past him. A sharp scent of sandalwood combined with a tang of citrus, distracted him for a moment. His gaze followed her to the exit to find Orlando and Susan lingering in the background.

They had heard the commotion and had come rushing in. The Wahash lingered in the corridor behind the Auguments.

"Orlando." Khan called, the blonde male was swiftly at his side.

"Call upon Sheikh Zayed; we have a disturbance to report."

The sinister grin of cynical pleasure that was plastered across Khan's face made Salim's Adam's apple bob nervously.

* * *

The Sheikh and his guards arrived swiftly at Khan's summon. The commotion and their arrival had caused most of the staff within the palace to appear.

Before the Sheikh's arrival, Khan had Joaquin remove the camera within the room, to hide any form of foul-play.

Khan told the Sheikh that Salim had assaulted a member of his staff. When the Sheikh questioned this due to Salim's loud rebuttals, Khan informed him that Arba was the one who was injured in the debacle. He also had witnesses that proved Salim was the main source of violence.

Khan knew it didn't sit well with the Sheikh that the witnesses were Orlando and Susan. His Highness reluctantly sided with Khan and had armed guards escort a furious, thrashing Salim away.

Khan suppressed his victorious smile till the Sheikh was out of view.

He returned to his chambers. His mind already formulating the next plan, but the moment he entered his room all thoughts seemed to seize.

Arba was in a state of undress. Transfixed he couldn't turn away.

The black Cossack pants that hung low at her shapely hips were the only thing that kept her modest under his eye. Her back was bear of clothing. He couldn't look away from the scars that littered her skin.

He wasn't even sure if they were scars. They seemed like little stars forever burned onto her bronze complexion. The thick mane of her amber and cognac curls hung at the start of her shoulders. His gaze wandered down the taut skin to the sweeping line of her sculpted back.

She leaned forward; reaching for the new white tank top she left hanging on the wardrobe handle. He did not miss the tempting glimpse of plump skin from the side of her breast. He began to fantasize about all of her, facing him, bare for his eyes to indulge.

He cleared his throat, dispelling the throbbing need in him. He expected a virginal response from her at his sudden appearance, but there was only the stiffening of her shoulders. Tensely, she pulled down her top over her head and then spun around to face him.

The swelling around her eye had disappeared, only the deep red cut remained.

A silence filled the room. Arba stood staring bravely up at him. Her entire body was rigid, her hands clenched at her sides. She was awaiting her punishment for not following orders; she was ready to distance her mind from her body. He could see it in the dead, cold look in her eyes.

"Good night, Arba." Khan stated and then swept past her, heading for the bathroom.

"Good night?" She echoed in disbelief. He halted in front of the porcelain door. He turned so his profile faced her again. Her pretty face was alive with confusion he had caused, her golden orbs glimmering in question.

"Yes, pleasantries that are exchanged before a well deserved rest." He uttered casually. She continued to stare phlegmatically, unsatisfied by the explanation. Khan gazed back, refusing to utter anymore on the matter.

"Good night." He concluded firmly.

"Good night, Sir." She responded, despondently.


	13. Chapter 13: Three Moves

**Just a slight warning. Khan is a villain, so please do not be surprised if his acts in the future context of his story is "villainous". Also slightly graphic moments in this chapter. You have been warned. **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

**Chapter 13**

Khan was not surprised by the cold, mistrustful exterior Arba held towards him (not like it was any warmer before). Ever since the previous night she had posted herself further away from him, like he was the animal she needed to be wary of. He didn't mind, he preferred it, the lack of intimidation from her end was staring to worry him.

Orlando had informed him that the Sheikh wished to speak with him after breakfast. Khan waited patiently for his arrival from the luxury of his high-back chair. Arba sat on the stool at the far corner of the study, staring into space.

There was a sharp knock on the door. Arba was quickly at her feet and looked to Khan, awaiting his instruction. He nodded in approval and she turned away to answer the door.

At her dismissal Khan arranged a few sheets of classified information on his desk into a neat pile. The Sheikh entered in his bleach white Gandurah but his face was absent of any head wear. Khan was surprised to see the man look so casual with his jet black hair swept back and primly trimmed beard.

Arba lingered behind under the arch entrance as Khan leaned over his desk to shake Zayed's outstretched hand.

"My friend we have a bit of a sensitive topic to discuss." His Highness informed solemnly.

"Sensitive, you're Highness?" Khan questioned while gesturing an open hand to the empty visitors chair in front of his desk.

"Yes, it's the matter with your Wahashi and Salim." Zayed said as he took a seat.

Arba ventured to her chair and stood in front of the seat, ready for any abrupt orders.

"Ah yes." Khan bent at the knees to sit on his own chair "What of it."

"Salim informed me that you were the one who sent the woman to his chambers." The Sheikh remarked in a accusatory manner. He cut a quick glance in her direction.

"Yes I did." Khan responded calmly.

"Did you also tell her to bed him?"

"I did no such thing." The Augument insisted, distraught by the very accusation "I wanted to reward Salim for his services as the handler, so I instructed Arba to assist Salim in any way he saw fit."

He felt a wave of seething rage that emitted from the Wahashi.

"I suppose it was my fault really, my lack of knowledge with Arabic had caused them both to misunderstand." He spoke despondently. Zayed's hawk-like gaze narrowed. His harsh features made the look seem more sinister than one of suspicion.

"I see." The Sheikh grumbled under his breath "Honest mistake at your end I suppose, but I cannot tolerate such behaviour in your Wahashi."

He rose to his feet and Khan remained seated in a lordly elegance.

"To avoid any more misunderstandings I think it is best that you discipline her." Zayed insisted diplomatically.

"Understood." Khan stood up "Do you mind if I utilize your basement to exact her punishment?"

The Sheikh smiled the laugh lines around his eyes and mouth deepening.

"My home is your home."

Khan couldn't suppress his triumphal smirk the moment the Sheikh exited.

_Always think three moves ahead. _

* * *

Khan shut the steel door in a clang. The sound rattled the prisoner within the cold stone walls.

Arba was pacing the width of her side of the wall when he had entered. She stopped, her posture immediately straightened in solider like elegance. Her golden eyes were gleaming behind the dark shadows. The only source of illumination was the moon light that filtered through the metal bars on the arch window, across the entrance.

Khan made his way down the stone steps, until he reached the same floor as her. Her eyes followed him until he took a seat on high-back wooden chair beside the steps.

"You may speak." He commanded and Arba didn't hesitate to voice out her questions.

"This is my punishment?" She asked taking a step forward, the chains rattled at her movements.

"For what exactly?" He responded, leaning back into the comfort of his seat. Her dark winged brows furrowed doubtfully.

"My insubordination." She said.

"Ah that." He smiled, astonishing her "I should be rewarding you actually, your rebellious actions led to the dismissal of that repulsive man."

"If this isn't punishment, what is it?" She demanded, raising her arm up to gesture at the hard, steel cuffs around her wrists.

"A test." He mused mysteriously.

"Test of what?"

"Restraint."

On theatrical queue, Orlando entered the room. He trudged down the stone steps, his footsteps heavy from the weight thrown over his broad shoulder. Khan watched Arba's reaction extremely carefully.

Her amber gaze narrowed in on writhing body slung over the man's shoulder. Orlando turned his back to her and marched to the other side of the room, that's when recognized the figure.

It was Fatima. Her face was wet with tears and her cries muffled by the clothed tied around her mouth. Her arms and legs were bounded together by the same type of white cloth. Orlando gently placed the child on cold, granite floor.

Arba's incensed stare honed in on Khan.

"What is this?" She hissed, but from the trembling trepidation in her voice, Khan knew she had a correct assumption. Orlando made a swift exit and the door slammed shut again followed by the sharp shriek of iron locking in place.

Khan raised his arm and pointed a stern finger at the terrified child huddled up at the far wall. Arba followed the direction of his arm with wide eyes, dreading the words he was about to utter.

"Khathal."

She shoulders were forced forward, the chains rattled in unison to the tremors that racked her body. Her thick mane of curls curtained the sides of her face. Her head craned back, her jaded eyes were a swirling, menacing and molten.

She shot forward, claws out ready to kill. The little girl's high-pitched screams were stifled behind the damp gag.

There was a sudden clang and Arba was yanked back by the bolted chains. Her back met the cold stone in a painful clout, but she was swiftly on her feet. She continued to thrash and pull, her deadly stare focused on the child, determined to end her life.

Fatima's cries echoed within the small space. Her body was curled up into a fetal position and she yelled out for her mother repeatedly. Khan didn't care, his attention was focused on Arba.

It was truly astonishing how much prowess the Wahash possessed. They were like mindless killing machines once the order was given. He watched her, the baring of her teeth, the blood lust in her eyes, and her struggle against the chains.

"Kalas." He whispered.

Her knees gave out under her. She fell forward but brought her arms under her in time. Arba panted heavily from the exertion. The cuffs had cut into her skin, blood dripped down her wrists.

"She is just a child!" She cried out, her voice considerably human. She raised her gaze, their eyes met.

Fatima's cries faded into the background.

Khan's iridescent orbs absorbed the sheer desperation she expressed. He had never seen her so vulnerable, so tangible.

"Please." She pleaded "Don't make me do this."

Her words hung in the air, Fatima's cries were reduced to whimpers.

Khan leaned forward. He set his elbows on top of his strong thighs and then weaved his fingers together.

"Only you have that power." He stated confidently position his chin on top of his slender fingers. She shook her head, her hair damp with sweat.

"I can't...I can't." She rasped out pitifully.

"Yes you can."

"Why?" She hissed struggling to stand on shaky limbs, her chest heaved with each breath she took.

"Why are you doing this?"

Khan didn't answer in a swiftness she demanded and he knew it irked her. He leaned back into his seat and crossed his arms over his chest.

"I have my reasons." He responded further antagonizing her. He smirked evilly at the sight of the hate she directed at him.

"Besides, you are to be utilized as I please, yes?"

He knew it was low and crafty to throw back words she had uttered disdainfully, but the satisfaction they brought was hard to ignore. Arba was seething silently. He raised his arm towards the child again.

"Khathal."

* * *

Hours passed, each longer than the next. At each summoning Arba thrashed in riotous movements that continued to terrify the child. At some point during the tortuously slow pace, Fatima had soiled herself and the stench of urine and sweat permeated the air.

Khan once again uttered the word that seized Arba's struggles. She fell on all fours, her hands slapping the cold earth. Her limbs besieged by her weight. Her skin glistened from the exertions.

He averted his attention from her and to the wall behind her. The bolts that held the chains in place were loosening. The top corners of the anchors were beginning to detach from the walls. He was awed by the strength she possessed. He only hoped she had enough to break free of the compulsion the word had on her.

"Seems the chains won't hold you back for long." He mused pensively.

"I'll kill you." She graveled out.

Khan was astonished, his dusky brows rose in wonder. He had been threatened many times in his life. It was the first time he had heard it with such conviction. She met his stare with a fierce, carnal determination burning in them. The flesh around her mouth was scrunched up, her lips held in a deadly snarl.

"I am going to kill you for this."

"How are you going to kill me?" He inquired and sent her an arch smile that further provoked her.

"I am going to rip your throat out and then plunge it into your heart." She spat viciously, beads of sweat dripped down her face.

"That's very imaginative, and highly unlikely." He insisted earning a low growl from her. "You can't even stop yourself from wanting to kill a little girl, how will you possible end me?"

The question hung in the air, she fell silent once more. She lowered her stare to the ground, morosely.

He almost pitied her.

"I didn't do this to you Arba. I didn't make you this way. I am not the enemy." He reminded. He hoped the sympathetic warmth he applied to his voice would ease her, but they didn't. The hate in her golden orbs she directed at him, continued to swirl and brighten in abhorrence.

"You are all my enemies and I will kill **all** of you."

He didn't take her vow lightly. It was filled with a wild, determined antipathy to be considered irrational. She had had these thoughts for the longest time and they were just surfacing.

_Good._ He couldn't help but think. _They will fuel her on the path to liberty._

"Think about it this way." He said "The sooner you are done the sooner the child can return to her mother's awaiting arms."

He stood up with an urge to stretch his legs. Khan regally clasped his arms behind him and uttered the word again.

"Khathal."

The despair on her face morphed into a beastly snarl. She sped forward, the chains rattled, the metal clattered at an attempt to restrain her. Fatima had her face between her hands. Her screams were reduced to pathetic sobs as Arba continued to fight the manacles with a wild violence.

Khan eyed the iron chains, his attention focused on the anchor. At each swing of her powerful arms, the bolt continued to weaken and in the next moment.

The chains were no longer holding her back.

Arba fell on to all fours. Her palms slapped the ground. Her head craned back, strands of wet hair masked molten gold eyes focused on the crying child. The Wahash pushed off the soles of her feet and charged ahead.

Fatima's screams pierced the air.

Suddenly everything was dead silent. Like the end of a war where it felt like a vacuum had sucked out all the air from the space and all that was left was just nothingness. Arba had managed to stop herself, yet her arm was frozen above her head, mid strike.

Fatima had fainted. From an over dose of fear or the exertions it had on her heart, Khan didn't care. His fanatical gaze was fixated on the woman. He stepped forward, moving to an angle so he could see her face.

Her expression was stricken, her eyes wide and flickering from gold to amber. For a moment, he didn't know what her frozen form meant. He didn't know if he had broken her from the compulsion or her spirit.

"Khathal." He repeated his deep, clear voice resonating around them. Her body was raked with tremors again and her elongated fingers curled into her palm.

"No." She gasped out almost inaudibly. She shook her head; beads of sweat escape the ends of her hair in sprinkles.

"No, no no no." She continued to repeat to herself like a soothing mantra. She jolted back, her rear end made hard impact with the floor beneath her. She scrambled back on her hands while shaking her head repetitively. Khan watched her scramble away and just when she thought she was far enough, she stopped and curled into her body.

Then her body unexpected hunched forward and sounds of painful retching filled the room.

Khan scrutinized her for a moment unsure of what to do or say. Had she broken free? Was the vomiting an unfortunate side effect of her battle?

Khan left her to her heaving and moved in quick steps back to the door. His fist banged against the metal once and it opened in response.

Joaquin stepped in and stood beside his superior.

"Return the girl back to her mother." Khan ordered his focus still rested on Wahash. Joaquin didn't hesitate to obey and approached the unconscious girl and gathered her up into his able arms. He was then swiftly out of the room, leaving Khan alone with her.

Her gagging had seized, but she hadn't moved from her hunched position. Khan ignored the distasteful stench of her emptied bowels and decided to step to her.

"Arba?"He called gently. She didn't respond instead she fell on to her side. Khan was immediately beside her. He pulled her till she was lying face up. She was unconscious and breathing gently. He pushed back wet strands of hair from her face. Beads of perspiration littered her forehead and upper lip, but colour had returned to her cheeks, she seemed almost peaceful.

It had worked. Khan couldn't help but feel smug. He gently scooped her body into his arms. She was heavier than she seemed, but it wasn't a weight he couldn't handle. Her head lolled over his forearm, her limbs lifeless.

He turned away from the scene of her liberation and walked up the shorts steps and exited the cold dark room.

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**_Please review :)_ **


	14. Chapter 14: Zahara

**Chapter 14**

The lack of concern from her fellow Wahash was staggering. Khan figured that when they saw him exit the room with her unconscious form in her arms, they would at least bat an eyelash. But they remained idle by the walls, staring dead ahead, eyes cold and uncaring.

Why were they not surprised? Was it not the first time they had seen a drained comrade? Khan knew they assumed just as Arba had. That it was punishment for her insubordination. Khan didn't plan on correcting them, if they thought as such so did the prison guards. He didn't want the Sheikh to find out what he had really achieved.

After he had placed Arba on his bed, he left the room knowing it would be a while before she woke up. He locked the door and left to tend other matters. Like the Sheikh's demanding questions regarding a hysterical servant woman and the loud disturbing noises from the basement.

Khan headed to his chambers after informing his comrades about what he had achieved. They were anticipating the events to come.

* * *

The Augument reached his suite door late in the night. He fitted the key into the lock and twisted, a sharp click followed. He pressed down on the gleaming gold handle and pushed open the door. He stepped into his room and shut the door behind him. He crossed the foyer in swift steps and peered into his bedroom.

The bed was empty and the sheets were ruffled. He could hear the distant sound of water hitting the tiles in his bathtub, yet the bathroom door was slightly open. He moved in, his gaze narrowing on the porcelain door.

Something was off, everything within the room was too still, too staged. He passed the cupboard and then the bed. His broad formed blocked the strip of light from within the bathroom. He peered into the gap.

The shower head sprayed water on to an empty ceramic tub.

He was suddenly extremely aware of the cool, prickling sensation at his jugular. He couldn't help but be impressed. He was not expecting the threat to his life. His gaze coolly fell to the brass letter opener pointed at his neck, _his letter opener_.

"Now is this any way to treat your savior?" He inquired a hint of amusement in his words. He felt her warm breath on his neck, her heart thudding in a sudden rage.

"You did not save me." She hissed "I nearly killed that child because of you."

"Nearly."

He twisted around and knocked the letter opener out of her hand. She took swift steps back and then brought her arms up to her chest, her stance defensive and prepared for a fight.

Khan took in the fierce determination burning in her eyes and her expression scrunched up in fury.

"Khathal." He uttered stridently. She tensed at his words, her body experiencing the same tremors once again. She hissed and crouched over fighting back the programmed instincts in her. He watched, finding fascination in her struggle.

Her chest heaved with each breathless pant that escaped her lips. Her knees gave out under her and she fell to the carpeted floor.

"It's a work in progress; their brain washing still has a little power over you." He noted resolutely. She ignored him and focused on suppressing the immense pain she was undergoing. Dubbing her docile for the moment, Khan approached her and knelt down in front of her.

"Where does it hurt?" He asked while steadying a hand on her shoulder.

"Everywhere." She grunted through clenched teeth.

"Fight it." He encouraged. She exhaled short breaths, coiling further into herself. She hugged her body around the stomach and after a few seconds, she stopped trembling.

"You have broken your chains Arba." He stated. She raised her head, her swirling golden orbs snapped to him.

"What do you intend to do with your freedom?"

His question startled her. She didn't attempt to mask the astonishment she was experiencing. Khan was enjoying the roller coaster of emotions she was expressing silently. Fear, confusion and finally, realization. She had made a decision in regards to her opinion of him. When she mutely lowered her attention to the floor he knew she no longer saw him as a threat.

Khan studied her in turn, taking in the sight of her small features. It was the first time was at such a close proximity to the woman, he discovered he enjoyed the nearness. She had thin brown lines that slanted up the sides of her cheek bones. He assumed it was a genetic inheritance from her animal DNA. He admired the cat-like round shape of her eyes and the sandy lashes that framed them.

His attention travelled lower, to her mouth. It was soft and parted in an unconscious act of contemplation. He liked the rose tinge of her lips against her honey tone skin, so much so that his belly quivered in a desire to taste them.

"Zahara." She uttered.

"Pardon?" He hadn't been paying attention. Their eyes met, his pulse raced.

"My name is Zahara." She stated firmly. He blinked wordlessly. She had a name that was her own. He wondered, if her will power stemmed from the root of self designation.

"Zahara." He liked the way three syllables rolled off his tongue in a sensual effortlessness. He did not miss the way her pupils expanded.

"Very fitting." He added. She scrutinized him, her stare narrowed.

"Why help me?" She demanded. He hadn't realized he had been smiling until he felt the muscles around his face, rest.

"You are deluded if you think my sole purpose is to help you." He retorted monotonously.

"You are a rare being, Zahara. The powers you possess will be most useful in this battle. But I cannot have a soldier controlled by such little thing as a word, it makes the situation dire. You could be easily swayed by the enemy."

Her golden eyes hardened, irked by his statement "So this isn't freedom, you just released me of one leash to place me in another."

"I suppose it does seem that way if I do not give you the option to be on my side, but I am." He steadily rose up to his full height. She remained crouched on the ground glaring up at him.

"After all the cruelty they had forced upon you, you must want your revenge." Her expression softened to one of brooding precision, her eyes stormy and unforgiving. His acknowledgement had struck a nerve, one he intended on putting to its full potential.

"So I will ask again, Zahara. What do you intend to do?"

She didn't answer him. She directed her attention to the balcony to her left. He followed her gaze, unsure of her reasons. She grabbed his interest when she stood to her full height, her arms by her sides. She turned and strutted past the bed and out the balcony doors. He watched unmoving as she jumped off the edge of the railing and disappeared from his line of vision.


	15. Chapter 15: Confident

** alltheteainchina: **Thank you so much ,you are far too kind :D. I am so happy you are enjoying the story so far, things are going to pick up and all that sexual tension will soon be hard to suppress ;). Enjoy the new chapter :D

** TheLastRider: **Thank you so much ^^. Yes most chapters are short and it was intentional, cliffhangers and keeping the readers on edge sort of thing. I hope you don't mind it too much. Well the story is honestly just starting to pick up, I am so excited to release the next few chapters, things are about to get heated ;). Thank you so much for the long review you have no idea how much I loved reading about what you thought. Looking forward to reading more from you, hopefully the story will continue to keep you on edge ^^**.** Enjoy the new chapter :D

_Please review, I really want to know what you guys think ^^. _

_xx_

_SSC_

* * *

**Chapter 15**

Khan found her sitting on top of a sand dune staring up at the night sky. He wasn't surprised that she had managed to evade the watchful eye of the guards that surrounded the palace. She had even situated herself on the face of a dune, out of sight.

She had left deep foot shaped pits in the sand that were slowly disappearing in the light wind. The cool air licked at his forearms as he ascended the hill. He could feel grains of sand seep into the shoelace holes in his boots and fill the insides. He ignored the itchy sensation of the granules and focused his attention on her.

She was lost in her thoughts. Her soft, cognac and honey curls fluttered around her. Her fingers were gently clenching and releasing the sand under her, allowing the grains to slip through her the gap between her fingers. Her legs were crossed in a meditative position, her breathing effortless.

"This is what you wish to do with your freedom?" He inquired his voice silvery in the silence.

He paused to mimic her attention to the sky "Star gazing."

Despite awaiting her reply Khan couldn't help but be a little enchanted by the twinkling lights among the sea of black. The desert was a mere silhouette of waves, shadows compared to the beauty of the night sky. The heavens were gleaming and glittering like diamond dust on black velvet.

"We were never taught what they are." Her statement snapped him out of his spell.

"What?"

"Stars." She whispered into the night.

"I know their name, like I know that is the moon." She raised her arm up and pointed to the full moon that hung proud and porcelain above them. "And the sun rises and sets and the vast body of water we are surrounded by is called a sea that leads to an ocean. But I don't not know what makes them. What is a star? Why does it twinkle? Why does the moon only show its whole face once a month?"

Khan couldn't hide his stupefaction. His stare was powerful enough to burn a hole through her. His lips parted at an attempt to form words to such a astounding revelation. They weren't taught basics about the world they habituated? It was positively blasphemous in his eyes. Khan had lived most of his short adolescence questioning everything around him. Curious about every living and lifeless object that he came across. The scientists even struggled to provide him the answers he desired. Even then, he sought information on his own.

The fact that Zahara had lived with all her questions and no answers bothered him immensely. He was sure he felt something close to sympathy for her.

"Why were you not taught this?" He demanded.

"Unnecessary information." Her words held a disembodied tone, like she was repeating a sentence that had been said to her many times.

"We were taught ways to kill a man. How to survive in harsh climates. Use our bodies to their utmost potential. Information about the world we live in was simply...irrelevant."

Khan couldn't help but feel insulted. Knowledge was the most relevant thing on the planet, without an understanding there would be no key to success. He tried to imagine himself without all that he knew. The idea was horrifying.

He averted his hard gaze to the stars once more, their light reflected in his clear eyes.

"Stars are exploding balls of gas, mainly hydrogen and helium." He began to explain "The plasma is held together in space by its own gravity. They give off their own light, hence the twinkling."

"What about the ones that do not twinkle?" She asked eagerly.

"Those are planets."

"Planets, like ours?"

"Not exactly." He paused to glanced back and see if anyone had noticed them loitering in the desert. The palace lights were shinning bright and the area around it was knew the staff was too busy tending to tasks concerning the ball the next day, none would notice the two of them in the outskirts. Satisfied he lowered himself on to the ground and sat down beside her. Zahara watched his movements the entire time. There was a glimmer of hostility in her eyes but she didn't utter a word of complaint.

"They are built up of different compounds and are uninhabitable to us. There are nine planets in our solar system." He continued to teach, she listened intently. "We can only see one side of the moon, as it orbits us the shadows mask the sides that leaves our sight, the alignment with the sun plays the most part in that. Once a month it completes its cycle and we see the full moon again."

Silence wrapped around them once more, but it was full of ease. Zahara was pondering the information he had bestowed upon her. Khan watched her from the corners of his eyes.

After a moment she shifted around so her profile faced him. He craned his neck to observe her. He could see her nervously twisting and pulling at her fingers, trying to gather words.

"I haven't been grateful for much." She began to say softly "I don't really know what the word meant until now but..."

A shaky breath left her lips and she found the courage to meet his gaze. Even with the faint light they were provided, Khan could still see the specks of gold in her eyes.

"Thank you, for freeing me."

Gratitude was not something he was accustomed to receiving; initially he didn't know how to respond.

"Ultimately you freed yourself, I merely orchestrated it." He insisted flatly.

"Maybe one day, I can do the same for you." He couldn't help but snort derisively at the seriousness in her tone.

"That would be highly unlikely. I never intend to be captured." He vowed smugly. There was silence at her end. He could feel her scrutinizing stare dance over his face.

"So confident." He did not miss the playful tone to her words. "What is it that makes you so sure of your abilities?"

"Science. Me and my kind are genetically engineered to be superior." He answered assertively.

"At what?"

"Everything."

She fell silent but it wasn't the ego-bruised, seething, kind of quiet. She was calm, collected and observant of him.

"My condescending tone does not offend you." He noted surprisingly unsure himself.

"Why would it offend me?" She responded.

"Your only great talent is murder, in a world among intellects you will fail."

"That is true." He could hear the smile in her words and suddenly wished there was a more efficient method of illumination. "But my interest does not reach to intellects."

"What is your interest?"

"Survival."

A bitter conviction underlined her tone, he needed to know why.

"What is the reason behind your need to survive?" He knew he had asked the right question. There was always a reason. No one survived just for the sake of existing. He survived for power, he craved it, to rise above and bring world order under his thumb. He doubted Zahara had the same desires he did, hers were more skin deep.

"My sister." She said her voice tight and controlled "We were separated, it was my fault. I wouldn't behave and they grew tiresome of my rebelliousness, so as punishment they took my sister from me. My whole purpose in coming here was in the hopes of finding her. But my search has yet to be fruitful and I was not expecting their...mind control."

"How did they do it?"

"Needles and a lot of noise." She was frustrated with her own vague response "It's hard to describe I—I don't remember most of it. But I do not think it is the only one command they have for me."

Khan mulled over her words while pressing his fingers together in thought. He knew it was intentional, a form of hypnotism to imbed the words into their subconscious.

"I didn't think so either." He murmured "Was it the Sheikh that funded this...project?"

"I never saw the face of the benefactor. Only the scientists. Their faces I do not intend to forget anytime soon."

"When do you intend to forget them?"

She looked to him "Once I kill them."

Khan smiled, impressed by the lethal vindication in her voice.

"Maybe they will be present at the party tomorrow." He cut a glance at the twinkling lights of the palace in their background.

"It's not just revenge; I want to emancipate my people."

He looked to her, trying to peer through the darkness and witness the determination he heard.

"It will be difficult."

"But not impossible." Khan knew that was a blurred line to her now, considering she had held on through sweat, blood and tears to break through her mind's compulsion.

"Once you share all you know and after you help me conquer that which I desire?" He asked.

"Yes." She nodded.

He fell silent, considering her request. It was a simple enough deal, help her free her people for the information he needs to defeat his enemies and conquer the Middle East. He stood to his feet and then stretched an arm out for her to take.

"I agree to your terms, Zahara." He stated confidently.

She reached out and grasped his hand firmly and hoisted herself up. Once she was eye to eye with him, she smiled.

"And I you."


	16. Chapter 16: Hope

** Sassie-bone: Dear you are right, people are starting to discover me ^^. Thank you for your support and a Happy New Year to you :D **

** AvalonTheLadyKiller: Thank you ^^ I hope you enjoy the installments in the future. Happy New Year to you too :D **

** casper6six6: Why thank you and a Happy New Year ^^**

_**Sorry I took so long to upload this chapter, but holidays take up a lot of time. To make up for Christmas and New Years I have made this chapter extra long ^^. Happy New Year, guys.**_

_**xx**_

_**SSC**_

* * *

Khan was surprised to find Zahara a sleep that morning. She was curled up on top of the cupboard like a peacefully slumbering kitten. He correctly deduced that it was the first sleep she had of her own free will. He didn't disturb her and chose to commence his daily duties.

He had to tend to a lot of security related tasks in preparation for the ball that evening. The Sheikh's head servant was consistently meandering his way out of supplying Khan the guest list. When he was finally provided a copy, Khan knew in his gut that a few unwanted guests would be appearing. After all, it was a gathering of diplomats that are or soon to be under Augument rule.

Khan returned to his room on the growling orders of his empty stomach. He had missed breakfast due to all the duties he had to tend to. He arrived at his chambers late morning. He was surprised by the image that greeted him in the study.

Zahara was loitering by his desk, her back to him. He watched her surreptitiously from behind the frame of the open door. He was unaware of her intentions for circling his desk like a preying hawk, but he had his suspicions. He had left a neat pile of documents on his desk, documents with details about Augument plans of change for the U.A.E.

He waited in anticipation; she was reaching out towards the papers. He stepped closer with the intention of intercepting her attempts when the scene took a turn for the unexpected.

Zahara swiftly poked one of the silver balance balls on top of Khan's desk. Her touch ignited a chain reaction that caused the four gleaming spheres to swing rhythmically from side to side.

He stared unsure of how to respond for a moment, the act was adorably curious of her. He continued to watch her as she stared at the pendulums with a wide eyed intrigue. Her head was tilted slightly to the side. Wisps of light from the window facing her highlighted the cognac in her hair.

"It's called a Newton's cradle." He announced his voice hadn't startled her like he expected.

He stepped into the room as she turned her head to acknowledge his presence. That was when he noticed the casual state of her dress. A simple white vest and black harem pants, she looked at home. He stopped once he was standing at the other end of the table, facing her.

"A device to demonstrate the conservation of momentum and energy." He explained gesturing to the object. Her dark brows lifted in wonder, her gaze drifting back to the swinging ornament.

"It's hypnotizing." She murmured a faint smile gracing her lips "I've always wanted to play with it before, an itch I had to suppress."

