KEEPERS OF THE TRUST
Book II
The Enterprise's Mission
When morning came, the Bridge Crew assembled on the Bridge of the new Enterprise for the first time. Khan Noonian Singh, feeling profoundly uncomfortable in his new Starfleet uniform, slid uneasily into the Helm. He found himself sitting next to a Vulcan woman, nodded to her briefly, and busied himself at the Helm, all the while, covertly watching the rest of the Crew settle themselves in. Apart from Admiral Kirk and Dr. McCoy, the only person he recognized from before was commander Uhura, sitting, as usual, at her beloved Communications Station.
She was staring back at him, more than a little nonplussed…
Come to think of it, the Vulcan woman was regarding him a little strangely too…
Fortunately, that was when Admiral Kirk entered the Bridge, followed by Ambassadors Sarek and Wesley, who were, in turn, followed by Dr. McCoy.
Everyone came to their feet when they heard, "Admiral on the Bridge."
Kirk looked around; noticing the odd stares Khan was receiving from Uhura and Saavik. He was getting those looks from everyone on the Bridge, really, but the two women on the bridge were really interested in the man.
Not good, Kirk thought. He cleared his throat, then spoke to the crew.
"I know people, that you are probably as amazed by Lieutenant's Santirez's resemblance to Khan Noonian Singh as I was. Let me assure you, however, that the resemblance is only physical. Proceed with your duties."
The next few minutes were busy, but routine. McCoy walked over.
"Jim," he said. "I just realized, Santirez has never taken a ship like the Enterprise out of Space Dock."
"I know," Kirk was almost biting his nails. "I just realized that too."
"Give the job to Saavik, Jim. She's done it before."
"Bones, I have to treat him like any other Helmsman. If I don't, people might start asking questions. In the long run, that might be worse than letting him pilot the Enterprise out of Space Dock."
"I see," McCoy glanced at Khan, seated at the Helm. "Shall I start praying?"
"Please do," Jim was trying, very hard, not to look at Khan.
"Admiral," that was Uhura. "Admiral Noguchi is on line."
"Put him on, Commander Uhura."
Noguchi's weathered features appeared on the wide view screen.
"Admiral Kirk… Ambassador Wesley. I trust that you, in particular, are well?"
"Yes," Wesley replied. Noguchi went on.
"Good. I have been told that someone tried to assassinate you. Therefore I have assigned the Excelsior as a protective escort."
That's just great Jim thought. Now, I'll have to explain Khan all over again…
"I thought Captain Sulu was on Practice Maneuvers today," he said.
"He was, Jim" Noguchi replied. "I had it cut short. This mission is to have a proper protective escort."
He stopped, seeming to peer at the screen.
"Is that ambassador Sarek I see?"
Sarek stepped forward to stand next to Wesley.
"Ambassador Wesley has asked for my assistance, considering his relative lack of experience. I have cleared my calendar for an indefinite period of time; the Junior Ambassadors under me have my fullest confidence in their abilities."
"I see," Noguchi glanced at Wesley. "Bob?"
"I did ask for his assistance."
"Very well, then," Noguchi nodded. "You are to proceed to the planet, Shinar, as directed by the late Admiral Morrow. You'll meet someone there called The Speaker. Sanctuary Alliance is sending him, although there are indications that he doesn't precisely belong to their organization. I'm told he will lay a Quest on you."
"A quest?" Jim was intrigued.
"Yes, Admiral. The Quest is apparently the Alliance's way of meeting new cultures. Or, perhaps this is a peculiarity of the Speaker himself."
"Maybe we'll be sent looking for the Holy Grail." Jim said.
"Or Frodo's Ring," McCoy commented.
"It could be anything," Noguchi replied. "But, this is what Starfleet is all about, meeting new cultures, and learning from them."
"So that's all we do?" Jim asked. "Go to Shinar, then go on a quest?"
"I think it'll do for a start," Noguchi spoke. "Meeting these people is of the utmost importance. My contacts tell me that there are movements among the people of Sanctuary Alliance. What happens with them may very well have an impact on Federation security. Ambassador Wesley?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Your wearing the Shao Sword is a good touch. I'm sure they'll appreciate it."
Wesley chuckled.
"Now, I know whom to blame," he said. Noguchi smiled back.
"If you must blame anyone, blame yourself. If you had never taken the Training from that Shao friend of yours, they would never have asked for you in the first place. Well… You'd better get started. The Excelsior will meet you en route."
Noguchi switched off.
"We've been cleared for departure," Commander Uhura said.
"Now, I'll start my prayers," McCoy muttered. Kirk, pretending not to hear, turned his attention to the Helm.
"Lieutenant Santirez," he said. "Take her out."
"Aye Sir."
It was the longest five minutes in Admiral Kirk's life. Nonetheless, the Enterprise pulled out of Space Dock without any embarrassing incidents. Khan's piloting, while not spectacular, was competent. He would do just fine…
McCoy shook his head, grinning at Kirk, who relaxed a bit now that the Enterprise was safely out of Space Dock…
"Ahead on full, Lieutenant."
"Aye, Sir," Khan spoke, keeping his eyes on the readouts. Kirk got to his feet.
"Lieutenant Saavik," he said. "You have the Conn."
The Vulcan got to her feet and sat in the Captain's Chair. Kirk looked at the Bridge Crew, all of them busy at their tasks. Everything seemed business-as-usual here.
But I've got Khan Noonian Singh sitting at the Helm…
He turned to the Ambassadors, and Dr. McCoy.
"Gentlemen," he said. "Let's have a talk in Sick Bay."
"Crew's health?" Jim asked when they had arrived in Sick Bay.
"They're just fine, Jim," McCoy scanned through Medical Records.
"How about Lieutenant Santirez?"
"Him," McCoy snorted. "He's disgustingly healthy. You, of course, know why."
"Yes," Jim agreed. "I can't believe it, though. He's actually fitting in."
"Jim," McCoy's tone was patient. "Remember, he came from a eugenics breeding program."
"You trying to tell me something new?"
"Jim, when we speak of eugenics, we usually focus on strength and intelligence. But we always seem to forget about adaptability."
"So he can adapt to strange waters better than we can?" Wesley asked.
"That might be part of it," McCoy agreed.
"All right," Wesley agreed. "To other business, then. How about when we rendezvous with the Excelsior?"
"Noguchi would do that to me," Jim grumbled. "I'll probably end up explaining Khan to every ship in Starfleet."
"Probably not," Wesley straightened his sword as he spoke. The damn hilt kept on poking him in the neck. "Captain Sulu and Commander Chekov are the only people you'll need to say anything to. The others wouldn't know Khan from Adam."
"A quest," Sarek commented. "Admiral Noguchi said a quest would be an integral part of our mission."
"Yes," Kirk agreed. "But we won't discover what it is until we get to Shinar. Until then, we've got plenty of work to do."
Rendezvous with Excelsior
The Enterprise met the Excelsior a few hours later. Kirk looked at the view screen, at his old friend. Sulu looked…at home …there, on the Excelsior…
"Captain," Jim said. "It's a pleasure to be working with you again."
"Yes, Admiral, I feel the same way."
Abruptly, Sulu stared at the Helm. His jaw dropped. Kirk heard nervous giggles on the Bridge of the Enterprise…
Sulu stared at Khan, shifted his gaze back to the Admiral.
"I know who he looks like," Jim said. "It's not him."
