A second chance

by Starflight1701

After delivering his speech on the 1. commemoration day Kirk never thought that he would face his defeated nemesis again. Now Khan is right in front of him to take vengeance. But fate has its own plans. In the middle of the upcoming war between the Federation and the Klingons both men find themselves thrown into a whirl of dangerous passion that can destroy them... Kirk/Khan Slash

14. Chapter 14 - Through hell - part 1

Hi, my dear readers!

I am so, so sorry that it took longer than thought to publish the next chapter, but first I was on a vacation and then my dear beta-reader had a small trip of her own out of town and, above all, a little 'fight' with the charge of her laptop. Therefor it lasted longer, before you are now able to read the next update – but I am sure it worth the waiting.

As you know, Jim has been caught by the Klingons, Khan is on his way to come to the rescue and Spock and the others have to deliver the evacuees first, before the Enterprise can interference (or can try to help Kirk). And if you think the last chapter was nerve-killing then don't fret during the new one. You certainly will get a bad gut-feeling (to use Jim's words).

And at last a little warning: There will be a nasty cliffhanger at the end (*evil grin*).

Thank you so much for all the Kudos and comments,

Have fun,

Yours Starflight

Chapter 14 – Through hell, part 1

They took Kirk straight to a heavily guarded town hall that served as headquarters to Lord Kor – now facing the captain from his confiscated desk; his dark eyes pierced him. Two Klingon security guards stood at the door. It didn't matter to Kirk. Even if Jim didn't wear the manacles, binding his hands in front of him, and even if he could escape the room and could to leave the house alive, and then where would he flee? The official transporters were watched; there was no spaceport nearby, and he had seen the flickering in the air that seemed to enfold the whole city, instantly recognizing the force field of pure energy that turned the city in a one big cage. As much as he didn't believe in no-win-situations, he knew he had to face up to this one. He knew that he wouldn't make it out of here without help.

Kor surveyed the Starfleet officer in front of him. He seemed to be even younger than he first thought and the name 'boy-captain' fit. Kirk couldn't have been called an adult for much more than a few years. His boyish features and bright blue eyes made him look rather like a student than a Starfleet officer who commanded the flagship. Despite his youth and the position he found himself in, Kirk held the calm demeanor that only wisdom and experience afforded, still Kor wasn't fooled. Beneath the collected expression this captive wore, the Klingon sensed fear.

And he would use Kirk's fear! There was a lot he wanted to know, and he would get it!

He fixed the young officer with a stare that made Klingon cadets flinch. He folded his strong hands on the desk surface and cleared his throat. "I am certain you realize the situation you are in, Captain. Not only did your crew abandon you…"

"My crew didn't abandon me; I gave the order to flee when your fleet showed up," Jim interrupted him firmly.

"While you were still on the planet?" Kor lifted his bushy brows.

"We had to raise the deflector shields to protect the civilians aboard from you. It made it impossible to beam me up. I'd rather they left me behind than to give you a chance at getting to my crew and the evacuees!" Kirk's voice was flat; it made the Klingon lord frown.

"I wouldn't have shot at an evacuee ship with innocent civilians. I am a warrior, not a monster!"

"Oh yes, of course!" Kirk sneered. "So, to demand the surrender of two commanding officers in exchange for the lives of six hundred civilians is a Klingon way of saying, "Hello", or did I misunderstand something when you talked to my helmsman? Sorry, my mistake. I'm not familiar with Klingon tradition! Maybe we should start a cultural exchange; eventually we could end this damn war, and prevent further misunderstandings."

Kor blinked several times; then something like a grin tugged at his mouth. "You are a captive of the Klingon Empire, facing consequences for your deeds – and you can make jokes? Either you are a fool or you are far braver than I thought." He cocked his head. "The question is, which one of the two options is true?"

"Find out," Kirk challenged, ignoring his mind that screamed at him to shut the hell up!

"I will!" Kor nodded slowly, regarding the Starfleet captain with a hue of curiosity. Was this renegade really so strong in will and mind, or was it all a mask? Certainly Kirk had to know what lay ahead for him, yet he talked like he was on a hunting party with friends. There was only one way to reveal the real James Kirk. "We shall see how much your displayed bravery is worth. Only then I will decide when you die."

Again, Kirk's inner voice told him to ignore the challenge, but his fierce heart spoke another language. "Whatever, the outcome will be the same. Your words tell me that you're no different from the any other Klingon. You tried to blackmail my crew into handing over Spock and me in order to let the civilians go. What kind of 'honorable man' are you to threaten an evacuation vessel like that?"

"We are at war, and everything has its price! It was never my intention to kill innocent families!"

Jim snorted. "Right! Tell that the Tammeron people your 'glorious fleet' wanted to murder in cold blood! Your Empire was about to kill 17 million men, women and children, who don't even belong to the Federation – over trade agreements! Sorry, if I don't believe a thing you say when it comes to my ship!"

Kor's eyes narrowed. "I had nothing to do with it – the order to attack Tammeron. Certainly there are staff officers in Starfleet, too, whose honor is less than the others."

Jim understood what the Klingon tried to tell him, but didn't dare voice it. There were always men who were blinded by hate. Kirk had learned that lesson in his encounter with Marcus, with Section 31, and even with Khan. Whatever Khan was now, didn't change what Khan had been – driven by pain and hate.

For a moment, both commanders looked at each other and shared a moment of understanding. Then the Klingon lord took a deep breath. "Tell me about Qo'noS!"

Kirk cocked his head. "You want me to tell you about your home planet? What's wrong? Aren't you allowed there anymore, or…?" He gasped as a blow to his back made him stumble forwards where he was unpleasantly stopped by the desk. Kor's hands steadied him with an iron grip around his upper arm.

"Be careful what you say, human! You are speaking to the descendant of the last emperor's family!" one of the guards snarled, but Kor waved it off.

Kirk took a deep breath. So this was the reason the fleet commander referred to himself as 'lord'. He was a man who would be the Klingon emperor if the Empire hadn't altered its political system.

The Klingon aristocrat looked him in the eye. "Once again Kirk! Tell me about your 'visit' on Qo'noS!"

Jim straightened himself again and hesitated. He couldn't tell Kor the whole truth. Not only must Starfleet's…No. Not Starfleet's, Marcus's mission had to be kept secret, but Khan must be protected too. The Klingons would move heaven and hell to get the super-human, to capture him, torture him, and kill him. No, Jim wouldn't give Nien up! Not to Starfleet Command and certainly not to the Klingons!

