Hi, my dear readers!

Happy New Year to all of you and I hope you got a good start into the first week of work. Thank you so much for all the comments you left and I'm happy that you loved the last chapter so much.

Well, the new one will hold some surprises for our heroes and you. As already revealed in the epilogue of the last installment, Luengo & Co are laying out the trap for Jim, Nien and the others, what will lead to another part of the adventure and is going to peak in the big show-down. You also will learn more about the captive's planned fate and you'll meet M'Rek, the Klingon Chancellor again.

Have fun

Love

Yours Starflight

Chapter 52 – There is no choice given

After their visit to the brig, Spock led Kirk and McCoy to his that he shared with Uhura, which was also safe from any bugs, as the Vulcan and she had personally checked it over. Only then did he tell them of his own thoughts concerning Section 31 – that he had already anticipated that the SBI was behind everything. Last but not least, Admiral Luengo's involvement in Khan's forced stay in the secret labs and Luengo's resistance to offering any help as Jim had been taken prisoner by the Klingons had given Spock the idea.

The three friends discussed the whole situation, yet they knew that they were running out of time. They would meet Wesley tomorrow and until then, they had to find ironclad proof of what was going on. Even if the commodore believed their assumptions without it, his hands would be tied.

And there was still the threat that Section 31 would take action against Kirk and the others soon, and that manifest itself in many ways – from an open attack to a deadly trap.

As the friends finally separated, it was already evening and Jim felt tired out. Checking in one last time with the bridge, he went to his quarters, ready to fall into bed, even though he doubted that he'd be able to sleep.

He stepped into his quarters – trying to suppress the memory that this bastard of Nureaux had gone through his personal things – and stopped dead in his tracks. The light was at seventy-five percent, soft music played, the table was set for two including a candle, and the pleasant smell of lemongrass lay in the air. Nien waited for him, clad in his Indic clothes and bare feet.

"What…?" Jim began rather dumfounded and Khan smiled softly.

"I heard you had a rough day."

Jim snorted gently. "And yours wasn't any better – after all, it was you who was threatened with a phaser."

"Yes, but you were threatened by your own emotions." Nien closed the distance between them and cupped his beloved's face with both hands. "I sensed your fury, your loathing – your utter rage while you were down in the brig. I know that there are only a few things which can elicit such an outraged reaction from you, among them an offense and threat towards one of your family – or me."

Kirk looked up in those fathomless blue-green eyes, full of understanding and soothing comfort, and let himself sink against the Augment. He felt those long strong arms wrap around him and sighed with the first peace in what felt like hours. Had been hours. Leaning his head in the crook of Nien's neck, he closed his eyes and let the physical and mental warmth wash over him before he murmured, "That goddamned bastard talked as if you were…a thing. And there was so much hatred. He lost a cousin in the Vengeance's crash and…" He took another deep breath and Khan's scent calmed him even more. "Spock checked his file. It was altered, the real one was in Command's database and he hacked in. Spock thinks that the SBI is behind everything – that it's about to re-build Section 31. Only they have access to all the data they need, have their own people which officially don't even exist, and are strong enough to pull the strings they need to succeed."

Khan pursed his lips, ignoring the short sting deep inside as he realized that once again, a stranger directed murderous attention towards him because of what happened last year – even if he was innocent in the matter of the crash. "It makes sense; I have to agree with Mr. Spock," he said slowly. "Intelligence, secret services, agents – they always work in the shadows, steering events, people, and even whole governments. And the devices and transmitters are used by the SBI, as Lieutenant Uhura affirmed. All evidence points at the SBI, yet we've no proof."

Jim groaned and stepped back. "I'm almost sure that Bob is going to believe me, but you're right. Without any proof, he can't act. And how should he act without giving himself and us away? If the SBI is behind this whole mess, then how should we proceed without giving ourselves away?"

Khan cocked his head. "Section 31 – or whatever it's called now – already knows that it's about to be revealed, otherwise Nureaux wouldn't have gotten the order to spy on you and –"

"And on you, too!" Jim rubbed his neck. "Spock broke the code of Nureaux's PADD. There are very clear photos and records of us on Aldebaran – in the bar, in the space port, on the hyper-bike…" He shook his head. "Command – or at least the SBI – knows that we two are working together and assumes correctly that you're aboard."

"Then it's only a matter of time until they try to get us," the former dictator mused, before he added, "Lieutenant Uhura found out that Nureaux had already sent a subspace message via the high-tech transmitter that was found in his quarters. She tried to reconstruct it to learn its content."

A snort escaped Kirk. "I think I already know what it says: that you're on the Enterprise. Nureaux was on the bridge yesterday and saw you – recognized you. Of course he informed his superiors of his first little success by finding you here." He shook his head. "Dammit! If Barnett was still alive and in charge, I would bring him in on this. He's one of those men you can trust, but now we're going to need a miracle." He rubbed his eyes. God, he was sick of this all!

"A miracle? Well, I don't believe in miracles but I believe it's about time you have something to eat and to relax afterwards," the super-human said sternly and gestured towards the table. "Sit down; I've already programed the replicator."

Without protest, Jim did as he was told. He was too tired and still too stirred up to refuse. "What's on the menu?" he asked and caught a mischievous smile from his mate, while Nien stood at the device.

"One of your favorites," Khan answered. "Unhealthy with far too much fat, yet after the unpleasant events of the last two days, an exception is in order." He took the tray the replicator delivered, returned to the table – and Jim's eyes widened in utter surprise, as he caught sight of a double-cheeseburger, tomatoes, pickles, onions, a lot of mayonnaise and ketchup, and a portion of French fries.

"Bones would hypo me into the next week if he saw this," he said with the happiness of a child at Christmas.

"Then we should keep this our secret," Khan chuckled and sat down, too. He had ordered the same for himself, yet he wasn't too thrilled about it. Still, sharing the same meal symbolized closeness, and he was willing to give the 'American finger-food' (as he called it), a try. After the first bite he had to admit that it wasn't all bad. By the third bite, he realized why so many people might love this stuff. Spicy, sour, yet a little bit sweet, salty because of the fried potatoes... Yes, he had eaten worse!

'You should try it, big bro. I know you're going to love it!' Joaquin's cheerful voice sounded in his memories, while the young Israeli beamed at him – mouth smeared with ketchup and mayonnaise. They had been in New Delhi at the time, shortly before Khan had become ruler of India, and later of the whole of Asia. Joaquin had been only thirteen and…

"You like it?"

