Icicles

Chapter 10

Disclaimer: do not own Star Trek

I've had a lot of comments about Marla being an OC. Technically she's a reboot of Marla McGivers from the TOS episode Space Seed. I felt she deserved a reboot. But I am glad so many are enjoying it.

Khan wanted to go after her. Stop her, kiss her, tell her exactly how he felt.

He stood still. Last night had been a rough night and he wasn't going to push his luck. He trudged back to his beer and sat. Everything would get sorted out when he as back on planet. Or at least, that's what he was telling himself. He would see his crew, hopefully be able to get things sorted with Marla, maybe buy a cookbook because the cooking channel wasn't exactly simple.

"Chicken." The bartender snorted as he went back to wiping the water stains off of the racks of glasses from the previous night.

His communicator went off.

"What?"

"My office." Marcus grunted.

Khan flipped it closed and took his time getting to the office.

"Took you long enough. Get lost?"

Khan ignored him and sat.

"How may I be of assistance?"

"Kitya was so kind as to remind me that that damn gala is a week and a half away. We're leaving the construction site a few days early, you and I that is."

"Why must we attend again?"

"Because I'm head of Starfleet and you're undercover as my first officer at the moment."

Khan rolled his eyes.

"Dress greys. This is a formal event. We will ALL be on our best behavior. Lakewood will be there and I swear if you two get into any fights during this thing, I will shut off half the cryotubes and let them rot, son."

"You have my assurance, nothing will happen between the two of us."

"Good. Because he's the one who put those damn Tribbles in the office."

Khan let a growl rip from his throat.

"HEY!"

Khan glared at him.

"Don't you dare give me that look." Marcus breathed. "If you think beating the shit out of Lakewood is worth thirty-six of your people, then so be it."

"What of after?"

"I don't give two shits what the hell happens after the Bajorans are off planet, but at this function you will behave. We are leaving in three hours. Now get out of my sight."

Khan paced around his quarters back at the construction site. He was stressed out. Very stressed out. He was about to let his frustrations loose on the table when his phone buzzed. He snatched it out from under the mattress and answered it.

"Harrison."

"Hey John."

"Marla." He sighed in a bit of relief.

"You don't sound too good. What happened?" Marla sounded worried.

"Just a run in with Marcus."

"Calm down. Breathe." Her tone was soothing. "In and out, deep breaths. It will be fine. It will all be fine."

He wanted to believe her. He desperately wanted to believe her.

"Two weeks John. You've made it this far. You're almost there."

"I know. I know. Just talk to me."

"Alright. I'm home right now. Had dinner with Kitya. Picked Napoleon up from Sam. He's overflowing with tribbles right now. He has to go make his rounds. I got to cuddle in a tribble pile."

Khan couldn't help but chuckle.

"When you get home, we can go get tea or something."

"That sounds wonderful."

"I stopped by the office and am very happy to find Andrew has been watering the gardenia you gave me and it has a few new blooms on it. Are you still on the space station?"

"No. We left soon after you."

"I see." She sighed. "My apartment is cold. I turned down the heat while I was gone and it still hasn't heated back up.

He snorted.

"It can't be any worse than here."

"Oh yeah, has anyone told you you're like a furnace? Dear god, you are warm. I tried to roll over a few times because I was about to start sweating. Couldn't get very far though."

"My apologies."

"No, no. Nothing to apologize for."

There was a comfortable silence.

"I wish I could have stayed longer. It was nice seeing you."

"I share the same sentiment."

"John…I…Um…"

"Yes?" His heart began pounding.

"I really-"

There was a loud banging at the door. She paused, hearing the noise through the receiver.

"Fuck." He hissed.

"Bye." She hung up.

"WHAT?" He snarled as he shoved the phone under the mattress.

The door opened to reveal one of the engineers, proudly holding something in his hands.

"Sir, I've got it. I've got the solution as to how to fire at warp factor nine!"

"What?" Khan seized the pad in his hands and began scrolling down. "How? We've only been able to figure out up to four. Anything higher and the ship would have to drop out of warp. If it proves correct, excellent work."

