For our third course, Luhvian quail in truffle sauce,
served with roasted chadre kab.
- My compliments to the chef. - Hear, hear.
- Thank you, Captain. - Cream of leola soup.
Fetran risotto, Luhvian quail. It keeps getting better.
I knew you'd been expanding your pallet, but I didn't know you'd become a cook.
This is the best way to ensure quality.
I suppose I should be insulted
but it was so delicious I may have to admit defeat and hang my up apron.
No, that'd be a real tragedy, Neelix.
- Pinot noir, Commander? - I'll have the chardonnay.
Courses were prepared with wine. Substitutions are not recommended.
The pinot noir sounds perfect.
Is there any salt?
- Additional seasoning is not required. - I'm sorry, I just...
If the quail is unsatisfactory I could replicate something else.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich perhaps.
Actually, it's delicious just the way it is.
- Report. - We're being pulled off course.
I'm not certain how.
- It appears to be a graviton surge. - On my way.
We've rerouted power to the thrusters but we can't break free.
- Reverse the shield polarity. - No effect.
What happened to the stars?
Shields at 65%.
Hail them.
They're not responding.
Return fire.
Can you identify them?
The weapons are Vaadwuar
but they have different technologies.
Another vessel is charging weapons.
Evasive pattern beta 6.
- We've got an ally? - The Vaadwuar are retreating.
Hail the second ship.
No response.
I stand corrected.
They've penetrated our shields.
Reroute power and return fire.
They've transported material from us.
Disable their engines.
- Follow them. - Sensors are malfunctioning.
It's this environment.
I want an inventory of what was taken.
Where are we?
They got 90% of our food stores,
including everything from airponics.
They got a computer console
and emptied three deuterium tanks.
You can find deuterium anywhere.
Apparently not here.
No gases, stellar bodies or matter.
Except for those ships.
Scan for other vessels.
There are 150 ships in scanning range.
There are lifesigns on 29 of them.
There's another vessel approaching.
Quite a welcome.
- What's the status of our shields? - 28%.
That'll have to do. Charge weapons.
This one wants to talk.
On screen.
I'm Captain Janeway of the starship Voyager.
General Valen. Welcome to the Void.
You haven't fired on us
but we're prepared to defend ourselves.
I know. I've been observing you.
The way you fought those ships was impressive.
Most vessels don't survive the first few minutes.
I'd appreciate any information you could give us about where we are.
The anomaly is a closed structure,
encased by a layer of subspace.
Matter and energy can't penetrate it.
Our ship penetrated it when we were pulled in.
By the funnels.
But they only pull matter in one direction. Into the Void.
Have you explored the entire anomaly?
There's nothing to explore. But it's big.
The outer circumference is approximately nine light years.
- But we've never breached it. - How long have you been here?
- More than five years. - There must be a way to escape.
New arrivals always think about escape.
We have a sophisticated starship.
If we worked together we could get out.
You're being naive. No one ever gets out.
- We could devise a new approach. - Many have tried.
They wasted resources that could have kept them alive longer.
- Don't be foolish. I can help you. - How?
The only source of food and energy comes from new ships.
If you want to survive, you'll have to compete for their resources.
And I suppose you can help us do that?
I have tactical data on some of the more dangerous predators.
But you want something in return.
My scans show you have photon torpedoes.
- We don't trade weapons. - Why not?
We have no way of knowing what they'll be used for.
Plundering innocent ships, for example.
Wait a few weeks till your resources start to run out.
Morality won't keep life-support systems running.
I'm sorry. There are some compromises I won't make.
Not yet.
Report.
We're using power at ten times the usual rate.
- While we're standing still? - The warp core is being drained.
At this rate our deuterium will be gone in about ten days.
- Shut down non-essential systems. - Where are you going?
To find a way out of here.
I believe I can predict where and when these funnels will occur.
It's impressive but how does it help us?
The funnels create massive graviton forces before they erupt.
If we entered a funnel just as that happened
the forces could propel us into normal space.
And compromise structural integrity.
