Title: Any Other Name
Author: Zappy Zaps
Category: AU Drama/Action/Adventure
Summary: Neh….
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All the StarTrek characters are Paramount's. I don't own them (yet). ;)
Archiving: Please do, but tell me!
Author's note: Back to my favourite genre! Action/Adventure, Alternate Universe!! Mwa-ha ha ha haaa!! (
Apr02/May02
Part 2
His response shocked both Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay into a brief silence. He turned down the Captain's offer for reason's known only to him. Captain Janeway was the first to find her voice. "May I ask why?" Janeway walked around the desk to stand in front of Corrin but he kept his eyes on the wall.
His jaw clenched for a moment and Chakotay noted the response. "It would be simpler," was all he said.
"You'd be on your own in a hostile quadrant, an enemy of the Kazon. It would be a good idea for you to stay with us until we leave Kazon territory or at least until your injury has healed." The Captain gestured to his leg. If the injury was causing him any pain he didn't let it show.
"Alright, I'll stay," He said meeting the Captain's hazel gaze, 'for now'. The unspoken but heavily implied words hung in the air.
The Captain nodded once and stepped away. "We'll arrange for quarters for you and a uniform-"
"No uniform," he interrupted. "I don't intend on staying long enough to become part of this crew." He told her what she already suspected. Janeway agreed to his term but warned him that he was to conduct himself as any officer would and obey the orders of superior officers. She didn't think that self-discipline would be a problem with him but would he be willing to take orders from officers on her ship? He had already proved to be a very independent but reliable person.
The Captain gave him a few other pieces of information and a commbadge, which he accepted after a brief hesitation.
"Am I dismissed?" he asked dispassionately after Janeway had stopped talking. She nodded and without another word Corrin left the room. Kathryn and Chakotay looked at each other. That was odd, they were both thinking. Chakotay made a mental note to talk to Ayala and Dalby. They had been friends with Sobey when they were on the Liberty. Maybe they knew something he didn't
His quarters were bare, the drab gray furniture and walls going unfurnished. Tom took off the outer jacket of his suit leaving the tank top on. He tossed the top in the refresher before opening the bag with his few belongings. His shuttle had been destroyed and he had lost most of what he had. It was against Starfleet regulations for him to have these objects in his quarters but most people would not even be able to identify them. He would hide them in a closet or something as not to draw attention to them but he wasn't planning on entertaining in his quarters. He didn't plan on being here long enough to make any friends anyway.
The mess hall was alive with activity as hungry crewmembers came and went. Neelix was serving some food that didn't look all that edible but nobody seemed to mind. Chakotay waked in and spotted the two men he was looking for sitting at a table near the back along with Gerron. Getting his own meal, the former Maquis captain joined their table.
"Captain," Miguel Ayala greeted simply. Chakotay wasn't a Captain anymore but he was still the leader of the Maquis. It would take sometime for them to get used to calling him 'commander'. Kenneth Dalby and Gerron Tem greeted Chakotay in a similar fashion.
Chakotay noticed that the conversation they were having had ended when he joined them which either meant that they were discussing rumors (or gossiping but they don't like to call it that; women gossip) or they were complaining about their current accommodations. Chakotay guessed that it was the first one. They had been 'living' on Voyager for the past month and were used to how things were done. If anything, they were relieved that the Kazon weren't breathing down their necks and monitoring their every move.
"It's suddenly very quiet at this table," he noted out loud. "What were you talking about?"
Ken looked around to make sure nobody was listening in on the conversation before replying. "Tom."
"Why?" Chakotay inquired. Did everybody notice that the man was not very forthcoming with information about himself?
"He's a lot like Sobey," Ayala said.
"I was going to ask you about him. Did Sobey ever mention Tom to you?" Chakotay asked them.
"Only that time when he was on the Liberty for a few hours."
"Nothing else?"
"No. Why?" Miguel posed.
"Just curious. There's a lot we don't know about Tom Corrin and it seems he wants to keep it that way," Chakotay said.
"Corrin? Are you sure that's his name?" asked the usually quiet Gerron. Only a few people knew his last name was Corrin. Sobey hadn't told anybody else and Chakotay said it on the bridge so only the bridge officers who had been listening knew, which weren't many. They had all been very busy keeping the ship running.
