Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek, nor do I own any of the characters used in the story, unless they are my creation. Paramount and CBS own all things Star Trek.

Author's Note: I've decided to come back to this universe with a Federation-friendly attitude towards Khan and his 20th-century Augments. This story continues in the same century with Khan and his newly established colony with a setting of about five years later.

Reference Note: Terms and names for the Romulans are sourced from Diane Duane's novels, Star Trek: The Original Series - My Enemy, My Ally.

Language Note: Where applicable, alien languages will be bracketed.

Chapter 1 - The Set-Up

It's been about five years since the Klingon-Federation war. Since the end of the conflict, a significant improvement of Federation citizens' quality of life has occurred. Member worlds rebuilt their cities, healed their wounded, and reclaimed their planets' battle-devastated areas. Trade improved, not only among them but with the newly opened markets of the Klingon empire. Coupled with this increase in trade, the Klingons benefited in their recovery due to the influx of Federation goods and services. Ensuring that Klingon honor remained intact, the Federation provided as much or as little assistance as needed to reduce suffering among the Klingon population. Due to xenophobia and mostly due to their pride, the Klingon people rebuffed some Federation aid. Over the years, though, as the trade increased from the Federation side, the Klingons welcomed the relief to their starving and energy depleted civilization. It would be a long road to recovery, but fortunately, the Klingons swallowed some pride and allowed some Federation assistance.

Using the historical background and assistance from many of the Federation's Augment ambassadors, a better understanding of the Klingon Empire emerged. Using historical context from Earth's history, long forgotten due to World War III, the Augment ambassadors gleaned a better understanding of Klingon culture. As knowledge increased, each nation gained a better appreciation of each other. No longer did the Klingons see the Feds as weak and spineless, but as formidable warriors. Using this appeal, the Feds enjoyed better relations and understanding of the Klingons while seeing that applying Human standards did not work. Never before since Earth's first contact with the Klingon Empire, has the Federation enjoyed such a strong relationship with them. Not entirely unexpectedly, the Klingons, upon agreeing to a permanent Federation ambassador, requested a Human Augment.

Relationships with other species continued to improve, especially the Denobulans. Having taken a quiet back seat to Federation politics, the Denobulans kept to themselves mostly. Since their society never banned genetic research, most of their sciences dwindled upon Federation membership. Since the Human Augments return and the lifting of the genetic ban within the Federation, Denobula's genetic sciences expanded. Partnering with the Augments, many Denobulan scientists moved to Gagarin and developed some of the most exciting genetic breakthroughs of the 23rd-century. Diseases that had long-plagued humanity were slowly eliminated throughout the Federation. Denobulans, working with their Augment scientists, were able to adapt these cures for many of the non-Human citizens of the Federation. More beneficial, with Augment genetic techniques, Denobula was able to reverse its slowly declining population problem.

Additionally, in those five years, Gagarin's former colony, its population swelling, cities expanding, industry exploding, and trade routes increasingly became the main gateway between the Federation and Klingon Empire. The Gagarin Republic, now a full member of the Federation, established itself as the premier center for genetic excellence. Utilizing advanced techniques, the Augments used expertise lost during Earth's third world war to employ genetic research that cured many diseases and increased all Federation citizens' health. Enhancements to standard Human immune systems strengthened against future illness, the development of gene tailoring allowed normal Humans to experience the increased stamina and strength of Augments. The life expectancy of normal Humans, already up to about a median age of 100, doubly increased due to genetic manipulation. Other enhancements, adopted by Starfleet, hardened their defensive and exploratory capability. Such improvements were higher adaptability to extreme temperatures encountered on Class-M and Class-N planets. Further tweaks to their immune systems' enhancements allowed Humans to fight off unknown vectors of potentially new diseases.

Never before has such a renaissance of enlightenment been experienced by the Federation. With the diverse thinking and expanded intelligence of the Augments, all sciences experienced tremendous leaps in advancements.

Working with the Federation scientific community, the Augments were able to bring back many extinct species and plants lost to Earth during the 21st-century, most notably, the humpback whale. Seeing these magnificent creatures swim again in Earth's oceans brought great delight to Earth's population. Before Khan and his Augment scientists showed up on the scene, humanity lost a significant amount of genetic expertise to history. Most notably, Khan and his wife, Marla, both traveled to Earth to witness the first-ever natural birth of 'cloned' humpback whales just north of the Hawaiian Islands. Standing with leaders of the United Earth government and Federation Council leaders, Khan pledged his continued support for the Federation's betterment. Realizing that many of the past's unfortunate decisions were not entirely the Augment's fault, Earth's human population became more accepting of the Augments.

