Reconnecting
This story is a collection of ficlets which each depict a different crew member as they reconnect with their family back on Earth via the video link that was established thanks to the work of the people on the Pathfinder Project.
Chapter 1
On Voyager's bridge, it seems to be the beginning of a normal, average day, the sort of day when nothing ever happens. Harry and Tuvok are at their stations, Tom is at the helm and Chakotay is sat in his chair when Captain Janeway enters the room from the Turbo Lift.
"Good day everyone"
"Captain, how was your lunch with Neelix and your inspection of his new menu?" asks Chakotay.
"Good, and he's got some great ideas"
"Let me guess , involving Leola root"
"How did you know?"
"Captain, we're being hailed - its Starfleet" says Harry.
"On screen"
After Harry had pressed a couple of buttons on his console, the face of Admiral Paris appeared on screen.
"Admiral Paris! A pleasure, but what can I do for you sir?"
"We don't have much time, so what I want to say is this: Is Tom there?"
"I'm here dad" answered Tom as he stood up.
"Good, I am talking to you because we at the Pathfinder Project have found a way to communicate with Voyager, but only for 11 minutes a day, and I am sending further information of the calls that are to come".
"I have it sir" proclaimed Harry, looking at his screen,
"Tom, go into my ready room and have some privacy and Tuvok transfer Admiral Paris there. Chakotay, the helm".
"Aye Captain"
Moments later Tom is sat at the Captain's desk, looking at his dad's face on her computer.
"Tom, how are you?"
"I'm ok, just a little shocked is all"
"Why?"
"I didn't expect to be the first member of the crew to receive a call"
"I pulled a few strings"
"I bet you did, how's everything at home?"
"Ok, not much has changed really. I've missed you Tom"
"I've missed you too dad, oh I have so much to tell you, the things I've seen, you wouldn't believe it".
"I look forward to it some other time, but we don't have long left, I have a very important meeting with some Engineering and Science offers about possible new equipment which could help to extend the length of these calls. Also, I suggest that you ask Captain Janeway about the possibility of setting aside a small, private room for these calls, where the crew can talk to their family away from prying eyes and ears".
"I'll do that"
"We are working to find a way to bring you home"
"I know
"Tom, before I go, I want you to know that what I said when communications were first established, about being proud of you, I stand by that, you are a survivor, and I truly cannot wait to hear your stories, after all, I've read about then in the crew logs I was sent, but it would be nice to hear it straight from the horse's mouth as it were".
"Goodbye dad"
"Goodbye son"
After a few minutes of silence, thinking about the conversation he had had with his dad, Tom exited Janeway's ready room and re-entered the bridge.
"Mr Paris, how was it?" asked the Captain.
"Good, more emotional than I thought. He told me to say that the calls will start tomorrow and he suggested that he set aside a private room for the crew to receive these calls".
"According to this information the Admiral sent, the link is only stable for 11 minutes a day, so he suggests 2 calls a day at 5.5 minutes each".
"It shall be done. Tuvok, see to it that a room is prepared for these calls, maybe with a large view screen".
"Aye Captain".
After Chakotay has moved out of the way and let Tom takes up his position back at the helm he turns to Harry and asks "Does the Admiral give a list of who is receiving a call and when?"
"Yes sir, he says that the Captain is receiving a call at 14:00"
"Me, does it say who from?"
"No, I'm sorry"
"And what about the second person"
"It says, ... me, it's me"
"Congratulations Ensign, but for now, let's get back to work, Lt Paris, set a course, Warp factor 6"
"Yes ma'am"
"Engage"
Voyager then flies off into the distance, ready for another adventure, and anxiously anticipating calls from home.
End of Chapter