I might be able to reinforce the shields.
There's another problem.
When the forces reach critical levels, polarity suddenly reverses,
pulling everything back in.
We'd have to jump to warp at the right moment.
We'd need to achieve warp 8.2.
Question is, will we have enough power?
At the rate we're losing it... we may only get one shot at this.
The sooner we try, the better.
There's a funnel forming 70,000 metres off the port bow,
bearing 130, mark 24.
Graviton surge in 34 seconds.
Full power to shields and structural integrity. Take us in, Mr Paris.
Five seconds... four... three...
Structural integrity at 20%.
10%.
- 50,000 km to normal space. - Prepare to go to warp.
- Engineering to the bridge. - Go ahead.
The warp core is off-line.
We've learned some things that will help us next time.
We don't even have warp drive any more.
I may be able to get it back on-line. But we still need deuterium.
How long will our reserves last?
If we shut down most life-support,
deactivate astrometrics, ration replicator use, maybe a week.
I used to scavenge for supplies. Let me take a shuttle.
I might find deuterium on an abandoned ship.
- A shuttle would be an easy target. - We're safer if we're together.
The shuttles may be useful.
We could use them to augment our power.
We're still going to need more deuterium.
Let's find the ship that raided us and get back what they stole.
We should do it quickly. A number of vessels are monitoring us.
- The vultures are circling. - Vultures eat the dead, Mr Paris.
We're not dead yet.
- The vessel's in visual range. - Shields.
On screen.
Somebody got to them before we did.
- No lifesigns. - Scan for ion trails.
Whoever did this probably has our deuterium.
Is there anything worth salvaging?
Their technology and supplies have been picked clean.
Not everything of value has been taken.
The warp core casing is intact. It's composed of tricesium.
We can convert it into a power source.
Every little bit helps. Lock onto the core casing and beam it to the cargo bay.
With this power we could reactivate astrometrics.
- I can think of some better uses. - For example?
I don't know, making sure there's air to breathe.
This must be where they removed the core.
Crude but effective.
- Something's in there. - Identify yourself.
- Torres to security, intruder alert. - Acknowledged.
- There. - Stay where you are.
He appears to be injured.
- How is he? - His injury isn't serious.
But he won't let me treat him.
My name's Captain Janeway. You're safe here.
I've tried communicating. He doesn't have any verbal skills.
- How did he get on board? - He was transported with the casing.
- We should have picked up his lifesigns. - I don't know why we didn't.
His vessel had no atmosphere. How did he survive?
He can conserve oxygen. He has unusually large lung capacity.
And a voracious appetite.
- Was that ship his home? - Maybe.
But he can't survive without oxygen indefinitely.
We'll scan for others like him.
Until we can find a safe place for him, let's make him comfortable.
Computer, replicate nutritional supplements from my allotment.
- You've found something? - We know who has our deuterium.
It's someone we've already met.
I knew I'd see you again. I expect you've reconsidered my proposal.
We're here to take back what belongs to us.
I don't know what you mean.
You've got some of our food, one of our consoles, and our deuterium.
- We didn't take it from you. - No.
You killed the crew of another ship and took it from them. We want it back.
That's not the way things work here.
Either you give it back, or we'll take it.
- He's powering his engines. - Target his shields and fire.
Lock on to whatever's ours and transport it to the cargo bay.
I'm detecting large quantities of food on his supply deck.
Maybe we should take it.
- Is it ours? - No. But ours is running out.
Valen wouldn't hesitate to take it from us.
No, he wouldn't. We've got what's ours. Reverse course.
Come in.
An updated inventory of our supplies.
We got back less than half of what was stolen.
Doesn't take two to deliver a padd. What's on your mind?
We want to be clear about our policy here in the Void.
You think we should have taken Valen's food.
We may have to be more opportunistic if we intend to survive.
We may not like Valen's tactics, but he's still alive after five years.
I was thinking about that myself.
I thought I'd get some guidance from the Federation Charter.
I was hoping a loophole would allow us to take actions we normally wouldn't.
