The Alternate Trajectory of Khan: A New World or a Deadly Pursuit?
Imagining a scenario where Khan Noonian Singh listens to the rational advice of Admiral Joseph "Joachim" Golightly and decides not to fight Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is an enticing, yet complex narrative twist. This hypothetical scenario would significantly alter the course of the storyline, introducing a new dynamic where Khan chooses to take his people to a new world instead of seeking vengeance.
Challenges and Consequences
The first challenge Khan would face is his isolation. The Reliant and her crew's disappearance would immediately raise alarms in Starfleet, leading to a massive manhunt led by Captain Kirk. This pursuit would be relentless, driven by the need to track and apprehend Khan and his crew.
Given the unprecedented success of USS Reliant in Voyager 6 and the sheer power of Khan's ship, Kirk and Starfleet would likely send a formidable force to Ceti Alpha V, where they ultimately discovered Kahn's abandoned ship. The revelation of what had happened would not only thrust Khan into the spotlight but also create an international incident.
Evasion and Survival
Logistically, the vastness of the universe could provide Khan with opportunities to evade the manhunt. However, Kirk, being a determined pursuer, would not easily give up. With his superior tactical experience and the backing of Starfleet, Khan would undoubtedly find himself in a strategically disadvantageous position.
Intelligence and charisma alone would not be enough for Khan to come out of this situation unscathed. His ego and pride would make it challenging to establish genuine alliances and trust. Given the aggressive stance of the Klingons toward humanity, Khan might see an alliance with them as a viable option. His training as an Earth engineer and knowledge of the disaster at Praxis could strengthen his appeal to the Klingons.
The Strategic Repercussions
If Khan pursued an alliance with the Klingons, he would likely support their views on humanity, strength, and bravery. However, such an alliance might not lead to peace but rather to the Gorkon Initiative's failure and a return to the Cold War between the Klingon Empire and the Federation.
The disaster at Praxis, indirectly linked to Khan's training and Earth's industrial practices, would undermine the Gorkon Initiative and crystallize the tensions between the two powers. This would result in a prolonged and potentially more dangerous Cold War, where both sides maintain their defenses and preparedness, leaving no room for cooperation or reconciliation.
The Verdict: Is This Scenario More appealing?
While this alternate scenario provides a compelling narrative with a different outcome for Khan and his crew, it also introduces significant challenges and complexities. The pursuit by Kirk and the relentless search for Khan would make it difficult for Khan to pursue a peaceful resolution. However, the potential for alliances, especially with the Klingons, opens up new avenues for political and strategic engagement.
The key takeaway is that Khan's decision to seek a new world rather than engage in a direct conflict with Kirk would shape the wider universe differently. The story's outcome would depend on the strength of Khan's alliances and the reactions of various Starfleet and Klingon leaders.
In conclusion, while this alternate narrative offers a fresh perspective on Khan's motivations and actions, it also suggests a more complex and potentially less stable universe. The decision to side with the Klingons or pursue an alliance with them would have long-lasting repercussions, both for Khan and the larger Star Trek universe.