Disclaimer: Star Trek belongs to Gene Roddenberry. The new universe belongs to J.J. Abrams and Paramount.

A/N: Thanks again to everyone who reviewed/favorited last time.

.~.

Ch. 3: Khan's First Lesson

.~.

Captain Kirk confidently entered Sickbay, ready to speak with his newest passenger. He had to remind himself not to hold the man's past against him. Although, the way that he had treated McGivers needed to be addressed. If word got around the ship that the man was a chauvinist pig, he would have a hard time making friends with many of the crew.

Nurse Chapel directed him to Khan's bed. The man began to size him up the moment Kirk came into view.

"Captain Kirk, I presume." Khan spoke, in an impossibly deep voice. "It is good to finally meet you."

"It's good to meet you as well," Kirk said politely. He offered his hand, and Khan shook it. Then he pulled up one of the visitor chairs, and sat about a foot away from the bed.

"I would offer you my name, but I don't seem to have remembered any more about my past since waking up a second time. A pity really." Khan's disappointment was evident in his eyes.

"I wouldn't look at it that way," said Kirk, smiling, all the while thinking of the alternate-dimension Khan, who had caused so much grief to poor Ambassador Selek. Would this man be any different?

"How would you look at it?" Khan sounded almost dejected.

"Think of it as a chance that most people never get to have – to start over completely. You can leave the past in the past, and look to your future instead." Kirk enthused. "A lot of people would kill for that opportunity."

"This time is strange to me," Khan said. "I feel as if I don't belong here."

"My crew and I will help you adjust. I know you must be feeling very alone right now – but I promise that I will do anything I can to help you learn how to fit in." Kirk gave him a wry smile.

"What do you want in return?" Khan was immediately suspicious.

"Nothing," Kirk insisted. "Just your friendship."

"Why are you being so kind to me?" Khan stared at Kirk, unflinchingly. "For all I know, I could've been an axe-murderer in my past life."

Kirk swallowed hard. Khan wasn't so far off the mark… "Because I'd hope someone would do the same for me, if I were in your situation," he said softly.

"Thank you," Khan said slowly, almost as if saying those words were foreign to him. "But forgive me if I do not trust you just yet."

Kirk chuckled. "I understand."

"So when do I receive my first lesson?" Khan asked.

"Right now," Kirk said, sounding serious. "I wanted to talk to you about how you treated one of my lieutenants."

Khan blinked innocently at him. "Is flirting a crime in the 23rd century?"

"No," Kirk grinned. "If it were, I'd be in jail. But there is a time and a place. And also, what you said to Lt. McGivers was considered very rude. It might be different if you two met at a bar or a club, but she was on duty and, well, Sickbay isn't the ideal place to proposition a woman."

"I did not mean to offend her," Khan said softly. "I only wanted to distract her from the fact that I could not remember my old life. She wanted to know what it was like living 300 years ago, and to be honest, it just slipped out. Now I know better."

"That's good," said Kirk. "But I still want you to apologize to Lt. McGivers."

"You want me to apologize to a woman?" Khan looked scandalized.

"Yes. If you don't, the crew will have a bad impression of you. Gossip travels fast on this ship, believe me."

"Fine," Khan said flatly.

"I'll call her right down." Kirk pulled out his communicator and did just that. He knew that Khan most likely agreed because he wanted to have a chance with the other women on the ship. But progress was progress. "She's on her way. If it makes you feel any better, she's engaged."

"May I ask how you get women to sleep with you without offending them?" Khan asked.

Kirk sighed. He really didn't feel qualified to have this conversation. "It depends. If you just want to know how to pick up a one night stand, that really hasn't changed. It would have to be the right situation. You could go to a bar, offer a woman a drink or two, strike up a conversation, and then ask if she'd want to go somewhere with you. But if you really cared for the girl, you should go slow."

"Slow?" Khan frowned.

