Summary: Via a temporary wormhole created by Starfleet, Voyager meets up with the U.S.S. Salvation and their crew including a surprise guest -- Admiral Owen Paris. This story also offers an explanation as to Tom's claustrophobia. Disclaimer: Paramount owns Voyager and its characters. I've only borrowed the characters to satisfy my own creative urges. Archiving is okay, just e-mail me. Please keep disclaimer and my name attached. Please allow the author 'poetic license.' Assumptions: Time line: almost 6 years from entry into the Delta Quad. Tom and B'Elanna are engaged. Promotions have been handed out -- Tom and B'Elanna are now Full Lieutenants and Harry is now a Lieutenant J.G. The Starfleet msg. received through the Hirogen communication system has been decoded and Voyager is en route to Starfleet's temporary wormhole and intends to meet up with a Starfleet vessel on the way. The EMH has been running so long that Tom has to cover Sickbay regularly so the good doctor can regenerate and 'keep on tickin'. This story can be read by itself but will make more sense if And I Love You So, Deception, Rebecca's Revenge, and Solutions by the same author are read first and in that order. RENDEZVOUS WITH STARFLEET by PJ in NH, rated PG 5/98 Prologue Stars streaked by the porthole of his quarters as the elder officer reached into his uniform pocket and withdrew a square object. Just in case, the man thought as he tossed the little device into the air only to catch it again and reexamine his little toy, his controller -- an unexpected find from a recent trip to Ferenginar. It was good to be prepared, he mused, and he always made sure he was prepared, he was always in control, and he always came out on top. If his son wouldn't listen, he would make him listen, make him do what he needed him to do, like he used to be able to make him do. Yes, this trip would be well worth it. Chapter 1 - Wedding Plans "B'Elanna! Tom! Join us over here!" Harry yelled from across the Mess Hall when he noticed his two friends looking for a place to eat their meal. Tom looked up and acknowledged the invitation and he and B'Elanna made their way over to Harry and Seven's table, each taking a seat opposite one another. "So you and B'Elanna settled for plikatoka?" asked Harry examining the contents of their trays. "Well it was like this, Harry, we had the choice of plikatoka, plikatoka, or plikatoka, so we made the difficult choice and opted for plikatoka," he replied drily poking disinterestedly at the mound of yellow food on his plate as Seven looked on in confusion. "So what are you and Seven up to today, don't you two have the afternoon off?" "Yeah, I've got the holodeck scheduled for a couple of hours, thought I'd take Seven skiing in the Alps." "Just make sure you dress warm enough," B'Elanna warned the former Borg. "Every time Tom gets me to go skiing I freeze!" "But, B'Elanna, you can't tell me you don't enjoy the way I warm you up afterwards," teased the pilot as he waggled his fork at her with one hand and reached for his glass of water with the other. "That's true, that is the best part of skiing, warming up when you're done," the engineer admitted remembering the last time they went skiiing in Colorado and cuddling up with hot toddies and hot bodies in front of a roaring fire afterwards. The memories resulted in a smile of remembrance on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. "So how *do* you warm her up?" asked a naive Seven which caused Tom to choke and sputter as he tried to swallow a mouthful of water and caused B'Elanna to leave the fireplace behind and return to the present. "Don't worry Seven, I...ah...have a good idea," Harry reassured her with a nervous laugh. "I hope so, I don't want to freeze, I don't know what that would do to my nanoprobes," she said seriously. "You won't freeze, believe me," Harry replied as a blush crept up from his collar line up his face. "Purple." said B'Elanna all of a sudden as she stabbed a bit of plikatoka with her fork. "I thought it was blue?" Tom questioned as her turned to face his fiance. "What *are* you two talking about?" Harry asked with a quizzical look on his face. "Oh sorry, Harry," Tom said as he turned to his friend. "She's been doing this for the last week. We'll be in the middle of conversation and then she'll blurt out an idea or a smidgen of a thought about the wedding. Actually, at first I was confused as well, but now I'm starting to catch on," Tom clarified. "Explain," Seven prompted. "Well, what B'Elanna said was basically this, she has changed her mind again and has decided to wear blue instead of purple for the wedding," said Tom matter of factly. "Oh, I see. I think? And what are you wearing?" Harry asked. "At first, I was trying to keep up with whatever color she wanted to wear, but now I've decided to wear the dress uniform, it's simpler that way and she likes it, goes with just about anything." Tom explained as he dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Besides I have it on good authority she likes men in uniform." "And in particular one man," Harry added with a grin elbowing the pilot in the ribs. "So I take it that she's not going to wear the traditional Klingon red leather?" "Nope, don't forget even though she has given in to some of the Klingon traditions, B'Elanna is her own woman -- she'll do things her own way and that's fine with me." "And don't you forget, Tom, Seven and I are programming your reception, you're going to love it we're programming a New England seaside resort, complete with crashing waves and a lighthouse." "I'm sure we will. It's a wonderful present and one less thing we have to worry about," Tom replied expressing his gratefulness in bestowing a smile at Harry and Seven. "But how was Seven able to help you program something like that, she doesn't even remember being on Earth?" "Well, I had her do all the research, in her spare time she has poured over the ship's database and compiled a lot of information. It has even enabled her to learn more about Earth." "For instance," Seven piped up. "Did you know that couples would park near lighthouse and wait for the light to turn from red to green?" "Actually, Seven, I did," Tom replied thinking back to his late teenage years. "Dewdrops," spouted B'Elanna out of the blue as she again speared another morsel of food which caused the other three at the table to turn their heads in her direction. "Translation," Tom explained not missing a beat, "it is now Klingon dewdrops she wants to carry down the aisle instead of lilacs." Harry looked up with surprise at the pilot. "I don't believe it." "Oh it's true, she'll confirm it herself if she doesn't change her mind again," Tom reassured Harry as he poked around his plate. "No, I believe you, what I don't believe that there is any flower called a Klingon dewdrop . . . a Klingon blood drop maybe." "I didn't believe it at first either, must have been named by a Klingon that was short a chromosome or two, it's the only thing I can figure out." "So have you decided where you're going to hold the ceremony itself?" Harry asked. "Not yet, that's about the only thing we haven't talked about. We even have the vows pretty much taken care of, they will be a mixture of Standard sprinkled with a little Klingonese. "Then I take it that B'Elanna's come to a conclusion regarding her last name?" Harry questioned knowing that as of last week they were still arguing about it. B'Elanna wanted to take Paris as her last name, and Tom tried to convince her half-heartedly that Tom Torres had a nice alliterative ring to it. "Yep, we talked it over and finally determined that it would be confusing for us to both use the same last name, so she has opted to retain Torres, at least while we are still working together. It's against Klingon custom, but, like the wedding attire, we tend to write our own rules and she figures that she can take it up with her mother when we return," Tom explained before the intercom beeped. <> And another meal was interrupted by a summons from the Captain. Chapter 2 - The Salvation The Captain was already in her command mode, pacing the bridge her hands on her hips, when the four friends entered the bridge a short while later and assumed their duty stations and she turned to address them. "Thank you for being so prompt. According to Tuvok, he is detecting a disturbance in space between us and our destination, Starfleet's wormhole termination point," the Captain explained to her senior staff. "It's becoming stronger Captain, and the resonance wave is changing and becoming more intense," Tuvok announced. "There it is," Tom piped up as he pointed at the view screen. "Magnification factor one hundred and fifty," the Captain ordered. There on the screen, a small space ship could be seen coalescing, much like a Klingon Bird of Prey decloaking. "Captain, I have a message coming in from the ship," Kim notified Janeway. "Put it through, Harry." <> Cheers erupted -- contact had finally been made with Starfleet. Janeway for a moment was too overcome with emotion to respond, but only for a moment before she wiped a sole tear from her eye and regained her command mode. "U.S.S. Voyager to the U.S.S. Salvation, welcome to the Delta Quadrant." "Captain Janeway, I'm Captain James Colcord, it's good to speak to you at last." "Likewise Captain, there have been times when I never thought I would see another Federation vessel." "How would you like to see this one up close, perhaps dinner for your senior staff tomorrow night, say 1900 hours, after we have had a chance to unload our cargo bays and distribute messages from home? I even have a surprise for you." "We wouldn't miss it," Janeway said with a huge grin on her face, "Janeway out. You heard the Captain, I expect to see all my senior staff in dress uniform assembled in transporter room 2 at 1850 hours tomorrow night." She rose from her seat to retire to her ready room to begin preparations for unloading the cargo tomorrow. Just before she left the bridge she turned around to gaze upon her crew just to see their smiling faces. Harry was glowing, she wondered. Then she noticed that one of members of the senior staff didn't seem all that