"I was just playing with some darts in the rec room and it occurred to me!" The engineer's face was bright with pride and glee of being praised by his cold, arrogant, impatient supervisor. Khan's face became one of a mixture of aggravation and promptly brought his palm to his face.

"Fuck, she was right." He grumbled.

"Who's right?" The engineer looked confused.

"Nobody you need concern yourself with. Go do something with this."

He shut the door in the face of the engineer and stalked back to his bed. He hesitated before pulling his scarf out and wrapping it around his neck. He could still smell her on it and it was pleasant to say the least.

Marla tossed aside the phone and shuffled to the bedroom. She stripped herself of her clothes and considered a bath. It would be rather nice after the weekend. She sighed in frustration. John was stressed and freaking out. She wished she could be where he was, comfort him in person instead of having to calm him down over the phone. She poured herself a glass of wine and headed to the bathroom.

She hated dealing with Admiral Marcus on the rare occasion, she couldn't possibly imagine being stuck with him in space for a month. Hearing how stressed John was made her want to pet him, kiss his face, hold him and try to distract him to get him to settle. But she couldn't. A nagging voice in the back of her head reminded her that he wasn't her boyfriend as she filled the tub with hot water and bubble bath. But they were friends. She reasoned. The nagging voice told her they were beyond that point.

She got in and laid there. Napoleon had climbed up the wall again and was cooing at the heat radiating from the bathtub. The steaming bath felt glorious. She exhaled and slid down further, water rising to her neck. Wine and a hot bath. She thought the only way this could get better was with someone giving her a back massage.

Her mind wandered to the thought of John's hands running over her back. Then her body. Her hand wandered to her inner thigh and between her folds as she imagined what it would be like for his mouth to be pressed against her neck, her breasts, her stomach, her clit…She let loose a groan.

She was snapped out of her pleasure when she heard her phone go off next to her. She made a noise of frustration as she wiped off her hands and arm on a washcloth before answering.

"Yes?"

"My apologies."

"You're fine."

"Why is there an echo?"

"Because I'm in the bath."

He cleared his throat.

Marla smirked.

"I figured a good hot bubble bath was a good idea. Napoleon is hanging on the wall. Dunno how he holds on to those tiles."

The tribble merely trilled. Marla slid back down in the tub.

"How is the Ambassador?"

"Remorseful. Apologetic. He's given me a bottle of springwine and keeps attempting to give me jewelry from Bajor over the past few hours. As is Sok."

"Do you still have my bottle?"

"Yes, it's on my kitchen counter."

"What happened exactly?"

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Why not?"

"It's just not something I want to discuss."

"In general, or just with me?"

"John, he was drunk, he was hitting on me and trying to get me to come sleep with him. That's all. It was uncomfortable and don't want to talk about it!"

"Alright, calm down. I'm sorry."

"John?"

"Yes?"

"What are we going to do about Harlow?"

"I will take care of it."

"She shoved a pair of her crusty panties under my door."

Marla heard John make an exasperated noise on the other end.

"Alright. I will handle this as soon as I can. Lay low until I get back."

"And how exactly do you suggest I do that?" She snipped.

"Let me rephrase, stay off her radar and behave and do not give me that look I can hear you glaring at me from here."

Marla huffed.

"Marla."

"I know." She closed her eyes.

"I do not want anything happening while I'm not on planet."

"No guarantees of that."

"Please, do your best."

"I wonder what she would do if she found out we shared a bed."

"Marla." He growled sternly.

"I'm kidding. No one is going to find out about that if I can help it."

Quiet.

"Marla?"

"Yes?"

"Good luck this week."

"Thank you."

"I'm counting down the days until I can set foot back on soil."

"I know."

"I want you to know something."

"Yes?"

"Be wary of Marcus." He warned.

"I know that."

"Just checking."

Marla yawned.

"Then perhaps it is time for bed." He teased.

"That would entail ending our conversation."

"True. As much as I hate to, you have a busy day tomorrow."

