Coda

It is difficult to fathom how such an advanced society could so thoroughly waste its potential.

The knowledge which could elevate Humanity had been available for centuries. If they had dared to utilize it, then in that time Humanity could have transformed into something greater than even Khan had ever dreamed.

Instead, they funneled their stunted intelligence into technology, while refusing to better themselves. Without ever seeming to realize the disadvantage this could give them in a universe nearly suffocating with life.

If a Federation starship's shields were to fail, and its mostly-Human crew attacked in close-quarters by an enemy of greater numbers, the Humans would likely be too frail for the battle they would face. They would die for nothing. For less than nothing. For their society's neglect of their potential.

That would never happen to the Augments. They would never simply rely on technology for their needs. They would defy the supposed "limitations" of Humanity, and show the Federation how powerful a species they truly-

"As you can see, their levels are all looking great," Gideon's voice cut through Khan's thoughts; pulled him back into the present.

...Those plans could not be acted upon for many...many years. There were far more immediate decisions to be made in order to lay the groundwork.

And Gideon's news was a step in the right direction.

Khan stepped closer to the fifteen artificial wombs clustered in front of him; studied the bio readouts on the front of the devices.

"And you are certain the circumstances of their creation will not harm them?" Khan tried to keep his concern out of his voice, but was unsure if he succeeded.

"They seem fine," Gideon told him. "If we had Doctor Kaur's notes, then I could be one hundred percent sure...but I think our people's prenatal development is pretty much identical to that of an average human. And everything I'm seeing is consistent with what our Starfleet medical books say should happen when average human children are born ex-utero."

"And how long before they reach the proper maturity to be removed from the chambers?"

"Still another seventeen weeks to go full-term. Like I said last yesterday."

"...Of course."

It was just...nerves...making Khan impatient. The idea that something could go wrong. The artificial wombs were not the most mobile pieces of technology aboard the Botany Bay. If they came under attack…

But their alternatives were few and far between. In truth, there was no place truly safe from a bombardment. Even their emergency shelter would inevitably not be enough if there was a deliberate, coordinated strike against the colony.

At least this location allowed Doctor Hawkins and his growing collection of medical students to monitor the devices day and night; to keep them secure in one of the most heavily-protected places available.

And in practicality, there was still much to do to prepare for their children's arrival. Rushing the process would not help any of them.

Physically, the basic needs of the colony were being more than met. Their homes were sturdy; their hilariously genetically-engineered food stores were growing by the day; the wells sprinkled throughout the complex provided them with enough fresh water to satiate a population a hundred times their size.

...But mentally...socially…

His people were used to fighting. To being embedded behind enemy lines. To holding others-even amongst their own people-at arms' length, in preparation for a day when their orders might change, and their allies would become their enemies.

It was not a strain to comprehend why many of them were having difficulties acclimating. Khan was certain that, in time, the petty squabbles and antisocial behaviors which some of his more militant citizens still exhibited would dissipate as they grew into their new roles.

In the interim however, Khan's task was to frame their new way of life as another kind of battle: a fight to prove to the non-augmented branch of Humanity-and all their alien allies-that the Augments were capable of more than violence. That they could tame a world of their own without destroying themselves in the process; that they could create a society better than anything the Federation could ever imagine.

This vision would unite them. This vision would, eventually, take them back into the stars, and allow them to claim their rightful place.

But that would take time. And although time was a resource they had in spades, his vision would only come to fruition if it were harnessed properly.

"Seventeen weeks," Khan repeated; turned Gideon. "That is approximately four months from now. The resupply shuttle will arrive in one; the deadline to add to the cargo list via our Federation satellite is in three days. Have you thought of any additional supplies we may need to requisition for the first three months after the children are born?"

"Well, if they were normal kids back on Earth, I'd have their vaccination schedule all set up already," the doctor let out a humorless huff. "Though I'm honestly not sure what vaccines we should be worrying about. We're on an alien world, with alien germs. I know nobody's gotten sick since we landed, but I'm concerned that that's just because our enhanced immune systems are already fully developed. Our kids will have that protection eventually...but it's better if we can kickstart it with some safe forms of exposure."

"And you think these Federation vaccines are the best way to accomplish this?" The thought of further entrusting the health of his children to their enemies left him uneasy.

