War is diplomacy by other means

it wasn't funny.

It was a space battle and sentient beings had died. It really wasn't funny at all, but Mary had to bite her lip to keep from laughing out loud as the formation of Voth ships that had been approaching her ship with intent to cause harm came to a sudden halt in mid-space. Small wonder. Voth were bad news, to be sure. Even here, so far from their Delta Quadrant home, the Voth's fanatic devotion to their Doctrine and their advanced technology made them a threat to anyone who got in their way. Their formidable, intricately layered defenses and anti-proton weaponry gave pause to just about anyone. Well, anyone with tech on par with most in the Beta Quadrant. Federation, Klingon, Romulan, Dominion, all of them had run into the Voth during excursions into the Delta Quadrant through the Jenolan Dyson Sphere and-

Wait a minute, the Sphere?

Mary paused even as the Voth regrouped their ships. This was not a threat even fanatics with highly advanced tech could take lightly. Voth tech was advanced compared to many in the Beta Quadrant, true. Iconian technology was so advanced as to seem like dark magic even to races like the Voth. The Voth had to know that their ships were nothing more than targets to the huge white ship that now sat beside Mary's command. Oh, they could hurt it, sure. Maybe even destroy it with so many of their ships now targeting the Dreadnought. Herald ships had been destroyed in large numbers during the Iconian War. Blowing them up wasn't actually the problem with Iconian ships. They were tough but not invincible. The problem was that simply blowing one out of space solved nothing. Mary had studied the War in her time at the Academy and she knew far more now with her memories unlocked. Iconian tech had to be seen to be believed and even now, Mary couldn't truly imagine how much effort her people had devoted to war. She wasn't sure anyone who was not a true Iconian could. They had a phenomenal military industrial complex that spanned entire solar systems in at least one other galaxy. Add to that? The Iconians could and had reconstituted ships that had been destroyed. Some had suffered complete warp core breaches and been utterly vaporized, crews of Heralds and all. Sometimes in the middle of a battle, destroyed ships had reappeared having been rebuilt in a matter of minutes! Their crews were organic/technological hybrids and could be replaced just like the hulls! Their minds could be downloaded, just like Mary's had been into her Meridian where her form had decayed due to exposure to T'Ket's energy. It was really hard to fight when your enemy had limitless resources, insanely advanced technology and the will to use both. It wasn't the sheer size or firepower of the Heralds, ship and ground troop alike, that had won so many battle. It was the fact that they never stopped coming. Kill ten, a hundred, a thousand? More came. All ready to die if needed at their Great Ones' command because they knew they could and would come back.

Maybe the Voth could win this particular battle. Maybe not. Numbers were on their side here, but nothing else was. They had to know they couldn't win a war with the people who had built the Dyson Spheres! Mary didn't know what had happened to the Voth during the Iconian War. She should find out, but now was not the time.

The Dyson Sphere? Came from Jhinis, mind to mind and Mary sent a quick response back that she didn't know but it was a possibility. The Voth had claimed the Spheres and when the Joint Alliance had started exploring, had clashed repeatedly with the various Beta Quadrant races. Could that be what this is about?

Maybe. Mary sent back even as the Voth fleet formed up around its core ships and sat still in space. Their weapons were live, but no one was firing. Smart of them.

"Voth ships, you should move. Captain Pangolin is on errand of mercy." Came the cold voice of the Iconian Herald commanding the Dreadnought. "We are here to assist the Denali crew in that. Hinder us at your peril."

Mary smiled a little as the dreadnought's Baltiim raiders formed up around her ship and the Iconian ship, clearly moving to aid her defense. Her own Birds of Prey were out and about, cloaked and ready to strike as needed and withdraw before they could be harmed. She eyed the other group of ships. Krenn's Fencer was right beside the Bloodwing now and the other ships were also in tight formation. Mary couldn't imagine Owlesha helping her unless it aided the Romulan's plan to kill Mary in some way. Also, Krenn's ship had been dueling a Romulan ship and a Tholian ship when the Denali had been knocked out of warp by plasma the first time according to the Alliance reports on the situation. Mary had been unconscious at the time, so she hadn't seen it. That said? The Thrai dreadnought was distinctive enough that anyone seeing it would have commented on it. Owlesha would try to kill her again, that was without question. The only real question was how many other people would get caught in the crossfire. At least Mlian was safe for the moment. Mary didn't see Neesha's ship. That might be good or bad and right now? She was focused on the Voth.