happy. Janeway strode toward the helm and casually placed her hand on the helmsman's shoulder. "Mr. Paris when your shift is over, please see me in my ready room." "Yes, ma'am." *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** "You wanted to see me, Captain?" the tall, handsome, blue-eyed pilot asked as he entered the Captain's ready room a few hours later. "Yes, Tom, have a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee? Tea?" she asked as she strode over to the replicator. "Nothing for me, I'm fine, thanks," he replied as he sat down and clasped his hands in front of him. "Are you?" "What do you mean, Captain?" he said with a stressed-filled laugh. "I mean are you fine with this ship finally heading back to the Alpha Quadrant?" she asked point blank. "The truth?" "The truth, Tom. Talk to me, remember I'm not only your Captain, but also your friend." Tom buried his face in his hands, this was one subject even though he trusted the Captain and did think of her as a friend, he preferred only to discuss with B'Elanna. Janeway sat down at the table directly across from him, a cup of coffee clutched in her hands. "You don't want to go back do you Tom?" she asked bluntly. The pilot brought his hands away from his face and looked into his captain's eyes. "No, I don't," he said frankly. "I don't have anything to go back to there, Captain, everything that matters to me is here." "B'Elanna?" "Of course B'Elanna, mostly B'Elanna, but also it's flying Voyager, working with the Doctor, the friends I've made. I have worked hard to change and I have earned respect from most of the crew. Those things all matter to me. What do I have to go back to? The Rehab Colony? My father? Not really much of a choice is it?" he replied dejectedly. "Tom, you know that I'll do everything I can to make sure you don't have to go back to Auckland, and maybe you and your father could finally make amends." "Perhaps, Captain , but it's not just me that I'm worried about, it's B'Elanna. She was Maquis, what will they do with her when we get back? I won't lose her now, not after all we've been through, I won't let anything keep us apart. All we want to do is be together, to have a future together. If we have to stay in the Delta Quadrant to do that, so be it, but B'Elanna and I would prefer to stay with Starfleet." "Several Maquis have already voiced similar concerns to me ever since the message was decoded and we found out about Starfleet's ability to create temporary wormholes. Trust me, Tom, I'll do all I can for you and B'Elanna and the rest of the Maquis. I still have lots of friends in the Federation that wield a lot of influence. To tell you the truth, what I would like to see happen is after Voyager has had a chance to be refurbished and the crew has had a rest, is to reassemble the crew together again -- the whole crew. As far as I'm concerned I have the best in Starfleet. In fact, after I meet Captain Colcord, that is going to be one of my first topics of conversation, I'm hoping to meet with him before the party tomorrow night. And Tom, I won't forget *anyone*, and that's a promise." "Thanks Captain, I think I knew that all along, but I guess I needed to hear it from you." *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** "Emergency Medical Hologram to Lt. Paris." "Paris here Doc," Tom replied tapping his commbadge as he entered his new cabin across from Sickbay. "Are you ready to shut down for the night?" "Yes, just wanted to let you know you are now officially 'on- call', now remember . . ." ". . . to trust my instincts, rely on my training, and if all else fails -- panic?" Paris finished by rote and added his own little touch to the familiar mantra knowing just how to rile the Doctor. He could just picture him raising his eyebrows and shaking his head. "Yes, I know, you tell me that *every* night. Don't worry, Doc, I'll be okay, I'll see you in the morning, Paris out." "Is that you Tom?" B'Elanna called out from their new bathroom as she stepped out of the bathtub -- one of the few bathtubs aboard Voyager. Being Chief Engineer did have its advantages. "Yep, just got through playing pool with Harry," he said as he stripped off his uniform top and threw it in the refresher. "You did let him win this time, didn't you?" she asked as she reached for a soft towel and began to dry herself off. "I tried, Bea, I really did," he replied as he shook his head in frustration, "but he's got Seven on his mind. I think even Neelix could have beat him tonight." "Poor guy, he's got it bad. I still can't get over the look on his face when Seven asked you how you warmed me up," she recalled, the memory of the conversation resulted in a grin on her face. "I know what you mean, I was a little surprised too," he admitted though his thoughts really weren't focused on that particular conversation, instead he was remembering his meeting with Janeway that afternoon. "Ah, Bea, I spoke with the Captain this afternoon about the crew going back to the Alpha Quadrant, specifically about the Maquis, and well, you and me." "So, what did she say?" B'Elanna asked as she wrapped the towel around her body and hurried out to the main room to hear the news. Tom related the entire conversation he had with the Captain. "So she said that she'd try and keep us together and out of prison?" she asked. Tom walked up to her, encircled her body with his arms and gave her a kiss on her cheek and then her shoulder before he continued. "That's what she told me, Bea. I have no reason to doubt her -- of course I'll feel better after she talks to the Captain of the Salvation." "Me too," B'Elanna agreed. "Have you ever heard of this Captain? What's his name? Colcord?" "Nope, never heard of him, but I've asked around and a couple of lieutenants on the beta shift have and they tell me he's a good man and honest -- I guess we'll find out for ourselves though," he concluded as he steered her towards the bed. "I can't wait to see the Salvation's prototype engines, I think they called it a repulsion drive it works on the same theory that magnets can propel each other as well as attract. "Enough engineering technobabble, Bea. It's bed time." "Is that an order?" she asked as she wrinkled her nose, bared her teeth slightly, and dropped the towel knowing that it was the equivalent of an invitation to an evening of excitement and exhilaration. "Would you like it to be?" he growled with a gleeful grin as he swooped her up over his shoulder and carried her to the bed and dropped her in the middle of it and immediately joined her -- joined her in more ways than one. After a particularly physical session of making love, the two lovers happily spooned together in bed, bare flesh against bare flesh, ready to finally go to sleep. "Attic." she blurted out just before she was about to dose off. "Attic?" he murmured not immediately catching on as he was almost asleep himself. "Yeah, the Attic -- Stellar Observation Room 2 -- what do you think about holding the wedding there under the stars? Do you think it would be okay?" "It's more than okay, it's perfect, love, just like you." he said as he nuzzled her on the neck and kissed her shoulder. Goodnight Bea, sweet dreams." Chapter 3 - Questions and Answers "Captain Colcord, I'm glad that we have a chance to meet with each other before the dinner tonight," Janeway said as she welcomed the tall, salt-and-peppered haired man into her ready room. "Can I get you some coffee?" "I'd like that, thanks," Colcord replied as he took his seat, "and while were alone please call me, Jim." "Likewise, Kathryn please," she offered already warming up to the likeable man as she handed him a cup of replicated coffee. What she wanted to talk about was very important, too important to risk on Neelix's pale imitation of her favorite beverage. The Salvation's captain took a sip of coffee and placed the cup carefully back on the saucer. "So what is it you want to talk about Kathryn?" Janeway replicated herself her own cup of coffee and joined Colcord at the table. "You certainly get right to the point, Jim," she remarked. "I've never been one to beat around the bush." "Me either. Well to be blunt then, several members of the crew have approached me regarding what the status of the former Maquis members will be when we return to the Alpha Quadrant," she said as she sipped at her still too hot coffee. "They need to know what to expect -- *I* need to know what to expect." He picked up the cup and took another sip before replying. "I figured this meeting would include this subject, Kathryn. In fact, in anticipation, I met with Starfleet and the Federation before we started this mission and we specifically addressed this very subject. Basically, everything and everyone will be forgiven. When you return, the former Maquis will temporarily be housed in a Federation prison . . ." "But Captain?" Janeway interrupted her temper rising as soon as she heard the word 'prison.' Colcord held up his hand to Janeway in a silent plea for her to let him continue. "It will only be temporary, a couple of days at most. There will then be a trial, only a formality really, to appease some of the members of the Federation. It will culminate with all Maquis receiving a pardon and permission to join Starfleet, if they so desire, at whatever rank they currently possess. Believe me, I argued against the trial, but their hands are tied with everything in such an upheaval back home. I believe you know about the Dominion?" Janeway nodded remembering the contents of the Starfleet message they had decoded a several weeks ago. "I do and thank you for speaking up for the Maquis, I appreciate it, Jim, but what about Tom Paris, what will happen to him?" "His situation was a little more difficult to resolve. Even though your EMH during his brief visit to the Alpha Quadrant eloquently informed Starfleet of all of Lt. Paris' accomplishments, there were still a few members of the High Command that believe he should serve out the remaining five years of his original sentence. Only through the impassioned plea of your Doctor and support from Admiral Paris and a couple of the Admiral's friends were we able to resolve Lt. Paris' situation." "I