The gentle tenor was different from his little brother's voice, and the eyes which looked at him expectantly were blue and not hazel, yet the excitement and the grin were the same. And just like all those years – no, centuries! – ago, Khan couldn't resist the cheerfulness.

"Yes, it's…unexpected-tasting."

Jim began to laugh. "Oh my god, you sound like Spock!"

Khan grimaced. "I really can't imagine him eating something like this – too unhealthy and far too much flesh."

Kirk still snickered. "Yeah, he would raise both brows and glare at me with that expression that tells me I'm absolutely nuts."

"Sometimes his assumptions concerning his crew mates are correct," Khan teased and scowled as a napkin came flying his way. He caught it a second before it collided with his face.

Jim grinned broadly at him and pointed at the napkin. "Don't be shocked, honey. I'm 'nuts', as you stated a second ago."

He ducked as the napkin was thrown back at him and burst out laughing as a second cloth came flying towards him immediately afterwards. Catching it, he lifted his hand with it as if he wanted to send it back, then he smirked and placed it in his lap. "Is that correct behavior for a king?" he snickered, and Nien's eyes widened.

"You started this childish game," he said, and Kirk chuckled even more.

"I'm only a mere human and 'nuts', but you're supposed to be the superior here, so…"

He didn't get further as the Augment rose and was in front of the captain in the blink of an eye, pulling him to his feet. Before Jim could even begin to protest, he was lifted up and thrown over one strong shoulder, carried away like a sack of potatoes.

"Hey, this is manhandling your commanding officer!" Jim called, feeling lightheaded from dangling upside down – and getting a very good view of Khan's slender backside.

"Those who behave like a child shall be handled like a child," Nien stated with a low drawl. A second before he could dump Kirk onto the bed the younger man's hands gripped his ass and began to knead it. Nien groaned as long-suppressed desire instantly flared up. Alas, this crazy boy-man would be his doom one day. Growling something in his native tongue, he all but hurled Kirk onto the bunk. Jim began to laugh, barely catching his breath. The Augment was over him in an instant, and before Jim could react, Khan stripped him of the golden uniform tunic.

"So impatient?" Kirk teased again – and gasped as those long strong fingers grasped his black undershirt material and ripped it apart.

If Jim was aroused before, he now felt pure fire raging through his whole being as he met Nien's fierce gaze, and saw the naked hunger on the slender, pale face. The sudden animalistic side of his mate made him almost come right there and then. Without thinking, he reached for Khan and pulled him towards him; their mouths came together in a wild battle of teeth and tongues.

Dinner was forgotten – the whole mess of the last two days was forgotten. Nothing else mattered more except the sheer need to feel and to become one once more.

For one sane moment, Jim thought that maybe fate did mean well and that it was lucky Nureaux had been stopped before he installed the bug. The noises escaping Nien and him would have made any listener blush. Then all clear thought left the young captain completely as he gave in to his burning passion and to the man who was able to elicit it…

ST***ST***ST

The little spacecraft flew at Warp 3 through the area called the Borderland between Tarlac and Turkana, heading towards Yaraka. Aboard it was early afternoon, by ship's time and in concert with New Aberdeen on Aldebaran, yet the Rigelian at the comms station yawed as if it were late at night.

Ritek rubbed his neck to stay awake, though he had good reason to be as tired as he was. Diego, Galven, and he had dismantled the SDD from the Shadow and reinstalled it in the Santo Domingo – a small spacecraft Diego de la Vega-Martinez had repaired in his workshop four years ago but which had never been collected. Only several months later Diego had learned that the owner had died in an accident and as no-one had claimed the Santo Domingo, Diego had kept it as repayment for his work. But he rarely used it. It was small, could hold no more than eight humans, and maximum speed was Warp 4. In addition, the replicator could only produce food for a week. It was a short-distance shuttle, nothing special – and therefore perfect for the gang's new mission.

The Shadow and her sister ship were too well-known by the Orions and the Klingons by now, and the same went for Diego's larger ship. After the stunt they pulled at Turkana it would have been suicide to use one of them in the Borderland again. The previous days had proved that, after Galven, Ritek, and the others barely escaped the Klingon patrol. Yet they'd have to go deep into hostile territory if they wanted to have the tiniest chance of discovering if any of the delegation or the admirals had survived. And, also, Galven hadn't given up hope of find out something about his brother.

But the success of the mission also depended on their ability to stay hidden, hence they needed the SDD – and to dismount and re-install it had taken time. Time they didn't have, and therefore the three men had worked through the night to attach Khan's 'baby' to the Santo Domingo.

Now Ritek sat at the comms station and listened to the transmissions coming through the commonly-used frequencies, eavesdropping on smugglers, pirates, dealers, and even some Klingons, yet there was no mention of the missing officers and diplomats.

Galven rose from his command chair and walked towards him. "Anything?" he asked for what felt like the tenth time within the last hour.

"Nothing – just like three minutes ago when you asked me," Ritek groaned. "I've learned all about forbidden love affairs, smuggled drugs, black market prices, but nothing about stranded Starfleet personnel and diplomats." He looked up at the Tellarit. "I think we've no other choice than to visit Yaraka's moon in person."

Galven nodded. He'd already assumed as much. "Right, let us have a closer look there – even if I really don't like it. We should also –"

"Wait a moment!" Ritek interrupted him and adjusted the receiver of the comms station. "I caught something. There is someone inviting others to a 'special auction'."

Frowning, the Tellarit braced himself with a hoof-like hand on the console. "What kind of 'special auction'?"

Again Ritek listened closely before he shook his head. "There is no elaboration, but those who are being contacted seem to understand what this guy is talking about." He lowered his head-set. "Aren't there rumors about the Klingon commander of the Borderland forbidding a slave-trade?"

Galven nodded slowly. "You mean this guy is calling for a slave auction and is avoiding being explicit because he fears the Klingons would interference?"

"Maybe," the Rigelian replied slowly. "I'll try to get some information off those who are interested in the auction and use one of their identities to ask the vendor some questions."

"A good idea!" the Tellarit oinked. "Just don't get caught."

"I'm a bloody beginner?"

"Sometimes!"

At the helm Jeff rolled his eyes as a new verbal battle between the two unlike beings broke out.

