The Genesis Cave - for so the gigantic inner world deep inside the bowels of the Regula asteroid had been named by its creators - was quite possibly the most wonderful and spectacular place that Joachim had yet seen. Leaning against the bark of a tree in a small meadow, listening to the chirping of birds and taking in the forests and rivers bathed in the rich light of the artificial sun, he was reminded of books he had read in his childhood - Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne, and Edgar Rice Burroughs' tales of Pellucidar, with their accounts of fantastic lands inside the planet. Throughout the dark and terrible years of struggle and suffering on Ceti Alpha V, he had yearned for a place as beautiful as this.
He heard footsteps crunching in the grass behind him and looked around. Khan stood there. "Am I disturbing you, Joachim?" he asked.
"No, my lord, of course not," Joachim responded. "I was just enjoying my surroundings. It is a welcome change from our previous environment."
Khan gazed out across the distance, his bearing both tranquil and regal at once. "This is only the beginning," he said. "With the Genesis Device, we can create an entire new planet to rule over...or many, if we so desire. The Marcuses are already at work building more such devices." He chuckled softly. "Ironic, is it not, that Kirk's lover and their bastard offspring should be among our greatest assets." With the Ceti eels, Khan had total control over all his prisoners; the hideous creatures burrowed into their victims' skulls through the ears, making them into automatons obeying Khan's every command, until they eventually brought about their hosts' agonizing deaths.
"We may not be able to stay here long," said Joachim. "Starfleet will want to know what has become of Enterprise and Reliant."
"Fear not," Khan told him comfortingly. "I already have plans for our continued safety. Have faith in me, Joachim."
"You know I always shall, sir," Joachim said earnestly. He looked down then, as though ashamed of something. "I confess," he continued, "There were times I feared your need to avenge yourself on Kirk might consume you totally, even destroy you."
Khan knelt beside him and placed a hand softly on his shoulder. "Your concern touches me, Joachim," he said. "It is a sign of your loyalty to me, and to all of us. I have always looked upon you as the son I never had...and I know that your honour and courage will make you a worthy successor to my throne."
