Hello again!

Cliché title for this chapter I know, but I honestly couldn't think of what else to call it. Special thank you to May2306 for giving me such inspiration to write this week. It meant a lot to me, thank you.

Reviews are appreciated and, as always, thank you for the continued support

Much love and many thanks

Chapter 12: The Final Frontier

Space.

It's dark, vast and cold.

There's nothing romantic or tranquil about it, but it's indeed mysterious.

Aria had often found herself distracted by it. The skylight just above her cot gave her the perfect view of that empty volume above. There was many a night where the moon would shine at just the right angle to shed a bit of light into her cold, dark quarters of the training facility and calm her ever-busy mind. Tonight was fortunately one of those nights; she needed this tranquility more than anything this night. She lay in bed, atop her the sheets, dressed in just her black sweat pants and sports bra, looking up at the stars and heavily sighed. Tomorrow she would have to rise early, dawn her uniform, report to the bridge and then head into battle.

Training was now over. The real fight was just about to begin.

Her nerves kept her from sleeping as she thought about all she might see and endure in the chaos to come. Of course, this is what she made to do: Go into battle and win. No other option. Yet there was something nagging at the back of her mind. Nerves? Perhaps, but her kind never became nervous; it's not in their nature. Besides, what would the captain think if he found that his trusted first officer was timid and frightened of battle? He would disapprove, surely, and that Aria knew she couldn't handle.

Since setting eyes on him, Aria had felt the need to impress Captain Noonien Singh. He was the only person whose opinion mattered to her. To come off as weak in his eyes would be a personal travesty. She wouldn't let him down, not since he risked so much by taking her directly from training then onto his ship as his first officer. She had to impress him, not just on the professional level and, Aria had hoped, on a more personal level too. Yes, he was her captain as well as the leader of their group and it was foolish to feel that way for him, but Aria couldn't help it. She tried to distract herself from her elevated pulse and fluttering sensations in her stomach every time he walked in the room, but nothing could be done.

She had romantic feelings for him that she simply couldn't keep hidden for long.

It's part of why she couldn't fail him. Her heart truly would break to see him disappointed in her. For him she had to perfect: absolutely perfect.

As she gazed up at the moonlit sky, completely lost in her thoughts, Aria almost didn't notice the door to her quarters open. The sound of the door's hinges broke her concentration and she sat up straight, prepared to defend herself if needed. However, she relaxed as her eyes adjusted to the dark room and came upon the tall, solid figure stood at the foot of her cot.

"Captain," she said, rolling her shoulders back, "I…I was not expecting-"

"You were not expecting a visitor at 3 in the morning," Captain Khan Noonien Singh finished for her, "No, I was hoping you weren't."

A shy smile grew across Aria's face and she quickly turned her head away as to hide her blushing cheeks from him. 'Keep it together,' she told herself, 'Conceal it': "Is it time to board the ship already, sir?" she managed to say in the strongest voice she could muster at the moment.

"Not for a few more hours," he replied, "I came to see you on a more…personal matter, one would say."

"Personal matter?" she asked, furrowing her brow, "I'm afraid, sir, that I don't quite…"

"Aria, please," he breathed out in a voice so soft that it sent sparks through Aria's whole body, "there is no need for formalities. You won't be boarding my ship until dawn and after that, we will be fully involved in the war. This is a rare, possibly the very last, moment in which we will be able to speak with each other as regular beings, not as fellow officers…and I would very much like to enjoy it. So if you please, Aria; will you follow me?"

A bit stunned, Aria slowly nodded and rose off the bed. She had never heard him speak in such a pleasant and soft way before. Not to mention he called her by her first name; he never does that, not to anyone. Yes, she and him had developed a sort of bond over the past few months that one might even call 'friendship', but he still always addressed her as 'Commander Morrow' or simply 'Morrow', but never her first name. Now, hearing him say it sent a chill up Aria's spine. She loved how it sounded coming from his lips; so deep and…caring.

Odd, Khan never showed emotions in that way.