"I didn't think so," Sulu laughed, a touch nervously. "But he sure gave me a start. If I may ask…"
"He's Lieutenant Martin Santirez, an ex-Merchant Marine, recently commissioned to serve on the Enterprise."
The Captain and the Lieutenant nodded to each other. Sulu swung his gaze back to Kirk, mind on the mission.
"Our mission takes us to Shinar?"
"Yes," Kirk replied.
"But, what's this about a quest?"
"We'll find out when we get there."
Khan Singh went off-shift several hours later. Not feeling comfortable, as yet, with the crew, he headed for his quarters. They were small, but good; just what a Lieutenant might expect to have on the Flagship of Starfleet. He wasn't particularly hungry, so he ignored the food-slot terminal. He felt, instead, an intense need to assess the changes he'd experienced recently. Two days ago, he had been an Engineer, and Plant Foreman, still in search of his people, and his wife…
Has it truly been only two days?
He shook his head, unclasping the collar of his uniform's tunic. The collar didn't feel quite right yet, slightly too tight…
I'll get used to it, I suppose…
The door chimed. Straightening his collar, snapping it back into place, he went to the door. When it opened, he found Robert Wesley standing there.
"Ambassador," Khan was surprised.
"Lieutenant," Wesley said. "I was thinking you'd like to join us for dinner."
"Wouldn't that raise questions?"
"You're supposed to be my aide, remember?"
"Oh… Yes," Khan let Wesley in. "You've caught me unprepared. If you could wait a minute?"
"Certainly," Wesley waited while Khan went into the bedroom. When Khan returned, hair combed and tied back very neatly, Wesley could see that the other man had been stressed by the events of the last few days.
"Relax," Wesley said. "It's only dinner."
"I don't seem to have much of an appetite today, Ambassador."
"I know. You'll be fine. Believe me."
They left Khan's quarters, heading for the nearest turbo-lift. Once inside, Khan said:
"Do Admiral Kirk's people accept me as Martin Santirez?"
"They seem to," Wesley stopped the lift and they got out. "They don't have any reason not to. They all know that he died on the Reliant. Apart from that, Jim said you're Martin Santirez. Why would he lie to them about something like that? Trust me; you're not going to be outed here. Well… We're here."
Khan passed through the doorway, saw Kirk, Sarek, and Dr. McCoy. He relaxed a little at that. He had been afraid that the Excelsior's Captain-Sulu-would be there.
"Well," McCoy handed him a goblet of wine. "Have a seat. Did you enjoy the Helm?"
"It was…an experience," Khan sipped the wine, a surprisingly good vintage. Wesley, seeing his surprise, laughed a little.
"This is an Ambassadorial mission," he said.
"Ah…Yes," Khan smiled. "With all the perks and bonuses that go along with it. I'm not complaining. Ambassador?"
"Yes?" Wesley sipped his own wine.
"If I am to be your Aide, there are certain things I must know. This quest… Do you really intend to do it?"
"Yes."
"But what if this quest turns out to be…" Khan glanced at Dr. McCoy. "… Frodo's Ring? What do we do then?"
"I assume we'd probably have to go to Mordor," Jim Kirk replied. "That is, if we could get the co-ordinates. But that's not too likely. Remember, this is a diplomatic mission, and more a token gesture than anything else."
Sarek was in agreement.
"At most, we will probably be asked to find something," he said. "Something that may be found quite easily, at that."
"An Easter Egg Hunt," McCoy chimed in.
"Right," Wesley nodded. "Remember, this quest is merely the first step in the negotiations between the Federation of Planets and Sanctuary Alliance."
"What is known about Sanctuary Alliance as of now?" Khan was interested.
"Not much," Wesley set his wineglass down. "They're a multi-species Federation, and they seem to be extra-universal."
Khan was stunned.
"They have trans-universal travel?"
"They seem to have that. Now, Khan, I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. What's for dinner, Jim?"
Shinar
The next four days were uneventful. Everyone took the opportunity to enjoy the ride. Finally, Khan met Captain Sulu, and engaged his in a Fencing match. As Fencers, they were rather evenly matched; Khan was stronger, less easily winded, but Sulu had been more highly trained. They each won-and lost-a few…
Saluting the Captain, Khan raised his face-guard.
"I very rarely have the opportunity to come up against a real Fencer. How old were you when you took it up?"
"I was thirteen," Sulu laughed. "I guess it was because of the Three Musketeers, all that swashbuckling daring-do. How about you?"
"I was roughly the same age, Captain," Khan lied. In truth, the managers of the Eugenics Breeding program had started him at it when he was five. But that wasn't something he could tell Sulu…
Lifting the helmet off his head, he ran a hand through sweaty hair. Then, he saw Sulu staring at him.
"Captain?"
"Don't mind me, Lieutenant," Sulu shook his head. "It's amazing how much you look like him. You do know who I'm talking about?"
Admiral Kirk told me," Khan packed the epee away. "I suppose I'll have to get used to all the strange looks…"
"Chekov," Sulu said. "He's my First Officer, by the way, has this theory. You're descended from Khan Singh, aren't you?"
"I wouldn't know," Khan was perturbed by the notion…
Is that all I shall be to these people, an illegitimate descendant of myself?
Just then, admiral Kirk's voice came over the Gym's intercom.
"Captain Sulu, Lieutenant Santirez, we're due to arrive at Shinar in about an hour."
"Some other time, Lieutenant?" Sulu smiled.
"Of course, Captain."
The two men left Enterprise's Gym, Sulu heading back to Excelsior, Khan stopping at his quarters for a quick shower and change of uniform. When he returned to the Bridge, the Ensign who had been at the Helm quietly surrendered the post to Khan. As he slid into the seat, Khan looked the readouts over carefully. All was well…
"We'll reach Shinar in about forty-five minutes, Admiral," he announced.
"Very good," Kirk turned to Uhura. "Open Communications, please, Commander."
"Aye, Sir," Uhura glanced back at him. "They're expecting us."
The turbo-lift door opened, and Ambassadors Wesley and Sarek walked in, Wesley, as usual, wearing the Shao Swords master's Blade.
Khan looked back briefly, remembering how Robert Wesley had beaten off-or possibly killed-Janner with that sword.
Almost getting himself killed in the process as well…
Well… The Ambassador seemed fine now…
"Admiral," Uhura spoke up. "The Speaker is requesting our presence."
"Okay," Kirk got to his feet. "It's show time, Bob. Are you ready?"
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Wesley assured him. Kirk nodded.
"Lieutenant Saavik, Lieutenant Santirez, you'll be accompanying the diplomatic party. Get yourselves ready. Formal Attire will be required. Be ready in twenty minutes."
Saavik and Khan both got to their feet, their replacements already sliding into the vacated seats.
"You have the Conn, Commander Uhura," Kirk said.
"Aye Sir," Uhura stepped from her post, one of her Junior Officers taking over for her. "Captain Sulu will be bringing his party down too."
The Speaker's Quest
The two parties beamed down to Shinar roughly half an hour later. James Kirk looked at his own landing party. The Dream Team was fully represented, Dr. McCoy, as usual, tugging at the collar of his Starfleet Formal Attire. He had never been comfortable wearing it. Ambassador Wesley was also a touch uncomfortable, although, Jim knew, in his case, it was more likely to be nerves than anything else. Ambassador Sarek, of course, showed nothing at all, displaying an equanimity that surely served to put everyone else at ease.
