I Am Marla

Summary

Podcast Summary: Star Trek: Khan – Episode 7, “I Am Marla”

Release Date: October 20, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the emotional and political crucible facing Khan Noonien Singh and his followers on Ceti Alpha V, framed through the lens of Marla MacGyver’s final fate. As alliances with the alien Elboreans grow crucial for survival and hope of escape, questions of trust, leadership, sacrifice, and the shadow of history take center stage. The title, “I Am Marla,” foreshadows a heart-wrenching ending that reframes Khan’s story in love, loss, and the cost of control.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ethical and Emotional Legacy of Genetic Engineering

Tuvok, Dr. Rosalind Lear, and Khan (02:03–04:11)

• Discussion of Federation’s ban on genetic engineering and the social consequences for those with augmented DNA.
• Khan is personally haunted by Lt. Marla MacGyver's logs. The exchange suggests parallels between historic discrimination and the present struggles of Khan’s followers on Ceti Alpha V.
  • Key Quote:

    “Hundreds of people have found themselves discriminated [against] for even a small percentage of augmented DNA. Interestingly, many of them are Starfleet officers.”
    — Dr. Rosalind Lear [02:41]

• Tuvok’s insight on Vulcan honesty and human deceit, foregrounding the theme of truth vs. narrative in Khan’s story.

2. Fracture and Alliance Between Factions

Delmonda, Khan, Dr. Lear, Ivan (04:36–08:56)

• Khan reminisces about lost stability, and Delmonda contends with Ivan’s militant dissent.
• Growing tensions between the augments and the Elboreans, particularly over Ivan’s violence.
• The impossibility of returning to past ideals, the challenge of new alliances, and the search for coexistence.
  • Key Quote:

    “Our survival now rests on the edge of this knife. Please, my love. Please open your eyes.”
    — Khan [04:36]

• Ivan’s confrontation with Delmonda cements the split: Ivan represents the old order of conquest, Delmonda pressures for evolutionary compromise.

3. Symbolism, Hope, and Naming of the Future

Naming their Child (09:01–10:47)

• A reflective, deeply personal segment where Delmonda and Khan discuss naming their unborn child, Penelope/Kali.
• Delmonda’s spiritual and philosophical musings highlight the burden and hope attached to new generations.
  • Key Quote:

    “I'm not giving this name to our daughter as a burden to carry. I'm simply acknowledging what she already is...for the first time in my life, I glimpse the outlines of eternity.”
    — Delmonda [09:44]

4. Contact and Cooperation with the Elboreans

First Contact and Promises of Escape (13:15–15:10, 23:01–24:32)

• A diplomatic and cautiously optimistic first encounter between augment youth and Elborean telepaths; music serves as a bridge between cultures.
• Revelation of a potential escape: the Elboreans propose building a ship, with only four seats, to seek help for all stranded groups.
  • Key Quote:

    “We will gladly teach you all that we know so that those we send are well prepared for their mission.”
    — Dr. Rosalind Lear [25:34]

• The proposal forces shared responsibility, training, and eventual mingling between camps.

5. Ivan’s Downfall and the Price of Loyalty

Khan, Ivan, and Delmonda (20:08–22:38, 31:15–34:56)

• Ivan, consumed by old hatreds, tries and fails to manipulate and threaten his way to power.
• Khan spares Ivan, exiling him rather than executing him, asserting a new moral code:
  • Key Quote:

    “To discipline is to teach, not to punish...I forgive you, Ivan. I forgive you mercilessly...Tomorrow morning...you will go. And eventually you will die alone on a dying world. Goodbye, my brother.”
    — Khan [33:32]

• A chilling, bittersweet assertion of growth – and survival at any cost.

6. Tragedy and Sacrifice – The Fate of Marla

Medical Crisis and Last Goodbye (36:08–40:05)

• A parasitic larva infects Khan’s (presumed Marla’s) brain, leading to a harrowing dilemma: save her at the cost of their unborn child, or sacrifice her for the child’s survival.
• Marla chooses her unborn child’s life over her own. The emotional climax underscores the episode’s themes of love, loss, and legacy.
  • Key Quote:

    “This is my choice. I am Marla. I have spoken.”
    — Marla MacGyver [38:02]

• Delmonda’s grief and vow to build a new future for the child, Kali, who now symbolically carries all their hopes.