So Kirk wove a tale based on the truth. "I was sent to capture a wanted criminal who, we believe, attacked Starfleet headquarters. His trail led us to Qo'noS. We feared he would attack your people too."

"Why didn't you contact us through official channels? You infringed on our territory. Once he left your jurisdiction, he became our problem. We are capable of arresting a single man as you certainly can attest to!" The last words were mocking, and Kirk had to control his temper. The Klingon lord waited for the young officer to continue, but Kirk remained silent, so Kor spoke up again. "You came to our planet to arrest this criminal – why in secret when you were so concerned for our well-being? Why the masquerade of being dealers, if your visit was of a friendly nature? Why did you try to flee when you met our patrol? If only you were truthful with us, we…"

"Truthful? The woman, you mentioned, met with your patrol commander. She was unarmed and tried to tell him why we were there. She addressed him in your language, respectfully, and your commander tried to kill her! Another 'honorable' Klingon seized a smaller, defenseless woman in order to plunge a dagger into her! Why the hell would we be truthful?"

Kor leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in front of his chest. He had seen the records. The reaction of the Lieutenant who commanded the patrol entity surprised him. The human female was as Kirk described, petite and without aggression. Still he would not acquiesce to Kirk's rendition of the story. "Neither you nor I know what she said to provoke the patrol," he said almost diplomatically. "Perhaps he realized her lie and…"

"She didn't lie! She told him what I'm telling you now. We came to Qo'noS to arrest a criminal!" Jim's voice was sharp now. "And we didn't contact your government because we knew that your council would read something else in it. So we went down on the planet…"

"Gave an impressing show of your flying abilities on my planet before the patrols surrounded you. Your female officer was sent to pacify us, and when our patrol exposed you as spies, you killed them."

"We weren't there to spy on you!" Kirk snapped. "What the hell could we possibly hope to find in an abandoned city? Construction plans for a restaurant?"

An odd noise escaped one of the Klingon guards, and Jim was almost certain it was a suppressed chuckle. When Kor's face darkened, he was certain of it.

The fleet commander leaned forwards again. "Even if your statement is the truth there is still the bloody trail of three dead Klingon patrols and one destroyed scout ship you left! More than forty Klingons, Kirk, killed by you and your back-up!"

"Back-up?" For just a moment Jim puzzled over Kor's words, then the scales fell from his eyes, as the fleet commander growled, "The man, who came to your aid, swung a rifle-canon like a puny hand-phaser and fought with the savagery and the brilliance of an ancient warrigul!"

Ice flooded the young captain's system as he realized that his captor referred to Khan. Jim knew that Kor would draw the right conclusions; the Klingons had their own experiences with Augments and enhanced DNA. An old phrase came to mind; the best defense is a good offense. "Maybe it was one or your people?"

Kor looked thunderstruck at him, offended by the mere suggestion. "You do not really think that one of our own turned against us and killed so many of the own race, do you?"

"Why not? Maybe he is insane, a rebel or…"

"A rebel?" The Klingon lord shook his head and then he took a deep breath. "Shall I tell you what really happened on Qo'noS? This man was the criminal you came to 'arrest'. Maybe he attacked Starfleet's headquarters; maybe you were sent to get him because Starfleet wanted to use him for its own purpose. His strengths lay not only in his body, but in his mind too, because he is enhanced… an Augment!"

Jim wanted to curse. He really did, but it would give him away, and Khan. He controlled his expression as well as he could and replied, "The man you saw was a stranger; I've never met him before." He did his best to stick to his story for consistencies sake. "Whoever it was, he came to our aid, killed the most of our attackers – your people might I remind you – and then vanished. I didn't even get a chance to thank him. I should've. He saved our lives. Well, the most of them. Two of my security officers and he criminal, we came to arrest, didn't make it. I tried to find the man afterwards, but he was nowhere to be found and…"

"Ever heard of a 'scanner'?" Kor taunted, and Kirk rolled his eyes.

"If your patrol hadn't shot at our ship, we could've used the scanners. Thanks to your attack, they were damaged."

"How convenient!" the Klingon snorted. He leaned in and eyed Kirk closely. "So, you say you didn't know this man, your back-up, and that he disappeared, while the criminal, you chased, died in the combat?"

"Yes." The young captain's voice sounded clear and placid.

"And you deny that your back-up is an Augment?"

Jim sighed. "I don't know him, so I can't confirm nor deny your assumption. But it is impossible that this man is an Augment. The Augment program was something that happened three centuries ago on Earth, decades before humans developed warp capability. The whole thing ended in a horrible war that killed almost a third of Earth's population and all of the Augments. So we've had more than enough Eugenics bullshit, really. The incident you are obviously alluding to was not a 'program' but the attempt of some crazy scientist who wanted to give it another go nearly a century ago. Neither the Federation nor Starfleet has authorized any further experimentation as far as I know. There are no more Augments. But I'm sure you already know this, after all it was us who came to your aid, when you tried something equally idiotic, and it backfired."

"You know a lot about this special 'incident'," Kor commented thoughtfully and Kirk shrugged.

"Academy stuff. To pretend something never happened doesn't undo the damage, and it's better to remember our mistakes in order to prevent them from happening again."

"A wise attitude, I am almost ready to believe you. But it doesn't give me an answer to the question, Kirk. Who was your mysterious comrade-in-arms?"

Kirk sighed. "And I told you twice, I don't know! He vanished and…"

"He wasn't a common human, Kirk! Don't tell me otherwise!" The tone became harder. "There are two possibilities. One, he is a Vulcanoid – that seems unlikely since Vulcans are too peaceful, Rigulians are too weak, and Romulans wouldn't help Starfleet officers. Two, he is an enhanced Terran."

"You're wrong." The lie left Kirk's lips easily. He was determined to protect Khan with everything he had. His desire to do so had been growing these weeks. Kirk didn't know why, but he wasn't one to ignore his instincts – or desires.

"How can you be so sure if you don't know his identity?"

"Because there are no Augments anymore – not from Earth or anywhere else in the Federation!" Jim replied, sangfroid and with a dignity that belied his position as a captive.

