Eternity's Face

Summary

Star Trek: Khan — Episode 9, “Eternity’s Face”

Release Date: November 3, 2025
Podcast: Star Trek: Khan

---

Episode Overview

“Eternity's Face” serves as a culminating chapter in the saga of Khan Noonien Singh, peeling back the layers of villainy and myth to reveal the human and superhuman complexities behind his legacy. The episode focuses on the harrowing final days on Ceti Alpha V, the attempted exodus to freedom, and, most crucially, the emotional fracture points in Khan’s life. Through the intertwining narratives of Khan himself and his daughter Kali Noonien Singh, listeners are invited to reconsider historical judgments and the burden of generational trauma—and to witness the devastating consequences of tragic misunderstandings.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State of the Exiles and the Mutiny (02:23–13:00)

• Paulo is revealed to be alive, though deeply changed by the years on Ceti Alpha V. He and Ivan’s conversation reveals the dire straits of the survivors, consumed by disillusionment and the desire for escape at any cost.
• Paulo’s plan: He wants to seize the only ship and leave, believing Khan intends betrayal by escaping with only his daughter, Kali. Ivan initially resists but is eventually persuaded to join.
• Tension between Khan and Paulo explodes: Paulo accuses Khan of abandoning the community for personal dreams, rallying others to rebellion.
• Quote:
  • “He promised us an empire. Eternal glory. A life worth living. Far from this world. We will begin again.” — Paulo (05:02)
  • “Will we end our lives on our knees? Or will we finally rise up against the man, the weak, mongrel-loving coward who has betrayed us all?” — Paulo (12:27)

2. Khan’s Escape and Paranoia (07:51–11:14)

• Khan and his loyalists prepare the ship for launch, haunted by suspicion and isolation.
• Ensign Tuvok warns against contact with Starfleet, citing Khan’s belief that any escape might be met with annihilation.
• Khan reflects on Kirk’s motivations, concluding:
  • “He [Kirk] feared us. Were I him, I would have left standing orders to kill any Augment who managed to escape this world on sight.” (08:41)
• Rising paranoia regarding betrayal from within and the fragile state of leadership.

3. Showdown for the Ship (11:14–18:44)

• Confrontation erupts as Paulo and his faction attempt a mutiny. Kali Noonien Singh (the child) becomes a focal point and source of leverage.
• Desperate negotiations, violence, and the involvement of an alien force (the Pandem) who protect the ship.
• Sacrifice: The Elboreans and Pandem stay behind, knowingly sacrificing themselves to ensure the ship’s launch.

4. Khan’s Final Sacrifice & Kali’s Escape (22:54–27:08)

• Khan, realizing his community’s survival demands greater sacrifice, prepares to send his daughter to safety rather than join her, trusting others to raise her and keep her secret.
• He confesses his failings, anguish, and love for Kali.
• Quote:
  • “You deserve better than this. You deserve better than me. … My life is not my own, you see. It is theirs.” — Khan, to Kali (23:05)
• The ship launches amid tumult and combat; Paulo and Khan confront each other, but Khan refuses to kill Paulo, believing he has already inflicted enough pain.

5. Tragedy: Ship's Presumed Destruction (29:12–32:23)

• Ivan and the survivors witness what they believe is the destruction of the Venture as it ascends—a misunderstanding born from damaged comms and a jettisoned fuel pod.
• Khan, stricken with grief, assumes his daughter and loved ones are dead, fundamentally altering his outlook and setting up his later vengeful arc.
• Quote:
  • “For months after Kali died, I wandered aimlessly… I waited for the grief to kill me. For the emptiness to consume me. For the pain to finally end. But it only grew.” — Khan (34:26)

6. Revelation & Reflections: Kali Survived (32:37–43:16)

• Kali (now an adult and revealed as the narrator/historian Kali Noonien Singh) emerges as the episode's present-day voice, discussing the truth of the escape and her life in hiding.
• Dr. Rosalind Lear and Kali discuss the incomplete legacy, Starfleet’s (and history’s) deeply flawed record of Khan, and the cost of love and leadership.
• Quotes:
  • “He didn’t know. He thought they’d all died. But I don’t.” — Kali Noonien Singh (36:16)
  • “The man who raised me and the man history will remember as the mad tyrant Khan Noonien Singh were the same person, after all. … Even if I’d wanted to hate him for letting me go, I understood, as I got older, what he tried to give me.” — Kali Noonien Singh (40:28)
  • “Vengeance was all that was left to him.” — Kali Noonien Singh (41:16)

7. Epilogue: Memory, History, and Closure (43:27–44:06)

• Kali and Khan’s voices echo Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Kubla Khan,” underscoring themes of myth, paradise, and loss.
• The episode closes on the futility and necessity of trying to discover and reckon with the truth behind historical legends.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Khan’s Reflection on Perfection and Fate
  “There is no beginning. There is no end. There is only the eternal ever striving to evolve into its most perfect form.” — Khan (02:23)

