Unexpected ChangesBy: R. MackenzieDated:  January 4, 1999Setting:  Alternate universe, takes place after the fourth season.           The crew of Voyager must deal with a strange, unexpected          pregnancy.Disclaimer:  Paramount owns them, I'm just borrowing them.Part 1Slowly Thomas Eugene Paris tried to pull himself off his bathroomfloor.  How long had he been there this time?  He didn't know,really didn't care.  He was cold and his body felt like someone hadbeen using him to mop up the floor after a parises square match. The shorts and t-shirt he had worn to bed also didn't help any inthe warmth department.Cautiously, he grabbed on to whatever his hands could find and hehauled himself to his feet.  *Come on, Tommy Boy, just a littlefurther*.  He gave himself a few moments for the dizziness andnausea to pass.  He really didn't think he had anything left tothrow up and the dry heaves seemed even more unappealing.Slowly he turned to face the bathroom mirror, raising his head tohave a look and then wished he hadn't:  eyes blood shot, surroundedby dark circles, hair going every which direction, skin the colorof tooth paste.  Not a pretty sight.*Well, at least you're standing on your feet*.  Tom thought tohimself as his legs swayed beneath him.  The jerky movement nothelping his fight with his stomach. Tom took a few moments to try and get his body under control.  Hewas not looking forward to having to go to sickbay, but didn't seeany other option.  Three days of throwing up was just about morethan anyone could handle."Paris to Sickbay," Tom called in a shaky voice.  He closed hiseyes as he waited for the reply."Sickbay.  What can I do for you Mr. Paris?" queried the everpleasant voice of the ship's Doctor.Tom took a deep breath to steady himself.  If there was one thingthat he absolutely hated it was sickbay, especially when he was thepatient."Uh, Doc, do you think that you might be able to come to myquarters?  I'm not feeling to hot.""Mr. Paris, normally when someone is ill they come to Sickbay, notthe other way around."  Paris noticed that the Doctor was soundinga little perturbed.  "Now, what seems to be the problem?"Tom cringed, oh how he hated having to call the Doc.  He had triedto take care of things himself, but nothing he tried had worked, infact if anything he was feeling worse.  Luckily, he had had thelast few days off or he would have had to make this call evensooner."Lieutenant?"He closed his eyes trying to block out the Doc's voice and to easethe headache that was tormenting him.  He figured it was also agood thing that Harry and B'Elana had started a new project a fewdays ago that was taking up most, if not all, of their free time. Fighting with his friends over whether or not he should go tosickbay, although entertaining for anyone watching, was not anargument he wanted to have."Tom?"He heard his name being called, but found that his mind couldn'tget his mouth to respond.  Taking a deep breath, he tried again. Nothing.  Tom felt his legs give out from underneath him and waitedfor his body to hit the floor, not caring that it would hurt and hewould be sore for days.  His mind vaguely registered the familiarsensation of the transporter beam as it engulfed him.********"Doctor, what seems to be the problem?" Captain Kathryn Janewayinquired as she walked through the doors of Sickbay and headed overto the main bio-bed.The Doctor had called earlier that morning to notify her thatLieutenant Paris would be unavailable for his shift, stating thathe would contact her when he knew something further.  She notedthat he seemed a bit put out at once again have to treat his mostfrequent patient.  Janeway had to smile, Paris's ability to injurehimself was becoming quite the frequent occurrence.She knew something had to happen to bother the peace that they hadbeen experiencing the past couple of months, and it just figuredthat it had something to do with Paris.  Things had been going toosmoothly.  They had made contact with a race called the Stimmums,a group of humanoids of equal technological advancement that hadbeen more then willing to trade with and offer aid to Voyager. They made arrangements to stay in orbit for six weeks to make somevery needed repairs, build up their low reserves and give theentire crew some much desired shore leave.  In the week since theyhad left orbit, life on Voyager had been pretty routine and easy. Just as Janeway liked it."Captain," the Doctor acknowledged his commanding officer as sheapproached the bio-bed.  He turned to Ensign Samantha Wildman andhanded her a data padd, "Please see that these are filled and readywhen Mr. Paris awakens.""Yes, sir," replied Samantha as she accepted the data padd and leftthem to their discussion, grateful that she didn't have to bearound for it."How is he?" began a curious and concerned Janeway.  *Now what's hedone?*  She thought as she looked down at the bio-bed's occupant,now clothed in the typical blue medical clothes.  He looked soyoung while sleeping and she had to resist the urge to smooth backthe strands of blonde hair that had fallen over his forehead."Stable," the Doctor stated."What exactly does *stable* mean?" inquired the Captain giving theDoctor one of her looks, she was in no mood for his games."Captain, Mr. Paris..." the Doctor paused, trying to decide thebest way to tell her."Spit it out Doctor," the Captain was becoming annoyed by theDoctor's reluctance to tell her and fearful for the man layingbefore her.  She wanted to know what was wrong with her chiefhelmsman."Mr. Paris is suffering from a case of morning sickness," TheDoctor looked at the Captain trying to gauge her reaction.  Whenshe didn't reply right away he thought that maybe she didn'tunderstand, "Captain, Mr. Paris is pregnant.""H-how can that be?" stammered the Captain after finding her voice. *Pregnant?*  She looked down to the unconscious man on the bio-bedthen back to the Doctor."I have been able to determine that approximately a week ago, anincision was made in his abdomen, at which time an artificial womband a fetus were implanted," the Doctor stated, "the fetus is anapproximately six week old, healthy female humanoid.""Doctor, I don't mean to doubt your prognoses, but.." questionedthe disbelieving Janeway, while motioning to the still form on thebio-bed."Believe me, Captain, I have a hard time believing this as well. I have run the tests over and over again with every piece ofequipment available to me here, as has Ensign Wildman and Mr.Paris, when he was conscience.  The fact is, Mr. Paris is going tohave a baby," The Doctor stated emphatically, then softening hisvoice, continued, not relishing having to tell her the rest. "Apparently he is being used to further some type of experiment.""An experiment?  What experiment?  Who's?" asked Janeway instantlyalert.The Doctor motioned her to follow him to one of the computerterminals against the wall.  "Captain, shortly after Mr. Paris wasdiagnosed, a taped message was received on my computer terminal. It was from Dr. Heppa, one of the chief medical practitioners ofthe Stimmums.  In short, the message contained information on theprocedures that were performed on Mr. Paris as well as scans thatwere run on the fetus since it's inception.  Ending shortly afterthe fetus was removed from it's artificial environment andimplanted in Mr. Paris."  The Captain couldn't speak.  She watched, stunned, as the Doctorreplayed part of the message for her.  It showed an unconscious TomParis, laying on a bed, prepped for some type of surgery, twoStimmums standing over him preforming an operation.  The scientistin her watching in fascination while the command officer watched inhorror.  They had physically assaulted her officer and friend."What do we know about the fetus, Doctor?" she turned to him andasked, not wanting to watch anymore."According to Dr. Heppa, the fetus is a hybrid.""Hybrid?  Of who," she paused and glanced back toward the bio-bed,"or should I ask of what?" she didn't like the sound of this."The scans of the fetus show it to be part human, Klingon andStimmum.""Are you sure?" she couldn't keep the shock out of her voice.The hologram simple nodded his head.  "Sometime during our firstweek on the planet, she and her staff were able to *extract*geneticsamples from Mr. Paris and Ms. Torres," the Doctor stateddisapprovingly.  It appalled him that someone in the medical fieldwould take advantage of people to preform such experiments.  Healso knew that the Captain was not going to like it when she foundout all the details of the extraction.  Dr. Heppa had been quitethorough in her telling and taping of the events that pertained tothe experiment.Before Janeway could question him further, movement from thebio-bed brought their attention back to the person lying on it. The Doctor moved back to the right side of the bed, picking up atricorder on his way.  Janeway moved to the other side, waiting forthe Doctor to complete his scan."Everything appears to be normal.  Well, whatever constitutesnormal in a situation such as this," he closed the tricorder andlooked toward Janeway.  "Apparently, Mr. Paris has beenexperiencing sever bouts of morning sickness for the last *three*days,"  Janeway noted the annoyance in his voice.  "I have givenhim several injections to raise his nutrient, glucose and vitaminlevels.  Also something to help with the nausea and dizziness he'sbeen experiencing.  Ensign Wildman is preparing other supplementshe will need after he awakens.""Is Tom in any danger?" Janeway asked, the concern etched in hervoice.  She would wait to view the tape later to find out all thathad transpired with her junior officers."Not at this time, however, this a unique situation.  Althoughthere are a number of species where the male carries the unbornfetus rather then the female, humans are not one of them.  Also, weknow very little of Stimmum physiology.  I can treat this as anormal human pregnancy, following the same guidelines and handleany differences that arise.  That is if the decision is made totake it to term," he watched as Janeway nodded her head inagreement."Also, when Mr. Paris regained consciousness earlier and I informedhim of his condition," the Doctor paused and looked down at his nowpeacefully slumbering patient, such a contrast from earlier, "hedidn't take the news well.  After repeating the scanson himself and finding the results the same, he became quite*difficult*.  I had to sedate him.""I can imagine.  How much longer do you expect him to remainasleep?""At least a couple of hours.  He needs his rest.""Doctor, have you informed Ms. Torres of any of this?" sheinquired.  Telling the half-Klingon that she had been part of anexperiment, without her knowledge or consent, was going to bedifficult enough.  She wasn't sure how she was going to tell herabout Tom's condition, she had no idea how the temperamentalengineer would react to the news.  She and Tom had been seeing eachother for months now, in fact, they had just announced theirengagement about a month ago."No, Captain, I felt it best that you be present while I informedher."  *Hopefully to keep her under control*, he thought.The Captain nodded her head and then tapped her combadge, "Janewayto Torres."  "Torres here," came the reply."Lieutenant, could you please join me in sickbay."  "Captain, I'm right in the middle of a project, could this waituntil later?"Janeway lifted one corner of her mouth in a half smile, the youngwoman had as much like for sickbay as Tom did.  "I'm sureLieutenant Carey and Ensign Kim can handle things, please report tothe sickbay immediately.  Janeway out."  She ended the link beforeB'Elana could protest any further.  "Doctor, perhaps this could becontinued in your office," as she motioned to his door."Of course, Captain," he followed her across the room.*****Lieutenant B'Elana Torres left Voyager's engine room and headedtowards sickbay, not happy about being taken away from the projectshe and Harry were working on and even less happy to have to reportto sickbay.  She couldn't think of what the problem could be, allsystems were running smoothly.  Which could only mean that theDoctor wanted something and Janeway must have made the call becausethe annoying hologram figured that she would be unwilling to dowhatever it was.  He was probably right.B'Elana sighed, rubbing her hand across the back of her neck.  Shehated when there was too much down time, she preferred it whenthings kept busy.  But, thanks to the Stimmums, all of the majorand most of the minor ships repairs were completed before they leftorbit of their Home world.  That left only minimal things for herand her staff to do until the next crisis arose.After a day of boredom, she decided to keep busy by putting herstaff through numerous drills and assigning them to cleaningdetails.  Anything to keep busy.  After a couple of days Harry hadshowed up *suggesting* a project for them to work on.  B'Elanasmiled at that.  She figured her staff had done some complaining toChakotay about all the tedious work and then he in turn volunteeredHarry to keep her occupied, not only for her own sake but for thesanity of her entire staff.The only downside of the project was she hadn't been able to spendmuch time with Tom over the past couple of days.  But she figuredif the project they were slaving over worked, he wouldn't complainfor long, there would be more replicator rations for everyone. B'Elana realized that he hadn't really complained at all after thefirst day.  Definitely not like Tom.  She'd have to make time tosee him later that night."Captain?" she called as she walked through the doors of thesickbay.  Scanning the room her eyes came to rest on the onlyoccupied bio-bed.  *Tom?!  Now, what's he done?* she thought as shebegan to move toward him."B'Elana," the Captain called as she walked out of the Doctor'soffice.Torres tore her eyes away from Tom's form and turned towardJaneway's voice, "Yes, Captain?""Will you please join us in the Doctor's office.  There's somethingwe need to discuss."  Without waiting for B'Elana to reply, shetook her by the arm and steered her away from Tom.  "Have a seat." She gently pushed her into one of the office chairs and motionedfor the Doctor to begin.*****B'Elana couldn't believe it, Tom was pregnant.  *Pregnant?*  Withher baby, no, their baby.  *Their baby?*  This had to be a joke,this just wasn't possible.*Pregnant.**Tom.**No way.*Standing by the main bio-bed, she watched him as he slept, absentlyfingering her engagement ring and trying to come to terms with whatshe had been told.  She and Tom were going to be parents.  Oh, thiswas so weird.  How could they be parents?  How could she?  Howcould they possibly think that they could raise a child?  It was kind of funny to her, she and Tom had talked off and onabout having kids.  Both had expressed their concerns and fears. Neither of them had come from the best home life, and both were alittle unsure if they would be able to do a good job of raisingchildren.  Although, they definitely had the examples of what notto do.  She sighed, kids weren't suppose to happen for a long time,they'd talked, nothing more.She loved him, that was one thing she did know, and she knew thathe loved her, but was that supposed to be enough to get themthrough something like this?What were they supposed to do now?  Did she even really want thisbaby?  Did Tom?  Could she live with herself if she chose to walkaway?  If they chose not to go through with it?  Could she and Tomreally raise a child by themselves?  Could their love really getthem through this?  What would their friends say?  How would thecrew react?  What was she going to do?All the questions running through her head were getting to be toomuch, she could feel a headache beginning and brought her hands upto rub her temples.  She needed to talk to someone, she lookeddown, she needed to talk to Tom.B'Elana noticed Tom was moving more, making slight noises.  Sheturned to call the Doctor and Captain out of his office, gratefulthat they had allowed her a few moments to herself.As the Doctor strolled over, he picked up the tricorder again andbegan another scan.  The room was silent as he closed the deviseand then called for Ensign Wildman to bring him the hyposprays hehad asked her to prepare earlier.  She quietly walked over, handedthem to her superior and then stood off to the side, just in caseshe was needed.Tom came awake slowly.  B'Elana took his hand in hers, hoping tooffer him some comfort.  They told her how he reacted to the newsbefore and she knew no one wanted a repeat.  She had no idea whatthey were going to do, but she wanted him to know that she wasthere for him.His eyes opened and then closed, surprised by the brightness of thelights.  He slowly opened them a second time and turned to see whohad a hold of his hand.  His blue eyes met her brown ones and heoffered a small smile which she returned.  He seemed content tojust lay there and look at her and then realization returned.  Hewas in sickbay.  He was pregnant.  B'Elana saw his eyes grow wide,his body tense up.  He tried to sit up."Mr. Paris, please lie still," the Doctor put his arms out to keephis patient laying on the bed.  He didn't want to have to sedatehim again, he didn't know how a second dose would affect the fetus. He had several tests to still run."Tom, relax," B'Elana leaned closer, trying to sooth him.  "It'sall right.  Everything is going to be all right."He stopped struggling against the Doctor's unyielding arms andslumped back on the bed closing his eyes.  "It's not just some baddream, is it?" he asked softly."No, Tom," answered the Captain, *more like some nightmare*.  Shecould see the emotions play across his face.  Anger.  Pain. Confusion.  Fear.  Sadness.  Everything one would expect in asituation like this.  "How do you feel?"How *did* he feel?  He was pregnant.  How did they *think* he felt? He didn't want to deal with it.  He wanted out of sickbay, to runfrom everything, pretend none of this was happening."Tom?""I'm fine."  He knew they wouldn't believe him, but he didn't care. He needed to work it out.  He needed and wanted them all to justleave him alone.  "Doc, can I leave?""Mr. Paris, there are several more tests that I need to run.""Haven't you run enough tests?  You already know whatthe...diagnosis is," complained Tom.  Why wouldn't they just lethim leave?"I know what your condition is, Mr. Paris, but that doesn't tell mehow you are, other than that you both appear to be healthy.  And ifI'm going to keep you that way, there are some tests that need tobe run.  Preferably with your cooperation," responded the Doctorsmartly.Seeing that Tom was trying to antagonize the Doctor, Janewayintervened, "Tom, we need to know all that we can about yourcondition.  Your health is too important.""But, Captain...""That's an order, Mr. Paris," Janeway stated in her command voice,"You will do as the Doctor says, no argument.""Yes ma'am," Tom got his budding anger under control and pulled onhis Paris mask, he knew that he had lost this round.B'Elana felt his grip tighten on hers and immediately voiced arequest of her own, "Captain, could I stay?"  Hopefully she couldkeep Tom from killing the Doctor.  And if the Doctor got to be toomuch of a pain she could always make some minor adjustments to hisholoprogram."Captain, I need to run some tests on Ms. Torres as well," theDoctor injected."How long do you think these tests will take?  The rest of thesenior staff need to be appraised of the situation ," Janeway sawTom flinch as she spoke, "I would like to call a meeting for laterthis afternoon." "Not more then a couple of hours, with my patients cooperation," heturned his attention to the hyposprays in his hands, "Mr. Paris, Ihave already given you a preliminary group of supplements, I needto give you the rest."  Without waiting for Tom's approval, hebegan to administer the injections.  Tom flinched as the cold metal touched his skin, but said nothing. He didn't want anyone to know.  He didn't want to have to put upwith the stares and comments.  This would definitely get the gossipmongers going.  He couldn't understand why this was happening tohim, how could anyone else."I'll notify the other senior officers of a meeting at 1800. Please contact me if there is any change.""Captain, do you have to tell them?"  Tom tried to keep his voiceeven, show no emotion.  He didn't succeed."Tom, I know this is difficult," she stated sympathetically,placing a comforting hand on his leg, hoping to reassure him, "butconsidering what has been done, they have to be told.  We have todiscuss the impact this is going to have as well as possiblesolutions.  I believe their input will be invaluable."Tom just closed his eyes, tears were threatening to fall and hedidn't want anyone to see him lose control, to show weakness.  Hewas a Paris, nothing was supposed to bother him, crying justwouldn't do.Janeway motioned for the Doctor to follow her.  While they movedtoward the door, Ensign Wildman pulled a chair over for B'Elana,offering her a look of sympathy and encouragement.  She then leftthem alone.B'Elana sat for a few minutes just watching Tom.  She could see theemotions playing across his face, the tears that he was trying tohold back, they were almost too strong even for his supposedlyimpenetrable mask.  What could she do to help the man she loved? Needing to have more physical contact with him, she began to caresshis face, running her fingers from his forehead to his jaw line andback again.He opened his eyes, turning his head to look at her.  Neitherspoke, their eyes searching for answers and comfort in each others. Tom pulled their joined hands up to his lips and kissed hers.  Shesmiled, letting him know that she was there for him.Samantha Wildman waited for the Captain to leave and went tointercept the Doctor.  She could see that Tom and B'Elana needed afew minutes to themselves.  Hopefully B'Elana could help calm theemotionally overwrought man.  She steered the Doctor toward thelab, attempting to give them as much time as she could.*****"I apologize for being late, Captain," the Doctor stated as heentered the conference room and took a seat between Chakotay andTuvok.  "Mr. Paris was being his usual charming, helpful self.  Ialso needed to gather the test results.""Is everything okay?" questioned Janeway as she set her coffee mugdown.  She knew when she had left sickbay that Tom was going to bedifficult, but knew they needed the tests run.  They needed moreanswers then what the taped message was giving them.After leaving sickbay, Janeway entered the bridge and called for anall stop.  No explanation given, simply stating that she wouldexplain at a meeting scheduled for 1800.  She then retreated to herready room and began to watch the message from Dr. Heppa, her angergrowing with each passing frame.  What they had done to two of hercrew members, two of her friends.  It made her feel sick.  Howcould someone take advantage of Tom and B'Elana in such a manner?"Fine.  I have scheduled a few more test for tomorrow."Janeway nodded, trying to keep her thoughts under control.  Shelooked around the conference table, trying to gauge everyone'smood.  Commander Chakotay was sitting to her right following theconversation closely.  She usually confided in him when problemsarose, but this was one she needed to come to terms with beforetelling him or the others.  Ensign Harry Kim sat to her left,trying not to look longingly at the empty seats beside him. Lieutenant Commander Tuvok quietly sat at the opposite end of thetable waiting for the meeting to begin."Doctor, will Mr. Paris and Ms. Torres be joining us?""I've sent Mr. Paris to his quarters to rest.  Ms. Torres insistedon accompanying him.  She should be along momentarily.""What's wrong with Tom?" blurted out Harry Kim, forgetting allpretense of professionalism and Starfleet decorum.  His face turneda bright shade of red as he looked at the Captain and realized thathe had spoke out of turn.Janeway smiled softly at her anxious Ops officer.  She knew he andTom were best friends and she understood his concern.  If anything,Tom spent more time in sickbay as a patient then as a medicalassistant.  She wondered how he would handle the news.  Shewondered how they all would handle the news.The Captain took another look around the table.  Not entirely surewhat to say, or how to say it, she decided on the direct approachand called the meeting to order.  "This morning Mr. Paris wasbeamed to sickbay and there the Doctor determined him to bepregnant," Janeway stated.  She looked at each officer:  Chakotayand Harry were staring at her in shock, trying to decide if theyhad heard her correctly.  Harry's mouth was hanging open.  Tuvok'sface showed no emotions, just a raised eyebrow, typical of herVulcan security officer."Excuse me, Captain, but did you say pregnant?"  It was Chakotaywho spoke."Yes, Commander.  Mr. Paris is about six weeks pregnant.""B-but, that's not possible," exclaimed Harry.  "Thanks to our recent hosts, I'm afraid it has become possible, Mr.Kim," replied the Doctor.The doors to the conference room opened and B'Elana Torres walkedin.  She noted the looks on their faces and realized Janeway andthe Doctor had already told them.  Steeling herself, she walkedacross the room and sat down by Harry, not meeting anyone's gaze.The Captain acknowledged her with a nod and continued with theconversation.  "I know this seems incredible and before we allowthis discussion to go any further, I want the Doctor to tell uswhat his examination of Mr. Paris has determined."  