Countermand
By Voyager Queen
Before you read this you should really read…
1. Three Sisters: First Encounter
2. Three Sisters: Gathering
3. Around Every Corner
If you don't… you'll probably be a little confused because this story takes place in an A.U.
* * Helmsman's log, stardate 521750.0 * *
A lot has happened this last week. We discovered the Mikan wormhole. It was previously known only to Section 31. A rebel section of Starfleet. Voyager made it through the wormhole just before it collapsed… forever sealing Section Headquarters in the Delta Quadrant and now we're home. This will be Voyager's last night before we reach Federation space and everyone is celebrating. I'll be going to B'Elanna's. Our relationship is another big change…
* * B'Elanna's Quarters * *
"Come in!" B'Elanna's voice called through the door. "You're early."
"I couldn't wait to see you," Tom replied which made B'Elanna smile.
Tom smiled when he saw her. She looked wonderful in a short blue velvet dress. "You are so beautiful," he said pulling her into his arms.
B'Elanna laughed, "I bet you say that to all the girls."
"Only the one's who were so beautiful."
"Which was all of them?" B'Elanna asked playfully.
"No, only you."
B'Elanna didn't laugh this time as she stared into Tom's cobalt blue eyes. "We need to talk, Tom," leading him to her couch they sat down. "What are we going to do?"
At her sullen tone he turned to her, "About what?"
"About getting home. I mean for all we know I could be hauled off to prison with Chakotay and the others."
"I won't let that happen."
"You don't have the power to stop it."
"B'Elanna you and the others aren't Marquis anymore, Starfleet will understand that."
"Will they? Tom, we've both seen different sides of Starfleet. You've seen only the good side but I've seen all the bad."
"B'Elanna, I won't let anything happen to you, to any of you. If they put you in jail and diplomacy fails then I'll just have to break you out."
B'Elanna laughed until she realized he was dead serious, "No! I don't want you to jeopardize you're career over me. If we go to prison I want you to get a new assignment from Starfleet and just forget about us."
"Forget about you? You're asking me to forget about my friends? My family? You? Well I'd do most anything for you but forget you? Never."
"Tom…"
"Please B'Elanna lets not talk about 'what if's' or 'could be's' this is probably our last night on Voyager and I want to enjoy it."
B'Elanna smiled. "You're right. Whatever happens will happen, but tonight, none of that matters."
* * Captain's Ready Room * *
Chakotay and Janeway were sitting together on her couch enjoying the familiar stares outside the viewport.
"What do you think will happen?" Chakotay asked.
Janeway sighed, she had been thinking of the possible answers to that question and had up with only one answer, "I've no idea. But whatever happens you know I'll stand by you, don't you? That I'll fight for all of you?"
Chakotay nodded, "Of course, but there are still no certainties. This is probably as nervous as I've been our entire voyage."
Janeway smiled sympathetically, "Try not to worry, Commander. If all else fails Lt. Paris and I both have a mutual friend in a very high place."
"Admiral Paris."
"I'm talking about someone higher."
"Higher than an Admiral? I guess I really don't have anything to worry about."
* * Voyager: Federation Space * *
Janeway stood proudly on the bridge. Everyone was at their stations as Harry contacted Starfleet Command. Clenching her fists Janeway said, "On screen."
Admiral Paris and Lt. Reginald Barclay appeared on the screen both seemed awestruck by who they were seeing. Tom smiled at the expression on his father's face, it wasn't often he was caught off guard.
"Kathryn…" the Admiral murmured. "Welcome home."
Janeway smiled, "Thank you Admiral, you have no idea how good it is to be home. We have a lot to tell you."
The Admiral nodded, "As I do you, a lot has changed since you've been gone. I think we should meet… alone."
Janeway smiled wryly, "I believe I should bring at least one of my senor staff, Lieutenant Paris perhaps?"
The Admiral smiled, "You should beam down as soon as you reach Earth."
* * Admiral Owen Paris's Office * *
Tom and Owen embraced the second Tom entered the office.
"It's so good to see you," Owen said quietly before pulling back. "I contacted your mother and sisters, they're on their way."