• Paulo’s Reproach & Rousing Speech
  “All that remains of our sweat and toil stands in that dried out seabed. A ship meant to carry … Khan's chosen few to free them. While the rest of us wither and die like the slaves he has made of us.” — Paulo (12:27)

• Khan's Despair and Responsibility
  “You deserve better than this. You deserve better than me. … My life is not my own, you see. It is theirs.” — Khan to Kali (23:05)

• Farewell to Kali
  “Goodbye, my love.” — Khan to Kali (23:41)

• Khan’s Grief and Transformation
  “I waited for the grief to kill me. For the emptiness to consume me. For the pain to finally end. But it only grew. … I lay in a bed of fire. And through the flames, I finally saw eternity’s face.” — Khan (34:26)

• Lear & Kali’s Philosophical Exchange
  “He believed that the Venture was destroyed before it reached orbit. … He had lost so much. Everything he had come to love. It would have driven the best of us to madness.” — Dr. Lear (36:22)

  “It wasn’t the losses. It was that he chose to risk love at all.” — Kali Noonien Singh (36:50)

---

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:23 | Khan’s opening meditation on eternity | | 04:19–05:12 | Paulo/Ivan plan the mutiny and their escape | | 11:14–12:27 | Paulo’s challenge, mutiny and accusation against Khan | | 16:23–17:47 | Paulo and Khan’s face-to-face confrontation, with Kali at stake | | 23:05–23:41 | Khan’s emotional apology and farewell to Kali | | 29:12–31:52 | Ivan and survivors misinterpret the Venture’s fate | | 32:37–39:10 | Adult Kali’s conversation with Dr. Lear, historic revelations | | 40:22–41:16 | Kali’s acceptance of her father; theorizing Khan’s final downfall | | 43:27–44:06 | Khan and Kali recite Coleridge’s “Kubla Khan” – symbolic closure |

---

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The tone throughout is solemn, tragic, and reflective. The performances convey rage, regret, loss, and fleeting hope. Key moments are laden with poetic language, philosophical musings about fate, history, and the duality of mankind. The dialogue is loaded with hurt and yearning, staying true to the Shakespearean grandeur often associated with Khan.

---

Conclusion

“Eternity’s Face” reconstitutes Khan from the ashes of legend into someone far more layered and sadly human. The final scenes reveal the birthright and burden of his daughter, Kali, whose survival was masked by tragic miscommunication. Ultimately, the episode poses questions about how history is made—and how easily it may become a prison for both the famous and their forgotten kin. The legend of Khan is neither simple nor solely damnable, and this incarnation insists that the truth lies in the unwritten interstices between pain, ambition, and imperfect love.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hate shopping for pants. You're not alone. Jack Archer's jetsetter tech pants are basically the answer to every guy's closet struggles. With their customizable fit, wrinkle free fabric source from Japan and all day comfort, these pants can take you from work to weekend without missing a beat. Seriously, these might be the only pants you'll ever need. Style them with a jetsetter tee, legacy button down shirt, or the buttery legacy polo sweater and you've got timeless staples to meet your everyday wardrobe needs. Jack Archer is just better. For a limited time. Get 15% off using the code [e-mail] Again, that's promo code getjack@jackarcher dot com for 15% off your entire order. You know that feeling when you've spent hours booking a trip searching through sites for flights, hotels and transportation, but you still aren't sure you got the best deal. We've all been there. But now Axel is here to make sure you never feel like that again. With Axel, you can book directly in WhatsApp. All you do is send a message and Axle will create a full custom itinerary. They'll find deals, book travel, and even get you automatic refunds if prices drop after you book. No extra apps, no hassle, just savings. Here's the best part. Hotels through axel average about 50% less than the big booking sites. Automatic price 24. 7 monitoring catches every price drop after booking, so you never miss out on savings. It's like having a personal travel agent in your pocket. Fast, simple, stress free. Stop overpaying for travel. Go to helloaxle.com con for a free trial. Just $35 a year. After that, most users save double that on their first booking alone. Sign up now and let Axel handle the deals and planning while you enjoy the trip.

[Podcast Host]

You're listening to Star Trek Con, Episode 9, Eternity's Face.

[Khan]

There is no beginning. There is no end. There is only the eternal ever striving to evolve into its most perfect form.

[Ivan]

Ivan. It's been five years. I thought you were dead.

[Paulo]

It has been too long, little flower.

[Ivan]

Paulo, what happened?

[Khan]

The son we fought.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

He lost.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

No.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Paulo, wake up.

[Ivan]

Why the hell would you be fighting with Paolo?

[Paulo]

Stop talking.

[Ivan]

You look like shit.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Ivan.

