I'd like to profusely thank everyone who has commented on the story so far,
especially those we've said things more than once! Let's me know you're
still enjoying it! There is still plenty more after this! Now, on to the
story!
((/\))
Tom exited his quarters wearing a crewman's uniform. The stiff material itched at his skin, and hung uncomfortably in several places. Just like the good old days he thought as he headed towards the mess hall in a rush. To aid in the already bad start of his day he was going to be late for his first shift with Neelix. He increased the length of his silent stride hoping to make up lost time, but he would probably have to run if he wanted a chance to make it there on time.
"If you'd just knocked the guy out of the way you wouldn't have this little punctuality problem right now."
Tom glared over his shoulder at the unexpected comment as U matched his fast pace through the corridor, before he turned sharply on his heel to face the being.
"U." He stopped to formally greet the powerful being, who watched him intently with dark hazel eyes. The pilot wasted no time in starting his interrogation. "Why?" The one word uttered was so simple and straightforward, and meant so much that it might have seemed impossible to answer. U just rolled his eyes in exasperation as Tom tried to intimidate him with a cold look. The glare might have actually had an effect on U too, if he wasn't such a powerful being, sure of his position.
"Come on Paris, you wanted to be home so I brought you home. A thank you for my efforts would be appropriate about now."
"It didn't take you any effort to bring me back, and my own wishes are not usually something that your race tends to take a moment to consider, or grant. Why did you bring me back?" Tom pressed, needing to understand the whole situation. For a moment the pilot was unsure whether he would get an answer as U just looked at him with those dark eyes, seemingly lost in thought. Then U spoke, his voice taking on the arrogance of a storyteller who could recite his tale backwards.
"For the last year I haven't been around to see what was going on. Yesterday I stopped by Voyager and noticed that its 'loudmouthed pilot' was missing. Being curious I decided to look back to the day before you left. Now let me tell you how interesting that was!
((/\))
He'd been walking down the unfamiliar street for the better part of an hour, soaking up the warm rays of the planets' twin suns. The next day Voyager would be leaving and Tom was determined to enjoy the last few hours of his shore leave exploring the many sites of this beautiful city. Actually, beautiful was almost too modest a description. This city, which was the planet's capital, had buildings that were no more than four stories high, and made of solid marble. Pearly coloured trees and multi-coloured flowers were its chief attraction. The main streets of the city were littered with stores selling a large variety of the planet's products. The people were friendly, there always seemed to be some form of background music coming from a hidden speaker or live band. The best thing about the whole atmosphere was that though it was so open and inviting, it wasn't friendly to the point where it became overbearing or suspicious. It was just a beautiful city.
Tom got tired of it fairly quickly and had left the main streets' busy area to take a look at the city's back shops. Lo and behold he finally found a bar huddled between two black buildings, and headed there. He had to take a closer look at the place, if only to be the man who had visited the most bars in the Delta Quadrant.
Walking into the building, he casually and thoroughly took in his surroundings. Tables filled every inch of space possible, surrounded by a variety of different sized chairs, for the different sized customers. He grinned and headed to the bar. One drink wouldn't hurt, and when he received the red liquid in a bowl he turned in his stool and looked around the room once more, sparing a glance at each occupant.
The establishment was fairly full, the main species present being the Kinkari who lived on this planet, but there were several other species he didn't recognize present as well. Twisting back to face the counter Tom froze, his eyes captured in the sight of a being across the room who was staring at him. The pilot stared back into the deep green eyes that were almost completely surrounded by thick black eyebrows. He held the being's gaze for a moment until the unease crept into Tom's bones. There was something in this man's gaze, a challenge that put Tom on edge.
Glancing around the room he noticed there were no other Starfleet officers present. Of all the stupid things to do; he should have stayed in the main attraction area where there was less of a chance for trouble. Not that he was afraid of trouble of course, it just tended to ruin his day whenever it reared its head. He looked over at the green eyed being, finding him still staring. It was definitely time for Tom to be making his exit.
He slid off his stool, nodding a casual thanks to the bartender who was clearing away his now empty bowl of juice, and headed towards the door. He put some effort into looking unthreatening, but it didn't pay off. Three beings stepped in to block his path. Great. A perfect way to end a shore leave: a nice planet, a nice bar, and three large, angry looking ogres. The largest one, standing in the middle of their group, took a intimidating step closer, almost leaning into Tom's personal space.