Saavik showed rather more interested curiosity than the average Vulcan. But that was understandable. She was also half Romulan…
She was here because it was her duty to learn, as surely as it was Khan's duty now. Khan…
He looked magnificent in his Starfleet Formals, every inch the genetic superman, and Jim began to wonder just how long he would be able to keep the deception up…
The Excelsior's landing party beamed down. Captain Sulu, Commander Chekov, and a handful of Security Guards, all in Formal attire. The Security Guards arranged themselves around the Ambassadors.
"What is this?" Wesley asked, shooting a glance at Sulu.
"Admiral Noguchi said he wanted a proper protective escort," Sulu said. For his part, Wesley surrendered with good grace. The party moved on through the terraced paths.
Khan, remembering his duties, took his place at Ambassador Wesley's right side.
"This place is beautiful," he said. "But where are the people?"
"Up ahead, probably," Wesley responded. "The Shinarans tend to extreme politeness, so…" he gestured. "They give us some breathing space."
"Are they affiliated with Sanctuary Alliance?"
"No. Shinar has been designated neutral. I do want to meet the Speaker. He's got to have something for the Alliance to trust him like this. He, or she, isn't Alliance either. Ah… Here we are."
Wesley picked up his pace, striding past the Security Guards and his friends, Khan just behind. The path debouched onto a natural amphitheatre filled with people of many species known-and unknown-to the Federation. In the center, on a raised platform, stood two beings. Robed and cloaked, as they were, with hoods obscuring their faces, it was impossible to determine species, or gender.
The Speaker and his, or her, Aide…
Wesley, not knowing who was who, brought his gaze midway between the two.
"I am Ambassador Robert Wesley, representing the United Federation of Planets. May I introduce the members of my party?"
"Yes, Ambassador," it was the shorter of the two. But, although indisputably male, it was impossible to identify the voice, due to the fact that the Speaker was obviously using a voice distorter…
Wesley named each member of his party. As he did, the person named bowed.
Then, introductions over, Wesley said:
"Speaker, we are come here in peace to establish relations between the United Federation of Planets, and Sanctuary Alliance. I understand we are to go on Quest."
"Your quest began before you left Earth," the Speaker said. "It is with you still."
Then, the Speaker leaped lightly from the platform, followed by his Aide. The Speaker walked up to Khan, seeming to look him over carefully. Khan could feel the man's eyes on him. The Speaker turned to Wesley.
"He is not what he seems," he said to the Ambassador. "Protect him."
Then, he vanished, along with his Aide, leaving Wesley's party confused.
"What did he mean by that?" Sulu asked. "He was talking about a person."
Kirk walked up to Wesley and Khan.
"At least we know what the Quest is," he said. "Even if we don't know why."
Khan was frustrated.
"You may know, Admiral. But I certainly don't."
Kirk put a hand on Khan's shoulder.
"It's you," he spoke gently. "You're the Quest."
Khan turned to face him.
"You've got to be kidding, Admiral," he said after a moment. "You know where I come from."
"Do we really?" Wesley reached out and touched the medallion that Khan was wearing over his uniform. "Where did you get this?"
"From my parents," Khan replied. "They died when I was very young."
"Interesting," was all Wesley said.
"Let's get back to our ships," Kirk lifted his communicator, Sulu doing likewise.
"Kirk to Enterprise," Jim said. "Party to beam up."
The transporter bean took them.
The First Attack
Admiral Kirk entered the Bridge, followed by the landing party.
"Well, people," he said. "It's time we went on a quest."
Khan winced slightly as he sat at the Helm. He didn't particularly like the idea of being a quest.
"Break out of orbit," Kirk ordered. "Set course and heading for Epsilon Eridani."
"Aye, Sir."
Khan touched controls, and the Enterprise wheeled away, followed by the Excelsior. After a while, Saavik spoke.
"Admiral, there are several smaller ships approaching."
"How many? And what are they?"
"There are seven all told," Saavik replied. "They don't appear in any known registry, and they seem to be armed."
"Yellow alert," Kirk turned to Uhura. "Hail them."
The seven ships could be seen on the view screen, approaching the two Starships.
"They're not responding," Uhura said.
"Red Alert," Kirk sat up straight, focusing on the view screen. Khan, no stranger to battle himself, relaxed, finding that point within himself where there was no fear or anger…
Kirk glanced at the Tactical screen. The Excelsior had taken up position just off the Enterprise's port side bow. Saavik, using the scanners Spook had used in the battle with the Reliant, spoke up.
"The vessels are arming phasers."
"Evasive," Kirk ordered.
Who are they? He wondered, unable to escape the suspicion that this was aimed at Khan.
Why? What is Khan to these people?
The Enterprise pulled off to starboard, and the Excelsior went off to the port side. Two of the unidentified vessels tore after the Enterprise, phasers blasting bolts of energy. The Enterprise shuddered under the phaser fire.
"Shields holding, Sir," Khan informed him
"Ninety degrees to starboard, Lieutenant," Kirk ordered. "Fire Saavik!"
Energy streaked out from the Enterprise's phasers, energy bolts striking the pursuing vessels. They exploded, leaving space clear. But three humanoid shapes materialized, appearing at different points of the Bridge. Khan and Kirk leaped to their feet, as Ambassador Wesley drew his sword.
One of the men was holding a phaser. He aimed it at Khan. Wesley's sword severed that hand at the elbow. As the man fell, clutching his arm, the other two sprang into action. Even as Kirk hit a button, summoning Security to the Bridge, one of the two strangers fired his hand phaser at Wesley. The Ambassador threw himself off to one side, and the phaser bolt struck the Science Station, scattering flame and sparks everywhere. The third, fighting free of a Security Guard, raised his weapon, and odd-looking phaser, and fired it at Khan. The energy bolt hit Khan in the face. As Khan fell, Kirk grabbed the first man's phaser, pulling it free from the severed hand, and fired it at the third man. He disappeared in a flash of light. Security had overpowered the second man. Kirk ignored him, went over to where Khan lay, face down, on the floor. Slowly, Kirk turned the unconscious man over, expecting the worst…
Khan's features were unmarred… Kirk heard Uhura summoning Dr. McCoy to the Bridge. Wesley got to his knees beside him, sword still in hand.
"I wasn't fast enough," the Ambassador whispered. "I saw it coming, but couldn't get there in time. He took it in the face Jim!"
"Who's hurt?" Dr. McCoy appeared on the Bridge. Kirk motioned him over.
McCoy dropped to his knees beside Khan, and bent over the unconscious man, running his hand lightly over Khan's features. Kirk knew then, that the Doctor was using his special Sight to assess the damage.
"What happened?" McCoy asked as he worked.
"He took some sort of phaser bolt to the face, Bones. How is he?"
"It's more serious than it looks," McCoy motioned to his aides. "Get him to Sick Bay." Turning back to Kirk, "Who attacked him?"
"Three people beamed in through our shields," Kirk informed him. "Two are dead. The third, hopefully, will have some answers for us."
"Okay," the Doctor said. "I'll see what can be done for Khan."
McCoy left the Bridge. Kirk got to his feet, along with Robert Wesley. As one, they turned to face the surviving man, who was held by two Security Guards.
"Okay, mister," Kirk said to him. "Why did you attack?"
The man tilted his head to one side.
"It is not for me to say," he replied. "My commander had bid me say farewell. Obedient to his word, I go now…"
Then, without warning, his body went limp in the arms of the men who held him. Kirk caught him, eased him to the floor. Wesley bent, checking his pulse.