[Ivan]

How are you still alive?

[Paulo]

A lesser man would have died long ago. After the last of the beasts suffocated and froze. But not I. For me, was test. Crucible, Fire that burned away all that was impure, leaving only beauty, purpose, destiny.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Ah.

[Paulo]

No.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

No.

[Khan]

No.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Mama. Shh. Shh.

[Paulo]

I1 to live requires only two things. Water and protein. Both exist here, if you know where to look.

[Ivan]

You're ingesting low levels of eel toxin. Every time you eat one of those.

[Paulo]

It's not vodka, but comes close.

[Ivan]

Sounds like you got it all figured out. Why come back?

[Paulo]

To take what is mine.

[Khan]

What is ours.

[Paulo]

Yes, Hassan. Ours. To leave this cursed world. That ship will carry us to freedom.

[Ivan]

You're gonna take the ship? Do you even know how to fly it?

[Paulo]

I did not come here to argue.

[Ivan]

Why did you come here?

[Paulo]

Because you hate Khan as much as I do. To purge your pain and rage, you must embrace it. I can teach you.

[Ivan]

I like my pain. And I don't hate Khan anymore. He is as he has ever been.

[Paulo]

He promised us an empire. Eternal glory. A life worth living. Far from this world. We will begin again.

[Ivan]

You think we're gonna fight our way past a couple hundred Augments and Elboreans? Get Khan off that ship and fly to freedom.

[Paulo]

Khan is on the ship?

[Ivan]

Yeah. Khan and his daughter are leaving together.

[Paulo]

Oh, he does not plan to return.

[Ivan]

No, I don't think he does.

[Paulo]

He has betrayed us all. Our people must know, Elise.

[Ivan]

They are desperate. Starving. A tinderbox left too close to an open flame.

[Paulo]

They will all join our cause.

[Ivan]

I let all of that go the day my son died. It doesn't matter what happens anymore, Ivan. To any of us.

[Paulo]

You still mask your rage. But it is bigger now. Closer to the surface. Yes. Begging you to release it. Join us.

[Ivan]

As long as you promise me a spot on that ship. I'm in.

[Paulo]

We go now.

[Khan]

Got loaded up.

[Ivan]

I hope that wherever you are now, Paulo, there are stars.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Goodbye, chair. Goodbye, bunny shaped rock. Goodbye, pillow. Wait. May I take my pillow? I don't think so. There's no room in your bag. But look. Mommy's recorder. You see, I've put a strap around it so you can carry it at your side. And there's already a tape in it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Because at that time, the only ships explorers could use traveled on the Earth's vast oceans. Hundreds of men, mostly men sadly, would crowd into these ships and set sail. Even when they had no real idea where they were going. It's different now. But the urge to explore the deep human need to see what's out there. How far we can go is constant. Eternal.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Come, my little love. Your daddy is waiting.

[Khan]

There are two structural integrity in indicators flashing orange.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Kamora, a moment, please. I believe the internal pressure monitor is misbehaving.

[Ivan]

Better.

[Khan]

Well done.

[Ensign Tuvok]

My lord, there is something I would ask you.

[Khan]

Speak.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Del. Monda Paulo and I spent several months reviewing the systems the Alborians charted before they arrived. Most were devoid of life, but the few systems where life was detected were all Federation.

[Khan]

Not this again. We will not attempt to make contact.

[Ensign Tuvok]

With Starfleet, but time is of the essence.

[Khan]

Why do you think Kirk abandoned us here?

[Ensign Tuvok]

I know, my lord, you believe he intended for us to die here. But the Lady Marla always said that.

[Khan]

Whether or not Kirk believed we would die here is no longer the issue. He could easily have imprisoned us in a Federation facility, but he didn't, because he knew that no such place could ever hold us for long. He feared us. Were I him, I would have left standing orders to kill any Augment who managed to escape this world on sight. This ship has few defenses and no weapons. If Starfleet wants us dead, as I'm certain they do, we will be presenting ourselves like lambs to the slaughter.

[Ensign Tuvok]

I hadn't thought of that. It must please you to know that you have already bested him. Because of your superior intellect and leadership, your people will survive and begin again on a new world.

[Khan]

It's a pity that he and I shall never meet again. There are nights when the only thing that keeps me warm are thoughts of what I should like to say to him. To do to him.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Vengeance is a waste of time. The commission of an evil act carries its own penalty.

[Khan]

From where did you learn to think this way?

[Ensign Tuvok]

Delmonda and I have spoken often of my father.

[Khan]

Never again speak Delmonda's name to me. Never again allow his limited worldview to infect your own.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Yes, Khan. I apologize.

[Khan]

Open the hatch for my daughter.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Daddy, I'm going into space.

