Part Twenty-one: Ex Post Facto
AN: So, it looks like option 3 was the most popular. I'll be wrapping up this story within a few chapters. From then on, I'll be publishing one-shots with CP in the title, for example CP: Threshold or CP: Basics to indicate the one-shot is part of the Captain's Prerogative series.
"But that isn't possible," Tom stated, blue eyes wide as he watched himself passionately kissing a woman, a woman that wasn't his wife. Never, since the day Kate had come to him in tears at the death of her father, had he even thought about touching another woman in that way. He'd not attempted to get intimate with anyone after leaving her on Herra with the intention of refusing Justin's proposal of marriage. As far as Cadet Thomas Paris had been concerned, Lt. Kathryn Janeway had been his Fiancée from that moment on.
"I'm sure it's disorienting to see yourself through another man's eyes," the Banean doctor sympathised.
"No," Tom managed to break the chemical restrain and sit up. Looking the feather capped man in the eye he stated in a determined tone, "you don't understand. I would never cheat on Kate. There is no way I kissed that woman. Hell, I can't even remember her name."
"Every man can be tempted," the Doctor smirked. This didn't fit with his plans. The alien was not meant to be involved with one of his own kind. They were looking for a man of suspect character, a rogue and play boy type, one who would take the bait of an incredibly attractive Mrs. Lidell Wren. That's why, the Doctor considered, we insisted on two males for this meeting. Initially the Captain wanted to accompany the pilot. It turns out the woman is a scientist and able to understand Dr. Wren's research. Besides, Voyager's reputation precedes it and every society has its pilots. We all know their stereo type. It came as somewhat of a surprise when this man suggested Ensign Kim attend at the scientific attaché, yet his reasoning was sound. Perhaps we have missed a vital clue to Thomas Paris's character.
"This isn't the way it happened," Tom protested, being pushed down onto the couch in a room that seemed far too much like a counsellor's office for his liking. After every mission, there had been a debrief and he hated them. His defences always rose when forced to detail his most intimate thoughts with anyone but his wife. Kate had always been his vulnerability and his strength. Commander Paris would do anything to return home to Kathryn Paris but he would never let her know the details of his missions. Those remained locked in a vaulted area of his mind, never to be let out unless under life threatening duress.
"The trial's over, Mr. Paris," the Doctor announced somewhat smugly two hours later. "There's no point to further denials. Let the record show that the sentence of the court has been carried out. For the rest of your natural life, once every fourteen hours, you will relive the last moments of your victim's life. May the fates have mercy on you, sir."
With that, the two guards dragged Tom to his feet somewhat roughly. They'd never know Tom Paris had been treated with even less respect when captured by the Cardassian's three years previously. Between them, they returned him to his cell, luxury by comparison to some he'd inhabited in his career. Still recovering from the ordeal and attempting to integrate these new engrams what weren't his, Commander Paris's Intelligence training took over. His mind had been taught to be fight against all types of torture if captured. Collapsing onto his bed, Tom held his aching head and tried to picture his wife. Kate, the memories they'd made over the course of their marriage would sustain his sanity until Voyager came for him, and he knew Captain Paris would move half the galaxy to ensure the return of her husband. Until then, he had to endure these odd reflections every fourteen hours.
Commander Paris's sub-conscious had considered something like this very situation. Tom knew making the decision to overrule his Captain and lead this away mission had been correct. This struggle between the Numiri and the Banean sent shivers of disquiet down Tom's spine. He'd listened to every word Neelix spoke when answering Captain Paris's questions about the interplanetary civil war. Not happy with the ubiquitous answers, Tom's training demanded he clarify several points. It seemed even the Kazon-Nistrum avoided this region of space. Questioning the Talaxian carefully, he'd heard enough to realise Kate would make a good hostage or scape goat if thing didn't go well.
The moment the ready room doors closed behind Neelix, Tom stated, "I'm pulling Intelligence rank on this one, Captain."
"Why?" she demanded, her grey eyes turning to flint. Yet her husband didn't flinch. Weeks ago, she learnt this man, the Commander standing before her, was not the Tom Paris she'd married. He was an entirely unknown entity and capable of actions Kathryn would rather not imagine.
"I hunch, Captain," Tom stated, his own orbs clouded and staring at the wall behind Kate's desk. "I need to establish if Mr. Neelix's information on the Numiri is correct."
"Let's wait until we encounter them before taking further action," Kathryn offered.
Shaking his head, Tom didn't want to make his suggestion an order. "Let me be very clear Captain. I can only assume, as a bargaining chip, you are the best the Banean or the Numiri could hope for. In this case I must insist you remain on Voyager. I will be speaking with Commander Tuvok and placing my actions in my Intelligence log."
"I see," Kathryn stood carefully, approaching the officer on the other side of her desk standing at ease. The closer she got, the more the Captain observed. There was nothing at ease about Commander Paris. His body vibrated with energy, as readying himself for some action to his personal detriment. "I can also see you are not going to divulge any further information. Dismissed."