"Going somewhere?" The high pitched, almost squeaky voice was absurdly matched with its owner's body, but it was threatening none the less, and attracted the attention of every being in the bar.
"Actually, I am." Tom began to push his way past them, hoping for a chance to get out of this situation. Hope was a joke sometimes and he was roughly grabbed by two sets of thick skinned, slightly green arms, pinning him in his place. Their grips instantly began to send a tingle down to Tom's hands, and would no doubt leave bruises.
"Hey guys, I don't want any trouble here." He tried to give them one more chance to get out of this, but as he expected they didn't back down.
"You asked for trouble by coming in here shorty." Tom had to raise his eyebrows at the name.
"You know I've been called a lot of different things in my life, but 'shorty' is definitely new on my list."
Pulling back a beefy fist, ready to attack, the leader of their pack grinned, but he was never given a chance to throw his punch, as a boot connected solidly with his face.
He dropped like a bag of cement, not unconscious but writhing in pain on the floor. An instant later one of his companions landed on top of him, out cold. The leader of the group looked up from his place on the floor in time to see his third man swing a knife at the human. The quick and deadly slice was easily ducked and the human grabbed his attackers wrist, holding it in a death grip. A quick strike with his free arm and the sound of bone snapping was heard through the room, mingling with a scream of pain. Twisting behind his opponent the human brought his elbow down hard on the back of the being's neck and released his grip on the now unconscious form, allowing him to join his comrades in the dirt.
Tom wiped his hands together in mock satisfaction, before glancing around the silent room. The patrons stared at him, some of their mouths hanging open in surprise. He found the man who had been staring at him moments before, and threw him a threatening gaze of his own, before he turned and left the bar.
Walking away from the joint Tom was forced to admit to himself that it had been an impressive show, but it had taken him six seconds to smoothly take out his attackers. He should have been quicker, which meant that he should start devoting a few extra hours to the holodeck training each week. His teachers would have frowned at this performance, as he did.
He examined his arms and hands as he walked, noting the only marks present from the fight were results from the beings' strong grips. That was how he'd planned it, not wanting to explain anything to Voyager, a quick regeneration and the bruises would be gone. Tom rarely used his special training in a fight, because he knew that the more he exposed it to the world, the more likely the chances were that he would be caught by his shipmates. Today was an exception.
The green eyed being that had been following him since he'd left the bar finally caught up, coming to walk beside the pilot, who stoutly ignored him. The guy meant trouble, and Tom had had enough of that for one day. Unfortunately the being had other ideas.
"Those were impressive moves back there." His voice was deep and complimenting, the tone of a salesman. Tom kept walking. "You defeated three of the best fighters in this part of town without a scratch to show for it."
"Whatever you want, I'm not interested." Tom tried to shut him down before he could make any offer, but his disinterest was ignored.
"Your fighting skills are obviously advanced, you used techniques I've never seen before. I could make a lot of money for you."
"I'm not interested. Drop it, or I'll drop you." He glared at his uninvited guest, threatening him one final time. It seemed to catch as the being raised his furry arms in defeat.
"Fine, I'll drop it. But don't blame me when you lose your chance to send your crew home."
Tom froze on the street, narrowing his gaze to focus solely on green eyes. The vibrant blue turned to a threatening steel grey. The salesman's eyes only held victory for finally getting the pilot's attention.
"Are you threatening my crew?" Tom was satisfied when the smugness was replaced by a look of unease, and the being took a step back.
"Of course not! I'm simply saying that I happen to know a way to send them back to your alpha quadrant."
Turn away now Tommy boy or you might do something you regret he fiercely told himself. He should listen to his own warning, but the chance of sending his crew home, no matter how suspicious it might seem, was one he could not pass up. He would do anything, with the exception of murder, to send his friends and family home. Anything. So he asked in his calmest voice,
"How?"
"I know some people with state of the art space technology capable of jumping large distances through space. They just happen to be in town." The green eyes were once again dancing in victory. "Meet me here in two hours and I'll take you to meet them. If they like what they see, they might be willing to cut you a deal."
