Well, looks like this train wreck of a story is coming to an end sooner than anticipated. Anyways, y'all got to hear this. The Tomorrow Knights are leading everyone into the decisive final battle, and, uh-oh, Spock might just be plotting against our hero and whatever he has in store, it ain't looking so good.
Who will prevail? Who will be vanquished?
Hindi Translation:
Dhanyavaad=Thank you
Chapter Vierzehn!
More time passed, and finally, the Federation Alliance had only one night left before Taco Tuesday. Uhura managed to smuggle in a tribble for the plan that had won the plan-off, and it was to be well-fed once the plan was put into action. Tribbles multiplied like crazy once they ate something, more than enough to jam the Capital's security systems. Everyone had spent a lot of time preparing for the final assault, so they thought it would be wise to spend some time with friends and loved ones before going to war. Right now, Scotty and Jaylah were talking. "So, little lassie, how do you feel?" asked the Scotsman.
"How do I feel?" said Jaylah. "This might just be the fight of my life, and I'mma win it. But even if I lose, I'd be honored to spend the last moments of my life with everyone. You, Khan Noonien, James T., Nyota, Carol, Ferry, McBones, Highball, Thaal Sin, Guy, Johnny, Kilo, Other James T., Other Spocky, Tirrok, Shiarrael, Walker, Aya, Indigo, Hiki, and even Spocky and Diana. They're all, as you would put it, me hearty crew. And, oh, how can I forget Shenara? She's the best. I...The moment I saw her, I fell in love."
"Yer a lesbian?!" Scotty cried, shocked.
"You got a problem with that?" asked Jaylah.
"No, no, lassie, I'm pansexual myself. I just...I never thought you'd ever fall fer a Klingon, of all people." said Scotty.
"I can love anyone I want." said the alien woman. "Now, if you will excuse me? I gotta check on my pardner."
"Sure! Go see him." Scotty encouraged her, knowing full well that by "pardner", she meant Khan.
Jaylah found Khan on one of the cliffs overlooking the vast landscape of Mogo, accompanied by Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, Saaya on his shoulder as usual. "Khan Noonien?" she asked. "I bet you're keeping that ring ready. Tomorrow, we show those freaks what we're made of."
"Jaylah, I...Tomorrow's mission might be our last stand, so I wanted to say this. Ever since 2259, all I thought of was getting vengeance for my Vengeance. And with this ring, I had the chance to carry it out but then you, and then the Dominion, they had to come into the picture. And you...you made me care for the very crew I had a vendetta against. No. Seriously. I have no idea what to do with you." Khan said.
"What are you talking about?" asked the Green Lantern. "I thought we were friends..."
"Yes. No. I don't know! I bet the previous wielder never had a single moment like this while wearing this ring, I..."
"Oh, come on!" cried Jaylah. "Focus! We strike tomorrow, ya gotta find rage! You're the Dawnbreaker, for crying out loud! The terrible scourge of the galaxy! You, red. Your enemies, dead! Think of your Lanterns. What you had to go through to put them where they are now."
"I'll try." Khan smiled.
Suddenly, they heard whistling from next to them. It was Hal. "A Green Lantern lecturing a Red Lantern...something you don't see everyday!"
"Highball!" said Jaylah, surprised.
"And I did hear everything. Khan, was it? You see, if Atrocitus were still alive and knew everything, I can guarantee you and he would have been the most unstoppable team in the history of rage. But, unfortunately, yes. He never had a friend like Jaylah. That made me wonder, what would have happened if he did. Oop, gotta go. Sin's gonna kill me if I show up late for our date which might be our last." He then flew away.
The other two just laughed.
Meanwhile, Kirk was in the Enterprise's captain's quarters when Diana came in with a tray carrying two bowls of tomato soup and two tall glasses of iced tea. "Captain?" asked the White Lantern.
"You shouldn't be here." said Kirk. "Spock said he's gonna kill you if I interact with you again."
"Let him try." said Diana, a familiar fire in her eyes as she set the tray down.
"I can't believe what's the deal with him. It was just a dance, nothing more. I love him with all my heart, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't have fun with other people, like Bones, or...you. He needs to respect my boundaries, just like I respect his." said Kirk.
Diana smiled. "Indeed. Oh, and have I ever mentioned that you look a lot like my first love? He would have been willing to fight at your side. So, I wish we'd use this chance to get to know each other better, whaddaya say?"
"Yep." replied the Green Leader. "But we must be careful."
And after a long conversation, something sparked between them. The meal was forgotten. A demigod and a starship captain looked each other in their eyes, one had grown up in paradise, the other in hell. Two beings from different worlds, but they now had a connection.
