KEEPERS OF THE TRUST VI
Chapter I
Admiral Kirk was waiting in the Main Transporter Room, waiting for two people…
"They're ready to beam over," the Transporter Chief said.
"Good," Kirk nodded. "Energize."
Less than a minute later, Carol, and David Marcus, stood on the Transporter Platform.
"Jim," Carol stepped off the platform. "It's good to see you again. But, when Admiral Noguchi spoke to us, he seemed to be saying someone had copied Genesis."
"Yes," Kirk nodded. "We'll be discussing that at the meeting, tomorrow morning. I've got quarters prepared for both of you."
Robert Wesley finally woke up from a deep, and dreamless, slumber. Now, he was in the Enterprise's Sick Bay.
They must have transferred me from the Excelsior while I was sleeping, he mused.
He looked up to see Joan Garner bending over him.
"We seem to be getting into a habit," he said. "Me waking up to see you."
"Is it a nice habit?" Garner asked.
"Well, it's not bad…" Wesley admitted.
Garner laughed at that.
"Actually, I was looking in on Stefan," she admitted. "Dr. McCoy broke him out of that Stasis Cubicle last night. Stefan is still on full support, but the prognosis looks good; even after sixteen years in that thing. I just want to say Thank You."
Wesley shrugged.
"It was nothing," he said. "I don't even remember what I did."
"So, I've been told. You know, they told me about what you did. That must've been horrifying. If I had known what you were doing beforehand, I would've been very afraid for you."
"Well, I'm here," Wesley said. "And fine. Now…" he looked around. "Where are my clothes? I can't go around looking like this."
"Oh, yes you can." Garner ran her eyes over him appreciatively.
Wesley looked at himself. He was wearing loose trousers, no shirt. He found himself remembering the last dream he'd had with Matt Decker.
Matt said she liked me…
Wesley found himself flushing. Garner smiled at that…
"I'll be going now," she said. "See you later."
After she had left, Wesley got to his feet, looking for what he had been wearing before. The problem was that his memories of his experiences as a patient were rather…scrambled…and he had no idea what he had been wearing when he had been brought to Sick Bay…
Dr. McCoy walked in, carrying the Ambassador's clothes, Shao Sword, and scabbard slung over one shoulder.
"Thank you, Leonard," Wesley grabbed the clothes, began dressing quickly. "The way Dr. Garner was looking at me began to make me feel like a…well…"
He couldn't finish the thought.
"Don't quote me," McCoy drawled. "But, I think she likes you."
"That's precisely what Mat said," Wesley sighed. He caught the doctor staring at him. "Leonard?"
"Don't mind me, Ambassador. I'm just getting these weird readings on you."
"Your Sight?" Wesley paused in the middle of pulling on his shirt. "Weird readings?"
"Well…" McCoy hesitated. "Did Matt tell you anything else, apart from Dr. Garner liking you?"
Wesley flushed again, but remembered something else Decker had said…
"He said I was Vani, Leonard; which I find just a little hard to believe."
"The records do say you were adopted, sir."
"The record also says the identities of my real parents were unknown. Besides, Vani are supposed to be indistinguishable from Humans. Those readings you're getting on me don't have anything to do with that."
"Keir J'Taal, "McCoy said. "He told me it has to do with the training you got for the Shao sword. Apparently, he thinks you're just a short step away from being a full Shao Priest."
"That's ridiculous, Leonard," Wesley, fully dressed, belted the scabbard on, slid the sword into the scabbard. "Me? A Shao Priest?"
"It's not as ridiculous as you think," McCoy insisted. "Not with these readings."
"Okay, Leonard," Wesley turned to face the doctor. "What, exactly, are you reading in me?"
"There are subtle changes in the chemistry of your brain, blood, and nervous system. It all points to profound changes in the neuro-structure of your brain. J'Taal said most True Born Shao manifest these changes soon after beginning training for the Priesthood. Meaning all this is a normal consequence of your training."
Wesley let out a deep breath.
"Why don't I feel any different?" he asked.
"Actually, you do feel different," McCoy assured him. "You tire less easily, and your response-time to sudden stimuli is faster, more accurate, than when you were twenty, for example. And, Ambassador, there's more. You went against Janah twice. You beat him both times. Doesn't that tell you anything?"
Wesley drew the sword, staring at the crystal hilt.
"Damn," he muttered. "What did J'Taal get me into?"
"Nothing you weren't meant to be," J'Taal's voice brought both men around. "Robert, I didn't expect this to happen when I taught you the Sword. Possibility, I sensed, but no more than that. Now, I see Certainty. Your ancestry notwithstanding, you are a True Born Shao."
"Uh…" Wesley hesitated. "You want me to take the Full training?"
"It would be best if you did, Robert; especially if you should meet Janah again. I know you have duties, but I'm certain we could work a schedule around that. For you, this training is necessary. Those two times you met Janah in battle, you almost died each time. But, it wasn't his power that almost killed you. It was your own power, my friend. Neurological Overload, often called Burnout, is the prime killer of inexperienced Shao. The Training will give you control over your mind and body. Without that, you will die."
Wesley sighed, slid the sword back into the scabbard.
"I'll find the time," he said. "I've got a few memories from when you were scrambling my mind. When do we start?"
"Tomorrow," J'Taal turned to leave. "I'll set up the schedule."
Wesley stared after him.
"Ambassador Wesley?" McCoy asked.
"Ah…Leonard, have you ever seen a Shao Priest?"
"J'Taal is the only one I've ever met. Why?"
"They have this thing about not cutting their hair. They all wear it long, past their shoulders."
"Oh…"
Wesley shook his head.
"I suppose it'll be a while before I see a barber."
