Magical Thinking

Summary

Star Trek: Khan – Episode 4 "Magical Thinking" (Sep 29, 2025)

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Episode Overview

"Magical Thinking" explores the evolving community led by Khan Noonien Singh on Ceti Alpha V, focusing on grief, leadership, and the threats that bind—or break—the survivors. As Khan struggles to shield his people from the deadly Ceti eels and the psychological toll of loss, Marla MacGyvers pushes him to acknowledge the human need for ritual and shared mourning. The episode also unearths discoveries about the colony’s parasitic adversaries and moves Khan and Marla’s relationship—and their people's fate—toward a transformative new phase.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

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Khan's Burden of Leadership and Secrecy

[01:26–03:48]

• Khan conceals the disturbing deaths of Richter and Sylvana, worried about the psychological fallout on his people.
• Ivan volunteers to handle the grim task of burial and proves his unwavering loyalty.
  • Khan: “It’s an odd feeling—compelling those I lead to lie on my behalf.” [02:56]
  • Ivan assures him they do not judge—they follow.
• Khan’s leadership involves internal conflict between necessary deception and moral unease.

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The Ceti Eel Threat: Science, Fear, and Defense

[04:08–06:08]

• Dr. Rosalind Lear, Mado, and Marla collaborate to dissect and study Ceti eels; autopsies reveal the gruesome nature of larval infection, which drives hosts to madness and death.
• Marla’s Starfleet training aids in eel specimen collection.

[07:00–09:21]

• Field work: Marla and Ursula (Lear) hunt for eels; Marla uses a concealed phaser for protection, pleading for secrecy.
  • Marla: “Please. No one can know I have this, Ursula. Not even Khan.” [09:05]
  • Dr. Lear: “Your secret is safe with me, Marla.” [09:17]
• Lear admits dark truths: Richter, driven mad by the eel’s toxins, killed Sylvana. Khan killed Richter.

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Facing the Enemy: Defensive Innovation and Colony Solidarity

[11:00–12:26]

• The colony rallies to protect themselves:
  • Mado suggests using diatomaceous earth as a physical barrier against the eels.
  • Marla proposes synthesizing it from local marine shells.
  • Khan: “Until our new defenses are ready, I want patrols inside the colony and along the perimeter around the clock. Kill these things on sight. Understood?” [12:40]

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Ritual, Grief, and Community

[13:10–15:47]

• Marla urges Khan to introduce ceremonies for communal grief, underscoring the need for collective acknowledgment of loss.
• Marla: “The end for those who have passed...for those that remain, it is the beginning of a long road toward acceptance.” [14:23]
• Khan: “We go on. We don’t look back. The young ones will learn by the example we set.” [14:50]
• An emotional campfire scene follows where Khan, at Marla's urging, openly mourns their dead—marking a major change in leadership style.
  • Khan: “When the history of our empire is written, it will be noted that it rose from the blood of great men and women...whose names will never be forgotten.” [18:40]

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Meta-Investigation: Tuvok’s Research

[21:02–23:52]

• Ensign Tuvok accesses archival logs, probing Kirk’s motives in exiling Khan—did Starfleet knowingly maroon the Augments on a doomed planet?
• Raises questions about official and personal recordkeeping in Starfleet’s history.
  • Tuvok: “Was there something in [Kirk’s personal logs] he would have preferred others not know? Something indelicate or something more sinister?” [22:18]

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Marla’s Reflections, Community Integration, and New Life

[24:01–24:54]

• Marla notes how Khan’s people are ruled not by fear, but by love and high expectations.
  • Marla: “If they fear anything at all, it is failing to live up to his expectations of them.” [24:14]
• She describes her deepening bond with Khan and her evolving acceptance of her identity within the community.

