Aboard the Ceudar-pattern heavy frigate Awoken Redemption, Khan takes command. In that role, he quickly proves that he is not merely for show. Within the first few months of 2523, he rids Covenant space of pirates and heretics alike.
Among his crewmates, he becomes a respected figure—even the Kig-Yar hold him in high regard. Under his leadership, order is enforced aboard the Awoken Redemption, including significantly improved treatment of the Kig-Yar crew. He also authorises an expanded complement of Huragok, allowing him to improve the ship's weapon systems.
The bombardment mortars under his command are modified for extended firing durations, enabling sustained barrages. Khan adopts an aggressive doctrine, closing to warp proximity with enemy vessels and overwhelming them with mortar fire.
This tactic proves devastatingly effective. The first barrage frequently cracks the shields of even heavy ships while overloading their power generators. However, his success breeds discontent within Sangheili clan politics. Rival clans seek to dishonour Khan through repeated challenges to his authority as Shipmaster of the Awoken Redemption. Multiple times, he is forced to return from space to Sanghelios to duel clan champions.
Despite this, his reputation only grows. As Shipmaster, Khan destroys a budding pirate station through a direct insertion onto a massive asteroid base. He also captures a Varric-pattern heavy cruiser—a monumental achievement for a crew of his size. As a result, he is personally recommended for promotion to Fleetmaster.
During this period, Khan amasses considerable wealth from both his commission and numerous trade deals. As Clan Patriarch, he organises sweeping upgrades to his clan's infrastructure, including the construction of multiple orbital dockyards managed entirely by his clan. These facilities generate a steady profit, allowing him to accumulate a vast fortune.
With this wealth, Khan purchases the services of six entire Mgalekgolo hives.
Through these hives, his clan fields enormous numbers of what humans would call Hunters. Khan personally designs improved armour for them, granting the bonded colonies greater flexibility and mobility rather than the traditional slow advance. With these forces, Khan triumphs in numerous clan disputes, steadily expanding his clan's influence across Sanghelios. At its height, his clan controls territory containing an estimated six million Sangheili.
However, as with all great ascents, obstacles inevitably arise. Khan's growing power—and his open disregard for the San'Shyuum—earns him political exile to the far reaches of Covenant space. He is sent away with only his crew and clan to support him, assigned to a backwater system whose sole colonisable world exists in a state of perpetual winter.
Khan — POV
I can't say I'm unhappy about leaving the greater Covenant behind. The lot of them are fools.
Thankfully, my crew now know the truth and are willing to follow me in building a true state. For now, however, we must play the game of subservience.
Being here for twenty-three years feels surreal. It seems like only yesterday I stood in the courtyards of Sanghelios, fighting my instructor with everything I had—and winning. The praise that followed was intoxicating. I still resent the ROB, but I've grown to accept the person I've become.
My thoughts end as I gaze upon the world of Thorex—a desolate planet whose greatest value lies in its vast material wealth. Its distance from major trade routes explains why no one ever settled it, despite its riches.
Below me drifts my assembled colony fleet. Two million Sangheili from my clan follow me here, alongside a fleet of six SDV heavy frigates commanded by Shipmasters loyal to my bloodline. Millions of Kig-Yar arrive as well—sent by matriarchs across the Covenant after hearing of my exile. My long efforts to secure political rights for them have paid off, with an estimated twelve million expected to settle Thorex in time.
"Fleetmaster, we have identified a suitable landing zone for the colony," says a white-armoured Elite at a nearby terminal.
I nod as the location appears on the main screen—a valley offering natural protection against asteroid strikes and environmental hazards. Fortunately, my reserve funds have allowed for the purchase of extensive hydroponics systems to support the growing population.
[Image of Khan and the Planet]
Hopefully, it will be smooth sailing from here on out.
…Well. I've just tempted Murphy.
One Year Later — 2524General POV
Much has changed in a single year.
New cities rise across Thorex, supporting a population of over eight hundred million, spanning nearly every Covenant species. Advanced designs produced by Huragok research institutes have driven rapid expansion. Underground hover-rail networks now connect cities, while massive fission reactors power vast foundries churning out warships.
The largest of these is a CAS-class assault carrier, which Khan claims as his personal flagship. He names it Warrior's Spirit.
Industry is not Thorex's only triumph. Its education system surpasses every Covenant academy save the near-mythical institutions of High Charity. This has attracted specialists and entrepreneurs of many species, who establish industries under Khan's administration.
Using this foundation, Khan expands into neighbouring systems, fortifying them with massive defensive installations. The entire sector becomes largely self-sufficient, independent of greater Covenant supply lines.
Meanwhile, Khan endures further humiliation. The clans of Sanghelios bar him from returning entirely. It is said the San'Shyuum are pleased, granting additional privileges at holy sites to those of approved clan lineage.
What comes to be known as the Khan Compact emerges from this exile. Other banished Shipmasters and disgraced generals rally around Khan, united in opposition to a High Council that abandoned one of its own. As more learn the extent of the San'Shyuum's favouritism—and the sacrifices it demands—tensions between the Compact and the greater Covenant steadily rise.