[In Transit: USS Carolina and Escort Fleet]
The convoy of Starfleet vessels surged through warp, their formation tight and their shields at maximum. The mood aboard the USS Carolina was tense, with every officer aware of the critical nature of their mission.
“Captain,” Anaya called out, “long-range sensors are picking up multiple warp signatures. Dominion ships. Closing fast.”
Tannen straightened in his chair. “How many?”
“Five Jem’Hadar attack ships, one battleship,” she replied, her voice edged with alarm.
The Carolina’s first officer, Commander Rourke, stepped closer to the viewscreen. “They’re coming straight for us. Do you think they know about the transmission?”
Tannen frowned. “Given the timing, it wouldn’t surprise me. Signal the fleet. Inform the other captains to prepare for engagement.”
Captain Voss of the USS Lexington, one of the escorting ships, appeared on the comm channel. “Tannen, what’s the situation? Why would the Dominion send a task force this deep into Federation space?”
Tannen shook his head. “I can’t say for sure, but I know one thing—we can’t let them reach the Carolina.”
Voss leaned forward. “Do you think this has something to do with that message from Voyager?”
“The timing seems too close for comfort.” Tannen admitted. “Admiral Hayes was clear: we guard this data with our lives.”
Voss nodded grimly. “Understood. We’ll hold the line.”
The Jem’Hadar ships erupted into the convoy’s warp path, their weapons blazing as they closed in. Phaser fire streaked through subspace, shields flared under the onslaught, and the Starfleet ships maintained their high-speed trajectory. The Carolina led the defensive formation, its phasers lashing out against the advancing Dominion vessels.
“Evasive maneuvers!” Tannen barked. “Target their lead ship. Fire at will!”
The Carolina shook violently as it took a direct hit from a Jem’Hadar attack ship. Explosions erupted across the bridge, and sparks rained from the ceiling. Rourke steadied himself against the railing.
“Shields at sixty percent!” Anaya reported. “They’re concentrating fire on us.”
“Reinforce the shields!” Tannen ordered. “And keep us between them and the Lexington.”
The Lexington managed to score a direct hit on one Jem’Hadar vessel, which erupted into a fiery cascade of debris. But the Dominion’s relentless assault was overwhelming. Two smaller Federation ships, the USS Mariner and the USS Velos, struggled to hold their positions. The Velos was struck by multiple torpedoes, its hull breached as it spiraled out of formation before exploding.
“Mariner’s shields are failing!” Voss called over the comms. “We’re taking heavy fire!”
Tannen gritted his teeth. “Anaya, divert auxiliary power to the weapons. Rourke, coordinate with the Lexington—cover the Mariner’s retreat!”
The Jem’Hadar battleship loomed closer, its torpedoes cutting a devastating path through the Federation ships. The Mariner exploded under the barrage, the loss sending a ripple of shock through the fleet.
“They’re closing in on us!” Anaya shouted. “We can’t take much more of this.”
Just as the Dominion fleet began to close in on the Carolina, multiple warp signatures lit up the sensors. The Defiant surged into the warp corridor, its pulse phasers already blazing, flanked by three Klingon Birds-of-Prey. The Klingon ships roared into the fray, their disruptors targeting the Jem’Hadar battleship.
“This is General Martok,” came the gruff voice over the comms. “I hope you left something for us to fight!”
Cheers erupted on the Carolina’s bridge as the reinforcements plunged into the battle. The Defiant weaved skilfully through the Jem’Hadar formation, its weapons ripping through an attack ship. On the main viewscreen, the faces of both Martok and Captain Benjamin Sisko appeared.
“Captain Tannen,” Sisko began, his voice calm but commanding, “we’ve received word of your situation. It looks like you could use some assistance.”
“General, Captain Sisko, you arrived just in time.” Tannen replied. “The Dominion is determined to stop us. Whatever they think we have, they’re not going to let us go without a fight.”