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Scientific Breakthrough: The Queen Ceti Eel

[27:16–29:44]

• Dr. Lear and Marla discover a male Ceti eel, suggesting insect-like colony structure with a queen.
  • Dr. Lear: “This changes everything. The colony structure, the nesting habits...” [27:53]
  • Khan: “So you believe there is a single creature who is responsible for giving birth to all of the eels in this area.” [28:24]
• The new plan: find and destroy the queen to collapse the entire colony.

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Hunt for the Queen and Looming Change

[29:04–32:53]

• Marla tries to stop Khan from risking his life, revealing she is pregnant with his child.
  • Marla: “But think of what you’re risking. We can’t lose you. Not now.” [29:39]
  • Marla: “Khan. I’m pregnant.” [29:46]
• Khan commits to hunt the queen for his people and their future child.

The Hunt:

• The team locates the nest, unleashes firepower, and battles the monstrous queen eel. The victory is hard-won, cementing Khan’s protective role.

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Truths and Trust: Marla, Khan, and Starfleet Values

[33:25–34:26]

• Khan discovers Marla’s concealed weapon, leading to a discussion about secrecy and ethics from differing cultural perspectives.
  • Khan: “You have a habit of keeping things from me.” [33:34]
  • Marla: “We don’t share advanced technology with those who have yet to develop it themselves.” [33:37]
• They debate whose values should shape their unborn child.

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Embracing Ritual—The Wedding

[34:41–36:20]

• Khan surprises Marla by proposing a formal ceremony, embracing the need for ritual he once rejected.
  • Khan: “I might have been wrong about that.” (on the value of ritual) [34:54]
  • The couple weds before the community, blending cultures and signaling a new, more open phase for Khan both as a leader and partner.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Khan: “It’s an odd feeling—compelling those I lead to lie on my behalf...” [02:56]
• Dr. Lear: “The larva entered through the ear and traveled to the base of the brain. It fed on the host as it developed, releasing a constant low level toxin that rendered the subject incredibly susceptible to hallucinations and suggestion.” [05:18]
• Marla: “Please. No one can know I have this, Ursula. Not even Khan.” [09:05]
• Khan: “Until our new defenses are ready, I want patrols inside the colony and along the perimeter around the clock. Kill these things on sight. Understood?” [12:40]
• Marla: “It is the end for those who have passed. For those that remain, it is the beginning of a long road toward acceptance.” [14:23]
• Khan: “This is how we survive. We go on. We don’t look back.” [14:50]
• Khan: “The kind of magical thinking that gives rise to the belief systems you suggest are born of fear and doubt. I will not nurture those things here.” [15:25]
• Marla: “I’m not asking you to [nurture superstitions]. I’m asking that you recognize the suffering of your people and lead them through it.” [15:47]
• Khan: “When the history of our empire is written, it will be noted that it rose from the blood of great men and women...whose names will never be forgotten.” [18:40]
• Khan: “But mostly for our child. Do you understand?” [30:19]
• Khan: “I believe it is customary to kneel at such moments.” [35:05]

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment/Event | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 01:26–03:48 | Khan and Ivan discuss secrecy and leadership | | 04:08–06:08 | Scientists analyze eels; outbreak details | | 07:00–09:21 | Night eel hunt; Marla’s secret phaser | | 13:10–15:47 | Marla and Khan debate rituals, grief, leadership | | 16:24–18:53 | Khan leads public mourning around the fire | | 21:02–23:52 | Tuvok’s research into Kirk’s history | | 24:01–24:54 | Marla’s Historian’s Log: integration and reflection| | 27:16–29:44 | Discovery of male eel and queen theory | | 29:04–32:53 | Queen eel hunt; Marla’s pregnancy reveal | | 34:41–36:20 | Khan and Marla’s wedding ceremony |

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode balances somber introspection, scientific intrigue, and evolving relationships with a raw, earnest tone. Dialogue is often intimate and philosophical, especially between Marla and Khan, blending Star Trek’s classic moral querying with the drama of survival.