"That's what Sobey said it was," Chakotay provided, wondering what Gerron was getting at.
"Sobey wasn't Sobey's real name though," Gerron said.
"What does it matter if his surname is Corrin?" Chakotay wanted to know. Gerron may have some information that would be useful in unraveling the mystery of Tom Corrin.
"Maybe it's just a coincidence but Corrin is the name of the royal family of the Fieran Empire," Gerron said.
"But he's human," Dalby stated what Chakotay and Ayala were all thinking.
"Fierans and humans are identical in appearance, so you really can't tell."
For a few moments there was a thoughtful silence at the table until Miguel spoke again.
"What would royalty be doing in the DMZ? And I don't know if you guys noticed but he acts more like a soldier than a prince."
Chakotay agreed with Ayala's assessment but maybe it was just all an act. Mind you a very convincing one.
((=/\=))
Checking that there was no one around, thirteen-year-old Tom Paris exited the shuttle and headed to the entrance to the palace. He had taken the shuttle without permission and gone to see his gang. He didn't tell anybody because of course they would object, but then again they seldom took interest in anything he did.
"Late night?" a male voice asked from Tom's left. An older man stepped out of the night shadows and looked at Tom. Tom recognized the voice and a slight smile graced his features.
"You could say that."
"Where have you been?"
"I could ask you the same question, Kail," Tom retorted not wanting to tell one of the few people who actually acted like he mattered that he had, in essence, stolen a shuttle to engage in some not-so-legal activity.
"That group you hang out with, they'll end up in a detention facility and if you don't stop you'll end up going with them," Kail warned his nephew.
"So what? They don't care were I ended up," he gestured to the palace, "why should I?" the anger in his voice was unmistakable.
Kail looked up at the looming structure knowing how Tom must be feeling. He had felt the same way at one time. Not being the first born in the royal family made both Kail and Merra feel inadequate as most of their parents' attention was lavished on Reigh. Part of the reason Merra had left was to escape living in the Reigh's shadow but unfortunately that didn't turn out as she had planned and neither had returning to the Empire.
Merra had never remarried and no divorce papers ever came so Owen and Merra were just separated. Merra had still used Paris as her last name even after the return to the empire and because of this she could never have ruled had anything happened to her older brother. Since Tommy was not completely Fieran he could not officially claim his title as a prince or a member of the Fieran monarchy. During ceremonies he stood off at the side, during major events and gatherings he was forgotten and when people asked his name, he told them it was Tom Paris.
Five years ago there had been a massive attack on the Palace by a group of malcontents hoping to 'free' the people from the rule of the monarchy. The attempted coup had failed but there had been casualties –among them were Kail's fiancé and Merra who was killed before Tom's eyes.
In his grief, eight-year-old Tommy had pushed people away when what he really needed was their comfort and support. Most people were blind to this as much of their attention was transfixed on the Reigh's pregnant wife who had been injured quite severely. The only person who took the time to comfort Tommy was Kail even when he was grieving the loss of his love.
Tommy's status in the monarchy after the attack hadn't change, if anything it had gotten worse. Merra had acted as a constant reminder for people, that no matter what Tommy's last name was, he was still part of the Corrin family. With her gone, Tommy was easily forgotten. The segregation had been bearable when his mother was around because she never forgot him but when she had left, the isolation had been too much for such a young person and he sought out a place were could be accepted as he was. He found that in a gang.
"They do care Tommy, they just don't show it often." Kail told him.
"So where the hell have you been?" Tom was still angry. Kail's assurances that he was cared for didn't make him feel any better and Kail knew it would take more than one statement to allow Tom to see the sometimes hidden sentiments.
"I've been around," Kail said cryptically. He couldn't give away too much information. His line of work was very secretive.
"Felt like leaving again, huh?" Tom said a little more softly. Kail heard the pain in his voice and felt terrible for making his nephew feel so badly. Kail had been Tom's best friend even before Merra's death. His 'work' however caused him to leave Fierum and even the Empire on several occasions. After his fiancé died those occasion became more frequent and the duration became longer.
Tom didn't mind at first. He understood that Kail had his own life and couldn't be with him all the time but when Tom had needed someone to be his friend, someone who could grieve with him, he found no one. Sielé, Juma and Reigh were always very busy and couldn't afford to spend time with him so Tom had kept mostly to himself.