"I may not be a doctor," he said. "But that man is dead. So, how did he do it? Poison tooth? Post-hypnotic compulsion?"
Kirk shrugged.
"I'm more worried about Lieutenant Santirez," he said. "A phaser bolt to the face…"
"Admiral, Captain Sulu's hailing us."
"Thank you, Commander Uhura. Put him on."
Sulu appeared on the view screen, expression worried.
"Admiral," he said. "How are you doing back there?"
"We're okay," Kirk assured him. "How about you?"
"They weren't even shielded," Sulu said, looking disgusted. "They blew apart at our first salvo. But why did they attack us if the odds were so highly against them? They had to be after something."
"They were," Kirk nodded. "They were after…Lieutenant Santirez."
Sulu got a puzzled look.
"Why him?"
Kirk wished he could tell the Captain. Eventually, he might have to. But he had no words now.
"I don't know why," Kirk continued. "The Lieutenant took a phaser bolt to the face."
Sulu winced at that.
"They beamed aboard?"
"Indeed, they did, right through our shields. Did anyone try to beam aboard the Excelsior?"
"No," Sulu shook his head. "Commander Chekov wants to talk to you, sir."
"Put him on," Kirk took his seat as Chekov appeared on the view screen.
"Admiral Kirk, Ambassador Wesley," the younger man said. "May I please come aboard the Enterprise for a bit?"
"Certainly," Kirk glanced at Wesley, who shrugged. Kirk got to his feet.
"Saavik," he said. "You have the Conn."
He and Wesley left the Bridge.
They met Chekov in Enterprise's Main Transporter Room. Chekov seemed worried.
"It's Khan, isn't it?" he said.
Kirk and Wesley were both brought up short by the younger man's words.
"Chekov…" Kirk began, but the younger man cut him off.
"You don't understand," he said. "I've been seeing Captain Spock in my dreams."
"Oh my god…" that came from Wesley, but Kirk felt in complete agreement. This newest revelation was a true shocker…
Finding his voice, Kirk said:
"You've had dreams with Mr. Spock?"
"Yes, Admiral," Chekov was flustered. "He told me all about Khan."
"Another member of the Dream Team?" Wesley was incredulous.
"Ambassador?"
"Never mind, Chekov," Kirk said. "Does Sulu know?"
"I don't think so, Admiral," Chekov replied. "It really is Khan, then?"
"Yes," Kirk paused. "But, if you've been receiving information from Spock in your dreams, you must know it was a clone that was responsible for Captain Terrell's death."
"Yes, Admiral," Chekov nodded. "Mr. Spock told me all about it. I gather Khan was injured?"
"Yes. Please remember that his name is Lieutenant Martin Santirez for now."
"Aye, Sir," Chekov went back to the transporter pad. After the transporter beam took him back to the Excelsior, Kirk looked at Wesley.
"I don't believe it, Bob. Another one. Khan's sure got a lot of protectors."
"Yeah, Jim. It's just too bad that one of them couldn't move fast enough this time."
"Take it easy, Bob. You can't do everything. Even with that sword of yours. Let's see how he is before we start apportioning blame."
They reached Sick Bay a few minutes later. Sarek was there, watching Dr. McCoy work on his patient. Kirk and Wesley joined the Vulcan. Khan remained unconscious, and McCoy didn't look too happy. He glanced at the trio.
"I'll be over," he said. "Just give me a moment."
"Take all the time you need, Bones. We can wait. How is he?"
McCoy cursed under his breath, something fairly rancid.
"I don't know how he's going to take this, Jim. The optic nerves were destroyed, and I can't regenerate them. He's blind."
"Permanently?" Kirk was horrified. He looked at the unconscious man, seeing no sign that Khan had taken any kind of phaser bolt to the face. No scars at all…
"What kind of energy bolt was it?" he asked, remembering the odd look of the phaser.
"It was a neuronic blaster," McCoy talked as he drew a blanket up to Khan's shoulders. "He's damn lucky to be alive. The guy who did this intended to destroy Khan's brain. His aim was off a bit, and the energy bolt's effect was attenuated. In case you're wondering, he won't wake up for a while. I gave him a hypo a few minutes ago. What did Chekov want?"
"He knows about Khan, Bones."
"How, Jim? Who told him?"
"Apparently, it was Spock."
"Oh. Another member of the Dream Team?"
"I guess so," Kirk turned to Wesley. "I don't know about you, but I could use a drink. How about you?"
"We've also got some planning to do," Wesley spoke quietly. "Obviously, you can't have him on the Helm anymore. I'm not even sure he'll be able to function as my Aide."
"We'll think of something," Kirk said. "Sarek, any comments?"
The Vulcan considered for a moment.
"It would be premature for us to make any plans for Khan Singh," he said. "Until we have arrived at a reasonable assessment of his mental state in the face of this newly acquired disability. I assume, however, that Khan would find adjustment…difficult?"
"Difficult…" Kirk repeated the word. "That's a considerable understatement. Being the kind of man that he is, I think he would find it almost impossible to adapt to this."
"Be that as it may," Sarek was firm. "We will not know until he regains consciousness. And I have found humans to be most unpredictable. Ambassador Wesley?"
Kirk turned to see his old friend frowning, deep in thought.
"His medallion…" Wesley said. "What Terran nationality is he?"
"I believe he's a Sikh, Bob. Why?"
"That medallion doesn't look like Sikh work to me," Wesley turned to McCoy. "May I take a look at it? I promise I won't disturb Khan."
"I took it off him while I was treating him," the doctor replied. "It's over here."
McCoy led Wesley, Sarek in tow, to a small storage cubicle, where patient's personal effects were normally stored during medical emergencies. When McCoy brought out the medallion, Wesley and Sarek spent several minutes poring over the medallion, looking at the obverse as well.
Kirk came to his feet and joined the other three, curiosity plain in every line of his body.
"Well, gentlemen?" he asked.
"It's not of Terran make," Sarek announced. "I have made an in-depth study of Earth's history and many of Earth's cultures as well, and am quite conversant with many of these cultures, and their histories. The medallion isn't Sikh at all."
"Agreed," Wesley nodded. "The lettering isn't Hindi or Sanskrit. Also, the obverse shows a sword, standing hilt up. It's a Shao Sword."
"Are you certain?" Kirk asked.
"Yes, Jim. It looks exactly like my sword, crystal hilt and all. I think this comes from Sanctuary Alliance."
Kirk was intrigued.
"Khan has a medallion from Sanctuary Alliance?"
"While not certain by any means," Sarek replied. "The probably that you are correct in that assessment is quite high."
"But Khan came from the Eugenics Program on Earth!" McCoy protested. "The historical records show this."
"Records can be fudged," Kirk said.
"Oh hell…" McCoy turned and led the way to his office. "Sarek tells me Khan's the Quest."
"The Speaker was looking right at Khan when he said what he said," Wesley took a seat in the office, along with the others.
McCoy dug out a bottle of Saurian Brandy, and another bottle of soda water. Even Sarek accepted a glass, although his glass held mostly soda water, with just enough brandy for taste.
"Are we to assume," the Vulcan said. "That Khan Singh is not a product of a eugenics breeding program?"
"I don't see how he couldn't be," McCoy stated. "He has everything such a program would want, enhanced intelligence, strength, and all that stuff."
"Such specimens have been known to occur naturally," Sarek pointed out. "It is possible that Khan could be just such a specimen."