ST***ST***ST

M'Rek, Chancellor of the Klingon High Council, stared with narrowed eyes at the screen of his terminal, the image of the Federation President Robertson frozen after the Klingon had ordered the computer to stop the message he'd just received.

Disbelieving, he stared into the semi-darkness of his private quarters, trying to digest what he'd just heard and learned. The Federation delegation had been killed within the Borderland by three Klingon vessels who were commanded by someone impersonating Kor, son of R'yan. And, at the same time, another Kor had gone after two commanders who'd gone rogue and attacked the Enterprise?

What in Kahless' name was going on here? Was this a Federation trick so they could cancel the upcoming conference without losing face – a conference they themselves had requested? And if so, why was the Federation no longer interested in peace talks? Had it found a new kind of super-weapon with which it thought to force the Klingons to their knees? Or did Robertson speak the truth and there were 'two' Kors out there – one hunting a vessel that travelled under a white flag, while the other one tried to support Kirk, of all people!? It didn't matter – what mattered was the fact that someone had humiliated the whole Empire by violating the ceasefire and attacking a Starfleet ship that carried diplomats and several admirals. What mattered was that there were obviously people within his own circles who'd thought his word didn't hold any valuable anymore!

He knew that several members of the High Council didn't agree with his decision to accept the offer of peace talks, yet it was unthinkable that some of them would rebel against his order and dishonor the Empire in this way. It was almost laughable that particularly Kor should be this one of them!

But an inner voice told him that the Federation president wasn't lying in his message, and that there had been several incidents which forced Robertson to contact him with this news.

M'Rek cursed. Ten members of the Council were already at Azure Nebular, their subordinates preparing everything for the conference. The Federation's delegation had been expected within the next few hours. But instead of a meeting, there would be nothing – only new riddles to be solved. Against his will, the Klingon chancellor came to understand why his Federation counterpart demanded answers. If the situation were the other way around, he would do be doing the same – by the Black Fleet; he would demand satisfaction by attacking instantly, yet the Federation avoided violence again. Robertson was clearly outraged, but remained polite in his transmission – polite but stern. Again understandable!

Robertson had also given him an ultimatum. Within five days, the Klingons had to give some plausible explanation or the war would continue. And according to the president's remarks, the Federation already knew of the new cloaking device, and had their own way to make its ships invisible. If the aggression continued, it would reach new levels, this much M'Rek knew. Even his Klingon pride didn't blind him to the prospect of upcoming bloodshed that would outdo anything in recorded history.

He didn't like the latter option. Yes, to fight and die in battle was honorable, yet there wouldn't be much honor in governing if the Federation and the Klingons battled against each other until there was nothing left to fight for.

M'Rek needed answers – as quickly as possible.

Bending forwards, he hailed his assistant and demanded a full report of Kor's last activities.

"Of all his activities, Milord?" Kless'H asked carefully after hearing his superior's order.

"Yes, all activities!" M'Rek barked. "When he left Turkana, where he went, when and if he flew into Federation territory, with whom he spoke to on and off his ship, when he woke up – Kahless, even when he went to bed! I need a full report – preferable yesterday! And then I want information about those two commanders who obviously belonged to his fleet, and clearly went insane! And then get me Lord K'Ral from Intelligence. I want to know who the idiot was who pretended to be Kor. And quickly, Kless'H!"

His assistant nodded hastily. "As you wish, Milord!" The screen went dark again and M'Rek leant back in his chair. Someone was fooling around here – not only with the Federation, but also with the honor of the Klingon Empire! He would learn the truth, and those who were responsible for bringing disgrace to the High Council and to him would pay dearly!

ST***ST***ST

"Admiral, Admiral Norton is here for you," Luengo's secretary reported. It was early morning in San Francisco, and despite the late time of year, the skies were blue and the sun promised a day without the fog this town was famous for.

"Thank you," Luengo answered, and watched Albert enter his office.

"You wanted to talk to me?" he asked, and José nodded.

"Yes, please have a seat." He pointed at one of the two visitor's chairs on the other side of his desk – his new desk in Barnett's former office! He waited until Norton had made himself comfortable, then he began to speak.

"I may have to alter my position, and the same goes for you. The fact that the assault on the Excalibur didn't bring about the results we wanted has disrupted our plan immensely. It really is irritating that our Klingon allies pretended to be someone who'd supported the Enterprise at the same time somewhere else…but this could play directly in our hands. I've already said that the Klingons seem to have internal differences that would make another attempted conference far too dangerous for us."

He motioned for Norton to come around the desk and to step beside him. "I obtained a copy of Robertson's message to the Klingons." He opened the transmission and let Albert watch it before he switched the terminal off and looked up at him. "We've five days to sort everything to our favor."

"How?" Albert prompted and sat down again.

"We'll have to intercept the transmission of the Klingon chancellor so that the ultimatum will pass without a result. Then the Council will have no other choice than to believe that the Klingons are indeed gearing up for another strike and that the ceasefire was nothing more than a trap. Then they'll have to agree that we have to strengthen Starfleet to protect our borders. Command will finally be taking the military path." He took a deep breath. "And because of the lack of staff officers, they'll name me Chief in Command permanently. Then I – we – will have a free hand to do anything that is necessary to keep the Federation safe, to reconquer our annexed areas, and to enlarge our territory."

Norton nodded slowly. "For the latter we need the biological weapon and..."

"I know!" José interrupted him. "We have to tighten the schedule and make the needed arrangements sooner than intended – meaning, we have to lay out our trap for Kirk and the Augment now!"

"What's about Nureaux?"

"I don't know. I got his last and only message more than thirty hours ago. It could mean that he wasn't able to install the bugs in Kirk's quarters, or that he hasn't found out anything useful to us until now. Nevertheless, I'll initiate the next step of the plan. The Enterprise will be given a new mission – the one that will force Kirk to reveal where his true loyalties lie, and which will end him. And which will give the Augment back to your scientists."

"It's about time. Dashwood and Conelly are about to panic because the last experiments weren't nearly as satisfying like the former ones. They need the Augment's blood soon – especially if we want to be ready for the next level of battle within a few days."