On another part of Mogo, there was another couple who were also having a conversation—Saint Walker and Nilani. The Trill was fascinated with the Astonian, staring wide-eyed as he told stories from his home universe. "That's amazing!" she said as the stories ended. "Sorry about your family though."
"Don't be, you weren't even there." Saint Walker said.
"So, how's everyone?" asked Nilani.
"It's all going great. I'm part of the diversion team, which consists of Commander Spock, Lanterns Gardner and Kilowog, Lieutenant Sulu and of course, me. Captain Kirk appointed the Dawnbreaker as Acting Captain for the operation, since he came up with the whole deal."
"I have loved our time together. You are such a gentle person." said the Trill.
"So are you, Dr. Nilani." replied the Blue Lantern, and she gave him a small kiss.
"Nilani. Just Nilani."
"Thank you. You may call me Bro'Dee."
"Care to be my boyfriend? I know, I'll never replace your wife, nor do I wish to. But...still!" said Nilani.
"Of course I'll take you as my girl." replied Saint Walker.
Meanwhile, on their date, Hal and Sinestro had flown together to a familiar but also entirely new place. It was the lake they took a dive in before they made love for the first time, waaaay back when they were both Green Lanterns.
"Same location, same place..." said Hal, amazed.
"Even though we're in a whole different universe, some things never change, don't they?" Sinestro smiled.
Congratulations on your engagement. I am truly happy for you both, Mogo spoke.
"Thanks, Mogo." said Hal, and kissed his fiance, who returned it with a familiar fire. Too much time, growth and hurt lay between the two to restore the bond from back when they were both Green Lanterns but after everything they had gone through, they now had a greater understanding. This war was only another name placed on the ever-growing list of trust exercises.
"We take this shame to our graves." said Spock as he and his diversion team stood in front of Jem'Hadar patrolmen. Everyone had successfully infiltrated the Capital using a battle cruiser Khan hijacked.
"Aw, do shut up, pal. Just enjoy the moment." Guy said as he slapped Spock on the back of his head, and turned on a construct boom box.
How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down On The Farm-Judy Garland
"Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking,"
Said his wifey dear,
"Now that all is peaceful and calm,
The boys will soon be back on the farm.",
Mister Reuben started winking and slowly rubbed his chin,
He pulled his chair up close to mother,
And he asked her with a grin,
"Ha-ha-ha-how ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm,
After they've seen Paree'?
How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway,
Jazzin around and paintin' the town?
How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm, that's a mystery,
They'll never want to see a rake or plow,
And who the deuce can parleyvous a cow?
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm,
After they've seen Paree'?"
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm,
After they've seen Paree'?
How ya gonna keep 'em away from Broadway,
Jazzin around and paintin' the town?
How ya gonna keep 'em away from harm, that's a mystery,
Imagine Reuben when he meets his Pa,
He'll kiss his cheek and holler "OO-LA-LA!",
How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm,
After they've seen,
After they've seen,
After they've seen Paree'?
"Alright, they did it. Let's move!" Khan ordered. Kirk snuck into the security management room and placed the tribble Uhura brought in it. Five seconds later, it began multiplying to numbers incomprehensible, allowing the infiltration team to travel undetected to the relic room and disguise themselves. Now that they had access to the light storage, Khan was ready...or as ready as an Augment could be when he was about to face what could be his end. He and Jaylah now looked Vorta, and could seamlessly blend into the Vorta workers that were developing light-based weapons. Finally, they entered a shielded area, within which was a dark chamber that housed what appeared to be a cube, with rainbow light swirling inside.
"Good luck, Khan Noonien." said Jaylah.
"Dhanyavaad, pardner." Khan replied, and held his wrist communicator to his mouth. "Mr. Scott, Miss Ferris, how's the shield going?"
Scotty sounded totally panicked. "Uh...we're tryin' ta deactivate da shield. It's a wee bit frustrating..."
As the engineer spoke, Khan could hear a computer voice saying Downloading Klingon opera live performances.
"Where are you getting that from? I never said Klingon opera!" Ferris screeched.
Beside the chamber, the head scientist's phone rang. "Hello?" he asked.
It was Jaylah on the line! "Hi, this is Lord Okaia's assistant. He would like you to come to his office immediately."
"Copy. Thanks."
"You are welcome, sir."
As the head scientist headed out of the electric security doors, Jaylah threw her phone between the doors before they could close all the way. They were jammed open! Then she quickly disposed of the remaining workers. Then she waved Khan all clear. However, the shield was still up! "Miss Ferris, disable the shield now!" Khan ordered.
Inside the control room, Ferris was having trouble. The computer chirped, Searching for Andorian restaurants...
Ferris threw her hands in the air. "What? No! I never once said—"
The computer cut her off. I do not understand.
"Disable...the...shield!" yelled Ferris.