Turning without a word, Tom marched out of Kate's office and back to the con. He scrutinised the initial interactions between Voyager's Captain and her Numiri counterpart. The exchange furthered his distrust of both races as Tom asked himself why the Numiri would seclude the Banean on their home world and the latter's entire economy subsisted of Weapons Research. He would have to be on his guard for the entire away mission. They would need to sneak onto the Banean home world in a small two-man shuttle which increased Tom's level of suspicion further. The whole situation stank. The twentieth century had a saying about fish that came to his mind.
After three cycles he was dragged out of his cell once again. The hours in between were tedious with little to do. The Banean guards wouldn't let him access their computer system, even for entertainment leaving him board with little to do but think about his life on Voyager and his wife. Each recall of Dr. Ren's memories caused increasing levels of pain. The last time, he'd almost passed out. The Banean authorities didn't seem to acknowledge his growing discomfort, or care.
Aware of the half a dozen individuals seated in the office that looked like a councillor's apartment, Tom refused to give away the relationship between himself and Kate. He'd, incorrectly, concluded the Doctor was going to question him again. When he recognised the Starfleet issue patient shoes, Tom's surprise showed.
"Captain," he looked up from the lounge he'd been thrust onto by his guards with an ironic smile.
"Are you all right, Tom?" Kathryn sat close enough for their hips and thighs to touch. Just the feel of her husband after six days caused a sigh to escape her tight control. Of its own volition, a hand curled around his shoulder and gave a quick squeeze, as if they were at the Con on Voyager.
"That's a relative term," Tom teased, looking between Kate and Tuvok. Yet the expression faltered for just a moment. "I've been better."
Once again, the Security Officer came to his rescue, asking if the Captain could have a few moments alone with her subordinate. Minister Kray agreed immediately and withdrew. He'd observed the callous way his county men had treated the off-worlder. On Banean, once a man had been punished, that was the end of the matter. Mr. Paris would live with his sentence for the remainder of his life.
"Commander," Tuvok didn't waste a minute, "I assume you did not murder Professor Ren? That the possibility of a situation such as this is the reason you wished to lead this away mission."
"Then how could Dr. Ren's memories identify Tom?" Kathryn asked after her husband nodded silently.
"Were you having improper relations with his wife?" Tuvok demanded, as only a Vulcan can, in a monotone. If looks could kill, Kate would now be the one on charges. It brought a smile to Tom's features which faded just as quickly.
"I observed several pertinent details the Banean justice system refused to consider," Tom stood, feeling the start of another cycle about to start. He could ignore much of the memory. He'd done much worse in the name of the Federation and would do so again, when they caught up with Seska. "Initially the talks were to take place at Dr. Ren's office in the Weapons Research Facility. Mrs. Ren called, arm candy, that's what we'd call her on Earth. Young enough to be Ren's daughter. Anyway, she whined about his lack of courtesy but invited us back to their apartment for evening meal. Once we got there she made a scene about adding something called Rolk to the stew to make enough for four people and how inconsiderate her husband tended to be. Ren agreed that their personalities were polar opposites. It didn't take long to establish that their marriage is over. She told Ren they were finished the same evening he was killed."
"That does not answer my question," Tuvok raised his left eyebrow.
Before Kate could say a work, Tom's anger exploded. "My wife has every reason for the absolute trust she places in me when I am on a mission, Commander. I stated at my so-called trial, I would never betray Kate. I spent some time with Mrs Ren while Harry and the professor were working. My aim was to gather intelligence on the scocio-political situation between the two worlds. Mrs. Ren graduated as a political major but never needed to work due to her fortuitous marriage. Under no circumstance did I reveal my real mission. I played along with her ruse, of looking for a quick fling with an off-worlder. The most damming evidence…"
Collapsing into his wife's arms, Tom could no longer ignore the implanted memories. He needed to tell them about Mrs. Ren refusing to eat the meal but ensuring her dog consumed a lump of the meat like substance to show it was completely safe for human consumption. Commander Paris though the show odd at the time. Unfortunately, he'd fallen for her trap, just as he assumed Harry and Dr. Ren did. It was the only explanation as to why all three would never remember the hours after dinner which allowed this murder to occur. Even with the pain lancing through his cortex, Tom was aware of Kate's hold on him, her cries, demanding to know what was happening. Minister Kray finally releasing him to into the Captain's care and allowing Tom to travel to Voyager to seek medical attention from his own people. He endured the doctors prodding and poking, both in the two cycles and in between when the EMH insisted he remain in sick bay. Tuvok requested permission and was given access to Tom's implanted engrams during a cycle. The Security Office worked tirelessly for over thirty hours to come up with a defence that would stand up against the Banean officials' disbelief of his innocents. The Vulcan insisted on an ARA scan while questioning Tom after a mind Meld to observed the crime. It would come back unblemished, thanks to his training but mostly because he was telling the absolute truth. Finally, Commander Paris was to be transported back to his prison cell via shuttle craft.