She noticedB'Elana shifting uncomfortably in her chair and wondered what theDoctor was going to tell them."Captain, I have run several tests and reviewed more of the tapefrom Dr. Heppa.  Several possible solutions were tested by myself,with the help of Ms. Wildman, that I thought would be safe to thefetus and Mr. Paris.  Such as removing the fetus and placing it ina artificial environment again or in another host, preferably themother," he unconsciously gestured to B'Elana causing all eyes toturn toward her again.  She continued to shift uncomfortably undertheir gazes.  "However, the tests have shown that it's not going tobe possible to remove the fetus without causing irreparable damageto it and Mr. Paris."  "What do yo mean irreparable, Doctor?" questioned Janeway, shedidn't like the sound of this."I am uncertain of exactly how, and Dr. Heppa offered no definitiveexplanation, other then to say that in a Stimmum pregnancy, aphysical bond of some sort is naturally established between motherand child.  This bond cannot be severed without destroying themboth."The occupants of the conference room were silent as the Doctorfinished speaking.Chakotay was the first to find his voice.  "But Tom's not Stimmum.""True, he is not Stimmum, but the fetus is, in part.  The tests Ihave run show the bond does exist.  The only option I can suggestat this time is that the pregnancy will have to be allowed to go toterm and Mr. Paris will have to carry it.""Are you saying that if you try anything that Tom will die?" Harryblurted out disbelievingly.  This was the twenty-fourth century,removing an unborn fetus from one environment and placing it inother had been done for years, no complications.  There had to besomething that could be done for his friend."Yes," The Doctor stated, offering no further explanations. Everyone quietly tried to digest this latest bit of news."I guess the next question then would be, how's Tom dealing withthe news?" inquired Chakotay.  Even though he was looking at theCaptain, it was B'Elana that answered."He doesn't want to talk about it."*****Tom Paris sat pensively on the couch in his darkened living room,legs curled underneath him, staring out the view port.  After hoursof test and antagonizing the Doctor, he was finally released to hisquarters with orders to rest and report back to sickbay first thingtomorrow morning for more poking and probing.  Tom cringed.  Hehated sickbay.  And the thought that the rest of the senior staffwere gathered at that moment talking about him was not helping hismood. How could he be pregnant?A chill ran up his spine at the thought, his recently settledstomach starting to churn again.  This just wasn't possible.  Ithad to be a dream.  Or someone's idea of a sick joke.  He ran ashaky hand over his tired face.  He had spent the last four plusyears trying to get his life in order, get back what he'd lostafter Caldick Prime, and now something like this happens.  It waslike everything and everyone was out to get him, like no one wantedhim to make something of himself.  Tom shook his head, that wasn'ttrue.Janeway didn't have to give him a field commission.  Didn't have tomake him chief conn officer.  Didn't have to give him theresponsibilities she had, show him that she had confidence in him. Maybe she saw something in him that not even he could see.  Tom wassure that it was her faith in him that had eventually turned theattitude of his sworn enemy, Commander Chakotay.  The day thatChakotay talked to him without anger flashing in his eyes hadsurprised even him.Then there was Harry Kim, his best friend.  Even with everyonetelling him to stay away, including himself, Harry stood hisground, not letting his friend stand alone.  Harry was the first toget past Tom's walls, not letting Tom scare him away.  His strengthand persistence helped Tom overcome a lot of the emotional baggagefrom his past and he had realized a long time ago that Harry Kimwas the best, most loyal friend one could ever have.And then there was B'Elana, his beautiful B'Ella.  Tom rememberedher holding his hand while in sickbay.  She was his rock, thesteady part in his life.  He wondered what thoughts were goingthrough her mind.He wished that she was there now to wrap her arms around him, tellhim that everything was going to be all right, that they would betogether.  But he wasn't sure that she would ever come back.  Shehad helped him back to his quarters, silently seeing to his needsand tucking him into bed.  But he didn't feel like he deserved thehelp she was offering him so he had ejected her from his quarters. To wrapped up in his own inner turmoil to see the pain andconfusion she was also trying to deal with.Tom felt the tears well up in his eyes as he remembered the painedlook on her face.  He loved her so much and all he could do wassend her away when all he really wanted was for her to hold him.He was such a idiot.  Why couldn't he just accept someone's help,someone caring for him?  Tom knew.  He was raised to be a Paris anda Paris never showed their emotions, it was a weakness.  A memberof the Paris clan was expected to be perfect, to excel ineverything.  Unfortunately, Tom had never been able to live up tothose demands, as his father never had any trouble telling him. Especially when he fell short of his  father's expectations.After years of being told that everything you did wasn't goodenough, that you could always do better, it was hard to believethat he amounted to anything.  That anyone could really care forhim.  Tom knew that was his problem, he couldn't handle someonecaring for him, he didn't feel he was worth the effort.  And the idea that the rest of the crew would eventually find outabout his condition was depressing him.  It was one thing to havehis close friends know, to come to terms with their help.  But tohave everyone know, what was he going to do?  He wondered ifJaneway would allow him to hide out until it was over.Seven and a half months.  What was he going to do for seven and ahalf months?  The Doctor had already placed him on restricted duty,stating that any excess physical strain could create complications. Complications, he was pregnant, that in itself was a complication.Tom didn't seem to notice the tears that had begun to silently falldown his pale face.Why?He had been asking that question repeatedly since he first awoke insickbay.  Why had the Stimmums done this?  Why had they chosen himand B'Elana?  With all the shuttling he had done between Voyagerand the moon's mining sites, he had spent very little time on theirhome world.  Same with her.  She had been in charge of the ship'srepairs and refining of the minerals they'd gathered.  There hadbeen little time for rest and relaxation for them.Then there was the question of how they could have preformed majorsurgery on him and him never know about it.  He'd looked at thescar, it was almost non-existent and aside from feeling a littlefatigued of late, he had no other symptoms of someone having undergone a surgery of this magnitude.  It seemed the only way he wasgoing to figure it out was to watch the tape the Doctor hadmentioned, but he wasn't sure that he was ready to do that yet.  Ifhe ever would be.And why did they make *him* pregnant and not her?  Tom shook hishead at that thought, he wouldn't wish this on B'Elana.  Hecouldn't even wish something like this on someone he didn't like. This was a type of violation that no one should be able to thinkabout let alone accomplish.  He was grateful she didn't have to gothrough this, especially since they weren't even sure that thechild was going to be normal.He shuddered at that.  The thought that the baby would be some typeof monster, some type of genetic mutant terrified him.  How couldsomeone do this?  He sighed, wishing that he felt better, that hisbody didn't ache everywhere, that it wasn't so difficult to keephis thoughts coherent. He shifted positions, bringing his arms torest on the back of the couch, pillowing his head.  He was sotired.Thoughts of B'Elana raced through his mind.  He again recalled thelook on her lovely face as he sent her away, telling her that hedidn't need anybody's help.  What were they going to do?  Tom foundhimself believing that there was no way that she would be able tohandle his condition.  Even though the baby was part of her too,she had previously made it quite clear that she wasn't ready forkids.  It took him months just to get her to accept his marriageproposal.  He knew that she was having a hard time with this whole mess aswell, but he wouldn't, couldn't force her to stick around.  Heloved her, dearly, but he couldn't make her take on something shewasn't ready for.  Something that he wasn't sure he was ready foreither.  He would let her know that he understood her fears andthat it was all right.  He would not make her feel guilty, he lovedher too much to ever make her feel like that.  If she didn't wantanything to do with him, he would let her go.  It would be theright thing to do.As his eyes slid shut, Tom made his decision.  He didn't seem torealize that he had made up his mind without ever talking to her.*****B'Elana sat in the conference room oblivious to the conversationgoing on around her.  They were planning and organizing, everyonetrying to give their opinions on what would be best for Tom and thebaby.  Their baby.  She really wished that it would just be over sothat she could get back to him.  She was a little hurt when he had ordered her to go away, but sheknew him, understood that he needed time to think, pull himselftogether.  She just didn't know how much time she could give him. They really needed to talk, decide what they were going to do.She thought back to the pained look in his eyes, first while he wasin sickbay and then while he ejected her from his quarters.  Shehad walked around before heading to the meeting.  She needed timeto get her anger under control before facing her fellow officers. Anger that was directed at the Stimmums, especially that Dr. Heppacharacter, for what they had done.  If she could get a hold of themshe would rip them apart, tear them into little pieces, for causingharm to her mate, for putting them both in this situation.B'Elana was so deep in thought, she didn't see Harry sneakingconcerned glances at her.  He was becoming worried as he watchedher face contort in anger, her hands tightly gripping the arms ofher chair."Hey, B'Elana," Harry leaned over and whispered, "are you okay?"  B'Elana blinked, focusing on her surroundings at the sound of hisvoice.  She raised her head and found everyone looking at her. Harry blushed as he realized that he had spoken louder then he hadintended to."Sorry," she replied, putting forth the effort to look as thoughshe was paying attention.Janeway looked at her for a moment and then turned her attentionback to the conversation at hand, part of her mind trying toimagine what B'Elana must be thinking."So, we don't know why this Dr. Heppa would warn us not to returnto their home world once Tom's condition was found out," Janewaycontinued with the conversation that they had been having, "justthat she was adamant about it.""It would help if we knew why they began this experiment in thefirst place.  The vague references to *genetic compatibility*doesn't tell us much of anything," Chakotay responded."Agreed.  But it doesn't appear as though we're going to be able toget answers from them.  I have no desire to put Tom or B'Elana inany further danger, real or otherwise,"  Janeway stated.  Her twocrew members were being put through enough, she didn't want to seethem hurt further."Mr. Tuvok, I want you and Mr. Kim to go over the tape.  I want toknow if there's something we've missed," she waited for them toacknowledge the order, "Doctor, set up a schedule to have everyonechecked out.  We need to know if this has happened to anyone elseand to what extent."The Doctor nodded.  With Paris relieved of duty for the time being,he and his remaining staff were going to be very busy for the nextcouple of days."This matter will be kept to the senior and medical staffs. Medical being the Doctor and Ensign Wildman," since SamanthaWildman already knew, she would be able to help the Doctor takecare of Tom.  Also, she didn't seem to aggravate him as much as theDoctor tended to.  "After the Doctor clears Tom for duty, he willbegin restricted duties unless his condition or the Doctor dictateotherwise.  Although I doubt Mr. Paris will appreciate everyonelooking out for him, he has a pension for finding trouble.  I thinkit in his best interest that we try to keep it to a minimum.  Anyquestions?""Uh, who's going to tell Tom?" Harry asked.  He knew that Tom wasferociously self reliant, he did not like interference in hispersonal life."I see no need to tell Tom that he is being *looked after*,"replied Janeway.  She noticed Chakotay and the Doctor nodding inagreement, she had to try very hard not to laugh.  This was notgoing to be easy.  Tom didn't like having people think that heneeded help, with anything.  "Whatever else he is told is fine.""As long as he doesn't get himself so worked up that it does moreharm then good," injected the Doctor.  "Emotionally he has a lot todeal with.  The hormonal imbalance in his system alone could causeany number of reactions.  You may think he'll react one way andinstead he'll act the complete opposite.""We'll keep that in mind, Doctor," Janeway replied tartly.  Thathad been the fourth or fifth time he had interrupted with the samecomment.  "If there's nothing else?  Dismissed."The occupants of the room filed out, B'Elana practically runningfor the turbolift, not wanting to have to field any questions orcomments.Chakotay turned to his Captain after the door closed."You know he's not going to appreciate us *looking after* him,regardless of the situation.""I know," she looked up to meet his gaze and smiled, "but this isone instance where Tom Paris is just going to have to put up withsomeone other then himself taking care of him.""I have a feeling you're going to be repeating that, many times."Janeway laughed as she deposited her coffee cup in the recycler andthen headed toward the door.  "So, Kathryn, care to join me for some dinner?" Chakotay ventured."I think I could manage that.  Mess hall?" she suggested, notreally wanting to have to stomach one of Neelix's famous creations,but she was the Captain, she had to suffer through them for thecrew."Nope, my quarters.  Dinner's on me tonight," Chakotay replied asthe doors opened.Janeway gave him a curious glance but said nothing until they werein the turbolift, doors closed and Chakotay had called for theirlevel.  "Chakotay, I'm grateful for the offer.  Of course I can'trefuse," she smiled up at him, "but what's the occasion?""No occasion, Kathryn.  I'm going to need some help thinking ofways to look out for Paris without him thinking that I'm just outto get him and you get to help me come up with them."  His eyesdanced with amusement.  Hopefully, they would be doing more thenjust talking.Janeway laughed, her eyes full of anticipation as they made theirway to his quarters.*****B'Elana entered the turbolift, called for Tom's level and thenstood quietly in thought.  Harry, who had silently joined her,watched as she folded her arms and started biting her bottom lip. He wanted to say something to help his friends, but he couldn'tthink of anything that didn't sound really stupid.Her mind so focused on the situation with Tom, B'Elana didn't evennotice Harry or the concerned looks he continued to give her. Regardless of how it happened, she and Tom were going to beparents, they were going to have a baby.  That sounded so weird toher.  They were going to have a baby and she wasn't the one thatwas pregnant.  She wished she was, it would have made things easier.  Wouldn't it? She couldn't believe she was thinking about being pregnant.  Her. The person who said she would never have kids, never be married,never find anyone to love her.  But she had found someone, her soulmate, her true love and they were getting married.  Wouldn't itmake sense that kids would just fall into all that?She sighed, so much to think about.  So much they needed to talkabout.She knew Tom was scared about being pregnant and worried about whateveryone would say.  Voyager's crew was famous for their gossiping. And even though they had come to accept the really strange as partof their lives, this one was going to be hard for everyone.  Apregnant Tom Paris just wasn't normal.She shook her head, Tom tried to put on this persona that was hardas rock and impenetrable by anything, he had his walls built highand they were well fortified.  In the beginning she thought thesame way, wanted nothing to do with him, thinking him a coward anda traitor.  But after taking the time to get to know him, she knewthat he was a sensitive, caring man who only wanted to be acceptedfor who he was, not for who he felt he had to pretend to be.The lift doors opened and she moved down the corridor, oblivious toeverything and everyone.  She stopped in front of Tom's door, stilldebating the issues in her head."Do you want me to open the door?"B'Elana jumped and turned in shock to see Harry standing besideher, "Where did you come from?"Harry looked at her warily, "I was in the turbolift with you.  Iwanted to make sure that you were okay and to ask you how Tom was.""Sorry, Harry," she apologized while reaching past him and enteringTom's door code.As the door opened, Harry reluctantly followed her into Tom'sdarkened living area.  B'Elana ordered the lights on full andheaded toward the bedroom, where she had left Tom earlier.  Harryplaced a hand on her arm, stopping her.  As she turned to ask himwhat he wanted she noticed the unmoving form on the couch.Quietly she moved forward, not wanting to startle him.  "Tom?" sheasked as she gently placed a hand on his shoulder.  He didn'tanswer."Is he asleep?" whispered Harry as he moved to the opposite side ofhis unresponsive friend.  The Doctor said he needed a lot of restand if he was asleep Harry didn't think that they should disturbhim.B'Elana shrugged her shoulders and gently shook the shoulder shehad a hold of."B'Elana," Harry reached out to stop her."He needs to get up.  He hasn't eaten dinner yet and since he wasstuck in sickbay, he really hasn't eaten anything all day," B'Elanaexplained to her friend, "Besides, his legs have probably fallenasleep with him sitting like that."  She gestured to Tom's legscrunched underneath him.After a couple more shakes, Tom began to stir.  Slowly he turnedhis head away from the back of the couch, blinking against thebright light.  Both B'Elana and Harry noted his tear stained faceand red, puffy eyes but said nothing.  Slowly Tom became aware ofthe two pairs of brown eyes staring at him in concern."Hey, what's up?" he asked, trying to sound as though nothing waswrong.  He ran his hands over his face in hopes of wiping away anyevidence of his emotional breakdown.  He then tried shifting hisposition and grimaced, his legs had fallen asleep.  Knowing heneeded to get up and get some circulation going in his lowerextremities, he ignored the pain and slid his legs out from underhim.Realizing that Harry and B'Elana were just staring at him, Tomsighed and asked, "Something I can do for the two of you?"  He puthis weight on his arms to push himself up.  Instantly they were oneither side of him, helping.  "Thanks."  He said softly whilesteadying his legs.  After a moment he realized that they weren'tletting go.  "I can walk by myself, guys, I've been doing it forquite some time now.""Sorry," mumbled Harry as he quickly released his grip and steppedaway.  Tom noticed how unsure he seemed and inwardly cringed.  IfHarry couldn't handle the news, how was the rest of the crew goingto react.B'Elana released her hold on his arm, but continued to stand closeby.  As Tom went to take a step, his legs betrayed him and he beganto fall.  Instantly, B'Elana grabbed his arm to help steady him,Harry was there a moment later helping her gently lower Tom back tothe couch."Maybe next time you'll think twice before you decide to jump upand go for a walk after having your legs pinned under you for whoknows how long," B'Elana chastised him.  Tom's fair skin, pale fromthe events of the day, couldn't hide the shade of pink he wasturning.  "You sit here, Harry and I'll get dinner going.  Thatshould give your legs time to recuperate."Tom just nodded, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. B'Elana stood, motioning Harry toward the replicator.  She stoodthere a moment watching him try to relax, thinking how vulnerablehe looked.  Bending down, she placed a kiss on his forehead andwatched as his eyes opened in surprise.  She smiled at him,brushing a hand across his cheek.  Tom opened his mouth to comment,and was silenced as she put a finger to his lips and then placedanother kiss on his forehead. Smiling once again, she straightenedup and went to help Harry with dinner.Seeing him sitting there, no walls up, no barriers between them,she realized just how much she loved him.  They were going to beokay.  Together they could get through what the Stimmums had doneto them.  Besides, they were going to have a baby, they were goingto be a family.Harry watched the smile spreading across B'Elana's face as sheordered dinner and he wondered what was going on in that Klingonhead of hers.  He had expected her to be yelling, throwing thingseverywhere.  Instead she was the picture of calm, she even seemedhappy.  Maybe he didn't have to be so concerned.  Maybe his friendswere going to be all right.Tom pulled his eyes away from her retreating form and closed themonce again.  He tried to get his warring emotions under control. He loved her so much, wanted her so badly, but he knew that shewasn't ready for any of this.  She'd be gone before the night wasthrough, he was sure of it.  But could he really let her go ifthat's what she wanted?  His mind played back the conversation hehad had with himself earlier.  He knew he couldn't force her tostay.  Couldn't force her into a family she wasn't ready for.  Whatwas he going to do without her?"Tom!""What?" he sat up, eyes wide."I called you three times," B'Elana stated patiently, "Are you allright?""What's for dinner?" he asked, brushing off her question and herconcern.  He stood up, with a little unasked for assistance, thistime his legs held him upright.  A look down revealed that he wasstill in the medical clothes Doc had made him put on earlier.  Hehad to change."Go ahead and start without me.  I'm going to change," hecautiously turned to head toward his bedroom."Tom, you need to eat.  You can change later," B'Elana insisted."I'm not that hungry," he lied, "and I would really prefer not tohave to keep these hideous clothes on any longer." "Tom--" she stepped in front of him, she was not going to give intohim that easily."B'Ella, please, I just want to go change."  No fighting, noarguing, just soft pleading.  B'Elana couldn't say no to that.  "Five minutes, then I'm coming inafter you."  She might have been mistaken, but she thought she sawthe corners of Tom's mouth slightly curve upward.  If she could gethim to smile, then maybe he would relax and then they could talk,really talk.He cautiously walked past her and into the bedroom, shutting thedoor behind him.B'Elana joined Harry at the table and sat down to wait, asking thecomputer to notify her when his five minutes were up.Exactly five minutes later Tom walked out of his bedroom in hisfavorite T-shirt and sweats.  B'Elana noticed that he had a littlemore color in his face, not much, but a little.  He sat downbetween his friends, picked up his spoon and started to eat hisdinner, not saying a word.  Realizing that he wasn't going to sayanything, Harry and B'Elana started in on their own meals."Do you want me to leave?" Harry ventured after a few minutes ofawkward silence.Two sets of eyes looked up at him quizzically."Why would we want you to leave, Harry?" asked B'Elana."Well, it's obvious you two need to talk, yet you're not talking. The only reason could be me," he started to stand up."Sit down, Harry," ordered B'Elana.He obediently sat down, but wasn't willing to let it drop.  "Idon't want to keep you two from talking."  Tom kept castingsideways glances at B'Elana but he didn't seem able to met hersteady gaze."Maybe you could help us figure some things out," suggested Tom,focusing his attention on the bowl in front of him.  He figuredthat when B'Elana decided to leave that at least Harry's presencewould help to shore him up.  He didn't think he would lose controland cry if Harry was there.  "Besides, you haven't even finishedyour dinner yet.""Figure what things out?" questioned B'Elana.  Things seemed prettystraight forward to her, and she wondered what things Tom could betalking about.Slowly, Tom raised his head and finally met her gaze.  He wanted totake her in his arms and just hold her, but knew that he couldn't. He knew she wouldn't want him, not under these circumstance, not inhis present predicament.Seeing the fear and uncertainty in his eyes, B'Elana took the spoonfrom his clenched fingers, set it aside and then she took his handsin hers.  "Tom, what is it?"He turned away, unable to look at her and tried to pull his handsaway.  All he could think was that he couldn't have her touchinghim, not if he was going to be strong enough to let her go when sheleft."I'm not going anywhere," she stated while keeping a hold of hishands.  His eyes met hers in surprise.  "That's what you're afraidof, isn't it?  