"Two hours then." Tom agreed, securing his fate.
((/\))
Despite his feelings of unease, Tom found himself following the furry green eyed being, now introduced as Selt, into the back of a privately owned bar and club. When he was offered a seat, he refused it, remaining at the ready for any foul play. Though he wanted to find out what the deal was about, his instincts told him not to trust this alien.
When a door finally opened at the opposite end of the closed establishment, Tom watched silently as four new faces joined his previous crowd of two. He estimated that the three giants flanking the shorter guy were the hired muscle. Tom studied their movements, trying to pick up on tiny details about them, but he was more interested in their boss; the short being with sharp, red eyes.
They approached Tom and Selt, looking them over.
"So you think this 'human' could be worth something to me, eh Selt?" The boss raked his gaze over Tom's body, making him decidedly uncomfortable. "Prove it." It was instantly clear that the red eyed being wanted a fight. Tom wasn't going to do that, not without a reason.
"No."
"Excuse me?" Selt shifted nervously from foot to foot.
"I'm not doing anything until I get some answers to a few questions." There was a moment of silence clouding the room before the red eyed being spoke.
"All right, ask your questions."
"Do you have the technology to send a starship over a distance of…say, 70,000 lightyears?"
The being's lips curled slightly. "A ship like the Voyager hmm? Yes, I have that technology."
"How do I know you're not lying?"
"You don't." The short man broke his gaze with Tom to look questioningly at Selt. No words were spoken but some form of communication seemed to have taken place. When he looked back at Tom, he seemed more interested in this situation.
"Prove to me that you can fight, that I might be able to use you, and we might be able to cut a deal."
Tom took a moment to consider his options. He could walk out now and let Voyager wander slowly home while he wondered if he really could have helped them from this deal, or he might have a shot to send them home now, with this deal. It wasn't a difficult decision to make.
"Where?"
"Right here. Misker," the short being called. "You fight him." The four not directly participating in the fight moved to the side of the room, allowing space for Tom and Misker to give their little show. Tom looked his opponent over, as the tallest of the three bodyguards walked out to meet him in the centre of the floor. He instantly pegged Misker as the clumsiest of the three by his gait, undoubtedly the strongest. Now they stood facing each other.
"I will initiate the Mitikari." Misker's deep voice rolled over Tom, who looked at the being in confusion.
"The what?"
Misker sighed in slight annoyance at Tom's lack of knowledge. "It is the official initiation of the fight to come. Opponents must always acknowledge each other with a show of strength. I will hit you across your features, and you will return the blow. Then we may begin."
"Why don't we just shake hands?"
"It is tradition, or are you afraid you may be injured?" The mocking tone drew a confident smile from the only human present.
"I just want you to remain conscious for the fight."
Without any more time wasted Misker pulled back his fist and let it fly. Tom rolled his head with the impact, avoiding the worst of the blow. Then Tom threw back his own fist and in a great show of effort he managed to barely tap the guy on the chin. A mighty roar of laughter was let loose at Tom's exaggerated effort to inflict harm.
"You couldn't knock a rodent unconscious with that strength. Pathetic."
And so The fight began.
Tom blocked a series of well placed punches and kicks, taking his time to calculate his opponents technique. He was good, Tom would give that to Misker, but he was far from good enough.
A moment later he sidestepped a fist and swiftly kicked the large being's legs out from under him, then paused, giving Misker a moment to stand. He then let a foot fly at his stomach, but his foot was caught and held tightly. Not allowing the being to snap his ankle Tom jumped, using his free leg he kicked Misker in the face. They both fell to the floor; Tom twisted around and was standing in a second, waiting for Misker to catch up. When the man stumbled to his feet and lunged at Tom, a powerful uppercut to the jaw sent him right back to the ground. Tom stood over the still body a moment before turning back to look at the red eyed being.
The short man stared at him, eyes glowing with interest for a moment before the look was replaced with a look of disinterest.
"Let's talk about that deal." Tom joined him at a table, and they began their negotiations.
Three hours later Tom left the bar, his face not leaking any emotion. He didn't take a moment to enjoy the sun, he no longer cared about the beauty of the city, he was too busy thinking about what he had just done.
