Sacrifice of Angels
By ChrisTR
****************************************
Perchance our greatness will increase;
Perchance a darkening future yields
Some reverse from worse to worse
The blood of men in quiet fields,
And sprinkled on the sheaves of peace.
-Alfred Tennyson, Hail Briton
****************************************
Part 3 - Investigations
'Doctor, please report.'
Voyager's Conference Lounge was crowded with people. Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok were still in sickbay, as well as B'Elanna Torres. The current command crew, Tom, Harry,and the Lts. Cooper and Carey were there, Captain Lorca, and some officers from his ship, the Agamemmnon, and the commander of the other ship, Commander Jadzia Dax, a Trill. With the help of Cmdr. Dax' Chief, Miles O'Brien, Voyager's Warp core had been brought back on-line, and they were now travelling across Cardassian Space, escorted by two Federation Stealth ships, the Agammemnon and the Defiant, both Defiant-class ships, the first and only ship type with cloaking abilities.
Tom still couldn't believe all of what Lorca had told them. *War with the Dominion? And we're losing it? DS9 under Cardassian control?*
But, even though Lorca too had troubles believing everything he learned, Tom had finally managed to convince him that they really were Voyager, and not a Cardasssian deception. The sensor logs proved his statement.
The Doctor, who was participating in the meeting via monitor, unwilling to let his patients alone, responded.
'I have managed to stabilize Cmdr.Chakotay, but he still is in coma. There is nothing I can do for him. I'm afraid we will simply have to wait until he regains consciencness. On the contrary, Lt. Tuvok and Cpt. Janeway are both well, and I am relieved to say that I will be able to release them during this very day. As for Lt. Torres...' He paused.
Tom's eyes narrowed. *Uh-oh..that doesn't sound good* His hands formed two fists and he held his breath.
The EMH continued: 'I managed to save her live once more. She still needs rest, but as I know her, she will insist that she's fine and should be working again. Lt.Paris, consider this a direct order from the leading medical officer on board; Lt. Torres is not to be assigned to anything but the lightest duty at most. You will look after it that these orders are followed by the letter. Being the stubborn persons you both are, I assume this task will not be easy, but I hope that you will follow at least that order.' He grunted. Tom looked amused, a smile tugged at his mouth. Harry grinned. Cpt. Lorca was rather confused.
'Certainly,' Tom said 'whatever you say, Doc.'
'Very good. Under normal circustances I would run a few more tests on her, but, quite frankly, with Lt. Torres in Sickbay, circumstances are hardly normal. She's giving me my first head-ache ever. So, I'd be grateful if anyone could show up here to take her to her quarters. As soon as possible.' His tone of voice was completely sincere.
There were some chuckles coming from around the table. Tom laughed silently, shaking his head.
'Thank you Doctor. I'll see to it.'
The Doctor nodded, 'If you'll excuse me now, I have other duties.' ...and the monitor
went black.
Tom looked around the table. 'Lt. Carey? Harry? What's our status?'
Carey coughed before starting to talk.
'Sir, thanks to..' He gestured to the other end of the table 'Cpt. Lorca's men here, we were able to get most primary systems on-line. Shields and weapons should be alright by now, and the hull-breach has been sealed. No permanent damage to the Warp Core.' he added.
Tom nodded, satisfied. 'Well done Lieutenant. Harry?'
His friend looked at him. 'All sensors are working normaly again. Thanks to the spare parts we just got, we even managed to increase their effectivity.' Harry paused 'But, nevertheless, Voyager needs a proper revision at the nearest starbase. It's been a long time since the last one.'
Tom nodded. 'Understood. Anything else? Have you figured out yet what hit us in the Delta-Quadrant?'
'No, sir. All we know is that the wave was similar to the Caretaker's one. It may just be...'
'Suspiria? Could it have been her?'
'It is a possibility. A distant one but, it's a possibility...'
'Last time we saw her, she was not exactly very helpful. Why should she help us now?'
Harry shook his head and was about to say something, but Cpt.Lorca beat him to it.
'Suspiria?' he asked. He had followed the discussion with ever-growing confusion.
Tom sighed. 'It's a long story, Captain. Let's just say, she was something like the
Caretakers companion.'
Lorca was slowly beginning to get annoyed.