"Understandable." He uttered agreeably. His keen eyes wandered over her form, taking in her tan skin until he noticed something very odd. Her hands, they were shaking by her thighs.

"Your arms are trembling." He pointed out monotonously. She perked up, grabbed from her thoughts. Her attention immediately fell to her hands and she raised them up, they were still tremulous.

"It comes and goes." She said, curling her fingers into fists and then stretching them out "I think it's because I am fighting it."

"What?"

"Order." She answered her gaze fixated on him.

"My mind it's a little—" He watched her hesitate and struggle to find the proper word.

"Fawda." She uttered after a moment, the slight purr in her tone made him yearn.

He smiled, understanding her meaning.

"Chaotic."

"Yes." She nodded her eyes gleaming in appreciation "Sorry, there are still a few English words I need to familiarize myself with."

"Yes well, your time with me should help that along." Khan couldn't help but think his statement sounded more relative than he intended. He cleared his throat and curtly rounded the table and made his way to his chair.

"I've written all the names that I recall." Zahara pointed to the long slip of paper she had placed on his desk earlier. He looked to the parchment and picked it up before skimming through it.

There were five names written on the sheet in a very child like hand writing. He wasn't surprised by this, she wasn't known for her penmanship after all.

_Doctor Brighton_

_Doctor Amanda Bings_

_Doctor Hemming _

_Lieutenant Prosser _

_Doctor Bergman_

"How do you remember them?" He inquired glancing up at her.

"According to the stages I was placed in during my...time there." She answered, the lightness in her tone taking a turn for the grim.

"By that I mean levels of torture."

"I see." He murmured mainly to himself. He placed the parchment back on to the surface of the table and then leaned back into his chair. Khan weaved his fingers together on his lap and rested his elbows on top of the arm rests.

"Tell me about these stages." He insisted elegantly. He saw the hesitation in her hardened gaze. She was debating his order, whether to trust him with details of her making, whether it would be a wise decision.

"I remember feeling afraid and in danger most of the time." She began to say, softly and her gaze a far in thought.

"I didn't have any memories of my past and I always had this hunger to kill. My sister, she isn't my blood but she was younger than most of us and I protected her. We protected each other which made it that much harder for them to take us to the stage after our creation."

"Which is?" He asked in rapt attention. She lifted her gaze to his, their eyes met.

"Domestication." She stated, vengefully "They needed us to be willing, so afraid that we had no choice but to surrender. There were disciplinarians; they beat us until we submitted."

Khan didn't know how to absorb the information she provided. Part of him wasn't surprised by the cruelty. The other side of him was shaken by how appalled he felt. In a way he felt blessed. The scientists who created the Auguments were too in awe by their strength and intellect to feel the need to attempt to tame them. Khan knew now, the scientist wished they had.

"The third stage was obedience—" The telling of her time at the Apello was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. Khan continued to observe her. The way her head snapped in the direction of the door, the first step she took to approach the door and then immediately she stopped.

Her arms were trembling with much vigor. Her fingers rolled into her palms as she suppressed the need to follow methodical orders. Khan was pleased by her determination to not revert back into her Wahashi ways.

"Enter." His boomed. The heard the door opening followed swiftly by the clicking of fast footsteps. Orlando emerged at the bend of the door. His head was lowered, thin strands of his blonde hair a light in charming platinum. His attention was on the sheet of paper he was reading as he entered the room.

"Greetings fearless leader." He raised his head and looked to Khan, unaware of Zahara standing to the side, at a distance. He reached Khan's desk in a matter of seconds and stretched out the pile of papers in his grip for Khan to take.

"So I have the report from James—" Orlando's eyes distractedly shot to the side, his words coming to an abrupt halt at the sight of the female.

"Hullo." He breathed, his grip on the report left. Khan had to practically catch the papers before the air conditioning blasted them away.

"Orlando, you've met Zahara." Khan stated sternly while trying to hide his displeasure. He did not appreciate the lustful intent in Orlando's blue gaze as he observed the woman.

He stepped forward and gestured an open hand out for her to shake. The Wahashi eyed his hand stiffly for a moment before reaching out with her own.

"Zahara?" The man echoed in wonder. His astonished was willed away by the slow, devilish smile that took over his handsome face.

"I prefer it over Arba, suits your wild beauty perfectly."

Khan and Zahara were equally stunned by the flirtatious words that left the man's lips. Khan sat silently in his chair, watching Zahara's reactions very carefully.

"Thank you." She responded. Khan found it hard to read exactly how she was feeling in regards to Orlando's blatant ways. Her body language spoke multitudes of her uneasiness in the way the blonde stared at her, but simultaneously, her eyes were a gleam.

"I believe I must welcome you to our team. I am currently trying to come up with a title for our mission."

"Orlando—" Khan chided in a warning tone.

"Operation: Conquer Nation." The man babbled on, rather proud of himself. His enthusiasm dulled under the bland looks Zahara and Khan directed at him.

"No?" He wondered rubbing his chin in thought.

"I'll work on it." He vowed, grinning widely in her direction. She watched him, wordlessly.

There was another knock on the door and Susan entered in her usual authoritarian walk. Khan did not miss the look of distaste she shot in Zahara's direction while moving to stand beside Orlando.

Khan had summoned them earlier during the preparations for the ball. He had informed them of what he had accomplished with the Wahashi. Susan was particular verbal of her mistrust towards Zahara. She wasn't too keen on listening to Zahara's tales about the Apello.

"Zahara just provided me a list of names of the doctors who created the Wahash." Khan announced and handed the list to Orlando. The man accepted the piece of paper as Susan glanced at the list of names.

"Ah wonderful." Orlando mused thoughtfully.

"I'll research what I can. Do you know the location of this lab?" He directed his question at the Wahashi.

"No, I'm sorry." Zahara responded "But it's called the Apello."

"That much we are aware of." Susan added with an exasperated roll of her piercing eyes.

"Tell us something we don't know."

Khan did not appreciate Susan's snide attitude in the situation. However, he was surprised by the lack of a reaction of Zahara.

"It wasn't just shadowing that we were intended for. Yes we are to protect you and serve our roles until we are given orders to implement the second half of our mission."

"What is the second half?" Orlando asked. A grim shadow deepened the dark features of the Wahashi's face. She lowered her attention to the floor for a moment before looking right at Khan.

"Assassinate the leader and his followers."

* * *

Khan excluded Zahara from the discussion he wished to have with his teammates. She left the room discreetly and the moment she did, Susan instantly asked the question she had been dying to.

"You believe her?"

"Yes." Khan responded curtly, she didn't hide her dislike.

"Why?" She demanded "Just because of her sob story about her search for her sister? How can you trust that she hasn't completely worn of her compulsion?"

"She hasn't completely worn off, she is still experiencing relapses."

"Which makes her a liability." Susan reminded harshly "She said so herself, there could be other commands."

"Yes. That is why we need her. She is the key to the answers and information we need to put an end to this." Khan rebutted with equal ferocity. Susan fell into a seething silence.

"What is the plan?" Orlando asked, his tone plainly calmer than his colleagues.

"There is a possibility one or more of the targets will be appearing at the ball tonight. I will see to the interrogation." Khan answered "Orlando, I need you to make the location of the Apello your priority."

"Of course." The male nodded in a firm obedience

"I have a feeling our mutual friend with the Sheikh will have some part to play tonight." The leader mused out loud, earning a chuckle from the blond male.

"You do not think General Malt would arrive in person do you?" Susan retorted, her fair brows furrowing in displeasure "That would be foolish."

"No, but he will be sending one of his operatives." Khan replied meeting her swirling crystal eyes "I need you to find out who they are."

"I assume killing them isn't the plan." Orlando wondered.

"No, we wouldn't want to give ourselves away. Just find out who the person is, we need the faces of all our enemies."

"And her?" Susan hissed, referring to the woman who hadn't left Khan's thoughts.

"She will act as my protector, which reminds me. Remember to elude your own." Khan warned. Orlando and Susan nodded agreeably.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult with Ashera, but I will try my best." Orlando sighed desolately.

* * *

The night of celebration began the moment the last rays of sunset left the skies. The servants moved about the palace, bustling frantically to tend to their tasks. The citadel lit up majestically. The twinkling lights masked the alabaster walls in specks of gold.

The main convex globe a top the castle was constantly shifting to different colours of the spectrum. The entrance trapezoid stairway was fifteen feet in width with a waterfall running down the center. The shimmering waters were light up in an unusual shade of cerulean that traveled straight to the musical fountains.

There were two musical fountains, facing each other with a wide stretch of bricks separating them. The waters continued to dance and erupt to the rhythm of Debussy's Arabesque.

Guests began to arrive in black Rolls-Royces. Each arrival was awed by the sheer wonder the palace provided. Their enchantment with the garden's splendor was enough to distract them from the several steps they had to climb.

Khan was in his study, adjusting his metal cufflinks. He felt out of place in a suit having never worn one, but the occasion called for it. He moved in lazy steps to the small mirror on the wall to the left, next to the mini bar. He took in his appearance.

His dark hair was brushed neatly away from his forehead. The charcoal black shirt hugged his broad figure and tightly around his muscular chest. He pushed up at the head of his ebony silk tie till it was centered under the base of his neck.

"You should wear suits more often."

He glanced up to see Susan's reflection in his mirror. She was dressed in a long grey dress complimented by sprinkles of silver dust. The dress was held to her body by thin straps over her shoulders. Khan couldn't help but admire her a little. She looked positively dangerous in the slimming dress with her platinum head of hair slicked back. Noticing his approving stare, she smiled wickedly and began to approach him.

He turned slowly to face her. He did not miss the exaggerated sashay of her hips. She moved in sultry movements till she stood in front of him.

"Why don't I take this suit off after the night is over?" She purred while leaning into his body. Khan stood as still as stone while holding her intense, admiring gaze.

"Where exactly? Have you not noticed our guests?"

"Oh I've noticed." She murmured with a slight irritability in her began to stroke the length of his tie.

"Since your pet is rid of her chains, maybe we can be rid of her for the night?"

"That's not very wise Susan." He stated factually, her relaxed expression immediately tensed.

"Wise or just unfortunate for you?"

"What are you implying?"

"I think you know." She hissed releasing his tie as if disgusted by the silk "Don't you think it is a little sad to lust after someone who is beneath you?"

"You think they are beneath us?" He inquired while hiding his instant dislike for her condescending ways.

"It's not just them; everyone who isn't an Augument is beneath us. We are made this way." The surety in her words made him indecisive. He couldn't judge whether to agree with her or not. But then he began to think about Zahara. How she was made the way she was yet she didn't feel superior. She felt like a monster and she hated the ones who made her the way she was. He didn't know why the thought randomly floated into his mind but it did and he couldn't shake it away, he wanted to reassure the Wahashi.

He was suddenly reminded of Susan's presence but the glare she fixated on him.

"I see." He addressed "Maybe that is why I no longer lust after you."

She gaped appalled and insulted by his statement. He pressed his lips down to a thin line, resisting the urge to smile deviously.

Her icy stare narrowed "You think you are better than me?"

"Your actions speak multitudes. I am not the one trying to bed another just to mark my territory."

She fell silent, seething. He stared back, intrepid.

"Are you speechless because I am right or because I am right?" He asked daring her to say otherwise. The only reply he received was her retreating back as she marched out of his study.

A few seconds passed when Zahara emerged into his study. She lingered at the door, her head was craned to the side, observing Susan's irate exit with a passive expression.

Khan diverted his attention to his coat that hung on the head of his chair. He walked over to it and picked up the material by the collar.

"I see I am not the only one she is irritated around." Zahara muttered while shrugging on her red coat. Khan looked to her. His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he made his way back to the mirror.

"Susan is a little difficult, but a worthy soldier." He said "I wouldn't have chosen her for my team if it wasn't for her skills."

"I thought you were all equal."

"Equal in abilities, interests are a different matter." He stated diplomatically while picking off specks of dusts off his jacket.

"Like you for example." He added, this grabbed her attention.

"Me?" She uttered suspiciously. He turned to her slowly. His pushed his left arm into the hole of the jacket and then shrugged on the material.

"I don't see anyone of your kind on the path you are." He said, while smoothing out the collar of his coat.

"Thank you for stating the obvious." He was charmed by the sass she presented, he wasn't expecting such a characteristic response.

"They are just scared, I do not blame them. But I am thinking that once this is over, they won't have to be." She assured while buttoning up the golden buttons of her suit.

"You are hoping we will win." He wondered, her gaze immediately narrowed.

"Hope is for the deluded." She practically hissed with conviction "I know what you are capable of, we were taught about your kind. Which is why I know I made the right choice."

She tilted her head to the side, her gazing wandering over him contemplatively.

"For now at least."

He smiled and nodded agreeably before turning back to the mirror. He adjusted his hair once more, the cuffs felt unhinged. He lowered his arm. He fixed the unlatched cufflink and pulled at the sleeve while simultaneously flexing his back muscles.

He felt a prickling sensation at the back of his neck, the one he got when he knew he was being watched. He glanced up at Zahara's reflection. Her eyes were set on him, his back to be more specific. He watched the way she admired him. He did not miss the dilation of her pupils or the softness of her features, there was a hunger burning in her eyes.

A desire that immediately disappeared the moment she knew she was caught.

She stared stricken, he held her gaze mirthfully. He turned to face her with a casual air about him. He masked the deep pleasure yet the confidence radiated in his high cheeks bone. He turned to face her again, she squared her shoulders expectantly.

"Ready?" He asked, his crystal blue eyes were gleaming mischievously.

She nodded with poise and folded her hands behind her back. He purposefully passed her closely, near enough that his arm gently brushed against her own. He could not deny the thrill that passed under his skin at the act. He pushed aside his need and exited the study as Zahara hesitantly followed after him.

* * *

_Sorry about the abrupt ending, but the next part is under construction, hopefully I'll update it by Monday or maybe even sooner ;)._


	17. Chapter 17: Salvation

**Sassiebone: Thank you as always ^^. Zahara is a twisted yet likeable character. I really hope you enjoy her antics in this chapter :D **

**AvalonTheLadyKiller: You are more welcome, hopefully you will like this chapter ^^.**

**casper6six6: Thank you ^^.**

_**Please review :) **_

_**xx**_

_**SSC**_

* * *

**Chapter 17**

The ballroom was used as the host room for the performances. As a welcoming event the Sheikh had arranged a theatrical presentation. A stage was placed at the far left side of the room. It had a height of two feet and ten in width with tall, crimson curtains raining down the sides. Khan was impressed by how quickly the stage was made for the evening's use.

The guests sat on sleek mahogany chairs, with royal red cushioning. The Sheikh was seated at the very back, behind his fifty guests. His ornate chair was on an elevated platform, between his two cousins, Mohammed and Ahmed. Khan was also surprised to see (the Sheikh's adviser) seated among them. He was under the impression only royalty sat among the Sheikh.

Clearly his advice must have been helpful enough to elevate his position.

They were facing the stage and clapping at the end of each performance. Khan lingered in the sidelines with Zahara beside him. The curtains opened again and the stage was filled with children. The young girls were wearing a dress similar to the Salwar he had seen on woman in India. The dresses were full of vibrant colours and twinkling sequins. Their hair was long and flowing. Khan had never seen such long hair on children before.

They danced to the front of the stage to a lively arabesque beat. They leaned forward gallantly, swinging their head of long hair while swaying their bodies to the rhythm of the music. The young boys were dressed in bleach white Gandurahs while supporting (what Khan made sure) were plastic guns. They would hurl the weapon above their heads and then catch it. Then one would spin the device while the other children metrically pushed up the weapon in their hands in a pulsing beat.

The Emarati's in the crowd grew excited and would clap along, encouraging the other diplomatic guests to clap with them. Khan watched the spectacle with high interest.

"That's him." Zahara abruptly spoke up, distracting him from the dance. He looked to find her staring a head at someone among the guests. He would have asked her to point the man out, but being among enemies he tried to follow the direction she stared in. Unsure about whom she was referring to; he bent down to her eye-level. His gaze fell to a man, he was older.

Khan judged him to be in his early fifties from his seamed yet chubby face. He had a crown of cloud like white hair, with a pair of moon rimmed glasses balanced on his pink nose. The effect of the harsh sun the Emirates was obvious on the man's flushed cheeks and the peeling skin on his forehead.

"Doctor Hemming, he was one of the main scientists in our tests." Zahara explained her voice just above a whisper. Khan nodded in acknowledgement, despite being distracted by the earthly scent of citrus that radiated from her.

"I think it would be polite to invite him for a drink after the celebration, don't you think?" He responded while leaning back into his full height.

"You say one thing but your tone suggests another." She muttered to him under her breath. He smiled, amused by the confusion in her voice.

"In such a situation always listen to my tone." He stated. Her head bobbed in understanding. Khan did not miss the shiver of thrill that she expressed.

* * *

Just before dinner, Khan had Susan invite Doctor Hemming. He had given her instructions to assure the doctor that it was a private meeting with the Sheikh. Humbled by the request he accepted, unaware of the man who awaited his presence.

Khan waited in one of the spare meeting rooms within the palace, casually strolling past the length of the window. He heard the door opened and slowly turned to greet the meek doctor.

"Ah Doctor Hemming, welcome." He boomed nobly. The lanky man flinched at the sight of the Augument. Khan watched with gleaming eyes as the doctor attempted to turn away only to find the door had been shut. Hemming tried to remain calm and coolly spun around to face the cryptic man again.

"Thank you Mr. Khan. I was not expecting this invitation." He uttered while trying to hide his nervousness.

"Yes well I thought I'd extend my congratulations for your success with the Wahash." Khan voiced amiably despite the coldness in his gaze. Hemming immediately fell silent. His lips pressed down into a thin, fretful line.

"I-I don't know what you are referring to." He stammered out while taking cautious steps away from Khan's looming form.

"Yes you do." The Augument insisted in a foreboding manner.

"Why would you hide the fact that you are the creator of these sublime creatures?"

"I am not hiding anything." He blurted out defensively.

Khan smiled "Not even a small dagger in your jacket sleeve?"

The man froze instantly and Khan's smile grew, he knew he had the man cornered.

Doctor Hemming's beady eyes narrowed in attempt to be guarded, but the sweat beads that rolled down his forehead, gave away his fear.

"What do you want?" He demanded clumsily pushing up the bridge of his glasses.

"Answers."

"To what?" He bit back.

"The reasons behind the making of the Wahash." Khan responded casually.

"They are for you, for your army."

"Now why would I need soldiers for an army of genetically modified beings?" The Augument responded utterly bored by Hemming's excuse. The doctor shifted his weight from one foot to the other, while tugging at his sleeve. Khan knew what was going through the man's mind. He could see it in the deep worry lines on his forehead. The doctor was wondering why Khan hadn't disarmed him even when he knew about the concealed weapon.

"They have what you lack." The grey doctor uttered tautly.

"And what's that?" Khan inquired, one dark brow perked up in question.

"Obedience."

Khan couldn't suppress the deep, haughty chuckle that escaped the base of his neck.

"That's questionable."

The doctor's pale, chapped lips parted to voice his irritation with a figure behind Khan caught his eye. His eyes widened at the sight of the female that emerged from behind the shadows. Her golden eyes gleaming like amber in fire, full of rage and blood lust.

Hemming took a stumbling step back, stunned by the sight of her. Khan was curious about his reaction. Maybe it was the fact that she was growling in his direction? Maybe he had wronged in more than just the experiments? Maybe he didn't expect to see so much life in her eyes.

"Arba." He croaked.

"Don't call me that." She hissed her arms trembling at her sides.

A thick tension permeated the air. Khan could feel the temper that radiated off her overwhelm the doctor's fear.

Khan faltered back to stand beside her. Her irate glare was focused on the doctor, her shoulder tense and rigid.

"Zahara is very opposed to the title you had given her." He noted chidingly.

"It wasn't me, I was just supervising." The doctor stammered out. A hiss left her lips, slouching forward and ready to pounce. Part of him wanted to her to, but she suppressed her desire as if knowing Khan wasn't done goading.

"Don't be so modest Dr. Hemming." He began to say "I know of your role at the Apello. Zahara was very informative. How many of her kind have you dissected, spliced and transformed to the image you wanted?"

Khan was surprised by the sudden change in Hemming's appearance, despite the beads of sweat across his forehead and the weakness in his posture. An abrupt spark of anger emerged in his quivering blue eyes, he frowned at Khan.

"Don't throw morality in my face **_Khan_**." He spat viciously "I know of your kind, I know what you are capable of. I was there and I saw the destruction."

"Destruction?" Khan echoed marveled by the accusation "We are making the world a better place."

"You are a tyrant." He vocalized wrathfully "I wanted to help amend for their mistakes, the Wahash are our salvation."

Khan was no pleased by the malicious righteousness in the doctor's words. A warm erratic fire began to brew inside of him but he relinquished it quickly. He loomed over the doctor in four quick strides. Hemming was forced back to edge of the meeting table behind him.

Khan glared through the gleaming spectacles and narrowed his gaze on the man's beady eyes. He leered down at him, his arms clasped behind his back.

"You just wanted a chance to have a second trial. There is no amending needed because my kind is far from flawed." The conviction in the Augument's voice made the doctor gulp down his retort.

Khan leaned back into his full height. He lifted his chin in a lordly elegance.

"We are the salvation for the human race." He said, a devious smile pinched at his the corner of his mouth.

"Unfortunately you won't be alive to see it."

Khan turned around stiffly marched to Zahara. She watched him a little captivated. He stopped at her side, their shoulders brushing.

"Zahara, try to avoid spilling too much blood." He ordered gently. Her eyes widened, the tip of her sharp ears perking up from behind her mass of curls. She stared at him trying to read any deception and found none. He slipped her a sly half smile which was all the confirmation she needed.

A pandemonium of pleading screams filled the room as Khan took his leave. He stepped out and shut the doors behind him, deafening the doctor's cries. Down the corridor he could hear the uplifting, riotous sound of celebration in the ballroom. The fast paced drums and quick strumming of strings made the murder that was taking place seem like a dull affair.

* * *

The night had a very ceremonious end. Orlando and Susan had achieved their tasks perfectly. Susan found out there was no spy present to represent General Malt, but there were a few supporters for the Rebellion. Khan wasn't too worried. He saw the Rebellion as petulant children, but their boisterous behaviour was not permitted to the party.

Malt was his main worry. The General had been causing problems for the Auguments for a while. He still had power over the world, power Augument's plan on extinguishing. The General was the main reason why the US was yet to be conquered. Malt had been clever enough to evade them for the time being, but his involvement with the Sheikh will soon be their advantage.

Khan returned to his room with Zahara. He could not help but notice her silent merriment. Despite being lost in her thoughts, it wasn't for forlorn reasons. He saw the light in her eyes, the fire that burned bright. Her rage and blood lust had been quenched, for the time being.

She followed him into his bedroom and walked past him to the bathroom. He watched her step into the room and then shut the door behind her. He discarded his jacket and loosened his tie. He heard the rush of water from the shower.

His thoughts were on Doctor Hemming's corpse. Despite his warning, Zahara had not suppressed her animalistic instincts in the slightest. Hemming was a slaughtered bloody mess after his encounter with Zahara. She had slit his throat. Crimson liquid was still squirting out of his fat neck when Khan arrived. The pitiful doctor's face was frozen in terror, a few scratch marks on the side of his pale face.

And Zahara, she was the epitome of contentment. He saw the relief in her. The way her shoulders were sagged. The dazed smile across her pretty face. She wasn't trembling anymore. She was satiated. He didn't even care about the mess she had made.

Khan changed out of his suit and into a comfortable black t-shirt and long, loose dark blue pants. He wasn't ready to sleep just yet. He was hungry and he had work to do. He rang for a hot meal and then suddenly reminded of the woman in his room. Occupying his bathroom. He ordered enough for two.

The food didn't take long to arrive. The servant walked in, placed the silver tray of dishes on the table in the foyer, bowed and then left briskly. Khan moved the tray to his study. He had made room by placing his papers and books to a side. On cue, he heard her emerge from the bathroom. His first instincts was to step in to the room and invite her for dinner, but then his mind flashed back to that time, when he witnessed her naked skin. Even though he ached to see her in such a state again. He wanted her to trust him, want him.

"Zahara" He called from the threshold. The rustling of clothes paused for a moment.

"Yes?" She uttered quickly.

"You are sensible I assume."

"Sensible?"

"I mean, you are dressed yes?" He reworded the sentence.

"Yes." She responded but he heard the hesitation in her voice.

"Good." He concluded and left the door to return to his study. Alerted by his sudden departure, Zahara was swiftly out of the bedroom. When she entered the study in her casual clothes. Khan was already seated at his desk.

"Join me." He insisted gesturing to the open, steaming plates of fresh Arabic bread and curries. Zahara lingered at the door eyeing the food and him suspiciously.

"I haven't had the chance to eat at the ball. I trust you haven't eaten either." He said while arranging at third, separate plate of barbecued kebabs and chicken legs in the centre.

"No." She answered slowly leaving the comfort of the entrance. She reached the head of the guest chair. He watched, fascinated as she climbed over the chair with the stealth of a jungle cat before plopping down on to the soft leather. Ignoring the odd behaviour he witnessed, he chose to ask a second question.

"Do you eat?"

"Only when necessary." She said while poking at the gleaming cutlery beside her plate "We don't need to feed everyday like others do. The science of our bodies are very different."

"What do you eat?" He inquired neglecting his fork and using his nimble fingers to pick up the round,flat bread. Zahara watched his movements very carefully and mimicked him as he tore of a piece of bread, dipped it into the murky brown curry.

"Nutrition bars, is what the scientists called it. They provide the sustenance we need." Her answer was rehearsed, monotonic. Her fascination was with his eating habits.

He frowned, displeased by the news "You will not eat those anymore, you shall dine with me. I have the suspicion that these bars you speak of, contribute to your relapses."

She smiled, amused by his command "I have no qualms with that order."

He nodded satisfied by her answer. She had her arm posed at an angle parroting his. Her finger balanced the peace of bread soaked in gravy and humus.

He brought his own slice of food to his lips and they simultaneously ate. Apathetic to his own fare, he watched her very carefully. Her eyes lit up, her dark shapely brows shot up in surprise. She chewed softly. Savoring the taste like it was brand new. Khan guessed it was. He gave her a moment to delight in the taste as he poured himself a glass of wine.

"How is it?" He asked nonchalant, averting his attention to the plum liquid filling his glass.

"This is different, does food always taste so...so..." Her struggle to express her wonder made him laugh.

"Delicious?" She fell silent when he spoke. He smiled as warmly as he could and leaned back into his chair. The glass of wine was poised in his large hand, the stem of the goblet rested between his fingers.

"Yes." He answered her questioning gaze "But my tongue has grown accustom to the Indian cuisine, though I do enjoy humus and Arabic bread. However I do not find their charred meat appetizing."

"I never imagined such tastes." She murmured in awe while tearing off another piece of bread. His dove gray eyes observed her as she ate. She was sloppy and eager yet there was a certain appeal about the way she ate. Maybe it was her pure enjoyment or the sparkle in her eyes. He had never witnessed anyone dwell so completely on such a simple thing as food.

After a while she was satisfied, she had emptied her plate and sat back. His eyes glinted in hunger when she began to suck on the tips of her fingers. The act was serenely erotic. He was entranced by her pursuing lips and long sandy eyelashes.

He brought the brim of his glass to his lips and took a needy gulp. The tangy taste filtered down his throat. An idea sparked in him. He stopped drinking and leaned forward in his chair.

"Drink this." He suggested, grabbing her attention. He gestured the glass of wine in his hand to her. She lowered her arm and watched him unsurely for a moment. She cupped the glass in both inexperienced hands.

"What is it?" She asked peering into the sloshing currant.

"Wine." He answered simply "Though I warn you the taste is very refine—"

His warning fell on deaf ears. She had already chugged a mouthful of the liquid before spitting it out callously into the glass.

"This is repulsive." She spluttered clumsily placing the goblet on to the table.

"Are you trying to poison me?" She hissed, her lips a light sheen of gloss. Khan smiled utterly amused by her actions.

"Hardly." He said unperturbed by her ferocious glare. He picked up the tall bottle beside him and read the label carefully. His smile widened at the Merlot wine. Written beneath the title in italics was the number 1982.

"It's a very good year" He commended, placing the bottle gently back on the wooden surface. He spun the bottle around by its neck so she can read the age.

Her bright eyes narrowed to slits as she read the label. Her features softened, perplexed by the year.

"Doesn't that make it expired?" She asked curiously.

"Not with alcohol." He replied. Khan had asked for a mug of hot milk too. He poured it into a short glass and then offered it to her.

"Drink this. Its date milk"

"Dates do not produce milk." She expressed all knowingly while accepting the drink.

"Its milk mixed with dates." He explained factually.

"Oh." Her ears perked up intrigued as she sly took a sip. He watched the same reactions of wonder replay in her face.

"I like this one."

"I know." He smirked and resumed eating.

They fell into a peaceful silence. The warm lights caste a soft glow upon the room. Zahara was contentedly enjoying her cup of milk, taking occasionally sips while staring into space. Khan found he didn't mind these silences. The ones he had before were forced, he didn't know much about her and that made him uncomfortable around her. The same way he knew she was uneasy around him.

He wiped his hands on his napkin after his meal and leaned back into his chair once more. He watched her for a moment. Sensing his stare she raised her gaze and met his. He couldn't help but be a little charmed by the contest she had initiated.

He decided to break the quiet "Did you gather any information from our unfortunate doctor?"

"Yes" She answered her lips hidden behind the brim of the glass. "Coordinates to the location of the Apello."

"That makes our job easier, you wrote them down yes?"

"I have them memorized. Along with other details of the night." She added with a mirthful turn up of her lips.

"Liberating was it?"

"Yes."She responded without missing a beat. She leaned forward. The empty cup still in her hand as she balanced her elbows on the edge of the table.

"What will the fair-haired one do with the body?" Zahara requested. He didn't understand the deep pleasure he felt, when his friend's name had not left her lips.

"Orlando will dispose of it efficiently. He will leave a trail of evidence suggesting the doctor took a vacation. To avoid any suspicion of course. By the time his demise is revealed, it will be unnecessary." Khan stated.

"He simply disappeared." She snorted in hilarity, but it was forced, sarcastic.

"That is amusing." She murmured and fell back into the comfort of her chair.

Perturbed by her behaviour he fixed his iridescent gaze on her.

"How so?"

Her gold in her eyes grew dark and guarded. She dazedly stared down at her empty plate.

"That was his excuse when I had demanded my sister's location years ago." She said slowly raising her gaze to meet his. Despite the coldness in her stare her smile was malicious.

"The turn of it all makes this all the more enjoyable."

