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Torres knew what Janeway was going to order next. The final test of their knowledge of Shepherd technology: expanding the radiation emitted by the purple sphere to surround the entire planet.

"We're as ready as we'll ever be," she said.

"Then do it."

Torres and her team went about taking the warp core off-line. Now, they had neither warp drive nor shields. She was glad that these people were friendly. No shields, no warp drive-they were sitting ducks. Once they had the warp core off-line, Torres nodded to R'Mor.

The Romulan tapped in the command on the console. At once, the orb began screeching and glowing. Amid the light and the noise, Seven called out what was happening.

"The radiation sphere is increasing. It is closing the distance between us and the planet. It has reached the planet It is continuing to grow at an exponential rate. It has completely engulfed the-"

Her voice sounded loud in the sudden stillness. She broke off in mid-sentence. The sphere was hovering peacefully, purple instead of red, its task done. It had taken only seventeen seconds to gather up all the dark matter that had been embedded in the planet's soil and lower life-forms, not to mention every piece of Kwaisi machinery. It was incredible.

"The amount of dark matter in the warp bubble has increased by six thousand four hundred percent," reported Seven.

And smiled.

Janeway was tired. She hadn't realized how on edge she had been these last several days, as Torres, R'Mor, and their crew pushed through the barriers of ignorance one by one to reach this moment of exhausted victory. So when Eriih insisted on a conference, she desperately wanted to beg off.

"It is a rare honor," Ulaahn exclaimed. "You cannot refuse!"

"I can and will," bridled Janeway.

Ulaahn raised his hands in a pleading gesture. "Perhaps I should say, I would urge you to accept. It would mean a great deal to my people to thank you in person. Perhaps you could postpone the meeting. That would give Eriih a chance to organize a formal dinner to thank you for your assistance."

A lengthy formal dinner with a tableful of Kwaisi

was the absolute last thing Janeway wanted at this point. "All right," she said tiredly. "I will meet with your Council now and get it over with."

Tuvok, the epitome of caution as ever, insisted that a security guard accompany his captain when she beamed down. He would not be overruled, no matter how much Ulaahn protested. It was therefore three people who materialized in the shambles that had once been the Council Chamber a few hours later.

Janeway could not help but be saddened and angered anew at the destruction caused by the mutated dark matter. This had once been a beautiful building. Murals had been painted on the walls; fine carpets covered the floor. Now, the carpets had been slashed, and the walls had huge cracks and what looked like graffiti painted on them.

"Captain Janeway," said Eriih warmly. "You are the hero of our people. Please excuse the state of our hall. I think you already know the reason for it."

"I do indeed, and I am grateful that there was not further damage or loss of life." Janeway permitted herself to be guided gently into a chair and accepted a glass of cherry-red liquor. It smelled terrible and tasted even worse, but she managed a small swallow in the name of courtesy. She gave the other six members of the Council, who sat at the dusty table with her, a strained smile.

"Your intervention was responsible for the fact that there was no further damage or loss of life," said Eriih generously. He took a healthy swallow of the beverage. "Ulaahn. Welcome home. You understand

that after these formalities..." His voice trailed off. He looked uncomfortable.

"I do," said Ulaahn staunchly. "I feel certain that I will be exonerated, but I will stand trial."

Janeway glanced from one to the other, slightly disturbed by the conversation. Despite her dislike of Ulaahn, she felt