Chapter 2
The Senior Staff for Enterprise and Excelsior assembled in the Main Conference Room on the Enterprise. When everyone was there, coffee and tea served out, Admiral Kirk rose and cleared his throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. "As you all know, our mission started out as a simple Quest, laid upon us by the Speaker, on behalf of Sanctuary Alliance. However, it turns out that our Quest concerns a man who is a member of our crew; Lieutenant Martin Santirez. Most of you know, by now, why this should be so, but, for the benefit of those who don't, here's the story so far…"
Kirk quickly sketched in the details of Khan's kidnapping from Ceti Alpha V, his escape from Juno, and his reunion with the Enterprise. Kirk was entirely truthful about this, only omitting the presence of the Dream Team. If everyone found out just who Kirk, Sarek, and Wesley, had been talking to in their dreams, things would've been very bad…
They all took the public revelation that Lieutenant Martin Santirez was actually Khan Noonian Singh, and had been serving on the Enterprise, right under their noses, very well; especially after the testimonies of Drs. Garner, and Van Gelder. Of course, Van Gelder hadn't come to the Research Center until after Khan had escaped; but he had certainly seen the reports on Khan from when he was there, and the treatment course prescribed by Dr. Janner…
So, now, everyone knew that Khan had not been the villain in the first Reliant Incident…
"But," Montgomery Scott spoke up. "Why is Khan the Quest? No offense, Khan, but I thought you were part of a Terran eugenics program."
"I have no idea," Khan shrugged. "The people of Sanctuary Alliance seem to think I'm a major figure in one of their prophecies."
"We do know this much, at least," Sarek said. "We know you are not of Terran ancestry. Does anyone know where the Danae has gone?"
"They'll join us in roughly six hours," Captain Sulu informed him. "I'm more interested in where Janah has the genesis Device; and I'm hoping he only has one…"
"I can't help you with how many he's got," the man's voice startled everyone. It was Dr. Janner-the real Dr. Janner-sitting in a Support Chair, accompanied by Dr. Garner and Dr. McCoy. He looked exactly like the man both Robert Wesley, and Khan Singh had come to hate. But, he was different, too, in an indefinable sort of way. A very human kind of compassion shone in his eyes…
"He told me where his base is," Janner continued. "I suppose he must have thought I'd never be rescued. It's in the Arvel System."
"Oh, boy," Sulu whistled. "That's a large planetary system. Twenty planets, not including the moons…"
"Can we be certain the Genesis Device is on one of those planets?" Carol Marcus inquired.
Kirk shrugged.
"I don't see how we could be sure, unless we investigate the Arvel System. But, finding Janah's base is important."
"But, Janah is certain to be keeping an eye out for us," Sulu protested. "If we go there to investigate, it might start something we might not be able to finish."
"Talk to Keilan," Khan said. "I believe Danae can do the job. Firstly, Janah doesn't know Danae. Secondly, Danae is superbly equipped to do the job. She has thousands of remote-operated scan-droids. Those can scan the system without making attracting undue attention from Janah."
"All right," Kirk looked at the group. "Let's break for now."
Robert Wesley watched as the group dispersed. There wouldn't be much for anyone to do until Danae returned...
"Are you ready, Robert?" J'Taal strode up.
"I…uh…yes…" Wesley got to his feet. "What are we going to do?"
"We'll be working on the first Mind/Body Lesson. We'll be doing this in the Gym."
"The mental work…Is it like the Vulcan Disciplines?"
"It's similar, but not exactly the same," J'Taal replied. "While we do advocate control of the passions, we don't seek to eliminate them entirely. Evolution gave us emotions for a reason. Ah…we're here."
The next three hours would be difficult for Wesley to describe. It wasn't hypnosis; it wasn't a trance. It was precisely what Kier J'Taal had said it would be. Wesley learned his own body, how his mind affected his body, how he could use his mind to control bodily reactions; even the autonomic ones…
His pulse, breathing, even the rush of blood through his veins…
Wesley learned he could even control that…
When it was done, he was bathed in sweat, arms and legs atremble; but he felt he'd had a certain measure of success. J'Taal's smile confirmed his suspicion…
"I've a few exercises to loosen you up," the Shao said. "You put your body through unaccustomed stress today."
Wesley got to his feet.
"If I may ask," J'Taal got to his feet too. "How old are you?"
"I'm sixty-three," Wesley picked up his shirt. "Why does everyone ask me that?"
"It's because you don't look your age, Robert."
"So I work out," Wesley commented. "My friends all know that; but even they are making a big thing of it."
"So? Except for your hair, you look to be in your mid-forties. That's a good thing, you know."
"Until I suddenly keel over, and die," Wesley laughed. "Probably ten years from now."
"It could take longer than that," J'Taal's golden eyes sparkled with humor. "Let me show you those exercises. "Then, you can take a shower."
"What about Danae?"
"Khan's already contacted them. They're on the way to the Arvel System. So, relax and put your shirt down."
Light years away, Danae hovered, hidden in an asteroid belt. Keilan had already given her the Search Parameters concerning the Genesis Device(s). Fortunately, Danae had thousands of cloaked Scan-droids, and the capacity to make more. That was just as well…
With twenty planets to check, and uncounted moons, asteroids, and anything in between, Danae's surveillance abilities were taxed to the limit. The whole procedure took about two weeks…
Chapter 3
Robert Wesley scarcely noticed the passage of time. J'Taal had him from dawn to eve every day, training him for the Shao Priesthood.
Some days, it was more Mind/Body work. Other days, it was physical training, with practice-blades, or just old-fashioned hand-to-hand combat. The training was more strenuous than Wesley remembered from before, almost…punishing…
J'Taal assured him this was standard for Candidates for the Full Priesthood.
You need to know your mind and body, the strengths and limits of both. Sometimes, great strength can, itself, be a weakness, if you can't bring yourself to bend in the winds of life…
Near the end of those two weeks, Dr. McCoy, fascinated by what the Shao Training was doing to the Ambassador, had Wesley come in for a checkup.
"Okay, Leonard," Wesley pulled his shirt back on as he spoke. "Getting any joy out of this?"
McCoy snorted.
"It's almost as interesting as what I've been seeing in Khan."
"That's right," Wesley remembered. "You've been getting this…flicker…from him. How's that coming along?"