Luengo sighed. "Scientists are always impatient and in a panic as soon as something is off schedule. As far as I understood what Dashwood was saying, the biological weapon is as good as finished, and Khan's blood cells are only needed to start the serial production." He smoothed his moustache. "And in case something's happened to him that prevents Dashwood from getting more of his blood on regular basis, you should select some of Khan's fellow Augments to do the job." He lifted a hand as Norton began to protest. "I know, I know, Khan's blood has the perfect cells that Dashwood and Conelly need, yet should he not survive, their using another Augment is better than nothing. When Kirk has been arrested and the creature is back in stasis, Styles will deliver further five or six Augments to Dashwood."

Norton sighed. "Dashwood could have had those Augments much sooner, if…"

"If I hadn't have been under close observation during the last few weeks which tied my hands, as you certainly know. I couldn't smuggle any of them away from Gamma 12 without arousing any more suspicion than I already have. I know we lost several weeks in the process, but this time we had to play it safe, or someone would have got wind of everything. Now's the best chance to get some of Khan's people and him. Dashwood will have enough time afterwards to finish the project. The new sensor disturbing device in combination with the biological agents will force the Klingons' surrender in no time."

"The SDD – did you find out who invented it?" Albert asked, and Luengo grimaced.

"No. There are three men who go by the name on the patent. One is a farmer on one of our colonies who's happily growing whatever he's growing in his fields; he's no engineer. The second is almost a hundred years old and lives in a nursing home on Risa, and the third one is not a man but a boy, only seven years old." He shook his head. "It's as if our tinkerer didn't exist until a few weeks ago."

"Maybe it's a pseudonym?" Albert suggested, and José snorted.

"I'd bet my shirt on it, but sooner or later he'll have to reveal his true identity – at least when he wants to sell the thing for mass production." He took a deep breath. "You'll see, with the SDD and the biological agent, we'll quickly achieve a victory over the Klingons."

Norton nodded slowly, then he frowned. "You want to send Styles to arrest Kirk?"

"Styles has proven to be trustworthy. He did a damn good job out there, and even kept the losses as small as possible. I have great hopes for him that he'll turn out to be one of our best captains, who really deserves command of the Enterprise. What sweeter victory can I offer him than arresting Kirk and his team, and sitting down afterwards in the center chair of our flag ship?"

This time Albert had to chuckle. "Little gifts keep friends – is that how the old saying goes?" He cocked his head. "Is the Excalibur even able to manage the confrontation you've in mind?"

"There will be no confrontation. Kirk and his staff will be locked away before they know what's hit them, and the same goes for Khan. Styles will have not much trouble fulfilling his order. You'll see."

ST***ST***ST

The alpha shift aboard the Enterprise started at 08:00 like it did every day, and like every morning since Jim and Nien had become bond-mates, both really had trouble getting out of bed – especially after the intense lovemaking they'd indulged in the evening before. They had fallen asleep afterwards – tangled in the messy sheets, enveloping each other, heartbeats thumping in union.

The morning came far too quickly, and after the chronometer reminded them that only half an hour remained until the shift began, they left the bed, had a quick breakfast from the replicator, cleaned up some of the mess, and went then to the bridge, where Kirk quickly fell into the daily routine. He first got a status report of the ship in general and from the different departments, then took care of any problem that needed his attention which occurred overnight, and afterwards worked on his own reports, using the PADD while sitting in the center seat.

The morning went by like this uneventfully, but half an hour after lunch, all that changed. Suddenly the ship began to vibrate and the engines became louder. Jim was about to call Engineering as Scotty had already hailed him and told him that he had to reduce speed to warp 3 because the damaged engines were 'about ter become cranky'.

The reduced speed would delay their rendezvous with the Lexington for more than five hours – 5.26 hours to be exact, as Spock pointed out – and knowing that there was nothing else he could do, Kirk asked Uhura to inform Wesley that the Enterprise would be late.

Nyota did as instructed, received a response from her colleague Palmer from the Lexington and turned around to Kirk. "Captain, Commodore Wesley wants to speak with you."

Jim sighed. 'I hope he doesn't want to cancel the meeting now. I have to speak in private with him, no matter what.' Aloud he said, "On the screen, Lieutenant."

A moment later the familiar face of Bob Wesley appeared on the large screen – a face that was still pale, and the bags beneath his tired eyes were even darker than last time Kirk had seen him. "Hello Jim," he greeted and Kirk answered in the same friendly way.

"You must be psychic, Jim, I was about to hail you," Bob began. "I've got new orders from Command concerning several of our outposts and research facilities near the Borderland and the new Neutral Zone. It seems Command is very worried that the broken ceasefire within the Borderland is indeed a signal that the Klingons are preparing for another strike – now, when Starfleet is weakened with most of its important admirals gone. They fear that the enemy could conquer more territory now and that they'll also annex these facilities. Therefore we have to evacuate the researching stations and bring the personnel and their experiments to safety."

Kirk frowned. "Is there any evidence of increased Klingon activity that would require such extreme measures?"

The commodore shrugged. "Not to my knowledge, but who knows what Intelligence has discovered. The SBI is very active, as you know."

Jim felt a certain tingle in the back of his consciousness as the name of Starfleet's Intelligence was mentioned. "So, we're ordered to play the evacuee vessel again?" he asked, and Bob nodded with a grimace.

"Yeah, you are. I was given strict orders about which ships would take care of which facility. In my squadron only three vessels are involved: The Hood II, the Potemkin II, and the Enterprise. I already acknowledged the orders and sent a message that the Lexington would rendezvous with you in one hour to support you with spare parts and other supplies after your battle in the Briar Patch." He cocked his head. "Lieutenant Uhura informed me that you're going to be late?"

The young captain nodded. "Yeah, we had to reduce the speed, otherwise the engines would have gone. We'll be at the meeting point around 20:10. Sorry, Bob, I can't risk a complete malfunction of the warp drive."

"I understand," Bob said. "I don't think that will affect the safety of the facility you're supposed to be evacuating. Personally, I think Command is overreacting, but on the other hand, I really can't blame them. We're still in the dark about the Klingon's real intentions, and caution now is certainly wise. Yet destroying our research stations is a something I'd have expected when the Klingons had already begun an attack. But maybe this kind of strategy is typical for someone who led the SBI until now. You'd have to think like that if you spy on other people for a living."

Jim went rigid. "What do you mean? The order came from the SBI?" From the corner of his eyes he saw Spock tensing up as well.

Wesley's eyes widened. "You don't know?"

The tiny voice in Jim's head began to become louder. "What should I know?"

"José Luengo has been named Interim Chief in Command for now."

"WHAT?" Kirk bent forwards, clearly not believing his own ears.