The deal had been made, he wasn't backing out now. He knew that Captain Janeway wouldn't agree with what he was doing. She would insist on another way of trade, one that would allow for Voyager's pilot to remain on board when they finally returned home. She would have refused his choice to accept this deal, so he wasn't going to tell her, or anyone. He knew how people like Imod operated. This was the only way now…
Oh god he didn't want to do this. It hurt so much. He finally felt like he had a place where he could live a relatively normal life…in the eyes of Starfleet at least. Voyager was his home, the first place he felt comfortable labelling as a home. He was leaving his home, his new family and friends, but he knew he had to now. He'd been given the chance to help them get back to their home.
In exchange of Voyager's return to the Alpha quadrant, Tom was going to stay and work for Imod. He'd gone through all the possible options, and had calculated that this was the only way. Slowly, he walked to the transport site, which would take him to his ship for the last time.
((/\))
"This history lesson is all nice and entertaining," Tom glared at U, " but I have a shift I'm late for. Excuse me." The ex-pilot turned and began heading towards the mess hall once again, but froze in mid-step, almost crashing into the messhall's doors. They slid open and he walked through, muttering a thank you to U under his breath.
When his shift ended he headed back to his quarters, thankfully not meeting anyone who was openly hostile. It had been refreshing to talk to Neelix, who seemed to constantly be bubbling over with enthusiasm. A huge contrast to the attitude on Imod's ship, but it hadn't exactly been filled with pleasant being's who conversed for fun. They hadn't been allowed to talk during their working hours, and after-hours was usually spent trying to avoid everyone. A big happy place. One big happy family…not.
Tom sat on his couch, trying to relax but finding the cushions uncomfortable in their softness. He wasn't used to the luxury and it felt wrong. Working in the kitchen all day hadn't eased his energy, which was practically begging to be used. He didn't want to risk using to holodeck until the morning though.
His thoughts slipped back to the crew, his friends. Tom had managed to be in the kitchen cooking or on some small errand whenever one of his friends came in for their meal. He could still sense the unease the crew had when in his presence. They still weren't that pleased with his return, which he could understand and forgive them for. They needed someone who wasn't a failure or a traitor for a friend.
((/\))
Tom exited his quarters wearing a crewman's uniform. The stiff material itched at his skin, and hung uncomfortably in several places. Just like the good old days he thought as he headed towards the mess hall in a rush. To aid in the already bad start of his day he was going to be late for his first shift with Neelix. He increased the length of his silent stride hoping to make up lost time, but he would probably have to run if he wanted a chance to make it there on time.
"If you'd just knocked the guy out of the way you wouldn't have this little punctuality problem right now."
Tom glared over his shoulder at the unexpected comment as U matched his fast pace through the corridor, before he turned sharply on his heel to face the being.
"U." He stopped to formally greet the powerful being, who watched him intently with dark hazel eyes. The pilot wasted no time in starting his interrogation. "Why?" The one word uttered was so simple and straightforward, and meant so much that it might have seemed impossible to answer. U just rolled his eyes in exasperation as Tom tried to intimidate him with a cold look. The glare might have actually had an effect on U too, if he wasn't such a powerful being, sure of his position.
"Come on Paris, you wanted to be home so I brought you home. A thank you for my efforts would be appropriate about now."
"It didn't take you any effort to bring me back, and my own wishes are not usually something that your race tends to take a moment to consider, or grant. Why did you bring me back?" Tom pressed, needing to understand the whole situation. For a moment the pilot was unsure whether he would get an answer as U just looked at him with those dark eyes, seemingly lost in thought. Then U spoke, his voice taking on the arrogance of a storyteller who could recite his tale backwards.
"For the last year I haven't been around to see what was going on. Yesterday I stopped by Voyager and noticed that its 'loudmouthed pilot' was missing. Being curious I decided to look back to the day before you left. Now let me tell you how interesting that was!