You're afraid that I'm going to leave," she askedincredulously."I wouldn't expect you to stay," Tom replied, his voice barely morethen a whisper."Tom, we're in this together.""You're not the one that's--" he couldn't say it out loud.  Insteadhe abruptly pulled away, moving to stand by the view port, armsfolded defensively in front of him.B'Elana sighed in confusion and went to stand by him.  She put areassuring hand on his arm, but he wouldn't look at her.  "Whatthey did to us, and I do mean the both of us, is unforgivable.  Butit's happened, we can't change it, all we can do is try and dealwith it.""Deal with it!  How would you suggest we deal with it?!  I'mpregnant.  That's not something that's just going to go away," hisvoice rose in anger as he started pacing, arms gesturing wildly ashe moved about the room.  "I want to take that Dr. Heppa person,all of them, and strangle them.  They had no right to do this.  Noright to use us.  I want them to understand that, they had no rightto do this."  As quickly as his anger had flared, it was fading,his voice becoming softer as he spoke.  He came to a stop in themiddle of the room, feeling numb.  He tried to keep the tears thatwere threatening to fall from doing so.  He had already criedenough that day.B'Elana slowly moved over to him, not sure if he would let hertouch him.  She felt the same way, why couldn't he see that."I'm scared," he whispered it with his head hung down, eyesstudying the floor.  "I'm afraid that I'm going to loose you. That--" his voice caught as he chocked back a sob.B'Elana immediately wrapped her arms around him, burying her headagainst his neck.  Tom's arms just hung to his sides."You're not going to loose me, Tom.  I love you.""But--""No buts," she pulled back slightly to get a good look at his face,"I love you.  There's nothing that you could do or say that wouldmake me leave.  You couldn't scare me away with your past, I'mcertainly not going to leave over this.  This wasn't your fault." Finally his blue eyes met her brown ones. "And I'm scared too.  ButI'm not going to leave," she smiled at him, "sorry, but you'restuck with me.  I *love* you."He slowly wrapped his arms around her to return the embrace.  "Ilove you too," he stated softly, bringing up one of his hands tocaress her cheek.  They both noticed that his hand was shaking."You're right, they had no right to do what they did to us, butit's done.  We can't change it," she turned her head and kissed hishand.  "I love you and we're in this together.  You and me."Tom just stared at her, the tears that he had tried to suppressearlier were now streaming silently down his face.  He brought hisother hand up to caress the other side of her face.  She tightenedher grip around his waist, being careful not to squeeze to hard. She would definitely have to talk to the Doctor about any futurephysical contact.  She didn't want to hurt him or their baby."I do love you."  He took her face in his hands and gently brushedhis lips across hers.  She closed her eyes, giving into thefeeling.She noticed the tremors coursing through his body and not wantinghim to collapse, she stepped back from him and took his hand inhers.  Silently, she led him over to the couch, sitting down sothey were facing each other, with as much contact between their twobodies as they could manage without one of them actually sitting onthe others lap.  Neither of them noticed when Harry silently left.B'Elana leaned over and placed a firm kiss on his lips.  Tomresponded in kind, some of the tension leaving him.  He couldn'tbelieve that she was still there, that she wanted to be with him.Finally, they broke apart, both slightly out of breath.  Tombrought his hand up again to continue caressing her check.  Heloved the feel of her skin, he loved being able to touch her andknow that she loved him.  She began to wipe away the tears from hisface."Now what?" he asked."Well, I was thinking that we should make it official," noting thequizzically look Tom was giving her, she clarified it for him, "Ithink we should get married.""We are getting married," he stated simply.  With his free hand hegrasped her left one and brought it up between them.  His fingerrunning over the engagement ring he had placed there just a fewweeks ago.  He remembered how she had fought the idea of a humanwedding, stating that they were already mated, why did they need tobother with another ceremony.  But Tom wanted to have a humanwedding as well, to make sure that there would be no doubt inanyone's mind that they were a couple.  Finally after severalmonths of persistence on his part, she relented.  Tom hadecstatically knelt before her and placed the simple diamond ring onher finger before she could change her mind."I don't want to wait.  I never want there to be any doubt that weare a family.  I want our daughter," she rested her free hand onTom's stomach to make sure he was understanding her point, "to knowthat we love each other and we will love her.  We will always betogether," she leaned over and kissed him again.Deepening the kiss, he moved his hand over hers, intertwining theirfingers.  It all sounded so easy.  He wanted to believe that itreally could be true, but his mind wouldn't let him give in, notyet.  "B'Elana," he pulled away from her, "I do love you and I dowant to marry you.  I want all of those things, but--"  A fingerpressed to his lips, silencing his doubts."I know it's not going to be easy.  We have a lot of things tostill work out, especially what they did to us.  We're going toneed some help to sort everything out," she had removed her fingerfrom his lips and began caressing his face, taking time to gentlytrace every line, outlining each feature as she spoke.  "I know youfeel awkward, but we're going to get through this.  Together."She stopped the exploration of his face as he wrapped his armsaround her bringing her head down to rest on his shoulder.  He laidhis chin on top of her dark brown hair, relishing in the feeling ofjust holding her.  His fears and doubts were still running aroundin his head, but she hadn't left him.  Maybe they would be able towork everything out."So, how long do you think it will take to plan a wedding?" heasked softly.*****B'Elana awoke and looked at the chronometer on the night stand. Seeing that there was still time before the alarm sounded, shequietly told the computer to shut it off so as not to awake theother occupant of the bed.  Carefully, she rolled over to look atthe sleeping form of her husband.  He was laying on his back, armsthrown over his head, one leg hanging out from under the covers.She was still amazed at how innocent and young he looked while heslept.  There were no masks in place, no walls he was hidingbehind.  She reached over and brushed back the hair that had fallenover his forehead.  He stirred slightly, mumbled somethingunintelligible but didn't wake up.  With a smile, she moved herhand down to rest on his slightly protruding stomach, knowing thattheir daughter was there, growing bigger every day.The last months had been strenuous, difficult and even joyous. They found they were both happy at the idea of being parents, butwere leery about getting too excited.  They still had no idea whythis had been done to them and the idea that the baby was not justa part of each of them but was also part Stimmum frightened them. Although they were humanoid, there were subtle differences in thealien's appearances- violet eyes, yellow skin tone, small instature.  What would their baby look like?  Their concerns weresomewhat stilled the first time the Doctor let them hear the baby'sheart beat.  It didn't matter what the genetic code said, she wastheirs.Deciding to give him a few more minutes, she bent down to gentlyplace a kiss on his forehead and then quietly climbed out of bedand went to shower. They had been married for almost three months, a fact that stillamazed many of the crew.  B'Elana smiled as she thought of thereactions they got when the announcement had gone out.  Bets wereimmediately placed on if they would actually make it down the aisleand then, if they were able to accomplish that feat, how long wouldthey actually stay married.When they had heard about the betting, she had become angry,threatening to dismember half the crew.  Tom just laughed, hethought the whole thing was funny.  It was contagious and beforelong, they were both joking about it.The first couple of weeks after the discovery had been the hardest,a lot of time spent trying to deal with the myriad of emotions thatkept springing up.  One minute they'd be laughing, delighting inthe fact that they were going to be parents.  The next, the angerand uncertainty over what had been done to them would take over. For Tom the fear that they wouldn't be together, that eventuallyshe'd tire of him and leave, would seize him.  This led him towithdraw into himself more and more each day.Their counseling sessions were the only thing that saved them somedays.  Talking through their feelings, having someone else pointout the things that they were blowing out of proportion, helpingthem see that no matter what, they could work things out.  Theyleft some sessions feeling on top of the world, others just barelytalking to each other.  Tom had commented that if he had wanted togo on a roller coaster ride, he would have just programed one onthe holodeck.  B'Elana had to have Chakotay explain that one toher.On the day of their wedding, once their vows were taken, most ofthe tension and apprehension dissipated.  Tom seemed to finallyaccept that she wasn't going to disappear on him and stoppedagonizing over it.  He also stopped antagonizing her.  They wereboth able to relax, much to everyone's relief, especially theDoctor's.  He had been threatening to lock Tom in sickbay, undersedation, until the baby was born if he didn't calm down.She had to admit though, after the wedding night, Tom wasdefinitely relaxed.  She shook herself, deciding not to bring upthose images knowing they'd just lead to her wanting to do otherthings and they had meetings and duty shifts to get to.Quickly finishing her shower, she turned off the water and climbedout.  Time to wake up Tom so he could get ready.  She pulled on heruniform and walked back out into the bedroom.  Standing by the sideof the bed, she again thought about just letting him sleep.  The Doctor had told them that he needed his rest, emphasizing on nomore late nights at Sandrine's or the resort.  Janeway hadsupported the Doctor by telling him if he needed a break to justlet her know.  Tom had just shaken his head and muttered under hisbreath.  He was following the Doctor's orders and instructionsthoroughly, just not obviously.  He would openly grumble at thembut she could see the humor in his eyes.  Couldn't let the Docthink that Tom Paris would willing do as he was told."I'm getting up."  She jumped slightly as Tom spoke.  He opened hiseyes and smiled up at her.  "Morning beautiful.""Morning sleepy head," she replied while bending down to give hima quick good morning kiss.  She brought her hand back to rest onhis expanding stomach.  "How are you feeling this morning?""Just fine," he said then returned the kiss while encircling hisarms around her to bring her down on the bed.  She always smelledso good after showering."Oh no you don't," she pulled out of his embrace, smirking down athim.  "Neither one of us can afford to be late today.  Computer,lights on full."He groaned, blinking against the light and sat up.  "That wascruel," he moaned and pushed himself off the bed.  He quicklywrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a long, deep kiss. After a few moments of intense exploration, he released her andwalk into the bathroom.Shutting the door so she couldn't see the smirk on his face, hequickly undressed and climbed in the shower.  He knew that she hadlet him sleep in, even if it was only for a few extra minutes, andhe didn't want to make them any later then usual.  They had severalmeetings that morning alone.As the warm water cascaded down his body he willed himself torelax.  He had been feeling closed in the last several months witheveryone *looking out* for him.  The idea that people would careenough to take the time to make sure he was all right was somethingnew.  He was having a hard time reconciling himself to beingconstantly watched.  Although he understood their motives, it wasstill unnerving for him.The four months since the discovery of his pregnancy life had beenfull of many ups and downs.  He had tried to keep his emotionsunder control, not wanting to hurt any of his friends feelings.  Inthe beginning he had withdrawn from everyone, needing time to workout what he was feeling.  His distancing worried his friends, buthe needed to come to terms with everything by himself before hecould deal with them.Looking down at his growing stomach he wondered how much longerthey were going to be able to keep it a secret.  He was actuallybecoming quite use to the idea of being pregnant.  It wasn'tsomething that he would have willingly chosen to do, but sincethere was nothing that could be done to change it, he found he wasenjoying himself.  The only thing taking away from his pleasurewere the looks that everyone was starting to give him.  Theydefinitely weren't ready for the crew to find out.The more he thought about the looks and whispered comments, Tomconsidered asking the Captain if he could stay in his quartersuntil after the baby was born.  At least that way he wouldn't haveto see anybody outside of his few close friends.  And the Doc wouldbe thrilled that he wasn't out roaming the ship's corridors lookingfor trouble.Shaking his head, he reached for the soap.  No use thinking aboutsomething that was never going to happen.B'Elana stood there breathless for a few moments and then shookherself.  He loved stirring up the emotions and then walking awayleaving her wanting, craving more.  There was just something aboutthe way he kissed her that always made her melt, sending a tinglingsensation all through her.  Even after all these years, fromfriends to lovers and so on, he could still kiss her in such away- *Enough!*  They had places to get to.She quickly made the bed and then walked into the other room andbegan collecting the reports she would need for her staff meetinglater that morning.  She looked around their new quarters, makingsure she wasn't forgetting anything.  They had been given a weekfor their honeymoon and spent the first few days in blissfulsolitude on the holodeck, the rest trying to settle into their newspace.  The fact that they had requested larger quarters, one thathad more then one room sent the rumor mill in a frenzy, everyoneguessing that she was pregnant.  She shook her head, if only theyknew.Setting down the padds, she walked toward the room on the oppositeside of the living room.  She keyed open the door and called forthe lights.  This was to be the nursery, their baby's room. Quietly they had started to gather or replicate things that theirnewborn would need.  Luckily, Samantha Wildman still had all of thebaby things she had used when her daughter, Naomi, was born.  Shehad shown up one night with a few boxes of things, telling themthat it was about time that the baby items would get more use.Tom and she had been grateful for Samantha's thoughtfulness.  Theyhad been a little hesitant on where to begin on what clothes andtoys to get for a new baby.  Samantha had laughed at them, shefound it cute that Voyager's know it all couple was clueless whenit came to babies.B'Elana, however, didn't think it was all that funny.  It wasunsettling to her that she didn't have any idea what she was doing. And the thought that she could turn out to be like her motherturned her stomachs.  Samantha had stopped laughing and reassuredthe couple that they were not their parents and they would knowwhat to do when the time came.  And if they had any questions theycould always come talk to her."Penny for your thoughts," Tom whispered in her ear as he slid hisarms around her, resting his chin on top of her head.She jumped as his arms slid around her waist, then relaxed backinto his embrace.  "Just thinking of what we still need to getbefore the baby gets here," she turned in his arms to return thehug and noticed that he was standing there in a towel."Tom, we're going to be late!" she exclaimed in exasperation.He gave her his lopsided, cocky grin.  "What's wrong with a littletardiness?" he asked mischievously while bending down to give hera kiss.Pushing him away, she turned him around and shoved him toward theirbedroom.  "Go get dressed," she ordered, ignoring the crushed lookhe was giving her.Standing in the doorway, arms crossed over her chest, she watchedhim enter the bedroom and begin getting dressed.  She shook herhead and found herself smiling.  He could be such a clown.  Takingone last look around the nursery, she called for the computer toturn off the lights.  As she keyed the door shut, the door chimesounded.  She called for their visitor to enter knowing who itwould be."Morning, Starfleet.""Hey, Maquis," came Harry's bright greeting, "Ready to go?"  Hewalked into the living room and looked around.  "Where's Tom?""He's not ready yet," she stopped by the table to pick up thepadds.Harry just rolled his eyes.  "Hey Tom, hurry up, or we'll missbreakfast.""Hey, Harry," Tom called from the bedroom.  It was followed by somemumbling, a thud and a curse."Tom?" B'Elana dropped the padds and ran to the bedroom, Harryright behind her.They found him sitting on the floor, dressed except for one boot,rubbing his head.  B'Elana knelt beside him trying not to let herfear get the better of her."What happened?" she asked while moving to check the spot on hishead he was rubbing."I fell," grumbled Tom while allowing B'Elana to inspect thedamage."You fell off the bed?" questioned Harry incredulously.Tom gave his best friend a dirty look and then sighed.  "I went topick up my boot.  I guess it was further away then I had thoughtand I lost my balance.  I bumped my head on the night stand," hestated sarcastically.  He tried to move only to have B'Elana wrenchhis head to keep him still.  "Hey, B'Ella, that hurts.""Harry, grab the medical tricorder off the other night stand forme," she asked while releasing the vice hold she had on herhusband's head.Tom rolled his eyes and sighed as Harry handed her the tricorderand she ran the scan, starting at his head and moving downward.  "Ihit my head, not my stomach."  Frowning, he pushed the tricorderaway.B'Elana didn't seem to notice his annoyance.  "Everything showsokay.  Any pain anywhere?" she asked as she closed the instrumentand laid it on the bed.He took a deep breath and tried to keep his emotions under control. It wouldn't do any good to get upset, he knew that she was justconcerned.  "Maybe a little headache.  I'll take something if itgets worse," he answered while offering a reassuring smile."Maybe you should go see the Doc?" suggested Harry.Tom moaned.  "No.  I don't need to go see the Doc."  He refused tomake another unscheduled trip to sickbay.  He'd had enough ofthose, especially thanks to his ever concerned and over cautiousfriends."Tom--" began B'Elana."No!" he stated vehemently while trying to climb to his feet. Seeing he was going to be stubborn, B'Elana and Harry helped himup, both ignoring the icy look he was giving them.  "I have anappointment with him later today anyway," he stated once he wassure his feet were steady beneath him.  He then started to benddown to pick up his missing boot, wondering yet again why wouldn'tthey just trust him to take care of himself and his baby?B'Elana sighed in resignation and pushed him down to sit on thebed.  He looked at her funny as she picked up the boot."I can dress myself."She humphed at him, knelt down and slid the boot on his foot.  Henoticed Harry was trying not to laugh.B'Elana moved to kneel in front of him so he had to look at her. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked softly.Tom leaned his head down until their foreheads touched.  He lookedinto her eyes and smiled softly.  She had been trying so hard notto hover, not to be overprotective.  It wasn't easy for her to stopherself from dragging him to sickbay or locking him in theirquarters every time something happened.  He gave her a lot ofcredit, she was showing a lot of self control for his sake.  Heloved her more for trying not to push him, trying not to drive himcrazy over every little thing.Harry looked at his two friends.  It was funny, in the beginning henever really thought that they would be able to keep theirrelationship going, like it was all some sort of game.  But lookingat them now, he could see how much they really cared for and lovedone another.  He felt like a voyeur."Uh, you want me to leave, guys?"Reluctantly B'Elana stood and than helped Tom stand up, placing aquick kiss on his lips."Let's go," she stated while taking his hand and heading for thedoor, "We wouldn't want to miss out on Neelix's cooking."Tom rolled his eyes and his stomach did a somersault at the mentionof the ever interesting food.  Hopefully he wouldn't throw up thistime.  Neelix had been so upset the last time Tom had a bout ofmorning sickness, thinking that it was his choice of food mixturesand spices.  Tom felt a little guilty at letting Neelix believe itwas his cooking, but they still weren't ready to announce thepending birth of their daughter.  No, that wasn't right, they werevery happy about the impending birth of their daughter and wantedto tell everyone.  It was the fact that Tom was the one pregnantthat they weren't ready to make public knowledge.  He hoped Neelixwould understand the little lie.The trio walked to the mess hall, Harry and B'Elana engaged in aconversation about the sensor relays while Tom concentrated onkeeping his feet moving ahead of him.  He didn't find it very funnythat as his pregnancy progressed, his equilibrium digressed.  Somedays he would go to walk across the room and he'd just fall over. It was okay when he was in their quarters when it happened, likethe incident earlier, he could live with that.  But when ithappened in public, it was extremely embarrassing.Like the day it happened on the bridge, in front of the Captain andthe rest of the bridge crew during shift change.  He had wanted tocrawl into a hole somewhere.  The situation was made worse as thesenior officers made a big deal over him.  Once assured that he wasokay, he noticed that they were trying very hard not to laugh. Harry told him he had turned a lovely shade of bright red.  Tomcouldn't blame them for laughing, if it had been someone else, hewould have been laughing too.They entered the mess hall, gathered their trays and sat down at atable to the back of the room, unaware that they were beingwatched."I tell you, Paris has totally given in to married life," statedGerron Tem, the young Bajoran, as he watched the three friendsselect their breakfast and head to a table on the opposite side ofthe room.His breakfast companions looked over at the trio as they sat down."What do you mean?" replied Lieutenant Joe Carey who was turninghis attention to his food.  The green stringy stuff actually didn'ttaste half bad.  "He looks the same to me.""Yeah," added Crewman Dalby."Besides, he looks happy.  They both do," added Carey.Gerron snorted and then continued.  "Have you looked at himlately?"Both turned to look again and then turned back, shrugging theirshoulders."Look at him," Gerron gestured at Paris in frustration, "it's likenow that he's married he cares nothing for his appearance.  It'sonly been a few months and he's getting fat," began Gerron.  He hadnever been able to put on weight, a fact that he liked.  But ifParis could put on the pounds after marriage, what was going tostop him.  A thought that had been gnawing at the young man.  "And,everywhere he goes Torres is always right there with him, like shecan't stand to have him out of her sight.  They're always turningin early--""I think we can figure out why that is," smirked Dalby.Gerron ignored the interruption.  "Doing everything together intheir off time.  And when they're not together, she's alwayschecking up on him, calling to verify where he's at or who he'swith.  It's like he no longer has a life of his own.  Like he's nothis own person anymore."  A thought that scared Gerron even morethen the idea of gaining weight.  He had fought so hard to findhimself, discover his own identity, he didn't want to lose thatjust because he decided to share his life with someone else."They're married, Gerron, some people just become a littleobsessive when it comes to their spouses.  It'll calm down. Besides, he hasn't gained all that much weight, maybe a few extrapounds," responded Carey.  "What did you expect?  That after theceremony, they'd ignore each other?  That they'd continue on likenothing had changed?"Gerron shook his head.  "No, of course not.  But the fact that heno longer seems to be able to do anything without her or herpermission is unnerving.  It's not painting a good picture forthose of us that think about getting married one day.""Well, Torres isn't the only one that doesn't seem to be able tolet him out of their sight.  Harry, the Captain, the Doctor, evenCommander Chakotay and Tuvok seem to always be watching him,"volunteered Dalby.  It seemed strange that so much attention wasbeing paid to one man, especially when that one man was Tom Paris. He and Paris wouldn't be considered close friends, he had come torespect him and his abilities over the years, but he couldn't seewhat could be so important about him."He's right," agreed Carey, "They're not out right obvious aboutit, they just always seem to be watching him.  