ACT 3

Voyager hung in space at all stop while the crew searched for an explanation of the phenomenon they had just experienced.

***

Astrometrics:

Janeway stood next to Seven at the Astrometrics console and watched as the former drone reevaluated her earlier findings in light of the additional data gathered during this most recent incident. Seven was determined to figure out why sensors didn't initially detect the artificially generated temporal incursions, which she felt were behind the various spatial anomalies and attacks on Voyager. The Astrometrics dome displayed a full view of the binary system.

"My earlier conclusions were in error," she finally said. "There was insufficient time and initial data to thoroughly analyze this phenomenon for my original report. The probe was too distant from the source of the temporal waves to get readings sufficiently detailed that would have revealed the manufactured nature of these anomalies, nor was I aware of Mr. Kim's sensor data indicating the presence of chroniton particles. Based on probe data alone, I arrived at the most probable conclusion, which was flawed."

Seven entered a few more commands into her console. She tapped her communicator and summoned Chakotay and Tuvok to Astrometrics while she continued to input calculations with her other hand.

Janeway looked over at her, startled. "Seven?" she asked, but was also aware that the former drone was not deliberately flouting normal command structure.

Seven noted Janeway's reaction and said, "During the Kazon attack, my ocular implant detected certain spacetime irregularities which revealed the true nature of this phenomenon. As first officer and chief tactical officer Commanders Chakotay and Tuvok should be brought into our discussion before you take this data to the rest of the senior staff."

"All right, Seven. I'll let it go -- this time," Janeway replied. Seven nodded.

Janeway began to examine the most recent probe data, and entered a few calculations of her own on an adjoining panel of the work station. Seven continued her analysis in silence until she turned to Janeway and said, "Captain?"

"What have you got, Seven?"

Chakotay and Tuvok entered Astrometrics in time to hear Seven say, "See for yourself," as she stepped aside from the panel.

Janeway looked puzzled for a moment, and Seven moved toward her to clarify the findings. The Captain acknowledged the approach of her two senior officers with a glance over her shoulder as they neared the work station, and held up a hand to forestall any additional commentary from Seven until Chakotay and Tuvok had reached her side. She said, "Take a look at this, gentlemen," and turned her attention back to the console.

Janeway studied Seven's computations for a few moments longer, and then looked at the former Borg with a slightly perplexed expression. "Seven, assuming these calculations are correct, we're looking at... some kind of artificial temporal anomaly?" ventured Janeway.

Seven replied, "My calculations are flawless."

She then typed in several more commands to update the readout on the Astrometrics dome, and all four watched as the display revealed an unidentified object orbiting the black hole.

"More precisely, we are looking at a phased ship capable of generating temporal phenomena," said Seven. "During the incursion which produced the Kazon, my ocular implant detected spatial distortions with a modulating phase variance near the event horizon of the singularity. I routed Mr. Kim's sensor readings to my station in Astrometrics for further study. Based on that data, I ran a transpectral subspace analysis using a multispatial Borg algorithm. An interphase signature at the source of the irregularity was the result."

Tuvok looked at the readout on the console and noted, "The gravimetric flux density readings relative to the black hole's mass are too high for this to be an entirely natural phenomenon."

"Precisely," Seven replied. "I conducted a search of Voyager's database for instances of distortion fields displaying similar readings. On stardate 50307.4, Voyager's sensors recorded the specifics of an energy field structure for a graviton matrix."

Chakotay looked up at Janeway and said, "The 29th century Timeship Aeon."

"I remember -- our first encounter with Captain Braxton and the Temporal Integrity Commission." Turning to Seven, Janeway said, "That was before we entered the Nekrit Expanse. Harry detected unusual distortion readings just before Braxton's timeship appeared out of a temporal rift and opened fire on Voyager. Our sensors were running the entire time."

"Adding a projected graviton particle figure extrapolated from that historical sensor data to the reading this black hole would ordinarily be expected to produce puts the gravimetric flux reading closer to the telemetry received from Voyager's class-1 probe," Seven explained. "I am also reading a similar energy field structure. However, the mass of the black hole is still increasing at a rate too slow according to known models. I cannot account for it."

"No one in the Alpha Quadrant has the ability to create something even remotely close to a graviton matrix, Seven," said Janeway. "As I told you earlier, temporal physicists have theorized for decades about the possibility of using binary systems for time travel with certain hyperbolic warp trajectories, but Starfleet doesn't have the technology yet to even test those theories. We've developed stable interphase technology, but the Treaty of Algeron prohibits us from using it to create cloaking devices for Federation starships."

"The Treaty of Algeron," sniffed Seven condescendingly. "Starfleet's concession to the Romulans."

Janeway was startled for a moment, then she realized that Seven would have that knowledge from Starfleet personnel the Borg had assimilated during the time she was still part of the Collective.

Seven continued, "And the Defiant?"

Tuvok rejoined, "The Romulan concession to Starfleet."

Chakotay observed, "Seven, you probably have as much information on Starfleet and the Federation by assimilation as the rest of us had to get by spending years in Academy classrooms and out in space. What can you tell us that we don't already know?"

"Species 2955 possesses advanced temporal technology, Commander, but the Collective has no direct knowledge of it," said Seven. "Those individuals have proven resistant to assimilation."

"Species 2955?" asked Janeway.

"The Krenim," replied Seven.

Janeway said, "We made a point of avoiding their space a few years ago after Kes warned us about them long before we reached their borders. Once we came to the edge of Krenim territory, a vessel hailed us, and its captain advised us that the region we were about to enter was in dispute. I had Tom set a course around it. That little detour added a month to our journey."

"Captain, we do not have much actual knowledge of the Krenim, nor do we know the true extent of their Imperium," said Tuvok. "Voyager may not be able to avoid them entirely. Their empire may be far more widespread than originally conjectured. Also, given the elevated neutrino readings Ensign Vorik detected earlier, a wormhole may have afforded the Krenim passage to this sector, which would present them with the opportunity to lay claim to the region. They may possess transwarp capability of which we are unaware as well."