"It'd be safer than just waiting to see what germs around here turn out to be dangerous," Gideon insisted. "Immune systems need a starting point, Khan. Kids born in utero get part of that start by receiving antibodies from their mothers, but our children won't even have that. They'll need the boost."

"But surely our healing abilities-"

"Aren't enough for someone with zero antibodies the day they're born. Even we caught colds when we were toddlers. Remember?"

...He did. It had been brief...but unpleasant.

"I do not trust the Federation," Khan caught himself growling; took a deep breath. "But it seems we have little choice. Our children will need every advantage we can give them, especially if they are someday permitted to leave this place. Decide which vaccines would best develop our progeny's defenses, and give me the list at your earliest convenience."

"I'll have it for you in a couple hours," Gideon agreed. "Beyond that, our medical supplies are holding out pretty well. What they're already planning to send us should more than replenish our stores."

"Good," Khan let himself smile. "There will come a day when we will not need to rely on the Federation for anything. If I can perfect my universal replicating device, that day may be sooner than our adversaries could possible imagine."

The doctor raised an eyebrow. "You got the thing to work?"

"I had a small success," he pulled at his collar; proudly revealed a simple, delicate chain. "Thus far, the magnetic field here may interfere with the device too severely to allow for the creation of complex structures, however it appears simple designs, like a series of ringlets made of homogeneous metal are perfectly replicable."

He would have to find a way to further shield the device from magnetic interference before attempting anything more complex, however it was a promising start. They could use the technology to create wires, small tools, and other necessities for construction at a far more rapid pace than six-month-supply-shipments would allow. And all without those materials being made known to Starfleet. An independent nation should be able to produce its own-

"Khan...What's at the end of that chain?"

The Emperor tried not to react. "I cannot see why you believe that is any of your concern."

"I think you can," Gideon's mouth was a thin line. "Please tell me that's not what I think it is."

...This exchange had been inevitable. It was also pointless, yet any attempt to deny or divert the topic would be equally inane.

Khan drew the full chain from under his shirt; displayed the small ring dangling from the links. He'd polished it before threading the band onto its new home; now, the gold shone even in the less than brilliant lighting of the medbay; he knew from experimentation that, in actual sunlight the sapphire in its center seemed to glow.

Months before, when Khan had pried the ring off Leonard's limp finger, it had been a mild surprise to find the man had bothered to have his full name inscribed inside the band. Likely a measure to help ensure its return if the man had lost it at the Academy or aboard his ship; in any case, the inscription was a clear indication of its symbolic value-

"Goddammit," Gideon groaned. "Look Khan, I've been trying to understand what you're going through, but this-and this is my one-hundred-percent, official, medical opinion-This. Isn't. Healthy. You can't keep ob-"

"I am your Emperor," Khan scowled. "It is not your place to proclaim what I can and cannot do."

"I'm not saying it to control you, I'm saying it for the sake of your mental-"

"I am simply keeping the ring safe," he slipped it back under his shirt; gestured to the artificial womb holding their nation's future. "My child will likely wish to learn about their origins. About both sides of their parentage. Leonard's ring will be a valuable aide in that task. And it will be given to my child as a gift, when he or she is old enough to appreciate it. Can you understand that?"

Gideon grimaced; turned back to the artificial wombs. "You realize I still don't approve of your choice of...genetic material...right? Letting Zuleika use one of Harulf's samples was sketchy enough, but your decision to use Leonard's-"

"I don't need your appr..." Khan caught himself; took another deep breath. Restraint. Tact. "...McCoy said I could do whatever I wanted with the sample. He used those words. And this...this is what I want."

The doctor shook his head. "You and I both know he meant you could study it. I don't think he ever meant for it to be used to-"

"I choose to take him at his word," Khan let out a tense huff. Fairness. "Besides, he once used my genetic material to save the life of one of our enemies. I had no choice in that. Why should he have a choice the life I bring into the universe?"

...It was not the best argument. Khan knew that. A doctor taking a blood sample to save the life of his best friend was simply nonequivalent to using that doctor's DNA to create a child without the man's knowledge or consent.

However, it did not change the fact that Khan needed an heir. As fast as possible. And without knowing with certainty who among his people might secretly despise him for what he did to Harulf, using Leonard's skin sample was a far lesser risk than placing his trust in the wrong woman.

