Video; Dated August 19th

[khan_artist]

[When the video feed starts, there's nothing but the side of a black chair, the man sitting in it was looking away from the monitor in thought. The background was obviously a suite in the Fire Sector, if the elegant design and the lit yellow and red hanging lanterns were anything to go by. As the man looked out the window behind him, he finally spoke.]

If any foreigners have new information regarding those that reside in the palace, I urge you to contact me as soon as possible. It’s become quite apparent that the Emperor is rather selective with whom she shares information with.

[That deep, penetrating voice was one of idle interest, which may have been because he seemed distracted. Finally, the chair turned from whatever had his attention. The man was sitting straight and he gave a guileful look down to the camera, straight at the viewers.]

It has also come to my attention that I am not the only one from my "world" as it were. Some of you may have seen others wearing similar clothing to mine. [Blue eyes with green flecks glanced downward at the Starfleet symbol on his black, long-sleeve shirt.] I’ll spare you the details of my "home". You may call me: Khan. [There was a dark purr of satisfaction on the last word. Having free reign to use his actual name for the first time in over year was incredibly satisfying.]

Many have called for unity amongst us "foreigners" and I am ready to do what must be done so we not only get the answers we want, but also to eliminate this menace we were summoned to fight. My combat and strategic knowledge are available for any effective measures against this essence known as Malicant.

[If he’s fully aware of what saying that name means, the only give away would be his eyes becoming lidded as he raised his eyebrows upon uttering the name.]

There is also the abundance of foreigners with powers and abilities above and beyond the limits of baseline individuals. If a list has been made of these beings and their known capabilities, I request a copy if possible.

[A beat filled with an almost imperceptible squint.]

Thank you for your time, that is all.

[95% Encryption; Pepper Potts]

I believe Stark Industries is the leading force in technological advancement in Keeliai. Ms. Potts, I would like a tour of your facilities and a description for each of the positions you have available; and the ones that are not. I believe you'll find my extensive knowledge of technology to be an asset. Even to the considerable pool of intellect currently in your employ.

[100% Starfleet Encryption; Jim Kirk, Spock.]

Contact me as soon as possible. Whether it is over the network or in person does not matter to me.

[He leaned forward in his chair]

I imagine we both have questions that need answers.

Comments

audio | Starfleet Encryption

[jirk]

[NOPE.

NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE

FUCK AND HE WAS HAVING SUCH A NICE WEEK. KHAN YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE, MAN.

The anger surges up, threatens to drown out the reason and (heh) logic he knows Spock would counsel. This man killed Pike. Almost plunged the entire Federation into war just because he could. Savagery, he'd said, and Jim bares his teeth and has to remind himself to breathe.

But he's had months to put perspective and distance on those events. Months he didn't have back home. And he's learned caution and restraint in spades where this man-- this monster is concerned.

It's all strategy and smoke from here. Hadn't he just warned Bones about this? No plan survives first contact with enemy action.

So his tone is neutral, and he likes to think it gives nothing away when he speaks,]

Harrison. Welcome to Keeliai. You'll have to forgive me for failing to roll out the welcome wagon. What do you want?

audio | 100%; Starfleet Encryption

[khan_artist]

Others may expect failure from you as it stands Captain, at least attempt a lasting impression.

[Condescension inflates his words, gently pushed along with a domineering gash of a smile.]

Kirk. I wish to know what the last known status of those torpedoes were before you arrived here. Their payload is not what your precious Starfleet would have you believe.

[There's a pause as he weighs his next words.]

Time has stopped for them, has it not?

[Implying they did not arrive here along with Jim or any of his crew.]

[manofiron]

[ Ah, arrogance. It practically radiates off of this guy. So naturally Tony has to rake the muck. ]

Well, kudos to you for not being too much of a pussy to say its name.

[khan_artist]

I don't expect you had the time do so after your recent return.

[Going through previous network posts is something all tech savvy people should do, and Khan's is hardly an exception.]

Staving off the inevitable is hardly a way to fight this war, wouldn't you say Mr. Stark? Though your immediate response does bring to light the question of whether or not you've noticed my mention of your company.

[From what he's been able to gather, Tony may not be in charge of Stark industries, but it still did bear his name.]

text; anonymous location

[backinakidflash]

There's no list of people with powers, and we're keeping it that way.

text; anonymous location

[khan_artist]

I wish you the best of luck on that endeavor.

[If there was a font for sarcasm, it would have been used here.]

video;

[storm_warning]

A list?

[Ororo sits in her chair, an eyebrow raised as she receives this particular 'request' with no small degree of mistrust.]

Sure. I'll get right on that, because all of us want some Big Brother registry about what we can do.

[That's a cold turn to her voice. May have hit a sore spot, newcomer -- and that's AFTER saying the M-word.]

video;

[khan_artist]

You think the Palace of Landed Sky does not have such a thing?