"I'm right here, Jim," Wesley said darkly and before his protégée could voice something that could condemn him should those words somehow reach the wrong people, Bob quickly added, "He is the most experienced staff officer left at the moment, so the Council had no other choice than to promote him." He fixed Kirk with a very firm gaze, willing the younger man to keep his mouth shut – and Jim got the hint. They could talk about this later when they met in person.

"Right – logic," Jim only said, then he forced himself to relax and to lean back. "So, about this order…"

"I'll send it to you. Please ready a status report when we meet, because I have to let Command know of our schedule, and when you and the two other ships should be done with the evacuation."

"Affirmative," Kirk replied shortly.

"Well," Bob nodded, "until later, Jim." The connection was closed and Jim looked up to Spock, who remained unmoved externally, like always, but there was a short flicker in his eyes that told Kirk that his Vulcan friend was as alarmed as he was. Luengo of all people was now in charge of the whole of Starfleet – this was not a mess, this was a nightmare! And it would greatly reduce the chances of getting a fair trial for Nien and for himself too, because as sure as the sun rose in the east (on Earth), Command would accuse him of aiding and abetting Khan.

"Captain, I've got the order from Command for you," Uhura reported.

"On screen," the young captain answered. Bob hadn't said that the whole thing was top secret so he would receive the order openly on the bridge.

The screen now showed a lieutenant in the grey uniform of ground staff, his insignia defining him as one of the higher-ranking desk-jockeys.

The man began with a general explanation for the upcoming mission and finished with explicit orders for the captains. The Enterprise was the last ship to be addressed, and the lieutenant's words changed the tiny warning voice in the back of Jim's head into a full-on alert.

"To James T. Kirk, Captain of the USS Enterprise. You're ordered to evacuate Gamma 12, near Celes, coordinates will follow. Staff number twenty-five, and their accompanying material is classified Priority One, Top Secret. Afterwards, facilitate the complete destruction of Gamma 12, including eight containers with closed experimental material, twelve high security boxes containing dangerous chemical residue, and seventy-two tubes with biological test objects."

Khan, still at the helm, whirled around in his chair – face paling rapidly at the mention of that certain number in connection with the word 'tubes'.

Unaffected by this reaction the transmission continued, "The cargo marked for demolition is stacked in a high security area, and will be sealed after the station's personnel has checked it, so your involvement in its preparation isn't necessary. I repeat: destroy the whole station, including all tubes! The evacuees will be expected on Earth 1.5 days later. Order given by Admiral José Luengo, Interim Chief in Command."

The transmission ended and the screen once again showed the endless depths of the galaxy. For a long moment, Jim stared at the velvet darkness of the universe, while he felt his own dread mingling with his mate's rising shock and fear.

Seventy-two tubes…

Biological test objects…

That could only mean one thing. They had finally found Nien's crew – and he, Jim Kirk, had been ordered to kill them.

He felt sick. Yes, he would never – never! – do such a thing. The fact that Command had truly given him such an order gave him insight into which direction Starfleet would sink if Luengo – if Section 31 – weren't stopped. Marcus had made it clear that a life didn't count much, and could be sacrificed without hesitation if it served a 'higher' purpose. Luengo seemed to follow the same ideology, if one could call such an inhuman thought 'ideology' at all.

"I consulted the computer after we were given the coordinates of the station's location," Spock's calm voice interrupted Jim's whirling thoughts. "Officially it is declared an unmanned outpost with strong transmitters for sub-space communication. But, as it seems in truth it is…

"A high security facility," Kirk ended the Vulcan's sentence with a flat voice. "A facility that holds stuff the Council or Command have declared as 'very dangerous' – among this all, seventy-two tubes." His glance fell on Nien again. The Augment's face was ashen, something close to panic and despair brimmed in his eyes.

Khan began to tremble without realizing it. Again, he had been forced to listen to an order that would mean the death of his brothers and sisters – just like fifteen months ago at the secret station near Jupiter. For a moment a sharp stab of pain pierced his chest, while his stomach was turning.

No!

Not again!

They couldn't order his people's death! Not now – not after he'd finally learned where they were! They couldn't… They couldn't kill them!

For a moment he saw torpedoes racing through the deadly silent and dark space, hitting buildings on an asteroid. Flames raging through the facility, reaching the high security area… The cryotubes burning, his brothers and sisters screaming…

Joaquin, Otto, Katie, Rodriguez, Pablo… They perished, their minds calling for him before there was nothing left of them except for ashes that soared through the merciless nothingness of space.

Khan shuddered and forced his mind – his superior mind – away from those images. Jim would never allow something like this to happen! He wouldn't permit it to happen or even have a part in it! Yet the sheer prospect that his family could still die in the flames and explosions made his stomach turn and sent ice water through his veins.

Alas, he had witnessed the very same thing aboard the Vengeance, thinking his crew had died with the detonations of the torpedoes. And now exactly this kind of death had been ordered.

He felt nausea, while cold sweat broke out on his forehead and ran down his back. All his augmented brilliance, all the clear logic within his brain couldn't stop this reaction – he was, after all, human.

Jim saw Khan's chest heaving and how his hands closed around the repaired arm rests of the helm's chair until the material almost cracked. To see his beloved like this – and to feel his growing panic and anguish –felt like a sword that had plunged into his soul.

He would put a stop on it – now!

Straightening his shoulders, he rose. His gaze found Uhura, who looked at him with large searching eyes – clearly startled but also angry, exactly like Chekov. Both realized what those tubes had to contain. Then Kirk's eyes met Spock's and a wordless understanding passed between the two soul-brothers, before Jim took a very, very deep breath. His decision could – and certainly would – cost him his command, but he had no other choice. Luengo gave him no other choice!

"Uhura, confirm receipt of the order to Starfleet Command," he said slowly, watching his beloved go rigid. He slowly lifted one reassuring hand, signalizing Khan to remain calm. "And then ask Dr. McCoy and Mr. Scott to meet me in briefing room two in the next three minutes." His gaze became intense as it was fixed on Khan. "Nien, you and Spock are with me. Please switch the helm to navigation." He turned and strode towards the lift; the Augment was instantly at his heels while Spock walked with large steps towards them. "Uhura, you've got the bridge," Kirk said and stepped into the lift, his friend and bond-mate following him.