- Any luck? - This is a statement of principles.
- Not a practical document. - No "How To Exist In A Void"?
No.
But we've got to stick to our principles, not abandon them.
Should the crew die for principles?
If the alternative means becoming thieves and killers, yes.
But our principles will keep us alive.
The Federation is based on mutual cooperation...
...the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Voyager can't survive here alone.
But if we form an alliance with other ships, maybe we can escape.
The people we've encountered in this Void are thieves and killers.
- They're hardly ideal allies. - I agree.
Then who will we form an alliance with?
Anyone who agrees to play by our rules.
No killing, no stealing and no giving up.
Forgive me, but why would anyone who has survived by killing and stealing
suddenly agree to those terms?
We'll offer to share our food and medical supplies,
and defend ships that are attacked by raiders.
You'd better take another look at that inventory.
Food and power will be gone in a week. If we give things away...
Maybe we'll only survive for two days instead of seven.
On the other hand, if we share what we have,
other people might do the same.
If we combine our technology, we can improve our situation
and get the hell out of this place.
We may lose a little weight, but we won't lose who we are.
Captain's log, stardate 54553.4.
We've been trying to recruit members into an alliance. It hasn't been easy.
Any new ship pulled into the Void is immediately attacked.
Instead of attacking it, you'd have to help defend it.
- How is that in my interest? - They might then join our alliance.
And if they refuse, then we raid them?
Everyone must agree not to launch unprovoked attacks.
Then how will we get supplies?
The idea is to share technology and resources.
We almost escaped the Void alone.
If we work together, I believe we'll succeed.
How many ships do you have in this alliance?
You'd be the first.
Captain, that's not correct.
I am the first member of the captain's coalition.
Six years ago I offered her my services and the resources of my ship
and she's never failed to help me.
It's a noble idea, Captain. But good intentions are like deuterium reserves.
- They tend to get lost in the Void. - Just consider our proposal.
I will.
In the meantime, we'd like to offer you food and medical supplies.
What do you expect in return?
Nothing. Compliments of the alliance.
I tried.
- There's been a theft. - What's missing?
My phase compensator, no doubt stolen by a prospective member.
It wasn't stolen. The Nygeans needed it to repair their sensor array.
I presume you got something in return.
I think I did. The good will of a potential ally.
- Did they join? - Not yet.
I know. It's not exactly the most efficient policy.
But you don't always do what's most efficient either.
- What are you implying? - You gave up your rations to our guest.
- He needed food. - You're a valuable member of this crew.
He's a drain on resources. What's efficient about wasting food on him?
You think I'm inefficient, Tuvok thinks I'm illogical.
You both could be right. But maybe the best way to get help is to give it.
And I'm sorry I gave away your favourite phase compensator.
- How is he? - Much better.
He relaxed when he heard me humming an aria
so I had the computer play it.
Fantome seems to be a music lover.
- Fantome? - After the Phantom of the Opera.
A tormented character who was soothed by music.
You haven't chosen a name for yourself but you've given Fantome one.
Choosing my name is difficult. I'm a complex individual.
- And Fantome isn't? - On the contrary.
He's intelligent and his physiology is sophisticated.
- He can refract his own lifesigns. - That's why sensors didn't detect him.
I wish we could communicate with him. I suspect he'd have a lot to tell us.
- We were enjoying that. - Exactly.
He can't speak but he can hear.
He understands!
So it would seem.
What's the occasion?
Seven's not the only one who can set an elegant table.
You have heard there is a food shortage.
That's no reason why you two can't enjoy a romantic dinner.
I can't light this. It would be a waste of oxygen.
- Still, it is festive. - We appreciate the effort.
There's been a mistake. I didn't order this.
Close your eyes and pretend that it's Seven's risotto.
It tastes more like chicken.
- What's this? - A preserved Olian guava.
- I had a few left. - Neelix...
No arguments. You're eating for two.
Senior officers, report to stations immediately.
Sorry, Neelix.
- Charge weapons. - What's going on?