"Tommy, I'm not abandoning you," Kail defended himself.
"I never said you were."
"But that's how it feels to you," Kail said and Tom was silent. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Tom walked the last few meters to the entrance and was about to go but Kail's hand on his shoulder prevented him from going any farther.
"I'm sorry Tommy," Kail turned him so they were facing each other but Tom was looking down. Kail wrapped his arms around Tom and held him. At first Tom didn't move but after a few second Tom's arms came up and he buried his face in the taller man's chest. A few tears fell as Tom's anger turned to sorrow. Kail held him and with soft words assured him that he was loved.
The next morning Kail was eating breakfast in the informal dining room while Reigh coaxed his son Kaiche, who was four and a half years old, into eating his breakfast. Tom walked in and grabbed a piece of fruit from the bowl on the table. A large feline type creature followed him in. Kail regarded the beast and wondered how Tommy convinced them to let him keep it. He had heard the story about how they acquired this animal.
When Kail had been away on one of his infamous trips Tommy had found the animal, only it had been a cub at the time. Back then it looked like a little ball of fur with two eyes and tail but over the years it grew to its full size. It had a short coat of fur like a panther but it was midnight blue, almost black with, piercing amber eyes and it measured two and a half meters from the end of its tail to the tip of its nose. The animal, named Sierra, followed Tom around the palace and obeyed Tom's every command. She didn't respond quite as well to anybody else but she seemed to like Kaiche and obeyed the child as well. Even when Sierra was only a cub she had followed Tommy around the palace, her little legs trying to keep up with the pace of the larger being. Sierra was Tom's constant companion and he wouldn't let anybody take her away.
"Hey, squirt," Tom patted Kaiche's head as he passed by. The child took a piece of food and threw it at Tom. He caught the piece of food easily with one hand and gave it to Sierra who ate it and licked Tom's hand. "No thanks. I don't care much for…whatever that was." Tom and Kaiche were fairly close. Being the only other young person in the palace there was now somebody else to share the blame whenever something was found broken.
"Where were you last night?" Reigh asked Tom.
"Out." Tom didn't break step as he continued to the exit, Sierra on his heels.
"Do you have plans for tonight?" Reigh asked.
"Going out," Tom said just before he left the room. Reigh sighed in frustration. He and Tom used to be close but over the years they had grown apart. Reigh still looked out for Tom whenever he could but he was a busy man. He heard some muffled laughter and looked at his brother who was pushing is food around his plate and trying not to laugh.
"It's not funny," Reigh scolded.
"Maybe not from your angle. You should sit over here," Kail joked but Reigh remained un-amused.
"He's going to get himself in trouble," Reigh stated.
"He'll be fine," Kail assured. "He's not stupid."
"Neither are you and you still managed to get yourself thrown in jail twice before you got your life on track."
"I did it though."
"Yes, but you weren't stealing shuttles and breaking into places."
"He only borrowed it without permission and you can't prove he's broken into anywhere," Kail defended but knew it was just technicalities he was arguing over.
"Euphemisms don't make it any better. He's worse than you were-"
"I was pretty bad wasn't I?" Kail interjected thoughtfully but Reigh only glared at him and continued.
"And at this rate he'll end up dead somewhere and not in jail."
In his room Kail waited for his communiqué to go through. He looked over his shoulder again just to make sure nobody had walked in without him noticing. Finally the screen changed from the symbol of the Fieran Empire to the show the face of Kail's commanding officer.
"What is it you wanted to discuss?" the man asked.
"A new addition to the corp." Kail said.
"Who?"
"Tom Paris," Kail provided the name and watched as the other man tapped a few buttons into a nearby console.
"He's not on file."
"That's because he doesn't live in the federation. He lives here." Kail informed the officer.
"Is he related to Admiral Paris?" the man asked.
"His son, but that's not important. He would make a good operative he just needs some guidance. Right now his talents are being used for less reputable purposes."
"Sounds familiar," the man said. He was aware of Kail's history. "I'll look into it." The communication link was closed and the screen reverted back to the symbol of the Fieran Empire.
Kail knew what was meant by 'look into it'. Tom would be tested and if he passed, he was in. Kail hoped that Tom was ready for this. He would only get one chance. Tom was already an excellent pilot and a bright boy though his talents went very much unnoticed by the rest of the family.