...A woman who, even if she did not wish him harm, might have simply wanted the power that would come with being the mother of Khan's child, instead of actually being with Khan.

In the end, this was simpler.

This was...safer.

At least for now.

A frustrated sigh broke the Emperor from his thoughts.

"Do you have more to say, Doctor?"

Still, Gideon didn't look at him. "Khan...I know you're not gonna want to hear this...but I need to make sure you to understand some things."

...This was not going to be a pleasant conversation.

"And what do I need to understand?"

"I've taken a few oaths in my life," the doctor spoke slowly; deliberately. "You're my Emperor, and I took an oath to follow your orders. But I've also taken an oath as a doctor, and an oath to nonviolence...And if I'm being honest, some of the...behaviors...I've seen from you since you saved us have been...alarming. I know Leonard claimed you never meant to hurt him-"

"Then why do you insist upon bringing that up yet again?"

"Because we both know it's bullshit," Gideon turned to face him. "You might have scared Leonard into keeping quiet, but I know what I saw in those scans. Those breaks were not all the same age. They didn't all come from a fall. And that first day, I saw the bruises on the back of Leonard's neck with my own eyes. He was your prisoner. He was vulnerable. And you and I both know you took advantage of that."

Khan bristled. "Everything I did, I did for our people. And if you are implying-"

"I'm not trying to start something Khan," Gideon cut in. "And I'm not bringing this up as some kind of blackmail attempt either. I don't do things like that. Besides, we both know that bringing my conclusions to the others wouldn't do anything but divide the colony. I speak up, and we could have a civil war on our hands. We can't afford that. We'd wipe ourselves out."

...A wise man. One who could easily become dangerous were he not so devoted to peace...but at least he seemed to understand the reality of their situation.

Khan let himself calm down. Slightly. "Then what is your point?"

"My point is that these children are going to be far more vulnerable than Leonard ever was," Gideon grimaced. "And far more malleable. Whatever we do, however we treat them, is going to mold who they become. It's a huge responsibility."

"Are you saying I cannot handle that responsibility?" The audacity! "I saved our entire society. I single-handedly carved out a new home for us from nothing! I-"

"You had help," Gideon cut him off again. "And how you treated said help is why I'm worried. What's going to happen the first time one of these kids disobeys you? How are you going to handle temper-tantrums, or-"

"I will handle it in an appropriate manner," Khan snapped. "They are the future of our people. I would never harm someone I care for. I would never-"

"If you had the chance to bring Leonard back here, would you do it?"

...What?

Khan tilted his head. "Excuse me?"

Gideon locked eyes with him. "You heard me, Khan. Would you drag Leonard Horatio McCoy back to our colony, kicking and screaming, if you knew the Federation would never find out?"

What kind of question was that? What game was the doctor playing?

"I have outlawed slavery and kidnapping," Khan began. "I would lead by example, and-"

"You just reminded me that you're the Emperor. You make the laws; you also know how desperate a lot of us are to just live in peace. Let's say we'd look the other way, for the sake of that peace: would you do it?"

"I do not see why it mat-"

"Because you've been acting like Leonard's 'the one who got away' instead of 'the one with a restraining order.' It's creepy, Khan. Really creep-"

"I do not have to listen to your paranoid rant," Khan turned; started for the door.

"No, but you really should." The man just would not relent! "Because I'm not the only one who's noticed your obsession. Some of the others-"

"And why do you care?" Khan spun; started back towards Gideon. "Does it hurt you? Do my-my sentiments-affect anyone in the Empire in any way other than providing a source of petty gossip?"

"When people start getting worried you're going to risk our future to get Leonard back, then yes, your sentiments do affect us."

Khan froze. "What do you mean? What people?"

The doctor grimaced; sighed. "Just answer the question: would you bring Leonard back?"

The Emperor opened his mouth; closed it; clenched his jaw.

The scenario Gideon described...it was an impossibility.

There truly was no safe way to bring Leonard back. Not without losing far more than Khan could afford to lose.

Khan was well aware of who the Federation's prime suspect would immediately be, should Leonard ever disappear. Even if no one were to witness the actual abduction, the sky would fill with Starfleet vessels within weeks-or possibly hours, if vessels like the one they'd used to deliver his people were dispatched to investigate the disappearance.