had no idea the Doctor spoke so highly on Tom's behalf and I'm sure the Admiral and his friends helped make a difference," Janeway said. "I wasn't there, but from what I was told there wasn't a person in that room that wasn't impressed by what your good doctor had to say. I also understand that the Admiral's appeal was quite moving." "I see." "There's more to it that just that, Kathryn," Colcord continued, "Lt. Paris will also have to report to a Federation prison, back to Auckland actually, and he too will have to stand trial before he can be formally released. He will also be afforded the opportunity to remain in Starfleet at his current rank," he explained as he spun the now empty coffee cup in his large hands. "Well that's good news," Janeway said as she breathed a sigh of relief. She'd have to thank the Doctor at her earliest opportunity. She also thought that maybe the Admiral had finally come to realize what he had lost when he had disowned Tom several years ago, and she was thankful that she could tell the soon-to- be married couple that they had a future to look forward to back home. "I have just one more question right now, Jim, I would like to keep this ship and this crew together once we return. Do you think that is possible?" "Well that is one topic that wasn't discussed before we left," Colcord told her as he leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers to his chin. "But, I believe there has been a precedence set many years ago. I think the ship's name was the U.S.S. Laconia, it had been on a deep space mission for a number of years and when it returned for the scheduled refurbishment and crew re-allotment. The Captain made an impassioned plea to the authorities and was granted permission that if any crewmembers wanted to remain on the Laconia it would be allowed. And of course Captain Kirk was always successful in keeping most of his crew in tact over the years he served. I can't guarantee that the same would be allowed in your case, but with the current unrest with the Dominion, it is my opinion that it would be better to retain an experienced captain and crew than to bring a new crew up to speed. If you would like, I would be happy to make some inquiries and speak on your behalf when I return. I know my own share of the top brass, and I could start the ball rolling." "I would certainly appreciate that, and so would my crew," Janeway replied with a smile. "I will provide you with a formal request to deliver to the appropriate authorities and I'll also give you a list of people I know that might be influential." *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** Shortly after the meeting with the Salvation's Captain that morning, Janeway informed the entire crew of her conversation with Captain Colcord. Most of the crew readily expressed a desire to stay onboard Voyager when it returned to Federation space, though a few mentioned plans of leaving the service, which was to be expected. Janeway also held a separate meeting with the Maquis and one with Tom and B'Elanna informing them of what to expect upon their return. Though they all agreed that the prospect of going to prison, if only for a short while, was not something they looked forward to, they all concurred that it was a small price to pay for being able to be free, to formally join Starfleet, and to retain their ranks. *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** The crew of Voyager worked all afternoon transferring and stowing supplies from the Salvation while the Senior Staff discussed the proper methods of installing the new equipment, equipment that would enable them to transverse the Starfleet wormhole safely. In amongst it all, many messages from family and friends were distributed throughout the ship into eager hands. These messages were read and quickly responded to so that the Salvation could carry the replies back home when they left Voyager in a couple of days. After working diligently throughout the afternoon stowing supplies and receiving instructions on the proper installation of new equipment, Tom and B'Elanna prepared to attend the reception onboard the Salvation. "So do you feel better about what the Captain said this morning Tom?" B'Elanna asked as she pulled her dress uniform on. "Yes, much better, it sounds like we just have to go along with a little diplomatic song and dance and everything will work out. I still can't believe that the Doctor spoke on my behalf and especially that my father pulled some strings for me." "Well apparently both did. I know the Doctor respects you and maybe your father is finally trying to make amends," she offered. "Even though it's hard to believe sometimes, I know the Doctor respects me. But Dad? Bea, it's never that simple with him. There's always some hidden agenda. I've never known him to do something without getting some personal benefit out of it." "He's helping his son, Tom, isn't that enough?" B'Elanna asked looking up into his blue eyes. "It was never enough before, I can't believe that it would be enough now." "All that matters is that he's trying to help you, and if he was able to do anything so you don't have to finish your prison sentence, then I'm thankful," she said as she handed him his uniform. "Come on, Tom, get dressed or we're going to be late." "Do we *have* to go, B'Elanna?" Tom whined as he examined his dress uniform with a pained expression on his face as he took it from her. "Still waiting for the picnic instead of the formal reception, Helmboy?" B'Elanna playfully chided him referring to the comments he had made before they had beamed down to Prytolia*** a few months back. "Besides, you know we do, the Captain's depending on us, now quit belly-aching and get dressed." "Yes, ma'am!" he replied with a playful pout. Chapter 4 - Surprise!? Tom was pulling at his collar and still grumbling to B'Elanna about attending the function when the rest of the senior staff arrived on the transporter pad. "Tom, all set to have an Alpha Quadrant meal?" asked Harry as he entered the transporter room eyes beaming in anticipation. "You bet, haven't eaten all day, what do you think they'll serve?" Tom replied. "To be honest, I'd be happy with a hot dog and potato chips, just as long as it's not made out of leola root or seasoned with Talaxian spices." "You know you're right, even *that* would taste pretty good," said Tom, "though I'm hoping for a thick juicy steak and a real honest-to-goodness baked potato with all the fixings." "Have either one of you given any thought as to what the 'surprise' could be that Captain Colcord referred to in his initial communique?" B'Elanna queried interrupting the other two, and was surprised when a female voice answered. "Actually Lieutenant, that's all I've been thinking about. I can hardly wait," Janeway responded as she entered the room with Chakotay, "and the sooner we get going the sooner we'll find out." The senior staff then assembled on the transporter pads and prepared to beam over to the Salvation. "Energize Mr. Chang," the Captain ordered. The Voyager group materialized on the Salvation and were escorted to the Captain's dining room for a much anticipated leola-free meal -- a meal where one didn't have to worry about running out of replicator rations. Captain Colcord greeted each guest and introduced them all to his own senior staff. "Please everyone take a glass of champagne, you all deserve it, I brought it specifically for the occasion, directly from the Picard vineyards in France," offered the Salvation's captain as one of the ship's young ensigns brought around a tray laden with fluted glasses full of the exceptional wine and passed them out to all the guests. Tom and B'Elanna each took a glass and stood off to the side to enjoy the moment talking quietly between themselves as Captain Colcord walked up to the front of the room in order to be noticed by all in attendance. "Friends, if I could have your attention," Colcord said as he raised his glass. "I believe a toast would be in order. But I think I'll let my 'surprise' have this honor," he said as he brought his glass down again to the astonishment of the confused Voyager guests. At that moment, the 'surprise' entered the room from behind the guests with a glass of champagne already held in his hand. Tom looked at his Captain as she turned around and saw the look of recognition on her face as she looked at the 'surprise.' He then turned his own head to see for himself, cerulean blue eyes met steely blue eyes. Tom was struck speechless. His breath caught in his throat and it felt as if all the blood drained from his body leaving only a fragile shell. The 'surprise' was none other than his father, Admiral Owen Paris, one person in the Alpha Quadrant that he never cared to see again. he thought. Colcord raised his own glass again towards the Admiral in recognition. "Everyone, may I present Admiral Owen Paris." Everyone from Voyager took one look at the Admiral and then turned to look at the stunned son who was for a change bereft of words. "If everyone will please raise you glasses," the Admiral spoke as her rose his own glass above his head, "to Captain Janeway and her valiant crew, may you arrive home save and sound. He took a sip from the glass and everyone else followed his example -- everyone but Tom who was still in shock. B'Elanna noticed the stricken look on Tom's face and his lack of response. In concern, she took the full glass of champagne from him fearing that he would drop it and placed it on a nearby table next to her own. "Tom are you alright? she asked as she reached out to touch his arm and was surprised to feel his arm tremble beneath her fingers, but she was met with silence, he didn't even seem to be aware of her presence. She continued to speak to him softly murmuring words of support until he regained his composure. After the toast, the Admiral wove his way through the guests and eventually made his way over to his son. His son's initial reaction was everything he could have hoped for -- complete and utter shock -- it was always good to catch people off guard they were more vulnerable that way, he thought. The elder Paris extended his hand for a hand shake with his