[The smallest click of his tongue is heard as he looks back out his window.]

I'm afraid your fellow foreigners having some information about you would be the least of your worries. After all, if you cannot trust those you are supposed to be fighting with, then who?

Video

[excessivehubris]

[Well, here was a newcomer who certainly did not allow the grass to grow beneath his feet; so to speak.]

Just for the sake of curiosity, what would you define as 'baseline'? You say baseline individuals but I imagine baseline for humanoid varies to baseline from other species.

Video

[khan_artist]

Since the Emperor's little collection of foreigners is small, I believe I shall go along the lines utilized by one Bruce Wayne.

[A link is sent to be accepted on Charle's console.]

I believe you may have missed it, but it is something that I can agree with. The differences between those with incredible capabilities and those not as fortunate should be recognized.

video, anonymous location

[spiderkid]

Why would anyone make a list of powered people? You must be new.

video, anonymous location

[khan_artist]

The value of that information is clearly lost on you. I recommend you find a patient mentor to enlighten you. When you do learn, then we can discuss it further.

[A slow, gentle flick of his finger turns off the feed.

[skybluejeep]

[CREEPER ALERT CREEPER ALERT god this guy sounds like Peter Hale. Or Gerard Argent.]

Just out of curiosity, do you really think eliminating this...Mal guy is gonna get us all home? I'm more than a little skeptical. In fact, I'm made of skeptical right now. Skeptical up to here.

[khan_artist]

[An unnatural curl happened at the end of Khan's mouth before her answered with a patronizing tone. As he speaks, his eyes flick to his console screen before going back to the camera.]

Consider yourself a step ahead of what we are being told.

[He actually leans back into the black chair, his shirt blended in so well with it that practically vanished aside from the silver Starfleet symbol over his heart.]

Stiles, isn't it?

video;

[disfavored]

There's no list, although most of us aren't keeping our abilities secret.

video;

[khan_artist]

Judging from past occurrences that have been noted on the network, that much is quite clear. The fact such a thing doesn't exist is quite interesting.

[There's raised eyebrow on the stony expression of Khan's face when he observed Tarrlok.]

But you're not one to look into those too often, are you Headmaster?

video;

[dunhaming]

[ This dude thinks he can waltz in and start giving out orders? As if. Olivia turns on the feed, laughing. After a few seconds she stops just enough to choke out. ] You are so cute. [ Before dissolving into laugher again. ]

video;

[khan_artist]

[Nothing but silence and a patient wait was all Khan gave as his response until her laughter dies away, however long that takes. His stony expression unchanging, except for his blue and green eyes that move from her hair, to her face, and then to the the suite behind her before finally settling on his piercing gaze on her eyes.]

Observations of a Fringe Agent Miss Dunham? Tell me more about your previous profession if my prose has enticed you this much.

[A snake would have been jealous at how the words slid from his mouth.]

We are both in the Fire Sector, perhaps you would like to speak in person.

[Pleasantness is riding smoothly along the waves of his dark tone.]

[wherethestoryis]

Quite the fan of research, aren't we.

[Lois has alarm bells going off. The guy's clearly done some research; if he's done his research, surely he knows better than to say a certain villainous name out loud.

Between that, asking for a list, jumping straight to the combat part, and the fact that his name is Khan--which has so many connotations in culture and history--she has more than a little wariness.]

Though I see you don't mind if other people do the legwork for you.

Video;

[khan_artist]

We must all stay on the same page if we are to succeed. As others have shared the information they have learned from the Emperor, then there is little reason to insult them by repeating their actions. Would you agree Mrs. Lane?

[He gave a small incline of his head, as if that explained everything.]

While others may have sought it best to simply ignore the tools at their fingertips, I do know the value of knowledge and research. Am I wrong in assuming that you replied with anything you have yet to share?

[Khan was blunt and completely unabashed as he assessed Lois. occasionally his eyes flicked to his console before finding the camera again.]

[fearlessherosheart]

Have you fought such sorcerous entities before?

[because honestly, Tazendra is not terribly impressed by you, Khan.]

Video;

[khan_artist]

Am I the first foreigner that you asked?

[Quietly said with a dry tone, Khan merely took in Tazendra's appearance and studied her without any shame.]

video;

[dustonmyfeet]

[Toph is picking her nose on camera. . . . Yeah, she does that.]

Free information and unity and all that are great. But are you going to get your panties in a wad if people don't share?

. . . Because you're kind of sounding like the sort of guy who gets his panties in a wad when people don't share.

People here really don't, by the way, especially when a guy storms in and doesn't give people a reason to trust him the first place. Then yanks out a bunch of stuff he read on the Network.