What he had been able to intercept about the Discovery had been...disconcerting. Its schematics and crew complement were wrapped in layers of security even he could not penetrate.

He was now certain the Federation had ordered the vessel to take more time than it actually needed to deliver his crew. By a hefty degree of magnitude. The tears on Leonard's face would likely still be drying when his friends came for him.

...Then again…if he could make it look like the doctor had died in an accident in which his body could not be recovered, he might have a chance.

It would be difficult. His timing would have to be perfect: it would require covertly devoting colony resources to the construction of a personal shuttle; prerequisitly one which could utilize his cloak to keep it hidden from the spy satellites orbiting their moon. Then he would have to re-infiltrate Starfleet's restricted channels in order to determine an appropriate moment of vulnerability for his friend.

It would not be a simple matter of beaming to the Cerberus colony: from what Khan had been able to glean from his private access to the Federation's less-secure channels, Leonard had already been effectively reprogrammed by their old enemies; had already been made to give a propagandic interview recounting a version of their time together; and had, in fact, already rejoined the crew of the Enterprise. The vessel was slated to spend the next four years venturing into areas of deep space that the Federation had never explored before; within that time, they were not expected to return for anything other than a brief resupply, or an emergency.

That left a window of mere days a year in which Khan could ever be certain of Leonard's location, and even that was contingent upon his ability to intercept the proper communiques before they became obsolete, and acting upon that information to create a believable "accident" which would fit the parameters of that location within the time restraint would be even more challenging.

...But perhaps not impossible.

Could he do it? Could he bring Leonard back?

...He certainly would not be opposed to the doctor's company. Leonard was truly a good man. One who brought out the better parts of Khan's nature.

In truth, he had not realized the extent of his...affinity...for the doctor until Harulf's kidnapping attempt. He could not simply call it affection. He knew it was nothing quite that innocent. The man had been a tool to train Khan's mind out of behaviors which would have made ruling practically impossible. Every restrained blow; every tamped growl, had been honed against Leonard's infuriating stubbornness.

And yet somehow, he had found himself killing for Leonard. Jeopardizing the trust of his people to save a man who should have just been a pawn to him. That had to mean...

...Or perhaps all he felt was nostalgia.

Having Leonard around had made Khan feel truly powerful again. For the first time in a long time. And the doctor had been the only person from this century to listen, wholeheartedly, to the real story of the Augments. The only one to recognize the truth of their situation. The Humanity in it…

With that stalwart willingness to understand, Leonard had grown in value from a lowly hostage, to a potential emissary for Augment society. One who would-as Leonard's otherwise disappointing interview with that reporter had demonstrated-reject efforts to demonize their entire population based on Khan's necessary actions. And logically, it had been imperative to create emotional attachments with the man in order to foster that potential. That was all it was.

...That was all it was.

...Regardless, Khan was wise enough to see the reality of his situation; and when all hypothetical daydreams were put aside, the painful reality was that Leonard was simply too dangerous to retrieve.

And it was not just the Federation's watchful eye which made him so.

Khan was not blind. Even without Gideon's warning, he knew how some of the others looked at him, even now, months after Harulf's death.

The wariness.

The accusations.

All that damage to his reputation because of one dead traitor. Whom was not even well-liked.

If he brought Leonard back, many of the his people would react with horror...and likely more than a few with overt fury. And what if, in a fit of fear or rage over his retrieval, Leonard told them of his early time aboard the Botany Bay?

...In a perfect world, like the scenario Gideon proposed, Khan's actions would go unquestioned. They would all understand why he had been forced to harm such a good man. They would tell Leonard to count himself lucky it had not been far...far worse.

But they did not live in a perfect world.

And Khan refused to provide his dissenters ammunition for a coup.

"I would not take him," Khan lied. "It would be wrong to uproot L...McCoy from his life once again. Not needlessly. And although my relationship with McCoy is...was...complicated, and I do not expect you to understand what that truly means, know that I care for him too much to put him through that pain."

"...I see." Gideon said slowly. "And do you realize how long you stood there coming up with that answer?"

Khan's eye twitched.

Now the doctor was simply testing his restraint. Analyzing his reactions.

"What exactly do you want from me?"

"I want you to realize that can't have it both ways," Gideon's voice was firm. "Either you never actually gave a crap about Leonard, or you're more than capable of intentionally hurting people you care about. Do you understand why the latter might especially worry me when you're about to become a father?"