Tom nodded, "Good, but right now I'm concerned about my other family."
Owen looked at him confused and Janeway clarified, "The Marquis ship we we're chasing was destroyed and the surviving crew were brought onto Voyager. They have served as Starfleet officers this last year and have been hardworking and loyal."
The Admiral sat behind his desk considerably paler than moments before, "This is terrible."
"Terrible?" Tom echoed. "Why?"
"The changes you've missed…" he started. "McAllister signed a new treaty with the Cardassains."
"What does it entail?" Janeway asked.
"It says that every Marquis traitor we capture must immediately be turned over to Cardassain authorities."
"That's ridiculous," Tom blurted. "McAllister would never agree to that."
"He did, Tom and I'm afraid this is our of my hands. The Marquis will need to be surrendered."
"You have to make an exception," Janeway pleaded.
"It's not my choice, Kathryn. Once the Admiral's council finds out about this they'll be turned over."
Janeway was shaking her head in disgust, "To the Cardassians? Never. I won't let you."
"This is bigger than both of us," Owen said. "You must know if there was anything I could do, I'd do it."
"I need to see McAllister," Tom said firmly.
"He's not taking visitors."
"I'm his grandson whom he hasn't seen in a year."
"He's changed, Tom. He's not the same man you remember."
"You have to get me a meeting with him," Tom insisted.
"I can't, Tom and frankly I wouldn't even if I could. I don't want you involved in this."
"Involved? I'm already involved Admiral these are the lives of my friends that we are so casually discussing."
"I understand how you feel…"
"You don't understand anything. With all these changes how is it that you're exactly the same?"
"Thomas…"
"You go ahead and tell the council but I'm not going to stay out of this. I won't just sit by and watch."
"Neither will I," Janeway added. "Come on, Lieutenant. We're leaving."
* * Council Meeting Hall * *
"Where's President McAllister?" Admiral Rice asked.
"He won't be coming," Owen announced. "I'll be speaking for him. He told me that under no uncertain terms should we violate the Federation/Cardassian treaty and he fears if we do we may be faced with a war."
Admiral Rice and the others nodded, "That's true, I don't like giving these people over to the Cardassians anymore than I imagine the rest of you do but they are traitors and we can't risk provoking the Cardassains. I vote we surrender them."
Admiral Paris sighed sadly, "All else in favor say 'aye'" At the chorus of 'ayes' he sighed again.
* * Penal Transport Station * *
Tom, Janeway, Harry, Kes, Neelix, and even Tuvok stared in disbelief along with the rest of the Starfleet crew as their Marquis friends were shackled and loaded onto a transport to be taken to a Cardassian prison camp. None of them had even had a chance to say goodbye as Voyager was boarded and the 'traitors' were dragged away.
Now they could only say a few quick words as their former crewmates were prodded past them.
When Tom saw B'Elanna he immediately pushed to the front of the crowd and ran to her side, walking beside her as she headed to the docking bay.
"I'm sorry, B'Elanna," he whispered.
B'Elanna smiled, "This isn't your fault."
"I'll get you out. All of you."
B'Elanna met his eyes, "Please, Tom. Don't, promise me."
"You know I can't promise that."
"I don't want you hurt."
"But I'm supposed to standby and watch as you're placed in a prison camp?"
B'Elanna lowered her eyes.
"I love you, B'Elanna and I will come for you. Whatever it takes."
B'Elanna gasped at the admission and the determination in his eyes, she was only able to say, "I love you, too," before she was pushed into the transport.
As Tom turned steely eyed and made his way back through the crowd Janeway and Kim recognized the set of his shoulders and the recklessness in his eyes. They knew he wouldn't leave it at this, with B'Elanna being chartered away in chains. Afraid he'd do something brash they followed him with Tuvok close behind. Kes started after them as well but Neelix stopped her.
"This isn't our fight," he said.
"They're our friends as well, Neelix," Kes said haughtily.
"Kes they're trained for this, we aren't. We'll only slow them down if they attempt a rescue and we both know they will. I know you only want to help but for once I think you should listen to me."
Kes sighed, "You're right, Neelix. I'll leave this to them," she said and then added under her breath, "For now."