Tom's physiology also made him a good candidate for this organization. Fieran's are generally stronger than humans though not as strong as Vulcans. Although Tom was only half Fieran his human physiology actually enhanced the structure of the muscle tissue and made him slightly stronger than a Fieran of the same build.
Hopefully it would be enough for Tom to get in to the group and hopefully Tom would accept the offer.
((=/\=))
Harry Kim and B'Elanna Torres walked through the corridors of deck three.
They were on their way to what they had recently discovered was Tom's quarters. They had been busy lately and hadn't had a chance to see him. There was also a small celebration going on in holodeck one and they were going to invite Tom to come with them.
Harry pressed the announcer and the pair didn't have to wait long for the response. "Come in," they heard Tom's voice and so they entered. Tom was using his desk terminal but stood to greet them.
"We were wondering if you wanted to come with us to the party in the holodeck?" B'Elanna asked.
"No, thanks." There was silence for a few second and Tom figure they were waiting for an explanation. "I'd rather stay here for now," He old them and they accepted his reason.
"Okay, we'll see you around then," Harry said as they left. The doors slid shut behind them and the pair continued to the nearest turbolift. They were both curious about Tom. They had worked with Tom when he made his rescue attempt and transported over to his ship for a brief period during the battle they had with the Kazon.
"I heard he wasn't staying on board," Harry said as they entered the turbolift. Harry knew who she was thinking about because he was thinking of the same person.
"Deck six," she ordered. "From who?" B'Elanna wondered who his source was.
"Jenny Delaney."
"A highly credible source I see," B'Elanna said sarcastically.
"Do you think it's true?" Harry asked her.
"I don't know. I hope not," B'Elanna said.
.
((=/\=))
There was another celebration happening in the palace. It was Kaiche's fifth birthday and many dignitaries and prominent citizens had arrived at the palace to enjoy the festivity. The reception hall was moderately full with Fieran Empire citizens and from the upper level Kail watched the people mingle. He had never enjoyed these events as a child and they haven't grown on him at all since then.
"Kail." He turned and saw Tom standing behind him.
"Tommy, why aren't you down there?" Kail asked as he looked back at the people.
"I think we both know the answer to that question." He didn't belong down there.
"So, has anything interesting happened lately?" Kail inquired.
"Not really. Somebody attacked me when I was out with the shuttle but I managed to evade them. And then the oddest thing happened. They offered me a…position." Kail smiled knowing exactly what he was referring to. They had tested him and Tom had passed. "Elite Tactical Fleet, that's what you've been up to all these years."
Kail nodded. "I think you'll do well in the ETF."
"Thanks," Tom said softly and looked down at the crowd of people.
"I guess this means you'll be leaving the gang. I hear you've made quite a reputation for yourself in the ranks of the underground crime."
Tom smirked. "Yeah, but I'll be leaving most of that behind," Tom said.
"I hope so, but don't forget what you've learnt. It'll help keep you breathing," Kail warned and Tom nodded. "I've got to go."
"You're going to miss the party," Tom said still looking down at the level below.
"This hardly qualifies as a party."
"True. So, when will I see you again?" Tom looked at his uncle.
"Probably not for a while, but you'll learn how to locate other operatives." Kail told him just as Sierra joined them.
"Hello girl," Tom said to the large feline.
"The less people know, the better, Tommy," Kail advised.
"Got it," Tom said looking up but Kail wasn't there anymore. Tom looked around wondering where he had disappeared too. In the brief seconds he had looked down to greet his furry pal Kail had taken his leave. Tom smiled slightly. One day he'd know how to do that too.
Not too far away Kail observed Tom as he looked around. There was no doubt in his mind that Tom had the potential to be a great ETF operative and officer. ETF however had a history of breaking even the toughest operatives. Training was rigorous and extremely challenging and the missions were lonely and morally taxing. One thing Kail had learnt as an operative was that things could always get worse.
"Good luck Tommy," he said as he went towards the nearest exit. "Though I doubt you'll need it."
((=/\=))
Arriving on the bridge a few minutes before his shift was due to start, Tom relieved the gamma shift pilot. He wore his dark ensemble with only the Starfleet commbadge marking him as a part of the crew….for now.