A funnel just pulled in a new vessel.
Two warships are approaching it. One of them is Valen's.
Target Valen's weapons and hail him.
- My fight's not with you, Captain. - Then stand down.
This new ship has impressive technology. We can share it.
I'm not here to divide the spoils.
- Then why are you here? - To protect the ship you're firing on.
- What are they to you? - Some people in a bad situation.
- Like the rest of us. - Save your speeches.
I've got a crew to feed.
He's targeting our shields.
Take his weapons out. Hail the new ship.
- I surrender. - Can you target the smaller warship?
We're a survey vessel. We're not equipped to fight.
Shields at 60%.
Fire torpedoes.
Shields on Valen's lead ship are holding at 80%.
He's upgraded them since we last met.
- Ours? - 30.
The smaller ship is outmanoeuvring us.
Hull breaches on decks 5 and 6.
- Seal them. - Shields at 15%.
- Engineering to the bridge. - Go ahead.
We're losing containment. We'll be dead in the water in three minutes.
- We should retreat, Captain. - Not yet.
There's another ship approaching.
- We can't defend ourselves. - We may not have to.
The third vessel is Mr Garon's. He's firing at the other two.
Valen's shields are down. The smaller ship is leaking plasma.
- They're both retreating. - Garon's hailing.
Get a weapons lock on him. We've been fooled by unexpected allies before.
- Why are you targeting me? - I don't know your intentions.
Haven't I just made them clear?
I've decided to accept your offer.
Well, in that case...
...welcome to the alliance.
Captain's log, stardate 54562.7.
Since Garon and the survey ship became members,
finding new allies has gotten easier.
My latest prospect is Commander Bosaal,
whose ship's technology could help us escape.
Neelix, we have another guest for dinner.
Always room for one more, Captain.
- Who did you raid to get these? - They're replicated.
One of our allies had technology that tripled our replicator efficiency.
It may not be a gourmet feast, but we can feed 500 people a day now,
using half the power it took us a few days ago.
Why don't we sit down?
- Doctor. - Hello, Commander.
- How's your patient? - He's not a patient now.
But I've had to coax him out of sickbay. He's quite shy.
I'm telling him not to worry, that you're the one who keeps us all safe.
- He says thank you. - An ingenious communication method.
We're capable of rudimentary conversation.
- Tell him I'm pleased he's better. - I will.
What's that parasite doing aboard your ship?
- I beg your pardon. - They're vermin.
I don't know who you are, sir, but your choice of words is offensive.
What is offensive is the way they slip aboard during transport,
hide in conduits, steal food, spread disease.
Fantome is perfectly healthy,
and unlike some in this Void, he hasn't stolen anything.
If my sensors could detect them on my ship, I'd exterminate them.
I suggest you do the same.
- This is outrageous! - Doctor!
One of the principles of our alliance is that we don't discriminate.
Everyone's welcome as long as they follow the rules.
But if you're having a bad experience with this species on your ship,
I'd be happy to bring them to Voyager.
If you could find them.
Now that we've analysed Fantome's physiology,
we can get a transporter lock on them.
Is this your way of enticing me to join your alliance?
I'm demonstrating how cooperation and tolerance can benefit everyone.
Then we have an agreement.
Now connect the primary emitter relay.
- On-line. - How's it coming?
Pretty well. We just need to...
- I guess I was being optimistic. - What's the problem?
We want to set up a shield bubble to encompass all our ships
but we can't compensate for the stress.
- Could a polaron modulator do that? - Nobody in the alliance has one.
- We've tried to build our own but... - Maybe we could trade for one.
- Or find a new ally with one. - It's rare technology.
It'll difficult to convince anyone to part with it.
You should not be in here.
- We're contributing to the alliance. - By spying on meetings?
We've devised a new surveillance technique.
You've bypassed security.
We can observe activity on any ship without being detected.
This is the cargo hold of the Jelinian freighter.
If I'm not mistaken, the Jelinians are a member of our alliance.
Which is why you shouldn't spy on them.
And why they shouldn't be hoarding their ale.