Again Kor's impassive eyes roamed over his face, revealing nothing of his thoughts. The Klingon slowly answered, "You said, this man simply vanished in the ruins. Our scanners worked very well then. We came to look for our patrols. There was no living being within 150 kilometers of the town. No one could walk that distance is such a short time. This man fled with you. And I am certain that it was him who fought off the Orions on one of your outposts several weeks ago. Our allies described him as a young, slender, male Terran clad in black, who fought with the quickness and mercilessness of a le-matya, portraying inhuman strengths and reflexes. And this is exactly what I saw on our recordings, even with his face masked." His voice grew louder. "This man on Qo'noS and the man in the outpost are one and the same! He fights like our ancient warriors, with strength to a Klingon or Romulan." His eyes glittered. "Do you still insist that he isn't an Augment – that you don't know who he is?"

"Yes, because if there were something like a new Augment program, Starfleet would know about it. I never met this man before!"

"The latter, I believe," Kor stated, "but that doesn't mean you don't know who he is. And it doesn't mean that he didn't leave Qo'noS with you." He stared at Jim then continued, "I want to explain your situation once more, Captain. You are a captured officer of the Federation, and we are at war! Normally, I would have ordered you shot on sight, but…"

"But you needed me alive to gather intel. You want to know about the fleet, our ships, our weapons, our capabilities. You know I can't and won't answer them! I've told you more than I am obligated to as it is."

Kor was tempted to smirk as he watched the fire flare in the blue eyes in front of him. Kirk was a warrior through and through. This fact and the captain's fearlessness in the face of the Klingon threat in front of him impressed the Klingon lord. The young man had guts; he had to give him that.

"I understand that you cannot divulge the information that I request, still I do believe that you will." The fleet commander cocked his head. "You will not have a choice and it would be best for you if you cooperate."

Jim was very aware of what Kor alluded to – torture – but he would be damned if he would give this Klingon bastard any satisfaction by revealing the dread that filled him. "Fleet Commander Kor, spare us both the pretense! I know that your High Council has already sentenced me to death and that you 'don't have any choice' other than to execute me. Come on; show your hand. Don't try to ply me with promises that you can't deliver on."

This time it was Kor who was surprised, even as he felt some respect rising in him. The Terran captain had a reputation in the Empire after the incident with the Tribbles and on the battle on Qo'noS, but the Klingon lord was not one for rumors. He needed to make a determination on something, or in this case, of someone, on his own. James Kirk was nothing like the propaganda spewed throughout the empire. Any other time he could have had the luxury of admiring the young man's fortitude. But here there was no room for it.

"Show my hand, eh? An interesting phrase, Captain – especially, when you are the one with something to lose."

"You're this close to killing me," Jim deadpanned, trying not to think too much on the matter. He felt sick enough over it, and he didn't want to die again. "What more could I lose besides my ship and my crew? But they're out of reach for you now, aren't they?"

Pursing his lips Kor replied sternly, "Yes, the High Council decided the death penalty, but I'd think you'd want to know the method of execution, wouldn't you, Kirk?" His intense gaze held the Jim's. "You are sentenced to death by torture." He saw the younger man pale. "And it is up to me to decide when you've suffered enough to grant you your last breath."

Even with his firm determination to mask his emotions, Jim couldn't prevent the icy fist from squeezing his heart. Nausea clenched in his belly. Tortured to death by a Klingon's hand. There wasn't a crueler or more brutal way to die.

Kor watched him carefully and nodded. "I see you realize what lies ahead, and because of your courage I want to offer you a chance to decide for yourself which way you want to go. I'll give you three of your standard hours to think on the matter. Either you answer my questions truthfully – and believe me, we have ways of finding out if you are lying or not – and I will grant you a quick death. Or you remain silent, and I order the execution exactly as the High Council intends, performed by two men who lost family due to your 'visit' to Qo'noS. Believe me, they will let you suffer for days, perhaps weeks. They can make you feel as if you are burning alive from the inside out, without lighting a flame. You are going to talk, Kirk; it is up to you how long you have to endure this harsh way. So think very carefully about your choice before you give me your answer."

He waved towards the guards. "Take him to the cellars. There are secure rooms for holding criminals in custody. Chain him up and prepare a soundproof room for his questioning." His gaze found the young captain again who still attempted an expression of bravado, but his face was snow white. "Think about it, Kirk. Three hours – and what follows is up to you.

ST***ST***ST

More than four hours away from Turkana, the D'Ghor speeded through the space. She passed the disputed boundary to the Borderland an hour ago and so far no one knew she was there; the cloaking device and sensor-disturber worked superbly.

Khan's eyes never left the scanner and navigation displays. He had passed by Son'A and was heading straight for Turkana, which would bring him near Obruli, another colony inhabited by outlaws. The Klingon fleet was camped there too according to the long-distance sensor. Still the Augment was confident that they would not discover him. The Klingons here didn't have a clue that their cloaking technology had been turned against them. Everything would be fine as long as James stayed hidden.

Khan couldn't be certain. Kirk might have been in the enemy's hand for hours now, or he may be free and hidden. Finding him would be difficult. Khan wasn't one to indulge in false hope, but he applied the same focus and determination to Kirk's rescue as he did his own Augment family. He would get Jim off this planet and bring him to safety, no matter what; and then he would give him an earful. Well, if James were physically well enough for the lecture. The former dictator was painfully aware of what his one-time-lover would endure should he be a prisoner. He'd find Jim; he'd find them all.

The observation system for interstellar transmissions buzzed and showed Khan a Klingon communique from Turkana to Obruli. The super-human frowned. The reason for the contact between the two strike groups must be important. Surely immediately after an annexation there were more urgent things to do than chat. Perhaps the communique relayed information on further attacks against the Federation. But his instincts told him they concerned a certain Starfleet captain!

Quickly, he recorded the transmission and activated the universal translator.

"Lord, Headquarters to BortaS and MeQ'lw. Your presence on Turkana is demanded. Confirm!"

A moment later another voice answered. "Turkana Headquarters, this is Commander Koval of the BortaS speaking. Do I understand correctly that Lord Kor requires Commander Noy's and my presence on Turkana? Are there any problems with the colonists?"

Again was a short pause, before the dark, strong voice replied, "This is Kor. Do you have everything under control, Koval?"

"Yes Milord! Obruli is ours. There wasn't any resistance. The inhabitants are only interested keeping about their 'businesses'. I hold out this prospect for them, if they cooperate. I the affirmation of the colony's leader."