Seeing the progress made by the Humans, other Federation races became increasingly curious as to what benefits the Augments could bring to their civilization. One of humanity's oldest allies, the Vulcans, saw how Augment's expertise brought back extinct Earth fauna and flora and expressed an interest in bringing back extinct flora on their homeworld. Since nuclear wars ravaged Vulcan to a greater extent than Earth, much native flora died due to the tremendous radiation and destruction caused by its atomic war. The Vulcan Science Academy solicited a partnership with the Gagarin Republic to study the possibility of undertaking the world's deliberate revitalization.

Along with the technical and genetic improvements brought about the Augments, an unexpected resurgence in monotheistic religions started expanding around Human populations. Since the founding of the Federation in the mid-22nd-century, most Human beliefs saw a decrease in popularity and attendance. Many Human religions died out due to the realization that extraterrestrial aliens populated the galaxy. Seeking to portray a more 'grown-up' version of themselves, Humans became more secular in the Federation's early years. With the return of the Augments, who many among them held strong religious beliefs, many of the dominant religions, Christians, Jewish, and Moslems, saw a definite come back. Surprised by this archaic attitude, the 23rd-century Humans couldn't understand why the Augments, with their increased intelligence, still believed they way did. When answering them, the Augments answer was simple: Even we are smart enough to realize that no one can answer everything. The normal Humans, mostly secular, were astounded and took a hard lesson at themselves. Many normal Humans, encouraged by this resurgence, started re-evaluating their lives in religious terms. One of the lessons learned from the Augments was admitting that they lost some of their Human arrogance with other alien races.

Overall, life in the Federation was changing. Whether on a technical or philosophical level, Humans were becoming better galactic citizens. Capitalizing on their ability to forgive, Humans strengthened their ties with their Federation brothers and sisters. Instead of assuming that the other races will follow, Humans insisted on a more understanding approach with their neighbors, encouraging more diversity of thought and acceptance rather than a dogmatic Human approach to Federation affairs. This belief extended to newly contacted civilizations where Humans were less judgemental towards alien belief systems. In other words, Federation Humans did not apply 'Human' standards to other alien races.

- Romulan Neutral Zone -

After the Earth-Romulan War, Starfleet built 'officially' eight Earth Outpost Stations on asteroids throughout the Zone. In 2266, a Romulan Bird-of-Prey destroyed four of these outposts. Commander Hansen was in command of Earth Outpost 4 until its destruction. Only through the intervention of the USS Enterprise was the Romulan Bird-of-Prey prevented from entering Federation space. After the incident, Starfleet bolstered those defenses with 15 new outposts incorporating the latest long-range scanner technology. Taking information from the Enterprise Incident, Starfleet developed new scanning techniques to identify cloaked ships. In addition to better scanning technology, Starfleet laid out a self-replicating, cloaked minefield.

From that point on, both the Federation and Romulan maintained the constant 'cold war' of detente with the Neutral Zone.

Under the terms of the treaty, any movement of vessels between empires required official notification to be sent to Nimbus III, the border world occupied by representatives from the Romulan, Federation, and Klingon Empire.

The ships currently traversing the neutral zone were not authorized and were cloaked. Moving at high impulse with advanced energy dampening technologies, they moved stealthily towards the Federation side. The fifty Romulan ships of various types and containing over 40,000 Romulan and Reman shock troops in the larger troop carriers.

Status, pilot? khre'Riov (commander-general in Rihannsu*) Ael i-Mhiessan t'Rllaillieu or Ael for short.

10 solar hours, khre'Riov the helmsman replied.

She looked over at the weapons officer, Have we been detected?

Not so far, milord

Good, our first target is Nimbus III. Our initial foothold from which to launch a coordinated offensive into Federation space. She finished talking and sat down in her command chair to review offensive plans for the upcoming war against the Federation, especially James Kirk and his first officer, Spock.

- Nimbus III -

The planet Nimbus III was a desert planet. Lifeless save for the community that had sprung up around the diplomatic mission in the capital, Paradise City. Touted as the "Planet of Galactic Peace," it had quickly devolved into a backwater planet wasteland attracting the most scrupulous individuals from all around the Alpha Quadrant. Yes, each delegation had its diplomatic contingent, but the locals ignored them.

A group of hooded personnel walked down the windswept dirt road headed towards the only bar in the city. The leader looked to his two traveling companions and motioned for them to spread and canvas the area. A couple of nods, and they dispersed to other areas of the city. After breaking off from them, the leader moved towards the only bar in the city, The Watering Hole.

