Symbiosis
Author's note
Most of the story is made up of Tom's personal log, as he is recounting his experiences. I realise that in many places, his 'style' shows, whereas in others, it's like reading a normal story. I didn't stick to the personal-log-style all the way through for the sake of drama. I hope you will suspend your disbelief and enjoy the story.
Chapter 1 – Prologue
No one would argue that Voyager's arrival in the Delta Quadrant was the most life-changing event in our lives. It turned me from prisoner to lieutenant – and back to ensign, no less; terrorists into officers, a trash dealer into a chef and more. Each of us has a story, all with a common beginning. One day, I hope, our stories will reach a common conclusion: our return home.
And yet, telling stories of beginnings and endings, we might one day forget the little things that happened to us on the way. It's the journey that shapes us into what we will be, whenever we reach our destination.
I have recently experienced something so strange and extraordinary, I'm sure it is burned into my memory for ever. But in case I won't reach home, I need to make sure my knowledge is preserved somehow. The following events took place a couple of days ago. It is our fifth year in the Delta Quadrant, and our days are darker than they used to be. The morale boost from our recent triumph over the Borg and the push we got from the transwarp coil quickly subsided as our lives returned to their usual routine. Every member of this crew is feeling the strain of exile more keenly than ever.
But no one really knows the burden our Captain carries – the heaviest of all; nobody but her first officer. And me.
