The inspection of the other houses didn't go any better. In many ways, Khan actually felt worse about the situations he was forced to face.
The solitary, old, or recluse ex-soldiers and criminals were fine. Amox could always handle those who opposed human presence in those political activities. The scene with the first Thilku also deterred resistance, allowing Khan to go on with his job without feeling too bad.
However, the situation was entirely different whenever families were involved. Simple couples were still okay, but the presence of children made Khan's heart plummet.
One house, in particular, had a young Thilku who couldn't have been older than ten. The long golden strands from the nape marked her as a girl who was quite well-behaved and calm. Still, her eyes never left Khan during the inspection, and the feelings hidden behind her emotionless face left a mark on his already moody thoughts.