'Listen,' he said 'I know it is a bit sudden for you. But, fact is, you are back home, and you have to face it. Right now I don't know *why* you are here, and quite frankly, I don't give a damm. But the point is, you *are* here, and right now, StarFleet can use every ship it can get. The war isn't turning out good for us.' He hesitated, unsure of what to say next. 'Listen to me. You know that the wormhole is the key to the Alpha Quadrant. Whoever controls DS9 controls the wormhole. Right now it's the Dominion, but we are going to change that. Probably I should not tell you this, but, before we detected you and this Cardassian ship having a talk, we were on a recon mission. Starfleet Command is launching an attack at DS9 soon, and we were here to locate the enemy fleet. I sent Admiral Haze a message, informing him of our—-your status. I have not yet received an answer, but
my guess is that he will assign you to the attack fleet. So you better do anything you can to make this ship fully functional again, or you will have a hard time out there, *and* with me. Do we understand each other Lietenant?'
Tom looked at him, not knowing what to say. 'You made your point quite clearly.'
Lorca nodded grimly, apparently satisfied.
'Good. You'll have to excuse me now, but I have to get back to my ship.'
With that, he stood up and left the room, his men following him.
There was an uncomfortably silence.
'Allright, you heard the man,' Tom said 'let's get back to work.
We'll arrive at SB 89 in less than 2 hours. Until then, I want this ship working as on it's first day. I'll go to sickbay now and report to the captain. Dismissed.'
Jadzia Dax, who had said nothing during the entire conversation stayed. She studied the young Lieutenant's face. Something fascinated her about him. She saw the mask he was wearing all the time, and she knew it was not him. *Not really him, anyway.* Jadzia noticed something in his eyes. He seemed a bit preoccupied. She wondered what the *real* Tom Paris looked like. *But I guess he won't let me inside his walls. I wonder if he lets anybody in.* She smiled when she found out that she already knew the answer.
Tom noticed her smile and wondered why she had stayed here. He looked at her. She certainly attractve, in a way. The leopard-like Trill marks gave her an exotic look. Tom smiled wryly. *The old Tom Paris would certainly have tried to seduce her.* He sighed. *But I doubt he would have had any succes.*
Jadzia looked down at her hands. 'I have to apologize for Cpt.Lorca's lack of decency, but he's got a point. The war is running very badly indeed. We are on the edge of being defeated.'
Tom only grunted in response and turned to the windows, his thougths on Deck 11,
Sickbay.
'Tom, what is it?'
Tom was not really surprised at her calling him by his first name. Jadzia was extroverted and likeable. But he hadn't expected that question.
'I'm sorry?'
She smiled.'Your mind seems to be wandering. I want to know why.' she said calmly, looking into his eyes. *Even if I think I already know why.*
Tom could not stand the stare, and looked at his hand, tightly clasped under the table, instead. 'It's nothing. I...'
*You don't know her. You don't know her but you just want to tell her what you feel. How is she doing it?* Jadzia Dax seemed to be even more likeable than Kes. He reached a decision. *I may as well tell her as anyone else.* he thought with a sigh.
'...I'm just worried about...B'Elanna. And the others.' He added quickly.
Jadzia smiled knowingly. 'I see. You care a great deal about her don't you?'
'That obvious is it?'
'I'm afraid so.' She admitted 'And I believe Harry too has noticed it.' *As has half of the rest of the crew*
Tom laughed. 'Harry! He has been trying to get us two together ever since...' His voice trailed off, and images of the past 4 years came to his mind. Jadzia waited patiently.
After a few seconds, Tom spoke again.
'Yeah. Yes, I guess I do care about her. A great deal.'
'Then, why don't you tell her?' she replied.
*Good question Thomas* he thought *Why?*
To her surprise, Tom started laughing bitterly.'Oh, Lt Cmdr Dax...'
'Jadzia' she interrupted.
'..Jadzia. You don't know B'Elanna.'
Jadzia could hear in his voice that he no longer wanted to discuss this subject. She quickly changed it.
'Julian –-Doctor Bashir—- has expressed his wish to visit Voyager. If you don't mind. He could help out in SickBay. He's a very good doctor actually.' Tom thought he heard something like pride in her voice.