"It looks like he might have a genuine binary nervous system. Pieces of it keep on waking up, and, whenever I see him, he reminds me of a Christmas tree. Just yesterday, he came in with a headache. He didn't even know what it was."
"He's never had a headache before?" Wesley was amazed.
"Nope. No sinus, and/or Migraine headaches. Not even tension headaches. The entire experience was a new one for him."
"That binary system was beginning to kick in?"
"Yes," McCoy agreed. "That headache almost floored him, and, when I saw what was happening, it scared the hell out of me. We still don't know everything about the brain and nervous system. But, it wasn't as serious as I thought it might be. Khan's brain is slightly different from our brains, more folds in it, that sort of thing. It also looks as though parts of his brain, parts that don't normally get used, are switching on, too. When I look at that, and his awakening binary nervous system, I seem some very interesting possibilities. Compared to Khan, reading you is as easy as pie. Also, if you don't mind my saying so, I think I've been able to prove that you are Vani."
Wesley stared at McCoy.
"I thought you couldn't tell the difference between Humans and Vani."
"It's difficult," the doctor agreed. "But, treating Stefan Janner, and being in Dr. Garner's company-they're both Vani-gave me plenty of time. The one difference is at the chromosomal level; and it affects only one thing. Joan Garner and Stefan Janner both have it. So does J'Taal, and the two Dinnetarans I met. You've got it, too, Ambassador; and it explains why you don't look your age. The gene I identified is an immortality gene. Khan has it too."
Wesley found he had to sit down.
"I always thought I was Terran," he said, after a while.
"How old were you when this happened?"
"I must've been around three when it happened. There had been some sort of space-ship accident; that's all I know. My adoptive parents told me they waited a year before adopting me, on the chance that a next-of-kin would show up."
"Do you remember anything of your biological parents at all; even through dreams?"
"No, I don't remember anything at all," Wesley shook his head. "Are you sure I'm Vani?"
"Yes, Ambassador," McCoy informed him. "I'm sure. Who knows? It's possible that all this Shao Training will unblock your memory."
"Leonard, I was only three when it happened, what ever it was. What kind of memories could I possibly regain? Is this important?"
"Yes, Ambassador," McCoy spoke. "You see, Khan's a Vani too. It's all very...coincidental..."
"Coincidental?" Wesley raised an eyebrow. "Please call me by my name Leonard."
"All right, Bob. What with the binary nervous system, and all, we know that Khan's an exceptional specimen. But, you're not all that unexceptional either. There's a distinct possibility that you could be related to each other; even if distantly."
"Come on!" Wesley laughed. "It's me you're talking to."
"Yeah, Bob," McCoy laughed along with him. "I know it sounds silly. But, you are Vani, and your capabilities are more in tune with what someone might expect from a full-blood Shao. Joan Garner doesn't have any of those capabilities. Neither does her cousin, Stefan Janner. It makes me wonder what Khan might be capable of in the end."
Wesley shook his head. It all sounded so ridiculous…
"I've got to have a talk with J'Taal," he said, getting to his feet. "Do you need me for anything else?"
"No," McCoy replied. 'Sorry for pulling that on you. You have a right to know your origins."
"Yes, thanks Leonard. See you later."
Wesley left Sick bay, and McCoy went back to work, hoping he hadn't given the Ambassador too much of a shock. He turned around just in time to see Khan entering the office. The man looked terrible…
"You'd better lie down for a bit," McCoy guided him to the nearest Diagnostic Bed. "You've got that headache again?"
Khan took a deep breath.
"I never thought pain could drive me to my knees," he said. "So I have a brain tumor?"
"No," McCoy's sight was giving him information. "Your brain and nervous system are simply making more connections. It's the awakening connections that are causing the pain."
"Ah…" Khan laughed shakily. "So, instead of being a highly-vaunted product of the Eugenics Program, I'm a mutation. Wonders never cease."
He paused.
"I passed Ambassador Wesley on my way here. He seemed very abstracted."
"He just got some unexpected news, Khan. That's all. He's fine," McCoy took up a hypo. "I know you don't like sedatives. But, sleep is the only help I can give you now; just this once?"
"All right," at this time, Khan simply didn't care. "Go ahead."
McCoy injected the hypo, and Khan fell asleep almost instantly. The doctor scanned him once more. All his sight told him was that the painful part would be over soon. After that, it would be anyone's guess…
Robert Wesley walked into the Gymnasium. J'Taal wasn't there yet. The Ambassador felt dislocated, somehow, now that Dr. McCoy had changed everything. It was bad enough facing up to being Vani; but being a kinsman to Khan Noonian Singh as well…
It was enough to make one laugh. Or weep…
So, this is as old as I'll ever get…
The notion of immortality was oddly repellant.
Moving slowly, he took off his shirt and began the warming-up exercises J'Taal had recommended. They looked, and felt, like Tai Chi. Under the regimen, he felt his pulse and blood pressure calming…
"Ah…"J'Taal came in. "You're early," He paused. "Something has upset you, Robert. What is it?"
"Dr. McCoy just told me I'm Vani."
"Yes, you are," J'Taal said.
"You knew?"
"Suffice it to say I had a very strong suspicion. Does it bother you that you're Vani?"
"A little," Wesley admitted. "Dr. McCoy has this belief that I might be related to Khan."
"Dr. McCoy is a most percipient man."
"What?"
"Let's sit for a bit, and I'll explain. Robert…"J'Taal spoke slowly, as if trying to choose his words carefully. "You and Khan are related. I knew his father quite well and your biological father as well. They were brothers. You and Khan are cousins."
"So, how did we both end up here?"
"Janah," J'Taal said. "He attacked Teros N'Jeyal just before Khan was born; it was a dreadful battle, and his mother was forced to flee. She apparently wound up on Earth; and that was where she died, giving birth to her son. Her husband lived, but was unable to find where she had gone. Later, his brother married and had a son; you. He, and his wife, were on their way Out-Boundary when their ship disappeared. We presumed everyone killed. It was only when I met you on the Lexington that I dared think a scion of the Blood Royal might still survive."
