They don't belong to me. None of them. They're all property of...that company that owns all the Star Trek stuff. Oh, and I'd better give credit to Tennyson for the title. Yes, the title is a line directly from Locksley Hall by Tennyson. Disclaimer-done.

Tom Paris adjusted the ship's heading by .86 degrees to port, and then sat back. He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Ten seconds...four...three...two...one...
And...off duty. Tom said quietly. He stood up, nodded to the ensign who took his place, and entered the turbolift. Deck six. he directed. The turbolift began to move. Tom folded his hands in front of him, and leaned against the back wall, closing his eyes. The turbolift kept moving. Tom frowned. He should have reached deck six by now. Computer, deck six. he repeated. There was no response. Computer, emergency stop, authorization Paris Alpha-Seven-Gamma. Still nothing. Tom stepped to the control panel, and found that his feet were pulled towards the floor as if weighed down. He glanced at the floor, and saw that it was warped, spiraling inwards, as if being sucked into a miniature wormhole. Tom stepped back against the wall quickly, and tapped his comm badge.
Paris to Janeway. Captain, there's some sort of anomaly in Turbolift four. I'm not sure what it is, but... Tom trailed off. The anomaly had risen off of the floor, and was spiraling into the air in front of him. He stared, transfixed, as it twisted in a swirl of golden light, fluctuating in a manner which resembled molten lava, but reflecting a deep inner light. Tom lifted a hand, and hesitantly reached out, the tips of his fingers contacting the anomaly. There was a blinding flash of white light, and Tom suddenly found himself standing in the middle of a wide room. There was a man in front of him, reaching towards Tom's neck.
Tom managed, astonished. Then, glancing downwards towards his father's hands, he lifted his own. Whoa, whoa, hold on! What did I do to deserve this?
His father chuckled, then smiled.
Stop it, Tom. He turned towards the room, which Tom suddenly noticed was full of people. It is my honor and great pleasure to bestow upon Thomas Eugene Paris the rank of Captain. He lifted his hands again, and Tom noticed for the first time, in his father's left hand, the shining metallic circle of a pip, which he attached to Tom's collar. he went on, To present to him his first command, He offered Tom a scroll which Tom knew was for ceremonial rather than practical value. On this day, the fourteenth of December, I am proud to bestow upon you the Command of the Federation Prototype Starship EXP-021, to be christened at your direction. I expect you've had long enough to think about this?
Tom glanced out at the crowd, and spotted B'Ellanna, standing next to Harry and a younger woman, whose face was marked with vague but unmistakable Klingon forehead ridges. Harry clapped his hands together a few times, then lifted them to his mouth, forming a makeshift megaphone.
Come on, Tom! What's her name?
Tom repeated, fingering the four pips on his collar wonderingly.
Spit it out, son. Admiral Paris patted his shoulder. What's that magic word you've been going over again and again in your mind for the last week and a half? Son? Since when does he call me son? And that tone...And what the hell is he talking about? Tom wondered.
he said, spitting out the first word that came to mind. Admiral Paris look a bit taken aback, but he nodded.
Congratulations, Captain Paris. In three hours you will be transported aboard the Federation Starship Serendipity, where you will take immediate command and await your first orders.
Ah, yes, sir. Tom managed.
Now, how about your speech?
Tom choked, and Admiral Paris handed him a glass of water. Tom took a sip, and handed it back, receiving in exchange a solid clap on the back.
Come on, son. Let out what you're thinking.
Why the hell is he being so friendly? What the hell is happening to me?
Ah, well, I want to thank my wife, B'Ellanna, and my...daughter. Tom halted. What had he and B'Ellanna decided the child's name would be? he filled in, smiling. You've been...my life, my support, and...well, thanks. I'd like to thank Harry Kim, who's been a good friend through it all, and the crew of Voyager, especially Captain Janeway, He cleared his throat at a glance from his father Er...Admiral Janeway, Commander-Ah, Captain Chakotay, and the Doctor..., Seven, and even the Delaney twins. I couldn't have gotten here (Gotten where?) without any of you. And let's not forget those who couldn't be here... He glanced out at the crowd. Neelix...Tuvok...and Kes. Thanks, everyone. It's been a hell of a ride. He turned away quickly, feigning an emotional finish. Hell of a ride indeed...too bad I missed it...He stepped down from the podium.
Go celebrate with your family, Tom. his father told him. In that moment, Tom heard something in his father's voice that he could not ever remember having heard before, something that made the emotional demeanor a good deal easier to keep up. He tried to identify it, and to his surprise, he realized it was pride. My father is proud of me. he thought, astonished, as he stepped into the crowd. B'Ellanna pushed her way through a pair of cadets who were standing near the front, looking up at him with what he could only guess was admiration. I'm in the future. Tom told himself, consciously thinking what he had been subconsciously guessing for the past few minutes. My future.
I have my own ship? he wondered aloud. Of all the things he expected (and dreaded) that he would face when Voyager returned to Earth, his own command had not been one he had thought of yet. And what is going on with Dad?
B'Ellanna's voice broke through the wall of his thoughts. She and Miral, who Tom noticed was wearing the crisp uniform of a Starfleet Academy cadet, wrapped him in a tight embrace. Everybody, big group hug. Tom thought, holding his wife and daughter. I'm green with envy. B'Ellanna told his shoulder.
Tom glanced down.
Hey, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before you get your command... He lifted her chin with one finger, knowing she would take it as an affectionate gesture, but really trying to get a good look at her collar. he finished.
That's easy for you to say, Captain Paris. B'Ellanna said, reaching up to kiss him lightly.
Hey, nobody think to clear a path for lowly Lieutenant-Commander Kim? Harry called, pushing through the gathering of people surrounding them.
Come on, Starfleet. B'Ellanna grabbed Harry by the arm, and initiated another group hug. Tom pulled free after a moment.
Well, I've got three hours until I'm shipped off to the...Serendipity. he told them. Anyone up for a round at...well, anyone want to get a drink?
I'm in. Harry said immediately, followed by B'Ellanna, who, though she agreed to come, shot a meaningful glance in Miral's direction.
Doesn't my baby girl want to come along? Tom said after a brief second of deliberation. We can get you a Shirley Temple.
Baby? Dad, you just wait two years. I'll come and drink with the best of you. Don't you forget I'm part Klingon. But tonight, I have homework.
Two years...that would mean she's nineteen. Which would mean that I'm...TWENTY YEARS from where I was ten minutes ago! Tom choked again. I'm in my FORTIES!
Where did my life go? Tom muttered.
Ah, the age-old question. Harry said from Miral's other side. Where did our lives go?
B'Ellanna's lips turned upwards in a reminiscent smile.
It all still seems like just yesterday, doesn't it?
You're telling me. Tom shook his head. He had always considered himself skilled at fitting in wherever he went, but this took the art of disguise to a whole new level. He didn't want to attract attention, make anyone think he was crazy until he'd come up with at least a vague idea of how to get back to when he belonged. He knew he'd probably have to trust someone eventually, but for now, he figured he'd better sit tight and try not to ruffle any feathers.