[Khan]

Yes, you are, my darling girl. Here is your seat. When the time comes, restraints will activate. That will hold you here until we have cleared the debris field.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Hi, Joachim. Hi, Kahmora.

[Ensign Tuvok]

My lady.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Karlene. Khan, you should see this.

[Khan]

What is it, Madame?

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

I thought our people left hours ago, but when Callie and I arrived at. They were just sitting here.

[Khan]

What about the Elboreans?

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

I haven't seen them.

[Khan]

I will handle this. Remain with Kali and seal the hatch behind me. Do not open it unless I give the command. My brothers and sisters. Why are you here? We launch very soon. You must reach the surface before we do.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Kali must stay.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

What?

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Morkon. Erica.

[Khan]

Dear girl.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

You have no plan to return for us, Lord Khan. You intend to take Kali and my Joachim and never come back.

[Ensign Tuvok]

If Kali stays, you will return for her.

[Khan]

I will return for all of you who has poisoned your mind with these Lies Give us Kali.

[Paulo]

There is but one liar here.

[Khan]

Ivan, my old friend. I'm so pleased you're not dead.

[Ivan]

And Ursula, what can I say? I couldn't beat him. So if it's any comfort, Paolo didn't go down without a fight.

[Paulo]

I did not give you leave to speak. Hear me. Do you remember what we once were? Gods among men. Ours was the superior strength. Ours was the superior intellect. And our leader, the once great Khan, has stood by while all that we were wasted away. All in service of a pitiful dream. His dream. He promised us victory. But he led us to ruin. All that remains of our sweat and toil stands in that dried out seabed. A ship meant to carry. But Khan's chosen few to free them. While the rest of us wither and die like the slaves he has made of us. Is this who we are? Will we end our lives on our knees? Or will we finally rise up against the man, the weak, mongrel, loving coward who has betrayed us all.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Marvin.

[Khan]

Marvin.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Marvin.

[Paulo]

Marvin.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know that feeling when you've spent hours booking a trip searching through sites for flights, hotels and transportation, but you still aren't sure you got the best deal? We've all been there. But now Axel is here to make sure you never feel like that again. With Axle, you can book directly in WhatsApp. All you do is send a message and Axel will create a full custom itinerary. They'll find deals, book travel, and even get you automatic refunds if prices drop after you book. No extra apps, no hassle, just savings. Here's the best. Hotels through axle average about 50% less than the big booking sites. Automatic price 24,7. Monitoring catches every price drop after booking, so you never miss out on savings. It's like having a personal travel agent in your pocket. Fast, simple, stress free. Stop overpaying for travel. Go to helloaxel.com con for a free trial. Just $35 a year. After that, most users save double that on their first booking alone. Sign up now and let Axel handle the deals and planning while you enjoy the tr.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

What? I bought a new Blink Mini 2K smart security camera.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

I got 2K clarity. Sharp enough to see every detail of home when I'm away. Plus audio like I'm in the room, not with my bestie traveling to another city. Plus, easy plugins set up to install faster than skipping through podcast ads. But you'd never skip ads, right? Plus, I got all of this for just $49.99. Blink Mini 2K mini camera, max box performance shop [e-mail] Blink what's happening? Where did Daddy go?

[Ensign Tuvok]

I must go to Khan.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

That would not be wise.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

They want Kali. Would you hand her to them? If either of you goes near the hatch, I will kill you with my bare hands. I'm scared. Don't be. Here. Just listen to your mother.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Once Police. That Earth's civilization first arose in the Fertile Crescent and spread from there through nomadic influences.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Ivan.

[Paulo]

Ivan. It is over, Khan. Your reign has ended.

[Khan]

So it seems. Shall I simply bow down and offer you my throat to slit? Or would you rather crush my skull under your boot as you did Sikander?

[Paulo]

Sven, take the others and get to the ship.

[Khan]

Obviously you're free to try, but I'm afraid it only opens from the inside. And as you can see, the hatch is closed.

[Paulo]

Rip it open if you have to.

[Khan]

The launch window approaches. A very brief opening that will allow the ship to safely escape the planet's atmosphere. There is very little time left. If the window closes, the ship will be torn apart before it clears the orbital plane by massive gravitational forces. And then none of us will ever leave this planet.

[Paulo]

What are you waiting for? I gave you an order. That hatch is the only thing standing between us and freedom.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The endogenic plane. The North China Plain, the Andean coast, the Mesoamerica Gulf coast and the Caravan Mountains.

[Khan]

I must go to Khan.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

No. We need help.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Please.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

We need help.

[Ivan]

Christ, Ivan, get on with it.

[Khan]

Yes, Ivan, get on with it. You came back to kill me, did you not?

[Paulo]

Duh. But even you do not deserve to die in ignorance. I would end your suffering as you. You ended mine.