son but it wasn't reciprocated. "Thomas, it has been a long time--too long, it's good to see you again son!" he said as he returned his empty hand to his side. "Father," Tom replied simply without emotion not daring to say anything else. "Please forgive me Tom, but I was hoping that this would be a good surprise." "It's a surprise alright -- 'good' well that's another thing, I'll have to think about it," Tom replied through clenched teeth. It was all he could do not to bolt out of the room at that moment, but out of respect for his Captain he tried to remain calm not wanting to create a scene at such an important event. The Admiral placed his hand on Tom's shoulder in what was suppose to look like a warm gesture to all who witnessed it, though when the older man's hand made contact he could feel the muscles in his son's shoulder tense. "I was hoping this would be a good surprise, but apparently I was wrong, Thomas. Do you think that maybe tomorrow after all this commotion is over that we could talk, I'd like to resolve a couple of things?" Tom thought for a minute, his initial reaction was to refuse to meet with him but after what Janeway had told him about his father speaking up for him with Starfleet and knowing that the Salvation would be returning day after tomorrow, taking the Admiral with them, he relented. "Sure father, tomorrow, after my bridge shift, say 1800 hours?" That should give him thirty minutes or so until he had to relieve the Doctor which would provide him with an excuse to curtail the dreaded meeting, he thought. "I'll be there, son. Now if you'll excuse me, I should make my rounds of the room." Tom nodded not daring to speak. What was he going to say to his father tomorrow he wondered? Thank him for his assistance in obtaining leniency from the Federation, or finally tell him what he thought of him, how he resented how his father had treated him in the past? For that matter, he pondered, what was it his father wanted to say to him? Chapter 5 - Memories The transporter beam had barely finished depositing Tom and B'Elanna back on Voyager when Tom began heading for the door, seemingly oblivious of his fianc‚. "Tom, where are you going?" she asked with concern. Tom turned around and brought his hands up in a gesture that said 'stay away.' "Please Bea, let me have some time alone, then we can talk. I promise, please?" B'Elanna even though she was worried for her mate relented. "Okay, but if you need me I'll be in my quarters. If I don't hear from you though I'll come looking for you. Remember, Tom, *I* love you." "I'll never forget that, never," he promised and he turned and left her. Over an hour had passed, during that time B'Elanna had lost count how many times she had paced back and forth in frustration, patience had never been her strong suit but at least this time she wasn't throwing things, though she was sorely tempted. Finally not being able to wait any longer, she queried the computer as to Tom's location. And ten minutes later, as anxious she was to find out what Tom was doing, she stood in front of Holodeck 1 hesitating to enter -- fearing what she would find. She was surprised that she didn't have to utilize her engineering overrides to enter the program as he had programmed the holodeck to allow her access. She was also surprised at what she found when the door slid open. The discordant sounds of metal on metal crashing together greeted her ears as she entered. A part of a bicycle and a hammer flew over Tom's Camaro and found their mark on the far wall. Not long after, the rest of the bicycle and a tire iron also found their targets. In amongst the crashing of these items against the walls of the holodeck, she could hear her mate venting his anger and frustration. It was apparently decided to act like a Klingon tonight. "Damn you Dad, why did you have to come here, why?! Couldn't you just leave me alone you bastard, even in the Delta Quadrant!" The tirade was punctuated with Tom throwing a crow bar through the rear window of his beloved Camaro and then kicking over the tool box spilling the contents all over the garage floor. B'Elanna took a couple of steps toward Tom but had to duck at the last minute to avoid contact with a thrown socket wrench. Tom's eyes widened when he saw that he had almost hit her with the wrench, even though with the holodeck safeties on she wouldn't have been injured. Overcome by spent emotion, he collapsed to his knees on the once tidy garage floor and buried his face in his hands, his strength finally depleted and his anger momentarily defused. B'Elanna went over to him, knelt down, and pulled him into the sanctuary of her arms. "Tom, are you okay? Do you feel better now? Are you ready to talk about it?" "Yes, no, I don't know!" he said in frustration as he drew his hands away from his tear-streaked face. "Damn it Bea, why did he come, I wasn't ready for him. Why is he here?" "Maybe, he's changed, maybe he loves you?" she offered. "After all he spoke to the Federation and Starfleet on your behalf." "I wish I could believe that, that I could believe that he did that for me because he loves me, but I don't think he'll ever change. He is so wrapped up in himself, I don't think he could ever love someone enough to do something for them without it serving him as well. He just uses people when it serves his purpose, then forgets about them. Just like he used my mother." "What do you mean?" "She was a beautiful woman, Bea. She looked good on his arm when he attended Starfleet functions -- she was noticed and in turn he was noticed. I've always wondered if he ever truly loved her, or just loved the way she looked. "But they were married, Tom, he must have loved her?" "I was his son, and he damn well never loved me." "He must have loved you some, in his own way. He did speak up for you," B'Elanna countered as she tried to comfort him. "His own way? Do you want me to tell you about my father's 'own way'?" he asked as his voice grew louder as his rage started to build again. She didn't know what to say, she wanted to know but was afraid of what he would tell her, but she knew that the information would provide an invaluable insight into the man she loved. "Yes, Tom, tell me. Tell me about your father." "Well you know what I told you about my mother, how she died?****" he asked. "Well after she died, it was just him, me, and the servants. Occasionally, he would be off on a mission and we wouldn't see him for a while, but it was never long enough. Invariably, he would come storming into the house, hell bent for leather, and the house would be in an upheaval until the blessed time came for him to leave again. He would yell at the servants and me all the time. Why they stayed I could never understand. He must have paid them well." "Maybe they stayed for you?" she offered. He thought about what she said for a little while and slightly nodded his head. "Maybe," he relented. "Maybe, but he treated them poorly and they tried so hard to please him, but it was never good enough." she mused. "And how did you two get along?" she prompted, dreading his response. "When he wasn't yelling, not too badly, especially when he thought I might be useful to him or to his career. He would bring me to parties when I was young so he could show off my piloting skills in order to impress an Admiral or someone. By showing me off, they would remember his name, even though he might only be remembered as 'the captain with the pilot prodigy for a son,' but it was sometimes enough for my father to get noticed, enough to get what he wanted, an advancement, a future invitation to an important function, his foot in another useful door," he explained his eyes focused on memories of years before and thousands of light years away. "I'm sorry, Tom, I had no idea." "You know, Bea, if that was all, I could have lived with it. But even though I was good enough to go with him to those infernal show-off parties, I wasn't good enough at anything else. I'd get a 'A-' instead of an 'A+' in school or not do as well in sports as he thought I should and I'd be paying for it the next day." "What do you mean?" Tom took a deep breath and looked down at the floor before he could continue. He was surprised he had already told her so much, he hadn't planned to, and now he was tying to come up with words that would avoid too much graphic detail. "Let's just say, Bea, that the dermal-regenerator we had at home got used very frequently, or sometimes, sometimes. . . oh hell, this is hard, I've never told anyone about this." "I'm here Tom, you can tell me, you can tell me anything, I'll still love you, believe that." He tightened his arms around her for emotional support and continued. "I do believe you, Bea. If I don't believe in anything else, I'll always believe in you and our love." "So tell me, I'm not going anywhere. I'm here with you now and always." Tom nodded and took a deep cleansing breath before proceeding. "Some . . . sometimes, if I had been really bad, he would lock me in the toolshed out back." he said and he guardedly looked up at her trying to judge her reaction but all he saw was her loving support so he continued. "One time I had gone out playing with my friends and we were having such a good time that I was late for dinner -- an important dinner with a couple of Admirals and an Ambassador. After they left that evening, he yelled at me and hit me and ultimately locked me in the toolshed. He then left me there until the next morning." B'Elanna could hardly believe what Tom was telling her, but by the haunted, far-away look in his eyes she could tell that he was remembering it like it was yesterday. "Bea, I was so scared, I was such a coward. Not of the dark you know, but of being confined. I wanted out so bad, but I wasn't strong enough to get out, no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get out. I remember sitting in the shed, hungry, cold, and so all alone," he told her as a couple of tears coursed their way down his already wet cheek. "I'm so sorry Tom, but you're not alone now. I guess what Harry said after we passed through the Mutara nebula wasn't too far from the truth," she said as she placed her hand on his cheek and