((/\))
He'd been walking down the unfamiliar street for the better part of an hour, soaking up the warm rays of the planets' twin suns. The next day Voyager would be leaving and Tom was determined to enjoy the last few hours of his shore leave exploring the many sites of this beautiful city. Actually, beautiful was almost too modest a description. This city, which was the planet's capital, had buildings that were no more than four stories high, and made of solid marble. Pearly coloured trees and multi-coloured flowers were its chief attraction. The main streets of the city were littered with stores selling a large variety of the planet's products. The people were friendly, there always seemed to be some form of background music coming from a hidden speaker or live band. The best thing about the whole atmosphere was that though it was so open and inviting, it wasn't friendly to the point where it became overbearing or suspicious. It was just a beautiful city.
Tom got tired of it fairly quickly and had left the main streets' busy area to take a look at the city's back shops. Lo and behold he finally found a bar huddled between two black buildings, and headed there. He had to take a closer look at the place, if only to be the man who had visited the most bars in the Delta Quadrant.
Walking into the building, he casually and thoroughly took in his surroundings. Tables filled every inch of space possible, surrounded by a variety of different sized chairs, for the different sized customers. He grinned and headed to the bar. One drink wouldn't hurt, and when he received the red liquid in a bowl he turned in his stool and looked around the room once more, sparing a glance at each occupant.
The establishment was fairly full, the main species present being the Kinkari who lived on this planet, but there were several other species he didn't recognize present as well. Twisting back to face the counter Tom froze, his eyes captured in the sight of a being across the room who was staring at him. The pilot stared back into the deep green eyes that were almost completely surrounded by thick black eyebrows. He held the being's gaze for a moment until the unease crept into Tom's bones. There was something in this man's gaze, a challenge that put Tom on edge.
Glancing around the room he noticed there were no other Starfleet officers present. Of all the stupid things to do; he should have stayed in the main attraction area where there was less of a chance for trouble. Not that he was afraid of trouble of course, it just tended to ruin his day whenever it reared its head. He looked over at the green eyed being, finding him still staring. It was definitely time for Tom to be making his exit.
He slid off his stool, nodding a casual thanks to the bartender who was clearing away his now empty bowl of juice, and headed towards the door. He put some effort into looking unthreatening, but it didn't pay off. Three beings stepped in to block his path. Great. A perfect way to end a shore leave: a nice planet, a nice bar, and three large, angry looking ogres. The largest one, standing in the middle of their group, took a intimidating step closer, almost leaning into Tom's personal space.
"Going somewhere?" The high pitched, almost squeaky voice was absurdly matched with its owner's body, but it was threatening none the less, and attracted the attention of every being in the bar.
"Actually, I am." Tom began to push his way past them, hoping for a chance to get out of this situation. Hope was a joke sometimes and he was roughly grabbed by two sets of thick skinned, slightly green arms, pinning him in his place. Their grips instantly began to send a tingle down to Tom's hands, and would no doubt leave bruises.
"Hey guys, I don't want any trouble here." He tried to give them one more chance to get out of this, but as he expected they didn't back down.
"You asked for trouble by coming in here shorty." Tom had to raise his eyebrows at the name.
"You know I've been called a lot of different things in my life, but 'shorty' is definitely new on my list."
Pulling back a beefy fist, ready to attack, the leader of their pack grinned, but he was never given a chance to throw his punch, as a boot connected solidly with his face.
He dropped like a bag of cement, not unconscious but writhing in pain on the floor. An instant later one of his companions landed on top of him, out cold. The leader of the group looked up from his place on the floor in time to see his third man swing a knife at the human. The quick and deadly slice was easily ducked and the human grabbed his attackers wrist, holding it in a death grip. A quick strike with his free arm and the sound of bone snapping was heard through the room, mingling with a scream of pain. Twisting behind his opponent the human brought his elbow down hard on the back of the being's neck and released his grip on the now unconscious form, allowing him to join his comrades in the dirt.
Tom wiped his hands together in mock satisfaction, before glancing around the silent room. The patrons stared at him, some of their mouths hanging open in surprise. He found the man who had been staring at him moments before, and threw him a threatening gaze of his own, before he turned and left the bar.
Walking away from the joint Tom was forced to admit to himself that it had been an impressive show, but it had taken him six seconds to smoothly take out his attackers. He should have been quicker, which meant that he should start devoting a few extra hours to the holodeck training each week. His teachers would have frowned at this performance, as he did.