"Blood…Royal?"
"Yes, Robert. Khan is the heir to the Throne of Teros N'Jeyal; and, barring any issue he may sire, you are heir after him."
"Me? Oh, Christ…" Wesley shook his head at it all. Then, he looked up. "Shouldn't you be telling Khan about this?"
"In proper time, he will be told; if he hasn't realized it already. He's always been a King, in his heart and soul. To tell him would be but to confirm a thing he already knows about himself. Take some time off today, Robert. You've had too much dumped upon you for lessons to be any good today. We'll take up where we left off tomorrow; all right?"
"Yes," Wesley got to his feet. "See you later."
J'Taal stared after him.
"He'll be all right," the Shao muttered softly to himself.
Chapter 4
The Danae reached the Enterprise and Excelsior later that day. Admiral Kirk held a small meeting with Keilan. Robert Wesley and Sarek were also there.
"Okay, Keilan," Kirk said. "What's the news?"
"The whole system is under Janah's control," Keilan reported. "We've been able to confirm that he has at least one working model of the Genesis Device, and there's a very strong likelihood that he has more stashed away somewhere."
Kirk wanted to throw up his hands in despair. How do we deal with this? Maybe Spock will have an answer…
It was getting late, he realized. Then, he looked at the Ambassadors…
"When are you going to get a haircut, Bob?"
Wesley sighed.
"Didn't Leonard tell you about my training for the Shao Priesthood?"
"Ah, yes," Kirk nodded. "They wear their hair long."
Something else was bothering Wesley…
"What is it, Bob?"
Wesley laughed a little.
"All this time we've been wondering where Khan really came from… I've just been told I'm a Vani."
Kirk came to his feet.
"Are you sure?"
"Leonard and J'Taal both assure me that I am. According to J'Taal, Khan's a Vani too, and we're both of the Blood Royal. What will Admiral Noguchi do when he finds out?"
"There is little likelihood of Admiral Noguchi doing anything," Sarek informed him. "He will, no doubt, be as impressed by this symmetry of events, as I was. Further, you have a reputation as a Starfleet Officer of the highest caliber. If anything, this revelation only makes you more ideal for this mission than you already were. Did Shi'J'Taal explain how this came to pass?"
"Yeah…"Wesley downed the last of his coffee. "Khan's the son of the King; and I'm the son of the King's younger Brother. I'm not sure I want to sleep tonight."
"Not up to facing Matt tonight?" Kirk asked.
"It's not that, precisely," Wesley shrugged. "It's…"he paused, trying to gather his thoughts. "What if I remember things…from before? J'Taal indicated there was some sort of accident; maybe something traumatic…"
"You fear the moment of memory?" Sarek asked.
"Well, now that you mention it… Yes," Wesley admitted.
"You'd better try to get some sleep, Bob," Kirk said. "We're a team now; all of us, and I need all of you in sound health-physical and mental-if we're to do the job we've been drafted to do. You can't know what dreams you'll get until you get them. But, even if you do get nightmares, you need sleep; and, if you don't sleep, I'll sic Bones on you."
"You would, Jim, wouldn't you?"
"Yes, Bob. We can't afford to let anyone jeopardize the mission; not me, not you, not anyone."
Kirk got to his feet, stifling a yawn.
"I, for one, definitely plan to consult with Spock tonight," he said. "How about you, Sarek?"
"A Dream Team consultation would be most appropriate," the Vulcan agreed, getting to his feet.
"All right," Wesley stood. "But, if I do get those nightmares, I won't get anything useful"
"I understand, Bob," Kirk brushed the worry aside. "I'm sure Sarek and I will get everything we need. Remember, if you do start having nightmares, Dr. Van Gelder is here, and he should be able to help you."
"If he doesn't kill me first," Wesley grumbled. "All right I'm off to bed. Good luck with your dreams."
Wesley and Sarek left Kirk's office. Kirk headed to his bedroom, sleep, and Spock, on his mind.
Please be there, Spock. We need to talk…
He found himself in his Ready Room; Spock was already there.
"Jim," the Vulcan said. "I know you have many questions. Please don't bother to ask; I will answer what I may."
"Okay," Kirk nodded. "Shoot."
"Regarding the Genesis Devices, there isn't much you can do at this juncture. You must wait until Khan is ready. Has the good doctor kept you up-to-date on Khan's condition?"
"You know he has," Kirk smiled. "But, what could Khan do?"
"He will know when this phase is past," Spock paused, looking troubled. "Keep an eye on Ambassador Wesley. The news he has received may provoke a major crisis."
"What kind of crisis?" Now, Kirk was worried.
"The nature of this crisis is unknown to me, Jim. I can't even be sure that it will happen. Keep a watchful eye on him."
"I will," Kirk promised. "Now, about Khan…"
"Khan is also a member of the Dream Team," Spock reminded him. "In the morning, ask him about dreams. I must go now."
Spock raised his hands in the traditional Vulcan salute. Then, he disappeared…
Khan Singh, still asleep from Dr. McCoy's hypo, knew he was asleep. Even so, he found himself opening his eyes; and seeing…
"Well, finally…"
Khan turned his head to focus on that voice, saw the man who had talked to him at the Golden Gate Bridge.
"Will?"
"Good," Will smiled. "You remember me. How are you feeling? That headache of yours should be gone by now. Feel like taking a walk?"
"Ah… I'm asleep, aren't I?"
"Yes, Khan. This is a dream. We can go anywhere, and you'll still be back in time for breakfast."
"Fine," Khan found it hard not to laugh. He liked Will. "Where to?"
"Let's just walk and let our feet take us where they will."
The two men strolled down the hall from Sick Bay.
"How are you holding up, Khan?" Will asked him. "You've been through a lot recently."
"I'm better about it than I was," Khan thought about how he had felt just after being blinded. "I've been learning how to deal with it. Now that you're here, Will, I've got a question to ask you."