"Yeah," said Kirk. "You know. Start by becoming her friend. Then ask her out. If she says yes, you take her on dates. You treat her with respect. Get to know her likes and dislikes. Start with kissing and then try something a little more intimate. Never pressure into doing something she's not ready for."

"And do you usually go slow, Captain?"

"No," Kirk admitted. "I prefer something that's not complicated. But if the right person…" He sighed. No use wishing about something that would never happen. "Never mind."

He was saved from having to explain by the arrival of McGivers.

"Captain," she nodded at him. Then she looked expectantly at Khan. "You had something you wanted to say?"

Khan nodded. "I want to… apologize for offending you earlier."

"That's alright, sir."

"I was… embarrassed that I couldn't answer your questions. You see, I don't remember who I am, or what my life was like."

"Oh. I didn't know. I'm sorry." McGivers said softly.

"That's alright," Khan echoed.

"If you wanted, when you get cleared from Sickbay, maybe I could introduce you to some of my single friends. That is, if you promise to behave yourself."

"I would like that," Khan replied.

"I'll see you later then," McGivers said, and took her leave.

"There, that wasn't too bad, was it?" Kirk said lightly.

Khan watched her go. "Such a pity she's engaged. Do you have any other dating advice, Captain?"

Kirk's expression grew dark. "Yeah. No matter how much you want someone, don't break up relationships. I've got to go – ship's business."

Khan wondered what had caused the man to abruptly leave.

.~.

Kirk headed towards the mess hall. He figured he'd grab a sandwich before he called a meeting with his senior officers. He'd learned the hard way that he shouldn't skip meals – he couldn't focus as well on the task at hand if he was hungry. As he was approaching the entrance, Spock came out.

"Oh, Mr. Spock, I'm calling a briefing in Conference Room A in fifteen minutes."

"I will attend." The Vulcan nodded politely at him. "Captain."

Kirk barely repressed a sigh as he watched Spock leave, zeroing in on his ass. He tried to push all non-professional thoughts about Spock away, but didn't quite succeed. He was quite thankful that Vulcans could only read someone's thoughts if they were touching. If Spock really knew how he felt, he'd most likely ask for a transfer. That was something that Kirk could not accept. He'd rather have Spock around. So, for now, he would hide his feelings. And go replicate that sandwich – he was starving!

.~.

Fifteen minutes later

Conference Room A

From the head of the table, Jim looked at his senior officers who had assembled for the meeting. Scotty, Uhura, McCoy, Sulu, and Giotto were all staring at him expectantly. Spock was in his usual place, sitting at Jim's right. Kirk noticed that the Vulcan was wearing his 'vaguely interested' face. Just when had he started to catalogue Spock's expressions? Shaking his head, Kirk turned his attention to the matter at hand.

"I know you're all wondering why I called you here," Kirk began. "As you might have suspected, this meeting is about our new passenger. I have some information about him that is not to leave this room." Everyone nodded, and Jim continued, knowing he could trust his officers with the delicate information.

"When this man woke up, he had no idea who he is. Which, I guess could happen if you were left in hypersleep for 200 years." Kirk laughed nervously. "I have learned, thanks to a source that will remain nameless, the man's identity. His name is Khan, and he was one of the dictators during the Eugenics Wars."

Uhura gasped, looking stricken. The rest of the officers did not look much better. They were all remembering the damage that those dictators caused to the people of Earth, and to its environment. Scotty looked grim, Sulu distressed, and Giotto looked like he wanted to punch something.

McCoy recovered first. "Do you mean I have one of those genetically altered supermen in my Sickbay?"

"Why isn't he in the brig?" Giotto asked.

"Because I'm giving him a second chance," Kirk said firmly. "Him and the rest of his crew. We're going to help them assimilate to life in the 23rd century until we can deliver them to Starbase 6 to be rehabilitated."

"But shouldn't they be punished for all the deaths they caused?" Giotto insisted.