"What the hell is going on?" asked Khan.
"Disable the shield! Come on! You are undermining me!" Ferris yelled.
Which phrase would you like me to underline? asked the computer.
Unable to take it anymore, the Star Sapphire yelled "DISABLE THE SHIELD!", causing Khan to flinch a bit.
Suddenly, Khan heard Scotty in the background. "Aye, dah-ling—I'll do it myself." He spoke directly to the computer. "Be ye disabling of yon shield." he commanded.
Disabling shield, the computer replied.
"What?!" cried Ferris. She couldn't believe it. The shield protecting the light was finally down!
The two dropped their disguises, and Khan entered the chamber as he made finger guns at Jaylah. Once he reached the cube containing the light, he made an order to his ring. "Alright, time to blow this potato stand."
Initiating blackout.
But before the darkness could engulf everything, the unexpected happened. He got electrocuted...by his wrist communicator! When he finally recovered from the shock, he was too weak to initiate a blackout. He glanced at his pardner one last time before blacking out himself...and saw General Luen standing right behind her with a team of Jem'Hadar soldiers!
"Jaylah...no..."
Khan came to in a cage, the entirety of the Tomorrow Knights captured. Scotty was panicked and yelling out not quite random stuff. "STAY CALM! DO NOT PANIC! WE WILL STILL WIN! LOVE YOURSELF! LOVE OTHER PEOPLE! PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES IN LIFE! DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU WHAT TO DO. IGNORE THE HATERS. LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH—"
"Thaal!" said Hal. "I know!"
Sinestro could do nothing but send a weak smile.
Soon, the heroic crew were led into the Think Tank. "Oh, so you are the one they call the Dawnbreaker..." said a terrifying-looking space monster. "Greetings, I am Lord Okaia, the ruler of the Dominion. I see you've wandered into my Think Tank. And by the way, I found a few of your friends. By which I mean, all of them!" Soon enough, the cages containing the Tomorrow Knights opened and the Lanterns were soon forced into the Think Tank's light-sucking cells while Khan was strapped onto a human-sized zapping battery. "Computer?"
Yes, sir, said the computer.
"Set the electric shocker to one hundred Mississippi." ordered Okaia.
No problem.
"Then terminate everyone."
On it.
The ceiling opened. A long black rope reached down into the Think Tank, and Okaia hopped onto it. "General Luen, unfortunately I'm gonna have to leave you here to die."
"What?!" cried Luen. "Sir, I..."
"I know." said Okaia regretfully. "It's not personal, it's just business. So, goodbye!"
And the computer began counting down. Beginning zapping termination in ninety-nine Mississippi, ninety-eight Mississippi, ninety-seven Mississippi, and so on.
Meanwhile, Khan saw a familiar flash of red among the light-sucking cells. His loyal Red Lanterns, all 72 of them, were captured! He had failed them. And with that knowledge, a familiar feeling came rushing back. Red-hot rage flooded his veins once again. Deep within his subconscious, the remaining two doors began to crumble down, looking ready to explode any second.
Inner Khan was horrified. What the juice? he asked, but his counterpart's rage was too much for him to handle.
Zapping termination in thirty-five Mississippi... the computer went on.
"Alright, crew, listen up." Khan began speaking as red light flooded his entire body. "Miss Marcus!"
"What?" asked Carol.
"I still cannot tolerate what your father did to me for his personal gain, but I still wish for you to forgive me for killing him."
"I won't forgive what I've already forgotten." said Carol. "To be fair, my dad was a horrible person."
Thirty-four Mississippi, thirty-three Mississippi, thirty-two Mississippi, thirty-one Mississippi, thirty Mississippi, twenty-nine Mississippi, twenty-eight Mississippi, twenty-seven Mississippi, twenty-six Mississippi, twenty-five Mississippi...
"Kirk, you died once, right? And all the blame can be traced back to me."
"But it's thanks to you that I'm alive now, right?" said the Green Leader. "Whatever you're thinking, don't. As you told me before, you're like my least favorite brother."
"Gardner, we have a score to settle, right? That might need a rain check."
"What are you talking about? Wait...No, don't be a hero!" yelled Guy. "Don't be a fool with your life! That's my jam!"
"Jordan, sorry for not remembering your name!"
"Heh." smirked Hal. "That's more like it."
Twenty Mississippi, nineteen Mississippi, eighteen Mississippi...
Finally, Khan's eyes fixed on the person he grew to both love and hate. "Jaylah?" he said.
"Khan Noonien! Wait! What are you doing?" shrieked Jaylah. "Don't!"
"Now it's your turn to be the hero." the Red Leader told her.
"NO!" Jaylah cried.
"Don't you dare forget me." Khan said, smiling at her. Then he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and lit himself up.