Redemption
Chapter 22
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 stepped off the turbolift, moved to his seat and looked down at his console. There appeared to be thousands of objects ahead of them scattered in a very wide range.
"Report." Janeway ordered the ensign at the OPs station, as she strode onto the bridge. The lift doors opened and Harry Kim entered. He moved to his station where Ensign Lang was explaining to the captain what the sensor readings found.
"It looks like a huge asteroid field, Captain." The ensign stated.
"I believe, Captain, that it would take us at least three weeks to go around it." Tuvok calmly said from his tactical station.
Janeway glanced at Tuvok, moved to the middle of the bridge and looked up at the large viewscreen. "On screen, Ensign." She ordered Harry. A faint image appeared, looking like a large cloud of dust. "Enlarge." She ordered. The objects grew larger and the bridge crew could see that they were asteroids of varying sizes. "Janeway to Ensign Baytart." The captain said, tapping her commbadge.
"Baytart here, Captain." The ensign's voice came through the comm system.
"Mr. Baytart, please report to the bridge."
"Aye, Captain." Baytart replied and the captain cut the link.
Janeway turned to Chakotay. "It appears, Commander, that we need to batten down the hatches. We're in for some rough flying ahead." She took her seat and turned back to Tuvok. "Lieutenant, please plot a course through the asteroid field and send it to the helm." If only Lieutenant Paris were alright. He could get us through this. I hope he'll be able to return to the helm. Her thoughts were interrupted as Pablo Baytart stepped off the turbolift. "Ensign, please take your station. We need some fancy flying to get through that asteroid field." She motioned to the viewscreen.
"Aye, Captain." Baytart replied as he relieved the Gamma shift pilot. He scanned the course that Tuvok had sent to the helm and, placing his hands on the console, began to maneuver the ship towards the asteroid field.
Although quite skilled, Baytart was unable to move Voyager through the field without damage to several of the ships systems as they were struck by some of the asteroids. It took over ten hours to safely reach a clear area of space. After getting the damage reports and assigning repair crews, Janeway and Chakotay left the bridge.
* * * * *
Stepping into the turbolift, Chakotay turned to Janeway. "Captain, I'm heading for the mess hall; care to join me for some dinner?"
Janeway pushed a stray strand of hair off of her face and looked up at Chakotay. "Well, Commander, that's the best offer I've heard all day." She gave him a tired smile as he ordered the lift to the mess hall.
The two officers entered the crowded room to be met by Neelix who came out of the galley with a large steaming pot in his hands. "Captain, Commander, you're just in time for a fresh pot of Plomeek soup. Ensign Kim claims that it tastes just like a dish his mother made back on Earth." The Talaxian said with a big grin on his face. He had already faced crewmembers who complained of the amount of spices he often used in his cooking and was quite pleased to have received a compliment on his dinner.
Janeway and Chakotay accepted the bowls of soup and moved to a table along the long windows on the far side of the room. "It looks so peaceful out there with just a few stars streaking by." Janeway said with a tired sigh as she picked up her spoon and began to eat. "You know, Ensign Kim is right. This soup is quite good."
Chakotay grinned as he reached for a piece of dark bread that Neelix had served with the soup. "Perhaps Neelix is just learning that Alpha quadrant palates have a different tolerance for spices." They continued to eat in a companionable silence.
The doors to the mess hall slid open and Kes entered. Spotting the command team at their table, she rushed across the room. "Oh, Captain, I just came from sickbay and have the most wonderful news." She beamed at them as they both stopped eating to look up at her. "Lieutenant Paris is able to move his right leg. The doctor feels that he will make a full recovery and be able to return to the bridge. I must go and tell Neelix."
"That's certainly good to hear, Kes and we could use that kind of news on an arduous day like today." Chakotay smiled at the young Ocampa. He watched as Kes turned, stopped at one of the tables, where Harry and B'Elanna sat eating, to share the good news with them on her way to the galley to tell Neelix. Looking back at the captain, Chakotay said. "Glad to hear that Paris should be able to return to flying. Any more asteroid fields like today and we'll need his skill at the helm."
The captain nodded her approval and returned to her meal.
* * * * *
The next day, after long hours of repairs, Voyager resumed its course to the Alpha quadrant. At the end of the Alpha shift, the captain and Chakotay left the bridge and went to the ready room to review the status reports from the different departments. Harry, since his shift was over, headed for sickbay to see how Tom was.
"Would you care for something to drink, Commander?" Janeway asked as she walked to her replicator.
"Tea would be fine, Captain." Chakotay replied as he filed the last of the reports on a PADD and placed it on the captain's desk.
"With all of the commotion yesterday, I didn't get to ask about the situation involving Lieutenant Paris. How did your investigation go?" Janeway asked as she placed two cups on the desk and returned to her seat.
Chakotay took a sip of tea before he looked across the desk at the captain. "I believe the situation is under control. Lieutenant Paris will not be bothered again, Captain."
"Commander, a senior officer on my crew was assaulted several times and the person or persons responsible should be punished according to Starfleet regulations." Janeway snapped at Chakotay. "We must adhere to a disciplined ship if we are to survive for the next 70,000 light years."
