Snickering quietly, Cambil shook her head as she listened to Commodore McCallister brief her on her next set of orders. She knew the man too well to know he was bullshitting her.

She sat in her ready room behind her desk, staring intently at the floating holographic display before her. Cambil had kept silent while McCallister spoke. 

“So, any questions, Bexa?” He asked, remaining serious.

Cambil adored McCallister. Though they had gone through a rough patch when she had left the Odyssey over a year ago, after disagreeing with his decision to keep a mission quiet from her, things between them now were so much better. All it took was her getting a fourth pip to understand how the Omega Directive had forced McCallister to make the choices he made. Being his first officer and friend for a long time, she knew when she could push the blurred boundary in their relationship. Cambil knew this was the right time now. “Permission to speak freely, sir?”

“Of course,” He answered.

He was easier to read and understand than an old Bajoran prophecy. “You want me to meet with the Krenim first so you can have an easier, more enjoyable experience in meeting with the Zahl. Correct?”

Shaking his head and flatly denying it, complimented with a smirk, McCallister demonstrated hurt and upset in his words: “I cannot believe you would think that of me, Bexa.” 

“Yeah, right, I know exactly what’s happened here,” Cambil retorted. “You and Horatio have reviewed that database together and decided you want to meet with the Zahl Regency as they’re the easier, more welcoming species than the Krenim.”

“The Zahl are known for their non-confrontational and friendly nature,” McCallister responded, remaining professional with a slight curl of his top lip as he tried not to smirk at being caught out by his former first officer. “I’ve assessed that they’re a priority for us in developing strong ties with.”

Cambil rolled her eyes at his poor excuses. “And so you’re hoping that sending me to the Krenim, especially after Taes and I saved one of their colonies a couple of months ago, will go in our favour.”

“I certainly think you’ve got a step in the front door with them,” McCallister stated. 

She shook her head. “James Preston Harvey McCallister, you’re too easy to read.”

“Thanks,” McCallister chuckled. You may think this assignment is easy for us, but we know the Zahl have the most influence over others in this region. We may need this if we ever have to deal with the Srivani.”

“Yeah, yeah, I don’t need the speech,” Cambil dismissed him with a wave. “I know Starfleet is worried about us ever encountering the Srivani, but do we need to go all gun-ho with the diplomatic efforts?”

“Maybe not, but if we can form some sort of coalition to support us while we’re in this region, then I’m all for it. Plus, we need to smooth relations with those Voyager didn’t leave behind in the greatest of states,” McCallister reasoned. “I’m sending you everything we have on the Krenim, but it’s not much. I know the last time you helped their scientists ended well, but it did prove that Starfleet does get involved in too many time-travelling antics.”

“Is that a warning not to get into one?” Cambil checked.

McCallister chuckled. “I’m ordering you to ensure the temporal prime directive remains followed to the letter while trying to foster new relations with the Krenim.”

“Sounds easy,” Cambil remarked sarcastically. “Anything else?”

“We know that the Krenim and Zahl have a non-aggression pact and that the Krenim are more bothered by their-” He paused to look down at his notes, “‘mortal enemies’ the Rilnar. I’d prefer our presence not upset anything.”

“I totally understand, James.” She confirmed.

Nodding in appreciation, McCallister wished her all the best. “Keep me apprised of your developments, McCallister out.”

The display switched itself off automatically after McCallister had closed the channel at his end. Tapping her combadge, Cambil ordered her senior staff to the briefing room to discuss their orders. 

“So shall I get the red carpet cleaned now, or wait until we know how many guests are coming aboard?” Perez asked with a jovial tone. 

Some of the senior staff welcomed the joke with a few chuckles. Sitting around the long table, the Themis’ senior staff discussed what their diplomatic mission to the Krenim Imperium could involve. Cambil was at the head of the table, sharing what she knew and recapping procedures for such missions. Hearing her chief engineer’s quick quip made her smirk, too. 

“Unlike our last encounter with the Krenim, I want us to be a bit more prepared,” Cambil stated. 

T’Rani, her new first officer and newly promoted commander spoke up. “I assume we should expect them to ask us about our involvement with the Pandora Machine on Onitha?”

“I would expect so,” Cambil confirmed with a nod. “And we will cooperate with them about it.”

They were a series of nods from everyone else.

“I’m happy to lead on the scientific exchange of ideas, ma’am,” Abbej offered. “If that helps?”

Cambil appreciated her chief science officer’s suggestion. “Thank you, commander. If science can lead on making inroads with them, then I’m all for it.” 

“Captain, Decter and I have been reviewing the Borg database that Starfleet has assembled over the years since our last encounter with the Krenim, and there’s one piece of technology that we would like to install on the Themis,” Lenjir raised. 

Looking at her new second officer, Cambil was intrigued by what the Tiburonian officer was proposing to her. “Do tell, Cline,”

Lenjir motioned for Jines to load up their presentation. As the lights slightly dimmed, a holographic display of a Borg Sphere hovered above the table’s surface in front of everyone. 

“Temporal shields,” Lenjir stated. “It’s a defensive measure the Borg created after encountering the Krenim several decades ago.”

Taking over from his colleague, Jines spoke up. “From what the records tell us, the Krenim possess something called chroniton torpedoes in their arsenal.”

“Chroniton?” Perez asked, sounding intrigued by it.

“They’re based on their advanced knowledge of temporal science,” Jines elaborated as he pressed a button on the model. Six Krenim ships appeared in front of the Borg Sphere. “These are the sensor logs taken from the Borg’s first encounter with the Krenim. The Krenim used their torpedoes against the Borg Sphere when they engaged one another. It was heavily damaged as the chroniton torpedoes were in a state of temporal flux. They literally passed through their shields and any other energy barriers they tried to use to deflect them.”

“Logically speaking, I assume the Borg developed the temporal shielding system to defend themselves?” T’Rani asked.

Lenjir nodded at her. “They did.”

Jines pressed another button, showing the temporal shields on the Borg sphere, effectively defending it against the Krenim torpedoes. Though Starfleet has developed its own version of temporal shielding over the years, these would be the most effective to deploy, ma’am.” He looked at Cambil, showing how he and Lenjir wanted to install this technology on the Themis.

“I, for one, would vote in its favour,” Forbes said after reading the data about the chroniton torpedoes. “Those scans of those torpedoes show they emit high levels of chroniton radiation. We would have to inoculate the entire crew if one of those exploded close to us without those shields.”

“Should we be preparing for tactical engagement with the Krenim?” Samris asked aloud. The Romulan counsellor had remained quiet for most of the briefing. His contributions mainly focused on the diplomatic approach Cambil was planning to take. “I thought the commodore wanted us to make nice with them?”

“He does, but there’s nothing wrong with being prepared,” Cambil said before looking at both Lenjir and Jines. “Cline and Decter, begin work on the temporal shields. Ramona, lend them a hand. I want it fully operational before we cross into Krenim space.”

A series of ‘aye ma’ams’ responded to her orders from the trio she had just set a task with. 

“Well…it seems as though we’re about to undertake one of our biggest diplomatic functions ever,” Cambil said, smiling at her crew. “I know in the coming days, you will all do me and Starfleet proud. In the meantime,” she paused as she looked down the table at Andar, her Phylosian pilot. “Lieutenant Andar set a course for the Krenim border.”

Andar nodded their head. “With great pleasure, captain.”

“Dismissed, everyone,” Cambil ordered, remaining optimistic about what they were about to undertake. Once everyone had cleared out of the observation lounge, she took a minute to herself. Closing her eyes, Cambil said a quiet prayer to the Prophets, asking for guidance, strength, and luck as she led her crew on its new mission. Opening her eyes, she looked out at the stars beside her via the large bay windows that adorned one wall of the observation lounge. For a moment, she wondered if other Starfleet captains had ever felt a mixed sense of nerves, excitement and apprehension before undertaking a significant diplomatic event. Had James T. Kirk known that when he escorted Chancellor Gorkon, he would be thrown into the midst of a conspiracy to stop the Federation from ever achieving peace with the Klingon Empire? Or when Benjamin Sisko travelled to the Gamma Quadrant to seek out the rumours of the Dominion, could he foresee that only a few years later, he would be leading the Federation and allied forces against the Dominion in a bloody war? Or when Kathryn Janeway confronted Species 8472 to prevent them from infiltrating the Federation, had she known that sharing the technology to fight them would ensure a lasting peace between both sides? Finally, did Jean Luc Picard know that by travelling to Romulus to meet with their new Praetor, he would be encountering his own clone whom the Romulans had brutally abused and who had led the bloody coup d’état to ascend to the highest office on Romulus? 

Worrying that she and her crew would encounter similar outcomes, she prayed one more time to the Prophets, asking for their protection. Any help, she felt, would be a welcome one. Once finished, she looked at the chronometer read out on the nearby wall console and tapped her combadge, calling for her husband. Seeing if he was free to meet for a coffee, she was happy to hear his response. If anyone could help her calm her nerves or tripedition, it was Naprem. He organised for them to meet up shortly in Ten Forward, giving her a chance to look over her briefing notes one more time before she could take a break from work.  

The grand hall of the Krenim colony on Kyanna Prime was a breathtaking display of elegance, a sight that inspired awe. It seamlessly blended modern design with historical homage, and the warm, golden light from crystal chandeliers bathed the elegantly dressed guests, infusing the air with a sense of cautious optimism. The soft music, akin to violins and cellos, added to the event’s formality steeped in pomp and circumstance. 

Cambil moved gracefully through the crowd, her every step commanding respect and attention in her Starfleet dress uniform, starkly contrasting to the more formal attire of the Krenim delegates. As she navigated the crowd, she exchanged pleasantries with diplomats and officials. Her host, Ambassador Drayne, guided her in this formal function that had been organised with such speed since the Themis arrived in orbit of Kyanna Prime only yesterday evening. 

The group she had brought with her included T’Rani, Lenjir, Samris, and Abbej. Only an hour after leaving Perez in command of the ship, they had beamed down to join the party. 

