This is the first part in a series following Owen and Tom Paris and exploring the mistakes they make, how they deal with them, and the impact it has on their relationship.

This story does take inspiration from the storyline in Jeri Taylor's novel Mosaic where Owen and Kathryn are captured by Cardassians and he is tortured, but only conceptually. Most of the details will be different. This will show Owen being tortured by Cardassians, but it's mostly pain and manipulation, so it's not gory or anything. And regarding the sex, it is very explicit, but also very consensual.

Also, ALL THE THANKS to CaptAcorn for her help and suggestions and editing of this monstrosity. I've been working on this for WAY too long but she has been there the whole time with her support and awesomeness. This story would not be nearly as good without her efforts. And thanks too, to Sareki, who has been there for me since the beginning. Their patience and willingness to rip this thing apart has made it better, and I will be forever appreciative of their efforts.

In case anyone is wondering, since it's never directly stated, these are the ages of everyone involved:
Owen and Julia Paris - 45
Kathryn Janeway (and Ethan) - 25
Kathleen Paris - 20
Moira Paris - 18
Tom Paris - 15

Also, the Paris family name is from Julia's family. Owen took it when they married. This is referenced in my Paris family ficlets, but is not directly addressed here.

January 12, 2371

Hitting send on her final remaining urgent message for the day, Kathryn Janeway felt a pleasant wave of accomplishment and satisfaction wash over her. She had been dealing with the inevitable flurry of activity that accompanied a new mission all week, and things were finally coming together. Today it looked like she was actually going to be able to leave at a somewhat reasonable hour. If she left now, she could even meet Mark for dinner.

The door to her office in Starfleet headquarters swished open behind her, and she turned in her chair. "Cavit, can you–"

But when she saw the figure in the doorway, it wasn't her new first officer.

Her eyes widened. "Admiral Paris!" She swallowed. "What can I do for you?" Kathryn liked to think that not much could faze her, but she found Owen's unexpected appearance rather unnerving.

Owen smiled weakly and stuck his hand out. "Captain Janeway." Kathryn shook it, mostly out of habit, and nodded. He held on to her hand a little longer than necessary. "It's good to see you, Kathryn."

She smiled, feeling some of the tension break. "It's good to see you too, Owen." Thinking back, she wasn't even sure how long it had been since the last time she had seen him. She hadn't worked under his chain of command since she'd been on the Al-Batani, since he'd ended… it. And Starfleet was a big place.

Looking at the man on the other side of her desk, she couldn't help noticing how much older he seemed. It wasn't just that he was in his sixties now. It was the dark circles under his eyes and a certain weariness that he seemed to carry with him that aged him beyond his years. "Please," she repeated, this time with more feeling, "what can I do for you?"

Owen sighed and took a seat across from her. "I'm sorry, Kathryn, for catching you at this time of day."

She settled back into her seat with a smile. "I always have time for old friends." He smiled at her words.

"I actually have a favor to ask. Unofficially."

Kathryn's eyebrows drew together, curiosity piqued. "What kind of favor?"

"I assume you've heard about Tom…"

Kathryn took in a measured breath. Everyone's heard about Tom… "I have."

To most people, Owen might not have appeared distressed, but Kathryn could still find the subtle signs on Owen's face. While she was surprised to still be able to read him so well, she was hardly surprised that he was in distress. It would be hard for anyone who had dedicated their life to Starfleet to come to terms with their child's dishonorable discharge and eventual incarceration.

Especially a child with as much potential as Tom.

She had no idea how she could possibly help, but she didn't think Owen would come to her without good reason. Finally, he spoke again. "I've never used my position to keep him out of trouble. He… he made his choices. And he has to live with the consequences of those choices." Owen swallowed. "But this… Tom being in prison is eating Julia up inside."

"I'm so sorry, Owen. It must be so difficult."

Owen smiled gratefully and met her eyes. "Thank you, Kathryn." He paused. "I know you are being sent to find the Val Jean. The parole board has agreed to… to cut him a deal. I thought he might be able to help you. He'll know where their bases are. How they hide. He could help you find the ship, in return for a shorter sentence." He paused. "If you are willing to take him."

Owen looked up at her when he finished and she met his gaze. Her first response was hesitation. Everyone said Tom was trouble. If she took him with her, there was a good chance he would prove to be more trouble than he was worth. But as she looked into Owen's eyes, that response was quickly replaced by a different one.

Guilt.

After he'd ended the affair, there had been rumors. Not many people knew the details, but the after effects were visible to anyone paying attention. He and Julia had struggled for years to patch their relationship back together. His relationship with Tom had deteriorated. Kathryn knew she was responsible.

And she realized then that there was no way she could turn down an opportunity to do right by Owen's family. If Tom was a burden, it was one that she would bear.

"Of course, Owen. You can count on me."