"I could turn him over to people who would sentence him to rot in some jail cell for the rest of his life." Kirk unflinchingly met the eyes of all his officers. "But I'm a firm believer in second tries. If Khan is treated well, he should have no trouble fitting into our society."

Scotty cleared his throat and Kirk nodded at him. "What happens if he researches the Eugenics Wars and finds out the connection with his ship? Or worse, finds a picture of himself? I doubt he'd react well to that news."

"I've considered that," Kirk replied. "I've already wiped the Enterprise computer files clean of any articles to do with that time period."

"Won't that look suspicious to him, sir?"

"No." Kirk grinned smugly. "Any information on that time has unfortunately been lost thanks to all the destruction."

"I suppose that sounds believable," Scotty acquiesced.

"Captain?" Kirk nodded at Uhura. "Why did you tell us about Khan's identity if you want him to start over? Won't that taint our perceptions of him?"

"I just wanted to take a precaution. I want you all to be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior, especially from Khan. Apparently he was really devious, and wouldn't hesitate to do anything to gain power."

"It would be beneficial for everyone to behave in a friendly manner towards Khan. However, I would advise against trusting him." Spock looked over at his captain for confirmation.

Kirk gave him a small smile. "Yes, exactly."

"What about restricting these people from certain areas of the ship?" Sulu suggested.

"Engineering is out, right?" Scotty asked.

"Absolutely," Kirk nodded at them both. "I'm also including the cargo bay, as that's where our extra weapons are stored."

"What about the bridge?" Uhura wondered.

"It's off limits." Kirk assured her. "No need to tempt him. Also, Khan and his people's computer access will be limited."

"I don't like this, Jim," McCoy grumbled. "The man's personality isn't going to change just because he has amnesia."

"But his environment has changed," Kirk argued. "I'm a firm believer in nurture over nature. I wouldn't be doing this if I thought I'd be putting the ship in danger. Besides, you conducted psych scans on Khan and they turned out normal, right?" McCoy reluctantly nodded.

"That's good enough for me," Kirk affirmed. "Does anyone have any questions?" No one said a word. "Dismissed."

His officers filed out of the room, all except Spock.

"Don't tell me you're against this too?" Kirk groaned after the doors closed with a whoosh.

"On the contrary, I thought your decision showed great character."

"Really?" Kirk gaped at the Vulcan. That was probably the nicest thing that Spock had said to him during the entire voyage.

"Indeed. I certainly would not have been so lenient if he had murdered many Vulcans even 300 years ago."

Kirk looked pained. "Spock, that's different."

The Vulcan raised an eyebrow. "I do not see how."

"I wasn't personally affected by the events of the Eugenics Wars. Also, while I'm sure Khan killed plenty of people during his reign, none of that holds a candle to losing a whole planet. Trust me - it's like comparing apples and oranges."

Spock tilted his head the slightest bit to the left. "Apples and oranges?"

Kirk waved him off. "You know what I mean. You can't compare the two events."

Spock looked away, his hands clasped tightly behind his straight back.

"What? What is it?" Kirk pressed.

"It is difficult to speak of," Spock began. "I should not have sent you to Delta Vega that day. If my counterpart had not been there, you would have been killed. And it would have been my fault."

Kirk gently placed his hand on Spock's elbow, and Spock turned around to face him. "Hey, you were just doing what you thought was best."

"It was not what was best. I was… emotionally comprised. I should have listened to you, Jim. You were just trying to protect Earth."

"Wow, you said my first name!" Jim grinned. "Victory is mine."

"How can you be so cavalier about this?" Spock frowned. "Doctor McCoy was correct. It was the wrong call to make."

Kirk sighed. "Look, you didn't know that my pod would be pushed off course. Or that I'd try to find the starbase alone. Or that there were huge creatures living there."

"I should have followed standard protocol and put you in the brig."

"You thought I'd escape," Kirk stated.

Spock nodded at him.