[Khan]

My suffering will never end. You see, I believed in us. I believed that we were superior beings. I believed that we were eternity's most glorious perfect form. But I was wrong. You and I are savages. Slaves to the needs of these frail bodies. Playthings of fate. This is our true nature and it will not be overcome. But we were not meant to be the final evolution. That glory belongs to Kali. She must not be poisoned by our limitations. She must live where peace and curiosity and love reign supreme.

[Paulo]

Your love secrets has begun. Please evacuate to a safe area.

[Khan]

All I have done, all I do now is for her. And in memory of her mother. You may kill me now, Ivan, because I have already won. She is my victory incarnate.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Get back. All of you. Get away from the ship.

[Paulo]

Get that hatch open.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

We need help. We need help. Please. Please, we need help. We need help. There is still time. I can save him. Don't Be a fool, Joachim. Please. Please. It's going to be all right. Remember, you must be brave.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Can you hear them?

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

The panda?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

They have answered your call.

[Paulo]

Be not afraid, my child. The Pandem will protect the ship.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Force field.

[Paulo]

Don't let them get near the ship.

[Khan]

Kill them.

[Paulo]

Kill them all.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Let's go.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Now.

[Khan]

Delmonda. We are here. God keep her safe. No one will harm her now. Why did you stay? Why did you not save yourselves? How one dies matters not only how one lives.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Ursula. What are the elves doing?

[Ivan]

Protecting the ship, of course. Protecting Kali.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Run.

[Ivan]

There's shelter on the surface. You'll survive. Take any who will follow you.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

What about you?

[Ivan]

I'm not done just yet.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Now go. Go. This way. Come on.

[Khan]

Kill all of you.

[Paulo]

Get away. Get away from my ship.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

You looking?

[Paulo]

Hello, Ivan. Stop hiding behind your people and face me like a man.

[Ivan]

That's for Paulo, you sick son of a.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Khan. Over here.

[Khan]

Elisa. I knew you would never betray me. Is that Marla's phaser?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Damn it.

[Ivan]

I don't know if Ivan's dead or just stunned.

[Khan]

It hardly matters now.

[Ivan]

Medo goes with you. Do you understand? But I know you're not coming back. And I don't care who else goes with you, but Madeou gets a seat.

[Khan]

It will be done. And Ursula, thank you.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Go.

[Ivan]

Before I change my mind.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

This way. Get out of here.

[Khan]

Thank you, Delmonda. Let all that has passed between us be forgiven. I am at peace. Connor.

[Ensign Tuvok]

What's happening out there? The Pandem protects us.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

They will remain until we launch.

[Ensign Tuvok]

But they'll all die.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

For the greater good.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Go ahead.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

It is Khan. Daddy.

[Khan]

Stay put, my love. We're going.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

It's all right now. Khan is here. Goodbye, my Kali. You will live forever in my heart.

[Khan]

No, Medo. You will take your king seat.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

What?

[Khan]

Do it. Joachim, my champion, hear me. You must lead our people now. You must gather all that you can and get them to safety.

[Ensign Tuvok]

My life is yours, Khan. I will lead them to the surface.

[Khan]

Go, my son. Where are we in the launch sequence?

[Ensign Tuvok]

11 minutes left, Lord Khan.

[Khan]

Your people have done themselves proud, Kamor. This day and every day since we first met.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's my recorder, Hernan Cortez. As with all such men, his legend bears little resemblance to the truth. History has cloaked his actions with a veil of glory. We remember what he did and forget how and why he did it. But I believe the how matters. While some condemn his brutality and conquest, history celebrates his brave and visionary leadership. The truth is that he was a coward who Placed his own needs above those of his followers. How he justified himself, history will never know. I will always believe that our choices should define us. And that historians must do all they can to find and reveal truth, even when it is inconvenient. For in the end, history will be all that is left to us.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Khan, what are you doing?

[Khan]

Kali, my brave, beautiful goddess.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Yes, Daddy.

[Khan]

I owe you an apology.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

What did you do?

[Khan]

I lied. To you and to my people. I betrayed the one thing I never thought possible. The man your mother expected me to be. You deserve better than this. You deserve better than me. You deserve everything in this universe. I cannot be the one to give it to you. I cannot abandon the ones I have led. My life is not my own, you see. It is theirs.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

I don't understand.

[Khan]

I know. But someday you will. Goodbye, my love.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Daddy. Daddy. No, don't go. Daddy. Stay with me. Dad.

[Khan]

Elmonda, go. You must take her.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Are you certain?

[Khan]

Yes. We will find help in return for all of you. No. Take her and leave this world forever. Do not come back for us. Take her far from this place. Tell no one who she is. Find a world at peace. And give her what I cannot give her. A life. Some of us are not meant to see paradise. Some of us will never know the face of eternity. Now go. Quickly. Farewell.

[Paulo]

Kong.

[Khan]

Has begun.