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Federation Prejudices:
  “Starfleet officers would be less predisposed to judge such individuals by an inheritance they could not control. You’d be surprised.”
  — Dr. Rosalind Lear [02:45]

• On Leadership and Change:
  “This alliance is our only hope for survival. There are no alternatives. But I will not abandon myself in the process. This compromise is nothing but a cloak. And I will wear it proudly until the moment it no longer serves my purpose.”
  — Khan [33:32]

• On Sacrifice:
  “I will always be with you. With both of you...This is my choice. I am Marla. I have spoken.”
  — Marla MacGyvers [38:02]

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Theme | | ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | 02:03–04:11 | Debate on genetic engineering and morality | | 04:36–08:56 | Fractures in Khan’s inner circle; Ivan detained | | 09:01–10:47 | Naming their unborn child and hopes for the future | | 13:15–15:10 | First open contact with Elboreans and cultural exchange | | 23:01–25:45 | The ship plan and shared training/alliance logistics | | 31:15–34:56 | Ivan and Khan’s confrontation, exile over execution | | 36:08–40:05 | Marla’s fatal infection, sacrifice for her unborn child |

---

Tone and Style

• Nuanced, literary, and philosophical – especially regarding questions of leadership, empathy, and the meaning of legacy.
• Tense and deeply personal in moments of loss and moral dilemma.
• Touches of dry humor and classic Star Trek references (“Why do you hate Coleridge? Why do you love him?” [11:33]).

---

Takeaways

• The episode is a powerful meditation on the impossible choices of leadership, the irreversible consequences of power, and the fragility of hope when survival is at stake.
• The tragedies and alliances formed on Ceti Alpha V are not just a prelude to Khan’s infamous wrath, but a richer, more humane story of love, forgiveness, and the ever-present shadow of history shaping every decision.

---

For fans and newcomers alike, “I Am Marla” offers poignant context to Khan’s later actions, enriching his legacy beyond villainy and into the realm of tragic heroism.

Transcript

[Khan]

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 Axle 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 Axle will create a full custom itinerary. You'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 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 helloaxle.com con for a free trial or 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.

[Delmonda]

Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start. Thumbtack knows homes, so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint, finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is. With Thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro. You just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the app download. Today.

[Paolo]

You'Re listening to Star trek con episode seven. I am Marla.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Your tea, Dr. Lear.

[Delmonda]

Thank you.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I'm sorry about earlier.

[Khan]

Ensign Tuvok.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I was spying on you. Your anger was not misplaced. When Delmonda brought the MacGyver's logs to you, did he tell you how he acquired them? He said that they were found in an unmarked vessel that was retrieved for salvage. I see. But why bring them to you?

[Khan]

My senior thesis was an examination of.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

The current Federation ban on genetic engineering. The exceptions, the lines we assure ourselves, are clearly defined.

[Khan]

But when it comes to augmentation, let's.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Just say that God is in the gray areas. And why were you drawn to that area of research? It's a sexy topic.

[Khan]

Academically speaking. Hundreds of people have found themselves discriminated.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Against for even a small percentage of augmented DNA. Interestingly, many of them are Starfleet officers. Starfleet officers would be less predisposed to judge such individuals by an inheritance they could not control. You'd be surprised. At any rate, ever Since I first.

[Khan]

Heard Lt. Marla MacGyver's logs, I have.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Been haunted by the sound of her voice. Did you ever hear from Delmonda again?

[Delmonda]

No.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Fascinating.

[Khan]

Tuvok.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

If you will excuse me, I must prepare my report for the Captain. What do you intend to tell him? That while some of the details you have related to me are clearly true, the vast majority of this story is very likely a lie. What? Vulcans find it incredibly difficult to lie. Many are actually incapable of it. Why? This renders us especially sensitive to the lies of others. I am not aware. Perhaps another sexy academic topic to one day explore. Tuvok, I do not be surprised if your anti tampering alerts continue to go off over the next few days. I will begin a complete review of all the recently discovered logs. The next time we speak, you and I will be operating from more similar knowledge bases. Perhaps then, you will reconsider telling me the truth.

[Khan]

No. No, no, no.

[Delmonda]

Stop it.

[Khan]

Control yourself.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Better.