Checking up on him,making sure he's where he's supposed to be.  Like he needsspecially handling, to be watched out for.  Things like that," Joeadded to the conversation while continuing to eat.  B'Elana Torreswas his boss, as long as she was happy he was happy which made fora happy engine room.  It didn't really matter to him how Tom was*settling* into married life, he was just glad that his boss hadn'tbeen yelling and throwing things of late."Hey, everyone," Megan Delaney called as she and her sister joinedthe group.  Megan sat down by Gerron and gave him a quick kiss. Jenny rolled her eyes at the couple as she sat down next to hertwin."What's everyone talking about?" Jenny asked unabashedly.  She wasnotorious for her nosiness, if there was something to be known shewanted to know about it and went to great lengths to ensure thatshe found out all the details."Paris," offered Dalby, pointing with his head.Jenny looked over at her friend.  "What about him?""Gerron seems to think that married life, or more precisely theperson he married, has taken Tom over.  He's afraid the same thingwill happen to him if he ever decides to tie the knot," Joeexplained while winking at Megan, who proceeded to turn a niceshade of pink.The Bajoran scowled at the engineer.  "It isn't funny.  I don'twant to become fat and submissive, everyone watching my every move,telling me what I can and can't do," he retorted."Actually, they've been watching him for months.  Before they evengot married."  Jenny had noticed the extra attention months ago. She thought about it for a minute.  A possible explanation comingto mind.  "Now that you mention it, do you remember when Tom wassick a few months ago?"The people around the table had to think about it, Tom was wellknown for his numerous days missed due to illness or injury."You know, shortly after we left that planet with all those shortpeople."  She couldn't remember the name of them.Joe laughed, "The Stimmums.""Yeah, them.  Remember, he was sick for a couple days, but no oneever found out what was wrong with him.""Just that he was on sick leave, supposedly resting in hisquarters," added Dalby."He *was* resting.  I was working in sickbay at the time," Meganinterjected.  "The Doc had him monitored 24 hours a day.  Believeme, he made sure Tom followed his every order.  In fact hethreatened to have him confined to sickbay, strapped to one of thebio-beds if he didn't.  And we all know how much Tom likessickbay."  There was a general agreement from everyone at thetable."Hey, wasn't that when everyone had go to sickbay and be tested? I thought the Doc said everyone was fine?" Gerron questioned. Maybe there was something they weren't being told."Supposedly it was some virus.  Everyone checked out fine," Jennyaffirmed, she had been recruited to help with the scans."Or so they said.""What do you mean, Dalby?" asked a curious Gerron."Think about it.  Tom is out sick and everyone has to be tested forsome unknown virus.  Then B'Elana and he decided to get married,rather abruptly if you ask me.  All of the senior staff are payinga lot of extra attention to him, pretty much mothering him.  Andhe's been on restricted duty since the Doc released him and thatwas months ago."The people at the table glanced back over at Tom, realizationhitting them."Maybe not everyone checked out fine," Dalby voiced what everyonewas thinking."Come on, something would have been said if he were that sick." Joe couldn't believe that something that important would be keptfrom the crew.  He had forgotten his breakfast at this point."Not if he wasn't a danger to the crew.  There would be no need tosay anything.  Besides, Paris is a pretty private person, if he issick, he probably doesn't want anyone to know," Gerron repliedsolemnly."I can't believe Tom could be sick and us not know about it.  Hewould have told his friends at least."  Megan was beginning tothink the worst."Maybe he didn't want anyone's pity," Gerron stated.  "Pity!  How about sympathy, companionship.  Someone to talk to orhelp out."  Megan was becoming angry.  How could her friend be sickand she not know about it?  She wondered why he wouldn't have saidanything."Shhh!" was chorused from the people around her."You want him to hear us?" Jenny slugged her sister's arm.  "Thisis all just speculation.""Well, I'm going to find out the truth."  Gerron and Jenny bothgrabbed an arm as Megan stood to leave the table."Come on, Meg, sit down," Gerron hissed as he pulled her down.  "Doyou really want to cause a scene with Torres and Kim over there?""Besides, Torres would kill you if you did anything to upset herman."  Jenny had jokingly said something to Tom a few days agoabout his slight weight gain.  B'Elana had found out and reamed herbut good.  It was not an experience she wanted to see repeated,especially on herself.Megan reluctantly sat back down.  "Fine.  I'll find out later." "Good morning," Samantha Wildman said as she walked over to jointhe group noting the uncomfortable silence that had fallen overthem.  She slid in by Joe, giving him a good morning kiss."How's sickbay?" he asked, hoping to change the topic ofconversation."Boring," remarked Samantha, "there have been no patients so theDoctor decided to spend the night in the holodeck with his family,leaving me all by myself.""That can't be a bad thing.  The Doc can be a bit of a pain." Megan had been on the receiving end of his sarcastic bedside mannermore times then she cared to remember, especially now that she wasbeing trained as a field medic.  She tried to get her mind off ofthe trio on the other side of the room.Samantha ignored the comment.  She liked the Doctor, sarcasm andall.  "And he left me with tons of study material, like he thinksI'm going to be taking over for Paris or something," she joked.Her comment was followed by silence.  Everyone exchanging looks."What?" Sam noticed the concerned glances being passed back andforth.  What had she interrupted?"Some reason Paris won't be able to preform his duties?" Gerronasked for the group."What do you mean?" she looked at the faces studying her intently. "What have you guys been talking about?" questioned Samanthasuspiciously.  She knew that Dalby and Gerron, as former Maquis,didn't care for Tom, but she thought that was all behind them.  Noone answered."What's going on?" Sam demanded, she was getting an uneasy feelingabout this.Jenny spoke first.  "Nothing.  We've just noticed that Tom doesn'tseem himself lately."  Jenny looked at Sam and noticed that she wason the defense.  Everyone knew that Sam considered Tom like ayounger brother and looked out for him as such.  *Especially so thelast few months*, she thought.  If Sam was being trained to takeover for Tom, then something really must be wrong.  "You know something," Jenny blurted out, pointing an accusingfinger at the Ensign. "Know something?" Sam was totally confused.  "Know something aboutwhat?" she looked around the table noticing that everyone waswatching her."About Tom and the fact that he's sick.""Sick?  What are you talking about?" Sam looked quickly over to theobject of their conversation.  He didn't look sick.  If he was, shewas sure the Doctor would have had him tied down in sickbay runningall sorts of tests on him.She scrutinized him.  He looked a little tired, but that was to beexpected, especially with the senior staff constantly hovering overhim.  Physically the only difference she could see was that hiscondition was beginning to show slightly, all in the front.  Otherthen that, she could see no outward sign of any illness.  Sam turned her attention back to the people at the table.  "Hedoesn't look sick to me.  Now what sort of rumors have you all beenspreading?"Megan shrugged her shoulders, believing that her sister was right. Sam knew something and she wanted to find out what.  "We've justbeen compiling some observations we've made over the past fewmonths or so.  So, what have you got to add?"Samantha shook her head and forced out a laugh, she hoped it didn'tsound as nervous as she felt.  "You guys are horrible.  The onlything I know about Tom is that he and B'Elana are very happytogether and they don't need anyone trying to spoil that for them,"she spoke in her mother tone, chastising the group.  "Besides, I'msure you all have something more important to do other thenscrutinizing the lives of two of our senior officers."After a few more glances back and forth and noting that theyweren't going to get any information out of her, the group began tobreak up.  Gerron and Dalby picked up their trays and headed forthe recycler, Megan quickly got up and followed them out.  Jennylooked at Sam for a few moments, trying to decided if she shouldjust confront her.  Finally she stood up and left, not sayinganything.  She wanted to catch up to the others, there were thingsthey needed to discuss.Joe looked at Samantha as she watched the other woman leave theroom.  He noted the sigh she gave as the doors closed."Something *is* going on," he stated, holding up his hand beforeshe could begin protesting.  "As long as they're happy, it's noneof my business.  I just hope it's nothing serious and they have along time to enjoy their lives together.  Got to go."  He gave hera quick kiss and picked up his tray.  Samantha watched him recycle his dishes and then leave.  Shewondered how he would react to the news.  Seeing everyone talkingabout Paris had not helped her feel any better about the situation. She hoped the crew would be accepting when news got out."They keep looking over here."  "Tom, stop playing with your food and eat," scolded B'Elana.  Heapparently had every intention of being difficult this morning.Harry glanced over to the group in question while chewing anothermouth full of food.  "It's nothing, Tom.  You know that the creware always watching everybody, it gives them something to do."Tom shifted in his seat and continued to toy with his food,becoming more and more uneasy about the scrutiny.  His everexpanding figure was making him very self conscious about everylittle look.  Starfleet uniforms weren't known for their ability toconceal much of anything and the looks everyone kept giving himweren't helping.  At five and a half months pregnant he was justnow barely starting to show and he wondered, with dread, how he wasgoing to get through the next three months.B'Elana, seeing his unease, reached over and took his hand in hers,offering him a comforting smile.  After a glance toward the group,and seeing that they were leaving, Tom squeezed her hand back andgave her a half smile.  He forced himself to relax a little."Now, Helmboy, eat," she ordered while releasing his hand.Tom gave her a dirty look but took another bite.  She had provenquite forceful when it came to his eating habits.  And he had nodesire to see her Klingon side today.  He had taken a few biteswhen a shadow fell across the table."Hey, Sam."  Tom quickly set his fork down, grateful for thedistraction.  He had to keep reminding himself that he was eatingfor the baby, most days that helped him get the food down.  HowHarry could just dig in and eat most of the things that came out ofNeelix's kitchen mystified him."Sirs," she acknowledged her seniors officers."How goes sickbay?" Harry inquired between bites."Well, when I left, the Doc was showing Ensign Nicolette how to runa bio-bed diagnostic."Tom's face scrunched up as if he was in pain.  "I feel for her." Samantha and the others laughed.  "The Doc can be quite *thorough*when it comes to his medical equipment.""No kidding," Sam agreed, her laughter turning to a smile as sheturned to why she was there bothering them, "Doc wanted me toremind you about your appointment this afternoon, Tom."He sighed and gave her an annoyed look.  "That to go with the dozenreminders he gave me personally yesterday and the ones he sent tomy computer terminal throughout the day."Sam's smile turned sympathetic, "Well, he's nothing, if notpersistent.""How about just irksome," Tom stated sarcastically.B'Elana lightly slapped his arm and scolded, "Be nice.  He's justlooking out for you.""As is everyone else.  Thanks for all the concern, but I can takecare of myself."  He stood, gathered his tray and left.  Betweenthe stares from everyone in the mess hall and everyone *lookingout* for him, Tom felt like exploding.  He wasn't a little boy, whycouldn't they understand that he didn't need everyone watching himconstantly, he could take care of himself.B'Elana growled at his retreating figure and stood to go after him. "I didn't mean to upset him," apologized Sam, remembering her ownemotional days.  "Don't worry about it Sam.  He's having one of his bad days."  Shepatted her arm in understanding and then followed after herhusband's retreating form."Hey, did he eat all his breakfast?" queried Harry as he watchedB'Elana leave the mess hall.  He seemed not to have noticed Tom'sagitation a few moments prior."I didn't notice Ensign.  If you'll excuse me."  She wondered howmuch longer Tom would be able to take the senior staff's not soinconspicuous attempts to look out for him before blowing.And now the fact that the crew were starting to figure out thatsomething was going on.  She hoped that when they found out that itwould not be the disaster that the couple kept envisioning.  Shedecided to talk to them, warn them that their secret probablywasn't going to be a secret much longer.  *****Tom and Chakotay walked to the turbolift in silence after leavingthe commander's quarters.  B'Elana had been called away toengineering and said she would join them at the staff meeting, forthe two of them to continue the session without her.  The two spentthe remaining time not really talking about anything, Tom's mindseemed focused elsewhere.The turbolift doors opened and both men entered.  Chakotay calledfor the bridge and noticed that Tom was rubbing the back of hisneck, his eyes were closed and he looked to be having somediscomfort."Are you all right, Tom?" he asked innocently.Tom flinched.  He was so tired of everyone asking if he was allright.  Four months of his *friends* watching his every move,always checking up on him, nagging him about his eating andsleeping habits, it was getting to be too much.  "Computer halt lift," he turned to glare at the older man, foldinghis arms in front of him.  "Commander, permission to speak freely."Chakotay was a bit startled, normally if Tom had something to say,he just said it regardless of the consequences.  "By all means,Lieutenant," he stated and turned to face the young man before him,keeping his posture relaxed.  He didn't want Tom to think that hewas looking for a confrontation."No offence, Commander, but how I'm feeling is none of yourbusiness.  And that goes for everyone else, too.  I don't need tobe watched as if I were a three year old.  I am quite capable oflooking after myself, even in my present condition.  So butt out.""First thing, Lieutenant," he began, trying not to show hisamusement.  He knew that eventually their *looking out* for himwould get to him.  But he had to give Tom credit, he lasted fourmonths, a lot longer then he thought he would.  Somehow keeping astraight face, he continued, "as the first officer of Voyager, thewelfare of every member of this crew is my concern.  Second, weknow that you are capable of looking out for yourself.  However,given your pension for finding trouble and in your presentcondition, everyone was simply concerned for your well being.  Andthird, as your friend I have no intention of butting out.  None ofus do."Tom sighed in resignation and shook his head, "Commander, with alldue respect, you are all driving me crazy," he started pacingaround the small space.  Chakotay backed up to the wall to give himroom.  "Lieutenant," Chakotay called, keeping the discussion formal, "ifit bothers you that much, why haven't you said anything?"Tom was silent.  Chakotay began to wonder if he would answer.  "Ididn't want to hurt anyone's feelings."  He had stopped pacing andwas again facing the first officer, one hand unconsciously rubbingup and down his stomach.Chakotay tried not to show his concern or watch the stroking motionof Tom's hand.  The fact that they didn't know how Tom's pregnancywould effect him physically, made the first officer a littlenervous.  But, Tom needed to talk, not have someone panic on him. "Tom, we both know the Captain and B'Elana can be very stubbornpeople.  We all are, to some extent," Tom snorted in agreement,"but, we would not do anything intentionally to invade yourpersonal space or that would drive you crazy.  We care about you. You can't expect us not to."He threw his hands in the air.  "I know.  B'Elana has been tryingso hard not to hover.  I know she wants to take care of me, protectthe baby, I just--"  his voice trailed off as he turned to thewall, unable to express himself.  He brought his hands to his head,the headache that had begun during breakfast was starting to getworse."You just don't know how to handle people showing concern for you,"Chakotay speculated.Tom turned back around, a distant look in his eyes.  "I was raisedto be a Paris, never show anything that you didn't want people tosee.  Especially never show your real emotions."  Chakotay noticedthat Tom was shaking slightly, the hand was back caressing hisstomach, as if the motion was comforting him.The Commander remained silent, amazed that Tom Paris was opening upto him about his past.  He tried not to let the shock show on hisface."My father," his voice was strained as he spoke, "I loved himdearly, Chakotay, but he could never accept me for who I was.  Iwas expected to follow in his footsteps, carry on the Paristraditions.  And for him I tried.  I wanted him to be proud of me. But, I could never live up to his ideals and expectations.  Ilearned to fend for myself, only caring about myself because no oneelse would, not unless it concerned my career."  He paused as hetried to gather his thoughts and emotions.Chakotay noticed the unveiled sadness in the blue eyes.  "Tom, youare not the same person you were back then.  You have a wife,friends, a life here on Voyager that is of your own making, notyour father's."  He rested a tentative hand on Tom's shoulder.  "Wecare about you.  If we're hovering too much, tell us.  It probablywon't stop," there was a smile playing at the corners of his mouthas he continued, "but at least you will have gotten it out in theopen and not kept it bottled up inside."Leaning against the wall, Tom folded his arms in front of him."Gee, Commander, sounds like you're saying I have a hard timeexpressing myself," he joked, deciding it was time to lighten themood.Chakotay laughed and stepped back.  Neither said anything for a fewmoments.  Even after almost five years together, the two rarelytalked to each other about anything other then work."Thanks, Commander," Tom said uncomfortably."You're welcome," he smiled, knowing that Tom was uneasy aboutrevealing so much about himself to his one time enemy.  "Nowlieutenant, do you feel up to attending the staff meeting?"Tom looked at the Commander questioningly.  Once again rubbing hishand over his expanding stomach."I just wanted to make sure you were okay.  As a friend.  I noticedyou rubbing the back of your neck when we got in the lift and thatyou've been rubbing your hand across your stomach off and on sincewe started talking."  Chakotay gestured to the continuing motion ofthe pilot's hand.Tom looked down and realized that the Commander was right.  Hequickly stopped and again folded his arms across his chest.  "I'mfine, just a bit of a headache," stated Tom, waving off anyconcern.Chakotay ordered the computer to resume, not really believing him,but after this little talk, he had no intention of pushing thematter.*****Tom sat on the couch in his quarters trying to focus on the datapadd in front of him.  After his *talk* with Chakotay that morning,the rest of the day had gotten progressively worse.  B'Elana's summons to engineering resulted in the news that theirdilithium and deuterium supplies were contaminated, due to someparticle cloud they had inadvertently passed through during thenight.  She and the Captain had spent the rest of the day trying tocome up with possible solutions to save some of their reservesupplies.  Tom hoped for the best, but when his wife was unable tojoin him for lunch or dinner, he knew things were not looking good.Since he was on his own for lunch, Tom thought that he would beable to eat in relative peace and quiet and catch up on some connreports.  Instead he found himself under the curious gaze of aeveryone entering or leaving the room.  Even Neelix had gone out ofhis way to checkup on him about every five minutes.Quickly finishing his meal, he reported to sickbay for his weeklycheckup, more then a little uneasy.  There he found the Doctor inone of his impatient moods and was quickly ushered into one of theprivate rooms.  Tom had hoped that by having the exams behindclosed doors, it would lessen the chances that someone wouldaccidently walk in and discover his condition.Once he was settled on the bio-bed, the Doctor began his scans,complaining the entire time about how no one ever seemed to be ableto follow his instruction.  He then proceeded to ream Tom for hisnot gaining enough weight, which the overbearing medicalpractitioner took to mean that he wasn't eating properly.  Whichcould only mean that there had to be other instructions that Tomwas ignoring.  No matter what Tom said to reassure him that he hadbeen following the diet and everything else that he had been toldto do, the Doc didn't seem to believe him.When Harry came by sickbay to get something for a headache andstopped by to see how things were going, Tom thought that he mightbe saved.  Turned out that Harry ended up helping the Doctor,bringing up his fall off the bed and that he hadn't seen Tom finishhis breakfast that morning.  Harry quickly left sickbay when Tomthreatened to shoot him out an airlock and accused him of no longerbeing his friend.  After a half hour of constant lecturing, Tom was finally releasedback to duty.  He scurried out of the Doctor's lair, thankful thatHarry's big mouth hadn't gotten him an extended stay.  As it was,he was going to get his best friend back for the half an hour oftorture he had been put through.Now sitting in his quarters, waiting for his missing spouse, he wastrying to organize a training schedule for his student pilots. When Janeway had made him chief conn officer, she also gave him theresponsibility of training and re-certifying Voyager's pilots.  Thebeginning had been difficult, no one wanted to give him a chance,but orders were orders and despite what they thought, they couldn'tdispute his abilities.  Not that they didn't try, but he knew whathe was capable of, no matter what they threw at him, he just threwit right back.  He had been given a second chance, one he was notgoing to waste by letting trivial remarks and threats get to him.He looked at the padd in his hand and again tried to concentrate. With three different work schedules and his trainees working inevery department on the ship, setting up a schedule that didn'tinterfere with their normal ship duties took time and patience. Unfortunately, Tom was finding it difficult keep his mind on thearduous task."Time," Tom called to the computer while trying to rub the kinksout of his neck and shoulders with his free hand."The time is 21:30."He sighed and set the data padd aside.  He was getting nowhere,especially while he was so tired.  The downside of being pregnant,even if you had free time, you were to tired to do anything otherthan sleep.  He walked to the replicator and asked for a cup oftea.  Not the same as a good cup of coffee, but caffeine was one ofthe Doctor's no-nos.With tea in hand, he sat back down on the couch, taking time to tryand make himself comfortable.  Once settled, he picked up the datapadd and started reviewing the information while sipping his tea. Somehow he had to come up with a tentative schedule to present tothe first officer that would appease him and the captain.After some more intense scrutiny and shuffling, Tom sent theinformation to the respective computer terminals and dropped thepadd back on the coffee table.  He hoped that they would be happywith the proposed schedule.  Setting the tea cup down, he turned togaze at the stars moving by.  With their mineral supplies so low,they were trying to limp to the next star system in hopes offinding enough of the minerals they needed to keep Voyageroperational.He took a deep breath and realized that he was stroking his stomachagain and looked down.  Ever since that morning in the turboliftwith Chakotay, he had been very aware that he was constantlyrubbing his hand over the small bulge there.  He didn't know why hewas doing it, just that he found comfort in the motion andsensation.The Captain's favorite saying was that in Starfleet, weird was partof the job.  He, Tom Paris, was having a baby, things couldn't getmuch weirder than that.  The thought continued to send chills uphis spine, he was still having a hard time believing it all.  Ifthere was one thing that he never thought he would have thepleasure of enjoying, it was the prospect of being a father.  Notwith the way he had messed up his life.Turning back to watching the stars he wondered what his fatherwould think of his current situation.  Would he be happy for him? That he had found a new life here on Voyager?  He was acommissioned officer?  A member of the senior staff?  Found love? Was now married?  