[Paulo]

Evacuate to a safe area.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

My people, hear me.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Look, it's Khan.

[Khan]

Khan has returned. Hear us both. We must go. There are but a few minutes left. Gather all of your strength and follow us.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

No.

[Paulo]

No, you can't get away. Khaaan.

[Khan]

Your keep. Take them and go now.

[Paulo]

But, my Lord.

[Khan]

Do you hear me? Go.

[Ensign Tuvok]

At least take this.

[Khan]

My blade.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

I'd kill him quickly if I were you, My Lord.

[Khan]

Khan. Come now, Ivan. Let's finish this once and for all. I taught you better than that. Again. Are you really going to make it this easy?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why?

[Khan]

Why what?

[Paulo]

Why didn't you kill me?

[Khan]

I didn't want to kill you. I wanted to hurt you.

[Paulo]

Oh, good. I was worried that perhaps in your soft, weak heart you had forgiven me.

[Khan]

Do you yield? It doesn't have to end like this. I have failed you. But change is possible. I am living proof. Even now. Even now, I don't want to kill you. Take my hand and come with me. Together we will find a way.

[Paulo]

Do you yield? I will never yield to you. Look at me. I want mine to be the last face you see.

[Khan]

I cannot forgive you, Ivan, because I cannot blame you for. For being what you are. What they made both of us to Be fly, little goddess, fly. See the star.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

This episode is brought to you by indeed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stop waiting around for the perfect candidate.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Instead, use Indeed sponsored Jobs to find.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The right people with the right skills fast.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

It's a simple way to make sure your listing is the first candidate.

[Narrator/Announcer]

C. According to Indeed data, Sponsored Jobs have four times more applicants than non sponsored Jobs. So go build your dream team today with Indeed. Get a $75 sponsored job credit@ Indeed.com podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

[Paulo]

Every story you love, every invention that moves you, Every idea you wished was yours. All began as nothing. Just a blank page with a blinking cursor asking a simple question. What do you see? Great ideas. Start on Mac. Find out more on apple.com Mac.

[Ivan]

Venture, this is CETI Alpha 5 base. Please respond. Venture, can you hear me? Please respond. Venture, come in. Medo. Anyone?

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

I already told you.

[Ivan]

It could have been any number of things that you saw. Erica.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

We had just reached the surface when the ship cleared the caves. We wanted to climb. The wind was terrible, but still she climbed. They passed into the clouds. And then the clouds turned angry. Blue and red. Flashes.

[Ivan]

Lightning storms are not unusual. And the ship would have attracted electrical energy. But they had shields.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Maybe they failed. There was a flash of light and then a ball of fire fell from the clouds.

[Ivan]

Stop. I get it. Just stop.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

They're gone, aren't they?

[Khan]

Is anyone fired?

[Ensign Tuvok]

Ursula? Erica.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

Rafeem. You're here. I thought you were. How are you here? What happened? We knew it would.

[Ensign Tuvok]

There's two dozen others. We need water.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

That's 31 survivors total. Unless the Alborians.

[Ensign Tuvok]

They stayed to protect the ship until the very end.

[Khan]

They sacrificed themselves for us.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What about.

[Khan]

Where are they now? It's been long enough. They should through the debris field. How many times have they made contact? Have they jumped to light speed yet?

[Ivan]

Who is on the ship?

[Khan]

Delmonda, Kimora, Mado and Kali. Ursula, what is wrong?

[Ivan]

Erica saw it all. They made it as far as the clouds and then she saw them fall out of the sky.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

No.

[Khan]

No, that's not possible. Perhaps their communication system has failed.

[Paulo]

Come in. Come in.

[Khan]

This is Khan. Come in. Delmonda, do you read? Delmonda, this is Khan calling to anyone aboard the Starship Venture. Respond. Respond at once. Kali, please answer me. Carly.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Carly.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

La la la la la la la la la.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Hello, Tuvok.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Dr. Lear. I have completed my analysis of all the historical records you have been reviewing.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I'm sure it will make a fascinating read, but I think I'll pass.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I have many theories as to why you undertook this project. But one question remains.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Just one.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Did you find what you were looking for?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I didn't, actually. The truth might still be in there somewhere, but I'm out of time.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Then. You have not yet completed your final review.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I brought everything I need with me. Maybe I'll finish it here before.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Dr. Lear, you cannot remain on SETI Alpha 5.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

And you can't force me to leave against my will.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

You are correct. But I submit to you the following. Although Lt. MacGyvers was meticulous in her arrangement of her logs, as all Starfleet officers are taught to be, those who continued her work, particularly Khan, were terrible historians.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

You think that was his worst failing?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Using the ship's computers, I was able to separate and timestamp each. Each entry, even when they were out of order. In the source recordings, there are 16 pertinent entries from the 100 days just before and following the launch of the Venture. I am certain you are already acquainted with all but the last. May I?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Go ahead.