He entered the bar's entryway's dark, dank room, keeping his head down and eyes downcast. As his eyes adjusted to the low light, he looked around and sought out his destination.

Walking up to the table, he paused, "So, we meet again, Klingon."

The Klingon, with his back to him, ignored his question. The human tapped him on the shoulder.

Grunting and finishing his drink and then belching loudly, he turned to face his questioner and replied in Federation standard, "Human, sit down and join me in a drink before I take my d'k tahg and gut you like a targ."

The Human wasn't impressed. "So, this is where the empire sends its defeated warriors," he challenged.

Standing up and twisting to face the Human, Klang swung his d'k tahg at the Human. Moving faster than the Klingon, the Human side-stepped the attack and grabbed the Klingon's wrist on the downswing using his right hand while sending a left hook into the Klingon's face. Nearly falling over with the force of the hit, the Klingon staggered away a few feet. As the anger boiled in the Klingon's face, the Human pulled his hood off, finally showing his face.

Klang stopped in mid-stride, "...so, you've come to kill me?"

Torres laughed, "...no, general. I have come to offer you a job, but if you like it here, I think that can be arranged.."

"Tell me, Human, what is this 'job' you speak of?"

"It's working for Lord Khan, but I can't divulge the details until we're off-planet."

Klang looked around, belched one more time. He hated Nimbus III. The empire had exiled him here after the failed Federation war so many years ago. He sighed and looked back at the Human. "Agreed. When do I depart?"

"Immediately," Torres responded.

"What about a replacement from the Klingon Empire?"

Torres looked at him, "General, I thought you knew, the Klingon government has been overthrown."

"What!" Klang immediately pulled out his communicator, attempting to contact his Klingon delegation here. He tried several frequencies but got no response. He looked back to Torres, who now had a curious look on his face as he was trying to work his communicator. "Why is this device not working?"

Torres put his communicator away, "It's jammed, general. We have to go now." Torres spied the Federation representative, a Vulcan, sitting alone reading a PADD by the sidewall as he turned to leave. He immediately walked over to him.

"Mr. Stovek, my name is Torres, and I have to inform you that Nimbus III is about to be attacked. Will, you come with me?."

The Vulcan raised his eyebrow since Torres had spoken to him in Vulcan. "Mr. Torres, I do not see the logic in such a request.

"I do not have time to explain, but I have to get you off-planet ASAP."

"What about my staff? he countered.

"My team is already rounding them up waiting for me to collect you and the general here. I have a vessel secured on the outskirts of the city.

Switching to Federation standard, Stovek complied. "Very well, Mr. Torres. Let us depart."

As the three individuals made their way to the front door, the sudden noise of explosions reverberated outside the structure. At the sound of the explosions, bar patrons starting panicking and running for the door. Torres and his two companions had almost made it to the door when the crowd surged to cut off their exit.

He looked to his companions, "Guess we're going to have to make our own exit."

The Klingon pushed and shoved people away, keeping them from splitting them up as they attempted to get to the door. Using their combined strength, they pushed and parted their way through, the impromptu group tried to inflict as little damage as possible to the other sentients, the Klingon notwithstanding.

At one point, the Klang was having too much fun pushing and shoving, and Torres had to grab him by the collar to get him to come along with the group. As the exited the bar, explosions dotted the landscape, and several aircraft flew overhead, cutting down the city inhabitants with lethal disruptors.

Stovek looked to Torres, "Can you transport us to your craft?"

"No can do, ambassador, we have to walk it. Our vessel is sitting about ten kilometers outside the city limits. If the widespread interference is affecting communications, it's most likely affecting our transporters."

Klang looked aghast, "Ten kilometers! That's too far to walk, even for a Human."

Torres looked at him and shrugged, "Not really. Not for an Augment. It's a nice little warm-up."

The Klingon was about to reply when Torres' two other companions linked up with him plus some other sentients beside them. Looking at them, Torres said, "report."

Tom Salinger and Jules Aregano, both former Delta force Augments from Earth's past, pulled down their hoods and took a knee beside Torres.

"We've managed to bring all members of the Federation and Klingon detachment with us. One of the Klingons required some motivation to leave his local girlfriend." Nodding his head behind him at the two Human males, Vulcan female, and three Klingon males. One Klingon was holding his arm like it was broke.

"Good deal, we need to move out of here, quickly. It looks like whoever is attacking…"

Stovek looked at the ships, "...they are Romulan, Mr. Torres."