“Then they’ll regret underestimating us,” Martok growled. “Tannen, keep your convoy in formation. We will handle the battleship.”
The Dominion battleship fired relentlessly, its torpedoes slicing through the Birds-of-Prey. One Klingon ship exploded, its fiery demise igniting Martok’s fury. “Push forward! Show them the might of the Empire!” he bellowed.
Meanwhile, the Defiant outmaneuvered a pair of Jem’Hadar attack ships, its quantum torpedoes obliterating one while phasers disabled the other. The Carolina held its trajectory, exchanging fire with an encroaching Dominion vessel.
“Direct hit on their port nacelle!” Anaya called out. “They’re losing power!”
“Finish them off!” Tannen commanded.
As the combined Starfleet and Klingon forces began to turn the tide, Tannen turned to Rourke. “Prepare the countermeasure. If the Dominion believes we’re destroyed, they may abandon their pursuit.”
Rourke nodded. “Deploying the decoy now.”
The Carolina released a cluster of modified escape pods rigged with explosives and energy signatures mimicking the Carolina’s systems. The pods detonated in a brilliant explosion, creating the illusion that the Carolina had been destroyed. The Jem’Hadar ships faltered, their sensors overloaded by the false readings.
“Mask our warp trail and execute a high intensity warp burst!” Tannen ordered
The Carolina surged forward at high warp, its trail obscured by an energy scatterfield. Behind them, the Dominion task force slowed, their pursuit seemingly abandoned.
“Dominion ships are pulling back!” Anaya reported. “It’s working!”
Once the Dominion ships retreated into the void, the remaining Starfleet and Klingon vessels regrouped. The Carolina, battered but intact, reduced its speed and altered its trajectory, waiting for her allies to catch up.
Martok’s face reappeared on the comm channel, his expression both impressed and amused. “A clever trick, Captain Tannen. The Dominion will think twice before underestimating us again.”
Sisko’s voice was steady. “Well done, Captain. Let’s get that transmission back to Starfleet Command.”
Tannen exhaled, the weight of the battle still heavy. “Agreed. Resume course for Earth. Let’s finish this.”
Martok’s gruff voice cut through. “Tannen, what kind of message could possibly be so important that Starfleet would risk so many lives to ensure its safety?”
Tannen hesitated, his jaw tightening. “General, the message is encrypted and marked for Starfleet Command’s eyes only. All I know is that Command considers it vital.”
Martok let out a low growl of frustration. “Typical Starfleet—cloaking their intentions behind layers of secrecy. Bah!” He turned his sharp gaze toward Sisko on his viewer. “What about you, Captain? Do you share the same blind faith?”
Sisko’s expression remained steady. “General, I was told this transmission came from the starship Voyager. They’ve been cut off from Starfleet in the Delta Quadrant for over three years. If they’ve managed to survive out there and send something back, I’d say it’s worth every ounce of effort we’ve made to secure it.”
Martok’s expression softened into grudging respect. “A fair point, Captain. Only warriors of great skill and determination could endure such isolation and still serve their people. It is an honour to fight for such a cause.”
Sisko inclined his head. “Thank you, General. And I’m confident you’ll find Starfleet’s trust in Voyager well-placed.”
The Defiant and Klingon ships flanked the convoy as they continued their journey, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on all aboard. Martok’s voice rumbled over the comm once more, a mixture of respect and pride. “For honour—and for victory!”
[Starfleet Headquarters, Earth: Secure Operations Center]
Admiral Hayes stood at the head of a dimly lit room, the walls lined with advanced computer interfaces. Around him, a handpicked team of Starfleet’s best encryption specialists worked tirelessly, their focus unbroken as the decrypted portions of Voyager’s transmission began to unfold.
Lieutenant Commander DeLorenzo leaned closer to his console, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Admiral, this layer of encryption is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s… adapting to our systems.”
Hayes stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. “Adapting how?”