"Turning up in a genetic breeding program?" McCoy was skeptical. "Let's assume you're right, that Khan doesn't originate from the Eugenics program. Why, then, was he in the Eugenics Program? Was he there by accident? Or did someone put him there deliberately. And, if it was deliberate, why?"
"To hide him," Kirk spoke suddenly, feeling terribly sure. "To protect him. Maybe Janner was after him back in the Twentieth Century as well."
"All right, Jim," McCoy leaned forward. "What is he? Human? Or something else?"
"You're the one with the Special Sight, Bones."
"Yes, "McCoy replied. "But I'm not reading any difference in him."
"Vani are supposed to be indistinguishable from Humans," Wesley sat back. "At least, that's what I've heard."
He set his glass upon the table.
"I don't know about you," he added. "But I'm tired. Goodnight all."
"Goodnight, Bob," Kirk rose to his feet. "If you have any dreams…"
"I know. Believe me, I'll tell you."
Wesley left McCoy's office. Not having much more to say, the others, too, departed to get some rest.
Learning about Darkness
Khan Singh lay in a deep, but not dreamless, slumber. There was no sound in this dream, just a never-ending stream of images. Strong warriors who stood over nine feet in height, others who looked like any men that Khan had known on Earth, and men and women of a regular height, but with skins of coppery hue, black hair, and fiery golden eyes…
Khan-in the way of dreams-knew these people were waiting, hoping and praying, for their king to return. But their king was dead…
He shall awaken!
That sudden voice jolted Khan awake, back into the sounds of Sick Bay. He heard Dr. McCoy's voice.
"You're awake, Khan. How do you feel?"
"I don't know, Doctor."
Something was wrong… he couldn't place what it was… Then, he remembered the battle, getting shot in the face. Brining a hand up, he touched his face. No bandages or scars. Or sight…
Trembling, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Is this permanent?" he asked McCoy. He heard McCoy sigh.
"Yes, Khan," the doctor said. "I'm sorry."
I'm blind. I'll never see again…
Khan tried to get hold of himself. He'd never been crippled, in any way, before, had never imagined that he would be crippled in any way…
"Khan," McCoy's voice was full of compassion. "People have survived being blinded. They've gone on to lead active, satisfying lives."
"Was anyone hurt," Khan felt an intense need to change the subject.
"No," McCoy replied. "That's the worrying thing. They wanted you."
"The rest of your Dream team thinks I'm their quest," Khan stared into the blackness that was all he owned of sight. "How can a man be a quest?"
"If he needs protection badly enough," McCoy said. "He can be a quest."
"I've always done my own…" Khan fell silent, the truth now inescapable.
I'm blind. If Janner turned up to take me now, there wouldn't be a thing I could do to stop him…
"Dr. McCoy," he said. "Would it bother you if I said I was frightened?"
"Considering the circumstances, I'd only be worried if you had said you weren't frightened. How do you feel?"
"Apart from this…" Khan waved his hand in front of his face. "I actually feel quite well. Do I need to remain in Sick Bay? I'd like to go back to my quarters."
"Why don't we have Breakfast at the Main Mess Hall? Jim, and the others, will be there. We'll see what we can do. Okay?"
"Thank you. Where is my uniform?"
"I'll get it."
About an hour later, Dr. McCoy guided Khan into the Main Mess Hall. Khan found himself aware of even the tiniest sounds, the sound of footsteps as they moved down the hall, the sound of voices engaged in conversation…
Then, he heard Admiral Kirk's voice, turned to focus upon the man's voice...
"Bones," Kirk said. "Bring Lieutenant Santirez over to our table, please."
McCoy wended his way carefully, keeping a hand upon Khan's arm. When they got there, Khan heard Sulu's voice.
"Here, Lieutenant. Let me give you a hand."
Someone helped him into a seat, placed a cup of coffee in his hand. Khan heard Ambassador Wesley clear his throat.
"In view of your injuries," Wesley said. "It has been decided to take you off the Helm."
"It would be surprising if you didn't," Khan kept his coffee-cup in hand, took a sip. "What about my position as your Aide?"
"I think you'll be fine as my aide," Wesley said. "And your presence will be an invaluable asset during the Quest."
Khan wasn't terribly pleased at the reminder of his status. Even so, there was no help for it…
"So, ambassador," he asked. "What do I do?"
"You stick to my side," Wesley said. "Like glue. For now, have some Breakfast."
Some time later, they were all on the Bridge, Wesley keeping a hand on Khan's arm all the way.
"Ambassador," Khan asked. "Where, on the Bridge, are we?"
"We're between the Science station and Communications," Wesley smiled at Commander Uhura, who smiled back.
"Lieutenant Santirez," she said. "The Science Station has a seat. It's just behind you."
"Thank you, Commander," Khan felt his way to the seat, rather shakily.
I will learn how to live with this. Then, I will bring Janner down. He will take no more from me.
Kirk watched Khan settle himself into the seat. McCoy stood just behind Kirk, watching Khan, an odd look in his eyes.
"Are you all right, Bones?"
"Yes," McCoy sighed. "It's gone now, and I still don't know what it is."
"You've been Seeing something?"
"Uh-huh. From the Lieutenant…"
"What?"
McCoy shook his head.
"It was just a flicker, Jim, and…" he paused. "There it goes again. Jim, this is weird."
"Do you want him back in Sick Bay?" Kirk was getting worried.
"No," McCoy shook his head. "Not yet, at least. This flicker doesn't seem to be hurting him, and-as for tests-I don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but this Sight of mine is far better than Sick Bay's scanners."
"So, what are you seeing, Bones?"
"It's almost as if he has two nervous systems, and one that was asleep is beginning to wake up. The Ambassadors might be right about him not being from Earth."
Saavik spoke suddenly.
"Admiral, there are ships following us."
"How many?" Kirk got to his feet, as McCoy muttered "Not again" under his breath and left for Sick Bay.
"Four, again, admiral," Saavik looked at the scanners. "They're of different make from the previous encounter. They are heavily armed and shielded."
"Red Alert. Commander Uhura, inform Captain Sulu. Ambassador Wesley, I suggest you take the Lieutenant and get off the Bridge. You two-"Kirk pointed out a pair of security Guards. "Accompany them."
Khan felt Wesley take his arm.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"Jim's Ready room," Wesley replied. "We're there now. I want you to sit down and wait it out."
"And if they beam down here again?"
For answer, Khan heard Wesley's Shao Blade whisper out of its scabbard.
"If they do," the Ambassador said. "They'll have a fight on their hands."
Wesley, Shao Sword drawn and ready, took up position on Khan's right. Under Wesley's direction, the two Security Guards, phasers drawn, and ready for action, took up their positions.
Khan, feeling his skin crawl, did his best to sit still. He felt the Enterprise shudder, phaser fire strafing her hull…
Kirk was having a difficult time on the Bridge. These attackers were of an entirely different order. Each ship about the size of Enterprise and Excelsior, and similarly armed, it was plain they meant to finish it here and now…
One phaser bolt struck, throwing the Helmsman from the console, scattered explosions erupting on the bridge, bringing the smell of charred circuitry in its wake. As repair techs hurried around, fixing what they could, Lieutenant Saavik, unhurt by the last salvo, fired Enterprise's phasers in response, striking the enemy vessel's nacelles, causing it to swerve away…
…Khan felt strange. He knew the Enterprise couldn't win this one. It can't end yet, he thought. Just then, a phaser bolt struck, throwing Khan from his chair. Ambassador Wesley helped him back to his feet. Khan felt a pressure building up in his chest, tingling in the rest of his body.