Tossing on her black great coat, Aria followed Khan out of her room and down the long, silent hallway then out of the building. She didn't ask where they were going, but she could figure it out from the path he was leading her on. They ended up at the side of the building where a large metal ladder trailed up the side and to the roof. Khan took a hold of the first rail and started to climb. Aria followed shortly after, no questions asked. When she had climbed over the last ledge, her eyes landed on her captain lying on his back, hands folded over his chest, gazing up at the sky.

"Come," he whispered, motioning his head to the spot beside him.

Aria's heart seemed to jump up to her throat, but she quickly gulped it back down: 'keep it together. Don't let it show.' She lied down beside him, the cold night air brushing over her and tickling her bare abdomen. She shivered but only slightly and focused her attention to the sky above. All was peaceful and calm, nothing at all like how Aria was feeling in her room. Perhaps all her busy mind needed was some fresh air. Perhaps her captain, somehow, knew that.

"I know you're afraid." Khan finally spoke, breaking the silence, "I've been watching you these past few days and you don't seem as confident as you normally do. War frightens you."

"Does it not frighten you?" Aria asked, looking at him, "The very idea that one tactical error in an event of chaos could very well mean not ever coming home?"

"I've never had a home," he replied rather matter of factly, "The idea of loosing something that I've never had obviously does not bother me."

"Is…is this not home to you?" she pried, feeling a bit odd for having such a personal conversation with her captain.

"No, this is where I work as is my ship." He stated, "Home is a place in which one feels secure and comfortable and is surrounded by those who care deeply for them. Here, I am only cared for because I am the leader."

Aria took notice of the almost sad tone in Khan's voice and the need that seemed to be peaking out of his normally stone face. It was a need that one might interpret as…loneliness. Was Khan lonely? No, not he: not the great Khan Noonien Singh who raised above all those around him. Then again, isn't there that phrase 'lonely at the top' or something? Perhaps this great warrior needed someone who cared for him, someone at his side…someone who loved him.

Aria pondered the idea for a moment, then cautiously spoke: "That's not entirely true."

"No?" he asked, eyes focused on the sky above.

"No. Captain, there are people here who look to you as not just a leader but as an inspiration." She continued, "You are going to lead us into a new and better life and that takes courage and strength. I do not believe these people are not blindly dedicated to your command. I know that I'm certainly not."

To her surprise, Khan turned his head and looked at her with the softest expression she had ever seen. Their eyes met and it seemed the world was at a stand still. Aria just looked at him and, for the first time, noticed how truly beautiful he was. His pale face, the sharpness of his cheeks, and those piercing eyes filled her with content and she simply could not turn away from him.

"Aren't you?" he whispered, slowly moving his hand so that it could lie beside hers, "How do you see me then, Aria Morrow? Why do you follow me if not just because you're told to?" Their fingers gently touched, causing Aria to take a sharp breath. His skin was so soft that it took her off guard. She barely even registered that their hands were now intertwined, her gaze too focused on him.

"I-I find that you are an…extraordinary being, Captain." She managed to reply, "Not just in your strength but in the way you hold a command. It's…it's inspiring to watch you take command of a ship and yet maintain such an air of normality. You're not a war machine, you're-you're a man, a remarkable man. And I truly…No, I'm…I'm sorry that didn't make much sense. Forgive me, Captain Noonien Singh."

She closed her eyes and was about to turn her head away, but Khan gently placed his free hand on her cheek and brought his lips to brush against her cheek: "Don't apologize." He whispered in her ear, "And you don't have to call me Captain."

"Don't I?" she whispered back, cautiously setting her hands on his biceps.

"No," he replied, "I think…I think we know each far too well for that."

Aria let out a soft breath and brought her forehead to nuzzle against his. Their lips came together and they shared the deepest kiss either of them had ever exchanged. Ashamed that she had let her emotions get the best of her, Aria broke free for just a moment. Khan quickly brought her back in for another kiss, taking her off guard completely. Had he wanted this just as much as she did? Was he trying to hide as well?