End Part 2
Author: Zappy Zaps
Category: AU Drama/Action/Adventure
Summary: Neh….
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All the StarTrek characters are Paramount's. I don't own them (yet). ;)
Archiving: Please do, but tell me!
Author's note: Back to my favourite genre! Action/Adventure, Alternate Universe!! Mwa-ha ha ha haaa!! (
Apr02/May02
Part 2
His response shocked both Captain Janeway and Commander Chakotay into a brief silence. He turned down the Captain's offer for reason's known only to him. Captain Janeway was the first to find her voice. "May I ask why?" Janeway walked around the desk to stand in front of Corrin but he kept his eyes on the wall.
His jaw clenched for a moment and Chakotay noted the response. "It would be simpler," was all he said.
"You'd be on your own in a hostile quadrant, an enemy of the Kazon. It would be a good idea for you to stay with us until we leave Kazon territory or at least until your injury has healed." The Captain gestured to his leg. If the injury was causing him any pain he didn't let it show.
"Alright, I'll stay," He said meeting the Captain's hazel gaze, 'for now'. The unspoken but heavily implied words hung in the air.
The Captain nodded once and stepped away. "We'll arrange for quarters for you and a uniform-"
"No uniform," he interrupted. "I don't intend on staying long enough to become part of this crew." He told her what she already suspected. Janeway agreed to his term but warned him that he was to conduct himself as any officer would and obey the orders of superior officers. She didn't think that self-discipline would be a problem with him but would he be willing to take orders from officers on her ship? He had already proved to be a very independent but reliable person.
The Captain gave him a few other pieces of information and a commbadge, which he accepted after a brief hesitation.
"Am I dismissed?" he asked dispassionately after Janeway had stopped talking. She nodded and without another word Corrin left the room. Kathryn and Chakotay looked at each other. That was odd, they were both thinking. Chakotay made a mental note to talk to Ayala and Dalby. They had been friends with Sobey when they were on the Liberty. Maybe they knew something he didn't
His quarters were bare, the drab gray furniture and walls going unfurnished. Tom took off the outer jacket of his suit leaving the tank top on. He tossed the top in the refresher before opening the bag with his few belongings. His shuttle had been destroyed and he had lost most of what he had. It was against Starfleet regulations for him to have these objects in his quarters but most people would not even be able to identify them. He would hide them in a closet or something as not to draw attention to them but he wasn't planning on entertaining in his quarters. He didn't plan on being here long enough to make any friends anyway.
The mess hall was alive with activity as hungry crewmembers came and went. Neelix was serving some food that didn't look all that edible but nobody seemed to mind. Chakotay waked in and spotted the two men he was looking for sitting at a table near the back along with Gerron. Getting his own meal, the former Maquis captain joined their table.
"Captain," Miguel Ayala greeted simply. Chakotay wasn't a Captain anymore but he was still the leader of the Maquis. It would take sometime for them to get used to calling him 'commander'. Kenneth Dalby and Gerron Tem greeted Chakotay in a similar fashion.
Chakotay noticed that the conversation they were having had ended when he joined them which either meant that they were discussing rumors (or gossiping but they don't like to call it that; women gossip) or they were complaining about their current accommodations. Chakotay guessed that it was the first one. They had been 'living' on Voyager for the past month and were used to how things were done. If anything, they were relieved that the Kazon weren't breathing down their necks and monitoring their every move.
"It's suddenly very quiet at this table," he noted out loud. "What were you talking about?"
Ken looked around to make sure nobody was listening in on the conversation before replying. "Tom."
"Why?" Chakotay inquired. Did everybody notice that the man was not very forthcoming with information about himself?
"He's a lot like Sobey," Ayala said.
"I was going to ask you about him. Did Sobey ever mention Tom to you?" Chakotay asked them.
"Only that time when he was on the Liberty for a few hours."
"Nothing else?"
"No. Why?" Miguel posed.
"Just curious. There's a lot we don't know about Tom Corrin and it seems he wants to keep it that way," Chakotay said.
"Corrin? Are you sure that's his name?" asked the usually quiet Gerron. Only a few people knew his last name was Corrin. Sobey hadn't told anybody else and Chakotay said it on the bridge so only the bridge officers who had been listening knew, which weren't many. They had all been very busy keeping the ship running.