"Alas, I do."

"Goodnight Marla."

"Goodnight John."

The next few days flew by.

Marla found herself absolutely enchanted by the lectures on Bajor. She was glad to see a number of her students at the lectures. A few had come up to her afterwards to chat. She informed them that soon she would have her classes and office hours back to normal and as always, they could email her with questions. She was also pleased that she was receiving email questions, which meant they were actually reading the lectures.

Marla had collapsed on the sectional when a knock came from the door. Confused, she stood and glanced out the peephole to see Elyn standing outside. She opened the door.

"Elyn? What's going on?"

"The Ambassador requests your presence for an official dinner and has sent you this." She produced two boxes from behind her. I was told to wait for you to change and to escort you to dinner."

"I had plans." It was Wednesday. Group and bar.

"Admiral Pike says to cancel." Elyn shrugged. "This is basically a state dinner. Our shuttle for France leaves shortly."

Marla began to panic slightly. "Alright, how long do we have?"

"Two hours."

"Two hours." Marla repeated faintly. "Alright. Come in."

Elyn made herself comfortable on the sectional and Napoleon began inching towards her.

"Elyn, that's my tribble Napoleon. It's harmless." She threw over her shoulder as she dug through her bag for the business card.

"I see." The Bajoran woman picked up the Tribble and began examining it.

Marla pulled out her phone.

"Tabitha. It's Marla. I need help. Apparently I'm required to be at a state dinner…"

"I'll be there in no time. You are so lucky I'm in the city today. Go shower I'll be there before you get out." Tabitha hung up.

"Why exactly do I have to go?" Marla leaned on the breakfast bar and looked at Elyn.

"Bal wants you to and your commanding officer agrees." Elyn flipped on the television. "Go get in the shower."

Marla groaned and complied.

"Don't forget those boxes." Elyn called and Marla came back and grabbed them.

She opened the boxes on the bed. The smallest one contained the jewelry Bal had been attempting to get her to accept the past few days and the larger, an evening gown. Marla gave a frustrated sigh. She hated this so much. She had to admit the dress was pretty though.

"I don't hear the shower running, terran!" Elyn called from the other room.

"Shut up, Elyn!"

Elyn cackled.

Marla grumbled as she turned on the shower and adjusted the temperature before climbing in.

Khan's fingers tapped impatiently on the railing of the catwalk. He heard footsteps behind him. Marcus.

He hung his head, shook it and laughed to himself.

"Yes?" He turned to face the Admiral.

"I am heading back to Earth. Expected at some fucking official dinner. Kind of like a state dinner. You are joining me after to see your crew. Gather your belongings."

"Why must I gather my belongings?" Khan asked through gritted teeth, wary.

"You're not coming back here, son."

"Then where am I going?"

Marcus inhaled and looked at him.

"Don't know until we get there."

Khan's stomach began churning.

"Will I be at the Gala thing?" Khan attempted to probe at whether or not he was going to die.

"Yes, I expect so."

Alright, so Marcus wasn't going to kill him yet or throw him back into stasis.

"How long do I have?"

"An hour. Get a move on, son."

As soon as he was out of sight, Khan broke into a run.

He fished for his phone under than mattress and quickly dialed.

The phone continued to ring until he got a voicemail.

He let loose a slew of curses before throwing it onto the bed and began pacing.

His hands shook violently. He knew exactly what was going to happen over the course of the week. Endless medical tests.

Khan took a quick shower and threw his belongings into his pack and tossed it by the door before continuing to pace like a caged animal.

His phone rang and he lunged for it.

"Hey, John. You called?" Marla's voice came over the receiver.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

"Yes. Marla, I don't have much time to explain."

"Oh, I'm short too. Some dinner tonight. Elyn is in my living room forcing me to go at Bal and Pike's request."

"Forcing?"

"I said no. They said yes and currently it's…four against one. Tabitha just got here."

"Anyways look, I am not going to be able to contact you after for a while."

"Okay."

"Marla, off the phone." He heard Tabitha scolding. "Or at least stop talking and expand your ribcage so I can make sure you can breathe."

