Space Seed: A Divergent Reality
Chapter 4: Khan's Arrival
Since Amin's agreement to help Starfleet with regards to Khan, base medical personnel have transferred Khan from his cryo-stasis unit into a medical bay where doctors and nurses can monitor his recovery. From all indications, and test results, Khan has demonstrated that he's fully recovering from the hibernation effects.
As medical personnel continued to monitor his awakening, Admiral Komack, Kirk, Spock, McGivers and now the fully recovered Amin, now appropriately dressed, are standing outside the medical bay watching the proceedings through the window.
Komack looked to Amin, "Ma'am, I want to personally thank you for your help. Many of my superiors back on Earth are somewhat hesitant at best about what we're doing. I am glad you were willing to speak to them to allay their fears."
"Not a problem, Admiral," she said, "My wish is for us to work together. Milord Khan always had the best intentions for his people."
"I truly hope so," the admiral finished.
Kirk looked to Mr. Spock, "Spock, did you find any more information?"
"Not as much as I'd hope, sir. Like I initially found, most of the historical archives are sparse when it comes to Earth's Eugenics wars. It's like the governments of Earth purposely left this controversial subject out of the history books for some reason."
"I have made some inquiries to the Vulcan Science directorate to see if they will release some of the data collected on Earth during pre-first contact in order to verify some facts, but I'm running into 'road-blocks' as you humans would say. I may have to contact my father to see if he can remove them, otherwise, it may be a while."
Upon hearing this, Komack volunteered, "Mr. Spock, maybe I can make a few inquiries through Starfleet and enlist the aid of the Federation president? Though this type of request will not go unnoticed."
"Thank you, admiral. Any help would be appreciated."
Amin in her observations noticed that Mr. Spock wasn't human, but had come to understand that he was part of a race called the Vulcans. Seemingly a long-time ally of Earth since their first contact over two centuries ago.
She had also met Dr. Phlox, a strange looking alien, but having the same biped appearance roughly as humans. Noticing that he talked very a lot was very forthcoming with information, she asked some questions about the humans of this time. Giving her a copious amount of information, he practically gushed over them as they were the best things in the galaxy despite their flaws. We shall soon find out what these humans are like, she thought after this exchange.
- Inside the Medical bay -
Dr. McCoy and Dr. Phlox were at Khan's bedside continuing to monitor his recovery. As he was waking up, he opened his eyes to try and find out where he was. Dr. Phlox due to his alien nature backed away out of his eyesight.
Dr. McCoy said, "Hello, Mr. Khan, how are you feeling?"
Khan opened his mouth to speak, "...how long?"
McCoy leaned over his mouth to hear the whisper. He looked up, and asked, "How long?"
Khan nodded.
"About two and half centuries."
Khan tried to look around, but fatigue soon overcame him. McCoy looked up at the monitors and indicated that he sleeping normally.
He went over to the intercom, "Khan came out of cryo-stasis fine. He's just sleeping right now and should be out for a few hours."
Komack acknowledged the response on the outside Comm unit. "Thank you, doctor. Let us know when he's ready for our question and answer session. I'm sure Amin is ready to see and talk to him again," looking over to Amin who was nodding her head at this statement.
"Yes, sir. I'll keep everyone posted."
Komack closed the Comm unit. He looked to the others in the hallway, "So, keep these security guards posted at all times and no one aside from us and the medical staff are allowed near Khan," he looked at Amin, "Ma'am, you can enter whenever you want if you'd like to stay?"
"Yes, I'd very like to, thank you, admiral."
- Admiral Komack's Office -
The three officers, Komack, Kirk and Spock, were sitting around his briefing desk with an open Comm between them and Earth. On the line, Admirals Nogura and the Federation Defense Minister were there.
"So, Wes, what is the status of our guest?" Nogura asked Admiral Komack.
"He's sleeping now, sir. Dr. McCoy will call us when he's awake and ready for talking."
Nogura looked to Kirk and Spock, "So, Jim, Mr. Spock, what's your professional opinions of the circumstances? Do you gentlemen feel we're heading into a dangerous area with the Augments?"
Kirk responded first, "Sir, nothing is without danger. Mr. Spock here has extensively searched the historical databases and has found scarce information, I'll let Mr. Spock, explain here."
"Confirm, sir. Admiral, in all my searches, much of the data is coming up not found and it's very sparse. It's like someone or something has purposely expunged this data from history. In my efforts, I have made confidential inquiries to the Vulcan Science directorate to see if their pre-first contact data on Earth can fill in some blanks, but that avenue has been just as sparse."
"I see, well let's keep these individuals sequestered for the time being. As I understand it, their intelligence is off the charts. Keep them away from our technology database until we can determine his intent and disposition. If given access to our methods and technology base, I'm sure they can find a way to break out," Nogura said.
"The political situation here is complex. The Federation president is not in favor of integration, but the Defense Minister here is in favor of harnessing their adaptability for use as 'special advisers' the 'Fleet. If what is true, there are some Augments among them that have unique knowledge of past military doctrine that was lost after World War III. Perhaps doctrine that could be used against our contemporary adversaries would give us strategic and tactical advantages. I am skeptical, but any advantage we can gain could be a benefit for the Federation." Nogura said," he finished.
