Redemption
Chapter 2
Disclaimer - Paramount and Viacom own the characters from Voyager, although they didn't often treat them right. The story line belongs to me.
A special thanks to: My friend and editor of all my stories, Mill3rs.
Chakotay strode into the mess hall with an angry scowl on his face. He was now resigned to taking Paris on the away mission, but that didn't mean he had to like the decision. Glancing at the few crewmembers scattered around the room he found who he was looking for. In the far corner, regaling the rest of the men at the table, Gregor Ayala was repeating a tale about life on Dorvan V where he grew up with Chakotay. His parents still lived on the planet, although their fields had been burned and their house destroyed by the Cardassians.
He looked up as Chakotay approached the table. "Hey, Captain. Come join us. I was just telling them about the summer of the rains." Ayala said and smiled at his tablemates. "Chakotay will tell you. It really did rain for almost three solid months."
Chakotay sat down with a small grin on his face, remembering simpler times. He and Ayala had been friends as young men before Chakotay left for Starfleet Academy. Ayala had been one of the people who had helped convince Chakotay to join the Maquis after Dorvan V had been plundered by the Cardassians. Many of their friends as well as Kolopak, Chakotay's father, had been slain by the marauding troops before they left the planet. "Yes, it rained for at least three months that summer. I believe I was about twelve and Gregor was nine. All of my father's crops were wiped out. My brothers and I had to go work in a cousin's fields in the next town in order to bring food home for the fall and winter." Chakotay shook his head at the distant memories and stood up motioning Ayala to join him.
Once in the corridor, Chakotay stopped and turned to Ayala. "Captain Janeway is sending us on an away mission to find some dilithium crystals. Long-range scanners detect some on a small M-class planet in the next star system. It should be a five day trip. We'll be taking someone with engineering knowledge to help mine the crystals."
Gregor smiled widely. "So, Torres gets to leave her precious engines for a few days?"
"No, the Captain is sending that young Ensign, Harry Kim." Chakotay answered, also thinking it would be good to have B'Elanna with them. The three of them worked well together and this Kim was still so green.
"Well, I guess it'll be okay, but it's gonna be crowded with the three of us in one of those small fleet shuttles for five days." Ayala sighed. He liked B'Elanna's forthrightness and also found her quite attractive, in a threatening sort of way.
"Not three, four of us in the shuttle. Tom Paris is going to be piloting." Chakotay answered with a hint of resignation in his voice.
"Paris! Hell, Captain, you could fly orbits around that traitor! Why do we need him aboard?" Ayala spit out.
Chakotay sighed, sharing Greg's feelings. "First off, Greg, on this ship Janeway's the captain. I'm a commander now. Second, it's on her orders that Paris is coming on this mission. She claims there are ion storms on the planet's surface and that he's better qualified." Chakotay grudgingly admitted to himself that Paris was the better pilot of the two, but did not voice this to his friend. "Look, just be ready to leave in two hours. Pack extra clothes and meet me in Shuttle Bay One. Okay?"
"Sure, Cap..Commander." Ayala replied and turned for the turbolift.
"Oh, and Greg." Chakotay called after him. Ayala turned and Chakotay smiled. "Pack some of your Maquis tools too."
"Aye sir." Ayala grinned back and entered the turbolift.
Chakotay tapped his commbadge. "Commander Chakotay to Lieutenant Paris." There was no answer. "Computer, location of Lieutenant Paris?" He requested.
The monotone voice of the computer system answered. "Lieutenant Paris is in his quarters."
Chakotay scowled and headed down the corridor. I guess the Lieutenant needs a personal invitation to the away mission.
* * * * *
Harry Kim stepped off the turbolift. He had finished his shift at Ops and was headed for the messhall for dinner when he just missed running into Commander Chakotay. "Sorry, sir. I g..guess I wasn't paying attention." Harry stammered. He was still in awe of the former Maquis Captain. Chakotay had a commanding presence besides his higher rank and Harry felt intimidated by the man.
"Ensign Kim, just the man I need to see." Chakotay gave Harry a small grin. "Captain Janeway needs us on an away mission to locate some dilithium crystals. We leave in two hours. Pack enough for five days and meet me in Shuttle Bay One. Bring your mining scanners along."