“It’s analysing the environment,” DeLorenzo explained. “It seems designed to verify its location. If it detects it’s not in a secure Starfleet facility, it locks itself down further. But now that it confirmed it’s in a secure network, it’s beginning to open up.”
“Good,” Hayes replied. “Let it do its work, but monitor every stage. I don’t want any surprises.”
A junior officer glanced over from another station. “Sir, a message header has just appeared. It’s addressed directly to you.”
Hayes exchanged a brief glance with DeLorenzo before nodding. “Put it on the main display.”
The screen flickered to life, revealing a recorded message from Captain Janeway. Her tone was professional, her expression calm but resolute.
“Admiral Hayes,” she began. “This transmission was sent under gravest of circumstances. Due to the risks involved, we’ve only included what we deemed most crucial. Enclosed are the specifications for an AI framework and foundational data on the experimental technologies spearheaded by Lieutenant Torres. We trust Starfleet to develop these technologies responsibly, understanding the immense potential—and danger—they represent. For the safety of Voyager and the Alpha Quadrant, this information must remain classified at the highest levels. Good luck, Admiral. Janeway out.”
The room fell silent as the message ended. Hayes turned to face his team, his expression mostly unreadable with barely a hint of awe.
“I’ll be damned. They came through. What’s your assessment?” he asked DeLorenzo.
DeLorenzo folded his arms, his tone thoughtful. “This framework could revolutionize Starfleet operations. If Voyager’s data is as advanced as it seems, it could be a game-changer in the war effort.”
Hayes nodded, his voice firm. “The information doesn’t leave this room. All data handling will follow high level security protocols. No one without explicit clearance from Starfleet Command is to access or even be informed about the contents.”
One of the officers hesitated. “Admiral, with respect, shouldn’t we inform other departments about this? The implications—”
Hayes cut him off with a raised hand. “I understand your concerns, Lieutenant, but given the war and past infiltration issues, this information stays strictly need-to-know. That includes you. Until Starfleet Command determines otherwise, no one outside this room is to be made aware of this transmission. Clear?”
The officer nodded, though his unease was evident. Hayes turned back to the main console, studying the data displayed on the screen.
[Starfleet Headquarters: Briefing with Martok, Sisko, and Tannen]
In a secured Starfleet conference room, Admiral Hayes sat at the head of a polished table. General Martok and Captain Benjamin Sisko flanked him, their differing expressions reflecting the gravity of the discussion. Captain Tannen, fresh from the USS Carolina’s mission, sat with quiet attentiveness.
Martok’s voice broke the silence, gruff and impatient. “Admiral Hayes, after the blood spilled to secure this transmission, I trust the effort was not in vain.”
Hayes met Martok’s gaze evenly. “General, I understand your concern, and I assure you, this transmission holds great importance—not just for Starfleet, but for our alliance as a whole.”
Martok grunted, folding his arms. “And yet, secrecy shrouds it. If you expect our warriors to shed blood for your missions, Admiral, I suggest you offer more than reassurances.”
Sisko interjected calmly, his tone measured. “General, you’ll recall I informed you who sent that message. What they sent must be significant. We can both appreciate Admiral Hayes’s caution in handling something of this magnitude.”
Martok’s gaze narrowed but nodded reluctantly. “Surviving in the Delta Quadrant speaks to their tenacity, but it does not excuse keeping allies in the dark. The Dominion thrives on exploiting such divisions.”
Hayes leaned forward slightly, his tone diplomatic. “You’re absolutely right, General. Once we fully understand the implications of what Voyager sent, we will share what we can with our allies, within bounds of security. Captain Janeway herself emphasized the need for discretion, and given past issues with changeling infiltration, I trust you understand the necessity of vigilance.”
Martok’s expression hardened, though his voice softened with grudging respect. “A fair point. The changelings have proven to be formidable adversaries, and I’ve seen first hand how even the most honourable warriors can be deceived. If secrecy is your shield, then so be it—for now.”