"Shuttle to Voyager," Harry reported. So far everything had gone to plan. "They've locked a tractor beam on us."
"Offer no resistance, Harry," the Captain ordered. Commander Chakotay had been advised of the complete situation and how they were using Mr. Paris as bait. The senior bridge officers looked at each other, understanding Tuvok's plan was the final fact they needed to absolutely prove Tom's innocence.
On the main screen, the bridge crew watched the shuttlecraft being dragged towards the stern of the Numiri patrol ship. Three aliens entered via the hatch with a tricorder type device in their hands. The one holding the equipment indicated Tom was the person they were looking for. Before they could apprehend the man, both Commander Paris and Ensign Kim disappeared in a beam of light. If the look on their faces were any indication, the Numiri did not possess transporter technology. The meeting with Minister Kray absolved Thomas Paris of the crime. Tom could have kicked himself for not considering the Banean symbols appearing at the bottom of his implanted engrams as important. That had been the key and thankfully Tuvok had their realised the importance.
"Tuvok," Tom offered quietly. As usual the Vulcan sat alone in the Senior Officer's mess unless he wished to speak of the Captain's welfare with her husband. On this occasion, after having the Banean device removed and being returned to Voyager, Tom wanted to thank the Security officer for his dedication.
"Mr. Paris," that eyebrow once again rose.
"There are some who'd say you risked my future on the eyewitness identification of a dog," Tom teased lightly. If anyone on board Voyager understood Commander Paris's unique training and abilities, it was this very logical and silent man, now looking at him with an unreadable expression. However, the glint in Tuvok's eyes, Tom hoped, was a sigh of understanding and trust.
"It seemed a necessary step to ensure a truthful resolution," he stated easily. "I conducted a criminal investigation. If you had been guilty, I assure you I would have pursued the truth just as vigilantly."
"But," Tom took the seat across the table, "that's the material point, isn't it, Commander? We both knew I was innocent, that the opportunity between two warring factions was ideal for some form of mischief."
"The only data we were missing," Tuvok concluded, finally getting a glimpse into the Intelligence Operative mind, "was why?"
"How come I always see you down here eating alone?" Tom enquired, feeling the time for thanks had passed with the unemotional Vulcan and they'd come to an understanding without the aid of words.
"I prefer to read rather than engage in, what do humans call it? Short talk?" came the succinct response.
"Close enough. You don't make many friends that way. Nor does the Captain with Kate attempting to keep a distance between herself and the crew. I would be a shame if you couldn't demonstrate your long-standing acquaintance in a more social environment, Commander. My wife doesn't have many people she can trust and relax around, but I think you might just be one of them."
"You point has been well taken, Mr. Paris," Tuvok allowed that eyebrow to go even further heavenward. "I might even enjoy your company from time to time."
"And I'll take that as a ringing endorsement," Tom smiled, digging into the meal on his tray. "I have to admit, the food in the Banean prison was more appetising."
"But would it be worth remainder of your life?" Tuvok spoke quietly, intently watching the man seated before him.
"Nothing would be worth leaving Kate," Tom spat, flinging his fork down.
"Nothing?" A knowing smile, or at least what would pass for one on the Vulcan's face, flittered over his features and was gone in an instant.
If Tom hadn't known better, two thoughts would have hit him at the same instant. Firstly, Tuvok had a sense of humour. Secondly, the Tactical officer knew it would be necessary, at some point in the future, for Commander Paris to leave Voyager and clean up the Seska mess.
"Humans have a great propensity for self-denial," the Security Officer remarked suddenly and off handedly. "However, if in the event you are forced to spend time away from this ship, have no doubt, as one married man to another, that I will endeavour to ensure your wife's wellbeing."
"The way Kate talks about you," Tom finally smiled, "I don't doubt it, Tuvok." The fact he'd been allowed to call the Vulcan by his name without rank or a salutation spoke volumes. The two men would work together with more proficiency and trust in the future.
AN: I had to add Ex Post Facto into this story and not as a stand-alone because it's a vehicle to demonstrate the two very different personalities of Tom Paris. It also jells well with cannon and spending time in 'prison', only Kathryn doesn't know about it in this version. Anyone who has been involved with a Special Operations individual will tell you they put that professional side of themselves away when at home. I am using the personality of my father who trained with the SAS on which to base this persona that makes up the other half of Tom. It also feeds nicely into my final chapters. Unfortunately, this means I'll be playing with the episode sequence to fit my plot. There are a couple of other scenes that scream to be added before Investigations and Basics. To that end, Threshold, most notably, will occur after those second season episodes, and some, such as Time and Again and Parturition never occurred at all, but I'll let you know in an AN if that's the case. Until the next chapter, Merry Christmas and may you all experience a prosperous and happy New Year.