Disclaimer: Star Trek: Voyager and Next Generation are products Paramount Pictures and Gene Rodenberry. Thanks for letting me borrow them. Didn't get anything from them except for the enjoyment of bending the characters to my will. All original characters are mind.

Warning: I know I have to say this even though I think it's silly. This story deals with a romantic relationship between two consenting adult women. You have now been warned.

Arthur Notes: This originally started out to be written for the Passion and Perfection IDF What if? challenge but time wasn't on my side. So I decided to add it to Epic Proportions Challenge 2010 instead. It really isn't a true Voyager or Next Generation story although the two characters are from the respective shows but only in name only.

Summary: What if someone didn't die who was suppose to or did die who wasn't suppose to? What if a series of these events were to occur how would that alter the future?

Feedback is always welcome. Please send your thoughts to

Thanks: Many thanks to my beta Lenara. She was able again to make this story make sense.

ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.

Where It All Begins by Mapsnika

She had just left her father's apartment after another heated argument about her lack of direction in life. She was headed toward her favorite night spot that overlooked the bay in San Francisco. This was her usual destination after a fight with her father or any contact with her mother. The Galaxy Club was a place where she could find a strong drink and a willing companion to make her forget about her problems.

xxxxxx

Lt. Commander Ian Andrew Troi had raised his daughter ever since he and his wife divorced over 20 years ago. Lwaxana Troi had decided that raising a half human child was too much of a hardship especially being a high ranking member of the royal council of Betazed and their Official Ambassador to other worlds. Her duties kept her away from home so frequently that caring for a child would be best left to her father. She had seen her occasionally when she was a child when her duties brought her to Star Fleet Command on official business.

Deanna had visited Betazed a few times but found it boring and discovered quickly that she really didn't fit in to her mother's world. Her mother was married before her father and had a 'true' Betazoid daughter, as she secretly referred to her, named Kestra. Her father was killed when he drowned while they were on a picnic when Kestra was just an infant. Deanna never understood why her mother married her father especially since he was human. Ian Troi only told his daughter that they fell in love when she came to Earth on a diplomatic mission. They went back to live on Betazed where he tried to bond with Kestra who was five years old at the time but Lwaxana made it difficult for him to form any type of relationship with her. He hoped things would change once Deanna was born, but that seemed to drive a wedge further between the couple especially since Ian doted on his young daughter. Lwaxana would always bring up in some way about how Kestra was a true daughter of Betazed and was expected to take her place in the Betazed High Council someday. Deanna was always seen as too headstrong and too human to take her place in Betazed society. Her mother's constant reminders of the importance of Betazed heritage and the important role her first born child will play in Betazed society became too much for her father. He asked his wife for a divorce and took little Deanna to live with him on Earth. He felt that she would be able to find her own importance in the world away from the expectations of Betazed and her mother. When Deanna would ask why he married his mother, he would simply state that even after everything that they went through, he still loved her in his own way.

During Lwaxana's infrequent visits with her daughter either when she was a child on Earth or Betazed Lwaxana would attempt to give Deanna lessons on how to use her telepathic skills. They would both become so frustrated and the lessons and visits usually would end abruptly. Lwaxana had a difficult time connecting with her daughter because she lacked the discipline of a full blood Betazoid child.

During these visits Kestra would also accompany her mother. Deanna at first was excited about having an older sister and looked forward to the visits with her mother and sister. Kestra initially treated Deanna like the little playmate she didn't have. As she got older their relationship drastically changed due to her mother's constant and intense teaching about the value of being a full blood Betazoid and her role in Betazoid society. Kestra learned that Deanna would have no place in that society according to her mother. She and Deanna quickly grew apart. Being young and not truly understanding her mother's attitude, Deanna blamed her mother for losing her older sister. Lwaxana never made any attempt to aid in the two girls' relationship with each other although she never made any direct comments about them as sisters. Deanna realized she had the ability to read the feelings and occasionally the thoughts of others especially when the other person was in an elevated emotional state. Because of this she could always sense that her mother was hiding something. She thought it was just that she merely tolerated her and saw her out of obligation. But the emotions of her sister continued to confuse her.