"Points well taken, and worth further investigation," said Janeway. "Seven, continue your analysis of the probe data. Tuvok, assist her in preparing a detailed report including tactical recommendations for a staff briefing at 1400 hours. I'll monitor your progress from my ready room."

Tuvok and Seven acknowledged her orders and turned back to the Astrometrics console to begin working on the report.

Janeway nodded to Chakotay, who left the room together with her to return to the bridge. Once they were in the corridor, Chakotay asked, "So how's the injured hip doing, Kathryn? You did hit the deck pretty hard."

"A little stiff, Chakotay, but much improved, thanks to the Doctor." Janeway paused for a moment, then decided to draw Chakotay out by saying, "I'm not the only one who got quite a jolt." They reached the turbolift and got on. After Janeway had ordered it to Deck 1, she turned back to Chakotay, laid her hand on his chest, and looked up at him intently, waiting for his response.

Chakotay flashed a quick uncomfortable grin and then said, "Seska. You're right, Kathryn -- it was a shock. After all these years, I still can't believe I never spotted her for the imposter she was, both in the Maquis and on Voyager."

"Don't blame yourself, Chakotay. She covered her tracks pretty well. No one on Voyager suspected a thing, nor did Tuvok when he was on your ship," said Janeway.

"At least seeing her again gave us a good start on figuring out what's been going on," said Chakotay. "I was beginning to find all the possible explanations for these mysterious reappearances too convenient and more than a little annoying."

Janeway replied, "Whoever is creating these incursions must have downloaded a copy of Voyager's historical database and logs when they initially scanned us so they could use it to recreate plausible events from our past. They managed to pick temporal coordinates that worked pretty well until now."

"Bringing Seska back from the dead was their first mistake," agreed Chakotay.

"I'll say," said Janeway. "They should have edited that incursion a little better." She stepped off the turbolift and said, "Seven should have more answers for us soon. Take the bridge, Commander, and set up a senior staff meeting for 1400. I'll be in my ready room if you need me."

"Aye, Captain."

Chakotay walked over to his command chair and sat. He activated the console next to him so he could set up the staff meeting, and once finished with that task, he began to check for incoming departmental reports detailing the status of repairs after the latest temporal incursion.

***

Briefing Room, 1400 hours:

At 1400, Janeway sat in the briefing room with her senior staff, listening as they floated various theories among themselves about the unusual attacks. Seven and Tuvok arrived in the middle of the heated discussion.

"I'm telling you, B'Elanna, the chroniton particle readings are too high," said Harry Kim. "It has to be an interphase cloak of some kind."

"C'mon, Harry, where would a technologically backward species like the Kazon or Hirogen get an interphase cloak? The Vaadaur could probably figure it out, but the Hirogen wouldn't know what to do with a cloak if they had it, and forget about the Kazon. It's pretty unstable technology. Even the Klingons and Romulans have lost ships trying to perfect interphase cloaking."

"Then there has to be something somewhere that we're missing, Maquis," said Kim. "Maybe Kouros..."

"I doubt Kouros would have given the Vidiians or any of the other races that attacked us something like an interphase cloak," said Torres. "It's just too dangerous in unfamiliar hands."

"Then why use it if it's so dangerous?" asked Neelix

"Cloaked ships give off emissions that make them fairly easy to detect, Neelix," replied Kim. "An interphase cloak is invisible as far as sensors are concerned."

"So someone could use it for spying," said Neelix.

"Or an anthropologist could study a culture without contaminating it by his presence," said Chakotay.

"Or to conduct classified research," said Tom Paris.

"All right everybody," said Janeway. "Let's hold the speculation until we hear what Seven and Tuvok have to report."

She nodded toward Seven of Nine, giving her permission to begin. Seven walked over to the LCARS panel on the wall and punched in a few commands to download her statistical data from Astrometrics. She called up the image of the black hole binary system overlaid with the schematic that she had shown the Captain, Tuvok, and Chakotay earlier.

Paris noted the object orbiting the black hole and needled, "See, B'Elanna? Harry was right."

Seven said, "Mr. Kim is indeed correct when he suggests a ship with an interphase cloaking device is involved in the events Voyager has been experiencing. However, to clarify, it is not the primary source of the chroniton readings his sensors detected. The most probable use for this cloaking technology is to conceal a temporal weapon delivery system. In this instance, Mr. Kim, the chroniton surges your sensors detected indicate the formation of temporal rifts."

Tuvok explained further. "Sensors did not detect the true nature of what we have been experiencing because the signatures of the various incidents were matched to the same frequency as the binary system. Every alien attack and spatial anomaly Voyager has encountered since entering this region demonstrates a signature identical to the binary."

Seven continued, saying, "Your own 21st century Earth history records that the Borg were able to create temporal vortices using chroniton particles. The temporal rifts Voyager has been encountering are being generated with a similar highly sophisticated energy matrix. This device is unable to entirely mask the chroniton surges it generates prior to the alien attacks, but ionic interference from the astral eddy and polaric radiation occluded Voyager's sensors and prevented detection of any signatures. A multispatial Borg algorithm was necessary to discern the readings masked by electromagnetic disturbance."

"And who do we have to thank for this little piece of temporal ingenuity?" asked Torres.

"Species 2955," said Seven. "The Krenim."

Janeway rose from her seat at the head of the table and nodded again to Seven, who promptly entered several more commands on the display panel to bring up another schematic.

"Seven assured me that the Krenim have the ability to create what you are seeing -- an interphase cloaked ship containing a graviton matrix capable of generating temporal incursions of limited duration. Their technology isn't advanced enough yet for reliable time travel, so instead they're using it to create very specific temporal rifts. It would appear that the Krenim downloaded Voyager's historical data and scanned it for what they considered to be unremarkable events in our past that we might not remember in great detail," said Janeway. "Their luck held until Seska showed up."

"Their mistake," said Torres.

"So you're saying these attacks were conjured up out of thin air?" Neelix asked.

