Chapter 8
by Starsinger
It's an oddball group that gathers in Kirk's room to witness Marcus' trial. Not the least of which is, well, Khan. Don't own them.
"Popcorn?" Kirks asked, nonchalantly.
"Yes, thank you," Khan replied, taking the proffered bowl. Even after three hundred years, popcorn was still a tasty treat. Khan was being permitted to watch the proceedings before he was slotted to go back into deep sleep. Kirk had offered his semi-permanent residence in the hospital as a viewing platform. They'd moved him in with Pike after two more weeks in the ICU. Khan, hesitantly, accepted, knowing that armed guards would be in and outside the room. He wasn't expecting both Kirk and Pike to be beautifully urbane and wonderfully witty company. He did wish there was a bit more butter on the popcorn, though.
"Alexander Marcus, before we start, I need to inform you that I have reviewed the petition for extradition by the Klingon Chancellor. Despite your lawyer's best arguments, I can find no reason to deny the petition, a week following this trial, you will be transported by a neutral party, the Organians, to the Klingon homeworld, Qo'noS, to await your fate. Do you understand?"
Marcus had turned very pale at this announcement, he barely whispered, "Yes, Your Honor."
Kirk grinned looking sideways at Khan, "Barbarians do have their place. I'll have to get you to give me a full summary of Rura Penthe before I go to sleep, Captain."
"Not a problem, Khan, not a problem," Kirk chuckled before grabbing another handful of popcorn. McCoy walked in and, with a resigned sigh, flopped down into a chair beside Khan. Khan held out his bowl, McCoy took some.
The prosecution laid out its case in its opening argument. Marcus had awoken Khan, a known criminal, and forced him to make weapons of mass destruction, while holding the man's family hostage. In retaliation, Khan broke free and fired upon a meeting of top Starfleet brass, killing many, and, after the heroic actions of Captain James T. Kirk, Khan left for Qo'noS. Hoping to incite a war, Marcus sent Kirk after Khan, and, instead of firing on Qo'noS, Kirk went after Khan…" the Prosecutor went on to lay out his case. The Defense soon laid out its own case, but everyone watching could tell that Marcus had already given up. He slumped down in his chair and wouldn't look at anyone, even his lawyer.
McCoy had explained that there had been 231 deaths on the Enterprise, leaving 269 still alive. Only one, Kirk himself, was still in the hospital. When the recording of the conversation between Marcus and Kirk was played for the court, including Kirk turning and apologizing to his bridge crew, Pike looked sideways at his young friend. Khan's hands tightened on the armrests of his chair. It was his and his family's lives that Kirk had tried to bargain for as well. He also looked at the young captain with a newfound respect.
The trial ended as expected, Marcus was found guilty and was sentenced to 218 years in a penal colony, to begin if and when he returned from Qo'noS. Unlike the Federation, the Klingons did have a death penalty. It was largely ignored when the judge took into consideration the extradition request. It was a little strange as Khan rose, grabbed the remaining popcorn, and left the room, laughing, it sounded rather maniacal. Kirk and Pike looked at each other. Soon, Amber came in to get Kirk out of bed for his ten minutes of sitting up. She took pity on him and put Pike in wheelchair so he could supervise his young friend. "At least you're getting out of bed, and no longer falling asleep every ten minutes."
"I wish…" Jim trailed off. "I wish I knew where Sam was. Dying has that effect on some people, I'd like to see my family again." Pike studied his friend, knowing that it might not be possible, yet understanding where that yearning was coming from.