STARFLEET PENAL COLONY – MARS

The surface of the planet was extremely rocky as far as the eye could see and it was completely bare of vegetation. Not surprising given the weather extremes. For one third of the year, known as the light season, the concept of night was unknown. During this period the outside temperature remained blisteringly hot. For the other two thirds, the dark season, light came only in artificial form as the planet remained in complete darkness, with temperatures routinely below freezing. But no matter what season, one constant was the wind that was either very light or cyclonic.

With the planets atmosphere proving not conducive for growing things, and the little water that could be found being generally briny and very salty and therefore not fit for consumption. Food and water supplies had to come from off world, and it had to be rationed to ensure that it lasted between inter-planet deliveries.

It was these harsh conditions that made Mars the ideal location for a penal colony for the Federation's most dangerous criminals.

Prison terms were generally not of long duration, but then again neither was the life expectancy of those imprisoned there.

Life was hard.

The climate. The landscape. The isolation. The labour.

Prisoners spent the majority of their day in the open elements, splitting the impossibly tough Martian rock. They were expected to do so in most weather conditions, only being relieved of duty when the severe dust storms rolled in.

The work was backbreaking and mind-numbingly repetitive, but this didn't concern Khan. In fact he found it therapeutic, using it as a means to vent his anger and frustration at the unforgiving environment.

When he returned to his cell at night all he wanted to do was eat a meal and sleep.

And then he could dream.

LONDON – TWO YEARS LATER

It was raining when he exited the shuttlecraft. Khan was certain he'd never seen a more glorious sight.

And then he saw them. The woman who had restored to him what he hadn't realised was missing, his humanity. And in Molly's arms was the daughter they'd created that fateful day.

Without hesitation he ran over to them, scooping them both up in his powerful arms.

Kisses, hugs, tears and laughter were shared with abandon. Khan only becoming aware they had an audience when clapping, wolf-whistles and cheers penetrated his consciousness.

Looking over Molly's head he was stunned, and elated to see the remaining 72 members of his crew, and next to them stood Captain James T. Kirk and other senior members of the Enterprise crew.

With his arm wrapped securely around Molly and their daughter he went to greet his friends, and embrace former foes. There was a lot to catch up on after all.

When he'd made his bid for freedom just prior to his trial all he'd wanted was to be reunited with his crew and for them to find somewhere where they could live their lives in peace.

He had that now, and so much more. He knew without a shadow of a doubt he was home.