"That is exactly what the Captain is saying, Mr. Neelix," said Tuvok. "It would appear at this time that the Krenim are able to produce incursions of only limited duration. When their temporal generator reaches its capacity, the attacker or spatial anomaly simply vanishes. Furthermore, the last incursion they generated combined several historical elements from Voyager's past with slightly differing temporal signatures at the quantum level to custom design an unrelenting Kazon attack. Fortunately for this ship and crew, that incursion was sufficiently involved to overload their device. Voyager is safe for now."

"Or at least until they can repair the damned thing," said Torres. "That's why there haven't been any further incursions."

"So let me get this straight," said Paris. "They're using this temporal generator as a weapon."

"And you got it in one," said Chakotay.

Seven continued, "Voyager's most recent probe data confirms subspace field distortions and unstable interphase readings."

Neelix looked perplexed as he said, "Subspace field distortions and unstable interphase... uh..." Neelix stumbled over the terminology and said, "Seven, you've lost me."

Torres jumped in, saying, "Neelix, the subspace field distortions and interphase readings indicate a cloaked warp-capable ship that exists outside of normal spacetime. Conventional weapons are useless against it."

"Didn't Mr. Kim just say a ship using an interphase cloak can't be detected?" Neelix asked.

Kim responded, "I did, Neelix. Ordinarily that's true, but in this case, the interphase generator is either a prototype, working beyond its capacity, or damaged." The Talaxian acknowledged the explanation with a nod.

"Further study of telemetry readings confirm that we are dealing with an artificial phenomenon masked to appear as a natural one," Seven said. "The binary system we assumed was the source of the temporal waves has insufficient mass for gravimetric readings of the magnitude Voyager's Class I probe detected."

"Indeed," said Tuvok.

"An interphase cloak and signatures matching the binary would explain why our sensors read these as normal phenomena," said Kim.

"That was apparently the Krenim's intent," said Janeway. "You were right, Tom. Seven is convinced that we've stumbled upon weapons research, and I agree with her. It looks like we're being used as guinea pigs to refine a temporal weapon."

"That's just great," said Kim.

"Luck of the draw, Harry," said Janeway. "We just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. They probably would have used it on anyone who stumbled across their path when they were ready to test it."

Janeway continued, addressing the group at large. "If you think back to our first experience with Captain Braxton and the Temporal Integrity Commission, then you know that Federation timeships in the 29th Century will routinely use a graviton matrix to time travel. Needless to say, our present day technology is nowhere near this level, even in advanced Federation research centers. Seven recognized the technology because of a Jarbonian temporal researcher assimilated five years ago," said Janeway.

"Species 9174," said Seven. "His world was part of the Krenim Imperium. He possessed knowledge of secret research being conducted to design an energy matrix capable of harnessing the spin energy of a black hole. There were no practical applications at that time, but the purpose of the energy matrix was thought to be use as a power source for highly advanced experimental temporal technology."

"Evidently, someone has made considerable progress in five years," said Tuvok.

"Historical knowledge from the Collective indicates that the Krenim possessed temporal weapons of great magnitude roughly two centuries ago," said Seven. "It gave their Imperium dominance over more than 900 worlds spanning 5,000 parsecs. In the early part of this century, they were defeated and their temporal weapons dismantled. All specifications for that technology were destroyed, or so the Collective believed."

Tuvok observed, "It would appear that the Imperium is intent upon regaining their former position of power. A temporal weapon which can masquerade as a natural phenomenon would be of considerable value in attaining that goal. Should the Imperium manage to combine that device with transwarp capability, the implications for this quadrant and indeed the Federation itself are staggering."

Seven added, "My assimilated knowledge indicates that Species 2955 does not yet possess transwarp propulsion. However, I have been severed from the Collective for some three years now. I do not have access to the most recent data on this species."

Deep silence fell in the briefing room as the staff considered the implications of Seven's and Tuvok's words.

Janeway broke the contemplative mood after a few moments by saying, "I'm inclined to agree with Seven and Tuvok."

"Then you've changed your mind about leaving this alone," said Chakotay. "You intend to study it further."

"Yes, Commander. Besides getting ourselves home, our fundamental mission is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge. Starfleet Intelligence would certainly find this information useful," Janeway said. "The Treaty of Algeron forbids us from using cloaking technology, but there's nothing that says we can't research it or temporal technology, for that matter."

"Treaty of Algeron?" asked Neelix.

Janeway explained, "The peace accord established in 2311 between the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire. It's averted war between our two powers for over 150 years, Neelix."

"Ah, I see. Thank you, Captain."

Janeway continued, "Kes advised us to avoid the Krenim at all costs, so I'd prefer to do this as quietly as possible. We'll use passive scanning only. We don't have concrete evidence that the Krenim are conducting temporal weapon research, but given all the indications, we'll proceed as though they are. Harry, enhance our long-range sensors. We'll take a good long look from as safe a distance as possible. B'Elanna, our metaphasic shields will need to be reconfigured to include Seven's most recent temporal data. Coordinate with Harry to be sure it doesn't conflict with the enhanced sensors." Torres nodded.

The Doctor interjected, "Captain, if I may -- in my field, there is some practical application of interphase scanning technology in diagnosis. On the Enterprise-D in 2370, Dr. Beverly Crusher used such a device to detect pulses from interphase organisms infecting the crew. The organisms were undetectable by conventional means."

"Your point being, Doctor?" asked Tuvok.

The Doctor sniped indignantly, as though his point was obvious, "These scanners can detect any phenomenon of an interphasic nature…"

Seven interrupted, "One of the Doctor's interphase scanners could be adapted and integrated into Voyager's sensor grid. It would be a crude indicator at best, but could allow us some ability to differentiate between the manufactured and natural temporal anomalies that might occur once the ship is closer to the binary system. We are a long way from the Treaty of Algeron, Captain."

"Agreed, Seven," said Janeway. "It's a grey area, but interphasic scanning devices are permitted under the Treaty. B'Elanna, how soon could you integrate the Doctor's scanner into ship's sensors?"

"Hard to say, Captain. My first priority is remodulating the metaphasic shields to include Seven's newest temporal data. My best estimate is at least a half hour, possibly more," responded Torres.

"Seven, coordinate with B'Elanna and Harry on the shield project," said Janeway, "then work with Harry to integrate the Doctor's scanner into the sensor array once you and B'Elanna have worked out any conflicts between the shields and your sensor enhancements."