[Khan]

I used to actually enjoy watching the sunrise over the Inland Sea. It was dependable, constant. Only now it isn't anymore. I guess it never was. I like to think that Ivan was once the man Khan still believes him to be. Or perhaps needs desperately for him to be. But that need cannot blind him to the man Ivan has become. Our survival now rests on the edge of this knife. Please, my love. Please open your eyes.

[Delmonda]

I want Ivan's weapons removed from his room, as well as any unnecessary personal effects. At once, my Lord. He will remain here under guard until we decide how to resolve this matter.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

My people will remain as well.

[Delmonda]

You don't trust me to secure my own prisoner? This is not an auspicious beginning for our new alliance.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I am asking to share this burden. So in the event of another incident, we may also share the responsibility.

[Delmonda]

Very well. But your people are to remain outside the walls of our camp at all times.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Your terms are acceptable. In order to continue our preparation for construction, we must be able to move freely along the perimeter and at the mesa. Is that acceptable?

[Delmonda]

I will advise my people to expect your presence and to avoid confrontation.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Thank you.

[Delmonda]

You may release him now from your telepathic control. Come back here, you little minx. Ivan. Wake up. You came for me. You freed me. Those monsters, they. You found a lone Elborean. You killed him. Alone, they are weak. They have no magic. Your actions have put me in a terrible position. No. You sent me to gather intelligence, and I did so. They are at our mercy. We can pick them off one by one, in small groups. Hunt them into Extinction. This world can be ours again. This world is dying, Ivan. The Elboreans are building a ship from the remains of their vessel. This ship will save us all. Without their help, we will die here. More lies. I have seen it with my own eyes now. This is our world. Their place is to submit or die. Ever since we came here, you. You are different. You permit dissent. You embrace human weakness. You have forgotten that we are superior. I have tried to mitigate the damage, but each day you are less and less the man I swore to follow to hell and back. You would have allowed Hugo to sow seeds of discontent daily for the sake of another strong. Back. Ivan. What did you do? What you could not. You will remain here under guard. Do not attempt to escape. Everything I have done, I did for you. For our people. And now you turn your back on me. You are the only thing standing between my people and salvation. I don't know what price our new allies will demand for this transgression, but it will be paid.

[Khan]

You didn't return last night. Have you slept at all?

[Delmonda]

Do you know where we are standing? From this spot, we took our first steps as man and wife.

[Khan]

Man, wife and child. She was already with us.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Little.

[Khan]

Penelope.

[Delmonda]

I know her name. Let this much be settled when there are so many other difficult choices before us.

[Khan]

It's a beautiful name, my love. But don't you think it's a lot of pressure to put on a child? I believe there are still some on Earth who worship that name.

[Delmonda]

As well they should. She is the goddess of time. Death, love, violence, and absolute empowerment.

[Khan]

I didn't think you believed in superstitions.

[Delmonda]

Belief is beside the point. All that matters is what is. Humans give God's names and faces as a means to grapple with the simple truth. All that is is eternal. Every grain of dust, every sunrise and sunset. All things, alive and not are forms eternity takes as it continues to evolve, always striving to become the purest expression of itself. I'm not giving this name to our daughter as a burden to carry. I'm simply acknowledging what she already is. This child growing inside of you already marks our days, has created us anew. And destroyed what we were before she existed. And she isn't even born yet. But when I imagine her little face for the first time in my life, I glimpse the outlines of eternity.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

She is.

[Delmonda]

Is Kali.

[Khan]

She is Kali. I saw the guards around Ivan's quarters.

[Delmonda]

I must decide his fate.

[Khan]

He chose his fate. Your task is to dispense justice, to show the Elboreans that they are as much your people as we are.

[Delmonda]

But they are not.

[Khan]

They are now.

[Delmonda]

They have to be, because we cannot escape this planet without their help.

[Khan]

They want this alliance to work. They will do whatever is necessary to save us all. You said you felt it, too, once. When Delmonda showed you Xanadu.

[Delmonda]

We're not calling it that.

[Khan]

Why do you hate Coleridge?

[Delmonda]

Why do you love him? What about Wordsworth? So much.

[Khan]

Piny Keats, then Beauty is truth. Truth is beauty. Not my experience. And stop trying to change the subject. Whatever it takes, you and Elmanda must lead us forward together.

[Delmonda]

You do not understand what you are asking of me.

[Khan]

I do. And I expect you to do it anyway.

[Delmonda]

Why should I?