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Final Thoughts

"Magical Thinking" is a pivotal chapter—probing the balance between reason and ritual, secrecy and trust, and survival and humanity. It showcases Khan’s transformation as a leader and partner, underlined by Marla’s persistent influence. The episode’s emotional depth, scientific discovery, and exploration of Starfleet and augmentation legacies enrich both character and lore, marking a bridge from isolation and threat toward unity, ritual, and hope.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Khan Noonien Singh]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Khan Noonien Singh]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, give it a try.

[Marla MacGyvers]

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[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Gaming on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Unfolding the screen made it twice as big and so immersive I kind of lost myself.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Might have trolled a little too close to the sun.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Someone in the chat told me to touch grass. So I took my Z Fold seven outside and kept playing. Still one got a tan and a nice little reset. Powerful processor, realistic graphics. You stay locked in, Streak stays alive. Can your phone do that?

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

The new Galaxy Z Fold 7.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Get [e-mail] foreign.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

You'Re listening to Star Trek Con Episode 4 Magical Thinking.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I have never lied to my people. But I cannot let them see the bodies of Richter and Silvana. The horror of it will implant itself in their minds and grow like the parasite that drove him to murder Silvana in madness. I told him to fight it. I fear he misunderstood. In the end, I alone must carry this truth. For should it become known. Who's there?

[Ivan]

My lord, I beg you to honor me with this task.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Ivan.

[Ivan]

You don't even trust me to dig two graves?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You've heard then?

[Ivan]

Mado asked me to remove Sylvana's remains from the med lab. Ursula has begun to.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I know what she has begun. I ready the others aware.

[Ivan]

They know Richter was severely injured. They will not question his death. And none will hear the truth from my lips.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

And Sivana?

[Ivan]

She too might have been infected.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

What is the saying? Three may keep a secret as long as two of them are dead.

[Ivan]

You need not command me to do what I already know is right. We are your sworn people.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

It's an odd feeling compelling those I lead to lie on my behalf. I know that what I did was right. Was necessary. It had to be done. Why then should I fear the judgment of others?

[Ivan]

It is not our place to judge you. Only to follow where you lead us.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

My lord, I have walked by your.

[Ivan]

Side, into hell and back. I have been your most loyal soldier.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

My brother. What have I done? What you always do.

[Ivan]

Guided us, inspired us. Protected us.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

We will require another shuffle.

[Ivan]

For once, I thought ahead.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Caucasian male, age 16. Cause of death? Severed spinal cord due to acute Fracture of vertebrae C2 through C4. Multiple antemortem injuries. Fractures to left tibia, left ulna and right femur.

[Mado]

Here we are.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Thank you, Mado. Hello, MacGyvers.

[Marla MacGyvers]

You wished to see me?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I apologize for disturbing your beauty sleep.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Ursula, you can ask for my help in the middle of the night, or you can insult me, but you can't do both.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

A two, my love.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Sorry.

[Mado]

Show her what you drew.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Obviously, these are from memory, but this is what I saw. The larva were little more than dark, splotchy worms. They came out of the joints of the exoskeleton.

[Mado]

A type of arthropod, then.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

These are excellent, actually. And confirm my suspicion. I found this wrapped around cerebral cortex. Length 9 cm, partially scaled with two large pincers.

[Mado]

Dear gods.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

The larva entered through the ear and traveled to the base of the brain. It fed on the host as it developed, releasing a constant low level toxin that rendered the subject incredibly susceptible to hallucinations and suggestion.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Did Richter survive the extraction?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I found this on autopsy. Given its size, it's a miracle he lasted as long as he did. They grow quickly.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Does Sylvana know?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

That's all I need from you for now. Thank you, MacGyvers.

[Mado]

She's Khan's woman, Asala.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

And he can tell her if he chooses to.

[Marla MacGyvers]

I don't understand what you're afraid of. Ursula, I would never do anything to undermine Khan or any of his people.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Your loyalty is a matter of necessity. And isn't even two months old.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Fine. You need me to prove it. Consider it done.