"People, we're going to do a little temporal research of our own. I'd like to send this information back to Starfleet in our next datastream transmission." She paused for a moment to hold her staff's attention and then said, "You have your assignments. Dismissed."

The staff left the briefing room, except for a troubled Chakotay. He waited until the room cleared.

Janeway noted his discomfort, and before he could say anything she asked, "Something on your mind, Chakotay?"

"Kathryn, this mission sounds pretty dangerous. Is it absolutely necessary to study this damned thing?"

"Outside of Captain Braxton's timeship, we've never encountered this level of temporal technology in the Delta Quadrant. This, or something else like it could end up coming between us and home, no matter what Starfleet is able to do to help us get back. We can't afford to ignore it," said Janeway. "Given what Seven's already told us, I'm willing to take the risk. Most likely, it's a temporal weapon in the early stages of development."

"Kes did warn us about the Krenim, Kathryn, but you seem determined in your own way to ignore her advice," said Chakotay. "Her precognitive abilities were pretty impressive. If she said 'avoid the Krenim at all costs', then I'd do it."

Janeway began to pace. "Chakotay, you heard Seven. Her knowledge base from the Collective is three years out of date. If the Krenim have accomplished this much in five years, who's to say what we'll have to deal with from them in another five years if we're still in this quadrant? What if they do have transwarp capability? Or they develop it by then? We don't even know how far their influence extends. Maybe they can travel by creating short-range wormholes like those B'Elanna and Vorik detected. We just don't know enough about them and this project of theirs."

Chakotay stared at the floor, still uncomfortable with the mission, but understanding Janeway's reasoning and actually agreeing with it on an intellectual level.

Janeway stopped pacing and walked over to him to rest her hand on his arm. "Chakotay, I don't like it either," she said, "but from a tactical standpoint, we can't afford to miss this opportunity. At the first sign we're in over our heads, I'll break off the mission. Until then, we'll proceed as discussed."

"I'll hold you to that, Kathryn," Chakotay said.

"Fair enough. Let's get back to the bridge."

***

Bridge:

Janeway stopped at Tuvok's station for a shield status update while Chakotay proceeded on to his chair, where he sat and accessed his console to catch up on departmental reports.

Tuvok looked up and said, "Captain, Engineering just informed me that temporal modifications to the metaphasic shields are complete and synched with Mr. Kim's sensor enhancements, and the interphase technology integration with the sensors is underway."

"Noted," said Janeway. "Go to yellow alert. We'll raise shields when the interphase modifications are complete." She stepped back down onto the command deck and made her way over to the helm.

"Mr. Paris, can I assume you've already made your calculations for a safe orbit around that black hole?"

"Completed and laid in, Captain. Just waiting for your order," said Paris.

Janeway acknowledged him with a nod, and returned to her command chair to wait for word from Engineering. She busied herself with reading reports on the console until then. Twenty minutes passed.

"Torres to the bridge."

"Janeway here. Report."

"Harry and Seven have just finished integrating the Doctor's scanner with Ops. We're good to go."

"Good work, B'Elanna. Janeway out." She glanced over her shoulder at Tuvok and said, "Raise shields."

Paris turned in his seat at the helm, awaiting orders. Janeway said, "You heard her, Tom. Take us in. Keep that star's corona between us and the Krenim. The electromagnetic radiation should cloud their sensors." Paris nodded and turned back to his console and began tapping in commands.

She glanced back at Ops. "Harry, it's going to be tricky from here on in -- we need to accurately track that interphase signature. Route a dampening field through the deflector grid and put it around the external sensor array. The Krenim know we're here, but as long as their device is down, why don't we run a few scans before they're able to do anything more with it."

"Acknowledged," said Kim. He punched in several commands and looked up from his station. "Done," he said with a smile, which Janeway returned.

The bridge was quiet as captain and crew concentrated on studying reports or following the sensor readings as they approached the coordinates of the black hole binary system. Paris put the ship into orbit around the singularity, careful always to keep the companion star's stellar flares between them and the Krenim ship's position. Voyager proceeded uneventfully in orbit for a short time, tracking the cloaked ship.

Having completed her assigned tasks in Astrometrics, Seven arrived on the bridge and took her place at her station behind the command team.

Kim looked up from his readouts, nodded in the former drone's direction and said, "Captain, Seven's interphase modifications to the enhanced sensors are punching enough holes in their cloak for me to read a strong local dampening field around their ship. It's more powerful than anything we can generate. That's how they're able to stay just above the event horizon without being pulled in. Powering that field and the graviton matrix has got to be a huge drain on their warp core."

Seven punched a few commands into her console and observed, "There is no indication that powering the dampening field is affecting their warp core, Mr. Kim. The Krenim are drawing off sufficient gases from the companion star to convert into antimatter fuel for their energy matrix to run their technology." She turned to Janeway and said, "Captain, their drawing off of stellar gases would also explain the slower than expected increase of the black hole's mass."

Before Janeway could respond to Seven's observations, Tuvok said, "We are being scanned. Apparently the interphase cloak allows Kenim sensors to function adequately despite the stellar radiation."

"Captain, they're hailing," said Kim.

"Onscreen."

The Krenim ship's bridge and captain appeared on the viewscreen. "I am Darrot of the Krenim Imperium. State your identity," the alien captain said.

"Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation Starship Voyager. We're just passing through on our way to our home in the Alpha Quadrant."

"Why have you taken up orbit in this system? This is a restricted area," said Darrot.

"Restricted?" asked Janeway.

"Our Scientific Institute is conducting sensitive research in this area. Your presence is creating anomalous readings. You must leave," said Darrot.

"How interesting," said Janeway. "We have a few anomalous readings of our own. Our sensors indicate that they originated from this binary system. We've been re-experiencing events from our past history in this quadrant, but haven't detected any naturally-formed temporal rifts that would account for them. Perhaps you can enlighten us."

"No further discussion. You have been asked to leave our space."

"Your space?"

"We have military support vessels in the region. Leave or you will be fired upon," said Darrot.