I want to do something! He raged inside his head. For answer, a figure superimposed itself against the blackness of his vision. Khan had no idea what it meant…wreathed in shadow, clad in robes, the figure held out a sword very much like Ambassador Wesley's sword. The figure almost seemed to be saying…
Take what you need…
Khan felt himself fall into the darkness…
Wesley kept a hand on Khan, steadying him when it seemed he was going to lose consciousness. Then, Khan pulled away, heading for the door to the ready Room.
"Lieutenant Santirez," Wesley said. "What do you think you're doing?"
Khan turned, looking right at him, and Wesley felt his heart skip a beat…
"I am going to the Bridge," Khan replied. "There is something I must do. Please excuse me."
He stepped out of the ready Room, leaving Wesley stunned by what he had just seen. After a second, sword still drawn, he, and the two Guards followed…
Walking into chaos, Wesley saw that Khan had taken the Helm. Wesley walked up to Kirk, who looked as stunned as Wesley felt.
"You're letting him sit at the Helm, Jim?"
"Look at him," Kirk replied. "At this point, I'll take any help I can find. Helm," he added. "Get us out of here."
"Aye, Sir"
The Enterprise started to move away from the attackers. The evasive maneuvers Khan chose were…unique… after over forty years in Starfleet-Wesley didn't want to recall the exact number of years-he couldn't recall a maneuver quite like this one. To put it baldly, it was hair-raising. But it also threw the attackers completely off balance… Giving Saavik her chance…
At Kirk's orders, she fired phasers and photon torpedoes. There were no misses. Space was clear again. Wesley heard Kirk let his breath out, not realizing he had done the same.
"That was dammed good work, Lieutenant Saavik," Kirk said. "Lieutenant Santirez, I don't think I've seen piloting quite like that before… Lieutenant Santirez?"
Khan wasn't responding. He was staring, blankly, at the view screen. Then, he collapsed. Saavik caught him as he slumped in the Helm Seat, Kirk and Wesley leaping forward to assist. They eased him to the floor. Kirk and Wesley exchanged puzzled glances as Kirk Commed Sick Bay.
"Bones, we've got some injuries down here. Ensign Ben Asher and Lieutenant Santirez."
"Ill be right down," McCoy's voice came over the Comm.
Kirk glanced over to Wesley, who was sheathing his sword.
"He looked right at me, Jim. Right at me. How the hell did he…" Wesley broke off, shaking his head. Just then, Dr. McCoy entered the Bridge, followed by two aides.
"Well?" he demanded. "Where is he?"
"Over here, Bones," Kirk motioned him over, as McCoy's aides knelt by Ensign Ben Asher.
What happened here?" McCoy asked as he knelt by Khan's side.
"I don't know. Use your Sight, Bones. Do you see anything?"
McCoy squinted as he stared at Khan.
"Just that flicker I told you about, Jim" he replied.
"Flicker? What flicker?"
"I'll explain later, Bob. Bones-"
"I know," McCoy glanced over to his aides. One of them spoke up.
"Ensign Ben Asher is dead, Doctor."
"Damn," McCoy muttered. "All right. I'm taking Lieutenant Santirez to Sick Bay. Take the ensign's body to the morgue."
McCoy turned back to Kirk.
"What happened?" he asked.
"Santirez piloted the Enterprise."
"That's impossible, Jim."
"Tell me about it," Kirk turned to Wesley. "What happened in the ready Room?"
"I have no idea," Wesley replied. "One minute, he's as blind as a bat. The next minute, he's looking right at me as if he could see me. Could it have anything to do with this flicker you saw, Leonard?"
"I don't know," McCoy turned to walk away. "If I find anything, I'll let you know."
"All right, Bones," Kirk replied, then Commed Engineering.
"Scotty, how are we doing back there?"
"Better than I expected," Scott's voice came over the Comm. "You can tell Lieutenant Santirez, from me personally, that his team did a fine job."
"I will," Kirk promised. "How long will it take to patch ourselves up?"
"About an hour, Sir."
"Good," Kirk signed off. Then, he turned to Uhura.
"Commander, patch me through to Excelsior."
In a minute, Sulu's face was on the view screen.
"Well, Captain, how are you doing back there?"
"We lost a few."
"So did we."
"My Engineer says it'll take about an hour to get ourselves patched up."
"Scotty says the same," Kirk replied.
They both switched off. Kirk stood up.
"If anyone wants me," he said. "I'll be in Sick Bay. You coming, Bob?"
"I'm right behind you." Wesley replied.
The two men left the Bridge.
Another Unexpected Meeting
"How is he, Bones?" Kirk asked as he walked into Sick Bay, followed by Robert Wesley.
"He's asleep," the doctor came up, Sarek behind him.
"I think," the Vulcan said. "It is time for the Dream team to have a consultation."
"I agree. Your office, Bones?"
Sarek took a sip of mint tea-difficult to get on Vulcan-as he and Dr. McCoy listened to the tale told by Kirk and Wesley. It was more than a little unbelievable…
"Khan Singh piloted the Enterprise…" Sarek looked off into the distance, applying his prodigious intellect to the apparent impossibility…
"Believe me, Sarek," Wesley put his coffee mug on the table, said. "He did. And I don't think I've seen the Helm handled in quite that way before."
"Was he that good?" McCoy asked
"It was something even Sulu might've had trouble doing," Kirk replied. "You know how good Sulu is."
"But where could Khan have gotten the experience. Sure, he spent a few weeks piloting a merchanter, but that's not the same thing as helming a Constitution Class Star Ship. So, where did he get the knowledge?"
"The Speaker said Khan wasn't what we thought he was," Wesley observed. "We used to think he was the product of a Terran Eugenics breeding program from the late Twentieth Century. So… If he's not from that Eugenics program, what are his origins?"
"Well…" Kirk leaned forward, citing facts. "He's a blind man in considerable danger from enemies unknown. All we have on Janner is a name, and a man who can turn into a giant tarantula wouldn't have an earth name, except as an alias. Khan might be Earth Born, but the few facts we have available to us now suggest he isn't Terran. He's definitely our quest, and he might even be the reason Sanctuary Alliance is so excited. Well, Bob?"
"That medallion looks like it could be a royal crest of sorts," Wesley frowned. "Or a House Sigil. Now, as of yet, we have no way of verifying this, but the possibility does put Khan in a rather interesting situation. There's a possibility that this quest has more in common with Frodo's Ring than with the Holy Grail."
"How so?" Kirk asked, intrigued. He had read those stories as a kid…
"Maybe Khan is a king, and we're supposed to return him to Sanctuary Alliance. Jim, I think we should discard the notion that he's Terran. With that flicker Dr. McCoy is seeing, and the fact that Khan piloted the Enterprise… I've never heard of a blind person doing that. Leonard, did you check his sight when you got him back?"
"Of course I did," McCoy replied. "The optic nerves are dead. He's as blind as he was before," McCoy hesitated. "Maybe what happened to him was like what happened to me…"
"Someone telepathically implanting sight into Khan Singh?" Sarek tilted his head to one side, considering. "Fascinating."
Kirk smiled, remembering how Spock had always used that word. Robert Wesley was shaking his head.
