Chapter 5
"Deep Space Nine"

Captain Benjamin Sisko smiled and stepped up to give Kathryn Janeway a quick hug. "How are you doing, Kathy?"

Kathryn hugged him back and whispered , "I need to talk to you . Alone."

He nodded and led her through the throng of people crowded onto the hangar floor. Once in the adjoining office, Kathryn locked the door and turned. "Ben , I need your help. Starfleet's decision is completely illogical! At a time like this, the Federation needs every starship that they can get. Why decommission one of your best ships?"

Ben Sisko rested his chin in his hands and watched her pace the room. "You know I agree with you , but there's nothing that I can do to help. If I take control of DS9 away from the Federation , then the Federation is dead and buried. I can't let that happen." Ben stood up and sat on the desk in front of her. "But I will turn a deaf ear to everything that you just told me. If Starfleet asks me why Voyager's running renegade, I have no idea."

Kathryn smiled slowly and laid a hand on his shoulder ."Thanks , Ben . I know that you can't help any more than that. But your support is good enough."

He grinned and offered her his arm. "If you like , I'll walk you to the ceremony. And I'll watch the fireworks afterwards. Just don't hurt my station."