"Captain, I understand your reasoning but I don't believe we will find the guilty parties. Rest assured though that I have made sure the message has been sent to leave the Lieutenant alone or there will be a price to be paid." Chakotay answered in a forceful tone that let her know that he would handle any further problems involving Lieutenant Paris.
"Very well this time, Commander, but in the future, we will follow Starfleet protocols. Is that clear?"
"Aye, Captain, crystal clear. If we are finished, I would like to go to sickbay to inform Lieutenant Paris that he will no longer be disturbed." He stood and took the empty cup to the recycler.
Janeway stood and moved to his side. "Yes, Commander, you are dismissed."
Chakotay turned and walked into the corridor and headed for the turbolift. Entering it, he gave the command. "Sickbay." The doors closed and the lift began to move.
* * * * *
As the doors to sickbay slid open, Chakotay could see that Tom was standing at the side of the biobed. He was dressed in off duty clothes and Harry was at his side. The EMH stood several feet in front of the two men.
"Okay, Mr. Paris, let's try it again." The EMH said.
Harry took Tom's right arm and looked up at his friend. "I'm right here Tom. You're doing great."
With Harry holding his arm for support, Tom gave him a little grin and took a small step forward with his left leg. He took several steps as he moved slowly towards the EMH. Suddenly, his left knee buckled and he felt a strong hand grab his left arm. Looking to the side, he saw Chakotay helping to hold him up.
"It looks like you're making good progress, Paris." Chakotay smiled at Tom.
"Yeah, I guess so. Thanks." Tom replied, surprised at the Commander's friendly tone of voice.
"That's enough for right now, Mr. Paris." The EMH stated. "Let's get you back on the biobed."
Harry and Chakotay helped Tom turn and walk back to the biobed. "Ensign, if you'll excuse us, I need to talk to Lieutenant Paris in private." Chakotay looked at Harry.
"Sure, Commander. Tom, I'll stop by later tonight." Harry answered and moved to the doors.
After the EMH went into his office, Tom sat down; anxiously waiting to hear what Chakotay had to say.
"Lieutenant, it appears that I have misjudged you because of some wrong impressions I had about your background and your actions during your time with the Maquis. I'm sorry for that. I also want to inform you that I have put out the word that you are not to be disturbed by any of the crew from the Liberty.
Tom looked at the commander with a confused expression on his face. Slowly he gave Chakotay a slight smirk and asked. "Why, Commander, are you appointing yourself my bodyguard?" When he realized that Chakotay was indeed serious, the mask fell away and he looked at the older man with clear blue eyes. "I'm sorry, Sir. I guess I really don't know when to keep my mouth shut." He glanced away and then looked back at Chakotay. "Thank you for all of your help, especially on the planet. The doc told me that without your quick thinking, after I was bitten, that I would have died down there. Then you kept me going, as well as the rest of the away team. I appreciate that even if I haven't been quick to acknowledge it." Tom put his hand out to Chakotay. "What if we start over? If not as friends, at least no longer enemies."
"I can agree to that Lieutenant." Chakotay replied as he shook Tom's hand. "Now, I believe you were supposed to get some rest. I'll see you on the bridge when you return to duty." Chakotay turned to leave.
"Yes, sir. See you on the bridge." Tom gave a slight smile as he put his head back down on the biobed and closed his eyes.
* * * * *
Several days later, Ayala sat at a table in Sandrine's with a group of former Maquis. They were loudly reminiscing about their time on the Liberty when the door creaked open and Tom Paris entered. The group instantly quieted and Tom hesitated in the doorway. Glancing at the table, Tom squared his shoulders and moved slowly to the bar. Ayala noted how stiffly the younger man moved, barely bending his left knee, and how much thinner he looked.
Tom lowered himself onto a bar stool and looked up as Sandrine approached. "My Thomas, I have not seen you in quite a few days. You look too thin. You are well, no?" Sandrine asked in her soft French accent as she reached for his hand.
Giving her a small smile, Tom answered. "Yes, Sandrine, I'm fine. One synthahol, please."
"Right away, Mon Cheri." The hologram replied as she turned away. She returned with a glass of clear amber liquid and moved down to the other end of the bar.
Tom raised the glass to his lips and took several sips when a shadow loomed over him. Turning on his seat, he found himself looking into Ayala's face. Tom flinched as the larger man drew near.
"Paris." Ayala said in a deep, even voice.
Tom swallowed, looked to the other Maquis and replied quietly. "Ayala."
"How about a game of pool?" Ayala indicated the table in the far corner of the room.
Tom's eyes widened in surprise. What's happened to him? He was ready to leave me to die down on that planet. Tom took a slow, steadying breath. "Pool? Yeah, why not?" Maybe I'm starting to fit in after all; stranger things have certainly happened in my life.
Tom stood and Ayala followed him slowly to the pool table. Handing Tom a cue, Ayala reached for the triangular rack. "I'll rack them up; you break, okay?"
With a small grin, Tom replied. "Sure thing." Bracing himself against the end of the table, Tom carefully aimed his cue at the white ball. With a practiced eye, he struck the cue ball lightly and the others scattered with the three and seven balls falling into the two end pockets. "I guess I have solids." Tom stated as he slowly moved around to the side of the table to set up his next shot.
The End