[Paulo]

Where was I?

[Khan]

Gates, wasn't it? Things fall apart. The center cannot hold. Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. What did you see, my friend? When did you first glimpse eternity's true form? Slouching toward Bethlehem. To be born. No.

[Paulo]

Reborn.

[Khan]

As I have been. For months after Kali died, I wandered aimlessly.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

What? Shh.

[Khan]

Joachim. Always by my side, reminding me of all that still lay ahead of me. Of my people's love and loyalty. Of his hope that one day we might avenge ourselves upon all who had wronged us, starting with the people of Earth. And always, always the man who exiled us. I waited for the grief to keep kill me. For the emptiness to consume me. For the pain to finally end. But it only grew. Until the day came when I could no longer refuse to look at it. I lay in a bed of fire. And through the flames, I finally saw eternity's face. The universe we inhabit reflects eternity in its true form. I feared that to gaze upon it was to see Kali again. But she was not there. Eternity's true form is the fire itself. Nothing we create can endure. There is no point in even trying. Every good thing will eventually take its opposite form. Pure good only exists to reveal the fire that loves nothing more than to consume it. I rose from that fire a new man, ready to greet whatever rough beast approaches. If there is any justice in this universe, that beast will take the form of Captain James T. Kirk.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

He didn't know. He thought they'd all died. But I don't.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

He believed that the Venture was destroyed before it reached orbit. He based his belief on two things. The eyewitness account of the destruction of the fuel pod by a young woman named Erica and the ship's failure to make subsequent contact. After that, hope was not an option. He had lost so much. Everything he had come to love. It would have driven the best of us to madness.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I don't agree.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Really? Have I missed any significant facts in forming my hypothesis?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

It wasn't the losses. It was that he chose to risk love at all. He never had until he met MacGyvers. Had he remained as he was when they first arrived? Had he not allowed himself to become vulnerable to. To the most human of weaknesses? Had he stayed true to himself and his nature, I believe he would have fared much better.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

As best I can tell, he did remain absolutely true to his nature. With one exception.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Delmonda.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

In that one moment when he asked Delmonda to take his place so that he could continue to lead his people, he was a better man. And had that moment not been for followed immediately by tragedy, it is interesting to wonder what he might have become.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

We're not supposed to play these games. What ifs. What if he had never met and loved MacGyvers at all?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Then you wouldn't be here.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

How long did it take you to figure that one out?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

That you are in fact Kali Noonien Singh, daughter of Khan and Marla McGlorin. A fraction of a second. Once I knew that no wreckage from the Venture remained on the planet.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

But how could you know that?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I ran a Level 9 scan of the surface of Ceti Alpha 5. No debris from the Venture was detected. Even if it had exploded in the upper atmosphere, traces would have remained. There were none.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

There wouldn't have been. A fuel pod was damaged, hit by lightning during the ascent, but Del Monda ejected it to protect the rest of the ship. It would have been completely incinerated. The comm system was also damaged in the storm. It was repaired after we engaged the compression drive. We tried to make contact then, but never got a response. We assumed that few, if any, made it out of the caverns alive.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Kahn had long since destroyed the radio by that time.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Why couldn't he have waited a few moments more minutes? If he'd only. I mean, so much pain and suffering to come were entirely unnecessary. He just never, ever learned. Not bad, Tuvok.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

May I ask what happened to Delmonda, Mado and Camorra?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

It took us six months to find and contact a civilian freighter. A cargo ship that took us to the nearest Federation world, where we Were able to request asylum. Del Monda and Kimora were already so weak when we left. I think the loss of the entire panda. No, I don't think. I know, because I felt it, too. Was more than they could bear. I mean, they practically withered away before our eyes. They were dead before we reached Paxar Are.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

So it was Madot who raised you?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

She took my mother's tapes from me as soon as we docked. Said she destroyed them because if they were ever found, our true identity would be discovered. She never wanted me to look back. She let me choose my new name and then insisted that I forget everything about the first five years of my life. By the time I entered university, I'd almost succeeded. She died my sophomore year and left me the logs and her will.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Despite the pain that must have caused you, I believe it was the wisest course of action.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

So the truth is alarmingly simple. The man who raised me and the man history will remember as the man mad tyrant Khan Noonan Singh. We're the same person, after all. That's the part I could never reconcile, even if I'd wanted to hate him for letting me go. I understood, as I got older what he tried to give me. But I always assumed that if he were to be found, to be rescued, he would have come for me. I would have been his own only priority. He would never have wasted a moment avenging himself on Captain Kirk.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

And now you know that he believed you were long dead by then, so.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Vengeance was all that was left to him.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I take some comfort in knowing that he was capable of love, and that your mother's life and yours enriched his, if only for too brief a time. Somehow it makes him more real to me. Or, at the very least, more approachable.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I'm not sure that it should.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