From what Cambil could understand, Drayne had invited several influential people who lived on Kyanna Prime, from the colony’s leader and cabinet members to other key people in the science community and diplomatic sphere of influence. Drayne introduced them to Cambil individually, as she was taken around the room. 

“Captain Cambil, please meet Director Obrinst, head of Operations for the Krenim Temporal Defence Force here on Kyanna Prime,” Drayne said towards a man who appeared to be relatively young to hold quite a senior position.

“A pleasure to meet you, Director,” Cambil said, smiling.

Obrinst was striking in appearance. He was a tall and muscular figure who seemed to be in his early thirties. His crystal blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and warmth, and deep dimples appeared on his cheeks as he smiled at her. His jet-black hair was meticulously styled with a centre parting and short sides, lending him an air of sharp professionalism. Despite his charm and good looks, Cambil’s thoughts remained steadfast with her spouse back on the Themis.

“Captain Cambil, a pleasure to finally meet you,” Obrinst greeted her, his voice resonant and confident. “I’ve heard much about your work in this region.”

“Well, we were happy to respond to the distress call and help Doctor Irlina and her team,” Cambil stated. She had said that phrase more than once this evening to other delegates. 

“We were fortunate enough that your ships were nearby; otherwise, there would have been no way we would have been aware of the accident,” Orbinst stated. “The attachment from our T-D-F on Onitha was overwhelmed by the explosion from the Paradox Machine, and it would have been my team who would have had to visit to help.”

“As I said, we were happy to lend a hand,” Cambil said as she sipped from her glass. “So what does the Krenim Temporal Defence Force do?”

“We monitor the space-time continuum to ensure that if there are any temporal incursions that could affect the security of the Krenim Imperium, we deal with them appropriately. Protecting the timeline in this region of Krenim space is a responsibility I take very seriously. Does the Federation have anything similar in place?”

“Yes, we do,” Cambil confirmed, her tone both professional and cordial. “We have the Department of Temporal Investigations, which is tasked with monitoring and managing temporal incidents across Federation space.”

Obrinst’s interest was clearly piqued. “And I understand your Federation invites species to join its alliance. Your people, the Bajorans, have they ever had to deal with temporal matters before joining the Federation?”

Cambil nodded thoughtfully, her expression shifting as she recounted the past. “We had the Orb of Time, sent by the Prophets. It’s now under careful guard by the Department of Temporal Investigations and the Vedek Assembly. The Orb once sent a starship to the past, so we take its safekeeping very seriously.”

“Fascinating,” Obrinst replied, genuinely intrigued. “These Prophets, are they sentient lifeforms?”

Cambil chuckled. “You could say that,” She briefly explained the Bajoran faith and how the Prophets are connected to Bajor and their gifts via the orbs. “We know from our Emissary that the Prophets don’t exist in the same linear timeframe as we do.”

“I am speechless to hear that such an advanced and rich civilisation like yours has such a strong faith in aliens that reside in a wormhole,” Obrinst paused. “Oh my, captain, I didn’t mean to insult your faith.” 

Waving it off, Cambil showed she was not offended. “Do not worry, director; it takes a lot of faith for anyone to understand my people’s spiritual connection with the Prophets.”

“I’m very interested in learning more about the Federation’s approach to safeguarding the timeline,” Obrinst continued. “What processes do you have in place to protect it?”

Cambil considered his request, recognising the potential benefits and sensitivities of sharing such information. “I’d be happy to discuss this further, Director. Let me introduce my first officer, Commander T’Rani, who can offer additional insights.”

With a nod of agreement, Cambil motioned for Commander T’Rani to join them. T’Rani approached with her usual calm demeanour, her Vulcan composure adding a layer of depth to the discussion.

“Commander T’Rani, Director Obrinst,” Cambil introduced them. “We were just discussing the Federation’s policies on temporal mechanics.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Director Obrinst,” T’Rani said with a slight nod, her voice even and precise. “The Federation’s philosophy on time travel is one of caution and responsibility. We prioritise ethical considerations and scientific rigour to minimise potential disruptions to the timeline. The Temporal Prime Directive is there to ensure that we all prevent meddling with anything that has happened and that which could happen.”

Obrinst listened intently, his expression deep and focused as he absorbed T’Rani’s words. “And how do you ensure these policies are effectively implemented?”

“We conduct rigorous oversight through the Department of Temporal Investigations,” T’Rani explained. “They are tasked with monitoring time-related activities and responding to any anomalies. Starfleet also trains its officers to recognise and report potential temporal incursions.”

“Temporal Mechanics is a mandatory course at Starfleet Academy,” Cambil added.

“Fascinating,” Obrinst stated. “Our young learn temporal mechanics in their primary education.”

Cambil observed the interaction, noting Obrinst’s genuine curiosity and how T’Rani’s logical explanations resonated with him. She felt relieved having her first officer join the conversation, confident that T’Rani’s perspective would help bridge the cultural and scientific exchange.

She wanted to bring this evening to an end sooner rather than later. 

“Is it me, or is the captain not looking like she’s enjoying this?” Abbej quietly said as she enjoyed a refreshen drink that tasted like a cross between Klingon bloodwine and pink lemonade.  

Standing beside her, Samris was holding the same drink. He wasn’t looking at the captain initially but then looked over at his shoulder. “You’re right; she seems unamused being dragged around like a prized possession of Admiral Drayne’s.”

“I feel like we should do something,” Abbej remarked. 

Samris shook his head. “No, let the captain deal with this. She needs to show a sign of willingness with the Krenim.”

“Really?” Abbej challenged, unimpressed with Samris’ response, before sipping her drink. She really did feel for the captain, but that empathy changed when another Krenim scientist approached her to discuss temporal mechanics more. 

Later, as the reception continued, Cambil found herself outside in the gardens, needing a moment of reflection. The gardens were beautifully landscaped, with vibrant alien flora and softly glowing paths that wound through them. The night sky was clear, with stars twinkling brightly above—a view she often admired from the bridge of the Themis but which felt different here on the ground.

Drayne joined her, the crisp night air refreshing after the warmth of the reception hall. “Kyanna Prime has always been a place where we Krenim feels connected to the universe,” he said thoughtfully. “There’s something about the night sky here that inspires hope.”

Cambil turned to Drayne, sensing the deeper meaning behind his words. “Hope is a powerful force,” she replied. “It’s what brought us here tonight. Our peoples have so much to gain by working together.”

“That I agree,” Drayne confirmed. He gestured for them to walk through the garden. 

They walked along the garden path, the sound of their footsteps softened by the lush grass. Cambil appreciated the quiet strength in Drayne’s demeanour, and the two exchanged stories of their backgrounds, finding common ground in shared experiences.

“Captain, what drives you to serve in Starfleet?” Telan asked, his curiosity genuine. “To be so far from home, exploring unknown regions?”

Cambil paused, considering the question. “The motto of my ship, I think it sums it up well: Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known,” she said earnestly. “It’s exploring what lies beyond our understanding and the journey it takes you along. To me, it’s about making a difference, no matter how small, and knowing that what we do today can shape a better tomorrow.”

Drayne nodded, clearly impressed by her sincerity. “I went into politics to ensure my people could live peacefully and harmoniously with our neighbours. It’s vital there’s more cooperation than conflict.”

‘On that, I also agree,’ Cambil said with a nod before Obrinst’s sudden arrival stopped them in their walk across the garden.

“Obrinst, is everything okay?” Drayne asked.

Shaking his head, Obrinst answered quickly. “One of our prototype time ships from the Annorax University has been stolen.”

“Stolen? By whom?” Drayne probed. 

 “The Chrono Supremacists,” Obrinst’s tone appeared to change when he answered Drayne’s question. 

“Who are they?” Cambil asked, trying to avoid asking too many questions without violating the Prime Directive or even the Temporal Prime Directive by interfering in a civilisation’s development.

“They’re a small group of radical scientists, philosophers and ex-members of our military who believe that we should use our advanced knowledge and technology in temporal mechanics to make the Krenim Imperium the dominant power in the Delta Quadrant,” Drayne said with almost gritted teeth. 

“They are the bane of the Krenim Temporal Defence Force,” Obrinst added.

“I understand,” Cambil said. “Can we help in any shape or form?”

Orbinst shook his head. “Thank you, captain, but this is a matter my department must deal with. I suggest you and your people return to your ship and begin breaking orbit for your safety. I’ll have one of our ships escort you to a safer location.”

“Of course, we will follow your suggestion if you think that’s wise,” Cambil replied courteously. 

Drayne apologised to her for what was happening, and Cambi told him he didn’t need to say sorry for anything. After re-entering the grand hall, she found her team and quickly briefed them on what was happening.

“We’re leaving,” Cambil said with insistence.

“Is our diplomatic attempt with the Krenim over?” Samris asked as they assembled closer to be ready to beam back to the ship.

“I don’t know, but I think we need to leave to avoid getting involved,” Cambil responded before she tapped her combadge and asked the Themis to beam them back at once. She was keen to get out of there and away from any danger this heist could bring them. As the transporter beam effect captured them all, Cambil took one more glance around the room and saw the chaos that was now sweeping across those who, mere moments ago, were enjoying a peaceful evening. Whoever these Chrono Supremacists were, they certainly seemed dangerous by the response they evoked in the Kyanna Prime’s leadership. She knew the moment she was safe on the Themis; she would call for red alert and ensure the ship’s new temporal shields were raised and at full power. If this prototype timeship was in the hands of radicals who wanted the Krenim to be powerful and mighty, she feared they could be the first target in an attack against non-Krenim. This was not how she wanted this mission to go, and she was now certainly cursing Commodore McCallister for sending her this way. How did he always end up with easier missions than she did? She would have words with him.

By the time Cambil and her team beamed back up to the Themis, the ship was already at red alert. Swiftly, Cambil led everyone to the bridge via the nearest turbolift after leaving transporter room one. The crew were all rushing to their stations, and handheld weapons were being handed out while security officers were moving to secure vital areas of the ship. The second Cambil stepped out onto the bridge, the boatswain whistle was played, and Lieutenant Commander Jines spoke up.