attempted to brush away the wetness with her thumb. "Don't be, sorry" he said as he pulled her into his arms and she blessed him with a comforting hug and kiss. he thought. He look a another deep breath held it and exhaled slowly before continuing "But, Bea, then after I went to the Academy I found out things that it didn't have to be like it was, and that made it even worse." "What do you mean?" "Let's see," he recalled, "it was my second year at the Academy. I took an elective called the 'History of Starfleet and Its Officers,' figured it would be an easy subject having so many Admirals and top brass in the family," he explained. "Well, I was doing research, actually on my father and one of his friends, when I found out that Dad had been held captive about a year before my mother's death. Looking back and talking to some of the older servants and his friends, I found out that his change in behavior seemed to stem from this experience. I could only conclude that something had happened to him during his imprisonment. This in turn prompted me to probe further and I discovered that that type of ordeal can indeed cause a person to react the way the Admiral did at home. You see, at work he had position and undeniable authority over his subordinates, but at home we were merely his family and family doesn't always do what you want or expect -- they aren't so easy to control." "So he tried to over-assert his authority at home," B'Elanna concluded to which Tom nodded in agreement. "Yea, he *had* to be in control, I suppose to make up for the time he was held captive when he wasn't," he explained before continuing. "When I found all this out, I went to him and asked him to get some help, but he wouldn't listen to me. Told me that I was overstepping my bounds, that he could take care of himself. He said that if anyone needed psychiatric help it was me not him." "But, wasn't he examined when he was released from captivity?" B'Elanna questioned. "Yes, but even Starfleet doctors aren't foolproof, they missed something." "And you, your mother, and the servants paid for it," she concluded, adding silently to herself . Tom could only nod in reply and pull her body against his in search of the solace that only she could provide. Chapter 6 - Fathers and Sons "Diane, your contractions are about three minutes apart now, it shouldn't be much longer," Tom said trying to comfort the young ensign while Richard, the fretful future father, hovered near her bedside. "Would you like some more ice chips?" Diane York responded with a nod of her head and he went back into the Doctor's office to replicate some for her. Over two hours ago, Tom had been waiting in his quarters for his father to show up at the intended time, only to receive word that he had been delayed, but the message didn't say how long the postponement would be. So on schedule at 1900 hours, Tom relieved the Doctor and at 1917 Ensign Diane York and her husband Richard anxiously entered Sickbay, and now at 2012 he was in the middle of coping with his first real live birth -- a rapidly progressing real live birth. The baby couldn't have picked a worse time to be born as his backup, Sue Wildman, was in her own quarters tending to a sick daughter, leaving him on his own. Having made arrangements to transfer Diane over to the Salvation, should complications arise so their EMH could attend to her, Tom prepared to handle the situation on his own. He was going through the birthing procedure in his mind when the door to the Doctor's office slid open. "Thomas, what are you doing in Sickbay, hurt yourself again?" asked the Admiral as he entered the office. "A little *late* aren't you, Admiral. I'm a little busy right now and I don't have time for a visit from you," he replied coldly. Tom thought. "You don't appear all *that* busy," Owen Paris observed seeing Tom reach for a glass of ice chips from the replicator. "What are you doing?" "Actually, I'm about ready to assist Ensign York with the birth of her first child. So unless you're prepared to help, I would suggest you leave," the son explained as he strode past his father towards the door deliberately ignoring the older man. "You're going to deliver a baby?" the Admiral asked incredulously. "Since when do *you* deliver babies?" Tom turned around abruptly and addressed his father. "Since I've been taken some advanced medical courses to help out our EMH that's when, father. Now I don't have time to answer all your questions, if you want to help, you can go to the cabin across the hall and ask Lt. Torres to come over and assist me ." "Since when do you think you can issue orders to *me*!" his father said indignantly placing his hands on his hips in a defiant gesture. "You do have another option, Admiral, you can stay and help -- but you never even came into the delivery room when Mom had me, so why would you want to be here now?" <> "Come in," a nightgown-clad B'Elanna Torres responded to the buzzer and was shocked by who she saw when the door slid open and embarrassed. Shocked because the person was Tom's father and embarrassed because she was dressed ready for bed -- to top it all off, she was also in what was now Tom's quarters, soon to be their quarters. "Admiral, what can I do for you?" she asked politely trying to retain her dignity. "My son says that he needs your help in Sickbay, some woman is giving birth," the Admiral said distractedly as walked into the cabin trying to avoid the direct gaze of the half-dressed, half- Klingon. Looking around he noticed a holo-picture of this woman and his son on the side table, and upon further investigation noticed that the room appeared to contain a mixture of masculine *and* feminine items. "Thank you, Admiral. Please tell him I'll be over as soon as I get dressed," she said as she grabbed a clean uniform and headed into the bathroom to change. "Is this your cabin, Lieutenant?" the older Paris asked, his voice carrying into the bathroom which caused B'Elanna to hesitate slightly as she removed her nightgown. "No it isn't," she replied evenly and honestly as she started to pull on her uniform. "Then whose is it, Lieutenant?" "Actually, it's Tom's," she said calmly. "Tom's? So you're . . ." "Admiral, this will have to wait," she interrupted as she quickly exited from the bathroom and headed for the outer door. "There is a baby on the way, we'll have to talk about this later!" "Do you know *who* you're speaking to Lt. Torres?" Owen Paris said appalled by the young woman's brusqueness as he attempted to try to regain control over the situation. "I most certainly do , let's go," she said bluntly as she walked past him and out the door. *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** "One more push Diane, I can see the head," Tom instructed the soon-to-be mother. "I'm so tired, I don't think . . ." "Well don't think," coached B'Elanna, "just PUSH!" "Yes Diane, push!" agreed a pale Richard who was slumped on the floor, trying in vain to experience the joy of birth from a father's perspective -- a perspective of lying on the deck of Sickbay and trying not to be sick. "Okay, okay, aaggghhhh!" With the last push, the little baby boy slipped out of his mother's womb and into Tom's welcoming hands. Carefully holding the little boy in one arm, Tom laser severed the umbilical cord. B'Elanna handed him a dry, soft towel and he gently cleaned the birthing fluids off the crying baby and placed him temporarily in a bassinet. Getting out the tricorder he performed a cursory examination, and satisfied with the results, wrapped up the little tike in a small blanket and brought the squalling little boy over so his mother could hold him. "Diane, Richard, he's beautiful, a healthy baby boy," Tom concluded, his eyes misted over with joy from finally helping his first non-holo-mom give birth. A while later, little Kyle was quietly sleeping in his bassinet while the new mother and father also slept near him. And the Admiral waited impatiently in the Doctor's office for Tom and B'Elanna to finish. "We did good work today B'Elanna, the Doc would be proud of us," an exhausted Tom Paris told his fianc‚. "I'm proud of you too. You think he'll be surprised to know that I helped out." "You bet he will, but I wasn't surprised, I always know I can count on you," he said as he threw his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a half embrace. All this activity did not go unnoticed by the upset occupant in the office. "Tom, your father is still here," B'Elanna reminded him. "Oh, shit. Well I better get this over with," he replied with a yawn. "Then I'm going with you." "You don't have to Bea, this is my problem." "It used to be, but now it is *our* problem. In fact, my Klingon side is looking forward to it," she said as she bared her teeth and pulled him in the direction of the office. When they entered the doctor's office, the Admiral was sitting in the Doctor's chair drumming his fingers impatiently on the desktop with a glare of defiance in his eyes. "Dad, I see you stayed. So what is it you want to talk about?" Tom asked. "This is between you and me son, not your Klingon *par'machai*," the Admiral growled. Tom fought hard not to deck him at that moment knowing that B'Elanna considered being called a par'machai an insult. "Lucky for you Dad this is Sickbay and not the Cargo Bay or you wouldn't be standing right now," Tom threatened trying to keep the volume of his voice low. "B'Elanna is my fianc‚ *not* my mistress, in a couple of weeks we'll be married." Tom was almost happy, it was one of the few times he had seen his father close to speechlessness. "Tom, you've got to be kidding . . . you can't marry a . . . a Klingon." "Half-Klingon actually, Dad," Tom replied calmly, "And yes I can marry her, we love each other. I don't *need* your permission." "But your career . . . what about your career? How do you think it would look to be married to a Maquis let alone a half- Klingon?" "I don't really care how it looks. If someone doesn't like it, that's their problem, not mine. And as far as a career goes, I imagine it will go in whatever direction I decide it should go in and if someone doesn't want me because of who I decide to marry then that