"I don't think that's it," he said. "Khan seemed different, somehow, as if he had become someone else…"
Kirk felt a shiver run down his spine, was fairly sure McCoy and Wesley felt the same. If Sarek felt anything, he gave no sign of it. Kirk felt briefly envious of the Vulcan. Khan has given me so many chills, of late; I'm surprised my spine hasn't turned into a block of ice.
McCoy's Comm buzzed. He leaned over it.
"Yes. What is it?"
"Doctor," a young doctor's voice came over the Comm. "Lieutenant Santirez is beginning to come out of it."
"I'm on my way," McCoy stood. "Maybe we'll get it straight from the horse's mouth. You guys in?"
Khan was beginning to come around. He stirred uneasily, turning his head to one side. A deep sigh shook him. Then, his eyes opened.
"Where am I? Sick Bay?"
"Yes," Kirk replied. "How do you feel?"
"Strange, Admiral. I gather I passed out in the Ready Room?"
Ah… Not exactly," Kirk hesitated. "Do you remember anything? Anything at all?"
"No. What did I do?"
"You saved our behinds," McCoy spoke up. "They say you piloted the Enterprise."
Khan sat up suddenly, dizziness rising up in waves.
"That's impossible, Dr. McCoy," he said. "I'm blind. How can a blind man pilot a star ship?"
"Don't ask me. Ask them. Admiral Kirk and Ambassador Wesley both saw you do it."
"Admiral?"
"It's true," Kirk said. "You helmed the Enterprise during the last bit of the battle, quite well, actually. What's your last memory?"
"My last memory…" Khan thought for a bit. "I had just been thrown off my seat. The Ambassador, I believe, helped me back to my feet," Khan frowned. "Then, I saw something…"
"You saw something?" McCoy raised an eyebrow.
"Not the way you're thinking," Khan shook his head. "It was more like a dream…Except for my being awake. It looked like a man, wearing robes. He held a sword; like Ambassador Wesley's sword. He held out his sword to me, as if he wanted me to take it. That's when I blanked out."
He looked up.
"I piloted the Enterprise?"
"Beautifully," Kirk assured him. "You really did save all of our lives."
Pausing, Kirk looked at his friends.
"I think we're spinning our wheels at the moment. The repairs to Enterprise and excelsior are almost complete, which reminds me… Engineer Scott wanted me to tell you, personally, that you and your crew did a fine job on the Enterprise, so maybe you saved all our lives twice today."
"Give Engineer Scott my thanks," Khan smiled.
I will," Kirk looked everyone over. "I think there's nothing much we can do right now to arrive at why you're the Quest, Khan. Right now, all we can do is wa-"
Abruptly, the Enterprise went into Red Alert, Klaxons beginning to howl…
Kirk strode over to the Comm.
"What is it, Saavik?" he asked.
"There's a starship approaching us. It appears to be alone, and we are being hailed."
"I'm on my way," Kirk turned to leave. Before he left, he said:
"I'd advise the rest of you to stay here until we know whether this is actually a friendly encounter or not."
An Unexpected Ally
Admiral Kirk stepped onto the Bridge, taking the seat just vacated by Saavik.
"Are we patched through?" he asked.
"Aye, Sir."
"Put them on," Kirk turned to the view screen. He saw a young man, in his early-to-mid thirties. He had the look of a body guard, bull neck, broad shoulders, deep, powerful chest…
"Excuse me," the young man said. "Am I speaking to Admiral James Kirk?"
"Yes," Kirk replied. "Who the heck are you?"
"I'm Jan Freburg. I used to work on Juno. You and I have a mutual acquaintance. I need to talk to him. May I beam aboard?"
Kirk hesitated. After two attacks in almost as many days, he was beginning to feel just a touch paranoid…
Jim, that was Spock's voice, in Kirk's mind. Let him come aboard.
Kirk brushed aside the sudden shivers.
"Very well, Jan," he said. "I'll meet you at the transporter-room."
"Fine," Jan switched off. Kirk touched the Comm.
"Security, meet me at the Main Transporter Room. You have the Conn, Saavik."
He left the Bridge. When he arrived at the Transporter Room, he found two Security Guards there, ready for anything. He nodded to the Transporter Technician.
"Okay," he said. "Beam him over."
Once Jan Freburg was aboard, he glanced at the Security Guards, smiling wryly.
"You sure don't take any chances," the young man said. "Where is he?"
"In Sick Bay," Kirk replied.
"What happened?"
"That can wait. Do you know a Dr. Janner?"
Freburg shivered a little.
"If you ever see that guy, run. And don't stop until you're in the next galaxy. He's a stone-cold killer," glancing at the guards, he asked. "Do they know about our friend?"
"They know he's Lieutenant Martin Santirez," Kirk turned to the other man. "He was blinded a few days ago. Would the Lieutenant trust you?"
"Probably not," Jan shook his head. "I was told, by Dr. Janner, that he was a psychotic. That shows how easily we can be hood-winked…"
Kirk Commed Sick Bay
"Bones," he said. "I think our visitor is safe. He knows your patient."
"Okay," McCoy's voice sounded over the comm. "We'll be in my office."
"We'll be there," Kirk switched off. "Well? Let's go."
Kirk led the way through Sick Bay, into Dr. McCoy's inner sanctum. All the others, McCoy, Sarek, Wesley, and Khan, were waiting.
"Gentlemen," the Admiral said. "I'd like you to meet Jan Freburg. Khan, I believe you already know him?"
"I remember a Jan Freburg who used to work for Dr. Janner."
It's me," Freburg replied. "I don't work for Dr. Janner anymore. The day you escaped was a real eye opener for me. Do you remember Ben?"
"Was he the one who kept on forgetting to sedate me? If so, I really owe my present freedom to him. Dr. Janner had standing orders to keep me sedated at all times."
"Barbaric," Khan heard McCoy muttering under his breath.
Focusing on Freburg's voice, Khan continued.
"I suppose Dr. Janner fired Ben?"
"Uh…you could say that," Freburg said. "Janner's not human; you know this, don't you? He…zapped Ben, that's all I can come up with to describe it. I've never heard of people who could make phaser fire come out of their hands."
He shuddered at the memory.
"Janner's a small, wiry-looking guy," Ambassador Wesley spoke up. "With long black hair?"
"Yes," Freburg looked at Wesley; saw the sword in its scabbard…
"You've got a Shao Swords master's Sword," he exclaimed. "How did you get that?"
"It's a long story," Wesley said. "I'd rather hear why you are here."
Freburg nodded.
"When I saw what Janner did to Ben, I had to get out of there. Someone called Will got me out, right under Janner's nose. Now, I'm part of Sanctuary Alliance Network. You've heard of Sanctuary Alliance? Good. Janner's people know Khan's on the Enterprise. Sanctuary Alliance wants to see Khan. They think you might be important to them. If I can get you off the Enterprise, and bring you to the people in charge of the network, that's throw Janner off your trail, and also give Sanctuary Alliance a chance to se you."
"A good plan," Wesley commented. "But can we trust you?"
"Ah…" Kirk looked over to Sarek. "I don't want to impose on you," he said to the Vulcan. "But would the Mind-Meld be an acceptable way of testing this?"
Sarek nodded.
"It would be a most efficient way of testing the veracity of Mr. Freburg's statements. Are you amenable to this, Mr. Freburg?"
"Yes, of course," the young man replied.
The Vulcan took a moment to prepare himself, and then stepped up to Jan Freburg, placing fingers lightly on the other man's temples…
Sarek stepped back.