Hope that wasn't your best tactic. Because if we did rely on you to fight the Malicant guy, kind of sounds like we'd be screwed.

video;

[khan_artist]

Sharing is hardly a problem on the network.

[A message is sent silently while he talks.]

[Text;]
(Not that you would be able to see that.)

But I understand any pangs of jealously you may feel over reading certain information on the network. However, there are other methods of communication than the network, so if privacy was truly an issue I recommend using the encryption option provided.

[As if that could stop him.]

Malicant is the reason for trust, is he not? Unless you're suggesting that I simply lie back and watch you all struggle?

[Same encryption]

[the_other_eight]

[Kahn can probably tell that Pepper is also sending a full transcript of this conversation to Tony Stark. He may not be running the company anymore, but she's not leaving him out of things like this. Especially when she can tell how dangerous this man most likely already is.]

Stark Industries is the leading force in advancements in any world where it exists Mr Kahn.

[And yes, she's damn pleased to say that. Tony worked hard to remind the shareholders that it wasn't weapons that pushed the company forward, it was his ridiculously brilliant mind that did it. She was just as proud of him for doing it.]

I appreciate the fact that you've done some research on us before coming to me, but if it's weapons you're interested in I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Stark Industries is entirely weapons free, and that's a point that is non-negotiable.

That being said, you can set up a tour of the facilities with one of the secretaries at the front desk. I'll need to see your resume and a proposal before you can have access to anything within our database.

[She'll be sending him a copy of the application paperwork as well as the form for a new project proposal and a list of available positions. That'll be as far as he'll get though.]

[Same encryption]

[khan_artist]

[After giving nod, Khan relaxes into his chair.]

A respectable point of preference. Weapons is merely one of the many skill sets I possess. My capability ranges from vehicular to life supporting technology that is far more advanced than most here have even imagined, but I shall ensure that goes on my resume.

[His blue eyes glance over the form, skimming the details while he speaks.]

It will be a priority of mine to do so and I shall make time to take that tour. If there is any additional information needed, I'll make myself available.

[Giving a toothless grin, he hesitates before turning off the feed.]

A pleasure Ms. Potts.

video;

[lookedtothestars]

[Khan's Star Fleet encryption took time to break through, but break it eventually did; The attached trackers would appear modified, however, if Khan takes care to check them over well when the news that the encryption was broken returns. Not only purposefully re-enabled to return to Khan, but modified to show him that that the person on the other end knew of their existence.]

Welcome, Khan. Please, let me introduce myself. I am Jor-El.

I must congratulate you on the thoroughness with which you researched the cause that brought us all here.

video;

[khan_artist]

[A notice on Khan’s screen does grab his attention and there is a slight twitch to his eyebrows. The first encryption was made to be hacked, the Starfleet one was actually something had been expecting on of the others from his home dimension to break.]

Thank you Jor-El, I believe you are the first one to recognize the importance of being as aware as possible of our current situation we have suddenly found ourselves in.

[A fluid nod complimented with his words.]

Men of our caliber have a need to indulge our knowledge, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with you. I imagine you find this world’s level of technology to be quite lacking as well.

Video

[parallels]

[Clara listens to the announcement in silence before responding. She notes the now extremely familiar logo on his clothing. Jim never mentioned Khan. Timelines were messy but still. Finally after he's done, she replies.]

Got to give you credit for doing your research. Much better round of questions than everyone usually asks. Though, might want to consider toning it down a bit. Asking for lists is just a bit invasive and a little Orwellian.

Video

[khan_artist]

It is who I am, if it’s too abrasive for some then perhaps this war isn’t what they should try to be a part of.

[The mention of the list an excruciatingly slow blink.]

This would be a standard requirement back where I come from. Little wonder why none have managed to get us foreigners together.

[A breathy exhale before he orients on her again.]

But yes, there is little point in repeating questions asked by others when the answers are there for us to see. What is your name?

video;

[wintershepherd]

It's kind of creepy asking for a list of people like groceries, you know.

video;

[khan_artist]

[There had been blank videos that Khan had to skip while researching the network, glitches in a flawed system as far as he was concerned. It took a moment, long after Jack had spoken, before he realized that this could be one of those cases.]

Whose console is this?

[He spoke loudly, clearly, and his voice carried a stern tone before he began to lean forward, intent on finding which suite this was coming from.]

audio;

[zinthosmantra]

If such a list existed, you'd have better luck asking for it when you're not a complete stranger to everyone here.

audio;

[khan_artist]

So I’ve noticed. Apparently things are even more archaic than I had anticipated between foreigners.

[Raven’s neutral tone of voice does catch his attention. Khan moves his head to one side while looking curiously at his speakers.]

Though, let’s be realistic about the situation, no such list exists outside of the palace. Coordination on that level isn’t something that obviously hasn’t even been broached. If others wish to keep their anonymity and just be scattered about when this war does hit us, then we shall lose.