"Fine, John, keep talking because I doubt we are going to get a chance to later."

"That is most of what I can say."

"I-"

"Marla!" Tabitha scolded. "Don't give me that look. Hold still."

"It is going to be a hell of week. I'm fairly certain it is a week of medical exams."

Marla made a sympathetic noise.

"You can talk now." Tabitha stated.

"Thank you. What kind of medical exams?"

"I don't know."

"What's wrong? Are you feeling alright?" Marla's voice became worried.

"It's not that, I'm fine. I can't say any more. Mostly because I don't know any more."

"John-"

"Marla, will you hold still?" Tabitha snapped.

Marla growled.

"John. Relax. It's going to be fine."

Khan made a noise of doubt.

"John." Marla addressed him sternly.

"Yes?"

"Calm down." Marla tried to be reassuring. "What kind of tests?"

"I do not know."

"Marla, hang up. I need your face."

"Fine. John, We will talk later. Okay?"

"Alright." Khan sighed. "Until then."

"Yes. Bye."

Khan hung up and threw the phone in the bag.

A pounding came from his door before it slid open.

"Let's go." Marcus grunted.

Marla sat in front of the mirror. The dress the Ambassador had sent was a pale blue with silver embroidery along the neckline and hem, reminiscent of the various Bajoran designs she had seen in his lectures. She recognized the Bajoran symbol hidden within various designs of flowers and flora. The color reminded her of the color of John's eyes. Icy. She smiled a half smile to herself as Tabitha fussed with her hair.

"Tabitha, leave it down."

"Fine. Hold still while I at least put some braids in." Tabitha grumbled as she rearranged everything.

Marla rolled her eyes.

"Don't give me that look missy. This is an official Dinner. Other ambassadors and world leaders will be there. Ambassador Spock for one will be here from New Vulcan or so I've heard through the grapevine. Do not shake hands with him or touch his hands. That is how Vulcans show intimate affection. Their version of a kiss is pressing their index and middle fingers against their partner's. To shake hands with him would be like throwing yourself on him, shoving your tongue down his throat and your hand down his pants."

"I see. I'll keep that in mind." Marla scrunched her nose at the thought.

"No physical contact unless initiated by the other party. Keep your mouth shut at dinner when they are discussing politics. If I had time to explain everything going on right now, I would encourage you to join in, but I have not had any time to do so, so keep it shut, Marla. Laugh lightly or a smile at their jokes, no matter how bad they are. Talk about Earth if they ask. Talk about all the different cultures on Earth, the different races of people. Music, art, literature. Just don't get involved when they speak about politics. Listen to what is going on and I will fill you in later. I will be at the Gala next week."

"Why is this in France?"

"That's where the President of Earth resides. In Paris in Versailles. The White House is now for the North American delegate. It's complicated. I'll tell you more later."

"Versailles? As in The Palace of Versailles?"

"Yes. Now let's go."

Elyn stood and brushed herself off.

"I'm changing on the shuttle." She informed them. "Let's go before Kitya throws a fit."

"How long until we get there?"

"Not long."

"But Paris is at least a fourteen hour flight."

"Fourteen? No. More like two."

"Two hours?"

"Yes." Tabitha look confused. "Oh wait, I keep forgetting. Technology has been improved. Just relax. The shuttle is very fast and reliable."

"I see."

"Yes. Trade and commerce has improved greatly because of it."

"I see."

"Good luck. Behave yourself. Act like a lady."

Marla snorted and got into the car outside.

"Marla, I'm serious."

"As am I." Marla replied. "Thank you, I'll tell you all about it when I get back."

Tabitha sighed and nodded as she backed up.

Khan looked out the window. Night had begun to fall in Paris. Disgusting city in his own opinion. It disillusioned so many. They expected a certain experience from Paris and were met with nothing special in particular. Much like humans notions of love.