"It's good that you are seeing the enjoyment in this, the tasks will only get harder." He warned, her eyebrows furrowed in question.

"What do you mean?" She voiced her concern.

"Once we establish the location and floor plan of the Apello, you will be the one infiltrating it."

"To find my sister?" she asked, excited and at the edge of her seat.

"If she is there." He replied coolly "The main objective is to know the identity of the sponsor."

"You said it was the Sheikh." She grumbled, displeased by his indifference.

"Those are my suspicions, but I can't leave things to chance." He explained. She continued to brood but she did not disagree with him. He could tell she understood his logic. Without the knowledge of the second command, she and her kind were still dangerous.

Khan wouldn't risk his team for her. Even if she stirred a fire in him he had never felt before.


	18. Chapter 18: Yearn

_**Thank you for all the favs and follows, but more reviews would be great ^^ I really want to know what you guys think. **_

_**xx**_

_**SSC**_

* * *

** April 16th 1993**

Khan wasn't surprised to find Zahara awake and in his study before him. However, he was nonplussed by the sight of her drinking milk from a tall glass, while sitting comfortably on **his **chair. The only sign of consideration was that she had left their breakfast untouched. She was waiting for him.

She sat with her legs thrown over the arm rest in an adolescent carelessness. It was strange for him to see her in such a way. So at ease and comfortable compared to how stiff and cordial she was. Is this the real Zahara? He wasn't opposed to the idea of her being more...flexible.

"I see why you like this chair so much." She said and took a sip from her beverage before slyly looking in his direction. "It's very comfortable."

"Yes, thank you for warming it." He attempted to sound reproachful but he lacked any real displeasure. He knew from the smile the pinched the corner of her mouth, that his attempts were futile. She uttered no witty remark and amenably rose up from the depths of his chair.

He rounded the table just as she was about to leave its premise. He blocked her path for a moment, towering above her and for that moment, just that moment of eye contact, there was an undeniable charge of electricity between them.

He stepped aside to allow her passage. She brushed past, closer than deemed appropriate. His body tensed as the short gust of air that passed through the centimeters of space between them. He caught a gentle whiff of that same delicious combination of sandalwood and citrus, it placed him on edge.

In a desultory manner, he parked on his chair and sunk back into the leather. She had marked the pelt with her scent, he felt dazed and annoyed all at the same time. It was too early in the morning for him to be so distracted by the mere smell of a woman. He raised his gaze and watched her hungrily.

Zahara was oblivious as usual. Her attention was focused on the gleaming silver cloche. Seeing the glittering enthusiasm in her wondrous eyes, eager to eat her meal, Khan felt his frustration elevate. He didn't hesitate to pluck the metal cover off his dish and place it beside the plate. Zahara was quick to mimic his movements.

The rich smell of hot bread and olive oil filled their senses. His plate consisted of four triangular cut pieces of crispy, flat Arabic bread. A collection of black olives lay beside a proportionality sliced boiled egg. There was also sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cumber with parsley and sprinkles of goat cheese for decoration and flavour.

Zahara's dish contained the same assortment of foods. However, her greedy eyes were focused on the bowl of diced and curried beef in-between them.

"Eat well, your training begins today." Khan ordered while pouring himself a cup of tea from the arabesque flask.

"Oh?" She hummed while chewing on a piece of meat. "When do we start?"

"There is an incorrect assumption in that statement. I will not be the one training you. I have other matters to tend to for the day. Orlando will be your mentor." He answered monotonously while scanning the headlines of the folded newspaper in his free hand.

"I don't understand." The suspicion in her voice grabbed his attention "We are meant to be seen together at all times, to avoid suspicion."

Something about the words 'we' and 'together' spoken from her lips in regard to them made him yearn. Maybe it was the unexpected dejection he heard in her otherwise smoky voice. It made him sympathetic. He experienced a sudden urge to reassure her. He couldn't suppress the carefree smile that broadened his handsome face.

"Yes but it's not like the Sheikh can take my free will." He responded while dismissing the newspaper back onto the desk. He leveled his eyes with her face, taking in the furrowed brows and the way she had her lips pressed tightly together. "I can borrow Ashera if I please. After all, the Wahash are our gifts remember?"

He meant to tease her but the concept was lost to her, being so buried by her own thoughts. She continued to watch him contemplatively but the intensity in her brooding face had softened from the gentle tone of his words.

"Right." She muttered under her breath and diverted her attention back to her food "What exactly will I be trained for? I do not see the relevance in this. I already know how to kill someone quietly and easily."

"It's not about efficient homicide." He uttered factually "Our main objective is to retrieve information. We must know our enemy before we can attack."

"I've told you what they are capable of." She rebuked reproachfully.

"Your mind is a little flawed wouldn't you agree?" He retorted coldly "Not a very reliable resource."

Khan was quick to notice the seething silence in her tense posture and narrowed eyes.

"I didn't mean to offend."

"Yes you did." She hissed.

"A little." He grinned charismatically she wasn't the least bit charmed. He immediately sobered. "You still have bits of your memory to piece together, I suggest you focus on that, we need all of what you remember to access that place."

"So the purpose of this is to make me a valuable resource?" She demanded.

"To the fullest." He said with a confident bob of his head "And it doesn't necessary have to be killing."

Khan wasn't one to miss details, the ability only amplified around her and he was quick to notice the biggest change of all.

"Your hands." He murmured his intense gaze honed in on her steady hands that rested beside her plate.

"They seemed to have stopped trembling." He observed, carefully. He had made her extremely aware of her arms. She quickly lowered her eyes to them.

"Yes, it's dying now." She uttered softly while flexing her fingers "They feel different though."

"Different?" He echoed curiously. She fell into a length silence, gathering her thoughts. He had no doubt she was still translating in her mind, trying to piece the appropriate words to express herself. He didn't mind waiting, she was fascinating to him.

"I had been forced to pose they way I had to for so long. I suddenly don't know what to do with them."

The statement made perfect sense, simple and vague as it was. He understood, having been forced into being the ideal, obedient soldier for so long. She didn't feel at home in her own body, she was still adjusting, still learning.

He was now distracted by her hands, staring at the slender, nimble fingers in a daze. They were oddly small but he could tell from the creased surface that they were tough, strong hands. He couldn't help but be amazed by all the destruction such small hands could cause, having seen her bring a man twice her size down to his knees. He began to deviously fantasize about the other ways she can bring a man to their knees, begging for her, yearning for her touch.

He suddenly wanted those hands on his burning skin.

He couldn't stop himself from voicing his intentions.

"I can think of a few things."

It was the thick, sensuality in his low tone that truly grabbed her wide eyed attention. She stared at him, uncomprehending of the meaning in his statement. But he caught her in his relentless stare, drinking her in with a sinful concentration. She couldn't look away and Khan wondered if she even wanted to.

It wasn't the usual rosy cheeks and breathless response he received. Hers was far more dignified and all together dangerous. She saw the wicked evocation in his blown pupils and stared back .Fearlessly, curiously, daring him to teach her these _things_ he spoke of.

And God... did he want to.

"Morning!" Orlando's summery greeting and sudden airy appearance sucked the smoldering tension within the room. Zahara continued to watch him, waiting for him to look away first. Khan never backed down from a challenge.

Orlando having been ignored was not oblivious to the mingling sexually charged air between the two.

"I hope I am not interrupting." He murmured surreptitiously, he side swept which distracted Khan.

The Augment leader frowned when he was forced to look away. Zahara sunk into her seat while smiling mirthfully.

"Late as usual." Khan grumbled just for the expense of releasing his frustration in some form. Orlando's grin widened unapologetically as he stood behind Zahara, with his arms tucked behind him.

"The lovely Miss Amina from Lebanon made it hard for me to get out of bed. Pun intended." He drawled with that same unwavering, cad like smile.

"Pun?" She echoed with a piece of bread positioned at her mouth. Orlando casually lowered his chin to acknowledge her presence.

"Ah another thing to teach you, puns and _innuendos_."

Khan was not fond of the husky murmur he directed at her.

"I think just the training would be fine." Khan cut in briskly, breaking their surveillance of one another. Orlando immediately saw through the sardonic statement and pressed his lips down in amusement.

"This is for you." He suddenly thrust a neatly folded cloth in Zahara's direction.

"What is it?" She inquired while rising up to her feet, her gaze not leaving the item. Orlando held the material up allowing the rest of it to roll down, almost touching the floor. It was an Augment suit, black in colour with the same Triskellion insignia on its left breast.

"A suit, to help keep things more...compact." He explained holding the outfit at an arm's length. She reached out and gathered the material into her hands. She constricted the malleable fabric between her fingers.

"Why?" she questioned glancing at both Khan and Orlando, her voice always held the same suspicious tone.

"So many questions, is there no mystery anymore?" Orlando chided in amusement "You can wear your normal suit over it to hide from the Brooding Brothers outside."

He released his hold on the suit and the material draped over her hands. She looked to Khan who nodded, dismissing her to change. She wordlessly left the room, unaware of the pair of eyes that continued to watch her as she departed.

"I have news from the States."Orlando chimed, snapping Khan out of his thoughts about her shapely form.

"Tell me." The man insisted while picking at his food. The fair haired man took a seat at the Wahashi's former place and crossed one leg over the other.

"Things are tense. General Malt continues to elude us."

"It's distressing that a human is evading an Augument." Khan grumbled unimpressed while chewing on a black olive.

"Yes the founding fathers are putting on quite the fight." Orlando continued to speak as he reached over the desk and poured himself a cup of tea into Zahara's untouched china cup. "It's a little admirable. They still have an arsenal at their disposal but I am fairly certain they are running out ammo."

"Yet they continue to find creative ways." Khan mused while rubbing his chin in thought. Orlando nodded agreeably while taking a sip of the tepid, liquid amber.

"The moment you know more inform me." Khan stated firmly.

"As always." His friend responded and then smiled "This tea is atrocious."

Khan was at times perturbed by Orlando's unpredictable responses paired with his ever so expressive face. It was hard to tell when the man was serious or not. Orlando released the cup onto its saucer, the finery clattered in rebuttal to his rough dismissal.

"Where is all the date milk?" The man demanded disappointed by the lack of milk in the glass jug.

"The feline made quick work of it." Khan answered quickly, Orlando frowned.

"That vixen." He hissed though glittering laughter in his arctic blue eyes hinted that he wasn't entirely upset. He fell back onto the support of the chair and sighed "No matter, I shall rob Joaquin of his supply."

Khan rolled his eyes and checked the time on his wrist watch.

"I have some time to spare till the helicopter gets here." He announced while rising to his feet. His pin felt out of place so he distracted his hands by adjusting the gleaming silver.

"Let's introduce Zahara to the training ground."

"Lovely." Orlando replied the laugh lines around his mouth deepening. Just then Zahara entered, the two men were equally disappointed to see her wear her red coat and pants.

_All the more reason to delay my departure. _


	19. Chapter 19: Red Lines

**Sorry I took so long to publish this chapter. But saying "I've been seriously busy" is a good enough excuse? Because it is true :(. So anyway as an apology I have released two chapters, yay ^^. **

**Please review I really want to know what you guys think, its not too much to ask right? **

**xx**

**SSC**

They arrived at the doors to one of the room within the spacious palace. The golden handles gleamed under the sunlight that filtered through the windows. Orlando opened the doors for them and Khan and Zahara entered.

"What is that?" She questioned immediately taking notice of her soon to be training space.

The room was rectangular in shape, ten feet wide and twenty feet long. In the center of the room was a stretch of thin black platform, with multiple wires branching out from underneath and to the outlets to the adjacent white walls.

The platform had visible white lines that separated it into three equal parts. The first segment on the far left had two, tall, reflective panels on either side. The second half was a plane, black, surface but with more sinuous wires underneath it. The last was equally simple but with stands supporting boxy, rectangular structures on top of it. They were spaced a foot part along the outsides of the platform.

Khan watched her take in the sight of her new training space, unsure of how to react.

"This is a very advanced obstacle course." Orlando said rather conceitedly as Suzette approached them with Joaquin at her side. The Augument female held a small clipboard in her hands.

"It's designed to test your reflexes, agility and trains you to be inconspicuous." Khan added, clearing up Zahara's confusion.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Suzette suddenly spoke up, grabbing their attention "My own design but the mechanics was all Joaquin." She said modestly while gesturing to the grim male beside her.

Joaquin nodded in silent agreement with his arms crossed behind his back.

"What does it require of me?" Zahara inquired uncertainly while eyeing the stand.

"There are several levels you have to pass in the track." Suzette began to explain while approaching the podium, the rest followed her.

"The first is the laser motion detectors." She said gesturing while standing at the beginning of the track. She clicked a button on a small square remote controller in her hand. There was a sharp resounding beep. The reflective panels abruptly released beams of red lights that zigzagged before them.

Zahara blinked, startled by the sight of the glaring light.

"One brush against them and the alarms go off." Orlando added from beside the Wahashi.

"Then there are the weight sensitive tiles." Suzette introduced after dismissing the lasers.

"Then of course my favourite bit, dodging bullets." Orlando grinned wolfishly. Khan could sense Zahara was a little over whelmed by all off the information she was forced to process, but she hide her fear (if she felt any) behind a passive mask. But oh so subtly she did give him an skeptical glance. Khan smirked mockingly.

"Shall we get started then? Can't dawdle." The blonde male chided a little too enthusiastically, Khan rolled his eyes.

"Fine." Zahara muttered and began to unbutton the gleaming golden buttons of her jacket. Khan's attention was immediately fixated on her, watching her nimble fingers at work. She shrugged off the material, revealing the skin tight cat suit underneath.

His jaw clenched in reaction to the urge he suppressed as his eyes hungrily took in the sight of her. The way the fibrous material hugged every curve of her chest, downs shapely hips and well toned arms. Orlando once again accepted Zahara's coat. Khan cursed himself for being too distracted to assist first.

She finally stepped out of her red pants and then picked them up before folding them over her arm. Orlando carelessly dropped the folded coat on to the floor and she mimicked his actions.

"Firstly we must prep you on how to avoid the lasers." Orlando announced.

"Prep?" Zahara echoed confused and looked to Khan. He was forced to gaze away from her long, athletic legs and to her face.

"Prepare." He expressed.

"Oh." She murmured moving her attention back to the blonde "What does that require?"

"Flexibility of course." He responded smoothly.

"Suzette will demonstrate." Khan added nodding in command to the short haired female. Suzette agreed without complaint. Orlando gestured to the sidelines which they all stepped to, waiting patiently for her demonstration.

Zahara was watching in anticipation, her eyes rapt with concentration. The young Augument took a few steps back, inhaled deeply. The red lights blared to life once more, crisscrossing across the small space. Suzette began her journey. She bent and bridged her body in almost impossible ways in between the red lines, carefully avoiding any contact.

Khan had to commend Suzette on her flexibility, Zahara was utterly amazed.

When she reached the end of the first half she pushed off her hands and sprung forward. She performed as series of cartwheels. They were rapid enough to avoid detection from the pressure sensitive tiles.

The moment she reached the surface of the last lap, pellets shot out from the box like structures. They were paint bullets but Suzette treated the stimulation like reality. She dived and dodged in a marveling grace, carefully avoiding all of the blows. Finally she reached the end and jumped forward to avoid the last bullet. She flipped mid air and then landed stealthily on to her feet, her spin straight, her shoulders squared.

"Bravo!" Orlando cheered clapping like a proud mentor. Khan and Joaquin followed his cue and brought their arms up. Joaquin was smiling intimately at Suzette, she blushed and bowed, her dark hair tumbling forward.

Zahara was speechless. Khan watched her struggle to process what she had just witnessed. After a moment she looked to him, her eyes wide in a silent, desperate plea sanctuary.

He could only smile deviously.

"Have fun." He taunted, her gaze narrowed to slits. His grinned widened devilishly before he turned and exited the room. He felt her glare on his retreating back.

* * *

Khan was a bit alarmed by how aware he was of her absence. Ashera was a quiet shadow that followed Khan in all of his tasks that day. He missed Zahara's inquisitive questions every now and then. Ashera's blank stares make Khan uncomfortable, irritable.

When he returned to the palace that night with Ashera still as his escort. He was relieved to have arrived just as Orlando was approaching his room with Zahara. The Wahashi was walking five steps behind Orlando, knowing well to keep up the illusion.

Orlando and Khan exchanged pleasantries before the blonde left with Ashera and Khan was left alone with Zahara once more. She was silent as they entered their shared space. She retreated to the bathroom and Khan returned to his study.

He wasn't alarmed by her stiffness. He could still the lessons hadn't gone as well as she had hoped. He chose to distract himself with his work, willing to wait till she had freshened up and in better humor.

Khan was reading another report from India when Zahara entered his study. The fresh scent of jasmine soap permeated the air at her arrival. He was glad she hadn't used the Oud scented soap he detested. She was dressed in her casual black harem pants and vest that matched in colour. Her red coat was balanced on the crook of her elbow.

"How was your training?" He asked casually as she took a seat on the guest chair, after draping the coat on the head of the chair. His keen gaze was focused on the document in his grip.

"I didn't get past the first level." She grumbled, slumping back into the comfort of the cushion.

"The lasers are tricky." He murmured, his eyes skimming over the next paragraph. A few seconds passed and it took a moment for him to feel the tension that radiated off her. He glanced up at her.

Zahara's attention was on the edge of the table, not particularly focusing on anything. He observed her furrowed brows, the down turn of her lips and the brooding intensity in her eyes.

"You are frustrated." He stated. His posture straightened, he abandoned the parchment on to the surface of the table.

"You will catch up tomorrow." He didn't know why he felt so compelled to reassure her. Zahara looked to him, her features softening considerably.

"I didn't expect it to be so...difficult. Suzette made it look so easy." She murmured, shifting her seat.

"Even though I warned you?"

"Physical challenges do not affect my kind like it does humans."

"What about when your other _state_ is triggered?" He questioned curiously.

"That's different." She grumbled. Her expression was tense once again as if uncomfortable by a memory that resurfaced in her mind.

"How?" He pressed on.

"I don't remember it."

Khan was not satisfied by such a vague dismissal. When he wanted answers, he expected them.

"Explain." He insisted.

She directed a glance of defiance, he stared back blankly. She frowned, perturbed by the cool assertion in his clear gaze. After a moment she gave in, her shoulders sagged in subjugation.

"We don't have control over it. There is just this blinding pain that begins from here." She cupped the back of her head before lowering her arm again "and it travels down my body, under my skin like a hundred needles being inserted at once. Then this darkness begins to form around my eyes."

He blinked confused by her statement.

"You lose consciousness?" He asked suspiciously. She nodded firmly, his lips pressed down to a tight, thin line.

"I have no memory of what I did, how I did it." She spoke softly, her gaze a far "It is like waking up from darkness. It's disturbing, sleeping isn't my favourite task because of the thought of never... waking up."

"I see." Khan had to admit he was stunned by the revelation, but hid it behind a mask of contemplation. He was under the impression that they were fully aware of their body's exertions when they were summoned. But her words made sense as he began to recall the dazed look in her eye when he first witnessed her other state, and then again before her liberation.

He looked to her again to find her still lost in her thoughts, he wanted to snap her out of her detachment.

"Well there are more effective ways to spend your time instead of sleeping." He cogitated, his voice a trifle hoarse. She raised her chin and met his gaze steadily.

"Like jumping over red lines?" She countered an amused smile curving at her mouth.

"The term is laser beams." He responded lively. His hands mindlessly began to toy with the edges of the piece of paper.

"But I was thinking of a more... pleasurable exertion." He directed a look of banked sensuality from beneath his long inky lashes. Unfortunately his attempts at flirtation were missed by the Wahashi. She was distracted by the Newton's Cradle.

"Pleasurable?" She echoed haughtily "I have heard of no such thing."

The firmness in her conclusion stunned him for a moment. His lips parted with the intention of diving into a more detailed explanation, but a sudden knock on the door interrupted him.

"Finally." She exclaimed knowing that it was the servant with their dinner. She jumped out of the chain and grabbed the collar of her coat. He watched her practically sprint to the main door, disappearing from his view.

Khan was left staring grimly at the door, his frustration continued to build.


	20. Chapter 20: Helpless

** Year: 2258 Location: Section 31**

Khan sat up on his bed, panting heavily. The sheets that were once wrapped around him were now coiled and ruffled around his strong waist. Beads of sweat slithered down the sides of his face and littered his upper lip and brow. His vision was groggy and his heart still raced from the terror inflicted by his dreams, the war, his friends, _her._

There was a sudden heavy weight in his heart. His knees bent towards his chest, his body hunched over his longs limbs as he combed his trembling fingers through his hair. Nightmares, he was being haunted by nightmares, something he never thought possible.

The fire that consumed her, her desperate screams, they continued to echo in his mind, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

_I couldn't help her, I couldn't save her. _

He shut his eyes and fell back, till the back of his head made heavy impact with the wall behind him. He squinted up at the white ceiling before allowing his gaze to drift to the corner of his eyes, to stare out at the sea of stars through the circular window.

He began to think of her. He reminisced back to a time when he found her in such a position. Nightmares had plagued her constantly and he remembered the first time he had decided to soothe her.

_Khan had found her one night curled up on the floor, at the foot of his bed, fast asleep. He was surprised by the sight that greeted him, but when he spotted the wide open book beside her form, he made the obvious deduction. He didn't make a move to awaken her. He was quite pleased that she was comfortable enough to slumber in the place that wasn't atop the wardrobe. _

_After cleaning up for the night, Khan followed her example and went to bed, only to be woken up to the sound of her whimpers. At first he lay there, simply listening to the sounds of anguish just hoping they would die down. But as the time flew her cries were stronger, accompanied by rough movements. He quickly sat up and then threw his legs over the side of his bed before getting to his feet. He rounded the bed and stood in front of her, peering down at her writhing form. _

_"Zahara." He had called at first. She hadn't responded to his call. _

_He squatted down and loomed over her. She was on her back, her entire body stiff with her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Drops of perspiration were littered across her forehead and dripping down her face. Her features were scrunched in a deep aversion and pain. He didn't like witnessing such discomfort on her._

_He reached out bravely and gripped her shoulder and shook her demandingly. Her fidgeting actions immediately stilled and she shot up. Khan didn't know if it was a flight or fight reaction or her mistaking him for an assailant in a dream, but she attempted to injure him. Khan caught her hands swiftly in his just as her eyes snapped open. _

_"It's Khan." He stated firmly. She fell motionless, her chest heaving wildly as she struggled to regain her breathing. Her wide golden eyes were focused on him, alarmed by his appearance. His gray eyes narrowed on her face, seeing the beads of sweat drip down the sides of her face, his touch gentled. _

_She squirmed and attempted to dislodge from his touch but he held her resolutely. His hands slipped down her arms and to her wrists. He pressed three fingers into the base of her wrist, he applied enough pressure to elicit a hiss from her.'_

_"What are you—"_

_"Hush." He cut in sternly. Her lips squashed down to a thin line, seething silently. But the moment he used his thumb to gently massage the tension he felt in her wrist, she stopped glaring. He dropped down from his squatting position to sit directly in front of her with his legs crossed. His fingers continued to move in circular motions, soothingly kneading the flesh. _

_ "Focus on my touch." He breathed smoothly, his voice low and spellbinding "and allow yourself to relax." _

_She complied despite her reluctance. He moved his touch up to the left corner of her wrist and began to pinch at the skin. Silence shrouded the room, it was a peaceful one. After a few moments her heaving breathing had dulled and she was inhaling normally once more._

_Khan hadn't preformed acupressure on anyone before. It was all theory he had read in a book on Eastern medication. He was glad that his vast knowledge on the subject during a time of boredom had come to be useful. _

_"Better?" He asked raising his gaze to hers. She had her eyes shut as if enjoying his touch, he was pleased by this. _

_"Yes." She murmured her voice husky and dazed. The gruffness could be from the sleep or...other reasons. _

_"Good." He concluded pushing back his lustful thoughts. His fingers danced up the rough skin of her palm and to the tips of her fingers. "Grant yourself the relief of releasing all that anger you have festering inside you or it will continue to haunt you." _

_He had intended on his words being a way of caution, but Zahara had taken them in an entirely different way. Khan was taken back when she abruptly ripped her hand from his grip. He looked to her for an explanation only to be caught under her golden eyes that were gleaming dangerously. _

_"This anger in me is what kept me in control of my identity, at least what was left. Do not be so quick to bark orders without fully comprehending what you ask of me." She snarled her teeth were bared. Khan blinked unsure of how to handle her sudden repulsion and rage towards him. _

_"I know exactly what I demanded of you." He countered confidently. _

_"No, you don't." She opposed, bristling "Until you understand, until you experience the full impact of having your life, your dignity and feeling helpless at the whim of another, then you will understand that anger is all that will help you survive." _

He had thought her to be irrational, emotional after the nightmare. He had a vicious retort readied at the tip of his tongue. But the tears that lined her narrowed eyes and the He was annoyed when she abandoned him on the floor and retreated to the top of her cupboard.

Khan understood now, and he regretted never acknowledging the weight of her words. He wanted to tell her that, but it too late and the realization physically hurt.

With a heavy weight in his chest, dry parched throat and throbbing headache, Khan wondered how he could will himself to sleep again.


	21. Chapter 21: Test

**DanAlaya: Sorry to upset you, but more upsetting things will come to light :/. Zahara is very likeable (without sounded condescending that is xD) I am glad you liked her and please dont be so sad about being attached to her, things might pick up? ;) Thank you for taking the time to review, it means the world to me ^^. **

**Allteainchina: I really like your ID name, it has a nice ring to it, tea! Thank you so much, Khan was a bit of a tough one. I was worried I had made him too sensitive but I am happy you like it this way ^^. Thank you for taking the time to review, hope to hear more :D. **

**casper6six6: thank you as always ^^**

**Sassiebone: That was the idea ;). Hopefully you will note certain foreshadowing moments. **

**Please keep the reviews coming ^^**

* * *

April 24th 1993

Khan always saw progress and not just in world order. Then again, there wasn't much he didn't notice when it came to Zahara.

It had been a week since Zahara had first began her training. He remembered the days she returned to their chambers in the night. The scowl she had carried previously began to lessen day by day and she seemed almost content. She didn't speak much about her training, not that he had a chance to ask. Every time he found an opportunity to ask her about her training, he found her fast asleep on top of the cupboard.

Face down, one leg throw over the edge of the plane. Not at all like the adorable kitten like before.

He didn't like that he was so envious of all the time Orlando spent with her. Khan was quick to notice at how comfortable she was around the blonde. It was evident in the carefree way she talked to him when he arrived for his usual briefs in the morning.

That April evening Khan decided drop in on their training. Orlando had been singing high praises about Zahara and her progress in training. Khan had to witness it for himself.

He arrived at the training room and was surprised to find Zahara and Suzette on the mats, they were fighting.

He observed them for a moment, watching as Suzette ducked and side swept each of Zahara's attacks. Khan could tell from the lack of intensity in the blows that they were just practicing. Orlando stood at the sidelines, his stance casual as he watched the two ladies. Khan marched lazily in his direction. Orlando glanced his way in acknowledgment before averting his attention back to his student.

"No obstacle course today?" Khan asked as he stopped beside his friend.

"Oh we are passed that, I thought I'd give her a break from that and test out her fighting abilities." Orlando said a sly smile pinched the corners of his mouth "but that was for my own amusement."

Khan frowned "I did not place her training in your hands so you can amuse yourself."

"Well it's not like I can seduce her, and believe me I have tried, but the woman is positively clueless." The blonde grumbled petulantly "Besides, you've pretty much marked your territory haven't you?"

"Territory?" Khan echoed feeling Orlando's relentless gaze focused on the side of his face like a beacon.

"I am just saying, there have been whispers and inquires. What _other_ things are you training her for from behind those closed doors?"

The barely disguised insinuation in the Augument's words made Khan roll his eyes. Despite his skills in espionage Orlando was hardly subtle in such matters.

"You know better than most that gossip is beneath us." Khan reminded sternly.

"We are a righteous bunch." The blonde bit back cheekily, he turned his profile to his friend "I am just curious. You are not known for spending time with a beautiful woman and not be... more."

Orlando's voice had taken a turn for the softer and more concerned side. This irked Khan; it was as if the man doubted his methods of seduction.

"I have other matters to tend than worry about who warms my bed." Khan reproached.

"Does she?" Orlando pressed.

"No." It was Khan's turn to pout. His clear gaze hardened as he watched Zahara spar with Suzette. The white lights of the room bounced off her cognac curls.

"She is perfectly comfortable a top that ridiculous wardrobe." Khan added disdainfully under his breath.

"Is that a slight dissatisfied lining I hear in your monotonous voice?" Orlando was biting his lip to suppress his need to laugh mockingly. Khan shot him a sharp look of displeasure.

"How intriguing." The blonde muttered to himself, coolly avoiding the heat of Khan's glare.

The Augument was not amused. Why were things progressing so slowly with the Wahashi? His desire for her grew with each passing day yet she was perfectly fine with ignoring the heat between then. Khan was frustrated, he needed to vent.

"Suzette." He boomed startling everyone. The two women froze in their fighting stances and looked to the man. Joaquin, who was knelt down by the pressure sensitive mats (inspecting them) looked up from his work.

Khan was extremely aware of all the eyes focused on him. He cleared his throat ceremoniously; maybe he was a tad bit too loud. He marched over to them, keeping his intense gaze focused on Zahara. She stared back, perplexed.

"I'll take it from here." He concluded dismissively to Suzette.

"Yes Captain." She nodded and hurried off to join Orlando at the sidelines. Zahara watched the woman depart before slyly fixating her attention back on to Khan. Her gaze narrowed to slits, her honey-gold eyes surveyed him carefully.

"You want to fight me?" She questioned. Khan was perturbed by the blunt interrogation.

"Obviously." He snapped snidely. His long legs moved in her direction, she side stepped. They began to circle each other like apex predators, pending battle.

"Your subordinates are watching." She stated, sending a glance their way.

"Yes." He acknowledged, unsure of the direction of her questions.

"Are they accustomed to seeing you beg for your life?"

When the corner of her full lips curved up in a sinful little smirk, he knew she was goading him. He was marveled for a moment by her words.

She was actually teasing him? His blood burned with that same need again, but it was stronger this time. He looked to Orlando from the corner of his eye to find the blonde male chuckling heartily. Clearly the man had influenced the woman in more than just fighting and stealth. Khan wasn't opposed to the idea of her blooming personality. He just wanted her that much more.

"That's an over statement even for you." He bit back monotonously, trying to seem annoyed.

She stared, shrugged, and then abruptly jolted forward.

Wide eyed and startled he quickly side stepped to avoid her attacks. She spun around swiftly and attempted to strike him again.