As they began wrapping their arms around one another, the dark world around them seemed to fade away. They were consumed by each other and neither of them minded it. Normally, feverously kissing and rolling about on the roof of their training facility was a complete act of idiocy, not to mention it would be looked down upon and disgraced by anyone who found out. For some reason though, they didn't care. For some reason, this was right.

Aria's heart nearly pounded out of her chest while Khan maneuvered one of his hands under her coat to rest on the bare small of her back. Her eyes remained closed as she cupped her captain's face in her hands and opened her mouth only slightly to invite his tongue in. Khan gladly accepted and placed his other hand on the back of her head as he intensified the kiss. Somehow, amongst their moaning and sighing, Aria managed to get her body on top of Khan's and their legs tangled together. Khan held her close and rolled her onto her back so that he could hover over her much smaller figure.

Pulling their nearly sore lips apart, they paused for a moment and looked into each other's eyes. A tense silence came over them; nothing but their heavy breathing could be heard around them. Aria's long, wavy, raven black hair was spread out around her head, but Khan kept a firm hold on the back amongst the tangles. His piercing eyes were now soft and showed signs of an emotion Aria did not recognize in him. She had known her captain to be strong and stern, just like any captain should be. But in this moment, a new man was before her; a man that she could only fall even more in love with the longer he looked upon her.

"You have always been exceptional, Aria," Khan finally whispered, "It took me far to long to realize it, but you have a hold on me that I can not shake off or ignore. You, Aria Morrow, have my heart. Since the day I met you I have wanted to give it to you, but I was too afraid that it would be an act in vain. I did not know if you felt the same way."

"I do," she quickly replied, brushing the strands of hair away from his eyes, "I…I was trying to hide it, but I didn't know how to express it. Nor if I even should, to be honest with you."

"Emotions can have strange effects on people," he said, holding her close, "Sometimes they can be distracting, other times a strength." Khan then smiled at her and Aria could feel her heart flutter rapidly; even his smile was perfect. "Do not feel as if you had expressed your thoughts to me sooner, I would have looked down upon you." He went on, "My love for you makes me stronger and I can only imagine the thought of you returning that love would make my strength grow."

"Love?" she asked in disbelief; had he really just used that word in association with her?

"Is that not what you feel?" he asked in return, "Why else then would you have followed me up here, allowed me to take you into my arms or kiss you in this way?"

"You misunderstand me." She replied, "I do feel the same way, but it's only that I've…I've never been loved before."

"Then allow me to be the first," he coaxed, slowly moving his hand from her hair to stroke her cheek, "Allow me the love you unconditionally from this moment on, my beautiful strong Aria. Allow me your heart and I promise you I will never cause you harm. I am yours, if you will have me."

Aria stared at him in wonder. How? How could this man, the most fearsome of their kind, have fallen in love with her? She didn't understand it, but that was all right for she felt the same why about him. Without another word, Aria raised her body up just a bit and placed a deep kiss on his lips. Khan happily returned the gesture and wrapped her up in his arms as he brought her up to sit in his lap.

"You see, I knew." He breathed out, placing a kiss on her cheek, "From the very moment I laid eyes on you, I knew."
"Knew what, Khan?" she whispered back, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders as he began to place a trail of kisses down the side of her neck.

"That I adored you." He sighed against her collarbone.

Aria closed her eyes and continued to kiss him as he brought his lips back up to meet with hers. Soon they were on their backs again, but no longer kissing as feverously. They simply held one another, finally content that they were able to share their emotions. Of course, they both understood that no one could know about this love of theirs; he had a reputation to uphold and they were going to war tomorrow after all. Still, they didn't discuss the details at the moment. They just laid on the roof in silence, Aria cuddled up close to his side, resting her head on his chest and Khan holding her in both arms.

"The stars seem so vast from down here," she sighed, gazing up at the sky, "It's ridiculous I know, but I have always wanted to fly amongst them. Not in a ship, mind you, but just myself."

"It's not ridiculous," he replied, rubbing her back, "nor is it impossible. I'll show you how one day, when this war is over. I can take you to fly amongst the stars, my dear Aria."

