"Doc???"
"Coming Mr. Paris."
"Any progress in figuring how to get her out my head, Doc???"
"Not at present time. You must understand this is either permanent or will wear off with time. I also noticed you seem to be coping well together." B'Elanna glared at him.
"To help you deal with this Tuvok has agreed to help you both. He should be able to teach you enough mental discipline to control what you let the other know. In the mean time, the Captain wishes to see you in her Readyroom, now!!!"
"We're going, we're going!!!"
Janeway was sitting in her Readyroom, reading through the latest medical reports from the doctor. He brow creased in anxiety. From his initial report he didn't know how permanent this was. He said that it was more than likely they would be mentally joined for the rest of their lives. She was brought out of her chain of thoughts as the door-chime rang.
"Come in."
"Captain."
"Ma'am."
"Tom, B'Elanna, have a seat."
"I have read the Doctors report, needless to say it concerns me."
// I love you. //
// thanks, me too, but I can't concentrate very well with declarations of love every time you switch off. //
They looked at the Captain nervously, who was watching them, fascinated at the looks of surprise, happiness and finally reprisal on B'Elanna's face and was it... No it couldn't be... Love???
"Anything you want to tell me???" The Captain asked, a sly grin on her face.
// Tell her. //
// B'Elanna, why me??? // Tom whined.
// Will you be wanting a repeat of last night or not??? //
// O.K I'll tell her, I'll tell her!!! //
"Urm Captain... Well you see it's like this... Well... me and B'Elanna are... well involved!!!"
// I'm involved with B'Elanna!!! YES!!! //
// No shit Sherlock. //
"Congratulations both of you." The Captain said genuinely pleased.
// Marriages, kids, grandkids... WOW!!! //
// Slow down flyboy, your about to break the Warp 10 barrier again!!! //
// Sorry. //
"Anyway, back to business. The Doctor can't allow you more than 20m away from each other for the time being. You will have to start sharing duty shifts, if this is a not reversible thing and you are stuck within a range of each other I will reroute Helm control to Engineering.. I will get Chakotay to arrange things, in the meantime, you can have today off. Enjoy."
"Thank you Captain."
"Dismissed."
"Yes Ma'am."
"Aye Captain."
"Lets go find Harry, he really should know what is going on."
"Agreed, he should be in the Messhall for his break. Ladies first."
Tom gestured grandly.
"You can be a right idiot at times, you know that don't you???"
"I'm hurt!!!" Tom exclaimed. It was nice to be able to talk to her without the uncomfortable silences. He never realized how much he had missed these bickering sessions.
"HARRY!!!"
"OVER HERE!!!"
"What are you doing here???"
"We've got the day off. We need to tell you something." Harry's eyes lit up, Tom and B'Elanna rolled their eyes.
"Sit."
"Uh oh. That doesn't sound to promising." They sat around a table in the corner of the empty Messhall.
"You know that away mission we went on together???"
"Yup, the one you cursed???"
"That's the one."
"What about it??? What happened???"
"Well there was this gas you see and well we inhaled some and as a result I can read B'Elanna's mind and she can read mine."
"I take it that's not the end of the story, is it???" Harry smirked.
"That's all your going to find out about, Starfleet." B'Elanna spoke for the first time.
"About bloody time, if I say so myself. The way you two have been going on, you might have been married."
"Thanks."
"So how long is this telepathic link going to last???"
"Urm... Possibly forever."
"WHAT???"
"Shush... It could wear off but the Doc ain't putting money on it."
"So you can here every single thought the other person thinks???"
"Something like that."
"Urm... I don't want to upset you but... Rumors are already spreading about you. Apparently you stayed in the same room last night... Someone saw you enter and..."
// Bugger //
// I don't care //
// I don't... Not really... but this is too soon. //
// I love you //
"Fuck them!!!" B'Elanna declared.
"I agree!!!"
"I hate to interrupt but I have to get back to work. I'll see you later."
"Thanks Harry, for everything."
"S'O.K Tom, anytime."
They waited until Harry was out the door until they turned to each other.
// What shall we do now Lt.??? //
// Well Chief, I suggest we go and arrange our sleeping arrangements. //
// Good idea. //
*************************************************************
Two months later
// How permanent is this??? // Tom thought as he stared out at the stars all flashing past.