"He is telling the truth."
"Wonders never cease," McCoy commented. "Welcome to the team, Jan. Want a cup of coffee?"
"Thanks, but no," Freburg shook his head. "We don't have time. I've got to get Khan to Sanctuary Alliance, and there are other things I can do that will put Janner even further off the trail."
"How will you do that?" Wesley asked. "Janner is something else entirely, and he kills at the drop of a hat."
"You've met him?" Freburg asked.
"Ambassador Wesley…" McCoy raised a cup of coffee to the Ambassador, saluting him. "…And that sword of his, gave Dr. Janner an experience he'll probably never forget. For a while, we all thought the Ambassador had killed him."
"From what my new friends tell me," Freburg shook his head. "It would take far more than a Swords master to kill him. But he will remember. Ambassador Wesley, you must exercise extreme care, and never allow yourself to be taken alive by Janner. I've been told that he can be…extreme…when it comes to exacting revenge. Khan, are you ready to go?"
"I…guess so," Khan felt a hand on his arm, gently helping him to his feet. Jan was still talking.
"I'll have a rendezvous point sent from my ship, Admiral. We can meet there in about…one week, I'd say. All right?"
"That suits," Kirk said. "What about Khan?"
"If all works out, Admiral, he'll be safe within a cell of the Network. Even if Janner knew we were taking him to Sanctuary Alliance Network, he still wouldn't be able to attack Khan. The cell setup, alone, would make it impossible for Janner to find him. Even I won't know where they're hiding Khan. Nothing else would be as safe."
Kirk and Wesley walked back to the Transporter Room with Jan Freburg, and Khan.
"As soon as I'm aboard my ship, I'll send the coordinates for our meeting place," Freburg helped Khan onto the Transporter Platform. "Ambassador, please remember what I've said about Janner. We've only seen Janner kill when he was pressed for time. I'd hate to imagine what he would be capable of if he had…time to kill…"
"I'll bear that in mind," Wesley repressed the shiver he felt. "You bear that in mind too. Lieutenant Santirez, I'm sure we'll meet again. Remember, you are my Aide, and I'm sending you on ahead to liaise with the Alliance. Take care of yourself."
"I will," Ambassador," Khan promised, a quizzical smile on his face. "Admiral, I think I am going to miss you, and your crew."
"As will I," Kirk assured him. That had been a surprise. Me? Missing Khan?
"Beam them over."
When Khan and Jan Freburg were gone, Wesley let out a deep breath.
"Well, Jim," he said. "Where do we go from here?"
"To the nearest star base for repairs and supplies. Then… I think I'd like to pay a visit to Juno in Canopus Sector. Maybe the hospital staff will know where Dr. Janner went after Khan escaped. I don't know that I want you with me on this, Bob."
"Jim," Wesley began, but Kirk held up a hand.
"Bob," he said. "I believe everything Jan Freburg told us. From what little we know of Janner, it looks like, after Khan, you're next on his hit-list."
Kirk turned to leave the transporter room.
"Let's have a talk with the rest of the Dream Team."
An Artful Dodge
Khan felt Jan's hand on his arm, gently guiding him off the transporter pad.
"Keilan?"
"Yes, Jan?" a woman's voice responded.
"Set course for Danae, and send the rendezvous coordinates to the Enterprise."
"Will do," she said. "Khan's here?"
"Yes, we'll be in the Wardrobe."
"The Wardrobe?" Khan stopped in his tracks.
"Relax," Jan said. "It's just a replicator. Come on."
"Why does Sanctuary Alliance wish to see me?"
"They have some sort of prophecy," Jan replied as they walked to the Wardrobe. "They think it might involve you."
Khan fell silent at that. It had been bad enough when Kirk and Wesley told him he was their Quest. But to be told he was a figure of prophecy…
"Maybe I'm still in that hospital cubicle," he muttered to himself. "And this is just a drug-induced nightmare."
He felt Jan stop.
"We're here," the younger man guided Khan into the Wardrobe.
"So," Khan said. "What do we do now?"
"A variant on what you did with me," Jan replied. "We switch uniforms."
"Interesting," Khan reached out a hand, touching Jan's face, feeling short hair on the other man's head.
"Don't worry, Khan. I'll be wearing a wig."
"You could get yourself killed, taking my place," Khan warned.
"I'll do my best to avoid it. Can you get out of your uniform?"
"Yes!" Khan snapped. "I'm not totally helpless."
He paused, rubbing a hand over his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Jan. My temper has been…uncertain…of late."
"Don't worry, Khan. In your shoes, I would've gone stark raving mad ages ago. I have yet to figure out what keeps you going."
"Janner," Khan began unsnapping the Starfleet uniform. 'I'm going to kill him before this is over."
Freburg looked at him in surprise.
"You want to take Janner? Khan, you're out of your mind."
"Maybe," Khan agreed. By now, he was bare to the waist, the medallion dangling from his neck. "Janner killed everyone I ever cared for. My people, my wife…"
His hands clenched into fists as he said this.
"Revenge will have to wait for a while," Freburg said. "Khan…your medallion. May I see it?"
"Why?"
So I can replicate it. If I'm going to do this, I might as well do it properly."
A short time later, Jan Freburg, wearing a perfectly sized Starfleet uniform, a copy of Kahn's medallion, and a longhaired, silvery wig, led Khan to the small Bridge. Khan felt a bit odd in the clothes he was wearing. A voluminous cloak with a deep hood had complemented the tunic and trousers, of a soft material.
"Jan," that was Keilan. "We're here. Danae's ready."
"Okay," Jan took Khan's arm. "Keilan, you're to stay with him."
"Yes," Keilan said.
As they walked back to the Transporter, Jan explained a few things to Khan.
"I need to tell you something about Danae. She's a very special ship. Do you know anything about AI?"
"Artificial Intelligence," Khan nodded. "I know a little. Danae?"
Yes, Danae's an intelligent starship. I didn't ask Keilan to accompany you as a pilot. First, I don't think you should travel alone, even on a ship like Danae. Also, Keilan's an excellent bodyguard. You'll need one where you're going first. It's a touch rough there, I've been told."
Khan shook his head.
"You make me feel like a top-secret government plan."
"In a sense, you are."
"What am I? Jan, do you know?"
"No," Jan helped him onto the transporter platform. "I don't know. I wish I did. A lot of people-Starfleet and Sanctuary Alliance-have been risking their lives for this. For you. Please keep yourself alive so we can all find out what this is all about. Okay, you ready Khan? Keilan?"
"Yes, I think we both are," Keilan said.
"Good," Jan beamed them to Danae.
Khan and Keilan found themselves on Danae's transporter platform. Keilan took Khan's arm gently.
"Danae, we're here," she patted Khan's shoulder. "This is Khan Noonian Singh."
"I'm honored to have you inside," a woman's voice responded. If Jan hadn't told him Danae was an AI, Khan would never have guessed, her voice was so human-like…
Danae?" he asked hesitantly.
"That's me. You're tired, I can tell. I've prepared quarters for you. Keilan?"
"I'll take him there. Will you prepare a light lunch?"
"It'll be ready in ten minutes."
Keilan led Khan to his quarters. Khan felt a sudden premonition, a feeling that nothing would be the same after this…
Notes and Disclaimers: I don't own the TOS characters or universe. I do own the Sanctuary Alliance characters…
Stay tuned for Book III