That he was going to be a father?  Tom wonderedif he would be a good father to his daughter.  Would he stand byher, no matter what?He tried to stifle the jaw wrenching yawn that caught him offguard.  Sighing in resignation, putting his doubts and questions tothe back of his mind, he climbed to his feet and deposited the teacup in the recycler.  Apparently his wife was going to be gone abit longer.Fighting back another yawn, he carefully made his way into thebedroom and quietly got ready for bed.  He looked at thechronometer, hoping that B'Elana would make it back before too muchlater.  But he knew his wife, she would stay until every possiblesolution had been thrown out or a resolution had been found.  Hefelt for her staff, when she got fired up about something, she tookthem along for the ride, no matter how bumpy.Calling for lights out, he crawled under the covers and tried tomake himself comfortable.  He hoped that tomorrow would be a betterday, he wasn't sure how much more he could take and he had nodesire to hear another lecture on stress management from theDoctor.  Once settled he quickly forgot his worries and fell soundasleep.Tom awoke sometime later to the sound of Klingon cursing.  Heturned his sleep filled eyes to the door to see B'Elana stumbleinto the darkened room, her form silhouetted by the dim living roomlights."Computer, lights up one quarter," he said while trying to rub thesleep out of his eyes."Sorry," B'Elana said softly while moving to the bathroom rubbingher head."What time is it?" asked Tom, propping himself up on his elbows."Late.  Go back to sleep, love," she replied while changing intoher pajamas and getting ready for bed.  She really had tried to bequiet.  Finding her husband already asleep, she had been watchinghim rather than where she was going.  She proceeded to trip over achair leg and while trying to regain her balance and not yell outin pain, she ran into the wall.  Luckily Tom hadn't noticed, he'dnever let her live it down."Is everything all right?"B'Elana mumbled something to herself, threw her uniform into therefresher and climbed under the covers.  She called for lights outand wrapped her arms around her husband, forcing him to lay backdown.He tried not to laugh as she made herself comfortable, ending upwith an arm draped over his chest and her head resting on hisshoulder.  Teasingly, he asked, "Don't want to talk about it?"  "It's been a long, depressing day.  I'll tell you about it in themorning.  Right now I just want to go to sleep.  Now close youreyes and pretend that I didn't wake you up."Tom snuggled down, wrapping his arms around his wife.  He planteda kiss on the top of her head and closed his eyes.  *****"Alarm off."Kathryn threw the pillow over her face, not wanting to get up.  Shedidn't want to have to deal with any more problems.  They hadmanaged to drag themselves to the next star system and had foundseveral uninhabited planets rich in mineral deposits, finallysomething going their way.  They were now orbiting the first planetand were ready to begin the arduous task of mining what theyneeded.  Their scans showed that there was more than enough fortheir needs, she just prayed that they were able to complete themining before any trouble came alone.  Sighing she moved the pillow back behind her head and called forthe lights.  She heard a sigh of exasperation followed by grumbling from theother side of her bed."Sorry," she said unrepentantly.  Only to find herself enveloped inthe arms of her first officer, her lips captured by his.  The kisslong and searching, neither one wanting to break away.Finally, when the need for air became too much, Kathryn pulled herlips away from his and snuggled down to rest her head on hisshoulder, allowing herself a brief moment of reprieve as theCaptain."Good morning to you too," she said to him as her hand began todraw circles on his bare chest.Chakotay closed his eyes and rubbed his hand up and down her back,losing himself in the feeling of the woman he loved lying next tohim.  They had had so little time for themselves lately, it feltgood to just lie there, holding her in his arms.  After a few minutes of silence, he sighed and made the first moveto get up and begin the day.  "Come on, Kathryn, time to get up." He moved to detach himself and get out of the bed.Janeway latched on to him, trying to keep him on the bed.  She knewthat he could easily break her hold, but he allowed himself to beheld down.  "Just a few more minutes," she begged.Chakotay laughed and kissed the top of her head.  "Thinking aboutplaying hooky, Captain?"Kathryn sighed and looked up at her lover.  She hated it when hereferred to her as *Captain* when they weren't on duty, especiallywhen they were in bed together, it reminder her that they werebreaking the rules.  "Maybe.  But somehow I don't think we'd beable to find any place to hide."  She released him and sat up."You're right, no ship can do without it's Captain."  He gave hera quick kiss on the cheek and climbed off of the bed.  "Mind if Iget cleaned up?" he asked while heading into the bathroom.Janeway didn't even bother to respond, just watched as he removedwhat little clothing he still had on and climbed into the shower. She gave him a few moments to get the water going and then climbedoff the bed.  Dropping her nightgown, she walked over to thebathroom with a mischievous grin on her face.  She quietly openedthe shower door and joined him."Well, that certainly didn't save any time," remarked Chakotay ashe watched Kathryn comb out her short, red hair.  They were bothfinally dressed and ready to begin another day."Who said anything about trying to save time," she stated with adevilish grin.  She set down her brush, gave him a lecherous onceover and headed into the living room.Chakotay just shook his head and followed her.  "Mess hall?"  Withtheir power supply so low, they were unable to keep the replicatorsfully operational.  They were all but shut down except foremergencies.Janeway sighed.  All she really wanted was a good, strong cup ofcoffee, not a Neelix wannabe substitute.  She fleetingly thoughtabout ordering half a cup, Captain's prerogative.  Shaking herhead, she quickly threw that thought out.  She was a member of thecrew and she was not going to take advantage of her rank.Noticing her longing look, Chakotay tried not to laugh.  "Kathryn?""Right, mess hall."  She moved to the door.  "But first we need tostop by sickbay.""Sickbay?"Janeway walked out the door, followed by her first officer.  "TheDoctor asked to speak with me this morning.  I have a feeling ithas to do with Lieutenant Paris."Chakotay cringed.  He had spoken with the Captain, Tuvok and theDoctor after Tom's out burst in the turbolift the other day. Everyone had agreed to back off, not be so obvious about watchinghim.  The Doctor, especially, wasn't happy about being told to letup on the man.  Chakotay could just imagine what he had planned forTom now.Janeway saw her first officer tense up.  "Don't worry, Commander,I haven't forgotten our talk.  And I'm quite sure the Doctor hasn'teither.  He probably wants to remind us what Tom can't do while therest of us are re-supplying," Janeway tried not to smile at thememory of Chakotay chewing the Doctor out when he didn't see theneed to comply with the Commanders request.  It had been quite asight.  "However, it doesn't stop me from worrying about him.""I know."  They entered the turbolift and she called for deck five. He gave her a small smile, hoping that this visit wouldn't turninto a yelling match.  "So, let's see what the Doctor has beenplotting now."As the lift doors closed, Gerron stepped out of the alcove he hadbeen working in.  After overhearing the conversation of the shipscommanding officers, he quickly gathered his tools and headed outto find Megan.  Another piece to add to the puzzle they were tryingto solve.  Most of the crew had offered up their own observationsand concerns over the past week, adding to the growing list.  Theywere all determined to find out what was going on with Voyager'schief helmsman.*****End Part 1--------------834F4E23EC3E066F3DEF7F49Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; name="Stv-Unexpected Changes-pt.2.txt.txt"Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bitContent-Disposition: inline; filename="Stv-Unexpected Changes-pt.2.txt.txt"UNEXPECTED CHANGESBy: R. MackenzieDated:  January 4, 1999Setting:  Alternate universe, takes place after the fourth season.           The crew of Voyager must deal with a strange, unexpected          pregnancy.Disclaimer:  Paramount owns them, I'm just borrowing them.Part 2*****The next few days passed quickly for everyone but Tom who wasunable to help with the manual labor per the Doctor's orders.  Thatleft him in charge of the skeleton crews assigned to the bridgewhile everyone else put in time on away teams or in engineering. And unfortunately for him, boredom had set in after the firstcouple of hours.  There wasn't much to do while in a standardorbit.  He tried to look busy while sitting at the helm,occasionally cracking a joke to liven up the mood, but it wasbecoming increasingly more difficult as the days went by.By the fifth day, Tom was trying his best not to fall a sleep athis station.  The fact that he had been having trouble sleeping thelast few nights was not helping him conquer the stagnant time onthe bridge."Lieutenant?"Tom turned to Jenny Delaney who had been assigned to Ops for themorning, thankful for the distraction.  "Yes, Ensign?"  "The scanners are picking up a ship entering the system."Tom stood and walked toward the upper bridge section, motioning foranother crew member to take the helm.  "What type of ship?"  Theirscans of the four major planets and several orbiting moons in thesystem had shown no intelligent life forms.  He wondered where theship could have come from."Unable to determine, sir.  They're on a direct course forVoyager."  Jenny tapped a few more buttons, anxious to make sureshe had gathered all the information her superior would need. "They're hailing us.""On main viewer."  Tom turned his attention to the incomingtransmission.As the screen shifted to show their visitors, he tried not to laughout loud.  They looked like pigs.  Their faces were round and pink. Their eyes were large, dark orbs and their nose looked like a pig'ssnout.  He wasn't sure that the fuzz on their heads could beconsidered hair, but there wasn't really enough of it to worry toomuch about it.  The only thing they didn't seem to have were thebig floppy ears that he had seen on normal pigs.  In fact, itdidn't appear that they had ears at all, just indentations oneither side of their faces, toward the back of the head.  Veryweird.Quickly putting on his professional face, not wanting to offendthem by staring, he addressed their unexpected visitors.  "This isLieutenant Tom Paris of the Federation Starship Voyager."  The two men looked at each other, and then responded.  Tom wasmildly surprised that they didn't start grunting.  "We areTugstens.  I Re'Ebb," he pointed to himself and then his companion,"this Be'Agg."  "Is there something we can do for you?" Tom stood in the middle ofthe bridge, back straight, hands behind his back."Need help.  You have food?" Re'Ebb asked.Tom was grateful that they got right to the point, he hated havingto bother with diplomacy.  "I can check our stores.  How much fooddo you need?"  They had found an abundance of edible fruits andvegetables on the planet, there was plenty to spare."Just us two.  Couple weeks worth.  Long trip to go."  He looked atTom expectantly."I'll see what we can do and contact you in a few minutes.  Parisout."  Paris motioned for Jenny to cut the transmission."I wonder how much a couple weeks supply will be," commentedCrewman Miller who was filling in at tactical.Tom smiled as he contacted the Captain.  She would have to approveany aid given, not that he foresaw a problem, but she was the boss.A few minutes later Tom contacted the Tugstens with the Captainsagreement to give the requested aid."Good.  We come see what you got.""If you could let us know what is acceptable and how much, we willtransport it over."  Tom found the two very amusing in theirnervous interaction with each other and him, but he wasn't entirelysure that he wanted them on his ship.Re'Ebb turned and quickly spoke to his companion.  Tom waitedsilently for them to respond.  "We need see what you got.  Wetr-tr-tr...we come there."Tom tried not to laugh at Re'Ebb's inability to pronounce the wordtransport.  "One moment please."  He motioned to Jenny to mute thetransmission.  "Paris to Janeway.""Janeway here.""Captain, our visitors would like to check out our supplies forthemselves.  Apparently they don't think us capable of pickingtheir food for them.""Have the sensors picked up anything?""Our scans show nothing out of the ordinary.  They do have weapons,but nothing that could harm Voyager."  He had turned to look atEnsign Miller as he spoke.  If there had been any changes in thestatus of their visitors while he was relaying the information tothe Captain, the ensign would have let him know."Your discretion, Mr. Paris.  Janeway out.""Oh, this could be fun," commented Jenny, "I wonder if they walk onall fours?"Paris tried hard not to show his own amusement as he motioned forher to re-establish the connection with their soon to be guests. As he turned back to the screen, he noted that they were sittingclosely together, gesturing wildly while speaking softly to eachother.  To Paris it looked like they were arguing over something. He cleared his throat to get their attention.  "Re'Ebb, we would behonored to have you as our guests.  When would you like totransport over?"  "We come now.  You show us."  Re'Ebb pointed at Paris with hisstubby, three-digit hand.Tom gave them his professional Paris smile, the one that showed hewas preforming his duty and not going to find much pleasure in it. "I think that can be arranged.  Please stand by for transport. Paris out."  He ran a hand across his face and wondered how healways got himself into situations like this.  "Miller, you havethe bridge.  I'll be escorting our guests."  He ignored the smirkon Miller's face as he entered the turbolift.Entering transporter room one a few minutes later, he ordered theon duty crewman to beam their new friends over.  As theymaterialized Paris fought down the wave of nausea that passed overhim at the stench that filled the room.  Apparently their guestsdidn't believe in regular bathing."You Paris?" Re'Ebb pointed at him.Tom cleared his throat, hoping that he would be able to make itthrough the trip to the cargo hold.  "Yes.  Welcome aboard theStarship Voyager.""Good.  We go see what you got."Wanting this whole experience to be over as soon as possible, Tommotioned for Re'Ebb and Be'Agg to follow him out the door.  Heheard a sigh of relief from the crewman left behind as the airfiltration system kicked in.  Tom wished that he could be so lucky.*****"Emergency Medical Hologram to Captain Janeway.""Janeway here.  What is it Doctor?" Janeway tried not to show herannoyance at yet another interruption.  They were a day away fromhaving their mineral supplies completely restocked and she wastired of the interruptions.  She noticed Ensign Kim trying not tosmile at the tone in her voice."Captain, I have been unable to locate Mr. Paris.  He is tenminutes over due for his appointment."  The annoyance in theDoctor's voice was evident. "Have you tried contacting him?  I believe he was escorting acouple of guests to the cargo hold," Janeway responded, trying notto sound totally peeved at the hologram.  She was, after all, theCaptain.  Menial interruptions were part of the job."He's not responding to my hails and the computer is unable tolocate him."  The Doctor was put out that the Captain would thinkthat he hadn't exhausted all attempts to contact the troublesomeLieutenant before contacting her.Janeway sighed and hit her combadge.  "Janeway to Paris."  Shewaited for a minute, no response.  "Lieutenant Paris, respond." Still no answer.  "Computer, what's the location of LieutenantParis?""Unable to comply."Janeway noticed Kim's anxious face as he turned to face hiscommanding officer.  "Computer, what was the last know location ofLieutenant Paris?""Cargo hold two.""How long ago did his combadge signal last register?" Janewaydidn't like the sound of this.  "Eighteen minutes, thirty-two seconds."Kim began an internal scan of the ship, hoping that his best friendwas okay.  "Captain, I'm detecting an unknown energy signaturecoming from transporter room one.  It's scrambling our sensors," hetapped a few more buttons, "our scans can't penetrate it.  But ourguests are there, getting ready to leave.""Janeway to bridge," she called as she headed out of engineering,motioning Kim to follow her."Bridge.  This is Miller.""Mr. Miller, I want a security detail to transporter room oneimmediately.  Our guests are not to be allowed to leave.  I'm on myway there now," Janeway ordered as she broke into a run for theturbolift.  She tried to keep her mind from imaging any number ofhorrible things that could have happened to her helms officer. "Also, send a detail to cargo hold two.  Have them report anythingthey find to me.  Janeway out."Janeway and Kim reached the room to find two security officersalready there, phasers trained on the two aliens who were coweringbehind two rectangular storage containers on the middle of thetransporter pad."What mean this?" Re'Ebb demanded of Janeway as she walked into theroom, his eyes darting between her and the security officers."Where is Lieutenant Paris?" demanded Janeway, ignoring questionasked of her.  She noticed the anxious looks that pasted betweenthe two.  They became more agitated as they watched Ensign Kim pickup a tricorder and begin a scan of the room."We no know.  Left in hold, left by food.""Captain," began Crewman Carter, their guests had led her tobelieve that Paris had given them what they needed and then leftthem alone, assigning her to return them to the transporter room. "Lieutenant Paris wasn't in the cargo hold when I arrived.  Thesetwo were standing by these two storage containers and said that theLieutenant had already given then what they needed.  I just assumedthat he had begun without me and had then been called away.""Captain, the energy signature is coming from the second storagecontainer," Kim interrupted, stopping his scan and looking towardhis Captain for further instructions."Open it."As Kim took a step toward the transporter pad the two aliensstarted mumbling and gesturing frantically."Ours.  You give.  Ours."  They went to step around the containersto stop them, then remembered that there were weapons pointed atthem.  They quickly returned to their previous positions ofcowering.Janeway motioned for Carter and the transporter operator to helpmove the top container so they could get to the bottom one.  Thesecurity team ushered the aliens to stand against the wall justincase they actually got up the nerve to try and stop them.The room was silent as Janeway, Kim and the crewmen labored tocomplete their task.  The containers were about four feet long,three feet wide and two feet deep, Kim wondered how they could havestuffed Tom into one.  The thought that a dead body was easy tofold turned his blood cold.  He worked faster to get the lid off.Once removed, Harry gasped as Janeway quickly knelt down to feelfor a pulse on the twisted body within.  Janeway turned to thetransporter operator.  "Beam him to sickbay.  Now!"  She stood backas the crewman quickly returned to his station and began tomanipulate the controls.  "Janeway to sickbay.  Medical emergency. Mr. Paris is being transported to you."  Taking a deep breath asshe ended the transmission, she walked over to address the groupagainst the wall."Would you be so kind as to tell me what you thought you were goingto do with my lieutenant?" Janeway glared at them as she spoke, hervoice icy.The eyes of the two Tugstens were riveted on the angry woman beforethem.  Harry could see them see shaking in fear, their arms wrappedaround each other."We take prize.  Much want for him."  Re'Ebb didn't like the short,fiery haired woman, her eyes were mean and they made him afraid."Explain.""He wanted back.  We return for much.""Who wants him back?""Stimmums.  He wanted back much.  No harm meant.  Need what givethey.  Much need."  Re'Ebb hoped that he could convey that theydidn't mean any harm, they just thought that since the opportunityhad presented itself, why not try and take advantage of it andcollect the reward.  It had seemed like a good idea at the time."I don't care what your reasons are.  You had no right to assaultand then try and kidnap one of my crew."  Janeway took a stepforward, hands on her hips and green eyes blazing with anger.  Shewatched as they tried to move themselves closer against the wall. Musing that if they could, they would have become apart of it toget away from her.  "This is your only warning.  NO ONE harms amember of my crew.  Now get off my ship."She motioned for everyone to clear off the transporter pad and thenordered the Tugstens to be beamed back to their ship."Gentlemen, I suggest you get as far away from my ship as possiblebefore I have a change of heart and have your ship incinerated."The transporter beam whisked them away before anything furthercould be said."Thank you, gentlemen, you can stand down.  Crewman, have the firstcontainer beamed back to the cargo hold.  Beam the other to thesecurity office for analysis.   Mr. Kim, you're with me."  Janewayquickly made her way out of the transporter room, anxious to get tosickbay and make sure that Tom was all right.The four crewmen watched as the two senior officers practically ranout of the room.  They had quite a bit to add to the on goingmystery of Tom Paris and what they weren't being told."Report," ordered Janeway as she and Harry stepped through thedoors of sickbay.The Doctor, just completing his initial scan, waited for the twoofficers to reach the bed before responding.  "Luckily Mr. Paris'shead is as thick as it is.  He has a concussion.""The baby?""I have not yet finished my scans, Mr. Kim," the Doctor replied ashe moved his scans to cover all of Tom's prone figure.  "Wouldsomeone care to tell me how Mr. Paris came to be in the conditionhe is now in?""Someone tried to kidnap him.  They knocked him out and stuffed himin one of our storage containers," Kim replied anxiously.  He hopedthat they had been in time.No one saw a stunned Megan Delaney retrace her steps back into thestore room she had just exited to offer her assistance.  She stoodquietly, listening intently to all that was being said, the piecesof the puzzle that they had been gathering were now making perfectsense."When will he regain consciousness?" inquired Janeway.  Sherealized that she let the would be kidnappers go before finding outexactly what they had done to her pilot.  If his condition wasanything other then okay, Janeway was more then prepared to huntthe slimy assailants down and let them have it."The blow to his head was severe, however, I expect that he willawaken any time now.  No doubt to bless us with his witty charm,"the Doctor replied while continuing his scans.The sound of people running down the corridor stopped Janeway fromasking any further questions.  She had contacted Chakotay as theymade their way to sickbay to appraise him of the situation.  Shesmirked at the thought that it didn't take him long to relay theinformation and for he and B'Elana to return to the ship.  As thedoors opened, she was surprised to see not only her first officerand B'Elana, but also Ensign Wildman and Tuvok.  B'Elana didn'tstop until she was by her husband's side, his hand clasped in hers."Is he all right?" she asked breathlessly.  When Chakotay informedher that Tom had been attacked she had nearly crawled out of herskin while waiting for him so they could return to the ship.  Shenervously waited for the Doctor's reply."As I was just telling the Captain and Mr. Kim, I have not yetcompleted my scans.  However, Mr. Paris has received yet anotherconcussion.  Nothing that my skills and some rest can't take careof, as he is well aware of..."  The Doctor stopped commentingfurther as his attention was drawn to the tricorder in his hands."What?  What's wrong?"  "If appears that Mr. Paris's assailants were not very gentle withhim.  I'm detecting some slight tearing away of the womb from theabdominal wall.""How serious is it?"  "Will they be all right?"  Janeway andChakotay asked at the same time."I'll need to repair the damage," he stated matter-of-factly as helooked at the people surrounding the bio-bed.  The concern and fearon their faces made the hologram realize that once again he hadfailed in his bedside manners.  He softened his voice as hecontinued speaking.  "The damage is minimal and the surgery torepair it is minor.  All scans show the baby and Mr. Paris to bejust fine."  He noticed the relief pass over their faces.  "I'llpreform the surgery as soon as the surgical bay is ready."  Samleft the group to begin preparations before the Doctor could voicethe order.  "Mr. Paris will have to be relieved of duty for a fewdays to recuperate.""Thank you, Doctor."  Janeway noticed the tears beginning tosilently fall down B'Elana's face.  She quietly put her hand on theyoung woman's shoulder.  "B'Elana, we need to leave so the Doctorcan begin."B'Elana silently nodded her head then bent down to place a kiss onher mate's forehead and placed his hand back on the bio-bed.  