Tannen, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. “Admiral, General, I can attest that the lengths my crew went to in protecting this transmission were not taken lightly. The encryption alone was highly advanced— even more so than what we sent during our attempts to communicate with them via the relay network.”
Hayes nodded, a moment of reflection crossing his features. “Captain, you raise an excellent point. When we sent our own messages to Voyager, they were, by necessity, highly encrypted as well, but limited—apologies, star maps, personal letters. It was all we could manage in the brief window we had, and it wasn’t enough. Now, in just a week since we made contact, Voyager has returned the favour—sending us something far beyond what anyone could have expected.”
Martok’s gaze narrowed, his voice a low growl. “A Federation ship stranded in hostile space, alone and without resources, managed to send you something of such value? Remarkable… but it makes your Federation’s earlier weakness all the more glaring.”
Hayes met Martok’s challenge with calm resolve. “General, during our first contact with the ship, we had mere moments to establish communication and offer what support we could. Voyager’s message reflects their determination. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when necessity pushes us to our limits.”
Martok let out a low growl but inclined his head. “Very well, Admiral. If this transmission proves as vital as you claim, then honour has been served. But know this—if it turns out to be unworthy of the lives lost, the Empire will demand accountability.”
Sisko offered a small nod. “Admiral Hayes, whatever this transmission contains, I’m confident you’ll handle it with the care and responsibility it demands.”
Hayes stood, signalling the end of the meeting. “General Martok, Captain Sisko, thank you for your understanding and support. Starfleet values the trust you’ve placed in us, and make no mistake General, I will make it a point to share what we learn with our allies as soon as its appropriate. Captain Tannen, remain with me, and we’ll go over your mission in detail.”
As the others departed, Martok turned back briefly, his tone softer but resolute. “See that your caution serves its purpose, Hayes. Lives were paid for this trust.”
Hayes inclined his head solemnly. “They will not be in vain, General.”
Turning back to Tannen, Hayes gestured for him to remain seated.
The convoy of Starfleet vessels surged through warp, their formation tight and their shields at maximum. The mood aboard the USS Carolina was tense, with every officer aware of the critical nature of their mission.
“Captain,” Anaya called out, “long-range sensors are picking up multiple warp signatures. Dominion ships. Closing fast.”
Tannen straightened in his chair. “How many?”
“Five Jem’Hadar attack ships, one battleship,” she replied, her voice edged with alarm.
The Carolina’s first officer, Commander Rourke, stepped closer to the viewscreen. “They’re coming straight for us. Do you think they know about the transmission?”
Tannen frowned. “Given the timing, it wouldn’t surprise me. Signal the fleet. Inform the other captains to prepare for engagement.”
Captain Voss of the USS Lexington, one of the escorting ships, appeared on the comm channel. “Tannen, what’s the situation? Why would the Dominion send a task force this deep into Federation space?”
Tannen shook his head. “I can’t say for sure, but I know one thing—we can’t let them reach the Carolina.”
Voss leaned forward. “Do you think this has something to do with that message from Voyager?”
“The timing seems too close for comfort.” Tannen admitted. “Admiral Hayes was clear: we guard this data with our lives.”
Voss nodded grimly. “Understood. We’ll hold the line.”
The Jem’Hadar ships erupted into the convoy’s warp path, their weapons blazing as they closed in. Phaser fire streaked through subspace, shields flared under the onslaught, and the Starfleet ships maintained their high-speed trajectory. The Carolina led the defensive formation, its phasers lashing out against the advancing Dominion vessels.
“Evasive maneuvers!” Tannen barked. “Target their lead ship. Fire at will!”
The Carolina shook violently as it took a direct hit from a Jem’Hadar attack ship. Explosions erupted across the bridge, and sparks rained from the ceiling. Rourke steadied himself against the railing.
“Shields at sixty percent!” Anaya reported. “They’re concentrating fire on us.”