// What??? // B'Elanna asked as she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
// Urm... How long do you think we will last??? //
// Forever if I can help it. //
// Good, hang on. //
Tom fished in a hidden drawer, he pulled out a small box. Careful to not let her know what he was thinking using all the tricks Tuvok had started teaching them.
"What is it???" B'Elanna asked impatiently.
"B'Elanna Torres, will you marry me???" Tom asked as he sunk down on one knee.
"Urm... yes!!!"
He opened the box and pulled out a thin gold ring with three small diamonds set in it. He gently lifted it out it's box and slipped it on her ring finger. He then kissed her hand and rose to his feet.
They then hugged tightly and Tom led her gently to the bedroom.
*************************************************************
"Mr. Paris, please concentrate."
"Huh.. Oh yes, sorry."
"How do you feel now???"
"Fine, can we move more than twenty meters away from each other now???"
"Yes, you can IF and only if I clear you. You will need to each take a dose of this every twenty-four hours. You will also need to have one day a week within range. I have come to the conclusion that nothing short of a miracle is going to break this link. This gas is unlike anything I have ever seen. It has took me this long to figure this out." The Doctor gestured at the now empty hypospray.
"Thanks Doc, we appreciate this."
"Your welcome. How are your sessions with Tuvok coming??? Is he helping???"
"There coming along fine. I am occasionally able to keep things from her, even though it's hard work."
"Same here." B'Elanna said slyly winking at the Doctor.
"What???"
"That's for me to know and you to find out." B'Elanna stuck her tongue out at Tom.
"Tell meeeeeeee."
"Nope."
"Nasty." Tom pulled his best puppy dog look. B'Elanna ignored him.
"You can go now. You need to report back here at 0700 for your top up shot. Don't leave move away from each other near then, it could cause complications. Oh and B'Elanna, remember what I told you whilst he was out the room."
"Bye"
*************************************************************
*RED ALERT*
*All hands to battle stations*
"Happens every time."
"I'll go to the Bridge, you can go to Engineering."
"See you tonight. I have something to tell you."
"Oooh, I can't wait."
*******************
"What's up Captain???"
"We are under attack by two unknown ships. No response to hails. B'Elanna your really needed in Engineering."
"She's already there."
Tom moved over to the Helm and relieved the Ensign that was panicking on the Helm. She moved away relieved.
"Would you like to disable them???" Tom asked offhandedly.
"That would be nice."
"Hang on to your socks."
// hold on down there, this could be rough //
Tom suddenly pulled Voyager up and looped around. Then he spun the ship around, tipped her up so her belly was facing the lead ship. Tuvok took this window to fire a spread of torpedoes, knocking out weapons, propulsion and shields. Then he dodged almost impossibly thinly spread torpedoes, flew over the last ship, dropped in front of it and flew straight towards it in a game of chicken. The other ship wasn't backing off.
"MR. PARIS!!!"
"Just a little closer..."
// Drop it B'Elanna, now. //
Tom pulled up suddenly, leaving the final ship to fly into a cloud of highly explosive warp plasma, that had just been vented from the core. It was left floating dead in the water.
"BINGO!!!"
// Nice one, I owe you big time //
// I'll remember that //
"How did you..."
"Captain, second ship was disabled by a running into highly volatile warp plasma ejected by Engineering. I see you and Lt. Torres have put your newfound talents to good use."
B'Elanna walked onto the Bridge and took up her station.
"Nice one, both of you. Harry hail the ships."
"There responding."
"On screen."
*Captain Katheryn Janeway, of the Federation starship, Voyager.*
*Federation, you fight well, for Humans.*
*What is a Klingon vessel doing in this part of the Galaxy???*
*Looking for someone... Our Captain will be up shortly, you will have to talk to her.*
*I look forward to it.*
An all too familiar face for a certain Engineer appeared on the screen. There was a loud gasp, followed shortly by a gasp from the Helm.