The shuttle began to circle as they requested clearance to land at the airfield. The ride to Versailles was relatively silent, with the exception of Marcus occasionally clearing his throat. All Khan could think of was what awaited him after the visit with his crew. He dreaded it. Although he had grown up being a human hamster, the scientists were at least gentle, keeping in mind they were working with other humans. These scientists would not grant him such luxury and had not the last time.

He glanced at Marcus from the side. How easy it would be to dash the man's skull against the window of the car they traveled in. He wanted to mercilessly beat his face in until he was unrecognizable. No, he couldn't until his crew was safe.

Khan watched out the window as Versailles came into view. Numerous other cars were inside the gates. Marcus coughed.

They pulled up to the gate and a man approached the door.

"Goodnight Harrison. I'll see you later." Marcus hit the side of the car as Khan felt something pierce his skin. He growled as he felt himself slip away into the blackness.

Marcus hesitated before landing a heavy backhand across the man's unconscious face. Khan did not move. Satisfied he turned as the door opened. He climbed out and snapped the door behind him.

Marcus straightened his jacket and approached the entrance.

He glanced around until he located the Bajorans. He approached and was immediately greeted by Bal.

"Alexander! Good to see you! What a lovely evening, is it not? The Prophets have smiled upon us."

"Yes, yes." Marcus smiled, not quite letting it reach his eyes. If he had to sit through one more religious spiel from Bal, he might hang himself. "Miss McGivers, I trust he is giving you no issues as of late?" He turned to face the woman next to Bal. He eyed the dress she wore, clearly a gift from Bal. He could tell by the Bajoran designs.

"None. He has been nothing but gracious." McGivers nodded. "I notice you are absent of your first officer tonight, Admiral."

"Yes. Commander Harrison is under the weather. The cold in space can do that if not properly prepared for. Warned him. Hard headed idiot. Not to worry though, your office neighbor will be good to go."

McGivers gave him a small smile.

"McGivers, I do hope you will be seated next to me. I want to hear about how you are enjoying Starfleet and our times."

"Oh, yes Admiral."

Marcus smiled at the woman. She reminded him of Carol. Slightly shy at these types of things, his daughter was. He always enjoyed bringing her though, showing her off to all the foreign delegates, showing them how intelligent she was and how outstandingly proud of her he was. Now she had a doctorate specializing in weaponry and he couldn't have been prouder. Of course, grandchildren would probably top that. He hoped she would find a suitable man and settle. Not too soon though. He wanted her to do everything she wanted before that.

"Bal, I am stealing Miss McGivers for the evening. We have things to discuss. Come with me, walk with me, talk with me." He offered his arm and McGivers took it, throwing a look at Kitya.

"May I pay you a compliment McGivers? You look stunning." Marcus led her out to the doors overlooking the gardens.

"Thank you, sir. My niece, Tabitha is to thank for that."

"Oh, how old is she?"

"Fifty-five."

"Oh. Now, hold a minute. Tabitha. As in…"

"Tabitha McGivers-Williams."

"Are you telling me that you are related to one of our greatest presidents, Scott H. McGivers?"

"My darling little brother." McGivers admitted.

"Forgive my language, but you're shitting me."

"I um, shit you not, sir. But sir, please. If you would keep this between us, it would be much appreciated."

"Of course, of course. So long as you tell me stories about him. I would love to hear them."

"Thank you. My family outside of my brother Andrew-"

"Oh yes. Your brother. Why he never mentioned this astounds me."

"He didn't know either. But yes, our family outside of Tabitha is not exactly…welcoming just yet."

"Annora, I presume?"

"I'm sorry. How do you know-"

"How do I know Annora?" Marcus chuckled. "I've had to deal with that woman many a time. She is a benefactor of the Academy. She makes a sizable donations annually. It is with her last donation we could start building the History department. Not the most pleasant woman. No offense meant."

"None taken."

"Good. Now tell me what mischief President Scott McGivers caused while a boy."

Khan woke up to find himself face down on the concrete floor. He moved to weakly get up, only to feel the heel of someone's boot on his neck, forcing his head back down.