I wondered why Mother insisted I start using my full name when I joined the Alliance. Mary said in her mind, fully aware that both Jhinis and the captain of the Dreadnought that had come to back her up could hear her. The one that she gave me. My friends and family can still call me what they will. She was quick to reassure Jhinis when the Herald started to apologize for not being properly formal. At least when formality is not required in public. She clarified. And yes, Herald Captain K'Tao. That includes you, brother.

I am honored, Mary Owlna Pangolin. Even in his mind, the voice was deep. Stood to reason, he was big. Sister. He was wary however. The Voth are not moving. They will do something. They have to if they were ordered to take you.

I know. Mary agreed. This conversation was taking milliseconds in real time, but they knew that the Voth would act. When it starts, I will have my escorts concentrate on Sector Three. They will go for support ships and any that have weakened defenses. If I am the target, they will focus on disabling the ship, not destroying it. That may give us an edge.

I will focus my fire on the enemy flagship. If they take enough damage, they may withdraw. The Herald was a bit dubious about that. And if they do not? He wasn't really asking, just clarifying. He hadn't dealt with the Alliance much. From what Mary sensed from him? By his own choice. He wasn't comfortable with them and boy, did she understand that!

If not, we remove the threat to this quadrant no matter the cost. Mary replied without emotion. Many of the people on this ship are waiting for death to take them but I find I do not wish to let them go without a fight.

I do not entirely understand that but I can accept that you speak the truth. The Herald said slowly. He couldn't. He had been made to serve the Iconians. His primary purpose had ended with the War, but he served still and would. It was what he was. What he was for. This situation at least is uncomplicated. Even if their presence here makes no sense. Attacking you makes less.

I agree. They took a hell of a risk to come here from the other side of the galaxy. Mary agreed. And from the commander's words, they knew of the one who hurt me. She mused and the others let her think. They say they did not serve him. Can we trust anything they say?

Can they trust us? Came from Jhinis and Mary stiffened. You know what M'Tara did. Who she worked with. Instant displeasure came from K'Tao at the voiced disapproval of one of the Iconian Great Ones, but Mary was quick to head him off.

K'tao, neither of us like it, but Jhinis speaks the truth. M'Tara did awful things to so many people. Mary said sadly. So many things we simply cannot fix. And yes, she was working with Lorinos. Why or how, no one knows. Knowing her as I did? That was her plan. She was always very careful to keep her shady dealings secret to protect her family. Even when I knew her, she did bad things to protect Iconia. After it fell? I missed so much and all of it bad. Sorrow rose, but comfort came form the others.

It was not your fault or mine, Mary. K'Tao reassured her. I am what I was made to be just as you are what grew up to be. And… You make a good point, Jhinis. He reassured her even as she quailed from his initial instinctive displeasure at any questioning a True Iconian. If they knew anything about him, they won't trust any who had dealings with him. They cannot assume that M'Tara was the sole contact. They cannot trust any of us. So, they will attack.

Maybe not. Mary said slowly and both other minds scrutinized her closely.

Mary, don't do anything stupid. Jhinis warned. L'Miren ordered me to grab and evacuate you and only you if you tried solo heroics again. She can't turn you over her knee now, but she can order me to and I might if you try to get yourself killed again. A bubble of amusement came from the other Herald but Mary gave a mental acknowledgment. She was not even upset at L'Miren's contingency plans. Her Mother thought very long term. It was what True Iconians did.

Actually… I think I am going to be smart. Mary said softly and then spoke aloud. "Jhinis? Hail the Voth again." Jhinis looked at her, but did as ordered even as everyone else on the bridge eyed Mary with curiosity. R'Kerti though looked worried and Mary shook her head. "Nothing stupid this time, R'Kerti. Maybe something smart for once?"

"Would be nice." R'Kerti muttered and everyone pretended they hadn't heard that.

"Coms are open, but they are not talking." Jhinis was quiet, ready to act.