“Captain on the bridge.”

Waving off the formality, Cambil proceeded to the middle of the room where her chief engineer stood. “Report, Ramona.” 

“The entire Kyanna Prime defence force just went to high alert, and their orbital weapons are activating too,” Perez shared. “We’ve been asked to break orbit and move away from the system while they deal with this issue.”

“Obviously, this timeship means something to them,” Samris commented as he took his chair beside the captain’s chair. 

Not wasting any more time, Cambil took her seat at the same time as T’Rani. “Number One, I believe it’s time we departed.”

T’Rani agreed and looked at the helm station. “Lieutenant Andar, take us out, half impulse until we are at least five thousand kilometres from the planet and then increase to full impulse on a heading of two-one-eight mark one-six-nine.”

“Aye, ma’am,” Andar said as their vines tapped away on the console.  

“Do we have the new temporal shielding operational?” Cambil asked Lenjir, who was now stationed at tactical behind her.

“We do, captain,” He replied courteously after checking his console for a brief second.

“Then bring it online,” Cambil ordered. “I don’t want a stray Krenim weapon hitting us as we retreat.”

 “Captain, that timeship appears quite powerful,” Abbej reported from the science station.

Looking over at the Boslic officer, Cambil was intrigued by the statement made by her chief science officer. “Clarify, commander.”

“For a ship of its size, it’s emitting a high amount of tachyokinetic energy,” Abbej replied.

“Put it up on the main viewer,” Cambil was intrigued to see this prototype timeship that the Krenim were scared of being in the hands of these radicals. 

The timeship did not share the same design lineage as the other Krenim ships that were present. Instead of sharing in the bronze armour plating on its hull, the timeship looked more like a Federation ship with its dark grey hull configuration. Its elongated, sleek form gave it a strikingly streamlined silhouette with a broad, almost spherical main body that tapered into a narrower aft section – wing-like structures jutted from either side, containing the ship’s warp nacelles. In contrast, the forward section was pointed towards what appeared to contain the ship’s main deflector dish.

“From what I can tell, that main deflector is connected to whatever is producing the tachyokinetic energy,” Perez stated. “I’m no temporal mechanic, but I would say that was what made it a timeship.”

“And we want to be friends with the Krenim when they have such technology?” Abbej remarked.

“Better to have them on outside than using that technology against us,” Lenjir responded.

In a few seconds, the other Krenim ships started to fire their weapons against the stolen timeship, but something appeared to activate on it that changed its hull configuration resulting in the weapons passing right through them. 

“Did that ship just phase itself?” Cambil asked as she stood up, alarmed at its capabilities. 

“The ship is now in a state of temporal flux,” Abbej confirmed. “It’s phasing out of the normal space-time continuum.”

“Captain, it’s powering up its engines,” Perez reported. “And it’s heading straight for us.”

“The timeship is hailing us,” Jines announced.

Baffled by this action, Cambil looked to T’Rani, who shared a similar Vulcan response. Turning back to look at her operations officer, Cambil nodded. “Open a channel.”

The main viewer changed to show the image of Doctor Irlina in the small, cramped cockpit with other scientists that Cambil knew. They were all on Onitha when they rescued them from their Paradox Machine. “Doctor Irlina, this is a surprise.”

“I’m sorry we’re meeting again like this captain,” Irlina stated. Her tone sounded desperate and sincere. “However, after our last encounter, I spent some time reviewing what the Paradox Machine showed us, and even though I am convinced my people need to be more meticulous in our approaches to temporal mechanics, there is one force threatening our existence.”

“I don’t understand, doctor,” Cambil was worried why Irlina was sharing this with her. On the other hand, she was annoyed not to know from the Krenim delegation that Irlina was here at Kyanna Prime. “What is it we can help you with?”

“There’s nothing you can help us with,” Irlina responded. “For the Krenim people to survive, we must stop you and your people.”

“Stop us?” Cambil repeated. “Stop us from what?”

“For what will happen,” Irlina answered before taking a breath, appearing quite upset now. “I am sorry.” She cut the channel with a press of a button and was gone.

“Captain, the timeship is firing at the other Krenim ships,” Lenjir reported. The viewscreen had reverted to its previous imagery of the timeship. A number of purple dots flew from all angles of the timeship, all aimed at the Krenim ships that surrounded them. In a matter of seconds, its weapons had knocked each Krenim out. They were disabled. 

The timeship then spun on its axis as it continued to chase after the Themis; it then fired its weapons against them. Shuddering from the external force, the Themis remained in one piece.

“Temporal shielding is holding,” Lenjir reported. “Do I return fire, ma’am?”

Cambil had turned on her heels and looked over at Abbej. “Are they still in a state of phase?”

Abbej nodded after checking the sensors. “There’s no way our weapons will hit their target.”

“What if we fire a full spread of quantum torpedoes and have them detonate the moment they pass through the ship?” T’Rani suggested. “Their point-zero reaction may be enough to force the timeship out of phase.”

“It’s the best idea we have—” Cambil started to reply when Andar interrupted her.

“Captain, sensors show tachyon and chronometric particles emanating from the timeship.”

“They’re trying to create a temporal vortex,” Abbej added. “And it’s aimed in our direction.”

“Captain, if that surge of energy hits us, we will be destroyed!” Lenjir announced. 

“Get us out here, Andar, any course and heading, maximum warp!” Cambil commanded as she sat back down in her chair.

“The particles have collapsed the warp drive,” Andar replied.

Perez shook her head in discomfort as she tried to work out what was happening but couldn’t do so quickly. “The timeship is preventing us from creating a stable warp bubble.”

“Then load up those torpedoes, Cline,” Cambil ordered as she tightly grabbed her chair’s arms.

Before Lenjir could announce the torpedoes were loaded, the time ship’s forward deflector came to life as it fired a beam of chronitons and tachyons ahead of it. The beam hit the Themis, causing it to roll off its axis, and a vortex was created beside it. The timeship flew right into it.

 “Inertial dampeners are offline,” Perez announced over the commotion as the Themis lost control. 

The bridge crew had been pushed out of their seats and stations. T’Rani, who had been on the floor, got up, struggling to fight against the ship’s spin. Slowly, she pushed herself across the bridge towards the helm. She could see their Phylosian pilot struggling to get a grip on his chair. Without hesitation, she found the strength to push him back into it before activating the chair’s brace to keep him strapped in. “Andar, use thrusters to reset our pitch,” She ordered.

 “Thrusters cannot compensate against the extreme gravimetric surge; we’re being pulled into the vortex,” Andar declared. 

Cambil, who had been pushed out of her chair, swore to the Prophets as she looked at the state of her ship, bathed in its emergency lighting as it dragged into the rift. Like water emptying from a sink, it was flushed away with everything, and then the rift closed behind them. 

It took several more seconds before the Themis was ejected back into normal space. 

“We’re okay; I’ve got helm control back,” Andar said from the conn. “We’re out of the vortex.”

“The vortex has closed behind us,” Abbej added.

Pulling herself back into her chair, Cambil took a breath as she realised her hair was now a mess. Quickly, she tidied it up and asked for a damage report.

Perez was the first to answer. “Temporal shields are down. There’s some buckling in the secondary hull. Main power is down. Warp drive is offline.”

“Auxiliary and emergency generators are coming online,” Jines stated. 

“Where are we?” T’Rani asked as she smoothed her uniform.

“We’ve travelled over sixty-thousand light years,” Andar conveyed. They appeared to take a double look at the helm station. “We are in close orbit of Bajor.”

“Bajor?” Cambil repeated, astonished to hear they were this close to her homeworld.

Andard confirmed with a nod.

“When?” Cambil asked next.

“Checking,” Abbej said as she quickly pulled the sensors to run a scan of the local area. “According to our astrometric readings, I would say we’ve travelled almost a century into the past.”

T’Rani turned to Cambil. “Logically speaking, if Doctor Irlina is planning to attack the Federation, returning to its distant history where it cannot defend itself from a temporal incursion would be the best strategy.”

“But why head to Bajor?” Samris questioned. “Why not Earth? Or Vulcan? Or Andoria? Or Tellar Prime? Attacking one of the founding worlds seems more logical.”

“It does,” T’Rani considered the captain’s point momentarily. “I am unsure, counsellor.”

“And why so far back in Bajor’s past?” Cambil asked before she shook her head. “Where is the timeship?”

Abbej checked her sensors one more time, “I’ve got it. It’s close by in orbit of Bajor.”

“Andar, take us to them,” Cambil ordered without hesitation. 

“Captain,” Lenjir said, almost screaming. “The timeship is powering up again, and it appears to be targeting the planet.”

Standing up instantly, Cambil saw the image of the Krenim ship before her. Again, without thinking, she quickly ordered Lenjir to fire the quantum torpedoes they had prepared before their transit through the temporal rift. 

“I’ve got no power to the torpedo launchers,” Lenjir reported.

“Decter, transfer emergency power,” Cambil commanded.

The Rutian nodded as he rerouted power. As he did, the lights around them dimmed further as power was assigned to the tactical array.   

“Launchers online,” Lenjir announced.

“Fire!” Cambil said with determination. Watching with bated breath, Cambil hoped the torpedoes did as they were intended. They flew across the space between the Themis and the timeship. Seconds later, they exploded in and around the phased ship, and the shockwaves from their detonation gently caressed the Themis hull. The timeship was disabled and appeared to return to normal space. However, its sustained damage caused it to lose control and head down towards Bajor.

“Tractor beam,” Cambil ordered. “We can’t let it crash.”

“The tractor beam array is also damaged, ma’am,” Perez announced. 

“Can we launch runabouts too—” Cambil stopped mid-sentence as she saw the timeship quickly enter the upper atmosphere of Bajor and begin to burn up at an incredible rate. 

“Can we beam the crew out?” Cambil asked next. She was desperate to do something positive.

“There’s too much interference, ma’am,” Jines replied. “Also, I’m not detecting any life signs on the timeship now.”