"See men? The great, feared, Khan Noonien Singh. King of the Augments. Weaker than a fucking kitten." Whomever it was removed his heel before landing a hard kick across his face. Laughter erupted.

"What the matter Khan? Remember us? We had so much fun last time." He drew his leg back for another kick.

"HEY! Enough of that! Get back to work."

Khan breathed, still woozy from the drugs and the blow to the head. He felt Marcus grab him by the scruff of his neck and pull him to his feet. He saw the rows of cryotubes in front of him.

"You got twenty minutes, son. I'm exhausted."

Khan wobbled his way to the line of tubes, attempting to check them all.

"We've told you before, they're fine." Marcus snapped. Khan ignored him, glancing over each one.

He nearly collapsed on Joaquin's tube. The last one. He breathed heavily, trying to regain balance. His head was pounding, he was nauseous and his world seemed off. There was no doubt in his mind he had a concussion. He rested his head against the cold glass. There was so much he wanted to tell Joaquin. He wanted to tell him about everything. About Marla, Amanda, the future, technology, warp capable ships. He looked down at Joaquin's face. He closed his eyes and felt himself fall before nothing.

He awoke again to a light in his eyes. He noticed he was on a bed. Doctors, no, scientists stood over him.

"I have a concussion." He managed to mumble.

"We know." The man over him snapped. "It should be fine soon. You're healing four times the rate of a normal human with as bad a head injury as this would heal. Then we can get to work. We are going to see how much your body can handle once more." The man stated, almost cheerfully. "We were pleased to see how quick your last injuries healed. We're going to break some bones this time to see how fast those heal. Maybe some incisions. Don't worry, you'll be unconscious."

He tried to reach up to find he was handcuffed to the bed. An IV was in his hand.

"I want to get a look at his heart." One of the others in the background muttered.

"We will have to talk to Marcus about that. He told me no major surgeries."

Khan closed his eyes. This was a nightmare. An elaborate nightmare. He was going to wake up back at the construction site. He was going to wake up to a phone call from Marla complaining about the dinner or Amanda giving him a report on everything she had been up to. Maybe a call from Andrew asking to go drinking when he got back on planet. Not this. Anything but this.

"No major surgeries." Marcus grunted as he entered the room. "Well look here. You know, last night I had a pretty good conversation with that McGivers girl."

Khan looked up at him, determined to not let his face show anything.

"Yeah, I'm thinking about indulging Bal just this once and letting him take her to Bajor with him." Marcus carefully observed his face.

"She has no interest in going." Khan spoke, voice hard.

"And how would you know that, son?" Marcus leaned in close.

"We spoke on the space station."

Marcus stood up.

"That's really no concern of mine." Marcus shrugged. "If Bal wants a whore, he can have her."

"Why not allow him to meet your daughter, Admiral?" Khan sneered.

Marcus's face contorted and he backhanded Khan. Khan laughed. The hit barely even stung. Marcus grabbed a scalpel off the table and plunged it into his knee. Khan's laugh turned into a scream.

"Not laughing now, are we son? Your arrogance is going to get you and your crew killed." Marcus twisted the scalpel before pulling it out and tossing the bloody instrument onto the tray. "You know what? I've had enough of your mouth."

Khan watched as Marcus pulled out his communicator.

"Yeah, crack open the glass of that one cryotube. I think the bastard's name is Joaquin."

"NO!" Khan screamed. "No! Please, no! He is my brother!"

"Hold on, it seems we have a change of heart here." Marcus closed the device and leaned in. "You're going to admit something, son. You're going to tell me I am your superior and apologize for your comment or I'm going to crack open the entire row."

Khan snarled and lunged. The handcuffs kept him down. Marcus held up the communicator. The bed was becoming soaked with blood.

"Say it." Marcus growled.

"You are my superior." Khan muttered.

"Louder than that. I'm an old man."

"You are my superior and I apologize."

"Good. Now was that so hard? Clean him up." Marcus snapped at the silent room before leaving.

Khan watched his back disappear before passing out once more, slipping into nightmares of shattered glass and the smell of rotting corpses.