[Khan]

Because I want Kali to see the stars someday. Apollo, where'd you get Ivan's music box?

[Paolo]

Hassan was emptying Ivan's quarters. Joachim.

[Khan]

Why would he do that?

[Paolo]

I don't know, Erica. But in a few hours, we're all marching back to the caves with the first of what will be hundreds of loads required to move the this camp underground. But right now is my time. And I plan to spend it staring up the sky. Because in a few months, it won't be there anymore.

[Khan]

Early morning dance party on the mesa.

[Delmonda]

I'm in.

[Paolo]

That's what I'm talking about.

[Delmonda]

Wait.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Why did you.

[Delmonda]

Hey.

[Khan]

I like that song. Quiet.

[Delmonda]

Both of you.

[Khan]

Get down.

[Delmonda]

What? Look.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

What are they doing up there? Are those Oporians?

[Delmonda]

I don't think they saw us.

[Khan]

They had to have heard us.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Let's just go back.

[Delmonda]

No. Apollo.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

They can kill you with their minds. Hey, where are you going?

[Paolo]

I want to meet the aliens.

[Delmonda]

Okay.

[Paolo]

Hey, you there. What are you doing? I. I'm Paolo. Who are you and why are you on our mesa? And is that a telescope?

[Khan]

I am Camora. This is Oretta. We use it to monitor celestial movement.

[Delmonda]

Whoa.

[Paolo]

You just shoved all those words right into my head. That's wild.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Did not wish to intrude. We mean you no harm.

[Khan]

We will depart peacefully. Please do not hurt us. Wait. You don't have to go.

[Paolo]

You can hear them, too.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

We can all hear them, Paulo. Exclusion would be rude.

[Paolo]

We're not gonna hurt you. I used to come up here all the time to look at the stars. Of course, they're harder to see.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Now we chart the movement of the debris.

[Paolo]

I've been tracking the largest pieces of Seti Alpha 6 that are headed our way.

[Khan]

Our calculations are meant to determine potential launch vectors.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

But your ship was destroyed. We do this for your ship, not ours.

[Paolo]

We don't have a ship.

[Khan]

Soon you will.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Wait.

[Delmonda]

What?

[Khan]

May we hear it again? The pleasing sounds that come from that black box.

[Delmonda]

Wait. The music.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Voice and instrument together.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Unusual and beautiful.

[Khan]

Don't you sing where you come from?

[Paolo]

They're telepaths. They probably don't have vocal cords.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Erica, you like music?

[Khan]

We have never heard these sounds.

[Paolo]

I'll make you a deal. You tell me everything about this ship and you can have all the music you want.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This podcast is sponsored by MIDI Health. Are you in midlife? Feeling dismissed, unheard, or just plain tired of the old healthcare system? You're not alone. For too long, women's serious midlife health issues have been trivialized, ignored and met with a just deal with it attitude. Today, 75% of women seeking care for menopause and perimenopause issues are left entirely untreated. It's time for a change. It's time for miti. MITI is a women's telehealth clinic founded and supported by world class leaders. MIDI is the only women's telehealth brand covered by major insurance companies. Making high quality expert care accessible and affordable, MIDI offers a full range of personalized solutions, from hormonal therapies and weight loss protocols to lifestyle coaching and preventative health guidance. At MIDI, you will join patients who feel seen and heard. MITI's mission is to help all women thrive in midlife, giving them access to the healthcare they deserve. Because MIDI believes midlife isn't the middle at all, it is the beginning of your second act. Ready to write your second act script? Visit join midi.com today. That's joinmitty.com the Care Women Deserve did you know that parents rank financial literacy as the one most difficult life skill to teach? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families. With Greenlight, you can send money to kids quickly, set up chores, automate allowance and keep an eye on your kids spending with real time notifications. Kids learn to earn, save and spend wisely. And parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money with guardrails and plays. Try Greenlight Risk free [e-mail] Odyssey.

[Khan]

Madeo are you ready to try and eat something? Just some fish broth. No. It's the only way to get your strength back.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Ursula, why won't you look at me? You blame me for losing our son.

[Khan]

Mado, the wall collapsed because I hit.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

It with a sledgehammer.

[Khan]

We should never have been down there. Khan should never have trusted that these aliens were trying to help us.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Khan did not make Ceti Alpha 6 explode. No.