“Reinforce the shields!” Tannen ordered. “And keep us between them and the Lexington.”
The Lexington managed to score a direct hit on one Jem’Hadar vessel, which erupted into a fiery cascade of debris. But the Dominion’s relentless assault was overwhelming. Two smaller Federation ships, the USS Mariner and the USS Velos, struggled to hold their positions. The Velos was struck by multiple torpedoes, its hull breached as it spiraled out of formation before exploding.
“Mariner’s shields are failing!” Voss called over the comms. “We’re taking heavy fire!”
Tannen gritted his teeth. “Anaya, divert auxiliary power to the weapons. Rourke, coordinate with the Lexington—cover the Mariner’s retreat!”
The Jem’Hadar battleship loomed closer, its torpedoes cutting a devastating path through the Federation ships. The Mariner exploded under the barrage, the loss sending a ripple of shock through the fleet.
“They’re closing in on us!” Anaya shouted. “We can’t take much more of this.”
Just as the Dominion fleet began to close in on the Carolina, multiple warp signatures lit up the sensors. The Defiant surged into the warp corridor, its pulse phasers already blazing, flanked by three Klingon Birds-of-Prey. The Klingon ships roared into the fray, their disruptors targeting the Jem’Hadar battleship.
“This is General Martok,” came the gruff voice over the comms. “I hope you left something for us to fight!”
Cheers erupted on the Carolina’s bridge as the reinforcements plunged into the battle. The Defiant weaved skilfully through the Jem’Hadar formation, its weapons ripping through an attack ship. On the main viewscreen, the faces of both Martok and Captain Benjamin Sisko appeared.
“Captain Tannen,” Sisko began, his voice calm but commanding, “we’ve received word of your situation. It looks like you could use some assistance.”
“General, Captain Sisko, you arrived just in time.” Tannen replied. “The Dominion is determined to stop us. Whatever they think we have, they’re not going to let us go without a fight.”
“Then they’ll regret underestimating us,” Martok growled. “Tannen, keep your convoy in formation. We will handle the battleship.”
The Dominion battleship fired relentlessly, its torpedoes slicing through the Birds-of-Prey. One Klingon ship exploded, its fiery demise igniting Martok’s fury. “Push forward! Show them the might of the Empire!” he bellowed.
Meanwhile, the Defiant outmaneuvered a pair of Jem’Hadar attack ships, its quantum torpedoes obliterating one while phasers disabled the other. The Carolina held its trajectory, exchanging fire with an encroaching Dominion vessel.
“Direct hit on their port nacelle!” Anaya called out. “They’re losing power!”
“Finish them off!” Tannen commanded.
As the combined Starfleet and Klingon forces began to turn the tide, Tannen turned to Rourke. “Prepare the countermeasure. If the Dominion believes we’re destroyed, they may abandon their pursuit.”
Rourke nodded. “Deploying the decoy now.”
The Carolina released a cluster of modified escape pods rigged with explosives and energy signatures mimicking the Carolina’s systems. The pods detonated in a brilliant explosion, creating the illusion that the Carolina had been destroyed. The Jem’Hadar ships faltered, their sensors overloaded by the false readings.
“Mask our warp trail and execute a high intensity warp burst!” Tannen ordered
The Carolina surged forward at high warp, its trail obscured by an energy scatterfield. Behind them, the Dominion task force slowed, their pursuit seemingly abandoned.
“Dominion ships are pulling back!” Anaya reported. “It’s working!”
Once the Dominion ships retreated into the void, the remaining Starfleet and Klingon vessels regrouped. The Carolina, battered but intact, reduced its speed and altered its trajectory, waiting for her allies to catch up.
Martok’s face reappeared on the comm channel, his expression both impressed and amused. “A clever trick, Captain Tannen. The Dominion will think twice before underestimating us again.”
Sisko’s voice was steady. “Well done, Captain. Let’s get that transmission back to Starfleet Command.”