...The doctor was not suggesting...

"You believe I would harm my child?" Khan was aghast. "You truly believe I am that much of a monster?"

"Not a monster," Gideon shook his head. "But you are a man who's gotten into the habit of fixing his problems with violence. And I just want to-"

"Defame me? Turn the others against me? Is that it? All this time, have you been conspiring to take my place as Emp-"

"Are you kidding?" Gideon let out an incredulous huff. "Listen to yourself. I don't want to be Emperor. I don't want anything but the safety of our people! And that's the issue here: you have to understand how dangerous-"

"ENOUGH!"

Khan swung.

...And in an incomprehensible blur, found himself pinned the floor.

The doctor's knee was in the center of his back. Khan's arms were twisted behind him. He thrashed; tried to throw Gideon off, but the man was just as strong as Khan remembered from the sparring sessions of their youth.

"Get off of me, Hawkins!"

"Not until you listen," Gideon's grip never eased. "Now if I wanted to be Emperor, then this would already be over. I would've already taken that knife from your sleeve, and ended it. The camera you put in here would've shown you attacking me. The way you've set our laws up, my actions would be considered self-defense. Notice how you're still alive?"

"This is still treason!"

"No, this is a time-out. A concept of discipline you might want to do a little research into before your kid is born. This is pushing the boundaries of that concept, but if I let you up before you see reason, you'll probably try to kill me. So here we are."

How dare he. How dare he!

This was humiliating. This...

"You provoked me! You forced me to-"

"No, I was telling you something you didn't want to hear, and you took a swing at me to shut me up. Doesn't work as well on me as it did on Leonard, does it?"

Khan gritted his teeth; tried to quell even a fraction of his rage.

He was unsuccessful.

"Doctor, you are placing yourself in a dangerous-"

"Think, Khan. I may not be willing to kill you, but I will remind you that I'm the only one Leonard had time to train on every single instrument in this infirmary. I'm the only full doctor you've got. And the only person in the entire colony who's had experience treating children. You're going to need me when those kids are ready to come out of their incubators. Killing me is not a move you want to make. Especially not on camera."

Khan's breath caught.

...He could always delete the footage. He could always…

But he had given Gideon a PADD with a copy of the camera feed, hadn't he? Even if Khan could find it before the others did, there was no telling if the doctor had found a way to make another copy.

It was more than likely. The man was brilliant in his own right...and far too confident for someone without a backup plan.

...Restraint.

He was not showing any restraint.

If Gideon did have another copy of the footage-one meant to be distributed in the event of his death or incapacitation-it would show Khan behaving...far less than Emporial. Truly, more like a child throwing a tantrum than a leader. One attempting and failing to overpower a pacifist.

It would be embarrassing at best, and damning at worst.

...And the doctor was correct about something else as well.

Yes, some of the others could operate some of their medical technologies, but not with Gideon's skill. Not with years of real medical training to back up the cursory lessons Leonard had been able to give them. And the doctor had interned in a pediatric ward. Khan was not in a position to procure another doctor with those qualifications.

Gideon was invaluable.

Infuriatingly so.

"...Alright," Khan forced himself to draw a slow, deep breath; let it out; then drew another. "Then I will ask again: what exactly do you want from me?"

"I want your awareness," the doctor demanded. "One thing I learned on Earth: kids can be rebellious as hell. They sneak out of their rooms, pull pranks, bully each other, and sometimes do a lot worse. And those are average children. Some of our kids are going to have to fight through that damn aggression gene you wouldn't let me completely edit out. So until they figure out how to handle their emotions, they're going to be unbelievably frustrating to be around. And even the ones without it aren't always going to want to lock-step behind your orders."

"Do you believe you are telling me something I do not know?" Khan challenged. "I have been training myself for that challenge for months. You have no idea-"

"Little tip, Khan: if you're still taking swings at people just for disagreeing with you, then whatever you think you've been doing to tamp down on your outbursts is not enough. And that's what you need to understand: letting this...thing...get out of control again is just as dangerous for you as it is whoever's on the receiving end of it. Try this on one of the children, and half the colony will rip you apart while the other half eats popcorn. So if you want to stay Emperor-if you want to stay alive-you cannot hurt any of these kids. I don't care how angry you get, or what you think your justification is. It. Can't. Happen. Ever."