"That's what I'm here for, Khan. What's on your mind?"
Khan turned to face him.
"What, exactly, am I?" he asked.
Abruptly, they were elsewhere; on the surface of a planet. Two paths lay before them. One led to a palace. Khan shrugged, and then began to walk up that path. John caught his arm.
"Not there," he pointed to the other path. "What we want is down there."
Another building lay at the end of that path. It looked like a chapel of sorts.
"What's in there?" Khan was curious.
"A piece of your history," Will said. "Come on."
They entered the chapel. It was bare of any furnishings, except for a massive stone table. A Shao Master's Blade lay on the bare, unadorned surface, the scabbard under the sword.
Khan stared down at the sword. It was even more beautiful than Ambassador Wesley's sword, if such a thing could be possible. It literally took his breath away; and he realized that he wanted it; he wanted to reach out his hand and claim that perfect sword. The intensity of the emotion left him shaken to the marrow
"Whose sword was that?" he asked.
"That was Ar Jeyal's sword," Will explained. "He was a descendant of yours. You asked what you are, Khan, and the answer is one you've always known. You are a King."
Khan stared at Will. That much, at least, was true. He had always held himself to be a King. Even when the facts seemed to say he was not…
Small steps now, Khan warned himself.
"What do I do?" he asked Will.
Will hesitated.
"We approach a troublesome phase," he said. "You must face Genesis soon."
"Genesis?" Khan thought back to when he had seen the destruction of Reliant II, how the starship had been transformed into a small solar system…
"What could I do about the Genesis Device?" he asked
"Don't worry," Will assured him. "When the time comes, you will know. That's not the only problem. Robert…"
"Ambassador Wesley?" Khan asked. "What about him?"
"He received an unexpected bit of news today that could lead to trouble. Keep an eye on him."
"I will," Khan promised.
"Good. I've got to go now; but, I'll drop in on you whenever I can. Sleep well."
Will disappeared, and Khan settled into a deeper sleep.
For Robert Wesley, it was different. Matt Decker never appeared. Instead, Wesley got a crazy mélange of images. They all seemed warped, somehow; as if everything was too big…
Eventually, the images settled down to become a proper dream; about a little boy called J'Mar…
J'Mar is only three years old, and he is frightened. His father and mother know J'Mar is one of the Special Ones, gifted in mind as only the Shao are; which means he can read minds.
Normally, his parents can keep their thoughts veiled from their son; but, not this day…
He can feel Mama's fear pulsating from her in waves. Papa is frightened too.
"J'Dan," Mama says. "They're closing in on us. We can't escape."
J'Mar knows he's on a starship, sitting on Mama's lap. Fear laps around him.
In spite of fear, Papa speaks.
"We'll have to fight, Elena. Weapons and shields are online. Get the escape-pods ready; all of them."
"J'Dan," Elena says. "I'll not leave you-"
"It's not for us. It's for J'Mar. If we release all of the escape-pods, Janah's people might miss J'Mar."
J'Mar doesn't know who Janah is. All he knows is that Janah is a Very Bad Man…
Mama carries J'Mar to the escape-pods. Giving him a last kiss, she puts him into one of the pods, and closes it up…
Sniffling, J'Mar curls up into a tight ball. As he cries, all the pods are released…
Fear descends on him like a blanket. An eternity seems to pass. Then…
The little boy feels it…
Two souls wreathed in blackest agony-fire charring flesh, spiraling down into death…
J'Mar knows who those two dying souls are.
Mama and Papa…
The agony of those souls almost drags his soul down with them. So, something within the boy's soul rises up to shield him from it all…
He falls asleep. After a while, the sleepy boy opens his eyes. The pod has been grabbed by something. After a while, something opens the pod door, and J'Mar peers into brilliant light.
Somehow, he can no longer sense thoughts, but, since he has forgotten that he used to be able to read minds, it doesn't bother him.
"I don't believe it," it's a man's voice. "A child?"
"Oh, he's cute…" says another voice.
"Are there any other survivors?"
"No one," a hand reaches out to tousle his hair. "He's all alone."
Robert Wesley awakened, chilled to the bone.
"J'Mar," he murmured. "I was J'Mar…"
Wiping his eyes, he realized he had been crying in his sleep. Shaken by the dream, he got up, and went into the bathroom. After washing his face, he caught his reflection in the mirror…
The same face he always saw; his hair a tousled mess. One risk of long hair, he decided, brushing his hair off his face.
He knew, now, that McCoy had been right. J'Taal too…
But, that was all he knew.
Lying on the bed, Wesley tried to relax and get back to sleep; but that was beyond him. After a while, he gave up. Glancing at the digital unit set on the wall, he noticed the time…
0600…
It was time to get up and face the day…
Nothing happened until he was fully dressed. Then, just as he reached for the scabbard, it hit him like a ton of bricks…
All the noise in the galaxy came together inside his skull…music, conversations, arguments… it all came together in an over-powering assault, dropping the Ambassador to the floor…
Chapter 5
0900…
Admiral Kirk was walking down the hall with Sarek, sharing information gleaned from their dreams. Neither had much to offer concerning Genesis…
"Spock said Khan would take care of it," Kirk said. "I really can't imagine how."
"Perhaps…" Sarek steepled his fingers together, so reminiscent of Spock. "When this phase of his mutation is over, he will be able to attempt something constructive. I find myself in agreement with Dr. McCoy when he says that Khan Singh's mutation seems to involve higher-order mind powers. We have, of course, all heard of individuals afflicted with such abilities."
"Yes," Kirk was reminded of Gary Mitchell and Elizabeth Dehner. It didn't work out for them. But, Khan's different, somehow. Maybe he can handle the stress that comes with such power; unless, of course, he can't handle it. But, either way, he may be the only hope we've got…
Speaking of the devil…
Kirk smiled as Khan walked down to join the two men.
"Good Morning, Khan. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Admiral," Khan looked worried. "Will entered my dreams."
"Will?"