The doors had barely closed as Nien started to speak. "My people are there! There is no doubt! I…"

Jim reached out and placed his right index finger on Khan's lips, while his other hand rested gently on the Augment's right shoulder. "Ssssh, calm down, Nien. I agree that these tubes are holding your crew. But now we know where they are and can finally act!" He let his finger slip away and cupped his beloved's cheek – trying to soothe him as he felt how cold the Augment's skin had become, the clear proof of deep fright. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to them. I swear." Kirk whispered.

"And what are you going to do, Captain?" Spock asked quietly, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the open display of tenderness of his friend towards the Augment.

Jim looked over his shoulder at him, fierce determination burning in his eyes. "I'll get them out!" he stated forcefully. Then the lift stopped and the doors slid open. With brisk steps Kirk walked out, Khan and Spock framed him while he strode through the hallway. Half a minute later they entered briefing room two and Jim, who felt the dread rolling in strong waves from his soul-mate, gestured to one of the chairs. "Take a seat, Nien, and for God's sake, calm down! I will not allow any harm to come to your brothers and sisters. I'll protect them like you protect my family – 'til my dying breath."

He nodded to Spock who sat down beside the Augment, ready to use his own link with Jim to mentally reach out to Khan to prevent him from losing control if necessary. One didn't have to be a touch-telepath to realize the stress the super-human was experiencing at the moment. And given the experiences of the past, the Vulcan was aware that the traumatized Augment might simply snap again.

Jim walked to the replicator and ordered an Indic chai tea, a Vulcan mint tea, black tea, and two coffees. As he returned with the tray, the door opened, and McCoy and Scotty stepped in.

"What's up, Jim?" Bones asked while he sat down, accepting the offered coffee from his friend. His gaze found Khan and he frowned as he saw the emotional turmoil plainly written on the Augment's face.

Placing the other cups on the table, Kirk took a deep breath before he began. "We got a new order - to evacuate Gamma 12 and destroy it afterwards. Officially, Gamma 12 is an unmanned outpost, in truth it's a high security lab facility that holds, among other things seventy-two tubes with 'biological test objects', as Command calls them."

McCoy's eyes widened, while Scotty frowned.

"Seventy-two tubes, sir? That sounds familiar!"

"Correct, Mr. Scott," Spock answered instead of Jim. "We have every reason to believe that these tubes are the cryotubes containing Mr. Singh's crew."

Bones gasped. "They want us to collect Khan's crew and…"

"No, Bones, you misunderstood! Command wants us to evacuate the twenty-five people who are serving on the facility at the moment, and then to destroy everything else." His gaze wandered again to the Augment. "Including Nien's family."

Silence.

For several seconds the CMO and the chief engineer could only gape at Kirk, then Leonard exploded. "That's impossible! They can't… Dammit, Jim, they want us to murder seventy-two people in their sleep? Are they insane?"

"That sounds familiar too, doesn't it?" Kirk gritted out bitterly. "And it's no wonder that this is familiar, because behind this order stands none other than Admiral Luengo – former Chief of the SBI, certainly re-founder of Section 31, and now even Interim Chief in Command."

"They made this bastard Chief in Command?" Bones groused outraged. "Is the Council out of its mind? This guy was in custody – hell, he should have faced trial by now, and then…"

"Due to the deaths of the most senior admirals, the selection of experienced staff officers was reduced drastically, Doctor. With the threat of the ceasefire's ending, the Council's uppermost concern was to ensure the safety of the Federation and Starfleet is needed – a functional Starfleet, which means that the murdered admirals have to be replaced as soon as possible," Spock explained.

"That's still no reason to promote someone accused of conspiracy and who has no moral problem handing a man over to a bunch of crazy scientists to abuse as a lab rat!" Leonard gritted out, then tried to control himself. His gaze found Kirk. "This whole thing might be a trap," he said. "They've already sent a spy aboard, and I'd bet my last hypo that they know about Khan's presence here. Not least of all because of the damn recordings they've got of you two from Aldebaran. This blasted order is a trap, and nothing else!"

The young captain grimaced. "I know, Bones. Luengo knows about Nien and me working together, and now he's found a way to lure Nien to a place where he and Section 31 can finally get a hold of him. And where they can arrest me because for insubordination and harboring a wanted criminal." He looked at Khan, whose eyes betrayed how miserable he felt.

"Then we have to be cleverer than they are," Leonard hissed. "There has to be a way to stop the murder of seventy-two men and women, and…"

"You forget, Doctor, that the former Interim Chief in Command, Admiral Allistor, denied Mr. Singh and his people human status," the first officer pointed out. "Therefore Luengo has not technically ordered 'murder'."

"Allistor?" Khan asked alarmed, his voice hoarse.

"Our Allistor doesn't resemble the dead admiral," Scotty explained. "Not one bit – and, by the way, our Allistor would rather rip off an arm than order harm anyone." He bent forwards. "So, what are you going to do, Jim – concerning this order, I mean?"

Kirk rose. "I'll refuse to obey it – at least one detail of it."

Spock crossed his arms in front of his chest, already knowing what his T'hy'la planned. "You want to bring the cryotubes aboard," he stated and the young captain nodded.

"Yes, I will. And only then will I blow that damned facility to pieces."

"And afterwards, Jim?" Bones spoke up again. "We can't just wake them up and hide them among the crew. This will go wrong, and you know it." He looked at Khan. "You both know it."

"We could bring the whole thing to court," Montgomery cut in. "Mr. Singh and his people have a right to…"

"Didn't you hear, Scotty?" Kirk snapped, before he began to pace along the conference table. "Nien and his people have been stripped off any human rights because Allistor declared them to be non-human."

"I've never heard such a bullshit before!" the Scotsman ranted. "Of course Mr. Singh is human. What else should he be?" He looked at the stiff Augment. "Just because some idiots messed with your genes before you were born doesn't change the fact that you're a person!"

"Ethics are not the issue here, Mr. Scott," Spock said calmly.

"That's a completely new one from you!" McCoy was worked up now. "Especially since you Vulcans are always pointing out 'how much every life counts' and go on about ethics, but now…"

"Doctor, in this case a discussion about ethics would be a waste of time, as at the moment Mr. Singh's status – and that of his people – cannot be changed."

"And what are the Augments then? Their own race? Maybe not human, but a separate species?"

Jim, who had listened to the verbal combat, stopped his pacing and looked down at McCoy. "What did you just say, Bones?"