Her movements ignited a combated dance between them. Khan spent most of his energy avoiding and blocking her attacks. But the moment he found a sliver of an opening to hit back, he did so with full force.

Zahara was knocked back. Her lithe form flew back and went sliding across the matt. The velocity of her fall came to a stop and she didn't waste time dwelling on her dizzy mind. She was on her back and she raised her legs up and thrust up to spring forward into the air, bringing her body up in the process.

She was quickly standing once again and Khan stood patiently waiting for her next move. He could see that the ease in his stance frustrated her.

He focused on testing her instead of opposing. He wanted to push her to her limits see if her time with Orlando and Suzette was beneficial, and it was. Khan was thoroughly impressed by her use of her body to bend and swerve out of harms away. She had also picked up new fighting styles which Khan could see reflected Suzette's, but with more edge.

Suzette had aimed to train, Zahara aimed to maim.

They were both equally, completely immersed in their fight that the surroundings seem to blur behind them. Beads of sweat were beginning to line her forehead, he had never seen such an exertion in her, and he couldn't help but feel flattered.

Distracted by his own thoughts he missed the fire in her eyes when she abruptly thrust a kick at his chest. Khan quickly wrapped his hand around the length of her leg before it made impact with his body.

They had fought over the borders of the mat and towards the walls. Khan had flung her away with the intention of disarming her but the power in his throw was too great. Zahara's back made heavy impact with the wall. The crash echoed within the space.

He did not allow her a moments rest and pinned her to the wall, his fingers wrapped tightly around her throat.

She had reacted faster than he had predicted, like it wasn't her first time being in such a precarious position. The situation was all too familiar to her. She thrashed and attempted to claw at him. He released her neck and grabbed hold of her wrists to subdue her and then pressed up against her.

She immediately stilled.

Their eyes met. Gold to sea-blue. She was breathing hard and fast, her chest heaving at each ragged breath. Khan stared down at her, pinning her under his gaze. She stared with the same defiance he loved, like a pit swirling with tormented molten.

His grip on her limbs had softened involuntarily. He released her left arm and tentatively placed his hand on her waist, his fingers curved around her side.

She continued to watch him, both wary and curious to his advances. He gazed at her in turn, taking in each detail of her fierce eyes, down the length of her short nose and to her mouth.

Her lips were parted temptingly. He wanted to feel them, achingly.

He felt every pull of muscle of her rib cage, from beneath his finger tips. His touched moved up, the padded base of his thumb slyly rubbed up the slanted shape of her ribs. She shifted under him. His hands moved down again to the curve of her waist, he pressed a little harder. His fingers sunk into the tough, warm flesh.

He watched her reactions very carefully. He could not ignore the dilated pupils, flushed cheeks and deep labored breathing. After all he was experiencing the same forms of arousal.

He could hear the pulse of his own heart between his ears. He itched to kiss her, and he had leaned in with the intention of claiming her in some way. But the stares that burned into his back made him aware of their location.

His touch immediately grew cold. His arms dropped to his side and he took a large step back, distancing himself.

"Your reflexes are good. They will be useful in the third level. If you get there." His taunting remark was missed by the confused Wahashi.

"Keep practicing." He insisted sternly.

He was further baffled her by turning away and exiting the space.

Khan wasn't alone in his study for long. An hour after his sparring session with Zahara, the woman barged into his study.

He was in the middle of returning one of the books he borrowed from the shelf beside his chair.

"Why did you do that?" She demanded from behind him. He coolly turned to face her, his expression as clueless as school boy.

"Do what?" He inquired innocently, her eyes narrowed to slits.

"That fight, why did you end it in such a way?"

He smiled and tilted his head to the side, observing her.

"Is it so hard for you to admit defeat?"

"I was not defeated." She hissed with conviction, her eyes flashing dangerously as she took a step to him.

"You just...stopped." Her rigid posture suddenly softened. It was as if all the tension in her body left from the realization in her own words. His heart warmed with an intense adoration and pity at the sight of her questioning gaze.

His body moved towards her in a magnetic attraction, she stood still.

"You wanted me to continue from that point?" He asked his voice considerably gentler.

"I don't understand." She scowled sternly "Why did you touch me that way?"

"Did you hate it?" He asked. She hesitated struggling with a decision to answer.

"No." Her voice was as clear as bells. His blood heated once again, but he suppressed his urges behind a mask of serenity.

"Good." He murmured fondly. She watched him, waiting, expecting more words. He turned away once again and approached his desk.

"I want answers." She announced irately.

He stopped at the head of his seat and turned his profile to her.

"You already know the answer, grasping it is a foreign concept to you." Before she could utter a rebuttal he quickly added,

"Tomorrow is the day of your mission."

There was a moment of silence that was filled by the sound of the legs of his chair rubbing against the carpet. He sat down at his seat and eased back into the upholstery.

"Already?" She inquired curiously, as if all the previous frustration he had caused had left her mind entirely.

"Yes." He nodded. She rounded his table and stood facing him. Khan raised his gaze to meet hers and aligned his fingers together.

"Orlando believes you are ready. Joaquin will be in your team, his expertise will come in handy. You will be leaving at five am tomorrow, rest well. Orlando will be the leader of the operation, follow his orders." He noted soundly. She nodded absorbing his every word.

"Good night." He concluded. She didn't object lowered her head in respects.

"Good night."

He watched her leave, spell bound by the gentle sashay of her hips. Once she was out of sight he released a short breath he didn't realize he had been suppressing. His gaze lazily fell to the report on his desk from Orlando. It was about the Wahashi, outlining her strengths and weaknesses and the man's consent to use her on their mission.

It was the beginning of her ultimate test.


	22. Mission:Infiltration

**IMPORTANT: So I updated a little early this week. REally wanted to get this chapter out because it was such fun to write. I was originally planning on making this a separate story (like a spin off) but I decided to have it as a chapter here. This chapter is over-the-shoulder Orlando's point of view, like the rest of the story is with Khan. Enjoy! **

**Oh and please review. I really want to know what you guys think of this trio ;).**

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

"وأَقول لنفسِي: سَيطلعُ مِن عَتْمَتِي قَمَر"." - Nizar Qabbani

** Mission: Infiltration**

The barren desert seemed to stretch on endlessly, determined to meet the clear blue sky. The afternoon sun was harsh. Orlando was certain that rays were burning through the layers of insulation and onto his skin. It was quite the discomfort. He knew of the consequences of the mid morning blazing heat. Consequences they had prepared for.

The camel he was riding, moved in languid strides, its heavy body shifting from side to side making him sway. Joaquin was on his left and Zahara on his right. They were all wearing matching cream robes and head scarves.

The silence between them made him all the more aware of the scorching sun and dry air. He needed a distraction.

"It's amazing how these creatures can carry their weight and ours on such skinny legs." He mused amiably while twisting at the leather leash in his hands.

"Your enthusiasm annoys me." Zahara grumbled through gritted teeth. He looked to her; she was glaring grimly at the horizon. He liked that her golden eyes and tan skin seemed so much more radiant against the cream robes. It was quite the sight. He was quick to blame her irritable nature on the weather but it dawned on to him that she was uncomfortable on her means of transport.

"Come now Zahara." He smiled fondly "They are not all that bad."

"I don't understand why we couldn't just take a vehicle." She complained while shifting on the saddle.

"We are trying to be inconspicuous." Orlando noted diplomatically "The base is located in the middle of nowhere. We will leave the camels at a safe enough distance and try to infiltrate the Apello."

Zahara did not respond but continued to frown as the camels effortlessly climbed another dune ridge.

"How about we pass the time with a game?" The male suggested eagerly.

"What kind of game?" She inquired.

"I spy." He announced. Orlando missed the confusion that creased her forehead. His attention diverted to the large expanse of desert, trying to find a tree or a shrub. But he was fruitless in his search.

"I spy something beginning with the letter D."

"Your dignity?" She retorted, smiling cheekily. Joaquin smirked and Orlando blinked in surprise.

"You are a feisty little thing aren't you?" He murmured huskily watching her hungrily.

"Clearly Khan's wicked tongue has been rubbing off on you." He mused thoughtfully "Anything else of his? Something else beginning with the letter D?"

"Orlando you are being inappropriate, again." Joaquin chastised disapprovingly "Not to mention nosey."

"Inquisitive thank you very much." Orlando corrected haughtily before turning his attention back to the woman.

"Zahara doesn't mind do you?"

"I mind."

"Fine." The blonde male grumbled ignoring Joaquin's smug smile. "What would you like to talk about Zahara?"

"You." She answered after a moment.

"Me?" He flirted.

"Your kind." She corrected, Orlando pouted. She glanced at Joaquin.

"Are you both from the same place as Khan, India?"

"Actually no, I am from Sweden, hence the lovely blonde locks and devilish good looks." He emphasized his words with a flash of his pearly white teeth "Then I was transferred to the American Sector, spent a great deal of time there before I joined Khan."

Orlando gestured to the male behind him and added "Joaquin is a convict we rescued."

"Convict?" Zahara echoed in mystification.

"Murder and Assault. Khan found me in an Israeli prison where I was serving my time." The brooding male concluded.

"Don't be so modest." Orlando laughed lightly patting his friend's shoulder "He could have easily escaped of course. The architecture of the place was slapdash at best."

"Why didn't you?" Zahara asked.

"I enjoyed the solitary." Joaquin murmured softly. The woman nodded, satisfied by his answer.

"Not anymore obviously." The chatty male cut in surreptitiously

"Orlando." Joaquin warned, narrowing his gaze to slits.

"No need to hide your intentions, I know what you speak of." The Wahashi appended "You wish to mate with Suzette yes?"

"Mate? So vulgar. I love it." Orlando purred playfully while directing a wicked smile at the woman. Zahara shot him a flat look before averting her attention to Joaquin. The man was tense and the true example of his discomfort was his blushing cheeks.

"Am I so obvious?" He inquired in a trembling uncertainty.

"No, she is." She assured, Joaquin chuckled fondly at the thought of his love. Zahara looked to Orlando again.

"Tell me about Sweden."

"Beautiful, spacious, full of luscious trees and clean air, but it is not for me." He articulated with ease "I seek action, adventure and—"

"Women of all nationalities." Joaquin drummed in smiling mirthfully and nodded to Zahara "He has a list."

The Wahashi's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"I do not have a list, how demeaning." Orlando barked at Joaquin and then looked to the woman "I have a large memory you see, Augments do not need to write anything down to memorize it."

The dark haired male rolled his brown eyes as Orlando grinned smugly.

"All these women wish to be with you?"

The unmasked skepticism in her question forced Joaquin to laugh mockingly at his friend.

"Why do you not find me appealing?" The blonde pouted dejectedly "Is it because your heart is set on someone else? Someone tall, dark and boring compared to me?"

"Heart?" She echoed her nose crinkling in displeasure.

"A heart does not decide, the brain does." She stated factually with a self righteous upturn of her chin.

Orlando dead-panned and sent an exasperated look at Joaquin.

"Fine, has your brain chosen him?" He reworded his inquiry.

"For what? Mating?"

"Yes."

"I do not desire a mate." She hissed as if he had insulted her entire ancestry "I have matters far more important than to be distracted by something as tedious as procreating."

"Oh but it is so much fun."

"It doesn't look fun." She grumbled turning away.

"But the process of—Oh!" The realization was a heavy, startling impact on Orlando.

"I see..." He whispered in a soliloquy as his eyes narrowed slyly on her form. The ignorance and lack of understanding in her words was a delicious discovery to him.

"Orlando isn't there more you can tell Zahara about Sweden without staring so intensely?" Joaquin interrupted the man's train of thought in a way that Orlando couldn't help but find rude.

"What else would my lady like to know?" He asked.

"You both seem repulsed by your own nations." Zahara mused.

"Repulsed is a heavy word." Orlando insisted.

"It is accurate." Joaquin corrected.

"For you maybe." The blonde bit back "We just wanted more."

"More?" Zahara echoed in wonder "Power?"

"That's Khan's objective." Orlando joked, elbowing Joaquin who too shared his amusement.

"It's a matter of belonging." Orlando expressed with a casual lift of his shoulders.

"Belonging?" The female parroted dubiously.

"Yes." Joaquin nodded "Being in a place among people and knowing you are needed that you... matter."

Her forehead crinkled stressfully. Her gaze hard and her soft mouth twisted pensively.

"I don't understand." She mumbled.

"Yet." Orlando winked playfully. He watched her fall into a serious silence, contemplating their words with the utmost concentration.

* * *

Orlando rolled out the A3 size floor plan of the Apello on to the fairly flat area of sand. Joaquin worked efficiently in placing two large rocks on the corners of the page, to weigh the parchment down. Zahara squatted down between the two men and stared at the drawing.

Night had fallen shrouding them in darkness. They were hidden behind a tall dune that cast a wide shadow over them. On the other side, standing erect was the Apello. From above (according to the floor plan) the facility was in the shape of a pentagon.

Orlando remembered the hassle he had to go through in order to find the place. The camouflaging sandy colour of the building made it almost impossible to find. He had to scout the site a week before the mission. He familiarized himself with the building and use the satellites to construct floor plans. Such elaborate methods of espionage were only available to the Augment Alliance, methods their enemies will never learn of.

Joaquin used his slim pocket torch to illuminate the map. They all concentrated on the dark outlines of the structure.

Their tent acted as a wall, blocking the cold desert air from reaching their forms. The camels were reclining soundly a few feet in front of them, gnawing lazily at their gums and spitting occasionally.

"Alright now that we have familiarized ourselves the floor plan it is all a matter of execution." The blonde male said after a quick glance at the page.

"This wasn't necessary, I know the place." Zahara insisted grimly.

"Yes we know, but it's best to cover all our bases." Orlando responded "Now the plan is the infiltrate their archive. There are several cameras in these areas yes?"

He looked to Zahara for confirmation as he pointed to several red marked areas of the map.

"Yes." She nodded in affirmation.

"This is a vision neutralizer." Joaquin spoke up as he pulled out a small square shaped device from his pocket. It held it tightly between his forefinger and thumb, with his thumb rested on the protruded button on the surface of the device. Orlando instantly recognized the device from one of Joaquin's demonstrations. It temporarily disables AV outputted device, video cameras.

"As effective as it is we cannot attract suspicion so this device will buy is only a ten second window of invisibility from the cameras." The man noted sternly.

"It makes us invisible?" Zahara breathed out in disbelief. Orlando couldn't help but smile at the innocent wonder in her voice.

"It disables the cameras. Honestly Joaquin be specific." He playfully scolded his friend.

"Right." Joaquin grumbled, tucking away the object.

The leader's soft gaze immediately hardened in a sudden seriousness as he focused them on Zahara. The female looked up in attention.

"Remember the memory exercises we had practised, are you sure you can tell us where everything is placed?"

"Yes." She nodded confidently "I will be more certain once I enter its premises."

"Good enough. Masks on."

They all had their hair and the tops of their heads tucked under a sleek, silky smooth mask. At Orlando's command their brought down the material over their faces till it matched the rest of their suits at the collar. The material was made of a reflective surface that allowed them to blend easily into any background. It was an invention by Susan, when it came to attire she was the innovative one. The suits allowed them to melt into the night.

The only parts of them that were visible were their eyes and the tiny holes where their nostrils were.

"Alright Mission Infiltration is a go go." Orlando announced enthusiastically.

"Don't say go-go." Joaquin persisted flatly as he rolled up the map.

"But it's cute."

"No-no."

Orlando released a breath of air he had been holding in when they reached the long stretch of corridor. They had managed to elude the guards, cameras and alarms with light feet and keen eyes. The room was only a door away.

Zahara led the group carefully. He noticed the tense stillness her and chose not to comment despite wanting to. She was back in the prison she was released from. The entire space stank of bleach and despair. The white lights placed a blinding glow within the corridors. He felt dizzy from the intensity; a headache was beginning to form.

They reached the door. Zahara stepped to aside and pressed her back against the wall, allowing Orlando first surveillance. Joaquin stood closely behind him, making sure no one passed.

A camera was situated at the far end of the corridor right above a bend. They were far from its line of vision.

Orlando didn't hear any movements within the room and hastily ushered them in. Once they were hidden behind the four walls, he locked the door as Joaquin quickly turned to the large computer monitor.

It was a large piece of equipment was seven feet in height and width. There was a long wide desk in front of it with an inadequately small keyboard attached. Joaquin took the seat at the desk and began to furiously type. The urgent clacks of his fingers pressing into the keys, echoed within the space. Orlando stood beside his friend and watched as he worked.

_Okay, so far so good._ Orlando thought warily optimistic. _We have eluded all the cameras and now it's only the small matter of downloading all the information without being detected._

He was suddenly reminded of the female they brought on their mission. He turned to find her missing. His eyes widened in panic but he did not voice out his alarm. Leaving his friend to his work Orlando slide out from between the door.

He found her slowly making her way down the passage with her back to him. The only terrifying revelation was her intentions. She was preying on a tall, broad shouldered man in black uniform. He was completely unaware of the female behind him.

Her claws were out and her arms were stretched out ready to kill the man. Orlando began to sweat in trepidation. She was too far to reach in time.

He could only watch in dread as his mind began to furiously find ways to subdue her.

_Damn it Zahara. Don't do it. Don't do it._

She was inching closer and closer to the camera. He was suddenly extremely aware of the pulsing vein on his forehead. She was just a centimetre away when the soldier turned at the bend and she didn't follow him.

She suddenly took several steps back and pinned herself to the wall away from the camera. A large breath of relief escaped his lips.

_Thank God._

He hastily disappeared back into the room before she saw him. Only a few seconds passed when she returned to the room and shut the door behind her. He subtly looked in her direction. She was glaring at the floor with a vindictive ferocity in her eyes.

"Done." Joaquin abruptly announced dismissing the screen's glow and shrouding them in darkness. Orlando saw the outline of a floppy disk that Joaquin tucked into the recess of his suit.

"There is no trace to us right?" The leader inquired. The Augment in question shot him a shark, irritated glance.

"Don't annoy me Orlando." He warned.

"Sorry." Orlando grinned toothily before averting his attention back to the door.

"Let's go, now."

* * *

"Operation was a worldly success, well done team." Orlando boomed heartily as they sat around in the camp fire. It was nearly four in the morning in the desert of Jebal Ali. They had travelled nearly half way with only another half a day's journey, left. They travelled quickly to put as much distance as they could between the Apello and them. He suggested they rest for an hour and dwell on their success.

"You see I have so much faith in us that I even brought a cause for celebration." He exclaimed.

"You can fit a woman in that bag?" Joaquin teased, laugh lines deepening around his mouth.

"Hilarious." Orlando responded flatly with his hand buried into his leather satchel. Zahara sat between the two men, wordlessly munching on a piece of dried meat.

"Ah ha!" Orlando abruptly pulled out a tall bottle with a wide round base and amber liquid sloshing within it. As he eagerly tried to remove the top of the bottle. Joaquin couldn't help but notice the look of disdain Zahara focused on the beverage.

"Why are you so repulsed?" He inquired.

"Wine is distasteful." She grumbled contemptuously

"How dare you." Orlando gasped melodramatically.

"Besides this isn't wine, it is bourbon. The finest." He insisted grandly. The scowl on her face immediately softened as she absorbed his words. As Orlando passed the drink over to Joaquin his attention was vaguely focused on the intense concentration she expressed

"Borh-bon" She repeated slowly.

"Ber-ben." He corrected.

"Berh-ben."

He smiled, despite her attempts the gruffness of her accent still lingered in her speech.

"So adorable." He couldn't help but murmur fondly.

"Cheers." Joaquin announced before taking a swing of the bottle. Satisfied with that one taste he passed the bottle to Zahara. She stared at the drink uncertainly before reluctantly accepting the bottle by its neck.

She mimicked Joaquin's methods and drank from the bottle only to lower it immediately as her face twisted in a grimace.

"It burns my throat." She coughed.

Orlando laughed and stole the bottle from her.

"It's supposed to do that." He reminded.

"I'll never understand you white skins." She muttered with a roll of her eyes.

"Do you have any milk with the date?" She suddenly asked, her eyes a light.

"Oh yes I do." Orlando chimed and began to frantically search his back. Joaquin retrieved the bottle once more and leaned back into the comfort of his rucksack.

They all eventually relaxed into the soft sand and fixated their gazes on to the bright half moon that hung in the still dark sky. Zahara was casually drinking from her short bottle of milk. Orlando was gnawing on a biscuit, crumbs littered his robes.

"Wa-akhool l-anfa-see, sayee-thalaa min ath-math-ee ka-mar" Joaquin recited like poetry, smooth, sound and full of emotion.

"Pretty words." Zahara remarked. Orlando could tell from the smile on her face that she was impressed. This surprised him; he didn't think much could faze the Wahashi. Joaquin smirked and nodded in thanks.

"I had the fortunate of hearing it spoken from the poet who wrote it. Nizar Qabbani, I met him on one of my travels to London." He said.

"Do you see truth in such words?" Zahara inquired.

"Of course, don't you?"

She had no retort and fell into a pensive silence. Joaquin didn't disturb her. Orlando on the other hand was highly perplexed.

"Excuse me I am not fluent in Arabic like you charming two. What does that sentence mean?" He questioned curiously.

"And I say to myself." She began to translate in a caressing tone "a moon will rise from my darkness."


	23. Chapter 23: Time

**The much anticipated chapter ;). You are welcome Sassiebone**

**More reviews= more chapters. (tis the truth)**

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

**April 26th 1993**

It was a Monday night and Khan was invited for dinner with the Sheikh and his family. They all sat at the long, richly arranged table. There were twelve seats. The Sheikh had a very large family (nine children to be exact) but only the eldest four sons were present. Their ages ranged from sixteen to twenty. They all shared their father's dark heavy features but a few had lighter eyes.

Khan knew was informed that not all the children shared the same mother. Some were from his first marriage and the second union seems to be straying. Khan didn't care much for gossip, but the astounding amount of children shocked Susan.

The Sheikh sat at the head of the table, Khan was on the opposite end. The children were to his left and the Augments to his right. The Sheikh's political party dominated the chairs preceding the children, closest to their king.

Zayed was reciting a tale of his time with the Bedouins with a great enthusiasm. The servants were bringing in their desserts which consisted of an array of fruits, ice cream, chocolates and Arabic sweets.

Khan wasn't paying attention, just as he wasn't when dinner first began. Despite the appearance of interest in his tight lipped smile and piercing gaze, his thoughts were elsewhere. Well... on a specific person to be exact.

His operatives have been on missions before and the time passed by in what felt like seconds. But the moment Zahara had left, it felt as if his hair was graying as he waited her return.

Such intense musings irritated him. Especially since they had only been gone for 1 day 3 hours and 3 minutes.

His room was staggeringly dull. He hated that he was distracted from his work and sometimes sat for minutes staring at an empty seat. _Her_ empty seat. He wasn't looking forward to going back.

Dinner ended and they rose up from their seats. Khan and his comrades nodded respectfully to the Sheikh and his children before beginning their departure. He felt the advisor's gaze focused disdainfully at the fact that Orlando's Wahash, Ashera, was Khan's escort that evening. In fact, the advisor had questioned the switch a few times. Khan in turn asked why it was so inconvenient considering they were allowed to utilize them as they pleased.

Khan knew he had antagonized the man, but he wasn't alarmed. He did not want the Sheikh prying into their matters, thankfully once Orlando returns things will slip back into their normal pace.

Suzette and Susan walked ahead with the three other Augments and Sabaa. Khan lingered behind with Ashera walking behind him in his usual strident pace. Just as khan exited the dinning chamber a familiar voice forced him to stop instantly.

"Did dinner not agree with our Captain?"

He spun around to find Orlando smiling mockingly at him. He was dressed in his usual AA attire but his bleach blonde hair seemed brighter against his new tanned complexion. They had returned, but the absence of Zahara at the man's side was too evident.

"Welcome back." Khan greeted pleasantly. Orlando's smile grew, the laugh lines around his mouth deepened. He approached and they began to walk down the long corridor. Ashera was a few paces behind them.

"It's good to be back to a stable environment." Orlando began to say with his arms crossed behind his back "The weather in the desert is positively bipolar."

Khan directed a surreptitious glance back at the Wahash before looking to his friend.

"Did you find what you need?"

"Yes." The blonde nodded enthusiastically "There were a lot of files to steal, Joaquin ill be seeing to the decryption."

A moment of silence fell as they journeyed the corridor. The heels of their shoes clicked lazily against the glossy cream tiles.

"How did she do?" Khan asked his voice barely above a whisper. They had reached Khan's suite. He posed his hand over the door handle.

"There was an incident." Orlando murmured illicitly. Khan's dusky eyebrows furrowed in concern, he pushed opened the door and gestured his friend to enter. Orlando muttered a quick order for Ashera to stay and walked in.

Khan heard the distant sound of water hitting the tiles within the bathroom. Zahara was occupying the shower which was highly convenient.

Once they were alone within the study and after he had sat down at his desk with Orlando on the visitor's chair. Khan uttered the command.

"Tell me everything."

So he did. Reciting in exact theatrical detail (which Khan couldn't help but roll his eyes to) what had happened on their trek across the desert. Khan main interest was in Zahara's story. When Orlando had informed him of what he had witnessed, Zahara's restrain and her overall performance as a member of the team. Khan was satisfied.

She had worked better than he had expected. Considering her wild, unpredictability, Khan expected her to have catalysed suspicion in their enemies. But she hated and for that Khan was more than content.

The tension that had built up when Orlando had first began the story, melted away from his shoulders. Khan leaned back into his leather seat and intertwined his fingers on his lap.

"What do you think? Does she fit the team?" He asked his friend.

"Most definitely." Orlando expressed merrily "Her curious nature makes her the most fun team mate. I look forward to another mission with her."

Khan was pleased and the smile that stretched across his face was full of ease. Afterwards him and Orlando exchanged a few more words before the man dismissed himself for a late dinner. He had muttered something about Bourbon and dry meat not being enough and rushed off.

Khan was left alone in his study and extremely aware of her light footsteps within his room. He languidly rose up from his chair, rounded the table, turned off the lights within his study and made his way to his chambers. His intentions of not returning to that particular room till the next morning were evident.

He knocked on the closed door, lingered for a few seconds before entering. The lights had been turned off. The only source of illumination was the pale moonlight that filtered through the windows.

Zahara stood by the cupboard as if she was about to ascend the furniture when he had interrupted her. He was disappointed by this, was she intending on greeting him in the morning?

"Good evening." She was the first to break the lengthy silence between them. Her delectably raspy voice was enough to make him shiver with yearning. She had turned her profile fully to face him, giving him her undivided attention. Despite the darkness, he could see her without strain. She stood in the path of illumination. Her usual honey brown curls seemed streaked in silver.

"Welcome back." He murmured while shutting the door behind him. Her golden eyes continued to glow, an unconscious sensuality beckoning him to approach her.

She smiled gently "It's good to be back."

Khan sensed she had meant it earnestly.

He used the darkness to his advantage and began to slip out of his leather shoes. His socked feet met the carpeted floors as he moved to her.

"So the mission was a success I heard, you had followed your orders."

"Well when they are not enforced on me I feel more obliged to." That almost sounded like a joke. Dark humour of course. Smiling mirthfully Khan glided closer to her in sly steps.

"I am glad you did." He said.

"Did you run into any familiar faces?" He asked his eyes glittering in a patent, insinuating gleam.

Her lips immediately fell to a frown "Orlando told you."

He couldn't help but grin, Orlando wasn't as sly as he thought.

"Your skills of observation are most spectacular." He mused sarcastically.

His expression took an abrupt grim turn "You were about to betray them."

"No." She answered plainly, unnerved by his intimidation.

"No?" He echoed "Then how do you explain your actions?"

She bristled "Betray would imply revealing their whereabouts to my enemies."

"That's your problem Zahara." He countered passionately "They are still your enemies, has it not dawned on to you that they are also our enemies."

Khan was surprised by the snarl that left her lips. She abruptly took a step to him, her chin raised and shoulders squared. He felt the waves of anger that radiated from her tense form and glowing eyes.

"You expect me to be so understanding of your cause when you haven't even the faintest idea of the energy it took me to not do what I wanted to." She barked fiercely "The man that beat me, tortured and unmade me to the point where I don't have any recollection of my past. That man was only a few feet away from me. I could have just rounded the corner, snapped his neck and rid of all this hate...but I didn't."

Khan wasn't expecting such a fiery confession. He had not known of her pain, he could see it now in her glistening eyes and vulnerable expression. Her decision had not been easy but he needed her to understand her reasons behind not giving into her hateful thoughts.

"Why didn't you?" He asked his voice considerably gentler. The rage that tightened her features began to slip away as her expression softened.

"Because...I thought about the distance."

Distance was an obvious poor choice of words from her part, but Khan immediately knew what she meant. She didn't mean it in the conventional sense but more along a concept of time.

"Not just the distance." He began towering over her "the eventuality of the mission's success and what it would bring.'

"Yes." She nodded firmly.

"Do you know what it would bring?" He asked. Her lips pressed down to a thin, pensive line.

"Defeat and end to the creators of the Apello." She answered.

His eyes flashed icy blue.

"That is a mere synopsis to what is to truly become of these men and women who have brought you so much pain. It's not just the end of the Apello and more of the experiments that could come from such an institution existing. We will demolish the place till there is nothing left and these people...the ones you want to kill so excruciatingly. I will have them lined up anywhere you wish. They will cry and they will beg but no one will lift a finger to help, they will know what helplessness is, just as you had and you..."

Her eyes were wide and her pupils amplified, drinking in every drop of his words with a hungry mind.

"You will be the one who plays the reaper." He foreshadowed "Merciless and vindictive, the epitome of all they feared in your freedom. You will take their lives and they can only watch as you do. Watching the light in their eyes burn out will not only bring you a great peace but an unshakeable pleasure."

She stared up at him speechlessly. He watched her carefully with a deep, lustful heat burning in his veins. The imagery he had worded made his heart race in an eagerness to full fill them. He wanted her to exact her vengeance with a conviction he had never had before.

He veiled the desire in his eyes with a feigned look of gentle empathy.

"I understand you better than anyone." He murmured his voice at an appealingly low baritone.

Her gaze fell to his mouth for a moment and his pulse quickened at the glimmer of desire in her gold orbs. Abruptly her attention snapped to his face and her eyes narrowed to slits.

"You are not the first man who claimed to understand me, nor are you the first one to speak with such pretty empty words." Despite her cold gaze her raspy voice betrayed her feelings entirely.

"It infuriates me that you still see my words as empty." The smoulder in his eyes made his words redundant."Did I not give you Hemming on a silver platter? Did I not send you to the Apello to help further our knowledge of the place?"

"Are you going to deny that you have no motive?" She bit back.

"Of course I have motive, my question is why do you insist on being so mistrustful?"