“Captain, they’ve launched what appears to be an escape pod,” Andar shared. “It’s following the wreckage of the timeship. It will crashland into a large uninhabited valley.”

Before Cambil could ask for anything else, a massive explosion erupted on the Themis.

“Report!” Cambil asked over the further uproar.

“Seven EPS conduits have just overloaded from damage, ma’am. We’re losing more power,” Perez said as she got up from her station. “I’m heading down to engineering.”

“Decter, go with her!” Cambil ordered the operations officer. “Secure the power grid at all costs, commanders.”

Watching the two officers depart, Cambil looked back at her first officer. “Secure the ship, Number One and then get me a damage report.”

“Aye, ma’am,” T’Rani replied and started coordinating their efforts to repair the ship.

“Abbej, Andar, the Krenim were targeting a specific place on Bajor. Can you tell me where?” Cambil asked them.

Andar got out of the helm and slithered across the bridge towards the science station to help the science officer. Seconds later, they reported they had an answer. 

“Ma’am, it was the Kendra Province,” Andar reported.

The colour drained out of Cambil’s face immediately.

“Kendra?” Abbej echoed before looking at their captain. “Ma’am, aren’t you from Kendra?”

Cambil nodded when she realised what Irlina meant by stopping them. She didn’t just mean the Federation; she meant Cambil specifically. 

“The year,” Cambil said after a second. “Abbej, what’s the year?”

Abbej checked her readings one more time. “Twenty-three-nineteen.”

Cambil felt dizzy at hearing that. “Twenty-three-nineteen. The year the Cardassian occupation of Bajor started.”

Hearing this, Lenjir spoke up. “Ma’am, I’m not detecting any Cardassian ships or life signs on Bajor.”

“Not yet,” Cambil sighed heavily as she placed her hands on her hips.

“Why come back in time before the Cardassians invaded Bajor?” Samris asked aloud. 

“My father was born in Kendra before the Cardassian invasion,” Cambil said solemnly.

“Irlina was going to kill your father and stop you from existing,” Samris summarised. “With all due respect, ma’am, that seems quite extreme.”

“Maybe, but Doctor Irlina made that remark about what we’re going to do; obviously, I’m part of that,” Cambil stated.

“As is Bajor, as they were going to attack it from orbit,” Abbej stated. The others looked at her, confused by her reasoning. “Think about it. Why not just beam down to the planet and kill your father without much attention? That forward deflector of theirs is powerful. I think it can do more than just open a temporal vortex.”

“There are too many questions for us to answer here,” Cambil said. “We need to go down there and find out more.”

“That would be illogical, ma’am and against the temporal prime directive,” T’Rani reminded her as she finished her work on assigning repair teams. “We need to gather more data to help us determine the Krenim’s intentions.”

“Beg your pardon, commander, but that’s not Vulcan being attacked or your parents being targeted,” Cambil replied. “They launched an escape pod. We need to track it down and stop them from doing more damage. We also need to find the remains of that timeship and stop anyone down there from finding it. We can let a Krenim experimental ship fall into the hands of the Cardassians when they arrive.”

“Or the Bajorans,” Lenjir added, prompting a glare from Cambil. “No disrespect, ma’am, but we can’t let the Bajoran Resistance use it. The timeline will be affected.”

“You’re saying we allow over fifty million Bajorans perish, commander?” Cambil questioned with a serious tone.

“Temporal Prime Directive, ma’am,” Lenjir replied honestly.

Cambil took a deep breath. “Andar, place us into a low orbit of Derna, the fourth moon. Its para-magnetic core should mask our energy signature, just in case the Cardassians arrive.”

The pilot nodded and returned to the helm.

“Then T’Rani, Cline, Samris, you’re with me, and Cline, let’s have the Hazard Team meet us in sickbay for some surgical alterations,” Cambil ordered as she headed towards the turbolift. “Abbej, the bridge is yours.”

“Captain, what are you doing?” T’Rani confronted her in front of everyone.

Turning around, Cambil looked at her first officer. “Leading an away mission to find the Krenim escape pod and ship. Why?”

Stepping forward, T’Rani took in a breath. “It is inappropriate for you to lead such an away mission, ma’am. It will become complicated when there are personal attachments to the away team’s mission objectives.”

“Your objection is noted, commander,” Cambil replied. “But unless any of you have spent a considerable amount of time on Bajor that I’m unaware of, then I’m the best person to lead the away team. Are we clear?” 

T’Rani nodded, realising she could not argue with the captain’s logic. “Understood, captain, but I must insist that the temporal prime directive is followed.”

“Of course, and that’s why you’re coming with me to keep that in check, Number One,” Cambil said as she resumed her walk towards the turbolift. She called down to sickbay to inform Forbes that he would be having some visitors shortly so he could turn them into Bajorans. Cambil then ordered Jines to meet them in sickbay. If they were to find the crashed ship she would need someone with her that could secure its systems. The group entered the turbolift, and Cambil turned to look at Abbej. “Help Perez with repairs to the ship and make sure no one sees us, commander.”

Abbej nodded to her commanding officer before the lift doors closed on them.

Entering her quarters with haste, Cambil had automatically removed her uniform jacket before she reached the bedroom. Having left her away team to finish getting their surgical alterations in sickbay, she had wanted to take a moment to breathe. She couldn’t get over the fact of when and where they were. The notion that this was some sort of test from the Prophets had run through her thoughts the moment she had left sickbay. Cambil was a firm believer in the Bajoran faith, and as she undressed, she considered taking a moment to pray. She wanted some guidance about this moment, and all she could hear her mind and gut telling her were the words from T’Rani’s voice earlier on the bridge. She knew how vital it was that they adhered to the Temporal Prime Directive. After ordering the computer to replicate her clothing suitable for this period in Bajor’s past, Cambil started putting the clothes on. 

Pleased with the detail the computer took in its creations, Cambil felt like she looked like her mother for a second. Wearing a burgundy tunic over dark khaki trousers and an ochre-coloured jacket with several Bajoran-style embroidery, Cambil finished her look by replicating herself a Bajoran earring that was different to her own. Knowing her people’s history, she knew that her current earring, if she wore it among Bajorans now, would place her among those in the labourer caste. She needed to ensure that she and her away team could move freely, so she replicated ones that would put them in a higher caste that wouldn’t raise any suspicions if they encountered any Bajorans. Engrossed in making herself ready, Cambil had noticed the arrival of her son at her doorway. 

“Mom, is it true we’ve travelled back in time?” Leeyem asked his mother; a tinge of excitement sat on the edge of his tone. 

Using the mirror before her, Cambil saw her son and turned around as she put her new earring on. “What have you heard?” she asked, knowing that her son, a typical fifteen-year-old teenager, was rarely interested in her work. His sudden curiosity piqued her interest.

Leeyem shrugged his shoulders as he answered. “Someone said that your mission with the Krenim went bad, and they sent us back in time to imprison us.”

Cambil chuckled at the imaginative and quite creative response she got from her son. “Not quite, darling,” she replied as she finished getting herself ready. “We have gone back in time, and I need to find those who have done this to us and get us back to our timezone.”

“So, why have you changed out of your uniform, and why are you wearing a different earring?” Leeyem quizzed her as he crossed his arms against his chest.

Sighing, Cambil picked up the boots that had been made for her, sat down on the edge of her bed and started to push her feet into them. “It’s complicated, Leeyem,” Cambil answered.

“Leeyem, leave your mother alone while she gets ready,” a new voice came from behind the fifteen-year-old Bajoran lad. 

Turning around, Leeyem smiled at his father’s arrival as he entered their quarters. “Dad, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in the school?” 

Ignoring his son’s question, Faren Naprem signalled for Leeyem to leave him and his mother alone. “The ship is still at red alert, Leeyem; you should be in your room.”

“Oh, Dad, I want to know where Mum is going,” Leeyem whined.

“Leeyem,” Faren said sternly. “Room. Now!”

Sighing loudly, Leeyem nodded to his father before wishing his mother the best in whatever she was about to do. 

As she finished tying her boots, Cambil could sense the unspoken question in her husband’s eyes. “I know what you’re thinking, Naprem, and I’d rather not discuss it,” she said, anticipating his inquiry.

“So it is true,” Faren said as he entered their room, and the door between it and the living room closed behind him. “We have travelled back before the occupation.”

“You know I can’t talk about such things, my love,” Cambil responded as she stood up and checked her appearance once more in the holographic mirror. 

“Bexa, don’t give me that Temporal Prime Directive bullshit,” Faren spat out at her as he sat down on the edge of their king-sized bed. “Every other Bajoran civilian on this ship, and I can see that we are sitting within one of the largest craters of Derna. We can also see Bajor without any significant orbital traffic. Mixed with the fact you’ve returned from a diplomatic meeting with the Krenim, those who are notorious for being the Delta Quadrant’s answer to time-travelling menaces, and the ship has been placed at red alert and shuddered more than it ever has since Frontier Day means only one thing. We’ve travelled back in time.”

“With deduction skills like that, you should apply for a constabulary with the militia,” Cambil said as she tied her hair into a bundle. 

“The militia as we know it doesn’t come into existence for another fifty or so years,” Faren scoffed. “Tell me you’re going down there to stop the Cardassians from occupying Bajor.”

Surprised he would state such a thing, Cambil looked at her husband. “Naprem, do you honestly think I would do such a thing to change our timeline?”

“To save over fifteen million lives, yes,” Faren stated with a firm conviction. “If we are in the past, then you have a duty to your people to stop the Cardassians from putting our people through one of the gruesome periods of our history.”

“Even if I wanted to, you know I can’t,” Cambil spat back.

“Ah, the mighty Temporal Prime Directive,” Faren muttered. “Starfleet’s mandate not to interfere once again bounds your hands.”

“Naprem, I don’t have time to debate Federation law and Starfleet regulations,” Cambil said as she finished her hair. 

“Yes, you do, and you know that your being brought back to this period is a gift from the Prophets, Bexa. Don’t ignore it,” Faren pleaded as he grabbed his wife’s hands into his. 