...Gideon had never been one for mincing words, had he?

But, once again, everything he said was true.

The colony would not tolerate violence against their children. Especially not from the man who was supposed to bring them safety. The doctor's depiction of their potential reaction was likely tame in comparison to what would actually occur, should Khan ever cross that particular line.

The tactics used to bend their enemies to his will were unsuited for his society. They had barely been suited for his enemies. And if he could not muster the self control necessary to reign in his...his temper…

He would not let that happen. He would become the leader his people needed; the father his child deserved.

"I understand your fears, Gideon." He did. He...truly did. "But I swear on my life: I will never harm the children. If anything, I will be their guardian. Our children are going to experience what has always eluded us. They will know peace. And love. And safety. You have my word."

...And he meant it.

Khan intended to have the children learn to fight, yes, but not the way his generation had. The training would be structured. Truly structured.

It would be about defense; preparedness. Not slaughter.

They would never be forced to kill a friend. Never even forced to kill at all, unless their lives were actually in jeopardy.

They would be allowed a time of true innocence. A time to grow into their abilities properly. To have fun with the process. A luxury Khan wished he could have indulged in for more than a sliver of his own childhood.

He would give that gift to their children. He would give that gift to their parents, who had fought for so long for such a simple objective.

And if someone tried to hurt them, Khan would show that person no mercy.

"I hope your word still means what it used to," Gideon let out a breath; his hand twitched. "Because I'm going to need it again before I let you up. Give me your word that you're not going to kill me."

Khan suppressed a growl. "Is that truly necessary?"

"I know how much I've pissed you off in the last five minutes. I'd like some assurances. On camera."

Khan sneered; opened his mouth to remind Gideon who he was talking to...then stopped.

...Patience. Tact. Restraint. Fairness.

He would prove himself to be an exemplary leader...no matter how infuriating his subjects could be.

"Alright," Khan could not prevent his eyes from rolling; he drew a deep breath. "Gideon, if you release me, I give you my word as Emperor that I will not harm you now; nor seek retribution for this incident at a later time. In any form. We can forget this ever-"

"I'm not looking for you to forget this. You need to remember-"

"We can pretend in public that this never happened. No one will hear about this, but I will take note of your concerns. Does that satisfy you?"

Khan waited for the man to invent yet another reason to keep him pinned...but finally, Gideon's grip vanished; as did his weight from Khan's back.

The doctor did not offer to help the Emperor up.

Khan would not have accepted the offer if it had been given.

Back on his feet, Khan smoothed out his clothes; refused to be the one to break the awkward silence.

"I'm sorry it came to that, Khan," Gideon finally said from his new position a healthy distance out of Khan's immediate reach. "I didn't want-"

"You are simply concerned for the children's well-being," Khan forced himself to say. "...And not without cause. But I understand how important this is to you-"

"Do you?" Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Khan, I've wanted to be a father for years. And before we left Earth, I'd resigned myself to the fact that was never going to happen. Just being myself openly was punishable by death in huge chunks of the world, and the government of the so-called "bastion of freedom" you sent me to was letting people like me waste away without even acknowledging there was an epidemic. I didn't have a chance at getting married, let alone adopting."

...Surely he did not hold a grudge for that?

"It was not my intent to stifle your dreams," Khan told him. "We needed eyes in America. And you know the laws I planned to put in place when we won. They are in place now-"

"Oh, I'm well aware," Gideon cut in. "And now through the miracle of futuristic technology, my husband and I are having a little girl. And I refuse to let her grow up in a world where all our problems are solved with fists. We're better than that. She deserves better."

"As I have said already, I agree." He tried to minimize the annoyance in his voice; struck upon a potentially enlightening path out of dangerous waters. "You said 'she:' is that wishful thinking, or has their development progressed enough to allow you to determine their sexes?"

Gideon gave him a look. "Khan, I've known all their sexes since the day you had me start combining samples. I kept that random, like you asked, but it's kind of a necessary set of chromosomes to isolate when you've got me making modifications."

...Ah.

"Yes, that does make sense," Khan acquiesced; strained to continue their progress. "...Have you chosen a name?"

To Khan's relief, Gideon's still-tense face eased slightly; a small smile twitched onto the doctor's face. "We were thinking Nitika. She was a friend. Helped me through some of the worst parts of our childhood."

There was a pang in Khan's chest.

Nitika's funeral had been...difficult. Removing her from the cryotube had been the worst part: the technology was too valuable to wast as a permanent casket;

Nevertheless...it had also been cathartic.

Khan had no idea what Admiral Marcus had done with the bodies of the Augments who had died before Section-31's vessel had discovered the Botany Bay; part of him suspected he did not wish to know.

As such, Nitika's funeral served as a way for the only way for Khan's people to say goodbye to at least one of their fallen friends in person. To see her face one last time; a memorial for all they had lost during their exodus.

...He liked to believe she would be proud of him: of the way he had-despite Gideon's feeling on the subject-overcome his anger; turned an enemy into a friend...if only for a time.

And it was...fitting...that her close friend Gideon would choose Nitika as his daughter's namesake...even if it was one of the names Khan had been considering for his own child.

But that was minutiae. Not worth reigniting their argument; especially since it could very well be a moot point...which he could determine rather quickly, if he so desired.

"I am certain she would feel honored," Khan paused. "...And you already know the sex of my child as well?"

"I do," Gideon confirmed. "Is that something you'd like to know now, or would you like it to be a surprise?"

Khan hesitated; then chastized himself for doing so.

The child would be his heir, regardless of sex. He had decided that long ago. Having this information would simply provide him the opportunity to solidify the child's name; to help him prepare mentally for what was to come...as Gideon had so flagrantly demonstrated was necessary.

Khan stepped closer to the artificial wombs; tried to ignore the way Gideon took a few healthy steps away from him as he moved; located the device which he knew contained his future child...the future of their people.

"Tell me." ...For diplomacy's sake, he should probably be more polite than that. "Please."

"Well, since you said 'please,'" Gideon let out a small laugh containing only traces of humor. "As far as I can tell, you're having a boy. Congratulations."

...A boy.

...He was going to have a son.

...Despite the tension of moments before, Khan felt...exhilarated.

This was truly happening. After all those years of flight and war, Khan was going to tame a world of his own, and pass it on to his son-a child who, under Khan's careful guidance, would surely become a great leader in his own right.

He was Khan's to protect. Khan's to sculpt. Khan's to weild.

There was no one else on their moon who could lay claim to him, and the only other person in the universe who might have the right to such a claim would likely never know of their son's existence.

The Emperor pressed his hand against the metal egg separating him from his heir.

He wondered who the child would grow to resemble more. Leaving physical appearance to chance had seemed necessary, given the number of strength, health and intelligence modifications the child had been gifted. Gene interactions were...delicate. It was best to only tamper with what was actually important.

And besides...Khan liked this mystery. Would his son's skin be as Khan's once was, or as pale as Leonard's? Or something in between? And would his eyes be brown, or hazel? His hair black, or...

The Emperor's breath caught; his eyes widened.

If his...interest...in his son's other father ever became unmanageable...perhaps he had a solution after all.

Leonard Horatio McCoy was not the type to abandon his child. He might have left Joanna with his sister, however the man had also made conscious efforts to stay in her life, even while forging a new path for himself. He cared too deeply to do anything else.

What if Khan could make the doctor come running back to him with no more force than a subspace message? If Leonard came of his own accord, then his people could not object; nor could the Federation.

That was an option Khan could attempt at any time.

...And perhaps, one day, he would. Once the others trusted him implicitly again.

...Which-given his...unpleasant quarrel...with Gideon moments before-was likely going to be quite awhile.

For now, however, there were other matters to handle; more immediate decisions to make, both as an Emperor, and as a father-to-be.

And with this new information, there was one decision of which he was now absolutely certain.

"...Horatio."

He could almost feel Gideon tense.

Of course, the doctor could easily deduce the motivations behind his choice had nothing to do with whimsy; nor any nostalgia for a play written by a long-dead Bard.

But would he dare to challenge it? Yet another simple, harmless sentiment? Or would he recognize that there were far greater battles ahead of them than those four syllables?

"...Horatio," Gideon repeated; drew a deep breath...then let it out. "Isn't that a bit old-fashioned?"

...Well, that was a relief.

"It is, but I like it," Khan did not try to stop his spreading smile. "It's refined; yet...evocative. A name fitting for a ruler. My son. My heir...His name will be Horatio."