Sorry it's been awhile, but I've been working on my Sherolly stuff! Hope you enjoy this chapter...it's leading up to the next one :)
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"Jim there's been talk about war with the Klingons for years." Admiral Bryant said leaning back in his chair. "Some feel it is inevitable."
"So inevitable that they would break peace treaties to start a war?" Jim asked. "I think you know what I'm talking about sir."
"Marcus…" The Admiral sighed deeply. "Let me be frank with you Jim, I have wondered for quite some time exactly where Marcus's mind was…even before all this mess with waking up the Augments and the building of those war ships. He's been talking about a Klingon free Universe for a long time Jim…and he's only gotten more maniacal with it as the years have gone by. I know for a fact there are those who have been listening to him."
"I need names sir."
"Jim you need to understand how big this is…it's bigger than you or me. There are people loyal to Star Fleet and others just as loyal to a man and his cause…no matter how insane it might be. You have to tread carefully."
Jim nodded. "I can't just sit here and do nothing sir. I have reason to believe that Marcus is already using one of Khan's ships to attack an innocent planet. The Wodehouse received the distress signal, but under the advice of Mr. Spock, I chose to reach out to you first."
"You were wise to take his council son." Admiral Bryant said leaning closer to the screen. "We already knew about the distress signal. It's not the only one that Star Fleet has intercepted. There have been three others, all in close proximity. We believe, as apparently Mr. Spock does, that Marcus is trying to draw you out Jim…and if not you, its Khan he wants."
"Then give me permission to go after him before it gets worse and more lives are lost."
"The Wodehouse is in no shape to engage in battle Jim…"
Jim interrupted. "We can't just do nothing! What about the two women Marcus took…"
"If you will let me finish son." Admiral Bryant said smiling. "The Wodehouse is no match for one of Khan's warships, but the U.S.S. Pike is."
Jim blinked. "I'm sorry sir…the U.S.S. Pike…I don't understand."
"As you know there were eleven of the war ships that Khan created for Marcus. All were hidden away in strategically placed areas to be used at Marcus' beck and call. About three days before Marcus disappeared from lock up, we were able to locate one. It was hidden behind one of Alpha Numera 7's moons. We confiscated it and rechristened it. She's yours now Jim."
Jim stared at the screen shocked.
The Admiral continued in the face of the young Captain's silence. "Starfleet isn't as in the dark about this whole mess as you might think Jim. In fact, we've been watching Marcus and several others for some time now. I want you to bring the Wodehouse back to San Francisco and prepare your crew for its new vessel."
"What are you thinking about Carol?" Khan asked as he ran his fingertips through her hair.
She turned her head to look up at him as he was holding her against him as they sat on the window sill looking out into the vast open space. "I am thinking how you can think you know someone and wonder if you ever knew them at all."
"You are speaking of your father." Khan said tightening his arms around her. "I am sorry that this is happening. I know that it must be so difficult for you."
"I can't fathom what changed within him. He was always a hard man, yes, but kind, loving, and just. I'm just so shocked by all of this. I never knew he had such hatred and cruelty within him. It frightens me."
Khan kissed the top of her head. "You have nothing to fear. I would never let him hurt you Carol. You are safe with me."
"It's not him harming me that I'm afraid off. It's…I…never mind, I'm just being ridiculous." She said softly.
"Tell me what's bothering you Carol. Do not keep it inside of you."
"It's just…he's not the man who raised me. He's not the father I knew and loved, it's like he had this whole Jekyll personality. And what if…what if he never was who I thought he was? What if he's always been this cruel monster…what if it's genetic?"
"You think his insanity is hereditary? Khan asked. "No, that will not happen to you, love. I do not know what happened to make him into the man he is now, but it is not genetic. He has made choices and he will answer for them. It is not in you to be vindictive and cruel."
Carol turned in his arms and looked at him. "Khan…I don't want you to kill him. I want him to have to answer for what he did, but I want him to face Star Fleet. Killing him will let him off the hook to easy…it's what he would want, a swift death and to not have to face all the people he betrayed."
The muscle in Khan's jaw twitched. "I cannot deny Magnus or Eurick the right to his blood should they chose to have it. And he will not die quickly, believe me." Carol tried not to, but she shuddered at his words. Khan's face softened. "Let us not speak on this. It is upsetting to you."
"Torturing him is barbaric and you are not an animal Khan. You are a living, breathing being with a mind, soul, and heart, just like Magnus and Eurick. Being genetically superior does not make you monsters. Please remember that."
Khan cupped her face and smiled. "I do love you Carol." His head descended and he pressed his lips to hers. "I have missed having you with me."
She laughed softly. "You mean you've missed having me in your bed."
He grinned against her mouth. "That too…" He said before deepening the kiss. "How about it Carol…will you come to my bed?"
She sat up as far as he would allow. "Right this minute?"
He smiled and kissed her again. "Why not?"
"Because I am on duty!" She said trying to wiggle out of his arms.
He laughed at her struggles. "You are weak woman! I am barely holding you."
"Well you're a genetic freak!" She grunted trying to no avail to get free.
"Carol, your struggles are only providing me with much more pleasure." He whispered against her neck, dropping his voice an octave lower. She shuddered against him. He grinned and nibbled her ear lobe. "Do I still take your breath away?"
She fell back against him. "Always Khan…you will always take my breath away."
He maneuvered her body so that he could stand with her in his arms. Her cheeks colored and she wiggled against him. "Put me down! What if someone sees us?"
"So what if they do." He said with a bored expression and carried her down the corridor.
"Khan put me down!" She squeaked, the flush from her cheeks moving over her entire body.
"You worry too much what others will think." Khan said turning down another corridor that would take them to his quarters.
"Oh God…" Carol mumbled when she saw Mr. Spock approaching with what she could almost swear was an amused expression. She buried her head in Khan's chest.
"Good evening Khan…Dr. Marcus…" Spock said in his normal monotone. "I hope you are well Dr. Marcus and not in need of medical attention."
"Actually Mr. Spock Carol is quite fine. We are on our way to my quarters." Khan said trying to keep the amusement from his voice.
"So I observed." Spock said dryly. "Shall I inform the Captain that you are indisposed for the next hour Dr. Marcus?"
"Perhaps you should make is two hours Mr. Spock." Khan said mischievously.
"I hate you both." Came the muffled voice of Carol.
Khan laughed while Spock's brow quirked. "Indeed Dr. Marcus?" Spock said. "That is most unfortunate. But please carry on."
Spock continued on his way as Khan finally reached his cabin with Carol. He keyed in his code and the door opened. He carried Carol in and tossed her unceremoniously on the bed.
Khan covered her body with his before she had time to move. "Now Dr. Marcus…you are all mine and I plan on making up for lost time."
I know this was a shorter chapter...but I did want to post somethig before the next one which I am working on. It will be longer.
Hope you enjoyed Khan and Carol's little reunion and yes, there is WAY more to come in the next chapter :)
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