"Well done, Koval. I have a reward for you and your cousin. The murderer of your brother and Noy's brother in-law fell into our hands and…"

"You have KIRK, Milord?" Koval interrupted him; his voice trembled with excited wrath.

"Yes – and as far as I have come to understand his character, he going to need some persuasion to tell us what we want to know. I would like to give you and Noy the responsibility of extracting that information. We must get all the required information about Starfleet and the mysterious stranger on Qo'noS. You may have your revenge. How quick can you be here?"

The answer came a moment later. "My navigator told me in 2.8 hours."

"Right, I'll await your arrival. Kor out!"

The recorded transmission ended and Khan stared at the device as if it was to blame for what the conversation that transpired. Then he closed his eyes. Dammit! He feared something like this. He feared that those blasted aliens would get their hands on James and James would be subject to torture fueled by vengeance that Khan caused.

Then it hit him. The Klingon fleet commander wanted information from Jim about Starfleet and of course him, Khan! And Kirk had refused to tell the enemy anything.

James – his James would submit to torture to protect him!

Khan Noonien Singh never cursed at a higher being – not of his own people or any other. Right now though he was ready to break with precedent and call to Bramah, the God of creation and Shiva, the God of destruction – two of the Indian Trinity. If there were some higher power in the universe who led the fates then they had to do something. Many times over the centuries, Khan watched doom unfold around him. So many people loyal to him; so many who cared for him died because of him. Humans and Augments alike gave their lives to protect him during the Eugenics Wars. Kirk was different. He hurt Jim – Jim had no reason for loyalty or friendship with him, but there it was. He lied to his superiors and his friends to give Khan a head-start; he covered for him, and now he was ready to endure torture to protect him.

A wordless sound of anger erupted from the super-human's throat; his right fist slammed into a panel on the navigation panel in an outburst of denial, fury and determination.

No! He wouldn't allow this! Never!

"Computer, calculate time of arrival to Turkana!"

The device took a moment to translate the English words in Klingon, "4 hours and 48 standard-minutes."

Khan jaw tightened. The two Klingon commanders so obviously bent on revenge would arrive two hours sooner than the D'Ghor! And even then, he still had to find James before he could take him to safety.

The Klingon – Kor – had called his location his 'headquarters'. Therefore, it had to be a building that satisfies certain prerequisites, like safety, size, a central location, logistics, and it had to contain the database containing planetary and colony information. That narrowed down the candidates considerably.

Khan wasn't sure what he would find on Turkana. On one hand, the Klingons should have done intelligence gathering before the invasion. On the other, he wasn't sure what was available in the database. Lucky for him, where the Klingons were brilliant warriors, they were lax in database security. He barely finished relaying his questions to the ship's computer when it spit the data on the planet back at him. Data about the geology of the planet and its atmosphere, fauna, climate and details about the colony itself came at him as fast as his Augment brain could comprehend. It was clear that the Klingons took time preparing for the annexation.

Khan listened closely and studied the few charts available on the computer. He learned there was only one town of significance on the planet, Turkana-City. Another ten miles away there was a space port and on the outskirts of the town were several family farms. The Augment concentrated on the town and pressed his lips in concentration. He saw that it was placed on a promontory, reachable only by transporter or a single, broad street. It reminded him briefly of a castle – not from the architecture but the choice of location. It granted the inhabitants a certain degree of natural safety, but with a Klingon invasion from above, this advantage meant nothing. Rather, Khan was sure that Kor chose, subdued, and controlled the area due to the town's concentrated population.

The latter made no difference to the super-human. Those people had chosen their way, and they had to live with the consequences. But the layout was important when planning a rescue. The former dictator had an idea where to find Jim, but he needed certainty. There would be only one opportunity to free the young captain so the risks must be mitigated and all available knowledge exploited.

Activating the diagram of the Turkana in the ship's database, Khan discovered the origin of the intelligence. There was Orion script on many of the documents, charts, and diagrams. The super-human quickly found the market place and the town hall nearby. Assuming personnel recovery operating procedures had not undergone major changes, the most logical place to conduct an evacuation on a large scale was from the market center. And Jim had been there. Perhaps he fled when his ship left, and was discovered somewhere within the city before being taken to…

His gaze found the town hall and he nodded. It would make sense. It was the largest building, equipped with everything a leader needed, was central, and a part of it belonged to the town ward, Khan assumed that served as Turkana's police. If Kirk weren't aboard a Klingon ship, then he would be at the town hall.

He memorized the maps and de-activated the files, checked the ship's course once more and set the helm on auto-pilot. Once he adjusted the scanner's warning system he left the bridge. Jim was going to bear a few hours of the Klingon 'questioning' and Khan knew that the younger man wouldn't be in his best shape afterwards. Even if the super-human could locate him and beam him up, Kirk would need medical attention quickly to stop his pain and heal the wounds. There was only one thing that would help him, before Khan could treat him properly.

Khan was glad that Commodore Wesley had accommodated The Shadow and sent the medical supplies. He stepped into the small room between two crew quarters that served as a poor excuse for a med bay. Quickly and thoroughly, he looked over the medical supplies; he found some laboratory instruments, analgesics, blood circulation stabilizing agents and antifebriles. Quickly he prepared everything for his task, rolled his left sleeve up, took a hypodermic needle and watched it disappear into his brachial artery to draw blood.

He knew exactly what to do…

ST***ST***ST

"For God's sake, we've to help him!" Scotty stood at the Engineering station with his arms crossed. "If they're catchin' 'im, he's dead!"

The Enterprise was barely an hour away from Kenda and the atmosphere aboard was gloomy. Every one of the alpha-shift nodded; even Spock had his head bowed in acquiescence.

"You are right, Mr. Scott," Sarek's son said calmly, surprising even himself with this statement. "As soon as the colonists are safely on Kenda, we will return to Turkana to get the captain. I hope as well that we are not too late, but we will get him and we will bring him home." Spock paused in order that the crew understood the implications of his words – Kirk, dead or alive would not be left behind. "You must understand that we may die as a result." They crew nodded; he took a slow, deep breath and lifted a brow. "Very well then. We haven't received any orders from Starfleet Command. By the time they get around to it, we will already be back in Borderland." His gaze landed on Uhura. "However, we will likely be challenging the admiralty by undertaking this mission, and it may be a– what do you call it – a one-way ticket?