Lovely piece. Did they compose it or did you?
They did. Though it's not a composition. It's more of a conversation.
- I'm impressed. - I wish I could take credit.
Fantome taught the others in no time at all.
- They're highly intelligent. - The language has its own grammar.
That suggests they have a language of their own.
It could be telepathic. But they seem comfortable communicating with music.
Could they be native to the Void?
It's possible. They told us they were born here.
Just when you think nothing in the galaxy can surprise you any more.
Captain Janeway, please report to engineering.
Just what we needed. A fully compatible polaron modulator.
- Where did you get it? - The Kinjal frigate.
They want to join our alliance?
They're not interested.
- How did you get this? - Trade.
What did you give them?
I don't answer to you.
Did you steal it?
- Disconnect the modulator. - Captain...
- We're returning it to... - They have no more use for it.
- You don't know that. - Yes, I do.
- You killed them. - Captain.
I don't like it either. But why waste this technology when we could escape?
It's a violation of everything we stand for.
Refusing the modulator won't help people.
No. But using it would make us accessories to murder.
Take it and get out.
The Jelinians and the Kraylor have left. They felt you were...
Impulsive and self-righteous? Is that what you think?
- You did what you had to do. - I made a mistake.
- By telling Bosaal to leave? - Allowing him to join.
- You couldn't have known. - I knew what he was like.
His reaction to the Doctor's friend told me all I needed to know.
- But I ignored my instincts. - Why?
I thought he could help us escape.
- We all wanted him in the alliance. - Maybe.
But if I'd listened to my doubts, we wouldn't have lost the other ships.
- We'll find a way out. - Where are we with the modulator?
The engineers are working around the clock to build one.
They'll be ready to test in a few days.
So everyone's making up for my mistake.
They have to. It says so in the Federation Charter.
- Good news, I hope. - I'm afraid not.
Bosaal is attempting to form an alliance of his own with one of our adversaries.
We recorded a tactical conversation between them a few minutes ago.
Don't underestimate Janeway. I've been in battle with her twice.
Then you know Janeway's tactics. I have two other ships.
We can take Voyager's food and weapons if we work together.
They suggest they will attack within the next 48 hours.
I'm so glad we taught them the value of cooperation.
Our power reserves will be depleted if we're forced to defend ourselves.
We don't have time to test the modulator.
We've got to try to escape now.
Sorry to interrupt but we've got a situation developing.
We're going to try to escape the anomaly.
Your friends are welcome to join us.
They want to stay in the Void.
- Where would they like to go? - Any ship will do.
They're grateful for our help.
They want to help us now.
There's a funnel forming. Graviton surge in 98 seconds.
Alert the other ships.
Take us in, Tom.
Bosaal and his fleet are charging weapons.
Janeway to engineering, status.
- I need two more minutes. - You've got one.
- Surge in 50 seconds. - Voyager to all alliance ships.
Fire at your designated targets.
We've penetrated shields on both vessels.
Janeway to the Doctor, initiate transport.
Acknowledged.
Yes. Goodbye and good luck.
Energise.
Transport complete. They're in the engine rooms of both ships.
- Acknowledged. - 30 seconds.
- Engineering, we need that modulator. - A few more seconds.
- A hail from Valen's ship. Audio only. - Let's hear it.
What's he saying, Doctor?
Fantome shut down power on Valen's ship.
Confirmed. Bosaal's ship has lost power as well.
Gremlins in the engine are no myth.
- Surge in five seconds. Four... - Now, B'Elanna.
- All ships are in formation. - Structural integrity at 30%.
40,000 metres to normal space.
20%... 10%.
Do it, Tom.
It's been a privilege to have you as allies.
- I never believed we'd escape. - Then why did you join?
Captain Janeway is very persuasive. And the food was good.
- You can eat with us any time. - We're headed the other way.
- Safe journey to you and your crew. - And to all of yours.
Thank you.
It was almost like being part of a Federation again.
The real one's only 30,000 light years away.
Then what are we standing around for?