"The man who talked to me at the Golden Gate bridge," Khan reminded him
"Ah, yes. What did he say?"
"He said I would take care of Genesis when the time came," Khan shook his head at the notion. "I have trouble imagining how I could do something like that. After all, I've been told there's nothing that can stop the Genesis Wave when it's been actuated."
"That's true," Kirk agreed. "But, you may have a few surprises slid up your sleeve."
"I fervently hope so," Khan nodded. "Where's Kier J'Taal?"
"He went back to the Danae," Sarek informed him. "They've gone back to the Arvel System to look for weaknesses in Janah's defenses."
"Damn," Khan muttered.
"What's wrong?" Kirk asked.
"Will told me to keep an eye on the Ambassador. Call me crazy if you must, but I think we should take that warning to heart."
Kirk felt a chill go up his spine.
"Spock said the same thing to me," he said. "Sarek?"
The Vulcan frowned.
"I agree," he said. "We should check on Ambassador Wesley's whereabouts immediately."
Kirk Commed the Bridge.
"Lieutenant Saavik, please locate Ambassador Wesley."
Saavik's voice, calm as always, came over the Comm.
"Ambassador Wesley is in his quarters, Admiral. Shall I Comm him?"
"By all means, Saavik; please do."
A minute passed, and then Saavik's voice returned.
"Admiral, he doesn't respond."
"Get Security there," Kirk ordered, feeling ice in his veins. "Follow me, gentlemen."
All three men ran to Wesley's quarters. They found Security already there, under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Blake…
"What's going on in there?" Kirk asked Blake.
"I don't know, sir," Blake shook his head. "The Ambassador doesn't respond."
Kirk hit the door-plate comm.
"Bob," he said. "It's Jim. Are you all right in there?"
No response…
Kirk stepped back.
"Force the door," he ordered.
"Aye, sir," the other guards drew phasers and took up positions as Blake over-rode the privacy controls. The door slid open, and the guards entered, ready for anything…
"In the bedroom, sir!" one of the guards called out.
Kirk hurried into the bedroom, followed by Khan and Sarek. One of the guards was kneeling on the floor; by Wesley's side.
"Get Sick Bay!" Kirk ordered as he took in the scene. Wesley was unconscious, face-down on the floor. Kirk knelt by his friend, feeling at the base of the man's throat for a pulse. Wesley was alive, at least…
"What's going on here?" McCoy grumped as he walked in. "Did someone attack the Ambassador?"
"That's what I want you to find out, Bones."
"All right," McCoy sighed. "Please get out of my way."
Gently, he, and the guard who had found him, turned Wesley over until he lay on his back. McCoy looked down on the Ambassador, focusing his Sight on the unconscious man.
"We'd better get him to Sick Bay, Jim"
"What's wrong with him, Bones?"
"I don't know," McCoy was puzzled.
"Is it life-threatening?"
"By what I'm seeing, I'd say yes, Jim."
Kirk gestured to Blake.
"Help Bones get him to Sick Bay," he ordered. "Then go over everything in the Ambassador's quarters with a fine-tooth comb. If he was attacked in here, I want to know when, and whom."
"Aye, Sir," Blake responded. "I'll get right on it."
Kirk turned to see Khan frowning worriedly.
"Khan?"
"John never said Ambassador Wesley would be attacked."
"Neither did Spock," Kirk agreed. "But we're going to check all the possibilities out. Even the unlikely ones," he paused. "The Dream Team is just us now. We'll meet at Sick Bay in one hour."
Roughly an hour later, Kirk, Sarek, and Khan, entered Sick Bay. Dr. McCoy had his hands full. Wesley had come out of the unconsciousness. Into this…
The Ambassador's body spasmed, as if caught in the throes of a seizure. Dr. Simon Van Gelder was with Dr. McCoy. They were both looking at the biobed readout. What they saw there put grave expressions on their faces.
"I've tried everything I can think of to bring him out of it," McCoy said. "Do you have any ideas, Simon?"
"I think so," Van Gelder replied. "It's rare, but, I have seen this kind of thing before."
"What's happened to Bob?" Kirk, and the others, came up.
McCoy nodded to Van Gelder, and the psychiatrist took up the tale.
"The problem," he said. "Is that Robert Wesley seems to be a natural telepath."
"That's ridiculous," Kirk replied. "If he were telepathic, it would've been in his file."
"Not necessarily," Van Gelder held up a hand. "I've just been told that the Ambassador experienced an unspecified traumatic event at around the age of three. Said traumatic event almost certainly involved the deaths of his parents. One of the most traumatic things that can happen to a child would be experiencing his parents' deaths. If only as a self-protective measure, he would block all memory of the incident. Even the telepathy might be blocked."
"Yes," Sarek spoke quietly. "That has been known to happen among my people."
"I know," Van Gelder nodded. "On occasion, I've had to treat those young Vulcans."
"Is there anything you can do for the Ambassador?" Khan asked.
"Not much until Keir J'Taal gets back," Van Gelder glanced at the patient. "The only thing that might work would be a neuro-depressant."
"But, Simon," McCoy protested. "If it's used too long, neuro-depressants can cause severe damage."
"I know, Leonard," Van Gelder sighed. Turning to Kirk, he added, "You'd better contact Danae, and tell J'Taal to get his ass over here pronto."
"I will," Kirk promised. He watched Van Gelder prepare the neuro-depressant. He attached it to Wesley's forehead, the thing adhering to the Ambassador's flesh. The thing took effect almost immediately, the biobed showing a steep drop in neurological activity. Wesley's body relaxed and he seemed to fall asleep.
Kirk Commed the Bridge.
"Uhura, raise the Danae."
"I was about to call you, Admiral," Uhura replied. "Danae has contacted us. They report Keir J'Taal captured by enemy forces."
Kirk felt numb. He heard Khan mutter something in a language he didn't know. The Sikh Language, he supposed. Whatever it was, it sounded vile…
"Have Danae's people beamed over," Kirk ordered. "We're in Sick Bay."