Shethen allowed the Captain to escort her out of the sickbay.  Once inthe hallway, B'Elana wiped away her tears and demanded to know whathad happened."Let's discuss this in my ready room."  She had no desire to add tothe gossip that was no doubt already working it's way around theship about the latest incident involving the ever unlucky helmsofficer.*****Tom didn't want to wake up.  He was tired and he wanted to sleep,however, the hand persistently shaking his shoulder wouldn't letup."Come on B'Ella, just a few more minutes," he mumbled, pulling thecovers tighter around himself."Mr. Paris."Realizing that B'Elana's voice wasn't that deep, he quickly openedhis eyes to find himself staring at the ever pleasantly drabceiling of sickbay."Not you again," Tom stated as the Doctor's face came into view. He closed his eyes hoping that he was just having a bad dream,unable to recall what could have happened to land him in sickbayyet again."Mr. Paris, please open you eyes."Reluctantly, detecting the tone of the Doctor's voice, Tom did ashe was asked, this time letting his eyes rove around the room. "What happened?" he asked noting that B'Elana and the Captain werestanding on the other side of him, B'Elana had her hand wrappedaround his, trying hard not to look overly worried."What is the last thing you remember, Tom?" questioned Janeway.  Hecould hear the concern in her voice and see the worry etched on herface as well.He took a moment to organize his thoughts before answering.  "I waswalking those smelly pig guys, the Tugstens, to the cargo hold. What a treat that was," the sarcasm evident in his voice, "we werewaiting for Ensign Carter to join us to show us what supplies werewhat.  That's about it."  He looked at the faces that weresurrounding his bed.  "Why, what happened?  Did I pass out orsomething?"  It hadn't happened yet, but he figured it was bound tohappen eventually.  Just another embarrassing side effect of his*condition*."Tom, you and the baby are going to be fine," B'Elana stated.  Shesounded like she was trying to reassure herself of that fact as shesaid it to her husband."What happened?" he asked with more urgency, noting the tone in hervoice.  His free hand automatically moving to his stomach forreassurance.  His movements seemed sluggish and when his hand cameto rest on his stomach he noticed the slight pain the contactcreated."It would appear as though you have a price on your head, Mr.Paris," stated the Doctor, glad for once to know something beforethe know-it-all-pilot.The Captain shot him her sternest, disapproving Janeway look.  TheDoctor shrugged his shoulders and said nothing further."It seems our *guests* decided to take you for a trip.  They hityou over the head and stuffed you in one of the storage containers. We were able to stop them before they could leave the ship." Janeway noted Tom's eyes growing wider as she spoke.  "This is some kind of joke, right?" he asked as he looked to thefaces surrounding him.  The look on their faces affirmed that itwasn't.  He closed his eyes, needing a moment to digest everythingthat had been said.  "What's this about a price on my head?" heasked while tightening the grip on his wife's hand.He opened his eyes in time to see Janeway shoot daggers at theDoctor.  "The Tugstens were trying their hand at bounty hunting. Trust me, they didn't know what they were doing.""Bounty hunting?  Who would put a price on my head?"  Althoughstill trying to take everything in, they could see that Tom wasbecoming agitated.  B'Elana noticed the Doctor moving closer tomonitor Tom's vital signs, while casting glances at the hypospraysitting on a nearby medical tray."Tom, stay calm," she stated softly."Stay calm?" he asked incredulously.  "You tell me that someone hasassaulted me, tried to kidnap me and that there's a price on myhead and you want me to stay calm.  You've got to be kidding.  Whywould someone put a price on my head?"  Even though he could thinka little more clearly, his mind still seemed to be in a fog.  Whocould possibly want to put a price on his head, out here 50,000light years from his past?"It was the Stimmums, Tom," B'Elana stated as she began to run herfingers through his hair.  By accident she had discovered that thefeel of someones fingers running through his hair had a calmingeffect on him, it seemed to take the stress and agitation right outof him almost every time.  She hoped that he wouldn't fight it now,the Doctor was starting to get that annoyed look on his face. "They want you back.""Why?  What's going on Captain?"  His concerned eyes focused onhers in hopes of finding answers there.  Whatever they wanted, theStimmums couldn't have it.  They were never going to get theirhands on his baby or them again.  He'd see to that."I'm sorry, Tom, the only thing we got out of the Tugstens was thatthe Stimmums were offering a reward, to apparently anyone, thatcould return you to them." "Great," he sighed.  Tired of laying there, he tried to sit up onlyto have three sets of hands immediate try and hold him down.  "Yousaid I was fine.  Why can't I at least sit up?""You *are* fine, Mr. Paris," came the Doctor's clipped reply,"however, you've just been through minor surgery.  You're bodyneeds time to recuperate.""Minor surgery?" Tom's eyes grew as big saucers again.  "What minorsurgery?  What happened?"  Just what had those pig guys done tohim?"Tom," the Captain tried to keep her voice soothing, "when theTugstens put you in the crate they weren't exactly gentle about it. Apparently, the Stimmums haven't mentioned your condition.  TheTugstens didn't know you were pregnant.""There was some tearing along the abdominal wall," the Doctorpicked up on the explanation.  "I have repaired the damage but youneed to rest.  You and your daughter are going to be fine."Tom's hand started caressing his stomach, ignoring the slight painit caused, needing the comfort.  "So, how long am I down for?" heasked in a resigned voice, wondering what else could possiblehappen."I'll keep you here overnight to make sure there are nocomplications.  You will then have four days of complete bed restin your quarters.  I'll determine if any more recuperation time isneeded then."  The Doctor's tone gave no room for argument, butthis was Paris he was talking to, he always had to argue."Four days in bed?" gripped Tom.  "What am I going to do for fourdays?""Rest," the Doctor stated emphatically.  "This is not open for adebate, Mr. Paris.  Your body needs time to heal.  If necessary, Iwill put you in one of the private rooms and supervise yourrecovery myself."Tom glared at the hologram."I didn't think you'd agree to that," he stated smugly.  "Also, tohelp me monitor your condition, I have implanted a fetal monitor. Based on past experiences with you, I have resorted to othermethods of making sure you and your daughter are all right."  If henoticed the peeved look on Tom's face, he ignored it and addressedhis two visitors.  "Now, my patient needs to rest.  Ms. Torres youcan pick him up tomorrow morning.  If anything changes I'll be sureto contact you both."  The Doctor nodded to them and then moved tohis office to make yet another entry to the ever expanding Parismedical file."That man is annoying," Tom stated disgustedly as the doctor walkedoff."But he's very right.  You do need your rest."  Janeway smiled athim sympathetically, "Please, try to not drive each other crazy. Just remember, you'll be out of here tomorrow if you can behave." With a motherly pat on his arm and a nod to B'Elana, the Captainreturned to her duties, leaving the couple alone.B'Elana pulled a chair over, took his hand back in hers and offeredhim a comforting smile while continuing to run her fingers throughhis thinning hair.  "Close your eyes, Helmboy.""Who says I'm tired?" he teased, then tried to hide the yawn thatsnuck up on him.  "Maybe I want to talk some more.""Not if you want the Doctor to release you tomorrow.  He said youneeded to rest, so close your eyes and rest."Tom continued to look at his wife, wishing that she would crawl upon the bio-bed with him.  He fought the shiver that tried toconsume him and felt B'Elana's grip on his hand tighten.  The onlyreason he could see that the Stimmums would want him back would bebecause of the baby and he had no intention of letting them haveher.  But what was he going to do?  It was apparent that they weregoing to a great deal of trouble to get them back.B'Elana leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.  "Closeyour eyes, love," she whispered.  They would sort everything outwhen he was feeling better.Tom finally did as he was told, giving in to the calming effect ofher fingers running through his hair.*****"Ensign Kim, may I ask you a question?""Seven,"  Harry continued to work at the consol in the astrometriclab while responding to the ex-Borg's latest inquiry.  With thenews that the Stimmums were trying to get Tom back, they quicklyfinished their mining and left, at the same time the Captainordered complete diagnostics on all systems.  If someone triedanything again, they were going to be prepared.  "You know youdon't have to ask permission to ask me a question.""Yes.  But this is a question of a personal nature."That peaked Harry's interest.  He turned away from his work to lookat the woman that constantly occupied his thoughts.  "Okay.  What'syour question?"  Having to answer personal and often timesuncomfortable questions could always be expected with Seven."As you are best friends with Lieutenant Paris, I wanted to know ifit was true that he is expecting a child?" Seven asked bluntly.Harry nearly fell over, his eyes bugging out.  "W-W-What?""Is Lieutenant Paris pregnant?""W-W-Where.."  He closed his eyes and willed his mouth and tongueto behave.  He needed to find out how she knew.  "Where did youhear that from, Seven?" he demanded.Seven raised her implanted eyebrow, curious as to why Harry hadbecome so upset.  "This morning I over heard a conversation betweenseveral crew members.  They were planning a surprise for theLieutenant.  They said that he is pregnant.  Is it true?""Oh, man.  Oh, man."  Harry mumbled while pacing and tapping hisfinger to the side of his head.  "Think.  Come on, think."  Tom andB'Elana weren't going to be happy about this.  "Who was it, Seven,"he turned to face her, "who did you hear talking?""Ensigns Delaney and Nicolette, Crewmen Dalby and Gerron andLieutenant Carey.  Is something wrong, Ensign?"  She was oftensaying things that the crew found offensive or inappropriate.  ByHarry's reaction, she figured she had unintentionally done soagain."Computer, location of Lieutenant Torres?""Lieutenant Torres is in engineering."  Ignoring her question,Harry took a hold of Seven's arm and started for the door.  Harryhad no desire to tell a volatile half-Klingon that her secret wasout.  At least not by himself.  However, he knew that it would bebetter if she heard it from him and not through the rumor mill andthen hopefully he could keep her from killing anyone."Ensign Kim, I do not understand.  What is wrong?" Seven asked,while allowing Harry to drag her out of the lab.*****Tom sat quietly at one of the beach front tables at the holoresort,engrossed in a mystery novel, grateful to finally be out of theconfining space of his quarters.  He had finally been declared fitand released after the four days of enforced bed rest and theDoctor's constant hovering.  Thankful for a chance at some peaceand quiet, he immediately sought out a place that he could relaxand not have to worry about seeing too many people.The public holodeck program wasn't the best place, but since alphashift wasn't due to end for a couple hours and the staff assignedto gamma and beta shifts were either getting ready for duty or bed,Tom figured the holoresort would be pretty deserted.  He now satcontentedly by himself enthralled in the words scrolling beforehim.Nicolette, Gerron, Dalby and both Delaney sisters walked throughthe arch and scanned the room.  When Tom didn't answer his doorchime, they queried the computer as to his location and thusdetermined, they were now on a mission.  They found him sittingtoward the far end of the resort, facing away from the door,oblivious to everything going on around him.Tom felt someone sit down on either side of him and tore his eyesaway from his padd to see who his visitors were.  "Hey guys, what'sup?" he asked trying to sound at ease with the situation."Just wanted to see how you were doing?" Megan asked from the seatto his right.  "Yeah, you know after being almost kidnaped and all, we wanted tomake sure that you were all right," Sue explained from the seat tohis left."So, how are you?" asked Jenny who stood across from him withGerron and Dalby on either side of her."I'm just fine.  Thanks for asking," responded Tom congenially,keeping his tone light and friendly. "Something I can do for all ofyou?""How 'bout opening this?" Megan reached for the box Gerron hadbehind his back and laid it in front of Tom.  She hoped that theshaking of her hands wasn't obvious as she set the package down onthe table.  They had decided to do this, but now she was feelingvery nervous."What is it?" he asked suspiciously."Open it," prodded Jenny."Okay, sure."  Tom complied after a moments hesitation.  He reachedfor the box and removed the lid.  Sue swiftly set it aside allowinghim to reach inside.  Tom's chest suddenly felt very tight.  Hetook a moment to scrutinize the pink baby blanket, hoping that theydidn't see how nervous and uneasy he'd just gotten.  *How did theyknow?*  "What is it?"  Maybe, if he didn't acknowledge what it was,they would let it drop and he could make a hasty retreat."We wanted to offer you our congratulations," Megan explained,placing a kiss on his cheek, hoping that they just hadn't done thewrong thing."And let you know that the crew is very happy for you and B'Elana,"added Sue placing a kiss on his other check."And if you need anything," Gerron began."To just let us know," finished Dalby.Jenny walked around the table and wrapped her arms around him frombehind, giving him a big hug.  "We love you, Tom, and nothing makesus happier then to know that you're going to be a daddy."  Placinga quick kiss on the top of his head, she released her hold on him,but not before noticing the shaking he was trying to controlthroughout hisbody."Besides, it's about time there were more kids on this ship,"stated Sue.Megan saw that Tom looked about ready to faint.  "Now remember, ifyou need anything, don't hesitated to ask."  She gave him anotherkiss on the cheek followed by a hug and then with a jerk of herhead, the five well wishers left the holodeck.  Megan prayed thatthey had made the right decision in confronting Tom.  It was morethan apparent that he had not intended for anyone to know.Tom just sat there looking at the blanket in his hands.  It wasbeautiful.  But how could they have known, they had been socareful.  Who could have let it slip?  He began to run through thenames of the people that did know:B'Elana?  No.  Besides, she was just as afraid as he was aboutletting the crew know.Harry?  No.  He maybe a huge gossip, but if he was asked to keep asecret, he would.  Especially one such as this.The Captain?  No.  She'd never betray a confidence.Chakotay?  No.  They may not see eye to eye, but the commanderwould never break a promise.  Against his heritage or something.Tuvok?  No.  Too Vulcan.The Doctor?  A definite no.  Against his ethics and programming tosay anything about a patient.  Besides the threat of having hisprogram permanently rearranged.Sam?  Tom shook his head.  She had been there for him over the lastseveral months allowing him to talk, helping him understand thelittle and emotional things about his pregnancy.  She had beennothing but supportive and helpful.So how had they found out? He continued to look at the pink blanket.  It was obvious that notonly did they know that he was expecting, but they knew what it wasgoing to be.  Raising his head, he  noticed that he was beingwatched by the crew members still on the holodeck.  Quickly puttingthe blanket back in the box, he gathered his things and left.  Heneeded to think things through, away from curious, prying eyes.*****Janeway was trying her best to keep her chief engineer from killingSeven.  When Lieutenant Carey had called to say that they werecoming to blows, she figured it was over one of their normaldisagreements.  However, when she and Chakotay had enteredengineering they quickly realized that there was nothing normalabout this argument.  Chakotay immediately stepped in to help Harryrestrain B'Elana who was getting ready to strike the very confusedBorg."B'Elana, please," the Captain pleaded.  She was trying her best toquestion Seven only to have B'Elana continually interrupting her tothrow out curses and insults. "Seven, where did you hear aboutTom's condition?""As I have already told Ensign Kim, I overheard a conversationbetween Ensigns Delaney and Nicolette, Crewmen Dalby and Gerron andLieutenant Carey," Seven noticed the look the Captain sent Carey,the only member of the group present in engineering, "Since EnsignKim is friends with Lieutenant Paris it made sense to question himas to the validity of their claim.""Lieutenant Carey," Janeway motioned for the lieutenant to join thegroup.  She noticed him eyeing his immediate supervisor warily ashe moved toward the group making sure Janeway was between himselfand her.  "Would you care to enlighten us as to how you and theothers came to know about Mr. Paris's condition?"Before Carey could respond, the doors to engineering opened toadmit Megan Delaney, who stopped just inside the room, unsure ofwhat she should do."Ms. Delaney, please, join us," Janeway ordered, while motioningher to move into the room, "May I ask what brings you down here toengineering?""Um, reporting for duty, sir," she stated warily."Since you're here, maybe you could help Lieutenant Carey explainhow it is you found out about Mr. Paris's condition?"Megan tried to swallow her fear at the look on the Captain's face. She began to explain, speaking very rapidly.  "I was in sickbaywhen Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris was beamed in after that botchedkidnaping attempt.  I didn't mean to listen in, but I was stuck inthe store room and I, we," she waved her arm to encompass not onlyCarey but the other crew members that were at their stationspretending that nothing was going on, "have been so concerned aboutTom, I mean Lieutenant Paris lately.  He hasn't seemed himself inweeks and the Doc has him on restricted duty and you guys," shepointed toward her superior officers, "I mean the senior staff hasbeen constantly hovering around him.  And well, I, we, the wholecrew, figured that something was really wrong with Tom, I meanLieutenant Paris and that it was pretty serious because no one wastalking.  I, we didn't mean to hurt Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris,Captain, we really didn't.  We just wanted to let Tom, I meanLieutenant Paris know that we are really happy for him and B'Elanaand that I, we, think it's really neat that he's having a baby. I'm mean it's weird, a guy having a baby, but this is the Deltaquadrant, and we're in Starfleet, weird is part of the job, right,and as long as Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris is happy, who am I, weto say anything bad.  And we are really happy for Tom, I meanLieutenant Paris, Captain.  Really, truly.  I, we didn't mean toupset him or for the whole crew to start talking about it, butwell, you figure with a ship as small as Voyager, I guess it reallycouldn't stay a secret long.  I mean, have you looked at himlately?  He looks like he's pregnant, not that he's showing allthat much, because he really isn't considering how far along he is. But he has put on some weight, and these uniforms don't hideanything, and it's all focused in one spot pretty much.  Tom, Imean Lieutenant Paris is my, our friend, we just wanted to let himknow that we support him.  So, I'm really sorry that I was thereason the secret got out, I was just so excited, I mean I, wethought that Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris, was dying or somethingthe way all the senior officers kept such close tabs on him, evenChakotay, I mean Commander Chakotay and Tuvok, I mean CommanderTuvok.  So..."  Megan finally noticed the stunned looks on thefaces of the people in the room.  She quickly closed her mouth andwaited for her punishment.  She figured it was probably welldeserved, even though it was never her intent to hurt anyone,especially her friend.Trying not to show her amazement at the lung capacity of theEnsign, Janeway gave her and Carey a disappointed look, as sheasked, "Am I then to assume that your announcement of Mr. Paris'scondition was not intentional, Ensign?""No, never Captain, I..."Janeway cut her off with an upraised hand and turned to address herchief engineer.  "B'Elana, has Tom heard about any of this yet?"B'Elana quickly regained her senses, she had been just as stunnedas the others at Megan's rambling discourse.  Throwing a scowl atChakotay, she wrenched her arm out of his grip before addressingJaneway.  "I don't know.  I haven't had a chance to talk to himyet.""Um, Captain," Megan called nervously.Janeway tried not to roll her eyes.  "Yes, Ensign?""Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris knows, I mean I, we kind of mentionedit."  Chakotay and Harry both grabbed B'Elana as she lunged at theEnsign.  Megan, feeling a definite threat to her life, moved closerto Carey who was feeling his own fear and nervousness about thesituation."Lieutenant, contain yourself or I'll have security escort you tothe brig until you can remain calm."  Janeway waited for B'Elana toacknowledge what was being said before addressing Megan once again. "Would you care to elaborate, Ms. Delaney?"Swallowing the lump in her throat, Megan began her explanationwhile keeping one eye on B'Elana, thankful that Chakotay and Harrystill had a hold of her.  "Well, when word got out, the crew wantedto throw Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris a surprise baby shower.  Youknow, to say congratulations and all that.  But I, we figured thatsince Tom, I mean Lieutenant Paris is...""Ensign, Tom is fine," interrupted Janeway.  Maybe if she had fewerwords to say, it would speed her up."Yes, Captain," Megan acknowledged the suggestion and continuedwithout missing a beat, "Well, since it was obvious that Tom hadn'twanted people to know about his preg..his condition and all, I, wedidn't think it would be a good idea to throw him a party just yet. So, I, we decided to let him know, easy like, that we were happyfor him.  And we are, Captain, really we are, the whole crew is. Anyway, we hoped that by giving him a small gift and telling himthat that was the case, that he would understand.  We left him onthe holodeck just a few minutes ago."Janeway ran a hand over her tired facial features.  This day wasturning out to a very long one.  "Ensign, I understand that it wasnot your intent to let the proverbial cat out of the bag, but thatis exactly what you have done by your actions.  In the future mightI suggest that when you hear something that is obviously not yetfor the general knowledge of the crew, you refrain from passing theinformation along.  Talk to the parties involved before speaking toanyone else.  Consider yourselves on report and...""Emergency Medical Hologram to Lieutenant Torres."  Pulling her arms free again, B'Elana tapped her combadge.  "Torreshere.""Lieutenant, you're presence is required in sickbay.""Is there a problem, Doctor?  I'm somewhat occupied at the moment." She looked back and forth between her commanding officers."Ms. Torres, I have beamed Mr. Paris to sickbay.  I need to speakwith you regarding his condition."Chakotay, seeing the distress on his friends face, spoke for her,"Doctor, what seems to be the problem?""I'm sorry, Commander, I need to speak with Ms. Torres in person. I don't think either one of them need any further information addedto the rumor mill.""Doctor," intervened Janeway, "We'll be right there.  Janeway out." She ended the connection before the hologram could comment anyfurther.  "Ensign Kim, I assume that this incident interrupted yourassignment this morning?""Uh, yes, Captain," stammered Kim, shocked that he was beingaddressed about work when it was apparent that his friend was introuble."Then might I suggest that you return to your duties.  I expect areport on my desk by the end of shift today.  You and Seven aredismissed," ordered Janeway."B-but, Captain...."  Kim couldn't believe that Janeway would sendhim away without knowing what was wrong with Tom."Ensign," Janeway sighed as she saw the look on his face, "Harry,we'll contact you as soon as we know something.  Tom doesn't needan army rushing into sickbay.  Besides, we need those sensorsoperating at full capacity.""Yes, ma'am," he reluctantly acknowledged her order.  Motioning forSeven to join him, they quietly left engineering.  Seven made nocomment as she followed Harry out the door.  She figured that herquestions would be more appropriately asked when they were alone."Commander, please see to it that everything is taken care of here. You have the bridge.  B'Elana you're with me."  Janeway turned toleave before anyone else could question her orders, B'Elana quietlyfollowed her out.*****"Well?""Well, what?" Sam countered Megan's question.Megan rolled her eyes but continued her questioning, "Is he allright?"Sam looked over the group that had cornered her on the holodeck. Megan and her cohorts had been walking on eggshells since the newsthat Tom had been beamed to sickbay the day before.  