Tannen exhaled, the weight of the battle still heavy. “Agreed. Resume course for Earth. Let’s finish this.”
Martok’s gruff voice cut through. “Tannen, what kind of message could possibly be so important that Starfleet would risk so many lives to ensure its safety?”
Tannen hesitated, his jaw tightening. “General, the message is encrypted and marked for Starfleet Command’s eyes only. All I know is that Command considers it vital.”
Martok let out a low growl of frustration. “Typical Starfleet—cloaking their intentions behind layers of secrecy. Bah!” He turned his sharp gaze toward Sisko on his viewer. “What about you, Captain? Do you share the same blind faith?”
Sisko’s expression remained steady. “General, I was told this transmission came from the starship Voyager. They’ve been cut off from Starfleet in the Delta Quadrant for over three years. If they’ve managed to survive out there and send something back, I’d say it’s worth every ounce of effort we’ve made to secure it.”
Martok’s expression softened into grudging respect. “A fair point, Captain. Only warriors of great skill and determination could endure such isolation and still serve their people. It is an honour to fight for such a cause.”
Sisko inclined his head. “Thank you, General. And I’m confident you’ll find Starfleet’s trust in Voyager well-placed.”
The Defiant and Klingon ships flanked the convoy as they continued their journey, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on all aboard. Martok’s voice rumbled over the comm once more, a mixture of respect and pride. “For honour—and for victory!”
[Starfleet Headquarters, Earth: Secure Operations Center]
Admiral Hayes stood at the head of a dimly lit room, the walls lined with advanced computer interfaces. Around him, a handpicked team of Starfleet’s best encryption specialists worked tirelessly, their focus unbroken as the decrypted portions of Voyager’s transmission began to unfold.
Lieutenant Commander DeLorenzo leaned closer to his console, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Admiral, this layer of encryption is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s… adapting to our systems.”
Hayes stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. “Adapting how?”
“It’s analysing the environment,” DeLorenzo explained. “It seems designed to verify its location. If it detects it’s not in a secure Starfleet facility, it locks itself down further. But now that it confirmed it’s in a secure network, it’s beginning to open up.”
“Good,” Hayes replied. “Let it do its work, but monitor every stage. I don’t want any surprises.”
A junior officer glanced over from another station. “Sir, a message header has just appeared. It’s addressed directly to you.”
Hayes exchanged a brief glance with DeLorenzo before nodding. “Put it on the main display.”
The screen flickered to life, revealing a recorded message from Captain Janeway. Her tone was professional, her expression calm but resolute.
“Admiral Hayes,” she began. “This transmission was sent under gravest of circumstances. Due to the risks involved, we’ve only included what we deemed most crucial. Enclosed are the specifications for an AI framework and foundational data on the experimental technologies spearheaded by Lieutenant Torres. We trust Starfleet to develop these technologies responsibly, understanding the immense potential—and danger—they represent. For the safety of Voyager and the Alpha Quadrant, this information must remain classified at the highest levels. Good luck, Admiral. Janeway out.”
The room fell silent as the message ended. Hayes turned to face his team, his expression mostly unreadable with barely a hint of awe.
“I’ll be damned. They came through. What’s your assessment?” he asked DeLorenzo.
DeLorenzo folded his arms, his tone thoughtful. “This framework could revolutionize Starfleet operations. If Voyager’s data is as advanced as it seems, it could be a game-changer in the war effort.”
Hayes nodded, his voice firm. “The information doesn’t leave this room. All data handling will follow high level security protocols. No one without explicit clearance from Starfleet Command is to access or even be informed about the contents.”
One of the officers hesitated. “Admiral, with respect, shouldn’t we inform other departments about this? The implications—”
Hayes cut him off with a raised hand. “I understand your concerns, Lieutenant, but given the war and past infiltration issues, this information stays strictly need-to-know. That includes you. Until Starfleet Command determines otherwise, no one outside this room is to be made aware of this transmission. Clear?”