He examined his arms and hands as he walked, noting the only marks present from the fight were results from the beings' strong grips. That was how he'd planned it, not wanting to explain anything to Voyager, a quick regeneration and the bruises would be gone. Tom rarely used his special training in a fight, because he knew that the more he exposed it to the world, the more likely the chances were that he would be caught by his shipmates. Today was an exception.
The green eyed being that had been following him since he'd left the bar finally caught up, coming to walk beside the pilot, who stoutly ignored him. The guy meant trouble, and Tom had had enough of that for one day. Unfortunately the being had other ideas.
"Those were impressive moves back there." His voice was deep and complimenting, the tone of a salesman. Tom kept walking. "You defeated three of the best fighters in this part of town without a scratch to show for it."
"Whatever you want, I'm not interested." Tom tried to shut him down before he could make any offer, but his disinterest was ignored.
"Your fighting skills are obviously advanced, you used techniques I've never seen before. I could make a lot of money for you."
"I'm not interested. Drop it, or I'll drop you." He glared at his uninvited guest, threatening him one final time. It seemed to catch as the being raised his furry arms in defeat.
"Fine, I'll drop it. But don't blame me when you lose your chance to send your crew home."
Tom froze on the street, narrowing his gaze to focus solely on green eyes. The vibrant blue turned to a threatening steel grey. The salesman's eyes only held victory for finally getting the pilot's attention.
"Are you threatening my crew?" Tom was satisfied when the smugness was replaced by a look of unease, and the being took a step back.
"Of course not! I'm simply saying that I happen to know a way to send them back to your alpha quadrant."
Turn away now Tommy boy or you might do something you regret he fiercely told himself. He should listen to his own warning, but the chance of sending his crew home, no matter how suspicious it might seem, was one he could not pass up. He would do anything, with the exception of murder, to send his friends and family home. Anything. So he asked in his calmest voice,
"How?"
"I know some people with state of the art space technology capable of jumping large distances through space. They just happen to be in town." The green eyes were once again dancing in victory. "Meet me here in two hours and I'll take you to meet them. If they like what they see, they might be willing to cut you a deal."
"Two hours then." Tom agreed, securing his fate.
((/\))
Despite his feelings of unease, Tom found himself following the furry green eyed being, now introduced as Selt, into the back of a privately owned bar and club. When he was offered a seat, he refused it, remaining at the ready for any foul play. Though he wanted to find out what the deal was about, his instincts told him not to trust this alien.
When a door finally opened at the opposite end of the closed establishment, Tom watched silently as four new faces joined his previous crowd of two. He estimated that the three giants flanking the shorter guy were the hired muscle. Tom studied their movements, trying to pick up on tiny details about them, but he was more interested in their boss; the short being with sharp, red eyes.
They approached Tom and Selt, looking them over.
"So you think this 'human' could be worth something to me, eh Selt?" The boss raked his gaze over Tom's body, making him decidedly uncomfortable. "Prove it." It was instantly clear that the red eyed being wanted a fight. Tom wasn't going to do that, not without a reason.
"No."
"Excuse me?" Selt shifted nervously from foot to foot.
"I'm not doing anything until I get some answers to a few questions." There was a moment of silence clouding the room before the red eyed being spoke.
"All right, ask your questions."
"Do you have the technology to send a starship over a distance of…say, 70,000 lightyears?"
The being's lips curled slightly. "A ship like the Voyager hmm? Yes, I have that technology."
"How do I know you're not lying?"
"You don't." The short man broke his gaze with Tom to look questioningly at Selt. No words were spoken but some form of communication seemed to have taken place. When he looked back at Tom, he seemed more interested in this situation.
"Prove to me that you can fight, that I might be able to use you, and we might be able to cut a deal."
Tom took a moment to consider his options. He could walk out now and let Voyager wander slowly home while he wondered if he really could have helped them from this deal, or he might have a shot to send them home now, with this deal. It wasn't a difficult decision to make.
"Where?"
"Right here. Misker," the short being called. "You fight him." The four not directly participating in the fight moved to the side of the room, allowing space for Tom and Misker to give their little show. Tom looked his opponent over, as the tallest of the three bodyguards walked out to meet him in the centre of the floor. He instantly pegged Misker as the clumsiest of the three by his gait, undoubtedly the strongest. Now they stood facing each other.