* * * *
Janeway, Kim and Tuvok broke free of the crowd and saw Tom in the distance with three people running towards him. A young redhead jumped into his arms.
"Tom," Janeway said as they reached them.
"Captain," he said with a ghost of a smile. "I'd like to introduce some friends of mine, Ensigns Susie Crabtree, Steven Teller and Special Agent Kida."
Tuvok eyed Kida wearily as she smiled ear to ear, "You are Vulcan," he said.
Her smile grew impossibly wider, "Only a quarter Vulcan, I'm mostly Human."
Tom smiled as well, "And these are my friends from Voyager, Kida I'm sure you remember Captain Janeway and this is Ensign Kim and Lieutenant Tuvok."
Tom's six friends all smiled at each other, spare Tuvok and Janeway smiled at Kida saying hello to her old acquaintance.
"We're really sorry about the Marquis," Steven said sympathetically.
"Don't be," Tom said coldly. "They'll be fine."
Susie, Kida and Steven were confused by his demeanor but the Voyagers understood it all too well.
"Tom," Janeway began. "I'd advise against what you're plannaing."
Tom turned on her, his eyes as sharp as ice and twice as cold, "You'd leave them there?"
Janeway shook her head, "No, but I wouldn't go after them without a plan."
"You're going after them!" Susie cried indignantly. "Dammit, Tom Paris! This is exactly why I broke up with you, you're going to get yourself killed. Well you're not going, that's all there is to it. I'll tell your father."
Tom smiled, "God I missed you, Susie."
Susie placed her hands on her hips, "That's it? That's all you have to say?"
"What would you like me to say? Beg you not to tell on me? We aren't kids anymore, Sue. I'm going and nobody will stop me."
"Then I'm going as well," Janeway stated and Tom turned to her in surprise.
"Me too," Harry said.
"I too will go," Tuvok agreed.
"Great," Tom said. "Now all we need is a plan."
"Enough," Susie cried. 'if you're really going to do this, you aren't going to do it without us." Kida and Steven nodded their agreement. "We're going too."
To be continued…
By Voyager Queen
Before you read this you should really read…
1. Three Sisters: First Encounter
2. Three Sisters: Gathering
3. Around Every Corner
If you don't… you'll probably be a little confused because this story takes place in an A.U.
* * Helmsman's log, stardate 521750.0 * *
A lot has happened this last week. We discovered the Mikan wormhole. It was previously known only to Section 31. A rebel section of Starfleet. Voyager made it through the wormhole just before it collapsed… forever sealing Section Headquarters in the Delta Quadrant and now we're home. This will be Voyager's last night before we reach Federation space and everyone is celebrating. I'll be going to B'Elanna's. Our relationship is another big change…
* * B'Elanna's Quarters * *
"Come in!" B'Elanna's voice called through the door. "You're early."
"I couldn't wait to see you," Tom replied which made B'Elanna smile.
Tom smiled when he saw her. She looked wonderful in a short blue velvet dress. "You are so beautiful," he said pulling her into his arms.
B'Elanna laughed, "I bet you say that to all the girls."
"Only the one's who were so beautiful."
"Which was all of them?" B'Elanna asked playfully.
"No, only you."
B'Elanna didn't laugh this time as she stared into Tom's cobalt blue eyes. "We need to talk, Tom," leading him to her couch they sat down. "What are we going to do?"
At her sullen tone he turned to her, "About what?"
"About getting home. I mean for all we know I could be hauled off to prison with Chakotay and the others."
"I won't let that happen."
"You don't have the power to stop it."
"B'Elanna you and the others aren't Marquis anymore, Starfleet will understand that."
"Will they? Tom, we've both seen different sides of Starfleet. You've seen only the good side but I've seen all the bad."
"B'Elanna, I won't let anything happen to you, to any of you. If they put you in jail and diplomacy fails then I'll just have to break you out."
B'Elanna laughed until she realized he was dead serious, "No! I don't want you to jeopardize you're career over me. If we go to prison I want you to get a new assignment from Starfleet and just forget about us."
"Forget about you? You're asking me to forget about my friends? My family? You? Well I'd do most anything for you but forget you? Never."