Torres nodded, but continued to speak, "...is prepping the area for land forces."

Klang nodded his agreement, "You are right, Human. Their p'tak soldiers will be here soon."

"Then let's go." Torres commanded, "Jules, take point. Sal, take bring up the rear."

"Got it, boss," Jules replied as he moved out in between buildings and kept to the side of the street, moving towards the city's main gate.

"Gotcha," Sal moved to the rear of the group.

Torres looked to the group, "Stay with us, don't go off on your own and engage other individuals." He deliberately looked at Klang and the other Klingons. "It's going to be a bit of a walk, but I'm sure we can make it.

"Once we get out of the main city, it's a straight walk to our ship in the desert."

All the detachment members spread out in their formation, they moved out of the city. Moving in and out of buildings, mainly to avoid other citizens, kept them busy. Finally, after about twenty minutes of movement, the group reached the perimeter of the city.

Once at the perimeter, Jules pulled out a small device in his hand, examining it, he looked up and moved in that direction. The Klingon looked at Torres, "I thought there was electronic jamming occurring in this area?"

Torres, just smiled, "It's not electronic, it's a mechanical compass. Mr. Salinger can navigate with all types of devices, including celestial navigation."

Torres looked at the group, "We need to pick up the pace. Our vessel is about ten kilometers in that direction. Keep it close."

The group members all nodded knowing that they were somewhat exposed to attack from the invading Romulans outside the city perimeter. They had to hurry to make it to their escape ship.

As the group moved farther away from the beleaguered city, the sounds of explosions faded in the distance; however, their exposure increased, and it was only a matter of time before they were seen leaving. A lone Romulan ship finally saw the group moving along a single file in the desert and decided to move in their direction.

Salinger was the first to see it, "Torres, we have incoming.."

Torres heard it before he saw it. "Sal...hold them off as best you can."

"Got it, boss." Salinger pulled out a huge plasma rifle and started taking precise aim at the incoming ship.

Torres keyed his comm, "Eagle flight, this is Rogue one, over." Hearing nothing but static, he fretted since they were probably still under the jamming area.

The Romulan fighter approached the group and started its strafing run….bolts of plasma started hitting the ground among the group. Explosions of dirt and debris littered the area among the running group. The Klingons pulled out their disruptors and began firing at the ship as it came in. Salinger's high powered rifle hit the ship but did little damage to the shields. The fighter finished its strafing run and flew over the group coming around for another attack run.

As the ship was about to line up for another run, it exploded...the pickup ship had engaged it from behind and destroyed it. Torres was never more happy to see it as it came to a hover near the group and finally landed. As the air threat was minimized for the moment, it allowed Torres to rally the group into the ship as the landing ramp descended from the aft. He looked around to make sure all of the people made it.

Seeing a body lying on the ground, he and Sal ran over to see who it was. It was one of the Human staffers. He was severely burned by disruptor fire, fortunate to have survived. Picking him up, they got him into the ship.

As the rest of the group finished sitting down and strapping in, the pilot didn't wait and lifted off, re-engaging the vessel's cloaking field. Torres took the wounded Human to the small med bay with Sal's help, strapped him down on the table, and applied some anti-burn salve to his burned skin. Since his condition was beyond the vessels' med bay's capabilities, he had to sedate the person until he could go back to Federation space.

Once completed, Torres came up through the seating area, ensuring all his 'passengers' were strapped in and headed to the small vessel's bridge.

Mr. Stovek stopped Torres on the way, "How is Mr. Stiles?"

"Sir, he'll be fine, but this ship doesn't have the capabilities to treat some of his injuries. I've sedated him so we can get him to a Federation medical facility," Torres replied.

"Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Torres."

"We are here to serve, Mr. Stovek."

Leaving the Vulcan, he moved up to the bridge. "Nice work pulling us out of there, Bob."

The pilot, a 'retired' Starfleet fighter pilot, nodded his appreciation. "Once I saw the Romulans come in, I got the vessel airborne and cloaked. It would have been easier to track you guys with sensors, but the Roms put out an extensive jamming field that killed most of my sensors, so I had to go to visual until I saw you coming."

Torres nodded, "Nice timing. " He looked out the front view portal as the ship jumped to warp. "What's our ETA back to the Federation?"

"About five hours under at this warp speed. This vessel didn't rate a hyperdrive, so it'll take a while," he replied.

"No problem, let me know if anything changes. I'll be back in the passenger area." Torres informed him.

- TBC -