"That's what Sobey said it was," Chakotay provided, wondering what Gerron was getting at.
"Sobey wasn't Sobey's real name though," Gerron said.
"What does it matter if his surname is Corrin?" Chakotay wanted to know. Gerron may have some information that would be useful in unraveling the mystery of Tom Corrin.
"Maybe it's just a coincidence but Corrin is the name of the royal family of the Fieran Empire," Gerron said.
"But he's human," Dalby stated what Chakotay and Ayala were all thinking.
"Fierans and humans are identical in appearance, so you really can't tell."
For a few moments there was a thoughtful silence at the table until Miguel spoke again.
"What would royalty be doing in the DMZ? And I don't know if you guys noticed but he acts more like a soldier than a prince."
Chakotay agreed with Ayala's assessment but maybe it was just all an act. Mind you a very convincing one.
((=/\=))
Checking that there was no one around, thirteen-year-old Tom Paris exited the shuttle and headed to the entrance to the palace. He had taken the shuttle without permission and gone to see his gang. He didn't tell anybody because of course they would object, but then again they seldom took interest in anything he did.
"Late night?" a male voice asked from Tom's left. An older man stepped out of the night shadows and looked at Tom. Tom recognized the voice and a slight smile graced his features.
"You could say that."
"Where have you been?"
"I could ask you the same question, Kail," Tom retorted not wanting to tell one of the few people who actually acted like he mattered that he had, in essence, stolen a shuttle to engage in some not-so-legal activity.
"That group you hang out with, they'll end up in a detention facility and if you don't stop you'll end up going with them," Kail warned his nephew.
"So what? They don't care were I ended up," he gestured to the palace, "why should I?" the anger in his voice was unmistakable.
Kail looked up at the looming structure knowing how Tom must be feeling. He had felt the same way at one time. Not being the first born in the royal family made both Kail and Merra feel inadequate as most of their parents' attention was lavished on Reigh. Part of the reason Merra had left was to escape living in the Reigh's shadow but unfortunately that didn't turn out as she had planned and neither had returning to the Empire.
Merra had never remarried and no divorce papers ever came so Owen and Merra were just separated. Merra had still used Paris as her last name even after the return to the empire and because of this she could never have ruled had anything happened to her older brother. Since Tommy was not completely Fieran he could not officially claim his title as a prince or a member of the Fieran monarchy. During ceremonies he stood off at the side, during major events and gatherings he was forgotten and when people asked his name, he told them it was Tom Paris.
Five years ago there had been a massive attack on the Palace by a group of malcontents hoping to 'free' the people from the rule of the monarchy. The attempted coup had failed but there had been casualties –among them were Kail's fiancé and Merra who was killed before Tom's eyes.
In his grief, eight-year-old Tommy had pushed people away when what he really needed was their comfort and support. Most people were blind to this as much of their attention was transfixed on the Reigh's pregnant wife who had been injured quite severely. The only person who took the time to comfort Tommy was Kail even when he was grieving the loss of his love.
Tommy's status in the monarchy after the attack hadn't change, if anything it had gotten worse. Merra had acted as a constant reminder for people, that no matter what Tommy's last name was, he was still part of the Corrin family. With her gone, Tommy was easily forgotten. The segregation had been bearable when his mother was around because she never forgot him but when she had left, the isolation had been too much for such a young person and he sought out a place were could be accepted as he was. He found that in a gang.
"They do care Tommy, they just don't show it often." Kail told him.
"So where the hell have you been?" Tom was still angry. Kail's assurances that he was cared for didn't make him feel any better and Kail knew it would take more than one statement to allow Tom to see the sometimes hidden sentiments.
"I've been around," Kail said cryptically. He couldn't give away too much information. His line of work was very secretive.
"Felt like leaving again, huh?" Tom said a little more softly. Kail heard the pain in his voice and felt terrible for making his nephew feel so badly. Kail had been Tom's best friend even before Merra's death. His 'work' however caused him to leave Fierum and even the Empire on several occasions. After his fiancé died those occasion became more frequent and the duration became longer.
Tom didn't mind at first. He understood that Kail had his own life and couldn't be with him all the time but when Tom had needed someone to be his friend, someone who could grieve with him, he found no one. Sielé, Juma and Reigh were always very busy and couldn't afford to spend time with him so Tom had kept mostly to himself.