"I don't trust anyone." She hissed strictly but then a look of contemplation eased her snarling lips.

"You however are a different matter." She grumbled almost guiltily.

"Different?" He echoed.

"Dangerous."

He grinned, she wasn't wrong. But then again, she did not mean it in the way most humans did.

"You use that word in relation to something else about me that frightens you and it has nothing to do with abilities as an Augment, does it?" He interrogated. She stepped back as if suffocated by his very question. He did not allow her a moment of space and was quick to prowl her retreat.

"I know fear better than any man and what I see in your eyes isn't fear." He murmured holding her in his gripping stare. He watched him like a cornered animal while inching away from him.

"You know what you are feeling now don't you?" Khan whispered his voice gruff with want. He found pleasure cornering her against the wall.

The rebelliousness in her glittering stare further aroused him.

Her chest was heaving behind the confinement of her tank top. He shamelessly glanced at the delicious glimpse of cleavage at each ragged breath she took. She was fighting against her emotions. It was clear from the wide-eyed excitement on her face.

Her back met the hard surface of the wall and he took the opportunity to trap her there. He flattened his large palms across the cool plane, beside her head, caging her under him. Her attention shot to his face, her gaze narrowed to slits.

He smiled amused by this. He leaned in, her postured stiffened as he drew closer, a defensive move to prepare herself against his advances.

He heard the frantic tempo of her heart. He knew it was a futile attempt.

"Why don't you just give in?" Khan whispered tauntingly in that same deep baritone. He felt her shudder—a sign of her arousal. He stepped closer till she felt his warm breath against her skin.

He gave her a moment, feeling generous and letting her regain her breathing. There must have been smugness in his expression because she was glaring at him in the next moment.

"And grant you the satisfaction?" She hissed, she clenched her fingers into a fist at her sides and took a bold step forward.

"Never." She added with great conviction.

Khan blinked once, twice. But then his passive expression took a sudden turn for the dangerous. His iridescent eyes narrowed treacherously. Zahara immediately tensed under the incensed glower he directed at her.

He clenched his jaw "Your untamed. Defiantly. Stubborn. Nature—" He forced her up against the partition, holding her under his stare and grip.

Her lips curled up, snarling only to freeze at the sight of him.

The tenseness had vanished. The pure lust expressed in his eyes softened the angular precision of his face.

"—is most bewitching." He breathed. Khan could see the anger in her eyes dull instantly at the soft lulling tone of his voice. The moment her gaze fell to his mouth, he took the chance.

Their lips met in a hungry kiss. She took in a sudden inhalation, startled by his intensity. Khan didn't care much for her comfort in that moment. He wanted her with every fiery cell in his body.

Her back met the wall again, roughly. She gasped at this and he swallowed the sound. He plunged into her mouth and she kissed back just as fiercely, their tongues mated ardently. Her eagerness further fueled the fire in him, the fire that threatened to devour them both.

His hands moved up. He pushed up her shirt and paused in his kisses to bring the top over her head. She raised her arms up and he removed the clothing off her body completely before tossing it in a random direction.

His hands moved down her narrow waist, his fingers sinking into her skin. He felt his way down the toned taut muscles of her side to her derriere. His hands cupped her round mounds, pushing her hips to his. She moaned at this action, the sound elicited a jolt of desire in him.

His lips seared over hers. He knew he was being rough, part of him wanted to slow down. She clawed lightly at the breadth of his chest down to his firm abdomen. His body trembled from the pain and pleasure in the act.

But then he felt a sharp tug on his pants followed by a loud rip.

His eyes snapped open. His bewildered stare fell to his trousers. At least—what was left of them. She had torn at the pants right from the belt. The black material hung loosely in tatters over his powerful legs, leaving him in his grey briefs.

Marveled by her ferocity he looked to her again. She was breathless and without remorse.

He didn't hesitate to grab her and toss her right on to his bed. Her back met the mattress, her form bouncing from the impact. Khan did not allow her a moment to absorb the situation. He was already on top of her. He stilled her body with a hand to her thigh. Her eyes widened at the contact and her startled stare met his.

His smile was wicked, his gaze was licentious. She didn't fear the implication in his actions but steeled herself, awaiting the dark promise in his eyes. He loomed over her, his knees sunk into the bedding.

With one hand planted on the soft surface, he used the other to cradle the side of her head and pull her towards him. She rose up on to her elbow and as the other arm reached out and grasped the nape of his neck. His gaze travelled over her in vague admiration before kissing her in a drugging depth.

Distracting her with his kiss he made quick work of his clothes and hers. Her hands continued to explore the expanse of his chest and for a moment, he was the one distracted. He had to subdue her wrists in order to regain his thoughts once more.

Restricting her allowed him to admire her form. The breathtaking view of her sun-kissed skin made his belly quiver with want. He was intrigued by the small but evident pale patches that littered her sides. He made a mental note to question her about them later. His mind was too occupied with other musings, shameless tactics.

Her gaze suddenly fell to his body, frantically taking in his appearance, absorbing every detail of his lithe form. He could feel the way her eyes travel over him, like invisible hands, touching and caressing him. His skin tingled with want and he didn't resist the magnetic pull she had on him.

He released his hold on her hands and moved his touch down her supple body. She reveled in the warmth of his hands. His fingers glided over her form until she was quivering under him, he explored every firm space of skin. He started from her throat, down her sternum then branching of to the side. He cupped her left breast in his palm, her back arched at the sensation. He liked that his hand covered all of her, an indecent wave of possessiveness rushed through him.

He felt her hammering heart as his touch travelled lower to the flat, taut plane of her belly. She was wonderfully made, curves and all. Her naked form pleased him. He couldn't wait to claim her.

She was watching him with those golden eyes of hers. There was no fear. There was no conceit, just pure unfiltered desire and wide eyed curiosity. But he saw a flash of confusion when he settled between her thighs as his hands continued to move down her navel.

"You've never done this before, have you?" He asked gently, her gaze shot to him. He stared deep into the swirling depths of her bright eyes and she gazed back.

"No."She stated bluntly "but I am not opposed to the sensations the act provides."

Her words delighted him greatly. He rewarded her by burying his fingers into the depths of her cognac locks and scratching just behind her ear. Her eyes closed, pressing into his touch and he heard that familiar purr reverberate through her. He smiled at this.

"They will be most enjoyable, believe me." He insisted. Her eyes were hooded, heavy from the pleasure of his petting.

"Indulging in this will dispel my need for you entirely?" She asked her voice meek compared to the usual bravado it had. His hand fell to her sides, his strong arms flexing as he positioned himself.

"On the contrary." He breathed leaning towards her mouth again, his lips brushing sensually over hers "This will only add further fuel to the flame."

She didn't seem opposed to that either.

He was utterly distracted by her beauty and his unquenchable urge to claim her that he almost forgot the most important part in their union. He stretched over her, his fingers inching out towards the bedside table drawer.

He felt her eyes watching him, her hands curiously exploring the flex and tenseness of his muscle. It was a soothing diversion as he plucked a condom from the depths of the drawer and returned to tower over her.

Using one hand to balance above her he utilized the sharpness of his teeth to rip into the wrapping. Khan was a disappointed that his race has yet to develop a more convenient form of contraception.

"What is that?" She inquired watching as he rolled the rubber on to the long, hot, straining length of him.

"Protection." He grunted, tossing aside the wrapper and then planting his other hand beside her head. She had a hard time tearing her gaze from that part of him, but when she did, he saw the bewilderment in her eyes.

"From what danger?"

He couldn't help but crack a condescending grin at the dubiousness of her question.

"Parenthood."

Recognition flared in her eyes. Her mouth audibly snapped shut and she uttered no more questions.

"Ready?" He asked she nodded distractedly. It was obvious enough her mind and eyes were still focused on his member. Khan claimed her mouth in a demanding, distracting kiss. His tongue seduced her back into his spell. He nipped and kissed her ardently while simultaneously inching into her.

She immediately tensed as he sheathed himself inside of her. He drew back and watched her reactions extremely carefully.

"Are you in pain?" He asked, softly.

"No." Her voice was visibly strained but it sounded more out of discomfort than relentless hurting. He waited a moment, watching her and allowing her to adjust. She shifted a little under him and that one movement almost threw him over the edge. She was tight, so much so that he wondered if he could last his normal time.

Suddenly she stilled and raised her golden eyes to his face.

"Is that it?" She asked not even bothering to mask her disappointment, her unschooled ways were both charming and humorous.

"Hardly." He growled and then pulled back only to thrust forward. She gasped; it was the most deliciously erotic sound he had heard. His hand left a fiery path as he smoothed his palm down her thigh and to her knee.

Meanwhile he continued to move. Slowly at first until he climbed to a steady rhythm. He curved is hand under her knee and brought her leg up. He forced the long limb to his side as he braced his weight on his other arm.

He watched her sinuous movements, taking in each sigh and flex of her lithe form. In his eyes she was perfection. She had her eyes shut, experiencing the sensations just as he wanted her to. He was mesmerized by her feathery lashes and full parted lips.

As his pace began to increase, her actions grew more primal. All the previous uncertainty was shunned from her body, and all that was left was a writhing, pleasure craving being. Her hands searched his chest, clawing lightly at his skin in a tortured intensity. Khan wasn't surprised by the roughness. He didn't expect anything less from her.

Khan was clinging to the straying strands of his own sanity. She felt better than anyone he had had before. She was so warm, willing and indulgent, watching her alone—made his pleasure build.

She muttered a foreign word that sounded like something between a curse and a sigh. The corners of his mouth quirked up, amused by the pure frustration she expressed.

"_K-Khan_." They way she breathlessly whispered his name made him wild with need. The hand he had curved at her thigh, squeezed hard. His deft fingers sunk into her hot, sweaty flesh.

She groaned in delight, her neck craned back, her eyelids swept open. Khan saw it, the hazy mix of pleasure and fear in her golden orbs. She was experiencing a multitude of emotions she had never had before and the feelings alarmed her. He empathized, that sensation of being thrown into an edge and willingly doing so was brand new to her.

She needed assurance and he was more than ready to bestow.

He trailed his touch up her taut belly, between her breasts and to the nape of her neck. He held her gently and demandingly enough to gain her attention. Her bleary eyes focused on him.

"It's natural, allow yourself to fall." He was surprised by how breathless he sounded.

She bit her lip as she quivered beneath him. He gently pressed his mouth to hers, his breath hot and jagged against her flesh.

"I am right here, I am with you."

She nodded frantically unable to form words. Her hands climbed up his sides and to his back. He felt her nails dig into the tense, stiff muscles.

He planted both hands beside her head, caging her under him. She closed her eyes again and arched back as his powerful thrust brought her to rapture. He watched her crumble beneath him with the utmost fascination.

The soft cry that escaped her lips, the overwrought and strain of her physique, the glistening sheen of sweat over her skin. His arousal climbed from witnessing her release and he hungered to reach his own. His hips moved in a frantic pace between her thighs. His touch travelled down from her neck and to her breasts. He squeezed one soft mound in his burning palm and she bent into his touch.

This was what he wanted, unbridled passion. He felt it in his very veins, a deep hunger that he couldn't seem to satisfy. His heart was pounding in a strength he had never felt and echoed between his ears. The bed frame shook at each fierce push. She welcomed his deep, rough play with an eager body and wicked mind.

He knew in that moment teaching her about such steamy, tempestuous acts moments to come would be most satisfying.

He caught her blissful moans on his tongue with a feral growl. Soon his control broke free with a final thrust. Her nails dug deeper, he felt the sting that seeped into the pleasure. His quaking limbs protested in exertion, he languidly pressed his body completely onto hers.

They lay there for a long moment, unable to move. The only sign of life in them was their panting bodies. Khan was quick to recover and raised his head to observe her. She had her eyes shut as if reveling in the ghosted waves of her bliss. His dazed stare wandered over her long lashes, down to the cute upturn of her nose and to her luscious lips.

He pressed up on to his elbows and continued to watch her with his body bearing down on her. He admired her hair that was in charming disarray, her cognac curls were spilled across the white pillow. His gaze moved down further, along her delicious curves and his blood heated again.

He looked to her face again only to meet a pair of gleaming golden eyes. He didn't understand why he lusted so deeply for a woman he just had. Maybe it was the lack of any intimacy in the past few months that made him unquenched.

Her breathing had returned to normal, her chest wasn't heaving like before. Which was a shame, Khan liked the view her breasts provided.

He didn't know much about virgins, having never deflowered one before. So he wondered if it was appropriate to initiate another round. Then again, nothing about what they did was considered appropriate.

"Are you tired?" He asked in that same, soft baritone. Her smouldering eyes watched him quietly for a moment.

"No." She said. Khan smiled wickedly and leaned down till his mouth hovered over hers.

"Good."

* * *

Sated they lay tangled in the bed sheets. The moon had disappeared long ago, abandoning them in a sea of darkness. Yet he could still see her lustrous eyes, burning like dying ambers. She rested under him. He was reclining on his side, balancing his weight on his elbow while staring down at her.

Her hands continued to explore him, across the breadth of his chest and up his neck. He liked the warmth of her hands and the sweetness in her touch. It was tentative and curious like everything about him marvelled her.

Her fingers stroked up to his mouth, pressing into his voluptuous lips. Her eyes followed the movement. Her eyelids were heavy and dazed.

"This meeting of mouths, what do you call it?" She asked raising her gaze to meet his. He began to stroke the breadth of her jutted hipbone with the base of his thumb.

"A kiss." He murmured distractedly.

"Say it again." She insisted.

"Kiss."

She smiled lazily, it was dazzlingly and radiant.

"It sounds good to hear from your lips."

Khan felt the uncharacteristic urge to laugh at the prideful way his chest swelled.

"That's flattering, thank you." He grinned. She nodded courteously and continued to touch him, admiring the fine lines and tough muscle beneath her finger tips.

"You are beautiful." The words rolled out of his tongue in an uncharacteristic ease. Her touch stilled as she looked to him again.

"You are not lying." She observed.

"Is that so hard to believe?" He retorted curiously.

"I've never been called that before. Demon...monster. Never beautiful." She murmured her gaze absentmindedly moved to the ceiling. He watched her carefully. A dark shadow threatened to cloud her eyes but his presence had caused it to shy away. A sultry smile curved at her lips.

"I should have known you found me attractive from the way you watch me."

"You noticed?" He asked in wonder.

"Yes." She whispered "I wasn't used to it. It was the way a hunter stares at it's prey, but deeper than hunger and more powerful."

He smiled and leaned closer, his fingers danced up the taut plane of her belly and began to draw circles across her skin.

"The term is lust." He breathed.

"Lust." She echoed, the worded sounded exotic and sensual in his ears. Her hands moved to the back of his head, her fingers combing into his silky, black hair.

"Kiss." She murmured demandingly tugging at his hair. He smiled and obliged her silent request and slanted down to claim her lips again.


	24. Chapter 24: Merciless

**Sorry I took a while to publish this chapter. I had to read up a little more on the Khan's history according to the Star Trek universe, my plan is to weave it all together some how. Thankfully I managed to push through the hard bits, hopefully there wont be anymore obstacles ^^. **

**alltheteainchina: Haha, thank you so much! I blushed from your passionate response. I am happy you enjoyed that chapter, there will be more to come ;). This one is a little eventful, sorry about that. The next one will have more smut ;). **

**Sassiebone: Thanks? ^^**

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**AvalonTheLadyKiller: Thank you, hopefully you will think the chapters to come are interesting :).**

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* * *

April 27th 1993

"There is something...different about you." Orlando mused that morning, looming over Khan's desk as he was reading the newspaper.

"How so?" Khan asked in vague interest not bothering to look up.

"I don't know." Orlando rubbed his chin thoughtfully "It's hard to pinpoint the exact glimpse of your change."

Khan rolled his eyes and folded the lengthy sheet of paper and placed it neatly on his desk. He raised his gaze to meet Orlando's inquisitive stare in an authoritative look.

"Yes well," He leaned back into his chair, his gaze still fixated on the man "When you take the time away from mulling over unnecessary imaginary details. Do your job and get in contact with Stav—"

A familiar head of auburn curls attached to the lithe body of Zahara emerged from within the balcony. He watched from across his seat, past the foyer and into his room. She shut the French doors behind her and crossed the span of his room. She was dressed in her usual black harem pants and white sleeveless top. He watched the gentle sashay of her hips. The way the sunlight highlighted the bronze shade of her shoulder blades until she disappeared into the bathroom. The door shut behind her.

"—vos. Things are oddly quiet. Do you not sense the stillness?" He continued on as if there wasn't a momentary pause in his speech. Khan looked to find Orlando watching him, his gaze was narrowed and an ominous smile curved at his lips.

"Oh I am sensing something. Stillness wouldn't exactly be the word I'd use." He added. Khan did not hear the teasing tone in his voice.

His serious gaze locked on the blonde man as he leaned back into his seat. He winced slightly at the strange sting he felt on his back. His dusky brows furrowed in concern, pain was never a feeling he experienced so easily. Ignoring the sore sensation he diverted his mind back to the topic at hand.

"What do you sense?" Khan demanded. Orlando sighed and rolled his sea-blue orbs in an exasperated manner.

"Khan, I am not referring to the Augment Alliance, I am referring to you." He stated strictly. Khan's dusky brows furrowed in confusion, Orlando's gaze glittered mirthfully.

"So how was she?" He asked.

"Who?"

"Your little pet of course, the wild flower."

_Oh._ Khan relaxed into his seat, his stare hardened, all expression leaving his face.

"Adequate."

"Adequate?" Orlando echoed, his eyebrows lifting.

"Yes." Khan stated with a firm nod of his head.

"Really?" The fair-haired man voiced disbelievingly "I figured the hell cat would bring more fire. Enough to excite even King Khan. She certainly did manage that feat didn't she?"

Khan didn't even know why the man bothered to ask. It wasn't like he was trying to disguise his intentions towards the feline-esque female.

"Why do you care so much about who stirs my...excitement?" The darker man demanded weaving his fingers together, his arms across his lap, elbows posed on top of the arm rests.

"It's just amusing, is all." Orlando said with an effortless heave of his shoulders "I highly encourage this."

"Do you?"

"Oh yes, your complete disregard for Susan's presence has certainly made her more inclined to seek my gracious company."

Khan smiled at the cad like implication of the young man's words. "Gracious is hardly a word I would use."

"Adequate is word you regret using." Orlando bit back lightheartedly.

"Indeed."

She had emerged from the bathroom, dressed in her red suit once more. The ends of her curls were damp and darker than the rest of her hair making her hair seem denser. Khan made sure to watch her discreetly this time, not lingering longer than deemed appropriate.

He quickly fixed his attention back onto Orlando.

"It was different." He added clandestinely.

"No doubt." Orlando concluded just as she approached them. Sensing her presence, Orlando craned around to face her.

"Ah Zahara."

Her golden gaze narrowed in on the tall male.

"Why do you say my name in such a tone?" She demanded briskly. Her frankness never seized to amuse Khan. He didn't even attempt to hide his taunting smile directed at Orlando.

"Sharp as a cat, never expected anything less." The blonde commented with a lift of his defined jaw.

"Obviously considering my genetics." Zahara retorted sharply.

"I was being witt—nevermind." Orlando gave a mildly infuriated glance at the grinning Khan's direction before settling his eyes back on her.

"I was wondering if you would assist me in gathering some information for our fearless leader here."

"Information?" She echoed.

"Yes, we need to hunt down a certain scientist and put the fear of Allah into him." He paused to smile, amused by his own play on words. "And then leave behind the withering, drooling mess of what's left of him."

Khan looked to Zahara. He could see the way her mind was drawing conclusions behind her quivering eyes.

"Who did you find, Doctor Brighton?" She demanded eagerly.

"Yes," Khan answered, grabbing her quick attention. "He is taking refuge in an underground facility in Umm Al Quain. We believe he is housing more of your kind."

"Not for long." She murmured in a soliloquy. He knew what she was thinking. Her suppressed rage and irate thoughts were obvious in the way she fisted her hands at her sides.

Khan calmly looked to Orlando who was evaluating her emotions just as he had.

"Orlando." He addressed him, grabbing the fair man's attention "Would you give us a minute?"

"Certainly." He nodded curtly, he turned to leave but paused to add "I asked Susan to join us; she is particularly well versed at interrogations."

Khan nodded in acceptance and stood in his black leather shoes. Orlando exited and Khan rounded the table to stand in his friend's place.

"Gathering information?" She questioned, her incensed stare focused on him.

"Zahara—"

"I was given the impression of merciless death to these people." She cut in coldly.

"Simply killing them is not practical. This man could have the answers to questions you seek about your sister." Khan reminded. His words further antagonized her, her nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Either way, we need to extract all the information we can from him before we do anything else." He added rationally. She stood fuming for a moment but then slowly, her features began to soften, but the brooding look still remained.

"Who is going to extract information from him?" She asked her voice considerably less infuriated.

"You are." His quick response surprised her "Can you complete the task without killing him?"

Her gaze hardened in contempt, he understood that it was a difficult question to answer. Considering her whole drive out of servitude was built on the chance that she would get to kill them.

"What will happen with him once the questioning is over?" She inquired reluctantly after a long moment. Khan opened his mouth with the intention of answering, but someone else spoke over him.

"That is for me to decide, after all I'll be taking charge of this expedition."

He turned to find Susan standing at the threshold of his study. She was dressed in her uniform with her hair combed back tightly into a high platinum pony tail.

"Susan." He acknowledged.

"Khan." She responded through gritted teeth. He wasn't unaccustomed to such a response from her, their last conversation was far from pleasant. Susan can hold a grudge, its one of her biggest weaknesses. Her cold gaze drifted from him and fixated on Zahara, then she began to approach her like a tiger would through a field of straw.

"Orlando informed me of the unwanted addition to the team."

The Wahashi's posture instantly stiffened at Susan intentional choice of words. There was a moment of charged tension between the two females. Then suddenly, Susan smiled wickedly down at Zahara.

"No need to be so tense, I am only teasing."

"That's a lie." The Wahashi disagreed. Khan glanced at the feline and couldn't help but be amused by her firey spirit. Susan had always wanted submission and Zahara was the last one to grant her that. He began too wonder how they would behave on the mission together, he was suddenly envious that Orlando would be the sole witness.

"Differences aside, I look forward to seeing how you work, out in the field. Orlando has spoken very highly of you." The tall woman continued on as if the Wahashi's intense glare wasn't attempting to borrow a hole in her. "It's best that you start packing, we will be departing shortly."

Khan immediately shared the annoyance and stun Zahara was experiencing at Susan's poorly masked order.

"First brief, then you can dismiss yourself to pack." He disclosed with brutal command.

Orlando entered seconds later, oblivious to the thick tension with the room as he munched on a piece of date cake.

"We plan to confront the man tonight night." He announced having caught the last words Khan had uttered when he entered the study. "According to her assistant who was the dullest flirt I've ever had the displeasure, Mr. Brighton is residing in a hotel room in Ajman, apparently the quarters provided by the company do not satisfy his tastes."

"That's a fine stroke of luck." Khan couldn't help but notice. Circumstances seem to be weaving in their favour.

"If all goes as planned we will be returning late in the night." Susan added with a confident nod.

"Good, Joaquin is close to unraveling the contents of the drive, we should know more soon." Khan uttered directing his attention to Zahara. Her eyes widened in a hopeful manner.

"Wonderful the sooner we are done the sooner we can stop tip toeing around." Susan grumbled irately.

"Have to agree with Susan there" Orlando chatted while chewing on a cheek full of cake "Compared to this country the humid weather of India is a blessing."

"Patience my friends, we will be done soon enough. I have a feeling that the Sheikh is growing frustrated with how comfortable we are here." Despite the words that slipped his lips, his attention was focused on Zahara. She had that familiar far off look in her golden eyes. She seemed lost and overwhelmed, not at all like the observant creature he was used to. He didn't like it, he was annoyed by it, but at the same time it felt wrong to address. As if it wasn't his right to.

His mind seemed to chant _come back, come back to me_. Repeatedly in his head, his fingers twitched desperate to touch her.

"Maybe some of us are too comfortable." Susan remarked her accusatory gaze focused on the Augment leader. Her carelessly wicked comment made him bristle. He had a spiteful retort ready at the tip of his tongue when Suzette's sudden arrival grabbed his attention.

Her face was horror stricken, her usual soft gaze was wide in panic.

"Captain, we have a problem." She exclaimed staring straight at him from under the door frame.

"What is it?" He insisted in a swift alertness. Suzette gulped heavily, her blue eyes quivering in distress.

"Vasily has conquered Serbia, our entire battalion has been assassinated."


	25. Chapter 25: Vasily Hunyadi

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* * *

Khan stared out the window, beside his desk. His clear eyes drifted over the sweeping lines of the desert hills, in vague interest. He was distracted and has been for the past twelve hours since he received the news from Serbia.

_"Who told you this?" Susan was quick to demand since Khan was mute from the shock. _

_"Its public knowledge, the news is spreading like wild fire. The UN had sent two representatives, they had returned with information on Vasily's plans for the countries he had conquered." Suzette answered, her voice trembling in urgency. _

_"Let me guess, ethnic cleansing." Orlando questioned coldly, the woman nodded slowly. The man scowled and gritted his teeth, his jaw muscles clenched tightly._

_"How predictable." He hissed under his breath. _

_"The UN, what a joke. What do the humans expect to accomplish with all their limitations?" Susan questioned heatedly, her blue eyes flashing in anger. _

_"All those who do not meet his requirements are fleeing to other parts of Europe. Joseph has informed me that most of the traffic is heading his way. He is worried there will not be enough resources to sustain them." The dark haired woman responded, the panic still evident in her tone. Khan was swiftly snapped out of his stun at her words. The cog wheels of his mind turned in a well-oiled speed as he began to formulate resolutions. _

_"Send him whatever he needs, I'll sign the approval papers as soon as you bring them to me." He insisted sharply. _

_"Yes sir." Suzette nodded, relieved by his order. She spun around and made a swift exit. _

_ "What are we going to do?" Susan demanded instantly turning to the Captain. _

_"I don't think there is much we can do." Orlando responded in cue to Khan's lack of an answer._

_"Hunyadi's has won this round, let him have his Yugoslavia, we must build forces so his rule does not spread." Khan was surprised by the lack of sentiment in his voice. Even though his heart was heavy with guilt, dread and anger. _

_Khan pushed aside the rising hate that heated his blood and turned to Susan. Her posture immediately tensed under his grim stare. _

_ "Susan I need a list of all the men and women we had sent to that battle field, they cannot be forgotten." She nodded and departed with an elegant turn of her broad shoulders. _

_"What do you need me to do?" Orlando demanded. _

_"Get in contact with Stavos, I do not know if he has heard the news while facing conflicts in Johannesburg." _

_"Right away." _

_Khan waited for Orlando to disappear out of his sight completely. The moment he did, his shoulders sagged from the drowsiness he was experiencing. He had lost, it was a hard realization to come into terms with. He had underestimated his enemy and his soldiers had paid the price. _

_"Who is this Vasily?" Khan was startled by Zahara's question, having forgotten her quiet presence in the room. She had been lingering in the background as if trying to blend in to wallpaper. She had observed the incident and was confused by the swirling tension of the events. _

_Khan turned away from her prying eyes and absent mindedly began to stroke the edge of his table. He thumb nail dug into the wood, scarring the surface with deep, jagged lines. _

_The face of his enemy flashed in his mind. Vasily Hunyadi is a Romanian Augment. He carried the fierce features of his ancestors. Pitch black hair, a thick dropping mustache, piercing eyes and thick brows. His brows were a constant source of amusement to Orlando, but then again the blonde looked for any means to make fun of the man. Vasily was the true image of a brutal tyrant and his actions matched them in every way. _

_"Vasily Hunyadi is a mad man, determined to shape the world in his image in inhumane means. He came as a threat after Stavos and I formed the Augment Alliance many years ago." He answered calmly. _

_"You are the leader of the Augment Alliance?" She asked incredulously. _

_"Yes, Stavos is my second. We came together at a very young age, when our former home, the Chrysalis base was destroyed. There are seven of us and slowly we began to conquer most parts of the world, till Romania of course." Khan scowled irately and folded his arms behind his back. "He is determined to oppose me, and burn down anyone who stands in his way."_

_Zahara was silent for a moment and Khan dwelled on the stillness. His mind was a swirling mess of hateful thoughts. As a distraction he listened to her slow footsteps that trudged against the carpet as she moved to him. _

_"Are you going to fight back?" She asked from beside him. There was a flash of heat in her eyes, the kind an animal has before battle. She was ready to fight for him, he felt a sense of accomplishment in that. The scent of sandalwood and citrus brushed under his nose, her signature aroma. He found relief in it and was drawn closer to her._

_"Not yet, my lack of a rebuttal will confuse him and he will use it as leverage to antagonize me. But once we overcome the hurdles here, he will receive my full wrath." He vowed assertively. _

_"What do you need me to do?"_

_"The mission still stands, delayed but it will be done. Be ready to leave when I give the word." _

_He expected her to argue, after all his promise to her had to be delayed. He saw a flicker of disappointment in her eyes and the way her face fell. But she held back any brutal comment that had been brewing in her mind and nodded bravely. _

He turned away from the window and in two quick strides he was at his desk. He was still awaiting word from Stavos. The delay was understandable, Stavos was fighting his own battles in South Africa. Khan's gaze wandered over a long, royal blue, velveteen box on his desk. It had been delivered to him along with a golden envelope. He knew who had sent the letter and didn't bother with reading the formality. He was, however, intrigued by the gift.

He picked it up and pushed up at the lid with his thumb. The box gave way with ease. Khan peered down at the gleaming accessory within the blue silk interior. It was a necklace. A polished golden chain with a delicate, tear shaped red ruby attached to it. It was beautiful, a lot less extravagant to what he expected from the Sheikh of Umm Al Quain. Maybe it was why he parted with it so easily.

"What is that?"

Khan looked up to find Zahara, her eyes were glued on the box he held in his hand. Her eyes were a dancing with the light that reflected off the chain. He hadn't seen her so fascinated by such a small thing. Well…not since she had a fresh meal for the first time.

"A gift, from the Sheikh of Umm Al Quain." He said, he abruptly gestured the open box to her.

"I have no use for it."

Her startled expression shifted to one of pique interest. She reached out and hooked a finger under the chain and pulled it up from its display. Khan watched her inspect it keenly, and then she wordlessly dislodged the pendant from its shackle.

Khan blinked in surprise. She had just taken apart a priceless piece of jewelry. She tested the chain two tight fists, curled it around her wrist. Nodded approvingly and then shoved it into the pocket of her jacket. Then her attention moved to the pendant. She had the stone pinched between her fingers. She was observing the sharp rays of crimson within the jewel, the colours seemed alive.