"Tom…"
"Please B'Elanna lets not talk about 'what if's' or 'could be's' this is probably our last night on Voyager and I want to enjoy it."
B'Elanna smiled. "You're right. Whatever happens will happen, but tonight, none of that matters."
* * Captain's Ready Room * *
Chakotay and Janeway were sitting together on her couch enjoying the familiar stares outside the viewport.
"What do you think will happen?" Chakotay asked.
Janeway sighed, she had been thinking of the possible answers to that question and had up with only one answer, "I've no idea. But whatever happens you know I'll stand by you, don't you? That I'll fight for all of you?"
Chakotay nodded, "Of course, but there are still no certainties. This is probably as nervous as I've been our entire voyage."
Janeway smiled sympathetically, "Try not to worry, Commander. If all else fails Lt. Paris and I both have a mutual friend in a very high place."
"Admiral Paris."
"I'm talking about someone higher."
"Higher than an Admiral? I guess I really don't have anything to worry about."
* * Voyager: Federation Space * *
Janeway stood proudly on the bridge. Everyone was at their stations as Harry contacted Starfleet Command. Clenching her fists Janeway said, "On screen."
Admiral Paris and Lt. Reginald Barclay appeared on the screen both seemed awestruck by who they were seeing. Tom smiled at the expression on his father's face, it wasn't often he was caught off guard.
"Kathryn…" the Admiral murmured. "Welcome home."
Janeway smiled, "Thank you Admiral, you have no idea how good it is to be home. We have a lot to tell you."
The Admiral nodded, "As I do you, a lot has changed since you've been gone. I think we should meet… alone."
Janeway smiled wryly, "I believe I should bring at least one of my senor staff, Lieutenant Paris perhaps?"
The Admiral smiled, "You should beam down as soon as you reach Earth."
* * Admiral Owen Paris's Office * *
Tom and Owen embraced the second Tom entered the office.
"It's so good to see you," Owen said quietly before pulling back. "I contacted your mother and sisters, they're on their way."
Tom nodded, "Good, but right now I'm concerned about my other family."
Owen looked at him confused and Janeway clarified, "The Marquis ship we we're chasing was destroyed and the surviving crew were brought onto Voyager. They have served as Starfleet officers this last year and have been hardworking and loyal."
The Admiral sat behind his desk considerably paler than moments before, "This is terrible."
"Terrible?" Tom echoed. "Why?"
"The changes you've missed…" he started. "McAllister signed a new treaty with the Cardassains."
"What does it entail?" Janeway asked.
"It says that every Marquis traitor we capture must immediately be turned over to Cardassain authorities."
"That's ridiculous," Tom blurted. "McAllister would never agree to that."
"He did, Tom and I'm afraid this is our of my hands. The Marquis will need to be surrendered."
"You have to make an exception," Janeway pleaded.
"It's not my choice, Kathryn. Once the Admiral's council finds out about this they'll be turned over."
Janeway was shaking her head in disgust, "To the Cardassians? Never. I won't let you."
"This is bigger than both of us," Owen said. "You must know if there was anything I could do, I'd do it."
"I need to see McAllister," Tom said firmly.
"He's not taking visitors."
"I'm his grandson whom he hasn't seen in a year."
"He's changed, Tom. He's not the same man you remember."
"You have to get me a meeting with him," Tom insisted.
"I can't, Tom and frankly I wouldn't even if I could. I don't want you involved in this."
"Involved? I'm already involved Admiral these are the lives of my friends that we are so casually discussing."
"I understand how you feel…"
"You don't understand anything. With all these changes how is it that you're exactly the same?"
"Thomas…"
"You go ahead and tell the council but I'm not going to stay out of this. I won't just sit by and watch."
"Neither will I," Janeway added. "Come on, Lieutenant. We're leaving."
* * Council Meeting Hall * *
"Where's President McAllister?" Admiral Rice asked.
"He won't be coming," Owen announced. "I'll be speaking for him. He told me that under no uncertain terms should we violate the Federation/Cardassian treaty and he fears if we do we may be faced with a war."