Twenty years earlier, Captain Kathryn Janeway sat in the captain's chair on the bridge of Voyager, somewhere in the middle of the delta quadrant. She tapped her comm badge.
Janeway to Paris. Could you repeat that, Tom? You're breaking up. There was no response. Tom? Can you hear me?
Janeway frowned, and tapped her comm badge once more.
Janeway to engineering.
Torres here, Captain.
B'Ellanna, send someone from engineering to run a maintenance check on turbolift 4.
All right. Mind if I ask what we'll be looking for?
I'm not sure. See if something might be interfering with communications. Lieutenant Paris was trying to tell me something about an anomaly, then the channel went dead.
Aye, Captain. Engineering out.

Fifteen minutes later, B'Ellanna arrived at the Deck 5 entrance to turbolift 4. She never had been one to send someone else to do job she wanted done right, and when it involved Tom, she wanted to be especially careful. Having tapped the control pad, she waited for the door to open. A moment or two passed, and it still remained shut. B'Ellanna frowned.
Computer, where is turbolift 4? she asked, knowing the computer would know what she meant.
Turbolift four is currently stopped on deck fifteen. the computer informed her sedately.
Stopped? Why?
Please restate the question.
Why is the turbolift stopped?

B'Ellanna sighed, and stepped down the hall. She'd have to find another turbolift, that was obvious. She tapped her comm badge.
Torres to the Captain.
Janeway here.
Captain, according to the computer, turbolift four is stopped on deck fifteen.
Janeway repeated. Do you know why?
B'Ellanna admitted. I'm on my way to turbolift three now. The controls on four are fried, I'm not sure why, but I can't get in from there, so I'm going down to deck fifteen to check it out.
Good. Let me know when you find anything.
Aye Captain. Torres out.

