Chameleon

By Sirap

This is where it gets a little weird. . .

Part 5: A Secret Best Kept

Alex and Tom appeared on Janeway's console. They were in a small cell. She could see that they were talking but she couldn't hear them, Malesint's voice began to narrate, and continued to as Tom and Alex's imprisonment played out on the screen.

"I suppose for you to fully understand their secrets, I will need to start at the beginning.

The three cadets who died at Caldik Prime were not cadets at all. They were thieves, granted they were more than common. The three expert hackers had gotten themselves posted at Caldik Prime under the cover of aliases. Jonathan McLain, Greg Moss, and Julia Cane. They had been sent by someone unknown to kidnap Tom Paris.

It didn't work out that way, of course, Tom was no ordinary cadet and he caused a few kinks in their flawless plans. Tom had freed himself from the restraints they'd tied him with and he tried to take control of the ship. During the struggle the ship crashed into an asteroid.

Tom was the only survivor.

And what was Caldik Prime? Really? Well, it had some normal classes with oblivious teachers and cadets but the majority of the facility had been dedicated to the Starfleet Special Forces Unit. A secret unit that only a few chosen Admirals know about and everyone else just speculate on.

This is why Tom Paris and Alex Monroe had been at Caldik Prime. Both were placed in the unit because they fit some special 'criteria'. Alex and Tom were partnered. Alex had been four years older and instructed to help and guide Tom in his training. Tom hadn't needed much help, he was caught up to Alex's ability in less than a year.

So by the time the unsuspecting thieves had come to kidnap the Admiral's son and hold him for ransom, he was more than prepared to defend himself."

Janeway's eyes had gone wide with disbelief, both at Malesint's words and from watching her pilot battle with a giant rat-like creature.

"If you are wondering why I've told you all this," Malesint's voice continued. "There is no black and white reason. I suppose I dislike secrets. I like to stir things up. Give my best to Alex and Tom and do what you will with the information I've given you.

Lieutenant Paris and Ensign Monroe are highly trained Special Forces operatives.

I just thought you should know."

The screen went blank. The console clicked as the chip was ejected. Janeway didn't move. She didn't blink. She was frozen with shock and disbelief. Plagued with unanswered questions and uncertainty. What would she do with what she had learned?

It was information only privileged to a handful of Admirals. Which brought about another question, did Admiral Paris know? Had he really disowned his son or had it been an act? If it was an act then to what end?

"Doctor to Janeway," rang the Doctor's naturally annoyed voice.

Almost unconsciously she replied, "Janeway here."

"I thought you were on your way to sickbay. According to the computer you're still in your ready room."

Janeway pressed her eyes shut, "You're right, of course, I'll be right there."

"That's what you said last time," he said with a snort.

"Janeway out," she said, choosing to ignore his last comment.

Getting shakily to her feet, she tried to compose herself. She exited the ready room and gave Chakotay a slight smile as she made her way to the lift.

"They're back," she announced to the bridge.

The turbolift doors began to shut and Janeway heard the bridge irrupt with cheers as they closed.

* * * *

When the sickbay doors opened Janeway first saw Ensign Monroe. She was unconscious on one of the biobeds but looked well enough. Two beds down, Tom and Kes were talking quietly, they hadn't seen her come in. She watched them for a moment. Tom looked as he always did, laid back and carefree. Enjoying time with a friend, away from his secret life in the Alpha Quadrant.

Secrets. Were they really so horrible? Or were they what kept them all sane?

Both Alex and Tom had worked hard to fit in with the crew. What would happen if everyone were to learn the truth?

"Ah, Captain, you're here," The Doctor said exiting his office.

"How are they?" Janeway asked.

"They'll be back to work in a couple days," he told her.

Janeway gave a small smile, "You did an excellent job, Doctor, thank you."

Janeway swallowed and began to approach Tom. Kes saw her coming and gave her an understanding smile and joined the Doctor in his office, leaving them alone.

"How are you, Tom?" she asked softly.

He smiled, "I'm fine, thanks, and so is Alex."

Completely normal.

A special agent.

"Where have you been?" Janeway asked, not letting on that she already knew.

"We were abducted by someone who called herself Malesint, I can't be sure of our position."

Janeway nodded stiffly, "I'll need you and Alex to write up a full report on everything that happened."

Tom nodded, still smiling, "Of course."

Finding his unwavering grin contagious, she couldn't help but smile back.

"It's good to have you back, Tom."

"It's great to be back," he sighed. "I commed Harry and B'Elanna, they can to see me. Harry smiled and said he'd missed me, B'Elanna chewed me out for making her worry," he said the last part with a laugh.

Tom lay back down with another sigh and said sleepily, "Sometimes I think I take this place for granted."

Janeway had patted Tom on the shoulder then left without looking back. Had she done the right thing, not revealing what she knew? Keeping their secret? Maybe some day it would come out for all to know, but not yet, not by her.

Some secrets are best kept.

THE END

I hope you liked it!! I left it wide open for a sequel, tell me if you think I should write it.