“And what if the Prophets have sent me here to protect what will happen from the Krenim?” Cambil squeezed her husband’s hands as she knelt down beside him. “Naprem, if I don’t stop these Krenim, then I won’t be here, and the history, the life we’ve built together, won’t exist.”

“It’ll be different, but-” Faren started to counter back but was stopped as Cambil placed her left index finger over his lips.

“No, Naprem, this can’t change what we have. I won’t let anyone ruin the life we have or take away our sons,” Cambil said, now sounding stern in her justification. She leaned in and kissed him softly. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Faren responded after kissing her back. As she stood up, he held onto her hand again. “Please, Bexa, consider what you’re doing.”

“Naprem, respect my duty and the choices I make as this ship’s captain,” Cambil said as she looked at him one more time.

He didn’t respond to her.

Cambil left her quarters in silence. Naprem’s words continued to race among her thoughts as she made her way towards sickbay. She had gone through the same thought process as she had when she had realised where and when they were. Her senior staff had kept her focused on the job, and now she needed to keep to it. 

But fifty million Bajorans would die.

Could she really walk away from it?

After stepping into sickbay to see her away team already looking like fellow Bajorans, Cambil couldn’t help but smirk. Immediately, Cambil went over to her first officer and handed T’Rani the Bajoran earpieces she had replicated only moments ago in her quarters. “The nose wrinkles suit you, commander.”

“Thank you, captain,” T’Rani said with a less pointed set of eyebrows and ears. She took the earpiece and started to attach it to her left ear. 

Forbes approached Cambil. “With your permission, ma’am, I’d like to join the away team.”

“How come?” Cambil questioned as she continued handing out the earpieces. 

Forbes placed his hands behind his back. “In case you find anyone else injured down there.”

“We’ve got field medics from the hazard team,” Cambil stated. 

“Yes, but none of them are knowledgeable about Krenim physiology.” Forbes attempted to justify his presence on the away team.

Cambil wasn’t keen on taking Forbes away from the Themis. She was worried there were still some injured crew. “What about those who are injured here, doctor?”

“Most of them are minor, and Doctor Komara can finish them off,” Forbes answered, mentioning his deputy. “If the Krenim have survived and are injured, well, we need them alive to get us back to our time zone, ma’am.”

“With all due respect, captain, Remi does make a good point,” Lenjir remarked from behind. 

Knowing that Forbes could be insistent, she nodded to his offer. “Be quick, as I want to get down there and track them before they meet any of the locals.”

The intercom whistle went off, followed by the chief engineer’s voice. “Perez to Captain Cambil.”

“Go ahead, Romana,” Cambil answered after tapping her combadge.

“Sorry to give you some bad news, ma’am, but I’ve just had to take the transporter systems offline to avoid further overloads on the power grid,” Perez informed. “In the meantime, I’ve had the Holana prepped and ready to go.” 

Sighing at hearing that news, Cambil knew that Perez couldn’t help the issue with the repairs needed to the ship and that preparing one of their New Atlantic-class runabouts was good of her. “Thank you, commander,” Cambil acknowledged the news and tapped her combadge. 

Runabout Holana, en-route to Bajor

Sitting in the co-pilot’s chair, Cambil was in deep thought as she let T’Rani fly the runabout. Everyone had remained quiet after they had left the Themis only moments ago. All of them were dressed in civilian clothing like her. All of them would easily pass as Bajorans of this period. 

Cambil was wondering just how easy this mission would be. She had considered the possibility that she and the others would be put in harm’s way in preventing the Krenim from changing the timeline. However, what she couldn’t get out of her mind earlier was her reaction to Lenjir on the bridge and then her change of mind when she discussed the same thing with Naprem. Would she really consider stopping the Cardassian invasion? 

“When we approach Bajor, I will place us in a high orbit above the Kendra Province,” T’Rani stated, breaking the quietness.  

“I’ve already modulated our shields to prevent anyone from picking us up,” Lenjir remarked from behind Cambil’s right shoulder.

Thanking them both for their consideration to avoid detection, Cambil snapped herself out of her deep state of reflection.

“Ma’am, is there anything we should be aware of if we encounter any locals?” Samris asked. “My knowledge of Bajoran history before the occupation isn’t great.”

Cambil sat up straighter in her chair and turned it around to look at the Romulan counsellor. Others like Jines and Forbes had all focused on her now as she spoke. “A very different Bajor to what you know from our time,” Cambil answered. “Though others knew of us, Bajor wasn’t involved in local galactic politics. Though the Cardassians had arrived, under the pretence of helping Bajor out ten years ago, the Bajorans of this era kept to themselves.”

“Really? No involvement even with the Federation?” Samris questioned. 

“Bajor’s involvement with the Federation was minimal at best, with some cultural exchanges of our history, arts, and scientific understanding, but nothing more than that,” Cambil stated.

“So how come Bajor didn’t join the Federation before the Cardassians invaded?” Jines probed.

“Bajor wasn’t as united as it was after the occupation,” Cambil explained before she pointed to Jines’ earring. “Our earrings aren’t just a symbol of our faith towards the Prophets, but also represent our D’jarras.”

“D’jarras?” Samris wasn’t aware of that word. 

“It was a caste system that Bajoran society followed, and it depended on what family you were born into, which led to the determination of what type of job you would have,” Cambil clarified. “Caste-based discrimination prevented Bajor from ever being a viable candidate for membership. That said, I’ve read many articles from historians and cultural anthropologists that also state there’s good evidence to prove that many Bajoran leaders of the time had grave concerns over the Federation’s secular culture.”

“No offence to your world, captain, but that hasn’t changed for the Federation since its founding days, and it’s never imposed one particular religion on its citizens or forced any civilisation to give their views up. Why would they have concerns about the Federation’s culture?” Forbes asked.

Cambil gave out a slight chuckle. She could see where Forbes was coming from and appreciated his attempt to be respectful. “It was a different time, and I suppose you could describe the Bajoran leadership was quite traditional when it came to such things. Our faith in the Prophets has always been strong, and there are records from the Vedek Assembly that some of the more traditional and vocal clerics of the time saw the Federation’s lack of religion as a warning that if Bajor joined it, then Bajor would lose its identity,” she paused. “In fact, in the early years of the occupation, the Cardassians were known to use the D’jarras to pit one Bajoran against another. It took a lot of suffering and stronger voices among the Bajorans who were left to fight to realise that the D’jarras had to go so that every Bajoran could become a soldier. After the occupation ended, we did not need it as it was down to everyone to help rebuild Bajor.”

“We are approaching Bajor,” T’Rani announced.

Turning her seat back around, Cambil took a glance at her homeworld. It certainly looked different from what she was more aware of. It looked more green and had more clouds. “Scan for the Krenim, their ship and the escape pod.” 

“I’ve got them,” Lenjir reported after a moment. “They’re in some woodlands in the Kendra Province. Far from any nearby settlements.”

“Excellent,” Cambil said as she got out of her chair. “Let’s get down there and find out what the situation is like.”

Kendra Province, Bajor

After completing their beam down, the away team only had to move a few meters before encountering the Krenim ship’s crashed remains. It was broken apart into many pieces. There was no way it would fly again. 

“Decter, you and Cline start surveying the remains. See what technology is recoverable and see if we can use it to return to our timeline,” Cambil ordered as she looked at T’Rani, Samris and Forbes, trying to track the Krenim themselves. “Any luck?”

Forbes nodded as he kept looking at his tricorder. “The escape pod is located at least one kilometre north of our current position. I’m detecting three Krenim life signs.”

“It appears they’ve made a clearing with their crash landing,” Samris added.

Clearing her throat, T’Rani took her attention away from her tricorder and placed it on Cambil. “I suggest the Hazard Team is split into half. One half remains here to assist with securing the salvage site, while the others join us in locating the Krenim.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Cambil agreed before moving through the woodlands. 

 Several hundred meters into their walk, Forbes spoke up. “You appear to know where you’re going, captain.”

Cambil smirked. “I played in these woodlands as a child before my parents could get us off from Bajor. However, they weren’t as thick and dense as it is now. My mother told me that in the early days of the occupation, the Cardssians burnt most of these woods to stop resistance fighters from hiding in here.”

T’Rani’s tricorder beeped. “The escape pod is ahead of us,” She motioned in the direction ahead of them.

In a clearing several more meters from them, the Krenim escape vehicle was sat in the middle. It had smashed into the woodland area on its side. Some smoke was pouring from it. The three lifeforms that Forbes had detected earlier were startled at the sudden arrival of the away team. All of the Krenim raised their weapons but weren’t quick enough for the Starfleet officers. 

Cambil fired her phaser on its lowest setting at the nearest Krenim, forcing them to drop their weapon. The others just surrounded the other two with their weapons aimed closely at them.

“Welcome to Bajor,” Cambil said sarcastically. “I would recommend a tour of the Kenda Shrine, a climb to the Fire Caves or even an evening of musical performances at the Jalanda Forum.”

None of the Krenim spoke back. 

“Where’s Doctor Irlina?” Cambil asked, after realising they had not seen the Krenim leader.

Again, none of them answered.

“Captain, look at this,” Forbes said, pointing down at the ground. He had knelt to what appeared to be a lot of mud on the floor. At closer inspection, there were footprints headed back into the thick woods. After looking at them for a second, Cambil realised what could be happening. Again, she turned back to the other Krenim. “Who do these belong to?”

“We won’t tell you. We have a mission to accomplish.” One of the Krenim replied.

“Fine, we have ways of you telling us,” Cambil said as she turned to T’Rani. “Commander, would you mind performing a mind-meld?”

“A mind-what?” The Krenim said, his voice etched with concern.

“A Vulcan mind-meld is a telepathic bond I can create to retrieve information from you,” T’Rani replied.

“It’s extremely invasive,” Cambil lied. “T’Rani’s people have a way of yanking the truth from any mind. For some who undergo it, they rarely recover. Isn’t that right, Doctor Forbes?”

“Oh yes,” Forbes nodded voraciously. “Mental instability can set in, paralysis, you name it; the Vulcans are good at getting what they want from those they meld with, but the consequences are almost life-threatening.”

