Disclaimer: All characters, except Amy, and the basic situation (Federation, a lost starship, etc) belong to Paramount. The lyrics belong to Northern Songs. This story is a work of fiction and for entertainment only; I received no compensation for writing this.
Let It Be (chapter3)
Janeway surveyed Paris's mood as he walked into the conference room, his whistling disturbing the subdued atmosphere. Tom Paris' had, after realizing that doubting the transporter operator was equal to believing his best friend dead, latched on to the idea that Harry was on Earth and they only had to find out when in order to get him back. She knew that it was a defense mechanism, nothing more, that had caused this change in Tom's attitude towards this situation.
Yes, he's in deep denial, I'll have to talk to him about that, Janeway mused. The prospect of having to talk about the real chances of getting Harry back with Tom Paris made her uncomfortable.
"Well then, people. Any ideas on how to try and find Harry?" Janeway asked aloud.
Bea'lana spoke up, "The sensor readings show that Harry's signal was sent into the black hole and, presumably, we could beam him back through it. As for where or when he is you guess is as good as mine but we should be able to get him back, if we can find him."
"I have examined the sensor and transporter logs and believe that Ensign Kim indeed is on Earth," Seven interjected, "and that he was transported to the coordinates that the lieutenant entered."
"Do you have any guess as to when he is?" Tom asked eagerly.
"Based on the angle at which his signal entered, it is most likely that he is sometime in Earth's past." Tuvok supplied.
"Can't you be more specific?" Bea'lana inquired. "I mean is he going to be talking to Reginald or running from dinosaurs?"
"I'm afraid that it is impossible to be more specific."
"Can we get him back?" Janeway interrupted, steering the conversation to more positive ends.
"It should," Seven replied, "be only a matter of finding and locking on to his signal at the same angle he entered."
"We should wait until the planets in this system are arranged in much the same manner as they were when the incident occurred. Close recreation of an event is the best way to duplicate it," Tuvok finished.
"How long do we have until that happens?" Janeway inquired, looking at the Ensign who had been manning sensors in Harry's absence for an answer.
"About two weeks, ma'am."
"Very well then, in the mean time we still need to see about that ion trail," Janeway said as she stood, clearly indicating that the conference was over.
Well, at least Tom looks a little more realistic, Janeway thought as she watched the man move from the conference room door to the pilot's seat. So now all we have to do is wait.
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Sorry it took so long and that it's real short. I will get the next chapter up within 48 hours, promise.
Please R&R
Ashes