[Khan]

But he's the reason we're here at all. He didn't have to try to take the Enterprise. It was a real reflex. He's led us into hell and we keep acting like. This time it'll be different. I don't blame you. But I'm pretty sure I blame him.

[Delmonda]

Stop this.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

We remain Khan's loyal servants or we die.

[Khan]

I think we remain Khan's loyal servants and we die.

[Delmonda]

Are you certain you're up to this?

[Khan]

My job's easy. I lead the way to the caverns and everyone else carries the loads and unpacks.

[Delmonda]

When we get there, I should be the one to go.

[Khan]

No, you should stay and settle the Ivan issue with Delmonda. And once it's done, we can really start to move Forward together. Over 400 pairs of hands make light work. Especially when most of the them don't even have to use their hands.

[Delmonda]

I will see you when you return. Be safe, you and Carly.

[Khan]

I swear, she kicks every time you.

[Delmonda]

Say her name, so she takes after her mother.

[Khan]

Don't wait up for me tonight.

[Delmonda]

Why not?

[Khan]

I'm dying to try that hot spring.

[Delmonda]

But you can't swim.

[Khan]

I'll hold on to the side and float.

[Delmonda]

Have someone stand watch outside.

[Khan]

If it will set your mind at ease.

[Paolo]

My lord. The Arborians are building us a ship.

[Khan]

It's going to carry us away from here.

[Delmonda]

Where did you hear this?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Well, we found a few of the elves up on the mesa. They told us. Is it true?

[Khan]

Don't be upset.

[Delmonda]

They told our younglings this without my permission? Aren't the three of you supposed to be carrying supplies to the caves right now? Yes, my lord.

[Khan]

Of course.

[Paolo]

May I stay with Kimora? He knows everything about space travel. Did you know that the engine that powers their ship actually bends space? Can you imagine such a thing?

[Delmonda]

In fact, I can. But there's no way I can let Khan. You may stay. Just this once.

[Paolo]

Thank you, Lord Khan. Thank you.

[Khan]

Look at him. He just had his first conversation with an alien and can't wait for more. No fear, no suspicion. That's the way it's supposed to work. That's our future, Khan. And it's filled with hope.

[Delmonda]

Hurry back to me, my love.

[Khan]

I will. Come on, everybody. We're burning daylight.

[Delmonda]

Grab that line.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Doctor, no one is allowed to see the prisoner.

[Khan]

It's all right. Khan asked me to check on him. Is it true? Hassan said you killed one of the elves? So this is your plan? There's not enough Vodka on this planet to keep you sedated for the rest of your life.

[Delmonda]

Sit. Sit. Huh? Drink. Nozdrovia.

[Khan]

What the hell?

[Delmonda]

Better.

[Khan]

What are you gonna do? Khan has to offer Delmondo some kind of restitution. He might have to kill you.

[Delmonda]

Well, you worried too much. Do you remember this?

[Khan]

The Barolo one? That was cashmere. That warlord we had to pry out of his hole.

[Delmonda]

Khan told me to keep the last bottle for the moment our victory was complete. Victory has been postponed until now.

[Khan]

What does victory look like?

[Delmonda]

Khan will return to hand down my sentence. I will apologize. I will swear to never again think, let alone act, without asking permission from my lord and master or whatever. Elbe he's groveling before. Now we will celebrate our newfound peace with his donkey piss spiked with cyanide. And when he is dead, I will assume my rightful place as absolute ruler of our peace. People killed every Elborean who is expendable and forced the rest to serve us. Paradise.

[Khan]

No, Ivan.

[Delmonda]

You and I have been of the same mind since the moment the Elbs arrived. You know as well as I do that there will be no empire. There will be no future generations of Augments. We are now a dying breed. And the only question left is whether or not we will go quietly.

[Khan]

I don't know if I hope you succeed or fail. But I will leave you with one thought. If you strike at a king, you'd best not miss.

[Delmonda]

I never missed. Welcome. Please, sit.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Thank you, Khan. I understand some of our young ones met unexpectedly.

[Delmonda]

I imagine that by now all of my people know of your proposal to build a ship and save us all.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Is that a bad thing?

[Delmonda]

I underestimated you, didn't I? You intentionally made sure my people learned of your grand plans. Of your amazing shit to force my hand to ensure our alliance. Whether I would or no. How can I possibly tell them now that we'll spend the rest of our lives slowly starving beneath the surface of a dying world?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Always you assume the worst. I do not believe that our goals, our hopes and dreams for our respective people are different. Our methods may be, but there is always room for compromise.