“They belong to Irlina,” The Krenim admitted. “She decided to go to the nearby settlement to complete half our mission.”

“To complete half your mission?” Samris echoed. His confusion at their use of words stretched to the others on the away team. 

“What does that mean?” Cambil probed. She was now getting desperate to get answers and no more riddles. 

“We came back in time to find your family and stop you from ever existing, Captain Cambil,” The Krenim declared.

“And the other half?” T’Rani asked.

“We were going to stop the Cardassians from invading Bajor.”

Hearing that made Cambil almost want to be sick. Why would they be doing this to her and Bajor? What were their long-term goals here? None of it made sense to her. Whatever they were going to do, she knew she had to stop Irlina.

Fuming at the Krenim’s audacity to erase her people’s history, Cambil’s determination burned within her. The Krenim’s plan mirrored the very thing she had fought against, a voice in her head echoing her husband’s words. Would Naprem hate her for allowing history to take its course? She had no idea. As the senior member of the hazard team restrained the Krenim, Cambil’s resolve to protect her people’s history only strengthened.

“Ensign,” Cambil called to the head of the hazard team, “Beam back to the Holana with our guests and lock them away in one of the cabins. Then speak with Commander Perez on the Themis to see if we can set up a transporter relay system between the runabout and the Themis.”

“A transporter relay?” Forbes questioned Cambil as he finished treating the scientist that Cambil had stunned earlier. 

Cambil nodded her strategic mind at work. “We should set up transporter enhancers around this escape pod and the crash site. This way, we can efficiently beam everything back to Themis while it’s in orbit of Derna.”

“A wise precaution,” T’Rani agreed.

The ensign that Cambil had spoken to agreed with their new orders and took the scientists into custody before beaming back to the runabout.

Once they were gone, Cambil tapped her combadge with her fingertips and called to Jines. “Decter, is there anything salvageable from the crash site?”

“Yes, ma’am, I think with a few adaptations to our deflector, we can modify the remains to attempt to open the same temporal vortex they used to travel here,” Jines replied. “We should be able to duplicate their deflector protocols.”

“Good, then I want you to set up transporter enhancers around the crash site and beam every piece of the remains back to the Themis. We will use the runabout as a transporter relay to get everything out of here.” Cambil told him.

“Understood, ma’am, we’ll get started straight away.”

“Then, once you’re done, I want you to beam back to the ship and start making those modifications. The sooner we can get out of here, the better,” Cambil added. “Cline, I want you to have the rest of the hazard team remain with Decter while you join T’Rani, Remi, Samris and me as we go on a manhunt.”

“Understood, ma’am, I’ll be with you shortly,” Lenjir replied.

T’Rani already had his tricorder out and was scanning the footprints they had found a short time ago. “If we adjust our tricorders to a narrow search parameter, looking for Krenim life signs, then we should be able to track Doctor Irlina.”

“I’ve got a better idea than that,” Forbes said as he joined the Vulcan. “We got the doctor’s life signs and DNA when we saved her and her team with the Constellation,” Pressing a few more buttons on his tricorder, Forbes smirked when he accessed Irlina’s information and then shared it with the others. All of their tricorders beeped. “There you go.”

“Efficient,” T’Rani praised him. 

Samris looked at Cambil. “Ma’am, before we get to her, can we confirm what the rules of engagement are here.”

Appreciating Samris’ cautious approach, Cambil answered him bluntly. “We capture her as covertly as possible.” She took out an emergency transport unit. “We plant this on her, and then she gets beamed back to the runabout with us.”

“Adhering to the Temporal Prime Directive all of the time,” T’Rani added.

“Obviously,” Forbes said sarcastically, his eyes deeply looking at his tricorder. “Even if I do find her, we can’t just beam her out of nowhere. If anyone is watching her, we can’t afford to contaminate the timeline.”

Lenjir finally caught up with them. “I’m assuming we’re not planning on trekking through these forests, but can we beam nearer to where Doctor Irlina is?”

Cambil nodded. “We can, once we’ve found her. Doctor, anything?”

Studying his tricorder for a few more seconds longer, Forbes then looked up. “Ah, got her. She is about one and a half kilometres from the village. However, I am detecting Bajoran life signs near to her. About three-quarters of a kilometre.”

“Then we’ll beam close to her without her, and those Bajorans seeing us and intercept her before she gets to the village,” Cambil instructed the group before she called up to the runabout and asked them to beam ahead.

“I take it the village is where your father will be born?” Samris asked his captain.

She nodded. “It’s a possibility. My father didn’t speak much about his birthplace when I was growing up. I knew it was a small village, and my grandparents moved the family soon after the Cardassian occupation started.”

“Then let’s make sure Irlina doesn’t have a chance to interfere,” Samris said assertively. 

After organising for the runabout to beam them ahead, the away team soon rematerialised in the open countryside. 

“Welcome to Kendra Valley,” Cambil said with a huge, proud grin. She took in a deep breath of the fresh air. “This is one of my favourite places in the galaxy.”

“It’s breathtaking, ma’am,” Samris responded. “What do you think, T’Rani?”

“It is-” The Vulcan officer paused mid-sentence and haltered her focus on her tricorder. “Aesthetically pleasing.”

“That means she likes it,” Samris confirmed with a smirk. 

“I’ve got her,” Forbes announced as he pointed towards a small path behind them. 

Looking around at their surroundings, Cambil noticed several large boulders on either side of the path. Gesturing towards her team to move into position, they hid themselves behind the enormous rocks. 

“Doctor,” she whispered to Forbes, who was near her. T’Rani was on the other side with Samris and Lenjir. Do you have your thoron generator with you?”

Forbes, holding out his phaser in one hand and tricorder in the other, looked confused at his skipper. “I do, in my medkit, why?”

“Get it out and activate it,” Cambil ordered. “It’s an old trick my mother told me that the Bajoran resistance once used to block Cardassian scanners. The Maquis used to do the same with Federation scanners. I bet we can mask our life signs in case she has a scanner.”

Forbes nodded and put his weapon down momentarily before rummaging through the rucksack with him, pulling out the thoron generator and activating it. The doctor then picked up his phaser and peeked around the boulder. Several minutes later, he looked back at Cambil and spoke. “She’s coming,” He whispered.

  Cambil took a deep breath, this time not to enjoy the fresh air but to calm her nerves. Phaser tightly gripped in both hands, she span around and aimed at the doctor as she approached the boulders. 

“Stop right there, doctor!” She shouted.

Irlina quickly raised her hands instantly. Though she wore a long hooded robe that covered most of her face, it was clear to Cambil that the Krenim scientist was injured from the bruises and cuts across her face and the dirt smeared across her uniform that was under the robe. “Don’t shoot!”

“Then surrender!” Cambil ordered firmly. Her phaser still posed on Irlina as the others made their appearance known. All of them had their weapons trained on her. 

“You are outgunned and surrounded, doctor; please make the logical choice and surrender,” T’Rani said in a calm voice with her phaser aimed at Irlina.

“I might be outgunned, but you do not have the advantage here,” Irlina said as she placed her hands behind her head.

“Now that’s illogical,” Samris said confidently.

“Not really, counsellor,” Irlina said as she soon recognised everyone from the Themis crew. “Captain Cambil, I like how you and your crew have gone completely native.”

“I’m already native,” Cambil spat back. “And I have had enough of you and your lot thinking you have the right to erase my people’s history.”

“I’m trying to save my people,” Irlina countered back.

Cambil was confused by the doctor’s words. “How does preventing the Cardassians from occupying Bajor and murdering my family save your people?” 

Sighing, Irlina spoke up. “After you and the Constellation left, we ran simulations and calculations the next few months to determine what went wrong with the Paradox Machine.”

“You told us that it was overloaded by registering too many paradoxes in the space-time continuum,” Lenjir stated. “What has that got to do with Bajor and your people?”

“In more than one paradox, your Starfleet interferes with something, causing a ripple effect across time itself. In some of them, my people suffer. We go from being a beaten civilisation, left to roam what is left of our territory after some of our neighbours beat us, then we are thrust into the dominant species before it is ripped from us.” Irlina explained.

“You’ve still not explained why you’ve picked Bajor as a target and Captain Cambil’s family as a target,” Forbes remarked.

“By my calculations, if we prevent the Cardassian occupation, Bajor remains an independent world that does not join the Federation. The station that the Cardassians force the Bajorans to build is not constructed,” Irlina said.

“You’re talking about Terok Nor,” Cambil said; she slightly lowered her weapon. “Deep Space Nine.”

“That’s right, which means your precious Emissary is not called upon because he is not assigned here as a Starfleet captain, meaning the Bajoran wormhole is not discovered,” Irlina said. “This means Starfleet’s deep space exploration of the Gamma Quadrant or any other quadrant does not gain traction. By wiping out the Cardassian invasion fleet, it cripples the Cardassian military. They do not pose a threat to the Federation, meaning the Federation’s war with them is not as bloody and ends in a victory for the Federation. The Cardassians are forced to join the Federation as their economy is in shambles, and their people can’t feed themselves. Uprise on Cardassia removes the military, and a civilian government takes over, and they are the ones to request Federation membership. All of this means that nothing changes here on Bajor; the Bajorans are not considered potential candidates due to their religious and societal practices, meaning Starfleet’s presence here does not take place, which also means there’s no Demiteralised Zone, meaning there’s no Maquis. Which means Voyager does not need to enter the Bajoran Badlands and is not pulled across the galaxy by the Caretaker.”

“Meaning Voyager does not encounter your people on its journey home?” Cambil guessed.

“Precisely. We stop Janeway meddling so much, and your people do not return to explore the Delta Quadrant. This leads us to our guarantee that by preventing your birth, our Paradox Machine survives, and you don’t stop us.” Irlina said with conviction. 

“Well, I’m sorry to ruin your plans,” Cambil sarcastically replied, raising her phaser at the doctor. But the only place you’re going now is our brig, which means you’ve failed.”