"Voth Commander." Mary said quietly. "This is a battle you cannot win. Even if you do destroy the L'Miren's Gift, disable the Denali and take me, you know what will happen to you and your people. What L'Miren would do to avenge such an insult. Or worse, T'Ket! You are not an idiot. Idiots do not command starships." She paused and then scoffed. "Well, except for one Ferengi I have sort of met."

"Madren is an idiot." Came from the Voth! "Are you?"

"I have acted the idiot, but not always by choice. Most of my memories were locked behind very complex codes that were recently lifted." Mary was still quiet. "I didn't know what I was until then. Now, I do. I know what happened. I know why. If I ever get a shot at the one who hurt me and enslaved me, I am taking it. For what he did to me and what he has done to so many others in so many places."

"Not if we kill him first." Came from the Voth. Mary paused and then blanched.

"He did… He did it to some of your people?" Horror etched every ounce of her energy now. Everyone on the bridge was still. They knew some of what had happened to Mary. of her crew, only Jhinis really had a clue about all of it and Mary worked hard to keep it most of it away from her Herald. From K'Tao's sudden emotionless feel? He knew and was just as mad as Mary was.

"He did." The Voth said quietly. "We took them back, but we were too late. None of them survived."

"I see." Mary took a deep breath and then continued. "Then, since he had me and used me, you cannot trust anything I say. Since-" She broke off when the Voth spoke again.

"None of the people he took and hurt could speak his name. You can." The Voth said slowly.

"That proves nothing." Mary gave a shrug that was wasted on someone who couldn't see her. "Everything I remember about him spoke of how well he lied. Hell, he fooled T'Ket for goodness sakes'!"

"We wondered why she didn't simply destroy the Denali when she arrived." The Voth was not as hostile now. "That would have been more in character."

"Indeed." Mary agreed. She discarded subterfuge and spoke openly. "I have to know, no matter how this ends. Is it me you want? If so, can you say why?"

"Yes." The Voth was calm. "We need someone who knows Iconian tech. We were told you did and were being sent to your death. That the Iconians would not want you or miss you. That was clearly not true." Even translated, this Voth had a firm grasp of sarcasm it seemed.

"Let me guess." Mary felt a great weight settle on her shoulders. "A female Romulan told you that." Not a question.

"Yes." The Voth agreed again.

"You disabled the Denali while the ship was in warp and when it came out, disabled, you planned to board and take me." Mary shook her head. "But you were not there. Someone else got there first." Again, not a question.

"We did not trust her, but we assumed she could not know where your ship would drop out of warp. We were wrong." The Voth allowed.

"Yeah." Mary heaved a huge sigh. "I know the feeling. I loved her once. I tried to teach her right from wrong, but I failed. She is insane."

"That became clear when she attacked your ship while we attempted to approach under stealth." The Voth agreed. "Then that odd Klingon ship appeared and we could not get to you. We failed."

"Have you?" Mary inquired and there was sudden silence on the other end. "Why did you want me, Voth? If, as you say, the others did not survive, I could not have helped you in any way until the codes freed my memories. I know some Iconian tech, but it won't always answer to me. I didn't know what I really was and I have no power except on my own ship."

"We did not know about that." The Voth was being oddly chummy now and Mary's suspicious nature rose. Both Jhinis and K'Tao tensed as well.

"I cannot give you the Sphere." Mary said softly and again, there was utter silence. "It is not mine to give. I think everyone has figured out by now that the Iconians set the Delta Quadrant Sphere up as a trap for your kind and the races from this quadrant. They wanted to see what you would do when you found the-" She broke off and hissed as realization struck. As she remembered what that Sphere made! Omega! "Oh no! Oh my god! No! You didn't! Tell me the Voth didn't!"

Everyone on the bridge of the Denali jumped as Mary's words ended on an impassioned scream. Jhinis felt Mary's fear and rushed to soothe it, but when Mary showed Jhinis what she thought, the Aenar Herald all but fainted! K'Tao was made of sterner stuff, but he too was shaken. Omega molecules were insanely powerful sources of energy and the sphere made them! Such raw power was no joke at all even for Iconians! Mary knew from Illian's lectures that the Voth had been experimenting with them. Trying to weaponize them! The Iconians knew better than to do that. They had learned not to try that the hard way. It had taken centuries for that particular sector to be safe for warp travel again.