Khan found pleasure in how easily amused she was by everything. In a way, he wished to see the world in her fresh eyes and find hope in it. Hope in a time he found most heavy and dreaded.

"Thank you." She murmured directing a tender smile in his direction "Do they only come in red?"

"There are other colours, sapphire is my favourite." He admitted pleasantly.

"Oh." Her eyes flared in recognition, as if familiar with the word "Like the night sky."

Khan's dusky brows raised in intrigue. He was ot expecting her to know what he was referring to.

"I want to see this, sapphire." She said as she leaned back against the edge of the table while watching him. There was a certain wicked gleam in her gaze and the curve of her lips "Though I suppose your eyes will have to suffice."

"Flatterer." He murmured low, his eyes narrowing playfully. She was flirting with him, he wondered if she knew what her actions meant. He couldn't help but be a little suspicious, as if she has a ploy for speaking such endearments.

"What do you need?" He asked.

"Nothing, I just made an observation." She responded with a lazy lift of her shoulders. He stepped to her, towering over her. He leaned forward and planted his hands beside her thighs, he moved in till his face hovered inches above hers.

"You want absolutely nothing in return?" He whispered, peering into her dazzling eyes.

"Death to my enemies and then the emancipation of my people." She uttered under her breath and boldly lifted her chin to level their gazes "Until then, your mouth on mine will have to do."

Khan couldn't resist the magnetic pull her gleaming eyes and cat like smile, had on him. His hands reached out and curved under her left jaw. She held his stare boldly. His touch moved up and into hair before gently scratching at her weak spot just behind her ear. He watched her shuddered then relax into his petting.

His gaze on her darkened to smoldering and lustful, his eye lids heavy as he watched her.

"Your smart mouth will get you in trouble someday." He murmured lightheartedly despite the dark, luster in his gaze. She tilted her chin up and leaned into his body, her lips inches away from his own.

"If you are so concerned, maybe you should silence me."

She was such a tempestuous little thing, eager to tease. She thrilled him in ways he had never imagined, he wanted to punish and reward her simultaneously. Unable to resist the chase she brought out in him, he grabbed her and kissed her.

Their mouths met with a heat that burned through him. He cupped the side of her jaw while the other curved around her waist, forcing her up against him and pushing her back to the table with his body.

She tried to meet his intensity yet she lacked the skill. Khan pulled away from her plump lips and gazed deep into her eyes.

"Your jaw is too tense." He murmured fondly as the padded base of his thumb stroked the prominent bone.

"Tense?" She echoed her voice delectably raspy.

"Yes." He whispered brushing his lips lightly over hers. He gently pushed down on the curve of her chin with his thumb, just enough to part her lips. She didn't shy away from his demanding touch and allowed him to guide her mouth to his.

"Relax." He breathed and captured her lips once more. She willingly leaned into his body, so eager to learn. His tongue glided into her mouth in an exploratory stroking. She hesitated at first, he felt it in her trembling arms. But then, she began to respond.

He didn't understand how she enticed such want in him, but every time their lips met, his heart clenched with need. The sudden lust he experienced was explosive as he pinned her to the edge of his table. Her hands wandered up his chest and to his neck as he cradled her face in his large hands. She tried to find grip in his shirt but grew frustrated and sank her nails into his chest.

He groaned, low and primal.

She shivered, thrilled and aroused.

He wanted her right there on that table. His touch slid down the length of her neck and over the gibbous buttons of her suit. He pinched one gleaming fasten between his thumb and forefinger, ready to disrobe her.

"Oh my."

The new voice within the room startled them out of their kiss. Khan released her immediately and craned his neck around to look to the intruder. The surprise on his face softened to a deep frown at the sight of Orlando, smiling perversely at them.

"You should have knocked." Khan scolded sternly.

"I did." The blonde retorted a pout tugging at his lower lip. "Honestly, I could have taught her that."

"No." Zahara's blunt reply astounded both males. Khan's glittering stare moved back to the female. She had her eyes narrowed on Orlando, annoyed by the interruption. The smug grin that curved Khan's lips was automatic.

"Ouch, right in the heart, my dear you have truly robbed me of my confidence." The blonde clutched his chest dramatically, his blue eyes a gleam.

"Or maybe I should just take it as a challenge."

"Did you really just come here to ramble or was there something important?" Khan cut in, his voice filled with annoyance. Orlando's wicked grin simmered down to a simple smile as he nodded.

"Joaquin has uncovered the files, there is a lot of data." He announced.

Zahara's demeanor changed drastically. Khan couldn't turn away from her. It was like watching a snail curl back into its shell. The playful warmth in her eyes had vanished and he was reminded of the Wahashi he was gifted months ago.


	26. Chapter 26: Matters

** AvalonTheLadyKiller: Thank you but I think there is some confusion. She isn't an Augment but she was one of the people among them in cryo I thought that was obvious considering the first chapter. Sorry if my words had mislead you. **

** casper6six6: Thanks and here is more ^^. **

**I am being a bit cruel now, sorry about that. But this chapter had to come sometimes, I bet you were all wondering about it anyway. **

**Review please :) **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

"We are here." Orlando announced the moment he returned with Khan and Zahara, to walk in closet sized room Joaquin had confined himself in.

Khan squinted his eyes against the harsh glare of the computer screen Joaquin sat in front of, within the dark room. He began to search for the light switch and found it on the wall, behind Zahara. He snaked his arm behind her and flipped on the switch.

Joaquin hardly noticed the sudden illumination and spun around on the office chair to greet them.

"Everything I had stolen from them is the files within their archive. I've unlocked most of it but the main body of information I have found is on the Wahash project." He announced in one single breathe.

"Have you gone through any of the information?" Khan asked, stepping away from the closed door and towards the man.

"No, we were waiting for you." Orlando answered, Joaquin nodded in agreement.

The captain's jaded gaze honed in on the black screen. There was a miniscule, flashing green underscore at the top left hand side of the screen. It felt almost cautioning him with its blinking tempo. He hesitated in giving the order, he felt a strange foreboding tingle roll up his spine.

He looked to Zahara from the corner of his eye. She was stiff beside him, glaring unblinking at the screen. Eagerly waiting for the unfurling of what was hidden.

He averted his attention back to Joaquin and nodded sternly.

"Let's begin."

Joaquin turned away from them. He straightened his back, raised his elbows up onto the edge of the table, and began to type.

**Accessing Archive_**

**Project Wahash_ **

**Founded in 1980 by Doctor Amanda Brighton. Doctor Brighton founded the project on the belief that a human race cannot be in control of creations that are superior to them as a species. Submission is the only solution. The taming of beasts after the creation of them is the only true path to achieve greatness and win wars_**

**The Project Wahash was introduced after salvaging what was left behind after the destruction of the Chrysalis base_**

The words disappeared off the screen, a logo took its place. It was a silver skeletal in the shape of a butterfly. An insignia Augments knew all too well.

Khan's eyes widened in shock at this.

"What?" Orlando hissed, voicing his leader's alarm. Joaquin's dark brows were furrowed in concern, staring at the Chrysalis logo till it vanished.

The AI continued to type away at the screen, resuming its repertoire.

**Augment DNA contains the amazing ability to heal quickly and efficiently. With this unique feature, combining the DNA with that of other predators began with promising results_**

**The Project Wahash consists of 5 stages_**

**Stage 1: Creation_**

**The newly developed DNA is introduced to the host body. This process takes up to a year for the body to adapt to its new genetic information. Physical and mental changes occur. Some subjects adapt the traits of the animal DNA. The DNA attacks the body like a virus does, destroying former cells and producing new growth_**

There were more images and videos in gray scale. It was a portfolio displaying the scientists at work. Injecting needles in to unconscious boys and girls, stretched out on a steel table. The computer showed more images of how the substances caused them to mutate. The way the shell of their ears stretched out day by day. The way their pupils altered colour, their canines sharpened.

They were just children. They weren't born in the labs like Khan and his kind were. They were kids that were pulled out of the homes. He saw the way the experiments had caused the innocent, confusion in their wide eyed gazes. Darkened into something more primal. Murderous.

**Stage 2: Domestication_**

**Most of the fully formed subjects have no memory of their former life. Their reaction to authority is most livid and dangerous. Series of methods are used to subdue them_**

The same children who looked like young adolescences were cornered, beaten. They disobeyed, clawed and hissed back and the soldiers continued discipline them.

**Stage 3: Obedience_**

**In order to gain full compliance from these creatures. Doctor Hemming a brilliant scientist well versed in the matters of the human mind, had developed a form of mind control_**

The moon rimmed spectacled man, with his cloud like hair and beak nose flashed on to the screen. A low growl left the base of Zahara's throat and pierced the deep concentrated silence.

Unfortunately severe side effects occur due to the program. These side effects including depression that evolves to madness and then suicidal tendencies_

The next series of images made Orlando jump back in surprise. It was more of these children, furiously throwing themselves at grey walls. Some were clawing feverishly at their arms, leaving deep jagged wounds. They were screaming, there was no audio so they couldn't hear their cries. But Khan felt it, each and every single one. Felt their agony seep through the bland screen and into his heart like poison.

He couldn't watch for long, his eyes felt like they were burning within its sockets. He averted his attention to Zahara for a moment.

She was snarling. Her teeth were bared, her eyes narrowed and murderous but they were also glassy. She was suppressing her sadness with the only reaction that had ever saved her, rage.

She had suffered the same as they had. Her deep hate for Hemming made sense, painfully so. Whatever it was the man had done to them had pushed them to the precipice of madness. He wondered how she even survived.

**The first batch of test subjects have been fruitless_**

**We discovered age is a very determining factor in these experiments. The subjects who were older had overcome the depression_**

A list began to ascend up the screen, like a cast list in the end of a horror movie Khan furiously read at the names only to find they were just numbers. The AI began to draw lines across certain records that reached the top of the screen. It was a combination of digits with a letter beside it. There was a system behind it. The letter could have been in accordance to their cell or the batch of subjects. He noticed there were only letters from A to E. He found relief in that. If it ended with Z there would have been a lot more Wahash to deal with.

An army.

Zahara was familiar with the system, because the moment another line was drawn over a particular combination of two numbers and a letter, she gasped.

"What is this list?" She demanded urgently, her claws dug into the backrest of Joaquin's chair. He immediately paused the computer's recitation and tapped at the keys on the keyboard.

The screen immediately shifted to another page with the different designations =, set out on a field of lists. Five rows, twenty subjects per row. The ID that she had her eye on was among the numbers in the second column.

"It is the list of subjects that had not survived the third stage." Joaquin answered.

"Fifteen B." Zahara whispered through trembling lips. Her eyes were wide in shock, her arms were shaking at her sides.

"That's her." She choked out. Khan immediately knew the cause of her alarm. Why she was so distressed over a simple combination of numbers and a letter.

**OBEDIENCE helps weed out the unworthy. **

It was written in bold, above the field of names.

* * *

Khan had not seen or spoken to Zahara in over three hours, not since she isolated herself into the bedroom after they returned.

The information from the archive left a heavy imprint on all of them. But he empathized more for her, after all, she had just discovered her main desire for freeing her kind had died.

Her sister had died in the stage she survived. Joaquin had filled Khan in on the rest of the information they had gathered. The time it takes for each stage, the number of subjects. The only questions that have yet to be answered is the name of the fund-er of the project and the date the Wahash are meant to attack.

Joaquin estimated the time it takes for each stage was roughly three months. Which means Zahara's sister had been dead for six months prior to her installation at the Palace and she had no idea.

Khan stood up from his seat at his table and began making his way to his bedroom. He didn't want her to grieve alone any longer.

He opened the doors and stepped in. Night had fallen yet she was completely numb to the absent sun. Zahara hadn't bothered to turn on the lights. It took him a moment but he found her. She sat sandwiched between his bedside table and corner of the wall with the window. She had her legs stretched out in front of her, her arms rested limply at her sides and her head was lowered.

Under his piercing gaze she raised her head to acknowledge his presence. Her body language was submissive and not at all hostile like he expected, but it wasn't welcoming either. A dark cloud of melancholy hung around her, he dared to approach.

He moved in like he was testing waters that he had been warned is infested with piranhas. She didn't lash out, she remained still, watching him.

"They strip us of our memories."

The broken, raspy tenor of her voice made him freeze. It sounded like she had been suppressing her sobs. He saw no streaks of dried waterlines on her cheeks. He had read about this part of grief, the numbness before the realization hit.

"You mentioned that." He responded softly. He sat down by the soles of her feet. He aligned his back to the side of the bed. His gentle, glittering eyes were focused on her, urging her to continue.

"It is so we have no attachments, nothing to sway us from our purpose in life. They told us that the tribe they bought us from didn't have much use with us, it makes forgetting them that much easier." She paused, her words hung in the air around him. The children, all of them had shared the same dark, tan features before their mutation. They were all from tribes in the desert or orphaned from the streets. Children that were exposed to the wilderness and had the ability to survive. Were those their intentions? Khan wondered.

Zahara brought her hands up to her lap, it was a strenuous action, as if her arms were lead. He observed her as she stared down at her palms with that same dazed look in her eye. She was drifting, her mind was a million miles away. He wanted her back, he wanted her with him.

He reached out and gently slipped his hand into hers. She winced, startled by the warmth or the act, he did not know. But he was relieved that she did not pull away.

"But I never lost my will." She confessed her fingers curled around his, finding strength in his touch "I always knew I would get out and I thought it would be with her."

Her voice cracked at the end and he waited for the tears, but there was still none. She lowered her head and her face disappeared behind a mass of copper curls.

He leaned in, his body hunched over to meet her gaze.

"There is still a chance for the rest of them."

"She was the one that matters."

Khan hated himself for not embracing her all those years ago when she had looked up at him with those tear brimmed eyes. Full of despair and vulnerability. He didn't know how to show such emotion, having never experienced it with such intensity. But now, being the presence of complete strangers who are also his enemies. Being the only one of his kind awake and coerced into building war ships and weapons.

He wanted nothing more than human touch, someone to let him know he wasn't alone. To be embraced by someone…needing someone…who wasn't among the living any longer.

_The one that matters_

Khan knew her words would continue to haunt him. Haunt him, urge him till he did what was right. What he owed to his family.


	27. Chapter 27: Trust

**Published this chapter a little earlier than planned. **

**You may all thank  alltheteainchina: You my dear are a blessing! Thank you so much for your zealous review, you are truly remarkable. Your praise got me blushing i'll admit (after recovering from the shock of course) I was having several doubts about the plot and whether the shift in timelines was causing an issue, but you sure cleared that up :). Thank you again. Well I haven't read the comics but I have read the novels. The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonie Singh 1-3 ( when I mean read I mean skimmed through them so I had an idea about the Eugenics Wars) But I shall look for the comics under your recommendation :D. This chapter is dedicated to you. **

**Reviews are always welcome :D **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

April 30th 1993

Khan had deployed Zahara, Orlando and Susan on the mission to confront one of the scientists in Umm Al Quwain. Zahara's sparked had returned when Khan mentioned the mission and she compliantly followed his orders.

He was relieved in away, ever since the discovery of her sister's death, she had not been herself.

Since their departure Khan hadn't had time to dwell on her absence—despite noticing it every time he stepped into the bedroom or sensed her lingering scent within his study—.He had been in contact with Stavos. He received condolences from his friend and to conquer U.A.E as soon as possible in order to fully utilize their resources to battle Vasily. Stavos predicts the man would not surrender easily. Khan had to reluctantly agree.

Khan was busy with Joaquin that entire morning. He was glad that business regarding oil and other resource distribution kept him away from his chambers. He was swamped with work that required him to flee to several ends of the residence to meet other members of his team.

Joaquin demonstrated a new weapon he had designed, to Khan that evening. Khan hadn't even realized the time passed when Orlando abruptly barged in through the doors. The blonde's dramatic entrance had grabbed the Augment's attention. Along with the clear cut distress the deepened his sharp features.

"What is it?" Khan had immediately asked when the man approached.

"We found some valuable information regarding the—"He sent a surreptitious glance at Ashera and Sabaa that lingered by the walls.

"Our friends." He whispered.

"And?" Khan questioned, Joaquin was just as alert and neglected his demonstration entirely.

"Mike, Alpha, Yankee the fourth."

May 4th. Khan couldn't suppress the devious grin that made the corners of his lips curl up.

"You are sure?" He questioned eagerly, Orlando nodded with confidence.

"Susan was very demanding and Zahara was very cruel."

"Suzette!"

The woman immediately answered her summons was swiftly at Khan's side. Back straightened and shoulders squared, ready for action.

"Yes sir?"

Khan reeled around to face the female. His iridescent eyes were a light with excitement. He had been waiting for this day, the thrill of being so close to conquering made his blood hot.

"Have you delivered the message I asked you to?" He asked, his voice a lot more serious.

"Not yet sir." She responded frankly.

"Good, I have one more thing to add." He said, the laugh lines around his eyes and mouth deepening "Tell them to send in the cavalry."

Suzette blinked in surprise. Her dark, shapely brows lifted in wonder.

"Yes sir." She concurred and left in a haste. Khan then turned to the Iranian Augment.

"Joaquin, you know what to do." Joaquin swiftly dismissed himself, following Suzette.

Khan was eager to return to his chambers. He predicted Zahara would be waiting for him, anticipating his answer to the information they gathered. Khan wanted to tell her knowing she would share his delight.

"There is something else that happened that you should know about." Orlando swiftly interrupted Khan's train of thought. The captain turned to his second in command only to be greeted by that same grim expression.

The fog of enthusiasm disappeared when he sensed Orlando's reluctance to explain.

"What is it?" Khan demanded sternly. The blue-eyed man frowned and lowered his gaze to the floor almost shamefully.

* * *

"You tossed her out of a moving helicopter?" Khan hissed down at Susan. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. The confidence and lack of fear in her stance was enough to further infuriate him. After Orlando had informed Khan of what Susan had done to Zahara. The Augment leader did not hesitate to storm into the woman's room. Forcing the servants who roamed the corridors to scurry away.

His first thought was on Zahara. Orlando had told him it was a ten foot drop. Even with her rapid healing it could not have been pleasant. She had refused medical assistance, he had said. That she was silent the entire ride back and isolated herself within the room, their room.

"She was leaning over the side, it was hard to resist the temptation." Susan argued calmly.

Orlando shot her a sharp look of disdain as Khan tensed from the pure disregard in her words.

"What?" She countered innocently "It wasn't like that would have killed her, cats always land on their feet."

She cracked a condescending little smile, utterly amused by her play on words.

"Myth?" Khan grounded out through gritted teeth, his fingers curled into fists as his side "That's your argument?"

"You could have had her replaced easily, I'll even give you mine."

Khan shut his eyes for a moment to suppress his urge to back hand the woman. He had never felt such a strong rage before and he knew if he was transparent about it Susan would dare to call him biased.

"What if Orlando was leaning over, would you have pushed him off the edge?" He probed starkly.

She sent a lazy glance at the blonde male.

"That is different, Orlando is one of us."

"That's not a difference." Khan snapped.

The woman gaped in disbelief, her jaded eyes flared with derision.

"You have got to be kidding me." Susan yelled "You see her as one of us? She is a half breed, a genetic abomination and I am not the only one who thinks this."

"Oh?" Khan breathed in bitter astonishment "Who else thinks this?"

"Orlando."

"What?" The man in question exclaimed in outrage.

"It's what you agreed with last night." She practically purred in a flirtatious victory, daring the male to disagree.

Orlando stood stunned for a moment. Khan could see the man's quivering eyes, he was reeling from the blow of Susan's words. His dumbstruck made it obvious enough that his words were misunderstood.

Correction, manipulated.

"I agreed that she was different." Orlando bit back.

"But you didn't disagree to the rest." Susan argued snidely. Orlando barked out a laugh, it was mocking and preluding to his full rage.

"Well it is a little hard to understand your barely audible mumbling when your mouth is supposed to be focused on my coc—"

"Enough." Khan cut in before the man went full inappropriate. The blonde's male's lips sealed shut in an instant, Susan was fuming in mortification. There was a palpable animosity between the two. One Khan intended on dismissing instantly, he had no time to deal with such childishness.

"Orlando, is this true?" He questioned grabbing the man's attention. The fair-haired man turned to his Captain. The fierce annoyance that sharpened his features, softened immediately under his leader's questioning.

"Khan I agreed that she is different, but she has done worthy work and I am willing to see how else she can benefit us. I wouldn't knock her out of a helicopter. Susan is being unreasonable." He shot a glare at the female.

"Unreasonable? You are the ones who are seduced by this…beast!" She exclaimed, the frustration she expressed made strands of her platinum hair spring out of its tight restrain. "None of you are focused on the real task, you are all tip toeing around the Sheikh and gathering Intel when we can just take what is ours!"

"It would be imbecilic of us to simply take over without fully comprehending the motives of our enemies." Khan countered verbally "We already did that once and I will not lose more of my people on a technicality."

"That's not what this is about, you are just biding time just so you can play master and pet with your little experiment because you know once this is all over so will your liaison with the demon." She sneered malevolently.

Khan couldn't suppress his fury much longer. His lips curled up into a disgusted snarl. Not at her words but at revealing her own weakness. Khan understood the reasoning behind her vendetta against the Wahashi. It wasn't just jealousy, she couldn't stand Zahara. It all rooted from deep Augment ego. The ones that plagued his kind and made them into tyrants. Khan knew of the ways other Augments had exploited humans, used them as slaves. Humans who had created them.

Khan agreed that they were superior to humans but he never went as far as enslaving them. But then again, he never disagreed. Now, seeing how such a blow to her ego affected her, so much so that she was willing to betray the trust of her own people. Khan couldn't stand it, not any longer.

Susan grew fearsome. It was obvious when the confidence in her posture melted away when she somewhat curled into herself, finding his enraged expression intense to stare at.

His pushed back his resentment and veiled it with a cool mask of indifference, yet the burning dislike in his eyes remained.

"Actually now that I think about it, I'll just offer her a new position among my crew, considering you will be deported."

"What?" She stammered out, stunned by his words.

"You heard me. For your blatant disregard of orders and the opinions of your colleagues. After all of this is done you will be transferred back to the Army of Eternal Vigilance."

"You are serious?"

"Are you really that shocked? I cannot have a crew I cannot trust and you certainly do not qualify." He bit back coldly "Not anymore."

Then he turned and left without a word.

* * *

Khan did not know the full extent of the damage done on to Zahara from the fall. Orlando had informed him that when he got to her she was unconscious for a while. The side of her face was caked with blood and sand. When she had retained consciousness, she had trouble standing.

The mental images that formed in his mind under Orlando descriptions were brutal. Khan couldn't help but feel like he had exaggerated the intensity of his injure due to his…his.

Khan couldn't really lie to himself, he cared about her. She mattered to him. She was a worthy ally and a promising move across his chess board. An alliance he did not intend on parting with.

He was expecting to find a bruised mess of a woman. Which was why he was stunned to find her in his study. Seated at her usual place and doing the most normal thing possible. She was eating.

Actually she was waiting for him, yet she hadn't been able to resist the plate of fries among the dishes. She froze mid chew, and looked to him over her shoulder, like a jewel thief caught in the act.

Her hair was wet and reached her shoulders in thin spirals. The added weight to her usual light hair made her tresses seem longer. She was dressed in her usual casual pants and top, she seemed at home.

But he saw the scars. They were healing well but the evidence still remained. The scabs were littered across her cheek bone down towards her jaw like a rash. There was a light pinkish tint around the tender flesh. Khan saw a sliver of a scar down her full lower lip. Her bare arms carried the same speckle like texture of wounds.

One moment he was standing by the door frame, in the next he was behind his chair. He lifted the furniture with ease and carried it over to her side of the table. She was watching him, the hairless skin between her eyebrows were crinkled in confusion. Her golden eyes quivered on an egg white canvas, attempting to read his motives.

Khan ignored her presence for the moment and focused on planting the chair so that it was facing her. Then he peered down at her. Her eyes widened in reaction, surprised by his sudden acknowledgement of her. He bent forward, their eye contact was unwavering. He wrapped his fingers around the arm rests of her chair. She waited, anticipating.

He roughly forced the chair around, the legs screeched in protest against the tiles. He leaned back, satisfied that now both chairs were facing each other. He sat down, very aware of the bewildering Zahara that stared at him.

He lounged back into the leather padding, steepled his fingers and waited. The stern silence in his cold gaze was the only encouragement he provided for her to recite her side of the story.

"Susan hates me." She said.

He frowned, he was expecting a tale of woe not a one sentence summary.

"Yes." He responded, his head nodding in agreement.

"So your kind does feel." She murmured, a sly smirk curling up the corner of her alluring mouth.

"You were under the impression we didn't?" He questioned.

Her smile abruptly fell to thin, grim line. "I was under the impression you didn't let emotions falter your logic. I was wrong."

"Susan is..." Khan struggled to think of the platinum haired women without picturing himself snapping her neck "Her actions have proven to me that she needs to be transferred to a place that isn't making her so temperamental."

Zahara squirmed in her chair. The seriousness in her expression was not the reaction he was expecting. It seemed to be her only reaction to good news.

"You are sending her away?" She asked in wonder.

"I thought you would be more ecstatic to hear this." He said, perplexed by her confusion. She immediately understood that he wondered if she will be dismayed by the departure of her attacker.

"Her presence here or else where does not matter to me." She stated truthfully. Khan was still unsatisfied by her lack of care on the topic.

"She wants you dead." He reminded, leaning towards her.

"She can try." She grinned, arrogance lit up her brilliant orbs like sun shafts through murky clouds "I have better things to do than feed her hatred."

He couldn't suppress the impressed smiled that broadened his lips. _The__ act is entirely unintentional_. He thought watching her with the beginnings of desire in his eyes.

He pulled himself closer to her till their knees brushed. He reached out and dragged his fingers tips, lightly up her bare arm. She welcomed his touch and continued to observe him from under thick sandy lashes.

"You didn't land on your feet." He murmured in a soft teasing tone. She frowned up at him.

"I wasn't expecting the attack, I didn't think I would have to be wary of your kind. My mistake for letting my guard down." She grumbled and turned away to pour herself a glass of milk. He continued to grin while watching her, delighted by the reactions he caused.

"You were comfortable with us, it's only natural." He said "It's a shame her actions broke your trust."

She abruptly abandoned her unconsumed glass of milk and turned to him.

"Trust is not the word I was thinking of." She corrected cruelly, as if insulted by his words.

"What is the word you were thinking of?" He asked, his voice calm in comparison.

"Trust is too intense." She grumbled warily.

"But it is what you felt." He countered confidently.

Her eyes flared in annoyance.

"Do not presume to tell me what I felt." Both his eyebrows arched in wonder of her venomous retort.

Her fury simmered down and her fierce expression softened apologetically. But Khan knew never to hear an apology from her lips, she was too stubborn for that. He didn't mind, he found her even more appealing when she was angry.

He didn't know if it was because during their first week together she was like a walking statue, or because she was so brave and eager to speak her mind to him that it aroused him. Zahara wore her passion best. Sometimes he wished he could keep her in a constant state of rage because he loved the way the fire danced in her eyes and made her so alive.

"Orlando was furious, I had never seen him so angry."

His inner excitement was dissipated like an avalanched collapsed on to a burning building. He didn't think he would be this irritated when another man's name left her lips. It should be his name, it should be a desperate whimper as she writhed in pleasure beneath him.

But the way she watched her with all her seriousness, forced him to keep his feelings behind a mask of indifference.

"He doesn't easily lose his temper but when he does, it is for someone he thinks is worthy." He answered blandly yet honestly.

"I am worthy to him?" She inquired in awe. Khan was very annoyed by this.

"Not just him." He countered, his fingers resumed caressing her. Their gazes met once more and he knew that she understood he was speaking of his regard of her. Her features softened once more and his annoyance melted away knowing she was now only focused on him.

"I hope I haven't lost your trust." He wondered almost hopeful. She blinked, surprised by his words before smiling mockingly.

"I don't remember giving it to you." She responded with that same raspy voice that aroused him so.

"Besides…" She leaned forward, he did too. He was utterly captivated under the glittering mischievousness in her eyes. "How can I trust a man who doesn't trust me?"

Her question provoked the most curious of emotions within him. Scandalized by her frankness to a swirling mess of doubt. It took him a while to remember that he never trusted anyone (out of his kind). Especially ones who were not part of his team. But she was, wasn't she? He didn't want to reject the idea completely. He felt if he did, he would be no better than Susan.

"I'd like to." He uttered, his voice heavy and deep "Give me time."

The understanding in her delicate smile and kind eyes sent a wave of relief through him. A tide of feeling that brought with it a staggering discovery. The woman before him, this creature that was half Augment and part animal. She wasn't the just a demon that she was made to be, neither was the fierce weapon he expected her to be. She was warm, she was understanding and in her own strange way, she was compassionate.

Khan suddenly felt like he didn't know enough about the woman and wanted to drown in her.

His gaze travelled over her scars that seemed too harsh to look at. The sight of them made his blood heat with an unquenchable rage. How dare she hurt her? — It was the only question that plagued his mind.

"That looks painful." Was his own way of asking, if she was alright?

"I've discovered falling head first into sand, from a high place is not pleasant." She turned away from him for a moment to reach out for her glass of milk again. She was taking her injurie's too lightheartedly for his liking. But at the same time he commended her for it.

"I can help with that." He murmured suggestively.

"I'll heal." She muttered, her attention focused on retrieving her glass.

He stopped her before she could grasp the cup by lightly pressing his fingertips to her jawline.

"You don't comprehend my meaning" He whispered, his tone thick with desire as he forced her to face him. Her attention was solely focused on him, just as he wanted. His smile was lustful as he cupped the side of her face and moved in towards her.

He kissed her.

The feel of her supple mouth against him, coaxed such a fierce need in him that he did not know he possessed. His mind immediately reeled back to their first night, their first kiss. How hot he was for her and how stubbornly she pushed back her own emotions. She didn't resist him anymore. She was open and when their lips met, she moaned in utter delight.

She had missed it just as much as he had. Khan suddenly wondered how he had managed to be apart from her. He theorized that kissing and touching her was in his muscle memory. The moment their mouths met, he knew how to hold her, how to make her yearn and how desperately he needed her.

He pulled back an inch, she was panting. He was just as winded, his hot breath blew against her lips when he whispered to her.

"I can make you forget the pain."

She never reached for that cup of milk again.


	28. Chapter 28: Motionless

**Sorry I took a while to publish this chapter. But here you go anyway ^^. I have been a little cruel with this one :/. **

**Reviews= faster update. ^^.**

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

Heavy, raspy breaths left his lips at each inhale he took. Khan struggled to even out his breathing, which was not something he was accustomed to, but that third climax really took the breath from his high capacity lungs.