Nyota smiled at him. "Yes, that's what we call it, but I think we are ready for it." Her attention was tracked to Sulu and Chekov, who both nodded sternly, while Scotty grinned.

"Look at that, Commander. And here I thought you'd decline a challenge with such a low chance of success."

Spock lifted a brow. "The captain does not believe in a 'no win situation'. I think, he would likely say, No risk, no fun." Laughs sounded, but Spock interrupted, "It will be anything but fun, but Mr. Scott is right. We have to do something, and we will. We owe that Jim."

It was unbelievable how quickly the atmosphere lightened; the faces of the bridge crew showed relief, but each was also pleased and surprised at the decision of the first officer. Who had thought that the Vulcan would decide such a thing?

But this Spock, is the Spock who lost his friend once, his T'hy'la, his brother in soul. This Spock was tired of losing – his planet, his friend. His human side was determined to fight back for what he loved despite the logic.

Spock sat back in the captain's chair and closed his eyes, losing himself in thought. Even if they reached Turkana without being confronted by the Orions, they still had to get through the seven Klingon battle cruisers and a very experienced fleet commander who stood between the Enterprise and her captain. Perhaps they could pretend to be on the rescue mission, returning for colonists who wanted to leave but had not reached the rendezvous point in time. But Kor was anything but stupid. He would anticipate a deception if the Enterprise returned – most assuredly if Jim were already captured. Kor would attack the Enterprise without wasting a moment.

The plan was crazy at best and suicide at worst. It violated so many regulations that Spock didn't even want to count them; still he would try – he was a Vulcan who ought only to listen to logic and reason! This mission was anything but! And this crew was ready to hurl themselves into danger to save its captain – so was he. Jim had done the same for them, and he knew it was in Kirk's nature to continue doing so to his last breath – he's already given that. What had Jim told him, before he turned to Khan for help? He said his decision didn't make sense, that it wasn't logical. He heard Jim's voice, 'I have no idea what I'm supposed do, I only know what I can do…'

Spock was coming to the realization that the gut instinct, especially Kirk's, wasn't a weakness, but a strength when acted upon came with unpredictable risks. Perhaps it is a wisdom whose origin cannot be identified. Jim fed and exercised his so that Spock and the crew trusted it – trusted him with their lives. Still, operating on feeling or intuition without data went against the Vulcan way. But his affection and newly blossomed admiration for this stubborn, proud, brave and bright young man ran too deeply to discount his abilities. The thought Jim could be taken away from him again was untenable; the Enterprise needed her captain. Starfleet might be able to substitute Kirk, but they could never replace him. The ship, even full of people, seemed empty without the golden presence of Jim Kirk; the despondence the crew displayed in Jim's absence could lead to a terrible outcome in their next battle. Maybe Spock should introduce a new variable to the burgeoning rescue. 'Sunrise' obviously cared about Kirk's outcome; perhaps he should contact The Shadow to ask for some help. Sometimes hunting with the wild Sehlats led to a le-matya's defeat.

ST***ST***ST

Jim sat on a small cot in the security cell. He still wore the manacles, now secured to the wall, and the position he was forced into was quite uncomfortable.

But that was the least of his problems. The discomfort of his bound hands would be nothing compared to his next encounter with Kor.

Jim wasn't a fool. Klingon torture technique was legendary. In the Academy, the young captain read reports of victims who fell into Klingon's hands. Those unfortunate enough to be in possession of information deemed useful by the Klingons were subject to all manner of torment. Each method more brutal and cruel than the one before, and each more painful that the mind was willing to comprehend. The thought made the young man shudder, not to mention the terrible imaginations of his mind. He had heard of Klingon pain sticks – something mostly used in some rituals, but sometimes also as a torture instrument – and of electrical whips. He also knew that Klingons liked to use their traditional daggers – the D'k tahg – on their victims, and there were certainly hundred more possibilities to make him suffer.

Kor was right. Sooner or later Kirk would give in. There was only a certain amount of pain someone could bear and before he or she reached their breaking point. Then everything Jim would endure would be for naught – Spock, his crew, Khan. Another vicious accompaniment to destroy his heart and soul.

Jim closed his eyes. He had always anticipated that one of his adventures would lead to his death. Work in space was risky and commanding a Starfleet vessel, especially during a time of war, well, the Grim Reaper always shadowed you. But to end like this…

New fear clenched his belly; Kirk took a deep breath of the stale, cool air. The minutes ticked mercilessly away; every one that ticked by brought his end nearer. He heard Spock's voice telling him to calculate every risk in advance. He did that. He had calculated the risk to others, as a good captain should before he considered the risk to himself. But he knew he was playing a dangerous game when he helped the young woman to flee in his place, still he had hoped that everything would turn out alright.

A miscalculation, albeit a big one – he would not only die, he would die by torture at the hands of the enemy. Even the bravest man would shrink in horror at the prospect. His gaze landed on the manacles fixed above his head, and then the energy-field that locked him into the small cell. There was no way out for him, no possibility of escape, and Jim felt new desperation rising.

'Don't you dare to get caught…'

The deep, rich baritone echoed in his mind, and a wave of sorrow enfolded him; his neck tingled and he couldn't reach back to scratch that ever-present…not an itch, but…something.

Khan…

How he wanted to meet him again. To see the man face-to-face as no longer an enemy, but a comrade-in-arms. He let his mind wander, indulging in memory. He wouldn't rob himself of them any longer – not so close to death. Olfactory memory is the strongest, and Jim could still to smell his fresh exotic scent. He closed his own eyes to see Khan's bottomless sea-colored ones more clearly. His body warmed in the cool cell when he imagined long, powerful arms around him and hot lips against his mouth. In his quarters, as now, he dreamed of this man, who as an enemy, seduced him against his will, but as a lover had given him the most pleasurable hours of his life. He had imagined being joined with Nien again as the Augment did unspeakable, blissful things to him while purring naughty things into his ear. They soared in ecstasy together and came down to rest tangled in one another until sunrise came. Kirk knew their feelings had both changed, and he was sorry he wouldn't get to see what might have been.

He had imagined Nien at his side – how it would be. A future together side-by-side, even serving on the same ship exploring uncharted space. Wishful thinking – undoubtedly – but even if there had been the slightest chance it was now taken from them both. Khan was somewhere with The Shadow, wondering why Jim hadn't contacted him. And Kirk was mere hours from meeting his maker.