"I was not involved. None of my crews were. But yes, some did experiment with a weaponized form of Omega molecules and yes, as you surmise, it went badly. This is not something we can fight, Mary Owlna Pangolin, Daughter of L'Miren. No matter our devotion, our skill, our technology, we cannot beat this." The Voth said softly. "I have actually been ordered to avoid Voth space for the foreseeable future. They told me to find an uninhabited planet and settle here in this quadrant. Maybe our descendants can go home someday. None of us can."

"You… You can't do that." Mary said weakly. "Your Doctrine…"

"This is not easy for us. Doctrine is...unclear on such matters. I have my orders and you were deemed a potential asset in accomplishing those orders." The Voth allowed. "We would not have been cruel." He offered.

"A cage is a cage, Voth." Mary said quietly, calm resuming. "I… Okay. I have my own mission to accomplish, but then, we will focus on you. An Omega detonation may have destabilized subspace and cut off the area, but unless a ship or ships was caught in the blast, they are marooned, not dead. There are lives immediately at risk right now without the medicine my ship carries, Voth. I have my duty just as you have yours."

"We do not ask your aid." The Voth was stern again.

"I am not offering." Mary retorted and the other made a querying noise. "If, and I do say 'if', there was an Omega detonation, then the only way you got the molecules in sufficient quantity to cause such a blast was and is our responsibility. Iconian tech makes them. Your people took them. We are both responsible here. We need to find out how bad it is and if it is spreading."

"What?" The Voth wasn't faking his sudden concern. Not a chance.

"Omega detonations can propagate oddly through both normal space and subspace." Mary said softly as everyone on the bridge started showing signs of horror. "If your people made it big… And if we don't act fast… It could cover the whole galaxy."

"It was one solar system!" The Voth all but begged. "Uninhabited!"

"Omega is weird." Mary said sadly. "The Iconians learned not to do that the hard way. I just… I need to get this medicine to Cait, Voth. Herald K'Tao? I don't think they are going to attack me."

"The Romulan will." The Voth and the Herald both chorused.

"Actually…" Mary smiled grimly as a battered D7 battlecruiser appeared out of cloak near the Bloodwing and opened fire on it! "I think I can trust my cha'DIch to keep the crazy Romulan busy for a time." Indeed, the Bloodwing took off, going to warp with Neesha's ship bare moments after it. "The others… Captain Krenn?" She inquired and another voice spoke up. She wasn't even surprised he could access her ship's coms. She was surprised when both Tholian ships moved to flank the Fencer! Then again? This was Krenn and surprising others was what he did.

"Captain Pangolin?" Krenn sounded almost bemused.

"Is there anything you can tell me?" Mary inquired carefully. Asking such of such as him was rarely a good idea. He rarely lied, but you would never know if he did. In Mary's experience, any answer the Reflective Master gave was anything but comforting.

"Get to Cait fast." Krenn was quiet, calm. "They are about to discover the truth of what Nuna did and it won't end well if you are not there quickly."

"And the other?" Mary asked when he was done. Nope, not comforting at all.

"Keep your backup close and call your mother." With that, the Fencer shimmered and vanished! Not a cloak, something else! All of the other ships vanished at the same time.

"Well…" Mary moved back to her command chair and sat. "Helm, set course of Cait. Voth? We may not be able to fix this, but you have my word, the word of L'Miren's Daughter, that we will try."

"We will be watching." With that, the Voth ships cloaked! No one was silly enough to assume they had left.

"Set for transwarp, R'Kerti." Mary shook her head as the Herald ship moved away, but was also clearly setting to go to warp. Or faster. R'Kerti nodded even as the bridge crew braced themselves. This would be a bumpy ride. Her escorts came in for fast landings and the flight deck crews would not be happy with the mess that resulted, but she wasn't about to leave them here, either. "We need to be there now and we better talk fast to explain why my brother is following me."

"Aren't siblings fun?" Jhinis inquired as the carrier hummed and then jerked into transwarp.

"NO!"