"You don't have to make promises to me, Khan."

"I want too."

"Why's that?"

"Because I love you."

00000000000000

"Aria, there is debris right ahead. Be advised!"

Snapping out of the her memories, Aria took note of Mr. Spock's warning over her headphones and she quickly maneuvered around the large metal bits that were floating around and blocking her path. The space between the Enterprise and the Vengeance was much large then she had anticipated which only added to the challenge. Not the mention, the constant exchange of warnings coming from those aboard the Enterprise made it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Kirk was flying to her right and Khan was at her left, both just slightly ahead of her. The three of them had to stay on the charted out course, fortunately displayed on their helmet view screens, or they would have no chance of boarding the Vengeance. This venture would be in vain.

They were informed of large amounts of debris directly in front of Kirk and the eager Starfleet captain dodged it, however it became very clear that he was off course. Not wanting to risk the integrity of this mission, Aria moved herself to be slightly ahead; "Jim, keep your eyes fixed on me," she commanded, "You're way off course."
"Yeah, tell me something I don't know, Rhi." He barked back, "Don't worry about me. Stay ahead and focused."

Out of the corner of her eye, Aria noticed that Khan was watching her as well as the course in front of him. She tilted her head only slightly and gave him a reassuring nod as if to wordlessly tell him 'I'm still here. I'm alright.' She then maneuvered her way back to his side; she was so close to him that their hands nearly touched. Just as she was about to stretch her hand out to her lover, word came over their earpieces that Kirk's screen had been hit. With a damaged screen, Kirk would certainly fall of course and not make it to the Vengeance.

"Guide Kirk," Khan said, addressing her directly even though everyone else could hear, "There's no use if he can't see." Aria agreed and gently grazed her fingers against his palm; a gesture that meant 'I love you.'

Just as Aria moved back to be in front, Mr. Sulu's voice came over the earpieces: "Imminent collision detected!" he called out. Aria could see the large amount of debris directly in front of Khan and her heart skipped a beat.

"Khan, use evasive action, there is debris directly ahead." Spock's voice instructed.

"I see it." Khan replied and Aria watched as her lover maneuvered his way around the massive chunks of metal floating around him. Suddenly, there was a loud crash and Khan was out of sight. Aria's blood began to boil and her mind began to race: 'No.' she thought, 'Please God, no.'

"Mr. Sulu, did we loose Khan?" Spock asked

"I don't know Commander. I'm having trouble tracking him in all this debris." Sulu replied.

Aria's heart jumped to her throat and she feared the worst; "Khan!" she called out, trying her best to sound collected, "Khan, please reply. Khan!" Still there was nothing.

"Was Khan hit?" Kirk's voice added in.

"We are trying to find him now," Spock replied, sounding surprisingly calm.

"Khan if you can hear me please say something!" Aria cried out, unaware that her eyes began to burn with held back tears. Still, there was no response. "No," she breathed out softly but loud enough to be heard over the earpiece, "…Khan."

"Rhi? Rhi stay focused, alright?" Kirk said, trying to calm her, "He'll meet up with us. You won't loose him again, I promise, now come on."

Aria felt a sharp pang in her chest as he said those words. Even after all she had done to him, Kirk was still willing to comfort her. He knew what she was thinking at this moment and wanted her to keep going. This didn't change her feelings for the Starfleet captain, of course, but she took it into consideration. Jim Kirk wasn't like everyone else, this she already knew.

Coming to guide Kirk once more, Aria miscalculated a turn and rammed into the side of a large bit of debris. She was sent spinning out of control completely off course; her display screen was still functioning but the red bold "OFF COURSE" letters at the top of the screen were flashing wildly. She could hear Kirk's voice scream out her name but she couldn't catch sight of him. She then heard him curse that his screen had failed: now there was truly no hope. With Khan missing, Kirk flying blind and Aria spinning out of control, there was absolutely no way of getting onto the Vengeance. It had seemed the plan had failed.