"Tommy, I'm not abandoning you," Kail defended himself.
"I never said you were."
"But that's how it feels to you," Kail said and Tom was silent. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Tom walked the last few meters to the entrance and was about to go but Kail's hand on his shoulder prevented him from going any farther.
"I'm sorry Tommy," Kail turned him so they were facing each other but Tom was looking down. Kail wrapped his arms around Tom and held him. At first Tom didn't move but after a few second Tom's arms came up and he buried his face in the taller man's chest. A few tears fell as Tom's anger turned to sorrow. Kail held him and with soft words assured him that he was loved.
The next morning Kail was eating breakfast in the informal dining room while Reigh coaxed his son Kaiche, who was four and a half years old, into eating his breakfast. Tom walked in and grabbed a piece of fruit from the bowl on the table. A large feline type creature followed him in. Kail regarded the beast and wondered how Tommy convinced them to let him keep it. He had heard the story about how they acquired this animal.
When Kail had been away on one of his infamous trips Tommy had found the animal, only it had been a cub at the time. Back then it looked like a little ball of fur with two eyes and tail but over the years it grew to its full size. It had a short coat of fur like a panther but it was midnight blue, almost black with, piercing amber eyes and it measured two and a half meters from the end of its tail to the tip of its nose. The animal, named Sierra, followed Tom around the palace and obeyed Tom's every command. She didn't respond quite as well to anybody else but she seemed to like Kaiche and obeyed the child as well. Even when Sierra was only a cub she had followed Tommy around the palace, her little legs trying to keep up with the pace of the larger being. Sierra was Tom's constant companion and he wouldn't let anybody take her away.
"Hey, squirt," Tom patted Kaiche's head as he passed by. The child took a piece of food and threw it at Tom. He caught the piece of food easily with one hand and gave it to Sierra who ate it and licked Tom's hand. "No thanks. I don't care much for…whatever that was." Tom and Kaiche were fairly close. Being the only other young person in the palace there was now somebody else to share the blame whenever something was found broken.
"Where were you last night?" Reigh asked Tom.
"Out." Tom didn't break step as he continued to the exit, Sierra on his heels.
"Do you have plans for tonight?" Reigh asked.
"Going out," Tom said just before he left the room. Reigh sighed in frustration. He and Tom used to be close but over the years they had grown apart. Reigh still looked out for Tom whenever he could but he was a busy man. He heard some muffled laughter and looked at his brother who was pushing is food around his plate and trying not to laugh.
"It's not funny," Reigh scolded.
"Maybe not from your angle. You should sit over here," Kail joked but Reigh remained un-amused.
"He's going to get himself in trouble," Reigh stated.
"He'll be fine," Kail assured. "He's not stupid."
"Neither are you and you still managed to get yourself thrown in jail twice before you got your life on track."
"I did it though."
"Yes, but you weren't stealing shuttles and breaking into places."
"He only borrowed it without permission and you can't prove he's broken into anywhere," Kail defended but knew it was just technicalities he was arguing over.
"Euphemisms don't make it any better. He's worse than you were-"
"I was pretty bad wasn't I?" Kail interjected thoughtfully but Reigh only glared at him and continued.
"And at this rate he'll end up dead somewhere and not in jail."
In his room Kail waited for his communiqué to go through. He looked over his shoulder again just to make sure nobody had walked in without him noticing. Finally the screen changed from the symbol of the Fieran Empire to the show the face of Kail's commanding officer.
"What is it you wanted to discuss?" the man asked.
"A new addition to the corp." Kail said.
"Who?"
"Tom Paris," Kail provided the name and watched as the other man tapped a few buttons into a nearby console.
"He's not on file."
"That's because he doesn't live in the federation. He lives here." Kail informed the officer.
"Is he related to Admiral Paris?" the man asked.
"His son, but that's not important. He would make a good operative he just needs some guidance. Right now his talents are being used for less reputable purposes."
"Sounds familiar," the man said. He was aware of Kail's history. "I'll look into it." The communication link was closed and the screen reverted back to the symbol of the Fieran Empire.
Kail knew what was meant by 'look into it'. Tom would be tested and if he passed, he was in. Kail hoped that Tom was ready for this. He would only get one chance. Tom was already an excellent pilot and a bright boy though his talents went very much unnoticed by the rest of the family.