During the increasingly hostile exchange, Chakotay had come up to stand behind Janeway, who turned back to face Tactical.

"Harry, mute audio. Tuvok?"

"They are no match for Voyager," responded Tuvok, "but there is no way to determine the danger posed by any temporal incursion they may seek to create."

"Any ships, Harry?" asked Janeway.

"None, Captain. They're bluffing."

Janeway gestured for Kim to reopen the audio channel, then turned to face the viewscreen again. Before she could question the Krenim officer further, Seven said, "Captain, we have no doubt obtained all the useful readings this situation will allow."

Chakotay said under his breath, "Seven's right, Kathryn. Time to call it a day. This party's over."

"Agreed, Chakotay, but I'm going to take one last shot at squeezing a little more information out of them," Janeway answered, just as quietly.

She took a few steps forward and said, "We're not leaving without a few answers. We've scanned this region -- it's just your ship and mine. Why are you so eager to see us go? Afraid we'll steal your temporal weapon?"

A flash of anger crossed Darrot's face as he said, "You have been warned." He cut the transmission, and a moment later, Voyager shook very hard.

"Captain, I'm reading a chroniton surge." Kim looked up from his console. The words were barely out of his mouth when Voyager rocked from heavy weapons fire. "Three Kazon battleships, Captain. They've triangulated our position and are firing."

"Evasive maneuvers, Mr. Paris," Janeway called out as she and Chakotay returned to their seats.

"Switching to manual override. Evasive maneuvers, aye," replied Paris.

"Another chroniton surge," said Kim. An abandoned vessel materialized directly in Voyager's flight path as Kim spoke.

"It's a Malon freighter. I'm detecting contaminated antimatter, no life signs," said Kim. "It's on a collision course."

"I'm on it, Captain," said Paris, "but I'll have to break orbit and get in closer to the black hole to avoid both the Malon and the Kazon. The gravity well might be a problem."

"Do it, Mr. Paris. We're out of options at the moment," Janeway said as Voyager continued to shake and conduits exploded around the bridge.

The companion star's gravity well caught the Malon freighter, which began to fall deeper into its corona. Once Voyager broke orbit to move closer to the black hole, it began to gradually slip toward the singularity's event horizon, drawn by the intense gravity.

"Captain, we're being pulled in," said Paris. "I need more power to the impulse engines if I'm going to break usloose," said Paris.

"Rerouting all available power including life support to the impulse engines," said Tuvok.

"Try it now, Mr. Paris," said Janeway.

"Helm is responding, but it's going to be a rough ride," said Paris.

"I'll live with it," said Janeway. "Get us out of here as soon as we're free of the gravity well," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," responded Paris.

Voyager shuddered as it pulled against the black hole's intense gravity. Tom ducked as conduits blew out near him, but he managed to break the ship free and began an escape trajectory. The Malon freighter continued falling into the companion star's corona and finally exploded.

"Brace yourselves! There's a massive shock wave riding our tail," said Kim.

Paris was able to keep the ship just ahead of the shockwave, but temporal eddies began to buffet Voyager.

"Temporal waves, Captain," said Seven, as she began entering commands into her console. "I am adjusting the shields to match their phase variance. However, the explosion from the freighter polluted the stellar gases the black hole is drawing in with contaminated antimatter. Should it also pollute the spin energy the Krenim energy matrix is siphoning off, their temporal generator will destabilize. Any temporal modifications to Voyager's shields will be useless," said Seven.

Janeway looked back at her and began, "We'll soon be far enough..."

"Houston, we have a problem," Tom sharply interrupted.

Janeway responded to the urgency in his voice and quickly looked forward to a sight on the viewscreen that chilled her blood -- chaotic space rapidly descending on their position. She stood and walked to the helm, grabbing a nearby railing to steady herself.

"Warp engines offline," said Paris. "I can't outrun it." The shockwave finally caught up to Voyager and passed over them, rocking the ship.

"More bad news, Captain," said Kim. "The Krenim are in here with us."

"All stop," ordered Janeway.

A soft moan behind her caught Janeway's attention. Chakotay was doubled over in his seat, his head in his hands. Janeway crossed the command deck, her concern evident as she leaned over her first officer and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Chakotay?"

"Oh God, Kathryn, not again. I'm already disoriented."

"Try to hang on," Janeway said as she eased him back into an upright position. "You're the only one who can communicate with the aliens who live here. We may need you to do that."

Janeway stepped back and raised her voice to engage the com. "Janeway to the Doctor. We've just entered chaotic space. Commander Chakotay is already been affected."

***

Sickbay:

The Doctor was in his lab analyzing tissue samples when Janeway's voice came over the com. Grabbing a med kit, he replied, "Understood. On my way," as he added a few additional supplies to the kit and left for the bridge.

***

Bridge:

"Captain, the last time we were trapped in chaotic space, the Commander used a paralateral rentrillic trajectory to get us out," Kim said. "I have the necessary subroutines preprogrammed into the computer."

"Mr. Kim?"

"Seven told me that chaotic space was a galaxy-wide, randomly occurring phenomenon," said Kim. "I thought it made sense to be prepared in case we ran into it again."

"Good thinking, Harry," said Janeway. "Do it."

"Tuvok, I need you to take the main deflector off line while I initiate the subroutine to recalibrate it,"Kim said.

"Deflector off line," said Tuvok.

"Computer, take sensors off line and run program Kim RD-47-RS. Signal when you're finished," said Kim.

The computer worked in silence for a few moments and then reported, "Modifications complete."

Kim entered a few commands, turned to Tactical and said, "Tuvok, activate the deflector, full amplitude."

"Deflector activated."

"Bringing sensors back on line," said Kim.

"Tom, set a course out of chaotic space, maximum impulse," Janeway said.

Voyager started to find its way out of the anomalous region when Paris said, "Course headings just vanished. Nice try, Harry."

"All stop," ordered Janeway.

"All stop, aye."

Janeway looked over at Kim, who said, "I don't understand it, Captain. This should have worked."

The Doctor arrived on the Bridge and rushed to Chakotay's side, freeing Janeway to join Kim at his station. She began to go over his calculations while he rechecked the sensors.