Admiral Rice and the others nodded, "That's true, I don't like giving these people over to the Cardassians anymore than I imagine the rest of you do but they are traitors and we can't risk provoking the Cardassains. I vote we surrender them."
Admiral Paris sighed sadly, "All else in favor say 'aye'" At the chorus of 'ayes' he sighed again.
* * Penal Transport Station * *
Tom, Janeway, Harry, Kes, Neelix, and even Tuvok stared in disbelief along with the rest of the Starfleet crew as their Marquis friends were shackled and loaded onto a transport to be taken to a Cardassian prison camp. None of them had even had a chance to say goodbye as Voyager was boarded and the 'traitors' were dragged away.
Now they could only say a few quick words as their former crewmates were prodded past them.
When Tom saw B'Elanna he immediately pushed to the front of the crowd and ran to her side, walking beside her as she headed to the docking bay.
"I'm sorry, B'Elanna," he whispered.
B'Elanna smiled, "This isn't your fault."
"I'll get you out. All of you."
B'Elanna met his eyes, "Please, Tom. Don't, promise me."
"You know I can't promise that."
"I don't want you hurt."
"But I'm supposed to standby and watch as you're placed in a prison camp?"
B'Elanna lowered her eyes.
"I love you, B'Elanna and I will come for you. Whatever it takes."
B'Elanna gasped at the admission and the determination in his eyes, she was only able to say, "I love you, too," before she was pushed into the transport.
As Tom turned steely eyed and made his way back through the crowd Janeway and Kim recognized the set of his shoulders and the recklessness in his eyes. They knew he wouldn't leave it at this, with B'Elanna being chartered away in chains. Afraid he'd do something brash they followed him with Tuvok close behind. Kes started after them as well but Neelix stopped her.
"This isn't our fight," he said.
"They're our friends as well, Neelix," Kes said haughtily.
"Kes they're trained for this, we aren't. We'll only slow them down if they attempt a rescue and we both know they will. I know you only want to help but for once I think you should listen to me."
Kes sighed, "You're right, Neelix. I'll leave this to them," she said and then added under her breath, "For now."
* * * *
Janeway, Kim and Tuvok broke free of the crowd and saw Tom in the distance with three people running towards him. A young redhead jumped into his arms.
"Tom," Janeway said as they reached them.
"Captain," he said with a ghost of a smile. "I'd like to introduce some friends of mine, Ensigns Susie Crabtree, Steven Teller and Special Agent Kida."
Tuvok eyed Kida wearily as she smiled ear to ear, "You are Vulcan," he said.
Her smile grew impossibly wider, "Only a quarter Vulcan, I'm mostly Human."
Tom smiled as well, "And these are my friends from Voyager, Kida I'm sure you remember Captain Janeway and this is Ensign Kim and Lieutenant Tuvok."
Tom's six friends all smiled at each other, spare Tuvok and Janeway smiled at Kida saying hello to her old acquaintance.
"We're really sorry about the Marquis," Steven said sympathetically.
"Don't be," Tom said coldly. "They'll be fine."
Susie, Kida and Steven were confused by his demeanor but the Voyagers understood it all too well.
"Tom," Janeway began. "I'd advise against what you're plannaing."
Tom turned on her, his eyes as sharp as ice and twice as cold, "You'd leave them there?"
Janeway shook her head, "No, but I wouldn't go after them without a plan."
"You're going after them!" Susie cried indignantly. "Dammit, Tom Paris! This is exactly why I broke up with you, you're going to get yourself killed. Well you're not going, that's all there is to it. I'll tell your father."
Tom smiled, "God I missed you, Susie."
Susie placed her hands on her hips, "That's it? That's all you have to say?"
"What would you like me to say? Beg you not to tell on me? We aren't kids anymore, Sue. I'm going and nobody will stop me."
"Then I'm going as well," Janeway stated and Tom turned to her in surprise.
"Me too," Harry said.
"I too will go," Tuvok agreed.
"Great," Tom said. "Now all we need is a plan."
"Enough," Susie cried. 'if you're really going to do this, you aren't going to do it without us." Kida and Steven nodded their agreement. "We're going too."
To be continued…