*Captain, I apologize for any inconvenience we have caused. I did not realize we were attacking a Federation ship, until we were disabled. Your ship is a lot faster than most older Federation ships, but is a completely different design to the Defiant class ships and also has a borg signature radiating off it. We offer anything you may need to repair your ship.*
*No need, you sustained heavier damage than us and we have a very competent Engineering Department, and Chief Engineer.*
*Permission to come aboard???*
*Granted, gladly.*
"Captain... I'm sorry I didn't get your name???"
"M'Irail."
"Captain M'Irail, I like to introduce you to my First Officer, Cmdr. Chakotay, Chief Helmsman Lt. Paris..."
"Nice flying, you are a skilled pilot."
"Thanks, no hard feelings???"
"None at all."
"Head of Security, Lt. Cmdr Tuvok. Head of Ops, Ensign Kim. Neelix, Seven of Nine, the Doctor and last but not least Chief Engineer Lt. Torres."
"Hi Mother." B'Elanna almost whispering.
With this answer the room all gasped. Tom squeezed her hand tightly.
// Crap, crap, crap. Why is she here??? What's she going to say??? //
// Breathe, breathe. Just calm down. //
"B'Elanna. Long time, no see."
"What are you doing in the Delta Quadrant???" B'Elanna asked. "Stupid question really, you're probably trying to get home like us."
"No, I came here to find something I lost a long time ago and I now want back. I lost my daughter when she was 5 years old and know I want her back."
"You came all the way out to the Delta Quadrant, just to find me???"
B'Elanna was close to tears now. She was clutching onto Tom like her life depended on it. Janeway cleared her throat.
"I hate to interrupt but am I correct in assuming you will be heading back to the Alpha Quadrant now???"
"Yes, that is correct."
"I suggest we work together, we will wait until your ships are space-worthy and warp capable and then we leave together. I'll assign our Chief Engineer and a crew of our best to help you."
"We would be honored to fight along side you. However we would not need to trouble you. Our engineers can handle it. I would like to remain on your ship if I may. I find it... fascinating, how strong you Humans are."
"I would be honored. Would you like a tour of the ship???"
"I would like that."
"B'Elanna, Tom, consider yourselves drafted."
// Shit, what am I going to say??? //
// I'll help you. I'll be there. She obviously wants to make amends. //
"Mother, if you want we can start the tour now???"
"Lead the way 'Lanna."
B'Elanna started at the old nickname. She quickly recovered.
"First I'll show you the Bridge, this way."
B'Elanna walked out the door followed closely by her mother and Tom.
"This is the Bridge, Ops, Helm, Command seats, Engineering station and tactical."
"Impressive."
"B'Elanna's domain next. Main Engineering."
*************************************************************
"And finally the Messhall. This is Neelix, you were introduced earlier."
"I'm really pleased to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."
"All good I hope."
"Very," Neelix gushed.
"Can I get you anything??? I have cooked up a variety of Klingon delicacies in honor of you. Would you like to try it???"
"I would be... honored."
Neelix dished out several varieties of things that moved onto three separate plates. Tom took his hesitantly.
"And these are replicated... right???"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"And how did you get them to... move???"
"I added a stimuli, to give it a bit of umph."
"O.K, thanks Neelix."
B'Elanna looked hesitant and then cleared her throat.
"I can't eat this. The Doctor's given me a LONG list of do not eat."
"Why???"
"Yes, why??? If it is the fact it's Klingon then just say, I won't shout and scream anymore."
"No, it's not that I don't want to and I'll tell you why in a minute, Tom has been trying to find out all day."
"Your getting good at hiding things from me."
"Shall we sit???"
The three sat down, Tom and B'Elanna opposite her mother.
"I... I should have told people earlier but well... things got hectic. I threw up whilst we were experimenting with the Doctor, he told me I had a case of Morning Sickness. I'm pregnant."
// Holy Fuck //
"Your pregnant???"
"Yes mother, and your also looking at the father."
"You and him are..."
"Yes, we're engaged." B'Elanna announced nervously. "Tom, close your mouth."
"I wish you the best of luck. I hope you have better luck than I did. I'm sure this marriage will work out and I hope you are a better mother than I was."
"You weren't that bad, there were a lot of good times as well as bad times. You weren't a complete failure. Do you remember the time I got into a fight with that gang of boys. You came hurtling down the street, screaming battle cries. They never came anywhere near me again."