"Captain, I'm reading chroniton radiation with traces of contaminated antimatter residue leaking from the Krenim ship. That's what's interfering with our navigation readings."

"Their temporal generator must have begun to destabilize," said Janeway. "We didn't have the radiation and antimatter residue to deal with during our last visit to chaotic space. You were right, Harry. This would have worked without the addition of those two factors."

"Captain, I am detecting temporal and spatial flux unlike the data recorded during Voyager's last sojourn in chaotic space," said Seven. "The Borg have never encountered readings such as these."

"No doubt because the anomaly destroyed them before they could document it," said Tuvok.

"No doubt," said Seven, "although there is a record of one cube having survived an encounter with this phenomenon."

"It would appear that Voyager is in the temporal version of chaotic space, Captain," said Tuvok.

"Noted," said Janeway. She quickly stepped down to the command deck and over to the Doctor's position to discuss Chakotay's condition. "Doctor?"

"He's calm for the moment," said the EMH. "I've given the Commander a mild sedative, but not enough to render him totally unconscious."

Janeway knelt on one knee to Chakotay's left and cupped his jaw with her hand, peering into his face while she waited for a response. Chakotay groggily opened his eyes and looked at her.

"I heard Tuvok, Kathryn. He's right. The aliens are trying to communicate with me again, but it's some kind of weird mixed up chronology. The order doesn't make any sense."

"How are you feeling otherwise, Chakotay?" asked Janeway.

"Like I've been dragged through a warp plasma conduit and back, but believe it or not, it's not as bad as the last time," he answered.

"Wait a while, Commander," said the Doctor.

"Doctor..." Janeway leveled a glare at him to quickly silence that line of conversation. She turned back to Chakotay, lowered her hand to rest on his arm, and said, "Well, that's something at least. I suppose we're fortunate chaotic space activates your defective gene so you can communicate with the aliens who live here.

"Lucky me."

"Can you manage if the Doctor monitors you here on the Bridge instead of taking you to Sickbay?"

"I have to, Kathryn. I'm our ticket out of here," said Chakotay. "The Doctor can resuppress my defective gene once we're safely back in normal space."

"All right, Chakotay. I know you'll do your best for us. Conserve your strength while you can." He nodded and closed his eyes again.

Janeway stood up and walked past the Doctor on her way to her command chair. She stopped abruptly and clutched her head with one hand.

"Captain?" asked Tuvok.

"It's only a bad headache coming on, Tuvok. I've had worse," Janeway replied. She sat down and leaned back, closing her eyes for a few moments.

The Doctor glanced up from monitoring Chakotay, and looked around the bridge at the rest of the crew, who had also begun to show signs of severe headaches and muscle spasms as well. He came over to Janeway, leaned over and said for her ears only, "Just as I suspected, Captain. The spatial distortions associated with temporal chaotic space appear to have symptoms similar to spatial interphase, but on a more intense level. It's just a matter of time before everyone is affected to some degree. The extent of diminished capacity depends on how quickly the Commander can get us out of here."

Chakotay opened his eyes and turned to speak to Janeway. "Kathryn, the aliens are telling me we have to use rentrillic geometry to modify our shields. It will protect us from any temporal anomalies while in chaotic space, and allow Harry's calculations to work."

"Can you enter the modifications?" asked Janeway.

"I think so," said Chakotay. "Give me a moment to focus my thoughts." He closed his eyes again and leaned back in his chair to gather his strength.

The Doctor administered a hypospray to Janeway, and the drawn expression on the Captain's face eased as the intensity of her headache diminished. "That should also minimize any slight vertigo you may be feeling, Captain," the Doctor said. "I can keep everyone comfortable for a short time, but you know as well as I do that the symptoms will continue to progress in severity until we leave this space. I, of course, being a hologram, will remain unaffected."

Janeway shot the Doctor a look that spoke volumes. "Understood, Doctor. I'll help you with the Commander." Janeway stood, preparing to assist the Doctor in getting Chakotay to the tactical station to enter the rentrillic shield modifications, when she moaned quietly, staggered and then sank to her knees. Not wishing to alarm Chakotay, the Doctor encouraged him to rest with his eyes closed for a few moments longer, and then made his way to the Captain.

"Doctor, can you give me something to make the bridge stop spinning? The nausea is almost more than I can manage," said Janeway, as she lowered herself to sit on the deck and closed her eyes.

The Doctor loaded another hypospray and administered it to Janeway. "Help me to my chair, Doctor," she asked as she began get up.

"Actually, it would be better if you laid flat and remained absolutely still to let the medication work. The slightest movement of your head will only aggravate the vertigo."

Rather than heeding that advice, Janeway made a second attempt to rise and was struck with another wave of intense nausea. She groaned heavily and sank back onto the deck, saying, "You win, Doctor." In a quieter voice she said, "I think it's time to activate the Emergency Command Hologram."

"Excuse me, Captain?" The Doctor was startled by the comment and went down on one knee beside her to keep the conversation private between the two of them.

"Think you're up to giving it another try?" asked Janeway, with a slight wry smile.

"You know I'll do my best for you and this crew," said the Doctor.

Janeway said, "Computer, transfer my command codes to the ECH, authorization Janeway Delta-47-gamma-pi."

"Codes transferred," acknowledged the computer.

Janeway watched as four holographic pips appeared on the Doctor's collar. "Doctor, Chakotay is your priority," she said. "I'm counting on you to help him with whatever he needs to do. If he can't enter the shield modifications, our comfort isn't going to matter before very much longer. The graviton shear will crush us."

"Understood, Captain. I won't let you down."

Despite feeling desperately ill, Janeway could see that the Doctor was nervous at the prospect of being in charge. She reached up to take his arm and said, "One more thing..."

"Yes?"

Janeway looked up at him with as much of a smirk as she could muster and said, "Try not to fire off any photonic cannons while the crew's out of commission. All right?"

The Doctor smiled at the memory and said, "Understood. You have my word." He covered Janeway's hand with his own and gave it a squeeze before he lowered it to rest on her midsection. She smiled and closed her eyes.