She figuredthey deserved to squirm a little after all the trouble they hadcaused."The Doc released him yesterday.  He's in his quarters resting, yetagain, for a couple of days.""It wasn't serious was it?" questioned Sue wishing that Sam wouldjust give them the details without them having to beg for them."He had some false labor pains thanks to all the stress and anxietyhe'd been put under."  What she really wanted to tell them was thestress and anxiety they had put him under, but that would onlycause more problems."So, can he have visitors?"  Jenny was anxious to see how theirfriend was doing for herself.  She felt a little guilty for pushingher sister and the others into confronting Tom the way they had. Not that she didn't think they hadn't done the right thing, becauseas far as she was concerned they had, but they shouldn't have lefthim, they should have talked to him some more, really let him knowthat they were happy for him, that he had nothing to worry aboutfrom them.Sam looked at her incredulously.  If it hadn't been for them, Tomwouldn't be having the trouble he was now having.  "Why, so you canget him put back in sickbay again?" she hadn't intended for it tosound so harsh, but she was seriously wondering if they had anycommon sense among the lot of them."We never meant for him to wind up in sickbay," exclaimed Megan,she was hurt that Sam would think that they would intentionally doanything to hurt the man.  "We just want to tell him how sorry weare for what happened, that's all.""I would suggest that you take it up with Lieutenant Torres. Excuse me."  Sam quickly extracted herself from the group, pullingJoe away with her.  Somehow she was going to try and keep the manshe loved out of getting into anymore trouble."That was rude," Sue stated as Sam and Joe left the holodeck.The others nodded in agreement, not that they blamed Sam for beingso abrupt with them.  They had caused a bit of a problem over thelast week between the announcement of Tom's pregnancy andconfronting him."We need to decide what we're going to do now," Gerron spoke up,finally finding his voice."Whatever it is, we need to be a little more tactful," Dalby added,"I have no desire to spend any time in the brig over this. Janeway's not going to hesitate putting us in there and throwingaway the key if we cause anymore confrontations.""There won't be any brig time, we just have to plan morecarefully," Megan scolded.  They hadn't done anything wrong, theirtiming and method just could have been better.  "Come on, let'sfind a spot somewhere and discuss what's next."*****The next couple of weeks passed without any incidents.  Tomreturned to duty, fielding general questions as to his health butno one pushed the subject of his pregnancy, everyone seemed to justexcept his condition, much to his relief.He was still leery around the Delaneys and that group, but they'dpretty much left him alone other then to stop by their quarters andapologize.  Tom was just grateful that B'Elana hadn't been home,she still hadn't entirely forgiven them for spilling the news.All in all, it had been a quiet, relaxing couple of weeks, with theexception of one over enthusiastic Talaxian.  Neelix had made ithis personal mission to see to it that Tom ate all the requirednutritional elements at every meal.  This led him to question theDoctor on numerous occasions about a proper dietary regiment. Which forced Tom to suffer through one strange meal after theother."Come on, Tom, you can't hide in here forever.""Why not, it's better then having to gag down whatever concoctionNeelix has come up with now," Tom grossed to his wife as they weregetting dressed for work."He's just trying to be helpful.  It's his way of showing you hecares," she continued from the bathroom while brushing her hair. She found Neelix's meal to be just as disgusting as her husband,but as the Doctor was fond of pointing out, they were a perfectbalance of the required nutritional elements that Tom needed to beeating in his condition."Fine, then you eat them."Her response was cut off by a string of curses coming from theirbedroom.  Noting the colorful mix of languages, she wondered whatcould be wrong.  Setting down her brush, she walked out of thebathroom in time to see her husband wad his uniform up and throw itacross the room.Trying not to smile at him standing there in his underclothes andsocks, she asked, "Something wrong, love?"  "Yeah, the stupid thing doesn't fit anymore," he stated vehementlywhile pointing to the heap of material in the corner of the room. "This is so stupid."  Keeping a straight face, B'Elana walked over and picked up thediscarded uniform as Tom dropped down on the edge of the bed. "Tom, you knew that eventually you were going to have to go tobigger sizes of clothes," he huffed at her while she continuedsoothingly, "It's not like you've gained all that much weight."Initially she had been very concerned that Tom wasn't gaining moreweight, wasn't showing a lot more.  Her fears that maybe there wassomething wrong with the baby were somewhat mollified after athorough exam by the Doctor, much to Tom's chagrin.  He explainedthat the baby was developing at a normal rate, she was just growingmore in the abdominal cavity then outward, something to do with howthe artificial womb had been implanted.  The Doctor had also notedthat the initial scans showed that she was going to be small instature, much like the Stimmums.  That statement nearly cost himhis program.  The fact that their daughter was taking on traits ofthose creatures, as B'Elana referred to them, only enraged her.  "I've gained plenty of weight, thank you very much," griped Tom asshe sat down beside him on the edge of the bed.  He was tired ofher telling him he didn't look pregnant enough."It's just one uniform size."*One too many*.  "Yeah, for now."B'Elana rolled her eyes.  "The Captain is not going to let you stayhome and sulk just because your uniform doesn't fit.""Why not?" he asked as he flopped back on the bed.  His wife justgave him her look, the one that said you don't really expect ananswer to that do you.  "Okay, fine, I'll go order a new uniformeven though it'll probably only last for a couple days and thenI'll just have to order another one."  He pulled himself off thebed and made his way to the replicator.B'Elana just shook her head at his grumbling and hung the discardeduniform in the closet.  He'd need it again in a few months.  Shepatiently waited for Tom to finish dressing and then they madetheir way to the mess hall, curious as to what surprises awaitedthem.*****After surviving both breakfast and lunch, Tom reported for hisshift on the bridge, grateful to be away from Neelix and theDoctor.  Lately his shifts in sickbay had become one big physicalfor him.  The Doctor figured since he had him there, why not putthe time to good use, which meant putting him through every testknown and some he was sure the medical officer had just made up forsomething more to do.  Tom was tempted to talk to the Commanderabout the number of shifts he was scheduled for in the Doctor'sdomain, but figured that it wouldn't do much good.  His friendsseemed to be siding with the Doctor more and more lately."Captain, I'm detecting a ship just entering sensor range," Harry'svoice filtered down from the Ops station."Identity?""Unknown," he continued to check his readouts.  "They're hailingus."Steeling herself for the impending conversation with yet anothernew and possible hostile race, she stood and took a few stepsforward.  "On screen."  The screen changed to reveal a humanoidmale, with black hair and eyes.  Janeway noted that he lookedfriendly, but as numerous instants in the past had proven, lookscould be deceiving.  He spoke before Janeway could."This is Tam'Kal Hevert, you have entered Sa'Ment territory. Please state your intentions.""This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation StarshipVoyager.  We're just passing through, simply trying to make our wayhome.  We mean no harm.""And where is home, Captain?""The Alpha quadrant," she continued with her explanation, notingthat the man didn't seemed surprised at the disclosure, "we werebrought here to the Delta Quadrant almost five years ago by acreature known as the Caretaker.  We have been trying to make ourway back ever since."The man took a report from someone to his right, glanced over itand then addressed the screen.  "We have heard of you, StarshipVoyager.  You are welcome in our space.  Our ports are open to you. Please follow us.""I'm sorry, Tam'Kal, I don't mean to sound ungracious, but..." Instantly suspicious, she tried to graciously decline the offer. She didn't want to be walking into a trap."Captain, we are a peaceful people and sympathize with your plight. We want nothing more then to show you our hospitality.  It's noteveryday one comes across inhabitants from the other side of thegalaxy."Janeway thought he was being sincere, but the man seemed bored withthe whole situation, saying what was required to be done with itall.  She recalled feeling like that on numerous occasions herself. "Thank you for your generous offer.  Lead on, we'll follow.""We will speak again shortly."  He gave what could only bedescribed as an obligatory bowing of his head and then cut thetransmission.Janeway cast a look at Tom before turning to her first officer."It could be a trap," Chakotay leaned over and whispered after shesat down."I know, but until we know for sure, I don't want them to thinkthat we're uncivilized or something," she whispered back and thenspoke up to issue her orders, "Mr. Paris, set a matching course andspeed.  Engage when ready.""Aye, Captain."*****"The only way you are going on shore leave, Mr. Paris, is if youare accompanied by security.  End of discussion."Tom looked at his Captain as she made her decision.  They had beenin orbit around the Sa'Ment's principle planet for the last threedays and had been treated as visiting royalty.  The planet's rulingcounsel had opened their arms and planet to Voyager's crew,offering shore leave and supplies.  They had been nothing butgenerous and extremely hospitable and knew nothing of a race calledStimmum, or so they said."Captain, how can I enjoy some shore leave if I have to have anescort everywhere I go?""The matter is closed, Mister.  The Sa'Mentians may be friendly butthis is an open port.  We have no way of knowing how far theStimmums influence may have reached.  I will not take any chances."Rolling his eyes at her over protectiveness, he knew he had nochoice but to agree to her terms.  An hour later, he stood in thetransporter room with his wife, two security guards, Tuvok and theCaptain.  He shook his head at all the fuss being made over him,preparing to have another go around with his commanding officerbefore beaming down, hopefully to sway her decision.Janeway silenced any comment he might have made.  "Not a word, Mr.Paris.  Energize."They materialized on the outskirts of the capitol city's mainmarket place and were met by one of the Sa'Mentian ambassadors.  Hewas a nervous little man but had been nothing but hospitable tothem, making himself available to them for anything."I hope nothing is wrong, Captain," he stated while eyeing thesecurity guards and their weapons."No, of course not.  Just a precautionary measure.  My engineer ishere to complete the transfer of some equipment we have acquiredfrom one of your shop owners.  I want to make sure that nothing canpossible go wrong," she smiled, taking his arm and pulling him awayfrom the rest of the landing party.  Except for their initialcontact with these people, security had been unnecessary andJaneway hoped that her explanation would keep them from beingoffended.  Diplomatically she was not making the best decision byhaving an armed security detail beamed down, but she was taking nochances where her helmsman was concerned.  If there was trouble tobe had, he would find it, and she hoped to swing the odds of thetrouble being minor in their favor."I can assure you, Captain, that we are very honest in all ourdealings," the Ambassador began to stress to their guests.  "Hassomething happened that I am unaware of?"The away team lost the rest of the conversation as they rounded acorner.  Tom shook his head again, he had just wanted to get outfor a little bit, he didn't see what the problem was.  They werelight years away from the Stimmum home world and where they had runinto the Tugstens.  Besides, Janeway had only allowed him a fewhours of freedom, what could possible happen?He felt B'Elana pulling on his arm.  With a smile he pushed hisannoyance to the back of his mind and they set out into the market."I tell you it's him," the girl stated as Paris and his partywalked by them."How can you be sure, Kelti?  Does his image match the picture?  Wedon't want to mess this up," her companion stated while craning hishead to see where their target had wandered to."Yes, I'm sure.  Now come on, we're not going to have much time." Taking his hand she dropped the small devise into his open palm. "Get close enough to place this on his clothes.  I'll take care ofthe rest."  With a shove she sent him on his errand.  "Karg," heglanced back at her, "be careful."  Throwing a smile at his oldersister, he took off.Carefully weaving his way through the crowd, Karg was able to spothis target and began to assess the situation.  He noticed thatthere were four people with him and they didn't appear to bewilling to leave him alone.  Looking around, he tried to come upwith a way to get the man alone for a few seconds at the most.He continued to shadow the group, waiting for an opportunity.  Itfinally came when the dark haired woman and two of the men walkedacross the street into one of the stores leaving his target withonly one other.  Moving quickly, he made his way toward them.  Ashis target stepped over to look in a nearby shop window, Kargeasily moved to the other side of the street, swaying as he walked. Timing it perfectly, he lurched to the side, into his target, andgently placed the small device on his clothes.  It instantly becameinvisible, mimicking the color of what it was touching.Karg felt strong arms pulling him up and before his benefactorcould ask him if he was okay, he brushed off his grasp, mutteredsomething unintelligible for their benefit and quickly made his wayaround the nearest corner.  He then took off to find his sister,mission accomplished."Sir, are you all right?"Tom looked up at the security officer standing over him.  He'dheard him shout to lookout, but by the time his mind had processedthe warning it was too late for him to react, someone was fallinginto him, their weight pushing him to the ground.  He took theoffered hand and let the man help pull him up.  As he was brushingoff his clothes, he looked across the street and rolled his eyes,Tuvok had seen the whole thing.  However, instead of informing hiswife and running out to check on him, the Lieutenant Commanderappraised him and then turned his attention back to the exchangetaking place in the shop.Sighing in relief, Tom returned his own attention to the shopwindow behind him.  Within a matter of minutes, B'Elana hadcompleted the exchange, signaling Voyager to beam up the equipmentand Tuvok.  She then joined her husband for a stroll around themarket place, completely unawares of the events that had justtranspired.None of them noticed the two scraggily teens that began to followthem through the streets a short time later.At the end of their afternoon, Tom and B'Elana had purchased a fewthings for themselves and their baby and were now on their way backto the transport site.  B'Elana noticed that Tom seemed morerelaxed and made a mental note to thank the Captain for allowingthem the time away from the confining walls of the ship.Kelti continued to watch their target.  It had been an uneventfulday tailing him, but they had a job to do and they were going tocomplete it.  She motioned for Karg to keep up with her, theydidn't want to lose him.  After a few more blocks, the group cameto a stop and were joined by several others.  Figuring this was themoment, Kelti pulled a small black box from her pocket.  As one ofthe group called for transport, she activated the device.  Missioncomplete.****"Tom..." B'Elana materialized on the transporter pad and turned toher husband, he wasn't there.  Trying not to panic she turned tothe transporter operator, "Where's Lieutenant Paris?"The crew members that had transported back with them looked aroundnervously."We lost his signal," the transporter operator stated while tryingpatiently to recheck her controls and run the standard scans. "There's no sign of him at the transport sight.""What do you mean there's no sign of him, where could he havegone?"  B'Elana was trying to control her hysteria, but was findingit extremely difficult."I'm sorry, Lieutenant," replied the distraught ensign.  Shecontinued tapping buttons in hopes of finding the answers.  B'Elanastalked over and pushed the woman out of the way, running the scansherself."Dalby to bridge," he tapped his combadge as he stepped off thetransporter pad and moved toward the Lieutenant."Bridge."  Chakotay's voice could be heard over the open link."Commander, we've lost Lieutenant Paris.""What?" everyone could hear the concern in his voice, "Whathappened?"  "After calling for transport, everyone materialized except him,"Dalby explained."Transporter room, standby."  Silence filled the room as Chakotaymuted the connection.B'Elana continued to stab at the transporter controls.  She wouldnot accept the possibility that she could have lost her husband. The others who had beamed up with the couple, had stepped off thetransporter pad and were standing off to the side, there to helpbut not wanting to get in the way.  The engineer jumped as the redalert sounded."Red alert.  All hands report to their stations.  Lieutenant Torresreport to the bridge."B'Elana was already out the door as the Captain's voice issuedorders.  This was not a good sign.  She reached the bridge asJaneway was ending a transmission with the planet, "....thank youfor your assistance, Ambassador.  Janeway out.""Captain,""Lieutenant, my ready room."  Janeway turned from the blank screenand motioned for the woman to follow her.  She was not going tohave her chief engineer tearing apart her bridge.  "Commanderyou're with me.  Mr. Tuvok you have the bridge, contact me if youfind anything.""What's happened?" B'Elana demanded as the doors to the ready roomslid shut.  Her stomach was tying into knots.  She found notknowing what had happened to her mate was worse then knowing.  Atleast if they knew, she could stop imagining the myriad of horriblethings that could be happening to him.Janeway motioned for B'Elana to take a seat, she refused with ashake of her head.  Casting a look toward Chakotay, grateful thathe was there to help, she moved to lean against her desk, needingsomething to shore her up.  The Commander stood just behind theengineer, ready to restrain her if necessary.  "When the transportwas initiated, someone activated another one, essentiallyoverriding ours and beaming him elsewhere.""Where?""We're still trying to determine that.  We're not picking up anysignal from his combadge, which means he's somewhere where they'vebeen able to shield him from our sensor sweeps.  Harry and Sevenare working on ways to get around that.""What if he was beamed to another ship?  They could be long gone bynow," B'Elana exclaimed in exasperation.Chakotay walked over to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "B'Elana, we're looking into all possibilities.  We'll find him.""How can you be sure?  There's no telling where he is, who tookhim," she stopped talking as her voice cracked."Lieutenant, B'Elana, we will find him," the Captain affirmed.B'Elana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.  She knew theCaptain wouldn't give up, no one would until Tom had been found,but would they find him in time?  Opening her eyes, she pattedChakotay's hand and faced her superior officer.  "Then I'll be inengineering," she quickly continued talking before the Captaincould deny her course of action.  "I need to be doing something. Besides, I can help with the sensors from there."Janeway hesitated a moment, appraising the woman before her.  Wouldshe really be able to do any good under the circumstances?  Thewoman knew how to work under pressure, some of her best work wasproduced then, but this was a situation unlike any previous ones. Realizing that there was no way to stop the woman from doing whatshe wanted to do, not without someone getting hurt, Janewayrelented.  "Very well.  Dismissed."As B'Elana left, Chakotay looked at Janeway and saw her shouldersslump as she began shaking her head.  "Where could he be?"Knowing she wasn't really asking him the question, Chakotay walkedover and wrapped her in a hug.  "We'll find him," he said as sherelaxed against his chest."How can you be so sure?"Chakotay tried not to laugh.  "Because you're too stubborn to justgive up on him.  No one pulls one over on the crew of the StarshipVoyager, not as long as Kathryn Janeway is her Captain."She gave him a squeeze before pulling away to give him a kiss.  Hewas right, her moment of self-doubting was over, they had work todo.*****Tom immediately realized that he wasn't where he was supposed tobe.  He quickly glanced around the small room, making note of hissurroundings.  The room was sparsely furnished with a bed, a tableand a couple of chairs.  There were no windows, the room wasbrightly lite by flourescent lights on the ceiling.  The walls werebare, painted a light blue and there were two doors, one by thefoot of the bed, the other on the opposite wall, both were closed. Not wanting to waste any time figuring out where he was and who hadbrought him there, Tom tried the door by the bed first.He cautiously turned the knob and was somewhat surprised when itopened.  Disappointment set in when he realized that it was just abathroom, and of course there was no window.  Closing it, he walkedover to try the other one and discovered this one was locked. Taking a step back to think over his situation, he heard therattling of a key in the lock and took another step back as thedoor swung open."I'm Kelti, this is Karg," the young, blonde haired woman statedwithout preamble as she and the young man Tom recognized from themarket place entered the room, both were carrying trays in theirhands.  "In case you are hungry or thirsty."  Tom watched as theycarefully set everything down on the table, both acting as thoughhe were a guest and not a prisoner.  "If you need anything, justknock on the door.""How about a way out of here?" Tom ventured.Kelti smiled.  "I'm afraid that's not possible just yet.  But soon. Please make yourself comfortable.  The Doctor will be with yousoon.""Doctor?  What doctor?"  The fear began to rise in him."Don't worry, she means you no harm," Kelti tried to reassure him. Although he was trying hard to hide it, she could see the terror inhis eyes.  "She will explain everything."Tom uneasily watched them leave and pull the door closed, therattle of a key confirmed that the door was once again locked. Ignoring the offered food and drink he turned to sit on the bed. He had to find away out of here before this *doctor* person showedup.  Kelti he could probably overtake, but given his currentcondition, he wasn't so sure, plus he didn't want to do somethingthat would harm his baby.  Karg he was sure would be too much forhim to handle, he seemed pretty solid when he'd fallen on himearlier.  Looking around, Tom continued to think that there had tobe away out, he just had to find it.A short time later Tom was still trying to come up with a plan whenthe door opened, he never heard the key rattle.  He jumped off thebed at the sight of the person before him."Dr. Heppa," he stated incredulously.  She was walking with a cane,the parts of her arms that he could see were covered with angryscars and her face looked as though someone had tried to repositionher features."Mr. Paris, I am very glad to see you," she pointed at hisexpanding stomach, "and that you are in the condition you are in."Tom folded his arms in defiance to the woman.  "What do you want? Why have you brought me here?"  He had no intention of allowingthis woman anywhere near his baby.Dr. Heppa tried to smile at him, but with her face in it'sdistorted condition, it looked more like a snarl.  She slowlywalked over to one of the chairs and eased herself into it,allowing Kelti to close the door behind her.  The young woman tookup her position against the door, no doubt to deter any escapeattempts.  "I mean you no harm, Mr. Paris.  If I did, you wouldnever have been allowed to leave my home world."  She motioned forhim to take the other seat.Refusing to do what she wanted, Tom just glared at the woman. "Then why have you brought me here?""I believe I owe you an explanation."Tom tried to keep his mouth from falling open.  That was not theanswer he was expecting.  "An explanation?" he managed to get out.She again motioned to the chair, this time Tom slowly walked overand sat across from her, eyeing the woman suspiciously.  What couldshe really be after?"I see that the child is growing.  Is she healthy?"Not knowing if he really wanted to answer her, Tom scrutinized thewoman before him.  Why had she brought him here?  Certainly if allshe wanted to know was how the baby was she wouldn't have gone tosuch measures.  "What do you want, Heppa?""Please, call me Sy'Ell."  When he didn't respond to the friendly,open gesture, she continued, "I'm sorry, Mr. Paris, I know I havegiven you no reason to trust me."  She looked up at him in sadness,"I just wanted to know how she was."Noting the availed sadness in her voice, Tom decided to answer,"She's fine.""No abnormalities?"Tom scowled at the woman, wondering what she was getting out. "What type of abnormalities?"  He had moved to the edge of hisseat, ready to pounce on her if need be.Heppa gazed at the wall behind him, unable to meet his accusinggaze.  "Has your Doctor detected any degradation in the fetus'genetic code?""No, why?"  He was trying to control his fear and anger.  What hadthey done to his baby?A look of relief passed over the woman's twisted features.  "Youhave no idea how happy I am to hear that.  How long I've waited tohear that.""I don't understand.""No, I don't expect you would," she looked at him thoughtfullybefore continuing, "I apologize for what has happened to you.  Yourlady friend, Torres, was the intended recipient of the fetus.  Butwhen it came time to preform the procedure, she was unavailable. The child's only chance at a possible survival was to be implantedin one of the parents and as she was unavailable and her Stimmumcounterpart was unacceptable, that left you.""What do you mean unacceptable?"  Why would the Stimmum donor beunacceptable?  The thoughts that something was wrong with the childhe carried were creeping back into his mind."That is a long story, Mr. Paris, one that I hope you will allow meto tell," she again tried to smile at him, "that is after all whyI've had you brought here."Tom leaned back in his chair and appraised the woman before him. It was obvious that she meant him no harm and even if she did, shewas in no condition to hurt him, but why kidnap him, why not justcontact Voyager.As if reading his thoughts, she spoke up, "I could not contact yourship.  I couldn't chance it that my people would find me.  I sentKelti and Karg to watch for you.  I knew this port was on Voyager'sroute home.  I took the chance that they would find you and thatyou would have good news for me."Not saying anything, Tom watched her as she spoke.  Whatever theexplanation, it had better be a good one, he thought."Centuries ago," she began, "my people decided that what they hadwasn't enough.  They were intelligent, wealthy and were respectedthroughout the region.  But they wanted more.  Thinking themselvesabove the natural course of things, they decided to toy with thepossibilities.  Their ideas and experiments benefitted all, in thebeginning."She paused a moment before continuing, "Children were born, capableof so much more thentheir parents.  It was that way for several generations, untilsomeone decided thatagain it wasn't enough and again they began their manipulations. Back and forth theywould go only stopping long enough to think that they again neededmore.  And now, aftercenturies of manipulations, I guess you could say that nature hashad enough."Again she paused to collect her thoughts.  "At first the celldestabilization wasn't even recognized as such, but as timeprogressed, what they thought was nothing became so much more," shelooked down at her hands before continuing, "perhaps if they hadstopped then, the damage probably could have been reversed.  Buttheir arrogance doomed us all."She shifted in her seat, wincing slightly at the pain the movementcaused.  "In hopes of reverting the breakdown, we began to extractgenetic samples from other races.  It was thought that by combiningthe genetic makeup that we could strengthen our own, thus endingthe degradation.  Perhaps if we hadn't been so pompous we couldhave admitted that we needed help.  Instead we choose to steal whatwe wanted and we used the samples to try and create a new andimproved Stimmum race."Tom's eyes were wide as saucers by this point.  How could theythink that this was an acceptable course of action?  Did theyreally think themselves so superior to everyone that no one elsecould have come up with a solution?"Sad, isn't it.  So much potential, so much to hope for and yet wedestroyed it all."  Tom could see the sadness and guilt in hereyes.  He tried not to look on, anxious for her to continue."Is that where Voyager comes in?"She gave a sarcastic, calloused laugh, "You fell right into ourhands.  We had what you needed and you had what we wanted.""So you just decided to keep with tradition and stole geneticsamples from us?"Heppa nodded her head, she didn't know how to express to him theguilt and shame she felt over her participation in her people'sthefts and experiments.  "In our initial meeting, scans were run onthe entire crew.  From those, it was determined who would bedonating to our cause.""Donating to your cause?  You make it sound like we were given achoice in this."  Tom had moved forward in his chair again, hisanger building.  "As I recall, we were never even asked.""True," she conceded, "Please, Mr. Paris, you must understand thatwe thought there was no other way.  I did as I was ordered.  I nowaccept that we were wrong.  Believe me, that is not an admission Imake lightly either."  She leaned forward to emphasize her point. "My people are all but extinct.  We estimate that within the nexttwo generations, there will be no one left.  Although not everyoneis willing to accept that news.  They want to continue with moreaggressive experimentation.  But I couldn't be apart of it, notanymore."She pushed herself out of the chair, ignoring her pain.  "Thechild, Mr. Paris, showed none of the early signs of our cellbreakdown.  I thought nothing of it at first, not wanting to getour hopes up, but as the weeks progressed, still nothing showed. I was ecstatic, finally there was hope.  That was until mysuperiors heard of our eminent success."  She ran a shaking handover her face, telling the next part was hard, "You were nevergoing to be allowed to leave.  They laid out their plan and Irealized just how wrong we were.  To take samples was one thing, toimprison you was something entirely unthinkable."Her strength began to ebb and she sank down onto the bed.  Takinga deep breath and watching her captive audience, she continued, "Ifalsified the reports, made it look as though the destabilizationwas there, just slow in appearing.  Your ship was getting ready todepart and I had to move quickly.  I preformed the surgery in hopesof saving all of your lives and then warned you away from theplanet once you knew of your condition.  If you had returned, theywould have done whatever they felt necessary to make sure that younever left again."Tom felt ill.  In all his futile attempts to understand why theyhad done this to them, he never imagined something so abominable."I'm sorry," Heppa said softly noting the man's pale face.  Keltiquietly poured him a glass of water and placed it in his shakinghand.He took a drink, trying not to spill it all over himself.  "Whydidn't you just ask for help?""Too proud, too arrogant," she turned away, "too stupid."Taking another drink, Tom eyed the woman he had thought of as hisenemy.  She had apparently gone through a great deal to ensure hisand Voyager's escape.  "Did they do that to you, the scars," hepointed to her face, not knowing how to describe the twisted fleshwithout sounding cruel, "everything?"Heppa brought her hand up to her face and gently brushed herfingers across one of her cheeks, her eyes welling up with tears. "They found out what I had done shortly after your ship left.  Theydecided to punish me for my traitorous acts."Tom set the glass back on the table and lowered his eyes, unable tolook at her face.  She had been tortured for what she had done forthem, for him.  He found himself fighting back tears.  To be ableto do something so horrific to their own people, what would havehappened to him and B'Elana if they hadn't gotten away?"Thank you doesn't seem like the right thing to say."  He raisedhis head and forced himself to put aside the guilt he was feelingto thank the woman who no doubt had saved their lives.  "Or enougheither.""I saw no other option.  I did what I knew was necessary," shepushed herself off the bed and motioned Kelti over to her.  Theyoung woman pulled something out of her pocket and placed it in thescarred hand of the woman who turned to Tom, slowly walking over tohim as she spoke.  "These are for you, your Captain and yourDoctor.  They are marked accordingly," she hesitated before handingthem over.  "The other one is for the child.  I realize that youprobably don't want her to ever know about us, but I hope that oneday you can forgive what we have done."Tom didn't know what to say.  He knew he owed this woman his lifeand the lives of his wife and unborn child, but there was still alot of anger towards the Stimmum people for putting them throughthis.  But as he thought about it, he realized that those feelingsweren't as pronounced as they use to be, at least not toward thewoman standing before him."Truthfully, I don't know how I'm feeling right now.  I would liketo think that one day we would be able to forgive what has beendone, put it behind us," Tom spoke softly unsure of his own voice.Heppa nodded her head, it was actually more then she had expectedfrom the young man.  "I can ask no more," she handed him themessage chips and then sunk back into the chair she had occupiedearlier, her strength leaving her.  "When you are ready, Kelti willtake you back to the market place.  I'm sure your people areanxious for your return."Knowing his wife, they were more then anxious.  "Are you allright?" he asked as he stood and looked over the woman who had gonefrom enemy to savior and almost friend in a matter of minutes."Oh, I'll be fine," she stated with a dismissive shrug.  She wasfar beyond the help or concern of others."What are you going to do?"She smiled at his concern.  He and his people had fascinated her,so open, so caring.  Maybe that was why she had been willing togive up all that she had to help them.  Their compassion had beenan eye opener for her.  "Oh, I'll remain here.  My days are few, Ihave no desire to continue running.  I know they placed a bounty onyour head, but as far as we can tell, word has not yet reachedhere.  The chip for your Captain contains a quick course out ofthis sector.  My people will be unable to follow beyond.  Yourjourney should be unimpeded from here."Tom acknowledged her words while slipping the message chips intohis pocket, she was again saving their lives.  He turned to leave,part of him demanding that he try and help this woman somehow, theother still warring over the emotions inside him.  As Kelti placeda hand on his arm and pulled him out of the room, he did not fighther letting fate make his decision for him.A few minutes later, as they walked down the alleyway Tom stoleanother look at the girl escorting him."If you have a question, Mr. Paris, just ask."  She stopped andlooked at him.  They were close to their destination and the manhad been looking at her curiously since leaving the compound."I was just wondering how you came to be with Dr. Heppa."  "Another long story and one I have not the time to relay.  Don'tworry, she is well cared for," she smiled as she spoke, "the Doctorwanted you to have this."  She pulled a small package out of herpocket.  "One day, she hopes that you will give it to herdaughter."Tom looked at her in confusion.  He didn't know Heppa had adaughter, let alone who she was.  After thinking about it, hecouldn't hide the shock that crossed his face as he realized whathe was being told."I know she did not tell you, but she was the one that donated theStimmum part of the genetic code," she held out the package andwaited for the man to take it.Swallowing the lump in his throat, Tom slowly reached out to acceptthe package.  "Why didn't she tell me?"Kelti looked at him as though he were a little child that sheneeded to explain everything to.  "Considering the circumstances,she didn't feel it was right.  She really did not mean you anyharm."  Tom just stared at the package.  "I must get back."  Shepointed to the opposite end of the alley, "this opens up into themarket place.  There I'm sure you will find your people or someoneto direct you to them.  Goodbye, Mr. Paris."When Tom raised his head, she was gone, not a trace of heranywhere.  Reverently placing the package in his pocket with themessage chips, he turned and headed out of the alley.*****Trying to gather his things and get to his duty station on time,Tom haphazardly knocked something off his desk.  As a secondthought he looked down to see what had fallen and froze.  It wasthe package that Kelti had given him, the one she said Heppa hadwanted him to have to give to his daughter.Forgetting his rush to leave, Tom slowly squatted down to pick itup off the floor.  Reaching behind him for his chair, he carefullysat down and toyed with the box.Upon his return to Voyager, things had become hectic.  He spent thefirst hours back trying to relay what had happened to him and hisconversation with Dr. Heppa and was then forced to submit to theDoctor's poking and prodding until the hologram was satisfied thateverything was okay.  When he'd finally made it to his quarters atsome point that night, he must have set it on his desk with theintent to see what it was the next day.  Only the next day he was dragged to the holodeck where he wasgreeted by an enthusiastic group of crew members throwing him asurprise baby shower.  After getting over his embarrassment of allthe trouble they'd gone to for him, he had an enjoyable eveningeating, socializing and opening gifts.  By the time the evening had ended, they had everything that a child could ever possibly needand the father to be was thoroughly worn out.  The next several days passed in the same fashion, anytime he hadremembered about the package and message chip something wouldhappen to direct his attention elsewhere.  One good thing was thatHeppa had been right, no news of the Stimmums or the price placedon his head had reached that far out and their continuing journeyhad been uneventful.Guiltily he wondered what Heppa could have wanted him to give tohis daughter?  Their daughter, he corrected himself.  It seemedweird to him that she was apart of the child he carried.  Formonths he had wondered who had helped in the creation of hisdaughter and the fact that it was the woman he blamed foreverything that had happened was a shock.  Although, after hearingher story and seeing what she had suffered so much for them, heheld no more anger toward her.  Some resentment maybe for the waythey had been used, but no anger.  Just a sadness, one that kepthim awake some nights.When he had broached the subject of the part Heppa would play intheir lives with B'Elana, he had been grateful and a littlesurprised that she had accepted her as their daughter's *secondmother*, much to Tom's relief.  Toying with the package he wonderedhow he could have forgotten about it and looked around for themessage chip.  He remembered tossing that on the desk too.  Aftera few minutes of searching, he found the chip still on the desk,buried under a pile of data padds.Placing the chip back down, he thoughtfully opened the package. Inside he found a note, a small frame with a picture of Heppainside and a gold chain with a small charm in the shape of asphere.  He took out the picture and marveled at how normal thewoman looked, nothing compared to the tortured, twisted woman shehad been the last time he saw her.  Gently setting the picture onthe desk, he reached in and pulled out the note and chain.  As helooked closer at the object dangling from it, he noticed that itseemed to glow, becoming almost translucent.  Hoping to find outwhat it was, he opened the note.   Mr. Paris,       I wanted to leave something for the child to remember me,       remember my people.  The picture is to let her know what I       looked like, I hope that you can remember me like this       also.  The necklace is a rare stone found only on my       planet centuries ago.  This one was made into a birthing       gift and has been passed down through the generations of       my family, always given to the first born child.  I know       that I will never have the opportunity to know her, but I       hope that you would do me the honor of giving her these       and telling her a little something about me.  I hope it is       something good.   Thank you, Sy'Ell Heppa  Tom felt the tears streaming down his face as he closed the noteand again looked at the charm.  After what she had done for them,how could she think that he wouldn't tell their daughter about herand her people."Sickbay to Paris."Wiping his eyes, he cleared his throat before responding, "Parishere, I'm on my way, Doc, Paris out," he quickly ended the linkbefore the annoying man could begin lecturing him.  He figured he'dget enough of that during his shift.  Solemnly he put the thingsback in the package, adding the message chip to its contents. Opening his desk drawer, he gently placed the package to the back. He'd move it to a better place later.Standing up, he gathered his things, realizing that he was againlate for another shift.Later while sitting at the Doctor's desk trying to update recentcrew information, he noticed a sharp pain on his side.  It quicklyfaded, and he thought nothing of it, returning to the work he hadto do.  When the pain returned a few minutes later, he againshrugged it off until the Doctor walked through the door, tricorderin hand.  Without giving him an explanation, the hologram orderedhis patient to one of the bio-beds and began to run a moreintensive scan."What?  What's wrong?" he asked frantically while subjectinghimself to the Doctor's scrutiny.  It had been a silent fear thatthe cell breakdown Heppa had explained would still show up and hewondered if this was how it began."It appears as though your daughter is going to be as impatient asyou.  You're in labor, Mr. Paris," was the Doctor's peeved reply. Leave it Paris to have a child as unruly as himself."I can't be in labor," Tom shot back, "She's not due for anotherten weeks."  He wondered what was happening, it was to early forthis.  "Can you stop it?""Calm down, Mr. Paris, your agitation is not going to help thesituation."As if to confirm that fact, a sharp pain shot across his abdomen,causing the surprised Lieutenant to double up and gasp for breath. Quickly picking up a hypospray, the Doctor injected it into hispatient's neck and reran his scans.  It took a few seconds, but themedicine finally seemed to kick in and do its job.  The contractionended and Tom was able to lie on his back pain free."That was not fun," Tom stated once his breathing had returned tonormal."Tom," using his first name, Tom knew the Doc was worried, "you'regoing to have to remain calm.  The medicine should work but only ifyou give it a chance to do so."  He reached for another hyposprayand administered it to his patient.  "I've given you a mildsedative, hopefully it will help you relax."Closing his eyes, Tom just nodded his head at the Doctor's words. He did not want to have to go through that again.  He knew laborwas painful, just not that painful and this was just the beginning. Recalling the part in his medical texts that stated that laborpains became more intense and frequent as the labor progressed, heentertained the thought of telling the Doctor he didn't want to dothis anymore."I'm afraid it's a little late for that, Mr. Paris," the Doctorreplied incredulously. Tom's eyes flew open and focused on the Doctor's face, realizingthat he'd spoken out loud."Try not to dwell on the pain," the Doctor chastised, "How are youfeeling now?""It's gone."The Doctor nodded his head.  His scans showed the contractions hadstopped, he just hoped that it would stay that way.  "All right,you are not to move from this bed," he ordered.  Taking one lastlook at the readings, he moved to his office.  If he was unable toget them down to acceptable levels, he was not going to have anychoice but to preform an emergency c-section.  Not something hewanted to consider this soon.  Once out of his patients hearing, hebegan to contact the necessary people.*****Tom opened his eyes and noticed that the sickbay lights had beendimmed and there was no one around.  He tried to recollect the lastthing that had happened.  Two days after the initial scare ofpre-mature labor, the Doctor was still working on stopping it alltogether.  Nothing he did seemed to be working.  Finally he statedthat he had no other choice but to deliver the baby before theylost both of them.He remembered B'Elana whispering something in his ear and thennothing.  Lifting his head he looked around the room, his eyesimmediately caught sight of the incubator placed a few feet awayfrom him.  Wanting to see if his daughter was all right, he ignoredhis own pain and dizziness, and climbed off the bed.Slowly making his way over to his daughter, he stood and looked atthe small body inside, she had kicked off the blanket meant to keepher warm exposing her small body to him.  He checked the monitorsand seeing that she was holding her own, with awe and more then alittle fear, he reached in and picked her up, his hands tremblingas he pulled the blanket around her small form, settling heragainst his chest.A chair had been placed by the incubator and Tom gratefully sankdown on to it while looking over his daughter.  He couldn't believethat she was finally there for him to hold in his arms and that hewas now officially a father.  He felt the fears and doubts of thepast few months trying to fill his mind, but as the small child inhis arms shifted her position, snuggling against him, he forgotthem all.Pulling back the blanket he began to count toes and fingers,checking arms and legs, making sure that everything was where itshould be, that she was all right.  Running a trembling finger overher face, across the slight ridges on her forehead, tracing eachlittle feature he took notice of the small monitoring device thathad been placed behind her left ear.  She was so small, he hopedthat she was okay.So intent was he on familiarizing himself with his new daughter, hedidn't hear the Doctor walk up behind him."Mr. Paris, you're not suppose to be out of bed," he scolded."Is she going to be all right?" he asked softly."Her lungs are not fully developed, but I'm treating that now.  Themonitor is to help her to breath, but I expect her to make acomplete recovery in a few days."  He walked around the man toremove the child from his arms.  "You both need your rest."Tom tried to struggle as the hologram extracted the infant from hisarms, but found he had no strength.  After placing his newestpatient back in the incubator, he helped his most frequent andtroublesome patient back onto his bio-bed.  The Doctor waited forTom's eyes to slide shut before moving over to check the readingson them both.  Seeing all was going as expected, he moved back tohis office.*****"Well?"Two days after their midnight meeting, Tom again was gentlycradling his daughter in one arm while using his free hand to traceher facial features.  He smiled as her eyes opened, blue gazinginto blue.  For being more than two months early, she was veryawake and had shown such remarkable improvement since her birththat the Doc had even removed the monitoring device that morning. Allowing her to lightly wrap her hand around one of his fingers, helooked up at his wife."We could name her beautiful, beauty for short," he suggested inanswer to his wife's question.B'Elana rolled her eyes.  Sitting by him on the bio-bed, shereached over to caress her daughter's forehead.  Her own ridges hadalways seemed ugly to her, but her daughter's seemed so precious. She wanted to hold her too, but this was the first time Tom wasbeing allowed to sit up in bed and hold his daughter with theDoctor's permission."Be serious," she scolded him."I am," he said with a smile just for her.Leaning in even closer, she placed a kiss on his lips, not fightinghim when he began to hungrily explored her mouth."There will be none of that in here," the Doctor piped in whilemoving over to the family."Who asked you, Doc?" Tom replied before leaning in for anotherkiss.Attempting to get their attention off each other, the Doctor askedthe question that the crew had anxiously been awaiting an answerfor.  "So, have you picked out a name yet?""Who says we have to pick one right now?" stated Tom, annoyed atthe Doctor's presence.  He'd put up with the man's obnoxiousbedside manner for four days now and he was tired of him.B'Elana slapped his arm.  "We're working on it."  She ignored Tom'sglare.The Doctor humphed at their indecision.  Checking the monitors, hemoved back to his office, his presence obviously wasn't wanted."Tom," B'Elana began.  They had been going over names for months,they just had to decide on one."I know, I know," he continued to meticulously scrutinize thesmall, new life in his arms.  "I like Marta.""Okay, then," B'Elana agreed, it had been one of her first choicesalso, "Marta Sy'Ell Paris it is."The middle name was never in debate, for Tom it was the fulfilmentof a promise, their daughter would forever have a remembrance ofher second mother, the woman who willing sacrificed everything sothat she could experience life."Can I call her Marty for short?" Tom asked playfully.B'Elana growled at her husband.  "No."Tom smiled at his new daughter, slowly bringing her up close, heplaced a gentle kiss on her forehead."Welcome to our family, Marta."The End.--------------834F4E23EC3E066F3DEF7F49--