The officer nodded, though his unease was evident. Hayes turned back to the main console, studying the data displayed on the screen.
[Starfleet Headquarters: Briefing with Martok, Sisko, and Tannen]
In a secured Starfleet conference room, Admiral Hayes sat at the head of a polished table. General Martok and Captain Benjamin Sisko flanked him, their differing expressions reflecting the gravity of the discussion. Captain Tannen, fresh from the USS Carolina’s mission, sat with quiet attentiveness.
Martok’s voice broke the silence, gruff and impatient. “Admiral Hayes, after the blood spilled to secure this transmission, I trust the effort was not in vain.”
Hayes met Martok’s gaze evenly. “General, I understand your concern, and I assure you, this transmission holds great importance—not just for Starfleet, but for our alliance as a whole.”
Martok grunted, folding his arms. “And yet, secrecy shrouds it. If you expect our warriors to shed blood for your missions, Admiral, I suggest you offer more than reassurances.”
Sisko interjected calmly, his tone measured. “General, you’ll recall I informed you who sent that message. What they sent must be significant. We can both appreciate Admiral Hayes’s caution in handling something of this magnitude.”
Martok’s gaze narrowed but nodded reluctantly. “Surviving in the Delta Quadrant speaks to their tenacity, but it does not excuse keeping allies in the dark. The Dominion thrives on exploiting such divisions.”
Hayes leaned forward slightly, his tone diplomatic. “You’re absolutely right, General. Once we fully understand the implications of what Voyager sent, we will share what we can with our allies, within bounds of security. Captain Janeway herself emphasized the need for discretion, and given past issues with changeling infiltration, I trust you understand the necessity of vigilance.”
Martok’s expression hardened, though his voice softened with grudging respect. “A fair point. The changelings have proven to be formidable adversaries, and I’ve seen first hand how even the most honourable warriors can be deceived. If secrecy is your shield, then so be it—for now.”
Tannen, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. “Admiral, General, I can attest that the lengths my crew went to in protecting this transmission were not taken lightly. The encryption alone was highly advanced— even more so than what we sent during our attempts to communicate with them via the relay network.”
Hayes nodded, a moment of reflection crossing his features. “Captain, you raise an excellent point. When we sent our own messages to Voyager, they were, by necessity, highly encrypted as well, but limited—apologies, star maps, personal letters. It was all we could manage in the brief window we had, and it wasn’t enough. Now, in just a week since we made contact, Voyager has returned the favour—sending us something far beyond what anyone could have expected.”
Martok’s gaze narrowed, his voice a low growl. “A Federation ship stranded in hostile space, alone and without resources, managed to send you something of such value? Remarkable… but it makes your Federation’s earlier weakness all the more glaring.”
Hayes met Martok’s challenge with calm resolve. “General, during our first contact with the ship, we had mere moments to establish communication and offer what support we could. Voyager’s message reflects their determination. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when necessity pushes us to our limits.”
Martok let out a low growl but inclined his head. “Very well, Admiral. If this transmission proves as vital as you claim, then honour has been served. But know this—if it turns out to be unworthy of the lives lost, the Empire will demand accountability.”
Sisko offered a small nod. “Admiral Hayes, whatever this transmission contains, I’m confident you’ll handle it with the care and responsibility it demands.”
Hayes stood, signalling the end of the meeting. “General Martok, Captain Sisko, thank you for your understanding and support. Starfleet values the trust you’ve placed in us, and make no mistake General, I will make it a point to share what we learn with our allies as soon as its appropriate. Captain Tannen, remain with me, and we’ll go over your mission in detail.”
As the others departed, Martok turned back briefly, his tone softer but resolute. “See that your caution serves its purpose, Hayes. Lives were paid for this trust.”
Hayes inclined his head solemnly. “They will not be in vain, General.”
Turning back to Tannen, Hayes gestured for him to remain seated.
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