The view-screen moved a little to left to capture the defense minister sitting next to the admiral, "I concur with Admiral Nogura here," added Defense Minister Harkin. "Using these individuals to benefit Starfleet should be a priority, should they be willing."
"That's an interesting idea, gentlemen," Kirk remarked. "But, how can century's old military doctrine apply in today's galaxy-wide environment?"
"Kirk, you of all people should understand the need for creative thinking. These individuals have with them a collective knowledge base that was lost during Earth's reconstruction after World War III. From the list I have in front of me, of individuals still in cryo-stasis, I recognize several American, Russian and Chinese generals from both sides of the conflict. To not make use of these individual's knowledge would be a waste. Don't you agree? It's curious to find how both sides are represented here, but I'm sure those answers will be forthcoming in the next few days."
"Concur sir, we have several leaders from that era, but there are also a few doctors, scientists, and others that don't have specified roles in the group as well. I would assume we can use all of their knowledge, not just the military applications. I always thought Starfleet was a peaceful exploratory organization," Kirk countered.
"Oh, I agree with Starfleet's current statutory role within the Federation, but let's be realistic, Jim. How many war-like species have you contacted and barely survived…not to mention the Romulans and Klingons. These 'primitive' thinkers may offer us insights and advantages on these warlike societies that we've overlooked. Despite what the Federation diplomatic core will have you believe, it's human arrogance to think we can talk our way out of every conflict." Nogura finished.
"Agreed, sir. I will keep an open mind about these individuals, especially Khan. They are still human and I do believe that they should be treated as such," Kirk said.
"Sir, I..." Kirk began, but was interrupted by the intercom.
"McCoy to Kirk, I sorry for the interruption, but our patient is awake and would like to talk to someone in charge."
"Thank you, doctor. We're on our way down. Kirk out." He closed the Comm unit.
He redirected his attention back to Admiral Nogura, "I apologize for cutting this short, sir, but it seems Khan is ready to talk now."
"Understood, Kirk. You and Wes get me some good answers. I'll be waiting. Nogura out."
With the connection terminated, the three officers got up and headed to the medical bay.
- Inside the Medical bay -
The three officers along entered Khan's room. Amin was already there talking to him at his bedside. As they came in they heard the end of their conversation…
"…my milord, we are safe for now." As she finished, she looked up at the three officers entering the room. "Milord, these officers are in charge of this Starbase. They'd like to ask you a few questions, but they'll answer any questions you may have."
"Thank you, Amin." He smiled at her as she finished.
Admiral Komack went up and offered his hand shake to Khan, "Welcome to Starbase 13, Khan or do I call you Mr. Singh?"
"Khan is fine, sir." He replied.
Komack nodded and continued, "Good to know, beside me is Captain James T. Kirk, commander of the starship Enterprise and his first officer, Commander Spock. His ship found your ship adrift in space and brought you here."
"Mr. Khan, hello and welcome." Kirk greeted him as well with a hand shake.
Mr. Spock offered him the Vulcan ta'al as he came up and greeted him, "Peace and long life, Khan."
"Thank you all for the welcome, though from what Amin tells me, you're a Vulcan correct Mr. Spock?"
"Yes, sir, quite right."
"She also says that this is a base about 200 light years from Earth, amazing! I'm truly astonished by the marvels of technology that I see before me."
"So, how is the rest of my people? Amin says they are still in cryo stasis, is that correct?"
Komack nodded, "Yes, they are. We wanted to interview a few of you before we decided to awaken everyone else. As you know, even though you are about 250 years in the future, Earth has banned human genetic augmentation as a result of the events of the late 20th century. Our fleet and political leadership advised us to be cautious. I hope you understand, sir."
"I do indeed," replied Khan, "However, I think your fears may be premature. If you have learned anything from Amin, our departure from Earth was rather forced under false pretenses."
Mr. Spock looked to Admiral Komack for comment, "Sir, if I may answer Khan's questions?"
"Go ahead, Mr. Spock."
"Khan, we've scrutinized our historical databases and cannot find the exact reason or reasons that your group left Earth back in the 1990's. There are many blanks when it comes to actually what happened. Can you expand on why your group was forced to leave Earth?"
Khan looked up and said, "I'm sure everyone is here remembers, Winston Churchill, the British Prime minister during Earth's World War II," everyone nods. "Well, didn't he once say that, 'history is written by the victors' Well, that is probably the case here. The governments of the past must have expunged much of the data concerning my group back then. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Spock?"
"I agree, sir. Could you provide information on that era? And what happened to make the United Nations at the time try to silence you?"
"Well, sir, they were basically afraid. An augmented or 'superior' human is scary to a normal human. I offered the world a better way than all the petty squabbles, the endless competition for resources and the insane war of ideologies that had brought millions of dead to mankind.
"My offer was simple, I was offering them my genetic enhancements to humanity. To make them better, share in the advancements that I took for granted, but the governments didn't believe me and attacked me in response. I was more of a threat to their power base versus any real fears. I'll never know now."