[Mado]

Wait. Where are you going?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Our people are threatened. We need to protect ourselves. To do that, you need to examine and dissect several specimens of these Ceti eels, correct?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I believe so.

[Marla MacGyvers]

My specialty is history, but I was given the same training as every other Starfleet officer. It's about to come in handy.

[Mado]

We can't just let her.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

No.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I can't just let her. You, my love, will remain here where you and the baby will be safe.

[Marla MacGyvers]

That's it?

[Mado]

Next time. You're carrying the baby.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

MacGyvers, if you're determined to do this crazy thing, why don't we wait until morning?

[Marla MacGyvers]

The only time we encountered them above ground was in the evening. They're nocturnal. This is the best time to find them.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

So we're just gonna wander around in the dark and hope we don't get attacked?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

No.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Gods, that's a bright light.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Starfleet issue. Nothing but the finest. And I'm not wandering. I'm hunting. If I can calibrate this scanner properly, I should be able to detect them even underground. I don't need your help, really. I just wish the range of this device was a little longer. It's meant for up close analysis.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Huh?

[Marla MacGyvers]

What?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Come with me. Paolo, get up.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Wait, what.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

What's happening?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Did it explode?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Nothing exploded. But we need your Dino scanner.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Why?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Ursula, this thing is picking up about a million life signs. What the hell did Paolo do to it?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Expanded its range.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Impressive. I just need to narrow the search parameters.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

What am I looking at?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Those are SETI eel signatures.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

There are dozens of them.

[Marla MacGyvers]

I know. But most are at a depth of 3 meters or more. There. That one. See? It's moving up toward the surface.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Don't move, MacGyvers.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Wait, what is. Come on, you little monster. That's right. Just a little more.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

What the hell is that?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Oh, this? It's nothing.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Is that why you didn't want me to come along?

[Marla MacGyvers]

It's a phaser. A weapon of self defense. I set it to stun. So the creature's still alive.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I assume it also has a setting to kill.

[Marla MacGyvers]

It does, but. Please. No one can know I have this, Ursula. Not even Khan.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

You don't trust us either, do you?

[Marla MacGyvers]

I wish I could.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Your secret is safe with me, Marla.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Thank you.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Silvana came to visit Richter after we had him stabilized. Medo and I left them alone for just a moment. Richter went insane and killed her. And then Kahn killed Richter.

[Marla MacGyvers]

I see. Thank you for telling me, doctor. You're welcome.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

For a limited time at McDonald's, get a Big Mac Extra Value meal for $8. That means two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun, and medium fries. And a drink. We may need to change that jingle.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Prices and participation may vary.

[Marla MacGyvers]

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[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

As you can see, multiple larva under its scales. Just like the other specimens.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Each one a death sentence for even the strongest of us.

[Ivan]

But they are so small.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Not for long. Once they latch onto a host's cerebral cortex and begin to feed. They grow fast, turning people into mindless.

[Mado]

Puppets as they do so.

[Ivan]

These things are everywhere in the jungle. They surround us.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

We need a way to defend ourselves from them. Then we need a way to exterminate them.

[Mado]

These creatures have exoskeletons like insects or other arthropods. We can keep them out of our living pods and other spaces by creating internal barrier layers out of diatomaceous earth.

[Ivan]

Dia what?

[Mado]

A natural form of silica. On Earth, it consisted of microscopic fossils of ancient single celled algae known as diatoms.

[Ivan]

How can that help?

[Mado]

It's like billions of microscopic shards of glass. It'll shred the creature shells, rip up their joints and kill their larva.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Like an insecticide?

[Mado]

Better it's not a chemical. So they can't evolve a resistance. It's a physical defense.

[Ivan]

So we dump this into their nests.

[Mado]

It doesn't work like that. It's a defense, not a weapon. Wind can blow it away, and it's useless if it gets wet. But if we pack it into insulated layers inside the walls of all our new permanent structures, it can stop these things from getting inside.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Then it will be done. Do we have any of this substance on hand?