is their loss, not mine," he answered. he thought. He was only sorry that B'Elanna had to witness this exchange. "Thomas, think of your career ," he pleaded desperately to his disinterested son. "Seems to me, Admiral, you think too much about his career and too little about him!" B'Elanna said defending her mate as she approached the father, her arms folded across her chest. "How dare you . . . I could have you . . ." "Have me what? Cashiered? I don't think so, technically I'm not a member of Starfleet," she volleyed back. "Admiral, I think it's time for you to leave," Tom said trying to remain calm, after all they were still in Sickbay and he had three people trying to sleep in the outer room. "You can't order me, I outrank you, you little snot-nosed bastard. I should have known that what your EMH had to say about you was a fabrication. I can see you haven't changed," the Admiral roared. "Look *Admiral* you either leave now, or I'll tell Captains Janeway and Colcord all about mother's death. And I bet I wouldn't have to think very hard to come up with a couple more tidbits of information that the Federation would find interesting," Tom said quietly but with a deadly no-nonsense tone to his voice. "Now if you know what is good for you, you will leave *now*." "This isn't over Thomas, not by a long shot," the Admiral threatened as he reluctantly turned to leave the room. "No, I don't suppose it is. It never is," Tom admitted as he watched his father exit Sickbay. After the Admiral passed through the outer door into the corridor, Tom sat down heavily in the guest chair in the Doctor's office. "Are you okay, Tom?" B'Elanna asked concerned by his shaken appearance. "I will be, but there is one thing that troubles me." "And that is?" "Why did he come, Bea? He never did anything without a reason, without it benefitting him someway. He didn't come all this way just to see a son he disowned. That's what's troubling me." Chapter 7 - Confrontation The morning brought mixed blessings. On one hand, the Doctor praised Tom and B'Elanna for their efforts of the night before delivering little Kyle York. In fact, he told Tom that he couldn't have done a better job himself. While on the other hand, all Tom could think about was the confrontation with his father the night before and he was still trying to figure out what it was his father wanted. These thoughts were still going through his head as he joined Harry for a volleyball game at the resort early the next afternoon after waking from a restless sleep. "Fifteen-seven, game," the computer announced as Tom made another powerful spike over the net. "Another game, Harry?" Tom asked as he reached down to take a drink from his water jug. "Nope, I think I'll quit while I'm ahead," Harry replied as he wiped the sweat off his forehead with the towel he had brought and deactivated their two holographic volleyball partners. "Ahead? You're behind three games to nothing." "No, I mean I think I'll quit while I still have a head. You're lethal this afternoon." "Sorry, I guess I'm kind of worked up." "You're Dad?" Harry asked, though he hesitated to bring up the subject. "Yeah, his appearance the other day really threw me for a loop. I wasn't prepared for his little surprise and last night he stopped by Sickbay." "Why, what happened?" "I wish I knew, but he couldn't have picked a more inopportune moment. Ensign York was giving birth and in walked the Admiral big as life, two hours later than we had arranged to get together, thinking that I could drop everything and spend time with him." "Wait a minute, Diane had the baby? Congratulations!" Harry said his face beaming with the news. "Oh thanks, he is a beautiful baby boy, they named him Kyle. Kyle Thomas actually," Tom beamed, proud of the honor the new mother and father had bestowed on him. "That's wonderful, how was it? Anything like the holoprogram the Doc and I developed for you?" Harry asked anxiously. "Close. Very close. But there is still nothing like the real thing -- it was very special. I'll never forget it, holding that new life in my hands, the tiny little fingers and toes. It's just too bad that my father had to pick that moment to show up," Tom said his emotion changing from one of elation to disappointment. "To top it all off, he insulted B'Elanna after he found out about us getting married. Of course, he didn't think a half-Klingon was a suitable match for a Paris, even a disowned Paris." "How did B'Elanna take it?" Harry asked worriedly. A small smile lit Tom's face as he recalled the previous evening. "She was wonderful Harry, she hardly said a word, but inside I could tell she would have given anything to have a bat'leth in her hands. She would have put it to good use." "Well, it will be over soon. By tonight he'll be gone on his way back home, they'll all be heading back to catch the next wormhole," Harry said. Try as he might though he couldn't really understand what Tom was going through. Harry's own parents had been very loving and supportive. How Tom had grown up most of his childhood with only a domineering father around was beyond his comprehension. "He can't leave soon enough Harry, not soon enough," Tom replied as he joined his friend. "I'll see you at the farewell party tonight okay?" "Sounds good." Tom stopped by Sickbay to check on little Kyle on the way back to his cabin. He found him curled up in his father's arms while the new mother was trying to get some sleep. Richard, upon seeing Tom, motioned for him to sit down and join him. Tom pulled up a chair and the two men talked about the night before until the baby started to fuss. "I'm just so nervous, Lieutenant. I'm afraid I'm not going to be a good father. I don't even know how to quiet him down." "It's, Tom, not Lieutenant, at least while we're off duty. Okay? Richard nodded. "Here, Richard, let me take him," Tom offered observing that the new father was noticeably uncomfortable with his son. "Are you sure?" "Come on, let me hold him," Tom reached for the baby and nestled him in the crook of his left arm and cooed at him while at the same time the infant kicked at the blanket. It hadn't been that long ago when Naomi Wildman had been an infant and he had looked after her. He remembered at the time being nervous holding the little girl, but now it seemed so natural. "He's going to be a strong one. Are you sure there isn't any Klingon blood in your family?" he teased. "No, no Klingon blood. But I have been told that there was a line backer or two." Little Kyle finally managed to kick enough so his little foot stuck out through the blanket. "His little toes are so tiny," Tom commented. "You know there was a little poem that my Aunt Ruth used to say to me when I was just a little boy every time she came to visit, I loved it. Let me see if I can remember it." Tom thought for a little while until he had remembered the entire little verse. First of all, Richard, you touch the big toe, and each of the other toes in turn, it goes like this. "Great Big Tom Bumbo, Little Penny Lou, Little Mary Whistle, Little Croquet, Little Twee Twee, can't go up to where Great Big Tom Bumble Bee be." and with the last few words Tom gently touched Kyle's petite nose. "And, if you tell anyone I said those words, I'll categorically deny it, and have you brought up on charges," he threatened with a grin. Wrapping the boy snugly up in the blanket, he handed him back to the new dad with a big grin on his face and a slight mistiness about his eyes. "Just love him *Dad* and make sure he knows he is loved, and you'll be okay," he said with complete sincerity. *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** The farewell party started at 2000 hours in the holographic tropical resort which was festooned for the occasion with banners and Japanese lanterns. Kathryn and Chakotay observed all the guests arrive all dressed casually as if going to a evening picnic. "Finally a party that Tom would approve of -- no dress uniforms," observed her first officer. "That's why I planned it this way," she explained. "Hopefully, this will lighten his mood a bit, he hasn't been his normal self not since his father showed up. "Well if this doesn't work, the Salvation, along with the Admiral are leaving at 2400 tonight and that would solve the problem," Chakotay offered to which Janeway agreed. Tom and B'Elanna arrived at that moment and spotting the two senior offices proceeded over to speak with Janeway and Chakotay. "Captain, Chakotay, this is wonderful," Tom enthused dressed in his Big Daddy-O shirt and jeans which were complemented by the colorful flowered t-shirt and jeans that B'Elanna chose to wear. "I was hoping you would like it -- but do you think our guests of honor will?" she asked as she motioned towards the entrance indicating that they had in fact arrived. "Well Captain Colcord looks comfortable enough, doesn't even look like he belongs in Starfleet," Tom noticed. "But my father will always look like an Admiral no matter how he is dressed." As Janeway, Chakotay, Tom, and B'Elanna proceeded over to greet Captain Colcord and Admiral Paris, Janeway had to admit that Tom was right. Captain Colcord looked very much at ease and casual, in fact he could have passed for one of Voyager's cargo handlers, but Admiral Paris looked completely out of place dressed in a casual pair of khaki slacks and a green pull-over top. "Hello, gentlemen, I'm glad we could host the party tonight, I hope you don't mind the informal setting," Janeway said as she greeted Colcord and Paris. "Oh, not at all, Captain, it is very refreshing compared to the typical Starfleet functions, isn't that so Admiral," said Colcord as he slapped the older man with a little too much gusto on the back. "Ah, yes, refreshing," Admiral Paris admitted reluctantly as he straighten himself from the force of the blow. "We also prepared a few Delta Quadrant culinary specialties for you to sample," Janeway explained trying hard not too laugh as the embarrassed expression on Tom's father's face. She escorted both of them over to a table laden with different foods that Neelix had prepared. Captain Colcord and the Admiral picked up some plates and filled each of them with plikatoka