Her father was able to provide a secure home for his daughter especially after his appointment to Starfleet Academy as an instructor in warp core engineering. His appointment at Starfleet Academy kept him located in San Francisco but it also kept him very busy. In order to provide her the most stable and nurturing environment, Deanna spent a great deal of time with her aunt and cousins. This solved his problem of providing her with a maternal figure and children that she could interact with especially since she was never able to form a relationship with her sister. Her cousins were several years older than Deanna which at times provided her with experiences that were beyond her age. She was always a very social child and had the ability to make friends with almost anyone. Her father contributed this to her Betazoid heritage. He wanted her to attend the Academy primary school with the children whose parents were employed at Starfleet Academy but his sister convinced him that her attending school with non Starfleet children would be best for her. Wanting what was best for his daughter, he went along with the idea. As she got older he saw her become less focused and more rebellious especially after she had visits with her mother. As she grew into young adulthood she always appeared to feel more restless and could never settle down to try any one thing. She fought against the push of her father to join Starfleet and her aunt to attend University to start a career. Right now her only plan was staying in San Francisco to have fun and be able to make love to the most beautiful females from everywhere in the galaxy who came to the academy or visit the city.

xxxxx

Deanna and her father had their usual fight tonight about what she was going to do with her life. She had drifted from one job to the next with no real direction or career path. She couldn't even maintain a steady relationship. He had hoped she would enter Starfleet and possibly go into engineering, communications or medicine. She had taken the aptitude test for Starfleet Academy and passed all those areas with flying colors but she still seemed uninterested. She wouldn't admit it to him but she was growing tired of having no direction but refused to go into something because that was what was expected of her. She still hadn't figured out what she wanted to do with her life but wasn't going to be dictated to by anyone.

She walked into the Galaxy Club in search of someone who could help her take her mind off her troubles at least for the night. The club was filled with many fine choices tonight and she slowly walked throughout the club to see who peaked her interest. She could sense the sexual arousal in the room which only added to her own need. She could feel the want of some being greater than others because of their level of loneliness or desperation. She also could sense those that were just looking to get laid. Being able to sense the feelings of others is what gave her the reputation of being a sensitive and skillful lover. She was able to anticipate the needs and desires of her lovers.

Deanna was drawn to one particular woman not by her looks but the emotional vibe of wonder and excitement. That was something that she had not felt in a long time especially in herself.

Sitting at the bar by herself was a dark haired woman about her height wearing a blue, long sleeve silk blouse and black linen slacks. As Deanna got closer she noticed that the woman was very attractive with exotic features and brownish skin. The half Betazoid sat in the empty seat next to her where she saw that she had the most beautiful chocolate brown eyes. She noticed that she had slight forehead ridges and realized that she was half Klingon which only added to her striking beauty. Deanna knew she didn't have the stamina or endurance to be with a full female Klingon even though there were a few she found sexually interesting. Maybe this woman could be the right mixture of fire and softness to be able to mark another species off her list.

"Hello. Can I buy you a drink?" she asked the exotic beauty in her best seductive voice.

The woman turned to look at Deanna and gave her the sweetest smile and she was hit again by the emotions of wonder and excitement. "Hi. Thank you that would be very nice."Deanna was surprised by the softness of her voice but it seemed to caress her like a warm embrace.

"What are you drinking?"

"Andorian Brandy?"

She smiled at her before she turned to get the attention of the bartender, "Bartender can I get two Andorian Brandies? Thanks." Turning back to face the woman she looked deeply into her eyes, "My name is Deanna."

"Nice to meet you Deanna. My name is B'Elanna Torres." She felt shy and hoped that this woman would continue to ask questions because she didn't think she had the ability to carry on a conversation without assistance and mostly she wanted to hear her speak because the sound of her voice was so melodic.

"Are you here by yourself? I can't imagine a beautiful young woman as yourself would be without an escort," Deanna said in a low voice sensing the young woman was interested in her company.

"I thought I would come out and have a drink before my final interview with Starfleet Academy tomorrow. I'm just a bit nervous I won't do well." B'Elanna felt drawn to Deanna's eyes as well to her voice. They were dark like the vastness of space and threatened to draw her into them. She knew she was trying to be charming but found it so attractive.

"So you are going to Starfleet Academy? What are you thinking about studying?"

"I was hoping to study engineering. I've always liked to tinker with engines. It use to upset my parents when they went to go use the replicator for a glass of water and got a cup of chicken soup instead when I was a child," she said with a soft giggle.

Deanna realized how young she was as she looked closely at her face maybe not so much age wise but experience wise. She had a face that was not spoiled by the issues of life and dreams unfulfilled. She appeared that she had not gone through much in her life that would stifle her idealistic ability to envision dreams of a future for herself. For a moment she felt envious of the young woman.

"I bet your parents must be proud of you that you are one interview away from getting into the academy. Do they live on Earth?" Deanna didn't want to give away that her father was an instructor at Starfleet Academy in engineering. If they were to get together tonight she didn't want it to be about a favor.