He turned to the others. By their appalled expressions, he could tell they had heard the exchange.
"We've got to rescue J'Taal," Khan said. "He's the only one who can help Ambassador Wesley."
"Is that true?" Kirk asked Van Gelder.
"I believe so," Van Gelder replied. "Leonard and I have the medical training, but not the necessary Talent. Ambassador Sarek has some of the Talent, but not the necessary training. We're too far away to contact anyone else with the appropriate talents, training, and facilities. Keir J'Taal is the only one who has both the training and the Talent."
"All right," Kirk glanced once more at Robert Wesley. "Dr. Van Gelder, would you please join us when Danae's crew arrives?"
Chapter 6
Jaim and Halan beamed over to the Enterprise, meeting Kirk in McCoy's office. Had the cause for the meeting been less dire, Kirk would gladly have wasted a few minutes just staring at them. They were even larger than Ruk, the android. Kirk had never seen anyone that tall.
"Ambassador Wesley has need of Keir J'Taal?" Halan asked.
"Yes. My medical staff seems to think he had a…telepathic incident. They also believe J'Taal is the only one who can help him."
"What is the Ambassador's condition?"
"The Ambassador's condition is precarious as of now," Van Gelder replied. "We have been reduced to using neuro-depressants."
"I'm no doctor," Jaim said. "But, aren't neuro-depressants dangerous?"
"Yes," the psychiatrist nodded. "But what we have here is a telepathic Talent re-awakening after roughly sixty years of dormancy. The problem is that he's picking everything up. By that, I mean everything; every thought, every utterance, on the Enterprise, and possibly beyond. We have no idea what his range really is. He has no training on how to filter things so most of it becomes background noise. It's an inundating babble that he can't pull himself out of because he lacks the training. J'Taal is our best chance. But, until then, the neuro-depressant is the next best thing because it turns everything off. But, it's also dangerous because it turns everything off; because, things might not turn back on again. Thus, we've been forced to vary the neuro-depressants with old-fashioned sedatives. Those, however, have a signal disadvantage in that they won't stop the telepathic bombardment."
Kirk winced at Van Gelder's assessment. Then, he forced himself back to the business at hand.
"Do what you can, Dr. Van Gelder."
The psychiatrist nodded, and walked back into Sick Bay. Khan entered as Van Gelder left.
"Have you made any plans for J'Taal's rescue?" he asked.
"We're about to," Kirk said. "Have a seat. Spock gave me something."
"What did he tell you?" Khan sat down.
"J'Taal's on Arvel III. Captain Sulu will be here in a minute."
True to Kirk's word, Captain Sulu strode in.
"Okay, Admiral," he said. "I'm here. What happened to Ambassador Wesley?"
"We don't have time to discus that, Captain. Suffice it to say we need to rescue J'Taal, or the Ambassador will die."
"We've got to go to the Arvel System?" Sulu's tone held dismay.
"We go to Arvel III," Kirk corrected him.
At length, the plan was hammered out. The Twins, Joachim and José, would depart on Danae. The Danae would flyby Arvel III at high warp, and the Twins would beam down. Four hours later, Danae would return, accompanied by Enterprise and Excelsior, to pick up the rescue party and provide firepower if necessary.
After the meeting, Khan entered Sick Bay. For some reason, he felt an intense need to look in on the man. Wesley looked to be in a peaceful slumber right now. But, in this case, looks were deceiving…
The biobed readout painted a grim picture, most neurological functions flattened by the neuro-depressant. The Life-Support Module had been swung across the Ambassador's torso. It was responsible for keeping Wesley's blood oxygenated, and circulated…
"Your headache back, Khan?" McCoy came up to him.
"No," Khan brushed a lock of hair from Wesley's forehead. "I was just looking in on him. If we can't rescue J'Taal…"
"If you can't rescue J'Taal, Bob will die," McCoy finished for him. "Listen, Khan. Whatever this mutation of yours turns out to be, use it, okay?"
"My mutation? Doctor, I don't even know what it is. How can that help the Ambassador, anyway?"
"I don't know," McCoy shook his head. "But, if you can do anything, it might be enough."
"I will, if I can," Khan left. When he got to the Bridge, he found everyone ready for action. Danae had done her first run four hours ago. Now, they were all heading toward Arvel III at high warp.
Going into battle…
Khan felt that old adrenalin rush he always felt before a battle; his senses coming alive to the needs of the moment…
"Danae's calling, sir," Uhura spoke from her place at Communications. "The Twins have located J'Taal."
"Okay," Kirk sat up straight in the Captain's Seat. "Let's go in. Look sharp, everyone."
Danae went in first. Peeling away, she was just able to avoid the barrage of phaser fire from one of the moons.
"Take us in, Helm" Kirk ordered.
The two Federation Starships came in; phasers and photon torpedoes targeting the enemy installations.
"Danae reports success," Uhura reported.
"Let's get out of here," Kirk ordered.
The three starships peeled away, at high warp. Sarek was situated at Spock's old post, operating ship's scanners. Presently, he straightened.
"I am tracking three unarmed vessels traveling at a velocity in excess of Warp Fourteen. The readings I am getting seem to indicate the vessels are equipped with Genesis Devices."
"Uhura, pass the word to our friends," Kirk then Commed Engineering. "Scotty, I need everything you've got!"
The chase was on. It was, of course, hopeless. Of the fleeing ships, only Danae had the capability to go at such high speeds. Enterprise and Excelsior could only reach Warp Ten for limited periods of time.
Dr. McCoy entered the Bridge. Van Gelder was more qualified to deal with Ambassador Wesley's problem. So, now, McCoy had nothing to do…
Except for staring death in the face. I ought to be used to that by now…
Feeling somewhat like a fifth wheel, he looked around, everyone was busy, trying to out-run things that simply would not be out-run. Then, he saw Khan; saw him with eyes, and sight…
Khan's nervous system was flickering, quite rapidly, in tune with an answering flicker that came from deep inside his brain. The two distinct flickers began to approach symmetry…
Then, Khan seemed to blaze like the Sun. All three vessels exploded…
Too far away from the fleeing ships, and too far away from Arvel, they exploded in deep space.