'I don't mind. If any of your people want to visit Voyager, they're welcome. After 4 years, our crew certainly won't object to seeing other humans again.' He smiled, then suddenly turned all serious again.
'Now what?' Jadzia asked uncertainly
'Um..I'm not sure if Harry told you this before...but..uh..we actually have a Borg on
board.'
Jadzia nodded. 'Harry told me about Seven of Nine. But after what I've heard, she no longer is Borg.'
'No,' he replied 'no, she's not. We removed all but three of the Borg implants, and we tried to teach her how to be human again. It was very difficult in the beginning, but she is now part of this crew...our crew..'
*'My crew'..until Janeway is back on duty..* Tom felt he liked commanding a ship.
'..and I expect that your people treat her with the same respect as they treat other humans. I heard the Borg have attacked Earth again, while we were away, and I know many people have very..hostile feelings towards them. The same feelings were present on board Voyager, but we have learned to accept her. Seven is no longer a Borg. She's as human as I am, and she has just the same feelings as we do.' He paused, when he remembered the day when Harry Kim had told him that he actually had a crush on Seven. A genuine smile spread on Tom's face.
'I won't allow anyone to hurt her.' he concluded, astonished himself by the harshness of his voice.
Jadzia just sat there, waiting for him to say something. Tom finally noticed her look.
'Listen, Jadzia, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude...'
She smiled.'It's okay Tom.' She mustered him again. 'She seems to have found some
good friends here.' she said warmly.
'Yes. Yes she does.' He said, his tone completely sincere. 'And friends means a lot to me, no matter what you've heard else.'
She nodded. 'I guarantee for the behavior of my crew. Don't worry Tom. They are good people.'
'Thanks.'
Jadzia smiled and patted his arm. Then she stood up.
'Well, I I'll have to be going too. The entire crew of the Defiant wants to know what
happened to Voyager.' She smiled. 'I guess I'll have to tell them. I'll talk to you later
Tom.'
Tom nodded. 'Tell your Doctor Bashir I'm looking forward to meet him.'
She grinned. 'Will do.' Then she left for the transporter room.
Tom sighed. He felt like he had to do something special. Then, an idea came to him. He touched his comm-badge.
'Lt. Paris to all hands. As acting commander of the U.S.S Voyager, it is my pleasure to announce that, as from this moment, all restriction on the use of replicators are raised.' He paused briefly, then, grinning, added 'Bon appétit. Paris out.'
For the first time in days, Paris felt a little better.
***
During the next 5 hours, 231 bottles of Champagne and some 200 chocolate ices were replicated onboard Voyager.
***
'COMPUTER! Deactivate EMH program'
The Doctor looked shocked and opened his mouth to protest but before he could say
anything he vanished. B'Elanna Torres grunted,satisfied. She sat on the side of her
Boiobed, in full uniform. The Doctor had been constantly warning her about going back to work to early. She simply couldn't stand it any longer. 'About time!' she expressed angrily.
Katherine Janeway, sitting on a chair next to Chakotays bed, smiled, but gave her Chief Engineer a disapproving look, even though she had to admit that the sudden silence pleased her. Janeway still felt miserably from her own injuries, but what was worse was that Chakotay still was in coma. The doctor had released both, her and Tuvok, earlier today, but Katherine couldn't resist the urge of being at Chakotays side.
*Katherine Janeway, are you falling in love?* She sighed. *I guess so..*
She had heard somewhere that people in coma could here it if loved ones talked to them. Katherine had tried to say something, but she couldn't find the words. Besides, it didn't feel right with B'Elanna and the Doctor witnessing it.
When she heard Tom's announcement over the inter-comm she had to smile. After all she had heard from the Doctor and Harry, Tom was doing remarkably well as acting commander. When Harry had dropped in earlier, he had told her how Tom was doing. He also had told her about the problems Paris had to focus on his work, as long as he didn't know how B'Elanna was doing. When he finally learned that she was allright, he had wanted to visit her in sickbay all the time, but his duties had prevented this so far. *Considering B'Elanna's mood, this perhaps wasn't so bad a thing.* Janeway smiled.
*He really seems to love her. Who'd have thought? Tom Paris, Voyager's Ladies man, in love with B'Elanna Torres, the short-tempered half-klingon engineer.* But she had to admit that they would form a cute couple.
