HERE IS WHAT I HAVE PROMISED. ENJOY!

USS Voyager
Delta Quadrant

Captain Cristobal Rios and the three other Tauri Federation officers materialized on the bridge of the USS Voyager in a beam of light. wearing a navy blue digital camouflage with the emblem of the Tauri Federation Navy on their shoulders, A delta inside a ring with TAU'RI FEDERATION USS QUADALUPE emblazon on the seams. They stood in stark contrast to the familiar Starfleet attire. The crew of the Voyager bridge crew didn't have the time to react as the newcomers materializes.

Instinctively, several of the bridge officers reached for their phasers, including Tuvok and Paris. But they quickly hesitated when they realized something strange about the materialization — it was unlike any transporter effect they had ever seen. There was no shimmer, no sound, no trace of the traditional Starfleet transporter energy. It was as if the officers had simply appeared out of thin air, bypassing the ship's transporter sensors entirely.

"Easy," Rios said, holding up a hand in a gesture of peace, his tone calm but commanding. "We're not here to cause trouble."

Captain Janeway, standing near the command chair, quickly signaled her crew to lower their weapons, though her expression remained tense. She studied Rios, her sharp gaze flickering over the unfamiliar insignia on his uniform and the efficient, almost seamless way he and his officers had integrated themselves onto her bridge.

"What do you mean," Janeway started, her voice stern and laced with concern. "The Federation Council disbanded Starfleet?"

Rios gave her a knowing look, as if he'd expected the confusion. He clasped his hands behind his back, assuming a stance of authority while glancing at his officers, who had spread out slightly to inspect the bridge.

"I understand it's a lot to take in," Rios began, his voice steady. "But it's true. As of two days ago, the United Federation of Planets has officially disbanded Starfleet. All combat vessels and warships have been transferred to the Tauri Federation Navy."

Janeway's eyes narrowed as she processed the information. She couldn't imagine the Federation without Starfleet, the institution that had symbolized the very principles of exploration, peace, and defense for centuries. Starfleet wasn't just about ships and missions—it was the heart of the Federation.

"Disbanded?" Chakotay, who had been silently listening from beside Janeway, finally spoke, stepping closer. "That's impossible. You are lying. They can't just dismantle it overnight."

Rios glanced at Chakotay and then back to Janeway. "I understand your skepticism. But the Federation Council voted unanimously. Starfleet is no more. Who is this Tau'ri you may wonder?"

Paris muttered under his breath. "Never heard of it."

"That's because your crew has been out here, far from home, for too long," Rios said, his tone softening as he nodded in acknowledgment of Voyager's situation. "About a year ago, Ba'al, set off a chain of events that started the whole Dominion war."

Tuvok, ever the pragmatist, spoke next. "You claim the Federation has dissolved Starfleet, yet we've received no official communication. Why are we only hearing about this now?"

"We were sent to bring you up to speed and assist in your return to the Alpha Quadrant," Rios explained. "Communications in your sector have been… difficult, to say the least. That's why we arrived in person."

Janeway crossed her arms, the wheels in her mind turning rapidly. "And you just happen to have ships equipped with hyperspace engines, capable of reaching us in days instead of decades?"

"But you haven't answered my question." Tom Paris said.

Rios nodded. "We are from the otherside of the universe."

Rios activated a holographic display of the Nexus Station near Deep Space Nine. Several Sovereign class with odd modifications patrolling the station.

"The Nexus station is where we can cross the other side without any entropy failure."

The mention of the Nexus Station, hyperspace engines, and the apparent disbandment of Starfleet painted a complex picture. Janeway's mind raced through the possibilities as she eyed the holographic display hovering between them. The station Rios mentioned, with its Sovereign-class ships displaying unfamiliar modifications, looked both foreign and eerily familiar at the same time. The thought of an alternative universe or dimension—something that wasn't entirely outside the realm of possibility—lingered in her mind.

Tom Paris, standing near his console, couldn't help but ask again, "You said you're from the other side of the universe?" with his incredulous tone, but curiosity sparked in his eyes. "What exactly does that mean?"

Rios offered a half-smile, as if he expected that question. "It means that the Tauri Federation isn't from your universe. We come from a parallel reality where certain events unfolded very differently. Ba'al, a Goa'uld warlord, initiated a series of events in our dimension that eventually led to the war with the Dominion in both my universes."