Tom was seated at a table in a small bar in the middle of San Francisco with B'Ellanna and Harry. He took a swig of beer from the mug in his hand, and looked around the table, still dumbstruck by what had happened. And still wondering what it was that had happened.
Time is a funny thing, isn't it? he said, half to himself, though loud enough for both of the others to hear.
It sure is. Harry agreed. To think how far we've come. He shook his head.
Who could have guessed? B'Ellanna smiled.
It's played a few tricks along the way. Tom added, knowing that was a relatively vague enough thing to say.
For time is the cruelest master of all. quoted a familiar voice. Tom looked up to see the familiar face of now-Captain Chakotay, who stood next to the table. Mind if I join you?
Not at all. Tom waved towards the empty seat. I'll have to go soon, but I think we've got time for one more round. The table fell awkwardly silent. With Harry and B'Ellanna, who had been the two people closest to him, it had been relatively easy to come up with conversation topics, but he had no idea what to say-or what not to say-around Chakotay. How can I just pretend I know what's been going on for the past twenty years?
So, Chakotay. he began guardedly. We're the same rank now. That ought to be pretty safe.
Chakotay nodded.
It's likely to stay that way, too. he predicted.
What, no aspirations for Admiral? Harry asked, surprised.
Chakotay smiled, a smile which Tom noticed, though it had gained a few lines around the edges, had not changed much in twenty years.
Old scars run deep, I'm afraid. Chakotay said, a poignant touch of resignation in his voice. The former Maquis captain an Admiral in Starfleet? I'm surprised I made it to Captain.
Well, I'm not. Tom said, not quite even meaning to. Hell, if they can make me a Captain, why not you? I'm an ex-convict, remember? he added, with a slight smile. You-and B'Ellanna too-were just fighting for what you believed. No one pointed out that Tom had been with the Maquis too. They know I wasn't in it for what I believed. I went to them because I didn't have anywhere else to go.
Tom, you're different. B'Ellanna pointed out. You come from a Starfleet family. That sort of thing's easier to forgive when...
When it's your own son. If she only knew.
Are you saying I had it easier because my Dad's in Starfleet? Tom asked defensively.
Oh, come on, Tom, you know she didn't mean that. Harry assured him calmingly.
As if I weren't confused enough already. Why does she do this to me?
No, that's not what I meant. B'Ellanna confirmed.
How many things can that possibly mean?
That's what it sounded like. Tom muttered.
Tom, you're being ridiculous. B'Ellanna told him. Since when are you this touchy?
I'm not touchy!
Yes, you are! Is Tom being touchy? she said, looking to Harry and Chakotay for confirmation. Harry put up his hands.
Hey, don't bring me into this.
Chakotay didn't respond. He looked down at his glass contemplatively, purposefully directing his attention away from Tom and B'Ellanna's lover's quarrel.
Tom sighed.
B'Ellanna, I don't want to do this. he said, meeting her eyes. Not when I'm about to leave.
The cold resolution in his wife's eyes softened a bit, and after a few seconds, the familiar smile crept back onto her face.
Neither do I. she admitted. They exchanged a glance of understanding, then Tom stood.
I hate to say it, but I have to get going. Come with?
Chakotay shook his head.
Things to do, I'm afraid. I never imagined myself this busy, but...things don't always turn out the way you intend, or expect.
That's the truth. Especially when it comes to Dad. Why was he treating me like the perfect son? Why am I a Captain? A million questions still circled in Tom's mind, including one which burned hotter than any other he could think of, but one to which the answer would be so obvious in this time that he dared not ask it: How long have we been home? Did Miral grow up here, or on Voyager?
Well, I wouldn't miss it, flyboy. Not even if all I get to do is watch your molecules disappear. B'Ellanna's voice broke into his thoughts, and he smiled.

Oh, I think I can spare a few minutes. Harry grinned. Off to the transport bay, then?
Tom nodded, and the three set off.