When she heard the door open, she turned around to see who had entered and was not surprised to see Tom Paris step in. He began walking towards B'Elanna, but seeing the Captain, and B'Elannas mood, he decided otherwise and went over to Janeway.
He stopped in front of her and looked at Chakotay.
'How is he?'
Janeway looked at her First officer as well.
'Not well. He's still in coma.' She glanced at her helmsman. 'Tell me, how are things on the bridge without me?'
Tom smiled. 'Well, I managed to get us back to the Alpha Quadrant in one piece, and I avoided us being destroyed by a Cardassian warship. Not so bad for my first day.' he joked. 'Besides, I raised the replicator rationing. It..didn't seem adequate anymore.'
Katherine smiled. 'It was a good thing to do. I suppose it raised the crew's morale even further.'
'It certainly did Captain. Only Neelix complained a bit. I hope he's not going to program leota root into the replicators.' He saw his captain smirk. Tom hesitated 'I suppose you have been briefed at our current situation?'
Janeway only nodded.
'When we are have arrived at SB 89, Admiral Haze will probably assign us to the Attack Fleet for the recapturing of DS9.'
'I know.'
There was an uncomfortable silence between them.
Finally Tom decided to change the subject.
'Where's Doc anyway?'
Janeway smiled. 'B'Elanna deactivated him.'
Tom moaned amusedly. 'I suppose I should have known.' He looked briefly across the
room, to where B'Elanna was sitting.
Janeway noticed the look on his face, and smiled.
'Tom? Tom.' Puzzled he turned to look at her, saw her knowing smile and blushed.
Katherine's smile grew even farther. 'You really do care about her, don't you?'
Tom chuckled. *Why has everyone have to ask me that today?*
'Yes. Yes I do.' he answered, slightly unnerved 'In fact I came here because of her.'
He smiled when he saw Janeways questioning look, but ingnored it.
'Computer, activate EMH program.'
The doc blurred into existence again, looking extremely annoyed.
'I really must protest against this treatment. I cannot fulfill my duties if you keep
deactivating my program again and again. This is outragious. Just deactive the
Hologramme when it annoys you. I'm a doctor, not a children toy. If you kee..' He came no further.
'Doctor,' Tom interrupted 'I have some news for you. I expect you are informed of our current situation?'
'I was present when Ensign Kim reported to the Captain.' he admitted, reluctantly
changing the subject.
'Good. If you don't mind, Dr.Bashir from the Defiant has expressed the wish to beam over here.' He paused, and let a smile appear on his face. 'He wants to get to know you.'
'Really? Well...I don't see any reason why I should disappoint the young man. I'll meet him in the transporter room if that's allright with you.'
'Sure doc, no problem. Now, remember what you told me before? about getting Lt. Torres out of here as soon as possible?'
'Of course I remember,' the EMH exclaimed 'and, if you are here to collect her, then I must ask her to do so, and then leave. Quickly.'
Janeway chuckled slightly. Tom on the other hand was grinning all over his face.
'Whatever you say doc!' Tom replied, with the typical Paris-the-Pig-smile. 'Captain, I'll see you later on the bridge.'
Janeway nodded, and Tom walked over to B'Elanna.
When she saw him, B'Elanna, grunted. 'What do you want Paris?'
He gave her a radiant smile.'I'm here to get you to your quarters LT. , the doctor asked me to do him this favor.'
'I know the way to my quarters and I sure as hell can take care of myself.' she said as she stood up. Immediately, she felt dizzy and had to steady herself on the biobed.
'No you can't and you know that.'
Tom rushed to her side and put his arm around her waist. When she felt his touch,
B'Elanna jerked away.
'I don't need any help!' she exclaimed 'especially from you!'
He backed off again quickly, looking a bit hurt.
'Please. 'Lanna, please, let me help you.'
She spun around, ready to break his nose, but stopped when she saw the look in his eyes.
'Please,' he whispered 'trust me.'
She looked up in his eyes, she saw nothing but genuine concern for her. She forced herself to relax.
*He really seems concerned about me. If I only knew if..*
She interrupted her thoughts briskly and nodded slowly.
Tom gave her an encouraging smile. He put her arm around his shoulder, waved at the Captain and the doc, and they left.