Tom's physiology also made him a good candidate for this organization. Fieran's are generally stronger than humans though not as strong as Vulcans. Although Tom was only half Fieran his human physiology actually enhanced the structure of the muscle tissue and made him slightly stronger than a Fieran of the same build.
Hopefully it would be enough for Tom to get in to the group and hopefully Tom would accept the offer.
((=/\=))
Harry Kim and B'Elanna Torres walked through the corridors of deck three.
They were on their way to what they had recently discovered was Tom's quarters. They had been busy lately and hadn't had a chance to see him. There was also a small celebration going on in holodeck one and they were going to invite Tom to come with them.
Harry pressed the announcer and the pair didn't have to wait long for the response. "Come in," they heard Tom's voice and so they entered. Tom was using his desk terminal but stood to greet them.
"We were wondering if you wanted to come with us to the party in the holodeck?" B'Elanna asked.
"No, thanks." There was silence for a few second and Tom figure they were waiting for an explanation. "I'd rather stay here for now," He old them and they accepted his reason.
"Okay, we'll see you around then," Harry said as they left. The doors slid shut behind them and the pair continued to the nearest turbolift. They were both curious about Tom. They had worked with Tom when he made his rescue attempt and transported over to his ship for a brief period during the battle they had with the Kazon.
"I heard he wasn't staying on board," Harry said as they entered the turbolift. Harry knew who she was thinking about because he was thinking of the same person.
"Deck six," she ordered. "From who?" B'Elanna wondered who his source was.
"Jenny Delaney."
"A highly credible source I see," B'Elanna said sarcastically.
"Do you think it's true?" Harry asked her.
"I don't know. I hope not," B'Elanna said.
.
((=/\=))
There was another celebration happening in the palace. It was Kaiche's fifth birthday and many dignitaries and prominent citizens had arrived at the palace to enjoy the festivity. The reception hall was moderately full with Fieran Empire citizens and from the upper level Kail watched the people mingle. He had never enjoyed these events as a child and they haven't grown on him at all since then.
"Kail." He turned and saw Tom standing behind him.
"Tommy, why aren't you down there?" Kail asked as he looked back at the people.
"I think we both know the answer to that question." He didn't belong down there.
"So, has anything interesting happened lately?" Kail inquired.
"Not really. Somebody attacked me when I was out with the shuttle but I managed to evade them. And then the oddest thing happened. They offered me a…position." Kail smiled knowing exactly what he was referring to. They had tested him and Tom had passed. "Elite Tactical Fleet, that's what you've been up to all these years."
Kail nodded. "I think you'll do well in the ETF."
"Thanks," Tom said softly and looked down at the crowd of people.
"I guess this means you'll be leaving the gang. I hear you've made quite a reputation for yourself in the ranks of the underground crime."
Tom smirked. "Yeah, but I'll be leaving most of that behind," Tom said.
"I hope so, but don't forget what you've learnt. It'll help keep you breathing," Kail warned and Tom nodded. "I've got to go."
"You're going to miss the party," Tom said still looking down at the level below.
"This hardly qualifies as a party."
"True. So, when will I see you again?" Tom looked at his uncle.
"Probably not for a while, but you'll learn how to locate other operatives." Kail told him just as Sierra joined them.
"Hello girl," Tom said to the large feline.
"The less people know, the better, Tommy," Kail advised.
"Got it," Tom said looking up but Kail wasn't there anymore. Tom looked around wondering where he had disappeared too. In the brief seconds he had looked down to greet his furry pal Kail had taken his leave. Tom smiled slightly. One day he'd know how to do that too.
Not too far away Kail observed Tom as he looked around. There was no doubt in his mind that Tom had the potential to be a great ETF operative and officer. ETF however had a history of breaking even the toughest operatives. Training was rigorous and extremely challenging and the missions were lonely and morally taxing. One thing Kail had learnt as an operative was that things could always get worse.
"Good luck Tommy," he said as he went towards the nearest exit. "Though I doubt you'll need it."
((=/\=))
Arriving on the bridge a few minutes before his shift was due to start, Tom relieved the gamma shift pilot. He wore his dark ensemble with only the Starfleet commbadge marking him as a part of the crew….for now.
End Part 2