casserole, leola root surprise, and a number of other samples of food all lovingly prepared by the Voyager's Talaxian chef. Janeway had to hide a smile behind her hand as they both dug into the leola root surprise. Colcord made a face as he swallowed a forkful of the dish, an expression that was mirrored on the Admiral's face. "Are you telling me that you like this stuff," Colcord replied in amazement as he reached for a glass of water to wash the taste out of his mouth. "No, not at all. We eat that particular item because it is easy to grow and, according to our Doctor, it is very nutritional, even though most of the crew has yet to develop a taste for the stuff. To be honest, I don't think we ever will, even though we keep on trying." "I had no idea how your crew had suffered over the years," Colcord remarked in amazement. "Well, we've managed, but we are certainly looking forward to returning to the Alpha Quadrant and regular food and unlimited replicator rations," Chakotay admitted with a grin on his face. A few hours later, Tom and B'Elanna were sitting quietly on the beach by themselves under a palm tree carefully trying to avoid one guest in particular, the Admiral. "See Tom this isn't going too badly, and in a little while your father will be on his way back to the Alpha Quadrant." "Yeah, you're right, it could be much worse," he agreed. B'Elanna at that moment happened to notice that Samantha Wildman had entered the holodeck. "Can you excuse me for a minute Tom, I have to speak to Sam about the wedding. I won't be long," she said as she stood up. "Take your time, I'll check on Harry and see what he's up to," he said as he too got up and gave her a little kiss on the lips before they parted. Tom looked around the resort and finally found Harry talking with Seven and the conn officer from the Salvation over by the food table. As he walked over to the group, he was intercepted by one of the guests. "Thomas, I'm glad I found you," the Admiral said as he approached Tom from behind. Tom spun around at the sound of the familiar voice and was confronted with the one guest he had been trying to avoid all evening. "Son, I was hoping we could go somewhere and talk, I would like to apologize for the other night." Tom couldn't have been more surprised if someone had actually told him that moons were really made of green cheese. "Alright, Dad, I suppose I could spare a little time," he relented he thought. "I don't think Holodeck 3 is being used, is that okay?" "That'd be fine. "Computer access program Paris Alpha One Grease Monkey," Tom ordered just before they entered the holodeck. The Admiral questioned the program's title with the look he gave his son. "'Grease Monkey' you remember Dad, working on antique automobiles when I should have been following in your footsteps," Tom explained bitterly as he pulled the garage door up to reveal the black and white striped 1969 Camaro, or as he liked to refer to it now -- the Cam-a-ro. The pilot stepped over to his tool chest and opened up the bottom door. He took out a chamois cloth and walked over to the other side of the car, as far away from his father as was possible, and began polishing the hood. "So Dad what did you want to say, I believe you wanted to apologize?" he asked skeptically. "Ah yes, that's true, what I said about your girlfriend being a - - well you know -- it was uncalled for," he lied to his son. "Thomas, I really wanted our visit to go well. I've waited a long time to tell you I was sorry for what I said at the Auckland hearing. I deeply regret telling you I no longer wanted you for a son." "You did?" Tom asked not really believing all his father was telling him. What would make this man change after all these years, he wondered, something just didn't ring true. "Of course I did, my boy, I was a foolish man. I came all this way hoping that we could put the past behind us. In fact, I had to pull some strings but I have it arranged with Starfleet and Captain Colcord for you to travel back to the Alpha Quadrant with me when we depart tonight." "You want me to go back with you?" Tom asked incredulously as he stopped polishing the car, but the next moment his eyes narrowed as realization set in. "Why Dad? Why do you want me to return with you?" There Tom thought, maybe we're starting to get somewhere, maybe we'll get closer to the reason his Dad made the trip. "Well just think of it son, we'd have a chance to be together, finally be the father and son we were meant to be. We could travel to Vulcan, Bajor, maybe even Betazed. I know that there are a lot of people back home that are extremely anxious to hear what has happened to Voyager and her crew during her time in the Delta Quadrant." As Tom's face lit with a little smile, the Admiral thought that he had the battle won. All he had to do was praise him a little tell him he was sorry and Tom would come back with him on his hands and knees. "So, Dad, on the outs with Starfleet again?" Tom asked with a humorless grin as he finally became aware of the purpose to his father's journey to the Delta Quadrant. "Need me to show off again so you'll be noticed? Who are you trying to impress this time?" Tom asked as he resumed polishing the Camaro's hood with renewed gusto in an attempt to work off his anger. "Pretty convenient too, Dad. You'd be able to solve two problems. You'd be able to ride my coattails again and I'd be far away from B'Elanna. You think you have it all figured out don't you?" "Thomas you *owe* me. After Caldik Prime and your time with the Maquis, you *owe* me! You'll do as *I* say, or so help me!" threatened the Admiral, his face reddening with uncontrolled rage. "Or you'll do what?" challenged Tom as he threw down the polishing rag and laughed dryly, "Spank me or hit me like old times or let me guess, maybe lock me in the toolshed? I have news for you, Dad, I'm not afraid of you any more and those strong-arm tactics will no longer work. If you want a fight, then I'm prepared to give you one." "Oh, I have no doubt that you could beat me, Thomas, but whoever said that it would be a fair fight?" the Admiral countered. "Computer activate security lock on holodeck code Paris Omega Three Four Zero," he commanded as he reached into his pocket and withdrew a small device no larger than the palm of his hand and walked around the rear of the car to join Tom on the other side. "I picked this up a couple years ago, son, for just such an occasion, though at the time I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to use it on you." Familiar fears were reawakened in the pilot and he started to back up to avoid his father. Quickly he reached to activate his commbadge but before he could tap it, the Admiral pressed a button on the device and a surge of energy discharged directly at the commbadge smashing it into pieces and slamming the son against the wall of the garage. "Effective little toy, isn't it, Thomas?" the older man asked as he looked down at his son on the floor clutching his shoulder. "Feels just like a Cardassian warrior punched you and it never gets tired." Tom could feel the rage well up inside of him, rage that had been building over a lifetime. How dare his father after all these years still treat him like he did when he was a little boy. How dare his father treat anyone this way. He painfully pushed himself up and rose to his feet. He lunged towards his father but just before he made contact the Admiral once again pressed a button that delivered a series of blows hitting the son from his lower abdomen all the way to his jaw and back again, each blow more powerful and damaging than the last. Chapter 8 - Truth B'Elanna finished speaking with Samantha and finalized some more of the wedding plans and went in search of her fianc‚. After about a half an hour she still had not located him among the party guests when Captain Janeway stood up on the deck overlooking the holo-beach and raised her hands requesting that the group quiet down. "Please be quiet everyone!" she yelled in order to be heard and gradually the beach became quiet. "As much as I hate to do this, it is time to bring this party to a close." Murmurs of disapproval could be heard from all the guests. In thirty minutes Captain Colcord and his crew are scheduled to depart our little region of space and head back to the wormhole termination point en route to the Alpha Quadrant. They will be bringing with him more messages and letters to our family and friends we left behind. In the middle of Janeway's speech, after she had finally determined that Tom was no longer in the holo-resort, B'Elanna exited the holodeck to search for her mate. Upon exit, she immediately noticed that the adjacent holodeck was in use and running the Grease Monkey program. She attempted to entered but was stopped by the security lock. "Computer please list occupants of Holodeck 2?." "Current occupants of holodeck 2 are Lt. Thomas Paris and Admiral Owen Paris," the computer responded. "Computer override security lock authorization Torres Delta Phi 37." "Insufficient clearance. Unable to comply with request." "Damn! Computer, who initiated the lock and who possesses sufficient clearance to override?" B'Elanna asked. "Admiral Paris locked the program. Captain Janeway, as commander of this vessel, is the only person on board this ship with sufficient clearance to override the command," came the reply. Upon hearing this information B'Elanna turned around and re- entered the resort program. The Chief Engineer approached her Captain and interrupted her conversation with Captain Colcord and Tuvok. "Captain Janeway, I'm sorry for the disruption, but Tom and his father are in Holodeck 3. The Admiral has locked them in and I don't have sufficient clearance to supersede the security lock, but you do. I don't like it, something is not right." Janeway, who was at first annoyed at being interrupted, was now concerned by what her Chief Engineer had told her. "Come on let's find out what is going on. Gentlemen, if you'd like to accompay us?" B'Elanna, Tuvok, and Colcord followed Janeway out of the resort and to the doorway to Holodeck 3. Upon receiving Janeway's Level A security clearance, the holodeck door