[A beat.]

Knowing who can do what in an emergency is mandatory where I come from.

text; anon location

[demon_brat]

[Damian. Is watching this one really closely. But since nobody seems to have asked this yet...]

What makes you entitled to the information you're demanding?

text; anon location

[khan_artist]

Perhaps the war we’ve been enlisted in? Maybe the fact that we are all going to have to combat a common threat? Or should we all just blindly trust each other and haphazardly injure one another because of our ignorance on what others are capable of?

Fighting a war and all that comes with it is clearly lost on you. Do not waste my time again.

video;

[candystriped]

So you're just planning to sweep in here and save the day.

[ Can you cut the skepticism and derision with a knife? Yes probably. ]

video;

[khan_artist]

[That actually gets a furrowed brow out of the man in black.]

Not by myself, no. Merely pointing out the opportunities and means we have at our disposal to ready ourselves for this war.

[Alien species as far as he could gather from her, there had been little information on the girl when it came to perusing the network.]

Do you feel that you are prepared to fight this creature?

voice

[leviathaned]

Pass.

voice

[khan_artist]

Do stay out of our way then.

[With a click the feeds ends.]

text; anonymous; after Malicant's post

[justlittle]

I hope you're happy.

text; anonymous; after Malicant's post

[khan_artist]

That none of you have to sit in terror and wonder every waking moment if that day would be the one? Yes, I am.

And: You're welcome.

video |

[onefouroneseven]

The existence of the list would be at odds with the efforts to create a united group, and therefore none exists. ( soranik isn't sure how much of that is true - she can certainly think of people who might keep such a list, but that's not the point. ) And if you simply wish to have some grasp on who is willing to fight and what they are capable of, this is not the way to go about it. Let alone invoking the name of the evil we are supposed to fight against all warnings not to.

( having been warned by kyle that khan is starfleet's sinestro puts soranik in a bad mood, to say the least. )

video |

[khan_artist]

Where I come from, such a list is readily available; I assumed such a basic thing would exist here. A mistake many are to eager to make me aware of.

[His tone is unchanging and he hardly seemed perturbed at the flack he’s received.]

Fear of a name is hardly the way to wage a war.

[That part is said with an absolute dismissive wave of his hand.]

A few of the others have made their abilities public knowledge, and it is a step in the right direction. I appreciate those that understand the need to do so.

[That he had seen network posts in regard to the Green Lanterns is heavily implied, especially his eyes fall on her ring for a brief second before moving to the mark under her eye, and then to Soranik herself.]

I do offer my technological prowess should your clinic need better devices than what is being used at present.

video;

[freeskies]

[a little bit after the Malicant post-- he's going back into the archive just a bit]

It seems you've already made an impression with one of our hosts. Trying to prove something, in addition to your information hunting? Or are they in the same, I wonder?

video;

[khan_artist]

[Resourceful and insightful, Khan definitely approved of that.]

Considering only the smallest handful of foreigners were able to say it, I was curious was the recourse would be. So yes, that information was definitely a part of this hunt. Aside from that, it looks like we can finally do what the Emperor summoned us for, doesn’t it?

video;

[dunhaming]

Aww, don't hang up on me like that, I'm not that easily swayed. [ Seems to ponder for a moment. She's really just thinking of some way to talk to him more and be forever more annoying. ] You know what? Tell me a bit more about yourself. Where are you from? What's your favorite color? How old are you?

[ Leaning forward, so really curious about this. ]

video;

[khan_artist]

[When the video feed starts, it is nothing but a black screen. And then after a few moments of silence, this message plays itself out. When it ends, there is another two second delay and it repeats itself. Over and over in a non-stop loop.]

video | 100% Starfleet Encryption

[selfsacrificing]

[ Spock's first reaction upon seeing that face, hearing that voice, is distinctly emotional. The last thing he can recall of his own universe is the way Khan's bones cracked beneath his hands.

But by the time he turns on the feed, he has schooled his face into the same placid expression he always wears. This is not a man he can afford to ignore, and certainly not one he wishes to show weakness in front of. ]

Khan. [ Not Harrison. ] The Network will suffice.

video | 100% Starfleet Encryption /SCREA

[khan_artist]

The network it is Commander Spock.

[Vulcans were incredibly easy to read, and half-vulcans weren’t an exception in the least. The only problem lay in that they, usually, decided when to express themselves; which had been rare at the least. Khan wasted little time and brought forth his question while looking at the camera vigilantly.]

I have a question, simple enough that I see little reason why you would have any difficulty answering:

What are the last events you can recall before arriving in the Palace of Landed Sky?

[Khan knit his brow, his entire body was still and he was sitting straight up as always. The only thing Khan was able to get from his network monitoring and hacking on Spock was that Kirk had died. No other details.]