[Delmonda]

I cannot share power with you.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Are you so certain that together we cannot reach terms for our coexistence?

[Delmonda]

My people have surveyed the caves. The sunless sea is barren. The water is essential, but there is no sea life to sustain us.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I am aware the Pandem has already begun harvesting and preserving all that we can. And we have developed hydroponic gardening techniques.

[Delmonda]

So you can feed us all?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

No. I can feed Half of my people, as well as yours for the time it will take to construct the ship and a few months beyond.

[Delmonda]

And what of the other half?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

There is another set of caves a thousand kilometers to the south of your camp. Half of my people will make the journey and hopefully survive there until all can be rescued.

[Delmonda]

Even I would never send an army out under those conditions.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

It is necessary for the good of all. Enough have volunteered and the Pandem will honor their courageous choice.

[Delmonda]

And this ship? Where will it be built?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

The only space large enough to safely accommodate construction is the cavern which contains what you call the Sunless Sea. Initially, the shoreline will suffice. But eventually, as the water levels naturally diminish, the dried out seabed will serve as the ship's launch site.

[Delmonda]

How do you launch a spacecraft from within a cavern?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

The sea itself has already carved a cavern wide enough to allow the ship's ease. The far end, roughly 40 km from the current shoreline, will be cleared by explosives prior to launch. I assure you, my engineers are confident of success.

[Delmonda]

And how many will the ship hold?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Given how little of our vessel we have been able to salvage and the size of the necessary power systems. The ship we are building will carry only four souls.

[Delmonda]

Just four.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

For their mission must be to find other space faring people and return with help to rescue those that remain behind.

[Delmonda]

And while we are building this ship.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

We will supervise construction. You and your people must be trained in every aspect of its structure and operation. We will gladly teach you all that we know so that those we send are well prepared for their mission.

[Delmonda]

And we will live separately.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

We will work together, side by side. We will become accustomed to one another. We will learn to tolerate our differences and celebrate that which we share in common.

[Delmonda]

Once our people begin to mingle, it will be pointless to try and keep them apart.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Disputes will naturally arise. Disagreements. Whatever system of laws we propose must apply equally to all.

[Delmonda]

And which of us will enforce those laws?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

You and I would have to reach consensus.

[Delmonda]

You actually believe that's possible?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Let us find out. What would you do with Ivan?

[Delmonda]

The oldest of our laws demands blood for blood. A life for a life.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Whereas our laws recognize that when one has separated himself from the community by violent actions, the support of the community is necessary for reintegration. Given time and the work of our healers, Ivan could be taught to process the pain of his past. To separate his identity as an individual from the identity you imposed upon him when you ordered him to slaughter thousands during your wars.

[Delmonda]

We were bred to fight those wars.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

And that was the True moral injury. But as I said, in time, rehabilitation is possible. To discipline is to teach, not to punish. Do you find these terms acceptable?

[Delmonda]

They are far more generous than any I would have offered.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Then we have reached consensus?

[Delmonda]

I believe we have.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

You see? That wasn't so difficult, was it?

[Khan]

What do you think, Joachim? Have you ever seen a hot spring before?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Why does it smell like that?

[Khan]

Sulfur. It's all right. It feels better than it smells.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I'll just be outside, my lady, if you require anything.

[Khan]

I won't. But thank you. Joachim.

[Delmonda]

Oh.

[Khan]

Heaven. Now this is living. Joachim, would you do me a favor and tell Khan that I live here now? I am never leaving this place. But, my lady. I'm kidding.

[Delmonda]

Oh.

[Khan]

What do you think, Kali? I think you're going to love it here. Ow. Did something bite me?

[Delmonda]

Get off. Joke.

[Khan]

There are eels down there. Get them off.

[Delmonda]

No, no, no, no, no, no. Get it off.

[Khan]

Okay.

[Paolo]

Let me help you.

