The conversation grew more light-hearted, even bordering on topics and jokes those unsafe channels should prevent. Nevertheless, the two eventually had to close the call and attend to their duties.
Khan felt slightly conflicted when he left the private room and exited the building. The planet's white star had almost disappeared behind the horizon, creating a marvelous but alien spectacle with its surviving light shining on the brown-red soil. Usually, Khan would admire the scene while lost in thoughts, but his mood didn't let him relax.
Seeing Monica after so long had been great, fantastic even. Her existence reminded Khan of a life outside the battlefield, a life of unending passion and love.
Monica's calm approach to Khan's doubts had also reassured him. Khan had always been honest with her, and she knew exactly what their relationship would entail. Monica had even come to terms with Khan's alien nature over the years, so she never failed to add a perspective Khan was blind to.