We must return to the ship now. Captain Sulu considers our mission here complete.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I can't go back.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Why not?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Because I am Kali Noonian Singh. Now that you know, so will your captain and the rest of the Federation. There's no life for me out there anymore. I don't know how long I'll last here, but I do want to thank you for what you did.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

To reveal your augment heritage would necessarily lead to diminution of your rights and status as a citizen. While I understand the Federation's position on future genetic augmentation, I do not believe it would be moral or ethical for anyone to hold you accountable for something that was done to your father. Something over which you have absolutely no control.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hmm.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

And here I thought I was trying to turn you into a historian. Instead, I've created a full blown activist. What a way to miss the forest. But hit the tree.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I will not reveal your secret. From this point forward, I will work within the bounds of my position to continue to advocate for fair and humane treatment of Augment descendants.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

That's very kind of you, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

As a Starfleet officer, I can do no less.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Don't push it, Tuvok. You're never going to change my mind about Starfleet.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Are you ready?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

Then that's it. Be brave. Trust you?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Is there really an alternative?

[Kali Noonien Singh]

No.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

2 Bach to Excelsior. Two to beam up. Energize when ready.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

And all who heard should see them there and all should cry Beware, Beware.

[Khan]

His flashing eyes, his floating hair Weave.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

A circle round him thrice and close your eyes with holy dread for he.

[Khan]

On Honeydew hath fed and drunk the milk of paradise.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Khan]

This November action is free on Pluto tv.

[Podcast Host]

Go on the run with Jack Reacher.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Every suspect was a train killer.

[Podcast Host]

Then buckle up for drive.

[Khan]

World War Z.

[Paulo]

Every human being we save is one.

[Khan]

Less fight and Charlie's Angels.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Damn, I hate to fly.

[Khan]

Launch into Sci Fi Adventure with the.

[Podcast Host]

Fifth Element and laugh through the mayhem in Tropic Thunder.

[Khan]

What is going on here? All the thrills, all for free.

[Podcast Host]

Pluto TV Stream now pay Never. Now streaming on Paramount.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Plus Brandon was the full package. I felt like I met my guy.

[Khan]

Just stop, stop, stop, stop talking.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

God.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But he's not even close to the person that I thought he was. When you do break up with Brandon, that is when the stalking begins.

[Ivan]

I just knew something horrific was about to happen.

[Kali Noonien Singh]

I saw the devil in his eyes.

[Kali (child) / Kali's voice]

We're gonna tell everyone what he did.

[Podcast Host]

Don't date Brandon. Now streaming on Paramount. Star Trek Khan is based on a story by Nicholas Meyer, written by Kirsten Beyer and David Mack, Produced by I Podcast Productions, Inc. Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment Production by Realm Directed by Fred Greenhalgh executive producers for Secret Hideout Alex Kurtzman and Aaron Byers executive producer Kirsten Byer executive producers for Roddenberry Entertainment Eugene Roddenberry and Trevor Roth executive producers for Realm Molly Barton, Carly Milliore and Fred Greenhalgh co executive producer Robin Johnson co producer Greer Mathiat this podcast is based upon Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry, starring Naveen Andrews as Khan, ren Schmid as Lt. Marla MacGyvers, Sonya Cassidy as Dr. Rosalind Lear, Tim Russ as Ensign Tuvok and George Takei as Captain Sulu. Also Oli Haskovy, Maury Sterling Mercy, Malik Zuri Washington with additional voices by Fajir Al, Casey Hayden Bishop, Paul Castro Jr Chad Chennai, Ethan Dubin, Aaron Fors, Juan Francisco Villa, Juliet Golia, Aaron Hendry, Cynthia Hood, Tina Ivlev, Adriel Yovianeres Riviera, Alina Khan, Jacqueline Jackson, Jeremy Maxwell, Christina Oates, Hamish Sturgeon, Regina Dauphin, Maxwell Whittington Cooper Casting by Meg Mormon, CSA and Sunday Bowling Kennedy, CSA looping group Casting by Barbara Harris Sound design and mixing by Daniel Brunel Additional sound design by Jonathan Roberts Original score by Marcus Thorne Bagala and Sam Bagala Production manager, Devin Shepherd Production coordinator, Chad Chaney Additional writing by Mac Rogers Dialogue editing by Gordon Bramley Original song you'll Be With Me written and performed by Lisa Carbet and Jean Pierre Duran. Recorded at Mark Grouse Studios, the Invisible Studios, Real Voice LA Adrenaline Studios in City Vox, New York. This podcast was recorded under a SAG AFRA agreement. Copyright 202025 CBS Studios, Inc. All rights reserved. This program is protected under the laws of the United States of America and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Star Trek and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios.