Chapter Text
Whatever thoughts popped into her, Albrecht swore not to tell herself that things couldn’t get any worse. They most certainly could get much worse. She found that her will to survive was enough to force her to keep the tsunami of panic she felt hidden safe inside. Keeping one’s head down and not making a fuss was the best way to stay alive. Even Conroy seemed to understand that, and he was usually full of bravado.
Their captors led them on a lengthy hike through rocky terrain, and while there was plenty of plant life, small streams, and even a few reptiles lounging to warm themselves in the sun, it was clear than anything living here had evolved to survive in an inhospitable climate. They plants grew low to the ground and were twisted with thorns, and those reptiles were covered in spikes and horns.
By the time they reached the settlement, the landing party was drenched with sweat and out of breath, but their genetically enhanced captors made the journey seem effortless. The settlement was nestled in between the hills and somehow seemed both very disorderly and very organized. At its heart were structures that seemed to be built from old containers and scrap metal, and branching out from that were stone buildings. The entire area was dotted with gardens, more greenery that could be seen anywhere else on the planet.
They were greeted by a tall young man armed with a long spear who had a sort of easy confidence about him that seemed out of place for a guard. “Great news,” he spoke with a sense of twisted delight that made Albrecht deeply concerned. “Francesca is ready for you.”
Albrecht did not want to know who the hell Francesca was.
The captors led the landing party to a small stone hut on the outskirts of the settlement. Inside a visibly pregnant waited, an annoyed look on her face. “I was told be ready as soon as that ship crashed, do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting?”
“Just long enough to arrive at the best moment,” one of the augments answered.
Francesca rolled her eyes. “No matter, just tell me who they are.”
“They were meant to be the rescue crew,” the same augment explained.
Francesca looked directly from one captive to another. “Funny how that didn’t work out for you. Which of you is in charge?”
“I am.” Captain Albrecht spoke up, a sense of courage in her voice that she hadn’t felt in a while.
“Lovely.” Francesca smiled. “Then you can be the first to meet the little bastards that keep tearing up my garden.” She went to the shelf and took down a jar and a long pair of forceps. Albrecht couldn’t make out what was in the jar. “If only tearing up the garden was all they did….” She sighed as she unscrewed the lid to the jar and used the forceps to pluck out a small, squirming slug. “You’ll all see what else they’re capable of very soon.”
Slowly, gently, Francesca laid the slug on Albrecht’s cheek. She had no idea what was happening, but something very deep and instinctual told her that something very wrong and very dangerous was happening as the tiny creature crawled toward her ear.
“Not to worry,” Francesca cooed. “You’ll be back safely on your little ship soon.”
“Khan, a moment, please, for the three of us to have a private consultation.”
“Oh no, I’m afraid that anything you wish to be said must be said for the good of the group.” Khan shifted his weight in his seat. “How are we to negotiate fairly if we can’t maintain a certain degree of transparency?”
“Transparency my ass,” McCoy mumbled.
“Admiral,” Spock spoke up. “I only advise that you take to heart the Vulcan proverb I recently shared. The needs of the many outweighs the needs of the few.” The way that Spock emphasized the word ‘few’ drew Kirk’s attention. “And that sometimes this choice may be a more difficult choice than one would expect.”
“Here we go, logic again when lives are at stake,” McCoy grumbled.
“Gentlemen, thank you both for your input.” He did truly mean to thank both of his friends, sometimes Spock’s cool logic needed to be hit with a little piss and vinegar. “What you ask for is still so vague, I understand the big picture but not the first steps that will make it actionable.” He could make a guess, though, because Khan had tried to take it once before: the Enterprise. “So, I propose another deal. I will listen with my full attention to your demands and give them the consideration they are due, so long as you release one hostage.”
“Jim!” McCoy snapped. “Are you out of your mind?”
“Don’t worry, Bones, I’ve only agreed to listen.”
“Of course,” Khan mused. “Your purpose is to free the hostages, so it’s to be expected that you beg for their release at every turn. Instead, I will allow the landing party from the Portland to return to their ship.”
“You have a deal. What exactly is it you want?”
“Nothing more than the means to leave this planet. All I want is a ship.”
“Technically you have a ship,” McCoy grumbled once again.
“Khan…I thought you were supposed to have the superior intellect, and now I’m supposed to believe that you expect me to hand over the Enterprise?”
“Oh no, your perception is so simplified,” Khan taunted. “I never specified that I needed your ship, as for what I expect you to do, I expect you to move to action when the lives of more hostages are on the line.”