khan's ambivalence | [ sequel to khan x reader ]

Unexpected Visitors

You stood, mouth agape, at the man in front of you,"What-"

Kshmat suddenly realizing the impending danger, his aloof expression shifted with a smile as he turned around to face the large creature. However, as you watched on with confusion, the man just waved the creature off, and it slunk back into the shadows of the valley. He turned around once more, smiling and beckoning Khan and you towards him.

"Come - I think we have a lot to talk about."

The man strode ahead with no care to look back to see if Khan and you were following. The crunch of underbrush under the man's feet was heavy and loud through the silence of the trek, your eyes drifting back to Khan every so often as he stared heavily at the man leading, glowering darkly. You sighed. Ever so protective.

It wasn't long before the thin purple-adorned trees faded from sight, and a cave was seen in the distance with what seemed to be a mud home securely constructed nearby. You grabbed Khan's hand instinctively, a small smile on your face. You were worried, but happy.

Kshmat led them to the mud home, one story and just large enough to fit a sleeping and sitting space around a fireplace. He held aside a mesh curtain that acted as a door, and the pair of you entered. The Kirk look-alike sighed and plopped down on what appeared to be a mattress of animal skins and hay, gesturing for you to sit.

Khan did not sit. You sat on a small stool made of branches, glancing around at the small shelter.

"You're probably wondering why I've gathered you here."

Khan crossed his arms,"Just get to it."

The man raised his hands up in surrender, continuing as he leaned back,"You've stumbled upon what used to be Cestus III. The Gorn have taken over. You know, the lizard guy who greeted you earlier by sicking his pet on you? They killed essentially all who called this planet home. It was a massacre, really."

"Why does this concern us?" Khan pressed.

Kshmat sighed,"Look, I know a refugee when I see one. You two fit the bill pretty perfectly. Unfortunately for you, the Gorn just attacked the other day. Really only a couple days ago, and a distress signal was sent to Sol III, which I'm pretty sure you're from based upon your ship. Your ship crashed, you're stranded, and now whoever Sol III sends will most likely know of you two. You need to hide somewhere."

You shook your head,"What do you mean - just attacked? They seemed fine at first -"

"They seem that way at first, yes. They seem very diplomatic initially. They, however, think it's their right to colonize this planet and remove anyone who they don't think belong."

"How are you still alive then?" You questioned, furrowing your brow.

The man stood, grabbing firewood to toss into the smoldering fireplace,"I don't know. I wish I knew. Maybe they kept me just to play with me, I guess. Their little pets don't hurt me, and they never attack me. Maybe they just keep me as a trophy after their little killing spree. I don't know."

The man sat on the dirt floor in front of the fire, crossing his legs as the light of the fire danced across his facial features, blue eyes haunting in the shadows,"I lost everyone to them. You guys seem nice, but I need whoever is on Sol III to come here and fix what has been done. You need to hide, and I can't help you."

You glanced over at Khan, and he gave a knowing nod,"We will not need your assistance."

"Thank you anyway," you added, "for calling the monsters away."

The man smiled weakly,"I hope you two aren't wanted for murder or treason or anything. You guys seem nice. You can stay here for tonight, but tomorrow I expect I'll be hearing something back from Sol III."

You coughed awkwardly. Right. Nice people.

Khan nodded to the man, pulling you aside.

His eyes darkened with worry,"Sol III was called. Kirk could be on his way, meaning the minute he's within range of our ship, it will show up on his radars. Surely by now he's isolated which craft was taken by us. Once they deal with the Gorn, they will find us."

Your felt your heart racing,"They can't find us. Not after everything we've done already. Theft is just another thing to try and get off of our record, we can't-"

"I will make sure we get out of this safe," Khan reassured, "I promise."

You smiled softly, grasping his hand,"Thank you."

"No, thank you. For being my light."