For just a moment, he damned Starfleet. He had already died once in the line of duty, now he would lose it again at the hands of the enemy – and if they got what they wanted from him, so would many others. How much was one man expected to give! Then Kirk steeled himself. If not for Starfleet he wouldn't have Bones, Spock and the others, would never have commanded a starship – and he would never have met Khan. Hell, maybe he was the only one who could've stopped Nero. Earth would be destroyed if it wasn't for Spock and him. And the Vulcan only got the idea to defeat Nero because of Jim. Botany Bay would still be drifting in space, and Nien and his family would remain in cryosleep. Or perhaps Marcus and Section 31 would still exist and would have located the sleeper-ship, and Khan would be still a hostage of the insane admiral.

No, the fleet gave him the best years of his life and gave to him the people he loved most in this world – or any other for that matter. But he longed for more of them. And the one passionate night in San Francisco seemed all the time fate would grant him with the Augment. It had to be enough; Jim knew he would feed on those memories of love and adventure, of Khan and his care, when the Klingons came to exact their vengeance.

He was torn from his musings when heavy steps echoed from the walls outside the security cell; he knew that the grace period was over. Ice once again settled in the pit of his stomach, crept through his veins and filled his heart and soul with dread. They were coming for him!

There was no doubt that Kor would stay true to his word; he would order Jim's execution! As soon as the energy field was switched off, the Klingon guards would take him to Kor, and Jim's fate would be sealed – finally and inevitably. When the four heavy armored guards were in sight Kirk felt deeply sick. Still he managed to hold his face expressionless; still he remained calm – at least on the outside.

One of the Klingons deactivated the barrier, and the remaining three pointed their disruptors at the Starfleet officer. For a moment, Jim was tempted to lunge at them as soon as they freed him, simply to provoke them enough to shoot him; it would be a far more merciful death than what awaited him. But even then his mind warred with itself. He didn't want to admit defeat. He couldn't accept that this would be the end of his road. As long as he lived there was hope! The Enterprise would come – Spock and Bones would come to save him; he knew it! As soon as they had delivered the evacuees to Kenda they would return.

Still it would take the Enterprise more than nine hours to make the trip – not to mention breaking through the Klingon battleships in the orbit. It would be suicide if they tried to rescue him – or what would remain of him. Nonetheless his friends would stop at nothing to get him; something he hoped for and feared for, wrapped in one.

Pressing his lips together, Jim didn't offer any resistance. When they loosed him from the wall, two of the Klingon guards gripped his arms and dragged him with them. The fright deep in him increased the closer they drew Kor's office. Jim's legs were heavy, his mouth went dry and his heartbeat was painful slow. The only things that enabled him to walk straight were his pride and his stubbornness. If he were going to die then he would do so with his head held high. He wouldn't falter in front of his enemies; never!

Finally they reached the office area and stepped into the room that belonged to Kor now. The fleet commander wasn't alone. Two Klingon captains and two lieutenants stood there and glared with utter hatred at him. Jim became aware of the fact that he was facing his hangmen.

"Kirk!" Kor greeted him with the cool respect that was usual between two higher-ranking hostile officers, before he came outright to the topic. "Your time is up. What is your answer?"

Plain, straight, without wasting time… Jim had anticipated something like that. This Klingon did indeed differ from the other Klingon commanders he met over the last two years.

"As I already told you, there is only one answer for me. And that is 'no'!" He was surprised, how stern and unwavering his voice sounded.

For a long moment the Klingon aristocrat looked at him; then he nodded. "I knew that you would say this. I wouldn't respect you as I do now if you had chosen the easier way." He made a gesture towards the four other officers. "These are Commander Koval from the BortaS and Commander Noy from the MeQ'lw, with their first officers Khret and Karum. The two captains suffered personal loss because of your 'visit' to Qo'noS and to honor our traditions, they will be your executors."

Jim didn't say anything; he doubted that his tone would be as firm as it was before. He felt nauseous now, and the skin on his back contracted. At least he managed to control his expression, but he couldn't hide that the blood left his face – again.

Kor had observed him for several seconds before he addressed his subordinates. "You know what information we require. Start with the questioning and update me on a regular basis. Don't kill him before we have all the answers we need!" He rose from his chair and turned his attention back to the young captain, who tried to mask his fear despite his pale countenance. Not well enough for the trained eyes of the Klingon lord.

"I gave you a choice, Kirk. More I couldn't do. I doubt that we will speak with each other again. Is there a message you want to leave for your relatives or your friends?"

This time Jim needed all his control not to gulp. Kor's offer showed him once again the finality he was facing now. "You would send my last words to the Federation?" he asked, a little bit surprised.

A wisp of a smile appeared on the Klingon's face. "I have come to know that you Terrans bury their dead and I intend to send your body to Starfleet as a sign of respect. So, if you want to leave a message, then I will pass it to the Federation, too."

Another wave of dread filled him; they were speaking of his mortal remains after his execution, for God's sake. He was scared, but he managed carefully, "Just let them know that I regret nothing."

Kor nodded. "As you wish!" He waved towards the guards then knocked his fist against his chest and opened his hand – the traditional Klingon salute. "Captain!"

"Fleet Commander!" Jim replied, then strong fingers clasped around his upper arms, and they led him away; his two executors and their first officers followed him.

They brought him back into the cellars but turned another way, heading towards a larger room that was farther away from the main-part of the office area and had a heavy door. They passed a metal tube and Jim realized that it was a coffin – his coffin!

And with this sight came the horror – strong, icy cold and overwhelming. His mind hissed that the Klingons let see him his own coffin on purpose to increase his fear. His soul cried out. Only his obstinacy was stronger as they dragged him into the room that held only a table, two chairs and a manacle-device that had been quickly installed at the ceiling. At the table laid two stick-like instruments and several other items. Jim didn't want to learn what their use, still he knew he would.

Khret and Karum tore the shirt from his body and forced his hands over his head; only one desperate thought rose in him. 'Sweet Lord, HELP ME!'

ST***ST***ST

"Mr. Kyle says that the transport of our guests is going very well. We can leave Kenda in less than half an hour," Uhura reported after contacting the transporter room.