Harry stepped back slightly from the older man and took a breath before answering. "Yes, Sir. Two hours gives me enough time to get dinner and gather my equipment together. Shuttle Bay One. Y..Yes, Sir." Harry answered as Chakotay was already heading down the corridor. Harry gulped and entered the mess hall.
* * * * *
Tom stumbled into his quarters clutching his stomach. Moving slowly to the replicator he ordered a mild analgesic. He couldn't get anything stronger without it being relayed to sickbay and he didn't dare attempt to replicate a dermal regenerator. He had swiped one when he was in sickbay after the last 'incident' with the Maquis but the charge was gone. Placing the hypospray against the side of his neck, his face relaxed as the medication began to take effect. He entered his bathroom and pulled out the sink, activating the water. Placing his trembling hands under the flow of cool water, he splashed some on his face, wincing when it hit his lip. He cupped his hands and took a long drink. Running his fingers through his hair he looked up at the mirror. Not too bad, Paris. At least they left most of the face alone, this time. Leaving the bathroom, he spoke to the computer. "Lights at ten percent."
Tom walked to his bed and lowered himself down slowly. He swung his legs onto the bed and curled up on his side. Clutching a pillow in both arms, he allowed his eyes to slowly close as he fell into a restless sleep. He never heard Chakotay's hail but stirred when he heard an insistent beeping. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he realized it was the door chime. Shivering slightly, he shook his head to force himself awake. "Who is it?" He asked, fearful that the Maquis would be brazen enough to come after him in his quarters.
"Commander Chakotay." The deep voice of the former Maquis captain sounded from the hall.
Tom stood up and pulled down on the t-shirt he was wearing. "Enter." He commanded and the doors slid open. Straightening to attention, he faced the commander. "Yes, sir, what can I do for you?"
"First, Paris, when I hail you I expect an answer. Second, why is it so dark in here?" Chakotay replied, his anger growing slowly. "Computer, full illumination." As the lights came up he took in Tom's pale face and the puffy lip. In trouble again.
"Sorry, sir. I guess I didn't hear your hail. I must have fallen asleep. I was on the Gamma shift on the bridge and then was helping the EMH do inventory in sickbay." Tom answered.
Chakotay moved into the center of the room and looked at the plain furnishings. Starfleet issue bed, table and two chairs. There were no personal touches, no pictures or PADDs. There was nothing to indicate whose quarters these were. "The Captain wants us on an away mission. You need to report to Shuttle Bay One with enough clothes for five days. We leave in two hours and I want the pre-flight checks done by then. Is that clear?" He quietly relayed the message. No point in making small talk with him.
"Yes, Sir." Tom answered, still standing at attention as Chakotay started to leave.
Stopping at the door, Chakotay turned around. "Look, Paris, I don't want any trouble on this mission. No fighting, understand?"
"Yes Sir, Commander. No fighting." Tom replied as Chakotay left his quarters.
"I'll be on my best behavior." Tom snapped back at the doors. Letting out his breath he moved to his closet and pulled out a new uniform. He gulped down the tears that stung his eyes as he pulled the t-shirt off. The muscles in his back, between his shoulder blades contracted in pain. Glancing in the mirror he noted the darkening bruises over his stomach. Whoever threw that one has a wicked sucker punch. He pulled on the gray turtleneck and finished dressing in a clean uniform. Grabbing a small carryall, he put several changes of clothes in and left it on the floor by the table.
Moving slowly to the replicator, he thought of getting something to eat, but the way his gut hurt, he didn't think he could keep anything down. "Vulcan spiced tea, hot, with extra sugar." He ordered. Taking the warm cup in his hands he sat on the edge of one of the chairs. The hot liquid felt good as it ran down his throat. Glancing around his quarters, he sighed. Not much of a home for the next seventy years. Of course if the Maquis have their way, I won't be here for very long.
Draining the last of the tea, Tom stood and placed the cup in the recycler. Slinging the carryall over his shoulder, his face reflected the pain as he felt his back muscles spasm again. "Computer, lights out." He ordered as he went through the doorway and headed for the turbolift.
to be continued....