The CMO blinked irritated. "What do you mean? That in Command's eyes the Augments are their own race, or…" He stopped, as Jim's face began to change from deep worry to beaming revelation.

"Bones, you're a genius!" Jim whooped, was at Leonard's chair in two quick steps, grabbed his face, and bent down towards his forehead, but McCoy jerked back.

"Don't you dare, Jim!"

Kirk only laughed. "That's the solution, Bones! That's the way out I was searching for!" He let go of McCoy, smiled at a very confused Khan, and looked finally at Spock, who lifted a brow.

"Fascinating, Captain, yet I'm curious how you want to make this work."

Jim promptly grinned. "You know what I'm planning?"

"Of course – it is the only logical possibility left."

"Rrrright," McCoy grumbled. "And after you two finish displaying another incredible show of non-verbal understanding maybe one of you would be so kind as to enlighten those of us who aren't a part of your little brotherhood. As I sure as hell am not able to get with this Vulcan mojo-mental thing, even if a certain Vulcan accused me of being an ancient druid! In other words, I can't read your minds, and am utterly lost here!"

Despite everything, Khan felt amusement rising in him as Spock looked at the CMO though the other man was a fascinating example of an unknown chemical compound. "Doctor, if your rambling was meant to demonstrate the obviousness of the captain's plan, then why did you just ask? We all know that you are sometimes slow to grasp something clearly spelled out, yet even you should be able to realize the solution to which Jim is referring."

McCoy flushed in irritation. "Why, you damn hobgoblin, can't you just…"

"Bones, Spock, STOP it!" Jim cut in impatiently, and rolled his eyes. "Heavens, sometimes I wonder how old you two are!" This earned him indignant glares from both men, and he shook his head.

"I'm certainly not 'slow', Jim, but even I don't know what you're up to," Khan said quietly, and Kirk looked gently at him.

"That Command stripped you and your people of human status made you into your own race, your own species, even, just as Bones said. And there are no other Augments left other than you and your crew. Since Luengo has ordered you all to be killed, he's condoning…" He didn't end the sentence but looked expectantly at his mate, yet it was Scotty, who completed the thought.

"Genocide!"

Jim nodded. "Exactly."

Khan frowned. "But in Command's eyes we are not even people – persons, as Mr. Scott pointed out. Therefore…"

"Spock, what's the definition of an intelligent race?"

"'Any sentient life form that can think distinctly, uses a method or methods of communication, and a culture, independent of base molecular elements, appearance, and heritage'," the Vulcan replied. "That counts for pre-warp cultures as well as cultures with advanced technical knowledge." He looked at Khan. "This definition fits very well to you and your people."

"Therefore you're your own race – and Luengo ordered genocide by killing you all," Jim addressed the Augment. "And this fact gives you the right to ask for asylum on any planet that belongs to the Federation."

Thunderstruck Khan looked at him, while McCoy scratched his head.

"Jim, isn't there a Starfleet order that legalized such a destructive process and…"

"You're referring to Starfleet General Order number 24. 'If a commanding officer deems that a planet has been culturally contaminated to a point where correction is no longer viable and said culture now poses a direct threat to Starfleet personnel or Federation civilians, he may order the destruction of a planet's surface to occur with a time limit set upon invocation.' That's hardly the case here, Bones. Seventy-two sleeping men and women are barely a threat to the Federation, and their heritage is no reason to order genocide."

"So, you're saying that Luengo over-stepped his authority," Bones mused and Kirk nodded while beginning to pace again.

"Luengo is violating fundamental rights and the Charter of the Federation's Foundation Document stating 'We, the lifeforms of the United Federation of Planets determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and to reaffirm faith in the fundamental rights of sentient beings, in the dignity and worth of all lifeforms, in the equal rights of members of planetary systems large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of interstellar law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of living on all worlds'."

Jim stopped and glanced at his friends and his mate. "Do you understand? Luengo broke the law concerning that statement the Federation and her authorities have ordained to avoid war – yet Section 31 provoked one and prevented peace talks by killing the own delegation." He lifted a hand as Spock tried to interrupt. "I know, Spock, for latter we've still no proof of, but it's only a question of time until we find those who are truly responsible for this mess."

He continued to pace. "Second, the Charter guarantees 'fundamental rights for sentient being in the dignity and worth of all lifeforms'. Well, you can say what you want about Augments, but you can't deny that they are sentient living beings with a culture – just look at the whole bonding-thing – and who are clearly, highly intelligent. And, by the way, no-one can deny that they're rooted in the Terran race, therefore Allistor had no right to strip them of any humanity that's resulted in the situation we're in now. And one more thing – if Nien and his crew are the only survivors of their race, then they belong to an endangered species, which means they warrant special protection and support. This is also supported in law – a law Luengo broke to by giving this order."

His blue eyes found the ocean-colored ones of his mate. "You, Nien, have every right in the world to ask for asylum for yourself and your people because you've been threatened with torture and death by a recognized authority that oversteps its boundaries. And that you never faced a proper trial, but were sentenced nonetheless, is just another reason in the long list for why you and you people need to find safety in the refuge of another planet."

For a long moment utter silence hung in the air, then Bones pursed his lips. "Absolutely logical, Jim."

Kirk smirked at him.

"I have to agree, Captain. You argument allows for no other course of action – from your point of view. Luengo will argue otherwise."

"Yes, but the law speak for itself, Spock, and is clearly on Nien's side." He looked at the Augment in whose eyes new hope had begun to sparkle. "I know that this will not let you off the hook from what happened last year, yet that trial would concern only you, not your people. They've done nothing to be walked all over like they are being now, and above all, there is absolutely no reason to sentence them to death – something that has been virtually outlawed within the Federation. Yet Luengo knowingly did just that by giving this particular order. If your people don't have cause to claim asylum, then I don't know who else would."

Khan gulped. For several minutes everything had seemed to fall apart – that the chance to get his family back and them being able to live a life of freedom had been lost. Now the golden light of new hope shimmered on the dark horizon – golden like the first rays of sun in Jim's apartment on that fateful morning all those weeks ago; golden like the young captain's appearance, and his heart. "You think this is indeed a way to give my people the possibility of living in peace?" he whispered, and Jim nodded, a tender smile curling his lips.

"Yes, I do."

"That sounds like a really good idea," Scott cut in. "But first we have to recover Khan's people and bring them to safety."