By ChrisTR
****************************************
Perchance our greatness will increase;
Perchance a darkening future yields
Some reverse from worse to worse
The blood of men in quiet fields,
And sprinkled on the sheaves of peace.
-Alfred Tennyson, Hail Briton
****************************************
Part 3 - Investigations
'Doctor, please report.'
Voyager's Conference Lounge was crowded with people. Janeway, Chakotay and Tuvok were still in sickbay, as well as B'Elanna Torres. The current command crew, Tom, Harry,and the Lts. Cooper and Carey were there, Captain Lorca, and some officers from his ship, the Agamemmnon, and the commander of the other ship, Commander Jadzia Dax, a Trill. With the help of Cmdr. Dax' Chief, Miles O'Brien, Voyager's Warp core had been brought back on-line, and they were now travelling across Cardassian Space, escorted by two Federation Stealth ships, the Agammemnon and the Defiant, both Defiant-class ships, the first and only ship type with cloaking abilities.
Tom still couldn't believe all of what Lorca had told them. *War with the Dominion? And we're losing it? DS9 under Cardassian control?*
But, even though Lorca too had troubles believing everything he learned, Tom had finally managed to convince him that they really were Voyager, and not a Cardasssian deception. The sensor logs proved his statement.
The Doctor, who was participating in the meeting via monitor, unwilling to let his patients alone, responded.
'I have managed to stabilize Cmdr.Chakotay, but he still is in coma. There is nothing I can do for him. I'm afraid we will simply have to wait until he regains consciencness. On the contrary, Lt. Tuvok and Cpt. Janeway are both well, and I am relieved to say that I will be able to release them during this very day. As for Lt. Torres...' He paused.
Tom's eyes narrowed. *Uh-oh..that doesn't sound good* His hands formed two fists and he held his breath.
The EMH continued: 'I managed to save her live once more. She still needs rest, but as I know her, she will insist that she's fine and should be working again. Lt.Paris, consider this a direct order from the leading medical officer on board; Lt. Torres is not to be assigned to anything but the lightest duty at most. You will look after it that these orders are followed by the letter. Being the stubborn persons you both are, I assume this task will not be easy, but I hope that you will follow at least that order.' He grunted. Tom looked amused, a smile tugged at his mouth. Harry grinned. Cpt. Lorca was rather confused.
'Certainly,' Tom said 'whatever you say, Doc.'
'Very good. Under normal circustances I would run a few more tests on her, but, quite frankly, with Lt. Torres in Sickbay, circumstances are hardly normal. She's giving me my first head-ache ever. So, I'd be grateful if anyone could show up here to take her to her quarters. As soon as possible.' His tone of voice was completely sincere.
There were some chuckles coming from around the table. Tom laughed silently, shaking his head.
'Thank you Doctor. I'll see to it.'
The Doctor nodded, 'If you'll excuse me now, I have other duties.' ...and the monitor
went black.
Tom looked around the table. 'Lt. Carey? Harry? What's our status?'
Carey coughed before starting to talk.
'Sir, thanks to..' He gestured to the other end of the table 'Cpt. Lorca's men here, we were able to get most primary systems on-line. Shields and weapons should be alright by now, and the hull-breach has been sealed. No permanent damage to the Warp Core.' he added.
Tom nodded, satisfied. 'Well done Lieutenant. Harry?'
His friend looked at him. 'All sensors are working normaly again. Thanks to the spare parts we just got, we even managed to increase their effectivity.' Harry paused 'But, nevertheless, Voyager needs a proper revision at the nearest starbase. It's been a long time since the last one.'
Tom nodded. 'Understood. Anything else? Have you figured out yet what hit us in the Delta-Quadrant?'
'No, sir. All we know is that the wave was similar to the Caretaker's one. It may just be...'
'Suspiria? Could it have been her?'
'It is a possibility. A distant one but, it's a possibility...'
'Last time we saw her, she was not exactly very helpful. Why should she help us now?'
Harry shook his head and was about to say something, but Cpt.Lorca beat him to it.
'Suspiria?' he asked. He had followed the discussion with ever-growing confusion.
Tom sighed. 'It's a long story, Captain. Let's just say, she was something like the
Caretakers companion.'
Lorca was slowly beginning to get annoyed.