[Marla MacGyvers]

No, but we can synthesize it from the shells of local marine life. This planet's sea life makes shells with silica extracted from the seabed.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Then it will be done. Until our new defenses are ready, I want patrols inside the colony and along the perimeter around the clock. Kill these things on sight. Understood?

[Ivan]

Yes, Khan.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Mado, you shall direct the collection of shells and production.

[Mado]

Thank you, Khan.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

And you. Mala, would you walk with me, please?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Of course.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Ursula told me that you led the expedition to collect her samples.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Did she?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You must know I would never have approved of you putting yourself at risk like that.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Why do you think I didn't bother asking?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Is that how it is to be between us? You do as you please, whether I will it or no.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Just as you do.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

But I am Khan.

[Marla MacGyvers]

And I am Marla.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Yes, you are. But I am unaccustomed to.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Aren't you the one who said that in time, customs can change?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I did. And in the future, I will make certain to choose my words more carefully.

[Marla MacGyvers]

There is something I want to ask.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Now she asks.

[Marla MacGyvers]

It's your people. Our people have suffered a great deal since we arrived. The losses of Hugo, Joaquin, and now Silvanna and Richter.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Why are you bringing up the losses of civilized cultures?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Develop rituals and ceremonies to acknowledge and process loss. It reminds them that they are United in their grief. That no one suffers alone.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

We do not engage in superstitious rites. The body is a shell. When it is gone, that is the end of it.

[Marla MacGyvers]

It is the end for those who have passed. For those that remain. It is the beginning of a long road toward acceptance.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I have lost hundreds who I once commanded. And the names and faces of every single one of them are burned into my mind. They will never leave me. And in this way, they live on.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Tell that to Joachim. He's angry right now. And Erika was very close to Sylvana and Richter.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

This is how we survive. We go on. We don't look back. The young ones will learn by the example we set. But that is enough.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Khan, you can't just.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Do not tell me what I can and cannot do. Or how best to lead my people through difficult times. Since we first opened our eyes, we have known nothing else. But we have endured.

[Marla MacGyvers]

There's a difference between enduring and thriving. What are you so afraid of?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

They believe in me because I never give them cause to do otherwise. The kind of magical thinking that gives rise to the belief systems you suggest are born of fear and doubt. I will not nurture those things here.

[Marla MacGyvers]

I'm not asking you to. I'm asking that you recognize the suffering of your people and lead them through it. Show them that they are not alone in their grief.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I will think on what you have said.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Thank you.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Will you join us at the fire tonight?

[Marla MacGyvers]

If. If that is your wish.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

It is. Make way. Make way for Khan.

[Marla MacGyvers]

My Lord.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Good evening, my friends. I wish to offer all of you my thanks. Six fields cleared and planted. In a few months, their bounty will supplement the fish and sea grass our young men and women collect daily to keep our bellies full. Our camp is safe. Thanks to the constant vigilance of our night watch. Our supplies have been inventoried and stored. Our doctor keeps us strong and healthy. And each day oversees the growth of what would be soon the first full augmented child born outside captivity. But. But these hard won accomplishments have not come without a price. As you have no doubt heard, we lost our dear brother Joaquin to a wild boar in the jungle. I ask his son Joachim to step forward. My Lord, your father was both one of the fiercest fighters and gentlest spirits I have ever known. You are so like him. I grieve with you.

[Marla MacGyvers]

I grieve with you as well. I grieve with you.

[Ivan]

I grieve as well.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

As do I.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

As do I. As do I. Erika, please step forward.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Yes, Khan.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You were raised with Sylvana and Richter. I remember the day I freed you all.