"Yes, and concerning that first step I've a plan," Kirk confirmed.

"You want to beam them out," Spock stated simply, and Jim nodded.

"As far as I understood they're in a high security hold which will probably also be shielded. Therefore we'll need to switch off those shields before we can beam them aboard." He looked at Scotty. "And for that, I'll need you. But please think this through before answering. If you do this, you'll certainly have to face a court martial – as Spock and I already are."

Montgomery frowned, irritated. "Ya don't think I'll abandon you now, Jim, do ya? I've learned my lesson with ye, and I'll never let me friends down, certainly not when they need me most! Of course I'll have a look at the generators and bring down the shields!" He glanced at Khan. "We Scots know exactly how it is to be hunted like we're no more than animals, and been forced to watch our families dyin' because some people think they've a right ter kill us. And I dunno let that happen ter yer sleepin' people." He cocked his head and fixed the Augment with a stare. "Don't get me wrong, lad, at first I really wanted to kick yer ass after the mess you made last year, but everythin' has changed now. And, above all, ye're part of the crew – part of this ship. Ter hell with Luengo and his daft orders, I'm with ya and Jim!"

Khan felt a hint of the tension leaving him that had held him in its icy grip. "Thank you, Mr. Scott," he said quietly, gratitude mirrored in his eyes. Then new dread returned, as Spock addressed his friend.

"And to where would you bring Mr. Singh and his people, Captain? Which planet would grant them asylum?"

Jim groaned. "That's one of the details I'm still working on."

"Admit it, these details you're 'still working on' are ninety percent of the whole plan," Bones grumbled, and Kirk sighed.

"Just give me some time, Bones! I just learned I'm supposed to be used as a tool for genocide fifteen minutes ago, so don't expect me to come up with something thoroughly planned through just now! And since when have I ever had a full plan sorted out before acting?"

"Mr. Spock is right, Jim," Khan said quietly, feeling hope dying away again. Theory and practice were two very different things. "As soon as the government of any planet learns about our history, they will be more than wary – especially after the incident a century ago you told me of. And they don't want to get on the wrong side of the Federation Council or Starfleet in this case. Whether you like it or not, Luengo has a lot of power now, and he's already pulled enough strings to make changes to his liking. The chance that another planet is willing to pick a fight with the Chief in Command is really low."

The first officer bent forwards and folded his hands on the table. "I agree with Mr. Singh, Captain. Most planets' governments will not take the risk – not during a war. And many cultures are quick to form prejudices, especially if Luengo coaches them. To follow the UMUK-principle as we Vulcans do is, for many other cultures, barely an option when it holds an unknown factor they cannot calculate. And it is a fact that we cannot say how the other Augments will react after they wake up – and how they want to integrate into any Federation culture. If at all."

Khan took a deep breath. "We fled Earth to find peace. If peace is offered we will happily accept." He moistened his lips. "I admit that several of us are going to have problems coping with things in the beginning, but all of us are open to honesty and logic. If my people are treated well they will give no one trouble. Rather the opposite, because they all – we all – were tired of battle and hate. That is why we boarded the Botany Bay, hoping for a better future."

Jim looked at him, full of understanding – and then it hit him again. His eyes widened anew, which didn't slip McCoy's attention.

"What you're up to now, Jim? And don't give me that innocent look, kid. I know that expression far too well by now," he said, pointing nonchalantly at Kirk.

"Guilty as charged, Bones," the young captain smiled, before he bent towards the terminal at the desk and activated the intercom. "Kirk to bridge. Uhura?"

"Yes, Captain?" came the instant reply.

"Could we reach New Vulcan with a direct transmission from our current position?"

For a moment there was no answer, while Spock, McCoy and Scotty reacted in their own way as they realized what Jim's intentions were. The Vulcan lifted both brows, McCoy's eyes were about to pop out of their sockets, and Scott shook his head, speechless.

"I think so, Captain," Nyota said carefully.

Kirk grinned. "Good, please try to hail them. I need to urgently speak to someone we know very well."

"Captain, I just checked the time. It's night in New ShiKar and…"

"Trust me, Lieutenant, he won't mind. He told me once that he'd always have an open ear for me, so I'm sure he'll forgive me for catching him in dreamland."

"Vulcans don't dream," Bones commented wryly.

Spock allowed himself to look at the ceiling in a sudden gesture of exasperation, while Uhura's voice deadpanned, "If you honestly believe that, Doctor, then you also must think that the stork still delivers babies."

"Well, that would fit your boyfriend's opinion that I'm a shaman!" McCoy called.

"Okay, enough," Kirk almost sighed. "Uhura, please try to get him on the line and patch him trough to briefing room three."

"Aye, aye, Captain." The link went dead and McCoy glared at Jim.

"Why don't you want to call him from here?"

Kirk only snorted, "Because I want to talk with him without any silly interruptions or comments!" He rubbed his neck, while Spock looked at him.

"Do you believe he will agree to your plan? You know that he has had his own history with –"

"Spock," Jim cut in softly. "You've learned all that really happened to Nien and what is planned for his people. Would you deny him a chance for justice and his people a chance for survival?"

The first officer again crossed his arms in front of his chest and it was obvious that it wasn't easy for him to answer. Nevertheless, he simply said, "No, I wouldn't."

"There you go," Jim smiled.

Khan stared at him – disbelieving and nervous. "Do I understand you correctly, Pyāra? You want the Vulcans to give us asylum?" When Kirk only nodded, he was speechless for a moment, before whispering, "And why would they do that?"

"Because it's the right thing to do," Jim replied calmly. "And I know someone who can help us – someone who has a lot of influence on the Vulcan High Council. And, he's a very old friend of mine."

TBC…

Surprise, surprise! I bet you haven't seen this one coming. Of course you know who Jim is calling and therefore I don't reveal a secret that you're going to meet 'Prime Spock' within the following chapters. And, believe me, this is going to be a lot of fun, but also refers to very emotional stuff.

And for all who want to beat Luengo into the next week for his cruel plan: Be my guest (laugh).

I hope you liked who the story proceeds now, including the new twists and Jim's thoughts how to get the Augments to safety (and how the law will work for them).

In the next chapter, as already said, you'll meet Prime Spock, and Jim will need all his wits to convince him of agreeing to Kirk's hell of a plan.

I'm looking forward to your feedbacks,

Have a nice rest of the week

Love

Yours Starflight