"I live with my family on Kessick IV. They encouraged me to enter Starfleet. I guess they got tired of me messing with the replicator one too many times and thought I should focus my skills on something more beneficial. This is my first time on Earth. I've lived my entire life on Kessick IV with my parents. Do you attend the academy? Do you live on Earth?" B'Elanna was starting to feel the effects of the brandy as she was starting to speak more freely. She was not used to drinking. Her mother would allow her to have some blood wine during Klingon celebrations when she was younger but she never really cared for the taste. She only ordered the brandy because her friends had told her it would make look more sophisticated and worldly.

Deanna smiled brightly at the young woman's enthusiasm and openness. She wondered if she was ever that young and full of wonder. "My father and I live here in San Francisco. I've spent some time on Betazed when I would visit my mother and sister when I was much younger. And no I don't attend the academy. Wouldn't know what I would study, not sure what I'm interested in or if the academy is for me. It's great that you know what you want to do."

B'Elanna's smile waned as she thought about what she had said about her parents. She couldn't imagine not having her parents in her life. "Do you get to see your mother and sister often? I don't mean to pry but I can't imagine not being with both my parents. You don't have to answer if you don't want to." B'Elanna felt bad that she had asked such a personal question just having met her. She knew that she was attracted to her and didn't want her to think of her as some young naïve child on her first outing in the big city.

"Do you always ask this many questions? You will do great at Starfleet Academy," Deanna laughed. "Don't worry about it. No, my mother and I have never been real close. I don't really remember growing up with her. Same with my sister. It's been mainly me and dad. I did spend a lot of time with my aunt as well. My dad has been great although he's frustrated that I have no real direction with my life." Sensing that the conversation could get heavy she decided to try to change the direction. "Seeing that you have your life figured out, what do you think I should to do?" she asked with a bright smile.

"You're asking me? I don't know, what kind of things do you like to do?"

Deanna got a devilish grin on her face at the question which caused B'Elanna to blush bright red. The older woman chuckled good naturedly and placed her hand on her arm. "You're cute." All of a sudden Deanna wasn't in the mood to hang out at the Galaxy Club but wanted to talk more with B'Elanna. She was unlike the other women she had been with recently. Before she would just give them a few well chosen lines and then it was off to their place or hers. She wanted to spend more time talking to this woman which struck her as odd since she never felt this way about anyone before.

"Hey have you eaten? Want to go get something to eat? I know this really great Cajun restaurant called Siskos in New Orleans. I promise to not keep you out late so you will be bright eyed and bushy tailed for your interview tomorrow. Whadda ya say?" Deanna gave her best puppy-dog smile in hopes that it would be seen as appealing.

'Those eyes, that mouth, that smile. I better be careful. I would go to Mars with her if she asked me to.' B'Elanna smiled and replied, "I have never had Cajun food and I've always wanted to see New Orleans. Sure I'd love to." At this point she would say anything to continue to be in this woman's presence.

"Great let's go to the transporter station. It's not far from here."

As they walked to the transporter station, Deanna directed her attention to various points of interest. She loved this city and was pleased that she had an opportunity to see it through new eyes. When they got to New Orleans, Deanna had decided to walk the long way to the restaurant so B'Elanna could see more of the city sights. She had to work extra hard to not laugh at her enthusiasm as she nearly walked into several people as she was so caught up looking more at the various attractions instead of where she was walking. As they walked to the restaurant B'Elanna would point at something and ask rapid fired questions before Deanna could answer one.

Deanna couldn't help herself from smiling at the young woman as they walked to the restaurant. She had to put her arm around her shoulder to keep her from running into people or things in her path. When they finally reached the restaurant, Deanna had to pull B'Elanna's arm as she started to walk past the restaurant because she was busy looking at something else.

"Whoa! Where are you going? We're here," Deanna said with a laugh.

Feeling embarrassed B'Elanna began to blush. "I'm sorry. I guess I was so excited about being here that I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

"You're so cute." Deanna could help looking at her and smiling. B'Elanna's blush was becoming a bright crimson red. "Come on, let's eat." She led the young woman into the restaurant by the hand. Deanna requested a table by the window where B'Elanna had a view of the night life occurring on the street.

They ate, drank and talked. The discussed their likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams and everything in between. Deanna couldn't believe that this young woman who had very limited life experience held her attention so completely. They were only eight years apart but since she had spent her entire life in one place it made her appear much younger.

They hadn't realized how late it was until the waitress approached them about getting ready to close.