'Listen,' he said 'I know it is a bit sudden for you. But, fact is, you are back home, and you have to face it. Right now I don't know *why* you are here, and quite frankly, I don't give a damm. But the point is, you *are* here, and right now, StarFleet can use every ship it can get. The war isn't turning out good for us.' He hesitated, unsure of what to say next. 'Listen to me. You know that the wormhole is the key to the Alpha Quadrant. Whoever controls DS9 controls the wormhole. Right now it's the Dominion, but we are going to change that. Probably I should not tell you this, but, before we detected you and this Cardassian ship having a talk, we were on a recon mission. Starfleet Command is launching an attack at DS9 soon, and we were here to locate the enemy fleet. I sent Admiral Haze a message, informing him of our—-your status. I have not yet received an answer, but
my guess is that he will assign you to the attack fleet. So you better do anything you can to make this ship fully functional again, or you will have a hard time out there, *and* with me. Do we understand each other Lietenant?'
Tom looked at him, not knowing what to say. 'You made your point quite clearly.'
Lorca nodded grimly, apparently satisfied.
'Good. You'll have to excuse me now, but I have to get back to my ship.'
With that, he stood up and left the room, his men following him.
There was an uncomfortably silence.
'Allright, you heard the man,' Tom said 'let's get back to work.
We'll arrive at SB 89 in less than 2 hours. Until then, I want this ship working as on it's first day. I'll go to sickbay now and report to the captain. Dismissed.'
Jadzia Dax, who had said nothing during the entire conversation stayed. She studied the young Lieutenant's face. Something fascinated her about him. She saw the mask he was wearing all the time, and she knew it was not him. *Not really him, anyway.* Jadzia noticed something in his eyes. He seemed a bit preoccupied. She wondered what the *real* Tom Paris looked like. *But I guess he won't let me inside his walls. I wonder if he lets anybody in.* She smiled when she found out that she already knew the answer.
Tom noticed her smile and wondered why she had stayed here. He looked at her. She certainly attractve, in a way. The leopard-like Trill marks gave her an exotic look. Tom smiled wryly. *The old Tom Paris would certainly have tried to seduce her.* He sighed. *But I doubt he would have had any succes.*
Jadzia looked down at her hands. 'I have to apologize for Cpt.Lorca's lack of decency, but he's got a point. The war is running very badly indeed. We are on the edge of being defeated.'
Tom only grunted in response and turned to the windows, his thougths on Deck 11,
Sickbay.
'Tom, what is it?'
Tom was not really surprised at her calling him by his first name. Jadzia was extroverted and likeable. But he hadn't expected that question.
'I'm sorry?'
She smiled.'Your mind seems to be wandering. I want to know why.' she said calmly, looking into his eyes. *Even if I think I already know why.*
Tom could not stand the stare, and looked at his hand, tightly clasped under the table, instead. 'It's nothing. I...'
*You don't know her. You don't know her but you just want to tell her what you feel. How is she doing it?* Jadzia Dax seemed to be even more likeable than Kes. He reached a decision. *I may as well tell her as anyone else.* he thought with a sigh.
'...I'm just worried about...B'Elanna. And the others.' He added quickly.
Jadzia smiled knowingly. 'I see. You care a great deal about her don't you?'
'That obvious is it?'
'I'm afraid so.' She admitted 'And I believe Harry too has noticed it.' *As has half of the rest of the crew*
Tom laughed. 'Harry! He has been trying to get us two together ever since...' His voice trailed off, and images of the past 4 years came to his mind. Jadzia waited patiently.
After a few seconds, Tom spoke again.
'Yeah. Yes, I guess I do care about her. A great deal.'
'Then, why don't you tell her?' she replied.
*Good question Thomas* he thought *Why?*
To her surprise, Tom started laughing bitterly.'Oh, Lt Cmdr Dax...'
'Jadzia' she interrupted.
'..Jadzia. You don't know B'Elanna.'
Jadzia could hear in his voice that he no longer wanted to discuss this subject. She quickly changed it.
'Julian –-Doctor Bashir—- has expressed his wish to visit Voyager. If you don't mind. He could help out in SickBay. He's a very good doctor actually.' Tom thought he heard something like pride in her voice.
