Voyager was never designed to be a generational or even family friendly ship. She was a short-ranged cruiser, designed to ferry dignitaries around the Federation. Her reason for construction, Diplomacy in an increasingly unstable part of the galaxy. Yet, the Captain with forty years Starfleet experience knew single fathers were rare, even in the twenty-fourth century. So, when his First Officer requested permission to bring his daughter aboard, Cpt. Rue Howard agreed, reluctantly. It proved to open a can of worms he'd not seen coming.

There wasn't a single person in Starfleet who didn't know of the complex family history behind his number one. The Lieutenant Commander hadn't led an exemplary life. He might be one hell of a pilot, but his smug, arrogant nature made him a personnel nightmare.

It was a safe bet to state that everyone associated with Starfleet knew of the incident at Caldik Prime. How then Lt. Thomas Paris, son of Admiral Owen Paris had almost been killed in a shuttle accident. To the young officer's credit, and against the wishes of his parent, Tom confessed to pilot error immediately on waking in sickbay. He'd taken the blame for the disaster and been severely reprimanded, his chance at a golden career in Starfleet inhibited because of the event. It took him another ten years to get the extra pip, even then it was only because Cpt. Howard was willing to take a chance on the man.

"Tom Paris," Rue shook his head, going over the changes that needed to be made to his crew manifest with the addition of a child on board. "Two parts cocky arrogance, three parts loyal officer, barely using the book, flying by the seat of his pants but the most highly decorated pilot of his generation. At least a little of the self confidence has matured with the birth of his daughter. I hope I've made the right choice in giving him a chance at the XO's position."

Of course, once he'd allowed the adorable Elizabeth Paris to become a member of the crew, Lt. Carey requested his wife and sons be given the same opportunity. Cpt. Howard agreed, because Racheal Carey was a Starfleet certified, civilian councillor. Going into the Badlands, with children on board, even if they were the product of several generations of Starfleet officers, was never a bad idea. That decision had, however, swelled his crew from the original one hundred and forty-one to Voyager's capacity of one hundred and eighty-six. His vessel now played host to twenty-nine children from the ages of two to sixteen and sixteen spouses.

"What was I thinking," the Captain asked himself, picking up yet another PADD, scrutinising the careers of the civilian personal. "At least ten of these individuals will fill a need. Mr. Swift is a qualified teacher, Mrs. Baxter has agreed to set up a Crèche, along with two other partners. Mrs. Andrews a paediatric nurse qualified in several species."

"Bridge to Cpt. Howard," the young, and straight out of the academy operations officer comm'ed, interrupting Howards thoughts.

"Go ahead," Rue requested, picking up yet another PADD. This one with the systems status reports. All going well, they'd be leaving DS9 within the hour.

"Lt. Commander Paris has just come aboard, Sir," Ensign Kim stated. "All crew are now accounted."

"Very good," Rue sighed. "Captain out. Cpt. Howard to Paris."

"Go ahead, Captain," Tom managed to make his voice sound cheerful when his demeanour was anything but.

"Nice to finally have you aboard, Commander. Report to my ready room," Rue ensured his tone communicated his displeasure.

"Aye, Sir," Tom's cheerfulness was drowned out by the whimpers of a child. "Permission to drop my daughter with Racheal Carey."

"Problem's, Mr. Paris," Rue enquired, his voice softened.

"Only the usual," Tom managed to infuse the words with meaning.

Cpt. Rue Howard smiled, despite himself. Admiral Owen Paris had made his displeasure known when he discovered his only grandchild was to accompany her father on a mission. Although Tom could have left little Lizzy with the man, their history forbit it in every way. Undoubtedly, it was Admiral Paris who caused the child's tears and Tom's tardiness.

I just hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew, the Captain reminded himself. Making an adversary of Admiral Paris is not a good career move. It's just as well I don't want to climb into the upper echelons of Starfleet. This ship, or the ones that come after her are my mistress. Unlike my First Officer, I never found the right woman and children were never in my future. It's such a shame Tom's wife died.

"Well, make you arrangements snappy, Mr. Paris. We have a ship to get underway. Captain out."

Looking down at his daughter's tear stained face, Tom wanted to swear under his breath. Once again, his father had upset the little girl. The mighty Admiral Owen Paris couldn't take a few minutes from his day to wish Lizzy a happy journey. Instead she'd received a lecture about being too big to be carried by her father and it would ruin is image.

I don't know why I expected anything else, Tom's mind supplied. My father is treating my daughter in the same manner as he treated me as a child. Dad was against this assignment, especially after uncovering my determination to take my daughter with me. When he found out our mission, well, he went ballistic. It didn't matter how I tried to stop his rant, he didn't care that Elizabeth was listening. For God's sake, she didn't need to know her mother defected to the Maquis and we've been sent to real her in.

I haven't decided who little Elizabeth's mother will be. You have four choices

Seska

B'Elanna Torres

Kathryn Janeway

OC – please give some details for my muse.

I await your votes.