[Marla MacGyvers]

As do I, my lord.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Richter's gifts may not have been valued by those who created us, but I knew well the importance of those with the vision to translate the experience of living into beauty. Sylvana. Strong, vibrant, passionate. Sylvana was by his side to the last. Such was the fierceness of her heart. I grieve with you. I grieve with you. We will remember our fallen friends when the history of our empire is written. It will be noted that it rose from the blood of great men and women, women, brothers and sisters, whose names will never be forgotten.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Never.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Despite the pain of these losses, they have exposed threats that this world had hidden from us until now. We will not be taken by surprise again. Comfortable as our camp has become, we now understand that only fortified structures and constant vigilance will truly secure our safety. Tomorrow, each of you will be assigned new responsibilities to build what is required to hunt down and exterminate all existential threats so that we may continue to live and prosper without fear. I see your willingness to rise to this challenge in every pair of eyes. Let me hear it in your voices. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan. Khan.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Historian's log continued. From that day on, everything changed. If there was a council, I was invited. Everyone, including Khan, expected me to join them around the fire each evening. And I spent more nights with Khan than I did in my pod. Once the permanent structures were completed, I moved most of my belongings into what became our home. In the eyes of our people, there was no doubt that I had become Khan's woman. And, strangely, I didn't mind it as much as I once thought I would. Offensive, as the term is to my ear, progress begins by meeting people where they are. The truth was that he had become my conversation.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Computer, pause. Come in.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dr. Lear?

[Ensign Tuvok]

Yes. Thank you, Ensign. The computer said you were in your quarters, so I assumed you were off duty. Don't you find it the littlest bit invasive, maybe even creepy, that your ship's computer can tell anyone exactly where you are at all times?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I do not.

[Ensign Tuvok]

But what if you were doing something indelicate?

[Narrator/Announcer]

The odds that I would do anything inappropriate while on or off duty are vanishingly small. The odds that I might be in danger, however, are significantly higher. In which case, the location ID function could save my life.

[Ensign Tuvok]

You really are no fun at all.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not as a rule, no.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Okay.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Can you access classified records?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not unless I'm granted permission for a specific mission.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Who on this ship can?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Captain Sulu. What Is it you wish to see?

[Ensign Tuvok]

I want to see. The Enterprise's scans of the SETI Alpha system, taken just before Khan was exiled to CETI Alpha 5. All information on the Enterprise's initial contact with Khan in the Botany Bay were stricken from official records but included in Captain Kirk's personal logs. Why would he do that?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Captain's prerogative.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Was there something in them he would have preferred others not know? Something indelicate or something more sinister.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Such as?

[Ensign Tuvok]

Such as intentionally consigning a small group of augmented humans to a world he knew was about to be destroyed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

While your research on Khan and his people has been exhaustive, your study of Captain James T. Kirk has clearly been cursory at best. Either that or you suffer from significant conscious and unconscious bias when it comes to Starfleet. Kirk's logs indicate that Kahn and his people would have more than a fighting chance to survive on Ceti Alpha 5.

[Ensign Tuvok]

So they didn't even bother to look at CETI Alpha 6?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Standard protocol dictates that the entire star system be evaluated prior to its selection.

[Ensign Tuvok]

And Yet Ceti Alpha 6 exploded six months after the Augments arrived.

[Narrator/Announcer]

An unfortunate incident which clearly could not have been predicted. Had Kirk detected that CETI Alpha 6 was in imminent danger of destabilizing, he would have chosen a different world.

[Ensign Tuvok]

And five years ago, when the Reliant was exploring this system, searching for a suitable planet to test the Genesis device, they just forgot that there used to be six planets there. Or they couldn't count that high.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where did you acquire that information?

[Ensign Tuvok]

I don't have to reveal my sources.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You are asking me to advocate for you to access classified information in the absence of verifiable proof that such access is warranted.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What did you estimate your odds of success would be?

[Ensign Tuvok]

Vanishingly small, but non. Zero.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I will consider your request.