Most of the guests had beamed down to the planet into the visitor center the Kendanian government had prepared for them. Word had gotten around that the captain of the starship had stayed behind to help a young woman and her children evacuate, but the Klingons had arrived. The crew would return to Turkana to try to save their captain and friend. So the people hurried as much as they could, because all – aside from the smallest of children – knew what the fate of the commanding officer would be if he were caught.

The young woman Jim helped was shocked. She plagued and blamed herself; if she had obeyed her husband, the young, nice captain wouldn't be in mortal danger now. Still she was glad to have escaped an unhappy marriage and life under the Klingons' pressure.

Spock sat in the captain's chair and nodded at Uhura's words. "Very well! As soon as the last group has departs, contact the government official, confirm that all people are on Kenda and then we will leave for the recovery mission."

"Hopefully with a better outcome than last time. Finally, we're doing something!" The grumbling voice belonged to McCoy, who stepped on the bridge and looked at the Vulcan. "I came to report that all people in need of medical care are safely on the planet and that my colleagues down there have responsibility for them!"

"Thank you, Doctor." Spock lifted a brow.

"Right," Bones nodded. "I'll be glad when we finally get to Turkana. Jim needs us! And if the Klingons want to give us trouble, we take them out!"

"Hopefully we don't have to do something like that. Their fleet is situated such that it would be the Klingons who would take us out!" The way the Vulcan used this phrase made the most senior officers chuckle, including Leonard.

All of sudden, Uhura tensed, adjusted the receiver on her station and listened very carefully. She paled beneath her chocolate skin. "Spock," she whispered, forgetting to address him correctly on duty. "A message from Turkana. It's on the official frequency."

"What is it?" the Vulcan asked; something Jim would call 'a bad feeling' spread in his gut.

Nyota turned around, her large eyes showed dismay. "It's from the Klingon fleet commander, Kor. He says that they have Kirk and… and that he ordered… his execution." The bridge fell deadly silent. There were tears in Uhura's eyes now as she added beneath her breath. "Jim is sentenced to death by torture."

You could have heard a pin drop as everyone on the bridge froze in horror.

"No…" was all McCoy could muster to say, before he lowered his head and pressed a suddenly shaking hand against his mouth, feeling nausea washing over him. Not Jim… Not this cheerful, life-hungry and bright Iowa-kid! It couldn't be that something this terrible should happen to Jim!

Sulu and Chekov stared at each other in shock while Spock sat motionless in the captain's chair and felt the same sharp stab of pain – the one he felt as he watched the light go out in Jim's eyes on the other side of the contamination barrier in the Engineering. A tremor went through him, intense with coldness and dread that even his Vulcan control couldn't stop.

Jim… His T'hy'la…

Not only was he going to lose him a second time; now Jim faced an even worse death than before. And there was nothing he could do about it – not soon enough anyway. And he didn't dare to imagine what then would be left of his best friend. Spock knew enough about Klingon methods of torment to shudder inwardly at the mere thought. Suddenly, the wrath of the ancient warrior that lived in every Vulcan despite their chosen way of peace, flared angrily within him.

"Mr. Sulu," he said with a dangerous, low voice. "Set course to Turkana, maximum warp. Lieutenant Uhura, contact the transporter room and tell Mr. Kyle that the last people should be beamed down within the next ten minutes. He must finish quickly." His gaze found the young Russian. "Mr. Chekov, during our flight to Turkana you will work with Mr. Scott and Mr. Keenser to increase the distance our torpedoes can travel. I know that Starfleet Command has recalled the weapons Section 31 created, but in this case I see no other option than this technology if we want to bring the mission to a successful end. Dr. Marcus will assist you. She is familiar with this technology."

McCoy looked tensely at the Vulcan. "We are still going to get Jim?"

"Of course, Doctor. Though the Klingons have sentenced him to die by torture, it lengthens are timetable for rescue." He looked up at Leonard and added softly. "He will need all the help you can give as soon as we have him onboard, and I will offer to share my mental strengths with him to stabilize his mind and soul. He may be in a terrible condition, but he will be alive. His mental and physical care is up to us."

He looked at Uhura and for a moment he wanted to go to comfort her; there were tears on her cheeks. As much as a good and composed officer she was, right now she was only a friend of Kirk, and she suffered vicariously with him. "We will get him," he said softly. "Please try to reach The Shadow. They have ways and means that we are going to need. Sunrise was apprehensive over Jim's safety. Maybe we can persuade him to help us rescue the captain. Use Code 9. And inform Commodore Wesley about our intentions, when…" He had hesitated a moment, before he said firmly, "After we are back in Borderland." He caught several surprised glances and added, "I think Mr. Sulu's unconventional methods are contagious."

ST***ST***ST

Commodore Wesley stared with wide eyes at the computer terminal in his quarters as he listened to the Klingon transmission given in Federation Standard. He recognized Kor's deep voice instantly. He and the fleet commander had negotiated on Organia for days and even had a few whiskies together – something Bob never mentioned in his report and he was certain that Kor had swept this private encounter under the rug, too.

So, the Klingons did find Jim Kirk and of course the Klingon lord went with the given sentence of the High Council. And, as Wesley knew the way of thinking of this race, they would try to coax information out of the young captain in the process – a process that made Bob sick. Good Lord, why must Kirk always play the hero? Why did he value his life so little that he continually got himself in the most impossible situations? Yes, of course, every honorable man would have tried to help the poor woman and her children. Bob would've done the same in Jim's place – still the commodore railed against the fate that was about to send the young man to an early grave.

He worried at his bottom lip in thought then hailed the bridge. "Lieutenant Palmers, open one of the frequencies Lord Kor used and try to contact him. I want to speak with him in private."

"Aye, sir!" the answer came instantly, as if the communication officer had expected this order. Maybe he had.

Wesley knew that he was taking great risk. He was about to speak with a high ranking staff officer of the enemy without the admiralty's order or even allowance. If one of the admiralty learned of it, he could face trial; still he saw no other way. What was one of Kirk's favorite phrases? 'Desperate situations call for despite measures.' Well, you certainly could call Bob's action a 'desperate measure', but he would try anything to save his young friend.

He had to wait only a few minutes until the screen of his terminal brightened and showed the familiar face of the last descendant of the Klingon emperor's family. The almond-shaped dark eyes looked calmly at Bob, while the deep grumbling voice of Kor sounded through the speakers.

"Commodore Wesley! This is a surprise – or perhaps not."