Suddenly, Aria felt two arms wrap around her waist and pull her back on course. "I've got Aria," came that familiar voice over her earpiece, "we're still on course, but her thrusters are down. I'll guide her; Aria, hold on to me."

A smirk grew across Aria's lips as she felt Khan pull her in close to his chest, her back mere inches away from his body, and adjust his hold on her so that she could glide directly under him. She held both of his hands tightly and allowed him to guide both of them along the course. Hope had seemed to come back to them.

"My display is still functioning," Khan went on, "I see you Kirk, you're 200 meters ahead of me at your one o'clock. Come to your left a few degrees and follow me."

Kirk managed to follow the instructions and within moments the three of them were finally nearing the door Mr. Scott was to have open for them to enter the massive ship; "Scotty, we're getting close." Kirk said, "We need a warm welcome. Do you copy? Do you copy, Scotty?"

Mr. Spock's voice came over the earpieces again and he began to countdown their arrival to the door, however, there was no evidence that Mr. Scott was there to open it for them. Aria's heart began to race the closed passage became closer and closer by the second. She gripped Khan's hand tightly and shut her eyes, hoping for the best. Just then, the doors slid open at the last second and three of them glided inside. The doors then closed just as quickly as they had opened and the three flyers landed on the cold metal floor with a thud. They tumbled down the passage; Aria was wrapped up in Khan's arms and she held to him tightly, trying to find a way to stop.

Pretty soon, all three of them came to a stop and fortunately it was at the foot of Mr. Scott: "Welcome aboard," he panted.

Aria, who had landed on her back, finally opened her eyes. The hanger in which they had landed in was massive and dark, but more importantly abandoned; Marcus may know of their presence. She looked up and her eyes immediately locked with Khan. He held his hands out to her and stared down at her lovingly, completely ignoring the two Starfleet officers beside them. She took his hands into hers and brought herself up into a sitting position.

"Who are they?" Mr. Scott asked, motioning toward them.

"Scotty, Khan. Khan, Scotty." Kirk groaned, propping himself up on his knees, "And I think you already know Aria Morrow."

"Hello," the baffled engineer said to them, "And yes, I do. Commander."

Aria gave him a polite nod then slowly rose to her feet as she tried to find her balance on solid ground again.

"They'll know we're here." Khan warned, "I know the best way to the bridge."

"Then let's get to it." Kirk said, rising to his feet. He then removed his helmet and began explain to Mr. Scott what was to happen from here. Khan and Aria snuck off to a secluded corner and started to remove their flight suits as he did this.

Aria snapped off her helmet and set it aside, complete determined to one thing before this chaotic plan of theirs was to get underway. Just as Khan removed his helmet, Aria cupped his face in her hands and planted a deep, passionate kiss on his lips. Khan was surprised at first but then relaxed as he wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss even more.

"I thought I'd lost you out there," she breathed out when their lips parted, "When you were hit, I-I didn't know what to think and…"

"Shh, there's no need to fret." Khan cooed, setting a soft finger to her lips, "I'm alright and so are you, that's what matters. Now, we can finally put our revenge into play."

"Tell me," Aria whispered, "What do you have in mind?"

"We keep on Kirk's side for now," he says, rubbing his hands up and down her waist, "once we are at the bridge, follow my lead. We'll have our crew back in a matter of minutes, I assure you."

"I trust you," she replied, going in for a kiss again, "always." They exchange another kiss but then Khan began to chuckle. "What? What is it?" Aria asked, furrowing her brow.

"Didn't I promise you that I'd take you fly amongst the stars?" he said, a small smirk growing across his lips, "Was it everything you wanted it to be, my lark?"

Aria couldn't help but laugh at his attempt at teasing: "I adore you," she replied, setting her hands on his chest. They kissed once more then parted to remove their flight suits. When they rejoined Kirk and Mr. Spock, they were handed a phaser each.

"It's set to stun," Kirk instructed.

"Theirs won't be." Khan replied.

"Try not to get shot." Kirk shot back but Khan ignored the comment and started down a passage. Aria followed closely behind him with Mr. Scott and Kirk at their heels.