He took in the sight of her, pinned under him. Her chest was heaving, her lips parted sensually and her eyes shut, experiencing the last waves of pleasure.

"More." She whispered so breathlessly he thought he had misheard her.

"More?" He echoed in wonder. Her lashes swept open, her golden gaze meeting his. They were bright with the same hunger as before.

"Yes." She stated unabashedly. He recovered with a devilish grin on his lips, he stared down at her. With an urbane lift of his eyebrows, he pressed his weight on to her, enticing a hiss of pleasure from her lips.

"You are insatiable." He mused in a sensual delight.

Abruptly he rolled back, dragging her with him. Zahara was startled by this but didn't struggle as he settled her astride on his lap.

"Fine." He said, planting his wide hands on her hips as she straddled his waist, her knees burrowed into the mattress.

"But I will be the acquiescent one this time."

Control was not something Khan easily gave up. World domination cannot begin with a man who understood submission. But it came so easily with her. He didn't even think of it as such.

Her features scrunched up in confusion, her golden gaze glittering in uncertainty "I don't understand."

"You surely do not enjoy being so submissive all the time." He uttered in a snide manner that was not appreciated by her.

"I do not understand what you want of me." She bit back, her teeth clenched in a suppressed anger. He smiled at this. He thumbed at her prominent hip bone almost adoringly.

"Move for me, Zahara." He whispered in a gentle insistence. She was perplexed by this. He leaned back into the comfort of his pillow that was held up by the head board.

"You want pleasure, so take it."

Khan watched her carefully. She bit her lip thoughtfully. She settled her hands on the curves of his shoulders, finding balance. His body tensed up from the pleasure when she claimed him, inch by throbbing inch.

Then she began to move. His dusky brows lifted in wonder, at her unyielding movements. Despite the obvious concentration she placed, her expression mirrored the frustration he knew she felt. His lips parted contemplating the decision to comment.

"Your movements are most gauche—"

"Silence," She hissed focusing her glare on him.

"I am trying to find a pace."

He wanted to smile, her annoyance was thoroughly endearing. His touch grew more possessive, pulling her closer to his body. She stilled and followed his movements as deft fingers pressed into her skin.

She was tense in his hold, he needed her to relax. He moved his soothing touch up the sinuous line of her back. The tips of his fingers running slowly, down the ridge of her spine.

He felt her strain melt under the pressure he placed on her shoulder blades. She was completely at ease by the time his hands returned to her waist.

"Allow me to assist." He breathed and he did. His hips thrust up and she gasped from the suddenness of it, her hands landing on his muscled chest. Understanding the physical demand his body made, she began to move. Slowly, meeting his thrust tentatively at first, but then her pace increased.

She was a quick learner.

"That's good, _yes_." He said in lush encouragement as pleasure took over him. His head fell back, eyes closing as he simply allowed himself to receive.

The tension began to build, the rhythm had become frantic. His heart was pounding erratically in his chest, a pulse echoed between his ears. But then he felt something soft and warm press against the column of his neck. His eyelids swept open, his chin lowering and his gaze meeting a head of tight curls.

She was peppering the length of his neck with kisses. This surprised him. He wasn't familiar with such a curious meeting of senses during the act of coitus. It was kittenish.

He didn't hate it.

He leaned into her mouth, their chests met. Her lips travelled up his neck and to his jaw line. He groaned appreciatively as she nipped and licked at his skin. His flesh seemed to burn for her.

His left hand moved up her body again, along her sternum and up the curve of her neck until his fingers were buried in her tresses at the back of her head. Their mouths met. Her tongue dived into his mouth, exploring each crevice expertly.

His hold on her was now desperate, his body experiencing new electric sensations he had never experienced before. Kissing during intercourse wasn't something he had given much thought to. But feeling her, her breasts crushed against his chest. Her nails digging into his back as she rode him urgently, made the act so primal and hot that he found it hard to breathe.

Her sharp teeth grazed lightly over his lower lip and the sensation threw him over the edge.

He went rigid, seizing his climax in a ragged groan. She fell into ecstasy, her head thrown back as waves of pleasure consumed her. He watched her, bleary eyed. She was panting, matching his harsh breaths. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, clinging to him.

At the sight of her golden skin, glistening in a light sheen of sweat. Her pink lips, swollen to temptation. Her long sandy lashes. Made him experience a sudden need he couldn't resist, he kissed her again. His actions startled her. He crushed her body to his but his kiss was sluggish, in comparison to his usual searing kiss.

She kissed back, slow and sheepishly, like entering cold waters.

His lazy kisses trailed down her chin and against her throat, like she had done to him. He found he enjoyed inflicting such signs of desire. She moaned, the sound reverberated against his mouth. He didn't understand why it brought such interesting sensations in the both of them. He wanted answers, he needed them.

"Why did you kiss me in such a manner?" He questioned his tongue flicked over her damp skin, the salty taste filling his mind. He pressed his weight on to her. They fell back onto the comfort of the bed.

"I wanted to." She murmured languidly, her hands trailing up his sides.

"So simply?" He inquired raising his head and looking down at her.

"Yes." She mumbled back, her eyes straining open. Her hands emerged from under him to trace the span of his neck, down the corded muscles and across the breadth of his shoulders.

"Your neck looked appealing." She stated factually.

"Appealing enough for you to nibble on it?"

"Yes." Her touch continued up to his mouth, pressing into the supple flesh of his lips. Her eyes followed her hands. "I felt your pulse under my lips. It was thrilling."

"I see." He enjoyed the way the tips of her fingers grazed his lips. He stretched out over her, resting his weight on his forearms that sunk into the mattress, beside her head.

"It is most invigorating." He mused thoughtfully to himself. He continued to contemplate the experiencing. Clearly there was more to sex than just the inevitable release.

His full lips parted to voice his findings to her only to fall into a silence. Zahara had fallen asleep. Air escaped her nose effortlessly. Her arms were slackened at her sides. Her dusky lashes fanned over her serene face. Her hair, the colour of sunset, spilled across the white covers in charming disarray.

His clear eyes wandered over her sleeping form in vague interest.

He liked to think he had driven her to the point of exertion. The thought made more sense than to the idea of her simply giving into fatigue. His own eyelids felt heavy. Augments did sleep and when they did it wasn't for long.

Sleep was more an act of replenishing one's energy, not leisure. He was reminded of the energy he needed for the tasks he had to conduct the next morning.

Stealthily he rolled off her smaller frame and settled into the thick padding. He looked to her, taking in the still silence of her face, he allowed himself to drift off too.

* * *

A knock at the door disturbed him from his slumber. Khan's eyes shot open in attention, the glinting chandelier was the first to greet him. The rap of knuckles on wood echoed again.

He sat up and threw his legs off the edge of the bed in a military manner before standing up. Shrugging on his discarded pants he approached the door. He turned the handle and opened the door. He was unfazed by Orlando's presence on the other side.

"Sorry for the intrusion." He paused to take in Khan's state of undress "But I have a message for you."

Khan accepted the folded piece of paper Orlando gestured to him. He unfurled the note and his clear eyes began to scan the message in a haste. Once he was done he raised his gaze to Orlando. The fair-haired male stared back inquisitively.

"Meet me here in two hours. We have a hostile takeover to discuss." Khan state firmly.

"Finally." Orlando breathed in relief and practically raced down the hallway. Khan smiled in amusement and shut the door. He made his way back to his bedroom while folding the small parchment in his hands.

"What happened?" Her voice immediately grabbed his attention. He looked to find her sitting up on the mattress. The bed sheet was wrapped around her body, keeping her modest under his hungry eyes.

For a moment he was entranced by how beautiful she looked to him. The moonlight outlined her smooth shoulders and created a silver halo on the crown of her thick hair. Her unruly curls were endearingly sweet as she tilted her head to the side.

He tucked the folded paper into his back pocket while approaching the foot of the bed. Her golden eyes were watching him carefully, trying to read his expression.

"The moment you had been waiting for has arrived." He stated stopping at the edge of the bed. She craned her neck back and stared up at him.

"The troops are coming?" She asked her eyebrows rose in astonishment.

"Indeed." He murmured deviously while climbing on to the bed. He bent over and planted his hands on either side of her thighs "It won't be long now."

"When are we initiating the take over?" She inquired as her fingers danced absentmindedly along the breadth of his shoulders.

"Four hours from now." He whispered as he arched over her. His eyelids were heavy with desire as his fingers inched towards the bedsheet. With one tug the silk sheets slipped down her body and made her bare for his eyes.

"So you see." His reluctantly lifted his gaze from her breasts and to her face. She was smiling in amusement "We have time to spare."

She agreed with a kiss.

* * *

May 1st 1993

05:30 AM.

It was time.

Khan's blood was heating in anticipation. Winning in battle was something he excelled at and he has been looking for a little more excitement. Not that his wild flower didn't provide enough, he just needed one that required him to inflict pain.

The sun was yet to rise over the desert hills, but the skies were beginning to lighten. Just enough to dim the twinkle of the stars. When the time was right, Khan pulled out all his weapons and laid them out on his study.

Zahara watched from the sidelines, even when Orlando arrived. Khan had instructed her to wear black to match the rest of them. She stood leaning against the edge of the desk in her skin tight stealth uniform.

"I will be joining Joaquin and Susan as they secure the west wing." Khan informed as he loaded his Berretta.

"What about the gate? As amazing and skillful as I am. There are more than a two dozen." Orlando insisted while securing his gun into his holster.

"I can help with that." Zahara added and looked to Khan for approval. He smiled and nodded in acceptance.

"As you should." He said while tucking the weapon into his hip holster.

"Are we a hundred percent sure that the Benefactor is the Sheikh?" Zahara suddenly asked. The two men looked to her before glancing at each other. There was a knot of concern between her eyebrows. Her golden eyes were dead set on Khan, expecting an answer from him.

"All evidence Joaquin had gathered points to that. He is listed as one of the deciding members of the Appello council and it's his signature on the checks plus it was him that talked to Malt." Orlando answered, grabbing her attention. She contemplated his words for a moment before she nodding in approval. Ideally Khan did not operate on just assumption but he was willing to make the exception due to their straying timeline.

"Alright then, let's move out." The captain ordered. Orlando made a beeline for the exit and they followed. The fair male led the charge and was the first to step out into the deserted corridor. He had rendered the guards unconscious with one of his sleeper grenades. It was a fogless chemical that worked effectively.

It was her turn to cross the threshold but Khan prevented her forward momentum by grasping her delicately by the wrist.

"Zahara." He whispered pulling her to him, she turned simultaneously and looked up at him. He was stunned for a moment by the swirling molten of her eyes. Even in an almost dark room they were luminescent.

"You are not going to tell me not to kill anyone are you? Because I will disobey." She warned playfully. Khan couldn't help but smile again.

"Slaughter to your contentment, just avoid my staff." He ordered teasingly, he hesitated to release her and mindlessly stroked her wrist with the base of his thumb.

"Also, do not die."

She was taken aback by his gentle command. But then the surprise in her expression softened to a doting look.

"Wa'anta." She murmured. Khan liked to think that he had dumbfounded her with his declaration. To the point where she had forgotten the English way to say 'you too.' But this thoughts were erased from his mind the moment her soft lips touched his for the briefest of seconds. She then turned away and disappeared at the bend of the door, leaving him speechless.

* * *

Khan barged in through the large doors that led to the Sheikh's quarters. Susan had lead the charge with a few other Augments and had successfully subdued the Royal guards. Khan had arrived to find Joaquin and Susan had forced the Sheikh and his heirs to be seated on rows of ornate chairs within the family room.

The children were dressed in their night clothes. The boys in their long night shirts and the girls in their gowns. All nine children were present. They were scared and tried desperately to cower into one ornate chair while huddling each other. Their mother, a pale woman with dark brows and hair. She wrapped the younger children protectively in her arms.

Khan averted his attention to the Sheikh that sat in the center. He looked as casual as he did that time he came to visit Khan at his chambers. To advise him about punishing the Wahashi.

His highness raised his gaze to meet the Augment's icy blue stare.

"Who is the benefactor?" Khan demanded. The Arab's eyes flashed in recognition, his forehead crinkled in alarm while desperately trying to seem unfazed.

"I don't know what you are talking about." He retorted gruffly. Khan's eyes narrowed and he turned his attention to Joaquin. The Iranian Augment stood behind the children. The moment Khan looked to him he pressed the barrel of the gun to the head of the closest child.

This was an empty threat. Khan didn't find any joy in assassinating or threatening a child. But the Sheikh loved his family, it was obvious enough from the sheer panic in his dark eyes.

"Don't lie to me, you are the main money back for the Wahash are you not?" The captain roared, startling the Royal.

"Yes but I was just the money—"He stammered but his head was turned and to his child that cried in fear. He quickly looked to Khan again, his chin trembled with words to say

"I had no involvement with the procedure, I do not know anything that you ask."

Khan frowned, unconvinced.

"M-my advisor, Khalifa." He continued to say "He was the one who introduced the idea to me. I just agreed, please spare my family."

The advisor? That means the Wahashi are his to command. There was a sudden pang of overwhelming dread in his heart. The captain immediately looked to Susan who stood silently by the door.

"Where is Khalifa?" He questioned cruelly, but from the lack of uncertainty that reflected in his teams shifty eyes. He knew Khalifa wasn't on their side of the palace.

* * *

Khan raced down the long corridor, determined to get to the other side of the palace. Despite the stamina he had as an Augment, his heart pounded heavily from the unsettling fear in his mind. His instincts were warning him, something was terribly wrong.

Joaquin and Susan pursued him with guns at hand, ready for battle.

Khan reached the open doors to the main hall. He came to the tall, empty round room. Three presences within the space made him halt, his shoes screeched against the glossy tiles.

In the center of the room stood Khalifa, grinning sadistically. His attention was focused on two huddled figures situated in the distance between them.

One was Zahara. She was crouched over and snarling menacingly. Her fangs were bared, the skin around her mouth scrunched up almost demonically and her eyes were a blaze with a maddening rage.

Her hands fingers were dripping with blood and under her…**pinned** under her laid Orlando.

Motionless.


	29. Chapter 29: Wrath

**Sorry I took a while to publish this chapter, but there wasn't much feedback so I figured no one was really that interested. Anyway. I hope you guys like this chapter. **

**xx**

**SSC**

* * *

Khan had read about vertigo once in one of the many medical journals that he was provided, back in his time during the Chrysalis project. It was described as a dizzying sensation, like the world around you was moving rapidly fast while you stood still. It was a sensation brought on by a disturbance in the balance of one's inner ear, or sensory nerve paths in the brain.

Khan knew he had neither of those internal problems, yet he was sure he was experiencing vertigo.

He couldn't tear his eyes away from the blood that pooled under his friend. The same blood that was smeared across the hands of his lover.

It was Susan's screams that pulled him out of his reverie.

"You, you monster!" She shrieked and aimed her gun at Zahara. Khan quickly reacted and instinctively knocked across the hand. The bullet left it's barrel and impacted the tile just beside Zahara's feet. It was a shrill, teeth grinding sound and flecks of ceramic burst into the air.

"Susan." Khan yelled attempting to restrain her from behind but she fought against his hold while yelling profanities at the Wahashi.

"You killed him you disgusting creature!"

Khan looked to Zahara. She was no longer the snarling, vapid beast. He didnt know if it was the shot that was fired or Susan's cries but Zahara had been forced out of her compulsion. He gazed past her to Khalifa.

He was dead.

Some point during his stunned state one of the Augments had shot the man right between the eyes. Khalifa was sprawled lifelessly on the floor, with a large splatter of blood and chucks of brain on the wall behind him.

His attention averted back to her.

Zahara was blinking rapidly while shaking her head. The hate in her eyes was replaced by a dazed confusion. Khan knew she was about to receive the shock of her life.

He had to get to her.

"Restrain her!" Khan ordered a random Augment who immediately came to his aid. It was two females and they pulled Susan out of the way and held her by the arms.

Khan quickly stepped to Orlando's fallen body and knelt down beside it. He hesitated for a moment at the sight of all the blood.

Zahara gasped, seeing her victim and what she had done. She scattered back, tumbling over her own feet and falling gracelessly on her behind. Her golden gaze shot about the room, taking in the situation and trying to form the pieces. Khan saw how everything dawned onto her grim face and he wished he would reassure her.

He was caught between attending to Orlando or Zahara.

He chose Orlando.

He moved closer to the man's head. He swiftly unbutton the man's collar and pressed two fingers to his neck, feeling for a pulse, anything.

"Khan you can't let her get away with this, you can't!"

"Quiet Susan!" He hissed, his steel blue eyes focused on his fallen friend. After a few agonizing seconds he sighed in relief.

There was a pulse, it was faint but it was there. His gaze skimmed over the man's beaten body. There were claw marks across his chest and forearms. Blood was pooling endlessly.

"He is still alive but his pulse is very weak." Khan announced loudly and looked to Zahara. She was watching intensely, the tension that shadowed her expression lifted a little at the news. He looked over his shoulder to a few more Augments that stood gaping openly, Suzette was among them.

"Get him to medical and do not return to me with bad news." He commanded harshly. She nodded frantically. Khan rose to his feet and stepped back as the Augments rushed to Orlando's aid. A stretcher had already arrived and soon Orlando's unconscious form was taken away.

His hands felt warm and sticky, he looked to find them painted crimson. His attention moved to Zahara who still remained on the floor, staring up at him with quivering eyes full of vulnerability.

He felt the gazes of the remaining Augments, anticipating his judgment. His heart was racing and his stomach was in knots. He knew the choice he would have to make.

"Confine her to the basement." He ordered, his voice strained and low.

For a split second there was a flash of betrayal in her wide gaze and then she lowered her eyes in submission.

Khan watched with a heavy heart as they dragged her away.

* * *

Joaquin was the one guarding the door to the basement when Khan had a arrived. He was grateful that it was someone he trusted and not anyone else. Joaquin nodded grimly in acknowledgement and reached for the metal handle. It emitted a sharp creaking noise when he tugged and then pushed open the poorly oiled gate. The corridor light illuminated the short flight of stone steps beneath him.

Silently he took a deep breath and stepped into the dark room.

It had been twenty four hours since Khan had Zahara confined to the basement, pending her sentence. She had after all, attacked an Augment. Orlando was in a stable condition but it was hard to determine how stable, considering he was in a coma.

After all of the Sheikh's forces had been detained and the U.A.E was successfully under the rule of the Augment Alliance. They conducted a meeting to determine Zahara's fate and it had been sealed.

Khan was swallowed by the shadows, but his eyes adjusted quickly. He saw the shape of her form, curled up at the very corner of the room. He knew her head was lowered because the moment the shadow shifted, a pair of luminescent golden orbs snagged his gaze.

He walked to her and stopped once his silhouette was shielding hers.

She seemed so small, so fragile, cooped up in such a dark place and forced into chains.

"You've come for my head haven't you?" She asked meekly, breaking the silence. Before he could respond to her cryptic question, she had lowered her head as if already knowing the answer.

"Go on." She said softly "I won't resist."

"You wish to die?" He asked, his passive tone betrayed the emotions within him.

"I wish for this hell inside me to end." She hissed. The sharp scent was salty tears invaded his mind.

She was crying. She had been crying. Her guilt was like a palpable energy that permeated the air, he can feel it all around him.

The tension in his chest left his lips in a heavy breath.

"It is over." He announced, snatching her away from her turbulent thoughts. "Anyone who has had taken part in your experiments have been dealt with. Khalifa was the only other who knew the command."

He looked deep into her quivering golden eyes as he continued to speak.

"What happened to Orlando was unfortunate but it was not your fault. Susan was searching for a means for your demise and she found one, but it was not plausible. Not in their eyes and certainly... not in mine."

Her eyes widened, her brows raised in surprise.

"I am being spared?" She asked.

"Yes." He said. There was no sign of relief or happiness in her expression. It was stone cold and calculating.

"My kind?" She inquired.

"They can exist how they please."

"What of the royals?"

"I can't make a public execution of them, despite the votes. It will not be ethical and would cause an uprising. So I spared their lives in exchange for their total surrender, they didn't really get a choice in that matter." He answered diplomatically.

"So it is over?"

"For now." He murmured.

She lowered her gaze to the cold, stone blocks under her. Khan waited patiently for her next words.

She squeezed her eyes shut "Is he dead?"

Khan blinked in surprised. Cursing himself for not having answered the obvious, most important question. He thought he had made it clear

"No." He said quickly, desperate to rid of the immense sadness he had heard in her voice and the pain in her expression.

"His current state is unpredictable. His wounds are being tended to and he is stable but he is still unconscious."

Her eyes opened and tears spilled down her dirtied cheeks. Her fists were clenched and trembling along with her shoulders. She was trying to restrain her rage and sadness but it was hard to.

"I didn't mean to hurt him." She gasped out, her voice cracked. He immediately lowered himself to his knees and moved to her.

" I didn't want to hurt him." She continued to sob.

"I know." His was voice soft and empathetic, in the extraordinary way it only is around her. But this was unnoticed by her as she continued to shiver and sniffle.

"In war there will always be casualties. We accept it and then we move on."

Khan wished he found solace in those words a few hundred years later.

* * *

Year 2259 Location: London, England.

An guttural cry full of rage escaped Khan's lips. He kicked the coffee table closest to him. The object flew and crashed against the wall adjacent to it, denting the concrete. Even with its metal skeleton and chrome finish. The furniture bent down the middle, from the impact of Khan's foot.

The rage was still hot in his veins. He continued to trash various objects within the rented motel room in a blind, ambitious hate.

Finally, when there was nothing left to destroy. He fell to his knees.

_I failed them._

Hot tears ran down his pale cheeks as he glared into space.

_I failed them and now they are all dead because of me. _

Khan thought he had planned everything to the last detail. The building of the torpedoes. The smuggling of his friends, his family. He had even timed The Admiral's visits and made sure. Five times he made sure that there would be no surprises.

But there were. Marcus had made an unscheduled inspection and it was in the midst of Khan's escape attempt. He knew it was't a coincidence, someone had seen him work. But how? He was so careful.

_I had no choice_. He tried to tell himself.

_I had to leave them behind._

After what happened to his beloved, he knew there was no hope. His gut wrenched at the reality.

His family was dead and he was the only one left in this cold, mysterious future.

His eyes burned with hate, his lower lip trembled, trying to suppress his urge to scream and cry.

They will feel his pain to the very core of their simpleton souls. He will shatter their peace and burn their so called existence . They will plead and beg, but he will be merciless.

They will know his wrath.


	30. Chapter 30: Superior Woman

**_ Sassiebone: Thanks again ^^. Well yes the story is slowly coming to an end, but not anytime soon. There are a few more chapters to publish :). _**

**_ MoonBard: LOL I can't believe you binge read my story, I am extremely flattered, thank you ^^. Well if you enjoyed the steaminess that is Khan/Zahara then you will more certainly enjoy this chapter ;). Aw. I am pretty invested in my original characters too. Hurting Orlando was particularly difficult for me :( He was a favourite. _**

**_AvalonTheLadyKiller: I love the little predictions you present, but I can't tell you if you are close or not. I want to keep everything under wraps so you are all surprised :D Thank you so much for your input. Always looking forward to it. _**

**This is one of my favourite chapters ;). Please review.**

**xx**

**SSC **

* * *

Khan felt no sense of accomplishment.

He had managed to take over an entire country and its resources in a manner of hours. He had played the game and won. The Sheikh was no longer a threat. U.A.E was finally theirs.

But there was no sense of pride in his chest. After all, the price was high.

Orlando continued to sleep. His scars had healed but he still slumbered peacefully upon his bed. Suzette had taken it on herself to personally monitor his condition and provide Khan with a weekly report.

The latest report was very informative and he was hoping it would bring solace to Zahara.

Zahara dealt with regret for her actions the same way she dealt with all her emotions. By shutting every out. Including him. Even with his patient solicitude and unwavering presence did not coax her to open up to him. She did everything with a deafening silence. Khan could see her drowning, yet he could do naught to help.

As he traversed to their room with the news in mind. He hoped that it would help. But when he arrived and searched the room. She wasnt there.

Her lack of an appearance bothered him but it wasn't shocking. She had been missing from time to time, taking on whatever work she could to avoid her own turbulent thoughts. The missions were mainly involving the rest of her kind.

Turns out Khalifa had a far bigger operation than they had imagined. the Sheikh and Khalifa had been the main money backers for the Wahash project. Ideally the ruler would have funded the entire project but Khalifa had not wanted his Highness to have full authority.

So it had been a joint venture. But according to the accounts Joaquin had collected and a prediction of Khalifa's moderate background. The man did not possess the sufficient finances to fund his half of the project. So he had sold as many as he could to interested third parties and black markets.

Anything to expose the savagery that are the Wahash to a boarder market.

Khan remembered the lack of a reaction from Zahara when Joaquin had reported to them. She wasn't surprised by any of what she had heard. Khan had placed Joaquin in charge of taking a task force to the locations and ending the slavery. Zahara demanded to be part of it and Khan granted her that. After all, Khan loved watching his enemies taste irony.

Zahara had left for each mission trembling with rage and returned sated and still. But the relief was never temporary.

Khan didnt know how long he had been staring at the empty bed for. But it was no longer a consequence when a panting Joaquin rushed into his chambers.

"Khan." He gasped out from under the frame of the entrance. The frustrated Captain turned to his second in command with a sharp gaze full of question.

Joaquin's expression was grim and harsh as usual, but there was a knot of worry between his eyebrows.

"We have a problem."

Khan immediately knew, Zahara was the cause.

* * *

Khan, Joaquin and a small team of five Augments went in search of Zahara.

Her trail led them to the slums of Jebel Ali. A fish market by the Arabian sea. The place stank of rotting fish, copper and cat piss. The noises of the yelling salesmen and equally thunderous buyers, polluted the air and only seemed to worsen the further they travelled.

They ventured through the crowds. Khan had no time to be shoved and pushed by random strangers. He had to find her, soon. Just a simple nudge from him to various directions was enough to clear a path but people naturally stepped out of their way.

Khan didn't know if it was their more than obvious foreign looks or whether everyone knew who they were.

The Arab crowd within the fish market was a lot rowdier than the what he was accustomed to in the cities. They were shabbily dressed in dark colours that were ridden in sooth and other unappealing stains. Their complexions were darker and harsher and most of them were men.

They only reactions they received with severe scowls or averted eyes of dread.

The sound around them deafened when Joaquin led them down a narrow alley way that stank of A/C water mixed with sewage. It was a repulsive smell that even creased the passive mask Khan supported.

The evening sun did not reach those parts of the streets. Khan was guided to a sharp turn that led to a dim passage. They were swallowed up by the darkness and the only guide they had, was the harsh screams and guttural chanting.

There was a large crowd of men that took up the entire space of room. They were all frantically pushing and shoving in an attempt to see something within the center of the undersized room.

Khan and his crew pushed their way through and finally arrived at the edge of a barricade of some sort. It prevented him from moving any further and he was forced to lean over and watch just like the thousand other angry men with stacks of money in their hands.

It was a fighting ring. The pit lay ten feet beneath them and between all the chaos, stood Zahara.

Joaquin had warned Khan (before they left in search for her) that she had gone rogue when she heard of the fighting pits in Jebal Ali. The ones that had made sport out of the Wahash and pinned them against each other. The news had sparked something dark and vengeful within her and she had taken off.

Khan watched her now. Her black uniform had several tears that exposed her bronze skin beneath. Her hair was matted to her face from blood that Khan was sure wasn't her own. She was breathing hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly at each harsh breath. Her eyes, were a swirling molten menace. What made them all the more terrifying was the crooked grin across her face.

Below him was no longer the woman that feared the darkness within her. The women he saw in that moment, embraced the demons within her with every fiber of her being.

And she was loving it.

It took him a while to notice the fallen bodies around her. From the tan skin similar to hers, Khan knew they were all her kin. Some struggled to bring their feet under them and the others were completely knocked out. But they were all alive.

Which meant, she was still in control of whom she killed. But it didn't mean she hesitated to inflict pain.

A carnivorous growl pierced the chanting of the engrossed viewers.

Khan's gaze turned sharply to the left. It was a male Wahash, shirtless and all that kept him modest was the tattered brown long pants he wore. His muscular torso was rippling with power. He was crouched on all fours and ready to pounce.

Zahara had her eyes fixated on the snarling creature. She seemed a lot more dignified than her opponent. She barked out something in Arabic that sounded like a warning. It was hard to hear but Khan could only assume from the tenseness in her face. But the man attacked anyway.

It wasn't long till he was another unconscious form at her feet.

"From what I gather, she was the one who had challenged the owner." Joaquin yelled above the boisterous audience.

"Who is the owner?" Khan demanded loudly whilst searching for a man in power.

"Scattered. " Joaquin pointed to several limbs oozing with blood that were thrown about within the pit.

"The rest of him is the obvious shade of red she is supporting." the Iranian added with a hint of amusement across his stern expression.

"You can't say she doesn't know how to entertain." A random female Augment within the team noted, earning grunts and nods of agreement from the others.

Zahara had no intention of stopping. At some point in Khan distraction, the owners of the venture had begun to send their own staff. Desperate to end her destruction. It was a little pathetic to watch them scream and die several times over.

"End this, now." Khan ordered to Joaquin and the rest of his followers "We are taking all the Wahash with us."

"All of them?" A younger Augment male asked.

Khan shot him a silent, stern look that immediately dissipated the defiance in the young man's eyes.

The Augment leader turned away and grabbed the edge of the barricade with one hand. Using the metal ring for support, he jumped over it and landed gracefully on the surface beneath.

Zahara's attention was on the man she had in a head lock. The stranger was on his knees, facing Khan. She was behind the man, supporting his skull in the crook of her elbow while her other hand held it there.

The Arab man was struggling to stay conscious. His face was turning an alarming shade of purple and the fight in his arms was dying out.

"Zahara." Khan called firmly.

Her head snapped up, her eyes filled with blood lust finally focused on him. The snarl she was supporting began to soften to a look of shock. She wasn't expecting his presence, but after a moment of processing, she didn't seem surprised by his arrival.

He stared at the Wahashi, dead in the eyes.

"Enough."

She stilled and Khan from the way her shoulders slumped a little, he thought she would release her victim

She did, in death.

* * *

They carried a cloud of tension between them the entire way back to the palace. The rest of the Augments were unfortunate spectators of the stress and didn't dare voice out their thoughts.

Khan marched back to his room with Zahara silent at his side. His teeth ached a little from the all the gritting he had done. The moment they were behind closed doors, he felt a little more at ease.

After taking a deep breath, Khan decided to acknowledge her presence, considering he had been ignoring her for the past hour. He turned to address her to find her staring at him from beside the flower vase in the foyer, a good five feet away.