'I don't mind. If any of your people want to visit Voyager, they're welcome. After 4 years, our crew certainly won't object to seeing other humans again.' He smiled, then suddenly turned all serious again.
'Now what?' Jadzia asked uncertainly
'Um..I'm not sure if Harry told you this before...but..uh..we actually have a Borg on
board.'
Jadzia nodded. 'Harry told me about Seven of Nine. But after what I've heard, she no longer is Borg.'
'No,' he replied 'no, she's not. We removed all but three of the Borg implants, and we tried to teach her how to be human again. It was very difficult in the beginning, but she is now part of this crew...our crew..'
*'My crew'..until Janeway is back on duty..* Tom felt he liked commanding a ship.
'..and I expect that your people treat her with the same respect as they treat other humans. I heard the Borg have attacked Earth again, while we were away, and I know many people have very..hostile feelings towards them. The same feelings were present on board Voyager, but we have learned to accept her. Seven is no longer a Borg. She's as human as I am, and she has just the same feelings as we do.' He paused, when he remembered the day when Harry Kim had told him that he actually had a crush on Seven. A genuine smile spread on Tom's face.
'I won't allow anyone to hurt her.' he concluded, astonished himself by the harshness of his voice.
Jadzia just sat there, waiting for him to say something. Tom finally noticed her look.
'Listen, Jadzia, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude...'
She smiled.'It's okay Tom.' She mustered him again. 'She seems to have found some
good friends here.' she said warmly.
'Yes. Yes she does.' He said, his tone completely sincere. 'And friends means a lot to me, no matter what you've heard else.'
She nodded. 'I guarantee for the behavior of my crew. Don't worry Tom. They are good people.'
'Thanks.'
Jadzia smiled and patted his arm. Then she stood up.
'Well, I I'll have to be going too. The entire crew of the Defiant wants to know what
happened to Voyager.' She smiled. 'I guess I'll have to tell them. I'll talk to you later
Tom.'
Tom nodded. 'Tell your Doctor Bashir I'm looking forward to meet him.'
She grinned. 'Will do.' Then she left for the transporter room.
Tom sighed. He felt like he had to do something special. Then, an idea came to him. He touched his comm-badge.
'Lt. Paris to all hands. As acting commander of the U.S.S Voyager, it is my pleasure to announce that, as from this moment, all restriction on the use of replicators are raised.' He paused briefly, then, grinning, added 'Bon appétit. Paris out.'
For the first time in days, Paris felt a little better.
***
During the next 5 hours, 231 bottles of Champagne and some 200 chocolate ices were replicated onboard Voyager.
***
'COMPUTER! Deactivate EMH program'
The Doctor looked shocked and opened his mouth to protest but before he could say
anything he vanished. B'Elanna Torres grunted,satisfied. She sat on the side of her
Boiobed, in full uniform. The Doctor had been constantly warning her about going back to work to early. She simply couldn't stand it any longer. 'About time!' she expressed angrily.
Katherine Janeway, sitting on a chair next to Chakotays bed, smiled, but gave her Chief Engineer a disapproving look, even though she had to admit that the sudden silence pleased her. Janeway still felt miserably from her own injuries, but what was worse was that Chakotay still was in coma. The doctor had released both, her and Tuvok, earlier today, but Katherine couldn't resist the urge of being at Chakotays side.
*Katherine Janeway, are you falling in love?* She sighed. *I guess so..*
She had heard somewhere that people in coma could here it if loved ones talked to them. Katherine had tried to say something, but she couldn't find the words. Besides, it didn't feel right with B'Elanna and the Doctor witnessing it.
When she heard Tom's announcement over the inter-comm she had to smile. After all she had heard from the Doctor and Harry, Tom was doing remarkably well as acting commander. When Harry had dropped in earlier, he had told her how Tom was doing. He also had told her about the problems Paris had to focus on his work, as long as he didn't know how B'Elanna was doing. When he finally learned that she was allright, he had wanted to visit her in sickbay all the time, but his duties had prevented this so far. *Considering B'Elanna's mood, this perhaps wasn't so bad a thing.* Janeway smiled.
*He really seems to love her. Who'd have thought? Tom Paris, Voyager's Ladies man, in love with B'Elanna Torres, the short-tempered half-klingon engineer.* But she had to admit that they would form a cute couple.