When they entered the transport bay which stood near Starfleet Headquarters, Admiral Paris was waiting for them.
I came to wish you good luck on your first command. he said, giving Tom a smile.
Here we go again. That smile...very disconcerting.
 Ah, thanks, Dad. Tom said, managing a smile in return.
Admiral Janeway told me to give you her regrets that she couldn't be here, and to tell you that you'll find a message waiting from her waiting when you get on board the ship. his father told him, then, held out a hand. It took Tom a minute to realize that he was supposed to shake it, which he did, after a brief hesitation. Admiral Paris pulled him into a rough hug. Take care, son.
I will. Thanks, Dad. Tom turned to Harry. See you around. he quipped. Harry shook the hand he offered, and gave him a parting grin as Tom moved on to bid B'Ellanna farewell.
I'll be back before you know it. he assured her.
Don't get lost out there, flyboy. B'Ellanna said, her voice steady as always. And don't ever forget where home is.
I won't. Tom promised. He glanced around, and noticed for the first time that his daughter wasn't present. Give Miral a hug for me. He thought the words, and just as he opened his mouth to say them, B'Ellanna spoke.
Give Miral a hug for me.
Tom frowned.
Ah, when will I see her?
B'Ellanna shrugged.
When you get on board the ship, I suppose.
On board the ship...Miral's stationed on my ship? No, wait, she's only a cadet...Oh, hell, I'll ask her when I get there.
Tom looked down at B'Ellanna, and smiled.
Won't be gone long. he told her. B'Ellanna reached one hand up to the side of his face, then seemingly changed her mind, and pulled his head down, catching him breathless in a kiss.
You'd better not be. she said, releasing him. Go on. Go, before I get angry.
Tom, still smiling, nodded, and stepped onto the transport pad. He gave B'Ellanna a small wave goodbye as he felt the familiar sensation of the transporter.
He materialized on the bridge of the Serendipity.
Captain on deck. announced a Bajoran officer, who Tom could only guess was his chief tactical officer.
At ease. he said, taking his seat. Helm, what's our position?
We're still in Earth orbit, sir.
Sir, I have Starfleet on channel six. We have permission to depart. the officer manning communications told him.
Good, helm, take us out of orbit, and lay in a course for...
Oh, crap. Where the hell are we going?
Lay in a course to our destination. he finished lamely. If the helmsman noticed, he did not say anything, and the ship smoothly escaped from the pull of Earth's gravitational field.
Can we go to warp? Tom asked.
Yes, sir.
Ah, good, do that.
Yes, sir.
There was a moment of awkward silence, then a voice beside him asked,
Would you like to see your ready room, sir?
Tom turned.
Who's this guy? Oh, first officer. Right.
Yes, Commander, thank you.
The younger man stood, and pointed the way to a door adjoining the bridge. It slid open, and Tom stepped into a small, but well lit room. There was a datapad beeping on the desk.
Thank you, Commander...Ah, damn, I forgot your name. Tom said, not really having to pretending embarrassment.
Furlong, sir. Qaylan Furlong.
Thank you, Commander Furlong.
Yes, sir.
Oh, and... you have the bridge.
Furlong nodded, and stepped back on to the bridge, the door shutting behind him. Tom picked up the datapad, and tapped the controls. Kathryn Janeway's face appeared on the screen.
Hello, Tom. she began. By now, you're in full command of your very own ship. Congratulations. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see you off, but if I try to get out of one more meeting, they're going to chain me to my chair. Tom smiled slightly. I only have a few minutes. Janeway went on. So I'll make this short. Right now, I imagine you're feeling the sense of euphoria that comes with your first command-that is, if you've gotten over the shock of it yet. I remember when I first stepped onto the bridge of Voyager, I felt like nothing could make me stop smiling. What I'm trying to say, Tom, is this. Don't ever lose that. Never stop looking down the road and wondering what's next. But don't be in too much of a hurry to get there. One thing we all discovered during our time in the delta quadrant was that sometimes, it's not the destination, but the journey that makes it worth going. Someone once said, once you have your command, never let go of it. Janeway lifted a cup of what Tom knew was black coffee, and took a sip. I'm beginning to see how right they were. she continued. Hold on to it as long as you can, Tom. Don't let them tie you to a desk. It's not worth the extra pip, I've learned that the hard way. If you don't let yourself get used to it, you'll still have that sense of anticipation each and every day of the job. Janeway paused, then said, in closing, Set your ambitions high, and you'll always have something to look forward to. Godspeed, Mr. Paris.