[Ensign Tuvok]

Thank you.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Day 119 of exile. My study of history's tyrants led me to believe that they ruled by fear. No doubt many do. But Khan's people do not fear him. They love him. Almost like children love a parent. If they fear anything at all, it is failing to live up to his expectations of them. In a little less than four months, they took a roughshod campsite and transformed. Transformed it into a safe, functioning colony filled with permanent structures and erected a gated wall to secure it all. Because he believed they could. But I see the parts of him he dare not show the others. I worry that my love for him and his for me might make him vulnerable enough. Ways he has never known and happy as I am right now, I fear I'm about to make that worse. This episode is brought to you by Greenlight. Get this. Adults with financial literacy skills have 82% more wealth than those who don't. From swimming lessons to piano classes, us parents invest in so many things to enrich our kids lives. But are we investing in their future financial success? With Greenlight, you can teach your kids financial literacy skills like earning, saving and investing. And this investment costs less than that. After school treat start prioritizing their financial education and future. Today with a risk free [e-mail] Spotify greenlight.com Spotify.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

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[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

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[Khan Noonien Singh]

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[Marla MacGyvers]

You were right. I was?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Your HCG levels are over 30,000. It's been what, six weeks?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Just about.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

And I assume Khan is the happy.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Ivan said to bring this one to you. It's bigger than the others. Where do you want it?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Just put it on the lab table and get back to work.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Paolo, we were hunting these things all night. I get to sleep now also? You're welcome. Hi, Marla.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Hi, Paolo.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You sick?

[Marla MacGyvers]

No.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Okay.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Wow. That is a big one.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Would you hush? Hang on. What are those?

[Marla MacGyvers]

What?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Those white masses. I've never seen those before.

[Marla MacGyvers]

They look like.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

But that doesn't make any sense.

[Marla MacGyvers]

What do they look like?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Some kind of spermatophore. They're used to transfer genetic material.

[Marla MacGyvers]

I thought the eels reproduced asexually.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I thought they did too. But this one isn't carrying any larva either. I think it's a male.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Does it matter that there are male and female eels?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Can you find Kahn and Ivan for me, please?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Right away.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

You don't understand. This changes everything. The colony structure, the nesting habits.

[Ivan]

We have found dozens of nests.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

No, you haven't. It's a single colony and it's huge. We've never seen a male before. And that makes sense if, as in many insect colonies, the males are essentially drones who exist only to fertilize a queen.

[Ivan]

Why was I not born an insect?

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

It's not as great as it sounds. Usually they die in the process.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

So you believe there is a Single creature who is responsible for giving birth to all of the eels in this area.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

I'm sure of it. We capture and kill the females all the time because they are the workers, the ones sent out with the larva to find hosts for them. The males stick close to the nest because they have but one job.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

And if we find and kill this.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Queen, the whole colony might collapse.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Ivan. Where did you find this male?

[Ivan]

Edge of the jungle, not far from the mesa.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Excellent. Tonight we hunt a new kind of prey. Gather your men.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Khan, don't do this.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Your fear is understandable, but misplaced.

[Marla MacGyvers]

It's been four months, and in all that time, we've only lost three to the eels.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You believe I should wait until the number is higher? Tell me, my dear one, how many must I lose before I end this threat once and for all?

[Marla MacGyvers]

None of those attacked were inside the camp. With the gate and the new walls and structures, we're safe here.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

It's our world, not theirs. I will not allow these mindless beasts to determine the limits of my empire.

[Marla MacGyvers]

But you're talking about a queen who will be surrounded by hundreds or more of her children.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

A queen whose reign must end if we are to survive.

[Marla MacGyvers]

But think of what you're risking. We can't lose you. Not now.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You won't.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Khan. I'm pregnant.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You tell me this now?

[Marla MacGyvers]

I wasn't sure until a few days ago. Ursula verified it this morning. I was going to tell you after dinner.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

My love. How do you feel? Are you. Are you well?

[Marla MacGyvers]

I'm fine. A little tired. But also filled with a savage need to protect what I love.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I know that feeling while it never leaves me. But what I do now, I do for you and all of our people. But mostly for our child. Do you understand?