"Doctor," moaned Chakotay, eyes still closed and leaning slightly forward, clutching his head with one hand and the armrest of his chair with the other. "My head..."

"Sit back, Commander, and keep your eyes closed. I'm giving you 5 cc's of painkiller. That should help," said the Doctor, as he administered the hypospray. Chakotay slumped back in his seat and sighed.

"Commander?" asked the Doctor.

Chakotay sat quietly for a moment, gathering strength and then said, "The head's a little better, and so's the dizziness, Doctor. I wish you could give me something for the mental confusion."

"If it gets too severe, I can sedate you further," said the Doctor, "but there's a limit to how much medication I can give you and still keep you alert enough to get us out of chaotic space. Our survival depends on you."

"Understood, Doctor," said Chakotay. "Give me a few moments more."

"Ready whenever you are, but keep in mind that we really don't have much time."

Chakotay nodded, and remained still, focusing on steadying his breathing to help clear his mind. On a signal from the first officer, the Doctor slung his medkit over his shoulder and helped him struggle to his feet. As they turned and began to walk slowly toward the Tactical station, Chakotay stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Janeway lying on the deck with her eyes closed. "Kathryn!" he cried out in momentary panic, and began to reach down to her.

The Doctor restrained him, saying, "There's no time for that, Commander. I've given the Captain medication for severe nausea and vertigo and advised her to lie still on the deck. She turned over her command codes to me and asked that I assist you in every way possible. The entire bridge crew is incapacitated. "

Chakotay straightened up, swaying slightly. "All right," he said and then nodded to the Doctor that he was ready to start heading for Tactical again. He staggered slowly up the stairs to the secondary engineering level and leaned against the bulkhead next to the turbolift, waiting for the ECH to gently lower Tuvok to the deck from where he was slumped over his console. The Doctor propped the Vulcan into a sitting position against the rear bulkhead and administered a hypospray. Once there was enough room to move around, Chakotay came in to stand behind the station.

"Doctor," he said. "I'm taking the shields offline to make the rentrillic modifications. Once I bring them back online... Chakotay swayed and leaned heavily on the console, clutching his head. "I'm confused..."

The Doctor grasped Chakotay by the arm and said, "Focus on the sound of my voice, Commander. What happens after you bring the shields back on line?"

"You have to run Harry's subroutine on my mark. I'll preset it for you." Chakotay's voice faltered to a halt.

The Doctor opened his medkit and popped an ampoule of mild sedative into a hypospray. He was about to inject Chakotay with it when the Commander held up his hand to stop the ECH.

"Not yet, Doctor. They're communicating with me," he said. "I need to think... what they're saying is in bits and pieces."

Random fragments of events and conversations from Voyager's past history raced through Chakotay's mind almost faster than he could follow the thread of communication as the aliens spoke, saying, "You must remove the other. Their unstable technology harms our realm. If they remain, all will be destroyed."

Chakotay swayed again, but steeled himself and forced his mind to concentrate on the task at hand. "They're telling me I have to extend the rentrillic shielding around the Krenim ship and tractor it out with us," said Chakotay. "If there's an antimatter explosion in temporal chaotic space..."

"Let me guess," said the Doctor. "A subspace tear."

"Good guess, Doctor," said Chakotay through gritted teeth. "That, and what Paris called 'time soup', spread across half the quadrant." He entered several commands to take the shields offline and then hesitated.

The Doctor rested a steadying hand on his shoulder and said, "You can do this, Commander."

Chakotay squared his shoulders and finished entering the command sequence. He turned to the Doctor and pointed as he said, "On my mark, here and then here. Then tell the computer to run Kim RD-47-RS."

The Doctor nodded. "Understood."

"I need to lay in our course once the navigation sensors read clear," said Chakotay. Leaning heavily on the railing, he slowly made his way down the stairs and staggered across the command deck. He reached the helm and said, "Now, Doctor."

The Doctor tapped the console in the two places that Chakotay had indicated and said, "Computer, run Kim RD-47-RS, authorization ECH Zimmerman 1-7-4."

The doctor waited until the computer responded with "Program complete" and then made his way to the helm, where Chakotay was leaning heavily on the console as he struggled to remain focused long enough to enter course headings.

"Deflector activated... sensors back on line. Course laid in. Tractor enga...," he managed to get out as he staggered backward a step.

Chakotay's eyes rolled back in his head and his knees started to buckle as the Doctor reached his side just in time to catch him before he collapsed entirely. He slung Chakotay's arm across his shoulders and half-dragged the Commander back to his chair, where he administered inaprovaline to alleviate his symptoms.

Raising his voice, the Doctor said, "Computer, this is the ECH. Engage autopilot and execute course already laid in. Authorization ECH 1-7-4."

"Autopilot engaged. Executing course," the computer responded.

The Doctor watched as the rentrillic shielding took full effect and Voyager slowly made its way out of temporal chaotic space, tractoring the Krenim ship along with them. Once they were clear of the anomaly and at a safe distance, the Doctor ordered, "Computer, disengage autopilot, release the tractor beam, and bring Voyager to all stop."

"Autopilot disengaged. Tractor beam released. Coming to all stop," responded the computer.

The Doctor turned immediately to Janeway, who was already sitting up, holding her head and groaning. He gave her a hypospray to ease her symptoms and said, "Good news, Captain. The Commander was successful. We're back in normal space."

"And still in one piece. Well done, Doctor," Janeway said, as she slowly got to her feet with the ECH's help. The rest of the bridge crew began to stir.

"Thank you, Captain," he said. "Computer, this is the ECH. Transfer all command codes back to Captain Janeway, authorization ECH 1-7-4."

"Transfer complete."

"Ready to give up command so soon, Doctor?" asked Janeway with a smile.

"Not that it hasn't been fun, Captain, but I think the crew needs me in my other capacity as chief medical officer," said the Doctor. "Once I've seen to the rest of the bridge crew, I'd like to take the Commander to sickbay to resuppress his defective gene. Doctor's orders."

"I need him on the Bridge for a while longer. Treat him here. Captain's orders," said Janeway.