[Delmonda]

I'm not. I'm not.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I want to love my home. I want nice furniture. I want a mattress that makes me excited to go to sleep. I want a sofa that's perfect for lazy day movie marathons and looks like a million bucks without spending a million bucks, you know what I mean? That's why I shop at Bob's Discount Furniture. Bob's has top quality pieces like beautiful leather sofas and real marble dining sets for a fraction of what you pay at the other stores. Seriously, we're talking about saving hundreds of dollars on the latest styles delivered right to your door. And the best part, you save even more when you bundle. And save like you can bundle a sofa and loveseat or a four piece bedroom set or a mattress and power base and save even more money. It's kind of a no brainer. If you want to love your home, love your furniture and save major money, shop at Bob's.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Hey, Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now I don't know if you've heard, but Mint's Premium Wireless is $15 a month. But I'd like to offer one other perk. We have no stores. That means no small talk.

[Paolo]

Crazy weather we're having. No, it's not.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

It's just weather. It is an introvert's dream. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Khan]

Of $45 for three month plan. $15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer first three months only. Then full price plan, options available, taxes and fees extra.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

See mintmobile.com why do I shop at Bob's Discount Furniture? I love saving money. Seriously. Bob's has top quality pieces like beautiful leather sofas and real mar marble dining sets for a fraction of what you pay at the other stores. Oh, and the best part, you can bundle a sofa and loveseat or a four piece bedroom set, or a mattress and power base and save even more money. If you want to love your home, love your furniture and save major money, shop at Bob's.

[Delmonda]

Gentlemen.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Prisoner is still awake, Lord Khan.

[Delmonda]

Good. That is good. Lord Khan. Get up if you can. I wish to apologize, my lord. I don't know what got into me. Several bottles of your homemade vodka by the looks of it. Tell me, tell me how I may once again earn your trust. I beg you. Drink with me, old friend. Is that the Barola? I've saved it for over 200 years. The memories this brings back. They weren't all bad, were they? Do you have a corkscrew? Ah, the geese have spots. To remembering who we once were. And will be again. Delmonda and I have formed an alliance. We are going to work together, as are our people, to build a ship that will save us from this dying world. And all that is required of me is that I share authority over all of us with Delmonder. Ha ha ha. You. Oh, you had me there for a moment. To this you would never agree. I would have liked to have seen his ugly face when you told him to go to hell. But I didn't. I am learning the art of compromise, you see? You haven't come to kill me then? No. He and I agree that to discipline is to teach, not to punish. Aren't you still thirsty, Ivan? How does the Barolo taste after all these years? Why don't you tell me, my old friend? Do you think I don't know a poison cup when it's handed to me? Stay down, Ivan, and hear me. I owed you my life. My many times over Baghdad, the Rin Desert, the jungle of Seti Alpha 5. This is a debt I owe that must be paid. Do not show mercy to me. Give me the respect I owe. What do I owe? A traitor? What do I owe? The man I once called brother? The man I have carried through countless battles, who has repaid my devotion with lies and treachery. You abandoned me. Me? No, my friend, I trusted you far too long. I even tolerated your disrespect for my wife. She changed you. And now these filthy aliens are clouding your mind, filling it with lies. This alliance is our only hope for survival. There are no alternatives. But I will not abandon myself in the Process. This compromise is nothing but a cloak. And I will wear it proudly until the moment it no longer serves my purpose. I will tell Delmonda that you tried to kill me tonight, but that I looked into my heart and found forgiveness. This, he will see, is personal growth. I forgive you, Ivan. I forgive you mercilessly. Stay down. Tomorrow morning, 10 of my strongest will escort you from this camp. You will not be allowed to enter the sanctuary we are building below ground. Should you try, you will be killed on sight. You will go. And eventually you will die alone on a dying world. Goodbye, my brother. John.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

What? Joachim is beside himself. He thinks this is all his fault. I told him none of us could have known that there were eels down there.

[Khan]

Mado, are we sure this Tamaris is a doctor? I can't believe Khan is allowing El Borian to examine his wife. Why not? We're allies now, aren't we?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

You said yourself you could do nothing. That the larva is already wrapped around her cerebral cortex. Lor Khan. Tamaras has completed her examination.

[Delmonda]

You will save her.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

The parasite has compromised critical cerebral pathways.

[Khan]

It cannot be removed.

[Delmonda]

Then kill it. Kill it with your mind. Break it as you did our weapons.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

It is not possible.

[Delmonda]

You save her, or I will kill you both with my bare hands.

[Khan]

We can sustain. Sustain the child until she is ready to be born. She will survive.

[Delmonda]

That is unacceptable.

[Khan]

We can limit the parasite's growth by reducing your wife's brain activity.