"Lord Kor!" Bob greeted and lowered for a moment his head as a sign of respect, before he said, "As we parted on Organia I hoped we would meet again someday, but under better circumstances than those we are facing now."

"I agree," Kor replied. "But fate held another path for us. We are at war now, and I don't think your admiralty would welcome your decision to contact me directly."

Bob shrugged casually. "Sometimes it is better to let two warriors talk with each other alone, rather than a dozen chiefs."

A hint of a smile was on the Klingon's face before he retorted, "This opinion we shared before and do still." Then he became serious. "I know why you want to speak with me – and whatever you want to say on the behalf of James Kirk I have to state that there is nothing you or I could do."

Taking a deep breath Wesley fixed Ryan's son. "I know that Kirk's 'visit' on Qo'noS was anything but satisfying. But just for the record, it wasn't Kirk's fault what happened there."

"Still his appearance initiated a row of events that led to the death of three Klingon patrols and a destroyed D4-scout. The High Council regards this and his action concerning the tribble event as acts of terrorism against the Empire and handed down the sentence that I must execute."

Bob bent slightly forward. "But it wouldn't be the first time that prisoners were set free in exchange for someone else, or…"

"The Federation has no Klingon prisoners, Commodore – unless this has changed within the last hours. And even if so, I would have to consult my superiors to put your request forward. There aren't many people important enough to exchange them for a criminal like Kirk."

"A criminal?" Wesley felt the irrational impulse to laugh. "For God's sake, Kor, this boy is barely an adult and risked his life to protect your home planet."

"He did what?" The bushy brows of the Klingon shot up.

"He did – but I can't give you details. You just have to trust my word." He sighed. "Still, I admit that the whole thing turned into a disaster, but believe me – Kirk is neither a terrorist nor a murderer."

"This depends on the point of view," Kor replied dryly, before he cocked his head. "Why is he so important to you? Why are you risking your career by contacting me in private – me, a military leader of the Federation's enemy?"

Wesley knew that he was treading on very thin ice, still he trusted his gut. Kor was a Klingon warrior through and through and as a result, very dangerous. But he was also honorable and sincere – two characteristics Bob appreciated. "Because Jim Kirk is like a son to me," he admitted and saw his counterpart pursing his lips; something akin to understanding flashed in his dark eyes.

"Then I am sorry for the personal loss you will have to face, Commodore. You are one of the few Terrans I have come to respect. Perhaps it will make you proud to know that Kirk met his fate with his head held up high as you Earthlings say. He could have gotten a quick death by giving us information we require, but he refused. And he showed bravado the whole time in my presence. I almost regret that I had to order his execution, because I regard courage highly, but I have no other choice."

"There must be something you would accept in exchange for his life!" Bob threw in, careful not to reveal the despair slowly overwhelming him.

"If there were something important enough that the council would accept, I would tell you." Kor's face softened – something rarely seen. "Maybe it comforts you that I've already ordered Kirk's mortal remains sent to the Federation when the sentence is fulfilled. He also wanted to let you – his friends – and his family know that he 'regrets nothing'."

Bob lowered his head. He knew that there was nothing more he could do to save his young friend's life. Kor's next words confirmed it.

"I am sorry, Wesley, but my hands are tied. Farewell!" He bent forward and killed the connection, leaving a grief-stricken Bob Wesley alone.

For several moments the commodore sat only there, looking into emptiness, then he balled his hands into fists trying to keep his anger at bay. He hailed the bridge. "Lieutenant, connect me with the Enterprise!" he barked and waited for longer than seemed necessary. Palmer's voice sounded, "I am sorry, Commodore, but the Enterprise doesn't answer."

"I beg your pardon?" Bob asked, baffled.

"There is no answer, sir. Shall I try to contact the officials of Kenda to ask if she is still there?"

Wesley's mind was steeped in turmoil. It didn't take a genius to understand what was happening. He would bet money that the Enterprise was about to set off on a completely idiotic, suicidal rescue mission in an attempt to save their captain. And if it weren't for the Lexington's state, he would gladly accompany them, even if it meant breaking a handful or two of Starfleet rules. But he could do something else. He could feign ignorance of the crew's intention.

"No, Lieutenant, I am certain that she is still at Kenda. Maybe they have another problem with their communication systems. The repairs weren't when Kirk left Starbase 84. I'll try it later again."

He leaned back and rubbed his face, asking himself if his decision would lead to more deaths and the loss of the flagship, or to the rescue of Jim Kirk. Then something hit him. Spock had reported the short contact with The Shadow; he told of the outraged reaction of one of the militia's members when he learned of Kirk's fate. 'Sunrise'; it must be a code name. He altered his voice during any contact in order that all attempts at voice analysis failed. Wesley had a feeling this man and 'Drythen' were the same person. Maybe this outlaw, whoever he was, could help. The Shadow operated on the outskirts of the law, and Bob didn't want to think of this detail too much. But they could support the Enterprise and, above all, Jim, well hell! He'd take them.

One look at his terminal told him that the eavesdropping shield was still active. He also knew from Spock's report that 'Sunrise' used Code 9 to contact the Enterprise only hours ago, warning them of the approaching Klingon fleet. 'If only Jim would have listened to his mysterious friend!' Wesley thought and activated a line of some main frequencies. It was about time to use some unconventional methods.

TBC…

Aaaand the next cliffhanger. I have to repeat myself: I warned you (*laugh*). I know this is really a mean moment to end the chapter, after all it is even part 1 of 2 parts. So, our Jim is in dreading trouble and the rescuer haven't even reached Turkana, whereby the Enterprise is even more far away than Khan.

In the next chapter – as you certainly assume – comes the 'high noon', so to say. Of course Khan will stop at nothing to get to Jim, but between the two men stand a whole Klingon squadron and natural as well as technical barriers. Right, Khan is driven by his fierce determination, basing of feelings he hasn't recognized until now, still even an Augment can be defeated, if he is too outnumbered – or not?

As you see, the whole thing remains gripping.

I hope you liked the new chapter, even if you certainly feel sorry for Jim. Well, nonetheless he can call himself lucky to have such loyal friends and a brilliant and savagely lover, who is hell-bent to rescue him. I'm also curious what you think of Kor's and Kirk's talk, Spock's willingness to disobey rules to help his T'hy'la and Wesley's risky contact with Kor.

The next chapter comes sometime next week.

Have a nice weekend,

Yours Starflight