Kirk was intrigued, "what do you mean, 'offer them genetic enhancements?" he asked.
"To put it simply, my scientists had developed an airborne retrovirus that could have carried the augmentation genes to everyone on the planet. It wouldn't affect the current generation, but their descendants would have the same augmentation as I do. It was a benign way to help mankind, not destroy him. It was a way to overcome many of the genetic ailments that had plagued mankind for hundreds of years."
"Fascinating, is this method still viable?" Spock asked. McCoy also came up interested in this.
"So, this isn't some kind of 'mind control' for the rest of humanity," McCoy asked.
Khan looked to him, "No, doctor. It was to be totally voluntary and up to the individual. My goal from the beginning was to help mankind and I was given superior strength, intelligence, and ambitions to carry this out. Many of my peers around the world did use their positions and abilities to commit crimes, murder and foment war, but the nations that I controlled were to be the test bed for this airborne delivery system. As a result of some of the initial tests, the retrovirus that carried the augmentation gene allowed a normal human to deliver an augment human baby. Before I was able to get the system fully developed, UN military forces attacked and destroyed my medical facilities and stopped my ability to carry this out. Finally after several years of covert war, they captured me and my fellow compatriots."
"Unfortunate that many of the humans of that time saw this differently. They thought I was trying to create a plague to wipe them out, or create a dominant superior race meant to rule mankind as slaves." Khan paused a bit lost in thought. But he looked up and around to the assembled group, "I offer myself, my blood specifically, for tests to confirm what I'm saying. Also, the scientists who developed this procedure are among t he group. Wake them, question them and find out from them, they have the details. If your technology is as advanced as you claim, it shouldn't be very hard to replicate this process now.
He looked at Admiral Komack, "Admiral, does your society still have genetic disorders that have no cure for them? If so, wouldn't your doctors and scientists want a cure to for them?"
"Yes, we do. Dr. McCoy here would be able to provide more details on that subject, but I would have to agree with you."
Kirk interjected, "wait a minute, so, you're just offering us what you've become? Genetic augmentation? If not the augmentation, but to cure some of our current genetic diseases? What's your price?"
Khan smiled and looked at Kirk, "Like my original goals, which were halted when I was forced to leave Earth, I'd like to become a leader of my own nation. I'm sure there are many habitable colonies within your 'Federation' that are available."
"Well, even if the ban on genetic augmentation is rescinded, we'd need the approval of our government to allow you to settle on one of them. Many things are considered when new colonists are moved onto new planets." Kirk explained.
"No matter, have your scientists and doctors conduct their tests on my blood. I'll cooperate, but in the meantime, is there someone available to bring me up to speed on current events? I'm very curious about your society. I am disappointed, but please don't take this personally, captain, I'm surprised at the level of advancement that has occurred for mankind."
"None taken, Khan," Kirk smiled. He looked over to Lt McGivers who had been silent this entire event recording the conversation. "Lt McGivers here, is my ship's historian, she's fully qualified on providing the information that you would like. In fact, she's an expert on your history period. Is that sufficient?"
"Very much so, captain," he looked to McGivers and smiled.
"Also, I'd like to have the lieutenant get a detailed statement from you on what you can recall of the events that forced you to leave Earth. She'll show you how to use our technology to transcribe the record."
"Splendid, captain. I look forward to assisting." Khan said.
Admiral Komack looked around and asked, "Does anyone else have any further questions? If not, we'll leave Khan with the lieutenant for a more detailed debriefing and interview." He looked at Khan, "sir, do you have any further questions for us?"
"Not at the moment, admiral. I'm sure I'll have more and more as time goes on," replied Khan.
Kirk and Spock indicated to Komack that they were finished as well.
"Oh, one more thing, I'm sure you're aware that we have in our society several allied alien races. One of them would like to speak to you, is that OK? We didn't want to increase the cultural shock to you very much first thing, but he's very insistent," Komack asked.
"It's not a problem, sir. Send him in," Khan said.
"Also, Khan, please help us help you. You are not a prisoner, but please don't abuse my hospitality here at the base. Please stay put for now, and once the doctors say you're ready, I'll get you and Amin into guest quarters. Additionally, I'll arrange a tour of the base."
"Thank you, sir." Khan answered. Khan looked at Amin, who had been quiet this whole time observing the humans and Khan's interaction with them. She hadn't spoken until the four officers and the medical staff had left the room.
"Milord, what do you think?" she asked.
"It's much information to process, right now, Amin. It's a lot to think about. But, I still want my own colony. I don't think that is too much to ask you think?" Khan asked.
"I think not, but in order for them to trust us, we can't appear like we're hiding anything. Most likely, if I were them, they most likely have listening devices in this room," She said.
"Typical, but let's give them that. Would you be so trusting? I would be exercising caution as well. I'm tired of war…tired of fighting. I just would like a place to settle and grow a nation."
"Yes, milord, so am I. I saw enough back in the 20th century. I was talking to this Lt McGivers…Marla. She showed me visual representations of Earth and it is now a virtual paradise. I would very much like to go back there."
"As would I." Khan agreed.
Author's Note: I'm ending this chapter here. Thanks for the feedback and follows.