"I probably would have found a way. I dunno, maybe I should test that theory sometime." Kirk grinned. "But, c'mon, Spock – this is ancient history. You've saved my life a few times since, and I say that more than makes up for it."

"It is not ancient history to Doctor McCoy."

Kirk rolled his eyes. "I'll talk to him. He needs to stop trying to reopen old wounds. Trust me, he knows you've changed."

"I would appreciate that, Captain."

And there went Spock's Vulcan walls, coming up again. All too soon, in Kirk's opinion. "Are we still on for chess tonight?"

"Indeed. I will meet you in your quarters at 1800 after my evening meal with Lieutenant Uhura."

"I'm looking forward to it." Kirk tried to ignore the tightness in his chest after Spock left, but it was not easy.

.~.

Later

"Spock, why do I feel like your mind's not on the game?" Jim asked as he captured one of the Vulcan's bishops.

"Perhaps because you are winning," said Spock, but there was no mirth in his eyes. The Vulcan made a move, and Kirk quickly countered it.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Kirk offered.

"Nyota and I are having… difficulties."

"What happened this time?" Kirk inquired, not really sure he wanted to know. But he would listen and try to help his friend, because he was apparently a masochist.

"She does not wish to meld with me."

"How come?"

"She is not certain that it would be safe for her."

"What makes her think that?"

"She believes that my mental control is not as it used to be, after…" Spock trailed off.

"After you lost so many mental ties," Kirk finished. "Don't look so surprised, Ambassador Selek told me all about it."

"She may be right – perhaps I do not possess sufficient mental control."

Kirk pursed his lips. "Let me ask you this. When you first started dating, did you tell her that you wanted to meld?"

Spock shook his head. "At that time in my life, I wished only to take part in human courtship rituals. I had no interest in melding. Our relationship was quite satisfactory until I lost my ties to Vulcan. It was only then that I had the desire to meld with her. When I contacted my counterpart, he informed me that melding with my intended was essential to my health. I do not wish to force this on Nyota, however-"

"You need it," Kirk said simply. "Can't you just do a small meld on her? Kind of like a trial run?"

"She said she would not agree to meld with me until I have tried it on another human."

"Hmm. What about Dr. M'Benga?" Kirk tried. "He'd let you meld with him."

"It would not be a fair trial. Dr. M'Benga has had extensive mental training since he regularly works with Vulcans."

"Oh," Jim said lamely.

Spock was silent as he contemplated his next move. Eventually he moved his rook to take one of Jim's pawns. "I might have a possible solution to my problem, however I am somewhat hesitant to suggest it."

"Why's that?"

"Because it would put someone else at risk."

Suddenly it dawned on Kirk. "Me. You want to try it on me."

"You did mention that you melded with my counterpart with no adverse effects. However, you have every right to refuse. I would not hold that against you."

"It's a logical solution," Jim said slowly. "If it worked once, it should work again. I'd be happy to help you, but only if you promise not to go very deep into my head. There are some things in there that I just can't share."

Spock nodded. "I can perform a shallow meld. It would be very brief, just long enough to ascertain that my melding with you would not cause any pain or discomfort."

"Would you be able to tell what I was thinking?"

"Not precisely," said the Vulcan. "I would have the vaguest impression of your mind. Your thoughts would be private."

"Alright. I'll do it," Kirk decided.

"You are certain?"

"Yes," Kirk said firmly.

"We would be quite grateful for your services," said Spock.

"I know." Kirk was quiet for the rest of the game. Spock won, a bit more quickly than usual. He helped Jim put the board and pieces away, and turned to leave.

"Hey, uh, when did you want to do the meld?" Kirk asked.

"I will spend two extra hours meditating during the next two days. After that, my control should be sufficient. Is three days from now acceptable?"

"Fine. Have a good night, Spock."

"The same to you, Captain." Spock left.

Jim sank into his bed, wondering what in the world he had just agreed to.

End Ch. 3

A/N: The story will really take off in the next chapter, I promise! Thanks for reviewing.