"You are furious with me?" She asked, her face still caked with blood. He expected the question to sound nervous, but there was no indication. He knew, she wanted him to be angry.

"No." He uttered lowly.

"Yes you are, I can see it in your eyes." She observed with a defiant spark in her golden gaze "You are furious, I had disobeyed you. Told no one of my plans and I went looking for a fight and—"

"Why were you looking for a fight?" He cut in austerely.

She fell silent, seething.

"They had Wahash's battling each other." She said firmly. Khan's frown deepened and he took a step towards her.

"You could have just rescued them instead of arrogantly placing your skills as a fighter as a wager to win." He reminded strictly.

An unapologetic smile curved her lips as she lifted her chin arrogantly.

"They were not so keen on losing."

Khan stared at her, annoyed by the deflection she presented with her entire being. He knew it was all an illusion and Khan was slightly insulted by how obviously she attempted to manipulate him.

"What is this really about?" He demanded.

It was her turn to frown. She was growing frustrated, it was clear from the tenseness in her posture and the fire in her eyes. She couldn't coax the reaction she wanted from him.

"Why are you not more furious?" She asked flatly "I put your people in harm's way."

"Zahara." He sighed, she flinched. As if the way he had whispered her named licked her skin and brought out something benevolent within her.

"What happened to Orlando isn't your fault."

"That's not what this is a—"

"Yes it is." He interrupted.

"Let me finish." She growled her eyes flashing in aggravation determined to fight for dominance. Khan did not give her room to breathe and immediately invaded her space in a long stride.

"You can argue all you want, but I know what you want and I cannot give you that." His voice was considerably softer, determined to make her see reason "I cannot punish you for something you did not do."

"Yes I did. It was his blood on my hands."

"You had no control—"

"I should have!" She bit back her arm making a wide angry motion of dismissal.

"You broke me from it to avoid that particular end yet it happened anyway. I have taken away one of your most esteemed colleagues yet there is no consequence to my actions?"

There was a sudden cruel intensity in her features. A darkness in her gaze he had never seen before, it was mocking, it was malicious.

"Are these the decisions of a great leader?" She spat hatefully.

Khan bristled, his jaw muscles clenched as he continued to suppress his rage. The woman knew how to rile him up like no other.

"You must think me a simpleton to be baited by your words." He growled low, towering over her. She raised her chin and faced him head on, she didn't fear the rage that threatened to leave him. She wanted it, she needed it.

"A great leader sees the right and wrong and the only wrong thing here is your inability to deal with reality." He quoted, leading up to a bombshell of a point "This isn't the Appello and I am not your disciplinarian."

His statement hit her deep. She winced and her eyes widened in hurt and mortification. Khan immediately felt a wave of regret but he knew he had to say it. It was all he thought about the entire way back. The root of her actions dawned on to him at each passing minute they had spent in that tense silence on the returning journey.

He watched her carefully. Expecting her to turn her claws on him, but she didn't. Her shoulders slumped forward and her body abruptly slackened and she leaned back into the edge of the table behind her. As if rage as the only thing that kept the tiredness at bay.

She lowered her gaze to the floor, much like a contrite child. A deep shuddering breath left her lips and she raised her eyes to his once more. Khan was caught under the glistening vulnerability in her stare.

"How can you look at me and not see me as the monster that I am?" She murmured, confused and desperate for an answer.

Khan felt a pressure in his chest from being under the watch of her woeful gaze. He had to turn away for a moment to gather his words and resist the urge to embrace her.

"Because I see you the same way I see Orlando." He began to say.

"Damaged?" She countered. He fixated his frost blue orbs on to her.

"A victim."

She fell silent again, but there was no longer a defiance in her. Khan knew, he had finally reached her.

She brought her blood stained hands on to her lap and stared down at the dirt beneath her nails. Her expression was pensive and her eyes were dazed.

"I'll always have this need, it will never go away." She mused wryly. He stepped to her and she raised her head to look to him.

"We all have that, but you need to see it as a gift than a curse." He said wisely "Focus it on your enemies, not on yourself."

She didn't argue, she did however see him in a new light. As if the knowledge her bestowed upon her, blew her mind.

Khan held her stare and the tension that was on spiraling in the air around them, had calmed. It was a peaceful silence and there was no longer an antagonism in her stares directed at him. They were a soft golden once more, the subtle kind way they are around him.

He was grateful, she was coming back to him. It was a snail's pace but it was still progress. He was tempted to touch her, but he felt a shocking sense of insecurity. He worried that if he did, she would slip back into her defenses.

He fisted his hands at his sides and glanced at the open door to their room.

"I had the servants run a bath." He announced.

She shot him a look of question, wondering briefly when he had the time to command servants. When he smiled mischievously it dawned onto her that he had predicted his roughhoused appearance before hand.

"Fine." She grumbled and rose to her feet. Khan stepped back and allowed her to pass. He observed fondly as she languidly walked into their chambers. After a moment, he pursued her.

Khan made himself personally in charge of cleaning up the female. Zahara had no objections and had already begun to strip, but she struggled to bring her shirt over her head.

He immediately began to assist her. It was her hair that was the main obstacle. The mass of unruly curls, matted with blood, sweat and filth. Refused to easily release her top over her head. Khan carefully maneuvered the heavy material so as to not injure her.

As he did this, he remembered the news he wanted to utter to her that afternoon, before the incident at the fighting pit.

"Suzette discovered something very interesting about the wounds inflicted on to Orlando." He noted.

"I thought you wanted me to forget about what happened." Her muffled voice responded from underneath the clothing. Khan finally managed to remove the top and tossed the soaking material to a side. It hit the floor in a ungraceful dump.

Zahara straightened back into her full form and then began to climb out of her pants. Her hair rained down over her face and Khan waited patiently for to finish.

"There were several claw marks across his chest, back and neck and he bled out." Khan announced.

"Yes I know." She murmured softly, still not looking up.

"But not as heavily as you think." He added.

She kicked away her pants and stood before him. Her naked form usually stirred arousal within him but it was hard to desire her when she was bathed in blood and dirt. But she wore it well, unfazed by her savage state.

Khan's attention briefly wandered to the objects on the floor behind her. He had ordered a short stool and two buckets of water. He walked past her and to the pails. The hot water within the tub remained untouched to their left.

"Then why is he still unconscious?" Zahara asked, her voice echoed within the space.

"A coma from a blunt force trauma to the back of the head." He said as he picked up the buckets by the handles and made his way back to her. "There was a second soldier present to protect Khalifa, there was Orlando's DNA on the butt of his gun. Suzette's hypothesis is the man had surprised Orlando with the object and knocked him, he suffered and concussion which made it harder to fight you off."

Zahara was processing the information but her eyes were wide stun.

"What are you saying?" She demanded.

"The damage you had done was minimal. You said it yourself that you had tried to fight it and you did Zahara. For the most part. Orlando's coma isn't your fault, not entirely at least."

"But I still hurt him." She bit back.

"Also, not your fault." He added calmly.

She frowned, her glare seemed more fierce due to the dark streaks of blood.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"You weren't ready to hear it." He said, referring to their argument from earlier "Besides, I only discovered it moments before Joaquin informed me of your whereabouts."

Her glare softened, it was no longer condemning. But she seemed lost, unsure, struggling with her turbulent emotions.

Khan settled the bucket in his right hand on to the floor beside his feet. He gripped the other pail tightly in one hand, as if weighed a feather to him. He reached out with his free hand and gently placed it a top the curve of her shoulder. This grabbed her attention and she reluctantly looked to him from beneath sandy lashes.

"I know you don't like to hope and given the experiences you had I understand." He said gently, empathetic "But I believe that Orlando will come back. Obviously the dancing ladies in their coconut shell bikini tops and straw skirts, on the island he is currently lazing about in his subconscious, continues to distract him."

She sharp blast of air left her nostrils in a snort. He was prideful of the smirk he had coaxed from her.

"Your interpretation of his dream world is surprisingly modest." She mused smiling up at him "I don't believe the women would be wearing any clothes at all."

"True." He added with a casual shrug of his shoulders.

He grinned and brought up the bucket and before she could protest, he abruptly dunked the contents on to the top of her head. The water gushed down her body, forcing the tendrils of her hair to flatten from the pressure and washing away most of the filth.

"That is cold." She gasped out, shivering before him and folded her arms over her chest in a frantic attempt to trap heat.

"Water turns cold when neglected." He stated like it was the most obvious thing.

"But I—" He dumped the second bucket of water on to her.

"Stop that!" She spluttered out, glaring furiously from between thick strands of her hair.

"I despise it." She hissed, her eyes flashing in annoyance. He smiled, unaffected by the threat in her stare.

"The water in the tub is warm." He said, tilting his head in the direction of the ceramic basin.

She frowned but uttered no objection. Khan watched her walk towards the tub, he was unable to take his gaze away from her shapely rear.

A shudder of lust passed through him as she descended into the waters, one foot at a time.

But he pushed back his rising need and brought his own shirt over his head.

"You're joining me?" Zahara questioned and moved a side as Khan climbed into the waters behind her.

"More efficient this way."

Zahara did not pay much attention to his poor excuse and remained hunched over her knees till he settled after her. Once Khan was comfortably positioned with his legs spread to the sides. He pulled her towards him from the shoulders. She hesitantly obliged and tensely leaned back into his chest.

After a moment she relaxed against his hard, warm body and allowed the waters to soothe her. Khan reached out to the edge of the tub on his left, where a puny bottle of essential oils. It was the citrus scented one that he loved to smell on her skin. He applied a few drops into the water.

Zahara watched the action with a wide eyed fascination, following the movements of his hands.

"So you just lay in here?" She asked curiously.

"Yes." He answered as he returned to the bottle to its rightful place.

"Then what's the point of that?" She questioned, pointing up to the shower head on top, in front of them.

"That's a faster way of cleaning and to conserve water." Khan responded. His frame was comparatively larger and didn't fit as well as she did within the small space. He had his arms rested on the curve of the tub. His attention was grabbed by the top of her head. He brought his arm towards her and began to comb his fingers through the roots of her wet hair.

"This is more relaxing and you need to learn to relax." He murmured feeling her tension melt away as he untangled her tresses between his slender fingers. He found fascination in watching her unwind. She had her eyes shut, her long wet lashes fanned over her the apples of her cheeks. He admired the bountiful freckles that littered the bridge of her flat nose.

"Besides." He whispered wrapping his other hand around her middle and reveling at the press of her soft skin.

"I haven't felt your body against mine in a while." The longing in his voice did not escape her notice. Her eyelids swept open.

"How long has it been?" She asked, her voice raspy with desire.

"Three weeks." He spoke, his lips pressed to the shell of her ear. He felt that same shudder of desire pass through her and it seemed to make the waters ripple.

She raised her head and craned her neck to face him. Their gazes met, the heat in her eyes robbed him of his voice and awarded it to his heart. He could hear the pulse between his ears and against his chest.

"Feels longer." She whispered staring deep into his eyes.

Khan's gaze dropped to her lips. They were glistening temptingly, an alluring effect of the wet skin. He leaned forward with the intention of kissing her only she beat him to it. When their lips met, it was electric.

Khan hadn't felt such a jolt of desire that was so powerful. He was consumed with passion and his body seemed to know just what to do.

He cupped the side of her face in a tentative yet demanding hold. Her hands gripped his forearms, across her chest and held tightly, her nails digging into his skin. He explored the crevice of her mouth hungrily and her reaction was just as wanton.

He pressed the padded base of his thumb, into her jugular. He felt her racing pulse beside the jutted bone. She didn't seem to mind the pressure and continued to taste him eagerly.

She moved against him, it was when her elbow lightly nudged him that he broke from the kiss. It was hard to, he was left dazed and disorientated. She took that as a chance to turn into him. The water sloshed and crashed against the ceramic, a few liters escaped in torrents and clashed with the tiles below.

None of this was of any consequence to him. All Khan could marvel over was her, watching her as she rose up from the waters and stood kneeling between his legs.

Khan stared, afraid that if he blinked, she would disappear. The thick mass of her curls weighed down past her shoulders. A few strands grazed the top of her small, perky breasts. Her skin glistened and was littered with drops of waters. He was mesmerized by the sight of a few drops that trickled down her taut belly along an invisible line to her navel.

She cupped the side of his face, their eyes met once more. She swept her fingers through his inky black strands, combing back his ebony mane.

His hands moved up the outsides of her thighs. She was strong in structure as she was in spirit. His touch trailed up the curves of her body until they rested on her hips. He gripped her tightly and pulled her closer, demanding her warmth.

Holding her stare with a sensuous intensity he kissed the flesh of her hip bone.

Zahara flinched, from the warmth of his lips or the desire in his kiss, he did not know, nor did he care. He licked the moisture off her skin and groaned at the slight citrus taste it held, he needed more and the tub wasn't comfortable enough for what he wanted to do.

"I was going to give you more time, but I don't think I can." He whispered against the curve of her hip.

"Time to what?" She asked, her voice hoarse with desire.

"Heal." He paused to place a playful bite on her skin "Recover. Whatever it is that normal people do after a tragedy."

"You classify me as normal?" She questioned curiously.

"No." He chuckled and raised his gaze to hers. She was watching him carefully.

"I don't know what to classify you as. I've never met anyone like you." His confession softened the desire that angled her features. It was a very obsequious look, one he had rarely received from her. She began to lower herself so she was slightly crouched forward until she had her rear rested on her heels.

"But I thought you might need time." He whispered with a shift in his gaze to express his uncertainty. Zahara smiled slowly, her eyelids heavy with an emotion he did not recognize. The sentiment made her seem gentle, approachable.

She absent mindedly traced his ample lower lip with the tip of her thumb. Khan reveled in the touch. Her eyes followed the movements of her hands.

"I need time." She stated eliciting a moment of disappointment within him. But then her golden orbs with a light again with that same fire he loved to play with.

"With you."

* * *

Khan was learning new things about the intimate act of sex. Recollections of when he briefly glanced at a Kama-Sutra book were coming back to him in flashes. Every time he touched or kissed her, he wanted to do things that the manuscript had suggested.

Sometimes it wasn't even the act of taking pleasure that brought him to completion. It was the act of giving it.

His lips moved down the lines of her taut stomach.

The darkness swallowed the room. The only source of illumination that was provided to him was the full moon, gibbous and alabaster on a midnight canvas. It's soft, cold light filtered in through the French windows, outlining her silhouette. He watched her from beneath thin lashes, paying attention to each subtle sign of pleasure she showed.

Khan discovered he liked the feel of warm flesh against his mouth. He liked to nip and nibble on her skin like she had done to him. The act left many marks on her, a purple painless bruise. They would heal quickly and he was irked by it so he did it again, he realized he liked marking her, claiming her as his own.

He kissed the soft skin of her inner thigh, then his eyes swept close and then he lowered his head. The reaction he received was instantaneous. He enjoyed hearing her curse his name and writhe helplessly under intrusion his tongue made. He had to steady her by bracing his hands on her thighs. He could feel the coarse skin of her ankles, pressing into his shoulder blades as he continued to taste her, mercilessly.

He stopped when he had her on knife's edge and sent a wicked glance her way. She was stubborn and refused to give in to what he really wanted. But he toyed with her long enough to hear her beg, just once—it was more of an expletive but he still heard the desperation in her voice, felt it when she clenched his hair in a fierce grip. Then—feeling generous, he took her from the brink of ecstasy and threw her into rapture. She fell in surrender, her body slackening under him.

He raised his head to witness the reactions he had caused. Her skin was sleek with exertion, her expression a daze and her body trembling. He smiled at the sight and kissed his way up her body again, his tongue darting out and tasting her.

His shadow loomed over her. Her eyes squinted up at him and met his gaze. He moved to recline on his side, partly a top her. He rested his elbow by her head, placing most of the weight of his upper body on to his left arm. His free hand went exploring, warming her once more.

His stare narrowed in on those marks once again. They were still the same shade of bleached skin as before. The shape of stars. Bursts of white against her bronze complexion. The others like her had a few. The locations of these marks were random. He traced an individual mark, one under her left breast, his thumb curved over the spot.

"I've noticed your kind have these markings." He said, raising his gaze to watch her expressions.

"Birth spots?" He asked, casually.

"No." She stated plainly.

"No?" He echoed. He watched her carefully. Despite the bluntness in her voice, her eyes told a different story. He learned a while ago that Zahara expressed her emotions through her eyes. In that moment, her usually swirling golden orbs lacked light, they were guarded and distant.

"We had strict disciplinary methods. This is the result of them." She expressed.

Khan didn't realize how hard he was gritting his teeth until his jaw moved to speak.

"These were inflicted on to you?"

"Yes."

"How?"

"I don't know the name of it." She mumbled her features scrunched up in thought. She brought her hand up, her fingers loosely curling into her palm.

"But it was small. Hand size, the man held it in a fist and this spark would emerge from it. It burns like a small fire that spreads slowly through you. It takes a week for the pain to dull."

Khan frowned lowering his infuriated gaze to the marks again. He began to count them, alarmed by how many he found, he went up to fifteen.

She combed her fingers through his hair, this grabbed his attention.

"You have many." He stated factually, subconsciously pressing into her soothing touch. The glimmer in her eyes was back, the corners of her lips quirked up deviously.

"I misbehaved."

Khan was amazed by this. His gaze narrowed almost playfully down at her. She stared back defiantly, the fire in her eyes radiated with more than just mischief. It showed him her strength, the ability to endure harsh climates and come out victorious, a superior woman.

"I expect nothing else." He added before capturing her mouth in his once again. She responded eagerly, her fingers clenching his soft hair and tugging in rough play. He groaned against her mouth, the sound reverberated in his chest, eliciting a shiver from her.

He moved atop her, settling between her thighs.

It was his turn to indulge.


	31. Chapter 31: Hear

** AvalonTheLadyKiller: That's true. There has to be some character development right? xD. Thanks for noticing :D. Well the battles are coming. I am sticking to the Rise and Fall of Khan plot line so if you've read them you might know a few characters that will come up in the future chapters ^^. **

** ThisIsHope: Aw thank you so much, I hope you like the upcoming chapters ^^. **

**Sorry for the shortness of this chapter, but there is some smut. A lot more smutty than I've ever written. Hope you guys like it ;) **

**Please review :D. **

**xx**

**SSC**

**WARNING: MATURE CONTENT**

* * *

May 16th 1993

Khan felt the absence of his friend that morning. Normally Orlando would be the chipper ray of sunshine that forced himself into his study and chatted about nonsense. Khan didn't mind the company, he liked it when noise filled the air around him.

Without Orlando, the silence was apparent.

Khan tried to ignore this by reading his newspaper. He woke up later than usual that morning, considering he was occupied till late in the night. He sat at his desk in his uniform, his icy blue eyes skimmed over the articles. A short pile of papers stood on his left at the far corner of his desk.

He didn't have much tasks to prepare or proceed to, so he chose to lounge about, waiting for her to awaken. Their breakfast remained untouched at the centre of the table. Neatly arranged on a silver tray beneath gleaming cloche, awaiting ownership.

The unshakeable feeling of being watched made him look up from his paper. It was Zahara. She was leaning against the frame of the door. She was dressed in his long, navy blue robe that he had neatly hung in his dresser. He was never the one to laze about in silk, but he liked it on her.

Her hair was down in a messy tumble that rested on her shoulders. The V neck collar of the robe hung loosely. After all in her inexperience she hadn't knotted the belt as well as she should have. Her disorganized, bed ridden state was highly appealing to him.

"Morning." He greeted while folding his news paper.

"Morning." She responded, her voice refreshingly raspy. He watched her tread into the room. She approached the back of her chair and leaned over to inspect the dishes. Her nimble fingers reached out and lifted the cloche by its handle before taking a long whiff.

"No kiss?" He asked, grabbing her attention.

"You never asked for one before." She pointed out, her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"I always have, I just did not voice it." He murmured, his eyes glittering playfully.

Breakfast left her mind completely as she lowered the silver cover. With her golden gaze focused on him, she made her way around his table in slow, sly steps.

"I am not good with subtle." She noted, her fingers running along the edge of his desk.

"I know, which is why I said it." He responded factually. She smiled, her eyes a gleam as she finally reached him

Khan frowned slightly as she stood staring at him with that mischievous grin curved at her lips.

"It seems like you are using this small technicality in a past action to deny me what I want." He grumbled feign irritation, but the frustration was real.

She scrunched up the robe between her fingers and then brought one knee over his legs. Khan watched as she straddled his lap. The smooth circumference of her knees lodged into the leather cushion along his sides. Then she leaned forward and he slanted up to meet her lips.

She had meant it to be a chaste kiss but Khan had other plans in mind. Wicked intentions. He tasted her deeply, savoring all of her. His intensity startled her a little but she didn't dare move away. He sucked her lower lip between his teeth and lightly bit it just as she had done to him, many times.

She moaned into his mouth and pressed her body flush against his. Khan had his hands gripping her hips, but they moved up in a sensual slow brush. He slipped his fingers into the open collar of her robe against her collar bone and began to slowly, slide down. He applied enough pressure that the silk parted for him.

"That was more than a kiss." She panted pulling away.

"I need my fill." His breath was hot against her swollen lips. He began to pepper kisses down her chin and towards her neck.

"And so do you." He noted, sending a wicked glance down at her pert nipples that were obvious beneath the blue silk. His haunted stare travelled down the open expanse of her chest. His fingers caressed a line between her breasts before swooping across her chest. He cupped one breast in his palm and squeezed gently.

She shuddered against him, her eyes shut and reveling in the sensation of being touched. He watched her reactions in a lovers attentiveness as his touch moved lower, much lower.

"I told you, I'll never have enough." She responded. He raised his eyes to hers and for a moment. He was lost in those open, swirling golden orbs.

"Good." He whispered and slipped his fingers into her. She gasped and bucked into his touch. She lowered her lids and sunk herself into the bursts of pleasure he brought out in her.

He stroked her gently yet firmly, through the slick folds of her sex. His heart was pounding within his chest, his blood burned through his veins. Watching her bask in the ecstasy above him brought a deep, primal satisfaction within him.

She was such a beautiful creature in his eyes. Wild, unruly sunset curls, long lashes, expression soft and indulging yet her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration. Her lips were tempting, parted and pink and waiting to be devoured. Her body, Khan could watch her move all day. The way the light made her golden skin gleam, angling around her fine features.

The open robe had fallen past her smooth shoulders and rested over her elbows in a flowing river of blue silk. He observed her movements with a haunted, hungry gaze. The tip of his thumb brushed over her hardened clit and she winced from the pleasure that shot through her.

"Ah, Khan." She gasped out, his attention travelled to her face. She was watching, her eyes narrowed to heavy slits, struggling to keep them open.

"Do that again." She pleaded. He smiled and did as she asked, her body tensed again and she braced her hand on his shoulder, bending closer to him.

"Better?" He asked his voice heavy with want as he increased his pace.

"Yes." She groaned, her lips parted as she panted. Khan grinned wickedly and shifted a little in his seat and then leaned up towards her. He kissed the hollow space under her ear and she flinched again.

She was too silent. Zahara was always muter in bed than any other female he has had. As if she was afraid of her own voice, her own gratifications. This wasn't just conjecture but obvious fact, Khan wanted to change that. He needed to know how he made her feel, assurance that she was starving for him just as he was for her.

"I need to hear you Zahara." He whispered in demand, his lips pressed to the shell of her ear " I need you to hear how I make you feel."

She bit her lip and tried to shake her head in refusal but the pleasure was building up and it was hard to deny the rich baritone of his voice.

"But they will hear." She whimpered.

"Let them hear." He growled growing harder for her."It will not prevent me from violating you."

She was reaching her peak, he could feel it from the wetness that gathered and her fast breathing. He kissed his way down her chest, licking and torturing her skin. She gripped him a little harder, her hands moved up behind his head, her fingers combing into his inky black hair.

"I think you speak enough for the both of us." She grounded out through the minding numbing bliss. He stilled and glanced up to find her grinning teasingly down at him. His icy blue gaze narrowed roguishly.

"Cheeky." He hissed lightly and stimulated her further, determined to bring her to the edge of madness. She cursed under her breath but it wasn't enough for him, he needed her voice to fill his ears, fill the whole room.

He continued his path of kisses until he reached her breasts. He licked his lips and raised is gaze while parting his mouth. He enveloped his soft, full mouth around her nipple and sucked hard.

The sensation through her over the edge . Her body arched and she clenched around him. He didn't dare let her go and grounded his thumb down on her clit as his fingers probed further, pumping to her. She clung to him as his mouth worked wonders, lapping and sucking with his hot mouth.

It was too much to bear, she couldn't hold in her reactions any longer.

Khan had almost missed his moment of triumph, he was too immersed in his own need to drive her to the brink of ecstasy. But he heard her cry out, calling out for him in uncontrollable gasps as she came.

The corners of his lips quirked up as he released her swollen nub and kissed it one more time before leaning back into his chair to observe her. She released him with trembling arms, her chest was heaving frantically.

His own arousal was still evident against his tight pants but Khan paid no heed for the moment. He was satisfied in having made her beg for him. He brought his hand from under her and palmed them down the front of her juicy thighs.

He watched her pensively for a moment and she in turn gazed back. He liked these silences with her, despite being immersed in his thoughts he didn't feel obliged to make conversation, it was calming. Besides, he doubted if she wanted to speak just yet, her body was still recovering from the orgasm.

He held her gleaming golden stare for a moment before deciding to speak.

"I have this chair in India." He announced. She was perplexed by his words, clearly that was not what she was expecting him to say.

"A chair?" She echoed, there was a delectable purr to her voice. The sound made a shiver of longing pass through him, but he ignored the sensation and nodded.

"Yes, it's in my study."

Her eyes narrowed a little, observing him curiously.

"That's what you were thinking about?" She demanded confused by his choice of interest during their indulgences. Khan's smiled broadened and straightened a little to be closer to her.

He nuzzled the tip of his nose into her cheek while holding her enchanting stare.

"I was thinking about how it would be easier for me to access your body if these handles weren't present. Then I remembered that my chair in India had no such obstacles."

"Oh." She murmured eyes glittering, happy with his elucidation.

He loved seeing her smile, it was like rays sunshine through a ice cold breeze. He cupped the side of her face and rubbed the base of his thumb against her high cheek bone.

"I want to take you on that chair, in India." He whispered, dazedly.

"You want to take me to India?"

"Yes." His admitted, grinning widely. It was amusing that he couldn't be coy around her.

"Would you like that?" He asked. Despite the carefree tone of his voice, Khan was experiencing an unsettling feeling. He needed her to come with him, the idea of leaving her behind bothered him more than he cared to admit.

She contemplated his request for a long, agonizing minute. It was impossible for him to read her.

"Will we never return to here?" She asked.

"You want to come back?" He was surprised by this. He had weighed the odds and was a trifle confident that she would be pleased to leave.

She averted her gaze uncertainly.

"I don't know." She confessed "I don't understand this feeling I feel."

His eyes shivered, trying to understand her confliction.

"What is it that you feel?"

"The place that housed my slavery was also the place that I found my freedom." She looked to him. "I feel a strange, connection to it."

"It's understandable, very understandable." He agreed softly and attentively. She fell silent and began to trace the breadth of his shoulders absentmindedly.

"I'll be visiting occasionally to see to the construction and trade related matters. You may accompany me if you wish." He propositioned. She raised her eyes to his and smiled slowly.

"Yes, I want that."

Khan smirked. It was settled, she was accompanying him to India.

Abruptly her smile fell and that same pensive, passive expression took over.

"Ashera and Sabaa." She whispered.

"What about them?" He inquired with his probing gaze.

"They asked me a question that angered me yesterday." She said her arms dropping to her sides "They asked me who their master is and when I said no one Ashera said 'then what is the purpose of our existence'?"

"What did you say?"

"That is what angered me, I did not know what to say." She clipped out with a exasperated heave of her shoulders "For so long my anger was what made me survive but I did not contemplate victory. What do I do now that I have no opposers?"

Khan's hardened features softened lovingly. He lowered his hands to hers and began to soothingly stroke her open palms, his touch gently sliding up her tough skin.

"People like us. " He began to say "The ones that strive for independence and power. We will always have people who oppose us."

"But I have none of what Augments possess, I am but a warrior." She argued. Khan shot her a look of disapproval.

"Is that the Apello I hear?" He wondered contemptuously, his brow arched. She scowled betrayed by his question. He held her the beginnings of detachment in her eyes with a firm gaze.

"You define your own worth, not the people that made you." He stated factually.

She blinked, stunned and confused by his words.

"What do you mean?" She voiced her doubts.

"I mean, find your strengths and use it how you see fit and I think I know just where you will be useful."

"Where?" She demanded, desperate for an answer.

"We need a trainer for the recruits someone to teach them what it means to fight." He expressed "It was initially Susan's job but she has long left her post."

"I do not think their Augment ego will be able to tolerate my constant belittling." She pointed out. Khan deduced as much. Augment egos did not appreciate being told what to do from anyone outside their species. After all inferiority cannot breed superiority.

Zahara however had proved otherwise, even if she didn't see it yet.

"They will be the one who will not make it easy with their words." He warned. Her golden gaze sharply met his and she slanted him a wicked smile.

"I never said I'll use my words." She said. His heart raced, his arousal could no longer be ignored.

However, their breakfast could.

Khan cupped her under her thighs and stood up, lifting her up with him. Zahara was startled by his sudden movements and was not given a moment to question his motives. It was apparent in the next few seconds when he settled her on the edge of his table.

Khan didn't waste any time and moved aside an obstacles and claimed her, inch by throbbing inch. She was still wet and hot and clenched tightly around him, Khan saw stars.

"How do you do this to me?" He grounded out planting his hands on the surface of the table, struggling to stay in control, his entire body trembling in lust.

"I didn't do anything." She bit back, alarmed by his actions yet ridden with pleasure.

"That's what's so damning." He whispered harshly, tortured by the multitude of sensations. He thrust forward and began to increase in pace. Zahara instinctively wrapped her legs around his trim waist, her fingers curved around the edge of the desks, nails digging into the wood at each powerful plunge.

"Everything about you Zahara." He murmured, burying his face into the crook of her neck, breathing in her intoxicating scent.

The Wahashi was trembling in his arms unaccustomed to the feelings that surged through her. Lust, thrill, fear. His reaction had been unpredictable and sudden, it had shaken her. But she couldn't resist him now as he began to bring her pleasure once again, granting her what she had been wanting since she found him reading at his desk.

"I am not going to apologize." She argued reluctantly, assuming that's what he intended. Khan laughed breathlessly against her skin. He leaned back to gaze into her eyes as his hands steadied on her thighs, his fingers sinking into her flesh.

"Never." He said, pressing his forehead against hers and brushing his lips in a bruising intensity over hers.

"Not ever." He stated confidently.


End file.