[Delmonda]

No, no, no, no. There must be another way. I refuse to believe that you are powerless. You're withholding your gifts intentionally. But why? Why? To wound me? To put me in my proper place?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

This is not about you. This is how we best serve the Lady.

[Delmonda]

Marla.

[Khan]

God. Tell him. Make him understand. Severing the necessary pathways to isolate the.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Parasite would eliminate her body's ability to.

[Khan]

Continue to gestate your child.

[Delmonda]

I will not trade your life for hers. There can be other children, my love. No. No.

[Khan]

My love. Please. No. Save our little Kali.

[Delmonda]

You cannot ask this of me. You cannot expect me to do this alone. I forbid you to leave me.

[Khan]

I will always be with you. With both of you. I will be with you at first time you hold her in your arms when she takes her first steps, when you tell her our stories. I will be with you the first time she sees the stars up close. This is my choice. I am Marla. I have spoken.

[Delmonda]

No. My beloved. Please, no.

[Khan]

Karl, if this is the only way, we need to act now.

[Delmonda]

I can't.

[Khan]

You can. You must. I'm going to give her an injection. It will reduce her brain activity. She'll drift away peacefully, just like falling asleep.

[Delmonda]

But will she ever wake? No.

[Khan]

But life support will remain active until the baby can be delivered. Take her hand. Talk to her. Don't make her do this alone.

[Delmonda]

Father.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

My love.

[Delmonda]

There is nothing to fear. I am here. I did what you asked. Our alliance is secure. We will build a ship and escape this world. And I promise out there among the stars, I will find a paradise where Akali will live and love and thrive in peace. I swear to you this will be done.

[Khan]

Are you ready?

[Delmonda]

Yes. A damsel with a dulcimer In a vision I once saw it was an Abyssinian maid and on her dulcimer she played singing of Mount Could I revive within me her symphony and song to such deep delight would win me that with music loud and long I would build that dome in air Sat.

[Khan]

Building.

[Paolo]

A portfolio with Fidelity Basket Portfolios is kind of like making a sandwich. It's as simple as picking your stocks and ETFs, sort of like your meats and other topics, and managing it as one big juicy investment. Now that's pretty good. Learn [e-mail] baskets Investing involves risks, including risk of loss. Fidelity Brokerage Services, LLC Member nyse, SIPC.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

As the seasons change, it's the perfect time to learn something new. Whether you're getting back into a routine after summer or looking for a new challenge before the year ends, Rosetta Stone makes it easy to turn a few minutes a day into real language progress. Rosetta Stone is the trusted leader in language learning for over 30 years. Their immersive, intuitive method helps you naturally absorb and retain your new language on desktop or mobile, whenever and wherever it fits your schedule. With 30 years of experience, millions of users and 25 languages to choose from, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese and more, Rosetta Stone is the go to tool for real language growth. Don't wait. Unlock your language learning potential now. Listeners of this podcast can grab Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership for 50% off. That's unlimited access to 25 language courses for life. Visit RosettaStone.com RS10 to get started and claim your 50% off today. Don't miss out. Go to RosettaStone.com RS10 and start learning today.

[Paolo]

Star Trek Khan is based on a story by Nicholas Meyer, wrote written by Kirsten Byer 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 executive producers for Realm Molly Barton, Carly Miliori 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, Sonia Cassidy as Dr. Rosalind Lear, Tim Russ as Ensign Tuvok and George Takei as Captain Sulu. Also starring Olie Haskevy, Maurice Sterling, Mercy Malik, Surrey, WA with additional voices by Fajr Alcasey, Hayden Bishop, Paul Castro Jr Chad Chennai, Ethan Dubin, Aaron Fors, Juan Francisco Villa, Juliet Golia, Erin Hendry, Cynthia Hood, Tina Ivlev, Adriel Yoflo Pianares Riviera Alina Gahn, Jacqueline Jackson, Jeremy Maxwell, Christina Oates, Jamish Sturgeon, Regina Toffen, Maxwell Whittington Cooper Casting by Meg Moorman, 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 Thorn Bagala and Sam Bagala Production manager, Devin Shepherd Production coordinator, Chad Chanay 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 and City Vox, New York. This podcast was recorded recorded under a SAG AFRA agreement. Copyright 2025 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, Inc.

[Delmonda]

Sam.