Chakotay opened his eyes and said, "I can manage for a little while longer, Doctor, at least until we're safely away from this region. The Krenim temporal generator is unstable. I might be needed on the bridge if we somehow find ourselves back in chaotic space."

Incensed at Chakotay's disregard for his well-being, the Doctor looked over at Janeway, who was glaring at him. "Very well," he said, in an aggrieved tone that was just short of insubordination.

"Tom, we're relatively secure for the moment," said Janeway. "Cover for the Doctor in sickbay until he's finished here. I'll call you back to the helm if I need you."

"Yes, ma'am," Paris replied as he headed for the turbolift.

"If it makes you feel any better, Doctor, the confusion is nearly gone," said Chakotay.

"That's beside the point, but what do I know?" said the Doctor. "I'm just the chief medical officer."

"Gentlemen!" snapped Janeway with a hand to her still pounding head.

The two men fell silent as the Doctor continued to work on Chakotay, who had by this time had leaned back and closed his eyes, giving in to his emotional exhaustion for the moment. The Doctor worked on him a bit longer and then snapped his medical tricorder shut, saying, "That's as much as I can do for you on the bridge, Commander. Please report to Sickbay at the Captain's earliest convenience. I need to run further scans before I can resuppress your defective gene."

"Thank you, Doctor," said Chakotay.

"For everything," added Janeway.

The Doctor acknowledged the command team with a curt nod and said, "You're welcome." He gave Janeway an irritated look and said, "With the Captain's permission, I need to relieve Mr. Paris in Sickbay."

"Dismissed," said the Captain with a wave of her hand. The Doctor quickly left.

"Harry, report," said Janeway.

"As soon as the tractor beam was released, the Krenim ship set a course on a heading back to the binary system." Kim hesitated and then said, "Captain, I've gone over the sensor logs and found evidence of a large chroniton surge just before we were pulled into chaotic space. In all the drama over the Malon freighter and the singularity's gravity well, I managed to overlook it."

"It's understandable, Mr. Kim. We were all pretty busy."

"There is no longer any doubt," said Seven. "The Krenim are developing a temporal weapon."

Before Janeway could respond to her, Tuvok said, "Captain, my tactical logs show a download of 83.4 teraquads of data before we left temporal chaotic space. I cannot account for it."

"I think I can," said Chakotay. "The aliens managed to communicate to me that they considered us ethical and intelligent despite our less advanced evolution. In return for tractoring the Krenim ship out of their space, they shared their rentrillic technology with us. They said they sensed that we would not abuse it, and would use the knowledge only to protect ourselves. It will take some time to get it all figured out, but it should help us avoid spending any time in chaotic space in the future."

"Temporal or otherwise," said Seven.

Paris was back at the helm, having arrived on the bridge during Chakotay's explanation.

Janeway turned to the station behind her command chair and said, "Your next project, Seven." Turning back to face forward, she said, "Speaking of the Krenim ship, Tom, lay in a course away from it, maximum impulse. Once we've cleared this region, set a course for home, warp six. We've gathered much more information than we set out to. Let's end this mission while we're still in one piece," said Janeway.

"You'll get no complaint from me, ma'am," said Paris.

"Captain, I'm reading a massive chroniton buildup, dead ahead" reported Kim. "It has the binary's signature." Voyager began to rumble and shake. "Temporal waves," he reported.

"Nice to know the Krenim appreciated the lift out of temporal chaotic space," said Paris.

"There's a large sinkhole is opening up underneath us," reported Kim.

"Can we avoid it?"

"Too late," said Paris. "We're being pulled in."

"Warp drive?" asked Janeway.

"Off line, impulse only."

"Full impulse, then."

"Still not enough," said Paris. "I need more power if we're going to break the gravitational pull."

"Route power from all non-essential systems to the impulse engines," Janeway ordered. "Bridge to Engineering -- vent three million isodynes of warp plasma from the nacelles. Tuvok, reverse our shield polarity."

Voyager slowly pulled out of the sinkhole.

"Get us out of range, Tom," said Janeway.

"Captain, another chroniton surge building up, dead ahead," said Kim, sounding stressed.

"You know, I've had just about enough of this," said Janeway.

"Captain, I do not believe it is deliberate this time," said Seven of Nine. "My readings indicate that their temporal generator has destabilized beyond their ability to control it."

"You may be right, Seven," said Janeway, "but that device is a menace to Voyager and any other passing ship within range. We're going to disable it completely." She stood and walked to the center of the command deck. "Tom, set a pursuit course." Turning to Ops, Janeway ordered, "Harry, on my mark, send an anyon burst through the main deflector. Once we decloak them, they'll be vulnerable to conventional weapons fire."

Kim entered the necessary commands and said, "Anyon burst ready. Coming into weapons range."

"Mark."

The anyon particle burst surged from the main deflector. As it radiated outward and washed over the cloaked vessel, the Krenim ship slowly phased back into normal space.

"I have them on sensors," said Kim. "They've raised shields."

Voyager rocked as the Krenim opened fire.

"Shields to maximum," ordered Janeway. "Tuvok, I don't care how you do it, but punch through their shields. Target weapons and that damned generator. Our rentrillic modifications should protect us from any temporal effects."

"Forward phaser array locked on Krenim shields," said Tuvok.

"Fire." Multiple orange beams from Voyager's phaser banks crackled and arced across the Krenim vessel's shields, quickly weakening them.

"Maintain fire," ordered Janeway.

"Their shields are collapsing. Locking onto weapons and temporal generator," said Tuvok. A few tense seconds passed. "Weapons disabled, targeting generator."

A moment later, Voyager began to shudder.

"Torres to the Bridge! The core just came back on line. We're going into coaxial warp, Captain. I can't shut it down!"

"Another rift!" said Chakotay. "It must have intersected one of B'Elanna's coaxial drive tests."

"Tuvok, divert all available power including life support to structural integrity." She whipped around to face Ops. "Shipwide, Harry."

Kim opened the channel.

"All hands, this is the Captain. Hang on! We're going for a ride."

Voyager lurched heavily as it leapt into coaxial warp a few seconds before the Krenim temporal generator's systems cascaded into total failure and exploded.