"Oh B'Elanna I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't keep you out so late. We should probably get you back to your hotel so you will be fresh for your interview tomorrow." As Deanna stood and held out her hand to help her up, she made a point to pull her close and spoke quietly in her ear, "I'm glad you came to dinner with me. I had a really good time. Can I take you out tomorrow to celebrate you getting into the Academy?" B'Elanna lowered her head at Deanna's words. Deanna gently raised her chin so she could see her eyes and then gave her an adoring smile. Her heart fluttered when the smile was returned and she slowly nodded yes.

They left the restaurant holding hands as they walked to the transporter station. B'Elanna interest was more about Deanna this time then the sights of the city and she found herself stealing glances at the older woman as they walked to the hotel. The walk to B'Elanna's hotel was a short walk from the station and B'Elanna felt it was too short. She wanted to spend more time with this woman.

Once in the hotel lobby, both women appeared to be doing everything they could think of to put off the goodbye they knew was coming. Deanna had decided when they were at the restaurant that she wasn't going to sleep with her… at least not tonight.

B'Elanna decided that she needed to break the spell and end the night. "Deanna, thank you so much for showing me New Orleans and introducing me to Cajun food. Did you really mean it that you wanted to see tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I really want to see you tomorrow. I will pick you up here at 5:00pm. How does that sound?" Deanna responded happily.

"It sounds great. I will see you here. Thank you." As much as she tried to be casual, B'Elanna was failing miserably at hiding her excitement.

As B'Elanna turned to walk away Deanna called her back. She put her arm around her lower back and pulled her into a light hug and spoke softly inches from the young woman's lips, "Good luck with your interview tomorrow." She then closed the short distance and placed a light kiss on her lips. "You'll do great." She then released her and quickly walked to the exit not trusting her resolve to not take the kiss any further.

B'Elanna stood watching the retreating woman trying to will her heart not to beat out of her chest. 'She is so beautiful. I could have kissed her all night. I can't believe she wants to see again.' She stood there a few moments more until Deanna had disappeared completely from sight.

She sighed deeply and turned to go to her room. "Well I better call home to let them know that everything is okay," she said aloud to herself.

xxxxx

"Yes papa. I know papa. The minute I'm done I will contact you, I promise." B'Elanna was lying across her bed on her stomach kicking her feet in the air as she did when she was a child talking to her father. He still worried about his daughter and was trying to get her to divulge everything she has done since her arrival in San Francisco. For this reason B'Elanna was using audio only to communicate with him so he couldn't read her facial expressions.

"Huh? Yes, I am eating. Don't worry. In fact, I met this nice woman and we went out to dinner in New Orleans. Cajun food. It was really good. You and mother should visit New Orleans sometime. Papa I really need to get some sleep. I want to make a good impression. I will call you tomorrow. I promise right after. I love you. Tell mom I love her to. Good night, papa."

Once the call ended she went over to her bag and pulled out the picture that she had wrapped in a soft red scarf. She couldn't bear to travel such a long distance and be without it. She lovingly touched the picture, kissed the face in the halo image and placed it on the night stand as she always did so it faced her and watched over her as she slept. She debated whether or not to take the picture with her to the interview. She laughed at the silly thought and then got ready for bed.

Before she closed her eyes to sleep she looked at the picture on the nightstand and smiled and softly said, "Wish me luck tomorrow. Goodnight SoS."

xxxxx

Her biological mother died in a shuttle craft accident when B'Elanna was only three years old. Miral met John Torres when she came to Kessik IV to deliver plasma manifold parts to the planet. Their romance was intense and they were married five weeks later. B'Elanna came soon after. Miral risked the honor of her house to be with John. They were deeply in love and he was devastated when she was killed. He was grateful that B'Elanna was so young. Her father remarried two years later to a human woman who immigrated from Mars. John Torres felt it important that B'Elanna know about her mother and her Klingon heritage. He made this clear with his new wife and she agreed that it was important as well. Although B'Elanna had the ridges of a Klingon, she never really felt the need to embrace her Klingon heritage but she grew to honor and observe that part of herself and her mother despite being raised to be human by her father and stepmother.

They did their best to try to instill her with the Klingon heritage of her mother and taught her the Klingon language. Her father taught at the University on Kessick IV and enlisted his colleagues and friends to help him teach his daughter about her heritage. She was adept at learning the Klingon language as a child but because she didn't have anyone to speak it with except for the professors at the university, she quickly lost interest. She tried to teach her school friends how to speak the language but it proved either too difficult or too harsh for her friends. They were interested in learning the more colorful words but nothing more. B'Elanna was put to bed by her father telling her stories of her mother and she grew to love her as much as if she were still alive and in her life.