Janeway's brow furrowed. The Goa'uld? Ba'al? She had never heard those names in her encounters, but it didn't matter. The idea of parallel universes was not new to her. Voyager had encountered such anomalies before, and the possibility of someone from another universe offering to help them home was intriguing, but also concerning.

"What you're describing… alternate realities, parallel universes," Janeway said slowly, crossing her arms. "These concepts aren't entirely foreign to us. But what does this have to do with Starfleet being disbanded? And why is the Tauri Federation now controlling Federation assets?"

Rios shifted his stance slightly, his voice firm but respectful. "In our universe, the war with the Dominion was far more destructive. Earth was lost. The Federation in our reality couldn't keep up with the relentless assault. They needed something more strategic. StratComm or Strategic Command sent The Nathan James, our STAR RRTF."

"STAR RRTF?' Seven of Nine raises her eyebrow.

"Strategic Tachcal Astrometic and Research, the Rapid Reactionary Task Force." Stated a Tau'ri Federation Naval Commander. He has black hair and wears three pips on his shoulder. "They respond to tear in space in our universe."

"StratComm sent the Nathan James to this universe to do what exactly?" Tuvok ask, he is curious to the military tactic the Tau'ri Federation employs.

"Well, it will all be in the reports in our computer database." Rios paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "When the Federation Council in your universe learned about us—about what we had achieved—they realized that Starfleet's mission of exploration and diplomacy could no longer co-exist with the level of militarization required to defend against threats like the Dominion, the Borg, or the Romulans. So, they disbanded Starfleet and transferred all military functions to the Tauri Federation Navy."

Chakotay stepped forward, his voice hard. "So you're telling us that the Federation just handed over its defense to an organization from another universe? Why would they do that?"

"The hell I know," Rios answered, meeting Chakotay's gaze. "You have to ask your superiors."

Janeway shook her head slightly, not out of disbelief but frustration. "And what about Starfleet's ideals? Exploration, peaceful contact with new species, scientific discovery. The Federation wasn't built on military power alone."

Rios gave her a look of understanding but didn't waver. "I know. And believe me, many of us in the Tauri Federation respect those ideals. We were all raised on Starfleet's principles. But the Council believes—rightly or wrongly—that the galaxy is too dangerous now for Starfleet to be what it was. They want a force that can fight the real threats. The Tauri Federation isn't here to conquer. We're here to defend."

"That's a lot of faith in an outside power," Tuvok noted, his Vulcan logic cutting through the narrative. "What guarantees do we have that the Tauri Federation's goals align with those of the Federation?"

"You don't have to take my word for it, Commander," Rios replied. "That's why we're here—to show you what we can offer. You'll see the technology, the advancements. We're going to retrofit Voyager with hyperspace engines, and you'll see how fast we can get you home. We're not here to impose ourselves. You'll have the final say."

Janeway felt a pang of hope at the mention of hyperspace engines. After years of wandering through the Delta Quadrant, the idea of returning home within days instead of decades was nearly overwhelming. But at what cost?

"I need more than just promises, Admiral," Janeway said, her voice firm but measured. "I need to understand exactly what the Federation looks like now. I won't let Voyager—or her crew—become pawns in a political game."

Rios nodded, respecting her resolve. "Understood, Captain. We're not here to force your hand. We'll provide you with all the data you need. You'll see for yourself what's changed, and you'll make your own decision."

The silence that followed was heavy with anticipation. Janeway glanced at Chakotay, who gave her a subtle nod of agreement. Tuvok, ever the voice of caution, seemed to be withholding judgment for now. Paris, meanwhile, looked like he couldn't wait to see these hyperspace engines in action.

"Alright," Janeway said finally. "We'll allow the upgrades, but I want full transparency. No hidden agendas, no surprises. And I want regular updates on the status of the Federation."

"You'll get it," Rios promised, offering a small, respectful bow of his head. "We'll begin the retrofitting immediately. I'll send over engineers from the Guadalupe. You'll have hyperspace capabilities in no time."

With a brief tap on his wrist communicator, Rios summoned his officers, who quietly began preparing for the task ahead. As they moved toward the exit, the tension on the bridge began to dissipate, though the uncertainty of the situation remained.

Before Rios left, he turned back to Janeway. "Captain, I know this isn't what you expected. But I believe you'll find that we're more alike than different. Starfleet's legacy isn't gone. It's evolved."