The Fall of Iconia

Chapter 24

A/N: The standard disclaimer still applies.

Teal'c released Khan from the field, and the superman collapsed, unconscious. His own body had supplied the power to keep itself immobile. In addition, possession by Anubis wreaked havoc on anyone. Khan was affected much less than someone of lower augmentation would have been, but the trip had been long, and he was exhausted.

Teal'c reached down, grabbed the man by the back of his belt, and lifted him entirely off the floor. The blonde man, Joachim, was careful to not antagonize Teal'c now. He was still somewhat sullen, but he had piloted Saratoga obediently.

"Power down the engines, then accompany me," Teal'c told him.

Joachim didn't reply, but he complied. That was enough for Teal'c.

With one hand carrying Khan, the big Jaffa led the way to the airlock connecting Saratoga to Avalon. On the way, they collected the remaining members of Khan's crew, and they were herded toward the station. With Teal'c carrying their leader by the belt, it was as if they accepted a new alpha. They weren't happy about it, but they acknowledged that Teal'c was more powerful than their own leader.

When they reached the airlock, the other Q were there, but rather than interfere, they simply parted, allowing Teal'c unimpeded access through the connecting tunnel. Spock raised an eyebrow at the strange sight of Khan Noonien Singh being carried in such an undignified manner, but not a word was said. The five other Q stepped in behind the last of the augments and brought up the rear as they were lead by their new alpha to the security station.

When they arrived, they allowed themselves to be placed in holding cells, and watched mutely as Teal'c dropped Khan unceremoniously on the floor inside a cell. He stepped out and flipped a switch which activated the security fields. He turned around and stood facing the cell. He seemed uncomfortable for a moment, then held up his right hand, as if he were holding a staff. There was a bright flash and the signature Jaffa weapon was in his hand.

It was almost an hour later, that Khan started moving. He didn't moan, but simply sat up. He took in his surroundings with one glance, then his eyes narrowed as he saw Teal'c.

He stood and placed his nose a millimeter from the force field and glared at the Jaffa. "Why am I here?"

Teal'c waved his free hand and the field disappeared. "Do you know who I am?" he asked deliberately. To his right, he saw the other Q standing watch. They made no move to interfere, but he could sense that they were ready to act.

"You are Jaffa," Khan said as he took in the golden mark on the big man's forehead. "First Prime of Apophis?"

"You are well informed. The man I consider to be my father is Bra'tac. His wife is Lwaxana Troi. Since Bra'tac is my father, she is my mother. You destroyed her homeworld unprovoked."

"I do not know these people you are talking about, and I have certainly destroyed no one's homeworld."

"If Anubis retains control, then you are lying. If he has fled, which he would be wise to do, you are Khan, and you have a prison sentence waiting for your return.

The superman eyed the Jaffa speculatively. "You don't fear me, do you, Son of Bra'tac?"

"I have no need to fear you."

"Those who have not feared me in the past have died."

"Has it not occurred to you that it was I who turned off the force field?" Teal'c asked mildly. "There is an old Earth saying. 'Go ahead. Make my day.'" With that, he lifted the staff weapon, and offered the handle to Khan. "If you think you can, you are welcome to try."