The Lost Fleet attacked the Federation immediately. It became quickly clear to Starfleet that for them, no time had passed since they disappeared in 2374. But the realities of being in the twenty-fifth century has not discouraged the Lost Fleet from continuing their offensive – indeed, the Breen seem to have only incited them to fight harder.

Starfleet Command believes only the word of the Founders could make the Lost Fleet accept the war’s end and stand down. But since the Treaty of Bajor, there has been limited communication between the Federation and the Dominion. Even in the Gamma Quadrant, the Dominion has withdrawn from many regions of space known to the Federation, leaving chaos in their wake, and silence from their leadership.

USS Mariner has been ordered through the Bajoran wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant, to venture through the chaotic regions once held by the Dominion and seek out any leadership to which the Lost Fleet might listen. If the Founders themselves cannot be contacted, then those who speak with the Founders’ voice will have to do. Starfleet would prefer if your ship brought back a representative of the Dominion who could order – or convince – the Lost Fleet to stand down. If not, a message beyond falsification must suffice.

Whether it will be enough for the Lost Fleet remains to be seen. But it is the simplest way to end this conflict with less bloodshed.