“Wait,” T’Rani said with a cautious tone as she stepped forward and approached the doctor. “How did you plan to destroy the Cardassian forces if your ship is destroyed.”

“You keep forgetting how many of us there were,” Irlina said.

It then dawned on Cambil. “There were five of you on that prototype.”

“And we only found four of them,” sighed Forbes.

“Where’s the fifth member of your team?” Cambil said through gritted teeth as she went to grab hold of Irlina, but her hand passed through her. Surprised at this trick, Cambil was unsure how she was doing it. “Holography?”

Irlina smirked. “No, the same technology we use in our chroniton torpedoes.”

“Fascinating. You are in a state of temporal flux,” T’Rani examined as she took out her tricorder.

“You won’t be able to stop me,” Irlina said as she passed through the away team and continued walking towards the village.

“We’re not going to let her just go and kill your father, are we, ma’am?” Samris questioned.

“We’ve got to stop her and find the other member of her team,” Lenjir added.

At that moment, Cambil had no idea what to do or what her next action would be. After watching Irlina walk further away, she turned to the others. 

“Jines to Cambil,” came the voice over her commbadge.

“Go ahead, Dexter,” Cambil answered.

“Ma’am, we’ve attempted to beam some of the crashed Krenim ship up, but our relay has been blocked.”

“Blocked by what?”

“Another Krenim ship.”

Cambil wanted to swear as their situation went from bad to worse at warp ten.

“What is it doing?” Perez asked with her hands on her hips as she listened to the report from Jines. 

“Besides sitting in orbit and not moving?” Jines stated, “It’s emitting a low-level chroniton field that is interfering with the transporter relay.”

“Can you disable the field?” Perez questioned. 

“No, I’ve tried firing a phaser shot at the ship, especially seeing as it is as small as our runabout, but the chroniton field is a by-product of their temporal phase shifter technology,” Jines replied. 

Perez was standing at the aft part of the Themis’ bridge with Abbej as they listened to Jines talk to them from the runabout and update them on their latest issue. The additional Krenim ship that now sat in orbit of Bajor posed a threat not only to their attempts to get back to their timeline but also to Bajor itself. The captain had already briefed them that this tiny ship would somehow stop the Cardassian invasion fleet; how they did not know. If the Krenim ship succeeded, it could alter the course of history and the fate of Bajor. 

Abbej appeared confused by Jines’ latest statement when she replied. “Decter, what do you mean by their temporal phase shifter technology?”

“The ship appears to be in a state of temporal flux. It’s not in sync with our timeframe,” Jines replied. “Just like their torpedoes.”

Perez sighed at hearing that. Rubbing her face, she had been working for ages to get the ship repaired, and now they were faced with this new problem. The captain and the away team were tracking Doctor Irlina on the planet’s surface and were tasked with dealing with the Krenim ship that had appeared from nowhere. 

Suddenly, realisation then hit Abbej. “That’s how they plan to stop the Cardassian invasion fleet.”

Abbej looked at the chief engineer. The Boslic chief science officer appeared even more confused. “Elaborate, Ramona.”

“It’s a small ship in temporal flux, right?” Perez asked without wanting an answer, “which means it can phase shift through each Cardassian ship, drop some sort of explosive next to their engines, move out and then bam boom boom, bye-bye Cardassian fleet.”

Abbej caught onto Perez’s thinking straight away. “The Cardassians wouldn’t even see them coming.”

“Not unless we warn them,” Jines suggested.

“Absolutely not, Decter, that’s a clear violation of the temporal prime directive,” Perez said. “We need to deal with that small ship now so we can beam the last parts of that debris back to us and allow history to follow its own path.”

“So we need to force it out of temporal flux and into the normal space-time continuum,” Abbej added.

Perez nodded. 

“Anti-chronitons,” Jines shouted over the channel. “If we flood the area the ship is sitting around with anti-chronitons, it should cancel the chroniton field they are currently creating.”

  “Yes, Decter!” Abbej agreed. “However, the amount of anti-chronitons we flood them with needs to be more than what they’re sending out to be the most effective.”

“My runabout can’t do that. We would need the Themis to do that,” Jines remarked.

“We’re still repairing the ship,” Abbej said, a hint of frustration coming out.

Crossing her arms against her chest, Perez shook her head. “Only half of it,” she replied. “The stardrive section is still under repair; the saucer section is pretty much there.”

Abbej looked at her. “Are you suggesting we separate the ship?”

Perez shrugged her shoulders. “Do we have any other choice right now?” She took a deep sigh. She was the senior most officer on the ship with the others off the ship. She looked over to the helm. “Mister Andar, prepare to separate the ship and get yourself to the battle bridge; you’re taking command of the stardrive section.”

The Phylosian acknowledged her orders with a simple nod to their head. 

“Abbej, fancy joining me in the secondary deflector control to make some modifications? We need to enhance the deflector’s capabilities to generate the required amount of anti-chronitons,” Perez explained.

“Sounds like fun!” Abbej remarked. 

“Decter, continue to monitor the Krenim ship until we get to you,” Perez ordered.

“Aye, ma’am,” Jines replied.

Perez then walked around to the captain’s seat and entered the command codes in the armchair’s console to begin saucer separation. Looking up Lenjir’s deputy, who was at tactical, Perez ordered them to modify the saucer’s shields to ensure they were not picked up by anyone else on any sensors. Turning around, she looked over to the main screen; Perez just hoped what they had planned would work. Taking in one deep breath, she looked over to Abbej. 

“Shall we do make some magic to annoy some Krenim?” Abbej asked Perez.

Abbej nodded. “Let’s do it,” She replied with a smirk before following the chief science officer to the nearest turbolift. Their plan had to work; otherwise, Perez didn’t know what else they would do.

Stalking Doctor Irlina across the winding country path toward the settlement imprinted on Cambil’s heart was a haunting experience. The familiar scent of wild herbs and fresh earth carried on the wind as she neared the village—her father’s village. She had once known every stone, every tree, every face here when she had visited as a youngster. The streets were the same paths she had run through as a child, her laughter echoing against the stone walls as she played under Bajor’s warm sun. But this was different. Now, she wasn’t here for joy but to save everything she held dear.

As the outline of the village came into view, Cambil slowed her pace, her heart heavy with memories she hadn’t revisited in years. Samris, her counsellor, broke the silence. “Do we have a plan to stop her?” he asked, his voice low as they approached the edge of the settlement.

The village lay before them, bathed in the soft light of the late afternoon. Bajoran homes, their roofs glistening from recent rain, dotted the landscape, while a narrow river cut through the centre, its gentle flow adding to the serene atmosphere. Given the urgency of their mission, the peaceful scene felt like a cruel joke. The marketplace bustled with life—traders bartering for fresh vegetables, cloths, and handcrafted goods. Children ran their carefree voices, a stark contrast to the looming danger.

Forbes, eyes glued to his tricorder, grimly reported, “The temporal device is poisoning her with chroniton radiation. It’s only a matter of time before it kills her.”

“Two to three hours, maximum,” added T’Rani in her usual calm, though she seemed more focused than usual, knowing the stakes.

Lenjir’s jaw tightened. “That’s too long. There’s no stopping her if she reaches the captain’s family.”

Cambil’s mind raced. Her family—her grandparents and her father, who was just an infant at this time—were in the heart of the village. If Irlina succeeded in killing them, Cambil herself would cease to exist. The life she had built and the family she had created with Napreem. Leeyum and Edon would not be born. That thought was enough to give her the energy she needed to stop Irlina. 

“We need to stop her before she does any damage,” Cambil said, her voice firm despite the storm brewing inside her.

“Anyon particles,” T’Rani blurted out.

“Anyon particles?” Samris echoed, his sense of confusion evident in his tone. 

T’Rani nodded. “After considering what Commanders Abbej and Perez are doing in orbit with anti-chronitons, something we cannot do with the resources we have, the next logical solution is to find another particle that would cancel chronitons. Anyon particles.”

“And how do we do that?” Forbes asked.

“We could modify our phasers to emit anyon particles,” T’Rani suggested, her mind already working out the details. “They can disrupt chronitons, which should destabilise Irlina’s device.”

“Let’s make it happen,” Cambil ordered, her tone leaving no room for hesitation. She looked toward the temple at the centre of the village, its elegant spires reaching toward the sky, an ancient and sacred place. She had prayed there as a child, alongside her family, but now she would need to use it for something much more tactical. Her Starfleet training was starting to kick in, and her days as a former security officer would help her here. Though her plan might sound simple in her mind, she knew that Irlina would not know what would hit her when Cambil and her team made it happen. 

“We need a distraction to clear the other Bajorans to safety,” Cambil muttered, half to herself, then turned to Samris with a sudden thought. “Looks like we’re going undercover, Samris. You’re about to have a career change, counsellor. Fancy becoming a Vedek?”

Samris blinked, surprised. “Me? I don’t—”

Cambil cut him off, smirking. “Don’t worry, Samris, just think Prophets, Celestial Temple and Orbs.” She gestured to the rest of the team. “Modify the phasers and rendezvous with us once it’s done. We’ll need them fast.”

Moments later, Cambil and Samris stood on the temple’s stone steps, dressed in traditional Vedek robes. Thankfully, no one was around when they entered via a small rear entrance, entered a small bedroom, and stole the clothing they would need. 

The intricate designs on the crimson and gold garments shimmered in the sunlight as Cambil adjusted the heavy hood over her head. She glanced at the village below—her past, her future, all wrapped up in the people who lived here, unaware of the fate that awaited them in mere decades. The Cardassians would come, and with them, suffering unimaginable to those who now lived in peace. However, more suffering would take place in the here and now if she didn’t stop Irlina. 

As they descended from the temple, Cambil called out in a commanding voice, adopting the role of a religious leader. She had experienced many of them over the years. She only hoped she sounded like one that others would take note of. “Pagh t’em far, B’tanay! A Borhya walks among you, sent by the Kosst Amojan!” Her voice echoed across the village square, the effect immediate. 