"I remember, you were sitting there on top of one, beating another one up. You were holding your own against seven kids all older and bigger than you. I was so proud of you."
"You were???"
"Very proud. I'm proud of you now to. You have made a life for yourself here, soon to be married with kids. I never imagined you like that. I also heard about your involvement in the Maquis. They were an impressive organization, although it was quite a shock to see my daughters face on the wanted list."
"I'll bet it was." Tom finally recovered enough to actually speak.
"And what about you???"
// Tom, your about to face severe interrogation, I'm sorry. She does it every time I introduce someone to her. I just hope she doesn't drive you off. //
// Not going to happen. //
"How did you spend your life before Voyager???"
"I was scum, plain and simple. My father, the famous Admiral Paris, forced me through the Academy. I caused an accident and tried to cover up. It would probably have worked if my conscience hadn't forced me to own up. I was booted out off Starfleet and crawled into the bottle. It was along time until I came out again. I was then signed up with the Maquis, I was captured during my first mission, they all thought I deserted. I was then sentenced and sent to prison for being a traitor to Starfleet. Pretty ironic, huh??? I was left there to rot until Captain Janeway came and rescued me. I was going to take her to an empty base but I ran into B'Elanna's ship by mistake. We were then thrown into the Delta Quadrant and I was given the chance to redeem myself. That's the story off my sorry past, I'm not proud off it but I'm not denying it."
"You are not a perfect man, and you do not pretend to be. This makes you a better man than most. I think you are good enough for my daughter."
// WHAT??? She's never said that, it's usually get stuffed, your not good enough //
// I'm the chosen one huh??? //
"Thank you, I'm pleased you aren't against us."
"Now, B'Elanna how good are you with the Batleth???"
"I've improved a bit, but if you want a challenge try fighting Tom."
"So you are a fighter too."
"I'd like to fight you, I've not had a decent challenge for a while."
"I'd enjoy that, tell me a time and place and I'll be there."
"Holodeck 2, now???"
"Lets go."
"Bring it on..."
*************************************************************
Batleth clashed against Batleth. Muttered curse followed muttered curse. Circling each other, occasionally swooping in and clashing weapons, then withdrawing. They circled each other watching each other warily, Batleths swinging with ease from hand to hand. Tom swung his around his head and swooped in for the kill. He clashed his Batleth against hers with such a force he sent the other Batleth flying across the Holodeck.
"Yield!!!" Tom said quietly as he held his Batleth near to her throat.
"I yield."
// Nice one Tom, I don't think I've ever seen anyone beat her. //
"You are indeed a good fighter. I am honored to do battle with you. Would you like to visit my ship. I would be honored to have you both over for a while."
// Yes, no??? What do you think Tom??? //
// Sure, I always wanted to see a Klingon ship, up close. //
"Sure, we would be delighted, but we'll have to clear it with our Captain."
"Off course."
*************************************************************
"These are some quarters for you. I assume you want to share???"
"These are perfect. Thank you mother."
"I hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything just use this COMM badge. I'll leave you for now, I'll be around in the morning."
"0630 right???"
"If that's O.K???"
"Fine, we're used to early mornings and late night."
"Goodnight, 'Lanna, Tom."
"Night Mom."
"Goodnight Captain."
// So B'Elanna, what do we do now... //
// I think I have an idea... //
B'Elanna crossed the room to Tom. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. He was more than willing to respond.
// You know the good thing about this link, you can talk without breaking off the kiss!!! //
// Shut up!!! //
Tom did as he was told, they were about to step up the passion when, unknown and unheard, the door opened behind them and someone slipped in...
They both jumped apart as a 7 ft Klingon appeared out of the shadows.
"Christ don't you ever knock???" B'Elanna muttered. "Who are you and what do you want???"
"I want what I claimed when I was 15 years old."
"Kaine???" B'Elanna asked in disbelief. "I am not about to give you that and you know it."
"I think you are."
The Klingon, known as Kaine, approached Tom, Klingon disrupter in hand.
"Don't even try to escape, B'Elanna. I have no qualms about using this disrupter."
"I believe it."