"I will initiate the Mitikari." Misker's deep voice rolled over Tom, who looked at the being in confusion.
"The what?"
Misker sighed in slight annoyance at Tom's lack of knowledge. "It is the official initiation of the fight to come. Opponents must always acknowledge each other with a show of strength. I will hit you across your features, and you will return the blow. Then we may begin."
"Why don't we just shake hands?"
"It is tradition, or are you afraid you may be injured?" The mocking tone drew a confident smile from the only human present.
"I just want you to remain conscious for the fight."
Without any more time wasted Misker pulled back his fist and let it fly. Tom rolled his head with the impact, avoiding the worst of the blow. Then Tom threw back his own fist and in a great show of effort he managed to barely tap the guy on the chin. A mighty roar of laughter was let loose at Tom's exaggerated effort to inflict harm.
"You couldn't knock a rodent unconscious with that strength. Pathetic."
And so The fight began.
Tom blocked a series of well placed punches and kicks, taking his time to calculate his opponents technique. He was good, Tom would give that to Misker, but he was far from good enough.
A moment later he sidestepped a fist and swiftly kicked the large being's legs out from under him, then paused, giving Misker a moment to stand. He then let a foot fly at his stomach, but his foot was caught and held tightly. Not allowing the being to snap his ankle Tom jumped, using his free leg he kicked Misker in the face. They both fell to the floor; Tom twisted around and was standing in a second, waiting for Misker to catch up. When the man stumbled to his feet and lunged at Tom, a powerful uppercut to the jaw sent him right back to the ground. Tom stood over the still body a moment before turning back to look at the red eyed being.
The short man stared at him, eyes glowing with interest for a moment before the look was replaced with a look of disinterest.
"Let's talk about that deal." Tom joined him at a table, and they began their negotiations.
Three hours later Tom left the bar, his face not leaking any emotion. He didn't take a moment to enjoy the sun, he no longer cared about the beauty of the city, he was too busy thinking about what he had just done.
The deal had been made, he wasn't backing out now. He knew that Captain Janeway wouldn't agree with what he was doing. She would insist on another way of trade, one that would allow for Voyager's pilot to remain on board when they finally returned home. She would have refused his choice to accept this deal, so he wasn't going to tell her, or anyone. He knew how people like Imod operated. This was the only way now…
Oh god he didn't want to do this. It hurt so much. He finally felt like he had a place where he could live a relatively normal life…in the eyes of Starfleet at least. Voyager was his home, the first place he felt comfortable labelling as a home. He was leaving his home, his new family and friends, but he knew he had to now. He'd been given the chance to help them get back to their home.
In exchange of Voyager's return to the Alpha quadrant, Tom was going to stay and work for Imod. He'd gone through all the possible options, and had calculated that this was the only way. Slowly, he walked to the transport site, which would take him to his ship for the last time.
((/\))
"This history lesson is all nice and entertaining," Tom glared at U, " but I have a shift I'm late for. Excuse me." The ex-pilot turned and began heading towards the mess hall once again, but froze in mid-step, almost crashing into the messhall's doors. They slid open and he walked through, muttering a thank you to U under his breath.
When his shift ended he headed back to his quarters, thankfully not meeting anyone who was openly hostile. It had been refreshing to talk to Neelix, who seemed to constantly be bubbling over with enthusiasm. A huge contrast to the attitude on Imod's ship, but it hadn't exactly been filled with pleasant being's who conversed for fun. They hadn't been allowed to talk during their working hours, and after-hours was usually spent trying to avoid everyone. A big happy place. One big happy family…not.
Tom sat on his couch, trying to relax but finding the cushions uncomfortable in their softness. He wasn't used to the luxury and it felt wrong. Working in the kitchen all day hadn't eased his energy, which was practically begging to be used. He didn't want to risk using to holodeck until the morning though.
His thoughts slipped back to the crew, his friends. Tom had managed to be in the kitchen cooking or on some small errand whenever one of his friends came in for their meal. He could still sense the unease the crew had when in his presence. They still weren't that pleased with his return, which he could understand and forgive them for. They needed someone who wasn't a failure or a traitor for a friend.