slid open to reveal the Admiral, with the device in his hand still pointed at his son, and Tom, bruised, bloody, and battered on the floor. Tom groaned in pain and rolled over on his stomach and painfully pushed himself up with one hand while his other hand hung useless by his side, obviously broken. "Father stop," Tom pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper, "please stop. Let me help you, you need help." "I'm not the one that needs help, Thomas. How many times have I got to tell you. It's you . . ." "No, Admiral, Tom's right you're the one that needs help," Janeway interrupted as she entered the garage. "Let us help you." "But Kathryn, you have no idea what is like to be stuck with such a pitiful excuse for a son. I have to do this," he explained as he turned attention back to Tom who had collapsed on the deck though his half-opened eyes remained focused on his father. Just as the older man aimed the device again at his son, Tuvok acting quickly stunned the Admiral with a blast from his every- ready phaser. "Computer emergency medical transport Lieutenant and Admiral Paris to Sickbay," Janeway ordered. *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** B'Elanna sat beside the biobed holding Tom's hand in anticipation of his return to consciousness. A couple of hours later Tom's eyelids fluttered open and seeing his lovely bride-to-be, whispered her name. "B'Elanna." "Ssssh, Tom, rest. The Doctor fixed you up and you're going to be fine," she told him as the Captain walked over and stood behind her and placed her hand in support on the half-Klingon's shoulder. "But my father, he needs help," Tom said his voice not nearly as strong as normal. "He'll get all the help he needs Tom," Janeway reassured him. "Captain Colcord promised me that he would make sure that he receives the best treatment possible when he returns to Earth. "But, I should have spoken to Captain Colcord or his EMH to let him know what happened to Dad," Tom said clearly agitated. "Easy Tom, I told him all that you told me," B'Elanna said soothingly. "I didn't think you'd mind." "No, I don't mind, I only hope that they are able to help him." Epilogue "Tom, I always heard that the groom is supposed to be nervous before the ceremony, but you don't seem that way, you seem very calm," Harry commented as he pulled on the sleeves of his uniform for the sixth time in the last half an hour. Tom grinned at his best man and laughed. "Harry, Harry, Harry, I'm getting married to the most wonderful and beautiful woman in the universe, what do I have to be nervous about?" "Well I don't know, the ceremony itself, the vows, dropping the ring. Oh, no! The ring!" Harry sputtered as he reached into each pocket of his uniform before finally drawing it out of the left breast pocket. "Whew, for a minute there I thought I lost it." "Harry you're nervous enough for the both of us!" Tom said as he slapped him on the back and the two friends laughed. "But you're right, I'm the one that should be nervous, not about the ceremony but about the wedding night. If I understand Klingon custom, a broken rib or clavicle is considered good luck." "Well at least you'll have enough dermal and osteo regenerators to repair any damage," his best man quipped. "Yeah, who would have thought that all my friends would give each give gifts like that at the bachelor party! I should have enough to last me a long time." "Well at least for the honeymoon," Harry countered with a grin. B'Elanna waited patiently in a nearby room with Kathryn and Chakotay. "B'Elanna, you look absolutely gorgeous," the Captain said as she adjusted B'Elanna's headpiece." "You're right Kathryn, I don't remember seeing our Chief Engineer looking more lovely than tonight," agreed Chakotay. "Well, I'm going out to take my place," the older woman said as she kissed B'Elanna on the cheek. "Be happy B'Elanna you deserve it, you both do," she said just before she exited the room. "Chakotay, I can't tell you how much it means to me that you're going to walk me down the aisle," B'Elanna said as Chakotay handed the bouquet of white Klingon dewdrops to her. "I'm honored that you asked me. If someone had told me when we first came on board Voyager that you and Tom would be getting married I never would have believed them." "You didn't like Tom then." "That's an understatement." "I'm so glad things changed between you two. I'd hate to think that two of the three men I care about the most couldn't get along." "That is almost the same thing that Tom said to me." "When was that?" "Let's see, it just before we met up with the Salvation. Tom came to my quarters and we talked about you. Eventually, Tom asked me for my blessing for the marriage." "And..." "Of course, I gave my blessing, B'Elanna, not that it would have mattered much he would have married you anyway. I believe it's destined for the two of you to be together. I told him that. But he said that it made him feel better knowing that I accepted your marriage. He told me how difficult it would be for you, if he and I were still at each other's throats like it was those many years ago." "I'm glad you two had a chance to talk," she said as the door chimed and Samantha Wildman announced herself, her daughter Naomi, and Seven of Nine. "Come in Sam, Seven, and you too Naomi," B'Elanna beckoned to her wedding entourage. Little Naomi dressed in a pale blue dress, a petite version of what Sam and Seven wore, stood in awe with her mouth agape looking at the bride as she clutched her white basket full of flower petals. "Auntie B'Elanna you're boo-ti-ful," the little girl said when she finally regained her voice. "Thank you sweetie, so are you," the half-Klingon said as she reached down and kissed the Naomi on the cheek. "Are you ready?" "Uh, huh, I have my flowers right here, and me and Mommy practiced all afternoon." "Me too!" *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** ^^^ *** Stellar Observation Room 2, or the Attic as it was more commonly referred to, was a sight be behold that evening. The Captain, Seven, the Delaney sisters, Samantha Wildman, and several others all worked the day before to create the right mood for the ceremony. B'Elanna had requested that the Attic be decorated to resemble the way it had been the night that Tom had proposed to her. So candles glowed and the scent of flowers wafted through the room under a canopy of stars that twinkled through the transparent dome. Several white chairs had been placed on either side of the room leaving space in the middle for a aisle that led to the podium where the Captain now stood in anticipation of the arrival of the bride and her first officer. Tom and Harry waited near the podium as sounds of an invisible orchestra started to softly play. On queue, the door to the Attic slid open and little Naomi stepped through with the handle of her little basket over her left arm while she sprinkled flower pedals all down the aisle with her right hand grinning all the while. When she reached the head of the aisle she blew a kiss at her Uncle Tommy which caused him to grin before he blew one back which made the little girl giggle. Samantha, as matron of honor and Seven as maid of honor, followed and soon joined Naomi down front. When the music from the orchestra changed tempo all eyes focused again on the entry door. Soon the door slid open and the bride and the first officer entered the room and paused briefly before starting down the aisle. Tom had always thought that B'Elanna was beautiful but tonight she was spellbinding. His bride had chosen a deep royal blue floor-length gown that was punctuated with glistening diamond- like stones here and there that mimicked the stars overhead. It had long transparent sleeves of the same color that gathered at the wrist and sweetheart neckline. In addition, B'Elanna wore a modest bejeweled head piece and a latinum necklace given to her by the Captain. She was a true vision of elegance -- an exquisite vision to behold. B'Elanna and Chakotay proceeded down the aisle, B'Elanna's brown eyes gazing into the blue eyes that waited for her by the podium. When she reached her destination she turned and gave Chakotay a kiss on the cheek and moved to stand beside the groom. "Welcome everyone," the Captain began. "It isn't often that I've been asked to perform a wedding ceremony onboard Voyager. Every marriage has been special and I have enjoyed performing every one. This time however, the ceremony takes on a special connotation. The two people that come today to be married are not only members of the crew, but my dear friends as well. Tom and B'Elanna would you take each other's hands and repeat after me. . . " The End. ** To find out more about the Attic, read And I Love You So by the same author. *** Prytolia is mentioned in Deception, by same author. **** Read Solutions by same author to find out more about Tom's mother's death. In the first chapter, if anyone doesn't know of the significance of waiting for the light from the lighthouse to turn from red to green (in other words, all you landlubbers out there :)!). Write me and I'll fill you in. The little toe ditty that Tom recites in this story is by no means unique. My own Aunt Ruth, or as we (my sister and I) used to and still call her "Auntie Ruthie," tweaked and tickled our toes as little girls while saying these same words. If this little poem is familiar to anyone else I would be interested in hearing from you. To all those who wanted a full wedding ceremony, I figured that there had been so many written in so many different ways that I couldn't possibly come up with something new and refreshing -- sorry. For your own *personal* pleasure, feel free to alter the story and add a ceremony of your choosing -- hey, add the wedding night too for that matter as I have yet to write NC-17 stuff. I stress that this is for your *personal* pleasure please do not publish your version. And finally, please send e-mail to the author (at kelhapam@lr.net), who checks her mail daily in hopes of hearing from you. Please include the State, Country, Province of where you are from as I am keeping a log to see how far my stories travel. Thanks for reading my story, PJ in NH.