Villagers turned to look at her, eyes wide in shock. The term Borhya was enough to send a ripple of fear through the people—an unholy spirit, a dark force of destruction. The Bajoran faith was deeply rooted in prophecy, and the will of the Prophets was not to be trifled with. And here, a Vedek stood, proclaiming that danger had arrived in their midst. 

She pointed directly at Irlina. As Irlina approached the centre of the village, many Bajorans looked upon her with disdain. They were weary of this stranger entering their settlement. She did not wear anything that resembled something from their understanding, and her non-Bajoran features were evident. Along with the dirt smeared across her face, her dishevelled hair, and her ruined Krenim uniform, her appearance was not welcoming.

Irlina, still weakened by her device’s strain, paused. Before she could work out what either of those phrases meant, the other clergy ran straight through her, shouted the word Borhya one more time, and pointed at her as he moved away. It was enough to make the crowds nearby scream in panic.

She scanned the crowd, her eyes narrowing as she realised what was happening. She spotted Cambil in a new disguise, standing beside her counsellor. Both had changed and were dressed in sacred robes. The crowd around her had begun to retreat, parents pulling their children close, traders abandoning their stalls. Fear spread quickly. People scattered in all directions, seeking refuge in their homes, while others rushed to the river, hoping to flee to safety across the bridges that sat over it.

Irlina growled, her grip tightening on her weapon. “You won’t stop me, captain!” she shouted, but her voice was strained. The device around her waist sparked, sending a jolt through her body. 

Time was running out for her.

Cambil stepped forward, her face hidden beneath the deep hood of the Vedek’s robe. “You misunderstand, doctor. I don’t need to stop you. You’ve already failed.” She motioned subtly with her hand, signalling to her team. The phasers were ready.

“Your work here will change nothing,” Cambil continued, her tone colder now. “My people will live. I will live.”

Irlina’s eyes darted around, seeing Cambil’s team begin to encircle her, their phasers drawn but hidden under their robes. “You don’t understand,” Irlina spat, her voice desperate now. “If I don’t succeed, the Krenim—”

“The Krenim will face their fate just like every other civilisation,” Cambil interrupted. “Just as you will now.”

In an instant, she and her team fired their modified phasers at her. The wide beam of anyon particles surged forward, shimmering through the air. The field surrounding Irlina shimmered, the temporal distortion flickering out of existence. Her device, overworked and overwhelmed, failed catastrophically, sending her crashing to the ground in unconsciousness. Cambil approached cautiously, pulling back her hood and motioning for Forbes to check Irlina’s vitals.

Forbes knelt beside the fallen scientist, scanning her quickly. “She’s alive,” he confirmed, administering a hypospray to stabilise her condition. “Barely.”

As they prepared to move Irlina, a voice rang out from one of the bridges—a young man holding an infant in his arms, concern etched into his features. “Vedek! Have you stopped the Borhya?”

Cambil’s breath caught in her throat as she recognised him—her grandfather. And the child in his arms, instantly she knew it was her father, barely a year old. She felt the weight of the moment press down on her, the knowledge of what was to come, the invasion, the suffering that would soon sweep across their lives. But she couldn’t tell them. She couldn’t warn them.

Instead, she forced herself to smile softly and nodded. “Yes, we’ve dealt with the threat. The Prophets watch over you and your son.”

The man smiled back, relief washing over him as he looked down at his child. “Hear that, Holem? The Prophets protect us. We are safe.”

Cambil clenched her jaw, trying to control her emotions. She looked toward T’Rani, whose calm gaze met hers, silently offering reassurance. The Vulcan’s unspoken message was clear: You have made the right choice. Cambil knew it was logical, but the burden weighed on her heart.

They couldn’t know. Not about the Cardassian invasion. Not about the occupation that would tear their world apart. Cambil’s grandfather would live through horrors she could never describe, and her father, that innocent child, would grow up under a shadow of fear and loss. The urge to warn them, to give them some chance to prepare, gnawed at her. But the Temporal Prime Directive was absolute. Interference would destroy everything.

Biting her lip, she turned to her team. “Let’s move out of here. Quickly, Cline, pick her up and let’s use the temple as shelter.”

With ease, Lenjir lifted Irlina’s unconscious body, and the entire team began to make their way back toward the temple. The wooden doors creaked open, and as Cambil glanced one last time at her grandfather, she offered him a quiet smile—a farewell to the family she loved but couldn’t save from the future they would soon face. 

With a heavy heart, Cambil led her team inside the temple, shutting the doors behind them as the sun descended below the Bajoran horizon.

Cambil stood by the window in her ready room, staring into the vastness of space, her mind replaying the harrowing events on Bajor. The dusty village streets, the impending invasion, and the knowledge of the suffering her people would soon endure weighed on her heavily. And yet, despite everything, she had been powerless to warn them.

Returning to the Themis after stopping Irlina and her team of scientists, who were convinced they had to destroy Bajor and the Federation’s exploration efforts in the Delta Quadrant, Cambil was pleased to have some peace to herself. The sanctuary of her ready room gave her time to think carefully about everything. She was avoiding going home to her quarters as she knew her husband would be upset with her for not stopping what was going to come to their people. Cambil just knew she couldn’t break the temporal prime directive so blatantly. It would change so much. 

The door chime pulled her from her thoughts.

“Enter,” she called, her voice carrying both exhaustion and relief.

The door slid open, and Perez stepped inside, her face reflecting a similar blend of weariness and triumph. Perez wasn’t just Cambil’s chief engineer; she was a close friend who had been at her side through thick and thin.

“Bexs,” Perez said softly, using the familiar name she reserved for their private moments. “We’re ready. The modifications are complete. We can recreate the vortex and get back whenever you give the word.”

Cambil nodded but didn’t speak right away. She turned away from the window and motioned for Perez to sit across from her.

“How close did we come?” Cambil asked, the weight of the question lingering in the air. She needed to hear it again, but from someone close enough to give her both a professional and personal opinion on this whole conundrum. 

Perez sighed, sinking into the chair. “Too damn close, Bexs. If you hadn’t stopped Irlina on Bajor.” She hesitated, knowing the depth of what that meant. “Well, there wouldn’t be much left of the Themis or you to return to. You saved us all, but especially your own timeline.”

Cambil’s gaze drifted for a moment. “I did what I had to,” she said quietly, her voice laden with the emotional toll. The guilt of what she couldn’t do was silently sewn between each word. “But it wasn’t just about me. My people… knowing what’s about to happen and being unable to say a word.”

Perez leaned forward, her tone softening. “I know. I saw it on your face when you returned. You wanted to warn them. But you couldn’t. It’s not easy, Bexs, but you did what was necessary to preserve the timeline.”

Cambil rubbed her temples, trying to ease the tension. “I know. But it doesn’t make it easier. Seeing my grandfather, knowing what’s coming for him, for my father.” She paused as she exhaled slowly. “It was hard, really hard.”

Perez reached out, resting a reassuring hand on Cambil’s arm. “You did the right thing. And you stopped Irlina. If it weren’t for you, none of us would be here. Everything would be different. It’s why we have rules like the temporal prime directive. It’s there to protect us, so we don’t have to sit here and wrestle with the big ‘what if’ questions.”

Cambil managed a small smile. She wanted to change the topic. Cambil knew she could make herself go mad if she kept debating it. “And you managed to command the saucer section pretty well. How did it go?”

Perez’s smirk returned. “Well, when the Krenim timeship tried to stop us from using our transporter, we threw our bigger weight and knocked them senseless. Let’s just say, the saucer’s still in one piece thanks to some creative engineering.”

Cambil chuckled lightly, her first genuine laugh in what felt like days. “I knew I could count on you, Ramona.”

Perez’s smirk softened into a warm smile. “Always, Bexs. Let’s finish this mission.”

Cambil stood, taking a deep breath. “Let’s get back to where we belong.”

The pair exited the ready room together and returned to the bridge. Cambil’s crew looked up from their stations, waiting for her next order. T’Rani, standing at her post, met Cambil’s eyes with a calm, composed expression.

“Commander Perez,” Cambil said, taking her seat at the centre of the bridge, “initiate the deflector modifications. Let’s open that vortex.”

Perez, back at her engineering station, moved swiftly. “The deflector is fully charged. Recreating the temporal vortex… now.”

The ship thrummed with energy, and the view on the screen began to shimmer. The swirling vortex reappeared ahead of them, a spiralling gateway back to the future.

Just then, Commander Abbej’s voice cut through the quiet. “Captain, I’m detecting a large subspace distortion entering the Bajoran system.”

Cambil’s stomach tightened. “What is it?” She didn’t need to ask but kept her composure as she awaited the answer. 

Abbej checked her readings, her face paling. She pushed a small stray lock of purple hair off her cheek and behind her ear before answering. “It’s the first wave of the Cardassian invasion force.”

Silence fell over the bridge as the main viewscreen shifted to show the unmistakable forms of Cardassian warships slipping into Bajoran space. Cambil’s breath caught in her throat as the realisation of what would come washed over her. This was the beginning. The beginning of the pain and struggle her people would endure for decades.

T’Rani stepped forward, her voice quiet but firm. “Captain, we must leave. We cannot interfere.”

Cambil’s heart clenched as she looked at the approaching ships. It was as though she was watching history’s nightmare unfold in real time. She had done everything she could to save her family—now, she had to let history play out as it had before. Like Perez had told her, she could not sit around any more and consider the ‘what ifs’. It was time to return back to what she knew. 

With a long, steadying breath, Cambil turned back to her crew. “Lieutenant Andar, plot a course for the twenty-fifth century, where I am sure the Krenim authorities will be waiting for us to hand over our current guests in the brig.”

“Aye, Captain,” Andar replied, their tentacle vines moving swiftly over the helm controls. “Course plotted.”

“Engage,” Cambil said, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.

The Themis pulled away from Derna and Bajor, leaving the Cardassian ships far behind and far from them. The Cardassians were far away from being able to see the Themis on their sensors.

As the Themis neared the vortex, the stars distorted, space-time warping around the ship as it crossed the event horizon of the rift. The familiar disorienting shift of time travel rippled through the ship as it quickly moved from one point of time to another.