This time, Kirk didn't hang around to watch. He was about to order the ships to a specific location when he noticed Khan had fallen to his knees. McCoy was kneeling beside him.
"Are you okay, Khan" the Admiral asked. Oddly enough, Khan was chuckling.
"Ask Dr. McCoy, sir. I have no clue…"
"Bones?"
"He's fine, Jim. Khan, when I asked you to do something, I didn't exactly have that in mind."
"Neither did I," Khan replied. "But, it was all I had at the time, and I didn't even know I had it."
Kirk came to his feet.
"You detonated the devices?"
"I believe so," Khan got to his feet. "Maybe you should bring J'Taal over now. The Ambassador can't last much longer."
"Quite right," Kirk Commed Danae.
One of the Twins came on. Although sporting a few new bruises, he was smiling.
"Keir J'Taal's fine, sir; we'll send him right over."
"Okay," Kirk rose. "Khan, Bones, let's go."
They met J'Taal at sick Bay. The Shao priest looked none the worse for wear.
"What's this I hear about Robert?" he asked.
"You'll have to ask Simon," McCoy replied. "I'm just a country doctor."
The group followed McCoy into Sick Bay. There, J'Taal listened to Van Gelder's assessment of the situation.
"Your diagnosis is accurate, Dr. Van Gelder," the Shao Priest said. "I'll do what I can. You will need to remove the neuro-depressant."
Carefully, Van Gelder removed the neuro-depressant. As soon as it was off, J'Taal laid his hands on the Ambassador's head, his mind flowing inside, to shield the defenseless mind within…
J'Taal found himself in a dark space. Robert Wesley was nearby.
"Robert?"
"J'Taal? Is that you?"
"Yes," the Shao replied. "It is I. What happened to you?"
Wesley stood there, hugging himself, as if cold.
"I don't know," he admitted. "I think I dreamed my parents' deaths. Janah's people killed them."
"Ah… Van Gelder was right after all," J'Taal said. "You blocked it all, including your telepathy. Now, its back, and it overwhelmed you. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you through it."
"What can you do?"
"You know how we filter all our senses; sight, hearing, touch, all the others, so we don't drown in an ocean of sensation? The same rule applies to the Mental Gifts. I can teach you how to do it."
J'Taal did the lesson right there; showing the Ambassador what to do and how to do it. Fortunately, Wesley was a quick study, and it didn't take all that long until he had enough control of his new/old Talent.
"Are you ready to go back, Robert?" J'Taal asked. "Your friends have been getting frantic."
"Ah, yes," Wesley nodded.
J'Taal led him back to the Outside World…
Robert Wesley opened his eyes, finding himself in Sick Bay. He felt bruised, but well. Everything was quiet now, the way it had been before. But, there was a difference this time. He could sense the ocean outside. It was a restless tide of human emotion and thought, an ocean he could swim. The thought was just a little frightening.
"I will teach you how to manage this new-found Talent," J'Taal promised, bending over him.
"Thanks," Wesley said. Then, he noticed the others in the room.
"I hope you guys haven't been standing over my bedside all this time,"
"Not quite," Kirk smiled, relieved to see his old friend back to normal. "We've had a few things on our plate. For instance, Khan has destroyed those Genesis devices we were so worried about."
"Khan?" Wesley sat up. "How?"
"If you can tell him what happened in five minutes, or less," Van Gelder said. "I would really appreciate it. The Ambassador hasn't had a true sleep in roughly two days, and in exactly five minutes, I'm going to give him a hypo."
Speaking quickly, Kirk brought Wesley up-to-date on all the events since his collapse. The Ambassador laughed, shaking his head.
"Leonard told me your nervous system was somewhat different from the average," he said. "Do you have any idea how you managed to pull that one off?"
"No," Khan shook his head. "It just happened. That's all I can say. So, what's next?"
"Maybe we should take a vacation," Wesley sighed. "I'm not the only one who has been put through the mill."
"I wouldn't mind a bit of a break," Kirk agreed
"Yeah," McCoy nodded. "This past year, we've all been running around like chickens with our heads cut off. We all need to stop and sit, if you get my drift."
"True," J'Taal agreed. "Besides, I need time to make a full Shao Master out of Robert. I intend to see him a full Shao Priest before we finish this."
"Wait a minute," Wesley protested. "I've been told the Full Training takes a while."
"It normally does, Robert. But, you've already had a major portion of it when I trained you as a Swords Master. Besides, you're a very quick study."
"How long will you need?" Kirk asked.
"Maybe half a year, give or take," J'Taal replied. "But, where shall we go for this?"
"Vulcan might be a good place," Kirk said. "I'm sure there will be quite a few Vulcan Adepts ready and willing to help you with Ambassador Wesley's education."
"Jim!" Wesley was feeling more than a little rushed. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, Bob. I'm serious. This is serious. Something tells me you were meant to be a Shao Priest; and I don't care if it means to have to let your hair grow down to your waist. This is part of our Quest, and I intend to tell Admiral Noguchi the same thing."
"Oh Dear Lord…" Wesley lay back. "This is getting way out of hand…"
Van Gelder came up with a hypo.
"I don't know about that, Ambassador," he said. "Firstly, this training just might save your life, so don't quibble about technicalities. Secondly, if you are worried about looking ridiculous with long hair, grow a mustache and beard. You might not look like you anymore, but, I don't think you'll have to worry about looking ridiculous. Now, everyone out. I gave you all far more than five minutes."
All the others departed, leaving Wesley alone with Van Gelder.
"What the hell do I do?" Wesley mused aloud.
"Sleep on it," Van Gelder replied. "I'm sure you'll think of something."
He injected the hypo, sending the Ambassador into deep, dreamless, slumber…
Notes and Disclaimers: I don't own the characters you recognize.
Stay tuned for "Keepers of the Trust VII"