When she heard the door open, she turned around to see who had entered and was not surprised to see Tom Paris step in. He began walking towards B'Elanna, but seeing the Captain, and B'Elannas mood, he decided otherwise and went over to Janeway.
He stopped in front of her and looked at Chakotay.
'How is he?'
Janeway looked at her First officer as well.
'Not well. He's still in coma.' She glanced at her helmsman. 'Tell me, how are things on the bridge without me?'
Tom smiled. 'Well, I managed to get us back to the Alpha Quadrant in one piece, and I avoided us being destroyed by a Cardassian warship. Not so bad for my first day.' he joked. 'Besides, I raised the replicator rationing. It..didn't seem adequate anymore.'
Katherine smiled. 'It was a good thing to do. I suppose it raised the crew's morale even further.'
'It certainly did Captain. Only Neelix complained a bit. I hope he's not going to program leota root into the replicators.' He saw his captain smirk. Tom hesitated 'I suppose you have been briefed at our current situation?'
Janeway only nodded.
'When we are have arrived at SB 89, Admiral Haze will probably assign us to the Attack Fleet for the recapturing of DS9.'
'I know.'
There was an uncomfortable silence between them.
Finally Tom decided to change the subject.
'Where's Doc anyway?'
Janeway smiled. 'B'Elanna deactivated him.'
Tom moaned amusedly. 'I suppose I should have known.' He looked briefly across the
room, to where B'Elanna was sitting.
Janeway noticed the look on his face, and smiled.
'Tom? Tom.' Puzzled he turned to look at her, saw her knowing smile and blushed.
Katherine's smile grew even farther. 'You really do care about her, don't you?'
Tom chuckled. *Why has everyone have to ask me that today?*
'Yes. Yes I do.' he answered, slightly unnerved 'In fact I came here because of her.'
He smiled when he saw Janeways questioning look, but ingnored it.
'Computer, activate EMH program.'
The doc blurred into existence again, looking extremely annoyed.
'I really must protest against this treatment. I cannot fulfill my duties if you keep
deactivating my program again and again. This is outragious. Just deactive the
Hologramme when it annoys you. I'm a doctor, not a children toy. If you kee..' He came no further.
'Doctor,' Tom interrupted 'I have some news for you. I expect you are informed of our current situation?'
'I was present when Ensign Kim reported to the Captain.' he admitted, reluctantly
changing the subject.
'Good. If you don't mind, Dr.Bashir from the Defiant has expressed the wish to beam over here.' He paused, and let a smile appear on his face. 'He wants to get to know you.'
'Really? Well...I don't see any reason why I should disappoint the young man. I'll meet him in the transporter room if that's allright with you.'
'Sure doc, no problem. Now, remember what you told me before? about getting Lt. Torres out of here as soon as possible?'
'Of course I remember,' the EMH exclaimed 'and, if you are here to collect her, then I must ask her to do so, and then leave. Quickly.'
Janeway chuckled slightly. Tom on the other hand was grinning all over his face.
'Whatever you say doc!' Tom replied, with the typical Paris-the-Pig-smile. 'Captain, I'll see you later on the bridge.'
Janeway nodded, and Tom walked over to B'Elanna.
When she saw him, B'Elanna, grunted. 'What do you want Paris?'
He gave her a radiant smile.'I'm here to get you to your quarters LT. , the doctor asked me to do him this favor.'
'I know the way to my quarters and I sure as hell can take care of myself.' she said as she stood up. Immediately, she felt dizzy and had to steady herself on the biobed.
'No you can't and you know that.'
Tom rushed to her side and put his arm around her waist. When she felt his touch,
B'Elanna jerked away.
'I don't need any help!' she exclaimed 'especially from you!'
He backed off again quickly, looking a bit hurt.
'Please. 'Lanna, please, let me help you.'
She spun around, ready to break his nose, but stopped when she saw the look in his eyes.
'Please,' he whispered 'trust me.'
She looked up in his eyes, she saw nothing but genuine concern for her. She forced herself to relax.
*He really seems concerned about me. If I only knew if..*
She interrupted her thoughts briskly and nodded slowly.
Tom gave her an encouraging smile. He put her arm around his shoulder, waved at the Captain and the doc, and they left.