// Tom, do what he says. He has a very nasty temper. //
// What does he want??? //
// Me... He asked me if I would sleep with him when we were younger. I said no. He tried to claim me as his mate, and I rejected him. //
// He isn't getting you, I'll see to that. //
// Don't you dare get yourself killed. This kid needs a father. //
Kaine tied Tom's hands firmly behind his back. Tom noticed with despair that there was no way he could get free. He then went over to B'Elanna and tied her hands in front of her. He then dragged her to the bed and threw her on it. He then went back out and dragged Tom into the bedroom and threw him in a corner.
"I want you to witness this." He spat at Tom.
B'Elanna was sitting up on the bed, defiant look on her face. Kaine quickly crossed the floor to the bed and looked down on her.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way."
"This is the only way it ever would be." B'Elanna returned quickly, hatred evident on her face.
Kaine pulled a dagger out his boots, Tom gasped.
// Calm down, he wont kill me, unless he panics. //
He dragged it slowly down B'Elanna's body, then he suddenly tore the uniform, right down the middle with the knife and peeled it off. Tom was struggling furiously with his restraints. B'Elanna was looking calm but was hysterical in her mind, and Tom heart was breaking listening to it.
Kaine was now standing over her, staring at her now naked form.
"Nice, just as nice as I'd imagined."
// Bastard, you utter bastard. Get your filthy eyes off her. //
// Tom, help me. //
// B'Elanna, I can't, I'm so sorry. //
Kaine then lowered himself onto the bed. He ran his fingers up and down her naked body. Slowly, not worried about getting caught. Suddenly he flung her arms above her head, stripped off himself and sat back down on the bed.
// Tom help me, please!!! Don't let him do this!!! //
B'Elanna still held her steady look of disgust. She was showing no fear or anxiety, however inside her head was another matter. Tom was searching around, looking for something, anything to help them out of this mess, suddenly he saw it. Left where he had dropped it, was Kaine's uniform top. Still attached was a COMM badge. He then used his foot to tap it and hoped to hell someone answered. Kaine was now sitting on top of B'Elanna. His arousal evident. He leaned over and kissed B'Elanna. She turned her head away from him.
"Come on B'Elanna, don't be shy."
"Kaine, you have always had the worst breath I have ever smelled. You really should get it sorted." B'Elanna replied sweetly.
// Tom, help me!!! He's about to...!!! TOM!!! //
At this Kaine rose slightly above her and started plunging himself into her. Howling with delight as he did so.
// Oh god, no, please no!!! STOP HIM!!! TOM IT HURTS!!! //
// B'Elanna, calm down, relax and it wont hurt as much. //
// TOM!!! //
// Concentrate on me B'Elanna, I've called for help. Hang on, just a little longer. //
// I CAN'T!!! //
// I'm sorry B'Elanna, I was too late. I tried, by God I tried //
// TOM!!! //
// Someone's just come in the room!!! //
Next thing Kaine knew, he was flying across the room with a very broken jaw. He landed slumped against a wall unconscience. B'Elanna then curled up in a ball, hands still tied and started sobbing hysterically. Tom crawled over towards her on his stomach.
// B'Elanna, It's over, your safe. It's O.K. //
"'Lanna, oh my God what has he done to you. I will throw him out an airlock I swear. NO ONE HURTS MY DAUGHTER AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!!!" M'Irail screamed. She then quickly untied B'Elanna and wrapped a blanket around her. She then quickly cut Tom's restraints using the knife Kaine dropped. He then rushed over to B'Elanna's side.
// I'm sorry, I'm so, so, so sorry. I should have stopped him. I should have found a way. //
// The baby??? //
// Crap, if anything has happened, I'll throw him out an airlock, myself!!! //
"I need a medical tricorder, quickly!!!"
"The baby???" M'Irail gasped as she ran to a cupboard to fetch a medkit. "If he has harmed it..."
Tom grabbed the tricorder and started scanning her.
"Are you sure you know what you are doing???"
"I've been trained to be able to cope with most medical emergencies."
"There is some internal bleeding, but the baby is otherwise fine. We need to get her to Sickbay just in case."
All three breathed a sigh of relief. Tom picked B'Elanna up.
"Can we beam over from here???"
"Yes, hang on a minute."
A few minutes later they disappeared off the Klingon ship and reappeared in Sickbay onboard Voyager.
End of part 2