Star Voyager - Part 8

By Iejasu and Miklinar

New clothes in his arms, Vader followed Paris back though the corridors to his new convalescent quarters. He could see the entrance to sickbay from his door. When they entered the cabin, Vader looked around. It was small by his standards -- junior officer's quarters rather than flag officer's quarters -- but looked quite comfortable, more comfort than he had seen in a very long time due to his own physical condition.

He placed his clothes into one of the drawers -- years as a pilot kept him from leaving gear unstowed.

Paris made sure the older man was familiar with the refresher and the other facilities in the cabin. The thing that caught his attention was the replicator, a device that could apparently produce almost anything.

"Well, Admiral, the one here has been set to replicate only food and drink." Paris added slowly.

Vader's eyes shone in interest. "_Any_ food or drink?"

"We don't have unlimited power for the replicator rght now, so don't go overboard with it. Order what you want, but eat what you order."

Vader nodded. These people were generous but they had their limitations. He walked up to the replicator and frowned for a moment, trying to remember something from his past he had liked. "Ruby bliel..."

"That item is not in the database. Please enter the item's nutritional parameters or choose a different item," answered the ship's computer. Vader sighed. He expected as much -- if the Federation had never heard of him, he could hardly expect them to have drinks from his back-of-beyond homeworld.

Tom watched the older man standing next to the delivery slot. "Problems? I should have warned you: the replicator won't produce real alcohol."

"No, that's not it." Vader frowned for a moment. "Does your replicator have some sort of sweet drink containing a stim?"

A smile flashed over Toms face. "Computer, one Coca-Cola. Tall glass, ice."

A glass materialized with small cubes of ice and a transparent mildly bubbly brown liquid. Vader took the glass and took a cautious sip. His eyebrow rose. It wasn't too bad. The bubbles were an interesting addition.

The men sat down and Tom called up the schematics of the Delta Flyer on the viewer. He started talking about the ship.

Vader watched the younger man. He was obviously very enthusiastic about his flyer. As well he should be -- it was well-designed. Vader absorbed what details e could and asked questions.

Some time later, Paris looked up and saw the eyes of the admiral blinking, trying to stay open. It wasn't _that_ late... He reminded himself that Vader was still recovering from his injuries. "I think I'll leave you for the night. You need the rest."

Vader looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes. Despite days here on Voyager, he was still not used to his captors being considerate.

Paris was already standing next to the door.

"Good night, Admiral. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning at 0700 to go take a look at the Delta Flyer."

The former Dark Lord watched as Paris walked out of his new quarters. The door slid shut behind him.

Silence, except for the omnipresent ship systems hum and ventilator hiss, both well-muffled.

Vader looked around his new quarters. He was indeed exhausted. His eyes burned and his back was aching. He stretched himself out on the bed.

"Computer, light out." Vader was asleep by the time the computer dimmed the lights.