"Get some sleep if you can." He slowed again as they approached the far end of the hangar, listening carefully to the echoes so he didn't somehow pull her into the edge of the door instead of through it. "Try to recall significant dates and times you've encountered in your travels, particularly ones which diverge noticeably when you switched continuities." Yes, Khan's interpretation of being offered help was restricted entirely to what useable data could be had from her. His unconscious desire for the solace of companionship, hope for the future, a sympathetic confidant, Khan refused to acknowledge any of them, not to himself and definitely not to anyone else. "I'll be able to show you how to synthesize food and useful equipment when I return. The replicators won't work if I'm not physically present."
In Khan's own time, much of humanity had considered all the work that the Augments had done on their behalf to be an unconscionable threat. Even ending hunger worldwide had sparked enough panic to threaten the economies of the most highly developed nations even as it brought unprecedented peace and stability to areas of war-torn poverty. Khan's kind had been aggressive in establishing uncompromising global human rights policies as well as creating, and enforcing, a gradual but effective transition to sustainable energy production. The poor nations and the wealthy resented the sudden disappearance of slave labor and limitless consumption. Even when the rebellion against their new leaders had become so bloodthirsty that humans went berserk, killing over a billion of each other despite no longer having to compete for resources to survive, even when humanity tried to burn down everything Khan's people had built for them, even when they joined together in efforts to exterminate their own creations, Khan's compassion for others hadn't faltered.
It took the twenty-third century less than one week to destroy it. Now, all he had were seventy two objects of sentimental value and a vast sea of enemies and obstacles between himself and what he still cared for.
no subject
In Khan's own time, much of humanity had considered all the work that the Augments had done on their behalf to be an unconscionable threat. Even ending hunger worldwide had sparked enough panic to threaten the economies of the most highly developed nations even as it brought unprecedented peace and stability to areas of war-torn poverty. Khan's kind had been aggressive in establishing uncompromising global human rights policies as well as creating, and enforcing, a gradual but effective transition to sustainable energy production. The poor nations and the wealthy resented the sudden disappearance of slave labor and limitless consumption. Even when the rebellion against their new leaders had become so bloodthirsty that humans went berserk, killing over a billion of each other despite no longer having to compete for resources to survive, even when humanity tried to burn down everything Khan's people had built for them, even when they joined together in efforts to exterminate their own creations, Khan's compassion for others hadn't faltered.
It took the twenty-third century less than one week to destroy it. Now, all he had were seventy two objects of sentimental value and a vast sea of enemies and obstacles between himself and what he still cared for.