[Marla MacGyvers]

I do. But no parts.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Not tonight. We will celebrate properly when I return.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Please. Please, my love.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Until tonight, my darling. We go to the jungle, we find the that makes these eels, and we destroy her. Move out. Ivan. Ivan. You see it? That large mound? Ah, the nest. There must be a dozen ways in and out, all filled with young eels. The queen will be deep below the surface. We'll flush her out.

[Ivan]

The flamethrower. We'll use it to flood the nest with liquid napalm.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Once it's filled, the rest of you move back and stand ready to kill any that try to flee. Blades only. Fire in the hole. Kill the wretched beasts. Save your allies. Well done, my brothers and sisters. Look sharp. The queen. Yes. The queen. Greetings, your Majesty. Dear gods. Huge. Ivan. The flamethrower again. Take cover. Many rifles. Weapons ready. Watch out. Fire. Reload. The bullets are bouncing right off him. He's charging. My Lord. Look out. What the hell was that? Manas.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Can we go home now? I still can't believe Ursula didn't tell you about the phaser.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

She said it was a matter of trust between you. Which I appreciate. But. Why did you not tell me you had such a weapon?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Habit, I suppose.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You have a habit of keeping things from me.

[Marla MacGyvers]

It's ingrained into us from the moment we enter Starfleet Academy. We don't share advanced technology with those who have yet to develop it themselves.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

You insist the odds be even before you conquer them?

[Marla MacGyvers]

We don't conquer other people.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

And yet so many have joined your.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Friends Federation of their own free will. Because they share our values.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

And whose values will we be sharing when we raise this child?

[Marla MacGyvers]

You carry ours.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Mana, are you not happy about this?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Of course I am. But I'm also afraid. I imagine everyone in my condition worries about the world into which they bring a child.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Thanks to you, it's a much better world.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Now, are you going to tell the others about the baby?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

No. Not yet.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Why not?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Because there is something we must do first.

[Marla MacGyvers]

What?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Do you remember when you told me that our people require ceremonies and rituals to mark significant moments in our culture's history?

[Marla MacGyvers]

Ah. I remember you calling such things magical.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Thinking I might have been wrong about that.

[Marla MacGyvers]

Bestow my heart. The great Khan. Wrong about something. Wait. What are you doing?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I believe it is customary to kneel at such moments.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Are you certain about this, my Lord?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

As certain as I have ever been.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

Very well, Ivan. My brothers and sisters, we gather tonight to bear witness to the bond for forged between Khan Noonien singh and Marla MacGyvers. And the eternal commitment to which they now pledge themselves. Do you, Khan, take this woman, Marla, to be your beloved wife?

[Khan Noonien Singh]

I do.

[Dr. Rosalind Lear]

And do you, Marla, take Khan to be your beloved husband?

[Marla MacGyvers]

I most certainly do.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

Tulsa is my home now.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone stars in the Paramount plus original series, Tulsa King.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

This distillery is a very interesting business. And we got to know the enemy.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

From Taylor Sheridan, co creator of Landman.

[Khan Noonien Singh]

What are you saying? If you think you're gonna take me out, it's gonna be really difficult.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Tulsa King New season Now streaming exclusively on Paramount plus. Star Trek Con is based on a story by Nicholas Meyer, 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 producers for Realm, Molly Barton, Carly Milori and Freddy Greenhalge 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 starring Oli Haskovy, Maury Sterling, Mercy Malik Zuri Washington with additional voices by Fajr Alcasey, Hayden Bishop, Paul Castro Jr Chad Chennai, Ethan Dubin, Aaron Fors, Juan Francisco Villa, Juliet Golia, Aaron Hendry, Cynthia Hood, Tina Ivlev, Adriel, Yovi Neres, Riviera Alina Kahn, Jacqueline Jackson, Jeremy Maxwell, Christina Oates, Hamish 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 Thorne 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 Durand. 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 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.